Broadband (ADSL)

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A friend has just asked me whether it’s problematic setting up an ADSL connection under Win 98 (he doesn’t want to upgrade to XP). Would be grateful for any comments?

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The following is a brief guide of the sort of things to check.

• Make sure his computer meets the minimum specifications for the chosen ISP and preferably exceeds them
• Ensure the ISPs ADSL package includes Windows 98 support (most do)
• Ensure the ADSL modem chosen has Windows 98 drivers (most do)
• Must have a spare USB port for the ADSL modem
• May need the original Windows installation CD to install the modem drivers
• Check availability of broadband in his area (uses BT site to check)
• Make sure the phone line meets the requirements
  [/list]Other Loungers will probably offer further suggestions, but the best recommendation is to check the website of the ISP carefully.

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Thanks very much indeed Tony for taking the trouble – really useful checklist.

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Thanks very much indeed Tony for taking the trouble – really useful checklist.

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Good checklist. Only argument I have is your specification of a USB port. AFAIK what’s needed is a NIC. The NIC might be USB, or it might not. Or maybe I’m missing something?

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> Or maybe I’m missing something?

Most of the low cost UK ADSL providers supply a modem that has a USB connection to a single PC.

StuartR

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Most of the USB type modems can NOT be plugged into a router for a network.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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Most of the USB type modems can NOT be plugged into a router for a network.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

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UK must be on the leading edge of this then. I’ve heard of a few modems with both USB & Ethernet connections, but none (so far) with only a USB. Thanks for explaining it.

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UK must be on the leading edge of this then. I’ve heard of a few modems with both USB & Ethernet connections, but none (so far) with only a USB. Thanks for explaining it.

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> Or maybe I’m missing something?

Most of the low cost UK ADSL providers supply a modem that has a USB connection to a single PC.

StuartR

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Good checklist. Only argument I have is your specification of a USB port. AFAIK what’s needed is a NIC. The NIC might be USB, or it might not. Or maybe I’m missing something?

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The following is a brief guide of the sort of things to check.

• Make sure his computer meets the minimum specifications for the chosen ISP and preferably exceeds them
• Ensure the ISPs ADSL package includes Windows 98 support (most do)
• Ensure the ADSL modem chosen has Windows 98 drivers (most do)
• Must have a spare USB port for the ADSL modem
• May need the original Windows installation CD to install the modem drivers
• Check availability of broadband in his area (uses BT site to check)
• Make sure the phone line meets the requirements
  [/list]Other Loungers will probably offer further suggestions, but the best recommendation is to check the website of the ISP carefully.

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