Desperate need of Internet DSL advice needed....

[shadowkat]

I called Time Warner Roadrunner Service about a cable modem - to see if I could get one. Turns out it has to be connected to the TV cable and that won't work since the TV is across the room.

Also I have to install it myself. Also won't work. Live in an apartment - the cable for the TV snakes through a hole in the window cell, across the ceiling down a wall and to the TV. Plus cable has gone out three times last year so far.

So I called Verizon DSL - who informs me that I have to switch from Sprint to Verizon in order to get their DSL service. Phone service is currently Sprint.
Verizon would be cheaper, but no voice mail (that's extra ) - so actually the same amount. Also it's all self-install and requires some sort of Internet card (whatever that is) to attach the DSL Modem to the computer. So not sure my computer can handle it. Computer is 128 Ram, 32 bit.

What should I do?

1. Get a new computer (expensive - also a bit dicey regarding delivery, no one
here during the day.)
2. Switch phone services and get DSL, attempt to install, get the Internet Card? DSL is $29.95 a month. Can I even install this myself?
3. Try to get Time Warner to install cable modem. Cable Modem is 44.95 a month.

Or continue to live without for a while longer?

Any advice on this mucho appreciated.

Comments

[wisewoman.livejournal.com]

I would say switch phone services to Verizon, as they're offering a good price for monthly DSL service. Installing that service will not be difficult for you to do yourself, and will come with complete instructions.

HOWEVER, you will need to buy a cheap network card for your computer, and it will have to be installed. Most computer-type people will tell you this is a simple task and indeed it is, but if you have never opened up your "tower" or the computer box that most non-geeks think of as the "hard drive" it may prove a daunting task, and there is also the (very unlikely) risk of shorting out everything if you touch the inside of the computer while carrying a load of static electricity on your body, even when the computer is completely unplugged.

I think, though that if you disconnect the "box" or "tower" and lug it along with you to Staples, Office Depot, Future Shop, etc, etc, someone there will probably be willing to sell you the internet card and pop it in right on the spot...it's not that it requires any time or equipment to do it...

Good luck. Whatever you decide, you'll absolutely LOVE the switch from dial-up.

dub ;o)

[shadowkat67.livejournal.com]

Most computer-type people will tell you this is a simple task and indeed it is, but if you have never opened up your "tower" or the computer box that most non-geeks think of as the "hard drive" it may prove a daunting task, and there is also the (very unlikely) risk of shorting out everything if you touch the inside of the computer while carrying a load of static electricity on your body, even when the computer is completely unplugged.

This is unfortunately me. It's not that I couldn't figure it out.
But I've been told never ever to do it for the reasons you state above.

Difficulty is - the nearest Staples, Office Depot, etc is in Manhattan - which is 30 minutes away by subway. No car. Lugging it off with me not exactly the easiest thing in the universe.

Have a question that could solve this problem - how do I know whether or not I have a network card? What does it look like? I may already have one and not know it.