Germany's English-speaking crowd
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Home internet access
The Internet
....Broadband (DSL, Cable)
This article is intended to give an overview of what to expect if you have never had or used a home broadband connection.Expectations
Cost
Typically for about 20 Euros a month you can add a DSL connection to your normal telephone line.You will not be charged any more than this fixed monthly charge no matter how long you are online or how much you download within quite large limits. Incidently if you really want to download huge amounts for some reason there will be a tarif to cover all that for a few Euros extra per month.
Websites like www.billiger-surfen.de allow you to compare providers.
Speed
You will be able to connect to the internet at speeds much higher than modem or ISDN. Most people expect to download a 20Mb Program in just a few seconds.The speed of large downloads is much less important with DSL as you can leave it running for several hours at no extra cost.Conclusion
People with DSL and Cable connections tend to be connected all of the time their PC is switched on and are very relaxed about checking emails, idle browsing and large downloads. Most get used to a wide variety of new online activities. And most would never go back to the Logon-Logoff world of a modem or timed Tarif.Getting Connected
Providers, Telcos...Setting up at home
Once signed up to a DSL Provider you will usually receive several boxes to plug in to things.It may seem complicated but its is mostly easy.
Here is a Typical set up:
Normally you will receive a couple of boxes to plug in, a Splitter and a DSL Modem from your provider.
- You plug the Splitter into your house phone socket. (after unplugging the phone)
- You plug the phone back into the Splitter itself. (Check that it is still working)
- You plug the Modem into the other socket in the Splitter.
- You plug your PC into the modem with a USB cable (provided)
Technical
(Advanced) InformationTelecoms