hi all,

sorry but i have a few broadband questions. everyones probably sick of them by now but i dont know much about it so ill ask then :sofahide:

does your computer have to stay on all the time to maintain a connection?

tesco offer broadband, anyone who has gone for them, are they happy? is it any kinda yearly contract or could i cancel anytime?

thanks all

Kenny, you connect to the braodband service just like you do with dial-up. Or you can leave it on all the time, it's up to you.

does your computer have to stay on all the time to maintain a connection?l

It depends!

If you're talking about ADSL broadband which uses the telephone line and you have a simple "broadband modem" connected to your PC, then yes, the PC needs to be left on to maintain a connection. However, it only takes seconds to log back on if the computer is switched off, so there's no penalty in turning your computer off.

If you are talking about ADSL broadband, but have a box called a broadband modem/router, then that will keep the connection active even if your PC is switched off - assuming of course you leave the router switched on!

If you have cable broadband through your cable TV provider, then the broadband modem itself will maintain a connection even while your PC is off. But of course, you can do what my dad does and turn the whole lot off when you're finished anyway!

Any other questions then just fire away!

(Hope I'm right in that lot, if not then no doubt someone more knowledgeable will be along in a second! )

Kenny, you connect to the braodband service just like you do with dial-up. Or you can leave it on all the time, it's up to you.

Unless you have a modem/router, in which case this is independent of your PC and will probably remain connected permanently.

With a USB modem, connection takes a few seconds to establish when you want it but not as mind-numbing as dial-up.

[EDIT - I'm obviously a slower typer than John! /EDIT]

hi all' date='

sorry but i have a few broadband questions. everyones probably sick of them by now but i dont know much about it so ill ask then :sofahide:

does your computer have to stay on all the time to maintain a connection?

tesco offer broadband, anyone who has gone for them, are they happy? is it any kinda yearly contract or could i cancel anytime?

thanks all[/quote']

You don't have to have the computer on all the time or even the Modem/Router (ADSL Router). I always turn both off. Turn on the Router first wait a few seconds then turn on the pc. Once the Router has synched to the network you can play.....takes no more than a couple of minutes.

I have Tesco BB and all seems fine so far.....did a speed check on my connection and get 475Kbs on the downlink which isn't too bad for the 512Kbs service.

Would suggest you get rid of the free USM modem and get an ADSL Router...can be connected via ethernet port or wireless with the appropriate PCI card (for PC) or PCMCIA wireless LAN adapter for a laptop.

hi adrian, is the tesco deal done as a yearly contract or can you cancel at anytime kinda thing?

hi adrian, is the tesco deal done as a yearly contract or can you cancel at anytime kinda thing?

Hi Kenny,

it's a 12 month deal....I think most BB packages are this.

I got Tesco BB, is great spped is actually averaging about 480-490K for me, which according to ADSL Guide web page is bloody fast for a 512K service. On my PC, takes about 1 second to connect, so no need to keep it connected all the time to be honest. Go for it, I think it is about the best value easy to find BB ISP out there at the minute. PS is not a 12 month contract, I certainly did not sign anything that said it was.

I'm on 512k broadband service with a company called v21, website www.v21.co.uk, very happy with it, my connection tells me I'm running at 576kbps, can't be bad to that!!!

My connection tells me I am running at 2.2mps but the ADSL Guide speed checker says usually around 480-490kps. Plus you would have to use your service for a long time to pay for the connection fee and modem that both come free with Tesco.

Did you read the small print, William?

This agreement has an initial term of 12 months. If you wish to cancel the Service during the initial term you must pay a cancellation charge of

My connection tells me I am running at 2.2mp[/b']s

megapixels?

OK dokey but I don't use the Tesco email or web space, I use my University email and webspace,, so not a problem for me. The

Hi Kenny' date='

it's a 12 month deal....I think most BB packages are this.[/quote']

Virgin BB has no fixed contract term

megapixels?

Hardy har har 2.2mbs as apposed to the expected 512kbs. Bull**** tho as I say the ADSL page reports around high 480s kbs.

Hardy har har 2.2mbs as apposed to the expected 512kbs. Bull**** tho as I say the ADSL page reports around high 480s kbs.

I Think it means 2.2 Megabits as opposed to Megabytes.

Tesco broadband is NOT 2.2mbps - be it bits or bytes

It is 512 kilobits/second download, and up to 256 kbit/second upload. You can't expect miracles. Actually getting 480kbit/second is PANTS rather than good. I use Pipex and Zen, both hit 50 kbit/sec or higher at all times (unless the service is totally dead )

For virtually all users this is sufficient, especially if you mainly browse. 15MByte mailbox size is perfectly adequate, as you probably download the messages to your local machine anyway.

I have not used Tesco broadband, have used Tesco dialup in the (very long time ago now) past and it was fine for what it was. It's a no frills service, and yes, it may not hit max speeds at all times, but it's excellent value for money

Tesco broadband is NOT 2.2mbps - be it bits or bytes

Yeah...that's me being Mr.Thicky Scanned over the posts first time...just re-read Williams on 512 service...I shall write out 100 times...Read all posts thoroughly before posting