What
is broadband?
Broadband means a high-speed connection to the Internet that
is 'always on'. Equitalk Broadband is up to 40 times faster
than a 56K modem (traditional dial-up internet access)
enabling you to view web content and download files more
quickly. It's called broadband because it has a much larger
capacity to receive (and send) data.
Broadband
is delivered over a standard non-cable telephone line - you
won't have to waste time or money getting a new line
installed. In most cases, your telephone number will remain
unchanged you'll either be able to install everything
yourself. All you need is a computer that meets the minimum
requirements, plus a broadband modem and microfilters (phone
adapters).
What
are the benefits of Equitalk Broadband?
Equitalk Broadband changes the way you use the Internet, you
can:
- Talk
and surf at the same time on the same line
- Instantly
access the Internet whenever you like
- Stay
in touch at all times
- Send
and receive attachments more easily
- View
web content up to 40 times faster than before
Equitalk
Broadband specification
The Equitalk Broadband service is ideal for the home
customer:
- Download speed of up to
2 Mbps (we will supply the fastest speed possible, up to
2 Mbps)
- 50:1
contention ratio
- 1
free email address
- 2Gb
download included per month
A typical residential user downloads 0.8Gb per month.
2Gb is approximately equivalent to 8 hours surfing a
day, sending 30 photos by email a week, receiving 30
photos by email a week, downloading 20 music tracks a
week, sending 400 emails a week (without
attachments), receiving 400 emails a week (without
attachments), watching 30 minutes of videos a week and
playing 1.5 hours a week of on-line games†.
Even if you use more, extra Gb are only £1.50 each.
What
do I need to get connected?
All you need is a computer that meets the minimum
requirements, a BT phone line, a broadband modem and
microfilters (phone adapters). If you are a new broadband
customer we will send you a modem and microfilters once your
order has been confirmed. You'll be able to install
everything yourself without the need for an engineer.
If you already have broadband and are migrating to the
Equitalk service you will need to use your existing modem.
Please note, it is assumed your modem is installed and
working. If this is not the case our Technical Support may
not be able to help you.
The
Minimum PC Spec for Equitalk Broadband is:
- At least a Pentium 200
MHz processor or equivalent
- At least 32 MB system
memory (RAM)
- 16 bit sound card
- Four-speed CD-ROM player
- Video
card/display 800 x 600, 256 colour
- 150Mb free on hard drive
- Windows 98SE, ME, 2000
Professional or XP
- 1 free USB port
The
Minimum MAC Spec for Equitalk Broadband is:
- PowerPC 601 or
equivalent
- 200MHz
- 32MB
- Two-speed CD-ROM player
- Video driver/display 800
x 600, 256 colours
- 100MB free on hard drive
- Mac OS 8.6 or higher
- 1 Free USB port
Security
As Broadband is an "always on" connection, it
makes the service and you more vulnerable to hackers, even
if you just use Equitalk Broadband for surfing or email. We
recommend that you:
- Use anti virus software
and make sure you keep it up-to-date (most products come
with automatic updates)
- Use a personal firewall
to prevent hackers from accessing your computer via the
internet
- Regularly update your
Windows or Mac software. Microsoft and Apple review
their software regularly and release updates or
'patches' to fix any known security issues, which
viruses can exploit.
To protect your computer,
Equitalk recommends ZoneAlarm. Click
here
to find out more about ZoneAlarm's range of security
products.
Parental
Controls
The Internet has created electronic public spaces where
children are vulnerable to inappropriate communications and
advances from other Internet users. So when your children
start to explore the Internet, there are several ways to
provide added protection:
-
Use
Internet Explorer's built-in content filter to try and
limit your child's access to unsuitable material
-
Employ
a content filtering programme. These programs will
monitor your child's activities while they're on the
Internet and attempt to block unsuitable material
-
Educate
yourself & your children to the dangers of the
internet
-
Situate
the family computer in a common room so that you can
keep an eye on your children's Internet activity
-
The
Home Office has produced a useful site to explain
Internet safety to children and parents:
www.thinkuknow.co.uk
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