Off-Campus Connections
If you are connecting your home computer to UWG's network from off-campus, the first thing you will need to have is an Internet Service Provider. This is a company which provides you with a subscription type connection to the Internet.
If you are not sure where to start looking for an internet service provider, start with companies you know. Many phone companies and cable services offer internet services or are affiliated with internet service providers.
Once you have found providers for your area, you may need to decide on the type of service you want. Many areas are now capable of dial up services, DSL, cable and even satellite connections. The comparison information below illustrates the largest differences.
Dial-up Connection
- Equipment Needed: Modem - 56K Modems are usually standard on personal computers.
- Moderate Speed - With dial up service, your connection depends on your modem speed AND the condition of the phone lines. Even with a 56K modem, old phone lines can reduce your speed to about half.
- Web browsing is acceptable, but some web pages will load slowly, particularly those with large graphics. General email use is fine but may be slow if attachments are included.
- Connects using a regular phone line connection. Utilizes the phone line while connected so call waiting or a second line may be helpful.
- Cost: $9.95 - $25.00 per month for the Internet Service. Many plans offer "unlimited" hours online which is highly recommended. If your plan sets a limit on the time you spend online, the rates increase significantly if you exceed those hours.
- Dial up connections can be interrupted by your service provider or the simple degradation of the connection.
DSL Connection
- Equipment Needed: Modem - Modem must be purchased separately or may be provided by ISP at an additional cost or as part of a package deal.
- High Speed - Up to 50 times faster than 56K.
- Web browsing and email are very fast.
- Must be near a substation, and a phone connection. Many people are not in the right area to be eligible for DSL. Shares the connection with your phone line so you can still use the phone when you are online.
- Cost: $49.00 per month average home user. There may also be equipment and set-up fees.
- DSL users are always connected. Be sure to install a good personal firewall.
Cable Connection
- Equipment Needed: Cable Modem - Modem must be purchased separately or may be provided by ISP at an additional cost or as part of a package deal.
- High Speed - Up to 50 times faster than 56K
- Web browsing and email are very fast. Peak hours may slow a bit.
- Must be near a Cable connection. Cable areas generally are easier to find than DSL. Does not tie up your phone line.
- Cost: $49.00 per month average home user. There may also be equipment and set-up fees.
- Cable users are always connected. Be sure to install a good personal firewall.
Remember: AOL & COMPUSERVE Users May Have To Take Extra Steps to ensure problem-free WebCT and BanWeb access. AOL & Compuserve's browsers are customized to meet their own ISP needs and may not work well with these applications.