@Xi Computer Corporation MTower, User Manual

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Chapter 4, Getting Online
Page 38
Local or Toll-Free Access Numbers
The telephone number you dial to connect to your ISP and obtain Internet access is
referred to as an access number. When choosing an ISP, select one that offers either
a local access number or one that is toll-free (800, 888, or 877). Avoid ISPs that
only offer a long-distance number because you will incur long-distance charges for
the entire time you are connected to your ISP. Accessing the Internet for extended
periods of time can become costly.
Speed
The speed with which you access the Internet depends on the speed of your ISP’s
connection line. Therefore, you should try to select an ISP who has the capability
for providing fast, reliable connections to the Internet and to your modem.
• ISP connection to the Internet
At a minimum, your ISP should use an ISDN, T-1, or T-3 connection to the In-
ternet. An ISP that has dial-up Internet connections will make your Internet ex-
perience slow and frustrating.
• ISP dial-up connection to you
Your connection to the ISP will only be as fast as the maximum speed sup-
ported by your modem and the ISP’s modem. In addition, there are FCC limita-
tions on modem speeds. However, make sure that the connection between your
computer’s modem and your ISP’s computer is as fast as possible.
NOTES
Current FCC limitations prevent modem connections at 56,000 bps. For more in-
formation, see
“56 Kbps Modem Speeds” on page 75 .
Telephone line conditions also affect dial-up connections. A fast modem can have
its connection speeds reduced if the call is placed over a telephone line that had
noise and other distortions. If your modem connects to an ISP at a slow speed, you
might hang up and redial to try to get a faster connection over a better telephone
line.
Pricing and Software
In selecting an ISP, you should compare prices. If you intend to use an on-line
service for more than several hours a month, find out if the on-line service has an
“unlimited usage” rate. Such a plan can save you considerable money over plans
that charge you for each minute, hour, or day of Internet access.