Monday 13th Sept, online at home

[3oneday]

Finally decided it was time to get a computer etc at home, so the wife can do her Nutrimetics :wink: online, for the kids education :wink: and all those important things :wink: .

Getting broadband with Optus, which gives 200mb download per month. First question, what does this mean ??

Anything else I should be aware of re system usage, hidden costs, virus protection (other things I am not thinking of ??)

Your respected opinions would be appreciated.

Pete

[AndyP]

Pete, I am also getting Optus broadband very soon. 8)


Getting broadband with Optus, which gives 200mb download per month. First question, what does this mean ??
Everytime you open a page, you are downloading stuff; pics, text, etc. Your limit for the month will be 200MB. If you are not doing any heavy duty downloading, such as mp3's, movies, etc, you should be OK with that limit.

With Optus, even if you go over the 200MB limit, you are still able to connect to the internet. However, this will be at dial-up speed only once the limit is exceeded.


Anything else I should be aware of re system usage, hidden costs, virus protection (other things I am not thinking of ??)
Have you got a DSL modem? Optus charge about $150 installation costs for broadband, and take $90 off if you already have a DSL modem.
You definitely want virus protection.

I'm sure the computer gurus (I am not one) will be able to help you out more, and fill in the gaps.

[3oneday]

Free installation finished yesterday (booked it on the last day, quite by accident), they come and install something for me, computer has the necessary network cards I think.

Pete

[Jarro]

200Mb won't take long to use up Pete, especially with Broadband.

might wanna look at increasing your limit soon.

[3oneday]

Jarro, what if everyone had smaller avatars ??? :lol:

[markTHEblake]

Getting broadband with Optus, which gives 200mb download per month. First question, what does this mean ??

no problem, once you hit your 200mb limit your speed will reduce to 28.8kpbs, which is a little on the slow side, and trust me it wont take you long (days not weeks). IN any case it will work out cheaper for you in the long run as your phone line is not tied up.

This is the best way to try out broadband, avoiding the others that charge for exceeding your limit.

There are much better prices/products around for ADSL but if you've got the full package with Optus its much of a muchness.

[Jarro]

Jarro, what if everyone had smaller avatars ??? :lol:

..yeah, that might help me out.. i've only got dialup :(

[AndyP]

Free installation finished yesterday (booked it on the last day, quite by accident), they come and install something for me, computer has the necessary network cards I think.

:?: Were Optus offering free installation? And I missed it. :( How long did you sign up for?

[Trung]

Have you heard of "unwired"? New wireless broadband internet. www.unwired.com.au

Available for Sydney only at the moment :D

[Fishman Dan]

Pete, there are some really good deals around at the moment but you won't regret broadband. Like others have said 200 mb will disppaear with constant reloads of golf forums and downloading images of prospective purchases ;)

Did the Optus deal come with a minimum contract length? Let me know if you need a hand with anything.

[Jarro]

Let me know if you need a hand with anything.

yeah.. i've heard Fishy is pretty good at handling things :P

[AndyP]

Like others have said 200 mb will disppaear with constant reloads of golf forums and downloading images of prospective purchases ;)

My past month download on dialup has reached 214MB, and that is the most I have downloaded in any month. Why does everyone say that the 200MB will disappear quickly?

My guess is that you are visiting different sites to what I visit. [-X

[3oneday]

I think the plan is 12 months, but the guy was just like my wife, ie after about 3 minutes I switched off and started saying yes :lol: , will probably only get on the things once or twice a week myself (the nights my wife is out :wink: ) so will prob be OK with the size issue.

Pete

[AndyP]

will probably only get on the things once or twice a week myself (the nights my wife is out :wink: ) so will prob be OK with the size issue.


What the??? :shock: :wink:

Oops, my turn to turn it to smut. :oops: :mrgreen:

[burger]

Jarro, what if everyone had smaller avatars ??? :lol:
Geez you break me up Big Pete!
stu

[3oneday]

Stuey,

Sunday 12/9, 7am Windsor, you keen ??

Pete

[burger]

Sunday 12/9, 7am Windsor, you keen ??

I'm keen, I'll dose up on anti freeze and check with the cheese & kisses if I can come out to play . . . . :oops:

Fishy et al ?????

stu

[Fishman Dan]

Sunday 12/9, 7am Windsor, you keen ??

I'm keen, I'll dose up on anti freeze and check with the cheese & kisses if I can come out to play . . . . :oops:

Fishy et al ?????

stu

Still a couple of weeks to go for me :evil: :cry: ](*,)

[goughy]

You may find you only get dropped down to the slower speed when it's busy. I've heard that's what a lot of plans do.

If you need to upgrade to a higher download limit, you could always upgrade.

[markTHEblake]

Why does everyone say that the 200MB will disappear quickly?

Bandwidth is much like cupboard space, the more you have the more you use.

[Fishman Dan]

Why does everyone say that the 200MB will disappear quickly?

AP - it's the 'because i can' factor ;)

[andylo]

200M a month :O that only last me about less than an hour!!

I use about 2GB per day!! :lol:

[Ducky]

Pete,

Depending on how old your kids are, you may want to increase your download limit (or "quota"). If your kids are in their teenage years, then expect to go over your 200mb quite easily (as they will soon discover how to download music, video, and software).

If you're on a capped (or "shaped") plan, after you go over the 200mb downloaded limit you will be downsized to a 56k (or perhaps 28.8k) connection speed until the new monthly period begins. Which is a good thing, as you won't be charged anymore than your flat monthly fee.

If you're not on a capped (or "shaped") plan, you will find that you will have to pay for any excess bandwidth over the 200mb download limit. Which is a bad thing, as you can get yourself into trouble with quite large bills. My brother (actually, both of us) learnt this the hard way when he ignored my advice on upgrading to an alternate plan when I moved in with him. We received a $500 bill for the first month, and a $300 bill for the second month. What a waste of money, don't let it happen to you!

If I was you, I would ring Optus and ask them if you're on a capped (or "shaped") plan, and if you're not, how much they are charging you for each excess megabyte over the 200mb download limit (or "quota").

I would also look into getting a good Anti-Virus and Firewall package if your new computer doesn't include one. If no-one in your family that is going to be using the computer is in "the know" with avoiding viruses, adware, and spyware, then a good Anti-Virus and Firewall package can save you big problems down the track with having to restore your computer or recover data.

I cannot recommend McAfee WebEssentials (http://www.mcafee.com/) highly enough. Some people also like Norton (http://www.symantec.com/), however, I did not find it overly efficient or effective. You can try a free Anti-Virus program such as AVG (http://www.grisoft.com/) or a free Firewall such as ZoneAlarm (http://www.zonelabs.com/), but you'll find that they will not intergrate as well with each other as the packages do.

If you have any questions, let me know.

Kind regards,

Ben (Ducky).

[3oneday]

Thanks Duckyboy, have you found those golf clubs yet ??

Pete

[AndyP]

I just received a letter for this Optus deal also. I was going to go with Optus anyway, but now I will get to avoid the installation fee. :cool:

It may be a contract for 24months though, so I will need to investigate whether I am able to upgrade my download limits during the contract. Otherwise I wouldn't be keen to sign up for that long.

[Fishman Dan]

I just received a letter for this Optus deal also. I was going to go with Optus anyway, but now I will get to avoid the installation fee. :cool:

It may be a contract for 24months though, so I will need to investigate whether I am able to upgrade my download limits during the contract. Otherwise I wouldn't be keen to sign up for that long.

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

There's no need to be on such a long contract. Optus provide no better service than other ISP's out there. The adjustment of download limits may also come at a cost - so check it out!!

[markTHEblake]

For anyone considering Optus, they are currently suffering an international bandwidth crisis. see the article at http://www.whirlpool.net.au/

[AndyP]

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

There's no need to be on such a long contract. Optus provide no better service than other ISP's out there. The adjustment of download limits may also come at a cost - so check it out!!
Yes, I will be looking into the conditions of the contract. If I stay with Optus, I will get to keep the phone advantages I currently receive, that is, free local calls, and the Broadband access is only $30.
But, yes I will look into it.

[AndyP]

For anyone considering Optus, they are currently suffering an international bandwidth crisis. see the article at http://www.whirlpool.net.au/
The article says it will be fine by mid-September.

[Ducky]

Thanks Duckyboy, have you found those golf clubs yet ??
Unfortunately, I haven't, Pete.

I have submitted the dispute claim with the credit card company to try and get my money back. If the clubs show up, I am more than happy to re-pay him for them, but at the moment it doesn't appear as if they are going to show up. Keep in mind, his customer service is still terrible.

:(

Kind regards,

Ben (Ducky).

[markTHEblake]

The article says it will be fine by mid-September.

yeah but the point is that its pretty ordinary form to allow themselves to get into that pickle.

[jaster]

What the hell are you guys waiting for?? :roll: sheesh....



Don't get slammed with contract terms and excess download charges

OzEmail offers "no worries" Broadband. Keep track of your costs with our easy-to-understand flat rate plans. All home and business plans have no additional monthly excess charges so you can surf the net from just $29.95 per month without painful surprises! Plus, sign up now to Broadband and there's no contract. You simply pay month to month, in advance for worry free Internet.

http://homesite.service.ozemail.com.au/products/broadband/priceplans

[jaster]

and if you can't read that is NO CONTRACT, and NO EXCESS DOWNLOAD FEES!!!

[AndyP]

and if you can't read that is NO CONTRACT, and NO EXCESS DOWNLOAD FEES!!!
Optus will be providing the modem and no installation fee.
I haven't fully investigated it yet, so keep throwing offers at me, if you know of others.

[AndyP]

It would be a 12 month contract, not as bad as 24.

[Ducky]

I really think that if you can live without the savings associated with local calls that Optus and Telstra give you, you really should go with Internode (http://www.internode.on.net/). They have several shaped plans (which means you won't get charged extra) at good prices. You can find out a lot more information about Internode at Whirlpool (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp.cfm?id=9).

Kind regards,

Ben (Ducky).

[Fishman Dan]

I really think that if you can live without the savings associated with local calls that Optus and Telstra give you, you really should go with Internode (http://www.internode.on.net/). They have several shaped plans (which means you won't get charged extra) at good prices. You can find out a lot more information about Internode at Whirlpool (http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc-isp.cfm?id=9).

Kind regards,

Ben (Ducky).

Ben - 100% with you there. I got skull-dragged to Pacific Internet through a work deal, and while it's very good, i don't think it compares to Internode's deal. Dodo are also up there in the value for money stakes - and i think you'll find they all provide a modem gratis.

AP - end of the story is that you shouldn't need to get stuck into a 12-month deal, and as MtB touched on - Optus are always getting themselves into situations an ISP never should.

[drunken]

Another vote here for Internode. 12 monhts & yet to have a single problem with their service, reliability etc.

[AndyP]

i think you'll find they all provide a modem gratis.
I haven't found this to be the case unless you sign up on a long term contract.


AP - end of the story is that you shouldn't need to get stuck into a 12-month deal
Everything seems to be at least 6 month contracts. And I would be looking at $200+ for the modem/installation.

I'm after a plan that is under $30.

Internode is $30/month, but has $129 installation, plus another $90 for the modem. It's plan seems do have some good features though.

:?: Can someone explain Static vs Dynamic IP to me?

[amanda]

:?: Can someone explain Static vs Dynamic IP to me?

Hey Andy. What currently happens with most internet connections is when you dial into your ISP, they assign you an IP address (an electronic address for your computer). With most ISPs your IP address will most likely be different every time you log on as they give you the next one available in their pool.

This doesn't suit some users where they have people looking at their website by logging onto a specific IP address - this is often if you're hosting something or involved in a business. That's where a Static IP address comes in - you get a permanent IP address - same number every time. This comes in handy if you need to connect to a website that requires advance notice and approval of your IP address to access that site/service.

Do the techie guys have anything else to add?

[markTHEblake]

Static = IP address always the same.
Dynamic = new IP adress every time you logon.

Static is only an advantage if you are running some sort of server, or you just want a simple way of connecting to your home box from elsewhere. Otherwise there are some inherent security risks associated with a static IP, as it makes it easier for someone to personally attack or hack you becuase your location is fixed.
(so you shouldalways be nice on forums).

Check out the plans in Whrlpool. there is plenty of plans charging about $35 for a ecent Gig allowance and only $4-5 a gig for over use. thats good value for an average user.

Also chck out my thread on Wireless, thats unbeleivable value if you can get it.

Your not going to find a low entry cost plan without a contract. You gotta take one or the other. The startup costs for the ISP are too high to give it away.

[AndyP]

Thanks for the static vs dynamic breakdown guys.


Check out the plans in Whrlpool. there is plenty of plans charging about $35 for a ecent Gig allowance and only $4-5 a gig for over use. thats good value for an average user.
I'd prefer shaping over paying excess download charges.


Also chck out my thread on Wireless, thats unbeleivable value if you can get it.
Big startup cost for this though, Blakey. I'm not sure what advantage I would get out of wireless anyway.


Your not going to find a low entry cost plan without a contract. You gotta take one or the other. The startup costs for the ISP are too high to give it away.
Which brings me back to Optus for 12 months. $0 installation inc modem. How bad can they be for 12 months? One thing they don't have though, is rapid transfer. So I would be up for a installation fee, if I was to go to another provider later on. But I would still come out on top from the initial savings.

Internode users, I noticed that they also offer 10 hrs dialup a month on top of the Shaped Plan. Is this using a dialup modem? Do you guys use this at all? If it is using a dialup modem, it would be handy for having access while away from home.

[3oneday]

Geez, and the fact that yesterday was the 13th ???

Yes, everything went fine thanks :lol: , hopefully someone will be in for a chat around 8.30pm Wednesday night.

:P

Pete

[Ducky]

AndyP,

Most of the time the dial-up access is provided in case the ADSL service is having problems. It could more than likely be used if you are away from home (and can remember your dial up settings), but I don't know many people who do that. It would be something to ask Internode about.

Kind regards,

Ben (Ducky).

[Fishman Dan]

I'd prefer shaping over paying excess download charges.
Fair call, but $4 odd for a gb isn't much.


I'm not sure what advantage I would get out of wireless anyway.

No cords to trip over, or for kids to chew through ;)


Which brings me back to Optus for 12 months. $0 installation inc modem. How bad can they be for 12 months? One thing they don't have though, is rapid transfer. So I would be up for a installation fee, if I was to go to another provider later on. But I would still come out on top from the initial savings.

Hmm.... Optus aren't the best in regard to public relations, but here's another angle - if i call for support with Pacific (24 x 7), i'm onto someone very quickly. With Telstra it was terrible, and i reckon Optus would be in the same boat. Internode need to boast good service too as a selling point over the majors.

But the concept of 'churn' is important - my transfer from Telstra to Pacific was effortless and cost-free. If Optus aren't a player in this, then a big red mark against their name.

As for free hardware - most ISP's offer a D-Link or similar, again, nothing out of the ordinary.

[drunken]

andyp if you can't do the install yourself than you need to step away from the computer ASAP :roll:

[AndyP]

andyp if you can't do the install yourself than you need to step away from the computer ASAP :roll:
The installation fee you get charged has nothing to do with someone installing it at your house. They usually provide self-install instructions. The charge would be for something they do on their side, I guess. :roll:




I'd prefer shaping over paying excess download charges.
Fair call, but $4 odd for a gb isn't much.
Don't know where you are looking but I can't see any plans under $30 with $4/GB excess charges.


Optus aren't the best in regard to public relations
I thought Optus had been voted no 1 ISP for service. :?

:?: So the D-Link modems are no good?

[markTHEblake]

I'd prefer shaping over paying excess download charges.

do you prefer being shaped after 300mB, than paying $4 a gig after 2 gB?
$4 a gig is sensational, most ISP's are charging $120-150 a gig.

If your not a porn/warez/mp3-monger you will rarely use 2gig, no way more then 4.

there are not too many budget plans with shaping becuase the ISP's minium cost of providing the service is in the vicinity of $40-45 per user. (thats a flat rate the pay telstra for the end to end connection) They have to recover that loss somehow, and thats usually in overuse charges.


I'm not sure what advantage I would get out of wireless anyway.

when you move you dont have to pay any costs. you can use your laptop and post to ozgolf from the golf course. set up your web cam so we can watch you putt




Which brings me back to Optus for 12 months. $0 installation inc modem. How bad can they be for 12 months?

and i thought you are intimating you dont want a contract.

You have to sign up your phone to them. notice that they are charging $9 more pm for the rental than telstra. Free local calls in that I think but without dialup how many local calls do you really think you can make.

No matter which ISP you use, factor in the cost of the next higher level plan. i can guarantee if you choose shaping at 300mb you will be wanting an upgrade after 2 months.

[Fishman Dan]

i can guarantee if you choose shaping at 300mb you will be wanting an upgrade after 2 months.


Spot on :smt023

[3oneday]

Sorry to change the subject :roll: , but can someone give me some advice on email setup. We are using Optus (despite what everyone has written, sorry, didn't change my mind :lol: ) but for the life of me, I can't seem to find an address book, sort of looks like Hotmail I guess.

I am used to using Lotus at work, the computer has Outlook installed, but I can't seem to configure that to even enable sending of emails.

Techo help here would be appreciated. I could also make an appointment for tonight at home, say 8.30 :oops: , if anyone can step me through ????

[-o<
Pete

[markTHEblake]

Your question is not very clear. Are you having trouble with just your Address book, or do you need assistance in configuring your email settings?

Also is it Outlook or Outlook Express. If Outlook which version.

Go Here for help:
http://www1.optusnet.com.au/helpdesk/windows/w2ksetup.html#email

You do not want me to walk you through this on the phone. One 'huh' or two second silent pause from you and i am liable to jump through the phone and rip out your neck. 5yrs of tech support and being nice to people and I am overdue for some tension release.

[Fishman Dan]

What Blakey said.. i deal with enough Helpdesk issues daily to try this one out - it's probably not an issue of a simple setup, however if your work network is properly configured then chances are you will not be able to retrieve your home e-mail anyway.

Best suggestion if you want to check your Optus e-mail from work is to use the web-based e-mail.

[3oneday]

Thanks for your replies, what I am trying to do is use the Optus mail system which is on the web, but i simply can't find a place to save addresses. If I could use Outlook (I think it is Express) that has everything I need, I guess, but how do I set that as my mail "client".

MTB, I never say huh, you would be met with stony silence instead :lol:

Fishy, not trying to get access from work, all for the home setup mate.

Pete

[AndyP]

Thanks for your replies, what I am trying to do is use the Optus mail system which is on the web, but i simply can't find a place to save addresses.
Sorry, doesn't exist, as far as I know. Optus' web based email is crap.
Now, if you don't mind, I'll get this discussion back on track. :razz:


do you prefer being shaped after 300mB, than paying $4 a gig after 2 gB?
Option 1, if it means my plan stays under $30. I am not prepared to step up my spending for internet time too much, I only pay $18 for dialup now. I don't intend on spending all of my hours at home on the net. I have access at work as well. :wink:


and i thought you are intimating you dont want a contract.
No, that was the advice provided here.


You have to sign up your phone to them. notice that they are charging $9 more pm for the rental than telstra.
Already have phone and dialup with them. Didn't realise the line rental was now more than Telstra. Looks like I will have to do some phone company shopping now too. (sigh)

Maybe I will just put this one in the too hard basket. :? ](*,)

[3oneday]

Bstrd :P

so, what mail system can be used then, Mr andy Nohelpwhatsoever ??? [-X

Pete

[3oneday]

anyone able to assist, I am awaiting patiently in chat, Outlook Express is what I am trying to config :oops: .

Pete [-o<

[Choppa]

3oneday,

Missed you in chat. The Optus installation CD should have prompted you to configure Outlook express. If not then doesn't matter it's easy.

What you need to do in Outlook Express or even Outlook is to go into the 'Tools' menu then select 'Accounts'.
Click the 'Add' button and select 'Mail'.
Then just follow the prompts. You should have already been given an email address. Just type it in when requested.
The only other info you need that you may not know is the incoming mail server and outgoing mail server. Just type in mail.optusnet.com.au for both.

See how you go with that. :D

Hope it makes sense.
Chop[/b]

[markTHEblake]

If I could use Outlook (I think it is Express) that has everything I need, I guess, but how do I set that as my mail "client".

You could click on the link I gave you above, and it will give you the step by step instructions to configure Outlook Express.

Or Open Outlook express, and the Wizard should appear. If not click Tools > Accounts > Mail > Add

Then Fill in your Name [next], Email Address [next], in both text boxes type mail.optusnet.com.au [next], type password in the right box, then keep hitting [next], until finished.

this is just a guess, if doesnt work check the steps at the above link or call them.


MTB, I never say huh, you would be met with stony silence instead

If i dont hear mouse or keyboard clicks within 1/10 of a second of my instruction your a dead man. ie

Me: click Start>settings>controlpanel>system>devicemanager>rightclickonblahblahand
clickpropertiesticktheboxandclickoK.
User: Start?
Me: AAARRRRRRRGGH!

[AndyP]

so, what mail system can be used then, Mr andy Nohelpwhatsoever ??? [-X
Sorry Pete. The lads seem to know what they are talking about.

I don't use my Optus mail, so I wouldn't have been able to help you. I always use my yahoo account.

[3oneday]

MTB and Choppa, I gave up last night and am now reading this at work, thanks very much for your help, hopefully I can complete it tonight.

Thanks again, OK Andy, you can take over again :lol: .

Pete

[3oneday]

:smt026 :smt038 :smt082

thanks guys