Question about cable intenet connection

[nickinSTL]

I'd appreciate any help I could get on this:

My mom sent me this message:

A question for my computer-savvy younger generation: Our cable co. called
and said they can give us internet service for the same cost we are paying
Bell now for dial-up. It sounds like a good idea, but what are all the
issues I don't know about and questions I should ask before agreeing to
this? Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

I don't really know what to tell her.

I know cable should be faster than dial-up...but there might be other issues, such as...will it work with their 8 or 9-yr-old computer?

Thanks in advance.

[malta blue]

1. I am none too savvy myself

but I have an ancient computer and I have a cable modem. It works just fine. My biggest question is: is this a limited time that it costs the same as the dial up? When I signed up, there was a discounted price for 6 months (about $25) and then it went up to $50 per month.

[LeftyMom]

2. Cable will work with an older computer

but they'll need either a ethernet or USB port to connect it to. The hardware to install either one shouldn't be more than about $20 if needed.

[LisaLynne]

3. If the computer has an ethernet card or USB, it won't be a problem.

Cable is much faster and more stable. The only thing as a paranoid computer professional I would suggest is making sure the computer is secured -- either a firewall router or just using some sort of personal firewall on the computer itself. An "always on" connection can cause problems in that department.

Edited to add: On the up side, she won't have to use a phone line for the computer anymore, which if they only have one line, will be a big advantage.

[NewWaveChick1981]

4. We have Road Runner, and we love it!

There are times here and there when the network is slow, but it's still much faster than dialup or even DSL. Ethernet cards or USB are necessary for this too, but I think your mom will like it better. Mine does. :)

[WoodyTobiasJr]

5. cable is 10 times faster than dialup

It's a great deal even if they end up paying a bit more for it. WIth cable you don't need a phone line, so they don't need to pay for an extra line or, if they are using their regular phone line, it won't be tied up when they are online.

Also, it's very convenient compared to dial-up. They will have a dedicated internet connection. The chance of losing the connection drops by 100% (unless the cable is out).
Even just not having the hassle of siging in and waiting is a bonus

[allalone]

6. tell your mom to go for it.

I had to use dial-up again when I first moved to this apt cuz of wiring issues. Picture me screamong and tearing my hair out. she'll love the speed and being able to talk on the phone while you're online.

[bridgit]

7. think she'll need to run a check on her processor speed & memory...

[nickinSTL]

8. thanks to everyone who's answered...

I really appreciate it.

I'll keep checking to see if there are more thoughts, but thought I'd thank those who'd already replied.

:hi: