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Ok so DSL was just set up in my area and my roommate and I decided to get it! Only problem is deciding which service to go with, Qwest Communications' or Earthlink's. Ok so neither of us are especially knowledgeable about this kind of thing so I thought I'd ask here.

==> Qwest DSL Deluxe with MSN Internet

$44.99/mo
1.5 Mbps / 896 Kbps
$0.99 activation fee by July 30
1 e-mail account
static IP address
DSL modem, $59.95 plus shipping

==> Earthlink DSL

$39.95/mo ($19.95/mo first 2 months)
3.0 Mbps / 128 Kbps
FREE activation
8 e-mail accounts
dynamic IP address
FREE DSL modem
20 hours free dial-up/mo
FREE filter kit (3 inline microfilters, 1 phone line splitter)

Which makes more sense to go with?

1st one would be great for a server -- if thoose values are actual transfer values and not only the physical connection speeds (I'd think it's the latter, 1.5 Mbps/896 Kbps are QWorst max. ADSL values IIRC. OTOH 3Mbps down sounds fishy (for DSL) and 128k definately sux..)

I'd go with Qwest but then again I'm an upload whore. If you don't do that sort of thing, go with the other one. It's a lot cheaper overall it seems, plus has more download bandwidth.

id get Quest, but scratch that FUBAR MSN Internet crap

If you're running a server, or tend to upload a lot of large files, go with Qwest (though I hate the company -- they fired my dad after 29.5 years.) It's more expensive and has some extra (possibly hidden) costs, but it's more robust for specific server needs.

If you're just a normal person running a plain PC who wants to view webpages and play games, go with the Earthlink deal. Among other things, if you're just a normal person without a great deal of networking knowledge, you do NOT want a static IP -- it just makes you that much easier to hack. And for most gaming and webpage viewing, upload speed of 128 is plenty. You'll enjoy the faster download speed, too.

I have the same Qwest package, but as a business line, not a residential setup. You can get "basic" internet service and skip the MSN crap. Just tell them you work out of a home office, they don't care.

Also, Qwest business services are seperate from their residential services, meaning better customer service and technical support. I'm very happy with their business department.

Residential sucks. I'm switching my local line ASAP, and I was screwed over $1,000 in surplus charges for cell phones that THEY incorrectly shipped. Long story.. I've had a couple consumer advocate radio hosts call to find out about it, hehe.

Something to keep on mind is that on some file sharing networks you effectively get more downstream by having more upstream, where adding solely more down will probably go unused.

you do NOT want a static IP -- it just makes you that much easier to hack.

This is really only much on an issue if you're specifically being targetted, since most hackers (or worms) exploit people randomly and within a split second. So just be nice to everyone.

Lothar wrote:you do NOT want a static IP

If you want to run, say, an email server, yes you do, or AOL and Earthlink will drop all messages coming from your SMTP server. You'd also need a valid reverse DNS entry setup.

"Qwest DSL Deluxe with MSN Internet"

I see a trainwreck waiting to happen. reasons? Two. the MSN internet and I'm suspicious of the "S0.99 Activation Fee"

IMO i'd rather go with Earthlink no matter what.

Well ferno you know that Free activation and free modem from earthlkink has a string attached.(min 12 month conract)

But the reality is Earthlink is a Vendor(leech iwo) for the DSL, they do not actually provide it. Your local Telco provides the DSL circut.

Now the 3000/128 is very fishy it should be at least 3000/384 because that is relative to the See-Saw factor for ADSL (128 is for people with a download speed of 256 it will choke your upload to a crawl during any download over 256k(not including overhead) down)

Don't you DARE install any software on teh machine to get your dsl running. You'll be labeled as a sucker if you do!

Chump installer tried to pull that crap with me. "I have to install this CD."

"Oh hell no!", I said.

Verran wrote:

Lothar wrote:you do NOT want a static IP

If you want to run, say, an email server...

Context... remember context... this is why you should read whole, rather than partial, posts. Here, allow me to formulate the quote with proper support:

Lothar wrote:If you're running a server... go with Qwest [but otherwise] you do NOT want a static IP

So yeah... just what you said. If you want to run a server, get the static IP. Otherwise, you really don't want it.

Don't let Qwest's bozo's come in and install it. ATT did that to me and I wound up having to rip all that crap off my system. ... 2 cd's worth of what??? to find thier server? yea... right.

ToS probably prevents running a server.

Sorry Lothar, I was at work and was pressed for time.

Oh yeah! Duh, Qwest ToS allows you to run servers as long as you purchase a static IP, doh, forgot.