Hi all,

As the topic states I have an EXTREMELY stupid question to ask. I'm behind on the times though, and am just not aware of some of these things....

I ordered high speed internet through my cable company (Charter Communications), and they will be here monday to install it. I have a Sony Vaio desktop and I was qurious....where/how does the high speed modem that they're installing connect to my tower? Does it go in through a USB port, or does it connect to where the phone line modem goes, or does it connect to another port altogether?

Again, I'm sorry that this question is so stupid, but I really want to make sure that my pc will be able to support the highspeed internet.

Thanks in advance.

if u have dsl or cable u get a special dsl/cable modem. my cousins one plugs into his usb port

Since it's the cable company, you will get a Cable modem. The cable modem then connects to your PC either directly to the USB port or via a Ethernet port. If it's ethernet they will, usually, also supply you with the NIC (Netword Interface Card) that plugs into the computer.

It's much faster to use the ethernet port versus the USB port. The ethernet port is located on the back of the pc which should be indicated by the light on the NIC card. It'll be in one of the horizontal slots that are on the back. If you need anymore help, don't hesitate to ask. :)

I don't have an NIC card yet, they said that they would supply one of those. I do have an open USB port as well. Does the cable modem/ethernet port hook into the usb port? I'm just really anxious over this....it took them forever to get the cable hooked up here. I hope that they can get this right...............

You'll have to ask the cable company about what type of connection is used. It may use a USB connection, it may be Ethernet, it may be a USB to Ethernet connection, etc.

Most broadband connections max out at only 1.5 megabits. So as far as download speed is concerned you shouldn't notice a difference between a USB connection or a Ethernet broadband connection.

yeh you can have one or the over - my cable company gave me the choice and i went with the Eternet Card just because i had a few lying around then

if they give you the choice, go with ethernet. you probably will never notice the difference as far as speed is concerned, but it will leave you with a free usb port.

I think I have 5 or more free USB ports but only 1 free PCI slot.

Couldn't agree more, celtic_druid - USB ports are easy to add (buy a £20 hub) but PCI slots are much harder to add. Well, lets face it, they're pretty much impossible to add.

And besides, since cable modem and ADSL don't reach the speeds of USB, you shouldn't be limited by the USB port.

Rolf.

i would connect it through a network card you get far fewer pronlems.

and make sure it all workes before they leave as my cable company **** up my pc as they broke my sound card when they fited the network card. i dont know how but they did replace it, after several different people came just to make sure lol

Dave2986: doesn't sound to me like the network card route gave you "few problems"...! Whereas my USB installation went along the lines of: install software, plug in modem, surf. Took about 60 seconds.

Nothing broken, no soundcard problems, no having to call out the engineers again (in fact, didn't need them in the first place!), and have had 0 problems since, too...

Rolf.

Leatherface1974....The only Stupid Questions are the one's that are never asked....

Don't let your feelings about your questions ever hold you back in here...This forum is loaded with tons of gr8 ppl that are more then willing to answer any questions....Cheers M8

I installed the network card myself while they went around drilling holes, etc. when I had my cable installed.

My only point was that if keeping resources free was a priority in deciding then surely USB would be the way to go.

did any =one ask if you could have it usb as i didnt know untill i saw the cable in the box after they went??