Should I Connect to High Speed Internet?

[MrsLop]

Hi, I don't know if it will hurt the system if I try to connect to a high speed internet server or if it is even possible to do so.  My Systems Software is 7.5.3 with Update 2.  I am currently using WebTv (MSN owned) and they have a package where you can add a PC and keep WebTV.  I can also go with my Cable Network and get a discount. Thanks for any help.

[Bruce_F]

You should talk to the high speed service provider and ask them if they will support the Mac before you go any further. Ask if they support OS 7.5.3. They might require you to have OS 8.5 or higher.

Other than that, I think you might be a little disappointed in how fast your computer will be, compared with WebTV. There's a potential bottleneck within your Mac that will choke on the amount of data coming down the pipeline.

I saw a major difference when I switched my cable connection from my G3 PowerCenter Pro to my G4 MDD. You can actually see the data stop and go when the G3 is trying to gulp the packets down. With the G4, the data continues to pour in at whatever speed the modem is sending.

[Bill]

What Bruce F said/wrote.

Now if you think of it in my terms.
Everybody on this planet has high speed internet except for you and I.
If you take the plunge, I'll be all alone. /sigh\

Welcome to Techsurvivors!  

[jguti]

I have read that about 80% of internet users ar still using dial up modems!

  Modems rule!

[Spartacus]

My PowerMac 4400 is connected to my DSL connection.

Surfing with it is as slow as a 28k modem. It really is.
But that's because of the extremely slow system and browsers (Netscape 4.6 and IE 4.something).

Downloading is as fast as on my PM G4.
I have only connected my 4400 because I have a DSL flatrate. Speed is not the point.

[MrsLop]

I never anticipated the warm welcome from this forum.
I have visited other sites over the last few days but felt intimidated by the types and kinds of questions submitted.  I felt overwhelmed.  I am so happy that I am treated like a human being here: with human foibles. Thank you all, again!  

[MrsLop]

Hi Bill,
I may not be able to hook up to the super highway of information - yet!  From some of the links provided by Kelly (see my other post under MrsLop. I need specific adapters etc..I am not even using my mac yet.  I have it plugged in and I can start it up; but that's as far as I have gotten.
I will have to get mac for Dummies and read it.

[Bill]

MrsLop,
if you do a search here at TS,you will find tons of links and advise on what books to read.

[MrsLop]

Evening All,
Bill, I just got an email from Bob LeVitus,Dr Mac. He advised me to try Amazon for his out of print 7.5 For Dummies.I had emailed him about his other book 7.6 For Dummies, inquiring about whether it would apply to my 7.5.3. I think that I will try Amazon.  It's getting very late here on the "right" coast.  I need to get my rest. I am off to Radiation Treatment for the first time tomorrow. (see other post under MrsLop)  Night All, and  

[Dreambird]

Hi Mrs. Lop...

I'm afraid I don't know a thing about the older Macs... converted from PC in Jan, 2000 with a PowerBook G3 and now have two of them... I   them!


For myself I've always been on cable even in my PC days... but have had several times to make use of the 56k modem in these machines... I wouldn't trade my cable! Yeah it may be slower than a G4, but the difference is night/day for me!

But when it comes to the older machines... I'm afraid I don't know.

But anyway, just wanted to welcome you... chin up on all the treatment you're stuck with right now, my Mom and Dad went through the same things!

Oh... BTW, I will try my bestest to keep Bill busy!...  

[RobW]

Hi MrsLop--and a belated welcome to TS. I used a 6115 for years and my father still does, with his 56k modem. He  uses Mac OS 8.1, and this has helped a fair amount after using OS 7.5.

I agree with Spartacus. If you went high speed, the information might GET to your COMPUTER fast, but your computer wouldn't be able to get the information to YOU very fast because of the speed of the machine, amount of memory, etc.  It's like throwing a book like "War and Peace" at me. It would get to me in a hurry, but my brain still needs to process the information once I start to read it. (And as the years go on, this process seems to be taking me  longer and longer.   )

If you're going to stick with this Mac, I'd use a 56k modem. Another thing to keep in mind to save money--don't be so quick to spend $21.95 or whatever a month for your internet provider. There are others that are cheaper and may be available where you live. Can you tell us what region you live in? For example, my father uses an Internet Service Provider that I also used until I changed to DSL in October. By prepaying fora 6 month period, he pays $11.95/month. Even without prepay, it would only cost about $14.95/month. This service services many states in the Northeast area of the country. It's called Galaxy Internet Services:  http://www.gis.net  

There are other providers with similar rates that may be available to you.

[beacher]

MrsLop, I don't remember where (if you said!) you live, but I've found that another good source for older material is used book stores, where you can find some old manuals for $2-3, or 1/2-Price Books (nation wide chain), where things will be a little more expensive, but still 1/2 of what you'll pay for new stuff.  

And Kelly was right, in another post. . .Just look at this as an adventure; we can (almost!) always get you out of any trouble that you get into. . .At least in this "virtual world"!  Don't go "hitting" any banks, though; our expertise doesn't extend there.   At one point, when I got my G3 messed up, I had to go to the local library to be able to connect to the net to get help from some of these great folk. . .I was sooooooooo grateful when they bailed me out of the jam I had created!

[MrsLop]

Dear All,
Wish me well.  I am off to my first Radiation Treatment.  I understand that the treatment makes one very tired.  If I am able, I will join you all later on.  

[RobW]

QUOTE(MrsLop @ Jun 11 2003, 2:06 PM)

Dear All,
Wish me well.  I am off to my first Radiation Treatment.  I understand that the treatment makes one very tired.  If I am able, I will join you all later on.  

 For what it's worth--I can assure you that right now you're getting lots good wishes from lots of different places!  Just check the locations of those of us who have posted to your  questions. I know I speak for many of us when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with you. And I'm pretty certain that we cover all of the traditional religions and a good number of not so traditional religions.

When you feel up to it, let us know how you're doing--with the Mac and with your treatments.

[pendragon]

What Rob said.

You go gal!

Harv