for the computer geeks- I need help

[krunchie]

Just ordered my new computer for home, our first home computer
not long now an i can start playing online poker

so what sort of broadband plan to i get

I was thinking 512k speed and mabey 5g downloads

but ive got no idea if this is enough or over kill

Basically I have 2 kids not old enough to use it, (will be in a few years)
the wife will use it for basic stuff paying bills shopping on line

i will probably be the main user surfing and playing poker

what size plan do you think i need, i realy dont have a clue what is average use

cheers boys

[mr_niceguy_1979]

Once you work out what sort of specs you're after, this is an awesome site to compare broadband plans on offer.
http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/

[Bacon]

I have ADSL 2+ with 20GB per month. I can always find ways of using the limits.

Depends on if you are planning on downloading much.

[mr_niceguy_1979]

I've got Adam ADSL2+ with 5GB of downloads and that's more than enough as I don't download any movies, just MP3s. Pretty good price, I think I pay $39.95 per month

[David]

If you go with someone like Internode, you can change your plan easily online for free - so if you don't get "enough" you can upgrade.

Alternatively, you can buy more Gigabytes (downloads) to use if you run out before the end of the month.

5Gig would be the lowest I would recommend - but a good place to start (Assuming you can upgrade later).

Let me know before you sign up to any sites!!!

[stevo]

I might be biased (i.e. I work for Internode) but I would go with Internode. Depending on what download speeds etc. you want you can get 5GB for around $39.95. 5GB is heaps for normal usage (e.g. general browsing, email, online poker etc.) however if you start downloading stuff such as TV shows or movies (legally of course) then you will go through 5GB fairly quickly.

Keep in mind that if you try to compare plans you need to look at quota, speed, if uploads are counted against your quota, and also whether your quota is split up into an on-peak and off-peak amount (i.e. if on-peak amount is less than your full quota).

As Brice said earlier, http://www.whirlpool.net.au/ is a good place to find out info about ISPs (i.e. feedback from other users in the forums etc.) and what plans are available.

[David]

What do you do there Stevo?
I wanna work at the 'node!

[stevo]

I do software development at the "node", so definitely qualify as a computer geek

[krunchie]

I had been looking at Adam internet on a relatives recomendation
due to it being local and good back up service

as I said before was looking ast 512k speed with 5gb down loads


Just done a quick comparison with internode

monthly costs the same between both companies

setup cost higher with internode but then no contract with internode ( adam internet would set up about $150 bucks cheaper , but then have a 12 month contract)

excess shaping is the same

not much difference after that than i can see, apart from that initial set up cost and the contract vs non contract

Is a router the same as a modem
i was thinking about a wireless modem, internode have their hardware as routers (open 625w) is this the same thing

[David]

Many many differences besides the cost, download and speed ...