Need cornputer advice...

[Larry P.]

Re: Need cornputer advice...

Make sure you don't have anything else running as your PC will share time. Another thing that will cause that is poor connection where it is sending stuff again because of parity checks. Hold Ctrl and Alt and press Delete on an open place on your desktop, select task manager and you will see some of whats running(maby stuff you don't know about).
If I couldn't get DSL or cable I would move.
Good luck,
Larry

[Larry P.]

Re: Need cornputer advice...

Make sure you don't have anything else running as your PC will share time. Another thing that will cause that is poor connection where it is sending stuff again because of parity checks. Hold Ctrl and Alt and press Delete on an open place on your desktop, select task manager and you will see some of whats running(maby stuff you don't know about).
If I couldn't get DSL or cable I would move.
Good luck,
Larry

[Dennis C.]

OK, I should'a mentioned...

Let's pretend all I can get is dial up - Like Joe mentioned - living in the boondocks has its ups and downs. Right now dial up (from a single server) is all I can get, so I was wanting to know if my experience is normal lousy dial up service or if something sounds haywire. I have thought about satelite service, but it costs quite a bit. Anyone out there using that method? Thanks, Dennis

[Dennis C.]

OK, I should'a mentioned...

Let's pretend all I can get is dial up - Like Joe mentioned - living in the boondocks has its ups and downs. Right now dial up (from a single server) is all I can get, so I was wanting to know if my experience is normal lousy dial up service or if something sounds haywire. I have thought about satelite service, but it costs quite a bit. Anyone out there using that method? Thanks, Dennis

[Jack H.]

Add-on....

To answer Dennis' question more fully, with a modem + dial-up link you're NOT guaranteed any given on-line speed. At the start of the call, today's V.90/V.92 modems 'probe' the line to decide what's a 'smart' speed to run....

You can hear this in the handshake process and it's identical to a sonar 'ping'.... At an agreed on time in the handshake process (defined by governing standards), one modem shuts off it's transmitter allowing the other to 'ping' the line. The process repeats with the opposite modem shutting off its transmitter while the other modem 'pings' the line. You'll hear something akin to 'BONG' followed by 'BONG'.

The modems are getting the impulse response of the link (defines the telephone lines' transfer function). Once this is process is complete the two modems report to each other what they 'saw' and then 'negotiate' what speed they'll run the line at. That's the number you see reported in your connect report.

But, it's NOT the last word! It simply sets the 'initial' speed for the link to run. As the call progresses, each modem maintains a signal quality history file and EITHER modem can decide to call 'time out' and crank link speed either up or down to suit current conditions (yes, phone lines DO change over time, Virginia).

Often, those periods you see where there's 'inactivity' in your two blinking computer monitor images, represent modem re-training episodes.... The governing standards for modems do NOT dictate what algorithms to use to define what's a safe/prudent speed to run. That's left to individual modem designers to define....

So what if you've got a 'sloppy/dumb' modem in your computer that dials a 'precision/smart' modem at your ISP (or vice versa)? They'll probably have a 'disagreement' about what's the prudent rate to run the link and wind up compromising (OR making a bad decision)....

Then, as the call progresses, you get into 'arguments'. One side of the line decides to order a speedup. Later, the opposite side says 'slow down'. You wind up with effective throughput in the link being 'pinched off' because the modems are calling time out to speed up/slow down and during these retraining intervals, no data can flow through the pipeline!

All of this is based on the confession of a former Engineering VP for a modem company an independent modem test lab operator (yours truly). Short of having sophisticated phone line test equipment in your garage (mine is NOT available for loan), you're stuck in the middle with both sides blaming 'bad' phone lines. But, my experience is it's not usually the fault of the multi-billion dollar telephone system, it's the fault of the $30, made in Taiwan you've got.... However, proving exactly who's at fault is an expensive proposition.

So, you buy the best modem you can and 'live' with the consequences.

Last, modems DO change over time! The line interface circuit (DAA-Data Access Arrangement) includes protection devices to handle lightning surge events. These components typically have a 'half life' factor and change characteristics with use/abuse. So, if your modem is installed in an area that routinely sees lightning discharge (does NOT have to be a direct hit!), and you've had the same modem for more than a few years, it might be time to buy a new one and let the old modem RIP....

[Jack H.]

Add-on....

To answer Dennis' question more fully, with a modem + dial-up link you're NOT guaranteed any given on-line speed. At the start of the call, today's V.90/V.92 modems 'probe' the line to decide what's a 'smart' speed to run....

You can hear this in the handshake process and it's identical to a sonar 'ping'.... At an agreed on time in the handshake process (defined by governing standards), one modem shuts off it's transmitter allowing the other to 'ping' the line. The process repeats with the opposite modem shutting off its transmitter while the other modem 'pings' the line. You'll hear something akin to 'BONG' followed by 'BONG'.

The modems are getting the impulse response of the link (defines the telephone lines' transfer function). Once this is process is complete the two modems report to each other what they 'saw' and then 'negotiate' what speed they'll run the line at. That's the number you see reported in your connect report.

But, it's NOT the last word! It simply sets the 'initial' speed for the link to run. As the call progresses, each modem maintains a signal quality history file and EITHER modem can decide to call 'time out' and crank link speed either up or down to suit current conditions (yes, phone lines DO change over time, Virginia).

Often, those periods you see where there's 'inactivity' in your two blinking computer monitor images, represent modem re-training episodes.... The governing standards for modems do NOT dictate what algorithms to use to define what's a safe/prudent speed to run. That's left to individual modem designers to define....

So what if you've got a 'sloppy/dumb' modem in your computer that dials a 'precision/smart' modem at your ISP (or vice versa)? They'll probably have a 'disagreement' about what's the prudent rate to run the link and wind up compromising (OR making a bad decision)....

Then, as the call progresses, you get into 'arguments'. One side of the line decides to order a speedup. Later, the opposite side says 'slow down'. You wind up with effective throughput in the link being 'pinched off' because the modems are calling time out to speed up/slow down and during these retraining intervals, no data can flow through the pipeline!

All of this is based on the confession of a former Engineering VP for a modem company an independent modem test lab operator (yours truly). Short of having sophisticated phone line test equipment in your garage (mine is NOT available for loan), you're stuck in the middle with both sides blaming 'bad' phone lines. But, my experience is it's not usually the fault of the multi-billion dollar telephone system, it's the fault of the $30, made in Taiwan you've got.... However, proving exactly who's at fault is an expensive proposition.

So, you buy the best modem you can and 'live' with the consequences.

Last, modems DO change over time! The line interface circuit (DAA-Data Access Arrangement) includes protection devices to handle lightning surge events. These components typically have a 'half life' factor and change characteristics with use/abuse. So, if your modem is installed in an area that routinely sees lightning discharge (does NOT have to be a direct hit!), and you've had the same modem for more than a few years, it might be time to buy a new one and let the old modem RIP....

[Michael H.]

Speed Test Results?

Have you run the speed test that I posted above? Curious to see what the results are. That will tell if you have a problem with the incomming from your server or if the problem is in your computer, if there is a problem at all. This actually sounds typical of many servers today.

[Michael H.]

Speed Test Results?

Have you run the speed test that I posted above? Curious to see what the results are. That will tell if you have a problem with the incomming from your server or if the problem is in your computer, if there is a problem at all. This actually sounds typical of many servers today.

[Roy B.]

Re: OK, I should'a mentioned...

Your lucky you get any thing living on a cliff

[Roy B.]

Re: OK, I should'a mentioned...

Your lucky you get any thing living on a cliff

[Kent K.]

Another check

Dennis - When I used a dial-up modem, it was SLOW because of some not-so-good connections in my house telephone wiring. We commonly had either static or a hum on the phone. We found that one of our phones was also not-so-good. After correcting the wiring connections and crushing the devilish instrument, my modem speed increased somewhat. Suggest chacking your lines. BTW - I have a cable modem now with the same speed we use at our office ... fast!
Good luck Dennis.
Kent #6201

[Kent K.]

Another check

Dennis - When I used a dial-up modem, it was SLOW because of some not-so-good connections in my house telephone wiring. We commonly had either static or a hum on the phone. We found that one of our phones was also not-so-good. After correcting the wiring connections and crushing the devilish instrument, my modem speed increased somewhat. Suggest chacking your lines. BTW - I have a cable modem now with the same speed we use at our office ... fast!
Good luck Dennis.
Kent #6201

[Charles M.]

Re: Need cornputer advice...

Dennis

40-49K connection speed on a dial-up is good. The FCC sets a ceiling of 53K no matter what. Your issue is you have programs running in the background. Many are normal and are never noticed. Do you perform all of the usual weekly clean out tasks everyone needs to do these days? Empty the c:windows emp folder of all of it's files. If you use Windows XP the path is C:Documents and SettingsChuckLocal SettingsTemp (use your name in the line, not mine). None of the files in this folder are needed unless you have put someting in there yourself. Second, use the Internet Options control panel and delete the Temporary internet files. Be sure to check the box for "delete offline content. Go to www.download.com and get "spybot" and "adaware". Install them, let them update themselves, then let them scan your computer. Delete the stuff they find. These tasks will take care of most of the troubles PC users battle with.

Chuck

[Charles M.]

Re: Need cornputer advice...

Dennis

40-49K connection speed on a dial-up is good. The FCC sets a ceiling of 53K no matter what. Your issue is you have programs running in the background. Many are normal and are never noticed. Do you perform all of the usual weekly clean out tasks everyone needs to do these days? Empty the c:windows emp folder of all of it's files. If you use Windows XP the path is C:Documents and SettingsChuckLocal SettingsTemp (use your name in the line, not mine). None of the files in this folder are needed unless you have put someting in there yourself. Second, use the Internet Options control panel and delete the Temporary internet files. Be sure to check the box for "delete offline content. Go to www.download.com and get "spybot" and "adaware". Install them, let them update themselves, then let them scan your computer. Delete the stuff they find. These tasks will take care of most of the troubles PC users battle with.

Chuck

[Dick W.]

Re: OK, I should'a mentioned...

Dipstick, I ran Starband for about three years until I could get DSL. Had quite a few tech issues initally but as time went on either I learned how to deal with it or they got better, probably the latter. If I had to go back to dialup only I would not hesitate to go back to them. Three to four times faster, at least, than dialup. BTW if you want to go to Starband, I have an antenna and modem that you probably could talk me out of cheeeeaap.