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Here are a few frequently asked DSL questions. If you would like more information, call 303-830-0123 (Denver metro) or 888-241-0123 (outside Denver metro) or email info@ecentral.com.
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Questions and Answers About DSL
We have partnered with Qwest to offer several super-high speed, always on, connection plans that are up to 10 times faster than a 56K modem. With DSL, there is no need for a second phone line. You can talk on your DSL line while you are surfing the Web!
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1. What is DSL?
DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, a technology that brings high bandwidth (fast connections) to homes and businesses over your existing telephone line on a single pair of copper telephone lines. Because DSL is much faster than a regular dial-up Internet connection, it's ideal for watching online videos, videoconferencing, downloading pictures and software, listening to MP3 music, uploading Web pages, and more.
Because DSL uses your existing telephone line, it does not require you to install an additional phone line. This also allows you 24-hour access to the Web without tying up your phone line with a busy signal.
2. What are the benefits of E.Central's DSL service?
- High-speed always-on connection that is up to 10 times faster than a 56K modem.
- 4 email accounts.
- Backup dialup account if your DSL line has problems.
- Always on, means no waiting while logging on or busy signals.
- Download multimedia files without the usual long download times.
- No need for a second dialup line. You can talk on your DSL line while you are surfing the Web.
3. What are the plans and prices for E.Central/Qwest DSL services?
The plans described below will satisfy most residential and small business users. There are some other more expensive plans that are designed for larger businesses and power users. For more information on those plans go to: www.qwest.com/dsl/learn/pricing.html
The cost of each plan is divided into two monthly charges.
1. A monthly charge from Qwest will appear on your phone bill and
2. A monthly charge from E.Central will be charged to your credit card.
Also, depending on Qwest's current promotions, there may or may not be setup fees and/or a charge for the DSL modem (which is required).
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Plans
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Speed
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E.Central Charge
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Qwest Charge
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Total
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DSL 256
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256/256
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$19.95/month
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$15.00/month
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$34.95/month
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DSL Deluxe
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1.5M/896
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$25.00/month
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$28.00/month
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$53.00/month
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DSL Pro 640
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640/640
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$50.00/month
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$66.00/month
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$116.00/month
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DSL Pro
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1M/1M
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$100.00/month
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$88.00/month
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$188.00/month
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E.Central/Qwest DSL 256
E.Central/Qwest DSL 256 offers the user speeds of 256 Kbps both upstream and downstream. This service will provide you with a dedicated high-speed Internet connection, nearly 5 times faster than a 56 Kbps modem! This account also includes an unlimited dialup account, which can be useful if your DSL line ever goes down.
E.Central/Qwest DSL Deluxe
E.Central/Qwest DSL Deluxe gives the user speeds of at least 256 Kbps, but in most cases, 1.5 Mbps downstream. The upstream speed is up to 896 Kbps. Web pages will load nearly 30 times faster than a 56 Kbps modem. This account also includes an unlimited dialup account, which can be useful if your DSL line ever goes down.
E.Central/Qwest DSL Pro
6 levels of service (256K - 7.1M) for always-on voice and data
FREE technician visit for modem install
Dedicated technical support just for Qwest Professional DSL customers
Priority replacement of defective modems
Service Level Assurances (SLA)
4. How do I sign up?
Just give us a call at 303-830-0123 (Denver metro) or 888-241-0123 (outside Denver metro) ext. 114.
We will place your order directly into the Qwest system and have you up and running in 5 business days.
5. Do I need a new modem?
Yes, you will need a new modem. When you place your order, you will answer a series of questions pertaining to your computer and whether or not you wish to connect one or more computers. Based on the answers to these questions, Qwest will determine which modem is suited to your computer and they will ship the appropriate one. Qwest is continually changing the pricing and promotions on these modems and they range in price from free to $200.
6. What are the minimum PC requirements for using E.Central/Qwest DSL services?
E.Central/Qwest DSL will work with both PC (IBM compatible) and Apple Macintosh computers with the following recommended requirements:
PC (IBM Compatible) Desktop or Laptop
- CPU: Pentium® class processor minimum speed of 200Mhz (if using external Cisco® 67X modem or internal Intel PCI modem)
- Operating System: Windows 95/98/2000/ME/NT 4.0 or higher
- If using Intel USB modem: 16 MB RAM minimum, 32 MB RAM recommended
- Desktops: 5 MB hard disk space and available PCI slot for an Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC card)
- Laptops: 10 MB hard disk space and available PCMCIA slot for a PCMCIA card CD-ROM drive (internal or external)
Apple Macintosh®: iMac®, Desktop Power PC®, or Powerbook® (notebook)
- CPU: MacOS 8.5 or higher
- 16 MB RAM (desktops); 32 MB RAM (notebook)
- 5 MB hard disk space
- Pre-equipped Ethernet NIC, AAUI, or USB adapter (If your system does not have one of these, you may purchase one from any Apple retailer and install it on your own.)
- CD-ROM drive (internal or external)
- NOTE: If you own an iMac, a G3, or a G4 Mac with USB ports, you are required to purchase a USB to DIN8 adapter cable in order for Qwest DSL to work properly.
7. Do I pay for service on a per minute basis?
No. One of the advantages of using DSL is there are no per minute usage charges. This is a flat rate service with a fixed monthly fee. Use your DSL as often as you like. Since it is always on, you get even more useage from the Internet.
8. Can I run analog modems and fax machines on the same line as the DSL line?
Yes, the voice line supported by DSL service is just like any other POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) line. You can connect the voice line to any device registered with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to support either voice or data transmission.
9. What needs to be done to my computer to use E.Central/Qwest DSL services?
Once service is activated at your location, and if you have chosen to install the modem yourself, you will install your modem to your computer according to a step-by-step User Guide that you will receive from Qwest. If you have chosen to have a Qwest technician install your service, the technician will arrive at a mutually agreed upon scheduled time and will install your modem for you.
10. Does Qwest have a DSL page where I can get more info?
Yes, go to www.qwest.com/dsl for detailed information. Qwest also has an extensive FAQ at www.qwest.com/dsl/learn/faq.html
11. Is my high-speed DSL connection secure?
From a security perspective, DSL (and cable modem) networks are not very different from analog modem-based dial-up networks. They connect users to ISPs and the Internet using IP as their network protocol. However, DSL and cable modems are more attractive than dialup connections to hackers for the same reasons that make them more attractive to users. The ease of connection and available bandwidth of these networks result in users often staying online much longer, making them more vulnerable to attack attempts.
Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to improve the security of your DSL The following are general recommendations you can take to help improve security of end user systems.
- Disable file and printer sharing in Windows 95/98/NT. If you want to share files/printers, password protect these resources.
- Do not install and run remote access software such as FTP servers, Telnet servers and PC Anywhere unless you are knowledgeable in the use of data encryption.
- Check out security sites to evaluate the vulnerability of your system.
- Switch off your computer (or DSL/cable modem) when not using the system for extended periods (e.g., overnight).
- Install and regularly update operating system upgrade patches and anti-virus software.
- Exercise care when downloading and running any attachments sent by email. Make sure it is from a trusted source and that you scan attachments with your virus software.
Use of intrusion detection systems and firewalls can detect intrusion attempts and network misuse in real time and instantly respond to unauthorized or suspicious activity automatically by logging, recording, or terminating actions. Intrusion detection systems are only designed to detect known attacks; they can breached by newer types of attacks that are not in the predefined database. Constant updates are required to keep up with current alerts and patches.
Personal Firewall Software/Hardware
Firewalls allow users to control and filter network traffic coming into or out of their PCs by stipulating certain rules and filtering packets for connections such as TCP/IP, HTTP and SMTP. The better firewall products also include intrusion detection and logging to capture break-in attempts by malicious users. Firewalls come in the form of software, hardware, or a combination of both. Software firewalls only protect the computer they are installed on, while hardware firewalls provide greater protection for multiple computers on a local area network. Consumer firewall products typically range from $29 to $250 for Windows 95/98/NT.
Encryption Software
Users who wish to have more privacy can encrypt files, folders, or confidential information on their computer hard disk, as well as any data they send over the network. Sending and receiving encrypted email prevents data sniffers or man-in-middle attacks. Encryption is also used in virtual private networks (VPNs) for end to end secure communication. Encryption software is widely available at low or no cost.
Virus Detection Software
Firewalls can protect against certain types of attacks, but they typically cannot detect viruses that are sent as attachments to files. There are many virus detection programs available which can monitor all files, inputs and outputs, downloads, program executions, email communications, and other system-related activities. When a virus is detected, the program usually notifies the user and gives his the option to clean or delete the infected file before further damage can occur.
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Copyright 1995 - 2002 E.Central
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