martinlittle.com:thinkThin

Over the years I've been asked many, many times how to set up ADSL (and cable broadband) connections. These days wireless is normally thrown in there for good measure. Whilst it's kept me in beer and toys over the years, I reckon if I whack something on here, a bunch of people will benefit and those who'd like me to set them up will still be happy to pay me.

My preference has always been ADSL because, historically, cable didn't offer a fixed IP address (required for tech fun). If you go cable, remember you don't need to get an ADSL modem as part of your hardware; you just need a wireless router.

So, here's what to do:

1. first, you need to check you can get ADSL. Check here by sticking you postcode in. If you're in luck, move on. If not, check out how close you are.
2. next, you need an ISP. This does not need to be BT! My preference is Zen. They're not the cheapest, but they are excellent. I've been with them for almost four years, and I am picky. There's no need to just take my word for it though: do your own comparison here. If Zen's pricing is a little rich for your tastes, have a look at Metronet, who provide a pay-as-you-go service, starting from GBP 11.75/month. In an eat your own dogfood styleee, my parents are on Metronet. You think I want calls from them demanding to know why their connection is down at 3am whilst they're listening to the latest Archers episode? Exactly,which is why I can recommend Metronet too. If you're offered the choice when ordering, all you need is a single IP address. Don't worry about the other options.
3. once your ADSL is ordered, you'll need some hardware (I never buy any hardware from the ISP). My proven path has been to see what Netgear are offering, then purchase from Insight. My preference right now is for the DG834G with some WG511 cards. Why Netgear? Their stuff simply works, plus it looks good. Why Insight? Their prices are decent, they have stock and they deliver the next day. Plenty of other places sell the stuff (check Froogle), just don't come crying to me when the kit you're dying to receive is 'still in warehouse'. On a side note, if you're tempted to skip the wireless part, hold your horses. True, the price difference is about twenty quid, but at some point (soon) you're going to need wireless. Really. I've seen it happen, multiple times. Just buy it now. Stopping messing around, you can easily turn it off until you need it.
4. once you get your shiny box, apply the microfilters and plug the box in. Yes, even before the line is officially ready. BT are fans of saying it will take 7 business days, then turning everything on the next weekend. DO make sure you change the admin password on your shiny box and also the SSID (your wireless network name), and don't make the two the same!
5. pop the wireless cards into your PCs (after turning the firewall ON) and you should be good to go.

Simple, eh. If you live in Edinburgh and need help, let me know and we can discuss rates. All I do is what it says above. Hey, I just saved you loads of hassle. Amn't I nice. :-D