DSL is a service added to your existing phone line that permanently connects your computer to the internet at a much greater speed than can be achieved from a modem.

Yes.  DSL is a service, like Caller Id, that is added to your existing phone line.  You can still use the phone line for normal phone calls, faxes, answering machine, or whatever you normally use the phone for.  DSL does not interfere with normal phone operations.

There are several different types of DSL, but for most personal use DSL services,  you can expect to get up to 768Kbs download speed, and 128Kbs upload speed.  That is approximately 15 times faster than using a 56Kbs modem.  The physical distance you are located to your local phone company also affects speed.  DSL speeds can be as fast as 7.1Mbs download and 768Kbs upload if you are close enough.  You can test your current connection speed by clicking here.

DSL typically costs about $35 per month, but you also need an ISP that supports DSL, that typically adds another $15 per month for a total of approximately $50 per month.  These charges typically appear on your local phone bill.

It can be.  Here is an example.  Lets say you have two phone lines in your house.  The first phone line you use to make and receive voice calls, the second line you got so you can be on the internet and not tie up your normal voice line while you are on your computer.  A second phone line costs approximately $25 per month to maintain.  You currently have an ISP that typically charges $20 per month.  So you are paying a total of $45 per month to have a modem connection to the internet.  If you put DSL service on your first line, and get rid of your second line, you will now have a permanent high speed connection to the internet for $50 per month.  In this example, you would be paying only $5 more per month for this DSL service.

Both SBC (formally known as Pacific Bell) and Verizon (formally known as GTE) offer "special" DSL packages.  These packages give you the DSL modem for free (normally $200) and free installation, but require a 1 year commitment.  Normally the first year is about $27/month, after the first year it reverts to the "normal" $50/month.

Yes, SBC's Basic DSL service and Verizon's Bronze plus package can be used for personal or business, and can be installed in either your home or office.  You may not however run a web server or ftp server with either of these low cost basic packages.

System security can be a problem with a computer that is connected with DSL to the internet.  Since you are always connected to the internet you are more likely to be targeted by "hackers".  Fortunately there are several solutions to this problem.  The best solution is to get a piece of hardware called a "Firewall".  This hardware blocks attempts from anyone on the internet to get into your system.  Sorkin Computer Service sells a low cost basic firewall for $95.  This firewall also has a built in 4 port switch and a can act as a Dhcp server for 253 clients.  This means you can connect up to 253 computers using the one DSL connection, and all of the computers get the benefits of the firewall protection.

No.  Computer viruses (like the "I love you" virus) is distributed via email.  A firewall does not stop you from sending or receiving email, so viruses of this nature are not blocked.  To protect yourself from computer viruses simply take two simple steps. Step 1,  Don't run any program or attachment from an email that has been sent to you without your request.  Step 2,  Install a good anti-virus program like McAfee virus scanner (which we sell), and keep current with all of the updated virus data files (a simple process which is included with anti-virus programs).

Yes, with the proper hardware.  Sorkin Computer Service sells a box that will allow you to connect up to 253 computers on the same DSL connection.  This box also provides firewall security.

Yes, if you connect all of your computers through the Linksys router (which we sell) you can connect up to 253 computers to your DSL service.  This router/firewall is currently installed at several Verizon and SBC customers and is working fine.  This router supports PPPoE for SBC DSL customers, so no software from SBC needs to be installed.  Call us before your DSL is installed if you have any questions.  Make sure you get an external modem from either Verizon or SBC when your DSL is installed.

Yes, an Ethernet card is required for each computer that you want to connect to the DSL line.  Sorkin Computer Service sells Ethernet cards for Approximately $25.  These are 10/100 fast Ethernet PCI cards.  Many other types of Ethernet cards are available, some less expensive, others more costly.

Yes, Sorkin Computer Service can organize, install and setup many different kinds of DSL service and Cable modems.  We also sell complete computer systems and computer networks.  Please contact us for more information.

I have a question that is not answered here.

Very simple, and email us a question.  Our technical support staff will answer most questions via email.  Please contact us for more information.