I live way too far in the country for DSL and I'm tired of watching the screen crawl with my 56K modem. So I want to go satellite service. I also don't know a thing about it. Can anyone tell me Exactly what I need? Here's what I have:
Dell 1.6 Ghz Demension
ISP is Earthlink
dial-up modem
Direct TV (TV service)
I cannot get a cable into my computer room. (don't ask)
If I change my dish to receive internet and TV reception, what else to I need to buy? Thank you all you technopeople.

 

There's two types of Satellite systems for home users - dial return and two-way direct. The dial return uses your phone line to upload requests and any data then receives the signal at about 384Kbps (I think) from the satellite.

Two-way direct, which is new - about 6 months old, goes both directions high speed to the satellite. Keep in mind that when you send signals to a satellite you introduce latency into the data. If you want to do online gaming, it'll suck big time. Also, keep in mind that this stuff is not cheap. About $600+ to install, plus over $80 per month for the two-way service. And they'll replace your current dish with a much larger one. You'll want the DirecDuo system to get both video and data.

Check out their site - it's a lot more comprehensive that what I can say here: http://www.direcpc.com/index2.html

To get the data to your computer, you can use an 802.11b wireless setup which I use at home to move data around my house. I recommend the Linksys access points (AP) and the Lucent / Orinoco wirless cards.

I was just looking through Hugh's site, and they state that you'd connect to the satellite router via USB, so you'll have to find out if they an alternate way such as 10BaseT to connect to the wireless AP.

 

Starband or DirecDuo are good services if you don't need these two abilities.

VPN into you're corporate network - latency is a killer on nearly all clients available

And online gaming. Very harsh over the sat.

If you're just interested in speedy downloads and general net surfing then its likely fine.

 

ISDN may be a better bet...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DaveZ
[B]To get the data to your computer, you can use an 802.11b wireless setup which I use at home to move data around my house.

 

Thanks to all of you that answered, esp. DaveZ. It will start me on my way.
I don't do on-line gaming, just need faster downloads, and I live way out of town. I expect they will put DSL service to my area in about 25 years. (when it's past its prime)
Thanks again.

 

Ever consider moving?

 

Availability of broadband will certainly be a driver for any future homes I purchase.

 

I would not move to a town that did not have broadband access...

 

Well, as I said, I don't live in town. I live in the quiet, spacious country, 1500 feet above the beautiful Napa Valley. I wouldn't trade it for all the Broadband in the world. That said, I still long for faster downloads.