Comcast High-Speed Internet

[APerfectCicle]

I'm going to be getting comcast soon and I had a few questions. I'd figure to ask some here rather than make the conversation with their represenitive really long.

Well, I'm not sure if I need an NIC, I have an HP Pavillion mx75 computer. If I did need the NIC, does comcast provide it in the self-installation kit? If not, around how much do they cost and where can you buy one?

After connecting all the cables and such and installed the program, does the service automatically start? Or do you have to call in to activate it or something along those lines. [ Hopefully the installation is easy. x.x; ]

I was also read the FAQ on their site, and it said that the cables must be Date over cable service, how do I know if mine are? If they're not, do we have to call them for them come install one?

Also, I'm only 15 and don't know much about computers. Neither do my parents, so thats why I came here, so can you guys please explain everything in simplest form?

-Thank you.

[DeffeningRock]

Ah, I recently switched to Comcast.

You will not need a NIC, the modems they provide are USB compatable.

An important note, however. This is the proper way to install your modem:

Before connecting anything, install the software provided.
Connect the modem to the computer, either through USB or NIC.
Connect the cable to the modem.
Plug the modem into it's power source.

Afterwards, proceed with the connection setup that was started with the software install.

If after this, the setup program seems to not recognize any available channels, you may need to contact Comcast and have a serviceperson update your wiring. A lot of older splitters still in use in cabled homes are not compatable with broadband and will "block" the internet channel.

Good Luck!

[APerfectCicle]

Originally Posted by DeffeningRock

Ah, I recently switched to Comcast.

You will not need a NIC, the modems they provide are USB compatable.

An important note, however. This is the proper way to install your modem:

Before connecting anything, install the software provided.
Connect the modem to the computer, either through USB or NIC.
Connect the cable to the modem.
Plug the modem into it's power source.

Afterwards, proceed with the connection setup that was started with the software install.

If after this, the setup program seems to not recognize any available channels, you may need to contact Comcast and have a serviceperson update your wiring. A lot of older splitters still in use in cabled homes are not compatable with broadband and will "block" the internet channel.

Good Luck!

Around how long does shipping usually take? And are the USB connectors usually in the front of the hard drive or the back? On mine the are some in the front and it says USB 2.0, is that where I connect it?

[Fox]

They'll usually come to your house to install it. Otherwise, I guess they'd just ship it ground.

A USB Connector:

[johnwill]

If you use the Ethernet connection to the Comcast modem, you don't need any of their installation software. Windows in it's default configuration will connect to a Comcast DOCSIS compliant modem with no changes.

FWIW, I'd STRONGLY suggest you install a firewall before firing up your computer connected directly to a broadband modem. The average time for you to get hit by an Internet worm or virus on an unprotected system is around six minutes.

[DeffeningRock]

Actually, I was able to pick up my modem upon setting up my account at the Comcast office in Laurel, MS. Costed roughly $40.

USB ports may be located anywhere on your computer, depending on the case and/or motherboard's design. Some have PCI cards that increase the number of available ports.

One of my computers, for example, has 2 ports on the front, 3 in the back, and it's OEM keyboard has an extra 2. I also use USB routers for all my other hardware when needed.

For ease and confidence, you may refer to your computer's operation manual for specific information related to it's USB ports.

Good Luck!

[APerfectCicle]

Originally Posted by johnwill

If you use the Ethernet connection to the Comcast modem, you don't need any of their installation software. Windows in it's default configuration will connect to a Comcast DOCSIS compliant modem with no changes.

FWIW, I'd STRONGLY suggest you install a firewall before firing up your computer connected directly to a broadband modem. The average time for you to get hit by an Internet worm or virus on an unprotected system is around six minutes.

By not needing to install the software, do you mean to just connect the modem to my computer, the cable plug, call in and I'm set? What excatly does the software do?

And Fox, I know that they can come to your house to install it, but it costes extra, and I don't want to waste money on somethin I can possibly do. My friend's father offered to help if I got stuck on something, so, I'll see how it goes. Thanks everyone, by the way.

[johnwill]

That's correct, the default configuration for Windows is DHCP enabled to automatically assign IP and DNS addresses, that's all that Comcast needs for the DOCSIS modem to connect. I have installed lots of cable and DSL accounts, and I never let their installation CD anywhere close to the machine! If you use the USB, you'll have to install their USB modem drivers, but Ethernet is a better way to connect networks anyway...