Any good articles on broadband for someone new?

[Ninepepper]

Wife is considering allowing us to spend $$ to upgrade to a broadband connection.

I have the option of going cable or dsl, although that is really not my question here. What I was hoping was someone could point me to a good web article concerning "broadband for beginners". I know my way around computers with upgrades and software, but I can't help but feel a little lost when it comes to the hardware necessary for a safe, and secure set up. I plan on only hooking up only this computer to the internet so I am not asking about a wireless/cabled network. (yet) I run Win XP Pro and have a pretty beefy system.

Article(s) that could explain some of the more elementary information would be helpful thanks!

P.S. Do I need (or should i desire) a router if all I am doing is connecting this one computer to the DSL/Cable? Is a second computer even necessary if you use a router?

 

[TheWart]

DSL Reports has tons of info.

 

[amdskip]

Originally posted by: TheWart
DSL Reports has tons of info.

 

[EeyoreX]

Originally posted by: amdskip

Originally posted by: TheWart
DSL Reports has tons of info.

Yup.
Another vote. Great site.

\Dan

 

[microAmp]

Originally posted by: Ninepepper

P.S. Do I need (or should i desire) a router if all I am doing is connecting this one computer to the DSL/Cable? Is a second computer even necessary if you use a router?

It would be recommened that you use some sort of firewall, be it software or hardware. A router would be a hardware firewall for you.

No you don't need a 2nd comptuer to use the router, one will do fine. But down the road when a 2nd computer becomes available to you then you don't have to worry about paying extra fees for a 2nd IP address.