1/14    I am getting DSL for the first time.  The instruction from SBC says
        that I have to install stuff from their CD and leave the modem on for
        10 days for them to "maximize the speed."  I don't really want to
        install their custom browser and god-knows-what.  Can I just ignore
        their instructions and still get the highest speed possible?
        \_ do the entire install, then afterward, just use the EnterNet
           shortcut to get your computer on the net.
        \_ Yes, but you need to buy a router. You also need to have an
           external modem. You will need to check if it's USB or Ethernet.
           If you insist on a direct PC
           connection you can get away with only installing the
           Enternet software. However, using software to connect
           to ADSL PPOE is just eating up mem and cpu cycles. Oh,
           and you do have to install the software at least ONCE to
           establish your new DSL account login unless you have
           an existing sbc/yahoo account that works. You can email
           me if you need more detailed instructions. -williamc
        \_ you do not need to install their crap if you have XP.
           \_You do if you don't already have an existing account. You
             need to login somehow with their software the first time
             and fill out the registration crap. Then just deepsix it.
           otherwise if you don't have XP, good luck, since SBC-
           Yahoo fucked my computer up. had to reinstall everything
           after I installed their lousy software.
          \_ You can ignore it.  If you're going to configure your router to
             dial the PPP link, you need to rember that your username is not
             'johnqsodan' but actually 'johnqsodan@sbcglobal.net'.  Also, config
              your router to use DHCP.
             \_Technically, this isn't really necessary. You can use a static
               IP Address if you so desire (very useful for running things
               like Solaris or Linux where you want a static IP so you can
               ftp to the boxes, etc.).
             Alternately, just use whatever PPP dialer your OS has and use DHCP
             I don't know if it matters if you leave it connected for 10 days,
             but if you're using a router, that shouldn't be too inconvenient.
        \_ I'd strongly suggest a cheap firewall/NAT/router box.  You can even
           get a wireless one for about $60-$70, and it greatly simplifies the
           process.
           \_ I recommend the D-Link DI-624
              \_ if their wireless cards give any indication of the performance
                 of their other products, i'll never buy dlink again.
              \_ Isn't that one of the models that suffers from the constant
                 dropping of ssh terms? (after 15 minutes of inactivity)?
          \_ Make sure that they give you the ethernet DSL modem, and NOT the
             USB crap. The EnterNet s/w will mess up your computer, no doubt
             about that. Uninstall as soon as possible. Ditto the advice on
             buying a router. Get one with a hardware-based firewall with a
             packet inspector thingie (e.g. SMC). Wireless is great, too,
             but get ZoneAlarm Pro or similar.
        \_ Wow, what a fucking mess!  I've got a cable modem and never had to
           worry, know, or think about any of this shit.  They plug in the
           box, make sure it can ping, and get the fuck out of my house.  No
           login crap, no stupid software, no custom anything.  It just works.
           \_ here, here. But they're paying 40% less than you are.
              What's the deal with PPPoE anyway? Why does SBC use it?
              \_ I'm paying $45/month which includes the hardware rental.  When
                 the standard changed and I needed a new box, they swapped it
                 out as part of the service (ie: free).  40% less/month but
                 dealing with all that bullshit doesn't look worth it.  I truly
                 have always-on.  No login.  No PPPoe.  No account.  And I can
                 plug in more devices into the same switch my cable modem is
                 plugged into, turn on dhcp and they all get their own valid
                 public IP addresses with no extra billing or bullshit.  How
                 much exactly does DSL cost these days?  Last I knew it was
                 about the same as cable.
                 \_ $26.95/month for SBC-Yahoo DSL, free dsl-modem
                    self-install kit, no set up charge, 1-year contract
                    You ought to call your cable company, ask to be
                    matched to the DSL price, else claim you might switch
                      \_ I think you have to agree to use SBC for local toll or
                         long-distance to get that deal.
                         \_ No. At least not in Bay Area, CA
                    \_ Isn't this total crap, like 356k download?
                       \_ My cable rate is 1.5 down and 256k up.  What is this
                          $27/month DSL rate proving for speed?
        \_ Thanks for all the replies!  Actually I use a mac.  Does the rest
           of the advices above all apply to Mac as well?  Can I login the
           the 1st time service with a router instead of directly?  (I ask
           because there does not seem to be a way to change MAC address,
           and self-install is not supported for a router connection.)
        \_ Install the stuff, register, get your PPPoE account *AND* the
           yahoo freebies (bigger email inbox, yahoo web-mail etc.)
           then uninstall the SBC software and do PPPoE thru a
             Linksys/Dlink router (and it gives you a firewall & allows you to
             share the broadband connection, very cheap now $20-40 with rebate).
           You can also use their SBC web-site to register instead of loading
           the software, or if you get a clueful fone-support tech, they
           can do it for you. BTW,the SBC install software is buggy and
           can hang at the very last step, but you can just ignore that part.
           \_ and after you leave their dsl service, will they turn off your
              yahoo account like aol does with screen names?
           \_ Why does SBC ask new user  "leave the DSL modem (not the
              computer) on for 10 days after first use" to "maximize speed"?
              What can that do?