Safari - Internet - ISP

Question

Level 1

4 points

Safari - Internet - ISP

I am having all sorts of problems with Safari and have a question about the internet. Currently, I have Earthlink which is driving me crazy with dropped connections with either ethernet or Airport Express I have to restart approximately every 15 minutes. Is this Safari or Earthlink? I am considering dumping Earthlink.

My question: Do I need an ISP? Can I just sign up with the telephone for a broadband connection and go from there? I already have e-mail addresses not connected with Earthlink.

Sorry to be so clueless! But . . . I am going to have to do something.

Thanks for your help.

Tricia

MacBook 2.1, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Jan 9, 2009 12:46 PM

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Answer 1

Mulder

Level 6

8,990 points

Jan 9, 2009 1:04 PM in response to avspatti

Is this Safari or Earthlink?

It's Earthlink, most commonly because of a dialup connection.

Do I need an ISP? Can I just sign up with the telephone for a broadband connection and go from there?

Yes, you need an ISP; otherwise you couldn't access the Internet. That doesn't mean you need two ISPs. You could have your ISP be your phone company if they offer DSL of at least 1.5 MBps for a decent price, or you could signup with your cable or satellite TV provider. They usually have a special price for 3-6 months for new customers, but be sure you're willing to pay the regular price when the promotion expires.

Mulder

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Answer 2

avspatti Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 9, 2009 1:53 PM in response to Mulder

I have DSL so does your comment about the dial up connection still apply? Is there any way to fix that?

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Answer 3

Mulder

Level 6

8,990 points

Jan 9, 2009 1:58 PM in response to avspatti

If you already have DSL, my comment still applies, because the problem is most common with dialup connections. But clearly this seems to be an Earthlink issue (or more likely, with any connection software they might force you to use to make the initial connection). So if you don't like Earthlink or their problems, or their price, see what your telco or satellite or cable TV providers offer you in terms of speed, price, and support and pick the one you prefer.

Mulder

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Answer 4

avspatti Author

Level 1

4 points

Jan 9, 2009 2:09 PM in response to Mulder

Thanks. I'll check some of your suggestions.

Tricia

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