dial-up connection accelerators, anyone know anything?

[muz]

I've read conflicting reports. I have had cable for over 3 years and want to dump and use one of these if they are good, thanks

 

[jpm121]

They aren't any good at all. They don't really accelerate the speed of the connection -- basically they are just a proxy server that goes out and does your browsing for you, so your PC actually downloads stuff from a very close source (network-wise).

Another trick they use is to strip detail out of graphics and pictures so they are smaller files -- but then a photograph comes out looking like junk - few colors and fuzzy.

All you have to do is try to download a large file or game or something, and you'll see that it's exactly the same speed as regular dialup.

 

[muz]

thanks, I was somewhat familiar with some of the paticulars, but didn't know if they could still pull it off.

I've had cable for 3 yrs and I am going to drop it, what would you recommend I try for a fast connection besides dsl or a dish. thanks

 

[jpm121]

Your choices are pretty much limited, unless you're talking about a business class SDSL or T1 service. For a typical home user cable or DSL is the best deal out there. You may find a wireless ISP in your area but they are often (a) more expensive than cable and (b) less reliable.

Just curious -- why are you ditching cable?