Explaining Dial-Up Laggards Poor, retired, can't read or just don't care.... The Dallas Morning News takes a look at why people continue to use dial-up in an age of broadband. Many are low income or older, and retired before broadband became common in the workplace, resulting in them not seeing the need for speed. There's other reasons as well that don't get talked much about: Analysts doubt we'll ever get to universal broadband. Some people just aren't interested in the Internet; others will never learn to use it. And roughly one in five Americans struggles to read well enough for basic Internet use. While lack of competition in many areas is a big reason for the country's poor showing in broadband penetration rankings, another factor that's being increasingly discussed is that the nation's poor have no need for broadband if they can barely pay the rent.
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 | | From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... A few members of my family still have AOL and bitch to this day about the prices and the subpar product. They keep saying the will change... but have yet to do ANYTHING about it... | |
|  | | | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... said by evilt00l:A few members of my family still have AOL and bitch to this day about the prices and the subpar product. They keep saying the will change... but have yet to do ANYTHING about it... Or just don't care. | |
| |  bencPremium
join:2007-06-17
Glen Carbon, IL
 ·Charter
| Do they use dial-up?
If they want to switch to another dial-up ISP they can use Copper.net. It's cheap; $10 for unlimited use.
Although if it's possible to get it they should get 768kbps DSL for like $15-$20/mo.
I don't know how much AOL charges. Once I was an AOL dial-up customer, but when I stopped that was back when their software was version 4.0. I seem to remember it cost like $25 or so a month. I switched to another dial-up ISP, and in 2004 I switched to broadband (using dial-up as a back-up line). | |
| | | mobbo
join:2005-04-13
Denton, TX | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... Believe it or not, some people still on AOL dial-up think AOL is "the internet". I tried AOL back in the 90's and all those little pop-up screens with content, chat rooms, etc still confuse people into thinking THAT is the internet. I now work for a computer repair service part-time and I am shocked at the antique PC's that are still brought in to this day with no Ethernet port, 14.4Kbps modem, still running Win95, takes 5 minutes to boot, running so much spyware it takes up 85% of the CPU cycles... and this is a daily occurence.
America is dumb and lazy. Nothing new to report there. | |
| | | |  stevennbOk, But, Thats The Last Straw.Premium
join:2001-05-08
Wayne, NJ | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... "America is dumb and lazy. Nothing new to report there"
Generalize much? | |
| | | | | | | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... Just because it's a generalization doesn't mean it's not true. | |
| | | | |  leXicon5Pelosi, SHUT YOUR Fing Pie HolePremium
join:2000-12-27
Saint Louis, MO
1 edit | said by stevennb:"America is dumb and lazy. Nothing new to report there" Generalize much? Well the dumb part I take exception to. The lazy? Pretty much nails it. When the reports about the waistline of America continuing the grow keep coming out....well...thats freaking lazy.
But if you read the article....those that are not interested...probably were not interested in dial-up either. Snail mail and phone calls were the norm. The other segments of society, the poor, the illiterate....ya can't force people to go to broadband to suit YOUR needs.
Believe it or not, there ARE segments of society that could give not one rats ass about the internet let alone broadband. The reason it surprises, is the core group of friends that people hang with...people gravitate to like kinds. The tech heads, the nerds, the geeks, socialites, wallflowers, jocks etc...
If your core group doesn't do the internet, you most likely wont either.
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Every good app comes with a Help File...here's a novel concept...try clicking on the Help menu item? There's a good lad... | |
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| | | | | America is dumb and lazy because some use old computers and dial-up???? Maybe they have more important things going on in their lives. Maybe they don't care?
This may be a shock to you, but a lot of people's lives don't revolve around their computer.
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"I've learned that depression is merely anger without enthusiasm." | |
| | | | | | | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... If you maybe read the article, you'd have seen that 1 out of 5 Americans have problems reading at a BASIC level. That's 20% of the population -- and that is just plain pathetic. | |
| | | | | | | | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... A couple of things here:
1) I don't see a source for that stat (not that it matters much).
2) Are these (for English sites) people with English as a first language, or second, or third... (not that it matters much)
3) Regardless, it wouldn't make them dumb and lazy. (this is what matters)
4) The article also mentions people having trouble paying rent. Poor people have more important issues than broadband and simply may not have the opportunities that you have. See number 3.
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"I've learned that depression is merely anger without enthusiasm." | |
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| | |  TzaleProud Libertarian ConservativePremium
join:2004-01-06
NYC Metro | said by mobbo:Believe it or not, some people still on AOL dial-up think AOL is "the internet". I tried AOL back in the 90's and all those little pop-up screens with content, chat rooms, etc still confuse people into thinking THAT is the internet. I now work for a computer repair service part-time and I am shocked at the antique PC's that are still brought in to this day with no Ethernet port, 14.4Kbps modem, still running Win95, takes 5 minutes to boot, running so much spyware it takes up 85% of the CPU cycles... and this is a daily occurence. America is dumb and lazy. Nothing new to report there. I wouldn't generalize an entire country.... If it wasn't for America, the world would never have the internet... Or much of the technology we use today.
-Tzale
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"Do you do IT????" | |
| | | | |  bigunkGort, Klattu Birada Nikto
join:2001-02-10
USA | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... Get this straight once and for all. Al Gore invented the internet. Jeez. Yes, he's American (or he claims he is), but without Al Gore, we would still be rubbing sticks together to make fire. | |
| | | | | | | | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... Why does everyone think Al Gore said he invented the internet, he didn't. Anyway, some areas don't have it yet, sad but true. It is almost 2008!!! Atleast they are testing the broadband over power line thing in Texas somewhere, but you know how testing new stuff goes, it will be 5 years.  | |
| | | | | | | TzaleProud Libertarian ConservativePremium
join:2004-01-06
NYC Metro | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... said by Edward1978:Why does everyone think Al Gore said he invented the internet, he didn't. Anyway, some areas don't have it yet, sad but true. It is almost 2008!!! Atleast they are testing the broadband over power line thing in Texas somewhere, but you know how testing new stuff goes, it will be 5 years. BPL is a failure... It will never see widespread use. The future lies in FTTH.. Rural users will never see wired broadband anytime soon.
-Tzale | |
| | | | | | | |  Mac BridgerLate to the partyPremium
join:2001-01-11
West Newton, PA
 ·Cricket Broadband
·Comcast
1 edit | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... said by Tzale:said by Edward1978:Why does everyone think Al Gore said he invented the internet, he didn't. Anyway, some areas don't have it yet, sad but true. It is almost 2008!!! Atleast they are testing the broadband over power line thing in Texas somewhere, but you know how testing new stuff goes, it will be 5 years. BPL is a failure... It will never see widespread use. The future lies in FTTH.. Rural users will never see wired broadband anytime soon.-Tzale I fixed it for you. As long as broadband is privatized, rural users will not see the services. There's no profit in expanding to rural areas, and therefore won't be done.
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Fight Cancer! Join DSLR's Team Discovery | |
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| | | |  SamsungSucksInfinita TristezaPremium
join:2004-12-31
Japan Inc.
1 edit | said by Tzale:If it wasn't for America, the world would never have the internet... Or much of the technology we use today. -Tzale Really now? Ever heard of Operation Paperclip, for example?
Don't try to convince us that the US invented hot water and walking. | |
| | | | | | TzaleProud Libertarian ConservativePremium
join:2004-01-06
NYC Metro | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... said by SamsungSucks:said by Tzale:If it wasn't for America, the world would never have the internet... Or much of the technology we use today. -Tzale Really now? Ever heard of Operation Paperclip, for example? Don't try to convince us that the US invented hot water and walking. I don't need to convince you... Most Americans are well aware of the fact that foreigners (such as yourself) despise us... Frankly, we don't care... While the rest of the world was killing each other, Americans were thinking of new ways to make the world better. The greatness of your Japanese society is directly due to American innovation.
-Tzale | |
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1 edit | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... American's aren't killing each other? Wow man, stupid people really do breed. You are direct living proof. No wonder I tend to vote Democrat, I fully believe in abortion. Parents who have kids like you should do us all a favor and use birth control. At best, they should see their doctor and end the pregnancy, saving America the likes of dealing with your kind. Let me enlighten you, Americans kill each other at a rate of 20-23,000 per year with murder alone. Maybe you should check government statistics. I know, "dem big bad nummmers are super duper skary and all". It's alright, you serve as living proof to why this country is in the mess we're in. Also, you're a prime example of why people still use AOL. Ignorance breeds Ignorance. People so stuck in their ways, they are unwilling to step back and see things for what they really are. | |
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2 edits | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... See, Republicans go about it differently. They'd rather have loud mouthed jack asses such as yourself born so they can use you as running target practice. Same ending, different means to get there. | |
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2 edits | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... No Thanks. I don't need Dick Cheney shooting me. Loud mouth jack ass? Well I hate to burst your bubble, but the truth doesn't make you a loud mouth. It makes you accurate. One thing Republicans hate is the truth. Take any argument that concerns Religion, Gun Laws, or such, and nothing matters. They are right. It has to be "THEIR BIBLE", "THEIR FACTS", and "Their Reality". Obviously, everyone else in the world is wrong. By god they have to be, seeing everything that's gone so good in this country over the last six years (sarcasm). Let's see. War in Iraq (failure). Economy (Failure). Housing Market (Failure). Crime (on the rise)... O let's not forget a little history. How the Christians Murdered 100-200,000 Muslims during the Bosnian War. But hot damn, screw those Muslims, while ignoring your own past. Ah yes, those great love thy neighbor people (Christians). How cuddly are they with their genocide....So, here's a piece of truth, there's much more to life than skewed results and half assed remarks such as yours and the person above. It's called hard numbers. Try looking them up. So my friend, if you are considering me a loud mouth jackass, it's your right. Similar to my right to consider you a complete and utter idiot who would rather cherry pick data to make it fit your stupidity. How's that sound? Glad you agree. | |
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| | | | | | | | | He was referring to the early 20th century during WWI and WWII when the world was actually killing itself. During that time, you have intellectuals and innovators from war-torn Europe immigrating to the US. | |
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| | | | | I do customer/technical support for a website and its true how many ppl we need to have clear cookies or something and I direct them to IE to use internet options and they are like IE? whats IE? WOW I can open something OUTSIDE of AOL???? | |
| | | | | | | Re: From experiance with my family they are just to lazy... ^ 1 out of 5 | |
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| | |  burner50Helping Darwin WINPremium,VIP
join:2002-06-05
Cowtown
kudos:1
 ·inmotionhosting
| said by mobbo:America is dumb and lazy. Nothing new to report there. So move... I bet you dont vote either... | |
| | | |  Lil JonPremium
join:2006-06-26
Cincinnati, OH | said by mobbo:Believe it or not, some people still on AOL dial-up think AOL is "the internet". I tried AOL back in the 90's and all those little pop-up screens with content, chat rooms, etc still confuse people into thinking THAT is the internet. I now work for a computer repair service part-time and I am shocked at the antique PC's that are still brought in to this day with no Ethernet port, 14.4Kbps modem, still running Win95, takes 5 minutes to boot, running so much spyware it takes up 85% of the CPU cycles... and this is a daily occurence. America is dumb and lazy. Nothing new to report there. co-sign, this DSLR community only represents like....5% of the real world...most people arent tech savvy like us | |
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 MagManLife is simpler when you tell the truth.Premium
join:2003-10-01
Westlake, OH | Yes why! Why do people still use dialup.
It is like sitting in front of your computer and watching grass grow. | |
| | | |  Re: Yes why!
said by MagMan:Why do people still use dialup. It is like sitting in front of your computer and watching grass grow. After 5 years of getting sub-par service when a problem erupts with my cable company (broken feeds, servers down) I gave up with Charter here in the SE. AT&T has told me someday I will get DSL service here at my house, so till then, I watch the grass grow 
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Some people should'nt | |
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| | lol People still use dialup where broadband is not available, rural areas.
Some companies still use dialup as a back door to their servers for maintence.
Lazy people too.
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The Maxx
max dn 22mbps / max up 4.7mbps | |
| bencPremium
join:2007-06-17
Glen Carbon, IL Reviews:
·Charter
| There are other reasons... Of course, there are areas where the choice is dial-up or T1.
But there are those like me. My primary ISP isn't the best (Charter), so I have a dial-up account as a back up connection. My primary ISP hasn't given me any serious issues recently, but before the connection sometimes drops. Part of that is due to the fact it's cable (shared medium), part of it has to do with the fact my apartment has no DSL available, and part of it has to do with the fact that among cable companies, Charter seems to have a higher proportion of negative reviews, compared to other cable companies.
So...if the connection doesn't work well, I can fire up the dial-up and I'll be back in business.
However, since my primary connection is broadband, I don't know if the group I belong to counts as "laggards." | |
| | mobbo
join:2005-04-13
Denton, TX | Re: There are other reasons... I feel ya. I conviced my neighbor to drop dial-up and go with Charter. As expected, Charter made a terrible first impression with 2 missed install dates, dropped connections, and a modem that refused to sync because the install tech put the wrong MAC Address into the database. I'm sure she would have loved broadband if her first experience was anyone other than Charter, but I still feel bad. Sometimes I would rather have dial-up than Charter. | |
|
 RickPremium,MVM
join:2001-02-06
Waterbury, CT | I think there are other reasons as well.... I have this cousin..she's in her later 50's.
Not poor..not rich.
I'd consider her rather thrify..concerned about her money..because she's worked hard for it and knows the value of a dollar.
She's been a long time AOL dialup customer.
I DID convince her a few years ago to SWITCH to RR HSI.
What did she wind up doing?
Switching back to AOL dialup after a few months.
I've always found that rather interesting. Why someone would do that. And, I think the reasons are some that keep people on dialup to begin with. Actually, in retrospect..I feel I pressured her a bit more than maybe I should have. If I hadn't done that she never would have tried RR to begin with.
Why did she switch back? Here are the reasons I think.
First of all..the Price. At that point RR HSI was about 20.00 more per month than AOL dialup.
Second, she had some initial problems with her RR connection. We got it worked out but it left a mark on her and questioned it's reliability I think.
Third..and this is the big one..I think she simply left her comfort zone. Aol was it. It had made it's mark over the years. Was something that worked for her..worked well for what it was..something she was familiar with..knew how to navigate..and, in the end..something she was sorry she ever left.
Some more experienced users might argue against the value of a provider having a good portal themselves. I really disagree because it's not the dialup connection that captured her..it's the whole AOL experience. And that experience is something that's created not only in how fast we can connect, how stable a service is..but also in the community it creates.
I know now that that woman will die with the sounds of you've got mail ringing in her head. She'll never leave it again, unless they closed up shop on her.
And is she alone? Not on your life. It's why they still have millions of customers.
What's the moral to the story? Once someone makes it to the top...and builds that kind of years long loyalty..many people are not eager to switch. We're creatures of habit..and if the experience is a good one..or even if it's just acceptable..that is not conducive to people wanting to leave it.
Anyways...I hope she gets the last set of photos I emailed her.
I'm sure she was downloading them all night with a smile on her face.
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The Coyote captured the RR! Roadrunner Rick is now Comcastic! | |
| | bencPremium
join:2007-06-17
Glen Carbon, IL Reviews:
·Charter
| Re: I think there are other reasons as well.... How many years has she used it?
I relied on dial-up for 12 years, until it was just too slow. Nowadays I have dial-up as a back-up connection. You can get dial-up accounts for cheap, like $10 for unlimited usage. Cheaper is available, but I refuse to buy any kind of Internet service that isn't flat-rate.
You'd think 12 years is long enough to make an impression, and it did. But it just became too slow to use regularly. | |
| |  ansarSearch for HighSpeed
join:2004-12-10
Utica, MS | It's the end users fault now... *sigh* Haha, don't blame the lack of competition and geography for the lack of broadband penetration, blame the stupid end users.
Is this the latest excuse for not providing highspeed internet? | |
| | | | Re: I think there are other reasons as well.... First of all..the Price. At that point RR HSI was about 20.00 more per month than AOL dialup. You know Cable is pretty expensive compared to dial-up, but the telcos have these cheap 12.95 DSL packages might have been better for....oh wait..never mind, Rick.
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Hate your enemies. Save your friends. Find your place. Speak the truth. | |
| | | RickPremium,MVM
join:2001-02-06
Waterbury, CT | Re: I think there are other reasons as well.... said by asdfghjklzx5:First of all..the Price. At that point RR HSI was about 20.00 more per month than AOL dialup. You know Cable is pretty expensive compared to dial-up, but the telcos have these cheap 12.95 DSL packages might have been better for....oh wait..never mind, Rick. lol.
She wouldn't have taken that either. It was AOL that hooked her, not just faster connectivity.
Actually, she's REALLY happy now seeing aol now offers the option for much lower cost dialup. I showed her the keyword to get it..and she's been my biggest fan since.
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The Coyote captured the RR! Roadrunner Rick is now Comcastic! | |
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| | I have seen it way too many times There are many reasons.
Cost - HSI is about the same as a second line and dial up service. Some people simply do not want to pay for this. Even DSL (at $17.95/month) can be a hassle IF you can get it.
Speed - Not everyone sees the need for it. I have a friend who FINALLY agreed to get DSL (no cable at the time) and he spent the next 8 hours on the newsgroups.
Hassle - Getting cable or DSL can be a hassle since it is not always plug and play. Can be daunting to a new user.
People - As said before, not everyone wants to leave their comfort zone or some people simply do not care.
Look at cell phones. Some people love all the bells and whistles but some "older" people would prefer a simple phone that dials and nothing else. | |
| |  raydog1Feel SecurePremium
join:2003-07-10
La Vergne, TN | Re: I have seen it way too many times I've seen this too. Friends of the family who have both just retired, bought a brand new Lexus and a BMW, live in an expensive home. They ask if I can help with some PC problems they've been having. Essentially, their grandchildren have been downloading a bunch of porn/trojans and I spend hours cleaning/updating because they're on AOL dial-up.
In the end its working fine, but they decide to just go ahead and buy a new PC. No problem right? They're loaded! So I recommend getting Bellsouth DSL's bottom tier service so it doesn't take so long to update the next time they call me. Only cost another $10! I even offered to install it for them. They say, "No way! Why would we need that?"
Many people just don't see any problems with their dial-up service.
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| | | | | Re: I have seen it way too many times said by raydog1:I've seen this too. Friends of the family who have both just retired, bought a brand new Lexus and a BMW, live in an expensive home. They ask if I can help with some PC problems they've been having. Essentially, their grandchildren have been downloading a bunch of porn/trojans and I spend hours cleaning/updating because they're on AOL dial-up. In the end its working fine, but they decide to just go ahead and buy a new PC. No problem right? They're loaded! So I recommend getting Bellsouth DSL's bottom tier service so it doesn't take so long to update the next time they call me. Only cost another $10! I even offered to install it for them. They say, "No way! Why would we need that?" Many people just don't see any problems with their dial-up service. That's because THEY didn't have to deal with fixing the computer. They suckered you into doing it for them while they went and had a sandwich and watched tv. | |
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bencPremium
join:2007-06-17
Glen Carbon, IL Reviews:
·Charter
| I Do Suspect Though That More Will Switch...Eventually Why?
Consider the Windows updates. The Windows XP SP2 EXE file is about 260MB, that's the file where you can install SP2 without an Internet connection, and XP can be at "SP0" if you will, the file will upgrade the install to SP2.
To download 260MB over 45kbps (typical dial-up speed), it will take 13 hours, 8 minutes, and 52 seconds. That assumes a continuous connection and no variance, and that is NOT going to happen. Basically it takes two overnights to download it, assuming an overnight is 8 hours. This also doesn't include all of the other updates either.
I suspect the Vista SP1 EXE file will be much larger. I don't know how much that will be, but if it's 1GB, then it'll take 51 hours, 46 minutes, and 54 seconds. Or...7 overnights, a week.
My point is it takes forever, and it will not get better. | |
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See 7 replies to this post | |
| Reviews:
·Optimum Online
 ·Verizon Online DSL
| To each their own When I used AOL 3.0 it was a surreal experience, until cybersexing became cumbersome and unsatisfying.
Some people have a life, some hide behind the keyboard and monitor, and there's those who still do things the old-fashioned way.
I personally rely on technology for a lot of shit, but I can function without it. | |
| drakus
join:2002-07-12
Valparaiso, IN | Out in the Boondocks! Don't forget about the people out in the country where most can't get any kind of broadband cause the Telcos refuse to upgrade cause it is not cost efficient for them. Some are lucky to be able to get Wireless. Around by myself, the prices can be ridiculous for crappy service. I am lucky enough to be able to have decent and very good quality wireless service. Even with the $200 install and $50 per month, it is best in area. You do get free install if you sign up for a 3 year contract.
You can not get dsl - to far away, cable??? refuse to run lines down my street unless you want to pay $7 per foot and at a 4 1/2 mile run, i refuse to pay that.
So keep in mind that it is slow becuse of the rural areas not getting nothing hardly unless they are lucky!! | |
| garmst
join:2000-09-17
New York, NY | Why do some people....... Why do some people still use rotary phones?
Why do some people refuse to fly on airplanes?
Why do some people watch TV on 9inch screens?
Why do some people never leave their hometown?
Why do some people don't have cable TV?
Why do some people still listen to NPR?
Why do some people still walk to work?
Why do some people still wear leisure suits?
Why do some people still bowl?
Why does your Grandma still worry about you spending too many minutes on the phone?
Why do some people still use metal garbage cans?
Why do some people still have arranged marriages?
Why do some people still play records?
Why do some people still run Windows 98?
Why do some people................... | |
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See 7 replies to this post | |
| | Be Smart Bottom Line. Buy the Best Pipes You Can Get for the Dollar$$$.
I'm no suicidal buy I might be if I were ever forced to
go back to dial up! | |
| TzaleProud Libertarian ConservativePremium
join:2004-01-06
NYC Metro | Dialup has a place in some people's hearts Although I haven't used dialup in 6+ years, I do see the reasons why some people wouldn't change... Besides the obvious ones that were listed in this article, there are also reasons such as people who are traveling around the world and like the fact they can logon to the internet from practically anywhere with a phone line... You can't move broadband like that, and many places are still without WiFi...
If you are just checking your e-mail or surfing the web, I don't really see why dialup would be all that bad... Now if you are downloading attachments or using content heavy sites like YouTube, then I would say it isn't that useful anymore. But for business users, a 56kbps dialup connection is plenty fast...
My Dell Latitude D830 laptop that I purchased last week has a built in 56k modem.... So apparently business users are still reliant on this "archaic" technology... It's just useful, to be frank.
-Tzale
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"Do you do IT????" | |
| | | | Re: Dialup has a place in some people's hearts said by Tzale:............ My Dell Latitude D830 laptop that I purchased last week has a built in 56k modem.... So apparently business users are still reliant on this "archaic" technology... It's just useful, to be frank. -Tzale It could be that business users are reliant on the technology of dial-up. Or, it could be that they are like me and use their computer to send an occasional fax. Maybe it's a combination of both too. | |
| | | TzaleProud Libertarian ConservativePremium
join:2004-01-06
NYC Metro | Re: Dialup has a place in some people's hearts said by commbunch:said by Tzale:............ My Dell Latitude D830 laptop that I purchased last week has a built in 56k modem.... So apparently business users are still reliant on this "archaic" technology... It's just useful, to be frank. -Tzale It could be that business users are reliant on the technology of dial-up. Or, it could be that they are like me and use their computer to send an occasional fax. Maybe it's a combination of both too. Yeah, I never thought about that.. Very true.....
-Tzale
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"Do you do IT????" | |
|
Reviews:
·Stelera Wireless
| Because of... they are afraid of the future?
of the labels that the press has tagged broadband as?
afraid of change?
Most likely the last entry.
I managed to get Sprint EVDO service into my rural household. Being 1 mile outside their theoretical range, I consider 500/50 to be a near miracle. Dammed sight better than the 21.6, 26.4 Kbaud connect speeds, I'm getting kudos from the elders for my accomplishment.
Now i'm hearing the question "Why didn't we switch sooner?"
*sigh*
Main reasons being that we're out on the last mile for cable (charter, go figure).
at&t, forget it, I'll most likely be dead and fertilizer before they complete the rollout to my neighborhood.
Wireless, would need a mast 65 foot tall to get over the Live Oak trees. | |
| scooper
join:2000-07-11
Youngsville, NC
kudos:2 Reviews:
·Time Warner Cable
·Embarq Now Centu..
| When we moved into this house in 1995 .. There was no such thing as broadband internet. We ordered 2 phonelines because we spent THAT much time online.
Then came DSL - always on connection, 10 times faster, same price as the 2nd phoneline / dialup ISP. We were hooked instantly .
Now over the years, Sprint / Embarq has made faster speeds at a more reasonable cost. I COULD switch to TWC RR, but what would it REALLY get me ? No static IP on residential accounts (yes, I have one). Practicality on faster speeds ? - Please, our 3M download is plenty fast for most everything that we really use.
Granted - we're probably not "Usual" users either, like most of you. | |
| |  MrMoodyFree range slavePremium
join:2002-09-03
Smithfield, NC | Re: When we moved into this house in 1995 .. said by scooper:I COULD switch to TWC RR, but what would it REALLY get me ? No static IP on residential accounts (yes, I have one). Practicality on faster speeds ? Get your neighbors on TWC to run speed tests, and you will quickly discover that your Embarq is actually faster. It's why I switched. Then RR sends me flyers claiming, "Faster than DSL!" What a joke.
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"It is a future in which globalization really does work ... and everybody winds up getting to be part of the third world." - William Gibson | |
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| | Why Dialup... My father who by the way is 85 years old spends some portion of each year in three different towns all in different states. Dialup via AOL has been his best and easiest solution. He actually gets good service and has had virtually no problems. He packs his laptop thru the airport, alters his connect number when he gets to his new location and never misses a beat. | |
| | | because they don't need broadband? many people on dialup simply check their email and visit a handful of their favorite websites (ebay, recipes online, etc).
my grandparents have a low end computer (512mb ram, 64mb vid card, 1.5ghz cpu) i built for them and i would not want them to have broadband. they're simply not ready for it.
i visit them quite often and check on their system as needed. they know to have the antivirus update a few times a week and to keep the firewall running.
at first there were lots of questions but in the past few months they have been happily emailing familiy members, instant messaging, and (the best part) getting awesome recipes for us all to sample.
then there is the other reason why people use dialup. there either is no alternative or they do not like the alternative. i left DIRECWAY to go back to dialup. dialup that would not connect any faster than 28.8 at that.
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The statement below is true.
The statement above is false. | |
| | | | Re: because they don't need broadband? I know people who still go to the library to get online. Sometimes, its a matter of economics and sometimes, its because they have no use for a computer. So many people only use the Internet to, as you said, surf a few sites and check email. Shoot, on any given week thats all I do too. | |
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| | I would Love to have broadband! Verizon will not install it! I live just outside of Delhi, NY all around me there is broadband, either Cable or DSL. But not where I live, one mile down the road both are available. DSL is from a local phone company called The Delhi Phone Company and then there is Time Warner with cable. But I have no cable or DSL why? Time Warner says not enough people in a rural area and the phone company I have! Verizon, they wont put in DSL, it just pisses me off to no end. The phone system where I live is not even good enough for dial-up the fastest speed you can get is 26,400. I asked a Verizon repairman once what was up? He told me the system is a mix of analog and digital and that Verizon will not put any money into the system, because they have been trying to sell this area for years. So what can I do? Wait for Verizon Wireless to turn on the wireless broadband, which I was told we be turned on before the end of the year or get a Dish from Hughes net or Wildblue? They all limit the Download to 5 gigs a month and if you go over that they can cancel the service to cut back your speed. All cost way too much and give you way to little and hold you back, if you D/L a movie or use it like you want they could kill your service which stinks! So living in a rural area sucks if you want broadband.
Victor | |
| ncbillPremium
join:2007-01-23
Winston Salem, NC Reviews:
·AT&T Southeast
| Price Even here in the city, only recently have you been able to get lower-speed broadband tiers (e.g. 768K for $15-$20/month)
Before that your choice was to pay $50/month to either the cable or phone company (one tier broadband)
And dialup's still getting cheaper.
Forget $10/month, try $40/year:
»www.vtisp.com/index.shtml | |
| | | dial up dial up is the ONLY thing i can get! (at home) Go Wifi | |
| | wvcaverPremium
join:2005-04-17
Millersburg, OH | Re: dial up What's dial up ? | |
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