To all the people who know a thing or two about computers (which I don't):

I have a DSL connection, which works great. However, once in awhile, the internet goes down, although I'm unsure what happened. At first, I used to just run the start up CD again to get it to work right. Now, I've found out that if I just turn off the modem (and router) for ten seconds or so and restart the computer, it'll come back up fine. Does this just mean that when the internet goes down, something has happened with the phone lines or cables that it's connected to, like the wind or snow knocked it out for a second? Cuz it comes back up fine, and I'm just curious, because if it's as simple as that, there's no need for a frustrated Cobalt Kid to call up the DSL people at the wee hours of the morning. It's not really a problem, but it happens every once in awhile.

Anyone? Greybird? Gary?

Thanks, these computers are too complicated for my fragile grad school mind...

Cobie,

DSL or Direct Satellite Link, is succeptible to electro-magnetic disruption in the upper atmosphere. Thunderstorms and other weather conditions can and do disrupt the signal. If your satelite modem is set up properly you shouldn't have to do anything to regain your connection.

Ab, I doubt he's referring to satellite links [tho its possible]

The more common usage of DSL refers to [Asymmetric] Digital Subscriber Line ([A]DSL), which runs broadband over copper cables

OTOH, I don't know enough about either DSL to definitively actually answer the Q, but I'd presume its just a minor snafu with the equipment or software (given Windows, probably the latter...). I've got a cable modem (broadband over optical fibres), and have had similar problems on occasion. I tend just to disconnect the modem for a minute or so, then it tends to work okay.

Another problem for both cable and DSL is in area in which you live. The farther you are away from the main switch and the more users in your neighborhood or apartment complex the more often you lose or have a degraded connection.

I've been fortunate so far with my cable connection. No downtime I can think of and the only connection problem has been with the wireless connection to my laptop. I'm sure as the neighborhood we built in builds out more and more people take advantage of the cable modems I'll begin suffering similar problems.

A related question -- I'm planning to switch from dial-up to DSL or cable sometime in the near future.

Which one is generally preferable in terms of quality and value? Or does it vary from provider to provider?

Thanks!

Stu, it does vary per provider and area. I would check with both first to find out if they are available in your area. Then find out how far from the main switch you are and ask, if they will tell you, how many users are already in your neighborhood.

If price is a bigger factor for you, don't fall for their sign up bonus. Find out who is cheaper after equipment rental (or purchase) and then the monthly fee after the promo is over.

You want to go, if possible, with who ever has the higher speed and least number of users in your area. This will keep your connection speed faster and cause less downtime.

I prefer cable because its easier to set up and configure. But if all of your neighbors for a mile around are on it then it wouldn't be worth it.

Apart from the other comments, it occurred to me that your DSL provider may be losing its hold at some moments on accessing the Domain Name System (DNS), the Internet's address book. That happens for many reasons, but a DSL connection ought to have enough capacity to minimize it.

That may be why turning off and restarting the "modem" (it really isn't one) gets you going again. It not only gets a new connection going to the DNS, it also provides your fixed address to the DNS once again.

You DO have a piece of firewall software running, don't you, to minimize net.marauders' damage from finding that fixed address? If not, you can get a slew of recommendations around here, including free software. Your DSL provider very likely has sent some along already, as well.

Thanks, Scott! I'll ask around once I get to my new pad, and then figure out what'll work best for me there.