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Choosing the extra hardware for your broadband connection

(see
http://www.adslguide.org.uk/guide/summary.asp)

USB ADSL modem

Many single-computer users currently connect using a USB modem.

Check whether your PC has a USB connection available.

USB connections generally came into use with Pentium 2 PCs and higher and with Windows 98 or higher.
USB support did actually become possible with later versions of Windows 95.
Which versions of Windows 95 support USB?
According to Intel's FAQ on USB only Windows 95 OSR2 or higher supports USB. To find out if what version of Windows 95 you are using, take the following steps:
1. From the Windows 95 desktop, right-click on MY COMPUTER
2. From the pop-up menu, left-click on PROPERTIES. This will display System Properties window.
3. Look for the version number underneath the text that says "Microsoft Windows 95"
4. The number displayed will tell you what version you are running:
4.00.950… Windows 95
4.00.950 A… Windows 95 with Service Pack 1 update
4.00.950 B… Windows 95 OSR 2 (OEM Release)
4.00.950 B… Windows OSR 2.1 is OSR 2 with USB support installed
4.00.950 C… Windows 95 OSR 2.5 (OEM Release)
Only the last two of the above versions provide any degree of USB support and generally, attempting to upgrade to USB is
not advised under Windows 95 (see for example,
http://www.usbman.com/Win95%20USB%20Guide.htm ).
USB is supported by Windows 98 Second Edition or a more recent Windows operating system.

PCI modem card

One alternative to USB connection is to use a PCI ADSL modem card - see e.g. the
ADSLGUIDE.

ADSL Router

For connecting more than one PC, there's a choice of networking possiblilities.

Using an ADSL router can avoid the need for the "server" PC to be switched-on whenever other PCs need to connect.

Wireless connection of networked PCs is the latest fashion and this also needs to be considered in case there's a problem to install network cables between PC locations.

(BT offer a network solution for two or more PCs which makes use of the existing telephone cables to connect between PCs, thus avoiding the need for additional network cables to be installed between the PC locations).

Remember to re-check that the Internet Provider's broadband service supports the type of connection that you want.

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