🚀 go-pugleaf

Generally, a PCI card is better because they are able to engage in IRQ
sharing, meaning you don't have to have a dedicated IRQ free like you
would with an ISA card - in general.

Essentially - you don't need them to install *any* software
whatsoever, and it is usually harder to try and uninstall a
proprietary form of IE because IE 4.x and above are so closely
intertwined with Windoze to begin with.  In summary - other than
ethernet card drivers, the tech doesn't need to install any software -
the service will work just as good (probably better).

If you can afford the cost, go get a PCI ethernet card (3Com, Intel,
SMC are good brands).  If you install the ethernet card beforehand,
the only thing the tech will *need* (not *want*) to do is configure
the card (IP address, subnet mask, etc.)  and physically connect the
modem and the card.  

I'm kind of a rabid opponent of the @home data technicians (due to my
own personal experiences with them), but if you can swing it, after
the RF tech installs the modem to your wall jack, it might be better
to simply meet the data tech at the door, grab the configuration
sheet, and send him on his way - unfortunately, this may not be
possible.

Now - the tech who came out (erroneously) to *install* a cable modem
as a result of my trouble call on my existing modem instilled much
more confidence:  One guy, doing both the RF and the card/software
install, and capable of "talking shop" with me (i.e. signal strengths,
that the customer service techs seem to be brain-dead at times, etc.)

Oh well - good luck.

On Tue, 06 Jun 2000 23:55:33 GMT, curley498 <ask@me.com> wrote:

>Hi!
>
>I am getting a cable modem installed this friday, and I have a couple
>of questions.  I have an option of a PCI or ISA card to be installed
>and connected to the cable modem, and I am wondering which one is
>better, and why.
>
>Also, I have heard something about the @home service installing
>"spyware", and not to let them install it.  Is this true?  I won't be
>there during the installation, so is there a way to uninstall/block
>the software once it has been installed?  Will the service still work
>just as good if the technician doesn't installt the software?
>
>Thanks in advance for your help!
>Joe.