Lets see now... 288/576 kbps rate...no download/upload limit....twisted pair work as well....the connection is permanently on, since it streams video and audio and has several conference connections as well.......it costs me per month....never had any trouble....with dial up or broadband...the "bloated software" isn't, and works quite well....and I don't get re-directs....
And as the helpline tells you, most problems are caused by the users pc....
Have you checked for spyware ?
Or adware ?
Or viruses ?
All those will cause you endless problems....and you may also have a nice little malware package that re-directs your dial-up via a premium rate line..
Or even a virus that spams the world to death via your connection...
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AOL Hell - how do I get out?
Sex God
Gotta agree with Jomu on this one . Weve have tried a few isp's and whilst they arent perfect theyre the best of a bad bunch . Their interface is simplest and their version of explorer works not only better than Mozilla , or netscape or Opera but even though its a pared down version of Explorer it works better ( who the fuck wants outlook express anyway) . They constantly update their software , they provide actual useful ISP content by far the best chat room interfaces anywhere and their pop up blockers are impregnable (they update automatically) . They filter out a very large amount of harmful spy and virus traffic , use their own language to run their software which makes them one of the hardest people to hack on the net and they actually have done something about spam filtering that doesnt involve installing your own software and sitting and clicking for hours o end a week .
For as long as we have used them they have been criticised , but there is an awful lot of "computer geek snobbery" about them . The people that used to run the internet (if you dont know who they are you'll find them on sites like " Unix Users Form") have never forgiven them for making the net easy for everyone to use - they are the same people who in the early days dissaproved of sending pictures , as pure text messages were "purer" . Its simple really , they are far and away the biggest there is and as a consequence they get far more people complaining - but for every posted complaint on the net ( and you'll find millions ) there are thousands who have just enjoyed using them for years like us .
Just an opinion , but before you change dont just take folks word for it , try and see if you can actually use a PC thats connected to someone elses " faultless ISP" and you'll see that its a bit like hairdressers , everyone thinks their is the best .
For as long as we have used them they have been criticised , but there is an awful lot of "computer geek snobbery" about them . The people that used to run the internet (if you dont know who they are you'll find them on sites like " Unix Users Form") have never forgiven them for making the net easy for everyone to use - they are the same people who in the early days dissaproved of sending pictures , as pure text messages were "purer" . Its simple really , they are far and away the biggest there is and as a consequence they get far more people complaining - but for every posted complaint on the net ( and you'll find millions ) there are thousands who have just enjoyed using them for years like us .
Just an opinion , but before you change dont just take folks word for it , try and see if you can actually use a PC thats connected to someone elses " faultless ISP" and you'll see that its a bit like hairdressers , everyone thinks their is the best .
Sex God
Quote by Marya
I'm resurrecting this thread 'cos I need a bit more advice and I don't want to start a whole new thread for what could turn out to be just 1 reply.
I've spoken to the AOL 'help' line and they reckon it's not their end that's the problem (well, they would say that wouldn't they?)
I've rung BT and they have done several checks on my phone-line that all came back OK.
It took 16 attempts to get online this evening. Each time, I got the message "the number dialled is busy". In the meantime, my phone rang :shock: and the person on the end said her phone had rung twice and when she dialled 1471 my number came up.
Call me thick, IT illiterate, whatever... just help me! Does this mean the problem could be with the modem?
If so, what now? Is it something I can sort myself or does it mean carting it round to a repair shop? More importantly; how much is it going to cost?
Thankyou, in advance xxx
Marya - seems unlikely to me that it'd be the modem that's the problem if it's returning 'the number dialled is busy' as that sounds like it's getting to the 'other end' but the server it's tryng to connect to, is unable to grant the connection.
In the unlikely event that it IS the modem, it'd probably be quicker and cheaper to get a new one as they aren't expensive these days.
To rule out the modem problem, I would try connecting to another ISP and if that works, it's not the modem. To do that however, you need a pay as you go account set up and to create a new dialup connection on the PC ... I've set one up for you and will PM/email you the settings.
Fingers crossed!
Sex God
I've been using Freeserve/Wannadoo pretty much since 'the beginning' and I've never had any problems with them to be honest in terms of the service ... I'd agree that the phone helpline is pretty shit though .
Orgasminator
Quote by J3diMast3r
I'd love to get broadband, but the packages that are available cheaply I either can't get, or wouldn't want (can't get 512k from Tiscali for some reason and I don't want anything to do with Wannado). Plus the fact that most of these packages are restricted to a certain amout you can dl.
I'll just wait another few months until Christmas when all the ISP's clamour for new buisness.
True, the package is limited to 2G ... but that's 2000M ... unless you download loads of movie trailers, would probably be ok ... and if anyone jumps in to say 2G is 2048M!!!
Xmas is only a few monthsa away, so as you say, may be worth holding on for a bit longer.
Well thats just explained a question that has been running in my mind since the new AOHell BB adverts... saying that there is no DL limit.
To be honest I didnt know any BB service had a DL limit so thought that the AOhell adverts was basically a US import and had no relationship to the UK... well there you go... The first time i'd ever found a BB provider that limited the downloads is the good old CRAP freeIServeWhenItFeelsLikeIT and now called WanaDoFeckAllFOrYou lolololol.
Give me good old NTL, heck you dont even need a phone line and for 22 a month you get 700K no limits bla bla bla. do taking out the usual phone rental of about 11 quid it works out at 12 a month (cos you'd have to pay the 11 for the phone if you have anything using BT lines) so not a bad deal... and heck they only feck up the DNS and cache once a month for a couple of hours, lol.
Pwesonally the sooner we are all part of the UanduSrcrewAll and leave the EuckUwankers the better.
<<<< Guess who has not had a good day and is finding comforting people in their hour of need when the 11th is coming up rather hard! ce-la-vie
Sex God
Sorry to kinda hijack your thread Marya 
I've had a look around and I quite fancy the
I'd like to get on the BB ladder, but (as usual) funds are very tight. I have other email addresses and don't need or want webspace at the moment, so TBH this seems the ideal cheap solution. BTW I pay £12:50 a month for Tesco anytime and that kicks you off after 2 hours or 10 mins unattended. Sometimes a tad annoying (especially when I'm DL something large and it's going to take over 2 hours.).
Oh and I have no interest on newsgroups either.
So guys any opinions on this package?
I've had a look around and I quite fancy the
I'd like to get on the BB ladder, but (as usual) funds are very tight. I have other email addresses and don't need or want webspace at the moment, so TBH this seems the ideal cheap solution. BTW I pay £12:50 a month for Tesco anytime and that kicks you off after 2 hours or 10 mins unattended. Sometimes a tad annoying (especially when I'm DL something large and it's going to take over 2 hours.).
Oh and I have no interest on newsgroups either.
So guys any opinions on this package?
It's not quite broadband, but it will be far quicker than dial up. Also, if you wanted at a later date, you're set up for even higher speeds without the need for any more equipment.
Only having 1 mailbox could be an irritation if there is more than one user of the computer, unless you're happy with webmail ( , operamail etc.) (Edit - but then you'd mentioned that - must...have....caffeine....)
It's important to note that your pc must be on a decent extension or plugged into the primary socket for the best results.
Only having 1 mailbox could be an irritation if there is more than one user of the computer, unless you're happy with webmail ( , operamail etc.) (Edit - but then you'd mentioned that - must...have....caffeine....)
It's important to note that your pc must be on a decent extension or plugged into the primary socket for the best results.
Sex God
Quote by JonJon
It's not quite broadband, but it will be far quicker than dial up. Also, if you wanted at a later date, you're set up for even higher speeds without the need for any more equipment.
Only having 1 mailbox could be an irritation if there is more than one user of the computer, unless you're happy with webmail ( , operamail etc.) (Edit - but then you'd mentioned that - must...have....caffeine....)
It's important to note that your pc must be on a decent extension or plugged into the primary socket for the best results.
Mail's fine as we have Tiscali and tesco accounts and I'll switch the Tesco's account to PAYG so that should keep the mailbox open.
'puters on a dedicated, professionally installed, extention direct from the main socket.
:beer: JonJon
I cant comment on that exact package , all I can tell you is that i have the solo 500 option and find it excellent. I have never had any downtime , ever. This is particulaly important as my 2 desktops and my laptop are connected on average for 16 hours per day , 7 days a week.
With regard to the customer support , I have only had cause to call them once (local rate number) , and once you get past the standard '' we are extremly busy , u may wish to check our website FAQ for help'' message they are very good.
The software that comes with it basically comprises of modem drivers only , with no 'bloatware' taking up disk space and ram resources ala AOL.
As Silk n G said , u will always find people saying good and bad things about every ISP , but the above is an honest account of my Pipex 'experience'.
With reference to AOL , I too found the software to be resource hungry , allthough i didnt have any downtime with them in fairness, but they were bloody dear!
And as for browsers , I dont think u can whack Mozilla Firefox.
Hope this helps
Cops
With regard to the customer support , I have only had cause to call them once (local rate number) , and once you get past the standard '' we are extremly busy , u may wish to check our website FAQ for help'' message they are very good.
The software that comes with it basically comprises of modem drivers only , with no 'bloatware' taking up disk space and ram resources ala AOL.
As Silk n G said , u will always find people saying good and bad things about every ISP , but the above is an honest account of my Pipex 'experience'.
With reference to AOL , I too found the software to be resource hungry , allthough i didnt have any downtime with them in fairness, but they were bloody dear!
And as for browsers , I dont think u can whack Mozilla Firefox.
Hope this helps
Cops
Quote by JonJon
GreatIf BT say you can have it you should be fine. You'll need a filter for every phone and for your adsl modem. They give you two in the pack, extras are likely to be cheaper in your local computer shop than the tenner Pipex charge.
just on that point , i bought some filters from ebay @ each. (p+p free) .
Orgasminator
A note about filters...
If you get interference on your telephone after switching to Broadband change your filter 1stas that is, in about 95% of cases, the problem. Cheap filters tend to last for only a short period before you start getting interference.
There are cheap and there are good filters, there are very few, if any, cheap AND good filters.
If you get interference on your telephone after switching to Broadband change your filter 1stas that is, in about 95% of cases, the problem. Cheap filters tend to last for only a short period before you start getting interference.
There are cheap and there are good filters, there are very few, if any, cheap AND good filters.
Orgasminator
A note about ADSL splitters, also called filters or microfilters.
The following may help:
The ADSL service is carried as a high-frequency signal on your ordinary phone line. This high-frequency signal is incompatible with your ordinary telephone and so a filter is required to keep the phone and ADSL signal apart.
It is possible to fit just one filter at the point where the phone line comes into your building, to do this you will need to wire in the Face Plate Splitter. This may not be the best option for you if your computer is not near to the main phone point as all of your extensions will be filtered.
An alternative strategy is to use a filter at each point where a phone is connected. If you plan to use this method the all-in-one splitter is more elegant than the cumbersome dangly-wires products available elsewhere, though these types will work just as well.
For those that understand these things or are into HiFi kit, the filter is just a high bypass filter
If anyone wants to know where to get the wall sockets with the filters incorporated PM me and I'll give you a couple of Internet addresses to check out.
The following may help:
The ADSL service is carried as a high-frequency signal on your ordinary phone line. This high-frequency signal is incompatible with your ordinary telephone and so a filter is required to keep the phone and ADSL signal apart.
It is possible to fit just one filter at the point where the phone line comes into your building, to do this you will need to wire in the Face Plate Splitter. This may not be the best option for you if your computer is not near to the main phone point as all of your extensions will be filtered.
An alternative strategy is to use a filter at each point where a phone is connected. If you plan to use this method the all-in-one splitter is more elegant than the cumbersome dangly-wires products available elsewhere, though these types will work just as well.
For those that understand these things or are into HiFi kit, the filter is just a high bypass filter
If anyone wants to know where to get the wall sockets with the filters incorporated PM me and I'll give you a couple of Internet addresses to check out.
:doh: 
It's all bloody Greek to me.
BIG thanks to those of you that have PM'd me in plain English. I WILL try out your suggestions and advice and get back to you all, asap.
In the meantime, if anyone wants to translate any of the above posts into language that a blonde 3-year old would comprehend, then feel free.
Now what? Do I stay online in case I can't get back on later OR sign off 'cos it'll only crash anyway....?
It's all bloody Greek to me.BIG thanks to those of you that have PM'd me in plain English. I WILL try out your suggestions and advice and get back to you all, asap.
In the meantime, if anyone wants to translate any of the above posts into language that a blonde 3-year old would comprehend, then feel free.
Now what? Do I stay online in case I can't get back on later OR sign off 'cos it'll only crash anyway....?
Judy, I'll jump in with an answer if I may
I think Blueyonder supply all their internet services via cable. The use of filters applies to ADSL, cable modems use a different system. So no, you shouldn't need any additional filters.
What I would suggest is, if they're accessible on your brand of handset, giving the battery contacts a good clean with a cotton bud and a bit of meths (avoiding getting it on any other surface). That's as common a cause of crackles as any. Others include tumble dryers and extractor fans, the motors cause interference.
I think Blueyonder supply all their internet services via cable. The use of filters applies to ADSL, cable modems use a different system. So no, you shouldn't need any additional filters.
What I would suggest is, if they're accessible on your brand of handset, giving the battery contacts a good clean with a cotton bud and a bit of meths (avoiding getting it on any other surface). That's as common a cause of crackles as any. Others include tumble dryers and extractor fans, the motors cause interference.
Sex God
Quote by Marya
:doh:
BIG thanks to those of you that have PM'd me in plain English. I WILL try out your suggestions and advice and get back to you all, asap.
In the meantime, if anyone wants to translate any of the above posts into language that a blonde 3-year old would comprehend, then feel free.
Now what? Do I stay online in case I can't get back on later OR sign off 'cos it'll only crash anyway....?
the broadband we're talking about uses your normal phone line, but to stop the "broadband" sound interfering with the "normal" sound (ie you talking on the phone) you have to fit fiters either on the first socket on the phone line when it comes into your house or on any of the phones that are connected to that line.
Judy. I'd say it may be worth changing the batteries in your cordless handset first. If they're 4 years old they're probably knackered. Are the phones DECT (digital)? If not it's worth the upgrade as we went from the old analogue type, to the digital ones and tbh it sounds like it's connected with a wire. It really is that good.
Of course it could just be interferance in which case the only way to stop it is to find out what's interfering. Flourescent tubes, boilers, ham radio, taxis/police/busses passing are all candidates as are nearby power lines. the list is endless tbh.
I doubt it's the BB connection, although I'm not ruling anything out, but I would have thought that the noise would be there all the time the BB is connected if it was that.
For those that understand these things or are into HiFi kit, the filter is just a high bypass filter
So it's a cap and a resister in a flashy box?
Orgasminator
There is another thing which could make your phone crackle. Water/damp in the connections. Though water/damp can make very loud crackles and bangs!
If you find that it only crackles during or after rain then that may be the answer. If it is, you would need to contact your Cable provider.
If you find that it only crackles during or after rain then that may be the answer. If it is, you would need to contact your Cable provider.
Sex God
Quote by JudyTV
There is another thing which could make your phone crackle. Water/damp in the connections. Though water/damp can make very loud crackles and bangs!
If you find that it only crackles during or after rain then that may be the answer. If it is, you would need to contact your Cable provider.
Aha,
Thanks john, I will take note of said weather conditions next time I have problems. It appears we can solve most problems on here, good here isn't it. Now, about my overdraft .............. :P
JudyTV
I thought you were part of the "Adopt a tranny" scheme? Surely you must be owed a couple of years pocket money by your adopter?
:lol: :lol: :lol: 
Sex God
i had no end of problems with AOL - had broadband from them and after having to reinstall the modem at least once a week I finally bombarded them with calls, they agreed eventually that the modem was faulty and that they would replace it (it came with their BB package)
2 weeks later and still very frustrated no new modem had arrived. I tried to get on the net one day and couldn't - by mistake one of their techies had cancelled the contract and put me back to dial up - This meant they had breached the contract and I immediately cancelled.
After looking around I went with virgin broadband - no contract, not the cheapest but I've never had a problem with them, thought I would have to buy a new modem but surprise surprise once away from AOL it's worked perfectly!
My dad is still with AOL and has loads of problems, I've told him to keep complaining but he can't be bothered
wouldn't reccommend anyone uses them.
Even after uninstalling their program I found over 220 files on the pc that were left over - the thin is like a virus and the left over files meant my new connection at first wouldn't work properly. Ended up having to reformat the hard drive in the end but it was worth it to be away from AOL
2 weeks later and still very frustrated no new modem had arrived. I tried to get on the net one day and couldn't - by mistake one of their techies had cancelled the contract and put me back to dial up - This meant they had breached the contract and I immediately cancelled.
After looking around I went with virgin broadband - no contract, not the cheapest but I've never had a problem with them, thought I would have to buy a new modem but surprise surprise once away from AOL it's worked perfectly!
My dad is still with AOL and has loads of problems, I've told him to keep complaining but he can't be bothered
wouldn't reccommend anyone uses them.
Even after uninstalling their program I found over 220 files on the pc that were left over - the thin is like a virus and the left over files meant my new connection at first wouldn't work properly. Ended up having to reformat the hard drive in the end but it was worth it to be away from AOL
Sex God
Ive counted quickly at least 12 different ISP's here reccomended as the best . So the hairdresser discription proves true . Long and short is , try em out and see which works best for you .
and this kinda bears it out as well
and this kinda bears it out as well
I'm absolutely [b]GUTTED!!!![/b]
Last night I tried out the PAYG dial up account to test my modem - kindly set up for me by J3di - thankyou, thankyou xxx
What a bugger!!!! It didn't connect. The message it gave was summat about the modem being faulty!!! Aaaaaaarrggh! :fuckinghell: This is so unfair! This means it really is my problem and not aol's so I can\'t get out of the goddam contract. 
The fact that it did connect this morning is irrelevant really, isn't it? Surely, it wouldn't have said the modem was at fault if that wasn't true.
I'm really really peed off. I hate aol! :kick:
...... I'm going off to the Davej Avatar Challenge to cheer myself up!
The fact that it did connect this morning is irrelevant really, isn't it? Surely, it wouldn't have said the modem was at fault if that wasn't true.
I'm really really peed off. I hate aol! :kick:
...... I'm going off to the Davej Avatar Challenge to cheer myself up! Quote by Marya
Thankyou, thankyou all.
So, basically, I need to ensure the problem isn't at my end, eg: Modem. If all is well, then I can start my letter-writing stuff, in the meantime, documenting any evidence. If I don't get any joy then I can take it further until I do.
Right. *sigh*
Arseholes OnLine.
I experienced lousy service with TiscaliBroadband, & it worried me that I had signed a 12 month contract. After 5-6 weeks I decided to do something about it, & sent a nice polite LETTER to their registered address, saying I was disgusted with their service, & that as they were clearly not fulfilling their end of the contract, I was not going to pay them any more. So notified my bank, & then signed up with another ISP. No problem (apart from the fact that, being broadband, it took weeks to finallly get set up again). Pick a "sensible" one, that does not involve using "their" browser, eg Demon, so you use Internet Explorer etc.
Quote by Marya
I feel like crying ... :cry:
Understandable
, but cheer up... things will get better. Look on the bright side. I had broadband, & it took me about 5 weeks to go from Tiscali, to being finally connected with Demon broadband!!! You have a dialup modem, so you can reconnect with another ISP very quickly. Just tell AOL to get stuffed, stop the payment through your bank, & move somewhere else. Life will get better.
You can hear the adsl carrier on a medium wave radio receiver...just tune around 800 khz (ish)...although there are many separate carriers....tune through the lot to about 1 megahertz...
The filters are bandstop filters, they "allow" the audio through on the POTS but block the radio frequency from returning to the phone...
As for AOL...like every other isp they have faults...but to be fair, the few problems I've had have been faults with the pc and not the service.
Dropped connections are invariably modem faults....and with dailup you can also have faults caused by malicious diallers downloaded, usually from porn sites, although some music sites seem to have major problems with them as well.
This pc is on 24/7, as I've said before...my BB costs me / month and gives me UNLIMITED downloads at a rate of 288/576.... megabytes downloads at peak times in 15 I just did it to see how fast it manages.
Bloatware, nice phrase. Must have been reading a pc mag...100 meg ain't massive...most windows software qualifies as bloated...written by people who can't code economically or accurately...which is why it crashes all the time...and is also where most problems arise anyway...give me linux....love those text geeks...I've also got a "private" data system which operates via radio, and also via piggyback on tcpip and inet..and is worldwide using text....I can connect to the usa in a second and "chat" without using the inet...no bloated html to confuse the issue (although some do use it...)
I only bothered with inet to get into this stuff....to see where all the tossers were getting their ideas from... !
(with any luck we'll be able to get a local bb running on 2.4 ghz soon....just in the village....the chinese sell the stuff at ridiculous prices...)
AOL HELL ?
Huh.
24/7 BB, no download limits, bb modem and 3 filters, video and audio downloads...all-de-time-running videoconference and no probs at all......for .....
Toss-cali ?
Ntl-hell ?
Pi(soff)pex ?
Somebody must be doing something right...
How many get rid of spyware every night ?
Check for viruses every night ?
Better still, clear the cookies out and also the temporary inet files ?
The filters are bandstop filters, they "allow" the audio through on the POTS but block the radio frequency from returning to the phone...
As for AOL...like every other isp they have faults...but to be fair, the few problems I've had have been faults with the pc and not the service.
Dropped connections are invariably modem faults....and with dailup you can also have faults caused by malicious diallers downloaded, usually from porn sites, although some music sites seem to have major problems with them as well.
This pc is on 24/7, as I've said before...my BB costs me / month and gives me UNLIMITED downloads at a rate of 288/576.... megabytes downloads at peak times in 15 I just did it to see how fast it manages.
Bloatware, nice phrase. Must have been reading a pc mag...100 meg ain't massive...most windows software qualifies as bloated...written by people who can't code economically or accurately...which is why it crashes all the time...and is also where most problems arise anyway...give me linux....love those text geeks...I've also got a "private" data system which operates via radio, and also via piggyback on tcpip and inet..and is worldwide using text....I can connect to the usa in a second and "chat" without using the inet...no bloated html to confuse the issue (although some do use it...)
I only bothered with inet to get into this stuff....to see where all the tossers were getting their ideas from... !
(with any luck we'll be able to get a local bb running on 2.4 ghz soon....just in the village....the chinese sell the stuff at ridiculous prices...)
AOL HELL ?
Huh.
24/7 BB, no download limits, bb modem and 3 filters, video and audio downloads...all-de-time-running videoconference and no probs at all......for .....
Toss-cali ?
Ntl-hell ?
Pi(soff)pex ?
Somebody must be doing something right...
How many get rid of spyware every night ?
Check for viruses every night ?
Better still, clear the cookies out and also the temporary inet files ?
Sex God
Blimey who cut your hair last time !!!
LOL
Seen J Seen !
LOL
Seen J Seen !
My two pennies worth on the subject...........
DON'T TOUCH WANADOO AT ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Their Customer Service is shite, you pay through the nose on a premium number. The other half's mum wanted BB, so after much deliberation she chose them - from day 1 loads of probs - lasted about a month (paying for the service as well), before s nice shitty letter / email was sent to them telling them how crap they were and as the service was non-existent and they were in breach of contract they can shove their 12 months where the sun doesn't shine.
Went with Telewest (Blueyonder) and took the phone, TV and BB package - think its about £30-40 a month. Fantastic service, lots of help ( as mum in law is pcliterate).
Personally will go this route once my BTOpenworld package has run it's course. The other half is on with Telewest and has just had a free upgrade to 1mb - so cannot be that bad.
Failing that, move in with us and we'll ensure you're regularly uploaded / downloaded or how ever you want to be loaded ;)
DON'T TOUCH WANADOO AT ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Their Customer Service is shite, you pay through the nose on a premium number. The other half's mum wanted BB, so after much deliberation she chose them - from day 1 loads of probs - lasted about a month (paying for the service as well), before s nice shitty letter / email was sent to them telling them how crap they were and as the service was non-existent and they were in breach of contract they can shove their 12 months where the sun doesn't shine.
Went with Telewest (Blueyonder) and took the phone, TV and BB package - think its about £30-40 a month. Fantastic service, lots of help ( as mum in law is pcliterate).
Personally will go this route once my BTOpenworld package has run it's course. The other half is on with Telewest and has just had a free upgrade to 1mb - so cannot be that bad.
Failing that, move in with us and we'll ensure you're regularly uploaded / downloaded or how ever you want to be loaded ;)
