computer help: how can i switch to broad band from dial-up… my computer - Help.com

If by port you mean “plug” (i.e. where to plug in the cable), then buy an ethernet network card. They are dirt cheap at about $10 or so at any electronics store.

So you have dial-up then? You go in through a phone line? I have little knowledge, but I believe you need a cable modem.
Cable in, phone out. Simple right?

Yep, you’ll also need a cable modem of sort, usually provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Have you contacted any ISPs? They’ll usually give you all the details that you need.

you could always ask the Slowskys…

Love those friggin’ turtles. :)

Check with your Cable, or Phone Company. Most already have a broadband package that will come with the necessary NIC card, Modem, and Cables - as well as an install CD to make it easy.

For some, you may have to specifically request the NIC card - or potentially purchase one on your own (usually under $20, and I bought one once for Free w/ Rebate.)

You may have to remove the old Phone Modem to get the new NIC card in there, but a newer / modern system should have enough room for both. If you want to do FAX through your system, keep the old Phone Modem in there if possible.

If you stil require more help plaese give us your computer type and model and what kind of broad band connection you going to use.

Some ISPs offer Broadband modems that can use either USB connections or Ethernet (the one you don’t have). Ethernet connections are preferred but USB is a viable option.

It is a Gateway, Model: Glexatxstc Bro Essential 800c. I used it in my home with dial up and DSL, My son’s computer crashed and someone told him that this computer is to old to use with Cable internet. That’s all he has where he is living. They say it will not work on Broadband. Thanks for any advice or help.

If you have used DSL on the same system… then you can use Cable. Whomever said otherwise is simply wrong.

The Cable modem will plug into the computer exactly the same way (either Ethernet or USB cable). The CD you’ll get from the cable provider will setup your network connection (or you may get professional installation, so they’ll do it all for you).

The age of the system doesn’t matter in your case because you’ve used DSL previously, and for Cable you’ll use all the same hardware already in your system.

Thank you all, I was sure this was the case. You’ve all been a big help.