I 've been on Telewest Broadband for - what? - 18 months. I too, now wonder how anyone has the patience to sit and use an ordinary telephone line when the Broadband option is available in their area.I could not go back to it now, I should just die of frustration!
I coughed up for the Telewest modem AND dedicated network card as I didn't want to possibly compromise the already-installed network card that talks to Hazel's ancient device downstairs and (occasionally) to my laptop. The nice man that seamlessly got me on line recommended that I do that and I figured that after that it was their fault if it failed. But - touch wood - it just works.
Time saved? A friend runs the same set up as me, but spends little time on the Internet, so steadfastly pays AOL sixteen quid a month (I believe) instead of twenty five for Broadband. The other day, I downloaded a software patch at her place and the same one at my place the next morning. Hers, 55 minutes, mine 2 minutes 50 seconds.
I kid you not.
But you really do need to have your ducks in a row on system security. I recommend live update Norton which catches and eliminates around TEN virus laden packages a day from the 100 or so spam I receive. I am a great believer in the ravages of thermic shock on chips, so my 'pooter is frequently on for days at a time. According to Those That Know, it is invisible and port inquiries phase it not - long may it continue!
Regards,
Kim Siddorn