Frequently Asked Questions

Arcade

Q:

Is there a noticeable difference between the leafswitch and microswitch joysticks?
I noticed you had a problem with Wico. I wanted a leafswitch joystick. Is there a noticeable difference between the leafswitch and microswitch joysticks? Is there really a difference in the feel?

Thanks,
David

A:

There is a very noticeable sensation as the microswitch compresses and make contact. You will feel a difference with leafswitches and you will like them better. I do.

Alternate sources for leafswitch joysticks are:

  1. eBay (New and Used)
  2. Any local Arcade Operator (Mostly Used) But do ask them!
  3. Bob Roberts
  4. Video Connection

    And there are more!

You can also take your chances with Wico as they are under new ownership. But they are forever on my black list…

Cable, DSL, and Router

Q:

Did you make the switch to cable and if so why and what are your results?

You had posted that you were switching from DSL to Cable. Did you make the switch and if so why and what are your results?

A:

Yes I did.
I now have a COX cable modem with residential service. I had a BellSouth ADSL BRIDGED connection. The Bridged connection is supposed to be 3% faster than PPPoE but is no longer available.

Here’s how they compare:

Inbound speed…
BellSouth: 155kBytes/sec maximum incoming
COX: 133kBytes/sec maximum incoming

Outbound speed…
BellSouth: 28kBytes/sec maximum outgoing
COX: 16kBytes/sec maximum outgoing

Price…
BellSouth: $45 a month (was on a special)
COX: $15 (was on a special for 6 months)

Downtime…
BellSouth: Down about 6 times in 2 years.
COX: Down about 6 times in first 2 weeks. (Everytime cable goes out)

Connecting a router…
BellSouth: Setting up PPPoE on router is easy.
COX: Just plug the router in….

Support…
BellSouth: Phone support absolutely sucks!
COX: So far every call was quick and helpfull. (They have online support to where you can chat with them)

Bottom line…
It’s $15 a month. I’ll stay here for a while.

Update…
COX jacked up the price 3 or 4 times after the special was over. They’re gone. BellSouth is back.

Second update…
BellSouth released “DSL Extreme”. Speed is now 3 Mbps incoming and 384 kbps outgoing. Static IP Address.
AND THE BASTARDS BLOCKED PORT 25 (SMTP) OUTGOING. YOU WILL NOT SEND EMAIL UNLESS YOU USE THEIR SERVERS. Support continues to be crap. The sales group has went downhill as well. But until LUS runs fiber optics to everyone’s house, what are you going to do?

Q:

My DSL and router aren’t working. What should I check?

A:

Before calling support you should check:

  1. Power the modem off and back on. If the Line Sync light comes on steady, the modem is connected. If not check your wires and so forth. I have repaired many DSL connections by simply pushing the connector ALL THE WAY into the phone jack.
  2. Power router off and back on. Then try to connect to anything. If you can’t then connect to the modem and check the status page.
  3. If you can’t connect to the router, check the network cables. Run WINIPCFG and see if you a valid IP address. (IPCONFIG on NT and XP)
  4. Try Pinging the router.

Q:

Does anyone make a router that will accept a USB connection from the modem?

A friend of mine has an Alcatel USB modem and wants to network two computers together to use it. Does anyone make a router that will accept a USB connection from the modem?

A:

As far as I know, no. The USB router that Linksys makes connects to a PC via USB but still uses Ethernet for connection to the modem.

The only way I know of to share a USB modem is to use Internet Connection Sharing in Windows 98SE (or newer). Use a third party NAT or software router product. Or use Linux and configure a router (not easy with USB or so I’m told).

You may be able to get an installer to swap it out (used to work) or purchase one. Last I heard BellSouth wanted $160 for an Ethernet modem.

Q:

Do I need the PPPoE software after I install a router?

A:

No. The software is used for the PPPoE connection which the router does for you.

Q:

I keep getting a window that says I am NOT connected when I am.

I keep getting a window that says I am NOT connected when I am. I keep having to “x” the window out, only to have it pop up again.

A:

In Internet Explorer:
Tools -> Internet Options -> Connections Tab then select “Never dial a connection”

Or
Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Internet Options -> Connections Tab then select “Never dial a connection”

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