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A:  DSL is a service that offers Internet access that is up to 50 times faster than traditional 28.8 Kbps modem connections – cheap enough for individual users, yet powerful enough for businesses and LAN access.  Plus, DSL is an "always-on" connection, meaning just that: you’re always connected to the Internet.  "Instant" e-mail messages, no waiting for a connection and unlimited access.

DSL, Digital Subscriber Line technology is a new way to utilize your existing copper telephone lines (like the ones in your house or business) and deliver very high speed connections.  It works like your existing dial-up modem but without the slow dial-up part.  With DSL you are always connected directly to The Computer Works with your own secure, dedicated line.

A:  This is accomplished by multiplexing your telephone line into 3 separate bandwidths or frequencies.  Currently your voice is carried over the lower frequencies (30hz to 4khz) leaving the higher frequencies or bandwidth unused.  DSL technology has enabled us to utilize the higher frequencies for two way data transmission at very high speeds.  This way we can use the 300khz to 700khz band for upstream transmission and 1000khz and above for wide frequency, very high speed downstream service.  And since we are using the bandwidth your current phone doesn't, you can talk on your phone and surf the net at the same time.  With DSL you don't need to add an additional phone line!

Also by separating your voice and data into discrete channels, we can transfer the data portion over new, optimized packet or cell switched connections.  This is far superior and faster than using existing, congested "legacy" phone networks built 50 years ago for voice transmission (or telegraph) only.

Your DSL service from The Computer Works works by sending your requests (via your DSL modem) to the local telephone facility or Central Office.  At that point you are placed on our high speed dedicated data lines and are directed to our facility.

We in turn, verify your access and pipe you into the Internet.  Your internet data is returned to you in the reverse order.

A:  Need a new version of Microsoft Internet Explorer? ADSL is so fast it will cut the download time for a 12.3 MB file from over an hour on a 28.8 Kbps modem to less than five minutes.  At minimum speeds of 256k, it could be your ticket to speed on the Internet.  Online services like video streaming and web casts can become a reality.

A:  The Computer Works DSL is high-speed, always-on Internet access riding on top of a standard phone line.  Both voice and data can use the line at the same time.  A small device (called a splitter) separates the voice and data.  The voice goes to your regular phone.  The data goes to a DSL modem which connects to your PC or LAN via a 10BaseT Ethernet connection.  Data flows all the time, no matter if your phone is on or off the hook.

A:  The Computer Works DSL is perfect for people and businesses who want fast Internet access at affordable prices.  Users can benefit from the speed of DSL if they frequently download software and images from the Internet, want an "always-on" connection, or rely on fast delivery of e-mail.

DSL may not be the right choice if you need the utmost in reliability and guaranteed performance.  In that case, a Dedicated T1 is the best solution.  Also, you can't "dial-up" other destinations with DSL — it's a point to point service.  With a regular modem or ISDN, you can dial-up any service.  Whether it be an ISP, a remote corporate office or another ISDN modem.

A:  Cable modems rely on a network shared by all cable subscribers.  Thus when everyone is online you will notice a decrease in speed.  ADSL technology provides a dedicated connection from your home or business to the Internet.  Thus performance is not degraded during heavy traffic periods.  The opposite is true for cable modems.  Each cable user must compete for upstream and downstream data with all other cable subscribers.  Security is also a BIG issue here.  Cable modems broadcast information within their segments, this broadcasted traffic (e-mail, passwords, etc...) can be easily picked up by network sniffers within that same segment.  DSL technology does NOT allow broadcasting Internet traffic between other users on the network.

A:  If your telephone lines qualify for the service, it could save you a lot of time, and possibly money.  Downloads and browsing are obviously faster.  But there is no need for a second phone line because a DSL connection is delivered over your existing service.  You save the cost of that extra line.  The Computer Works will also extend the quality of Internet service they are already known for to this new DSL technology.

A:  For the time being, DSL from The Computer Works is only available for customers with AT&T or Windstream phone service in the central Arkansas LATA.  It also only runs on lines within a distance of approximately 2.5 miles to the nearest central office or remote DSLAM.

A:  That is where The Computer Works comes in.  We will be happy to take care of this for you and set the wheels in motion.  You can call us up or e-mail and we will work with AT&T and Windstream to see if your phone line is capable of supporting DSL.  Not only that, but we will order your circuit for you, and assist you with the installation.

A:  No.  Qualifying for DSL does not depend on whether or not your line is new or old.  It depends on the distance from your central office; how your line is provisioned; and whether or not there are any problems on the line that would interfere with the DSL technology.  Sometimes ordering a new line can circumvent some problems.  If your line isn't DSL-capable, we will work with you on exploring other options.

A:  The Computer Works DSL version is ADSL, where "A" stands for asymmetric.  This ADSL offering allows more customers to be reached, because it can be used over a wider range of phone lines than some other approaches.  However, it also means that the speed "up" to the Internet may be slower than the speed "down".

The majority of users, will never notice the difference.  However, it can have an impact on applications like video conferencing that require high speed connections in both directions.  If you intend to use these kinds of applications, The Computer Works recommends that you look into a dedicated "leased line" services like T1 or our Wireless Internet services.