Optimum Online earned its A
Written: Dec 26 '02 (Updated Dec 29 '02)
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Pros: Ease of Use; ease of payment; better deal than DSL
Cons: May not be easy to install for the computer-unsavvy
The Bottom Line: Optimum Online provides the best in Internet Access through its broadband cable service. Once you use this; you'll never go back to dial-up!
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| aldofro's Full Review: Cablevision Optimum Online (CT/NY) |
For two years, I had the comfort of being "coddled" by AOL for my internet service needs. However, after repeated increased monthly fees over its phone-line use, and especially the painfully-slow-at-times 56k modem, I realized I wasn't getting my moneysworth from America On Line. Verizon had been offering DSL service in my area ( New Rochelle, NY ) but at a steep price of $49.99 per month and with no guarantee of its high-speed claims. Since the free- ISP debacle left me with limited choices, I decided on the recent offer made by Cablevision with its Optimum Online Cable Internet Service. Optimum Online provided me with a free modem for as long as I used the service. There was no set-up fees, no connection fees, NO CONTRACTS ( you're not tied down to be obliged to keep paying for this service for a set amount of time! ), or any another fees except the monthly fee of $39.99 since I was already a Cablevision cable television subscriber. In the event, I no longer wanted this service, all I had to do was to notify Cablevision to cancel the service and to return the cable modem with no penalty fees ( Very much like returning the cable box when one cancels the cable-TV service ). Getting this set-up was easy since it was available at The Wiz ( owned by Cablevision, conveniently ) electronics store. The Wiz stores all have Cablevision departments where one can do Cablevision/Optimum Online business all in one place. Optimum Online provided me with a kit ( Cable modem, instruction manual, cable to connect computer to modem, CD-ROM set-up disk, and easy to follow Set-Up booklet ).
Set-up can be a bit daunting for those who may not be too familiar with network and/or modem set-ups. Also your computer should already have a network PC card installed if you don't have/or want to use an available USB port. These network cards can be bought at a resonable price at CompUSA or any another place that sell computer hardware ( Check advertisements for sales! ). If you should have any difficulty with set-up, Optimum Online provides with telephone assistance to guide you through the steps.
IMPORTANT TIP: Make sure your computer is properly prepared to handle this new set-up ( see the manual ). BACK UP your computer files BEFORE making any attempt to install anything of this nature. And OPTIMIZE your hard drive by removing unnecessary/unwanted files and defragging the drive using your diagnostic software ( I recommend Norton System Works over the Windows-provided defragmenter ). You'll need plenty of free space on your hard drive for your computer to run smoothly ( the installation itself wont take up much space ).
After the modem set-up and the software installation, you will need to go online to activate your new account. This must be done with nine (9) days of installation or your cable modem Internet access will be disrupted. You will then be directed to go to www.optonline.net to set-up your homepage and free e-mail account ( you can go there now to get more information on Optimum Online service , including to see if this service is available in your area ). The CD set-up provides you with the choice of either Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape. This service is available for Apple/Macintosh users as well.
Once online, the speed difference between cable broadband and dial-up is startling! Web pages come up instantly as if they were already there compared to dial-up's slow uploading of graphics, HTML's and colors. Downloading files were done in the fraction of the time and I was able to download multiple files as well. One clear advantage is that your phone line will no longer be needed for your internet access. Also if you already have Cablevision service, you can connect easily to your cable line for your broadband service ( the kit also provides a cable adapter or 'splitter' ,two coax cables - one for the modem-to-computer and one for the 'splitter'-to modem, and even a wrench for the coax cables! ). I am also able to operate several windows ( web pages ) simultaniously with ease.
Optimum Online service has not failed in the one year's time of daily use. It has been noted that if there are many subscribers are online at the same time that will be a noticeble drop in access speed. I have had some slow downs at times but they have been brief and still much faster than dial-up ( New Rochelle has a population of 60,000 , I don't know haw many are Optimum Online subscribers ). And I never been "kicked-off" like I had numerous of times with AOL dial-up ( If you do want to keep AOL, you can try their broadband service OR switch the settings on your internet access to ISP/LAN setting and change the billing account to "providing your own ISP access" to pay only $14.95/month --- Here's a tip on that aspect: Call AOL to cancel your service and they will offer to drop that fee to $9.95 - listen to their details if it's worth your while ). This service has earned its 'A ' rating from PC World magazine ( please see their website for details )!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 39.99/mo.
Version Number or Year: Optimum Online service Version 5.0
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Epinions.com ID:
aldofro
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Member: Aldo Rodriguez
Location: Pleasantville, NY, USA
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 1 member
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