Burlington Telecom Fiber Optic Broadband Internet
Fastest Symmetrical Speeds Available!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Broadband?
Broadband comes from the words "broad bandwidth." Bandwidth typically refers to how fast data flows through the path that it travels to your computer; it’s usually measured in kilobits, megabits or gigabits per second. The greater the bandwidth, the greater the amount of data that can travel in a given time period.
Now let’s take a look at Burlington Telecom’s "broadband" competition and their technology, the cable and DSL modems:
Cable modem (Comcast) refers to the type of broadband connection that brings information to homes and businesses over ordinary television cable lines. DSL (FairPoint), or Digital Subscriber Line, refers to the type of broadband connection that brings information to homes and businesses over ordinary copper telephone lines. By definition, Cable and DSL modems can indeed provide "broadband" connections, albeit through ordinary copper wires.
By contrast Burlington Telecom’s Fiber Optic system is extraordinary.
Our Fiber Optic cable has a very high bandwidth, much greater than ordinary copper wire cable. It can carry many channels of information simultaneously with very high quality. Burlington Telecom’s network will provide three - not just two - services with capacity for a lot more!
DSL and Cable modem broadband services in the Burlington area are retrofits of nearly-obsolete copper networks. Adelphia deployed cable-modem technology because it works with the networks they’ve already built. Verizon adopted DSL for the same reason.
With new applications such as video-on-demand and the transmission of Internet/TV programs rapidly increasing the demand for bandwidth, Burlington Telecom will be clearly the best suited to deliver. For residents and businesses, bandwith will be as critical to our economy and social fabric as electricity and good roads.
How do I know if my computer is ready for this?
Your computer needs to have an Ethernet card or Ethernet adapter installed. If you currently have a high-speed internet service, chances are you already have one. If your computer is less than 5 years old, chances are you are all set. If you are unsure, call our customer service staff and they will assist you in determining whether you are good to go.
But what are my minimum requirements besides the ethernet card?
For Windows PCs we suppport Windows 2000, ME, XP, and Vista. For Macs we support OS 10 on.
What does BT do for security, spam, and viruses?
Burlington Telecom does offer Spam and Virus filtering on incoming email. However, the the best way to protect from viruses, spyware, and other malicious applications is to protect your computer itself. Here are some ways that you can reduce the threat of attack to your computer:
Use virus protection software. Anti-virus protection is typically a feature provided by common software that ships with nearly all PC’s, such as Norton Anti-Virus from Symantec or MacAfee Internet Security Suite. This robust software ranges between $50-70 and frequently updates itself with the latest virus protection and regularly scans files for any trouble. This can be purchased on their sites as a download or through a store such as Staples locally.
Use a firewall.A firewall acts like a gatekeeper, limiting data that can be sent from or received by your computer, and is typically an included feature of your Windows operating system (XP & 2000). For your protection, Burlington Telecom also operates a firewall on our servers as well. If you utilize a router for a home network, the router also provides firewall protection.
Don’t open unknown email attachments. Viruses can be sent via email attachments, and can be receive from the email accounts of people you know (which are sent unknowingly from your known contacts). If you think that an attachment looks suspicious, don't open it.
Don’t run programs of unknown origin.Don’t install applications from groups/companies/organizations that you don’t trust.
Keep all applications (including your operating system) patched. There are updates available for software and operating systems from time to time. Set automatic updates, or manually update these regularly. Patches and updates can fix security vulnerabilities that existed in the previous version.
Install an Anti-Spyware application. Spyware are similar to a virus in that it can negatively affect your computer. Install an anti-spyware application like Spy Sweeper to regularly scan your computer for Spyware and remove it.
Disable scripting features in email programs.One feature of programs like Outlook or Outlook Express is that you can preview a message in a Preview Pane. This is a potential security hole because it automatically previews emails when they come in that may have slipped by Burlington Telecom’s virus filter. This would enable the infected executable files within the email to run, and therefore infect your computer. To reduce this risk, you should disable the Preview Pane in your email client.
Make regular backups of critical data. This is in case the computer is infected, you’ll at least be able to restore your critical files and data.
What does symmetrical speed mean and why is it superior?
Burlington Telecom offers what is known as "Symmetrical Bandwidth" which means that your upload and download speeds are potentially the same. This is a huge benefit for those who send large files such as photos, music, and video out across the internet. Typically with symmetrical bandwidth outgoing e-mail leaves at a much quicker rate freeing the resources of your PC for other tasks.
Comcast and Fairpoint have been mailing me offers of low-cost high-speed internet service. Is there anything I should be aware of in the fine print?
Yes! Beware that often the initial price is only an introductory price for a very limited time and then the price is greatly increased. Some providers lock you into a contract and generally once you are in a contract you cannot get out of it without paying the balance of the obligation or a significant fee. Remember as well, that typically special pricing deals apply only to new customers only. Existing customers will continue to pay the full rate. In terms of quality of service on the Internet beware! Sometimes the fine print promises only 56K - the capacity of a dial-up modem!
I currently have Comcast Internet service and I rent their cable modem. I want to change. What do I need to do?
Call BT and our customer service staff will arrange an install. Unlike DSL or cable internet service, BT’s service does not require a modem. Our fiber optic hi-speed service is pure ethernet and connects directly to the network card in your PC.
I bought a wireless router can I still utilize my wireless Internet network in my house?
Yes.
What is a Static IP and why would I want one?
A static IP address assigned to you home PC would enable you to access your PC from a remote computer as if you were working directly from it. Windows has a "Remote Desktop" feature built into their XP operating system for this purpose.
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