• OIT's Dialup Pool
• ISPs
  • 56k modems (similar to the access through the OIT dialups)
  • DSL
  • Cable Modems

OIT's Dialup Pool

The central campus IT organization provides a large pool of dialup modems for the use of all PSU students and faculty.

Go to:    http://www.uss.pdx.edu/faq/#dialup

for details on how to connect to them. You need to be a PSU student or faculty member with an account on their Odin, webmail, groupwise or Novell servers in order to use these modems. Recently OIT has added a dedicated number for faculty/staff. If you don't already have one, you can request an account on these facilities at:   http://www.account.pdx.edu

Effectively, OIT's dialup pool functions as a free ISP for registered PSU students and faculty/staff.

ISPs

Internet Service Providers deliver Internet access (and hence access to services at PSU) for a price. (Actually, you can say that OIT's dialup pool is PSU providing free ISP services for its students and faculty.)

One (of many) places to find listing of ISPs is at:   Find Any ISP

Looking up ISPs on your favorite search engine should get you lists upon lists of prospective providers.

We are not in a position to make any recommendations of specific companies but you will discover that their pricing plans vary, often based on the technlogy you use to connect to the Internet. Most ISPs define which OS/software mix they will provide telephone support for. You will be able to determine, from their web sites or by calling their information line, whether they will be able to provide the level of support you are looking for.

There are three major technologies available right now.

56k modems (similar to the access through the OIT dialups)

Uses your regular home phone line. Your computer needs a modem. The cheapest rates are for this type of connectivity. You may be able to find a few ISPs that deliver this service for "free". (Free is a relative term... check out the fine print on their web sites.)

DSL

A high speed option that uses the telephone company. You pay for how much bandwidth you want. Not available in all areas. Find ISPs that support this service and see how they will work with your telco to find out availability in your area, pricing and how well it will work with your existing telephone wiring. You can find providers and services at broadbandreports.com

Cable Modems

A high-speed option provided by local cable TV provider Comcast. Is fast, always connected, and does not tie up your phone line. Available in the Portland Metro area and surrounding areas of Oregon and SW Washington. Download speeds as fast as 3.5mbs, 384kbs upload. If you currently have Comcast cable television, there is an additional discount on Internet service available for certain packages. Order online at www.comcast.com or call 1-888-824-8264 for complete details

Pick the service that delivers the performance you want AND the price you're willing to pay. Be very thorough in questioning the ISP about their support levels.