Providing onsite computer care for metro-west "495" area of Massachusetts

Help! I can't get on the Internet !!

If you have a cablemodem (you are probably a Charter or Comcast customer), try this:

1. Shutdown your computer, and make sure it is turned off.

2. If you have a router, turn the router off. Most of them do not have on/off switches,
   so you have to pull the thin power plug out

3. Unplug the small power cord from your cablemodem, wait 2 minutes, then plug in the power cord again. Watch for most of the cablemodem lights to come on, it takes about 1 minute.

4. Now plug in the router again, and wait 1 minute.

5. Now restart your computer. 90% of the time, you'll be back online

6. If you are not back online, make sure the cable system is working, check your TV! Also make sure the cablemodem power, send, receive, and activity lights are all on. If not, contact the cable company's tech support group.
    

If you have a DSL connection (you are probably a Verizon customer), try this:

1. Shutdown your computer, and make sure it is turned off.

2. If you have a router, turn the router off. Most of them do not have on/off switches,
   so you have to pull the thin power plug out

3. Most DSL modems have on/off switches, so switch it off. Wait 1 minute.

4. Now switch the DSL modem back on. Wait for the DSL light to stop blinking, it needs to glow steady and not blink in order for the DSL connection to be valid.

5. Then plug in the router, and wait 1 more minute.

6. Now restart your computer. 90% of the time, you'll be back online.

7. If you are not back online, make sure the phones are working, do you have a dial-tone? The power, DSL, and Ethernet lights on the DSL modem all need to be glowing solid (and not blinking). If they are not, contact the phone/DSL company's tech support group.

If you have a dial-up modem, you should REALLY try one more time to see if Verizon has DSL service in your area, or reconsider going with Internet cable service.
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT COMCAST: do you know Comcast has a "secret" low-cost Internet cable offering for people who can't afford the $45-50/month service? It runs about $25/month and it is "slower" compared to the regular cable Internet service, but much "faster" compared to dial-up service! DSL service is the best low-cost choice, but sometimes it is not available at any price!! If you have Comcast cable service, call them and ask about the lower-speed lower-cost Internet service.

Call Ed Sterling at 978-779-6058 from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. 
Or Email: ed@EdSterling.com
(There is no charge for a brief assessment of your computer problem)

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