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Suggestions for first-time broadband please?

Yes your IP address is left on web sites but can only tell a third party your ISP - not your name, address, etc [-]
Thanks Bob. I don't want to meander too far off topic in this thread (still hoping for some help with the questions below), but the point is not that important information is attached to every IP 'track', but that it is with some of them, and they can/might be joined together. From my "permanent GUID" link below :-

"A key is a piece of data in common between two disparate data sources. Let’s say there’s one log which records which websites you visit, and it stores a log that only contains the URL of the website and your IP address. No personal information, right? But there’s another log somewhere that records your account information and the IP address that you happened to be using. Now, the IP address is a key into your account information, and bringing the two logs together allows the website list to be associated with your account information.
  • Have you ever searched for your name? Your IP address is now a key to your name in a log somewhere.
  • Have you ever ordered a product on the internet and had it shipped to you? Your IP address is now a key to your home address in a log somewhere.
  • Have you ever viewed a web page with an ad in it served from an ad network? Both the operator of the web site and the operator of the ad network have your IP address in a log somewhere, as a key to the sites you visited.
The list goes on, and it’s not limited to IP addresses. Any piece of unique data - IP addresses, cookie values, email addresses - can be used as a key.
[-]
Any key information associated with personally identifiable information must also be considered personally identifiable.
"​

Some correlation is inevitable (as you say, the ISP keeps records, and so does my PC) [shrug]. But a permanently fixed IP address potentially extends that correlation and logging to a much wider audience. For the wider world, I'd just like to change my breadcrumbs, every now and then.
-------------------------------------------------

Anyway, recapping :-

  1. Is it the case that if I use an Entanet reseller I can't change my IP, beyond the eight (or more, for £'s) fixed ones available?

  2. Does Virgin use dynamic IP addresses? And can users can change those by turning the modem/router off for a while (with/without doing nasty things to syncing/training/interleaving)?

  3. Does Virgin's (non-cable) ADSL service fall within the purview of "recommend caution surrounding the choice of a larger ISP"? (I've asked on the Virgin forum here, but it seems very quiet there: mine was the first post in more than 2 months). Because it seems a good deal, if it's fast and reliable.

  4. What exactly is wrong with USB modems? I see that routers do a lot more stuff, but would my connection/throughput be less reliable or slower with just a modem?

Thanks anyone, for any further help :smilet:
 
Susan, the premise is inaccurate. The IP address does not act as a key that enables disparate data sources to be ¨unified¨ for the simple reason that different web sites do not normally cooperate. There would be uproar if the web worked the way the article suggested. :hrmph:

With respect to your questions -

1. & 2. - Stop worrying about IP addresses ... ;)

3. I'll leave that for someone else.

4. USB modems are far more limiting than routers (in the simplest terms). Most experienced Internet users try to avoid them.

P.S. The other well known forum for ADSL discussion is this - http://bbs.adslguide.org.uk/
 
Hi Susan

I agree with Bob, you don't need to worry about IP addresses to the extent you are. I've been online since the days of steam (1984), and I haven't come to any harm as a result.

I would not use Virgin ADSL myself, I've read too many horror stories from unhappy users. It's worth remembering that their support line is a premium rate call, so your savings can be quickly swallowed.

Routers are superior to USB modems in many ways, from security to reliability. Many people experience connection problems because their PC uses power saving on USB devices, the modem will also place a much higher demand on the CPU than a router would, generally I have found router-based connections to be more reliable and faster. (I do keep a modem in the cupboard for testing.)
 
Susan, the premise is inaccurate. The IP address does not act as a key that enables disparate data sources to be ¨unified¨ for the simple reason that different web sites do not normally cooperate. There would be uproar if the web worked the way the article suggested.
Inter-site cooperation (which, while not "normal", is still pretty common via advertising networks, or multi-brand ownership), is just one of many ways a common 'key' might be used to connect disparate bits of information, by accident or design. But I'm not trying to persuade you of anything, just seeking facts to weigh up in my decision.

With respect to your questions -

1. & 2. - Stop worrying about IP addresses ... ;)

I'm going to assume you're too nice for that to be intended to be as patronising as it sounds. :p

P.S. The other well known forum for ADSL discussion is this - http://bbs.adslguide.org.uk/

Thanks - I'll try there too (it does seem much busier).
 
Hi Susan

I agree with Bob, you don't need to worry about IP addresses to the extent you are. I've been online since the days of steam (1984), and I haven't come to any harm as a result.

I'm not worried, I just prefer choices, when available. Steam-driven modems, now those things were dangerous ;)

I would not use Virgin ADSL myself, I've read too many horror stories from unhappy users. It's worth remembering that their support line is a premium rate call, so your savings can be quickly swallowed.

Good point, thanks.

Routers are superior to USB modems in many ways, from security to reliability. Many people experience connection problems because their PC uses power saving on USB devices, the modem will also place a much higher demand on the CPU than a router would, generally I have found router-based connections to be more reliable and faster. (I do keep a modem in the cupboard for testing.)

Ah, some facts, thanks! I guess the best bet might be to try a modem first, if it's free or dirt cheap, then buy a router if suckiness ensues.
 
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