An IP address greatly resembles the customer’s home address or credit card or telephone number. The only exception is that an IP address is used for identifying the computer, or any other network device of the user. An IP address performs akin to a gateway to the world wide web, from the user’s device.

A couple of options are available for the home broadband internet customers here in the form of a dynamic IP address and static IP address. Dynamic IP address refers to one where fresh sets of numbers are engaged at regular intervals, and a static IP address refers to one where the PC maintains the same address every time the consumer goes online.

Although majority of home broadband deals use dynamic IP addresses, a package, which offers a static IP address packs a range of benefits which vividly shows what the customer’s computer and the internet are actually capable of.

Talking about the benefits in using a static IP address, it allows the customer to;

1: Connection to a the internet using a computer from anywhere in the world. Supporting programmes are PC Anywhere and Remote Administrator, using which consumer can log in to his work or home computer from anywhere.

2: The user can run his own website by setting up a web server software on his computer, which would help him save money considerably if the he is a business user.

3: Static IP address enables the customer to receive emails to his computer directly. If the user sets up a particular mail server software, he can also run successfully a small business.

4: Static IP address can be used assign FTP (File Transfer Protocol, which is a reliable as well as efficient way to transfer information from one PC to another. Moreover, this way one can transfer larger files by email.

5: Ardent gaming consumers can use a static IP address to run a gaming server.

Disadvantages

The main disadvantages of engaging a static IP address are risk of hacking, FTP security and the consumers are required to keep an eye on the connection running.

SDSL broadband services deliver high speed connection speeds, with similar downstream and upstream data rates. The speeds provided by services based on this technology ranges from 512Kbps to 2Mbps.

Most DSL service versions are asymmetrical with the lion’s share of bandwidth received for data reception and not for sending it. Nonetheless unlike these, the SDSL broadband service cannot be simultaneously used with the consumer’s phone line, simply for its taking over the whole bandwidth.

Another issue with this kind of a broadband connection is that it could only be shared with ten other users instead of the possibility of sharing with 49 other users with ADSL broadband internet connections.

SDSL broadband is ideal for small businesses that very much depend on fast upstream speeds of their service. Apart from them, SDSL broadband can also benefit individuals who require high upload speeds. Read this along with the high popularity gained by network sharing these days, and see that network sharing require uploading of files and programmes.

This broadband service type is also greatly useful for home-workers requiring faster upload speeds or those who have hosted a server on site, such as Terminal Server or Virtual Private Network. The non-availability of of SDSL broadband in all areas could prove to be a turn off for such customers.

Any broadband consumer can convert his connection to wireless broadband (WiFi). For switching to WiFi the consumer has two major ways.

First Way: The consumer can purchase his own wireless router from a local retailer to install it himself. Here the consumer is required to buy the ideal one for his broadband internet connection, since wireless broadband routers are hardly all generic.

If the consumer enjoys his broadband connection through a phone line, form providers such as BT or Sky, he needs an ADSL router. In case, the consumer is having a Virgin Media cable broadband connection he should be going for a cable/DSL router.

The user need also consider certain points while purchasing the router. Firstly, he needs to ensure that an integrated firewall is included for additional security. Engaging different kinds of encryption keys will also do a world of good for the consumer regarding online security.

Another point to be looked upon by the buyer is the number of ports the router bears. If the consumer needs to connect more PC and printers to the same router he will need more ports in it. The buyer need also make sure that his router includes a wireless USB key since many desktop PCs come without built-in wireless compatibility.

Second Way: Another option available here is to buy a WiFi broadband package directly from the broadband provider, where the ISP will install their own router at ther consumer’s premises. With such packages, the buyer is at ease as the ISP looks after every essential starting from configuring the hardware to settings and security matters.

What does a user need to start downloading movies online?

The basic requirements for a consumer for downloading movie files online are; a personal computer, MAC, or a notebook/laptop/netbook with a broadband UK internet connection. Since film files are heavier than music files, the user would need a really fast internet connection.

Besides these, the consumer will also need to have adequate storage on his device to which he intends to download the movies. User has to keep in mind that an average movie file can be of 700MB in size, which on a 2Mbps broadband connection would take 45 minutes to be completely downloaded.

However, with a faster broadband internet connection of say 20 to 24 Mbps, the same movie file can be downloaded in less than five minutes.

Sources for downloading movies online

iTunes is the most popular option for the ardent movie downloaders that aspire to enjoy these movies in their laptops or iPods. There are also other services such as On demand service of Channel 4 and 4OD.