i am finally going to convert to Broadband, can anyone recommend an ISP I either should or shouldn't use based on your own experience. I am looking for cheap/reliable as the main criteria.

Andy,

I think Kayak has answered most points ;0)
I also found I had terrible problems with a combination of XP, my motherboards USB and a d-link broadband modem which others also seemed to share. Upgraded to a d-link 504 (trivial setup) and never looked back.

If you can get a cable connection I use telewest 1MB broadband never had any problems with outages.
Regards.

Andy,

For what you are looking for, they best router available at the moment would be one of the Xyzel wireless routers. It has an integrated ADSL modem (most ADSL routers require you to plug an ADSL modem into them), and it also has a PCMCIA slot for any 802.11b wireless card which then turns it into a wireless access point - very good value for money. My dad bought one about 5 months ago and hasnt had any problems with it at all, he loves it.

If you are interested in these, drop me a mail (spooky@moneyam.com) and ill let you know where you can get one for a very good price.

J.

Sutre,

I have sent you an email, can you post again if you don't receive it.

Many thanks

I have no vested interest in Telewest so I am happy to recommend their cable internet which is excellent if you are in their franchise area. It seems to be extremely reliable, fast and stable. Help line and self help are good from my experience. You need a network card in your PC and they provide the cable modem and install it for you.