Question:

Hi

    I have just bought a laptop with Vista Home Premium installed.I asked my ISP Orang if they were happy with this and their Broadband Wireless package,they asked if it was 32megs.I couldn,t tell them,is it anf if it is maybe I am OK fot the net.Their full softwear comes int effect in June,I imagine that is for Vistas above 32megs

                                 Thanks

                                            Tom

Answer:

First, for readers who might not know, Orange is a broadband wireless ISP in the UK. Here are their current (as of the time of this writing) system requirements and comments on Vista:

A computer with:

• CD-Rom drive
• ethernet port
• Windows 98/98SE, 2000 or XP

not sure what you’ve got? Click here for help

Attention Windows Vistaâ„¢ customers
Your Orange broadband service can be used with Windows Vista however not all of our connection software is currently supported by Windows Vista. Don’t worry, we’re working on that and in the meantime we can still help you get connected. Just check out our online help (www.orange.co.uk/vista) section for all the information you’ll need to get started.

Here’s a summary of our current connectivity:

• Broadband Unlimited wired connection – Windows Vista compatible
• Broadband Unlimited wireless connection through the wireless card – installation CD not currently compatible but online help available
• Broadband Starter – installation CD not currently compatible but online help available
• Broadband Unlimited wireless connection through a 121g wireless adapter – installation CD not currently compatible but online help available.

Basically, you’re fine. I think they’re asking if you have 32 MB of RAM available, which seems to be their minimum for the stupid software that they want to install on your computer. If you’re running Vista, you have at least 512 MB. But it sounds like their software won’t run anyway, but you don’t need it.

Every ISP wants you to install some dumb software that adds toolbars to your Web browser, changes your home page, and sets up your e-mail. Maybe it makes life a little easier for people who don’t know how to setup their e-mail, but I hate that software. just read through their online help to setup your e-mail. You absolutely don’t need to install the ISP’s software to connect to their network; a network connection is just like any other network connection and Windows Vista supports wired and wireless networks by default (assuming your computer came with a network adapter). Just plug it in, reboot, follow their instructions to setup your e-mail, and you’re all set.