what speed can you get with Comcast? I understand some of the speed issue may really be a connectivity issue when comparing it to DSL/Qwest... but knowing what speeds you are able to get would help me ....
With DSL you usually get asynchronous data rates (called ADSL). This means the upload speed if different from the download. Where I am you can get a 6MB download, but only 1MB upload on DSL. Upload speed is usually the limiting factor.
DSL providers often advertise speed of their service using a combination of two bandwidth numbers; for example, "3 Mbps / 1 Mbps:"
The first number, 3.0 Mbps in this case, refers to the maximum bandwidth available for downloads. Examples of network download activities include browsing Web sites, receiving files from P2P networks, and receiving emails.
The second number, 1 Mbps in this case, corresponds to the bandwidth available for uploads. Examples of network upload activities include publishing photos to Web sites, sending files over a P2P network, and sending emails.
Synchronous DSL connections have the same upload and download speeds. My current cable connection is 4Mbps synchronous and is much peppier than the 6/1 ADSL available on-island here. Now I am an IT guy and use every bit of bandwidth both ways. Most people can get away with 3/1 and be quite happy. From what I can see
Qwest is asynchronous with the same upload speed regardless of package. What does this mean? On slow asynchronous connections, if you are uploading something your download speeds will drop way off.
Remember the numbers they give you are theoretical and you will only see 60-80% of that speed in real life. The farther you are from a site the slower it will be. That darned speed of light thing. Also, if you download a file, the server you d/l from may limit your bandwidth restricting download speeds from that particular site. Caveat emptor.
For the truly geeky, ADSL stats are
here.Last, if you get DSL, invest a few bucks in a
router with a firewall. You can get to the Internet much faster with DSL, but the Internet can also get at you faster. Don't depend on a software firewall like the one built in WinXP or Vista. Even Microsoft recommends you not rely on those products exclusively. If you get a router firewall with wireless capabilities use encryption on the link.
When you get your connection test it
here to see what your actual performance is.