Berlin/Germany ISP

[WSEowyn]

Dear Loungers:

My Godmother is ready to join the 21st century and start using e-mail. She lives in Berlin, but wants me to purchase her computer and customize it here in America, then she will pick it up on her next trip (I am the family techie). I’d like a recommendation on a German ISP. She complained for years about the telephone company, but I understand that Deutsche Telecom (T-Online) has made a big push to modernize.

Questions: Is it very difficult/expensive to get broadband speed? With DSL service, are the terms “DHCP” & “PPPoE” understood or easily translatable? Or is a very different terminology in use? I don’t want to make too many assumptions beyond the terms TCP/IP and IP address. Oh, because she travels a great deal, occasional web-based access to her email would be a very big plus or failing that, ability to forward her email.

Her house has been practically gutted and modernized, and I know that a new wiring closet was included, so I suspect she may have Ethernet capability, or at the least, she doesn’t have 40-year old hard-wired telephone jacks.

Her new computer will be a Mac (by her request), so ISPs that use proprietary dialing programs (such as AOL) are NOT preferred, but if that is the custom, the ISP should be Mac-friendly or at least platform-neutral. The Mac will have an ethernet port, but also wireless capability.

I am comfortable supporting both Windows and Mac, but am not bi-lingual German/English (my godmother is, but as a computer newcomer she prefers that the OS be in English). Google translated some of T-Online’s page, so I know DSL can be ordered, but I can’t quite get the FAQs and I remember all too well Verizon advertising DSL service and wating more than 9 months for it to become a reality in my home.

Reply | Quote

[WSKenK]

I f you haven’t already, you should also consider that German household voltage is 220-240V (US: 110-120V), frequency is 50Hz (US: 60Hz), round prong plugs (US: flat plugs), etc.
Add to this the fact that many modern German receptacles are recessed such that typical conversion adapters won’t fit.
You can find out more at this website.

Have a Great day!!!
Ken

Reply | Quote

[WSEowyn]

Thank you, Ken. I am aware of the electric issues, but thankfully through personal experience I know that the PowerBook can handle the voltage. What I am contemplating is purchasing an extra power cord through the Apple Deutschland store in order to avoid the adapter issue at all. The website you recommended is fascinating, and does have a page on internet access in Germany, so I am avidly reading and rethinking my aversion to AOL.

Reply | Quote

[DaveA]

Also, be aware that some hardware and software bought here in the US is NOT to leave the US. I think she would be better off getting some one from over there to put together a machine.

DaveA I am so far behind, I think I am First
Genealogy....confusing the dead and annoying the living

Reply | Quote

[WSKenK]

I’m not all that familiar with power adapter/conversion devices, but, a voltage converter might suffice for a visit, (ie: short period of time). Over a longer term though, one other problem would be the frequency. At 50Hz (50 cycles/second), the CPU, computer clock speed and any software dependant on timing would be affected. Also, any motors, disk/CD drives, fans, etc. will run slower.
Unless the Power Book only runs on battery power.
At least that’s my experience with things electrical.

Have a Great day!!!
Ken

Reply | Quote

[WSStuartR]

Many modern computers (and nearly all laptops) come with “Universal Power Supplies” which are equally happy with 120, 220 or 240V and 50 or 60Hz

StuartR

1 user thanked author for this post.

doriel

Reply | Quote

[doriel]

I am from Europe. lets have a look..
Is it very difficult/expensive to get broadband speed?
– No its easy in cities. Outside cities, 2.4GHz networks are available widely.

With DSL service, are the terms “DHCP” & “PPPoE” understood or easily translatable?
– Qute do not uderstand this question, but translate to german is never easy. But remember, that all IT use same abbrevs. Whats the point of calling DHCP differently? We say DHCP and PPPoE in czech too.

Oh, because she travels a great deal, occasional web-based access to her email would be a very big plus or failing that, ability to forward her email.
– I recommend NTB with SIM card slot, she will have internet everywhere (DL 500KBps is not problem everywhere). We have special SIM cards only with data (10-15 USD per month in Czech Republic – neighbour of Germany).

Dell Latitude E6530, Intel Core i5 @ 2.6 GHz, 4GB RAM, W10 1809 Enterprise

HAL3000, AMD Athlon 200GE @ 3,4 GHz, 8GB RAM, Fedora 29

Reply | Quote

[Paul T]

She should buy her hardware locally for the warranty. Macs are easy to setup and she may learn a thing or two. And a phone call or two will smooth over any issues.

Germany have good broadband and wireless, no cables required.

cheers, Paul

Reply | Quote

[Author]

Posts