Upgrade 3: Connecting to Digital Satellite Internet

Upgrade #3: Connecting to Digital Satellite Internet

Setting up a satellite connection requires the installation of a small pizza box-sized satellite dish outside your house, and the connection of a broadband modem to your PC's USB port. Although this entire installation is simple enough to be performed by anyone with a minimal amount of technical and mechanical skills, you're forced into scheduling a professional installation. The FCC mandates that trained professionals (not you or me, sorry) install any two-way satellite system.

The installer will mount your dish on a wall or pole that has a clear view of the southern sky, unobstructed by trees or other objects. After the dish is aimed and tightened down, a special coaxial cable is run from the dish back inside your house. This cable connects to the broadband modem. After everything is properly connected, you run the DIRECWAY installation software to set up your system and start surfing.