Does BT Broadband still require you to log on?

[Aspic]

A member of my family is looking to finally update to broadband but are keen to keep their BT line and are seriously considering BT Total Broadband. Personally I am on cable and have no complaints at all but cable is not available in there area.

I remember another member of my family having an older BT package that required you to log in via an icon on the desktop to connect with username/password etc. There was no way to automate this as far as I could see or find on the web at the time. To my mind this just isn't broadband as it isn't "always on" and requires you to either put connection software on all devices using e.g. a wireless internet connection or route them through the PC which then is required to be on at all times.

My question is - does BT Total Broadband still require you to log-on or is it now proper broadband. Is the Home Hub thing a wireless router than can be swapped with any xDSL gateway and if not is it fairly good?

Also - while we are at it, are there any show stoppers regarding BT?

Thanks

[Singh400]

If your have an old voyager modem connected via USB then. If you've got a newer router ( Bt Home hub) and connected via ethernet no.

[Rygar]

Yeah, it's always been proper always on broadband. You are just remembering having to use a USB modem instead of a router.

[Aspic]

Interesting - so is it true that if you use a USB modem you always need to log on? Is this true for all ISPs? The reason I ask is that I am thinking of upgrading my ancient machine next year. New machine will of course be PCIe. As I understand it - wireless NIC doesnt yet exist for PCIe (or are expensive), I haven't been able to find any anyway. Given this then a USB wireless adapter will be required. Is this a different situation for USB modems or will it mean the user has to log on.

[Singh400]

Interesting - so is it true that if you use a USB modem you always need to log on? Is this true for all ISPs? The reason I ask is that I am thinking of upgrading my ancient machine next year. New machine will of course be PCIe. As I understand it - wireless NIC doesnt yet exist for PCIe (or are expensive), I haven't been able to find any anyway. Given this then a USB wireless adapter will be required. Is this a different situation for USB modems or will it mean the user has to log on.
No a USB Wireless Adapter will always be on.

[Aspic]

Great. Thanks for your help and patience Singh400 and Rygar.

[Rygar]

In any case you will still have a couple of normal PCI slots wont you?

[dejongj]

Even when you think you have to log-on you don't really as BT doesn't require the username and password...You can put anything in and it will work....

I've got an old BT Voyager modem, and never requires me nor my router to log in....And I don't even have login details setup for my router....