DirecPC FAQ

Please read the White Paper addressing DirecPC speed performance issues. This White Paper will answer many of your questions. For billing issues, please go to Billing FAQ page.

Is my data secure when using the DirecPC system as a transport mechanism? I recently ran across an article that highlighted security weaknesses with cable modem technology and was wondering if the DirecPC system was vulnerable to the same weaknesses.

DirecPC is a secure system. DirecPC uses 56-bit DES (Digital Encryption Standard) to encrypt information flowing between a modem and gateway to the Internet. The data is encrypted with unique keys, preventing other members of the network, who use a different key, from listening in. DES is widely used, particularly in the financial world to encrypt confidential data. In addition, DirecPC also uses CAS (Condition Access System) to provide one more layer of security.

Can I use the 56K for the connection to the ISP(upload) and download via DirecPC?

Yes, DirecPC uses the modem you have specified in the Windows 95 Control Panel. If your 56K modem appears in there, you can use it for
the upload and DirecPC for the download.

When I launch Internet Explorer 4.0 from my DirecPC Navigator toolbar as my first application I get disconnected immediately after connecting to my ISP.

Answer: Open the DirecPC Navigator. Click on Options->Toolbar buttons. Click on IExplorer and then click Edit. Under the Additional Parameters location put the URL( http://www.direcpc.com ) of the web page you want opened.

Problem: I am using Real Audio/Video and I have selected ISDN, 500Kbps, and T1 for the connection and the quality isn't any better than my standard modem connection.

Answer: Most Real Audio/Video content providers are only streaming their data at a 33.6 or slower rate so we can't give the data to you at higher rate they can provide it to us.

I have a Macintosh computer. Can I use DirecPC?

Right now, DirecPC is only available for systems running Microsoft® Windows '95. If you use another operating system and are interested in DirecPC please send us an e-mail with your configuration and we will let you know whether or not we plan to support that system.

Why do I need a modem to use DirecPC?

DirecPC is an asymmetrical system. You send out your request for URL's through your modem. That request is then routed to the appropriate web server as well as to the DirecPC Network Operations Center (NOC). The high bandwidth information you requested (graphics, video, etc.) is then sent back to the NOC, beamed to a Hughes satellite, and then directly to your home at up to 400 Kbps.

Why do I need a clear line of sight to the South?

The Hughes satellite that delivers the DirecPC service is Geostationary orbit around the Equator. If your line of sight to the south is obstructed it may inhibit your DirecPC service. If you are unsure about the suitability of your location for DirecPC, please call our installation specialists at 1-800-57-ORBIT.

Do I need additional hardware to run DirecPC?

When you purchase DirecPC Personal Edition, you get a 16-bit ISA card. Once installed, this card connects via coaxial cable to the DirecPC 21" elliptical satellite dish mounted outside your home. This hardware, combined with the DirecPC Personal Edition Software, gives you the Fastest Internet Access Available Nationwide.

Can I use my existing ISP with DirecPC?

Sure. We support most SLIP or PPP/CHAP compatible ISP's. You could keep your existing e-mail address. If you don't have an ISP, that's OK too. When you register your DirecPC Personal Edition, we can provide you with an ISP account as well.

One exception. At this time we do not support direct connections to proprietary online services such as AOL, CompuServe, WOW, Prodigy, etc. However, you may be able to access those services through your ISP's TCP/IP connection. If you need more information on ISP's and DirecPC call 1-800-DirecPC.

I'm considering ISDN. Should I be looking at DirecPC?

Absolutely. DirecPC is three times faster than ISDN. ISDN provides you with two 64 Kbps channels for a total capacity of 128 Kbps. Then you'll have to pay the phone company an installation fee, monthly charges, applicable per-minute charges, and the cost of a modem. In addition, you will pay a higher ISP access charge. ISDN pricing also varies widely—depending on your location—with remote locations paying a premium. Depending on your service plan and usage, DirecPC offers a cheaper alternative to ISDN.

What about cable modems?

There are a variety of cable modem test markets around the country. However, cable companies need to make a substantial investment in infrastructure to deliver seamless high-speed Internet access. It may take a considerable amount of time for these services to reach your home.

Why Wait? As Wired Magazine said (November 1996 issue) "DirecPC is the fastest game on the planet." It's here today and it's available to anyone nationwide.

Does DirecPC work in a network environment?

Yes. DirecPC is offering Network and Enterprise Editions that support a LAN environment. Please check service and pricing page for updates on these services.

Can I run DirecPC and DirecTV off the same dish?

Yes. DirecPC has released a dish that delivers both high-speed Internet access and DirecTV/USSB programming in July, 1997. Please check direcduo for information.

I already have a C/Ku-band dish. Can I use this dish? If not why not?

Though it may be possible to use your current C/Ku-band dish, Hughes Network Systems does not support or guarantee the DirecPC system when installed in this manner.

Do you have a PCMCIA card for laptops? How can I use DirecPC with a laptop?

DirecPC is not available on a PCMCIA card. DirecPC is not compatible with laptop computers.

Can I use DirecPC for video conferencing?

No, DirecPC is not designed for video conferencing.

Can you "turn off" DirecPC for access outside of subscription times?

Yes, you may select between terrestrial or satellite connections.

Can I use FTP, IRC, E-Mail, etc.?

Yes, you can IRC, E-Mail, FTP, Telnet, etc.

Can I play games using DirecPC? Will I get any benefit and what are the ping times?

Yes, you can play network games, although there is no benefit using DirecPC. Ping times average 400-600ms.

How does weather (storms, snow, rain, etc.) affect reception?

In severe snowstorms and heavy rain, you may experience signal fade. If properly installed, this situation is rare.

Do you support Linux or Unix?

Currently, DirecPC does not support Linux or Unix.

Is DirecPC limited to WWW or can you use FTP, Gopher, Newsgroups, Telnet, etc.?

Answer: Yes, you can IRC, E-Mail, FTP, Telnet, Newsgroups, etc.

Do we have a toll-free number for access to the Internet?

No, DirecPC does not supply toll-free access to the Internet.

Can I use DirecPC in my mobile home? Boat?

Yes, but you will need a stable mount for the dish and a modem connection to the Internet.

Any other questions?

If you have more questions about DirecPC, send us an e-mail and we'll get you the answers.