Joe wrote:
Do get yourself a gateway router to use as a firewall and eliminate
the need to install that dreadful PPOE and Verizon software.

Do tell me more about this please... Just got DSL and was thinking
of using the provided modem/router combo unit for the house as it is
both wired and wireless.

In Maryland, near Washington DC, Verizon sends new DSL customers a
combination DSL modem / router / 4-port hub / wireless hub. At least that's
what they sent friends of mine, who I help get connected three weekends ago.
It was relatively painless to get set up, although it did take one call to
tech support. The user name and password for the modem wasn't included in
the documentation.

-- Mark