Half Life 2 + dial-up connection = no go

[Zerotech]

Has anyone gotten Steam to set up successfully over a dial-up connection?

I tried to load up my "Special Collector's Edition" DVD of Half Life 2; of course, you have to set up Steam first and update downloading stops at 32%, 48%, etc. Then connection goes dead. My dial-up connection is still running just fine, its just the Steam connection that stops responding. I've followed their FAQ suggestions about uninstalling and reinstalling with the latest SteamInstall file and resetting my firewall settings (ZoneAlarm free), but still no joy.

I think my only option may be to bring my system in to work and hook up to the company T1 to get my updates before the Steam connection craps out.

Anybody else have dial-up experiences/tips/tricks?

[Zerotech]

Hooked up at work and everything went fine. Guess I'll have to look into getting broadband at home.

Thanks lots for all the helpful replies.

[NooNoo]

sorry you didn't get a reply - but people only reply when they have experience... I guess no half lifers here do it on dialup.

[TechZ]

The kind of speeds they mention as minimum for some games are broadband only, and with the regular large updates, i didnt think people dared try it on dialup :P

[Zerotech]

The Steam setup program actually does have selections for modems down to 28.8, if I recall correctly. After my experience, I can't imagine anyone even trying without broadband. You would have to have a truly outstanding, stable 56K connection to make it barely tolerable.

As I said earlier, I'll have to take a serious look at getting a broadband connection. I'm just not thrilled at the prospect of an additional $49.95 on top of my $52/month cable bill.

[TechZ]

That 49.95 US$ is for BB internet? rather expensive for the US.

[Zerotech]

Here's the Comcast offer for my area (hopefully the link works):
http://www.comcast.com/Buyflow/defau...ate=&Zip=48507

$42.95/mo normally, Special Offer! - $19.95/mo (for first 6 months, offer expires 9/30/05)

That, or go with SBC/Yahoo DSL for $14.95/mo (for a trial period) with qualifying package ($49.95/mo phone service).

Either way, kind of a losing game.

Almost forgot; I would also have to lease their cable modem or buy my own (don't know if they're still as expensive as they used to be). If I buy my own, it will have to be on the "approved" list.
Lots of fun just to get a frickin' decent connection (or just chuck it all and stay in the 56K ghetto).