Poker: Getting started online

[3rookie]

Has anyone had a problem with downloading or playing pokerstars or party on a dial-up? Or should I really use DSL? I have hesitated to open an account because I have a 28.8 modem and my computer is 5 years old and might blow up.

I would also appreciate it if somebody would provide the best way to fund a new account. Apologies if addressed in different thread.

[Expunge]

I don't have experience playing over a modem of any speed, but i doubt there would be any great problem with doing so. (they don't have to transfer a lot of data to you during play.) You can make a deposit through neteller with no fees to you. It will however take about a week for the neteller account to link to a bank checking account. it will then take another week for the funds to clear before they are available to transfer into a poker account. I have also had a poor experience with neteller's customer service so i don't use them.
Firepay is similar, it will take about a week to link to a bank checking account, but once that is done when you make a deposit the funds are immediately available, however they charge a flat 1.50 fee to deposit money into the firepay account, but no fees are charged to transfer money from the firepay account to the poker account.
Partypoker has a refer a friend program where both the referer and referee get a bonus, let me know if you're interested.
My suggestion would be to download pokerstars and open an account there (free) and start playing at some free tables. That should give you an idea of how well the software works over a modem. (keep in mind that play there is not like poker at real money tables)

[O. Hannah]

I've played both Party Poker and Pokerstars with dial up. I only play at Pokerstars now because I have fewer (virtually no) problems with disconnecting etc.

My computer is newer than yours...about 2 years old with 56k modem.

I have not yet opened a real money account but probably will this summer.

One complaint about Pokerstars (from some folks) are the custom pictures. Just so you know, you can click on a players pic and Block it and can also block their chat if you come across some jerk. (I've only blocked chat once but I block pics a lot if they are irritating)

[ZamboniGuy]

I don't have experience playing over a modem of any speed, but i doubt there would be any great problem with doing so. (they don't have to transfer a lot of data to you during play.) You can make a deposit through neteller with no fees to you. It will however take about a week for the neteller account to link to a bank checking account. it will then take another week for the funds to clear before they are available to transfer into a poker account. I have also had a poor experience with neteller's customer service so i don't use them.
Firepay is similar, it will take about a week to link to a bank checking account, but once that is done when you make a deposit the funds are immediately available, however they charge a flat 1.50 fee to deposit money into the firepay account, but no fees are charged to transfer money from the firepay account to the poker account.
Partypoker has a refer a friend program where both the referer and referee get a bonus, let me know if you're interested.
My suggestion would be to download pokerstars and open an account there (free) and start playing at some free tables. That should give you an idea of how well the software works over a modem. (keep in mind that play there is not like poker at real money tables)

Why pokerstars over partypoker for free tables?

[Expunge]

party has many many more play money players than stars. prob easier to get a seat and actually play at stars.

[RedSoxFan]

The main one that party poker uses (its the one you can get a bonus for your first deposit on) takes a few days to link but is completely free.

You might be able to get Citadel to work faster. It might work right away, or it might take you a day. It is also completely free.