1) How will I know if I have been selected for the trial?

If you have received the invitation to create a TalkTalk Labs account for this trial, then you have been accepted. This trial is by invitation only.

2) How will the AOL Broadband Easy Installer CD Trial begin?

The trial will begin when you receive the pack though the post containing the new setup CD, and the router you have been selected to receive.

3) What routers are you sending for this trial?

You will be sent either a D-Link DSL-2680 (2 Ethernet Port wireless "Mini" N router) or a Huawei HG532 (4 Ethernet Port wireless N router) or a Huawei HG521 (Single Ethernet Port "Mini N" router).
Note: We have a limited number of each device, and routers will be randomly allocated but where possible we will try to meet requests for a specific device but we cannot promise you will receive a specific device.

4) What exactly does "Mini N" wireless mean?

Mini N" (also known as "N Hybrid" or "Baby N") is a wireless protocol that is essentially the "G" frequency with some "N" features. The transfer speeds, with a suitable "N" wireless adapter, are greater than can be achieved via "G", but not as great as full "N" performance.

Transfer speed of Wireless "G" = 54Mbps Maximum
Transfer speed of Wireless "Mini N" = 150Mbps Maximum
Transfer speed of Wireless "N" = 300Mbps Maximum

Please do not misunderstand transfer speed with broadband speed. Transfer speed is the rate that data is transferred between computers or devices on your network.

5) I do not have a wireless adapter, or specifically an "N" wireless adapter. Will you provide one to test the wireless features of the router?

At this time, TalkTalk Labs cannot provide any wireless "N" adapters for this trial.

6) How long will the trial run for?

It is anticipated that the trial will take between 2 and 4 weeks to complete. This will allow enough time for everyone that is on the trial to run the CD and set up the new router at least once and feedback their findings.

7) I have an Apple Mac, can I participate in the trial?

Yes, as long as you are running Mac OS X 10.5 or 10.6. Older versions of Mac OS are not supported on this trial.

8) What if I require support during the CD trial?

Support is only available via Email only during this trial. The email address you need to get in touch with is installercd@aol.com and we aim to reply to your question within 1 working day.

9) What charges are involved?

You will still need to pay for you current broadband and phone service from AOL as you normally would. If you successfully complete the trial by providing us with feedback on your experience of using the new CD and complete the end of trial survey then you will get to keep the new router that we had sent to you.

10) What do you expect me to do?

The trial is to check the new AOL Easy Installer CD, and it's effectiveness of getting you connected to the internet either using a wired or wireless connection in your home. We will send you a new router along with the new set up CD we want you to set up the router using the new CD.

When going through the set up we would like you to check that the information is correct and logical, this is both the written instructions and images/animations. If you see any errors or things you feel could be better please make a note about this and provide the information in feedback after you have finished running the CD.

11) How long will the tasks take to complete?

Everyone does things at different speeds, but this process is not encouraged to be a race. The trial is about trying to spot issues maybe we or other trialists have missed, so a keen eye for detail is important us.

It is estimated that all the tasks will take an average user no more than 1 hour to complete and provide us feedback your experience of the new set up CD. It is important to note that you do not need to complete all the tasks in one session; you can split the tasks into smaller chunks.

12) I have multiple computers at home. Does this pose any problems to you?

No, not at all, in fact this is good coverage for us if you can try different tasks on different computers. For example, if you have a desktop permanently wired to the router, and a laptop you connect to the internet via wireless, you can run the first setup task on the desktop, and the secondary wireless setup tasks on the laptop.

13) What's expected of me as a participant on this trial?

You are expected to run the new Setup CD that we have supplied to you to set up the new router, and provide feedback to us. At the end of the trial you will also need to complete a quick online survey:

Report issues (e.g. "I did not get online")
Make suggestions (e.g. "the text was too small for me to read properly")
Questions
General feedback (e.g. "I like the colour")

The only recognised method for providing this feedback is via our TalkTalk Labs Feedback system. It's really quick and simple to use.

Being an active participant involves running the CD, providing feedback and completing the trial exit survey then you are welcome to keep the supplied router after the trial has completed.

14) What if I want to end my participation in the trial early?

Although we would dearly like you to complete the trial, you are of course able to end your trial participation at any time during the trial. You will be asked for the reason for ending the trial and for any feedback you have up to the point of trial removal. You will also be requested to post the pack, including router to us.

15) What happens when the trial is over?

When the trial is over, and your feedback has been processed, you will be able to continue to use the device we have sent you, or disconnect it, and use your previous router.
Please be aware that the router you have been sent is not supported by AOL Member Services / Technical Support, and should you have issues with your service, you are advised to return to using your previous, AOL supported router.

We may also keep you informed of any updates or news of the trial and we may invite you to participate in future trials.

16) Who can I contact during the trial?

The trial is being managed by the TalkTalk Labs Trials team who will happily respond to your enquiries on installercd@aol.com within 1 working day.

For any problems with regards your broadband or telephone connectivity or other technical issues, or any billing issues, you are still required to contact AOL Technical Support (0870 3202020) to resolve your issues.

17) How do I offer feedback?

Logon to My Profile and use the trial feedback form provided (this option is visible to trial participants only). You will se the option to "Send Feedback" on your "My Profile" page after we confirm you have been sent the trial pack.

18) Can I keep the new router?

If you successfully complete the trial by providing us with feedback on your experience of using the new CD and complete the end of trial survey then you will get to keep the new router that we have sent to you.

19) How do I sign up to the trial?

Firstly, you need to be an AOL Broadband member to participate. If you are a member of AOL Broadband, you will be able to apply by clicking the link below and creating a TalkTalk Labs account.

Sign up to for the AOL Broadband Easy Installer Trial

20) I've applied for the trial and not heard anything. What's happened?

Not everyone can be accepted onto trials due to demand and restrictions on the amount of equipment available. You will be informed if you are successful, however, those who have not been selected on this occasion will not be informed. If you have not had a response within 1 month of applying, you can assume that your application was not successful on this occasion.