Comment/question re: XP debug symbols

The following sentence appeared in the article:
“The obtaining part of the equation is accomplished by simply downloading these symbols from Microsoft’s Web site.” I question the use of the phrase “simply downloading” when the size of the appropriate symbol download file (as recommended by Microsoft on their site) is 172MB. On a 56KB dial-up connection this would amount to a download duration of over 12 hours. Even for a cable modem connection I would assume that this would mean a significant download duration as well. Is there some sort of alternative arrangement available to me in this sort of situation? Any help regarding this problem would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.