VPN

(Pronounced as separate letters) Short for virtual private network, a network that is constructed by using public wires to connect nodes. For example, there are a number of systems that enable you to create networks using the Internet as the medium for transporting data. These systems use encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access the network and that the data cannot be intercepted.

DSL Availability Tips

Getting DSL in Your Area
In many rural and suburban areas, DSL service availability is rare. It is important to note that DSL availability is driven largely by profits. Though you may not currently be able to find DSL service in your area, this does not mean DSL will never be available. Distribute a petition amongst your neighbors, and try to generate interest in broadband access. If you think your area will provide enough subscribers to justify building a new telephone exchange from which to provide DSL access, you may be able to get DSL service.

About DSL Availability
Learn about DSL Availability: The Achilles’ Heel of DSL is availability. Because the signal deteriorates rapidly as distances between the provider and the user exceed three miles, DSL availability is currently fairly rare in rural areas. However, most DSL providers realize the demand for broadband access is high across the country, and are expanding to meet this need on a daily basis. Check your local yellow pages to try and find a provider in your area, and ask them if DSL service availability can be extended to your location.

Other Factors Affecting DSL Availability
DSL availability is also dependent on a variety of other factors. For example, repairs or damage to phone wires can interfere with service. DSL availability can also be affected by the number of people using a particular line at a given time. However, DSL is far less susceptible to lowered performance due to overuse. Other popular forms of internet access, however, are.

Extending Existing DSL Availability
If you do not currently have good DSL availability, but are very close to effective DSL service availability, you still have a few options. You may want to consider contacting a friend or neighbor who is inside the DSL service radius. You may be able to convince him to split the DSL fees with you, and then set up a local network that gives you access. This would probably be best attempted with DSL router and long Ethernet cable, as using a wireless signal would have shorter range, and be available to many other of your neighbors.

Keeping Good DSL Availability
The more you learn about DSL availability the better off you’ll be. Consider yourself lucky to have good DSL availability. It is an excellent service to have, and there are many who do not have DSL service availability. Encourage your friends and neighbors to look into getting DSL. A larger customer base in your area may result in more diverse and faster services being offered. Also, this large localized customer base will result in less reduction in connection performance than with other internet services.

Checking DSL Availability
Generally, after you find DSL service companies, you will need to provide them with two pieces of information for them to perform a DSL availability check. First, your full phone number at the location at which you wish to install DSL, and then your current street address. After a quick search, usually only around 30 seconds, they will let you know if you are with their service range. If you are inside their range of DSL availability, they will also inform you of what sorts of services you may receive.

Wireless Internet Tips

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If you plan on sharing your wireless internet access, you will need to have that option turned on in your settings. However, if you do not have other computers hooked up to the network at this time, for security purposes, you should leave the setting turned off until the need arises to share the wireless internet access.

Wireless Internet Speeds
Coming in at the slowest is Bluetooth, followed by 802.11b, 802.11a and topping the charts currently is 802.11g. 802.11b is roughly equivalent to the traditional wired 10BaseT Wired Ethernet networks. Therefore, switching to Wi-Fi should not considerably slow down your wireless internet connection.

Wireless Network Equipment While Traveling
You will need to have a wireless network card, either an adapter or integrated in your laptop. If you do not have an available slot on your PC, there are adapters you can purchase that plug into a USB port on the computer. That’s all you need for equipment!

Finding a Wireless Internet Hot Spot
There are several stores and restaurants that offer wireless internet access, such as Starbucks. If you have a particular destination in mind, you can call the hotels to see if they offer the service. There are also hot spot directories that you can search to find wireless internet access.

Wireless internet – WiFi Standards
802.11 is the Wi-Fi standard, however there are other standards which are variations of the 802.11. These include:

802.11a
802.11b
802.11g
802.11i.
The differences among these standards includes speed, transmission frequency, and price. 802.11g is backwards compatible with previous products, but that is not the case with 802.11a. Make sure you check on compatibility issues prior to purchasing products.

Wireless Internet and Dial up
It is possible to share a wireless internet connection with dial up, but it’s not a very good idea. Some access points, such as the airport extreme base station from Apple, will allow this. However, there is some slow down time with sharing a wireless internet connection, and if you decide to share a dial up connection, you won’t be surfing anything fast.

Finding a Wireless Internet Hot Spot in a Chain
If you are traveling and know that you will be stopping at Starbucks, for example, and want to access the internet, you can check out their website to see what specific franchises offer wireless internet access. Many places offer a free one time pass so you can ‘test drive’ the wireless internet access that they offer.

Paying for Wireless Internet Access
Most likely, you will need to pay for the high speed wireless internet access when you travel. Starbucks for example uses T-mobile as their wireless internet provider. You will need to have a t-mobile account in order to access wi-fi at Starbucks. There are some restaurants that may advertise free Wi-Fi, but in general, you should expect to pay a fee.

Nationwide Wireless Internet Service
There are a plethora of national wireless high speed internet services available. AT&T, Sprint PCS, T-mobile, and Verizon are a few which offer nationwide service. You will want to check out various pricing, roaming policies and fees for the various networks.

Mixing Apples and PC’s to Share Wireless Internet Connection
You can mix apple and PC’s on a wireless network and share a wireless internet access. For example, Apple makes an access point called the AirPort Extreme Base station. Even though it is made by Apple, it still uses the Wi-Fi standard, and PC computers with a wireless adapter on the network will be able to share the wireless internet connection

Mixing Wireless Internet and Wired Internet
You can easily share a wireless internet access while still maintaining a wired network. There are many wireless routers on the market which offer both wired and wireless network capabilities. It is also possible to add on an access point after a wired router for wireless access.

Configuring Wireless Access Point to Share Wireless Internet Connection
Once you install the drivers on your computer for the access point, you will be able to open up the configuration software that comes with the router. The IP address 192.168.0.0 is the lowest in the network and should be dedicated to the router. Make sure to follow the specific configuration instructions that come with your wireless router, as each product will be slightly different from one another.

Wireless Internet Equipment
The beauty of the WI-FI is that it set a standard for wireless networking. Because of this, you do not need to have equipment from all the same venders in order to run a successful wireless network. You will be able to share wireless internet access as well without having equipment from all the same venders.

Configuring Wireless Internet Card
You will need to use the configuration software that comes with your network card to configure your computer to work at various hot spots. Simply type in the hotspot network name (various depending on the service you are using) and state the type of network, such as access point. You can also scan available wireless broadband internet access in the area and choose which network you wish to connect with.

Wireless Internet – WIFI
WI-FI, the 802.11 standard, is important for a variety of reasons. Having a standard in the industry ensures that anyone using wi-fi will be using the same standard, therefore equipment and connections are interchangeable. Having a set standard makes setting up wireless networks, sharing wireless internet access and working with wireless equipment more users friendly.

PC BUYING TIPS

INTRODUCTION

This section of Computer Tips is designed to help all users understand and make better decisions when purchasing computer hardware, software and computers.

BUYING LOCATIONS
The buying location can be the first and most costly mistake made by end-users when purchasing a computer or computer equipment. We have listed the main types of locations you will be able to purchase computer equipment or from and what to look out for. Please select one of the below locations you plan on purchasing from.

AUCTIONS
Auctions / On-line auctions are becoming more popular location for people to purchase computer equipment because of the low prices. However there are several things to watch for when buying through auctions.

Scams – On-line auctions are now the number one location where thefts and scams will occur. If at all possible look at the sellers history or profile. Always remember if it sounds to be good to true, it probably is.

Piracy – With the advances in technology it is now possible for anyone to make their own CDs it is possible that you may be buying copied software which is illegal. Ensure that the software you are buying is a authentic copy, documentation is included with the software, and the CD does not appear to be burned. Generally burned CDs will have a unusual color such as green or gold tint. However it is still possible for someone to make CDs which can look like an ordinary CD. Another way of possibly determining if Illegal copy is the price.

On-line Auctions – Companies such as E-bay or Yahoo may provide auctions which other people have the capability of listing products that they are selling. We recommend that if you purchase through an an auction that you only pay by check to prevent possible credit card fraud. If you need to user your credit card consider such options as PayPal.

Return Policy – Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be incase the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer. Extra Note: Generally software cannot be returned to the place of purchase to help prevent software piracy.

Warranty – Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided by the manufacture of the product or the place of purchase.

INTERNET
With the increase popularity of the Internet it is becoming easier, faster, and cheaper to buy over the Internet however pay close attention to what you are buying.

Security – When buying over the Internet it is generally a good recommendation to ensure the page you are purchasing from offers some type of security. When entering your credit card information look for a small padlock on your browser toolbar indicating that all information entered will have additional security helping to prevent information from being stolen by another entity. If you do not see this icon in the bottom left or mid left of your browser its a good possibility the page does not offer this additional security.

Piracy – With the advances in technology it is now possible for anyone to make their own CDs it is possible that you may be buying copied software which is illegal. Ensure that the software you are buying is a authentic copy, documentation is included with the software, and the the CD does not appear to be burned. Generally burned CDs will have a unusual color such as green or gold tint (unfortunately you will not be able to see the CD until bought). However it is still possible for someone to make CDs which can look like an ordinary CD.

Return Policy – Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be incase the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer. Extra Note: Generally software cannot be returned to the place of purchase to help prevent software piracy.

Warranty – Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided by the manufacture of the product or the place of purchase.

E-mail receipt – Generally most companies will provide you with a e-mail confirming that they have received your order. Keep this e-mail until your product has arrived.

LOCAL RETAILER
A Local Retailer is one of the safest location to buy computer hardware and software. However issues can still arise be sure to watch out for the following.

Incorrect Information – Unfortunately good help can be hard to find. Its possible for representatives to give you incorrect or false information either to help the sell or because they representative may not know all of the required information. If the sells rep says that a certain hardware device is capable of something see if they can demonstrate it to help certify their claim.

Return Policy – Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be incase the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer. Extra Note: Generally software cannot be returned to the place of purchase to help prevent software piracy.

Warranty – Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided by the manufacture of the product or the place of purchase.

MAIL ORDER
Mail order is sometimes considered an unsafe location to purchase your computer software and or hardware from. However taking the correct steps can help prevent issues from occurring.

Company information – Ensure that the company provides a valid phone number. Allowing you to speak directly with someone if required.

Return Policy – Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be incase the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer. Extra Note: Generally software cannot be returned to the place of purchase to help prevent software piracy.

Company – Try determining how long the company has been in business. There have been several mail order companies which have packed up and left overnight leaving you without anyone to contact.

Warranty – Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided by the manufacture of the product or the place of purchase.

A Quick Solution to Protect Your Blog From Spam Harvesters

Are you tired of getting a ton of spam everyday? I am too but unfortunately there is no solution to eliminate it 100% but there are smart ways to avoid and reduce spam. The method I’m going to talk about is aimed at bloggers and how they can easily implement a preventative measure to reduce the amount and chances of spam being sent to them.

With the popularity and ease of setting up a blog, the number of people blogging increases daily. This is great but one main problem is most of these people aren’t usually educated in proper techniques such as spam prevention.

Did you know that putting your email address anywhere on your blog or website is an open invitation for new spam? Yes, you heard me right. Little do you know that trying to be nice and provide a method for your readers to contact you only causes you more harm than good.

Let me give you an example. The usual way to include your email address on your blog is to use the mailto: tag. This is the case if you use Blogger and any other blogging platform. Unfortunately for you, spam harvesters use “web spiders” to troll the internet and look for email address links on websites and blogs. When they come across your site they will look at the html code and grab your address.

Prevent Spam Harvesters From Getting Your Email Address

The best way to beat spam bots as well as giving your readers a way to contact you is to use a contact submission form. That way your email address is never displayed and a script handles the entire mailing process. This is a great option if you use WordPress but for people using Blogger, it’s not an option.

You don’t know how many Blogger blogs I’ve come across and just rolled my eyes. There it is…their email address listed right on their site. Look out spam, here it comes! So my quick solution to protect all blogs (especially Blogger users) from spam bots is to replace your email address with an image.

There are several sites out there that can create free email icon images for you but I like using this email icon generator site because it provides several cool options. My favorite is the branded email image based on your email host provider.

Here are some examples of email images I created in a few seconds:

As you can see, it supports all the popular email domain addresses as well as an option to create your own custom email address. It even hosts the image for you if you don’t want to copy and upload it to your own server. I recommend uploading it to your Blogger site so you’ve always got it available regardless.

Make sure after you use these images you do NOT turn them into a mailto link. If your email address is anywhere in the html code, spam harvesters will find it. I had a friend that I shared this trick with and he replaced his email address with this image but didn’t remove the mailto link! He might as well of not even used the image.

Damage Control – Where is My Email Address Today?

Ever wonder if your email address is publicly available today? A good test to see what sites publicly list your email address is to just Google it. If your email address is sjobs@mac.com then you’ll see that there are over 500 results in Google which is obviously a bad sign (I hope Steve Jobs has one heck of a good spam filter). There should be zero listings of your email address when you do a search. If not, you should go down the list of sites and ask them to kindly remove your email address because they are just feeding it to spam harvesters!

I usually Google my personal email address a few times a year just as a safety check. Just last year as I was doing my check, I noticed there was one site listing it! I was so mad and immediately contacted the site owner to take it down. It was an article submission site and they were carelessly publicly listing all their users email addresses. That’s just bad business. Eventually they took it down and I told them they should do the same for everyone else in their system.

Conclusion

If there’s one thing to take away from this article it’s to remember to never ever ever list your raw email address on your blog. It’s a guaranteed way to get spam faster than you can say “spam me please”. If you don’t believe me try setting up a new temporary email address and don’t use it for anything except this test. Now paste it on your blog and see how long it takes before you start getting junk email.

I hope the end of spam comes in the near future because just like you, I’m tired of wasting time in my day filtering and deleting junk email. Google or someone, please come up with a solution soon!

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