Archive for July, 2008
Securing your Windows Xp computer is done by achieving two main tasks.
The first, is to prevent unauthorized users sitting at your computer and logging in through your keyboard.
The second, is to prevent access to your computer through your internet connection. Preventing unauthorized users is done by controlling your user accounts management.
This is done by creating one account beside the administrator account. This way, you end up with one administrator account for managing the whole system, and another user
account for using all the time you are not managing your system.
Once you install Windows Xp operating systems, you create a user account beside the
administrator account. This new account user ID and password is only known to you, the
administrator. By doing this, you disallow anyone from using your computer by sitting at
your keyboard.
The second task is to prevent unauthorized internet access from the outside world. Your
computer internet connection is the main source of all kinds of attacks that will damage
different programs installed on your computer.
Attacks from the Internet can be of different forms. Their effects can vary from slowing down
you machine to producing annoying messages. Today with the high speed Internet access,
you get bombarded with problems much more when you were using dial-up connection.
There is certain measures you can take to stop the Internet attacks through your high speed
connection. I recommend you do four things:
a-Install an Adware / Spyware removal program on your computer.
b-Install an Antivirus program.
c-Install a Pop-Up blocker program.
d-Install a Firewall, software or hardware.
In Summary, there are many numbers of ways your computer can be attacked, and
result in damages of many sorts. However, There are only few ways of protecting
your computer, which makes it easy for every computer owner to secure their
computer.
Thanks,
George Chamoun
For more about steps to secure your home computer, get my
free e-books at http://www.ebookfreestore.com
Router is a hardware which is used for sharing internet access through sharing networks within local area. These routers have designed with the potential to transfer signals from a single point to the multiple exact destinations. It is essential to get a router for sharing your application and internet within your LAN. While you choose a router, it is better to keep certain considerations like modems, types and the budget.
Types of Routers
Cords are used for getting connectivity. The wiring process and maintenance of cords are not easy. Routers can be classified in to two namely cable routers and wireless routers. When you use routers for sharing internet from a server to multiple client systems, it is essential to consider about the usage of cords.
Corded Routers
When the necessary cords are already placed properly with the systems, there is no need of buying wireless routers. Corded routers can offer high quality data transmission. If the cords are placed very close to each other, you can save the length of the cable as well as money. Before using the corded routers, it is essential to check the specifications. Therefore you can make sure the ability to share web access in your office or home.
Wireless Routers
As these routers do not use cords to connect system with each other to interact or share data. It is easy to get internet access for all your computers without using a single wire by using these wireless routers. You can be free from wiring problems. These types of wire-free routers have functioned with the support of radio waves. It uses aerials for transmitting signals. These kinds of routers offer high speed internet connection. These wireless routers are also known as wire-free routers.
What is the advantage of routers?
Modem is a main hardware used for getting internet access. But most of the users prefer routers in stead of modem. It has featured with an added advantage of getting access by using a single modem to all the computers. When you use modem, you have to use one modem for every single system. Suppose you have 7 systems, then you have to get 7 modems to get internet access. But when you choose router, there is no need to buy each one for all the systems in your local network.
This is not some new fangled techno-speak, it is a real tool to be used for the protection of your wireless internet network and LAN. African American SMBs have to realize that if your Internet connection is on 24/7 then your network, and it is a network that your computer is connected to, is at risk. Any business that uses the Internet to share or exchange information, news, or ideas with clients, vendors, partners, or other locations look in the reflection of your monitor and realize that your business is an unintentional (or intentional) target.
You should already be aware of all the thousands of bugs, viruses, denial of service attacks and other unfriendly items that lurk on the internet and virtually try attacking every second. It’s like having a screen door on your most valuable assets. Let’s not repeat what you know about, let’s look at a larger picture that should concern everyone – the unknown. There are attacks that go unreported for various reasons, these are the ones that the major software and hardware vendors have no clue about and can only warn you after an attack is reported.
If your files, email, identity, client or product information are important to your african american business and you cannot afford a network being down for 24 hours. Then a firewall is what should be between the internet and everything else. You need to expect an intrusion if you have a small amount or no network protection. Hackers have tools that search the Internet 24/7 looking for a vunerable point to destroy. Overzealous marketers use similar tools to harvest information to use for spamming and unfortunately no one currently calls that a crime that we know as identity theft.
You have a deadbolt and a door lock on your front door and some even have a home security system in place. Why have a screen door latch on your home computer network, when you know there are people trying that door 24/7?
If you want to put a digital rottweiler between your home wireless network and hackers, marketers and other cyber-vandals then evaluate a strong firewall for your african american business.
Don’t have the time or resources to get your home wireless network protected and need a african american Wireless Solution Provider partner to be there for you? We can help give you your freedom back…and a whole lot more. M.D.T.G.
Daviyd Peterson ©2005 All Rights Reserved
***********************************************
Daviyd Peterson: 10-year consultant, instructor, trainer
Helps african american SMBs bridge the digital
divide by going wireless. Free article
on Home Wireless Internet Security and other related articles
http://www.mogendaviydtechgroup.com/firewallsmb.htm
See a video where big time firewalls duke it out!
****************************************************
MDTG <309.403.4983 phone/fax>
A router is one of the most versatile, and widely used tools on the market today; and for good reason. A router is a woodworking tool designed to rout, or mill out an area in the surface of a piece of wood, and can feasibly perform almost any kind of shaping and wood cutting application. It would be difficult to determine the application in which a router is most commonly used; they dominate edging operations, and are masterfully equip for box joining, mortising, dovetailing, dadoing, and rabbeting to name only a few.
There are several types of router available, each having individual features, benefits and their own favorite applications. The most popular types of router are the fixed-base and the plunge-base router; each of which offering their own set of pros and cons which I will attempt to shed some light upon. Beginning with the first born, the fixed-base router is a favorite of many craftsmen because of its more simple more, compact and versatile design, and its relative ease of operation. In a fixed-base router, the motor is securely clamped into the base, and has a more light weight design making it easier to work and maneuver. Built for table mounting and more stationary routing, the fixed-base router is generally better for running slots, rabbeting, and edging or molding patterns than its top heavy, plunging brother. For plunge cuts, however, the fixed-base router must be tilted or angled into the workpiece which can be a difficult procedure to master. Because the base is not fully supported as the bit enters the wood, plunge cutting can be much more difficult with a fixed-base router. These routers have simple and accurate depth adjustment systems. They must, however, be stopped and reset in between each cut.
Unlike the fixed-based router who’s configuration has changed relatively little over time, the plunge-base router is more innovatively designed. The plunge-cut router is built so its motor sits atop two spring-loaded posts; this trait allows for the vertical motion which makes the plunging action possible. The vertical movement of the router essentially “plunges” the router bit into your workpieces without ever tilting or lifting the tool enabling users to get directly into the center of a workpiece without any pre-drilling or acrobatics. With the plunge-base router, making through cuts, deep grooves and mortises is generally much easier than with its fixed-base counterpart; but although a plunge-base router is the best choice for applications requiring more and deeper cuts, it is much heavier and can be difficult to move and adjust. Understanding which router is right for you can be a long process. The information below will help you narrow down your search options and determine which router fits you best.
To begin, again, with the fixed-base router, Bosh offers a 2 HP (horse power) fixed-base router with a powerful 11 Amp motor and 25,000 RPM. This router is built with a precision centering design that makes it significantly easier to keep your bits on their intended cut line. The 8.3 lb tool is also designed with a macro and microfine bit adjustment system with resettable depth indicator for constant precision. This system provides always fast and accurate depth setting adjustment. Bosch has also incorporated a large 3-3/4 in base opening (6in. base diameter) plus a 2in. subbase opening to accept larger bits. For fast and easy template guide changes there is also a tool-free template guide adapter. The 1617 router has one-piece armature shaft for enhanced accuracy and long bit shank capacity.
Bosch’s fixed-base router also has a right or left switch location for user preference and consistency and a new dust sealed power switch for enhanced durability. The router features hardwood handles and a 10ft. flexible rubber cord. The 1617 also includes the RA1161 fixed-base system which allows for bit height adjustment from above the router table. For additional convenience the fixed-base system also has threaded holes that allow it to be mounted to the router table (in Bosch’s four hole pattern or the common three hole pattern). Bosch’s 1617 fixed-base router includes ¼in. and ½in. S.R. collet chucks, a 16mm shaft wrench, 24mm collet nut wrench, tool-free template guide adapter, a chip shield, and fixed-base.
DEWALT offers a 1-3/4 HP fixed-base router with an 11 Amp motor, 24,500 RPM, and enough power to rout out the toughest woods. The tool has an advanced microfine depth adjustment ring that provides precise depth adjustments in minute 1/64in. increments and can be adjusted vertically for a permanent switch/cordset location. This vertical movement adjusts with up and down actions rather than spinning; since the entire router doesn’t turn, the whole of the tool remains in the same position. For quick and tight-locking depth adjustments/base changes, the DW616 also has a strong and adjustable tool-free steel motor cam lock. A dust-deal keeps the switch free of dust and debris enhancing its performance, durability, and overall life. And with a right or left switch and cordset location, the user has the option to hold the switch in either the right or left hand increasing comfort and versatility. The tool’s overmolded rubber handles, and low center of gravity also contribute to the router’s best-in-class comfort, balance, and control. The router’s cordset is detachable to offer serviceability and the ability to use the same motor pack for all bases.
For easier bit changes DEWALT has built this router with a flat top – and with quick release motor latches for fast and simple motor pack removal. The router also has long, self-releasing, eight-slotted collets for better bit retention and elimination of frozen, or stuck bits. A clear LEXAN subbase (polycarbonate material specially developed for strength and impact resistance) delivers enhanced base durability and bit visibility, and also accepts standard template guide bushings. The subbase additionally has a concentricity gauge for best-in-class routing accuracy. With a heavy-duty, precision machined, die-cast aluminum base and motor housing – the tool is supremely durable, and weighs only 7.1 lbs. DEWALT’s DW616 fixed-base router includes a motor pack, fixed-base, concentricity gauge, ¼ and ½ in collets, and two wrenches. The router is also available to purchase as a kit (DW616K), which includes the above with DEWALT’s heavy-duty kit box.
As for the plunge router, Makita offers a 3-1/4 in plunge-router with a powerful 15 Amp motor and variable speed option from 9,000 – 23,000 RPM. The router’s variable speed option ensures greater routing precision and always accurate projects. The router also has a pivoting multiple depth adjustment knob with three preset plunge depths, and a top handle depth adjustment which sets the tool to any specific routing depth. For easy *********** into your workpiece, the router also has a 0 – 2-3/8 in plunge depth capacity. Makita has incorporated an electric brake for fast bit stoppage which also helps to prevent accidental marring of working materials. And, with an electronic speed control, the tool maintains constant speed even under load. The 3612C plunge-router also has a bit deflector to keep chips and debris away from the operator and workpiece. The tool weighs 13.2 lbs, is double insulated, and has a strong, all ball bearing construction to extend the tool’s overall life. Having a shaft lock for quick and easy bit changes, and a soft start feature for smoother start-ups, Makita’s plunge router is equip to handle all your plunge-routing needs. The 3612C includes a ¼ in collet sleeve, ½ in collet cone, and wrench.
DEWALT also offers a heavy-duty 3 HP plunge-router with a 15 Amp motor that utilizes advanced soft-start technology for always smooth operation. The motor is also full wave variable speed, and runs at 8,000 – 22,000 RPM. The DW625 runs with a constant speed, even under load, to ensure a fine, quality finish in all your projects, and its one piece motor and shaft spindle ensures perpendicularity and professional accuracy as you work. For always fast and accurate depth settings, the plunge-router also has a rack and pinion depth adjuster, magnified scale, and microfine depth adjustment mechanism. DEWALT’s plunge-router has a spindle lock button that allows for simple one-wrench bit changes and a dust extraction adapter for a cleaner, safer work-space. The tool also has phosphorous bronze bushings that provide a smooth and accurate plunge, and a guide bushing adapter plate that accepts standard guide bushings – perfect for template work. DEWALT’s DW625 plunge router weighs 11.2 lbs and includes a ¼ in and ½ in collet, dust extraction adapter, template guide bushing adapter, and wrench.
Both classes of router offer a different set of features and applications, and each individual tool has its own specifications. Each option, however, offers unique and professional finishes to your woodworking projects.
When it comes to diagnosing the modem and any other computer problem,always start with the most obvious first.Modem problems may be repaired as fast as re-booting the computer or can be as complex as resolving hardware conflicts.
First remember to check for the most obvious signs of trouble,such as loose connections at the rear of the computer for external modems.
Internal modems may have their retaining screw at the expansion slot loose are missing.Phone line connections may simply be inserted in the wrong connector.
Nearly all internal modems are inserted into the PCI or Peripheral Component Interconnect slot in the system unit.
NO POWER AT THE MODEM
For Internal Modems,first try inserting the modem in a different PCI Slot.Reboot the computer and click on Start,Control Panel,and click the Phone And Modems icon if you have Windows XP as your operating system.
Then click on modems,properties,and look for the statement “This Device Is Working Properly”. You can click on Diagnostics and run a test to see if the modem has power as well.
External modems can be checked for power by inspecting the adapter plug to see if it is plugged in completely.Look to see if any indicator lights flashing and be certain you are using the adapter for your modem.
Be sure the surge protector or wall outlet is providing power by plugging in a lamp or a radio.If the radio works,the culprit may be the adapter or the external modem itself.
If you purchased the modem in your town,you may have the chance to return to the store and ask the technician to test it with a known good power adapter.You can been replace either the adapter or modem.
MODEM DISCONNECTS OFTEN
If your modem,whether internal or external,is working but disconnects from the Internet very often,without warning,check to be sure your call waiting option is not enabled.
Another culprit that cause this headache is line noise.This noise and interference can be caused by such things as loose wiring.
Poor waterproofing,old wiring,worn phone jacks are some causes that will result in line noise. Make sure no other equipment is using the same line that your modem is on.
Be sure other devices as your fax machine, answering machines or even security alarms are not sharing the same line as your modem.
Other PCI devices may be causing conflicts with your modem.Clicking the Control Panel ,and clicking the modem icon will show the message “This Device Has A Problem” or somthing similar if there is a conflict.
Windows will offer ways to resolve the conflict. Take the time to carefully follow instructions tocorrect any conflicts that may be present.
Loose data lines for Internal modems and loose or damaged connectors for External modems can cause data lost as well.Visual check and double check these connections.
MODEM IS PRESENT BUT WILL NOT WORK
The external and internal modem must have device drivers installed before they will work. Bad or incorrect drivers can cause the modem to disconnect as well as not work at all
If you noticed that the device driver was either missing or corrupt in the modem icon,follow the instructions to update the device driver.
If some cases,you may have to completely remove the old modem from thw Windows Device Manager.
Once it has been removed from Windows, reboot the computer and Windows will detect the modem and automatically re-installs the the device driver.
If your modem came with an installation cdrom or diskette,use the software the disk rather than the one in Windows.
Once you are up and running,the first thing you should do is to visit the modem’s support web site and search for any software patches or updated drivers to download.
COMMON BROADBAND PROBLEMS
The most common high speed internet problems whether its dsl or cable connections are not being able to log on and poor signal.
If the Cable modem often reboots,you should check to see if your signal indicator is strong.If the signal seems good,electronic signal from mobile phones and other devices nearby may be interfering with the signal.
Stop and look behind the cable or dsl modem to see if the connections have worked themselves loose or have come off completely.Be sure the connections have not be damaged in any way.
The modem is connected to an Ethernet card which will receive and send signals to the computer.Look at the rear of the card and see if the green indicator is on.If not,there is a problem with the card installation or the card may be faulty.
If the ehthernet card in the computer become loose, your high speed Internet reception will be interruppted. Place a finger on the ethernet card and try to move it. If you can,open the system unit case and tighten the card.
If the ethernet card has become loose,it may be a good idea to remove it and inspect the yellow contacts to be certain they are not dirty or damaged.Power will not transfer to the card should this be the case.
Other causes may be the main wiring to the modem may be faulty.The vacuum cleaner or the power tools your son is using in the garage may be causing the problem as well.And we cannot omit the idea that the cable or dsl modem themselves may be faulty.
While you’re learning about your computer,understand the modem at every level and do so now while it is still in good operating order.Print or write down modem and all troubleshooting tips.
Put these troubleshooting tips in a binder or at least in a safe place so you can refer to them should your PC fail to boot.Knowing about your computer takes time and effect but you be glad you took the time should your system goes on the blink.
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Otis F. Cooper is solely dedicated to boosting the knowledge and confidence of every computer user. Use his informative articles and videos to understand all about the PC. Read more in depth articles for pc training and repair at http://www.repairarticles.com. |
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who are buying phone service from their cable companies, you may already be using VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) technology -whether you know it or not. The reason for this is that your cable company hasn’t told you you’re using VoIP because it does not want to scare you with a technology that sounds, well, kind of scary.
What exactly is VoIP?
Here’s the simple explanation. VoIP technology sends phone calls over the Internet, just as if you were sending an email. To do so, it breaks your call down into many tiny digital packets. Then, when all these little packets arrive at your caller’s phone, VoIP magically reassembles them back into your voice. Pretty neat, huh?
VoIP always costs less than conventional telephone service. There are two reasons for this. First, using the Internet to transmit calls is cheaper than using the phone company’s clunky, old analog system. Second, using the Internet eliminates all hose pesky taxes and surcharges that can just about double your phone bill.
To date, you’ve needed two things to use VoIP – a computer and a broadband cable connection. But this is about to change. New cordless, VoIP phones have been announced that don’t have to be connected through a computer, meaning that you can have one anywhere in your home. Of course, you will still need a broadband connection and a wireless router.
Panasonic and Philips have announced phones that will work with Skype, the popular provider of free and low-cost calls. In addition, Panasonic has announced a new cordless phone that will work with Vonage, and Philips has announced an alliance with Microsoft Corp. to introduce VoIP products.
When will these phones be available?
Netgear has said that it will announce prices and availability of its Skype Wi-Fi phones by the end of March, and Panasonic hopes to begin shipping its Skype-enabled phone by mid-year. On the other hand, Panasonic has offered no timetable for delivering it’s Vonage-enabled phone. Philips has said it will launch its Skype phone in Europe in May and in the U.S. in July 2006. No one knows what these phones will cost as none of these companies has announced any pricing.
So, who knows? By this summer, there may be a VoIP phone sitting on your couch.
Here’s another new technology that may soon be coming to you home. It’s called HD Radio and what it does is enable AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally. These digital broadcasts provide listeners with radically improved audio quality, more radio channels through multicasting, and new data services. To learn more about this amazing new technology, just go my Web site, http://www.hd-radio-home.com, to get all the buzz.
Douglas Hanna is a retired marketing executive and the author of numerous articles on HD radio, the Internet and family finances.
Dear Internet Friends,
Hundreds of thousands of consumers collectively save millions of dollars each month by replacing (or supplementing) their traditional telephone service with personal voice over IP (VoIP) telephony.
Using IP to transmit voice is not new. Large corporations and long distance carriers have used IP to transmit voice on their private networks for years. Likewise, private citizens have used their computers and the Internet to talk with other PC users for a few years now, but in the past users of such solutions have had to contend with poor voice quality and the need for at least one computer to be connected to the Internet.
Widespread adoption of broadband Internet service (cable or DSL) in the last few years though has in turn fueled a surge in the growth of much-improved personal VoIP
Most VoIP service providers offer all-inclusive calling plans that provide you with unlimited local, regional and long distance (within the United States) at flat rates starting as low as $24.95 per month. Some offer usage-based plans at a lower monthly cost and most provide inexpensive per minute rates on international calls as well. In addition, VoIP service providers include a smorgasbord of advanced features such as name and number caller ID, call forwarding, call blocking and voice mail that traditional phone companies sell as premium services.
When you sign up for VoIP service, many service providers give you the option of choosing the area code, and possibly the exchange, for your service. You can select from any area where the VoIP provider has local service.
So what are the drawbacks of a personal VoIP solution? The main drawback is the need for a reliable broadband connection; without one a VoIP solution is probably not for you.
Power outages present another hurdle. Since VoIP requires a live Internet connection, losing electricity means losing your phone service.
The voice quality of your VoIP call is also another consideration. Since the data travels across the Internet, there’s the potential for dropouts or “burbles” similar to what you might experience on a cell phone
Most people we called during our tests were surprised at the quality of the calls, and didn’t realize they were on a VoIP connection until we told them. Keep in mind that the call quality for VoIP providers who don’t manage their IP networks and depend on the Internet for routing will yield varying and sometimes disappointing voice quality and unreliable connections.
Syed Akram was 3 years experience in offline and online marketing. He now actively promoting the new free voip communication technology which improve relationship in internet far more better. His site can be visit at http://www.mdi365.com/futurebiz (Futurebiz’s Free Internet Marketing Tool and Training for Work From Home)
Let’s dive into something a little more complex. What if you have a wired network already, and you’re quite happy with the way it performs — you see no point in dismantling it and making it wireless when it works fine as it is. You’ve got this laptop, though, that you’d really like to use wirelessly. Basically, what you want to do is make a wireless connection to a wired network. This is often referred to as a network bridge.
As luck would have it, there’s a very easy way to do exactly what you want. It’s called a wireless access point.
Partly Wireless
If you’ve got a lot of computers (on an office network, for example) and you can’t switch them all over to wireless networking at once, installing a wireless router is a good way of doing it bit-by-bit. Once the router is part of the network, you could just remove one network wire per day or per week, replacing it with a wireless connection.
Hardware and Software Requirements
There are two kinds of wireless access points: software and hardware ones. Wireless access point software runs on one of the computers on the wired network, and lets wireless devices connect to the network through that computer (the computer must obviously be wireless-enabled).
You can get wireless access software easily — doing a web search will give you plenty of choices. Look for one that’s open source, as you will be able to download it straightaway for free without breaking any laws. Unfortunately, though, the wireless devices will only be connected to the network while the computer in question is turned on and connected itself.
Hardware access points, on the other hand, are standalone devices that can be plugged in anywhere on the network — you can either buy a dedicated access point, or convert an old computer to act as one and do nothing else. They connect to the wired network just as a normal computer would, except that they offer access to the network to any wireless receivers within range.
You can leave hardware access points connected to your network and turned on all the time, if you want. An advantage of dedicated devices is that they generally have a greater range, letting you use your wireless devices further away from the access point than you could with a software access point. Dedicated devices can be expensive, though — prices are roughly similar to wireless routers.
How Wireless Access Points Work
An access point sends requests for data on behalf of the wireless devices connected to it. In this way, it works a lot like a wireless router: basically, a wireless access point is to a wired LAN as a wireless router is to the Internet. The difference, though, is that the devices connected through an access point actually become part of the LAN — other computers on the LAN won’t distinguish between the wired computers and the wireless ones.
This is powerful, as it gives you the capability to dynamically extend your wired LAN, without wires. In theory, there shouldn’t be anything you can currently do over your wired network that you won’t be able to do over the wireless extension to it.
Configuring a Wireless Access Point
You can usually configure a wireless access point as easily as plugging it into a connection to your network, using the cable that should be included. Your network should see the access point and give it a networking (IP) address automatically. If you need to do any more configuration on your access point — for example, turning on wireless encryption — then you’ll need to open your access point’s settings.
You can do this by going to the router’s IP address in your web browser. If you’re not sure how to do this, refer to your access point’s manual (you might have better luck reading the online version, which will be updated with the latest problems people are having). While you’re playing with your access point’s settings, you might find it worth disabling DHCP (dynamic network addressing) and giving your access point a static address instead. This helps to keep your wired network more stable.
Researched, and Written by Tony Fitz of
EntireWeb
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VoIP is a widely talked about technology that is beginning to make major strides in the internet and communication world. It brings major benefits for both consumers and business that use it. For many though, the decision of whether VoIP is right for their needs is a difficult one, and the benefits of VoIP may not be made so clear. Please read on to discover the key advantages of changing to VoIP, and I hope you will then be in a better decision to decide.
The money that can be saved is evident for consumers and also for businesses, especially those that regularly make long distance calls. You may wonder why this is the case, well, the technology of VoIP means that calls that you would usually make are now transmitted along your broadband internet connection, bypassing your regular telephone service provider. This results in a cost-saving from many taxes and charges not being incurred.
The saving in long distance calling can result in a massive saving for businesses. Furthermore, the amount of VoIP service providers entering the market means that the competition and resulting pricing battle between the providers is good for many businesses looking to convert to VoIP.
The converter that you will need in order to use VoIP has a great feature. It will be assigned with your own individual number. If you need to travel anywhere, you are then able to take this converter with you and plug it into any broadband connection, enabling you to make receive calls using the same number. In order for VoIP to successfully work, it is important that you have a good bandwidth connection, such as with broadband or DSL. You will also need a computer microphone or regular phone, plus a VoIP route adaptor to connect to the internet. Another more
obvious requirement is to sign up with a VoIP service provider, but make sure that you look around at the offers that many providers may have before deciding on one.
Looking around and what various service providers have to offer will soon highlight some of the extras that you may receive with their package. These may include call waiting, caller ID, speed dialling, call forwarding, 3-way calling, free voicemail plus much more. You can then make a more informed decision on which provider meets your requirements the best.
VoIP technology looks set to advance over the coming years, although it has been around for some time now. There are some great benefits from switching to VoIP, some of which have been highlighted above. This may mean the end of regular analogue phone system companies as we know them today, who may find it difficult to compete with the benefits that VoIP technology has to offer. VoIP will most certainly continue to develop over the coming years, and may soon dominate the communication market. This will lead to an increase in the number of homes and business premises that will use VoIP as a cheaper alternative to existing
phone lines. It is highly recommended that you take a look at the website below, to discover more interesting information on VoIP technology, and hopefully answer any questions that you may about it.
For tons of useful information on VoIP technology, you must read the info at VoIP Service Providers. Justin Brown has gathered a lot of helpful information on a range of VoIP topics there. He also runs Autoresponder Info and a site for free articles.
Router Functionalities
Firewall
Firewalls are ideal for home networks. They help in protecting home use computers by stalling the destructive efforts of other official websites and potential hackers. This software or hardware device filters the information coming through the internet connection, flagging the information that is not to be allowed through. You can find some such models at:
VPN Pass through
VPN pass through feature of routers allows traffic between the endpoints and does not support one of the endpoints. This feature is ideal for routers of home use or small office setups; they are less expensive than a router with full VPN that supports the endpoints.
DHCP server
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) servers can be implemented for windows based system. The server automatically assigns an IP address to the computer’s TCP/IP stack software.
Wireless Access Point
The performance of your network will depend on signal strength of the wireless access point. Before you position it, find out the exact location from where it will give the maximum network range.
DSL Modem
Digital Subscriber Line modems are faster than regular modems and can use the existing phone lines. Both internet connection and phone lines for telephone calls can be used simultaneously.
Voice over IP gateway
VoIP routers have both wireless networking feature and telephone terminal adapters. With this feature the network can access both Internet and voice communications.
Protocols
These are formats for transferring data between the various devices. The protocols determine the various aspects of the data like compression types, delivery and retrieval by devices and error checking. The standard protocols differ in their various features, so in order to communicate with other computers correct protocols must be selected.
Internet Protocol (IP) enables unique addressing for computers.
When used with transport control protocol, it is referred as TCP/IP.
The newer IP version 6 is referred as IPv6. This version addresses 16 bytes in length.
DHCP: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol assigns dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network.
Routing Protocols
The information packets have to be routed by a series of routers to get to its destination. Latest routers automatically exchange route information with other routers through the use of routing protocols.
While configuring the router on your own, you have to choose what types of routing protocol you have to install and configure.
RIP version-1: It is a dynamic protocol and automatically figures routing tables on its own, thus manual inputs are not required.
Encryption Standards
This feature configures the virtual private network, encryption hardware advanced integration modules and the network modules.
Data Encryption Standard – applies 56-bit key to 64-bit block of data. This is the most commonly used encryption standard. A single key is used which is very difficult to break.
Triple DES (3DES) – applies 3 keys in succession making it more difficult to break the code.
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) will be the next encryption standard for commercial transactions in the private sector.
MD5
SHA 1
Modulation
There are many standards of modulation. The most commonly used types are:
QAM: Quadrature Amplitude Modulation, a dominant modulation technique for high speed digital signals.
CCK: Complimentary Code Keying is a modulation scheme to operate in data speeds up to 11Mbps in the RF band.
OFDM: Orthogonal Frequency division multiplexing modulation is used for even higher speeds of 54Mbps.
DSSS: Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum use wideband signals that are not easy to detect and resists jamming attempts.
Security
Today no home and office network is secure. To counter the hacking efforts of hackers, look for good built-in security functionalities. These will ensure that your system doesn’t slow down, those within the range of your wireless are not able to view your files, emails, instant messages, usernames and passwords. Depending on the security features you can also block spams, illegal activities with your internet connection and prevent loading of dangerous software.
This however doesn’t mean your network is completely secure.
Some steps that can be taken are:
Enable WEP, wired equivalent privacy encryption provides security to WLANS. The WEP keys encrypt the data stream.
Turning on WPA encryption. The Wi-Fi protected access adds on the authentication and encryption features WEP explained above.
TKIP, Temporal Key Integrity Protocol covers up for the encryption weaknesses of WEP.
WPA2 protection is the latest one and provides high level of protection.
Enable wireless MAC Address filtering.
WEP Encryption length
The WEP encryption is based on a combination of secret user keys and system generated values. The key encrypts and de-encrypts the data that is transferred between the access points and the clients. There are two versions:
The earlier version supported 40-bit encryption; the key length was 40 bits and 24 additional bits of system generated data, thus a total of 64 bits.
Easy decoding of 40 bit WEP encryption encouraged vendors to go in for 128-bit encryption. 128-bit encryption has a key length of 104 bits.
Antenna Type
The omni directional antenna of routers broadcast 360degrees around the router. Position them in such a way that you can make the most of the radiating signals.
External antennas can add strength significantly, thus giving a wider range and increased network performance when compared with the performance of in-built antennas.
Detachable antennas disable 802.11a lower band communications when detached. On attaching the antenna the lower band is enabled. Thus they can be screwed into the device and can be upgraded easily.
The third type is the internal integrated antennas. These antennas are built-in, and hence cannot be changed or directed.
Brand Name
Wireless routers are still evolving, and at this infant stage it will do good to stick to one brand. Switching between brands can lead to compatibility problems. Linksys and Netgear wireless routers are among the few companies that have the highest wireless router ratings a company can get.
Linksys
Linksys wireless routers are easy to install and are reputed to give good performance and signal range. The various features that the router supports are protection from hackers with NAT technology, VPN pass through, and can encrypt all wireless transmissions. Most of its models have excellent performance and extremely useful support features. Some of the features are the firewall and routing capabilities, MAC address filtering and virtual server support. Most of the models are easy to configure with the browser-based configuration.
Netgear
Netgear wireless routers have not only superior looks but also good signal strength and wider range. Security features are good and are taken care of with WPA-PSK, WEP (128-bit). Netgear markets wide range of wireless routers for home networking as well as business networking. The selling factors are ease of use, reliability, quality and security.
Apple
Customers loyal to this brand can go in for wireless routers of this brand; they are however priced higher than models of other brands with similar features. Security and support features are good.