Wireless technology has literally changed our lives. This up and coming method of communication has literally changed the way we live. Many of us cannot imagine a day without using a wireless device. In fact, we use them so much, that we barely recognize them as wireless anymore.

Telephone lines were originally designed to send news reports. Ever heard of getting something over the wire? Journalists still refer to their Associated Press reports as coming over the AP wire, though they most likely travel through the air like all other pieces of information. The invention of the radio demolished the idea of news sent over a wire. In fact, it completely destroyed the concept of the telegraph and eventually the landline telephone.

Computer networking works in a similar manner. Who would choose an immobile stationary system over a wireless one? Why would you choose to actually be chained to a desk when you could move freely about, accessing the internet and other files on a network from the comfort of a couch, a recliner, or a coffee shop. Additionally, while many believe that wireless costs more, this price too is going down, and soon anyone will be able to afford a wireless connection.

WiMAX, short for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is steadily making its way unto the wireless market. Its biggest advantage lies in the distance that it spans. Instead of a wireless connection reaching a few meters, it will reach kilometers. Currently some of the strongest WiMAX network reach over 30 miles. It literally spans the length of metropolitan areas, and thus with WiMax, you’ll no longer have to search for hot spot sign. Check out wimax.weblongsinc.com for more information about this up and coming form of wireless technology.

Bluetooth has become a mysterious wireless term to non-geeks, but its quickly becoming a household word thanks to its technology in cellular phones. Bluetooth basically is a way to connect hardware. The hope is that instead of seeing a mass of cords behind your television, you’ll just have the necessary blue tooth hardware, a wireless connection that connects your DVD player to your television. Everyone hates those mass of wires, or any mass of wires that threatens to ruin the aesthetics of a room, and Bluetooth has the potential to improve the look of just about any system.

Eventually wireless technology will make life simpler. We’ll be able to do things in places that we never imagined before. After all, who would think that you could contact a person from across the globe while sitting in a cafe across town, with no cost to either of you. Grandparents in California can talk to their grandkids in Florida while soaking in the rays on the beach. I predict that not only will wireless make life simpler in the future, but that we’ll function with it so smoothly, that we won’t even notice the wireless technology.

“I am using XP home with a cable modem connection, and quite often using while online, I get the error of can’t find the server. I just lose my internet connection, and it says my TCP/IP needs resetting. How do I do that and what causes the internet dropout?”

There are several possible reasons why your Internet connection might suddenly stop working. If you were on dialup, the most likely scenario would be noise on the phone line, but since you have a high-speed cable connection, we can rule that out.

In a recent Ask Bob Rankin article Do Computers Get Tired? I addressed the subject of electronic devices that fail at random times, and gave some scientific basis for occasionally turning the device off and then back on. I have a cable modem as well, and have found that sometimes a slow or dropped Internet connection is restored simply by unplugging the cable modem, waiting 30 seconds and powering it back on. Not pretty, but it works. If the problem is happening every day, though, it might be better to replace the modem.

There could also be a software-related issue which is causing your Internet connection to fail. If you have other computers on a home network, and they have no trouble getting online, then I’d cast a wary glance in the direction of your firewall. Firewalls are designed to block certain Internet connections, so it’s entirely possible that a bug in the firewall software is erroneously shutting down ALL network connections. You may even have told the firewall to do this without meaning to.

Open your firewall’s configuration screen and check to see what programs are being blocked from connecting to the Internet. If nothing obvious appears to be erroneously blocked, try shutting down or uninstalling the firewall software, then reboot and see if the problem persists. If that fixes the problem, consider ditching the software-based firewall, especially if you have a router between your computer and the cable modem. Routers have hardware-based firewalls built in, which makes firewall software superfluous for most users.

To uninstall the firewall software, click on the Start button, open Control Panel, then Add/Remove Programs. Find the firewall in the list and click the Remove button. Note that your firewall may be bundled with an anti-virus of internet security package. If that’s the case, click on that package (ex: eTrust EZ-Armor or Norton Internet Security), and make sure you select ONLY the firewall for removal, leaving the anti-virus protection in place.

If none of those things helps, report the problem to your Internet provider. If the problem has something to do with your modem or the cabling in your neighboorhood, it might be affecting your neighbors as well.

BOB RANKIN… is a tech writer and computer programmer who enjoys exploring the Internet and sharing the fruit of his experience with others. His work has appeared in ComputerWorld, NetGuide, and NY Newsday. Bob is publisher of the Internet TOURBUS newsletter, author of several computer books, and creator of the http://LowfatLinux.com website. Visit Bob Rankin’s website for more helpful articles and free tech support.

With high-speed Internet access becoming available in more and more areas, perhaps it is now available in your neck of the woods. If it is, you might be wondering if it makes sense to upgrade from dialup. For most people, the answer is probably yes! Here are a few reasons why:

- Cost – As it was for me, your most important consideration is most likely the extra expense required to move up to a high-speed connection. But if you think about it, the extra cost is probably very minimal.

If you now pay for a second phone line just for accessing the Internet, that monthly payment added to your ISP charge is probably as much as a high-speed connection will cost you.

- Increased productivity – If you work from home via the web, you’ll get more done in less time with fast Internet access.

Large downloads will take seconds instead of minutes (or even hours), and your Internet research time will be cut dramatically. And all of those huge, graphic intensive web pages that slowly creep onto your screen will pop up right away!

- Convenience – You’ll no longer be annoyed by lost connections and endless busy signals. You can stop waiting around while your modem dials in and does its best to establish a shaky connection.

A high-speed Internet connection is always on, meaning whenever your computer is on you have immediate and constant access to the Internet. What a timesaver!

- Conclusion – If you work at home and high-speed Internet access is available to you, you’ll almost certainly be extremely happy if you make the move. In fact, most people who try it wonder how they ever got along without it and say they’ll never switch back!

Even if you use the Internet simply for recreation and pleasure, the astounding difference in speed and convenience coupled with the relatively minor extra cost make a high-speed connection a bargain!

About The Author

Rick Rouse is the owner of RLROUSE Directory & Informational Resources, one of the fastest growing Directories on the web. Visit http://www.rlrouse.com and submit your URL!

As a computer technician I encounter many misconceptions about computers. Internet provider software is one that is often misunderstood. Internet service providers often give customers the false impression that their software is necessary to connect to the internet. If you are one of these folks, you may be asking yourself what other impressions your cheap Internet service provider is giving you.

Do I need software to connect to the Internet?
Absolutely not. The Windows operating system provides all the networking software needed to connect to the Internet and most other types of networks for that matter. Some ISPs require that their branded software be installed to connect to their service. This required software is used by the service provider to capture your attention for the purpose of showing you advertisements and the ISP’s own focused content.
Usually when you click to connect to one of these service providers your browser opens and you are bombarded with ads while the home page loads. You may be able to customize the content posted on the home page to your liking, but lets face facts, You have become a captive audience and you are being taken for a ride.

What does the Internet Service Providers software do?
Internet access provider software does 2 things immediately on install. First it hijacks your Windows connection software so that it can not be used to connect to any other service provider. Usually other Windows network services are also disabled, such as Internet connection sharing. Second, it hijacks your web browser so that you must log on to their home page, which I find ironic since internet service providers are always warning us about spyware that hijacks your browser.

The perpetrators of this type of hijacking is a list of the most popular service providers. You know them as, AOL, NetZero, EarthLink, PeoplePC, AT&T, Netscape… and the list goes on. AOL being the ring leader and takes control of your computer beyond the extreme to the point of being criminal. All of these service providers prefer to hijack the Internet Explorer browser because all Windows users have it installed and it is easy to build software for. But most can also be used with Netscape or Firefox.

So what is the alternative?
Simply contact a service provider and ask them if internet connection software is required to use their service. Not all Internet service providers require that you install connection software and are very willing to help you set up your Windows connection.
While doing research for this article, I expected to find price to be a factor in the connection software equation. ISP’s that require connection software obviously make money force feeding you advertisements, allowing them to offer lower rates. To my surprise that does not appear to be the most important factor in setting price. I found that bandwidth has more affect in determining rates.

So, escape from the hijackers. There are many national Internet service providers out there that don’t require that you be held hostage to pop up ads and stale content. Search the Internet for ISPs, do your homework and you will find the freedom to surf the web the way you deserve.

Lyle Cochran is a PC technician with over 10 years experience and webmaster of Cheap Computer Solutions, where you can learn the secret to finding cheap computer hardware parts and retailers online. The number one site for cheap computer how-to shopping guides. Working hard to save your computing dollars.
Download your free Cheap Computer Parts Organizer now.

How often do you see someone sitting in an airport lounge or coffee shop working on a laptop computer? Sure they could be playing solitaire, but the odds are increasing that they are corresponding via e-mail, sending a report back to the home office, or downloading a presentation for their next stop and staying one step ahead of their competition. Know anyone who brags that they can check e-mail, weather, news or sports on their laptop from anywhere in the house or even out on their deck? How often does the lack of an internet connected computer restrict the way you present, discuss, or demonstrate during a meeting, or exchange between colleagues? Wish you could instantly provide internet access for the new employee, the conference room, or guest in the lobby?

Those who have tried Wireless Fidelity or Wi-Fi say they will never give it up. Those who haven’t tried it are missing what the Wi-Fi alliance simply describes as Freedom.

OK, so what is it, how much does it cost, how is it installed and what problems are there?

First the good news. A Wi-Fi Network is simple, easy and inexpensive to install. Basic requirements are: 1. A high speed (broadband) internet connection, the most common being cable, or DSL. 2. Next, an access point, sometimes called an antenna or a wireless router. These are available at your local electronics or computer store in a common price range from $50 to $150. 3. A wireless card or “adapter” for your laptop computer(s). Most new laptops come with wireless capability already installed but if yours doesn’t have it, for less than $100 you can add an adaptor…no tools required. That’s it. That’s all you need. The equipment comes with instructions that are easy to follow, and setup is a breeze. You can be up and running in moments, sharing internet connection, and even printers, scanners and hard drives.

Sounds great, no? Any drawbacks? Well, a couple. First of all, these networks operate in the unlicensed spectrum of ranges of 2.4 and 5GHz. Do these numbers sound familiar? If you have a cordless telephone, chances are quite good that it operates in the same 2.4GHz spectrum. This causes problems with some wireless networks. There are adjustments that can be made if problems arise such as selecting a different channel on your wireless network (a similar process to changing the channel on your electric garage door opener) and in most cases this solves the problem. Other precautions such as separation of telephones and wireless equipment can be helpful. Note: If you have an old 900MHz cordless telephone, you may want to dig it out of the closet or think twice before replacing it with one of the newer 2.4GHZ models. Manufacturers of the newest 5.8GHz models claim they also do not interfere with wireless networks.

The other drawback is more of a quiet menace, generally more serious, and usually happens without the network owner’s knowledge. Typically, wireless network products are shipped with any imbedded security features turned off in order to make setup a snap. There are a few more steps required to add network security. Without security measures active, your network is accessible by anyone with a Wi-Fi capable device and within range (typically up to a couple hundred feet). So what? Good question; maybe no big deal for the present time but the more users on your network, the less bandwidth there is for each user, and the sharing of your single internet access line (say 512Kbps) can cause noticeable slowing of downloads and certain applications. Higher speed internet access service can help if you are networking simultaneous users who use the internet.

A more critical issue is that of file sharing. If any of your computers are set to allow access for file sharing, or say sharing a printer or other peripheral device, your “guest” has the same access to these files and devices. This is an obvious problem and one that you need to be aware of. There are easy fixes. Read the documentation that comes with your equipment, and ask questions before you purchase. Tell the sales person how you plan to use this new freedom and ask for their suggestions as to how you can operate securely and reliably.

Then cut the cords and enjoy the freedom. You are bound to increase productivity, reduce fatigue, and get more done!

John Geiger owns and operates the local affiliate of WSI Internet Consulting and Education, a Toronto based global network of consultants, developers and production centers providing turn-key internet business solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises to include web-site design, development and hosting; site maintenance and upgrades, full e-commerce solutions, on-line training and education, and other cutting-edge internet technology and solutions. For questions, comments, free consultation, or ideas for future articles contact John at (828) 328-5929 or http://www.webmasters-wsi.com

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Know your product

You need to be somewhat knowledgeable on the product to be able to promote it first. Buy the product yourself and list down all the benefits you can find. If that is really not possible, you should research on the product and read up testimonials and find as much as you can about it.

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There’s a lot to be concerned with nowadays when looking for an internet service provider. You first need to decide what type of connection you want, and how much you’re willing to pay for it.
Depending on your requirements, and how many features you want, you’ll eventually find just the perfect access plan.

There are two broad classifications of internet access, which are:

1) Dialup access
2) Broadband access

A few comments on each of these internet service types: dialup access is a slow form of internet access which has been losing market share for many years. The problems with dialup access are many: namely, slow connection speed compared to broadband and many disconnects or “drops”. Add to these disadvantages the fact that dialup is not much cheaper than comparable broadband access, and you’ll see why dialup internet access is losing out to faster connection types.

Broadband is the next major category of internet access, and can be classified in the following main groups:

1) Cable internet access – very fast access offered through your cable television company
2) DSL – Digital Subscriber Line access – offered through your local telephone company
3) Fiber Optic access – if available – offered through your telephone company
4) Satellite internet access – used primarily in rural areas where cheaper alternatives are not available
5) Wireless internet access – offered through a PDA or cell phone, a rapidly growing area of internet service

Currently, the recommended internet access for most home users is either cable or DSL access. Depending on how much you travel, or how often you need fast internet access away from your main terminal, you may very well also have a Wi-Fi account, or use Wi-Fi hotspots to log in.

Right now telephone companies, most notably Verizon, are rolling out Fiber Optic cable connections which offer 30mbps connections for under $50 per month. This is a truly incredible combination of features and options which promises to obsolete the various current high-speed connections mentioned above. The best part about Fiber Optics is the introduction of Video on Demand, which will allow subscribers to download and save popular video. Fiber Optic connections also excel in the area of high-definition television, so your HDTV will have plenty of channels to choose from.

If you’re still on dialup, you should make the leap to one of the available broadband technologies available to you. The more reliable and faster connection will help get you acquainted with a side of the Web that’s just not available to you as a dialup subscriber. Recently, a conference was held in San Franciso, that included all of the luminaries of the online access and content industries. At this meeting a broad vision called Web 2.0 was outlined. In this vision of the internet, completely free individuals, enabled by massive amounts of bandwith would be able to run small businesses from their homes and the internet would become a collaborative market that changes the way we all live forever. Take your first step towards that vision today.

Darren McLaughlin is the President of http://www.nccw.net