Modern Modems

Modems have been around almost as long as the computer itself. They were created as a way to communicate two computers together to exchange data or information.  Modem stands for Modulate -Demodulate.  Generally speaking its job is to bridge the gap between digital and analog signals.  Long ago this was achieved using standard telephones lines, this was know as dialup and was often at very, very slow speeds. Over time and with the creation of the internet more bandwidth was needed and it didn’t take long before the creation of faster internets required the modems either disappear or adapt to new faster tech.

These days there are several devices called modems. Each one is different, and is used for different methods of connecting networks or devices.  Modems come in different shapes and sizes and they can be very inexpensive to, very expensive. Most ISPs today do not require the purchase of a modem, but instead will lease it to you for a small fee each month. This can have its advantages, because if there is any fault, which can constantly be a concern for some he equipment will generally be replaced free of charge.

The two most used modems are cable modems and DSL modems. DSL Modems (Or digital subscriber line) are used to connect home computers and networks to the telephone companies networks over standard phone lines. This differs from dialup because the connection is high-speed, digital and doesn’t tie up the voice functionality of the lines. Cable modems use the incoming coaxial cable to your home, the same cable that provides you with television.  These useful things allow us to browse our favorite websites like http://www.direct.tv and many more. Cable modems use bonded channels to achieve high signal strength levels and subsequently high speed connections.  Cable modems also have the capability of offering VoIP service which is a feature currently being sold by several cable companies.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet Tagged With: , ,

Securing Your Computers

Endpoint antivirus software

Image via Wikipedia

If you want to keep your computer safe from hackers, there are a few steps to take. Some things you can do on your own, but others require an expert. For example, make sure your passwords all have at least six characters, preferably a combination of letters and numbers. This can make it hard for others to guess your password when trying to log in to sites that contain your personal information, such as your bank website. Just be sure to keep a copy of your passwords somewhere that only you have access to. In addition, use an antivirus program to keep viruses from entering your computer.

These tips are free to implement, but if you are already using them and still have computer security issues, you may have to pay for an expert’s help. You can find computer experts near you when you check out local search engines, such as Canada 411. This will allow you to get the contact information of someone who can help. The businesses you find can simply offer a few tips, or they can come out and fix any computer issues you are having.

You can use the Internet to find other free ways to keep your computer secure, too. For example, there are websites devoted to offering tips on avoiding viruses, protecting your network and making secure passwords. If you try out the ideas offered, and they do not do enough to protect your computer, then you know it is time to check out local search engines like Canada 411 in order to find computer professionals.

Filed Under: Computers, Security Tagged With: , ,

Protecting Against Spam and Scams

Cyberspace

Image by Zebra Pares via Flickr

If you are online, you are likely facing a number of different scams on a regular basis. As you do, realize that protecting your computer is critical. Anyone who is connected to the Internet in any way can be facing problems with spam and with a variety of viruses. If you do not take steps to protect yourself, you could end up with an entire system meltdown.

Where and What Are They?

Take into consideration the scams you face. Then, learn how to protect against them so they do not invade your computer. These software programs can easily take over your computer without your knowledge and cause a variety of problems.

  • When using sites like Facebook, be sure you know what you are posting and clicking on. Often times, spyware, spam and viruses are lurking in the links you click, even from friends.
  • Run a computer scan each and every day over the entire computer. Make this an automatic scan. It will pick up anything that occurred and get rid of it for you.
  • Stay up to date. Know that not all software programs that run antivirus programs are able to provide you with the help you need. Know what to expect and what the limitations are.

Protecting yourself from scams is a necessity. Take steps to learn what your options are by talking to your IT professional. It is also a good idea to ensure you have the proper firewall settings, the right anti virus program and the best technology in place to prevent potential problems from happening.

 

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: , ,

Phones with the Best Security Features

Acer X960 smartphone

Image via Wikipedia

In the early days of the smartphone, it was meant to be a corporate tool. Security features had be strong to protect corporate email. Blackberry was, and still is, the king of security. Research in Motion built such a secure operating system, that some countries refused to allow the phone in their countries for security reasons. They’re too secure for prying government eyes, and that could mean revolution!

Blackberry’s Operating System Supports Multiple Platforms

When RIM created their operating system, they knew it had to reach multiple platforms that included Microsoft, Domino and Novell. Therefore, the Blackberry was designed to scramble the outgoing signal, thus forcing the incoming signal to be unscrambled upon arrival to a server. That’s super secure, so the individual needing top notch security will definitely like the Blackberry. If a prepaid Blackberry is what you’re after, then you can be assured it comes with top security features.

The Smartphone and the Evolution of Apps

As the smartphone as emerged as a top consumer product, other operating systems and phone developers are catching up with RIM. With the move into the consumer market, the smartphone industry has had to ramp up security overall. Now that apps are such a huge part of the smartphone market, all operating systems and platforms are providing better security, including anti-virus software that runs on phones.

Even though the Blackberry is very secure, it’s possible to pick up a virus or malware while using it to browse the internet, so it’s a good idea to play it safe and download an anti-virus. Lookout provides a free version that many users recommend, but the tried and true proprietary software is available, too.

Depending on your needs, explore both, but know that the Blackberry is inherently secure.

Filed Under: Computers, General Tagged With: , ,

Should You Change Your Default Anti-virus System?

Virus Counter Software

Image via Wikipedia

Most computers come with a free trial of anti-virus software. But is that anti-virus software really going to provide the protection you need? It is easy to just go along with the free trial. The software is already installed and it is ready to go from the instant you connect to the internet. However, the default anti-virus software does not always provide the best protection for you computer.

Usually, the default software is a free version of the product or a temporary full version of the product that will expire at a certain time. This means that you usually are going to have to spend some money for the product. But if you have an older computer on which you have already purchased a subscription to, then it makes more sense to transfer your subscription to the new computer. Doing this could cause a conflict message as two anti-virus softwares detect each other rather than a virus.

Another consideration is the default anti-virus software itself. You have to consider things like if it is really a good program to have or if it is really just a low-rated product that has the potential to cause lots of future problems. The quality of the service can easily be checked out and customer service should be taken into consideration.

Finally, you have to consider the price to continue the default anti-virus or upgrade the system. The continuation of service is essential to keeping your computer protected. Remember, these free services at maximum protection only last for so long before they expire and you are either required to downgrade or plunk down a credit card number.

Filed Under: Security, Software Tagged With: , ,

Don’t Overlook the Little Things

 

Cubicle City: welcome home, number 34 

 

Image by Frederic Poirot via Flickr

Most people who troubleshoot computer and network issues have likely heard the stories of users who can’t power up their computer. Their tech department discovers the user had plugged his power strip into itself, and the problem is solved.

That is a humorous way to look at tech support, but it also is a great reminder to not overlook the little things. Many times, the most puzzling of issues can be traced to a minor problem that can be quickly resolved.

Here are some pointers on what to look for if your computer or network doesn’t want to work like it should:

  • Check to be sure all components are plugged in properly.
    With computers, a loose connection on a keyboard or mouse can keep the computer from booting up correctly. A bent prong on a monitor connection can stump a user who can’t get an image to display. The first troubleshooting check is always this simple one.
  • Check to be sure that a component isn’t plugged in where it shouldn’t.
    Computers and networks are funny creatures. One insignificant, but incorrect connection can keep a computer from booting up, or can crash an entire network. For instance, some networks can be crashed if one network port is directly connected to another, creating a loop.
  • Make sure something isn’t stuck.
    The more use a piece of equipment has, the more likely dirt and grime will build up in its moving components. Keyboards are the most notorious, and interacted part of the computer.  Over time, its keys will gradually stick and eventually stop working. You could try cleaning it, but it will probably be easier just to replace.
Filed Under: Computers, Internet Tagged With: , ,

Steps for Choosing a Computer

There are a lot of people who are looking for a new computer but they don’t know which one they should choose. Here are some tips that you can use for choosing the computer that is going to work best for you.

  • Decide on Type – The first thing that you want to do is to figure out what kind of computer you are looking for. Do you want a desktop or a laptop? If you need portability, then a laptop’s the best choice. If you are going to stay stationary, then a desktop is going to work well.
  • Needs – The second thing that you want to do is to figure out is what you need in a computer. Are you going to work on it or are you going to just play games and surf the Internet on it? This is going to make a big difference in what you are looking for in a computer.
  • Prospects – The third thing that you want to do is to pick out some prospects of what kind of computer you might buy. This is going to help you to narrow down the list of ones that you want to research.
  • Read Reviews – The final thing that you want to do is to read reviews on the list of computers that you are looking at.  This is going to tell you what other people think about the computer, the good and the bad and help you to choose the right computer for you.

These are four things that you want to do when you are looking for computers, They are going to help you to choose the one that’s going to work best for you and your needs.

Filed Under: Computers, Software Tagged With: , ,

Three Things You Need for Working From Home

Working from home is a good idea. It’s something that is going to make a big difference in your life and the way that you think about your job. There are a few things that you should have in order to work from home and make some money on a regular basis.

  • Computer – The firs tthign that you are going to need for working from home, of course, is a good computer. Now is not the time to work on one of those old computers that were out years ago. Get yourself a good computer, either a laptop or a desk top and you will find that it’s going to work well for you.
  • Stable Internet – The second thing that you need to have for working from your home is a stable Internet connection.  This is something that everyone who works from home is going to need.  You want one that is going to hold well for you and be on most if not all of the time.
  • A Quiet Spot to Work – The third thing that you want to have when you are working on the Internet from home is a quiet spot for you to work.  This is going to be a place where you can work without some distractions and other things that can take away from your ability to work. This can be hard if you have children but you should know that it’s really important.

These are the three things that you need to have in order to be able to work from home.  The first two things are mandatory. The third thing is something that is isn’t mandatory but it is really going to help you to work from home effectively.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet Tagged With: , ,

3 Groups That Should Consider Working on the Internet

A lot of people wonder if they should work on the Internet. Working on the Internet is something that is going to work for just about anyone, but there are specific groups of people who can really benefit from working online. Here are some of the people who are really going benefit from working on the Internet from home.

  • Stay at Home Moms- This is one of the biggest groups that is going to find that they are going to do well working from home. They have children who are young or school age and they want to be there for them when they get home from school but they also want to be making money.
  • Students – Another big group of people who are going to do well working from home on the Internet are students. Since people who work from home can usually make their own hours and usually work when they can, they are able to work around their college schedule and make money that can be more than what they’d make working in fast food.
  • Retired People – One more group who are going to do well working on the Internet from home are retired people. These are people who are retired but they still want to do something that is constructive with their time. They can work as much or as little as they want to work and make some extra money that will be useful.

These are three groups of people who are really going to do well with working from home. They are all looking for jobs that are going to be flexible and that they can work on their own terms, so that is why they are going to do well working at home on the Internet.

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Three Things to do to Keep Your Computer Healthy

When you are working on a computer, you are going to find that there are some things that you should do to make sure that your computer is working at its very best. Here are some tips that you should remember when it comes to your computer and the things that you should do with it.

  • Have Protection from Viruses – The first thing that you want to do is to make sure you’re protected from viruses.  If you get a virus on your computer, you are going to lose all of your information and have a lot of problems that can lead to you losing your identity.
  • Defragment Hard Drive – The second thing that you want to do is to make sure that your hard drive is being defragmented on a regular basis. This is going to make your computer run well and ensure that it is working at its full capacity.   If you don’t defragment the hard drive, you may find that your computer is running slow and that you are not doing everything you want to do on it.
  • Give it a Rest – The third thing that you should do is to give your computer breaks from time to time. running it all the time can really wear down on it and you are going to find that when you give it some down time you are going to find it’s running much better.

These are three things that you should do to help your computer to run the way that you want it to run.  If you don’t do them, you are going to find that it’s not working well and that it’s crashing more often.  If you have ever had a computer crash, you know how much of a pain it is and what you can lose from it. So doing these three things will help a lot.

Filed Under: Computers, General Tagged With: , ,
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