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How Do I:

Set Up my Outlook E-mail (WINS)

Create a Strong Password

Prevent Unauthorized Access to My Router Configuration

Secure My Wireless Router with a Password

Connecting a Linksys Router

Speed Test for Mid Century High Speed Internet

What does Kbps and Mbps Mean?

Kbps and Mbps are measures of speed. Specifically, they measure how fast data is sent to or received from the Internet. 
Kbps - Kilobits per second (1,000 bits per second). 
Mbps - Megabits per second (1,000,000 bits per second).

Any data that is sent or received in a digital format, such as e-mail or web pages, has a specific size measured in bits. The larger the piece of data, the more bits it comprises. Every connection to the Internet is capable of moving a specified amount of data in a specified time frame. For example, a 768 Kbps DSL connection is capable of transmitting 768,000 bits per second.

 You may see a speed of 100 Mbps show up on your task bar. Typically 100 Mbps is what you will see, but can vary from 10 Mbps to 1000 Mbps (1 Gb), depending on your computer and the equipment it is connected to.

Do not confuse this with your Internet Providers speed (see above). This shows the capability of your Network Interface Card (NIC/Ethernet Card) in your machine and the next piece of equipment it it connected to, like your DSL Modem or Router. Your Internet speed is determined on the connection between your modem and Internet Providers equipment that provides you access to the Internet.

You can test your speed by clicking here

Your speeds are dependent upon many factors and can vary in results. Some items that can slow down speeds are:

1. Internet Traffic - The Internet has several Prime Times. The more people that are on the Internet, the slower the speeds can be. There can be several times throughout the day when traffic will be greater than others. Users like to browse or check e-mails in the morning, on their lunch and when they get home from work. Evenings from 5 till midnight show some of the largest usages.

2. Downloading - From I-Tunes to You-Tube, all of these service use bandwidth. Peer to Peer sharing and update programs are some of the bandwidth hogs that can be running in the background unaware to us as we browse. Although you do not see it running, it is there using some of your Internet bandwidth and decreasing your Internet speed.

3. Website - Like your connection, websites can specify what line speeds they want coming into their Internet server. If you get on a site that is hosting their own site, your speed is dependent upon what their speed is as well. Activity on that site is just as critical. Popular sites tend to be slower due to the number of hits (visits from other computers).

What Is DSL Internet?
Digital Subscriber Line ( DSL) is a digital Internet platform that gives home, small and medium sized businesses access to broadband Internet via ordinary copper telephone wires used in most homes and businesses. DSL will allow you to talk on the phone while browsing the internet or checking your e-mail. No longer is there a need to have a second phone line into your home for internet so you can use your phone.

What if I have more than one computer?
Our modem is designed to accept one computer connection, however many families (and many individuals) use more than one computer. In this case you want them all to use the same fast Internet connection. To do so, you'll need to set up a small home network, in which each computer is connected to a router that acts as a referee for all the other computers in the house. There are no special settings to install a router on our system, typically, if you plug the router into the modem we supplied and connect your computers into the router and you are ready to go. You will want to read the documentation that came with your router on how to secure your network and setup a wireless network.

Do I need a Firewall / Virus Scanner?
If you have a single computer or multiple computers you will want to look into Computer Firewall / Internet Protection to help protect your computer(s) from viruses and intrusion. A firewall helps protect your computer from being accessed and scene by other computers on the internet. Remember, DSL is always on, so as long as your computer is turned on, it is on the internet. 

The Internet can be a great thing, but it can also be very frustrating. You wait patiently and watch 90 e-mails come in and find only two of them are valid.    Many software suites today take care of e-mail virus, spam (junk e-mails), and have a firewall built in. Make sure to read the directions thoroughly when installing these products some software vendors are very particular on how their software gets installed.