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Talk is Cheap When It’s Done Through Computers

January 7, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Computers can now serve as telephones. As long as users have the necessary connections and software, your telephone can read the signals coming through the wire and transform them into digital ones so that your voice and that of your caller’s can be heard.

This technique is referred to as VoIP, which stands for “Voice Over Internet Protocol.” The advent of broadband connections and their subsequent presence in most communities is what helped to move this technology forward.

With VoIP, you can talk with someone anywhere in the world (since it comes through the Internet.) In some instances, these calls are treated as local calls; in other words, there are no long-distance charges incurred. In other cases, you may have to pay a small fee or have the service added on to your Internet bill. Your Internet provider can give you cost information.

It is possible, using certain programs, to not only talk to someone in another part of the world, but to also see that person. There are several programs that provide this service; however, both users must have the appropriate software and hardware (a video camera) installed in order to see each other.

Even being able to talk to someone via the Internet is still pretty impressive. And with the improvements and updates being made in wireless technology, it is now possible to talk with someone from just about any location. Strategically placed routers make this possible.

If all this sounds like something out of a spy movie where the hero has access to all the latest gadgets, then you need to know that it’s now a reality. It is possible to do this, and usually the cost is relatively reasonable.

Depending on your Internet provider, it may actually be cheaper to utilize VoIP than to use regular phone service (both “landline” and cell.) Again, this will vary, so you need to check with your provider concerning how much it will cost.

Filed Under: Computers, Networks Tagged With: , ,

Choosing A Router

January 5, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Routers are used a couple of different ways: To connect one network to another, or to connect to an Internet connection. Routers can also be used to share a single incoming Internet connection to create a small network, usually found in homes.

Routers also act as a line of security acting like firewalls. They can also act as hubs connecting hosts to clients within a network. They can allow sharing among peripherals.  There are many different kinds of routers available and here are a few guidelines to help you choose the best router for your situation.

Make sure the router you choose has enough ports for all the computers and peripherals you need to connect. There also needs to be a port for the incoming Internet connection. If you need a lot of connection points, you can connect a switch or hub to your router.

Select a router that works with your particular Internet service. There are routers that connect cable modems that are different from DSL connections.

Decide if your network is wireless or wired. There are different requirements for these two types of networks. If you want to get a wireless router, you will need to establish what type of wireless protocol your computers use; for example Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Your router needs to be compatible with the computers’ wireless protocol.

Examine the power requirements of your potential routers. The higher-powered routers can generally take on a greater workload.

Look at the aesthetics of the router. This many not seem important, but you want to be able to reach the switches, as well as being able to easily view the system lights.

Do some research online and get feedback from friends and family. Take all of this into account and list the pros and cons of each router to make the best selection.

Filed Under: Networks, Technology Tagged With: , ,

Tips for Choosing the Proper Wireless Router for Your Home

January 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment

First it was dial-up, then DSL, and then it was cable. Now you are considering purchasing a router to meet the wireless needs for the devices technology has brought into your household. A task you thought was simple now seems monumental as you look at all the offerings on the market. With a few considerations, you can find the perfect router for your household.

  • Consider your wireless requirements. Are you trying to hook up one or two devices? Are you planning to run several dozen devices? In a previous era, this question might have made you laugh since only large offices necessitated that many wireless connections. In today’s world, however, a family of five can easily have several dozen devices connected to the Internet easily. Gaming systems, iPod Touch devices, laptops, and Blu-ray players all take advantage of wireless technology. Consider the future to determine whether or not you plan to add more devices.
  • Think about computer control when you determine which router you want to purchase. Some routers, such as the Mac AirPort Extreme, allow an administrator to place time constrictions on wireless devices based on their IP addresses. Many parents will find this option invaluable.
  • Determine the placement of your router and the usage of your wireless devices. If all your devices are in a small area, you have different router requirements than someone who plans to use one in a large household or a cross a large yard. Keep in mind that you might want to purchase more than one router so they can piggyback off each other, extending the wireless connection over a large area.

After you have considered each of these aspects, it’s time to go to a store. Look for routers that are compatible with your operating system whether it’s Windows or Mac. If your household consists of both of these, remember that many routers are designed for cross-platform access.

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Belkin: The Underdog of Routers

January 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Netgear is omnipresent where routers are concerned, but despite their obvious market saturation, Internet users in the know claim that there’s another router out there that is very under appreciated. Belkin wireless routers are arguably the best of their kind, for a variety of reasons.

One of the main draws to Belkin wireless routers is the fact that they’re compatible with major operating systems like Windows and Mac, but also with Linux. This is important among the true Internet gurus who avoid Windows at all costs. Another factor in Belkin’s favor is that it offers good range coverage, can withstand cell phone and microwave oven interference and installs easily.

However, one of Belkin’s true shining attributes is its speed. Belkin wireless routers can provide networking speeds that are up to five times greater than standard Wi-Fi routers. Internet speed demons are so in love with Belkin’s routers that the added benefits of quick and seamless networking with printers, hard drives and other hardware devices is secondary.

Moms are also thrilled with Belkin routers. They come equipped with parent controlled web filtering free of charge for six months, and even moms themselves can install this high tech router easily as it has an installation wizard that self adjusts and detects Internet settings automatically.

Finally, Belkin routers have more power than you’ll ever need. They can handle up to four connections simultaneously without showing any decrease in speed. To put that in perspective, most home users would only require about half of Belkin’s potential capacity.

Despite all that it has going for it, Belkin wireless routers are not a common household name. The next time you’re in the market for a router, step up to the nearest pocket protector wielding sales clerk and ask for a Belkin; you won’t have any regrets.

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Connecting to the Internet

December 28, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Ever tried to connect to the internet only to find that there is a connection problem? Of course, most of us have experienced this phenomenon and it can be extremely irritating. Maybe you merely want to check your email, or you have important work to do online, both of which are impossible to do without an internet connection. These scenarios are likely to happen and that is why a solid internet connection is so crucial. The importance of the internet in our lives continues to grow, and as it does so, the importance of having consistent access to the internet will continue to grow as well.

Chances are, as the internet becomes more and more important to us, public places, places of business and even residential areas will become zones where anyone and everyone can connect to the internet to do things like sharing files with Ares Galaxy or downloading software from sites like openoffice.org. Even now, free Wi-Fi in places like hotels and coffee shops is used to draw customers to frequent there, and it is more than likely that this trend will continue. The internet has become increasingly ubiquitous in the lives of so many people, and chances are that most of us will not want (or not be able) to be in a place where we can’t get online.

Even when we leave out the idea of work necessity, the desire for entertainment alone leads most people to the internet on a regular basis. People want to be able to connect to their friends, play games, watch movies, catch up on TV shows, read the news or celebrity gossip, research subjects of interest, get directions, shop and more. Being able to use the internet for all of these things is becoming more and more important, and as the internet evolves, it will probably become even more interesting to most people around the world.

Filed Under: Internet, Networks Tagged With: , ,

VoIP FAQ

December 27, 2010 by

Why use VOIP?
There are many reasons to use VOIP, but the two major ones are Lower Cost and Increased Functionality

Cost savings with VoIP

Due to the explosion of broadband in recent years, more and more people have fast internet connections at their disposal. With VoIP, every call you make can be treated as a “local” call – the internet has no concept of international. When you access a web page in the United States from the United Kingdom, you don’t pay an “international” rate – you simply have a flat rate connection fee. VoIP can be viewed as a similar utility to web access or email – if you’re on the internet with a fast enough connection, you can speak to another party without incurring any call charges whatsoever, as long as the other party is using a device compatible with yours.

What is VoIP ?

VoIP is basically a clever “reinvention of the wheel.” VOIP stands for Voice Over IP, or in more common terms phone service over the Internet.
If you have a reasonable quality Internet connection you can get your phone service delivered to you through your Internet connection instead of from your local phone company.

Some people use VOIP in addition to their traditional phone service, since VOIP service providers usually offers lower rates than the traditional phone companies, but sometimes don’t offer full 911 service, phone directory listings, 411 service, etc


How does VOIP work?

A way is required to turn analog phone signals into digital signals that can be sent over the Internet.
While there are a number of ways that VoIP is currently being used, most individual callers fall into one of three categories: ATA, IP Phones, and Computer-to-Computer.


VOIP Using an ATA

ATA or Analog Telephone Adaptor, is the most common way of using VoIP. This adaptor actually allows you to hook up the phone that is already in your house, to your computer, and then your Internet connection. What the ATA does, is turn the analog signals your phone sends out into digital signals that can be sent over the Internet. Setting up this system is quite simple. It simply requires that you order an ATA (its an adaptor remember), plug the cable from your phone which would normally go into the wall socket into the ATA, and then the ATA gets plugged into your computer, which is connected to the internet.

  • Connection method:
    Ordinary Phone —- ATA —- Ethernet —- Router —- Internet —- VOIP Provider


VOIP using an IP Phone

The IP Phone looks just like a normal phone, with all the same buttons and cradle, the only difference is that instead of having a normal wall jack connector, it has an Ethernet connector. This means, that instead of plugging in your IP phone to the wall jack like you would with a regular analog phone, it gets plugged directly into your router. This option allows you to circumvent your personal computer, and it also means that you will not have to install any software, because its all built in to the handset. In addition, the fact that Wi-Fi IP phones will soon be available, which will allow subscribing callers to make VoIP calls from any Wi-Fi hot spot, make this option an exciting possibility.

  • Connection method:
    IP Phone—– Ethernet —– Router —- Internet —- VOIP Service Provider

VOIP using a Computer software

The simplest and cheapest way to use VoIP is through computer-to-computer calls. These calls are entirely free, meaning no calling plan whatsoever. The only thing you need, is the software which can be found for free on the internet, a good internet connection, a microphone, speakers, and a sound card. Except for your monthly internet service fee, there is literally no cost for making these calls, no matter how many you make.

  • Connection method:
    Computer —– Router —- Internet —- Router —- Ethernet —- Computer

Bandwidth consumption

VOIP Bandwidth consumption naturally depends on the codec used. To test your connection for voip compatibility use . (TestYourVoIP.com will make a call from wherever you are to a U.S. or international test locations and report the results for free. It’ll only take about 20 seconds if you have Java installed.)

What are the disadvantages of an VoIP telephone?

VoIP telephones sometimes have static or echoing sounds that you can hear in the telephone line. These problems are being fixed and may be a result of your equVoIPment being turned up too loud or the person on the other end of the phone may have theirs turned up too loud.Currently very few of the service providers offer emergency services, such as 911, or information services, such as 411. However, the government is making services providers offer this. It is currently being debugged and will be enforce soon. Information services are also being worked on, even though this is only a major want of the customers. If the electricity goes out you have no way to make an VoIP telephone call. A computer requires electricity to be operational. With the computer operating, you cannot access your VoIP telephone connection. This is also being changed by the technicians and developers. They are currently trying to create computers with built in generators or something close to that.

Filed Under: Internet, Networks Tagged With: , ,