BROADBAND INTERNET CONNECTION COIMBATORE

M6.Net, a web-hosting company (What the hell is that?) has turned this techno-phobic writer into a working member of a new age information and communication team. Let me tell you a story, a story about a crazy company that sits high up in the clouds looking at its global community. I had always been afraid of computers, such a sterile environment, and no trees to sit under. Of course this has become redundant with the advent of laptops and Broadband Internet, but here's the truth of the matter: I believed computers were for geeks and nerds, and the radiation from the screens caused one to go sterile or infertile. The day I walked into M6.Net my assumptions were not altered.looking around at the bland walls, the plant-less vacuum of faces staring into screens tapping away foreign codes that only astro-chipmunks could comprehend.'Why am I here?' I thought as the people started to talk computer jargon to me. 'What do these freaks want with a creative writer? Let me out of here quick!'

After talking to one guy for about fifteen minutes he finally realized I didn't understand a thing he was saying. It was like I had just gotten off a spaceship on the planet Googamooga! Then one of the 'bosses' came over for a little chat. I say 'boss' because the owners of this company don't act like authorities or the top of a hierarchal chain. They say they'd rather see all humans as equals, "Don't call me sir, please call me Michael." he had said with a smile. This made me feel a tiny bit more relaxed; I still wanted to leave, as it just wasn't my kind of place if you know what I mean. Then Michael and I had an interview. He asked me if I knew anything about computers or the Internet. I said 'nope'. He said 'cool'. I knew then that I was in for an unexpected twist in my life's journey. Well, life is a mystery anyway, I guess I needed to learn not to 'judge a book by its cover', to spit out a cliché that has been used a few too times but with good reason.

This guy Michael then went on to ask me what I wanted to do with my life, where did I see myself in the future? I said I sure didn't see myself working for some Internet company. After a bit of relaxing laughter, Michael said it just might be pretty cool to hear from a perspective of a technological novice, as most of the world was in similar shoes as myself. He intimated that maybe some of the reasons people were so afraid of the Internet was because they had no one to relate to on a simple level when it came to working with the new mysterious, unknown technology. I said I'd be willing to give it a shot, and so began my adventure into the far reaches of 'cyberspace'. Luckily I already had a spacesuit from my intergalactic journeys taken in an overactive imaginary youth. I strapped in, we hit light speed, and the bland walls and monotonous tapping became a blurred rainbow and tribal rhythm in my consciousness. I realized eventually that I had been given a ticket to join in with the human evolution process. The Internet became the tool I had always needed to connect with the spirits of the terrestrial world.

After getting to know my team colleagues through face-to-face interaction and Messenger email chats in the open-spaced offices (no walls), I realized these people weren't mindless zombie aliens as I had once expected. These were real actual human souls like myself! I just couldn't believe it; my previous perception of computer nerds was destroyed. These people lived whole and exciting lives inside and outside the office. The reason they had once looked blank-faced was only because they had reached a deep level of concentration needed to solve the problems presented in this process of furthering humanity's communication possibilities. I now realize that each and every individual is constantly treading on worlds that will always be unknown to me.

M6.Net is a web-hosting company, that is true, but like every snowflake, everything in existence is individual. The things they do here, the ideas that are formed, these are like no other place in the Universe. Not everything good in life has to scream out its beauty. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if one looks hard enough at anything you will see the hidden magic beneath the surface. I have discovered that a web-hosting company is helping the people of our world to unite, I mean, how many other web hosts have creative writers writing children's stories for education sites? These people have helped to teach me to 'look outside the box', to use another cliché. It's funny how clichés actually ring true. It's also funny how good things in life make life good.

"If You Had Problems in the Past with a Computer Virus,
Then You'll Want to Know How Easy it is to Setup Firewall
Protection"

By Steven Presar

You know the basics of computer virus protection -- don't
open email attachments' from senders that you do not know.
If you follow this simple rule, your computer will be safer
than most.

But a few weeks ago, a computer worm called "sasser", caused
havoc with Microsoft Windows computers throughout the world.

This sasser worm spread in a completely different way, not
bothering with email (the way most viruses spread) but
instead exploited a security hole in Microsoft Windows.

This security hole allowed any computer connected to the
internet to be infected. The worm spread and infected
computers almost invisibly, thus many people were caught by
surprise when their computer problems began.

A computer virus is a set of computer program instructions
that attaches itself to programs in other computers. Viruses
are often parts of documents that are transmitted as
attachments to e-mail messages. A worm is similar to a virus
but is a self-contained program that transports itself from
one computer to another through networks.

The most obvious symptom of sasser worm was that the
infected computer would automatically shut down - thus
making troubleshooting this worm a challenge to those
infected.

A Plan of Action for Small Business

One of the ways to prevent your computer from becoming
infected by a virus or worm like sasser would be by
installing a "firewall" on your computer system.

Any computer connected to the Internet, is vulnerable to
electronic worm or virus attacks. You are protecting your
computer system by setting a firewall between your computer
or networked computers (LAN) and the Internet.

A firewall examines, filters, and reports on the
appropriateness of all information that passes through your
computer network. A firewall may ensure that information
received from an outside source is as expected and does not
contain computer a virus or worm.

This protective barrier between your computer and the
Internet will monitor incoming and outgoing internet traffic
and warned you of virus or worm before your computers became
infected.

Microsoft Windows XP includes a firewall, but it may not be
enabled on your machine because Microsoft turns it off by
default.

If you have Microsoft Windows XP and would like to activate
your software firewall, follow these steps:

~ Within Microsoft Windows XP
~ Click on the Start button and then choose Control Panel
~ Click the Network and Internet Connections category (If
you do not see the Network and Internet Connections
category, click Switch to Category View under Control Panel
on the left side of the Control Panel window.)
~ Choose Network Connections.
~ Right-click the Dial-up, LAN or High-Speed Internet
connection(s) that you use to connect to the Internet
~ Click Properties from the menu
~ On the Advanced tab, under Internet Connection Firewall,
select "Protect my computer and network"
~ Then click OK.

You have now enabled your Windows XP firewall.

With your firewall now working, you will see a warning pop
up on screen if a virus or worm is trying to infect your
computer. You will be able to block them by denying them
access.

You'll find your access to the internet a little more
complicated now. The first time you run any internet related
program after activating the Microsoft firewall, it will
alert you again and ask you if it is OK for your Internet
Browser to connect to the Internet.

There are some computer security experts have criticized the
shortcomings of the Microsoft's Windows XP firewall. Thus,
there may be other software firewall packages that you may
want to look at. Some of the other firewall software
packages that you may want to look at are: Norton
(www.symantec.com), McAfee (us.mcafee.com), and ZoneAlarm
(www.zonelabs.com) software firewall packages.

What to look for in a Software Firewall

When choosing a firewall, consider such factors as:

~ ease of use,
~ cost,
~ technical support
~ control of incoming content (such as cookies, pop-ups,
JavaScript, ActiveX, etc.), and
~ the ability to control the firewall for access to more
trusted individual websites

Most firewall software packages can do the basic port
blocking needed to protect against typical virus or worm
that try to probe your system (like sasser). Other software
firewalls do not have important features like, allowing you
to control which websites that you will accept active
content (like cookies and pop-ups).

A good firewall program will also alert you when a software
application on your computer is trying to connect to the
Internet. This may help you detect whether a virus has
infected your system or whether spyware (software that
arrive on your computer without your knowledge) is trying to
report your personal profile details.

High Speed Internet Connections Firewall

If you are using a broadband Internet connection, such as
cable or DSL, you should use a hardware-based firewall in
addition to software firewall. Most of the router/hub
combinations you can buy for your computer system offer a
strong first line of defense against remote probes of your
computer. Plus, they are inexpensive, often costing less
than $20 after rebates.

Hardware based firewalls generally will not tell you when a
program on your own computer system seeks to access the
Internet. That is why, when you use a hardware firewall,
you need a software firewall installed as well.

Which Firewall is Best for Your Office?

Because of the number of incoming security threats to your
computer are so numerous and serious, the key point is that
you do have a software firewall, and if you are using a high
speed connection, a hardware firewall as well.

ZoneAlarm's firewall is a popular choice for personal use
because it can be download and use it for free. That
software firewall package may be a good starting point for
individuals new to firewall technology.

After you have your computer system secure, you might like
to check out some firewall options from, Nonags
(www.nonags.com) and PricelessWare (www.pricelessware.org).

It's becoming a better idea to have a firewall, at home and
business. It does require extra setup and is another layer
of software and hardware to navigate through to connect to
the Internet, but the piece of mind to keep your computer
system secure may be worth the effort.

When you want to access the Internet,you want to
have the fastest Modem connection possible.And
the dialup modem will do if you want just email
basic surfing.

The faster cable or dsl are a must have for such
internet downloads of large files,super faster web
page access,and viewing videos online.

Installing your new modem,whether its dialup,dsl,
or cable,it can be a breeze when you both make
the installation an education experience as well
as having fun in the process.

For this to happen,you must be prepared with the
right equipment.This article has links to videos
and photos to help do just that.High speed modems
will need an ethernet card in most cases,for example.

Let's take a deep down look at what it will take to
get a new Internal or External modem up and
running in your computer.

While we're at it,we will see what it takes to install
a cable or dsl modem as well.These modems are
always external but will need a couple for parts in
order to get that fast internet speed.

CONNECT THE MODEM TO THE COMPUTER

When installing your Modem,first right down the
serial number for use should you need to contact
technical support.

External modems are connected to the computer
with the RS232 cable.This cable is connected to
the rear of the system at the serial port and the
modem itself.Some modems will have this cable
as a part of the modem.

Internal modems are inserted in an expansion
slot on the motherboard,unless its intergrated
with the motherboard.

Provide power to the external modem with the use
of the adapter that with the modem.Internal modems
get their power from the expansion slot right on the
motherboard.

After the modem has been installed,both the external
and internal modem must be connected to the analog
phone line.Plug one end of the phone cord to the jack
labeled Line on the modem and the other into the
phone jack.You can then connect your telephone to
the phone jack on the modem.

INSTALL MODEM SOFTWARE

Now you can replace the system unit cover if you
are installing an internal modem.And after all
peripherals are re-connected to the computer,
boot the computer.

With external modems,simply turn the computer
and modem on.See if the power indicator is on.

If you have Windows 98 installed,insert the floppy
disk or cdrom containing the device driver into
the appropriate drive when the "add new hardware"
screen appears.Follow the instructions on the disk
to install the device driver.

Be sure to read the modem install manual carefully
to be sure all installation procedures were followed.
Click on fininsh once Windows find and install the
device driver.

Users of Windows XP have an updated list of device
drivers which may be present.Its best to use the disk
when installing the software.

TEST YOUR NEW MODEM

The device driver allow your modem to talk to your
computer.To see if the modem is working,click on
Start,Settings,Control Panel,and click the Modems
icon.

Read the description of the modem to be sure it
is the one you have.

Windows XP users should click on Start,Control
Panel,and click the Phone and Modems icon.
Then click Modem,Properties,and Diagnostics.
Run a Query Modem check to verify your modem
is up and running.

INSTALLING A CABLE OR DSL MODEM

Cable Modems are external and are connected to
the computer by a Cat5 Cable.This cables looks
like a regular modem data cable but is larger.

One end of the Cat5 Cable is inserted into the
rear of the cable modem while the other end is
inserted into a Network Interface Card.

This NIC card must be installed in an empty adapter
slot in the system unit and transfer data between
the computer and modem.

With the Cat5 cable connecting the modem and PC
together,you must provide the Internet signal to the
modem by connecting a coail cable to the modem.

This cable provides high speed internet access and
may use the same connection as your television.
One end of the coaxial cable connects to the modem
and the other is connected the cable TV connector.

If the connection is being used by the TV,a cable
adapter will split the signals and you can use one
connector for both your TV and the Internet.

DSL Modems also use the NIC card and Cat5 cable.
Some DSL modem require device drivers and either
a cdrom or diskette should come with the modem.

Once you connect to the Internet with a cable or dsl
modem,you'll most likely never go back to the slower
dialup version.

Onthe other hand,you just may want to keep your dialup
modem once you realize just how much more you're
going to invest when it comes to broadband Internet.

Since the choice is yours,learn all you can about all
modems,how they work,and how they connect to the
world wide web.Your internet experience will grow
by leaps and bounds if you do.

As I write this, it's early December, and try as I might, I can't remember what my new year's resolution was last time around. One thing I can say with near hundred percent certainty is that whatever it was, I failed to keep it. Maybe you're the same. Maybe you resolved to quit smoking, lose weight, or read more. We all make promises with ourselves, then fail to keep those promises. Worst of all, those promises might be exactly what we need most. Consider this: When was the last time you backed up your computer files? Last month? Last year? Never?

Let's make a new year's resolution together, you and I. Let's promise to back up our computers. It's important, I promise. Just yesterday the automatic backup feature in MS Word saved me about an hour's work when my computer froze up. Given that I haven't backed up my computer in almost a year, I can't even imagine how much data I'd lose if I suffered a power surge or hard drive failure. It can happen to the best of us, and often does. Even high end hard drive manufacturers report an average failure rate of between five and eight per thousand every year. That may not sound like much, but let's face it, somebody has to be those five to eight people. Feeling lucky? There are about 185 million household PCs in the U.S., according to Computer Industry Almanac, so that means about 150,000 hard drives fail each year. But even if your drive stays intact, about a tenth of all computers suffer minor data loss in any given year. A power surge, the magnets in your home stereo speakers, or even an accidental nudge can affect data storage. According to a report from the ONTRACK data recovery service, data loss can be caused by natural disasters (3% of cases), computer viruses (7%), software problems (14%), and plain old user error (a whopping 32%). Now, I'm sure you never hit a wrong keyboard button, but do you have a button on your computer that prevents a bolt of lightning? I didn't think so.

WHEREAS our data is important, and disaster can befall even the most noble and undeserving of us, BE IT RESOLVED that you and I shall back up our computer files forthwith.

Amen, brothers and sisters. Now, where and how do we start?

STEP ONE: Choosing Favorites

Not all files are important enough to preserve for posterity. The most critical files on a computer are its operating system files. If you're a good little consumer, you bought the operating system and kept those CDs handy and secure from data loss. If you're not, then remind yourself to go stand in the corner later. The drones at Microsoft did not work for years just to watch you steal their work. It's people like you that keep Bill Gates from buying his second planet. Now that you've been suitably chastised, either go buy a legal copy of the operating system, or include the necessary files in your "must back up" list.

The same principle goes for software applications. Maybe you bought an ad and spyware blocker you really like, but the company that coded it has since gone out of business (perhaps because other consumers weren't as scrupulous as you). If so, include the files you need to run the app in your must list.

Now it's time to look at the remaining files on your computer and prioritize. If you're not a digital packrat like me, it may be possible to save everything. If so, congratulations. I don't have ten gigabytes of portable media at my disposal, so when I back up my computer, I'll be leaving a few gigs of MP3s and questionable Windows Media files at risk. One of the first things I will save is the folder I use to save my writing assignments, because that data represents money in my pocket. I'll back up my email address book, plus my digital photography and fiction writing efforts. I can live without "Milkshake" (what was I thinking?), but the guitar piece my friend recorded and sent to me is going on the list. Your results may vary.

STEP TWO: In Which I Tell You Where You Can Put It

That's right, this is the section in which I'll tell you where to store your data. It's not a good idea to put backup files on another drive on the same computer. That defeats the whole purpose. Duplicating your files on another computer in the same LAN is almost as risky, because computer viruses can spread as fast as an imaginary Anna Kournikova JPEG. You need to find a portable storage medium that can hold all the files on your must list. Your options include floppy diskettes, portable hard drives, optical drives, tape drives, and remote servers. We'll look at each in turn.

Hard diskettes, the old familiar 3.5" squares, hold up to 1.44 megabytes of data. They're cheap, but 1.44 MB is less than two percent of the ten gigs of data on my hard drive. Even if each of those files were smaller than 1.44 MB (and each weren't), I'm not keen on the idea of buying, labeling, and storing fifty diskettes. Next idea, please.

Most computer experts rely on removable hard drives for memory backups. The most popular of these drives are the Zip drive from Iomega and the ORB drive from Castlewood. They're relatively inexpensive and hold up to two gigs of data. Basically, you'll save your data on a Zip disk, then transfer it from the disk to the portable drive. The catch is that removable drives fail about as often as regular hard drives. They may even be more susceptible to damage from dust and rough handling. A sub-option here is to use a permanent hard drive as a removable drive. At up to two hundred gigs, conventional hard drives are bigger than removable drives, and prices have dropped enough in recent years to make this idea practical. Whatever kind of hard drive you decide to use, make sure to keep it isolated from dust, magnetic charges, and static electricity.

Optical drives use a laser to store information, rather than a magnet. Even if you're not a tech junkie, that's probably enough information to give you a clearer idea what we're talking about: namely, CDs and DVDs. Less common are EO (erasable optical) and WORM (write once, read many) media; they're less common because they cost over $1000 per drive. CDs, on the other hand, cost less than a buck and can hold up to 650 megabytes. DVDs hold up to five gigs and cost about fifteen dollars apiece. Most computers nowadays have either a CD or DVD writer (or both), but write times can be slow. My CD writer, for example, works best on the 300 kilobyte per second setting-if then. I'll be using the remote server option. At $250 and up, tape drives are more expensive and slower than hard drives or optical media, hence less common, but also extremely reliable.

Remote servers are third party companies that store data online for a fee. This is a great option for broadband Internet users, especially people like me who don't own a reliable data writer. SkyDesk runs Backup.com, Back-Up Solutions maintains BackUpHelp.com, and Iomega hosts iServer (Iomega.com/iStorage). XDrive.com, once a free service, now charges ten bucks a month for up to five gigs of storage. Promotions and other rates change, so it's a good idea to shop around before selecting a remote storage service.

STEP THREE: Git 'er Done

Now it's time to put the files you want to save on the storage medium you've chosen. There are several ways to do this. Your CD writer, for example, may come with proprietary disk writing software. That application may even include a backup option. If it does, and you're more familiar with that software than Windows features, then that's the way to go. Otherwise, backup is still relatively easy on all MS operating systems since Windows 98. Windows 98, Windows ME, and Windows XP Professional include a built-in Backup utility. To run it, just click on Start, then Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, then Backup. How easy was that? If you're using the XP Home edition, you may need to add the utility manually. If so, insert the Windows XP CD into your disk drive and wait for the "Welcome to Microsoft Windows XP" screen. (You may need to double-click the CD icon in My Computer.) Then click on Perform Additional Tasks and Browse This CD. In Windows Explorer, double-click the ValueAdd folder, then Msft, then Ntbackup. Double-clicking on Ntbackup.msi will install the utility. Once it's installed, you can also run the program by clicking Start and Run, then typing msbackup.exe (Windows 98 and Windows ME) or ntbackup.exe (Windows XP) in the Open field. Click OK, and you'll be off to the races.

Incidentally, the Windows XP Backup utility also includes a bonus application called the Automated Recovery Wizard. This creates a bootable floppy that initiates backup if the hard drive must be replaced. Other options for "disaster recovery" include BackUp MyPC from Stomp (StompInc.com, $79) and Norton Ghost 9.0 from Symantec (Norton.com, $69.95). Ghost actually allows users to duplicate the contents of their computer over the Internet. Both have earned stellar reviews from top PC magazines.

Don't let another month go by without protecting the files you value most. My girlfriend justifies her messy car by saying she "lives out of it." Well, I live out of my computer. It's not just my office; it's the home of cherished memories in the form of pictures, MP3, and other data files. I'm resolved to keep it safe.