If you’ve recently purchased a computer, or are just learning about using email and the internet, you may have heard about computer viruses and anti-virus software. You may be wondering if this is something that you should be concerned about, and if so, what you should do about it. This article will attempt to answer these questions for you.
First, you may be wondering just what a computer virus is. Basically a computer virus is one of many types of small programs that install themselves on your computer without your consent. Usually they enter your program through an email, or while you are browsing a website.
When these programs run, usually without you knowing, they can cause all types of problems with your computer. Some viruses can be mildly annoying, slowing down your computer as they use your computer’s resources for another purpose. Others can be very dangerous, collecting your personal information and sending it to another party, or damaging your hard-drive.
True to their name, viruses are able to use your internet connection and email program and send themselves to the computers of other people you know, spreading themselves just like a contagious disease.
Because of this, just like the health of your body, when it comes to computer viruses, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It is much easier to prevent viruses from entering your computer than it is to get rid of them and cure your computer once it becomes infected. This is why Anti-Virus software is important.
Once you realize that you need anti-virus software installed and running on your computer, you’ll have to choose which one to purchase and install. This can be a complicated process, but here are some tips to make it a bit easier.
First, check your computer to see if it came with anti-virus software. Many new computers are shipped with anti-virus programs already to go on them, you just need to turn them on. Check your instruction manual to see if this is the case with your computer.
Check with the vendor. If you purchased your computer from a local retailer, check with them to see what anti-virus program they recommend. They should be more than willing to help you and may even be able to provide you with a discount since you purchased a computer from them.
Once you have your anti-virus installed and running on your computer, be sure to contact the software’s support if you have any questions. It is also important to keep your software updated. Many of these programs will automatically update themselves when you are online. This is very important since new viruses are always appearing and you want to make sure your computer is protected.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Why Hide Your IP Address?
Hiding your IP address is the best way for surfing the net anonymously. IP address is the Internet protocol address. This is the unique address of a computer on the Internet. The IP address consists of four numbers divided by periods. These numbers indicate the domain, the subnetwork, the network and the host computer. Each IP address mostly has an equivalent domain name address, spelled with four letters. It is very important to hide your IP address online. Hiding your IP address online ensures that your personal information is not leaked out to the outsiders.
By installing software in your PC, you can hide your IP address. Anonymous surfing of the web will enable you to safeguard your Internet privacy. There is nothing illegal in hiding your IP address, for the proper reasons. If you have any doubt regarding this you can always consult your legal advisor. The legal advisor can guide you about the matter.
An IP address changer can help you change your IP address when you are surfing online. The tools of IP address changer will let you change your IP address anytime by routing your Internet traffic through an overseas server. The tool has drop down box that enables the user to choose an IP address from one of the countries mentioned in the box. Hiding your IP address is the best option to protect your self from any kind of fraud.
Hiding your IP address also enables you to protect your computer from spyware. Spyware is the software that monitors the activities of the user of a computer. Some webmasters and software producers offer free downloads for your computer. Most of the free downloads are embedded with spyware. After you complete the download, the spyware gets installed in your computer and your activities can be monitored.
Hiding your IP address also gives you freedom from the constantly bombarding pop up ads in your computer. Whenever you enter a website, you will be flooded by the pop up ads. Constant flooding of the pop up ads in the computer can be very irritating and disturbing for the user. The efficiency of the computer also gets diminished due to this. Your computer can stop functioning when you have an urgent piece of work to do. Hiding your IP address will protect you from such situation.
The main advantage of hiding your IP address is that you are protected from any website that wants to monitor your online habits and activities. Hiding the IP address also makes sure that you do not receive any junk or bulk emails in your inbox. Good software for hiding your IP address will keep your computer safe from the hackers. If the software has the ability to support frequent IP address change, the chances of protecting your privacy increases.
You can also use the web-based email to send anonymous email to people. This can sometimes be necessary for your work. Your IP address is meant for your personal use and nobody has the right to misuse this without your permission.
http://www.GhostSurf-Pro.com
By installing software in your PC, you can hide your IP address. Anonymous surfing of the web will enable you to safeguard your Internet privacy. There is nothing illegal in hiding your IP address, for the proper reasons. If you have any doubt regarding this you can always consult your legal advisor. The legal advisor can guide you about the matter.
An IP address changer can help you change your IP address when you are surfing online. The tools of IP address changer will let you change your IP address anytime by routing your Internet traffic through an overseas server. The tool has drop down box that enables the user to choose an IP address from one of the countries mentioned in the box. Hiding your IP address is the best option to protect your self from any kind of fraud.
Hiding your IP address also enables you to protect your computer from spyware. Spyware is the software that monitors the activities of the user of a computer. Some webmasters and software producers offer free downloads for your computer. Most of the free downloads are embedded with spyware. After you complete the download, the spyware gets installed in your computer and your activities can be monitored.
Hiding your IP address also gives you freedom from the constantly bombarding pop up ads in your computer. Whenever you enter a website, you will be flooded by the pop up ads. Constant flooding of the pop up ads in the computer can be very irritating and disturbing for the user. The efficiency of the computer also gets diminished due to this. Your computer can stop functioning when you have an urgent piece of work to do. Hiding your IP address will protect you from such situation.
The main advantage of hiding your IP address is that you are protected from any website that wants to monitor your online habits and activities. Hiding the IP address also makes sure that you do not receive any junk or bulk emails in your inbox. Good software for hiding your IP address will keep your computer safe from the hackers. If the software has the ability to support frequent IP address change, the chances of protecting your privacy increases.
You can also use the web-based email to send anonymous email to people. This can sometimes be necessary for your work. Your IP address is meant for your personal use and nobody has the right to misuse this without your permission.
http://www.GhostSurf-Pro.com
Why You Need To Clean Your Windows Registry?
Registry is the database where data of programs and windows is stored. Registry cleaner is software, used to run your computer faster and smoother. Registry cleaning is very important for a smooth running of your computer system. Whenever you delete a file form your system, the registry does not remove this data. Thus, a reference to the deleted file remains in the registry. Gradually as the registry gets filled up with these databases, the computer gets slower and slower in its functioning. If the registry is not cleaned up regularly, severe damage can be caused to your computer.
A registry cleaner scans the windows and finds out the outdated and incorrect information stored in your computer’s registry. The software fixes this improper information enabling your system to be error free and run faster. The software is enabled with advanced features that make your computer run smoothly and efficiently. Registry cleaning makes your computer run very quickly and also safely.
There are many advantages for registry cleaning. Your computer will have a cleaned up registry and no information in the registry will be cluttered. You can regain the lost disk space and use this for installing new software. Registry cleaning will also block the installation of spyware and adware in your computer. If your computer was having any application errors, you can see that this has been fixed after you clean up your registry. Your system will be maintained as it was in its initial stages and you can also understand your computer much better.
If you do not clean up your computer’s registry timely, you can face different types of problem while using the computer. When you are in the midst of doing important work related activity, your computer can suddenly crash or the system can get stalled all of sudden. This can have damaging impact on your work. Timely cleaning up and fixing of the registry will prevent you from facing such crisis.
There are different kinds of registry cleaner available. You can use the best registry cleaner available in the market to maintain the registry of your computer. Keeping your PC clean is very important if you want it to run efficiently all the time. The registry cleaner software will help you in repairing some applications that are not working in your computer.
The software uses speed detection techniques to very quickly identify the missing and invalid reference from your windows registry. After identifying the problems, the software with the use of its advanced technology can easily clean your registry. After this your computer will start functioning, like a new PC. After installing the software you can customize its different options according to the requirements of your computer.
Many online sites provide registry cleaner software for its customers. Before you buy a registry cleaner, make sure that you are aware about its different features. This will help you in customizing the features of the software according to the needs of your computer.
Buy the best registry cleaner that is available for your computer.
About the author:
Syed.farooq, http://www.registry-cleaner.org/
A registry cleaner scans the windows and finds out the outdated and incorrect information stored in your computer’s registry. The software fixes this improper information enabling your system to be error free and run faster. The software is enabled with advanced features that make your computer run smoothly and efficiently. Registry cleaning makes your computer run very quickly and also safely.
There are many advantages for registry cleaning. Your computer will have a cleaned up registry and no information in the registry will be cluttered. You can regain the lost disk space and use this for installing new software. Registry cleaning will also block the installation of spyware and adware in your computer. If your computer was having any application errors, you can see that this has been fixed after you clean up your registry. Your system will be maintained as it was in its initial stages and you can also understand your computer much better.
If you do not clean up your computer’s registry timely, you can face different types of problem while using the computer. When you are in the midst of doing important work related activity, your computer can suddenly crash or the system can get stalled all of sudden. This can have damaging impact on your work. Timely cleaning up and fixing of the registry will prevent you from facing such crisis.
There are different kinds of registry cleaner available. You can use the best registry cleaner available in the market to maintain the registry of your computer. Keeping your PC clean is very important if you want it to run efficiently all the time. The registry cleaner software will help you in repairing some applications that are not working in your computer.
The software uses speed detection techniques to very quickly identify the missing and invalid reference from your windows registry. After identifying the problems, the software with the use of its advanced technology can easily clean your registry. After this your computer will start functioning, like a new PC. After installing the software you can customize its different options according to the requirements of your computer.
Many online sites provide registry cleaner software for its customers. Before you buy a registry cleaner, make sure that you are aware about its different features. This will help you in customizing the features of the software according to the needs of your computer.
Buy the best registry cleaner that is available for your computer.
About the author:
Syed.farooq, http://www.registry-cleaner.org/
Internet Connection Sharing Over A Wireless Network
Internet connection sharing is an unquestionably convenient thing. However, the process of setting it up can be somewhat difficult.
How Does It Work?
In order to get set up, you need one of your computers as a gateway into the internet and then you'll use other computers to access the gateway to get onto the internet. This is done through internet connection sharing.
What happens is that the request for the use of the internet from these computers is sent through the gateway. Responses are also being sent back across the network as well through your computer. The computer that is the 'gateway' is the only computer that is connected to the internet.
How To Set Up The Gateway
Let's assume that you have already set up your wireless network, but have not yet connected to the internet.
Your first step is to connect the computer that has the modem to the system. To set it up as the gateway to provide service to all other computers, you'll do the following:
1. Go to the control panel and click on network connections.
2. Then run the network setup wizard by clicking on "set up a home or small office network."
3. When you get to the screen on the wizard that says "select a connection method," select "this computer connects directly to the internet. The other computers on my network connect to the internet through this computer."
4. Then, click "next" until you finish.
5. Turn on file and printer sharing when you are asked.
This computer is now ready to be the gateway into the internet for the others.
Setting Up The Network
Now, you need to set up the other computers on your network to use the gateway you just created. To do this, run the network setup wizard on each of these computers, but this time choose "This computer connects to the internet through another computer on my network through a residential gateway."
If this computer was using dial up to connect before, you need to change some settings in the web browser:
1. Open Internet Explorer
2. go to the options screen which is in the tools menu.
3. click on the connections tab
4. click never dial a connection
5. untick the boxes automatically detect settings, use automatic configuration script, and use a proxy server.
Having Trouble With Internet Connection Sharing?
If something on the gateway computer is switched off, all other computers will lose their access to the internet.
Other problems can happen as well. The internet connection sharing may work fine for the web and email, but it can have problems downloading files from file sharing networks or videoconferencing. In these cases you have to fiddle with the gateway computer's settings.
This can become frustrating. If problems persist, you really should consider a wireless router.
How Does It Work?
In order to get set up, you need one of your computers as a gateway into the internet and then you'll use other computers to access the gateway to get onto the internet. This is done through internet connection sharing.
What happens is that the request for the use of the internet from these computers is sent through the gateway. Responses are also being sent back across the network as well through your computer. The computer that is the 'gateway' is the only computer that is connected to the internet.
How To Set Up The Gateway
Let's assume that you have already set up your wireless network, but have not yet connected to the internet.
Your first step is to connect the computer that has the modem to the system. To set it up as the gateway to provide service to all other computers, you'll do the following:
1. Go to the control panel and click on network connections.
2. Then run the network setup wizard by clicking on "set up a home or small office network."
3. When you get to the screen on the wizard that says "select a connection method," select "this computer connects directly to the internet. The other computers on my network connect to the internet through this computer."
4. Then, click "next" until you finish.
5. Turn on file and printer sharing when you are asked.
This computer is now ready to be the gateway into the internet for the others.
Setting Up The Network
Now, you need to set up the other computers on your network to use the gateway you just created. To do this, run the network setup wizard on each of these computers, but this time choose "This computer connects to the internet through another computer on my network through a residential gateway."
If this computer was using dial up to connect before, you need to change some settings in the web browser:
1. Open Internet Explorer
2. go to the options screen which is in the tools menu.
3. click on the connections tab
4. click never dial a connection
5. untick the boxes automatically detect settings, use automatic configuration script, and use a proxy server.
Having Trouble With Internet Connection Sharing?
If something on the gateway computer is switched off, all other computers will lose their access to the internet.
Other problems can happen as well. The internet connection sharing may work fine for the web and email, but it can have problems downloading files from file sharing networks or videoconferencing. In these cases you have to fiddle with the gateway computer's settings.
This can become frustrating. If problems persist, you really should consider a wireless router.
- Finding Places To Access The Internet For Free
We're living in an increasingly wireless world, and that includes lots of places where you can connect your laptop to the Internet when you are out and about. These places are called "hotspots," and if you know where to find them, you may never want to go home again.
How To Find Public Hotspots
The first place to look for hotspots is big public institutions. Libraries are increasingly offering wireless access. And, if you're a student, chances are that your campus is already wireless-enabled, or will be soon.
Searching Out Private Hotspots
The private sector, though, is the real growth area in wireless hotspots. Businesses are falling over themselves to provide free Internet access to their customers. Cafes, hotels and airports are all starting to offer wireless access to anyone who happens along. All you need to bring is a wireless ready laptop.
You may be wondering how it benefits cafes to offer wireless Internet access for free. Cafes are willing to pay the minimal cost of providing wireless Internet access in exchange for the new customers it gets them, especially in areas where Internet access is hard to come by. The same goes for hotels and airports. Customers see wireless access as a big added value, and will vote with their feet for places that provide it.
Tracking Down The Hotspots
Even though there are thousands of hotspots, for some reason, they don't advertise this service well. Doing an Internet search for hotspots in your town could really surprise you. You might think there aren't any, but if you live in a town of any size, then it would be surprising at this point if there weren't hotspots around the corner from you.
You can try a search on the Internet for "wireless hotspots." There are plenty of websites you can go to. The most comprehensive, though, is generally thought to be JiWire.com. You can see information from JiWire at their website, or you can type your zip code into Yahoo Maps and choose 'WiFi Hotspots' from the menu on the right of the screen.
Can't be bothered with all this? Then just look for a Starbucks. They are everywhere, and almost all of them offer wireless Internet access in at least part of the shop. Borders and Kinko's are also good places to try. Failing that, just ask at a place of your choice.
Not All Hotspots Are Free
Some of the larger hotspot networks require a small fee to a wireless Internet Service Provider to use them. You usually buy a prepaid card where the access is offered -- it's easy and affordable. If you want to save your money, just stick to the smaller, independent places.
Get Your Own Free Hotspot Software
If you like visiting hotspots, you might be interested in an easier way to find them. Just download and install hotspot locator software on your computer. This software has a database of known hotspots that you can search at any time, whether you're online or offline. Just type in a zip code or the name of the town, and the software will give you a list of the nearest hotspots, sorted by distance from you. Each time you make an Internet connection, the software connects to its server and downloads the latest hotspot list, to keep your database current. How cool is that?
This hotspot locator software is available free from hotspot provider sites. T-Mobile Hotspot, for example, offers software free at: http://www.tmobile.com/hotspot.
How To Find Public Hotspots
The first place to look for hotspots is big public institutions. Libraries are increasingly offering wireless access. And, if you're a student, chances are that your campus is already wireless-enabled, or will be soon.
Searching Out Private Hotspots
The private sector, though, is the real growth area in wireless hotspots. Businesses are falling over themselves to provide free Internet access to their customers. Cafes, hotels and airports are all starting to offer wireless access to anyone who happens along. All you need to bring is a wireless ready laptop.
You may be wondering how it benefits cafes to offer wireless Internet access for free. Cafes are willing to pay the minimal cost of providing wireless Internet access in exchange for the new customers it gets them, especially in areas where Internet access is hard to come by. The same goes for hotels and airports. Customers see wireless access as a big added value, and will vote with their feet for places that provide it.
Tracking Down The Hotspots
Even though there are thousands of hotspots, for some reason, they don't advertise this service well. Doing an Internet search for hotspots in your town could really surprise you. You might think there aren't any, but if you live in a town of any size, then it would be surprising at this point if there weren't hotspots around the corner from you.
You can try a search on the Internet for "wireless hotspots." There are plenty of websites you can go to. The most comprehensive, though, is generally thought to be JiWire.com. You can see information from JiWire at their website, or you can type your zip code into Yahoo Maps and choose 'WiFi Hotspots' from the menu on the right of the screen.
Can't be bothered with all this? Then just look for a Starbucks. They are everywhere, and almost all of them offer wireless Internet access in at least part of the shop. Borders and Kinko's are also good places to try. Failing that, just ask at a place of your choice.
Not All Hotspots Are Free
Some of the larger hotspot networks require a small fee to a wireless Internet Service Provider to use them. You usually buy a prepaid card where the access is offered -- it's easy and affordable. If you want to save your money, just stick to the smaller, independent places.
Get Your Own Free Hotspot Software
If you like visiting hotspots, you might be interested in an easier way to find them. Just download and install hotspot locator software on your computer. This software has a database of known hotspots that you can search at any time, whether you're online or offline. Just type in a zip code or the name of the town, and the software will give you a list of the nearest hotspots, sorted by distance from you. Each time you make an Internet connection, the software connects to its server and downloads the latest hotspot list, to keep your database current. How cool is that?
This hotspot locator software is available free from hotspot provider sites. T-Mobile Hotspot, for example, offers software free at: http://www.tmobile.com/hotspot.
Why Have Wireless Network?
Wireless networking is 1 of the greatest new computer technologies in terms of convenience. If you're weighing the pros and cons of wireless before taking the leap, here are 5 reasons to put in the "pro" column.
No More Wires
Of all the reasons to switch your network to wireless, this is perhaps the most appealing. Wires are inconvenient, expensive, ugly and dangerous.
No more wires across the floor improves the safety of your home, since it's easy to trip over exposed wires.
The average Ethernet wire doesn't cost much per foot, but it adds up quickly. To run wires between rooms or floors, you have to knock holes in the walls, which might not even be an option for renters.
Plus when you move you don't have the mess of disconnecting all the wires only to re-connect them at the other end. Nor do you have to examine every wire for damage if your internet connection goes down.
Internet Access For All
Wireless networking gives you a cheap, easy way to share 1 internet connection among multiple computers, eliminating the need for more than 1 modem. You can add new computers to your network simply by plugging in a wireless card and switching them on -- they get an internet connection immediately!
Share Files And Printers
A wireless network gives you access to your files wherever you are, and makes it easy to synchronize the data on a laptop with a home computer. It is much easier to send files between computers with a wireless network than by email, or burning them to a CD.
Plus, with the printer connected, you can also write things wherever you happen to be, press print, and go collect them from a printer connected to another computer. Printers plugged into 1 of the network's computers are shared by all the computers automatically.
Always ON
The spread of broadband revolutionized networking by allowing internet connections to be always-on, without needing to dial in. Well, wireless networking lets network connections be always-on, meaning that any of your computers can connect to the internet whenever you want! You can take laptops from room to room -- they'll always have access. Plus, there's no need for a password system, because wireless networks work without logging in.
Games For The Whole Family
You might have seen an option in your favorite game to play over a LAN (Local Area Network). Well, wireless networks are LANs, which means that your whole family can play that game together -- from wherever their computers are. It's far more fun to play against real people you know than to play against random people over the internet, not to mention that the game will work much faster.
An added benefit is that wireless equipment lets you easily connect any game console you have to the internet, and start playing online. It's far easier to play online wirelessly than to have to connect your PlayStation to your modem every time.
Freedom!
With wireless networking, you can even take your computer outside if you want to! Going wireless is much like the switching from the old fashioned wall-mounted telephone to a cellular phone. The freedom is exhilarating.
No More Wires
Of all the reasons to switch your network to wireless, this is perhaps the most appealing. Wires are inconvenient, expensive, ugly and dangerous.
No more wires across the floor improves the safety of your home, since it's easy to trip over exposed wires.
The average Ethernet wire doesn't cost much per foot, but it adds up quickly. To run wires between rooms or floors, you have to knock holes in the walls, which might not even be an option for renters.
Plus when you move you don't have the mess of disconnecting all the wires only to re-connect them at the other end. Nor do you have to examine every wire for damage if your internet connection goes down.
Internet Access For All
Wireless networking gives you a cheap, easy way to share 1 internet connection among multiple computers, eliminating the need for more than 1 modem. You can add new computers to your network simply by plugging in a wireless card and switching them on -- they get an internet connection immediately!
Share Files And Printers
A wireless network gives you access to your files wherever you are, and makes it easy to synchronize the data on a laptop with a home computer. It is much easier to send files between computers with a wireless network than by email, or burning them to a CD.
Plus, with the printer connected, you can also write things wherever you happen to be, press print, and go collect them from a printer connected to another computer. Printers plugged into 1 of the network's computers are shared by all the computers automatically.
Always ON
The spread of broadband revolutionized networking by allowing internet connections to be always-on, without needing to dial in. Well, wireless networking lets network connections be always-on, meaning that any of your computers can connect to the internet whenever you want! You can take laptops from room to room -- they'll always have access. Plus, there's no need for a password system, because wireless networks work without logging in.
Games For The Whole Family
You might have seen an option in your favorite game to play over a LAN (Local Area Network). Well, wireless networks are LANs, which means that your whole family can play that game together -- from wherever their computers are. It's far more fun to play against real people you know than to play against random people over the internet, not to mention that the game will work much faster.
An added benefit is that wireless equipment lets you easily connect any game console you have to the internet, and start playing online. It's far easier to play online wirelessly than to have to connect your PlayStation to your modem every time.
Freedom!
With wireless networking, you can even take your computer outside if you want to! Going wireless is much like the switching from the old fashioned wall-mounted telephone to a cellular phone. The freedom is exhilarating.
Ten Easy Steps To Get Connected
Are you thinking of going wireless with VoIP? If so, here are 10 easy steps to help you do just that.
Updated Computer
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have an upgraded computer that is compatible with VoIP software. Take special note, when comparing and choosing a service provider, to see if they run their programs on Linux, MAC OS, or Windows. When using Linux or MAC, don't automatically assume that all VoIP providers have your needs in mind. Remember, technology is advancing on a daily basis. These advances include hardware, memory, motherboards, and processor speeds along with graphic and video cards. There is little chance that VoIP will work with your outdated system, if you have a "dinosaur" of a computer. Be sure you check with the company's requirements regarding their standards for your computer.
High Speed Internet
You must have High Speed Internet -- DSL or cable -- before purchasing VoIP services, although there are a few companies that will work with dial-up connections. When it comes to transmitting audio, data, and video files, nothing beats High Speed. High Speed Internet connections allow for the bandwidth needed, as well as producing a higher quality audio sound. Once you have a High Speed Internet connection, you'll wonder why you didn't have one sooner.
Evaluating Your Needs
Why do you want to switch to VoIP? Make a list of the reasons for wanting VoIP over PSTN landline phones. You might be a residential homeowner who is fed up with paying high fees for local and long distance. Or, you might be looking for small business solutions and hoping to incorporate all of your audio, data, and video needs in one place. Whatever your reasons, by making up a list, you'll see exactly what your needs are and what service is best suited for you.
Business Or Residential?
Although many people keep their business needs on PSTN, while testing VoIP in their homes, they will soon realize the potential benefits for their businesses as well. Some service providers have a home office plan available also. Some of the differences between residential and business plans include more long distance on "basic" and not "unlimited' plans, email and faxing capabilities. Some companies even throw in amenities such as free yellow book advertising. As stated above, making a list of what you want in a VoIP service, will help you better determine what your telecommunication needs are.
Compare Service Providers
Comparing the various service providers can be easily done by checking the many sites on the Internet that will let you review and compare different plans. Word of mouth is also a great form of advertising. Talk to your friends and relatives who have switched to VoIP, finding out from them how they like their service provider, noting both positive and negative comments.
Select The Right Plan
Okay, your list is complete, you've compared service plans, and you're ready to decide on a service provider. When choosing a provider who best meets your needs, you'll also have a choice of purchasing monthly or yearly contracts.
Telephone Adapter
If your service doesn't provide a telephone adapter, and you don't want to sit at your computer for every phone call, an adapter will allow you to use your household phones to take VoIP calls. Make sure you find out if you will need to purchase an adapter, as some providers include an adapter with their services, and others do not.
Choose Your Number
You will, most likely, have the opportunity of selecting your own area code and phone number. This is a great idea for those who have family and friends in a specific area. This would save them money on their long distance bills and it's also an extremely effective marketing tool for businesses that are targeting a specific region.
Phone Features
You may wish to configure your phone's features through an Internet control panel, which allows greater freedom to many. Typically, you'll set up your features -- such as call block numbers and voicemail -- the same way you set up your cell phone.
Spreading The Word
Are you enjoying your new VoIP service? If so, get the word out, letting others know how they too can save money.
Updated Computer
The first thing you need to do is make sure you have an upgraded computer that is compatible with VoIP software. Take special note, when comparing and choosing a service provider, to see if they run their programs on Linux, MAC OS, or Windows. When using Linux or MAC, don't automatically assume that all VoIP providers have your needs in mind. Remember, technology is advancing on a daily basis. These advances include hardware, memory, motherboards, and processor speeds along with graphic and video cards. There is little chance that VoIP will work with your outdated system, if you have a "dinosaur" of a computer. Be sure you check with the company's requirements regarding their standards for your computer.
High Speed Internet
You must have High Speed Internet -- DSL or cable -- before purchasing VoIP services, although there are a few companies that will work with dial-up connections. When it comes to transmitting audio, data, and video files, nothing beats High Speed. High Speed Internet connections allow for the bandwidth needed, as well as producing a higher quality audio sound. Once you have a High Speed Internet connection, you'll wonder why you didn't have one sooner.
Evaluating Your Needs
Why do you want to switch to VoIP? Make a list of the reasons for wanting VoIP over PSTN landline phones. You might be a residential homeowner who is fed up with paying high fees for local and long distance. Or, you might be looking for small business solutions and hoping to incorporate all of your audio, data, and video needs in one place. Whatever your reasons, by making up a list, you'll see exactly what your needs are and what service is best suited for you.
Business Or Residential?
Although many people keep their business needs on PSTN, while testing VoIP in their homes, they will soon realize the potential benefits for their businesses as well. Some service providers have a home office plan available also. Some of the differences between residential and business plans include more long distance on "basic" and not "unlimited' plans, email and faxing capabilities. Some companies even throw in amenities such as free yellow book advertising. As stated above, making a list of what you want in a VoIP service, will help you better determine what your telecommunication needs are.
Compare Service Providers
Comparing the various service providers can be easily done by checking the many sites on the Internet that will let you review and compare different plans. Word of mouth is also a great form of advertising. Talk to your friends and relatives who have switched to VoIP, finding out from them how they like their service provider, noting both positive and negative comments.
Select The Right Plan
Okay, your list is complete, you've compared service plans, and you're ready to decide on a service provider. When choosing a provider who best meets your needs, you'll also have a choice of purchasing monthly or yearly contracts.
Telephone Adapter
If your service doesn't provide a telephone adapter, and you don't want to sit at your computer for every phone call, an adapter will allow you to use your household phones to take VoIP calls. Make sure you find out if you will need to purchase an adapter, as some providers include an adapter with their services, and others do not.
Choose Your Number
You will, most likely, have the opportunity of selecting your own area code and phone number. This is a great idea for those who have family and friends in a specific area. This would save them money on their long distance bills and it's also an extremely effective marketing tool for businesses that are targeting a specific region.
Phone Features
You may wish to configure your phone's features through an Internet control panel, which allows greater freedom to many. Typically, you'll set up your features -- such as call block numbers and voicemail -- the same way you set up your cell phone.
Spreading The Word
Are you enjoying your new VoIP service? If so, get the word out, letting others know how they too can save money.
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