100 of the Best Privacy Tools and Online Resources

Information you provide to one person or company may not make much sense on its own. It is only when it combined with information provided to other parties that it becomes intelligible, and therefore it is in your best interests to limit the amount of personal information freely available in every online transaction that you perform.

Email information in transit can be intercepted by your Internet Service Provider, the government or your employer. There are certain circumstances when it becomes illegal for your email to be read which are covered by the Federal Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA) – however messages stored on your computer are not entitled to the same protection. Here are some options to help protect yourself:-

Cyber Rights is a non-profit civil liberties organization offering free and premium email services which include email encryption, secure file storage and unlimited aliases. Compatible for both POP3 and IMAP users, the Cyber Rights software also includes a secure password manager and genuine private web surfing.

Encrypted emails and safe storage facilities are also provided by the likes of Centurion, Mute Mail and Securenym, whilst Hushmail also provides this service to emails sent from your mobile and Kept Private provides an additional secure Instant Messaging Service.

More advanced email clients include Neo Mailbox who offer digital signature support, Sneakemail who provide a file shred facility and Stealth Message who have a multi-level security system for emails with 160-bit encryption within 128-bit SSL. You may also like to experiment with some of these providers of secure email services – Fastmail, NeoCertified, S-Mail, Sec-Ex Mail & Z1 Gateway or use the service provided by Spam-Ex who can actually determine who has revealed your information to spam companies.

Information collected about you while you are surfing the net is mostly innocent and used for identification, to store preferences and for future software development. Some data however is used for creating user profiles and generating targeted advertising or more serious privacy violations. The safest option when web browsing is to use a proxy or anonymous surfing site. Anonymouse.org allows you to surf the Internet via their proxy server which means that the only virtual footprints which are being left behind are theirs and not yours. Anonymouse also provides services for sending emails and posting to newsgroups without revealing your identity.

Browser Spy and Browse Info are further sources which demonstrate how much information completely innocent web sites have access to and, if you would rather not have your personal details spread across cyberspace, a number of private web browsing tools are available to disguise your identity.

Hide Your IP Address and The Cloak are free to use software package that protects your identity by cloaking your IP address. Cotse, IDzap and Guardster all provide similar private, secure and flexible web browsing packages, whilst Tor provides free anonymity by bouncing your communications and browsing sessions around a network of relays run by volunteers. Be Hidden is a similar proxy web surfing tool to Tor integrating thousands of worldwide IP addresses to completely baffle data miners.

The safest way to surf the net from a coffee shop or other public-access wireless service is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) which provides a secure connection to the outside world and allows for anonymous browsing. Some public places already offer a secured Wi-Fi service, but it is better to be safe as you never know when an unauthorised source is collecting your data illegally. Depending on the level of security you require, there are a number of free VPN applications you can take advantage of, or you may wish to pay a little more for premium protection.

Ace VPN, Hotspot Shield and It’s Hidden allow 100% anonymous, secure and private access to the Internet via Wi-Fi for data, instant messaging and VOIP applications. Log Me In provides an on-demand hosted VPN service that securely connects both individual devices and entire networks whilst business users may prefer the guaranteed privacy supported by Connect in Private.

Using a mobile phone to surf the net can create as many issues as browsing on your home computer. To enhance your security in all mobile communications (Talk, SMS, and Browse), some of these tools may be of value:-

CasperTech and TopCrypto encrypt your mobile voice messages, SMS texts and data streams, whilst Good provides a service for Google Android phones. For ultimate protection however Gold Lock offers military standard encryption for all mobile devices.

How to clear Cookies in Opera Mini.

How to delete Windows Mobile phone browser history.

How to use Security & Privacy Features on Firefox Mobile.

Now that is possible to store documents and other files on somebody else’s hardware, you have to be extra careful to determine how secure the hosting company is. The risks involved in storing sensitive information outside of your control can be influenced by the location of Cloud Computing Companies, their own security arrangements (both from external sources and within) and trustworthiness – some companies could even willingly share sensitive data with marketing firms. By encrypting or password protecting delicate files before sending them elsewhere to be stored, you maintain an element of control over the data security.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario – Ann Cavoukian – produced an excellent document “Privacy in the Clouds”, which is available by clicking this link (750Kb) and options for achieving her recommendations include Chaos Mash, CryptoPad and DataCorner who use different algorithms to encrypt files for cloud storage, SafeNet who provides data encryption at field, file and column level and Lockbox who provide secure document and messaging services to legal firm standard.

Instant messaging conversations are often performed casually and without as much thought as is put into emails. However, workplace messaging can legally be monitored by your employer and is as easily intercepted as unprotected emails. IM applications have also become the new target for Spammers (or “Spimmers”) and links included in spam messages can lead to get-rich-quick scams or pornography, and may cause spyware to be installed onto your computer.

Leading IM provider – Skype – already applies a default option to accept a person into your select group of contacts, and there are further privacy tools you can utilize to keep your conversations private.

Designed to work “in an environment of mutual distrust between users and administrators”, Gale uses high level cryptography for private instant messaging. Psst is a simple, no-frills video and instant messaging software free to use and compatible with Windows and Linux, whilst Fire provides a similar service for Mac users.

Otherproviders offering encryption and secure messaging software for VOIP, text and file transfers include Bit Wise, Crypto Heaven, Secure Shuttle and Sonork, while the unfortunately acronymed SCIM allows for multi-user secure conferences and Igo-Incognito includes secure video conferences amongst its multi lingual privacy services.

Social networking sites may give the impression of being relaxed areas where subscribers can join interest groups and communicate with people who share the same interests, but in a recent survey commissioned by Microsoft it was revealed that 75% of the recruiters surveyed reported formal policies that required online research of applications. Employers, friends, dates, and parents can also access your information with little difficulty and it was recently reported that a certain social media operator was transmitting users´ details to its advertisers. To tighten up your security on any social networking sites that you use, check out these great pieces of software.

Rabid Gremlin and Reclaim Privacy perform a privacy scan on Facebook to determine just how much of your privacy is “exposed”, and how securely it is kept by those with whom you choose to share it. Open Book is more of an example of what not to write. This web site enables you to search keywords to discover just how many faux pas are left open to the world on Facebook.

For future security whilst keeping in touch with your friends, please refer to the following guides:-

Guide to Privacy on Facebook

Guide to Privacy on Google Buzz

Guide to Privacy on MySpace

Guide to Privacy on Bebo

Guide to Privacy on Twitter

Guide to Privacy on YouTube

Advice for LinkedIn Users

It is indicative of the casual regard these media have for users´ privacy that none of these guides were compiled by the networks themselves.

Even if you use a proxy browsing service your searches may still appear in the temporary internet files stored on your computer, and for those who have grown accustomed to utilizing search engine toolbars, this can be a very difficult habit to get out of. Certain search engines have been known to supply search histories to third parties as marketing data and specialized software for searching on Google can be got from sites such as Hide My Ass and IXQuick. Liveoxy is a proxy search engine facility which is part of the Proxy Network that also includes Faceoxy and Tubeoxy, and Yauba is a brand new search engine which allows you to browse in anonymity, with all IP addresses and search history automatically deleted.

For those who may want to clear cookies, temporary internet files and browsing history manually, the following links are comprehensive guides:-

How to Delete Cookies

How to Delete Browsing History

How to Delete Temporary Internet Files

Depending on the service you use to host your web logs, certain amounts of your personal information may be publicly available. Your blogs are published for all to see – including potential employers – so consider carefully how you phrase contentious opinions as they may be there forever!

In some circumstances you may wish to hide your true identity, in which case some of these tools may be of assistance.

Anondom, APlus Domain Privacy, Katz Global Hosting and Silent Register are amongst companies who place their own details in the “Whois” registry and filters out spam mail and annoying telemarketing calls for you. Zentek International provides offshore domain hosting service where you still own the domain name but the details registered on “Whois” only consist of very basic information.

Bloggers sometimes publish articles that other people would rather not see – in one respect denying others their privacy. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has produced a “Legal Guide for Bloggers” who are resident in the US.

As we mentioned at the very beginning, the Internet is an unregulated domain, and even though the convenience that is available through shopping online is very welcome, there is no legislation to maintain the privacy of people who shop online and prevent cyber-vendors from collecting your data and selling it on to third parties. Although the payment procedures may be secure, details such as your purchasing habits, the time of day you shop online, the types of good and services you buy and the address you have the goods delivered to and food and drink to spam email companies and telemarketing organizations.

Although there are no 100% safe-guards, software packages such as Mil Guard cleans out “DataUser” records and auto-complete forms as you leave a site, and there are also useful online shopping guides such as “The Safe Online Shopper” which offer helpful tips about protecting yourself from fraud and identity theft while online.

Online vendors are more frequently joining organizations such as iSafeSite or Verisign which implement strict policies regarding what client details can be maintained or signing up to security conscious virtual shopping malls such as McAfee. There are also secure online payment systems being introduced such as Arcot which reduces the possibility of fraud in “card not present” transactions.

When you are shopping online, you simply have to take as many precautions as you would if out in the street.

Children are the most vulnerable section of society on the Internet, and there are several resources for parents, teachers and others caring for minors produced in order to protect them from cyber-stalking and other dangers. The FBI treats the privacy threat to kids seriously enough to publish their own “Parents Guide to Internet Safety”, the Federal Trade Commission dedicates part of their web site to “Protecting Kids´ Privacy” and the Internet Education Foundation has produced “Get Net Wise” for parents and children.

Other great resource guides for parents include “Children in Cyberspace”, the excellent “Kid Privacy” page provided by the University of Illinois and the comprehensive reviews found on the “Super Kids” web site for Internet filtering software and limited access programs such as Kid Desk, Cyber Patrol, Surf Watch and Web Chaperone.

There are many other sources of useful privacy information and protective tools, amongst them:-

Just 1 Key – Comprehensive and ultra-secure password manager compatible with Windows, Mac and Unix OS, handheld PDAs and mobile phones.

Perfect Passwords – SSL encrypted password generator using hexadecimal, ASCII and alpha-numeric codes to create the ultimate pseudo-random password protection.

Online Onguard – A website established by the Federal Trade Commission offers tips for avoiding Internet fraud, securing your computer and ways to protect your personal information.

Federal Law Enforcement agencies and public interest groups have created several outstanding web sites in respect of Internet privacy and avoiding online scams, amongst them “The Consumer Privacy Guide” and “Looks Too Good To Be True”.

Finally, one of the most comprehensive guides to privacy and security is published in PDF form by The Privacy Rights Organisation. You can download their “How to Secure Windows and Your Privacy – with Free Software” by clicking this link. (2.72Mb).

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100 of the Best Privacy Tools and Online Resources

Internet Service Providers are keen to portray images of happy families sharing a loving moment over their desktop computer or well-heeled executives grouped around a modern laptop agreeing on the latest corporate strategy, but whereas these ISPs go to so much trouble to promote the positive elements of their particular service, there are a number of negative ones they would rather keep hidden

10 Things Your Internet Provider Really Doesn´t Want You To Know

Privacy – Most major web browsers these days offer a facility for “private”  browsing -sometimes known as “porn mode” – which instructs your browser not to keep a record of the sites you have visited or search terms you have used. Your Internet Service Provider however has designated you an IP (Internet Protocol) address, and the sites you visit can record that information – which is subsequently freely available to any parties with a legal interest in requesting it (divorce attorneys and the FBI for example!).

Your ISP also has the facility to track and log where you go on the internet and what you do when you get there, and it is well chronicled that the FBI are pushing for legislation that these records are maintained for a minimum of two years. Thereafter, even though your partner may not be aware of what you have been up to all night – the feds will!

The ACTA Factor – The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement is a proposal currently undergoing negotiation which will effectively create a world-wide agreement on what you can (and more importantly what you cannot) access from your computer. Although on the surface ACTA appears well-meaning and responsible, it fails to make a distinction between organized piracy for criminal profit and voluntary fellowships promoting innovation, information and free expression.

Operating under the guidelines of ACTA, Internet Service Providers will be forced by government legislation (sponsored by the Motion Picture and Recording Industry Associations of America) to cut off a subscribers´ Internet connection if they are suspected of belonging to an “illegal” file-sharing organization. ISPs will effectively become “Copyright Cops” with their arms twisted up behind their backs by the big corporations to make sure this agreement is enforced, or face legal action and financial sanctions.

Speed – The service speeds advertised by Internet Service Providers are the “maximum” speeds at which a download speed is provided to your computer. The only way to actually get the maximum speed is to move next door to the ISP server, as the further you are away from the exchange, the weaker the strength of signal. The fact that many subscribers do not notice that their speed of service is not up to scratch is because most people infrequently download large files or programs, and so the Internet Service Providers get away with it.

If you ever upload files to the Internet, you ought to be advised that upload speeds have nothing to do with velocity in the other direction, and your ISP will provide an upload service equivalent to a quarter (if you are lucky) of what you might be getting from your download service. Paying more for a premium, allegedly speedier service is just a waste of money.

Speed Test Web Sites –You may have tested the speed of the Internet connection provided by your ISP, and found it more or less to be what they promised. What you may not know is that Internet Service Providers can identify when you are connecting to a speed measuring platform and initiate a “bandwidth burst” – effectively increasing the speed of your service by up to five megabits per second. They cannot maintain it for very long, but sufficiently for you to fall for the trick and believe that they are providing the service you are paying for.

The only way that you are going to catch them out is to locate every subscriber to your ISP and get them to connect to an Internet speed test site simultaneously. Hopefully the speed test site does not crash because of the volume of traffic trying to access it!

Bandwidth Throttling. Many ISPs engage in the practise of “throttling” bandwidth to control upload and download speeds when they have more subscribers in a certain area than they can cope with. Internet Service Providers may only have a (say) 10 Gbit total capacity within a certain location. They want to maximize the number of subscribers who can share the “pipe”, so will reduce or “throttle” the service so that when it does hit top usage, subscribers do not notice a major slow-spot.

Peak time traffic, when more people surf the internet, is most commonly between 6.00pm and 11.00pm (local times). During these periods capacity is stretched and often exceeded, however the service will not get much faster after midnight – because your ISP does not want you to know that it can!

Spam – Internet Service Providers could stop spam emails if they really wanted to. Fact! ISPs could talk to Email Service Providers – the likes of Google and Yahoo! – and work together ban those people who fill up your email inboxes with junk and prevent productivity in the office. The ESPs claim they cannot do it alone because of the anonymity of the Internet user. The ISPs will not do it because spamming represents some of their best business interests.

As a token gesture, some ISPs blocked Port 25 for outgoing mails to other networks, but that just created a tailback of mail traveling through the ISP filters, and did not really help anybody. In the same way as if you drive irresponsibly you are banned from driving your car, you should have your right to an internet service removed from you if you are a persistent spammer. The ISPs know who they are, yet refuse to do anything significant about it.

IMAP – IMAP, or Internet Message Access Protocol, is a far more versatile method of sending and receiving emails than POP3/SMPT – but how many Internet Service Providers tell you how to configure your computer for IMAP? With IMAP default settings, when you receive an email it is downloaded onto your computer via your email client (Outlook, Thunderbird etc) and the original stays on the ISPs server. Furthermore, when you send an email from your PC or laptop, with IMAP the sent message stays on the server as well.

The greatest advantage of IMAP is if you use multiple computers – say a desktop at home and a laptop on your travels. Then, whenever you receive or send an email, the ISP server synchronizes your email clients so that the message you sent from your laptop will appear on your home computer should you need to access it later. So, why don´t the Internet Service Providers want you to know about IMAP? Resources. They do not want to store your emails for posterity on the hard drives of their servers. They want your emails off their servers and on your PC – now!

Limited File Sharing Access – This has nothing to do (yet) with the ACTA Factor mentioned above, but more with saving ISP resources at “exchange points”. Exchange points occur when you want to access a web site beyond your provider´s network, and you have to cross over (exchange) onto the network which hosts the web site from which you want to download.

Internet Service Providers keep records of how much traffic they exchange – kind of like a balance sheet – and companies sending a surplus amount of traffic onto other networks have to compensate the other networks with cash. Therefore, it is in the ISPs best interest to limit you (wherever possible) to file sharing web sites within their own network. They will not tell you that when signing you up!

Modems – Modems all do the same thing. They convert and carry digital data in waveform from A to B and back again. So, if my computer and your computer speak the same language, why does my computer require a different modem from yours? Blame my ISP! By inserting different chipsets into the modem (or router), Internet Service Providers can make their modems incompatible with any service that you may wish to change to in the future. It also means that when you do choose to change, your new ISP can charge you extra for a new modem that you cannot get from anywhere else – and charge you whatever they like!

One other small trick is that the AC/DC converter in the plug will burn out every two years or so. You will not be able to tell that is what is wrong because all the lights will be out on the modem, and all you know is that you are receiving no power, and hence no signal. Rather than tell you to get a new adapter plug, your ISP technical support will send you a replacement modem after you have spent ages trying to explain the problem (see below) and once you have paid $25 to cover the shipping costs of a minute piece of electronic gadgetry.

Premium Rate Support – Internet Service Providers are keen to advertise that they have a 24 hour a day, 7 days per week support service and that it “only” costs $1.20 (or thereabouts) per minute to call them. Knowing that few technical issues that take less than twenty minutes to resolve, the ISPs are onto a killing with their premium rate support services, and it is a trick – like all the others mentioned above – that you need to be aware of before you agree to pose for one of their loving family portraits or use your workplace as the backdrop for a corporate Internet-provider-sponsored piece of marketing.

All images supplied by www.freeimages.co.uk

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10 Things Your Internet Provider Really Doesn´t Want You To Know

In terms of connectivity Cable Internet and Satellite Internet services is growing in popularity every day. Traditional ways of connecting your home PC by the use of dial-up connections have been shunned for these modern services. Both services offer greatly enhanced speeds over dial-up connections which run at 56kbps. There are many factors to consider in making the decision of whether what type of connection is best suited for your needs. Cable and Satellite Internet services have their own unique features which make them stand out from the other. Before choosing either one of them a simple understanding of the basic advantages and disadvantages that each type presents should be considered.

There is only one definite answer to this question; it depends on how and why you need internet services. Below is a simple guide on choosing which particular service meets your needs.

Cost of Services

Price of satellite services for every day consumer use has significantly dropped today. Satellite service in the past has been out of the reach of ordinary households and limited to high scale consumers. In terms of service costs, the difference between cable and satellite service is dropping. This has made satellite service available for average homeowners and small businesses. But in terms of cost to service ratio, cable internet prices are still significantly lower than satellite internet. Satellite services are more expensive because they use orbiting satellites to transmit and receive data. Cable internet however uses ordinary cable connections for data transfer.

RESULT: ADVANTAGE CABLE

Data Transfer

Cables can carry large amounts of data at great distances without significant signal losses. Satellite internet services on the other hand carry larger amounts of data at even greater distances. Bandwidths which determine the amount of data that could be transferred is significantly higher in satellite connections. Available transfer rates for both cable and satellite internet are limited due to caps internet services provide to their customers. Data transfer is affected by the number of users connected. Network and Internet services put caps in order to provide their customers an equal online experience.

RESULT: TIE

Dependability

Satellite and Cable internet connections are always on; access to your internet service is as easy as powering up your computer and launching your web browser. In terms of availability of the connection or breakdowns in service satellite and cable internet have different factors which should be considered. Outages (total loss of internet connections) and intermittent (sudden decrease in speeds) connections are the most common complaints for internet subscribers.

Satellites are prone to signal interruptions. Data is transferred over the air and signals are subject to interference from exposure to the elements. In extreme weather conditions like electrical storms, signals get disrupted and this could be seen with intermittent internet connections. Cable Internet however runs on simple cable lines which are protected from the elements. The main problem for cable connections are due to breaks in the continuity of the lines. These types of problems could be easily fixed by simple technicians dispatched to restore connections.

RESULT: ADVANTAGE CABLE

Availability of Service

Cable internet is a great way of integrating your local cable TV services with going online. This is more economical than getting a cable TV service and a separate internet service. Cable services however are limited to areas which cable service is available. This does not hold true for satellite internet service, internet through a satellite connection is not limited to location. Satellite internet services could be provided to even the remote locations which telephone or cable services are absent. The main reason why companies have been offering satellite communication applications is that its services are available in almost any part of the world.

RESULT: ADVANTAGE SATELLITE

Making the choice

Cable internet connections offer greater speeds and convenience. It is also a more cost effective option than satellite internet services. A summary of the services and features gives Cable internet connections advantage over satellite internet services. Satellite internet services provide one feature no other type of internet connection can offer, the flexibility of setting up an internet connection without conventional infrastructure like cables or wires.

Strength and Consistency of Signals

Satellite Internet Access is done by exchanging information between your computer and the network provider servers. Information is sent by using waves which are bounced back from orbiting satellites. These signals are sometimes disrupted when exposed to extreme environmental conditions such as electrical storms. Signal strength largely depends on weather conditions; clear weathers provide better transmission and reception of signals from geo stationary satellites located at the equator.

Changing the satellite dish location also affects the strength of signals. Technicians are usually sent for first time installations to properly align the satellite dish to orbiting satellites.

Cost of Services

Equipments which are used for Satellite Internet Access are still more expensive compared to DSL and Cable internet connections. Satellite dish prices has certainly gone down over the years but still are out of reach of many consumers.

Technical Support

Unlike DSL and Cable internet connections troubleshooting Satellite Internet Access is quite complicated. Interruption of internet services with DSL and Cable internet can easily be traced and repaired by regular technicians. Satellite Internet subscribers also find themselves with connectivity problems. This are largely due to malfunctioning satellite dishes which could not be easily replaced.

Satellite Internet Access is a developing technology, internet access is only limited by bandwidths and the true speed and potential of satellite internet connections could easily dwarf those of DSL and cable internet. For many people who find themselves with no other option of internet access, Satellite Internet maybe the best or the only option for them to go online.

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Cable Connection Vs Satellite

There are many things to consider in choosing the right internet provider and connection type that best suits you. One of the most important factors to consider is their cost to service ratio. But costs depend heavily on choice of network provider. Putting costs behind, the next most important thing to consider is internet connection speed and availability. The best choice usually requires a compromise between price and performance. If you’re currently searching for the best option to go online, here is some simple information in determining if a DSL connection is the right one for you.

DSL and Cable has always been compared in terms of which provides a better online experience. Though both are similarly priced and offer the same basic speeds, there are some tweaks which may decide the balance between the two. Here is a quick look at how both stack up against each other.

DSL Availability

Choosing a network provider requires you to choose from companies which are available in your area. For highly urbanized areas like cities, choosing the right provider could take some time to consider. The wide range of choices and options available would make choosing best a difficult one. There are a lot of options available for getting connected, cables, telephone wires, fiber optic cables and even through satellite connections.

For people located in remote or poor coverage areas getting an internet provider boils down to what is available. DSL connections are available through areas with telephone service. Cable connections however are only available for areas with cable service. Between cable which is not a necessity and telephone lines which almost marks the landscape, DSL connections are more accessible than Cable connections. For remote areas with no telephone or cable connections people might consider a satellite connection but this service comes with a price.

DSL Speed

Theoretically, Cable connections provide better internet connection speeds. But speeds are relative to cable wire usage. People might find themselves with slower connection speeds at different times of the day. The amount of information and data that could be transferred with cables is not limitless. Traffic and amount of users using the internet bandwidth could compromise connection speeds. DSL connections speeds on the other hand are only limited with regards to distance. Once an appropriate speed is determined, internet connection is not affected by number of users.

It is still best to choose a DSL connection once you find out that you are conveniently located near a network provider’s central office. Maximum speeds could be attained without fear of downtime even at peak hours.

DSL Installation

Installing a DSL connection is pretty simple. Options for installation include a self installation manual or calling toll-free numbers for customer support.  A new DSL connection comes with an installation package which contains everything you need in setting up a connection. Installing only requires you to properly identify the cables and where to place them. Cable connections however usually require a technician to setup a new cable connection. Setting up cable could prove to be tricky compared to the much more simpler DSL setup.

DSL Dependability

When things go wrong and sometimes they do, dependability doesn’t boil down to how many times before your system break down but how fast they can fix it. Telephone and DSL companies have far wider reach compared to Cable companies. Technically they are more capable of providing you with faster turnaround times compared to Cable connections. Chances of losing your Cable and DSL connections are equal. Both are subject to signal disruptions due to cutting of lines or power outages. Data and information both travel through wires which are exposed to the elements so signal loss when there are storms is not uncommon.

DSL Price

Economically, both DSL and Cable connections cancel out each other. Price remains service provider dependent but competitively, prices ranges are just a couple of dollars. When considering between Cable and a DSL connection pricing may not play a large part.

Security

Levels of security for all internet connections are equal. All PC’s have equal chances of being infected whether they are high-speed broadband connections or dial-ups. Ultimate responsibility for your PC’s security still remains with you. High or low speed connections do not affect your PC’s vulnerability. It is important to get good security software which screens all information to and from your computer.

Choosing DSL connection

Whether you choose DSL over Cable or any other type of internet connection is up to you. Each type of internet service was created to cater to a specific customer need. DSL connections are one of the most popular types of internet service today. Their popularity has mainly been based on cost effectiveness, comparatively fast speeds and excellent customer service.

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Is DSL Right For You?

Satellites have been used for a wide variety of service. Satellites we’re first developed by the military as a stable platform for communications and relay of secure information. Satellite technology has since been developed for civilian and commercial use. Applications for this technology include large data transfers and TV or radio broadcasts worldwide.

Since then, satellite technology has found our homes through satellite TV and more recently satellite internet access. Major ISP’s (Internet Service Providers) have been using satellites as a means of communication with other ISP’s located all over the world. Together with large underground sea cables which stretch around the world high-speed data transfers are done with orbiting satellites.

Satellite Internet Access Providers

Satellite Internet service has been growing in popularity today. Mainstream internet connections like DSL and Cable internet has been the backbone               for internet services. Overhead costs like launching a satellite or leasing satellites for high speed data transfer has proved too costly in the past. With the introduction of technological improvements which have satellite equipment a lot cheaper, satellite technology is slowly creeping into the homes of average consumers.

Access to high speed information is a necessity for modern living. Keeping in touch with friends and communicating with business partners are essential for everyday life. Satellite technology is a great way of providing these services to locations which could not be reached by conventional methods such as telephone wires or cables.

Large communication companies like mobile cellphone networks or cable companies have been quick to address these needs by providing satellite connection to out of coverage customers. Satellite technology for home use has been available for a long time. Satellites have been used for watching your favorite cable channels. The difference between satellite cable and satellite internet services is that internet connections just don’t receive but transmit signals as well. Going online and exchanging information requires feedback and your satellite must not only channel data to your computer but also send out information.

Satellite Internet Access Providers offers customers the ability to go online anywhere and anytime. Satellite internet use falls behind DSL and Cable internet. Pricing is the main concern with satellite internet use. But costs are steadily trickling down and more or less competitive with standard DSL and Cable providers.

There are a lot of companies who provide Satellite Internet Access. The two major Satellite Internet services are Hughes (DirectPC/ DirectWay) and Gilat (Starband). A great number of those who provide Satellite Internet Access lease their services from these two companies. These providers mainly offer marketing and technical support to their customers.

Below is a list of some of the Major satellite Internet Access providers in the market today:

• Earthlink
• Galaxy Broadband
• Ground Control
• Net2dish
• Starband
• DirectWay
• MotoSat
• Isat
• Skycasters
• WildBlue

There are still some places in the world where internet access through DSL, Cable and dial-up is not available. Internet services are unavailable due to network congestion, geography or distance. Satellite Internet Access providers provide these users to connect to the internet when conventional services are absent.

Satellite Internet Access is similar to how your satellite TV works. Connecting to the internet is simply done by setting up a satellite dish for receiving and transmitting data. While Satellite Internet Access has its share of shortcomings, they offer people a means of getting connected when there is no other option available.

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Who Provides Satellte Internet Access

In terms of connectivity Cable Internet and Satellite Internet services is growing in popularity every day. Traditional ways of connecting your home PC by the use of dial-up connections have been shunned for these modern services. Both services offer greatly enhanced speeds over dial-up connections which run at 56kbps. There are many factors to consider in making the decision of whether what type of connection is best suited for your needs. Cable and Satellite Internet services have their own unique features which make them stand out from the other. Before choosing either one of them a simple understanding of the basic advantages and disadvantages that each type presents should be considered.

There is only one definite answer to this question; it depends on how and why you need internet services. Below is a simple guide on choosing which particular service meets your needs.

Cost of Services

Price of satellite services for every day consumer use has significantly dropped today. Satellite service in the past has been out of the reach of ordinary households and limited to high scale consumers. In terms of service costs, the difference between cable and satellite service is dropping. This has made satellite service available for average homeowners and small businesses. But in terms of cost to service ratio, cable internet prices are still significantly lower than satellite internet. Satellite services are more expensive because they use orbiting satellites to transmit and receive data. Cable internet however uses ordinary cable connections for data transfer.

RESULT: ADVANTAGE CABLE

Data Transfer

Cables can carry large amounts of data at great distances without significant signal losses. Satellite internet services on the other hand carry larger amounts of data at even greater distances. Bandwidths which determine the amount of data that could be transferred is significantly higher in satellite connections. Available transfer rates for both cable and satellite internet are limited due to caps internet services provide to their customers. Data transfer is affected by the number of users connected. Network and Internet services put caps in order to provide their customers an equal online experience.

RESULT: TIE

Dependability

Satellite and Cable internet connections are always on; access to your internet service is as easy as powering up your computer and launching your web browser. In terms of availability of the connection or breakdowns in service satellite and cable internet have different factors which should be considered. Outages (total loss of internet connections) and intermittent (sudden decrease in speeds) connections are the most common complaints for internet subscribers.

Satellites are prone to signal interruptions. Data is transferred over the air and signals are subject to interference from exposure to the elements. In extreme weather conditions like electrical storms, signals get disrupted and this could be seen with intermittent internet connections. Cable Internet however runs on simple cable lines which are protected from the elements. The main problem for cable connections are due to breaks in the continuity of the lines. These types of problems could be easily fixed by simple technicians dispatched to restore connections.

RESULT: ADVANTAGE CABLE

Availability of Service

Cable internet is a great way of integrating your local cable TV services with going online. This is more economical than getting a cable TV service and a separate internet service. Cable services however are limited to areas which cable service is available. This does not hold true for satellite internet service, internet through a satellite connection is not limited to location. Satellite internet services could be provided to even the remote locations which telephone or cable services are absent. The main reason why companies have been offering satellite communication applications is that its services are available in almost any part of the world.

RESULT: ADVANTAGE SATELLITE

Making the choice

Cable internet connections offer greater speeds and convenience. It is also a more cost effective option than satellite internet services. A summary of the services and features gives Cable internet connections advantage over satellite internet services. Satellite internet services provide one feature no other type of internet connection can offer, the flexibility of setting up an internet connection without conventional infrastructure like cables or wires.

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Satellite Vs. Cable Internet Access

Satellite Internet service is fast becoming a popular way of going online for many people today. Exclusively for big companies and government use in the past, Satellite Internet connection has grabbed its fair share of the home market. Satellite technology for widespread consumer use was first introduced for RV’s (Recreational Vehicles). This provided families to watch their favorite cable channels anywhere at any time. With internet use becoming more and more of a necessity, satellites provided a convenient way of supplying data and information to simple consumers.

With the continuing growth in the satellite industry, consumer applications are becoming more available. Satellite technology has also been widely used and cost has been greatly reduced. The technology for internet connectivity through satellites has always been present. Satellite costs we’re one of the main of the stumbling blocks in offering it to the general consuming public. Equipment such as dishes we’re outside the budget of many users that its use was limited to those who can afford it. With a wider bandwidth available for consumer use and the mass production of satellite equipments, satellite internet has found its way to ordinary households.

Equipment for Satellite Internet Connections

Satellite internet connections allow wireless connection to an internet provider. The use of satellite dishes allows for transmitting and receiving data over great distances and remote locations. Below are some of the equipments used for Satellite Internet Connections.

Satellite Internet Modem

The word modem comes from two technical terms, modulator and demodulator. This simply means that a modem works as translator of signals. Data and signals being used for satellite communication are different from those being processed by your computers. Modems for DSL, Cable Internet and Satellite all work on the same principle. The modem acts as a translator for these different signals between your internet provider and your PC.

There are many types of modem. Their main difference is in the areas of cost, amount of data, and physical setup. One special type is a two-way modem. This setup uses two modems working separately for transmission and reception. They are located after the satellite dish and connected separately from your PC. One acts as a receiver for data and one for transmitting information. One benefit is faster speeds and more accurate transmission and reception of data to the satellite.

Satellite Internet Dish

These are similar to the ones you see on RV’s (Recreational Vehicles) or news teams. The main difference is what type of data and bandwidth they receive. A satellite dish works like your standard antennae, the main difference is that it can receive and transmit data at greater distances. Satellite dishes are bowl-shaped and contain a feed horn at the center. Signals are then focused into a narrow beam which allows it to accurately travel at long distances.

Ideal setup requires the dish to be mounted in a location with no physical obstruction. It should also be pointed in the direction of the orbiting satellite. Satellite dishes are pointed generally towards the equator. Orbiting commercial satellites are often located at the equator. Advance satellite dishes are able to accept and transmit signals to more than one satellite. This is done with two horns; signals are bounced back from the dish curved surface at different angles to hit a specific horn. The satellite’s horn contains an LNB (Low Noise Background converter). The LNB functions as an amplifier for signals and filters noise (signals not containing information).

How does Satellite Internet Connection Work?

Satellite Internet connections provide online capability access for remote locations and those which are not currently served by traditional or conventional internet providers for DSL and Cable Internet connections. Setting up a connection requires a qualified technician because of the equipments used. The satellite dish should be properly installed and positioned for optimum performance. Setting the cables is tricky and the satellite modem should be properly configured.

Transmission and reception of signals through the orbiting satellite is possible with Internet Protocol Multi-tasking Technology. Orbiting satellites are able to transmit huge amounts of data over great distances at amazingly fast speeds. With Multi-tasking Technology thousands of users could be accommodated simultaneously.

Internet connection through a satellite service all starts when data or information reaches your satellite dish. The size and shape of the satellite dish also plays a role in how much data is gathered and significantly amplifies the signals. But this signal which the satellite collects easily disappears within a few feet and could not be directly reflected inside a house or a cable.

Data is focused to a horn which is integrated in the satellite dish structure. The satellite dish concave structure allows it to focus the signals to the horn. Signals are then received by a hollow tube at the tip of the horn structure. The size and form of the tube is specifically designed to receive a particular type of wavelength. The signals bounce through the tube and received at the LNB (Low Noise Block).

Signals are filtered at the LNB and transferred to a cable which runs to your satellite modem. The modem translates these signals to language your computer understands. Another cable exits from the modem and connects to your computer. An Ethernet cable is usually used to connect the modem to the computer’s Ethernet card. The signals are then processed by the computer and appear as data or images on your website.

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How Does Satellite Internet Work

Cable internet is a type of High Speed Broadband connection which is provided by your local TV cable services. Signals for your internet connection run along the same cable your favorite TV channels pass along.  Your cables are like information Super hi-ways which directs the different signals.

Cable Internet Equipment

Setting up a cable internet connection is fairly simple. Getting a good Cable Internet provider is essential for better service and support. Equipment for setting up your Cable Internet comes bundled with the subscriber plan. Unlike DSL connections, connecting through Cable internet is sometimes tricky. Technicians are often rolled out by the company to provide installation support for new subscribers.

Cable Modems

Similar in function with DSL modems, these electronic devices translate signals from your network servers to signals which your computer can understand. The main difference between a DSL modem and a Cable modem is what type of cable connects with them. For Cable Internet subscribers a coaxial cable similar to that for your cable TV subscription is connected directly to your modem.

Cable Internet connections are always on. This means that subscribers have a steady and available access to the internet. Upon visual inspection of cable modems, a series of lights are noticed on the modem. These lights provide instant information regarding the status of your connection. Trouble shooting your cable connection is made simpler by information provided by these lights.

Cable

The quality of cables used plays a major role in determining the speed of your internet connection. High end cables which offer bigger bandwidths for signals are the most ideal to use. These are quite expensive and supplying them to every customer is too costly. Cable Internet providers utilize standard cables thus the true potential of Cable Internet speed is not reached.

Network Providers sometimes put a cap on how much bandwidth a customer gets. This is to provide equal surfing experience for all their customers. Signal loss through cable is also minimal, even allowing customers farthest from the company’s central office to enjoy the same speeds to subscribers located near their offices.

DSL connection speeds are limited by customers distance from the central office. This however does not hold true for Cable Internet subscribers. Cable Internet subscribers are offered 1.5 Mbps as standard connection speeds. The main reason behind this is the limited bandwidths offered by network providers. Online experience through Cable Internet varies from time to time. The number of subscribers who are currently online eats a lot of the cables bandwidth thus speed is significantly decreased.

Special Equipments

Cable Routers

Routers are electronic devices which you directly connect to your cable modem. These allow multiple computers to access the internet with just a single internet subscription.  This is a very cost-effective option for subscribers who want to needs more than one computer connection.

Wireless Cable Modems

These are special types of modems which connects your computer wirelessly. Signals from your modem are broadcast over the air allowing a properly equipped electronic device to go online. Going online or surfing the web is not limited to laptops or computers. Phones equipped with Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) capability may also use this connection to go online. Wi-Fi is fast becoming popular these days because of their convenience. Wireless Cable Modems provide easy access for going online anywhere within range.

How does Cable Internet work?

Cable Internet or TV providers supplies signals through cables which run from their central office to your home. Like the different channels you see in your TV, internet signals are given a specific bandwidth. Cables containing these signals finally reach you home and the terminal end of the cable is attached to a cable modem. The cable modem separates the internet from TV signals. Cable modems also act as a modulator translating signals from the cable provider to those which your computer can understand. A standard way for your computer to communicate or connect with your modem is by the use of an Ethernet cable. This cable is inserted to the computers Ethernet port where the signal finally reaches your PC.

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How does Cable Internet Work

With want far outreaching its availability, internet connection is fast becoming an integral part of everyday life. Internet services provide a convenient means of communication and sharing information with each other. It has surpassed traditional sources of information such as books. Communicating has also been enhanced with better service, offering both audio and video as a tool for communication. Conventional means of messaging such as sending mail through postal services has even decreased with the introduction of email services.

What is a Cable Internet?

Cable internet is simply an Internet connection that runs through your TV’s local cable connection. Cable companies have introduced this as a means of providing a more diverse range of services with their product. Speeds are similar to those offered by DSL connections with speeds rated at 1.5 Mbps. This represents a huge improvement over dial-up and ISDN connections.

Internet service is available by connecting your standard cable connection to a cable modem. The cable modem acts as a translator between your computer and signals travelling through the cable. On paper, cable internet provides up to 27 Mbps download and 2.5 Mbps upload speeds. A T-carrier system however is often used for cable connections. This system only allows 1.5 Mbps thus the true potential of a cable internet connection is not realized.

Advantages of Cable Internet

Cable Internet is a great way of integrating different digital service in your home. Cable TV allows you access to your favorite channels and now with the addition of Cable Internet makes getting the latest information through your PC a cinch.

Greater Speeds

Cable Internet connections offer some of the fastest speeds available for High speed Broadband services. Connection speeds however depends largely on the number of people using the bandwidth. Type of cables used also affects bandwidth capacity and limits internet speed.

In terms of raw speed, Cable clearly has an advantage over DSL and satellite connections. Cable speeds are rated at 30 Mbps and standard DSL comes at 10 Mbps. Cable internet services however put limits to the maximum speed a customer uses. This allows for more subscribers that can be accommodated.

The obvious advantages of enhanced speeds are faster downloads and uploads. With a faster connection, large files and documents could be downloaded in a couple of seconds. Listening to streaming music is smooth as buffer times are almost non-existent. Running multiple browsers simultaneously is also not a problem with downtimes limited to your PC setup.

Cable Internet Availability

Access to your favorite website is 24/7 with a Cable internet connection. Cable Internet connections are standalone systems and don’t need other equipments such as a phone connection to function. Pulling up a website is as easy as clicking your web browser and launching the application.

Price

Cable Internet services are competitively priced with regards to other internet connections such as DSL. In terms of speed to cost ratio, Cable Internet comes on top of DSL. Cable Internet connections offer greater speeds at similarly priced DSL packages.

Dependability

Cable Internet services provide the same dedicated support they offer their ordinary cable customers. Dedicated toll free numbers are on standby for consumer concerns and a technician could be dispatched for complicated problems. Unlike other types of internet connections, Cable connections are simple and trouble shooting is simpler. Down times are limited to a few hours at the most unlike other types of internet services.

Disadvantages of Cable Internet

Potential speeds for cable internet is its greatest advantage over other types of internet connections. However speeds maybe limited to quality of cable used and number of people who use the service.

Cost of Cable Internet  installation

Installing a Cable Internet connection might prove expensive during installation. In order to realize the potential speed of a Cable Internet connection, high bandwidth cables must be utilized.

Cable Internet Access

Unlike DSL connections which run through POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines, cable services are not available in all areas. Customers who wish to avail of Cable Internet must check their area for availability.

Cable Internet provides consumers with a fast and cost effective way of going online. These types of connection provide you with excellent connectivity speeds but may vary depending on the number of users online. For consumers who are currently subscribed to a cable provider, a Cable Internet connection provides a great way of integrating online and viewing services.

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What is Cable Internet

DSL is one of the most popular types of High-Speed-Broadband service available in the market today. Digital Subscriber Lines owe its popularity to faster connections speeds and ease of setup. Installing a DSL connection only requires an available phone jack together with an existing telephone service. Getting DSL services is easy as it is usually provided by your local telephone service provider.

Equipment Needed for DSL

All equipments required for a DSL connections usually comes as a package together with your new service. Setting up your new connection is easy with instruction manuals or a quick call to your DSL service support hotline. For those of us who are not that technically savvy, a technician could be scheduled to install the equipment for you.

MODEM (Modulator Demodulator)

This is an electronic device that usually comes with your internet connection. This device translates signals from the network provider to signals which your computer understands. It usually comes in the form of a box with lights on it. Status of internet connection is conveniently displayed by the lights.

Filter

Along with your modem comes a small box with two ports or holes which is labeled “Filter.” An improperly placed filter connection could lead to intermittent internet connections or worse no internet connections at all. This is usually located between the modem and the phone jack and connected by wires. Labels are located above the ports for proper placement of phone DSL line. The filter serves to separate high frequency (for DSL) and low frequency (for phones) signals.

Phone jack

This is the port where you usually connect your phone cables going to your phones in the home. Telephone service providers also provide broadband services and signals for DSL connections are channeled through the same wires as your phone.

Ethernet Card

This is a device located at the back of your PC; it has a port which shape is similar to the ends of the Ethernet cable. This device accepts the translated signals from your modem into your PC. This is different from your dial-up modem. The port from the Ethernet card is significantly bigger than the dial-up modem.

Cables

There are three cables which usually come with the DSL package. Wires included in a basic DSL package are the power cables, Ethernet cables and DSL cable. These cables can be distinguished by their colors sizes. Power cable for the modem comes in standard black and has a plug at the other end. DSL cables is gray and thin compared to the Ethernet cables. Ethernet cables which are used to connect the PC to the modem come in gray, blue or yellow.

How does a DSL connection work?

A DSLAM or Digital Service Line Access Multiplexer which is located at the central office gathers digital signals from DSL connections. This serves to connect DSL services to the internet provider’s servers which in turn connect to other servers. This interconnection of servers and providers make up the World Wide Web or the information highway.

Communication to the internet is done through your network provider which assigns you a specific address. This is similar to your home address where people can send information to and from with the use of their network servers. Network servers function much like local postal services which direct traffic through different locations.

Below is a simple step by step description on how you connect to the internet using DSL connection.

1. It all begins with a simple click on your web browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari). By typing a specific location, searching or clicking a link you instruct the computer to find a specific location on the internet.
2. These signals or instructions are sent to the modem through the PC’s Ethernet card. The Ethernet cable which serves as the pathway of these signals transmits it to the modem.
3. The modem acts as a translator between the network servers and computer. The modem transforms your computers instructions to information which could be understood by the network servers.
4. These signals are transmitted to your network by use of telephone wires and cables. A DSL cable runs from your modem to your phone jacks. These phone jacks also serve as a port for your telephones. Filters are used in instances where there is only one available phone jack for both your DSL and phone. This serves to separate the analog (phone) and digital (DSL) signals.
5. Signals exit your home and run through telephone cables to the network provider’s Central Office. Imagine these telephone wires acting like a two lane information highway. On one side run analog or low frequency signals for your phone communications and the other for digital or high frequency signals for DSL.
6. These signals finally reach their destination which is your network or phone providers central office. Much like your home Filter, the central office’s Main Distribution Frame distributes these signals for Regular POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) and DSLAM. The information you sent through your computer is channeled to the DSLAM as passed to the Network Servers.
7. Your Network Servers communicate with other Network Servers and look for the information on their own network of computers. Information gathered is then communicated back to your Network Servers and travel through similar paths back to your computer.
8. The information gathered through the internet is then displayed on your desktop.

Even looking at these simple steps makes you wonder why it takes only split seconds for information to travel to and from your computer. Your network servers maybe located miles away from your home and the location of the information you’re looking for maybe half-way around the world. Signals travel through the wires at thousands of feet per second. So the next time you power on the computer open your web browser and try to appreciate the complicated sequence of events that happen before a single letter on that website is loaded.

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How Does DSL Work?