Network Tricks. LAN & Internet Tricks: March 2007

10 Things to Know About Your Free Dish Network

Dish Network is United States second largest satellite TV Company. They started their satellite broadcasting in year 1987 and had gained more than 11 millions subscribers at the time of writing.

What's for free in standard free Dish Network deals?

A standard free Dish Network deal gives you free satellite systems up to four rooms, DVR systems, remotes for the systems, and a free TV dish. During Dish Network promotion period, consumers can easily get extra bonuses such as free DVD player, free movie channels fees for 3 months, free $1,000 shopping spree, free digital camera, etc. Different dealers offer different deals, thus a little bit of study is encouraged when shopping for Dish Network services.

Dish Network vs cable TV, who is better?

Dish Network is still considered new in the market compare to cable TV. Thus, they are still less popular than cable TV in United States. However, Dish Network services are much better than cable TV services and the subscription fees are much lower.

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Both Dish Network and cable TV can handle more than 250 channels. However, unlike cables, Dish Network provides 100% digital picture quality and they are more advanced in HD technologies. .

Also, in most of the case, Dish Network deals are much cheaper than Cable TV. There are too many additional charges in cable TV bills: franchise fees, taxes, extra costs for pay per view services, and equipment costs. While for Dish Network Programming Package starts at only $31.99 per month and basic equipments are given to the customers for free.

In terms of reception quality, cable TV has analog channels and even though you can upgrade to digital services, analog channels will still be analog, meaning an often-fuzzy picture. Dish Network satellite TV signals are fully digitize, which gives you all the advantages of digital systems. Very heavy rain or snow can obstruct reception briefly, but generally this happens very rarely.

How does Dish Network scores when compare to DirecTV?

Both DirecTV and Dish Network are practically similar -- both offer free satellite TV systems up to 4 rooms, more than 250 program selections, integrated digital video recording (DVR) capabilities, high definition TV (HDTV) capabilities, astonishing picture and sound quality and award-winning 24-hour customer services.

Where they differ is in the programming choices. Dish Network offers more International and movie channels while DirecTV seems more attractive to sports fans as they provide a much better coverage on sports programming. If you love football, DirecTV will be your first pick because their NFL Sunday Tickets will be covering every football game thru out the whole season. If you are a movie fans and would like to enjoy more on International channels, Dish Network is the service to go for.

What programming choices I have with Dish Network services?

Dish Network programming packages come in four main packages: America's Top 60, America's Top 120, America's Top 180, and America's Everything Pak.

America's Top 60 package is the Dish Network entry package. The basic America's Top 60 cost $31.99/month (some dealers offer $19.99 for the first three months); while with extra channels added, America's Top 60 Plus charges extra $5 at the time of writing.

America's Top 120 is Dish Network mid-level programming package that will cost you $42.99 per month. It includes all of the America's Top 60, along with additional of sports, movies, documentary, and kids channels.

If you are a big music TV fans, America's Top 180 is the Dish Network programming package to go for. With $52.99/month, you get an extra of 15++ music channels in this package.

America's Everything Pak is for those TV maniacs that can't live without TV entertainments. This package is the ultimate of the Dish Network that provides every TV channels available under the sun, premium movie channels are included here in this package: Showtime Unlimited, HBO The Works, Multimax from Cinemax, and Starz Encore Super Pak. You will get more than 2000 movies per month with America's Everything Pak.

How can I order Dish Network services?

Order online! Ordering your Dish Network deals online is instant and easy. All you need to do is just a few clicks on your PC and stay at home at the scheduled installation time. The retailers that have been around a few years have this process streamlined for efficiency.

Is it safe to order Dish Network online?

Yes, indeed there are a lot of scammers in the satellite TV online business, claiming to offer the best satellite dish deals and promotions. Their websites might look professional to lure unsuspecting customers. Most of these scams offer a fake promise on their deals. Extremely low monthly subscription rates, next-day installation, and unlimited number of free satellite systems are some of the common promotion terms. But once a customer signs up they find hidden activation fees, high shipping costs for free extras, installation dates continuously missed or pushed back, as well as outrageous cancellation fees.

However, there are still a lot of good Dish Network bargains online and it is still safe to order Dish Network online. In fact we believe the best Dish Network deals are always found online! The start up cost for online satellite TV dealers is much lower than the brick and mortal dealers. Thus, online satellite TV dealers offer the best bargains in satellite TV services. In order to win the market share, some online dealers even offer incentive gifts to their customers. Home theater systems, DVD players, digital cameras are given free to win more customers.

To assure your Dish Network order is safe, always look for authority dealers when you are searching for satellite TV deals. Dish Network had several reputable online retailers assigned and you are always recommended to order your satellite systems from them.

Click here to view the list of recommended Dish Network dealers: http://www.satellitetvissue.com/freesatellites/dealers.html

How can I search for reputable Dish Network dealers online?

Look for the ‘symptom of quality' when ordering from Dish Network online dealers. A very basic Requirements on good online satellite TV dealer will be as below:

- In satellite TV business for more than 1 year.
- Websites must provide secure order page and certified website.
- Must be authorized by Dish Network or DirecTV officials.
- No "hidden" fees- cost charged on credit card is shown clearly.
- Customer service available via phone, live chats or email.
- 100% guaranteed. (Full refund if installation fails).
Testimonial, users review, as well as other authority sites recommendation would be a plus point.

What's next after I place my order?

You place an order with an online satellite TV system retailer. You will then choose the number of satellite system you wished to receive. Standard online satellite TV deals will offer you up to 4 free satellite systems along with certain incentive gifts like DVD player or home theater systems.

At the time of ordering you will schedule a time that a local professional installer can come to your home and install the system. You do not need to choose your programming packages at the time of order. For example when you are ordering the Dish Network deals, you can always order your Dish Network systems first and decide your programming package later. Instructions for ordering your Dish Network programming will be sent with your systems. You will need to call Dish Network's toll-free number (24/7 all year long) after your installation is completed. A customer service representative will help you activate all the programming you would like.

The satellite system will either be shipped to your home before the installation date or the installer will bring it with them. In normal case, shipping cost and standard installation fees are free of charge.

Do I need to install my Dish Network satellite systems?

No, you do not need to install the Dish Network systems by your own. Standard installation is free of charge and they will be professional technician assigned to fix the system for you.

Teddy LC., expert writter on consumer products reviews. Check out his latest satellite TV related website: http://www.satellitetvissue.com and get recommendations on Dish Network latest promotions.

Network Security - Not With a P2P Network!

Most small business networks grow and evolve as the business grows. In one way, this is good. It shows the business is growing, becoming stronger. Unfortunately, from a network perspective, it can be a disaster in the making.

Most small business networks are setup in a peer-to-peer (P2P) format. In contrast, large corporate networks are setup in a domain format. What does this mean to you?

First, let us define the two network formats. In a P2P format every PC is responsible for its own security access. Basically, each PC is equal to every other PC in the network. These networks generally consist of less than ten computers and require a large amount of administrative overhead to function securely.

In this format the attitudes of the user population is of prime importance. If they have a high level of security conscience then your network will be more secure, if they don't your network will be wide open to insider exploitation.

You can see the problem. Ten computers and ten administrators equal little accountability.

In a domain system there is a single point of administration, your network administrator. He is responsible for maintaining the network.

A network setup in this format consists of at least one server, a domain controller, to administrate the rest of the network. This domain controller manages user and computer access, freeing the network administrator from the necessity of touching every PC in the network.

When a user logs onto her PC in a P2P network she only authenticates on it, in a domain system it is a little more complicated.

In a domain system she logs onto her computer, her login ID is first checked with the domain controller. If it is found she is granted access to the network resources assigned to her. Then she is allowed to log on to her desktop. If her ID isn't found then she only has access to her local PC.

Now that you know a little about the two network structures you can see the advantages of the domain design.

As stated earlier this format requires planning to achieve. You must sit down and outline what you want your network to accomplish.

Consider what access your users really need to do their jobs. In the computer security world this is called granting the least amount of access required to do the job. Do your sales reps really need access to your financial files? What about external vendors?

All of this needs to be thought out and addressed.

Here's an example of how I setup a small sales organization. This business consisted of about eight employees and the two owners. With the assistance of the owners we defined three user groups.

The owners group was granted full and complete access, while each of the other groups received lesser and different accesses. The admin group received access to the financial and administrative functions, and the sales groups receive assess to the sales and customer management data. Specifically, they were excluded from the financial and administrative and the owner's functions.

Additionally, we setup auditing of both successful and unsuccessful attempts to view certain types of data. We did this to add a layer of accountability to the network. This increases the security of their customer's data because we can now tell who and when the data was accessed.

Network security personnel know that most network security breaches occur from the inside! In my experience most small businesses use the P2P format because it is the easiest to implement and because they don't know the security compromises they are working under.

This can be a ticking time bomb for your business. Eventually, you will experience a security lapse that could land you in court.

For instance, you have an employee leave your business. This employee downloaded all of your customer data before he left. Next, he sells this data to someone who uses it to steal the identity of several of your customers. Eventually, this theft is discovered and traced back to your employee.

Your former customers in fully justifiable outrage take you to court charging you with negligence. Specifically, they hold you responsible for failing to safeguard their personal information.

Your case will be much stronger if you can show you have positive control of your network. You can point out your security procedures. Employee logon auditing, security updates, acceptable use agreements, etc. In short you can show that you have taken the steps that a reasonable person would take to secure your network and customer data.

Hopefully, your lawyer can then place the blame directly where it belongs. On the employee who stole the information in the first place. Ask your attorney about this! Don't just take my work for it, I'm not a lawyer.

Remember, network security is a result of through planning, not hap hazard improvisation. Give your network the same attention you give to the rest of your business.

If you do not have the skills or the time to be your own network administrator, you can contract with someone to handle this for you on a part-time basis. Just make sure they are reputable, you are putting your business in their hands.

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Parrott Writing Services, a San Antonio Texas company specializing in white papers, case studies, ghostwriting, and technical writing for small businesses.

5 Reasons Why You Need a Wireless Network

As far as I'm concerned, wireless networks are one of the best inventions in history -- they really are the best thing since sliced bread. I mean, really, bread is easy enough to cut yourself, but have you ever tried to wire up a network? So, in the spirit of spreading the word, I'm going to give you five reasons why you need a wireless network.

Share Internet Access.

Wireless networking gives you a cheap and easy way to share one Internet connection between multiple computers, eliminating the need for more than one modem. You can even add new computers to your network simply by plugging in a wireless card and switching them on -- they get an Internet connection straightaway! There aren't many wired networks that can say that.

Share Files and Printers.

A wireless network gives you access to your files wherever you are in your home, and makes it easy to synchronise the data on a laptop with a home computer. It is much easier to send files between computers with a wireless network than it is to send them by email, or even by burning them to a CD.

Plus, with the printer connected, you can also write things wherever you want, press print, and go and collect them from a printer connected to another computer -- printers that are plugged into one of the computers on the network are shared between all the computers automatically.

Play Games.

You might have seen an option in your favourite game to play over a LAN. Well, wireless networks are LANs, which means that your whole family can play that game together -- without needing the computers to be anywhere near each other. 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. You could even invite your friends to bring their computers and join in -- a 'LAN party'!

An added benefit is that wireless equipment lets you easily connect any games consoles you or your kids might have to the Internet, and start playing online. It's far easier to play online with a wirelessly connected Xbox or PlayStation 2 than to have to connect it to your modem every time.

Always On.

A big factor in the spread of broadband was that it let Internet connections 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, and it doesn't matter -- they'll always have access. Plus, there's not even any need to set up a username and password system, as wireless networks work without logging in. It's just so convenient!

No More Wires.

This, of course, is the biggest reason why you should switch your network over to wireless. Wires are inconvenient, expensive, ugly and dangerous -- you'll be delighted to see the back of them.

The average Ethernet wire doesn't cost that much per metre, but once you've bought enough metres to do whatever you need to do, well, it tends to add up quickly. Not only that, but if you want to run your wire between rooms or floors, you have to knock holes in the walls -- which might not even be allowed if you're renting. I know plenty of people in rented apartments who had to keep their network confined to one room until they went wireless. With wireless networking, well, you can even take your computer outside, if you want to!

No more wires also means no more spaghetti all over the floor and in the corners. Not only does this improve the safety of your home, as it's all too easy to trip over exposed wires, but it also means that you don't have to go to all the trouble of packing all the wires up and re-connecting them at the other end when you move. It also means that you don't have to examine every wire for damage if your Internet connection breaks down.

Convinced?

If you're excited, then that's great -- keep reading these articles for advice on how to set everything up. If you don't think it's for you yet, well, don't give up on it -- I'm sure you'll come round when you realise just how easy and cheap wireless really is.

Cassandra Stinchcombe - Learn how to set up your own wireless network, in clear easy steps. http://www.envisionopportunity.com/wirelessnetworking/wirelessnetworking.html

Network Cabling: Available Options

As their IT consultant, your small business prospects and clients will need you to explain the different network cabling options available to them.

Traditional Wired Ethernet (Category 5)

Until very recently, Category 5 data cabling was the de facto standard for both enterprise and small business LANs. Today, you'll find some enhancements available to Category 5 cabling, as well as booming interest in wireless Ethernet solutions.

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If your computer consulting firm won't be installing Category 5 network cabling for your small business clients' networks, get an estimate from a local data cabling vendor that can install certified cabling runs to each office or desk.

Ensure the Network Cabling Job is Completed "To Spec"

Most reputable Category 5 cable installers will be able to provide you with hard copy reports of Category 5 certification tests, your assurance that the job was completed "to spec" -- making for a much more reliable networking experience.

The Ethernet Hub and Network Card

To string together a traditional wired Ethernet network based on Category 5 network cabling, your clients will simply need to purchase a 10/100Mbps Ethernet hub or switch, and a 10/100Mbps network card for each PC.

These are very mature, inexpensive products and great for creating inexpensive, high performance small business networks.

Wireless Ethernet Based on 802.11b (11Mbps)

802.11b wireless is also a relatively mature standard that provides up to 11Mbps Ethernet service. Although wireless networking hardware is more expensive than comparable wired Ethernet equipment, your clients will save on the installation costs of Category 5 data network cabling.

It could very well be break-even cost-wise and there's no need to drill holes in your clients' office walls or in the baseboard.

Drawbacks to Wireless Ethernet

First, since the standards between different 802.11b-compatibile products are still relatively new, you can sometimes experience great difficulty in trying to connect 802.11b products from different vendors. If possible, stick with the same 802.11b hardware vendor across the board.

Second, security standards are still evolving. The wireless encryption protocol (WEP) that 802.11b products use is widely known to be "easily" hack-able. Just be sure that your clients are aware of the security limitations before they commit to wireless Ethernet.

The Bottom Line About Network Cabling

Even if your computer consulting firm doesn't handle Category 5 and other kinds of network cabling work, you need to be involved in the design specifications and supervision of network cabling. For assistance working with data cabling companies, see Partnering with Other Computer Consultants and Subcontracting Success both available for immediate download.

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Joshua Feinberg helps small business computer consulting firms get more steady, high-paying clients. Learn how you can too. Sign-up now for your free access to a one-hour audio training program on Small Business Computer Consulting Tips.

How To Increase Computer Speed And Performance - Great Tips & Tricks

Many computer users are worried about their computer's performance. After spending lot of bucks, still they cannot have that charm of using PC as they had expected. Here I am going to explain some major tricks which are used by many computer users which help them to take efficient use of their CPU.

These tips could be of little importance for people who are already using processors with speed more than 2400 MHz but people using computer with less speed and little older mother boards and processors will enjoy these tips. They will realize significant increase in their computer's performance.

Here are these tips:

1. Operating system choice:

You will be amazed to know that your choice of choosing right windows or operating system could play a significant role on your CPU's performance. For example if you are given 5 bricks to carry them to next apartment and then 10 bricks to do same. Think how would be your performance if compared with both situations. Obviously you would perform well when carrying only 5 bricks.

Same is the case with Microsoft windows. The lighter the windows you have, higher the performance will be shown. Now this does not mean that you should install Windows 95. Here is the order of Windows weight: Windows XP (any addition) > Windows 2000 > Windows Me > Windows 98 (the lightest one). So if you have Pentium 4 with good ram then I would recommend you to use Microsoft Windows XP. People using Pentium 3 computers could use windows 2000 or if they have ram more than 256 MB then they can use windows XP too. All other lower speed users should use windows ME or 98.

You would have to compromise between speed and quality. You can decide now which operating system you should use now.

2. Partitions:

Before starting this topic I would like to give you a simple example. Suppose in one case if 100 items are placed in a house having only 2 rooms and you are required to find item no. 89, from second room. You will have to scroll through 50 items in room two to find item 89. In other case if same 100 items are placed in house having 4 rooms and you are required to find item 89 from room 2 then you would have to scroll through only 25 items present in that room and you would spend less time.

Same is the case here for partitions. If you are having more number of partitions, it would help your windows more to find required data easily from your hard disk, when you run any file or program. I would advice you to have more partitions each having at least 5 GB memory and maximum 20 GB.

You should be very careful while partitioning your hard drive and believe me many people make mistakes when they partition hard disk and lose all of their important data. Here is a free resource Windows Setup Installation Guide that can help you to learn about partitioning, formatting hard disks and installing windows.

3. Defragment Your Hard disks:

Your partitions become more fragmented when you create or delete folders, save new files, delete or move them and they become scattered on you hard drive and as time passes, windows become slower and slower due to time needed by the system to find required file on hard disk. You can learn more about why volumes become fragmented by using "Disk Defragmenter" Help.

My main point is that your computer becomes lazy with time. I am sure many of you have observed that after installing windows, computer become slower gradually with time. So I would strongly recommend you that you use Disk Defragmenter regularly, at least a week. I know it is quite boring process but while taking bath, lunch start it. Believe me you will feel the difference later.

4. Frequency of Changing Windows:

I would like you to compare the difference between speeds of your computer when you freshly installed windows and now. I know your answer! Obviously now you will be feeling your PC lazier than before.

This is all due to many factors such as file fragmentation; increasing of windows registry size, increase in number of files and folders in your primary partition and also because of some viruses and spy wares.

I would strongly suggest you that you should reinstall windows after formatting your primary partition at least every 3 months. That will keep your computer always efficient. Many people think that formatting hard drive is not good. That is almost a wrong illusion. Formatting your partition every 3 months and installing fresh copy of windows will considerably increase your computer's performance. Same website Windows Installation Guide could help you regarding this matter.

5. My last tip:

Finally do not save junk, programs, movies, games and almost anything you can on your windows partition that is usually C: and believe me your computer would show optimal performance for longer time and provide fewer errors.

It is better you make your "My Documents" folder in other drive than C: as well as make also Program Files folder so install everything like Microsoft office e.t.c there not in windows installation drive. Do it and feel the difference.

Always check for your programs which automatically run at startup and use your computer's significant resources. Try to disable them carefully and feel the change in performance. Here is a way to check which programs and processes start automatically when windows starts. Go to START->Run then type "MSCONFIG" then you can see which your memory consuming programs are. If you do not want to do anything above and want shorter way with shorter improvements then create new user account and delete previous one. You will observer a slighter change and this also removes many errors if present in windows.

If you cannot even do this then why you wasted your time by reading this article and do something else ;)

I have tried my best to show all possible ways that could help you all to improve your computer performance.

Me, Alan John, always have tried to help windows users in all ways possible. Due to good experience, I am able to do that. Here is one of my website should help many of you. Windows Setup Installation Complete Guide

Network Services

Ever since the break up of AT&T, companies have tried to save money on their telephone bills. First came changing your long distance carrier. You could get rates that were half or even lower then what AT&T charged. Eventually dozens of companies got involved in reselling long distance to the point where rates have gone to almost $.01 per minute.

Later on came changing your local carrier. Many companies resold the local exchange carrier's lines at a discount. Service was not as good, but the discounts were compelling for many companies.

Now the hot new thing is VoIP. You can get rid of the local phone company all together. You can get your dial tone from your cable company or though your DSL line.

Businesses can get rid of the local carrier too. High speed data lines allow businesses so get their dial tones from their ISP. The discounts are again very compelling. Be very careful, the service you get from some VoIP carriers is very poor. It's not sound quality, it's the up time. Make sure to deal with an established, reputable company and don't let promised savings blind you.

Talk with your telephone system vendor. They probably have relationships with several VoIP carriers. Get references from companies in your neighborhood. That will really help you gauge the reliablity of the service.

Keep some back up service on regular copper lines. If your VoIP service goes down, you can have your calls forwarded to your back up service. It's well worth the extra costs. http://www.teleco4.com

Andrew Taub Telecomunictions Expert http://www.teleco4.com