A complaint made against Internet service provider (ISP) iHug by M. McNatty has been upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). McNatty complained that he was not told of the special conditions of banner adverts he saw on the iHug website.
McNatty said: "I signed up [to iHug] but discovered I had shot over my limit and iHUG had reduced my download speed from 100 to 64kps. I rang iHUG and they explained that I had gone over my 1 GB traffic allotment by 230%. I explained I was on the 3 GB plan and they went on to tell me that 2 of the 3GB can only be used between the hours of 2 a.m. and 10 a.m." He then went on to talk to the manager of iHug but was told there was nothing he could do so he asked to be upgraded to the more expensive option of the 15 GB plan.
iHug replied to the complaint by saying: "It appears that M. McNatty has briefly looked at the front page of our broadband section without either reading down the page to the what you get section or clicking on the info or join now links on our website. If he had, he would have found information about the peak and off-peak split of data allowances. He has then rung the iHug call centre, where our call centre personnel have been instructed to inform customers of the details of data allowances because many customers don't understand how much data they will need. If the customer service representative has failed to explain how the data allowances work then that is a mistake on our part, for which I am sincerely apologetic. iHug has taken steps to resolve this by stressing to Customer Service Managers that they must remind their teams to fully explain data allowances during the sign up call."
iHug then went on to apologize to McNatty if felt he had been misled but said: "I think it is unreasonable for M. McNatty to expect all information pertaining to a broadband application to be contained in detail on a small banner advert which is clearly design to capture interest only and lead the customer to further information."
The ASA complaint board then reviewed the advertisement and noted that the advertisement clearly identified that information related to the offer was available on other pages and that a customer would most likely know that plans varied and would ask for clarification before subscribing.
But then said, referring to the 3 GB plan advertisement; "However, nowhere in the main offer or the immediate conditions headed, "ihug broadband – what you get", did it inform the consumer that 2 of the 3 GB could only be used between the hours of 2 a.m. and 10 a.m., one third being peak user time, two thirds being off-peak user time. This, in the Complaints Board's view, significantly diminished the offer of '3 GB data', to the extent that the offer could be considered to be 'exaggerated'. As such the Complaints Board said that it would be likely to mislead the consumer."
They also noted that the wording "generous peak download allowance" was a hyperbole and overstated the product offered, which amounted to misleading the customer.
The Complaints Board said: "A website advertisement was not limited by a time constraint such as a television advertisement, or restricted by space available, and thereby there was no apparent reason why this paramount condition could not be more obvious in relation to the offer."
The complaints board then said that if special condition reduced the offer in value then those conditions need to be obvious. They noted that the ad does say conditions do apply. "However, as the condition in this instance diminished the offer in a major way, the Complaints Board was unanimously of the view, that it should have been disclosed in an obvious manner, as part of the initial offer or in close proximity to it," said the complaints board.
The board then noted that the advertisement was in violation of the second rule in the Code of Ethics which states "Truthful Presentation - Advertisements should not contain any statement or visual presentation or create an overall impression which directly or by implication, omission, ambiguity or exaggerated claim is misleading or deceptive, is likely to deceive or mislead the consumer, makes false and misleading representation, abuses the trust of the consumer or exploits his/her lack of experience or knowledge. (Obvious hyperbole, identifiable as such, is not considered to be misleading)." The board did uphold the complaint.
http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Complaint_made_against_internet_provider_iHug_upheld
Monday, August 20, 2007
Hosting Internet provider service: Discover what you NEED to know
Hosting your own website may be the beginning of a new business or even an expansion to your already growing one. That is why when it comes to choosing your hosting Internet provider service a lot of consideration and thought goes into choosing the best provider to host your website. Because of this I have created an easy formula to ease the process of sorting out the many different hosting Internet provider service available. The formula consists of first understanding what kind of hosting Internet provider service you are looking for then from that compare different providers with the service you are looking for by sorting them out by price, reliability, and benefits.
Let’s start off with understanding what exactly you need in a webpage in order to better sort out a price range. For example if you are looking for a hosting Internet provider service that will provide you with over 300 GB of web space and large amount of monthly transfer volume, you are facing costs of about 20 dollars per month. However if you are only looking for beginner work that does not require so much web space or transfer volume, you are looking at a price range of around 4 dollars a month. Nevertheless, if you need a hosting Internet provider service that will give you something in-between being a beginner or developer the price range will be of around 5 dollars to 10 dollars a month.
After understanding what type of website you want to create you may then go on to compare the different hosting Internet provider service companies. By this point you will only be comparing providers in the same cost range and only comparing what type features they may offer. For example some hosting Internet provider service may offer a package with more included domains, however offer less starting webs space, another package form a different provider may offer exactly the opposite. Many web hosting providers often offer large quantities of email accounts for each domain, majority of the time users only end up using maximum of 10 or 15 of the 4000 email accounts offered. Features like these are not really important and can help when deciding which hosting Internet provider service to choose.
As you may have noticed these are just a few tips one must take into consideration when choosing a hosting Internet provider service. There are many more different techniques to find the best hosting providers. Nevertheless sticking to the basics of comparing your need, then obtaining your price range you can compare the different features for each hosting provider.
http://www.articlealley.com/article_198061_2.html
Let’s start off with understanding what exactly you need in a webpage in order to better sort out a price range. For example if you are looking for a hosting Internet provider service that will provide you with over 300 GB of web space and large amount of monthly transfer volume, you are facing costs of about 20 dollars per month. However if you are only looking for beginner work that does not require so much web space or transfer volume, you are looking at a price range of around 4 dollars a month. Nevertheless, if you need a hosting Internet provider service that will give you something in-between being a beginner or developer the price range will be of around 5 dollars to 10 dollars a month.
After understanding what type of website you want to create you may then go on to compare the different hosting Internet provider service companies. By this point you will only be comparing providers in the same cost range and only comparing what type features they may offer. For example some hosting Internet provider service may offer a package with more included domains, however offer less starting webs space, another package form a different provider may offer exactly the opposite. Many web hosting providers often offer large quantities of email accounts for each domain, majority of the time users only end up using maximum of 10 or 15 of the 4000 email accounts offered. Features like these are not really important and can help when deciding which hosting Internet provider service to choose.
As you may have noticed these are just a few tips one must take into consideration when choosing a hosting Internet provider service. There are many more different techniques to find the best hosting providers. Nevertheless sticking to the basics of comparing your need, then obtaining your price range you can compare the different features for each hosting provider.
http://www.articlealley.com/article_198061_2.html
Internet Service Provider Encyclopedia
An Internet service provider (abbr. ISP, also called Internet access provider or IAP) is a business or organization that provides to consumers access to the Internet and related services. In the past, most ISPs were run by the phone companies. Now, ISPs can be started by just about any individual or group with sufficient money and expertise. In addition to Internet access via various technologies such as dial-up and DSL, they may provide a combination of services including Internet transit, domain name registration and hosting, web hosting, and colocation.
ISP connection options
ISPs employ a range of technologies to enable consumers to connect to their network. For "home users", the most popular options include dial-up, DSL (typically ADSL), Broadband wireless access, Cable modem, and ISDN (typically BRI). For customers who have more demanding requirements, such as medium-to-large businesses, or other ISPs, DSL (often SHDSL or ADSL), Ethernet, Metro Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Frame Relay, ISDN (BRI or PRI), ATM, satellite Internet access and SONET are more likely. With the increasing popularity of downloading music and online video and the general demand for faster page loads, higher bandwidth connections are becoming more popular.
How ISPs connect to the Internet
Just as their customers pay them for Internet access, ISPs themselves pay upstream ISPs for Internet access. In the simplest case, a single connection is established to an upstream ISP using one of the technologies described above, and the ISP uses this connection to send or receive any data to or from parts of the Internet beyond its own network; in turn, the upstream ISP uses its own upstream connection, or connections to its other customers (usually other ISPs) to allow the data to travel from source to destination.
In reality, the situation is often more complicated. For example, ISPs with more than one Point of presence (PoP) may have separate connections to an upstream ISP at multiple PoPs, or they may be customers of multiple upstream ISPs and have connections to each one at one or more of their PoPs. ISPs may engage in peering, where multiple ISPs interconnect with one another at a peering point or Internet exchange point (IX), allowing the routing of data between their networks, without charging one another for that data - data that would otherwise have passed through their upstream ISPs, incurring charges from the upstream ISP. ISPs that require no upstream, and have only customers and/or peers, are called Tier 1 ISPs, indicating their status as ISPs at the top of the Internet hierarchy. Routers, switches, Internet routing protocols, and the expertise of network administrators all have a role to play in ensuring that data follows the best available route and that ISPs can "see" one another on the Internet.
Virtual ISP
A Virtual ISP (vISP) purchases services from another ISP (sometimes called a wholesale ISP or similar within this context) that allow the vISP's customers to access the Internet via one or more Points of Presence (PoPs) that are owned and operated by the wholesale ISP. There are various models for the delivery of this type of service, for example, the wholesale ISP could provide network access to end users via its dial-up modem PoPs or DSLAMs installed in telephone exchanges, and route, switch, and/or tunnel the end user traffic to the vISP's network, whereupon they may route the traffic toward its destination. In another model, the vISP does not route any end user traffic, and needs only provide AAA (Authentication, Authorization and Accounting) functions, as well as any "value-add" services like email or web hosting. Any given ISP may use their own PoPs to deliver one service, and use a vISP model to deliver another service, or, use a combination to deliver a service in different areas. The service provided by a wholesale ISP in a vISP model is distinct from that of an upstream ISP, even though in some cases, they may both be one and the same company. The former provides connectivity from the end user's premises to the Internet or to the end user's ISP, the latter provides connectivity from the end user's ISP to all or parts of the rest of the Internet.
A vISP can also refer to a completely automated white label service offered to anyone at no cost or for a minimal set-up fee. The actual ISP providing the service generates revenue from the calls and may also share a percentage of that revenue with the owner of the vISP. All technical aspects are dealt with leaving the owner of vISP with the task of promoting the service. This sort of service is however declining due to the popularity of unmetered internet access also known as flatrate.
http://www.webhits.org/Internet_service_provider/encyclopedia.htm
ISP connection options
ISPs employ a range of technologies to enable consumers to connect to their network. For "home users", the most popular options include dial-up, DSL (typically ADSL), Broadband wireless access, Cable modem, and ISDN (typically BRI). For customers who have more demanding requirements, such as medium-to-large businesses, or other ISPs, DSL (often SHDSL or ADSL), Ethernet, Metro Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Frame Relay, ISDN (BRI or PRI), ATM, satellite Internet access and SONET are more likely. With the increasing popularity of downloading music and online video and the general demand for faster page loads, higher bandwidth connections are becoming more popular.
How ISPs connect to the Internet
Just as their customers pay them for Internet access, ISPs themselves pay upstream ISPs for Internet access. In the simplest case, a single connection is established to an upstream ISP using one of the technologies described above, and the ISP uses this connection to send or receive any data to or from parts of the Internet beyond its own network; in turn, the upstream ISP uses its own upstream connection, or connections to its other customers (usually other ISPs) to allow the data to travel from source to destination.
In reality, the situation is often more complicated. For example, ISPs with more than one Point of presence (PoP) may have separate connections to an upstream ISP at multiple PoPs, or they may be customers of multiple upstream ISPs and have connections to each one at one or more of their PoPs. ISPs may engage in peering, where multiple ISPs interconnect with one another at a peering point or Internet exchange point (IX), allowing the routing of data between their networks, without charging one another for that data - data that would otherwise have passed through their upstream ISPs, incurring charges from the upstream ISP. ISPs that require no upstream, and have only customers and/or peers, are called Tier 1 ISPs, indicating their status as ISPs at the top of the Internet hierarchy. Routers, switches, Internet routing protocols, and the expertise of network administrators all have a role to play in ensuring that data follows the best available route and that ISPs can "see" one another on the Internet.
Virtual ISP
A Virtual ISP (vISP) purchases services from another ISP (sometimes called a wholesale ISP or similar within this context) that allow the vISP's customers to access the Internet via one or more Points of Presence (PoPs) that are owned and operated by the wholesale ISP. There are various models for the delivery of this type of service, for example, the wholesale ISP could provide network access to end users via its dial-up modem PoPs or DSLAMs installed in telephone exchanges, and route, switch, and/or tunnel the end user traffic to the vISP's network, whereupon they may route the traffic toward its destination. In another model, the vISP does not route any end user traffic, and needs only provide AAA (Authentication, Authorization and Accounting) functions, as well as any "value-add" services like email or web hosting. Any given ISP may use their own PoPs to deliver one service, and use a vISP model to deliver another service, or, use a combination to deliver a service in different areas. The service provided by a wholesale ISP in a vISP model is distinct from that of an upstream ISP, even though in some cases, they may both be one and the same company. The former provides connectivity from the end user's premises to the Internet or to the end user's ISP, the latter provides connectivity from the end user's ISP to all or parts of the rest of the Internet.
A vISP can also refer to a completely automated white label service offered to anyone at no cost or for a minimal set-up fee. The actual ISP providing the service generates revenue from the calls and may also share a percentage of that revenue with the owner of the vISP. All technical aspects are dealt with leaving the owner of vISP with the task of promoting the service. This sort of service is however declining due to the popularity of unmetered internet access also known as flatrate.
http://www.webhits.org/Internet_service_provider/encyclopedia.htm
ISP gets deadline for identifying alleged file trader
A US district court on Thursday ruled for a second time that Verizon Communications must give up the identity of an anonymous Internet subscriber accused of swapping music files online.
The case has been closely watched by entertainment industry figures and privacy advocates as a key test for how easily file-swappers can be found and identified by copyright holders.
An earlier court decision that also said Verizon would have to give up the information had been temporarily put on hold. Thursday's decision will force the telephone company to give up its subscriber's name in 14 days, unless an appeals court steps in to block the decision pending further review.
"Verizon cannot demonstrate that it has a substantial likelihood of prevailing... and has not shown that it will be irreparably harmed if a stay pending appeal is not granted," Judge John Bates wrote in his decision.
The decision closes a second round of fighting in district court over the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA's) attempt to subpoena Verizon for information about a subscriber accused of offering music files for download using Kazaa.
Bates earlier ruled that the RIAA was able to subpoena the subscriber's information under existing copyright law, even without an open legal case. Verizon had contended that the trade group needed to file suit against the anonymous subscriber for a subpoena to be valid.
Thursday's ruling stems from a new round of sparring, following a second RIAA subpoena issued in February. Verizon had asked that the subpoena be deemed invalid on constitutional grounds and that the original decision be put on hold until an appeals court could rule on the issue.
Bates denied both motions. The subpoena laws that the RIAA is using do not violate constitutional separations of power, Bates said, nor do the laws violate computer users' free speech rights.
The RIAA, whose position had been supported by the US Department of Justice in recent days, welcomed Bates' ruling.
"Today's decision makes clear that these individuals cannot rely on their (Internet service providers) to shield them from accountability," Cary Sherman, president of the RIAA, said in a statement. "If users of pirate peer-to-peer sites don't want to be identified, they should not break the law by illegally distributing music."
A US district court on Thursday ruled for a second time that Verizon Communications must give up the identity of an anonymous Internet subscriber accused of swapping music files online.
The case has been closely watched by entertainment industry figures and privacy advocates as a key test for how easily file-swappers can be found and identified by copyright holders.
An earlier court decision that also said Verizon would have to give up the information had been temporarily put on hold. Thursday's decision will force the telephone company to give up its subscriber's name in 14 days, unless an appeals court steps in to block the decision pending further review.
"Verizon cannot demonstrate that it has a substantial likelihood of prevailing... and has not shown that it will be irreparably harmed if a stay pending appeal is not granted," Judge John Bates wrote in his decision.
The decision closes a second round of fighting in district court over the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA's) attempt to subpoena Verizon for information about a subscriber accused of offering music files for download using Kazaa.
Bates earlier ruled that the RIAA was able to subpoena the subscriber's information under existing copyright law, even without an open legal case. Verizon had contended that the trade group needed to file suit against the anonymous subscriber for a subpoena to be valid.
Thursday's ruling stems from a new round of sparring, following a second RIAA subpoena issued in February. Verizon had asked that the subpoena be deemed invalid on constitutional grounds and that the original decision be put on hold until an appeals court could rule on the issue.
Bates denied both motions. The subpoena laws that the RIAA is using do not violate constitutional separations of power, Bates said, nor do the laws violate computer users' free speech rights.
The RIAA, whose position had been supported by the US Department of Justice in recent days, welcomed Bates' ruling.
"Today's decision makes clear that these individuals cannot rely on their (Internet service providers) to shield them from accountability," Cary Sherman, president of the RIAA, said in a statement. "If users of pirate peer-to-peer sites don't want to be identified, they should not break the law by illegally distributing music."
Verizon said it would immediately appeal the ruling.
"Today's ruling goes far beyond the interests of large copyright monopolists -- such as the RIAA -- in enforcing its copyrights," Verizon senior vice president John Thorne said in a statement. "This decision exposes anyone who uses the Internet to potential predators, scam artists and crooks, including identity thieves and stalkers. We will continue to use every legal means available to protect our subscribers' privacy and will immediately seek a stay from the US Court of Appeals."
"Today's ruling goes far beyond the interests of large copyright monopolists -- such as the RIAA -- in enforcing its copyrights," Verizon senior vice president John Thorne said in a statement. "This decision exposes anyone who uses the Internet to potential predators, scam artists and crooks, including identity thieves and stalkers. We will continue to use every legal means available to protect our subscribers' privacy and will immediately seek a stay from the US Court of Appeals."
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/itmanagement/0,1000000308,2133874,00.htm
The case has been closely watched by entertainment industry figures and privacy advocates as a key test for how easily file-swappers can be found and identified by copyright holders.
An earlier court decision that also said Verizon would have to give up the information had been temporarily put on hold. Thursday's decision will force the telephone company to give up its subscriber's name in 14 days, unless an appeals court steps in to block the decision pending further review.
"Verizon cannot demonstrate that it has a substantial likelihood of prevailing... and has not shown that it will be irreparably harmed if a stay pending appeal is not granted," Judge John Bates wrote in his decision.
The decision closes a second round of fighting in district court over the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA's) attempt to subpoena Verizon for information about a subscriber accused of offering music files for download using Kazaa.
Bates earlier ruled that the RIAA was able to subpoena the subscriber's information under existing copyright law, even without an open legal case. Verizon had contended that the trade group needed to file suit against the anonymous subscriber for a subpoena to be valid.
Thursday's ruling stems from a new round of sparring, following a second RIAA subpoena issued in February. Verizon had asked that the subpoena be deemed invalid on constitutional grounds and that the original decision be put on hold until an appeals court could rule on the issue.
Bates denied both motions. The subpoena laws that the RIAA is using do not violate constitutional separations of power, Bates said, nor do the laws violate computer users' free speech rights.
The RIAA, whose position had been supported by the US Department of Justice in recent days, welcomed Bates' ruling.
"Today's decision makes clear that these individuals cannot rely on their (Internet service providers) to shield them from accountability," Cary Sherman, president of the RIAA, said in a statement. "If users of pirate peer-to-peer sites don't want to be identified, they should not break the law by illegally distributing music."
A US district court on Thursday ruled for a second time that Verizon Communications must give up the identity of an anonymous Internet subscriber accused of swapping music files online.
The case has been closely watched by entertainment industry figures and privacy advocates as a key test for how easily file-swappers can be found and identified by copyright holders.
An earlier court decision that also said Verizon would have to give up the information had been temporarily put on hold. Thursday's decision will force the telephone company to give up its subscriber's name in 14 days, unless an appeals court steps in to block the decision pending further review.
"Verizon cannot demonstrate that it has a substantial likelihood of prevailing... and has not shown that it will be irreparably harmed if a stay pending appeal is not granted," Judge John Bates wrote in his decision.
The decision closes a second round of fighting in district court over the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA's) attempt to subpoena Verizon for information about a subscriber accused of offering music files for download using Kazaa.
Bates earlier ruled that the RIAA was able to subpoena the subscriber's information under existing copyright law, even without an open legal case. Verizon had contended that the trade group needed to file suit against the anonymous subscriber for a subpoena to be valid.
Thursday's ruling stems from a new round of sparring, following a second RIAA subpoena issued in February. Verizon had asked that the subpoena be deemed invalid on constitutional grounds and that the original decision be put on hold until an appeals court could rule on the issue.
Bates denied both motions. The subpoena laws that the RIAA is using do not violate constitutional separations of power, Bates said, nor do the laws violate computer users' free speech rights.
The RIAA, whose position had been supported by the US Department of Justice in recent days, welcomed Bates' ruling.
"Today's decision makes clear that these individuals cannot rely on their (Internet service providers) to shield them from accountability," Cary Sherman, president of the RIAA, said in a statement. "If users of pirate peer-to-peer sites don't want to be identified, they should not break the law by illegally distributing music."
Verizon said it would immediately appeal the ruling.
"Today's ruling goes far beyond the interests of large copyright monopolists -- such as the RIAA -- in enforcing its copyrights," Verizon senior vice president John Thorne said in a statement. "This decision exposes anyone who uses the Internet to potential predators, scam artists and crooks, including identity thieves and stalkers. We will continue to use every legal means available to protect our subscribers' privacy and will immediately seek a stay from the US Court of Appeals."
"Today's ruling goes far beyond the interests of large copyright monopolists -- such as the RIAA -- in enforcing its copyrights," Verizon senior vice president John Thorne said in a statement. "This decision exposes anyone who uses the Internet to potential predators, scam artists and crooks, including identity thieves and stalkers. We will continue to use every legal means available to protect our subscribers' privacy and will immediately seek a stay from the US Court of Appeals."
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/itmanagement/0,1000000308,2133874,00.htm
Scientologists shut ISP's Net connection
The apparent campaign by the Church of Scientology to stamp out criticism on the Internet resulted in the ISP that hosts a Web site targeted by the Church for its critical standpoint having its upstream connection cut off.
Netherlands-based ISP Xtended Internet said its connection to the Internet was terminated by its provider after threats of legal action from the Church. Paul Wouters, managing director of Xtended Internet, said he believed this was the first time an ISP had suffered such action because of copyright issues.
The issue centers on a Web site called xenu.net, which appears to have attracted the Scientologists' attention for documenting the practices of the Church, and in particular for including some material that is copyrighted by the Church. On the site, Webmaster Andreas Heldal-Lund defends this by saying that if full information about the teachings of the Church were made available "then perhaps many people who would join it would never become involved with it in the first place. I think people have the right to know."
The Church seems to disagree. On Wednesday, it issued a notice under the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act against Google, instructing the search engine to remove links to the xenu.net pages in question. (Editor's note: Google restored the Scientology links on Thursday.)
But this was not the Church's first attempt to remove the xenu.net content from the Web. In November, Xtended Internet's upstream provider, Cignal Global Communications, received a letter from the Church of Scientology's legal counsel notifying it of the copyright and trademark issues with xenu.net. The letter did not threaten legal action, but set in motion a train of events that would see Xtended Internet kicked off Cignal's service by the end of February.
Upon receiving the letter, Cignal's director of legal affairs Steve Keirn wrote to Paul Wouters notifying him of the contents and reminding him of Cignal's acceptable use policy. Wouters wrote back saying that the issue was between his customer (xenu.net) and the Church of Scientology, and should not involve either Cignal or Xtended Internet.
A couple of weeks later, the Church of Scientology issued a second notification to Cignal, and this time Cignal demanded action by Xtended Internet or else, it said, Xtended Internet would be cut off. Paul Wouters wrote a detailed reply to Cignal, saying that any action based on the evidence that had been provided to date would have been in violation of Dutch laws, and said he "strongly objected to the notion that US law has any relevance to our obligation in the Netherlands."
Wouters did concede that since Cignal was a US-based company, the use of the DMCA might provide an easy resolution, but said more evidence of infringement was required before he could proceed.
By now, Cignal had been bought by another US company, called Priority Telecom and the next letter that Wouters received was a notice of termination of service, giving Xtended Internet 30 days to search for a new backbone provider.
"We had to move our entire company to a new backbone provider," Wouters told ZDNet UK. "It has cost us money and time, but was nothing we could not handle." Xtended Internet is now housed at TeleCity, the Amsterdam Internet exchange. "This facility is carrier-independent," he added, "so we do not have to rely on a single upstream provider."
But Wouters said he intended to continue hosting xenu.net. "This customer is definitely not a profitable one, but we believe in freedom of speech," he said. "This is their (the Scientologists') tactics. But with the Internet people can exchange information and share information on lawsuits (by the Church)." Because of this, said Wouters, "the Internet is the first major obstacle Scientology has had. That is why xenu.net is so important -- it is a collection of the criticisms."
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-866656.html
Netherlands-based ISP Xtended Internet said its connection to the Internet was terminated by its provider after threats of legal action from the Church. Paul Wouters, managing director of Xtended Internet, said he believed this was the first time an ISP had suffered such action because of copyright issues.
The issue centers on a Web site called xenu.net, which appears to have attracted the Scientologists' attention for documenting the practices of the Church, and in particular for including some material that is copyrighted by the Church. On the site, Webmaster Andreas Heldal-Lund defends this by saying that if full information about the teachings of the Church were made available "then perhaps many people who would join it would never become involved with it in the first place. I think people have the right to know."
The Church seems to disagree. On Wednesday, it issued a notice under the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act against Google, instructing the search engine to remove links to the xenu.net pages in question. (Editor's note: Google restored the Scientology links on Thursday.)
But this was not the Church's first attempt to remove the xenu.net content from the Web. In November, Xtended Internet's upstream provider, Cignal Global Communications, received a letter from the Church of Scientology's legal counsel notifying it of the copyright and trademark issues with xenu.net. The letter did not threaten legal action, but set in motion a train of events that would see Xtended Internet kicked off Cignal's service by the end of February.
Upon receiving the letter, Cignal's director of legal affairs Steve Keirn wrote to Paul Wouters notifying him of the contents and reminding him of Cignal's acceptable use policy. Wouters wrote back saying that the issue was between his customer (xenu.net) and the Church of Scientology, and should not involve either Cignal or Xtended Internet.
A couple of weeks later, the Church of Scientology issued a second notification to Cignal, and this time Cignal demanded action by Xtended Internet or else, it said, Xtended Internet would be cut off. Paul Wouters wrote a detailed reply to Cignal, saying that any action based on the evidence that had been provided to date would have been in violation of Dutch laws, and said he "strongly objected to the notion that US law has any relevance to our obligation in the Netherlands."
Wouters did concede that since Cignal was a US-based company, the use of the DMCA might provide an easy resolution, but said more evidence of infringement was required before he could proceed.
By now, Cignal had been bought by another US company, called Priority Telecom and the next letter that Wouters received was a notice of termination of service, giving Xtended Internet 30 days to search for a new backbone provider.
"We had to move our entire company to a new backbone provider," Wouters told ZDNet UK. "It has cost us money and time, but was nothing we could not handle." Xtended Internet is now housed at TeleCity, the Amsterdam Internet exchange. "This facility is carrier-independent," he added, "so we do not have to rely on a single upstream provider."
But Wouters said he intended to continue hosting xenu.net. "This customer is definitely not a profitable one, but we believe in freedom of speech," he said. "This is their (the Scientologists') tactics. But with the Internet people can exchange information and share information on lawsuits (by the Church)." Because of this, said Wouters, "the Internet is the first major obstacle Scientology has had. That is why xenu.net is so important -- it is a collection of the criticisms."
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-866656.html
Internet access: How to choose an ISP
Well, the Internet access industry is starting to shake its way out. The much-anticipated consolidation of access providers is nearing its end. In broadband, this means that most users have little or no choice of providers. Though many of the changes have been hard on user choice, this is not necessarily a bad thing. In some cases, it's better to have one stable and pricey provider than 100 unstable, cheap providers. The shakeout was painful for scores of users who often were left with no connection when they needed it most. And some providers left standing don't exactly have good track records, either.
Still, there is reason for users to be optimistic about the future. The following is an outline of the way the Internet access business should go in the coming year. I provide it to give you a better understanding of where you should go now, assuming you want to stick with the same provider for at least a year.
Don't ditch dial-up
A lot of users were glad they hung on to their dial-up accounts in the midst of uncertainty with their broadband connections. When things go bad with broadband (as they often do), you at least can get e-mail, if not a quick scan of the headlines in text-heavy Web sites.
If you have a dial-up account, and you're paying less than $20 for it, consider it a blessing to have a back-up system. At the very least, when you need to reach tech support for your broadband account and you can't get through due to heavy call volume, you can e-mail them from your dial-up account. Things to look out for in dial-up:
o Go with a provider that has been around long enough to quickly respond to such issues as software upgrades and peak calling volumes.
o Read the fine print before signing. Some ISPs will disconnect you after a relatively short amount of time of idleness. Others let you stay online as long as you're actively engaged. Still others never disconnect users. The last is preferable; the middle option usually offers the best value.
o Check out Boardwatch magazine's ISP Directory to see how much infrastructure you will be paying for. Make sure your chosen ISP has an acceptable ratio of modems to users. Three users for every modem is acceptable, considering that it is unlikely that all their customers will dial up at once. o Match prices with the ratio of modem pools to users.
o Check out options such as personal Web site services and multiple addresses. These are nice to have and can add value to your experience as long as you use them--provided they're bundled in.
DSL doldrums
Of all the access methods, DSL has received the most scorn since I've been at this job. My own experiences were horrendous, and I'm not alone. It works great for about 20 percent of the population who are geographically blessed. It works OK for another 30 percent or so of the population, who may have to endure some line noise in order to get DSL. And it doesn't work at all for the other half. Couple its inherent technical limitations with DSL providers falling off the wires like shocked birds, and the situation has not been pretty.
Still, those providers that have made it through the shock test should be able to offer a good experience (with the exception of Qwest). Consider DSL carefully and you will avoid a lot of pain.
Some DSL issues you should consider:
o Talk to a neighbor about their DSL experience. Do they have a lot of line noise on the phone even with the filters? Did they have any equipment or network problems with their provider? If so, did they get put on hold and shuffled around through tech support when they called in? Was their DSL provider able to support a variety of platforms, or was it basically Windows-only?
o Consider an ISP for DSL service. The Baby Bells, such as Qwest and Verizon, are not well equipped to deliver DSL service. Even though smaller ISPs may only resell DSL service from Baby Bell providers, they at least provide a live human being when things go wrong. Because the Baby Bells know the cost of supporting DSL users, they can offer DSL to ISPs much more cheaply than they can offer it directly to users. So you can often get a price break from ISPs, especially if you're willing to accept a slightly slower connection.
Cable consolidations
Of all broadband connection options, cable has given users the best experiences, but at a price. I signed up for AT&T Broadband at what seemed like a competitive rate. By the time I terminated the deal just prior to writing this (one year later), I was paying $30 more per month. Cable companies fed off of DSL rejects and jacked prices up because, in those instances, they're the only game in town.
And the cable monopolies have only strengthened of late. When Comcast bought AT&T Broadband earlier this year, it left three cable giants providing access to 95 percent of the population. And they all have similarly draconian pricing structures. For example, if you want to use your connection with a virtual private network (VPN), expect the corporate rate, which is often double the individual rate. Time Warner has also taken to putting limits on how much bandwidth a user can have over time. Exceed the limit and pay a higher rate. But if you want broadband at home, you might be stuck with cable.
What to look out for with cable:
o Make sure your provider supports your client system. For example, AT&T does not support Macs very well. Despite countless calls to tech support, I still get dropped off the network several times a week. To fix it, I have to turn everything off, disconnect and reconnect all cabling, and restart the router and computer. This is a pain when I'm on deadline.
o Check into deals that combine pricing for cable TV, cable Internet, and phone. Though your broadband connection might seem pricey, it's often a lot cheaper to do all three services through one provider than to pay for two through cable and one with your Baby Bell.
o See if your provider offers a slower access rate for a cheaper price. For most users, 256Kbps is probably fast enough. Don't pay for 1.5Mbps if you don't need it.
o If you use broadband for telecommuting with a VPN, try to get your employer to pay the higher corporate rate.
Satellite situation
For many in outstate and rural areas, satellite is the only broadband option. It's competitive with cable pricewise, but there are some issues that you'll need to understand before getting into it. The main thing is latency: It takes about a second for the signal to bounce off the satellite to your dish. That second basically precludes a lot of things that broadband users take for granted: interactive games; voice-over IP and teleconferencing; and other types of collaboration. If you're considering moving out to Green Acres and you're depending on satellite Internet to do some of these tasks, seek an alternative.
The other issue is that we may soon have a monopoly in satellite systems, as Hughes and Echostar have announced their intention to merge. Regulators are still deliberating on whether to let this happen. If I made plans based on satellite availability and price, I would be very worried about the impending lack of competition.
The bottom line is that satellite should be your last resort for broadband, considering the latency and merger situations. Still, if you already have DirectTV, you can get a very economical deal with DirecPC; or if you have DSS, you may get a sweet deal with StarBand. Depending on your Internet and TV use, satellite access may be your best value.
3G wireless
Wireless Internet access is growing fast, primarily for real-time e-mail systems like the Blackberry (and now offered by Palm and Handspring for certain providers). Verizon and Sprint now promise connections 10 times faster than the traditional 14Kbps connection. Tests indicate that the top speed of 144Kbps is rarely met, but at last we are seeing usable speeds for tasks beyond e-mail. Not that users want to surf the Web with their smart phones, but wireless modems in laptops make 3G a viable option when you're away from the office but within your calling plan.
The wireless Internet is still an early-adopter service, though. There are myriad complexities involved in just dealing with wireless providers for phone usage. Add a layer of Internet usage complexity on top of that, and it may be wiser to go with your company's plan and hope for the best.
If you're a smart-phone user, that device may make your choice for you. For example, I ordered a Handspring Treo because it seems to be the best of the smart phones out there. But my company's plan is with Verizon, and Handspring has no plans to offer a Verizon-ready model any time soon. In this case, I will be forced to use VoiceStream if I want to use the PDA for calling and Internet. Yet VoiceStream has no 3G option. Handspring does have plans to make a Sprint-ready model, which may be my only option if I want to take advantage of the unit's unique capabilities. I guess I'll have to wait for the Sprint model to come out.
For those who just want to turn it on and use it, you may have to wait longer than I will--at least until the end of the year to get all the 3G features to work with your gadget of choice. It may not be worth your time trying to plan for that event, because wireless plans change faster than the technologies. In any event, few will use 3G as their primary broadband option. It likely will never be fast enough, reliable enough, or secure enough to be used as anything but a supplemental access technology.
Wi-Fi hot spots
An emerging Internet access method is Wi-Fi, a.k.a. 802.11b. Though it was not originally intended for this purpose, Wi-Fi access nodes, or hot spots, are cropping up by the thousands in public spaces like coffee shops and airport terminals. It is by far the fastest growing Internet access method. And at speeds of up to 11Mbps and prices that are often free, you can see why.
Still, unless you live in a coffee shop or on a park bench, Wi-Fi will only be a supplemental Internet access method, at least until every streetlight and signpost has a node. But if you frequent a coffee shop on your "work from home" day, ask if they have a hot spot. If so, it's definitely worth getting the gear to access it. And if you want additional users in your home to be able to access the Net, you can set up a hot spot there (that works off of your DSL or cable connection) and give your spouse or kids broadband without digging into the walls. This is the coolest trend since peer-to-peer dial-up.
Whatever your access method, do your homework. A bad broadband experience is worse than none at all. But if you check into all your available options, chances are you can tailor a solution to fit your needs, if not your budget.
http://www.computeruser.com/articles/2106,2,1,1,0601,02.html
Still, there is reason for users to be optimistic about the future. The following is an outline of the way the Internet access business should go in the coming year. I provide it to give you a better understanding of where you should go now, assuming you want to stick with the same provider for at least a year.
Don't ditch dial-up
A lot of users were glad they hung on to their dial-up accounts in the midst of uncertainty with their broadband connections. When things go bad with broadband (as they often do), you at least can get e-mail, if not a quick scan of the headlines in text-heavy Web sites.
If you have a dial-up account, and you're paying less than $20 for it, consider it a blessing to have a back-up system. At the very least, when you need to reach tech support for your broadband account and you can't get through due to heavy call volume, you can e-mail them from your dial-up account. Things to look out for in dial-up:
o Go with a provider that has been around long enough to quickly respond to such issues as software upgrades and peak calling volumes.
o Read the fine print before signing. Some ISPs will disconnect you after a relatively short amount of time of idleness. Others let you stay online as long as you're actively engaged. Still others never disconnect users. The last is preferable; the middle option usually offers the best value.
o Check out Boardwatch magazine's ISP Directory to see how much infrastructure you will be paying for. Make sure your chosen ISP has an acceptable ratio of modems to users. Three users for every modem is acceptable, considering that it is unlikely that all their customers will dial up at once. o Match prices with the ratio of modem pools to users.
o Check out options such as personal Web site services and multiple addresses. These are nice to have and can add value to your experience as long as you use them--provided they're bundled in.
DSL doldrums
Of all the access methods, DSL has received the most scorn since I've been at this job. My own experiences were horrendous, and I'm not alone. It works great for about 20 percent of the population who are geographically blessed. It works OK for another 30 percent or so of the population, who may have to endure some line noise in order to get DSL. And it doesn't work at all for the other half. Couple its inherent technical limitations with DSL providers falling off the wires like shocked birds, and the situation has not been pretty.
Still, those providers that have made it through the shock test should be able to offer a good experience (with the exception of Qwest). Consider DSL carefully and you will avoid a lot of pain.
Some DSL issues you should consider:
o Talk to a neighbor about their DSL experience. Do they have a lot of line noise on the phone even with the filters? Did they have any equipment or network problems with their provider? If so, did they get put on hold and shuffled around through tech support when they called in? Was their DSL provider able to support a variety of platforms, or was it basically Windows-only?
o Consider an ISP for DSL service. The Baby Bells, such as Qwest and Verizon, are not well equipped to deliver DSL service. Even though smaller ISPs may only resell DSL service from Baby Bell providers, they at least provide a live human being when things go wrong. Because the Baby Bells know the cost of supporting DSL users, they can offer DSL to ISPs much more cheaply than they can offer it directly to users. So you can often get a price break from ISPs, especially if you're willing to accept a slightly slower connection.
Cable consolidations
Of all broadband connection options, cable has given users the best experiences, but at a price. I signed up for AT&T Broadband at what seemed like a competitive rate. By the time I terminated the deal just prior to writing this (one year later), I was paying $30 more per month. Cable companies fed off of DSL rejects and jacked prices up because, in those instances, they're the only game in town.
And the cable monopolies have only strengthened of late. When Comcast bought AT&T Broadband earlier this year, it left three cable giants providing access to 95 percent of the population. And they all have similarly draconian pricing structures. For example, if you want to use your connection with a virtual private network (VPN), expect the corporate rate, which is often double the individual rate. Time Warner has also taken to putting limits on how much bandwidth a user can have over time. Exceed the limit and pay a higher rate. But if you want broadband at home, you might be stuck with cable.
What to look out for with cable:
o Make sure your provider supports your client system. For example, AT&T does not support Macs very well. Despite countless calls to tech support, I still get dropped off the network several times a week. To fix it, I have to turn everything off, disconnect and reconnect all cabling, and restart the router and computer. This is a pain when I'm on deadline.
o Check into deals that combine pricing for cable TV, cable Internet, and phone. Though your broadband connection might seem pricey, it's often a lot cheaper to do all three services through one provider than to pay for two through cable and one with your Baby Bell.
o See if your provider offers a slower access rate for a cheaper price. For most users, 256Kbps is probably fast enough. Don't pay for 1.5Mbps if you don't need it.
o If you use broadband for telecommuting with a VPN, try to get your employer to pay the higher corporate rate.
Satellite situation
For many in outstate and rural areas, satellite is the only broadband option. It's competitive with cable pricewise, but there are some issues that you'll need to understand before getting into it. The main thing is latency: It takes about a second for the signal to bounce off the satellite to your dish. That second basically precludes a lot of things that broadband users take for granted: interactive games; voice-over IP and teleconferencing; and other types of collaboration. If you're considering moving out to Green Acres and you're depending on satellite Internet to do some of these tasks, seek an alternative.
The other issue is that we may soon have a monopoly in satellite systems, as Hughes and Echostar have announced their intention to merge. Regulators are still deliberating on whether to let this happen. If I made plans based on satellite availability and price, I would be very worried about the impending lack of competition.
The bottom line is that satellite should be your last resort for broadband, considering the latency and merger situations. Still, if you already have DirectTV, you can get a very economical deal with DirecPC; or if you have DSS, you may get a sweet deal with StarBand. Depending on your Internet and TV use, satellite access may be your best value.
3G wireless
Wireless Internet access is growing fast, primarily for real-time e-mail systems like the Blackberry (and now offered by Palm and Handspring for certain providers). Verizon and Sprint now promise connections 10 times faster than the traditional 14Kbps connection. Tests indicate that the top speed of 144Kbps is rarely met, but at last we are seeing usable speeds for tasks beyond e-mail. Not that users want to surf the Web with their smart phones, but wireless modems in laptops make 3G a viable option when you're away from the office but within your calling plan.
The wireless Internet is still an early-adopter service, though. There are myriad complexities involved in just dealing with wireless providers for phone usage. Add a layer of Internet usage complexity on top of that, and it may be wiser to go with your company's plan and hope for the best.
If you're a smart-phone user, that device may make your choice for you. For example, I ordered a Handspring Treo because it seems to be the best of the smart phones out there. But my company's plan is with Verizon, and Handspring has no plans to offer a Verizon-ready model any time soon. In this case, I will be forced to use VoiceStream if I want to use the PDA for calling and Internet. Yet VoiceStream has no 3G option. Handspring does have plans to make a Sprint-ready model, which may be my only option if I want to take advantage of the unit's unique capabilities. I guess I'll have to wait for the Sprint model to come out.
For those who just want to turn it on and use it, you may have to wait longer than I will--at least until the end of the year to get all the 3G features to work with your gadget of choice. It may not be worth your time trying to plan for that event, because wireless plans change faster than the technologies. In any event, few will use 3G as their primary broadband option. It likely will never be fast enough, reliable enough, or secure enough to be used as anything but a supplemental access technology.
Wi-Fi hot spots
An emerging Internet access method is Wi-Fi, a.k.a. 802.11b. Though it was not originally intended for this purpose, Wi-Fi access nodes, or hot spots, are cropping up by the thousands in public spaces like coffee shops and airport terminals. It is by far the fastest growing Internet access method. And at speeds of up to 11Mbps and prices that are often free, you can see why.
Still, unless you live in a coffee shop or on a park bench, Wi-Fi will only be a supplemental Internet access method, at least until every streetlight and signpost has a node. But if you frequent a coffee shop on your "work from home" day, ask if they have a hot spot. If so, it's definitely worth getting the gear to access it. And if you want additional users in your home to be able to access the Net, you can set up a hot spot there (that works off of your DSL or cable connection) and give your spouse or kids broadband without digging into the walls. This is the coolest trend since peer-to-peer dial-up.
Whatever your access method, do your homework. A bad broadband experience is worse than none at all. But if you check into all your available options, chances are you can tailor a solution to fit your needs, if not your budget.
http://www.computeruser.com/articles/2106,2,1,1,0601,02.html
Secure your reputation and deliverability with a dedicated Internet provider address
The perfect e-mail campaign doesn’t happen by accident. You meticulously revise the copy, fine-tune the graphics and segment your list, but sadly, your message isn’t worth its weight in kilobytes if it never lands in the inbox.
Deliverability isn’t merely important, it’s crucial. A dedicated IP address can strengthen your deliverability by isolating your outgoing mail and reputation on a single, private IP address.
All e-mail originates from an IP address, a unique identifier for the computer sending the message. Many e-mail marketing software companies offer two means of message delivery – either via a pool of shared IPs or a dedicated IP address.
In a shared IP scenario, your outgoing mail originates from the same group of IP addresses as other customers, subject to the fluctuating reputation of the senders in the pool. Alternatively, a dedicated IP isolates your mail – and only your mail – to a single, private IP address.
Reputation is everything. The history of good and bad e-mail messages originating from the sender’s IP address continues to be an important deliverability factor. In fact, 77 percent of delivery issues occur because of the sender’s reputation, according to leading deliverability and reputation firm Return Path.
By choosing to send your e-mail through a dedicated IP address, you gain control of your reputation and ensure it will be influenced only by your sending activity and history. In doing so, you realize the benefits of your strong reputation and eliminate the possibility that another sender’s activity will influence your deliverability.
However, it also means that you must consistently employ best practices in your e-mail marketing to ensure maintaining your good reputation.
A dedicated IP address requires no special set-up on your part. If you use a hosted e-mail marketing solution, your provider will generally take care of the initial implementation and will establish feedback loops and whitelist relationships with major ISPs, including AOL, MSN, Hotmail, Juno, NetZero, and RoadRunner.
http://www.dmnews.com/cms/dm-news/e-mail-marketing/41604.html
Deliverability isn’t merely important, it’s crucial. A dedicated IP address can strengthen your deliverability by isolating your outgoing mail and reputation on a single, private IP address.
All e-mail originates from an IP address, a unique identifier for the computer sending the message. Many e-mail marketing software companies offer two means of message delivery – either via a pool of shared IPs or a dedicated IP address.
In a shared IP scenario, your outgoing mail originates from the same group of IP addresses as other customers, subject to the fluctuating reputation of the senders in the pool. Alternatively, a dedicated IP isolates your mail – and only your mail – to a single, private IP address.
Reputation is everything. The history of good and bad e-mail messages originating from the sender’s IP address continues to be an important deliverability factor. In fact, 77 percent of delivery issues occur because of the sender’s reputation, according to leading deliverability and reputation firm Return Path.
By choosing to send your e-mail through a dedicated IP address, you gain control of your reputation and ensure it will be influenced only by your sending activity and history. In doing so, you realize the benefits of your strong reputation and eliminate the possibility that another sender’s activity will influence your deliverability.
However, it also means that you must consistently employ best practices in your e-mail marketing to ensure maintaining your good reputation.
A dedicated IP address requires no special set-up on your part. If you use a hosted e-mail marketing solution, your provider will generally take care of the initial implementation and will establish feedback loops and whitelist relationships with major ISPs, including AOL, MSN, Hotmail, Juno, NetZero, and RoadRunner.
http://www.dmnews.com/cms/dm-news/e-mail-marketing/41604.html
Choosing an Internet Service Provider
This article walks you the through areas to consider when choosing an ISP (Internet Service Provider) for your organisation.
What is an ISP?
An Internet Service Provider is the company that takes care of the technical aspects of connecting your computer(s) to the internet. Enabling your computer to access the world wide web, email, newsgroups and other Internet resources.
What are the choices?
Business vs Home packages
Packages are often divided up between those targeting home users, almost always the cheapest, and those catering for businesses, which offer more features at a higher price. Small voluntary organisations often sit between these two categories, and can be tempted to go for the cheaper option. A low-cost home package may restrict future development, such as use of a domain name. The key deciding factor should be service quality and the ability to alter the package at a later date, to meet your developing needs.
Dial-up
Until a few years ago Dial-up was the main mechanism for connecting to the internet. This is really just like a simple phone connection. Because dial-up access uses normal telephone lines, the speed and quality of connection is very basic. Having a dial up internet connection also means your phone line is tied up when you’re connected to the Internet so this can be a problem if you only have one phone line.
Increasingly dial-up is seen as a back-up or secondary connection method.
Broadband
Broadband is the term used to describe a high speed Internet connection. There are two main types of broadband connection, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and Cable, for the purposes of this article the term broadband will be used to cover both types of connection. Over the last few years the price of Broadband has come down dramatically. It is the most prevalent type of connection to the internet, for this reason this article will focus on broadband when looking at choosing an ISP.
Other options
Both Dial-up and most broadband connections rely on having access to a BT line. If this is not possible there are other options such as 3G phones and satellite broadband. The I Can’t Get Broadband - Help! article on the Knowledgebase goes through the alternative ways of getting connected.
Considerations
There are so many ISPs out there offering a bewildering array of packages the best approach is to focus on some key considerations to enable comparison between different providers.
Terms and conditions
Always check! Areas to look out for include – length of contract (do you have to stay for a given amount of time), switching providers (what will you have to pay to terminate contract) and connection or any other hidden charges.
Support
Hopefully you will not need to call on support from your ISP. If you do clarify what support is offered – 24 hours a day? 7 days a week? Is this done through a premium rate phone number? When thinking about support also consider the skills and knowledge you have within your organisation.
Length of contract
Many ISPs ask you to sign up for a specific time – usually a year or eighteen months. They may offer a discounted price to customers who do this. If you are not given the choice, make sure that you can get out of the contract if the ISP does not deliver the service they agreed to.
Free services
Nothing in life is truly free. All ISPs have to make money on service somehow. “Free” services may do this through advertising when you connect or more likely an expensive technical support line.
Connection Speed
Although broadband is considered a fast Internet connection there are still differences in speed. This can vary from 512Kb to 8Mb connections. Exactly how important speed is depends on intended use of the connection. Generally speaking, 512Kbps should be more than adequate for 90% of Internet tasks (website browsing/updating, e-mails). However this will be affected by factors like the number of computers sharing the Internet connection within your organisation, the type and amount of content you need to download, and contention (see below).
If you’re likely to need to download larger quantities of data (e.g. large documents, audio and video content, or to use your connection to make cheaper Phone calls over the Internet?) then 2Mbps or greater should be the aim. 2Mbps is essentially four times the speed of a 512Kbps connection and is generally adequate for most online content and downloads.
Uptime/Service levels/contention issues
As with purchasing any service you want to know about what level you are going to get.
Uptime
This is the percentage of time the Internet service provider's (ISP's) service is running properly. Establish what uptime figure the ISP claims for its services. Will it guarantee this uptime and discount your account if it fails?
Contention
Each ISP will have a contention ratio; this means the number of connections sharing an exchange. A ration of 50:1 means that the exchange could be shared between 50 different users, the level of this ratio may affect how much of full broadband speed is achieved.
Service levels
When considering a service level agreement, it is particularly important to bear in mind two things. First, that allowance should be made for any planned downtime for maintenance of the server which should be excluded from the calculation of the time during which the server is unavailable. Second, it is not possible for anyone to guarantee a 100% connection success rate
Download caps or Fair Usage Policy
Although broadband is an always available service some providers limit the amount of information you can download in a given time period (this is usually monthly). If you use your connection for browsing the Internet and sending/receiving emails then a service capped at 5Gb will usually be adequate. If you are downloading a large number of files this could be an issue but there are packages allowing up to 30Gb per month. Some ISPs will allow you to go over this download limit but will charge for doing so, for example a charge will be levied per Gb over, as well as and administration charge.
Some providers who do not issue a specific download limit often use the term “Fair Usage Policy”. It is essential that you check the small print to determine what this level is. The problem is that most Fair Usage Policies fail to identify a specific level of consumption, so you can be left with no real practical basis with which to asses their expected usage against the ISP’s limitations.
Pay as you go
Traditionally pay as you go was the method for dial-up connections. This is still available and could be a consideration for organisations who intend to make very little use of the Internet. Plus a pay as you go service with no set up charge can be set up as a useful back-up for your organisation.
Email addresses
Most ISPs will set up an email address when you activate your account. This would appear something like name@isp.co.uk. This email will change if you switch provider. For this reason it is worth considering purchasing a domain name, see the knowledgebase article What's in a Domain Name?
Web space
Most ISPs will offer but there may be limitations on how appropriate this is for your organisation. See the knowledgebase article Choosing a Website Host.
What's the best ISP for you?
This will obviously depend on how much your organisation uses the internet. However before signing up to a package:
* Be clear about your requirements and make sure your chosen ISP can fulfil them
* Check the websites listed below for issues with any individual ISPs
* Last but not least - make sure you read the ISP’s terms and conditions.
Treat with caution:
* Offers that seem too good to be true (e.g. seemingly unlimited download limit at a low price, “free” services – these may be oversubscribed and have poor speeds and expensive support)
* Excessive fees for exceeding Fair Usage policy
* Companies that respond slowly to technical support queries or sales enquiries.
Switching Provider
All of the considerations outlined above are important when switching ISP.
If you are switching between dial-up accounts it will be straightforward as it will in most circumstances purely be a case of installing the new dial-up connection and you are ready to go. Switching broadband provider can be more complicated, for more information to help with this see the knowledgebase article Switching Broadband Provider.
http://www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk/choosingisp
What is an ISP?
An Internet Service Provider is the company that takes care of the technical aspects of connecting your computer(s) to the internet. Enabling your computer to access the world wide web, email, newsgroups and other Internet resources.
What are the choices?
Business vs Home packages
Packages are often divided up between those targeting home users, almost always the cheapest, and those catering for businesses, which offer more features at a higher price. Small voluntary organisations often sit between these two categories, and can be tempted to go for the cheaper option. A low-cost home package may restrict future development, such as use of a domain name. The key deciding factor should be service quality and the ability to alter the package at a later date, to meet your developing needs.
Dial-up
Until a few years ago Dial-up was the main mechanism for connecting to the internet. This is really just like a simple phone connection. Because dial-up access uses normal telephone lines, the speed and quality of connection is very basic. Having a dial up internet connection also means your phone line is tied up when you’re connected to the Internet so this can be a problem if you only have one phone line.
Increasingly dial-up is seen as a back-up or secondary connection method.
Broadband
Broadband is the term used to describe a high speed Internet connection. There are two main types of broadband connection, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and Cable, for the purposes of this article the term broadband will be used to cover both types of connection. Over the last few years the price of Broadband has come down dramatically. It is the most prevalent type of connection to the internet, for this reason this article will focus on broadband when looking at choosing an ISP.
Other options
Both Dial-up and most broadband connections rely on having access to a BT line. If this is not possible there are other options such as 3G phones and satellite broadband. The I Can’t Get Broadband - Help! article on the Knowledgebase goes through the alternative ways of getting connected.
Considerations
There are so many ISPs out there offering a bewildering array of packages the best approach is to focus on some key considerations to enable comparison between different providers.
Terms and conditions
Always check! Areas to look out for include – length of contract (do you have to stay for a given amount of time), switching providers (what will you have to pay to terminate contract) and connection or any other hidden charges.
Support
Hopefully you will not need to call on support from your ISP. If you do clarify what support is offered – 24 hours a day? 7 days a week? Is this done through a premium rate phone number? When thinking about support also consider the skills and knowledge you have within your organisation.
Length of contract
Many ISPs ask you to sign up for a specific time – usually a year or eighteen months. They may offer a discounted price to customers who do this. If you are not given the choice, make sure that you can get out of the contract if the ISP does not deliver the service they agreed to.
Free services
Nothing in life is truly free. All ISPs have to make money on service somehow. “Free” services may do this through advertising when you connect or more likely an expensive technical support line.
Connection Speed
Although broadband is considered a fast Internet connection there are still differences in speed. This can vary from 512Kb to 8Mb connections. Exactly how important speed is depends on intended use of the connection. Generally speaking, 512Kbps should be more than adequate for 90% of Internet tasks (website browsing/updating, e-mails). However this will be affected by factors like the number of computers sharing the Internet connection within your organisation, the type and amount of content you need to download, and contention (see below).
If you’re likely to need to download larger quantities of data (e.g. large documents, audio and video content, or to use your connection to make cheaper Phone calls over the Internet?) then 2Mbps or greater should be the aim. 2Mbps is essentially four times the speed of a 512Kbps connection and is generally adequate for most online content and downloads.
Uptime/Service levels/contention issues
As with purchasing any service you want to know about what level you are going to get.
Uptime
This is the percentage of time the Internet service provider's (ISP's) service is running properly. Establish what uptime figure the ISP claims for its services. Will it guarantee this uptime and discount your account if it fails?
Contention
Each ISP will have a contention ratio; this means the number of connections sharing an exchange. A ration of 50:1 means that the exchange could be shared between 50 different users, the level of this ratio may affect how much of full broadband speed is achieved.
Service levels
When considering a service level agreement, it is particularly important to bear in mind two things. First, that allowance should be made for any planned downtime for maintenance of the server which should be excluded from the calculation of the time during which the server is unavailable. Second, it is not possible for anyone to guarantee a 100% connection success rate
Download caps or Fair Usage Policy
Although broadband is an always available service some providers limit the amount of information you can download in a given time period (this is usually monthly). If you use your connection for browsing the Internet and sending/receiving emails then a service capped at 5Gb will usually be adequate. If you are downloading a large number of files this could be an issue but there are packages allowing up to 30Gb per month. Some ISPs will allow you to go over this download limit but will charge for doing so, for example a charge will be levied per Gb over, as well as and administration charge.
Some providers who do not issue a specific download limit often use the term “Fair Usage Policy”. It is essential that you check the small print to determine what this level is. The problem is that most Fair Usage Policies fail to identify a specific level of consumption, so you can be left with no real practical basis with which to asses their expected usage against the ISP’s limitations.
Pay as you go
Traditionally pay as you go was the method for dial-up connections. This is still available and could be a consideration for organisations who intend to make very little use of the Internet. Plus a pay as you go service with no set up charge can be set up as a useful back-up for your organisation.
Email addresses
Most ISPs will set up an email address when you activate your account. This would appear something like name@isp.co.uk. This email will change if you switch provider. For this reason it is worth considering purchasing a domain name, see the knowledgebase article What's in a Domain Name?
Web space
Most ISPs will offer but there may be limitations on how appropriate this is for your organisation. See the knowledgebase article Choosing a Website Host.
What's the best ISP for you?
This will obviously depend on how much your organisation uses the internet. However before signing up to a package:
* Be clear about your requirements and make sure your chosen ISP can fulfil them
* Check the websites listed below for issues with any individual ISPs
* Last but not least - make sure you read the ISP’s terms and conditions.
Treat with caution:
* Offers that seem too good to be true (e.g. seemingly unlimited download limit at a low price, “free” services – these may be oversubscribed and have poor speeds and expensive support)
* Excessive fees for exceeding Fair Usage policy
* Companies that respond slowly to technical support queries or sales enquiries.
Switching Provider
All of the considerations outlined above are important when switching ISP.
If you are switching between dial-up accounts it will be straightforward as it will in most circumstances purely be a case of installing the new dial-up connection and you are ready to go. Switching broadband provider can be more complicated, for more information to help with this see the knowledgebase article Switching Broadband Provider.
http://www.icthubknowledgebase.org.uk/choosingisp
My own private ISP
openbsd tutorial Setting up your own Internet service provider can sometimes be the only way to get satisfactory Internet access options. In case you should want to give it a try, here's a case study: my own experience.
Over the past year or two, thousands of computer users have been flocking to open source operating systems such as Linux, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD. A mere five years ago, however, the thought of a "free" operating system in the corporate environment was virtually unheard of. While designing the network topology for one of my first clients, it took months to convince them to allow Linux workstations into their Sun environment.
Now that open source is finally getting the recognition that it deserves, many corporations are starting to integrate "free" products into their networks. Other companies, mostly home businesses and geek startups, rely solely on open source software to create their magic. Sosik-Hamor Networks is 100% open source with the exception of a Cisco router and a few Macintosh workstations.
Bandwidth requirements
About six months ago my wife Kelly and I decided we had outgrown our current Internet connection and it was time to rethink our plans for the future. I was currently a UNIX systems administrator for Lucent Microelectronics but was looking for more of a challenge. I was also doing some freelance consultation and Web design and we started to question the reliability and security of using our 500 Kbps cablemodem to connect to our colocated Linux Web server.
Kelly and I started discussing different bandwidth options in our price range. ISDN was outrageously expensive, ADSL wasn't available yet, and the new breed of cable modems being released by our ISP were going to be DHCP-only, which was not an option for our home network. Then, as if to fully realize every geek's dream, Kelly said, "We're already paying an arm and a leg for the colocated server ... how much is a T1?" So, Sosik-Hamor Networks was born.
Installing the T1
After shopping around for bandwidth with local ISPs and some of the larger telcos, we started running into problems. Since we're located in the middle of nowhere and our local telco is a monopoly, we had extremely limited options. Our local telco was either unable or unwilling to bring in a co-op line from an external provider, so we were forced to go with them for our T1. With this experience, we found out that physical location is one of the most important things to consider when putting together a business that will require high-speed access. Make sure that your local telco can handle a high-speed line from any ISP of your choice.
Because the sales representative couldn't comprehend why a home business would need a T1, I was greeted with much suspicion. It took over four months just to get a price quote and another month before the fiber was run from the telco to our street. On top of that, every step of the installation was met with hostility from the ISP due to the fact that I took a very direct approach after being blown off for five months: "Give meservice or I'll sue you for not allowing me to choose an alternate provider." Although blunt and hostile, a contract was in my hands within two hours and fiber was dropped into the basement a week later.
The final price tag for fiber installation and ISP setup for the 950 foot fiber run was $2,500 total and $970/month for a full 1.544MBps T1. Telco circuit charges and ISP bandwidth fees are all covered under the monthly charge, which is an incredible deal compared to the $8,000 installation and $3,400/month quote I was getting from some other ISPs in the area.
Network planning
During the wait for the T1, Kelly and I came up with a detailed network topology map and decided exactly what hardware and software would be required to put together an inexpensive and upgradable network that could be modified with minimal service interruptions.
* Cisco networking equipment will be used exclusively.
* The DMZ outside the firewall must be switched and SNMP-aware.
* The LAN inside the firewall will eventually be switched and SNMP-aware.
* All software must be 100% open source.
* OpenBSD will be used exclusively outside the firewall.
* Linux will be used exclusively inside the firewall.
* Macintoshes will be used exclusively for project development.
* The internal file server must be AppleTalk or AppleShare capable.
* A secure auditing workstation will sit between the DMZ switch and the DMZ ethernet port on the router.
After taking stock of our current hardware, we then compiled a list of what we owned and what we needed. All of the purchased hardware was chosen because outstanding deals had been found.
* Available hardware: SPARCstation 2, 64MB RAM, 1.2GB HDD
* SPARCstation 1+, 32MB RAM, 540MB HDD
* AMD K6/233, 96MB RAM, 4.6GB and 5.2GB HDD
* AMD K6/266, 128MB RAM, 7.2GB HDD
* IBM Aptiva P166MMX, 64MB RAM, 3.5GB and 25GB HDD
* Team Internet 486dx2/66, 64MB RAM, 1.2GB HDD
* Apple iMac G3/266, 160MB RAM, 6.2GB HDD
* Apple PowerMacintosh G3/400, 144MB RAM, 9.2GB HDD
* Miscellaneous m68k Macintoshes
* MaxTech 24-port Unmanaged Hub
* 2 Addtron 8-port Unmanaged Hubs
* Hardware to purchase: Cisco 2611 router
* WIC-1DSU-T1 integrated DSU/CSU
* Kalpana EPS-2015 RS managed switch
* 19" wallmount telco rack
* 8' steel equipment rack
Next, we started distributing the machines. The AMD systems and SPARCstations would become OpenBSD servers in the DMZ and the IBM and Apple systems would become Linux and Mac OS 8.6 production boxes on the internal LAN. Linux was chosen for the IBM Aptiva because we not only needed a file server but also a workstation-style installation with the X-Window System to run X applications such as xload from the servers in the DMZ. The final Team Internet machine became an OpenBSD security and auditing workstation to keep track of traffic and the little gremlins that tend to creep into networks.
Getting online
When shopping around for Cisco hardware, I ran across a friend on #cisco on EFNet Internet Relay Chat. He gave me the pros and cons of each Cisco router and put together a great deal on a new Cisco 2611 with integrated WIC-1DSU-T1 DSU/CSU for $2,500. I later ordered a 32MB RAM upgrade from Crucial Technology for $70 to bring the router up to 40MB.
Now that we had a router, we needed to pick up a switch for the DMZ. Switching was absolutely required because sniffing would be an issue with any colocated servers. Since we only needed a switch to protect against sniffing and wouldn't need cutting-edge network management features for a while, we tracked down some surplus Kalpana switches and an EPS-2015 RS for $125.
http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/erp/article.php/615281
Over the past year or two, thousands of computer users have been flocking to open source operating systems such as Linux, FreeBSD, and OpenBSD. A mere five years ago, however, the thought of a "free" operating system in the corporate environment was virtually unheard of. While designing the network topology for one of my first clients, it took months to convince them to allow Linux workstations into their Sun environment.
Now that open source is finally getting the recognition that it deserves, many corporations are starting to integrate "free" products into their networks. Other companies, mostly home businesses and geek startups, rely solely on open source software to create their magic. Sosik-Hamor Networks is 100% open source with the exception of a Cisco router and a few Macintosh workstations.
Bandwidth requirements
About six months ago my wife Kelly and I decided we had outgrown our current Internet connection and it was time to rethink our plans for the future. I was currently a UNIX systems administrator for Lucent Microelectronics but was looking for more of a challenge. I was also doing some freelance consultation and Web design and we started to question the reliability and security of using our 500 Kbps cablemodem to connect to our colocated Linux Web server.
Kelly and I started discussing different bandwidth options in our price range. ISDN was outrageously expensive, ADSL wasn't available yet, and the new breed of cable modems being released by our ISP were going to be DHCP-only, which was not an option for our home network. Then, as if to fully realize every geek's dream, Kelly said, "We're already paying an arm and a leg for the colocated server ... how much is a T1?" So, Sosik-Hamor Networks was born.
Installing the T1
After shopping around for bandwidth with local ISPs and some of the larger telcos, we started running into problems. Since we're located in the middle of nowhere and our local telco is a monopoly, we had extremely limited options. Our local telco was either unable or unwilling to bring in a co-op line from an external provider, so we were forced to go with them for our T1. With this experience, we found out that physical location is one of the most important things to consider when putting together a business that will require high-speed access. Make sure that your local telco can handle a high-speed line from any ISP of your choice.
Because the sales representative couldn't comprehend why a home business would need a T1, I was greeted with much suspicion. It took over four months just to get a price quote and another month before the fiber was run from the telco to our street. On top of that, every step of the installation was met with hostility from the ISP due to the fact that I took a very direct approach after being blown off for five months: "Give meservice or I'll sue you for not allowing me to choose an alternate provider." Although blunt and hostile, a contract was in my hands within two hours and fiber was dropped into the basement a week later.
The final price tag for fiber installation and ISP setup for the 950 foot fiber run was $2,500 total and $970/month for a full 1.544MBps T1. Telco circuit charges and ISP bandwidth fees are all covered under the monthly charge, which is an incredible deal compared to the $8,000 installation and $3,400/month quote I was getting from some other ISPs in the area.
Network planning
During the wait for the T1, Kelly and I came up with a detailed network topology map and decided exactly what hardware and software would be required to put together an inexpensive and upgradable network that could be modified with minimal service interruptions.
* Cisco networking equipment will be used exclusively.
* The DMZ outside the firewall must be switched and SNMP-aware.
* The LAN inside the firewall will eventually be switched and SNMP-aware.
* All software must be 100% open source.
* OpenBSD will be used exclusively outside the firewall.
* Linux will be used exclusively inside the firewall.
* Macintoshes will be used exclusively for project development.
* The internal file server must be AppleTalk or AppleShare capable.
* A secure auditing workstation will sit between the DMZ switch and the DMZ ethernet port on the router.
After taking stock of our current hardware, we then compiled a list of what we owned and what we needed. All of the purchased hardware was chosen because outstanding deals had been found.
* Available hardware: SPARCstation 2, 64MB RAM, 1.2GB HDD
* SPARCstation 1+, 32MB RAM, 540MB HDD
* AMD K6/233, 96MB RAM, 4.6GB and 5.2GB HDD
* AMD K6/266, 128MB RAM, 7.2GB HDD
* IBM Aptiva P166MMX, 64MB RAM, 3.5GB and 25GB HDD
* Team Internet 486dx2/66, 64MB RAM, 1.2GB HDD
* Apple iMac G3/266, 160MB RAM, 6.2GB HDD
* Apple PowerMacintosh G3/400, 144MB RAM, 9.2GB HDD
* Miscellaneous m68k Macintoshes
* MaxTech 24-port Unmanaged Hub
* 2 Addtron 8-port Unmanaged Hubs
* Hardware to purchase: Cisco 2611 router
* WIC-1DSU-T1 integrated DSU/CSU
* Kalpana EPS-2015 RS managed switch
* 19" wallmount telco rack
* 8' steel equipment rack
Next, we started distributing the machines. The AMD systems and SPARCstations would become OpenBSD servers in the DMZ and the IBM and Apple systems would become Linux and Mac OS 8.6 production boxes on the internal LAN. Linux was chosen for the IBM Aptiva because we not only needed a file server but also a workstation-style installation with the X-Window System to run X applications such as xload from the servers in the DMZ. The final Team Internet machine became an OpenBSD security and auditing workstation to keep track of traffic and the little gremlins that tend to creep into networks.
Getting online
When shopping around for Cisco hardware, I ran across a friend on #cisco on EFNet Internet Relay Chat. He gave me the pros and cons of each Cisco router and put together a great deal on a new Cisco 2611 with integrated WIC-1DSU-T1 DSU/CSU for $2,500. I later ordered a 32MB RAM upgrade from Crucial Technology for $70 to bring the router up to 40MB.
Now that we had a router, we needed to pick up a switch for the DMZ. Switching was absolutely required because sniffing would be an issue with any colocated servers. Since we only needed a switch to protect against sniffing and wouldn't need cutting-edge network management features for a while, we tracked down some surplus Kalpana switches and an EPS-2015 RS for $125.
http://itmanagement.earthweb.com/erp/article.php/615281
ISP your doorway to Internet
ISP stands for internet Service provider. An Internet service provider (called an ISP for short) is a business that offers user’s access to the Internet and related services. These are the entry point for the Internet users to the vast network of Internet.
Many ISPs are Telephone Companies, or at least work closely with Telephone Companies. They provide dial-up or DSL access through “leased” lines. Generally, an ISP charges a monthly access fee from the Consumer.
If the ISP is the same Company as your Phone Company, then the charge will often times arrive with your Phone bill. The Consumer then has access to the Internet. Internet connection speed can generally be divided into two categories, one is Dial up and another one is Broadband. Dialup connections require the use of a Phone line, and usually have connections of 56 kb/s or less. This is slow speed but it could be enough low end users.
Broadband connections have a much larger series of options that don’t tie up the phone, and theoretically, is always on and available. General speeds vary from 64 Kb to 20 Mb per second or even more. So this is faster when compared to the first one.
Let’s review about the history of Internet. The history of Internet Service Providers is tied directly to the development of the Internet itself. While it’s obvious that ISPs wouldn’t exist without the Internet, the modern day Internet could very well not exist in its current form without ISPs to make the Internet as popular as it is now.
At first there were mainly a few large Giants, but as the Technology advanced, more and more smaller Companies began to rise up, usually by offering good deals on local service. By the 2000s, the battle over broadband began to appear. DSL, which was over phone lines, was an option for traditional ISPs. Cable companies jumped into the ISP game by offering the “new and improved” cable modem access. Pricing, Technology, and market share drove the Internet economy.
Smaller ISPs, however, did not have access to a cable system and DSL was too expensive. The only way to adjust and compete was to begin using wireless technology to provide Broadband access. These developments led to the advancement of the wireless Technology that is used today. Smaller ISPs offering low-cost internet have served traditional ISPs a major challenge.
Popularity of the Internet continued to rise, but the Companies providing the Services struggled. Many of the small ISPs fared better, since they operated on revenues and not over inflated stocks. So the ISP is like an ocean full of several facts. John Gibb is the owner of free ISP guides , For more information on internet service providers check out http://www.Free-ISP-Information.Info
http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/152657?articleid=152657&title=ISP%2Cinternet%2Ccomputers
Many ISPs are Telephone Companies, or at least work closely with Telephone Companies. They provide dial-up or DSL access through “leased” lines. Generally, an ISP charges a monthly access fee from the Consumer.
If the ISP is the same Company as your Phone Company, then the charge will often times arrive with your Phone bill. The Consumer then has access to the Internet. Internet connection speed can generally be divided into two categories, one is Dial up and another one is Broadband. Dialup connections require the use of a Phone line, and usually have connections of 56 kb/s or less. This is slow speed but it could be enough low end users.
Broadband connections have a much larger series of options that don’t tie up the phone, and theoretically, is always on and available. General speeds vary from 64 Kb to 20 Mb per second or even more. So this is faster when compared to the first one.
Let’s review about the history of Internet. The history of Internet Service Providers is tied directly to the development of the Internet itself. While it’s obvious that ISPs wouldn’t exist without the Internet, the modern day Internet could very well not exist in its current form without ISPs to make the Internet as popular as it is now.
At first there were mainly a few large Giants, but as the Technology advanced, more and more smaller Companies began to rise up, usually by offering good deals on local service. By the 2000s, the battle over broadband began to appear. DSL, which was over phone lines, was an option for traditional ISPs. Cable companies jumped into the ISP game by offering the “new and improved” cable modem access. Pricing, Technology, and market share drove the Internet economy.
Smaller ISPs, however, did not have access to a cable system and DSL was too expensive. The only way to adjust and compete was to begin using wireless technology to provide Broadband access. These developments led to the advancement of the wireless Technology that is used today. Smaller ISPs offering low-cost internet have served traditional ISPs a major challenge.
Popularity of the Internet continued to rise, but the Companies providing the Services struggled. Many of the small ISPs fared better, since they operated on revenues and not over inflated stocks. So the ISP is like an ocean full of several facts. John Gibb is the owner of free ISP guides , For more information on internet service providers check out http://www.Free-ISP-Information.Info
http://www.amazines.com/article_detail.cfm/152657?articleid=152657&title=ISP%2Cinternet%2Ccomputers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)