Internet is a growing necessity, not only in offices, but also at our homes. Internet is perhaps the main proponent in ushering the information age that we live in today. Any organisation requires updated information to carry on its business smoothly. Also for getting background information, the Internet is what is on anyone's mind and on anyone's fingertips.
As the demand for Internet connection is growing rapidly, and as more and more people realise the importance of investment in this great resource, it is a possibility in the near future that every home in the United Kingdom would have an Internet connection. The Internet is so ingrained in our daily work-processes that cutting it off, even for some time can affect our work and productivity, just like electricity. The Internet connection signifies the flow of information, which runs our day-to-day businesses.
Internet access requires a connection which can basically be of two types. You can go for the more recent Broadband connection. In terms of speed, Broadband is definitely the hare, leaping on with its larger bandwidth. Dial-up now has increased speed, reaching up to 50 kbit/s and generally ranging at 40-50 kbit/s. So fast dial-up connection has made its way into many homes. Dial-up, the old reliable connection, now has new added advantages. It costs you no monthly rentals, no subscription fees, and so you are anonymous when you log on. And so you require no sign-agreements, no contracts.
Dial-up connection is still the much preferred connection in the remote areas. And since, the Internet access is free, and you are paying only the local phone bills that appears on your phone, no one has any reason to complain. For people traveling from one location to another, dial-up is a boon, as they can access the Internet from around the world. And imagine if your normal connection is not available and it is an emergency situation, the dial-up connection can save your day.
You can contact ISPs (Internet Service Providers) and apply online for a fast dial-up connection, and enjoy fast access from anytime, anywhere.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jesus_Devin
Monday, November 12, 2007
Comcast's High Speed Internet Makes Downloading New Software Easy
There are a lot of advantages that come from having a broadband Internet connection. Basically, the faster your connection to the Internet, the better access you'll have to a huge variety of resources that you can use for entertainment, productivity, and just plain maintaining a healthy computer. Fortunately, high speed Internet access is available for an affordable price through some cable companies. Digital cable technology is used to provide customers with TV programming and a high speed Internet connection. This broadband digital cable technology can deliver download speeds up to 8MB per second which opens up some interesting possibilities that even other technologies like DSL and satellite Internet don't.
One interesting possibility that broadband cable high speed Internet service opens up that's more difficult with slower connections is downloading software for your computer. This can be a great way to get a lot of different things accomplished. For example, if you suspect that your computer has a virus, you'll be able to download the latest addition of an anti virus software program. This way you can go ahead and start fixing the problem without taking the time to go to the store or waiting for a CD-ROM to show up in the mail. In this case, a high speed Internet connection can help you get up and running sooner after something goes wrong.
By the same merit, if you need specific types of productivity software, there's a good chance that high speed Internet access will enable you to download them from the Internet. There are often trial versions of specific software programs available from the web sites of the firms that make the software, and it's often possible to buy the full version online. The only problem with buying software online is the possibility that it's pirated. In the case that the software you're buying online is pirated, you'll be breaking the law and taking a substantial risk of downloading some pretty severe viruses, so it's a good idea to be careful.
Open source software provides a great opportunity to get a wide variety of software just by downloading it off the Internet. Open source software developed by professional computer programers and distributed free of charge. Openoffice.org is a popular open source software package that's similar to- and in many cases compatible with- Microsoft Office. There are also entire operating systems that can be downloaded for free. There are a lot of advantages to downloading open source software to your computer using high speed Internet connection. Including the fact that you can't be charged with pirating the software and you're less likely to get a virus. (And even if you do get a virus, at least you didn't pay someone to give your computer the virus!)
No matter what software you decide to download off of the Internet, high speed Internet technology provides a great way to get it. That's because it has the speed to download the software quickly, plus the connection is always on so that it won't be interrupted in the middle of an especially large download.
Julia Hall writes articles for consumers who want to find the latest technonoly news. She has written for many major publications about High Speed Internet and Digital Cable TV and how buyers can find the best deals. Let her show you how you can maximize your communications dollar without sacrificing quality and you'll find out that Comcast is the cable service provider of the future for you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Hall
One interesting possibility that broadband cable high speed Internet service opens up that's more difficult with slower connections is downloading software for your computer. This can be a great way to get a lot of different things accomplished. For example, if you suspect that your computer has a virus, you'll be able to download the latest addition of an anti virus software program. This way you can go ahead and start fixing the problem without taking the time to go to the store or waiting for a CD-ROM to show up in the mail. In this case, a high speed Internet connection can help you get up and running sooner after something goes wrong.
By the same merit, if you need specific types of productivity software, there's a good chance that high speed Internet access will enable you to download them from the Internet. There are often trial versions of specific software programs available from the web sites of the firms that make the software, and it's often possible to buy the full version online. The only problem with buying software online is the possibility that it's pirated. In the case that the software you're buying online is pirated, you'll be breaking the law and taking a substantial risk of downloading some pretty severe viruses, so it's a good idea to be careful.
Open source software provides a great opportunity to get a wide variety of software just by downloading it off the Internet. Open source software developed by professional computer programers and distributed free of charge. Openoffice.org is a popular open source software package that's similar to- and in many cases compatible with- Microsoft Office. There are also entire operating systems that can be downloaded for free. There are a lot of advantages to downloading open source software to your computer using high speed Internet connection. Including the fact that you can't be charged with pirating the software and you're less likely to get a virus. (And even if you do get a virus, at least you didn't pay someone to give your computer the virus!)
No matter what software you decide to download off of the Internet, high speed Internet technology provides a great way to get it. That's because it has the speed to download the software quickly, plus the connection is always on so that it won't be interrupted in the middle of an especially large download.
Julia Hall writes articles for consumers who want to find the latest technonoly news. She has written for many major publications about High Speed Internet and Digital Cable TV and how buyers can find the best deals. Let her show you how you can maximize your communications dollar without sacrificing quality and you'll find out that Comcast is the cable service provider of the future for you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Hall
Advantages and Disadvantages of VoIP - Internet Phone Service
When you switch to internet phone service, not only do you save a lot of money – but you also tend to spend more time talking with long distance friends and family because with unlimited long distance calling - it’s free!
Anyone with a broadband (high speed) internet connection can use internet phone service as their main primary home phone. Because making phone calls over the internet does not use any local telephone wires, there are a couple of drawbacks to this service that you need to be aware of.
Since an internet phone (also known as VoIP – voice over internet protocol) requires a “live” internet connection, it’s important to note that if your internet is down the internet phone service will not work. Since your internet modem or router requires power in order to work, if the power is out your internet phone will be down also. For this reason, it is not advisable to use internet phone service as your “one and only” telephone if you live in an area that is prone to frequent power outages or internet service reliability issues.
Most people who switch from traditional “land line” phone service to internet phone service do so because the tremendous cost savings associated with VoIP far outweighs the potential inconvenience caused by occasional power or internet failure. Unlimited local and long distance plans are available from $199 a year (Sunrocket and Packet8 annual unlimited plans) to $24.99 a month (Vonage and AT&T CallVantage). This can represent a savings of $500 a year or more versus traditional phone service, depending on your long distance calling habits.
To get around the issue of temporary loss of VoIP service due to power or internet failure, internet phone service plans come with some free calling features that are useful in these situations. All of the best VoIP providers have a free call forwarding “hunting” feature that allows you to have your calls routed to different numbers if there is no answer at your main VoIP phone. If you set this up in advance to ring your cell phone for example, you will not miss any calls if your internet phone service is down. Packet8 and AT&T CallVantage offer a free feature that is specifically designed to address the issue of power/internet outages. The feature allows you to automatically route calls to another number of your choice (such as your cell phone, a neighbor’s house or office phone) in the event there is no internet connectivity. Packet8 calls this feature “network unavailable forwarding”, and AT&T CallVantage calls it “safe forward number”.
To save the most money on telephone service, most people have their land line phone service disconnected after installing VoIP service. In order to do this though, your broadband internet provider usually needs to be someone other than the local phone company. Most phone companies will not allow you to have DSL internet without also subscribing to their local phone service. Cable internet service is a good choice if you want to use internet phone service and get rid of your monthly phone company bill. Cable internet usually costs a bit more than DSL service, but the savings you will realize from VoIP internet phone service will outweigh the price difference after you disconnect your land line phone service.
These days, the quality of internet phone service is just as good as traditional land line service – as long as you choose a quality VoIP provider. It is important to choose an internet phone service provider that has a large customer base and a good reputation for service. Some excellent VoIP providers to consider are Vonage, Sunrocket, AT&T CallVantage, and Packet8.
Since VoIP requires a high-speed internet connection, it’s important to remember that the quality of your internet service has a direct impact on the quality of service you will get from your internet phone. If your broadband connection is sluggish or the bandwidth seems sporadic, you will likely experience call quality issues with VoIP. Before subscribing to internet phone service, get your internet service provider to correct any internet quality issues you are having. Once you are happy with the consistency of your broadband service, you should experience nothing but pleasure with your VoIP service.
If you are interested in learning more about VoIP service, please visit:
The Best VoIP Providers for the Money or Internet Phone Service - The Future is Here! Free report: "What Every Consumer Must Know Before Subscribing to VoIP Internet Phone Service"
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Jacobsen
Anyone with a broadband (high speed) internet connection can use internet phone service as their main primary home phone. Because making phone calls over the internet does not use any local telephone wires, there are a couple of drawbacks to this service that you need to be aware of.
Since an internet phone (also known as VoIP – voice over internet protocol) requires a “live” internet connection, it’s important to note that if your internet is down the internet phone service will not work. Since your internet modem or router requires power in order to work, if the power is out your internet phone will be down also. For this reason, it is not advisable to use internet phone service as your “one and only” telephone if you live in an area that is prone to frequent power outages or internet service reliability issues.
Most people who switch from traditional “land line” phone service to internet phone service do so because the tremendous cost savings associated with VoIP far outweighs the potential inconvenience caused by occasional power or internet failure. Unlimited local and long distance plans are available from $199 a year (Sunrocket and Packet8 annual unlimited plans) to $24.99 a month (Vonage and AT&T CallVantage). This can represent a savings of $500 a year or more versus traditional phone service, depending on your long distance calling habits.
To get around the issue of temporary loss of VoIP service due to power or internet failure, internet phone service plans come with some free calling features that are useful in these situations. All of the best VoIP providers have a free call forwarding “hunting” feature that allows you to have your calls routed to different numbers if there is no answer at your main VoIP phone. If you set this up in advance to ring your cell phone for example, you will not miss any calls if your internet phone service is down. Packet8 and AT&T CallVantage offer a free feature that is specifically designed to address the issue of power/internet outages. The feature allows you to automatically route calls to another number of your choice (such as your cell phone, a neighbor’s house or office phone) in the event there is no internet connectivity. Packet8 calls this feature “network unavailable forwarding”, and AT&T CallVantage calls it “safe forward number”.
To save the most money on telephone service, most people have their land line phone service disconnected after installing VoIP service. In order to do this though, your broadband internet provider usually needs to be someone other than the local phone company. Most phone companies will not allow you to have DSL internet without also subscribing to their local phone service. Cable internet service is a good choice if you want to use internet phone service and get rid of your monthly phone company bill. Cable internet usually costs a bit more than DSL service, but the savings you will realize from VoIP internet phone service will outweigh the price difference after you disconnect your land line phone service.
These days, the quality of internet phone service is just as good as traditional land line service – as long as you choose a quality VoIP provider. It is important to choose an internet phone service provider that has a large customer base and a good reputation for service. Some excellent VoIP providers to consider are Vonage, Sunrocket, AT&T CallVantage, and Packet8.
Since VoIP requires a high-speed internet connection, it’s important to remember that the quality of your internet service has a direct impact on the quality of service you will get from your internet phone. If your broadband connection is sluggish or the bandwidth seems sporadic, you will likely experience call quality issues with VoIP. Before subscribing to internet phone service, get your internet service provider to correct any internet quality issues you are having. Once you are happy with the consistency of your broadband service, you should experience nothing but pleasure with your VoIP service.
If you are interested in learning more about VoIP service, please visit:
The Best VoIP Providers for the Money or Internet Phone Service - The Future is Here! Free report: "What Every Consumer Must Know Before Subscribing to VoIP Internet Phone Service"
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Jacobsen
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Internet Video Hosts
Internet video hosts are those service providers which help you to work with online video technologies. In other words, if you want to hold a video conference, your Internet video hosts would provide you with sufficient bandwidth through the web site you have registered with the host.
Similarly, lots of Internet video hosts provide the site owner with the opportunity to post video clips live on the site with the help of digital cameras. The demand for Internet video hosts has been increasing at a rapid pace, as more and more firms and individuals are trying to make their web sites more interactive and dynamic by introducing audio and video features in them.
A web site owner who is looking for an Internet video host must find out the capacity of the host, especially in terms of bandwidth. If your current web site is not supporting functions related to video and audio transfers, then check whether you need additional bandwidth.
A good web video host always provides the site owner with substantial technical support, as video hosting is a complex task and even those who are managing the web site often need strong support and help from the host. And do not forget that if the servers of your web video host are not up to the mark, the links will continue to break down continuously. This could have serious consequences in terms of efficiency.
Several online tips and user manuals are available which can help even a non-technical person utilize the facility of web video hosting. A detailed list of Internet video hosts can be found online. But be sure that your host does not vanish after a few months, as competition is getting stiffer in this market with prices getting lower and lower.
Internet Hosts provides detailed information on Internet Hosts, Internet Video Hosts, Internet Provider Hosts, Best Internet Web Site Hosts and more. Internet Hosts is affiliated with Professional Web Hosting And eCommerce.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan
Similarly, lots of Internet video hosts provide the site owner with the opportunity to post video clips live on the site with the help of digital cameras. The demand for Internet video hosts has been increasing at a rapid pace, as more and more firms and individuals are trying to make their web sites more interactive and dynamic by introducing audio and video features in them.
A web site owner who is looking for an Internet video host must find out the capacity of the host, especially in terms of bandwidth. If your current web site is not supporting functions related to video and audio transfers, then check whether you need additional bandwidth.
A good web video host always provides the site owner with substantial technical support, as video hosting is a complex task and even those who are managing the web site often need strong support and help from the host. And do not forget that if the servers of your web video host are not up to the mark, the links will continue to break down continuously. This could have serious consequences in terms of efficiency.
Several online tips and user manuals are available which can help even a non-technical person utilize the facility of web video hosting. A detailed list of Internet video hosts can be found online. But be sure that your host does not vanish after a few months, as competition is getting stiffer in this market with prices getting lower and lower.
Internet Hosts provides detailed information on Internet Hosts, Internet Video Hosts, Internet Provider Hosts, Best Internet Web Site Hosts and more. Internet Hosts is affiliated with Professional Web Hosting And eCommerce.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan
Browsers - Gateway To The Internet - Part 2
Browsers are the gateway to World Wide Web (WWW). Following are the explanation-in-detail of the most popular features, which most of the Browsers in the current market are providing.
a) Search Button or Field: Most of the browsers are now equipped with a search field using which you can perform internet searches; you can also a select search engine out of the given few options provided to equip your search field.
b) Security Indicators: As secure connection is indicated by a browser by showing a padlock in the lower part of the window. A padlock in a locked position in a browser window indicates that the data sent or received from the server is encrypted and is difficult for any third-party to access.
If the padlock is unlocked, then your connection is not secure.
c) https://: You can also tell that a connection is secure or not by seeing the URL; if the URL begins with https:// then the server connection is secure otherwise not.
d) Status Bar: Displays how much a file has already been loaded; positioned at the bottom of the browser window.
e) Stop Button: Allow you to stop loading the contents of a page.
f) Window Title: Positioned on the upper part of the browser, the webpage title is the prominent feature. This feature is optional. Usually, if you try to bookmark a page then the Window title is used to identify the bookmark.
g) Pop-up Blocker: Blocks the pop-up windows based on intelligent identification; making internet browsing more enjoyable by enabling you to reduce unwanted content and ads.
h) RSS News Rendering Engine: Allows you to read RSS news directly from inside your browser; nowadays most of the browsers are built-up with this kind of option.
i) Safe Recovery: If your browser is closed improperly, this feature enables your browser to save all web pages and will be automatically reopened at next startup.
j) Zoom Option: Using this option you can zoom in /zoom out any Web page for better readability.
k) Records Cleaner: Almost all the browsers allow you to keep your privacy by clearing the cache or deleting Cookies, Typed Addresses, Visited Websites History, Search Keywords, and Temp files.
l) Skins: Customize your browser looks by selecting different variety skins; choose the look you want. Most of the browsers support this type of customization.
m) Group: A few tabbed browsers allow you to save and open a collection of sites as a group.
n) Drag & Drop: A few sophisticated browsers allow you to open new hyperlinks by using your mouse; just drag and drop the link into a new page, the site opens.
o) HTML Source Viewer: You can view the HTML syntax of a web page by selecting the View Source options; almost all the browsers provide this option.
Summary of How a Browser Works: A web browser uses a protocol called HTTP; this protocol is used to request a text document from a web server. This text document contains HTML instructions, which tell the browser how to display the document on the user's screen. These instructions may include hyperlinks to other web pages, information about color, text formatting, and images position information contained in the document.
a) Search Button or Field: Most of the browsers are now equipped with a search field using which you can perform internet searches; you can also a select search engine out of the given few options provided to equip your search field.
b) Security Indicators: As secure connection is indicated by a browser by showing a padlock in the lower part of the window. A padlock in a locked position in a browser window indicates that the data sent or received from the server is encrypted and is difficult for any third-party to access.
If the padlock is unlocked, then your connection is not secure.
c) https://: You can also tell that a connection is secure or not by seeing the URL; if the URL begins with https:// then the server connection is secure otherwise not.
d) Status Bar: Displays how much a file has already been loaded; positioned at the bottom of the browser window.
e) Stop Button: Allow you to stop loading the contents of a page.
f) Window Title: Positioned on the upper part of the browser, the webpage title is the prominent feature. This feature is optional. Usually, if you try to bookmark a page then the Window title is used to identify the bookmark.
g) Pop-up Blocker: Blocks the pop-up windows based on intelligent identification; making internet browsing more enjoyable by enabling you to reduce unwanted content and ads.
h) RSS News Rendering Engine: Allows you to read RSS news directly from inside your browser; nowadays most of the browsers are built-up with this kind of option.
i) Safe Recovery: If your browser is closed improperly, this feature enables your browser to save all web pages and will be automatically reopened at next startup.
j) Zoom Option: Using this option you can zoom in /zoom out any Web page for better readability.
k) Records Cleaner: Almost all the browsers allow you to keep your privacy by clearing the cache or deleting Cookies, Typed Addresses, Visited Websites History, Search Keywords, and Temp files.
l) Skins: Customize your browser looks by selecting different variety skins; choose the look you want. Most of the browsers support this type of customization.
m) Group: A few tabbed browsers allow you to save and open a collection of sites as a group.
n) Drag & Drop: A few sophisticated browsers allow you to open new hyperlinks by using your mouse; just drag and drop the link into a new page, the site opens.
o) HTML Source Viewer: You can view the HTML syntax of a web page by selecting the View Source options; almost all the browsers provide this option.
Summary of How a Browser Works: A web browser uses a protocol called HTTP; this protocol is used to request a text document from a web server. This text document contains HTML instructions, which tell the browser how to display the document on the user's screen. These instructions may include hyperlinks to other web pages, information about color, text formatting, and images position information contained in the document.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pavan_M_Kumar
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Fax By Internet - How To Choose The Best Fax By Internet Service For Your Needs
More and more individuals and companies are using services that allow them to fax by internet. At the same time there are more and more such service providers online and it is becoming somewhat difficult to figure out which one to chose.
Below are considerations to take into account when selecting a 'fax by internet' service:
Your Geographic Location
Some fax by internet providers offer services in the US only. Others offer their services in a limited number of countries. Make sure the provider you choose can give you a number in the location you need.
Reliability and Quality
How reliable is the service provider? Ask others and find out if they are happy with the service. Look in online forums as well. Check if the provider has an uptime guarantee. This is very important as you don't want the service to be down when you are receiving a fax by internet. Likewise, you want to make sure the faxes you are sending and receiving are of high quality so that nobody has any problems reading them.
Price
What is the monthly price? How many pages are you allowed to send and receive for that price? How much will each page cost if you exceed this number? Note that the monthly price will probably not include unlimited faxing.
Plans available
Look at the different plans and figure out what your needs are. Do you need only to receive faxes or also to send them out? How many faxes do you expect to send per month? Based on these questions you can select a package that is right for you.
Trial period
Most companies will allow you to fax by internet for free for a trial period. Make sure you get such a plan so that you can easily switch to another provider if you are not satisfied.
How the faxes are viewed
Would you like to view them on your browser, or would you like to receive them in your mailbox? Maybe you'd like both options.
Types of numbers available
What type of number do you need? A regular local number? Do you need a toll-free number? Make sure you can get the service you need.
Availability of Voice Service
Do you also need a voice service? Do you want people to be able to talk to you at this number? Do you need voicemail? If so, make sure you get a provider that offers this in additional to their fax service.
With a bit of research you can easily figure out which provider will allow you the best experience when you fax by internet. Once you start using such a service you will realize how great this kind of service is. Just imagine - no more technical issues with fax machines not working properly, no more running out of paper, and no more busy signals. I'm sure you'll be so happy you will never look back!
Fax by Internet
Visit http://www.quick-fax.com/reviews/ to see which provider is best for your needs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Young
Below are considerations to take into account when selecting a 'fax by internet' service:
Your Geographic Location
Some fax by internet providers offer services in the US only. Others offer their services in a limited number of countries. Make sure the provider you choose can give you a number in the location you need.
Reliability and Quality
How reliable is the service provider? Ask others and find out if they are happy with the service. Look in online forums as well. Check if the provider has an uptime guarantee. This is very important as you don't want the service to be down when you are receiving a fax by internet. Likewise, you want to make sure the faxes you are sending and receiving are of high quality so that nobody has any problems reading them.
Price
What is the monthly price? How many pages are you allowed to send and receive for that price? How much will each page cost if you exceed this number? Note that the monthly price will probably not include unlimited faxing.
Plans available
Look at the different plans and figure out what your needs are. Do you need only to receive faxes or also to send them out? How many faxes do you expect to send per month? Based on these questions you can select a package that is right for you.
Trial period
Most companies will allow you to fax by internet for free for a trial period. Make sure you get such a plan so that you can easily switch to another provider if you are not satisfied.
How the faxes are viewed
Would you like to view them on your browser, or would you like to receive them in your mailbox? Maybe you'd like both options.
Types of numbers available
What type of number do you need? A regular local number? Do you need a toll-free number? Make sure you can get the service you need.
Availability of Voice Service
Do you also need a voice service? Do you want people to be able to talk to you at this number? Do you need voicemail? If so, make sure you get a provider that offers this in additional to their fax service.
With a bit of research you can easily figure out which provider will allow you the best experience when you fax by internet. Once you start using such a service you will realize how great this kind of service is. Just imagine - no more technical issues with fax machines not working properly, no more running out of paper, and no more busy signals. I'm sure you'll be so happy you will never look back!
Fax by Internet
Visit http://www.quick-fax.com/reviews/ to see which provider is best for your needs.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Young
Your Internet Phone Service Provider - Offering Real Security?
When choosing an Internet phone service provider. You should be aware that there are some issues to ask about.
If you're an individual, your first question may be about security, i.e., keeping other people from eavesdropping on your conversations. Ask your Internet phone service provider if they offer any kind of voice security using encryption or separate data routes. For example, it's possible to break your conversation into multiple pieces and send it out over multiple pathways. The person you are calling will not notice any difference; but anyone try to eavesdrop will only get part of the conversation at any given time. Problem solved.
Eavesdropping isn't the only security issue to be concerned with. Remember, you're using an Internet infrastructure to send and receive calls. So you are more vulnerable to the sorts of attacks that your PC can be a target for. Fact is, viruses and spyware can disrupt your phone service just as easily as they can disrupt your local area network. So if you're using your broadband Internet connection for Internet phone service, data files coming across the line should be checked for viruses. And you should make sure you use a firewall as well.
If you're in business and you're using your Internet phone service to discuss private business information, you need to be on guard. Ask your Internet phone service provider what they can offer you in the way of security against some of the following risks.
One common way that Internet communications are disrupted is through what is called the Denial of Service (DoS) attack. A hacker or intruder can crash your phone system by bombarding it with a nearly infinite number of information requests in a very short time. Make sure your Internet phone service provider can protect you adequately against this possibility.
Eavesdropping is another very real risk with Internet phone service users. An intruder could record phone calls that you make. They could restructure your voice, data and create conversations that never occurred. But the damage from eavesdropping can include nonvoice communications, too. Hackers have an infinite number of ways to get information that you're sending over the Internet such as sensitive business files.
Viruses and spyware can be sent with voice data. And although this hasn't happened on a widespread basis yet, it is possible that your system can be compromised or brought down. VoIP can also be subject to message-spam in much the same way that fax machines are targets for spam-faxes.
And while we're talking about hackers, be aware that they can access information like phone numbers and user identities from your network. Imagine what could happen: a hacker could make phone calls using your identity.
There are solutions to these problems. Earlier, I mentioned in encryption. This uses a technology very similar to what is used when credit card information is sent over a secure data connection. Another method of protecting voice conversations is to send the data separate from other Internet traffic using what is called a virtual Local Area Network (VLAN). The voice quality is not the greatest, but the security is much better.
Conclusion
I hope this gives you enough information to begin to make an informed decision about Internet phone service in your home or your business.
Ara Rubyan is not a part of the VoIP industry, nor does he sell VoIP services, nor does he pretend to be a guru of any kind. Instead, he is like you: a consumer, a business owner, and someone who has been researching the industry so that he could make an informed decision about the best VoIP service for his needs. Now, he's put all his research (so far) in one convenient location and he's sharing it with you, no strings attached.
For more info on Internet phone service providers, visit Ara Rubyan's VoIP Solution.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ara_Rubyan
If you're an individual, your first question may be about security, i.e., keeping other people from eavesdropping on your conversations. Ask your Internet phone service provider if they offer any kind of voice security using encryption or separate data routes. For example, it's possible to break your conversation into multiple pieces and send it out over multiple pathways. The person you are calling will not notice any difference; but anyone try to eavesdrop will only get part of the conversation at any given time. Problem solved.
Eavesdropping isn't the only security issue to be concerned with. Remember, you're using an Internet infrastructure to send and receive calls. So you are more vulnerable to the sorts of attacks that your PC can be a target for. Fact is, viruses and spyware can disrupt your phone service just as easily as they can disrupt your local area network. So if you're using your broadband Internet connection for Internet phone service, data files coming across the line should be checked for viruses. And you should make sure you use a firewall as well.
If you're in business and you're using your Internet phone service to discuss private business information, you need to be on guard. Ask your Internet phone service provider what they can offer you in the way of security against some of the following risks.
One common way that Internet communications are disrupted is through what is called the Denial of Service (DoS) attack. A hacker or intruder can crash your phone system by bombarding it with a nearly infinite number of information requests in a very short time. Make sure your Internet phone service provider can protect you adequately against this possibility.
Eavesdropping is another very real risk with Internet phone service users. An intruder could record phone calls that you make. They could restructure your voice, data and create conversations that never occurred. But the damage from eavesdropping can include nonvoice communications, too. Hackers have an infinite number of ways to get information that you're sending over the Internet such as sensitive business files.
Viruses and spyware can be sent with voice data. And although this hasn't happened on a widespread basis yet, it is possible that your system can be compromised or brought down. VoIP can also be subject to message-spam in much the same way that fax machines are targets for spam-faxes.
And while we're talking about hackers, be aware that they can access information like phone numbers and user identities from your network. Imagine what could happen: a hacker could make phone calls using your identity.
There are solutions to these problems. Earlier, I mentioned in encryption. This uses a technology very similar to what is used when credit card information is sent over a secure data connection. Another method of protecting voice conversations is to send the data separate from other Internet traffic using what is called a virtual Local Area Network (VLAN). The voice quality is not the greatest, but the security is much better.
Conclusion
I hope this gives you enough information to begin to make an informed decision about Internet phone service in your home or your business.
Ara Rubyan is not a part of the VoIP industry, nor does he sell VoIP services, nor does he pretend to be a guru of any kind. Instead, he is like you: a consumer, a business owner, and someone who has been researching the industry so that he could make an informed decision about the best VoIP service for his needs. Now, he's put all his research (so far) in one convenient location and he's sharing it with you, no strings attached.
For more info on Internet phone service providers, visit Ara Rubyan's VoIP Solution.
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