Tip24 Broadband

Management Tip 24

Broadband

Once you get used to using a broadband connection - you'll never go back to dial-up. While the benefits are many, lets look at some of the issues which may affect users. Probably at the top of everyone's list is speed, and most of the time you are only able to connect at 80% of the speed available for your connection. While DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) will slow down as you get further from your local phone company office, Cable (digital signal on cable television system) modem service will slow down as more people in your immediate neighborhood connect. In the evening, both DSL and Cable service will suffer some speed degradation because of overloading both at the Web site you are trying to visit and your ISP (Internet service provider).

Most broadband ISP offer several DSL speeds, and you can determine your level of service by calling your ISP or checking your monthly bill. Many ISP's offer a speed testing tool, so you can measure the actual speed between your computer and the ISP. If your download speed is not what you're paying for, contact your ISP. Several programs are available to help you trace the routing of your Internet connection to any other computer in the world, including every router along the way. You can find these programs by clicking Sam Spade, or VisualRoute. These links will take you to PC World's great selection of Internet tools.

One of the easiest ways to improve your connection is to occasionally disconnect the power from your Cable or DSL modem and your home router (if any). Leave it off for about 15 seconds and then reconnect the power. This reset will generate a new connection to your ISP and may speed up a sluggish system. Another method is to employ one of the many tuning programs which will help get the best speed out of Windows. While Windows XP is usually very reliable when it comes to Internet connections, older versions of Windows can benefit from some tweaking. Try Navas Cable Modem/DSL Tuning Guide.

If you are wondering whether to sign up for a static (Internet address stays the same) or dynamic (Intenet address changes every time you log on) IP address, consider the security and cost issues. Since a static IP address always remains constant, it's easier for a hacker to locate your computer on the Internet. You'll also usually pay a premium for a static address. So unless there are compelling reasons to use a static address, save some money and choose dynamic. In order to find out your current address, at any given time, simply go to www.watsmyipaddress.com.

Coupled with Norton's PC Anywhere, broadband is a very efficient way for your endodontic program provider or IT technician to log onto your server or any work station to help with problems or download updates.