02/27/2008

 The above DATE reflects the date of the latest revision to this page.

INTERNET SAFETY PRACTICES

It is suggested that you check out the following URL for some good information on how to protect your computer when connected to the Internet.

http://www.microsoft.com/privacy/safeinternet/

One ISP in the Chambersburg area (INNERNET) has installed software that will detect and clean Viruses. They will stop a virus whether it is going from your computer or heading TO your computer. They will then notify you and all on your Email To/From list of the event.  I recommend that you check them out.

 NOTICE!! They are the first to recommend that you also keep your computer's Virus software up to date, too. One system could catch a virus missed by the other.

HIGH SPEED SERVICES

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CABLE SERVICE (COMCAST)

Comcast

Cable connections via COMCAST is currently scheduled to be available to Penn National residents in the first Quarter of 2002. (Sometime in Jan-March)

For more info you can call them at 717-263-2002 Web site is WWW.COMCAST.COM  

You don't need a phone line for this, so that cost is gone. Your current CABLE line is used for the connection.

$39.95 per month, plus $5 per month if you rent their Modem. - The price was just recently raised for the first time in 4 years. Who knows what that really means for the future!

 Download speed is rated at 640KB or greater

Upload speed is rated at 128KB

 These speeds are far faster than anything using a typical Modem connection.

As I receive additional information, I will put it here.

DSL Service (Earthlinkl)

The speed on this service is similar to the Cable service above. The main difference seems to be that is costs a little more each month. $49 per month, which includes the Modem at no extra charge. Each of these services has its pros and cons.

For more info click here http://www.earthlink.com

It depends on a variety of conditions as to whether Cable or DSL is faster. Sometimes one may be a lot faster, and at other times the other will be faster. In either case, both are many, MANY times faster than dial-up modem service. They both cost more, but neither requires an additional phone line. Cable uses existing TV Cable wiring and DSL uses an existing phone line. That line can be used for both Internet and phone conversation at the same time. Both are easy to install yourself, but if you prefer you can have it professionally installed for a one time charge that is often free. Watch for specials that offer free installation.

When connected through either of these, there are other concerns. Mainly, your computer is connected to the NET all the time. If your computer is on, you are on line. This means it is highly recommended that you install additional protection from HACKERS. They are lurking around the Net, but can be shut out easily with a proper installation. The best way is by using a ROUTER which costs about $70. This one time cost is well worth it. There are cheaper ways to protect, but they are less efficient because they use more resources of your computer.

Before choosing to install ANY high speed access on your computer, I Strongly Advise you to check out the URL at the top of this page.

Note that the DATE at the top of this web page reflects the date of the latest revision.