As high speed Internet providers wrap that globe in fiber optic cable, it pays to remind ourselves not to repeat the past.  Remember, it’s only been ten years since the I LOVE YOU worm crippled computers. In 2004, MyDoom made the news. Computer viruses and worms haven’t made the front page as much recently, but that doesn’t mean we can relax. It was only last year, that the Conficker virus infected an estimated 10 million computers and Gumbler began wrecking havoc as well.

With the near constant growth of high speed Internet services, we do more and more on the web.  Consequently, the opportunities provided by high speed Internet services also provides more opportunities for a virus to find you.  Sharing music, files or photos; visiting an infected Web site; opening spam email or an email attachment; and downloading free games, toolbars, media players and other system utilities can transmit a virus. These are all things that we do everyday, so it pays to be somewhat cautious.  Take notice if your Internet speed slows,  and keep your anti-virus software updated. And, make sure it’s turned on! Back-up your computer so you have a clean copy of your data if your computer is infected.

As a reminder to why you need to be vigilant, note that even less harmful computer viruses can disrupt your system’s performance by sapping memory, causing frequent crashes and slowing down your high speed Internet. The most serious viruses will damage programs, delete files, or reformat the hard drive. Others simply replicate themselves or flood a network with traffic, making it impossible to perform any web-based activity.

To be sure, there are pros and cons to having high speed Internet services.  With high speed DSL or broadband, you can truly unleash the power of your computer and the web.  Just remember to be vigilant so you don’t unleash anything else.

How many of you are considering switching Internet companies?  Maybe you’re moving.  Maybe you’ve decided to embrace the faster download times.  Or maybe you’re just considering a new Internet provider.  Whatever the reason, you’ve undoubtedly found yourself asking, “What are the high speed Internet providers in my area?”

It’s a reasonable question.  Internet providers can vary greatly based on location.  Just because you or our friend had Comcast high speed Internet in one area doesn’t mean you can get Comcast a few blocks over.  However, the cable Internet or DSL service areas are broad, covering a good sized metro area with only one major brand.  The only real problem you may face is serviceability.  What if cable lines don’t run to your neighborhood?  What if you’re too far from the DSL node to carry a signal?  You may find yourself thinking, “Will there ever be high speed Internet providers in my area?”

Again, it’s not an unreasonable question.  Some rural areas seem destined to be forever sidestepped by cable and DSL providers.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t get high speed access.  Think about it.  Do you have cable TV?  If not, you probably enjoy satellite television, right?  You could also get Internet access from the same place.  Your satellite TV providers could very well be your satellite Internet providers, although it may mean a separate dish.

Whether you’re looking for satellite Internet, broadband or high speed DSL, just enter your address in the “Savings Widget” above.  You’ll see which companies service your area.  you can compare plans and prices and make the best decision for your needs.

Living in the countryside has many benefits; Internet access, however, is usually not one of them. Internet access in rural areas ─ where DSL, cable Internet, broadband and T1 lines are not available ─ can be a challenge. Or maybe it’s really a simple decision, because there are so few choices.

“Rural Internet” is often used when referring to the options for Internet access in rural areas. The three options are dial-up, wireless and satellite.

Dial-up

Dial-up uses the phone line and its main drawback is speed, or lack thereof. With today’s sophisticated websites, pages can take what seems like an eternity to load, and emails with large files may literally take hours. However, if basic email communication is the bulk of your online time, then dial-up can make Internet access in rural areas happen. Look at our dial-up page to compare plans and prices.

EDVO Wireless Technology

Evolution Data-Optimized (EVDO) modems is a rural Internet option that taps into broadband wireless technology, with broadband speed performance most of the time. Check with the cellular phone carriers in your area for the EVDO setup, its costs, limitations, and speeds.

Mobile Broadband Internet Connection (Air Cards)

Air Cards provide portable Internet access if you have access to a provider’s cellular network from your location. If your cell phone has coverage, then a mobile broadband Internet connection from your cell phone provider should work for your computer. You simply plug in the USB modem or PC card. Note that you can also create a wireless network by installing an Intelligent Mobile Hotspot that taps into the cellular network and allows several wi-fi enabled devices to connect simultaneously.

Satellite Internet

If you can install the dish with a southern facing, unobstructed view, then satellite Internet may be the solution. Speeds vary by pricing and plans and latency and usage thresholds can be an issue. Learn more with our quick tutorial on How Satellite Internet Works and review providers and plans using the “Savings Widget” above.

While these options may seem limited, Internet access in rural areas is improving. The Wi-Max network (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) is continuing to be developed and rolled out; and Verizon and AT&T are developing a new high speed 4G wireless networks based on a technology called “Long Term Evolution,” or LTE.

Satellite TV and Satellite Internet companies provide dish installation as part of their service. However, prior to the installer’s arrival, think about these aspects of locating your satellite dish and contact the company with your questions ahead of time.

1. Know the zoning ordinances and neighborhood covenants regarding satellite dish installation.
2. The installer will recommend the best place to install the dish using dish-pointing tools that will pin-point the position of the satellite. The dish will need to face south and be completely unobstructed. Beforehand, look at houses in your neighborhood with satellite dishes and notice which way each dish is pointed, as well as where the dish is on the house. A similar location will probably the best place for locating your satellite dish.
3. Think about future tree growth, landscaping plans, additions to your house or a neighbor’s, and anything else that could interfere with the satellite’s line of sight. Tree leaves will block reception. While the initial dish installation may be free, relocating will usually incur a charge.
4. Locate a secure place on your house to install the dish or find a spot in your yard that will support a metal pole heavy enough to hold a satellite dish. Ask the company what basic installation includes with regard to locating your satellite dish. Policies regarding roof installations vary.
5. Ground posts should be a metal pole in a concrete base. Wood poles and poles pounded in the ground are more likely to shift over time, impacting signal quality.
6. To receive both Satellite TV and Internet satellite, you will have to install separate dishes and, for best reception, the location of each, will most likely be side-by-side. Take this into consideration if this is your scenario.
7. Think about the best way to run the cable that will be connecting the receiver to the electronic devices the dish will be serving. Again, your installer will have recommendations, but if you know cable has to go through an attic, crawl space or other area that needs to be cleared for convenient access, clean it prior to your satellite dish installation appointment.

One of the most important components in establishing satellite TV is installing and connecting the system: the dish, the lines, the receivers, the televisions and the phone line. Most of the time, when you sign up for new service, you receive free standard installation.

However, if your situation requires an installation that’s not considered standard or if you need to relocate the dish, you will probably incur additional fees from the satellite TV provider. In that case, you may wonder if you can save money on satellite installation by doing it yourself.

First, research the rates of professional satellite installation. The major satellite TV providers can provide an estimate for custom rates over the phone, or check their websites for a list of fees. Also consider getting an estimate from a professional who is not associated with the satellite TV provider. Make sure you check the references and work guarantees of any independent installers so you’ll know the process if problems arise.

Of course, depending on your confidence in executing projects that require some electrical and construction experience, you may be considering a DIY satellite installation. Thorough instructions and support for you to install equipment are available from the satellite TV providers. DIRECTV has their equipment manuals and setup guides available online, which may help with your decision. The process is fairly straightforward with the positioning of the dish being the crucial factor. You will have to attach the dish to either a pole or the side of your house and run lines through an exterior wall. These  tips for satellite installation have additional information to consider.

If you go the DIY satellite installation route and there are technical difficulties, you can always call in a professional. Again, get an estimate from both the provider as well as the independent installer. Ask neighbors who have the same provider for their recommendation since their dish set up experience may be similar to yours.

To learn more about satellite TV providers or transfer your existing service, enter your address in the “Savings Widget” above.  All upfront fees, including installation, will be shown as you compare plan options.

If you live in an area without DSL or cable, satellite Internet may be your best option for a high-speed, always-on connection. However, as you watch all that data zipping back and forth on your computer, have you ever wondered exactly how satellite Internet works?

Understanding satellite Internet begins with the satellite dish that uploads and downloads data communications. Two-way satellite Internet sends compressed data from your dish to the satellite, which then sends it to a hub teleport at a ground station. It does not require telephone lines or cable systems. The teleport then forwards the data through the land-based Internet. For receiving the requested information, the same process is followed in a reverse order to direct the data back to the user’s dish, and the desired webpage then appears on the your computer.

Upload and download speeds vary depending your provider’s plan and the usage, but download speeds typically range between 500 kbps and 3.0 mbps while upload speeds range from 70-80 kbps during peak hours to 300 kbps. Your maximum speed will depend on the plan you choose.

Additional factors that impact how satellite Internet works are latency and thresholds. Latency is how much time it takes for the requested data to get from one point to another and receive a response. Due to the location of the satellites, the latency in satellite Internet access is higher than in land-based Internet. Consequently, satellite Internet may not be suitable for applications requiring real-time response such as on-line gaming. Satellite providers also have thresholds as to the maximum amount of data you can upload or download during a set time period before they slow down your speed. Consider your usage and ask about this policy when understanding satellite Internet plans.

As you think about how satellite Internet works, also remember that a satellite dish must have a clear view to the south, since the orbiting satellites are over the equator area. Similar to satellite TV, trees and heavy rains can affect reception of the Internet signals. Then again, broadband cables can also be affected by heavy rains, or severe hot and cold spells.  You can read about satellite Internet, like  how to install a satellite dish or actually compare satellite providers, in our satellite category.

As with all large business, cable Internet and cable TV providers have had their share of black eyes.   “Waiting on the cable guy ” has long been a rather frustrating reality with many customers.  So much so that satellite TV providers have recently used cable’s tarnished image in their own television commercials.  Well, it looks like the cable companies are listening – and responding.

An article posted on today’s USA Today by Deborah Yao,  an AP Business Writer, highlights the ups and downs of customer service in the cable industry. In  Customers’ revenge: Cable providers now try to play nice, Yao points to ever increasing competition between cable and satellite TV providers as the cause for the sudden self awareness.   While the switch in attitude could certainly be driven by losses to competing satellite companies, both real and predicted, it’s still a welcomed change of pace.  Read Yao’s article to get the full story.  You may find it to be an all too familiar tale.  Fortunately, it appears as though the ending is on its way to being one we can all enjoy.

If you use your cell phone for all calls, you may be wondering what the options are for Internet service without a phone line. Here are some solutions to consider if you’re thinking about dropping your phone line.

1. Use cable Internet, available through most cable TV providers. The Internet signal will run through a cable hook up to your home, and will require a modem, usually supplied by the cable company, to connect the cable to your computer or the wireless router. Allconnect.com can not only summarize the cable Internet providers available at your address, but can also compare promotions and bundle options that are available.
2. Order satellite Internet. While the technology is similar to satellite TV, the two services can not share a dish. The dish has to be installed with an unobstructed view facing south. Allconnect.com can provide a summary of plans that are available for your address as well as any bundle options.
3. Air cards aka as mobile broadband, allow you to have Internet without a phone by using the wireless network. These USB modems and PC cards, which plug into your computer, connect to the standard cellular network. However, they have the same limitations as other cell devices regarding inconsistent coverage in enclosed, underground or remote locations. Wireless carriers offer numerous plans and pricing ranging from monthly fees to daily pre-paid access. Also take into consideration the carrier’s coverage as it relates to where you’ll be accessing the Internet with the card. If you have spotty cell phone coverage at your house, you’ll also have spotty Internet access with an air card.

If you decide to go this route and you have several wireless devices, look into an Intelligent Mobile Hotspot that taps into the cellular network and allows several wi-fi enabled devices to connect at one time.

4. DSL Internet providers have created a service known as “dry loop,” “naked DSL” or “stand-alone” to allow consumers to use DSL Internet service without a phone line. This technology runs through existing phones wires, and you do not need to subscribe to phone line service to use it. However, not all DSL providers offer it and pricing varies depending on speed and current promotions. This option for Internet without a phone is evolving, so check plans and pricing under DSL Internet at Allconnect for the latest.
5. Wi-fi hotspots. Grab your laptop and log-in at the thousands of wireless hotspots. Many are free, though some have policies as to how long you can remain online. Websites that allow you to enter your zip code for a list of nearby wi-fi locations include wi-fihotspotlist.com, hotspothaven.com, wi-fifreespot.com, and openwifispots.com.