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How to Prevent Your Data From Being Tracked

13 Apr

This week the Federal Trade Commission issued a report calling for internet companies to adopt stricter privacy policies, not only limiting the collection of data, but ensuring security for any data that is collected.  One of these policies includes a “Do Not Track” system that gives consumers a lot more control over their data.  These policies are voluntary for businesses, however, and change doesn’t happen quickly when businesses have been doing things a certain way for a long time.

There are, however, 3 easy ways to prevent your data from being tracked:

  • Purchase a virtual private network, or VPN.  This private network, while connected to the internet encrypts all data that goes through the connection.  It also blocks cyber-threats and tracking code.  A VPN allows the owner to use the internet anonymously, and also protect information that is passed back and forth (including emails, passwords, etc.).  This is a great way for people utilizing mobile devices, unsecured networks and public WIFI to protect their data.
  • Delete and prevent cookies.  This may not be the best way to surf the internet, however.  Cookies can be very useful, depending on your perspective.  For instance, if you are visiting a website for comparison shopping, cookies can help serve up information that is useful to you in your buying experience.
  • Enable private browsing – this doesn’t block cookies, but it deletes them each time you close your browser.  Private browsing is very advantageous if you are doing online banking, for instance, or accessing very private information online.
 
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Posted in internet innovations, news

 

Which Internet Service Providers In Your City Are Upgrading To Give You Better Service?

03 Apr

Along with considering the price and speed a particular ISP offers when it’s time to choose your connection, you might also want to consider the future plans of internet providers in your city. One example could be a company who plans to expand their network to offer next-generation service to more people in their coverage area. One company is currently doing this with their mobile 4G LTE wireless branch in order to meet the growing demand for people who use internet-enabled devices on the go.

Some high speed internet providers have opted to stop expanding other branches of their networks which may have become outdated. This is something to be aware of if you’re looking for a certain type of internet near you. Check online reviews and technology news for the name of your desired company to see what their plans are for the upgrading or changing of their networks. When you stay on top of these current trends, you are much less likely to be surprised in the event of service interruption or new additions that can end up costing you more on your monthly bill. As well, in learning about network upgrades, you can also learn about the new technology that’s coming to your area.

 
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Posted in high speed internet providers, internet providers in your area

 

Californians Worried About Data Gathering According to Poll

02 Apr

While the sunshine state is world renown for churning out the most popular techie gadgets, search engines and social networks, one thing it fails miserably in . . . building trust, according to a recent statewide poll focused on the issue of data being collected by search engines, social networking sites and smartphone companies.  The Belling Herald noted that even those companies with a strong, loyal following and prominent public image still did not garner trust.

One of the biggest concerns of those polled through the University of Southern California Dornsife/Times poll was that companies were 1) collecting information without knowledge and consent, and 2) personal data could possibly end up becoming public, or could be harvested in order to target them for sales.

This all comes at a time when lawmakers are asking questions, holding hearings and drafting framework like the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights, while the Obama administration calls for solid legislation to be passed.  Republican Senator Joe L. Barton from Texas, after reviewing the results of the poll, said “It reaffirms my opinion that privacy is a big deal – and it’s becoming a bigger deal.”

Interestingly, the darlings of Silicon Valley did not score very well in terms of trustworthiness.  On a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being completely trustworthy, none of the heavy hitters scored above five, and many of them hovered around a three.  Apple had the highest mean score at 4.6; Google followed at 3.8; LinkedIn was at 3.0; YouTube 2.8; and Facebook (2.7) scored only slightly above Twitter (2.4).

 
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Posted in internet innovations, news

 

Using Your Internet to Find Relatives

27 Mar

You may have relatives you may not even know about. Indeed, that`s the case for many people today. But there`s no need to spend a lot of money on hiring someone to track down your loved ones. At least, not anymore. These days, you can go online and discover your family`s history for very little to no cost. From genealogy sites to message boards, you can learn all you need to know to conduct an effective search and learn about your family`s history.

But in order to do this, you have to have a reliable internet connection. Comcast is just one of many companies who can offer you just that. A solid internet connection can ensure that your searches can continue uninterrupted. Genealogy sites exist both for free and for membership fees where you can look up old birth records, travel logs and much more. For those just beginning their search, you can visit message boards where others are conducting their own family searches to see if you can get some tips about how to find what you`re looking for more quickly and easily. Communicating with others in this way may cause you to discover not only your family, but new friends as well.

 
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Posted in internet innovations, internet service providers

 

ICANN Rules Cause Issues for US Government

23 Mar

According to Reuters via MSNBC, the United States Government is threatening to withdraw a key license from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).  ICANN relies on the US government’s Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) contract in order to coordinate the unique IP addresses that enable computers to find websites.  In fact, without IP addresses, the internet would not be functional at all.

The problem for the US government appears to be that ICANN’s rules against conflicts of interest were not strong enough to protect all entities overall.  You see, ICANN has developed a methodology of expanding internet address beyond .com, .org and .net.

MSNBC notes “The conflict of interest concerns arise from the fact that some past and present board members stand to benefit financially from the liberalization of Web addresses through ties to organization that make money from registering new domain names or consulting on the expansion.”

The expansion, if it moves forward, will allow branding by allowing businesses or other entities to own and run their own domains, e.g. .apple, .nyc, etc.  This will give more web presence, a greater choice of names, and obvious branding benefits.

 
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Posted in internet innovations, news

 

Accessing Your Wi-Fi Connection with Internet Providers in Your Area

22 Mar

You may use your mobile wireless connection, also known as wi-fi, to get online when you’re away from home. But if your wireless connection from internet providers in your area isn’t secured, you could be opening up your devices to attacks from hackers and even others who want to hijack your connection so that they can get the internet for free. If you’re in an airport or bus station and getting online with a laptop, tablet or cell phone, there could be potentially hundreds of people who can see your connection and get your personal information.

Even if you have a connection with ATT Uverse who is a leading provider of wireless services, you may still have to take some steps on your own to ensure your security when you surf the web away from home. Several solutions exist, one being to install password software so that you don’t type anything in that keyloggers can steal, confirming the existence of a free wi-fi network to avoid logging on to a false one run by cyberthieves, and not banking or paying bills with your mobile wireless connection. When you put these many security features in place, you can rest assured that your mobile wireless connection is secure no matter where you roam.

 
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Posted in internet providers in your area, wireless internet service

 

Hopping Between Hotspots With WiFi Roaming Technology

21 Mar

According to Mashable.com, a scenario in the future might look like this:  being able to connect to overlapping WiFi hotspots for seamless access while you move about, just like we enjoy with today’s cell phone technology.

Currently, we have to log into each WiFi hotspot manually whenever we wish to access one.  Imagine if our cell phones didn’t automatically connect to a wireless network; rather, we had to keep looking to the nearest cell tower and then log in.  Sounds preposterous in today’s technological climate.  We are able to move about with fairly reliable cell phone connections and enjoy an entire conversation with few dropped calls.

WiFi access might look like that in the future as well.  Wireless dataplans are extremely expensive, and a lot of people already favor public hotspots in order to save a few bucks on a pricey plan.

It’s starting to look like a real possibility in the future for that type of WiFi hotspot overlap.  Several major firms including AT&T and Cisco have successfully tested the technology, and a group of several hundred wireless companies have all agreed to help develop WiFi roaming.  2012 will be a testing period, but in the future it may be a wonderful reality.  Don’t look for this to be entirely free – companies are not solely altruistic.  It may or may not ultimately save you on data plans.

 
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Posted in internet innovations, wireless internet service

 

Understanding the Benefits and Disadvantages of Internet Service Providers In My Area

16 Mar

When you’re ready to hook up a new internet connection, you could be looking at features such as price and incentives that internet service providers in my area can give you. And while these two factors are important once you get connected, there are other factors which can greatly influence which ISP you ultimately end up choosing. First and foremost, how far you live from a particular provider can affect the kind of reliability you will experience with your connection. Sometimes, the farther away you are, the less reliable your connection will be.

Another factor is whether your location will be appropriate for a particular connection. In the case of satellite internet, you will have to make sure that you have open sky and the ability to point your dish at an angle that will give you the strongest signal. If you aren’t sure which connection you want, considering a company who offers multiple options can help you decide. For instance, Verizon internet is a company which offers DSL and fiber optic connections, from slowest to fastest respectively. Going online and entering your zip code will show you instantly which companies are available to service your area with a high speed connection.

 
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Posted in high speed internet providers, internet providers in your area

 

Aereo Streaming TV Service Launches Amid Legality Questions

15 Mar

Not underestimating the legal battle that it would have to take on, Aereo launched it’s streaming television service amid several lawsuits.  The service allows subscribers to access streamed live broadcast of major TV networks for only $12 per month, as well as record up to 40 hours of content on a DVR accessed through a cloud service. Content can be accessed through several mobile devices, Roku, and the Safari web browser with HTML5 support.  They are even throwing in a 90-day free trial for New York City residents.

Utilizing individual antenna located remotely, consumers access live High Definition broadcasts on internet-enabled devices wirelessly.

Aereo founder Chet Kanojia said “Technology is changing rapidly and consumers have embraced innovation that simplifies access to entertainment.  People no longer want to be tethered to their TVs or cable boxes.  Consumers are demanding more flexibility and value; Aereo delivers just that.”

Broadcasters joining in on the lawsuits include Fox, NBCU-Comcast, and CBS.  Former TV executive Barry Diller is one of the chief financial backers of Aereo, and he has joined the organization to help ensure it’s successful launch in major markets across the United States.

 
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Will Your New Home Allow For The Internet Providers That You Want?

09 Mar

Moving can be a stressful time for even the most experienced tenant or homeowner. Many things can fall through the cracks, simply because they weren’t put on a list or thought of before the move began. One thing that can get missed is the type of internet service available at your new location. You may assume that you will be able to get the same connection where you’re going, but there may be some restrictions, especially if you’re moving so far that you need to find new internet providers.

If you are renting, your landlord may not allow for the installation of a satellite dish on the outside of the building. So if you previously had satellite internet, you may have to either leave your equipment at your old place, or give it to someone else. For those with restrictions like the one mentioned above, internet from a company like AT&T U-verse may present a solution, as this internet type does not require any mounting of equipment outside. Of course, it’s always a good idea to check and see whether you can get this service at your location. But that’s easy to do; simply go online to compare the different ISPs near you.

 
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Posted in high speed internet providers

 

Internet Predicted to Evolve Into “The Shared Web”

06 Mar

No one would argue that the internet has already evolved into something that many of us likely couldn’t quite wrap our minds around.  The prominent place that communication, social media, commerce, and entertainment has on the worldwide web is amazing, considering how few of us were even connected 10 years ago.  It’s no wonder that predictions are being made for what the next decade will hold, and it even has a code name:  The Shared Web.

During the early internet years, information sharing was king – the era was dubbed the Information Web.  Then came the Commerce Web, where consumers now had the ability to make any number of financial transactions online.  Next came the Broadcast Web, where we all became self-publishers on web 2.0 and social media platforms.  The next phase, the Shared Web, also promises to be an exciting time of change and innovation.

While all components of the previous phases are still inherent in the web, what’s to be different about the Shared Web is the ability to deliver “real-time, fully-shared co-browsing experiences.”  With enhancements that enable 2-way communication without the waiting, it will be a more fully-connected experience that includes screen sharing sessions that are not active on one side while passive on the other.  It will be a true collaboration that won’t rely on complex downloads, multiple plugins or confusing platform requirements.

 
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Posted in internet innovations

 

Some Chicago Kids May Get Low-Priced High Speed Internet

01 Mar

A recent article in the Chicago Sun Times stated that thousands of kids in the greater Chicago area will be able to receive high speed Internet access for less than $10.00 a month. One Chicago area mother said: “I checked with all of other Internet providers in my area, and Comcast was the only company making this low price available.” Why is the rate so low?  Because Comcast started the Internet Essentials program that is specifically designed to help out low income families with kids that are still in school.

According to a spokesman for Comcast, the Internet Essentials program was conceived as a way to eliminate the “great digital divide” that currently separates the people in the United States along income lines. After all, it is very difficult to pay for a broadband Internet connection when you have just gone through a home foreclosure or are having a difficult time putting food on the table. The program is available to families that have children who qualify for free lunches under the National Free School Lunch program. Clayton Muhammad, speaking for one of the local school districts said: “We are more and more aware of the importance of having Internet access for all children. Comcast sponsors the Internet Essentials Program in numerous communities all throughout the country.”

 
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Posted in high speed internet providers, internet providers in your area

 

Google: Holograms, Driverless Cars & Personal Robots at Our Command

29 Feb

According to an article published on rdmag.com, Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt has been making some pretty amazing predictions regarding the unprecedented rapid advances being made in the technology arena.  Addressing the Mobile World Congress, the world’s largest mobile phone trade show located this year in Barcelona, Spain, Schmidt inferred that science fiction stories may soon become reality.  And Schmidt might be on to something, when you consider the pace at which technology has moved, and which no one could have predicted would be a reality today.  For instance, books online, the ability to translate copy to different languages, and voice recognition technology all prove that technology is moving at a fast clip.

Schmidt said “People who predict that holograms and self-driving cars will become a reality soon are absolutely right.”  Imagine the hologram, that could take you into a scenario like a beautiful tropical region, or a highly coveted rock concert, without leaving home.  A technology where you can see, hear, feel, and smell, but still stop and deal with life if necessary.  “It has an off button and it is here on the right.  My point is it is all about your control.  If you don’t like my version of a rock concert, I’m not forcing you to go.”  Well said.

 

 
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Posted in internet innovations

 

Internet Providers Available Where You Live?

24 Feb

Is DSL available where I live? That question is frequently asked by people wanting to improve their Internet connection. Because the answer is always yes or no, it would be helpful to know why DSL is available to some homes but not to others. First off, the fastest way to find out if DSL is available where you live is to search for Internet providers in your city. If you live in an area that is fairly densely populated there is a fair chance that DSL service will be available to you. If you live in a sparsely populated community, however, chances are you will not be offered DSL. Let’s discuss for a moment just why this is.

DSL is only available to customers who live fairly close to a telephone company’s office or transmitting station. The reason for this is that the copper telephone wire that carries the DSL signal can only carry it successfully for about 15,000 feet. After that distance the signal becomes too weak to be effective. As a result, service can only be offered to customers who live within a 15,000 foot radius of the source of the DSL signal. The good news is that fiber optics networks, which are constantly being installed by companies like ATT DSL, can extend that distance considerably. As a result, we will see DSL becoming more common in the future –even in less populated areas.

 
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Posted in high speed internet providers, internet providers in your area

 

Robust Technological Advances Will Be Important in an Economic Recovery

23 Feb

Newsfactor.com interviewed leading venture capitalist Ben Horowitz about the impressive technology gains being made, particularly in internet innovations, and how these advances will be a key economic driver out of the current recession as they continue to gain traction.  The way we interact with the internet has undergone a complete change from when it first became a widely-used technology, from social networking being a predominant means of communication, to becoming accustomed to compare and shop online, as well as finding the best deals through coupons and online incentives.  The sheer numbers of online users mean that companies can reach a huge, diversified market very quickly.  With mobile devices projected to explode on the scene within the next few years, and cloud computing simplifying the way we access virtually anything, the sky will be the limit.  The author, Maria Bartiromo, referenced the proverbial 3-legged stool – mobility, the cloud, and social networking.

Now that we have reached critical mass on the worldwide web, communication technologies like social networking are key driving forces in spreading the word effectively and reaching target audiences.  Effective software-driven technology advances in virtually any industry you can think of will catapult companies to dominance.  Horowitz discussed what was different during the doc.com era  vs. now; mainly the sheer number of people on the internet (75 million or so in 1999 vs. over 2 billion people today).  Additionally, operating a consumer internet was far more expensive back then than it is today.

 
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Posted in internet innovations, wireless internet service

 

Internet Service Providers in My Area: Richmond County Schools to Get Faster Internet

21 Feb

According to a recently published news report that was broadcast on Channel 6, WJBF, in Augusta, GA, the Richmond County Board of Education hired a third party to start installing fiber optics in an effort to benefit the many students who live in the county. The installation consists of 90 miles of fiber-optic cable which will permit much faster Internet speeds to the county schools. Fiber optics facilitates faster data transmissions over much greater distances than traditional copper phone lines. You can find out if fiber cable is currently available in your community by performing a web search for “high speed internet providers in my area.”

The article went on to report that a representative, speaking for the Richmond County School Board, said that the county is spending a lot of money to “obtain Internet speeds 10 to 660 times faster than what is currently available in the area. He said, “this provides a wonderful opportunity for all students to take advantage of a tremendous learning tool.” According to the article, fiber-optics enjoys a 60-year life span and requires only small amounts of maintenance every few years to keep it functional and up to date. If the Internet service providers in your area offer fiber optics, it would be worthwhile to check it out.

 
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Posted in high speed internet providers, internet innovations

 

Advancing Internet Technology — Solving Overlapping Online Instant Messaging

27 Sep

One of the frustrations with all of the growth of Internet applications available to you today is having services that overlap one another — and the problems this can cause.  For instance, you may be signed up for several different Instant Messaging services.  Juggling between them can take up a lot of memory on your computer — not to mention drive you crazy!  The great thing about the Internet, though, is that as soon as a problem pops up someone comes along with a solution!  This is true when it comes to Instant Messaging. Web applications such as Meebo have been developed that allow you to sign into all of your Instant Messaging programs using just one ID and password!  This unique program even lets you set up different sounds that will alert you when a message arrives from a specific program!

 
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Posted in internet innovations, internet providers in your area, wireless internet service

 

How the Internet Has Transformed Many Banking Chores

26 Sep

Internet banking has now become a way of life for millions of people. Many individuals have their paychecks direct deposited into their bank account, which is often done through an Internet connection.  Most banks will now notify you by email when a deposit has been received, when an ATM transaction has taken place on your account, or when your account balance drops below an agreed upon amount.  Of course it is simple to go online these days and view your account balance and all of your recent transactions. Today some banks even allow you to make online deposits without visiting the bank or an ATM machine. This is accomplished by scanning the front and back of the check and then uploading the images to your bank. Once the bank confirms receipt, your account is credited — and the actual check can simply be destroyed.  Finding out who the internet providers in your area are is easy with the right resources.

 
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Posted in high speed internet providers, internet innovations

 

How the Internet Has Changed the Way We Purchase and Read Books

25 Sep

Internet technology has certainly changed the way many things are done. Perhaps one of the best examples is in the way we purchase and read books. Perhaps you were a member of a book club.  The membership required that you purchase a certain number of books each year — normally at a price close to retail.  With new books costing between $19 and $39, your annual bill could become quite expensive. And then you had the problem of what to do with your books.  While some people love huge libraries filled with books, others live in smaller quarters and have limited space.  E-readers were introduced a couple years ago and have become wildly popular.  Almost all new books are instantly available on e-readers — and each book generally costs less than $10; many cost much less.  E-readers can have hundreds of books stored on them — and each book is available to read at any time.  No question that the Internet has made reading books much more convenient and affordable.

 
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Posted in high speed internet providers, satellite internet service, Uncategorized, wireless internet service

 
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