There are a wide range of deals that the leading broadband providers are offering customers. There are so many that customers do not often know which one to choose with varying speeds at various costs available.
The connection speed required depends on what you plan to use the internet for. A 1MB connection is suitable for someone who uses their internet primarily for email and general surfing. However, if you want to stream music videos or download your favourite films then you will need speeds of 1Mb to 5Mb.
Modern technology has allowed more than one person in a house to surf the internet at the same time. This has made things a lot easier as fighting for the home computer is now a thing of the past. However, if like many other families, you have more than one person using the internet you will need faster broadband.
Broadband speeds vary and your internet activity will dictate the speeds you require. Playing video games and watching high quality videos will certainly require faster connection speeds. The area of residence plays a big part in the speeds you are able to receive. The broadband speed test allows you to get a good understanding of what speeds you should be expecting from you deal.
Deals will vary depending on the provider but one thing to ensure is the amount of data you are allowed to download will be sufficient enough. This is the most common way of customers receiving extra charges as they choose the cheaper broadband deals that do not cover them. Unlimited downloads are very popular and for a extra small fee, it eliminate the chances of you getting a nasty surprise when your monthly bill arrives.
With a wide range of options available, customers should search online for the best deals around as comparing the leading providers can ensure you get the best package for you.
To ensure you receive the highest broadband quality, ensure your internet speeds are sufficient enough for your requirements. The broadband speed test allows you to see the expected speeds for your area. Find the best broadband deals online and surf your way to the best deals.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karl_Bantleman
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Wednesday, 20 August 2008
10 Things You Didn't Know About Connecting For Health
Connecting for Health is the countrywide IT programme for improving the NHS (National Health Service). The NHS is improving its healthcare and efficiency by implementing advanced computer systems and communication technology to provide a better service and more effective patient care.
1. Connecting for Health is currently the world's largest civil IT programme and Connecting for Health is improving efficiency and effectiveness in all areas of information sharing and record keeping in the NHS. Connecting for health will ensure that the medical records of all 60 million NHS patients in the UK are stored electronically.
2. Connecting for Health will improve all aspects of patient care, such as allowing a dentist to see what medication a patient has been prescribed by their GP, or whether the patient has recently undergone an operation. Patient records can be accessed and transferred within a few seconds, rather than the days or even weeks for this information to be between departments before the Connecting for Health programme.
3. The Connecting for Health Choose and Book system allows GPs and patients to decide the best time and place for their appointment, with a choice of at least 4 hospitals. Doctors can help decide the most appropriate hospital based on the patient's needs, meaning that appointments are now much more convenient. If the patient's circumstances change, the appointment can be changed or cancelled online, or via telephone, which will dramatically reduce the number of people who don't turn up for their appointment. Choose and Book means that patients no longer need to wait weeks for their appointments. Up to 24 000 patients a day are choosing the most convenient time and location for their appointment thanks to Choose and Book.
4. The Electronic Prescriptions Service (EPS) system will allow every doctor's surgery to send patients' prescriptions directly to pharmacies. Patients can also have their prescription sent to a pharmacy of their choice. As EPT progresses, paper prescriptions will be phased out. Currently around 70% of prescriptions are repeat prescriptions. Connecting for Health also means that patients don't need to visit their doctor's surgery to obtain a prescription for their medication. Currently, around 1.5 million electronic prescriptions a week are received from GPs.
5. As well as the benefits for GPs, hospital staff will see enormous improvements. For example, the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) allow images such as X-rays and ultrasound scans to be stored digitally and so available immediately, no matter where they are needed. Previously, according to the NHS, up to 1 in 5 X-Rays went missing.
6. Over 15 000 staff undertake a rigorous training and registration programme, every month, so they can have secure access to more information about the patients in their care.
7. One of the priorities of the Connecting for Health programme is to make sure that the NHS meets current and future staff and patient requirements. Computers and IT are increasingly used on wards and electronic patient records are rapidly replacing handwritten bundles of notes.
8. The National Network for the NHS (N3) broadband network connects all NHS locations, and other locations that provide NHS care together. Data and Images such as X-rays and scans can now be transferred between hospitals in seconds. Previously if patient records or scans were needed, they would often have had to be delivered by courier or taxi.
9. Thanks to the impressive broadband system, Voice Over IP (VOIP) telephone calls are can now be made. This means that phone calls between departments, hospitals and other NHS locations are free. This massive cost saving, combined with reduced call rates from landline to mobile phones, will save over £20m according to the Connecting for Health N3 programme director.
10. Patients who change their doctor have their notes transferred within seconds, rather than the usual 6 weeks or more. As well as being more efficient, patient data is much more secure, and less likely to get lost in transit.
Connecting For Health is moving along rapidly, and providing better care than ever for patients, better and more appropriate systems and procedures for medical staff, and saving the NHS over £120 million each year.
SYstem C is heavily involved in the Connecting for Health programme, and works alongside NHS Trusts and Local Service Providers. Find out more about Healthcare Systems designed for the NHS National Programme for IT (NPfIT) designed to benefit both the patients and staff.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_James
1. Connecting for Health is currently the world's largest civil IT programme and Connecting for Health is improving efficiency and effectiveness in all areas of information sharing and record keeping in the NHS. Connecting for health will ensure that the medical records of all 60 million NHS patients in the UK are stored electronically.
2. Connecting for Health will improve all aspects of patient care, such as allowing a dentist to see what medication a patient has been prescribed by their GP, or whether the patient has recently undergone an operation. Patient records can be accessed and transferred within a few seconds, rather than the days or even weeks for this information to be between departments before the Connecting for Health programme.
3. The Connecting for Health Choose and Book system allows GPs and patients to decide the best time and place for their appointment, with a choice of at least 4 hospitals. Doctors can help decide the most appropriate hospital based on the patient's needs, meaning that appointments are now much more convenient. If the patient's circumstances change, the appointment can be changed or cancelled online, or via telephone, which will dramatically reduce the number of people who don't turn up for their appointment. Choose and Book means that patients no longer need to wait weeks for their appointments. Up to 24 000 patients a day are choosing the most convenient time and location for their appointment thanks to Choose and Book.
4. The Electronic Prescriptions Service (EPS) system will allow every doctor's surgery to send patients' prescriptions directly to pharmacies. Patients can also have their prescription sent to a pharmacy of their choice. As EPT progresses, paper prescriptions will be phased out. Currently around 70% of prescriptions are repeat prescriptions. Connecting for Health also means that patients don't need to visit their doctor's surgery to obtain a prescription for their medication. Currently, around 1.5 million electronic prescriptions a week are received from GPs.
5. As well as the benefits for GPs, hospital staff will see enormous improvements. For example, the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) allow images such as X-rays and ultrasound scans to be stored digitally and so available immediately, no matter where they are needed. Previously, according to the NHS, up to 1 in 5 X-Rays went missing.
6. Over 15 000 staff undertake a rigorous training and registration programme, every month, so they can have secure access to more information about the patients in their care.
7. One of the priorities of the Connecting for Health programme is to make sure that the NHS meets current and future staff and patient requirements. Computers and IT are increasingly used on wards and electronic patient records are rapidly replacing handwritten bundles of notes.
8. The National Network for the NHS (N3) broadband network connects all NHS locations, and other locations that provide NHS care together. Data and Images such as X-rays and scans can now be transferred between hospitals in seconds. Previously if patient records or scans were needed, they would often have had to be delivered by courier or taxi.
9. Thanks to the impressive broadband system, Voice Over IP (VOIP) telephone calls are can now be made. This means that phone calls between departments, hospitals and other NHS locations are free. This massive cost saving, combined with reduced call rates from landline to mobile phones, will save over £20m according to the Connecting for Health N3 programme director.
10. Patients who change their doctor have their notes transferred within seconds, rather than the usual 6 weeks or more. As well as being more efficient, patient data is much more secure, and less likely to get lost in transit.
Connecting For Health is moving along rapidly, and providing better care than ever for patients, better and more appropriate systems and procedures for medical staff, and saving the NHS over £120 million each year.
SYstem C is heavily involved in the Connecting for Health programme, and works alongside NHS Trusts and Local Service Providers. Find out more about Healthcare Systems designed for the NHS National Programme for IT (NPfIT) designed to benefit both the patients and staff.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_James
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Day Trading - An Easy Introduction to 3 Aspects of Day Trading
Sometimes you will hear the term "end of day trading". Needless to say, I took the term rather literally when I first came across it. Day trading is founded on the principle of using prices of stocks as they are at the end of each day's trading hours.
Generally, all trading activity takes place during any one day. Traders make their judgements based on the performance of the previous day's figures - or more often than not, a whole series of figures from a number of immediately preceding days. Either way, the measure of unit for the time scale is one day.
1. The factor that separates it from other methods is that there is no trading done after hours, or over the course of weeks or months. Until the advent of the internet and broadband in particular, only the full time traders in the business had any profound interest or knowledge in stock market trading. But nowadays, we are fortunate enough to have this exciting business brought right into our living rooms and there's much we can access in terms of knowledge and putting that knowledge into practice - for profit.
2. In days gone by, the only way you could trade was through your broker or bank. But now, I'm happy to say, everything is wide open. In a matter of hours, you can have your very own stock market trading platform, without even getting out of bed if you don't want to. I have data feed for stock prices supplied to me every day for less than $1 a day, and an online account which shows me streaming up to date prices, rather like a rolling spreadsheet which cost me a $200 one time payment, to open an account.
3. There's a lot a fear and caution surrounding trading, but in my opinion, most of it is unfounded and based on lack of knowledge. And there are several risk management techniques available and some quite milder natured markets you can begin with you can I was quite fearful until I started to explore the possibilities and take a serious look at the whole picture. The management system of stop loss procedures certainly calmed my fears and I wouldn't day trade without them now.
How would you like to discover more about the techniques successful traders use to make profitable trades?
Download them free here: Day Trading Course
Ian Jackson is an authority on Day Trading information, learning the hard way - and now he reveals how you can learn the business too, without all the growing pains.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_C_Jackson
Generally, all trading activity takes place during any one day. Traders make their judgements based on the performance of the previous day's figures - or more often than not, a whole series of figures from a number of immediately preceding days. Either way, the measure of unit for the time scale is one day.
1. The factor that separates it from other methods is that there is no trading done after hours, or over the course of weeks or months. Until the advent of the internet and broadband in particular, only the full time traders in the business had any profound interest or knowledge in stock market trading. But nowadays, we are fortunate enough to have this exciting business brought right into our living rooms and there's much we can access in terms of knowledge and putting that knowledge into practice - for profit.
2. In days gone by, the only way you could trade was through your broker or bank. But now, I'm happy to say, everything is wide open. In a matter of hours, you can have your very own stock market trading platform, without even getting out of bed if you don't want to. I have data feed for stock prices supplied to me every day for less than $1 a day, and an online account which shows me streaming up to date prices, rather like a rolling spreadsheet which cost me a $200 one time payment, to open an account.
3. There's a lot a fear and caution surrounding trading, but in my opinion, most of it is unfounded and based on lack of knowledge. And there are several risk management techniques available and some quite milder natured markets you can begin with you can I was quite fearful until I started to explore the possibilities and take a serious look at the whole picture. The management system of stop loss procedures certainly calmed my fears and I wouldn't day trade without them now.
How would you like to discover more about the techniques successful traders use to make profitable trades?
Download them free here: Day Trading Course
Ian Jackson is an authority on Day Trading information, learning the hard way - and now he reveals how you can learn the business too, without all the growing pains.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_C_Jackson
Monday, 18 August 2008
Online Business Peace of Mind
Is your online business disaster-proof? Online businesses face a unique set of challenges. Unlike our offline counterparts, we must worry about hackers, credit-card fraud, loss of data, virus attacks, websites going down and more.
The good news? You can fix most of these problems in under ten minutes each!
The freedom of owning your own business comes with a price. That price often means taking care of the 'little things' that were provided us in our 'employee' days.
One challenge we face is being ultimately responsible for everything. If we miss doing a task, it goes undone. That can spell danger when it comes to those important, yet not urgent, tasks that protect us when things go wrong.
To help you, I've developed a small-business peace of mind checklist. Taking even one afternoon to tend to these tasks can pay off in big dividends should disaster strike.
Whether you own your own business or just use the Internet for email, everyone who uses a computer will benefit from these three simple steps.
1. Keep Your Virus Scan Up to Date The stories are legion. We simply intended to download a tool that would help us be more productive and ended up with the 'worm of the month'. Now our tech friends tell us that a hard-drive format is the only cure and we will lose all our data.
In today's online environment, it has never been easier to become infected. Email, file downloads, always-on high-speed connections and more expose us to the unfortunate truth that very bad people are out there waiting to steal and destroy our data.
The good news is that it has never been easier to protect yourself than it is today. Open up your favorite search engine and type in 'free virus scan' and you will find a buffet of safety at your fingertips. Three clicks later and your entire computer is protected.
INSIDER TIP: Once you install your virus scanner, be sure to set up the automatic options to allow it to download new virus 'signatures' as often as they are available. These 'signatures' or 'definitions' are the files your scanner will use to recognize the bugs that attack your data.
2. Make Regular Backups
This is one we all know we should do. I've never spoken to a person who did not understand the importance of regularly backing up important data. Equally true, only 10 percent of the people I speak with have backed up anything in the last 30 days! Have you?
In this area too there is very good news. While backing up your important files used to be a tedious and cumbersome job, today's technology makes it easier than ever. Almost every newer computer comes with a CD burner. Today, CDs are cheap and hold about 650 MB of data. These are great for backup.
INSIDER TIP: Although CDs are convenient; it's vital that you have an offsite backup plan in place. What this means is that you must store your backup files in a location away from your computer. The last thing you want is to make great backups only to have them destroyed by the same fire or flood that wipes out you PC.
The good news here is that you can get a secure, online backup solution for literally pennies a day. The advantage is that with one download you can restore an entire computer no matter where you are physically located. Cheap and convenient, this is the wave of the future in backup.
3. Install a Firewall
Long thought to be only for geeks, firewalls have become a must- have for computer users everywhere. Firewalls are simply programs that stand as a guard between you and those who would try to invade your computer through your Internet connection.
As with backups, firewalls can be online services or software you install on your computer.
As people get what are called 'broadband' connections (DSL, satellite and cable connections to the Internet) we see more computers being left on all the time or connected to the Net while idle for long periods of time. It is during these idle times that your computer is particularly vulnerable.
Online thieves today not only want to sneak a peek at your computer files (do you use Quicken by chance?) but also can actually use your computer to send unwanted messages or put a virus on your computer. A firewall will protect you from these evildoers.
Today's computing environment is fast and fun. You can make it safe with very little effort. In one afternoon, you can complete our peace-of-mind checklist and be safe and secure.
If you work at home, or run a business using your computer, it is especially important to protect your files from theft or loss due to unforeseen events.
A little time invested on our checklist today will mean years of happy, worry free computing for you and your family. Make time today to ensure that you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are safe when you surf.
*****
Phil Jones helps computer users have the peace of mind that only a secure, online backup can provide. What would you do if you lost all of your data today? With Safe Harbor Data, you can restore your entire computer with one download! Amazingly affordable and effective, Safe Harbor protects your data with state-of-the-art encryption. Whether you run an online business, work from home, use your computer for online banking, school or more, your data isn't safe until it is backed up and stored in a safe place away from your home or office. Get the peace of mind that comes with secure, online backup today for only pennies each day. http://www.online-remote-data-backup.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Jones
The good news? You can fix most of these problems in under ten minutes each!
The freedom of owning your own business comes with a price. That price often means taking care of the 'little things' that were provided us in our 'employee' days.
One challenge we face is being ultimately responsible for everything. If we miss doing a task, it goes undone. That can spell danger when it comes to those important, yet not urgent, tasks that protect us when things go wrong.
To help you, I've developed a small-business peace of mind checklist. Taking even one afternoon to tend to these tasks can pay off in big dividends should disaster strike.
Whether you own your own business or just use the Internet for email, everyone who uses a computer will benefit from these three simple steps.
1. Keep Your Virus Scan Up to Date The stories are legion. We simply intended to download a tool that would help us be more productive and ended up with the 'worm of the month'. Now our tech friends tell us that a hard-drive format is the only cure and we will lose all our data.
In today's online environment, it has never been easier to become infected. Email, file downloads, always-on high-speed connections and more expose us to the unfortunate truth that very bad people are out there waiting to steal and destroy our data.
The good news is that it has never been easier to protect yourself than it is today. Open up your favorite search engine and type in 'free virus scan' and you will find a buffet of safety at your fingertips. Three clicks later and your entire computer is protected.
INSIDER TIP: Once you install your virus scanner, be sure to set up the automatic options to allow it to download new virus 'signatures' as often as they are available. These 'signatures' or 'definitions' are the files your scanner will use to recognize the bugs that attack your data.
2. Make Regular Backups
This is one we all know we should do. I've never spoken to a person who did not understand the importance of regularly backing up important data. Equally true, only 10 percent of the people I speak with have backed up anything in the last 30 days! Have you?
In this area too there is very good news. While backing up your important files used to be a tedious and cumbersome job, today's technology makes it easier than ever. Almost every newer computer comes with a CD burner. Today, CDs are cheap and hold about 650 MB of data. These are great for backup.
INSIDER TIP: Although CDs are convenient; it's vital that you have an offsite backup plan in place. What this means is that you must store your backup files in a location away from your computer. The last thing you want is to make great backups only to have them destroyed by the same fire or flood that wipes out you PC.
The good news here is that you can get a secure, online backup solution for literally pennies a day. The advantage is that with one download you can restore an entire computer no matter where you are physically located. Cheap and convenient, this is the wave of the future in backup.
3. Install a Firewall
Long thought to be only for geeks, firewalls have become a must- have for computer users everywhere. Firewalls are simply programs that stand as a guard between you and those who would try to invade your computer through your Internet connection.
As with backups, firewalls can be online services or software you install on your computer.
As people get what are called 'broadband' connections (DSL, satellite and cable connections to the Internet) we see more computers being left on all the time or connected to the Net while idle for long periods of time. It is during these idle times that your computer is particularly vulnerable.
Online thieves today not only want to sneak a peek at your computer files (do you use Quicken by chance?) but also can actually use your computer to send unwanted messages or put a virus on your computer. A firewall will protect you from these evildoers.
Today's computing environment is fast and fun. You can make it safe with very little effort. In one afternoon, you can complete our peace-of-mind checklist and be safe and secure.
If you work at home, or run a business using your computer, it is especially important to protect your files from theft or loss due to unforeseen events.
A little time invested on our checklist today will mean years of happy, worry free computing for you and your family. Make time today to ensure that you have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are safe when you surf.
*****
Phil Jones helps computer users have the peace of mind that only a secure, online backup can provide. What would you do if you lost all of your data today? With Safe Harbor Data, you can restore your entire computer with one download! Amazingly affordable and effective, Safe Harbor protects your data with state-of-the-art encryption. Whether you run an online business, work from home, use your computer for online banking, school or more, your data isn't safe until it is backed up and stored in a safe place away from your home or office. Get the peace of mind that comes with secure, online backup today for only pennies each day. http://www.online-remote-data-backup.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Jones
Friday, 15 August 2008
Creating Value With Streaming Video Content
Having a corporate or promotional video for your company is often viewed as something of an expensive luxury – useful, but rarely considered to be an essential marketing tool. Whilst many businesses can understand the benefits of having a corporate video, all too often they are put off by the perceived cost and subsequently find it hard to justify commercially. Furthermore, the process of making a video can at times, appear complex and intimidating, with an array of technical terms and processes.
Streaming video provides a number of useful opportunities for maximising the potential of an existing corporate video. And compared to other distribution media such as DVD or CD-ROMs it also offers a cost-effective solution for broadcasting a new corporate presentation to a wider audience.
Although streaming video is certainly not a new concept and has been around for some time, it’s now easier than ever to add streaming video content to your website. The technology required to enable video streaming is widely available, it’s relatively inexpensive and with the dramatic growth in high speed, broadband internet connections, a growing number of internet users can now view high quality, streaming video on their computers.
In this article, leading corporate video & business television producer, John Howarth, explains some of the ways in which streaming video content can be made to work effectively for your business and produce tangible results.
Provide Compelling Content
Try to provide content that creates a real interest for the viewer. Instead of simply informing them of your key corporate values – the typical narrative being ‘how successful we are, the great products & services we offer, our featured clients’ - why not turn the message into something that is actually useful and engaging to watch.
Take for example a company that manufactures kitchen products. Whilst you could produce a video to establish company values by highlighting such areas as quality of craftsmanship and original design of the product, this information is almost certainly available more easily on the web pages. It could be far more interesting for the viewer to provide them with a series of recipes, which feature the products being used in context.
Another technique is to provide content that is not centrally focused to your company’s core products & services. For example, your company sponsors a sports event or art exhibition. How about showing some clips from the event, with company branding around it? By using more recognisable and popular content, you are creating a wider ‘reach’ for the video, with the added possibility of gaining increased website traffic.
Re-Package Content
Lets say you already have a corporate video, it’s around ten minutes long and you currently distribute it on a video tape format or DVD. The most obvious solution would be to have it transferred to a streaming format in it’s entirety and loaded up onto your website. Whilst a ten minute corporate video sequence may be useful as a backdrop display in a trade exhibition or screened to a captive audience in a conference, it’s often far too long to use as a streaming video clip on your website. Who really has the time to sit and watch a corporate video clip for this length of time? It’s often far more useful to break the sequence down into a series of individual clips or re-edit into a shorter, condensed version that has greater impact.
Following on from this, you might also want to distribute streaming video clips around different areas on your website. This way, the clips featured can be targeted to match – and complement - the page content. For example, on a page detailing company clients and case studies, the video clip could feature customer testimonials; situated on a contact details page, the video sequence could feature some generic shots of company locations and building exterior shots.
Brand The Video
Whatever streaming video clips you use, try to ensure they are branded with your corporate identity. This could be a small logo in the top corner of the screen or a ‘picture frame’ wrapped around the moving images. Taking it a step further, you may want to add an introduction sequence with animated corporate logos at the beginning and end of every sequence. Another option is to create an HTML or Flash ‘player’ customised with your corporate identity. The video clip would then play within this frame and could be complemented by some animated product or service information around it.
When reviewing website statistics, it is frequently pages featuring streaming video content that are the most ‘sticky’ and have the longest viewing times by site visitors. Use this factor to your advantage - it’s an ideal opportunity to get your core brand values, products and services across to the site visitor.
About The Author
John Howarth is creative director of Blue Tuna Limited, a leading UK-based corporate communications & multi-media production agency. Past projects include live streaming for leading online bookmaker, Blue Square and the launch of the UK’s of the first club soccer channel, Boro TV for NTL.
http://www.bluetuna.tv
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Howarth
Streaming video provides a number of useful opportunities for maximising the potential of an existing corporate video. And compared to other distribution media such as DVD or CD-ROMs it also offers a cost-effective solution for broadcasting a new corporate presentation to a wider audience.
Although streaming video is certainly not a new concept and has been around for some time, it’s now easier than ever to add streaming video content to your website. The technology required to enable video streaming is widely available, it’s relatively inexpensive and with the dramatic growth in high speed, broadband internet connections, a growing number of internet users can now view high quality, streaming video on their computers.
In this article, leading corporate video & business television producer, John Howarth, explains some of the ways in which streaming video content can be made to work effectively for your business and produce tangible results.
Provide Compelling Content
Try to provide content that creates a real interest for the viewer. Instead of simply informing them of your key corporate values – the typical narrative being ‘how successful we are, the great products & services we offer, our featured clients’ - why not turn the message into something that is actually useful and engaging to watch.
Take for example a company that manufactures kitchen products. Whilst you could produce a video to establish company values by highlighting such areas as quality of craftsmanship and original design of the product, this information is almost certainly available more easily on the web pages. It could be far more interesting for the viewer to provide them with a series of recipes, which feature the products being used in context.
Another technique is to provide content that is not centrally focused to your company’s core products & services. For example, your company sponsors a sports event or art exhibition. How about showing some clips from the event, with company branding around it? By using more recognisable and popular content, you are creating a wider ‘reach’ for the video, with the added possibility of gaining increased website traffic.
Re-Package Content
Lets say you already have a corporate video, it’s around ten minutes long and you currently distribute it on a video tape format or DVD. The most obvious solution would be to have it transferred to a streaming format in it’s entirety and loaded up onto your website. Whilst a ten minute corporate video sequence may be useful as a backdrop display in a trade exhibition or screened to a captive audience in a conference, it’s often far too long to use as a streaming video clip on your website. Who really has the time to sit and watch a corporate video clip for this length of time? It’s often far more useful to break the sequence down into a series of individual clips or re-edit into a shorter, condensed version that has greater impact.
Following on from this, you might also want to distribute streaming video clips around different areas on your website. This way, the clips featured can be targeted to match – and complement - the page content. For example, on a page detailing company clients and case studies, the video clip could feature customer testimonials; situated on a contact details page, the video sequence could feature some generic shots of company locations and building exterior shots.
Brand The Video
Whatever streaming video clips you use, try to ensure they are branded with your corporate identity. This could be a small logo in the top corner of the screen or a ‘picture frame’ wrapped around the moving images. Taking it a step further, you may want to add an introduction sequence with animated corporate logos at the beginning and end of every sequence. Another option is to create an HTML or Flash ‘player’ customised with your corporate identity. The video clip would then play within this frame and could be complemented by some animated product or service information around it.
When reviewing website statistics, it is frequently pages featuring streaming video content that are the most ‘sticky’ and have the longest viewing times by site visitors. Use this factor to your advantage - it’s an ideal opportunity to get your core brand values, products and services across to the site visitor.
About The Author
John Howarth is creative director of Blue Tuna Limited, a leading UK-based corporate communications & multi-media production agency. Past projects include live streaming for leading online bookmaker, Blue Square and the launch of the UK’s of the first club soccer channel, Boro TV for NTL.
http://www.bluetuna.tv
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Howarth
Thursday, 14 August 2008
Microsoft Update - 5 Reasons to Update Service Pack 2
Microsoft released Service Pack 2 (SP2) for the Windows XP operating system back in August (2004), representing significant improvements in many areas, especially system security. For those people that are still unsure whether they should update to it, the following five reasons may help make the decision easier.
1. Protects Against Unsafe Attachments / Downloads
Service Pack 2 provides Windows XP with a “Windows Security Center”, and other key tools, to help protect the user’s system from unsafe attachments and downloads. This type of protection is one step to prevent viruses and Trojans from slipping onto a user’s system and wreaking the type of havoc that has become an increasing problem in recent years.
One way it does this is through warnings in Internet Explorer’s “Information Bar”, which alert a user to potentially unsafe downloads. The suspect content is blocked automatically, and no action is taken until the user manually addresses the warning. Unsafe file attachments are now also blocked in a similar manner via Internet Explorer and Outlook Express, thus protecting not only web based content, but also items received via e-mail.
Another way it protects from unsafe files is by monitoring the system’s anti-virus software and alerting the user if the system is at risk due to the software being out of date. Although Microsoft does not offer any virus protection themselves, this feature makes sure that whatever program the user has decided to use stays current and as effective as possible.
2. Windows Firewall
A software based firewall is included with Service Pack 2, intended to protect the system from access by unauthorized individuals on the internet or local network. The firewall is activated automatically by Windows, but users have the option to disable it, as well as to create exceptions to bypass the security in certain situations.
When utilized, the protection is active from startup to shutdown, providing a simple firewall solution to any computer with SP2 installed. Small pop up style windows are generated to alert the user of possible attempts to access the system from the outside, as well as when programs try to go out onto the internet. These pop ups are approved/denied by the user before anything is allowed to happen, and can be done so that a pop up will appear again next time this event occurs, or so that the pop up will never appear again for that particular event.
Many users with broadband internet connections have a hardware firewall in their router, but a software firewall such as this is still a good idea. It can protect where the hardware firewall can not, and is particular useful in preventing the system from launching any attacks from Trojans that may have slipped in.
3. Internet Pop Up Blocker
With Service Pack 2, Internet Explorer now features an integrated pop up blocker to help reduce, if not fully eliminate, the presence of those nuisance ads. Configurable from Internet Explorer’s “Tools” tab, users can customize their preferences and even turn the pop up blocker off. Considering most pop up blockers require a special toolbar or other application be installed, this one is extremely convenient and easy to use.
4. Increased Privacy Protection
Your privacy is protected more so than ever with Service Pack 2 in a few different ways. If items 1, 2, and 3 above weren’t enough, there is more… For example, Windows XP with SP2 now applies security settings to further guard your PC and your private information from exploit via Internet Explorer.
Another way your privacy is protected is by Outlook Express blocking images within e-mails that allow spammers to validate your address. Spammers use images that are tagged with unique bits of code, and once the URL of the image sent to you is viewed, the spammers know that they have a valid address, which makes that address more susceptible to future spam.
5. Simplifed Wireless Networking
The popularity of wireless networking has exploded as the hardware has becoming increasingly simpler to operate and relatively inexpensive. Now the way a user connects their system to a wireless network has been greatly simplified via enhancements found in SP2. The “Wireless Network Setup Wizard” will lead a user of any expertise through the installation process, and the “Microsoft Broadband Network Utility” will help them monitor and maintain the network just as easily. Application of security settings is obviously a main component of these improvements, insuring that the user’s system is protected from this angle of attack as well.
Final Words
The release of Service Pack 2 for Windows XP brought about many more changes to the operating system than the five listed above, all of which have to be seen as welcome improvements. With a focus on protecting the end user’s computer system and data, there are enough good reasons to persuade a user to take the plunge and let Windows Update install SP2
Computer Geeks tech tips and computer advice
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Kohrs
1. Protects Against Unsafe Attachments / Downloads
Service Pack 2 provides Windows XP with a “Windows Security Center”, and other key tools, to help protect the user’s system from unsafe attachments and downloads. This type of protection is one step to prevent viruses and Trojans from slipping onto a user’s system and wreaking the type of havoc that has become an increasing problem in recent years.
One way it does this is through warnings in Internet Explorer’s “Information Bar”, which alert a user to potentially unsafe downloads. The suspect content is blocked automatically, and no action is taken until the user manually addresses the warning. Unsafe file attachments are now also blocked in a similar manner via Internet Explorer and Outlook Express, thus protecting not only web based content, but also items received via e-mail.
Another way it protects from unsafe files is by monitoring the system’s anti-virus software and alerting the user if the system is at risk due to the software being out of date. Although Microsoft does not offer any virus protection themselves, this feature makes sure that whatever program the user has decided to use stays current and as effective as possible.
2. Windows Firewall
A software based firewall is included with Service Pack 2, intended to protect the system from access by unauthorized individuals on the internet or local network. The firewall is activated automatically by Windows, but users have the option to disable it, as well as to create exceptions to bypass the security in certain situations.
When utilized, the protection is active from startup to shutdown, providing a simple firewall solution to any computer with SP2 installed. Small pop up style windows are generated to alert the user of possible attempts to access the system from the outside, as well as when programs try to go out onto the internet. These pop ups are approved/denied by the user before anything is allowed to happen, and can be done so that a pop up will appear again next time this event occurs, or so that the pop up will never appear again for that particular event.
Many users with broadband internet connections have a hardware firewall in their router, but a software firewall such as this is still a good idea. It can protect where the hardware firewall can not, and is particular useful in preventing the system from launching any attacks from Trojans that may have slipped in.
3. Internet Pop Up Blocker
With Service Pack 2, Internet Explorer now features an integrated pop up blocker to help reduce, if not fully eliminate, the presence of those nuisance ads. Configurable from Internet Explorer’s “Tools” tab, users can customize their preferences and even turn the pop up blocker off. Considering most pop up blockers require a special toolbar or other application be installed, this one is extremely convenient and easy to use.
4. Increased Privacy Protection
Your privacy is protected more so than ever with Service Pack 2 in a few different ways. If items 1, 2, and 3 above weren’t enough, there is more… For example, Windows XP with SP2 now applies security settings to further guard your PC and your private information from exploit via Internet Explorer.
Another way your privacy is protected is by Outlook Express blocking images within e-mails that allow spammers to validate your address. Spammers use images that are tagged with unique bits of code, and once the URL of the image sent to you is viewed, the spammers know that they have a valid address, which makes that address more susceptible to future spam.
5. Simplifed Wireless Networking
The popularity of wireless networking has exploded as the hardware has becoming increasingly simpler to operate and relatively inexpensive. Now the way a user connects their system to a wireless network has been greatly simplified via enhancements found in SP2. The “Wireless Network Setup Wizard” will lead a user of any expertise through the installation process, and the “Microsoft Broadband Network Utility” will help them monitor and maintain the network just as easily. Application of security settings is obviously a main component of these improvements, insuring that the user’s system is protected from this angle of attack as well.
Final Words
The release of Service Pack 2 for Windows XP brought about many more changes to the operating system than the five listed above, all of which have to be seen as welcome improvements. With a focus on protecting the end user’s computer system and data, there are enough good reasons to persuade a user to take the plunge and let Windows Update install SP2
Computer Geeks tech tips and computer advice
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Kohrs
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
The Purpose of Broadband Comparison
Why would anyone want to take the time to conduct a broadband comparison? Aren't all broadband providers essentially the same? That's the mistake many people make when they are seeking a broadband provider. They assume that all providers offer the same services at approximately the same price. It's essential to know what you are getting before you agree to that service.
One important thing you want to check is download speed. If you do a great deal of downloading, this is going to make a difference. Some broadband providers allow web space while others do not. There are many differences between providers which is why it's important to do a broadband comparison before you make a final decision concerning a broadband provider. Some providers include free virus protection which can save you quite a bit of money each year in either product of subscription renewal costs.
Is there a best way to conduct a broadband comparison? If you have never done a broadband comparison, you will need to know how to search and compare different aspects of each broadband provider's business and home broadband services. The best way to make a broadband comparison is to make a list of what you expect from a broadband provider. When you have your list of expectations, you are then able to research potential providers to find out which ones come closest to your expectations.
It is not likely when you conduct your broadband connection that you will find one service provider that meets all of your expectations. You may have to take the time to compare services and decide what is the most important to you and move forward from there. Of course, when a business is doing a broadband comparison it is essential that they find a provider that can offer all of the services they need. The difference is that most providers will customize services under a business account whereas home broadband is pretty much a package deal with very little customization possible.
When you take the time to do a broadband comparison, you know before you sign up with the service what to expect in terms of service and offerings. Instead of choosing a broadband provider on speculation, you will be making an informed decision based on research and comparison. You would not choose a mobile phone provider without checking the services each one provides nor should you do so with a broadband provider. There are many broadband providers throughout the UK. Whether you want ADSL or cable broadband, you want to do a broadband comparison and select carefully. Failure to take the time to select the right broadband provider can cost extra money when you cancel your service and choose another provider. Not only do you face the possibility of a contract cancellation fee if you've chosen an annual plan, but you also may have to pay another set up and installation fee as well. If you take extra time to choose carefully the first time you will not have to worry about such trivia.
About the Author: Broadband comparison from DialToSave lets you choose the features you want in your broadband internet deal and then sort the results to show the broadband deal that is best for you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Telford
One important thing you want to check is download speed. If you do a great deal of downloading, this is going to make a difference. Some broadband providers allow web space while others do not. There are many differences between providers which is why it's important to do a broadband comparison before you make a final decision concerning a broadband provider. Some providers include free virus protection which can save you quite a bit of money each year in either product of subscription renewal costs.
Is there a best way to conduct a broadband comparison? If you have never done a broadband comparison, you will need to know how to search and compare different aspects of each broadband provider's business and home broadband services. The best way to make a broadband comparison is to make a list of what you expect from a broadband provider. When you have your list of expectations, you are then able to research potential providers to find out which ones come closest to your expectations.
It is not likely when you conduct your broadband connection that you will find one service provider that meets all of your expectations. You may have to take the time to compare services and decide what is the most important to you and move forward from there. Of course, when a business is doing a broadband comparison it is essential that they find a provider that can offer all of the services they need. The difference is that most providers will customize services under a business account whereas home broadband is pretty much a package deal with very little customization possible.
When you take the time to do a broadband comparison, you know before you sign up with the service what to expect in terms of service and offerings. Instead of choosing a broadband provider on speculation, you will be making an informed decision based on research and comparison. You would not choose a mobile phone provider without checking the services each one provides nor should you do so with a broadband provider. There are many broadband providers throughout the UK. Whether you want ADSL or cable broadband, you want to do a broadband comparison and select carefully. Failure to take the time to select the right broadband provider can cost extra money when you cancel your service and choose another provider. Not only do you face the possibility of a contract cancellation fee if you've chosen an annual plan, but you also may have to pay another set up and installation fee as well. If you take extra time to choose carefully the first time you will not have to worry about such trivia.
About the Author: Broadband comparison from DialToSave lets you choose the features you want in your broadband internet deal and then sort the results to show the broadband deal that is best for you.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caroline_Telford
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Rich Media - Exploring New Territory
Until recently, audio, video, Flash, and static graphics were all independent components used as enhancements to text based messages on the Internet. We’re now seeing technological breakthroughs that allow us to combine these various elements into exciting web-based presentations that not only simulate our television experience but also take us to a whole new level of user interactivity. This technology is called Rich Media.
Rich Media is comprised of a combination of audio, video, graphics, and other techniques that, when put together, create an Internet experience that is personal, relevant, and largely unmatched by other print or broadcast media.
Rich Media is in its infancy but companies cannot afford to ignore its’ potential impact as a business tool. The “dot bomb” crash in April, 2000, notwithstanding, the Internet is still the fastest growing medium in history and continues to attract thousands of new users everyday.
Most of us come to the Web to perform specific tasks. We send mail, we read the news, and we research topics of interest. We also come to the Web to browse and shop for goods and services.
The Internet, unlike other forms of media, allows us to take immediate action. We’re urged to click on banners, click on text links, write letters to the editor, create greeting cards, and upload our family pictures for the world to see. Is it any wonder that we have higher expectations of the Web than we do from browsing the newspaper or passively watching TV?
We are only beginning to understand how Internet advertising works and how it differs from that in the offline world. We do know that we’ve come a long way from the traditional banner ad which has been steadily losing its’ effectiveness. When banner ads first appeared, they were a novelty, and click-thru rates were satisfyingly high. As the banner ad proliferated, and websites became increasingly cluttered, click-thru rates plummeted forcing advertisers to look for new ways to engage consumers.
Much has been written and said about the state of e-commerce and the emerging trend that puts consumers in a position of power as never before. The need to service, retain, and communicate with these consumers in more meaningful ways has provided the impetus behind the Rich Media movement.
Not only can we use Rich Media to attract consumers; we can craft messages that invite the visitor to interact with the message to obtain additional information or to take a desired action. Purchases could be made directly in the ad or banner window. A user could subscribe directly to a newsletter. Games could be demonstrated. Streaming audio or video clips could be viewed. And, all of this could be done without ever leaving the publisher’s site. (A huge advantage for site owners.)
As the visitor enters a site, Rich Media can be deployed to inform him of weekly specials or product specific promotions. One click could then take him directly to the place where he can obtain further information about that product and order it. If the product is a complicated one requiring demonstration, he could be given the option of viewing a Flash or streaming presentation of the product being assembled. Text boxes could be synchronized with the demo to scroll frequently asked questions and answers about the product.
Pop-up windows, albeit annoying to some, have proven to be an effective method of engaging the consumer. These windows, known as intersitials or supersitials, are done with streaming audio, video or Flash, and usually appear when the user’s browser is loading another page making that user a captive audience.
This kind of interactivity is what makes Rich Media advertising truly unique.
Many potential advertisers hesitate about venturing into Rich Media due to bandwidth constraints and the lack of widely available “high speed” connections. But broadband services are starting to spread, and, by 2004, 30 millions households should have broadband access. Business users will drive the trend. As more people experience media delivered via broadband in the workplace, they will demand that same experience on their home computers. (Currently there are 30 million workplace computers with broadband access compared to 4 million households.) *
One of the issues that have worried Web publishers is how to create “stickiness.” Rich Media, used to deliver content as well as advertising, provides the tool. People are sensory by nature and respond more emotionally to sound and moving objects than they do to still images and static text. Since most purchasing is done on an emotional level, Rich Media presentations often provide that extra impetus to close the sale.
As site publishers and advertisers become more familiar with Rich Media and its’ interactive nature, we’ll begin to see more sophisticated methods of engaging the visitor emerge. Using extensive databases based on consumer preferences and lifestyles, advertisers will be able to deliver highly targeted messages. (We’ve already seen this begin to happen as Internet radio stations insert customized messages to generate advertising revenue.) Retailers will employ Rich Media techniques to offer better customer service and to fine-tune their product offerings. Educators will use it to make their sites more meaningful and add interactivity to workbooks and lessons.
It’s clear that advertisers and site publishers will have to weigh the costs of producing Rich Media versus the benefits that they hope to receive. As technology moves inexorably forward, however, and bandwidth becomes more plentiful, users will come to have higher and more sophisticated expectations of what they see and hear on the Web. The opportunities afforded by Rich Media – interactivity, sound, motion, and text all bundled into one smoothly delivered presentation – cannot be ignored.
* Cahners In-Stat group at http://www.instat.com
Ronni Rhodes is the owner of WBC Imaging, an Internet company that specializes in web site enhancement utilizing streaming media technology. With her husband, Don, a digital media engineer, they work with companies to incorporate streaming as part of successful and meaningful sales and marketing programs.
Please direct all questions and comments to: Ronni@wbcimaging.com 520-742-5780 http://www.wbcimaging.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronni_Rhodes
Rich Media is comprised of a combination of audio, video, graphics, and other techniques that, when put together, create an Internet experience that is personal, relevant, and largely unmatched by other print or broadcast media.
Rich Media is in its infancy but companies cannot afford to ignore its’ potential impact as a business tool. The “dot bomb” crash in April, 2000, notwithstanding, the Internet is still the fastest growing medium in history and continues to attract thousands of new users everyday.
Most of us come to the Web to perform specific tasks. We send mail, we read the news, and we research topics of interest. We also come to the Web to browse and shop for goods and services.
The Internet, unlike other forms of media, allows us to take immediate action. We’re urged to click on banners, click on text links, write letters to the editor, create greeting cards, and upload our family pictures for the world to see. Is it any wonder that we have higher expectations of the Web than we do from browsing the newspaper or passively watching TV?
We are only beginning to understand how Internet advertising works and how it differs from that in the offline world. We do know that we’ve come a long way from the traditional banner ad which has been steadily losing its’ effectiveness. When banner ads first appeared, they were a novelty, and click-thru rates were satisfyingly high. As the banner ad proliferated, and websites became increasingly cluttered, click-thru rates plummeted forcing advertisers to look for new ways to engage consumers.
Much has been written and said about the state of e-commerce and the emerging trend that puts consumers in a position of power as never before. The need to service, retain, and communicate with these consumers in more meaningful ways has provided the impetus behind the Rich Media movement.
Not only can we use Rich Media to attract consumers; we can craft messages that invite the visitor to interact with the message to obtain additional information or to take a desired action. Purchases could be made directly in the ad or banner window. A user could subscribe directly to a newsletter. Games could be demonstrated. Streaming audio or video clips could be viewed. And, all of this could be done without ever leaving the publisher’s site. (A huge advantage for site owners.)
As the visitor enters a site, Rich Media can be deployed to inform him of weekly specials or product specific promotions. One click could then take him directly to the place where he can obtain further information about that product and order it. If the product is a complicated one requiring demonstration, he could be given the option of viewing a Flash or streaming presentation of the product being assembled. Text boxes could be synchronized with the demo to scroll frequently asked questions and answers about the product.
Pop-up windows, albeit annoying to some, have proven to be an effective method of engaging the consumer. These windows, known as intersitials or supersitials, are done with streaming audio, video or Flash, and usually appear when the user’s browser is loading another page making that user a captive audience.
This kind of interactivity is what makes Rich Media advertising truly unique.
Many potential advertisers hesitate about venturing into Rich Media due to bandwidth constraints and the lack of widely available “high speed” connections. But broadband services are starting to spread, and, by 2004, 30 millions households should have broadband access. Business users will drive the trend. As more people experience media delivered via broadband in the workplace, they will demand that same experience on their home computers. (Currently there are 30 million workplace computers with broadband access compared to 4 million households.) *
One of the issues that have worried Web publishers is how to create “stickiness.” Rich Media, used to deliver content as well as advertising, provides the tool. People are sensory by nature and respond more emotionally to sound and moving objects than they do to still images and static text. Since most purchasing is done on an emotional level, Rich Media presentations often provide that extra impetus to close the sale.
As site publishers and advertisers become more familiar with Rich Media and its’ interactive nature, we’ll begin to see more sophisticated methods of engaging the visitor emerge. Using extensive databases based on consumer preferences and lifestyles, advertisers will be able to deliver highly targeted messages. (We’ve already seen this begin to happen as Internet radio stations insert customized messages to generate advertising revenue.) Retailers will employ Rich Media techniques to offer better customer service and to fine-tune their product offerings. Educators will use it to make their sites more meaningful and add interactivity to workbooks and lessons.
It’s clear that advertisers and site publishers will have to weigh the costs of producing Rich Media versus the benefits that they hope to receive. As technology moves inexorably forward, however, and bandwidth becomes more plentiful, users will come to have higher and more sophisticated expectations of what they see and hear on the Web. The opportunities afforded by Rich Media – interactivity, sound, motion, and text all bundled into one smoothly delivered presentation – cannot be ignored.
* Cahners In-Stat group at http://www.instat.com
Ronni Rhodes is the owner of WBC Imaging, an Internet company that specializes in web site enhancement utilizing streaming media technology. With her husband, Don, a digital media engineer, they work with companies to incorporate streaming as part of successful and meaningful sales and marketing programs.
Please direct all questions and comments to: Ronni@wbcimaging.com 520-742-5780 http://www.wbcimaging.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronni_Rhodes
Monday, 11 August 2008
Counter Strike, The Beginner of Broad Band PC Gaming
This is the world of 21st century, the century of technologies. Every thing is fast now a days and as far as the Computers and games are concerned, they are at the top of all. Every one these days like playing games and some of them love it. Well few years ago PC gaming was not so advance and usually was single user based and if any one wanted to play with any other player then one must have an extra input or any compatible playing device.
An era of new technology began after the entrance of Network gaming or Multiplayer gaming which revolutionized the PC gaming world.
The term of multiplayer gaming was that from now on if a person wants to play a certain game with any other person the he can easily connect to the other person’s computer using broad band internet connection .
Usually before the arrival of Broad Band, games were played thorough Modem. This was perfect in those days as the games were not too heavy and only few packets of data are sent and received. However over the years this scene has changed greatly.
SWITCHING TO BROADBAND:
Now a days multiplayer games send and receive more data and therefore need faster protocol for sending and receiving data items. Amongst those of course is COUNTER STRIKE.
Few years ago when there was no concept of Broad Band, one would really be able to get anything faster than the ISDN connection. But today as compared to the past we have much greater availability and much greater broad band technology like DSL and Cable Modem as compare to normal dialup modem. So PC gaming has become very much advance and high quality games can be played at a very high speeds. Counter Strike is the most popular multiplayer game using Broad Band Connection.
THE GAME :
Without any doubt it is the most popular game played over the years and is the modification of half life developed by Valve. It is FPS (First Person Shooter) type game and is totally action packed. The game is divided into two teams The Terrorist Forces and The Counter Terrorist Forces. The game is played on some Maps which have different locations and objectives.
According to these Maps the Counter Terrorists and the Terrorist Forces assassinate/ Escapes, Hostages/ Rescues and diffuse bomb etc..
WEAPONS AND OTHER EQUIPMENTS:
Weapons armors and other equipment are very important parts of the game. There is a wide variety of different equipments like night vision, hand grenades and other pistols and guns. The player have to buy those stuff. In order to buy ammos and other equipments, player must be in a shopping cart area and more importantly have funds in his account.
There are a lot of small and big, simple and advance equipments available in Counter Strike pistols and sub machine guns are the main features of the game. Each Weapon is different from other. Thus all the Weapons and equipment gives a realistic touch to the game. Money management is one of the most important part of the game. Therefore by buying a particular equipment or weapon and using at the time when it is needed will take the player at the top of the game without any involvement of difficulty.
PLAYING THE GAME:
As there are two teams i-e Counter Terrorists and Terrorists. The player has option of either joining either of the team. A server is created by any player usually by the host and every player must join that server in order to play the game.
The Counter Terrorist look to eliminate the Terrorists completely or fulfill the map objectives while the Terrorist forces look to completely destroy the Counter Terrorists. Thus different Map have different challenges and strategies for each team.
When a player dies he is unable to continue playing until the whole round ends until the ending of the round the player enters a spectator mode which they are free to roam around throughout the map and check out all the remaining actions.
CONCLUSION:
It can be concluded in a way that Counter Strike will always have this privilege that it is the starter of the prefect broad band PC gaming which will lead to revolutionize the PC gaming world.
Hello I'm Fahad Ahmed Bashir the student of Software Engineering in department of computer science karachi university.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fahad_Ahmed
An era of new technology began after the entrance of Network gaming or Multiplayer gaming which revolutionized the PC gaming world.
The term of multiplayer gaming was that from now on if a person wants to play a certain game with any other person the he can easily connect to the other person’s computer using broad band internet connection .
Usually before the arrival of Broad Band, games were played thorough Modem. This was perfect in those days as the games were not too heavy and only few packets of data are sent and received. However over the years this scene has changed greatly.
SWITCHING TO BROADBAND:
Now a days multiplayer games send and receive more data and therefore need faster protocol for sending and receiving data items. Amongst those of course is COUNTER STRIKE.
Few years ago when there was no concept of Broad Band, one would really be able to get anything faster than the ISDN connection. But today as compared to the past we have much greater availability and much greater broad band technology like DSL and Cable Modem as compare to normal dialup modem. So PC gaming has become very much advance and high quality games can be played at a very high speeds. Counter Strike is the most popular multiplayer game using Broad Band Connection.
THE GAME :
Without any doubt it is the most popular game played over the years and is the modification of half life developed by Valve. It is FPS (First Person Shooter) type game and is totally action packed. The game is divided into two teams The Terrorist Forces and The Counter Terrorist Forces. The game is played on some Maps which have different locations and objectives.
According to these Maps the Counter Terrorists and the Terrorist Forces assassinate/ Escapes, Hostages/ Rescues and diffuse bomb etc..
WEAPONS AND OTHER EQUIPMENTS:
Weapons armors and other equipment are very important parts of the game. There is a wide variety of different equipments like night vision, hand grenades and other pistols and guns. The player have to buy those stuff. In order to buy ammos and other equipments, player must be in a shopping cart area and more importantly have funds in his account.
There are a lot of small and big, simple and advance equipments available in Counter Strike pistols and sub machine guns are the main features of the game. Each Weapon is different from other. Thus all the Weapons and equipment gives a realistic touch to the game. Money management is one of the most important part of the game. Therefore by buying a particular equipment or weapon and using at the time when it is needed will take the player at the top of the game without any involvement of difficulty.
PLAYING THE GAME:
As there are two teams i-e Counter Terrorists and Terrorists. The player has option of either joining either of the team. A server is created by any player usually by the host and every player must join that server in order to play the game.
The Counter Terrorist look to eliminate the Terrorists completely or fulfill the map objectives while the Terrorist forces look to completely destroy the Counter Terrorists. Thus different Map have different challenges and strategies for each team.
When a player dies he is unable to continue playing until the whole round ends until the ending of the round the player enters a spectator mode which they are free to roam around throughout the map and check out all the remaining actions.
CONCLUSION:
It can be concluded in a way that Counter Strike will always have this privilege that it is the starter of the prefect broad band PC gaming which will lead to revolutionize the PC gaming world.
Hello I'm Fahad Ahmed Bashir the student of Software Engineering in department of computer science karachi university.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fahad_Ahmed
Friday, 8 August 2008
A Cheap Alternative To Broadband?
Are you a dial-up user looking for a faster connection, but don't like Broadband prices? If so, you should take a look at a new service called OnSpeed, which has received rave reviews in Internet technology publications.
What OnSpeed does is to re-route web pages and email via its own servers, compressing the data on the fly prior to sending it onwards to your PC. A small program then decompresses the data, so that you can view it in the normal way via your browser or email client.
In my own dial-up tests, with a modem running at a nominal 49kb/s I appeared to get speeds close to that of my normal broadband connection of 598 kb/s - very impressive. Image quality is often reduced but the compression for this can be improved, though with an adverse effect on the speed of course.
Some file types like MP3 also cannot yet be compressed. The company is working on these issues however and expects to find solutions soon.
Unfortunately I was unable to use email in my tests, due to a 'port' conflict with a spam filter that I was using. The standard advice on the OnSpeed site for such cases is to disable the offending program. Not a constructive approach - to say the least - so I hope that the relevant instructions will be changed soon.
More significantly, the problem persisted even when I switched off the OnSpeed application on my PC; in the end I had to remove the program to get the spam filter working again. I expect that this fault can be resolved, but clearly there are issues in this area that need to be addressed.
The software is easy to install, and is available for Mac as well as Windows PCs. On the whole the service is surprisingly good, and a lot cheaper than broadband. Unlike other 'speed-up' techniques that tweak your computer's settings but result in little noticeable improvement, OnSpeed really works.
I can recommend OnSpeed for dial-up users who can't justify the expense of broadband, or who are not located close enough to a suitable exchange. OnSpeed is also stated to be great for mobile or PDA users, as GPRS (wireless) speeds can be boosted by as much as 8 times. It even helps with broadband if you can only get a reduced service in your area.
My overall rating is 4/5 - very good, but the email support needs to be improved.
If you want further details of OnSpeed, please visit http://www.On-Speed.net. There is a 14 day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service without any risk.
Copyright © Richard Prosser 2004
Richard is a software developer and entrepreneur, and may be contacted via the 'Article Tips' site given below. This article may be published without permission, but only in its entirety.
Free email course: "Drive 'Hot' Prospects To Your Site For Free!" http://www.ArticleTips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Prosser
What OnSpeed does is to re-route web pages and email via its own servers, compressing the data on the fly prior to sending it onwards to your PC. A small program then decompresses the data, so that you can view it in the normal way via your browser or email client.
In my own dial-up tests, with a modem running at a nominal 49kb/s I appeared to get speeds close to that of my normal broadband connection of 598 kb/s - very impressive. Image quality is often reduced but the compression for this can be improved, though with an adverse effect on the speed of course.
Some file types like MP3 also cannot yet be compressed. The company is working on these issues however and expects to find solutions soon.
Unfortunately I was unable to use email in my tests, due to a 'port' conflict with a spam filter that I was using. The standard advice on the OnSpeed site for such cases is to disable the offending program. Not a constructive approach - to say the least - so I hope that the relevant instructions will be changed soon.
More significantly, the problem persisted even when I switched off the OnSpeed application on my PC; in the end I had to remove the program to get the spam filter working again. I expect that this fault can be resolved, but clearly there are issues in this area that need to be addressed.
The software is easy to install, and is available for Mac as well as Windows PCs. On the whole the service is surprisingly good, and a lot cheaper than broadband. Unlike other 'speed-up' techniques that tweak your computer's settings but result in little noticeable improvement, OnSpeed really works.
I can recommend OnSpeed for dial-up users who can't justify the expense of broadband, or who are not located close enough to a suitable exchange. OnSpeed is also stated to be great for mobile or PDA users, as GPRS (wireless) speeds can be boosted by as much as 8 times. It even helps with broadband if you can only get a reduced service in your area.
My overall rating is 4/5 - very good, but the email support needs to be improved.
If you want further details of OnSpeed, please visit http://www.On-Speed.net. There is a 14 day money-back guarantee, so you can try the service without any risk.
Copyright © Richard Prosser 2004
Richard is a software developer and entrepreneur, and may be contacted via the 'Article Tips' site given below. This article may be published without permission, but only in its entirety.
Free email course: "Drive 'Hot' Prospects To Your Site For Free!" http://www.ArticleTips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Prosser
Thursday, 7 August 2008
Tiscali Wireless Broadband Option
Tiscali have been offering a wireless option to their broadband and TV packages now for about a year, allowing customers greater freedom at home when connecting to the internet. I've many enquiries and questions about wireless which leads me to believe a lot of people out there are confused about wireless broadband. Let's try and sort out a common misconception.
Wireless is not a type of broadband, it is not something 'different', it is just a means of connecting to various devices in the home or work place. All you need is a means of transmitting and receiving the broadband connection, the tiscali wireless options now available, provide you with an ADSL wireless router which gives you the option of wirelessly transmitting your broadband signal through your home.
Some great advantages; there's no need to be within arms length of the telephone socket and no need to have dangerous wires trailing across your home, it liberates you and allows you to place your computers anywhere in the home or office as long as there is a means of wirelessly receiving the broadband signal, which in most cases new laptops and desktop computers come with pre-installed hardware allowing Wi-Fi or wireless connections, if not these wireless adaptors can be bought at a very low cost and can be plugged into a free USB port.
Yes I did say 'computers' you can connect as many as you like anywhere in your home! Well the limit is around 250 wireless connections so I would imagine most people would be more than covered. You can even enjoy broadband in your garden as the range of the wireless connection can extend beyond your bricks and mortar.
Don't let this worry you though, you can very easily configure tiscali wireless broadband with WEP security, a form of encryption that allows only you and your allowed devices on to your wireless network, only you posses the key to your network. In a way, very much like locking the front door behind you. You can even add a few more locks and bolts to your networks 'door' by choosing WPA encryption which changes the password or key on the fly every half hour or so, this is all very easily implemented and comes effectively pre-configured, so the choice of security level is yours.
The Tiscali wireless options come at no extra cost essentially giving you a free ADSL wireless router, even existing customers can upgrade to the option and receive a free wireless router if you agree to renew your contract for a further 12 months, not a bad deal considering these products if purchased in the high street could fetch anywhere in the region of £50 to £80!
So all in all in terms of ease of use and of course price, I highly recommend tiscali wireless broadband when looking for a wireless option to connect to the internet.
An on-line marketer, reviewer and product researcher, testing product, services http://www.internet-connection.org.uk/wireless-ea and potential ways to make an extra income online.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martyn_Haskins
Wireless is not a type of broadband, it is not something 'different', it is just a means of connecting to various devices in the home or work place. All you need is a means of transmitting and receiving the broadband connection, the tiscali wireless options now available, provide you with an ADSL wireless router which gives you the option of wirelessly transmitting your broadband signal through your home.
Some great advantages; there's no need to be within arms length of the telephone socket and no need to have dangerous wires trailing across your home, it liberates you and allows you to place your computers anywhere in the home or office as long as there is a means of wirelessly receiving the broadband signal, which in most cases new laptops and desktop computers come with pre-installed hardware allowing Wi-Fi or wireless connections, if not these wireless adaptors can be bought at a very low cost and can be plugged into a free USB port.
Yes I did say 'computers' you can connect as many as you like anywhere in your home! Well the limit is around 250 wireless connections so I would imagine most people would be more than covered. You can even enjoy broadband in your garden as the range of the wireless connection can extend beyond your bricks and mortar.
Don't let this worry you though, you can very easily configure tiscali wireless broadband with WEP security, a form of encryption that allows only you and your allowed devices on to your wireless network, only you posses the key to your network. In a way, very much like locking the front door behind you. You can even add a few more locks and bolts to your networks 'door' by choosing WPA encryption which changes the password or key on the fly every half hour or so, this is all very easily implemented and comes effectively pre-configured, so the choice of security level is yours.
The Tiscali wireless options come at no extra cost essentially giving you a free ADSL wireless router, even existing customers can upgrade to the option and receive a free wireless router if you agree to renew your contract for a further 12 months, not a bad deal considering these products if purchased in the high street could fetch anywhere in the region of £50 to £80!
So all in all in terms of ease of use and of course price, I highly recommend tiscali wireless broadband when looking for a wireless option to connect to the internet.
An on-line marketer, reviewer and product researcher, testing product, services http://www.internet-connection.org.uk/wireless-ea and potential ways to make an extra income online.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martyn_Haskins
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
Broadband Providers - Source of Information in a Quick Span of Time
Internet is becoming one of the essential possessions in our life, as it connects us with the entire world without going out anywhere. It has carried a great revolution in the life and made it quite easier. Now you can get the latest information about the world in a quick span of time with the help of a good broadband facility on your laptop or personal computer. Internet is almost serving all our obligatory and latest information and queries within a few second, so everyone in the world together with students, teenagers, housewife and businessmen are passionate from top to bottom and dependent on the internet.
On the other hand, it is merely cost-effective and expensive in the case, if we are getting the Internet on time and on high-speed. Therefore, in the present time, the named Broadband is becoming dominant, trustworthy and pleasing by everyone and it provides you high-speed internet at any moment. So, in this engrossing world, the broadband providers are offering high-speed internet whether the end user is a residence user or a business user that means the broadband has become essential for everyone in day-to-day life.
There are extensive arrays of broadband service providers in the market and you will be quite confusing in choosing the exact option of broadband providers. They are providing a range of striking plans and services to the end users. And some of the well-known broadband service industries in the UK are Homecall broadband, Virgin Broadband, Wanadoo Broadband, BT Broadband, AOL Broadband and a lot more.
These corporations are receiving the brand named, as they are providing immense deals on their services and they are really making the broadband internet the most trusted way of connecting your world. All the above providers are having their exceptional excellence in their own way. And the best way to get the best deal from these providers is by evaluating their amenities. As a result, if you want to know more details regarding the best broadband providers, you can visit several online vendors, which helps you in getting the best Broadband deal.
Steve Wilson is associated with Cheap Broadband Deals. He holds a bachelor degree in electronics and telecommunication from Oxford University. To know more about broadband service providers broadband offers, best broadband providers, cheap broadband deals visit http://www.cheapbroadbanddeals.org.uk/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_S_Wilson
On the other hand, it is merely cost-effective and expensive in the case, if we are getting the Internet on time and on high-speed. Therefore, in the present time, the named Broadband is becoming dominant, trustworthy and pleasing by everyone and it provides you high-speed internet at any moment. So, in this engrossing world, the broadband providers are offering high-speed internet whether the end user is a residence user or a business user that means the broadband has become essential for everyone in day-to-day life.
There are extensive arrays of broadband service providers in the market and you will be quite confusing in choosing the exact option of broadband providers. They are providing a range of striking plans and services to the end users. And some of the well-known broadband service industries in the UK are Homecall broadband, Virgin Broadband, Wanadoo Broadband, BT Broadband, AOL Broadband and a lot more.
These corporations are receiving the brand named, as they are providing immense deals on their services and they are really making the broadband internet the most trusted way of connecting your world. All the above providers are having their exceptional excellence in their own way. And the best way to get the best deal from these providers is by evaluating their amenities. As a result, if you want to know more details regarding the best broadband providers, you can visit several online vendors, which helps you in getting the best Broadband deal.
Steve Wilson is associated with Cheap Broadband Deals. He holds a bachelor degree in electronics and telecommunication from Oxford University. To know more about broadband service providers broadband offers, best broadband providers, cheap broadband deals visit http://www.cheapbroadbanddeals.org.uk/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_S_Wilson
Tuesday, 5 August 2008
Advantages of a Broadband DSL Internet Connection
Anyone who has switched from a dial-up modem to broadband DSL knows the advantages of DSL internet access. The differences between the two are truly astounding. When people begin surfing the internet using broadband DSL after struggling with a dial-up modem, they never want to go back to a slow and often unreliable dial-up connection.
Broadband DSL connection speeds vary, but the average DSL connection rate ranges on average between 128 kilobits per second all the way up to 1.54 megabits per second. Typical dial-up modems can't even come close to reaching typical broadband DSL speeds.
The remarkable speed of broadband DSL has made internet use more convenient, and DSL has improved the quality of many existing online activities such as shopping, banking, downloading audio and video, and gaming. Besides a notable increase in connection speed and website navigation, with broadband DSL, internet users are always connected to the world wide web.
DSL provides valuable information and online activities that remain just a few keystrokes away.
Broadband DSL saves money as well as valuable time. Broadband DSL eliminates the need for additional phone lines. People using broadband DSL are able to talk on the phone while browsing the net, and all computers within a household can surf the web independently with the use of wireless routers.
Security is another plus for broadband DSL users. Broadband DSL subscribers use their own private telephone lines to make contact with their DSL service provider. Cables and lines are not shared by other internet subscribers, and therefore user access is private and very secure.
Broadband DSL is constantly improving as new technology is discovered and implemented. When considering the cost of broadband DSL versus the cost of dial-up, there is no comparison. The benefits of broadband DSL are immeasurable. Broadband DSL is truly the solution for businesses and consumers wanting quick and reliable internet connectivity.
Robert Thatcher is a freelance author based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and contributes on a regular basis to FreeNetPublishing.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Thatcher
Broadband DSL connection speeds vary, but the average DSL connection rate ranges on average between 128 kilobits per second all the way up to 1.54 megabits per second. Typical dial-up modems can't even come close to reaching typical broadband DSL speeds.
The remarkable speed of broadband DSL has made internet use more convenient, and DSL has improved the quality of many existing online activities such as shopping, banking, downloading audio and video, and gaming. Besides a notable increase in connection speed and website navigation, with broadband DSL, internet users are always connected to the world wide web.
DSL provides valuable information and online activities that remain just a few keystrokes away.
Broadband DSL saves money as well as valuable time. Broadband DSL eliminates the need for additional phone lines. People using broadband DSL are able to talk on the phone while browsing the net, and all computers within a household can surf the web independently with the use of wireless routers.
Security is another plus for broadband DSL users. Broadband DSL subscribers use their own private telephone lines to make contact with their DSL service provider. Cables and lines are not shared by other internet subscribers, and therefore user access is private and very secure.
Broadband DSL is constantly improving as new technology is discovered and implemented. When considering the cost of broadband DSL versus the cost of dial-up, there is no comparison. The benefits of broadband DSL are immeasurable. Broadband DSL is truly the solution for businesses and consumers wanting quick and reliable internet connectivity.
Robert Thatcher is a freelance author based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and contributes on a regular basis to FreeNetPublishing.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Thatcher
Monday, 4 August 2008
Understand the Different Types of Broadband Internet
The FCC defines broadband internet access as transmitting data at speeds over 200 kilobits per second. Broadband access or simply broadband internet is a high speed internet connection data transmission by availing DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) or cable modem. DSL and cable modem are the normal technologies availed for internet in most areas. Its technological performance is improved continually with the advent of twisted telephone lines and fiber optic connection.
Relative to dial-up, broadband is much higher quality and has much to offer including exciting streaming video, VoIP, games and other interactive facilities. This is possible as broadband is a high speed data transmission thus transports more information to users. Broadband also offer an 'always' connected internet access. Once the computer is on, the internet is linked immediately.
Broadband internet services
Broadband services should change the way webs are surfed. It transforms page browsing capabilities by offering faster rate of download of graphics and other complicated built-in features that could despoil or slow down our modem or connection. It is also maximize viewing experiences by sustaining crisp and clear with all the original features. The type of internet services can change our way of surfing the web. It works by changing and transforming our page browsing capabilities by giving us a faster rate of download on all page graphics and other complicated built-in features that could depredate or slow down modem or connection. If we are not excited by broadband Internet services, it simply implies we are not enjoying everything that is offered by the Internet.
Experiencing broadband internet services on our home computer is sure to think of this article and what it meant to the whole process. Perhaps without this information you would still be peering through the looking glass at a better world of internet services without having any brainstormed ideas on how to unlock some internet services. Start to enjoy life better today and make the call to a qualified professional that offering you a solid broadband services packages. The service should be a thumb up!
Broadband internet services is offering superb viewing experience by bearing pages that come in crisp and clear with all of the required colours. Irresolution only means that we are wasting precious internet surfing quality time and we may elude a lot of important information. We never know what might be eluded. Dealing with broadband services, the priority is the rapid download available. This big component can simply make your internet experience better and more efficient. In terms of spending time, more enjoyment to the downloaded items and spend less for waiting that little bar to be filled up! The capability of a broadband connection to download faster is no secret but due to wider fusion of connection and speed that is integrated into the service. The advancements is all for you to experience.
Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit broadband internet solutions to learn more about broadband for business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cindy_Heller
Relative to dial-up, broadband is much higher quality and has much to offer including exciting streaming video, VoIP, games and other interactive facilities. This is possible as broadband is a high speed data transmission thus transports more information to users. Broadband also offer an 'always' connected internet access. Once the computer is on, the internet is linked immediately.
Broadband internet services
Broadband services should change the way webs are surfed. It transforms page browsing capabilities by offering faster rate of download of graphics and other complicated built-in features that could despoil or slow down our modem or connection. It is also maximize viewing experiences by sustaining crisp and clear with all the original features. The type of internet services can change our way of surfing the web. It works by changing and transforming our page browsing capabilities by giving us a faster rate of download on all page graphics and other complicated built-in features that could depredate or slow down modem or connection. If we are not excited by broadband Internet services, it simply implies we are not enjoying everything that is offered by the Internet.
Experiencing broadband internet services on our home computer is sure to think of this article and what it meant to the whole process. Perhaps without this information you would still be peering through the looking glass at a better world of internet services without having any brainstormed ideas on how to unlock some internet services. Start to enjoy life better today and make the call to a qualified professional that offering you a solid broadband services packages. The service should be a thumb up!
Broadband internet services is offering superb viewing experience by bearing pages that come in crisp and clear with all of the required colours. Irresolution only means that we are wasting precious internet surfing quality time and we may elude a lot of important information. We never know what might be eluded. Dealing with broadband services, the priority is the rapid download available. This big component can simply make your internet experience better and more efficient. In terms of spending time, more enjoyment to the downloaded items and spend less for waiting that little bar to be filled up! The capability of a broadband connection to download faster is no secret but due to wider fusion of connection and speed that is integrated into the service. The advancements is all for you to experience.
Cindy Heller is a professional writer. Visit broadband internet solutions to learn more about broadband for business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cindy_Heller
Friday, 1 August 2008
Is Cheap Broadband About to Go the Way of Cheap Petrol, Cheap Flights, Cheap Rice?
In the past, European competition laws restricted BT's stranglehold on telephone line access throughout the UK. There was a process known as LLU, or 'local-loop unbundling', which permitted companies to establish their own equipment in BT exchanges, paying BT part of the line rental they collected.
The outcome of this was cheaper broadband deals and lower costs all round.
Final linkBroadband providers pay to access the final link between the local exchange and your telephone, the property of BT.These are the costs which Ofcom has mooted could increase and which will most likely be carried by the consumer.
Yes, the poor old consumer may well be hit just where it hurts most - yet again.A few of the cheap broadband providers have been angered by this decision as they feel the second-rate service they get from BT's wholesale division, Openreach, doesn't justify the additional price increase.
TalkTalk, undoubtedly the UK's cheapest broadband provider, has probably been the most vocal in this regard and claims that allowing Openreach to increase costs would be damaging to competition and a backward step.
If a provider such as TalkTalk is concerned about it, does this really mean that the end of cheap broadband is on the cards?
Who will be bitten by higher broadband costs?On the positive side, there are possibly a few ways of avoiding these price increases.
Firstly, if your broadband access is via cable, from Virgin Media broadband for instance, you will definitely not be affected as cable broadband services run independently of BT's telecoms network.
That's an unusual bit of good news for Virgin Media customers then!Secondly, if you live where there are no LLU services - such as in rural areas where TalkTalk, Tiscali and others haven't seen the financial rewards in modifying your exchange yet - prices will remain the same.
Location, therefore, is all important.
It seems that price caps will only be removed in areas where competition is sufficiently robust, for instance, where there are a number of broadband providers in the same area all vying for customers.
Thirdly, you are not likely to be affected by any price increases if you are in the middle of a 12 or 18 month contract and the initial terms and conditions should continue to apply.
But, a warning - be on the look out for any amendments which your broadband provider may email to you.
Freelance broadband writer Shirley Stevens specializes in the UK telecoms and broadband industry. She writes extensively for ChooseISP.co.uk - compare broadband, which allows you to compare cheap broadband packages.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shirley_Stevens
The outcome of this was cheaper broadband deals and lower costs all round.
Final linkBroadband providers pay to access the final link between the local exchange and your telephone, the property of BT.These are the costs which Ofcom has mooted could increase and which will most likely be carried by the consumer.
Yes, the poor old consumer may well be hit just where it hurts most - yet again.A few of the cheap broadband providers have been angered by this decision as they feel the second-rate service they get from BT's wholesale division, Openreach, doesn't justify the additional price increase.
TalkTalk, undoubtedly the UK's cheapest broadband provider, has probably been the most vocal in this regard and claims that allowing Openreach to increase costs would be damaging to competition and a backward step.
If a provider such as TalkTalk is concerned about it, does this really mean that the end of cheap broadband is on the cards?
Who will be bitten by higher broadband costs?On the positive side, there are possibly a few ways of avoiding these price increases.
Firstly, if your broadband access is via cable, from Virgin Media broadband for instance, you will definitely not be affected as cable broadband services run independently of BT's telecoms network.
That's an unusual bit of good news for Virgin Media customers then!Secondly, if you live where there are no LLU services - such as in rural areas where TalkTalk, Tiscali and others haven't seen the financial rewards in modifying your exchange yet - prices will remain the same.
Location, therefore, is all important.
It seems that price caps will only be removed in areas where competition is sufficiently robust, for instance, where there are a number of broadband providers in the same area all vying for customers.
Thirdly, you are not likely to be affected by any price increases if you are in the middle of a 12 or 18 month contract and the initial terms and conditions should continue to apply.
But, a warning - be on the look out for any amendments which your broadband provider may email to you.
Freelance broadband writer Shirley Stevens specializes in the UK telecoms and broadband industry. She writes extensively for ChooseISP.co.uk - compare broadband, which allows you to compare cheap broadband packages.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shirley_Stevens
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