We no doubt live in an unpredictable environment. Earth has proven its wrath time and time again, and sadly many times we've undermined it. One thing I've learned in life is never to doubt Mother Nature. If the national hurricane center states that a massive storm is headed our way, then we all better hustle to take cover. Hey, why risk it? It's always better to be safe than sorry. Just ask the folks who fell victim to hurricane Katrina.
Not too long ago, we watched a powerful hurricane rip and roar through New Orleans. And although the national hurricane center warned our nation of this vicious weather attack, many people decided to stay in New Orleans. HUH! To this day I will never understand why they did. We all saw that there were buses offered to take folks out, who couldn't get out by vehicle or on foot. Maybe they didn't own a car or maybe they had a health condition and couldn't walk. Either way, they could have left by bus. I watched one college student on the news, who literally caught wind of the situation, packed a backpack and some water, and headed out on foot. He walked completely out of harm's way and said he had plenty of time to do so. The national hurricane center warned folks far in advance. So why again did so many people decide to stick around? I also saw some people send their children out, but they refused to go with them. This makes no sense. If the hurricane rips up your home, it's going to do so regardless of whether or not you stay there. Therefore it made sense to leave. And that's why I don't feel sorry for the people who stayed and dismissed the fair warnings. Give me a break!
We're lucky to have satellites in space that inform us of the weather headed our way. We're fortunate to have the national hurricane center telling us when to duck and cover. These are great advantages we have over Mother Nature. Technology has allowed us to predict the future almost. As for the people who choose the naive route of staying in a place that's been deemed dangerous or deadly; well that's all on them. Maybe the next time the national hurricane center hits New Orleans with a warning, they'll respond in a prudent fashion.
Monday, March 31, 2008
International Internet access
For many of us, high speed Internet access is more than an addiction – it is a way of life. If you are traveling abroad, you know the anxieties that having the potential to be disconnected from the Internet bring. Without good international Internet access, how are you going to stay in touch with people? Most of us not only depend on the Internet for our personal lives, but for our jobs as well – at least to some degree. High speed access is a necessity, almost on the order of food, clothing, and shelter.
When I went abroad to travel around Eastern Europe, I signed up for international Internet access. I figured that international Internet access was the best way to ensure that I would never be disconnected. After all, I needed to know that anywhere I want, there would be an easy way for me to get in touch with the Internet. Although a lot of companies offer Internet service transferred to your new home, few of them can actually guaranteed truly international Internet access. If you want Internet international access, you have to give up the idea that it will be high speed access. The only way to be able to get service anywhere is to go with a dial up Internet service. Even then, there will be some areas where it doesn't work.
Finding an Internet service provider that would guarantee international Internet access costs a good bit more than I would have expected – it was almost on the order of satellite Internet access. They guaranteed that, anywhere I would go, I would be able to login easily. To me, this seemed worth the expense. Nevertheless, I should have researched my options more carefully.
It turns out that international Internet access is not really necessary for many parts of the world. In Most of Eastern Europe – at least the parts where I was – I could find Wi Fi Internet access with ease. Instead of using slow, clunky Internet dial-up access, I could go to a coffee shop and check my e-mail. Needless to say, the international Internet access was a complete ripoff. Everywhere I went, there was a higher level of high speed Internet available, and it was often free. Before you panic and sign-up for international Internet access, you should take a good look at the countries you're going to. Most, if not all of them, probably offer local services that will suit your needs.
When I went abroad to travel around Eastern Europe, I signed up for international Internet access. I figured that international Internet access was the best way to ensure that I would never be disconnected. After all, I needed to know that anywhere I want, there would be an easy way for me to get in touch with the Internet. Although a lot of companies offer Internet service transferred to your new home, few of them can actually guaranteed truly international Internet access. If you want Internet international access, you have to give up the idea that it will be high speed access. The only way to be able to get service anywhere is to go with a dial up Internet service. Even then, there will be some areas where it doesn't work.
Finding an Internet service provider that would guarantee international Internet access costs a good bit more than I would have expected – it was almost on the order of satellite Internet access. They guaranteed that, anywhere I would go, I would be able to login easily. To me, this seemed worth the expense. Nevertheless, I should have researched my options more carefully.
It turns out that international Internet access is not really necessary for many parts of the world. In Most of Eastern Europe – at least the parts where I was – I could find Wi Fi Internet access with ease. Instead of using slow, clunky Internet dial-up access, I could go to a coffee shop and check my e-mail. Needless to say, the international Internet access was a complete ripoff. Everywhere I went, there was a higher level of high speed Internet available, and it was often free. Before you panic and sign-up for international Internet access, you should take a good look at the countries you're going to. Most, if not all of them, probably offer local services that will suit your needs.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Satellite Television Service - Direct TV Or Dish TV
At first glance DIRECTV an DISH Network satellite TV service look pretty similar. But there are differences you should be aware of. Here's a comparison of DIRECTV and DISH Network's services.
Programming
DIRECTV has 265 satellite TV channels, while DISH Network has 355 channels. These channels run the gamut of entertainment including network channels, movie channels, sports channels, news and weather channels, special interest channels, and international channels.
DIRECTV prices start at $29.99 a month for 45 channels, which includes local channels - ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and The CW channel. DISH Network prices start at $19.99 a month for 40 channels, and local channels are $5 a month extra.
Movie Channels
Both companies offer 31 movie channels from HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz. Package prices start at $11.99 a month for 10 Showtime channels and go up to $14.99 a month for 8 HBO channels.
Pay-Per-View Service
With pay-per-view you can have a recently-released movie sent to your receiver so can watch a movie without having to go to a video store to get it. DIRECTV features 60 movies per month, plus sports and special events, with prices starting at $3.99 per movie. DISH Network features 75 movies per month, plus sports and special events, with prices starting at $3.99 per movie.
Music Channels
DIRECTV offers 73 XM satellite radio channels, while DISH Network offers 52 of their own music channels plus 60 Sirius satellite radio channels. Both company's music channels are commercial free and are broadcast in digital audio for CD quality sound.
Equipment
Both satellite TV companies will give you a free 4-room satellite TV system, including installation, when you order one of their program packages. You also have the option of getting a free HD receiver so you can watch your shows in high def, or a free DVR receiver so you can record your shows. You can even get a combination HD/DVR receiver.
Customer Service
If you experience problems with your system, or just have questions on how to use it, both companies have a 24-hour toll-free customer hotline and an online customer service feature so you can get help when you need it.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to equipment, DIRECTV and DISH Network's dishes and receivers are similar in quality and design. However, I find DISH Network's remote and their program guide to be a little more user friendly than DIRECTV's.
When it comes to programming, DIRECTV has the most sports channels, including th popular NFL Sunday Ticket, while DISH Network offers the most movies, music, international channels, and pay-per-view movies.
DIRECTV has slightly more HD (high definition) channels, but DISH Network is catching up.
Programming
DIRECTV has 265 satellite TV channels, while DISH Network has 355 channels. These channels run the gamut of entertainment including network channels, movie channels, sports channels, news and weather channels, special interest channels, and international channels.
DIRECTV prices start at $29.99 a month for 45 channels, which includes local channels - ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and The CW channel. DISH Network prices start at $19.99 a month for 40 channels, and local channels are $5 a month extra.
Movie Channels
Both companies offer 31 movie channels from HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, and Starz. Package prices start at $11.99 a month for 10 Showtime channels and go up to $14.99 a month for 8 HBO channels.
Pay-Per-View Service
With pay-per-view you can have a recently-released movie sent to your receiver so can watch a movie without having to go to a video store to get it. DIRECTV features 60 movies per month, plus sports and special events, with prices starting at $3.99 per movie. DISH Network features 75 movies per month, plus sports and special events, with prices starting at $3.99 per movie.
Music Channels
DIRECTV offers 73 XM satellite radio channels, while DISH Network offers 52 of their own music channels plus 60 Sirius satellite radio channels. Both company's music channels are commercial free and are broadcast in digital audio for CD quality sound.
Equipment
Both satellite TV companies will give you a free 4-room satellite TV system, including installation, when you order one of their program packages. You also have the option of getting a free HD receiver so you can watch your shows in high def, or a free DVR receiver so you can record your shows. You can even get a combination HD/DVR receiver.
Customer Service
If you experience problems with your system, or just have questions on how to use it, both companies have a 24-hour toll-free customer hotline and an online customer service feature so you can get help when you need it.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to equipment, DIRECTV and DISH Network's dishes and receivers are similar in quality and design. However, I find DISH Network's remote and their program guide to be a little more user friendly than DIRECTV's.
When it comes to programming, DIRECTV has the most sports channels, including th popular NFL Sunday Ticket, while DISH Network offers the most movies, music, international channels, and pay-per-view movies.
DIRECTV has slightly more HD (high definition) channels, but DISH Network is catching up.
Advantages Of Satellite Broadband Services
Satellite Broadband is another form of wireless broadband that is most useful for remote areas. It is available anywhere even those areas where cable internet and DSL are not available. It is available worldwide which includes ships at sea and always on the go mobile land automobiles. This kind of broadband, offers connectivity to the home, office, business or even government agency. Satellites are not just there orbiting earth for telephone and television service - they also provide links for broadband.
The following factors affect broadband through satellite means: provider and service package purchased, consumer's line of sight to the orbiting satellite and the weather. The speed may be slower than that of a DSL or cable modem, but download speed is much faster about 10 times faster. Of course, this can change depending on the weather conditions.
So the advantages of using satellite broadband are faster surfing, downloads and instant email access All these without tying up the phone line. No need to dial or wait for internet access, satellite broadband give an instant online connection.
At this moment, satellite broadband has already partnered with phone companies to keep it alive since they are no match for the cable companies now. That would mean a troubled future if they can't increase their patrons. However, even if it has limited market for now, investments today could lead to improvements that may keep satellite services existing in the future. Satellite companies will reintroduce broadband services this summer. Their target consumers are rural customers that are being ignored by cable and DSL providers.
Satellite Broadband still has a long way to go to be at par with cable and DSL pioneers. With their plan to start in areas where there are no competitors specifically the rural market, they still have a chance to survive and to be able to succeed in the broadband business.
The following factors affect broadband through satellite means: provider and service package purchased, consumer's line of sight to the orbiting satellite and the weather. The speed may be slower than that of a DSL or cable modem, but download speed is much faster about 10 times faster. Of course, this can change depending on the weather conditions.
So the advantages of using satellite broadband are faster surfing, downloads and instant email access All these without tying up the phone line. No need to dial or wait for internet access, satellite broadband give an instant online connection.
At this moment, satellite broadband has already partnered with phone companies to keep it alive since they are no match for the cable companies now. That would mean a troubled future if they can't increase their patrons. However, even if it has limited market for now, investments today could lead to improvements that may keep satellite services existing in the future. Satellite companies will reintroduce broadband services this summer. Their target consumers are rural customers that are being ignored by cable and DSL providers.
Satellite Broadband still has a long way to go to be at par with cable and DSL pioneers. With their plan to start in areas where there are no competitors specifically the rural market, they still have a chance to survive and to be able to succeed in the broadband business.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Satellite Internet System With Wireless Network
Satellite Internet access is the only reliable answer for the more than 30 million people that want to go wireless but still can't receive high speed Internet access through DSL or cable broadband. There are many advantages of going wireless when you are using an internet service. It's much easier to network your home or office computers with this system. One of the greatest benefits of wireless access is that you are no longer attached to a router with a cable. You can move your desktop or laptop computer anywhere around your office or home within the broadcast range of the wireless router. One of the other major benefits is the fact that multiple computers can access the internet at the same time. The entire office staff or members of your family can have simultaneous internet access. Many people that work from home or run home-based businesses prefer wireless access. Imagine a work day spent lounging by the pool while you tap away on your keyboard from the comfort of your favorite deck chair.
After subscribing to satellite service for internet access, you need to purchase a wireless router and hook it up to the satellite modem. Satellite services are normally broadband services. For the most part these work seamlessly with wireless networking equipment that has most often been used to create wireless networks for land based broadband internet services. The next step to take is to outfit your computer with a wireless networking card if did not already come with the built in capability.
Once you have your Satellite Internet system has been set up and tested by an installation technician you will be ready to connect your wireless network. You can now connect your satellite internet modem to the router by following the instructions that came with the router. The router will then begin to transmit signals to your desktop or laptop computer via infrared signals. You will need to configure your router according the instructions that came with your router. Once this is done, you are free to start surfing the internet with no strings (or wires) attached.
Benefits Of Handheld Satellite Phone Service
To many people the concept of the uses and benefits of a satellite phone may be something new. These marvels of technology simply work in places where regular mobile phones won't.
This means that using a cell phone on the streets, at your workplace, home and even when you go abroad are quite normal, however cell phones cannot be used in the most remote places like when at sea, on mountains, on a desert and other remote places. In such places, coverage for the normal cell phone is limited or non-existent and these are the places where satellite phones work their magic.
Satellite phone send and receive calls via orbiting satellite technology. As you can imagine building up a service to cover most of the earth's surface with a clear reception is a very technologically challenging and expensive project. That is why most service providers charge a fairly steep rate per minute for voice and data communications. Though it may seem feasible for everyone to use these instead of cell phones, there are some disadvantages that have to be considered. The main disadvantage is related to its coverage and the fact that it does not work indoors at all. Satellite phones have bad coverage near tall buildings too or in bad weather. This means that they cannot be taken with you into building, shopping centers or even be used at home.
Another disadvantage of them is that they are relatively larger than cell phones and difficult to carry with you when you go shopping, although recent years handsets became very popular and more and more retailers are offering these relatively smaller mobile units. The best place to use satellite phones is on trips to remote places like the desert, forests, seas or when you go mountain climbing as regular cell phones don't work in such locations.
Although handheld units are very convenient to carry with you, it's very common to have dropped calls every now and then. If you need the better voice quality and longer call duration you will need more powerful antennas or larger units. Most satellite phones includes incoming phone number and voicemail with indicator which helps in situations where the phone does not ring due to low signal strength. Due to the rotation of satellites, or decreased coverage due to clouds or other obstacles, incoming calls will not always ring the phone, but caller may leave voicemail for callback. Even with all the negative aspects of them it's the most ideal communication tool for travelers, hunters, adventure seekers and business people who need the most portable and economical solution.
You not only maintain contact with family and friends on remote trips, it proves to be very handy when in emergencies. You never know when something bad happens to you while you go on a trip. Wherever you may be, as long as there is a clear line of sight to the sky, you will receive coverage and you can make emergency calls if you need to. People who go on frequent adventures in remote places and the sea should buy or rent a satellite phone. The cost of the calls can be pricey, but the more minutes you buy the cheaper your rates will be. However if you are going for a 'one time adventure', instead of buying a phone, it is better for you to rent one. The daily rental rates range from $9 to about $15 a day and the longer you rent the phone the cheaper your rates will be.
There are many brands of for you to choose from network providers such as Thuraya, Iridium or Globalstar satellite phones. However remember that the cost of satellite phones, and the per minute charges are much higher than using regular mobile phone. So it is better to compare features, rental rates and minute charges and than decide if it is better for you to rent or buy before you head out on your next dream vacation or business trip.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)