The biggest threat to the security of home computers is the ignorance of the people who operate them and their blatant nonchalance even in the face of proven facts. The virus writers and hackers are making a beeline for the unassuming, no-face home computers with their lax or no security options at all, and all for good reason.

•    They want to steal your passwords and account information. Even if you don’t store them on your computer, they use spyware to read information that you type or send over an unsecure site. 
•    They want to take control over your system. With your high speed Internet connection and your always-on computer, these crooks use your hardware to propagate attacks on other computers. Your computer becomes what’s known as a zombie under their control, with the hackers using it to hide their true location from the long arm of the law. And it’s not just your system that’s been usurped – it’s just one among thousands that have been hijacked and leveraged to commit cyber crimes.

So how do these people take over your system?

•    When you click on a link in an email sent to you by someone you either know or don’t know. This action takes you to another site where a program is automatically downloaded onto your system. This malware hides behind legitimate software applications and works in the background to steal your information or use your computer to send out spam messages to people on your contact list. They in turn may click the link thinking that it’s from as trusted source, and the chain of computers that are on the zombie list grows longer and longer.
•    When you are not regular with system updates and patches. This leaves your computer vulnerable to attacks when you’re online, and hackers use this hole to gain entry and install their malicious software which creates further holes for them to continue to access your system even after you’ve plugged the original holes.
•    When you download applications that are not from trusted sources. The malware is hidden inside these executable files and makes itself comfortable on your system once the download is complete.

How can you protect yourself?

•    By installing anti-virus software and spyware and keeping them updated.
•    By making sure your system updates and patches are up to date.
•    By setting passwords sensibly and not leaving them written down somewhere.
•    By not clicking on links that come in emails.
•    By not providing personal and sensitive information in reply to emails that seem to originate from your bank or credit card provider.
•    By installing a software firewall and using a router with a built-in hardware firewall.
•    By protecting your WiFi network with adequate encryption so that it cannot be hacked.
•    By being cautious about the programs and applications you download from the Internet.

Tips

Follow these tips to tweak your computer for better performance.

1. Turn off visual effects: Adjust your visual effects to deliver the best peformance instead of eye candy.
2. Remove temporary Internet files: If you visit a lot of different webpages, you’ll have a huge cache built up from the files your browser saves. Wipe these out to save some space.
3. Lock down your browser: Disable the downloading of unsafe ActiveX controls, active scripting, and scripting of Java applets.
4. Keep your PC in a cool place: If your PC becomes too hot, you may find that your performance suffers.
5. Avoid keeping multiple users logged in: Keeping more than one or two users logged in to WindowsXP or Vista will steal RAM from the current user.
6. Disable automatic startup for programs: Get into msconfig and uncheck all of the programs that you don’t need to start immediately when your computer starts up. ProcessLibrary.org offers a lot of helpful information for determining unnecessary programs.
7. Adjust your startup timeout: Make Windows load up faster by changing your startup timeout settings.
8. Clean off dust: Clean your computer with compressed air to blow out dust and keep your machine clean and cool.
9. Delete downloaded program files: Files like Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets can often be deleted without troubles.
10. Get a better graphics card: Make video and visual effects move more efficiently across your screen with an upgraded graphics card.
11. Install more RAM: Get more random access memory, and your computer will have more speed to work with.
12. Buy a larger hard disk drive: Free up more space by getting a larger hard disk to work with.
13. Turn off Active Desktop: In Windows, Active Desktop will turn your desktop into a webpage, offering neat little tools like a calendar, weather, and stocks, at the cost of performance.
14. Compress your files: Use a "zipping" utility to store archives with a smaller footprint.
15. Remove programs you don’t use: Have you downloaded a program, used it once, and forgotten all about it? Delete programs like these and you’ll free up space on your hard disk.
16. Clean out your registry: Windows stores information about your programs in the registry, and this area can get cluttered, so be sure to clean it out on a regular basis.
17. Get your Start Menu to load faster: Edit your MenuShowDelay to get faster access to your Start Menu items.
18. Perform regular maintenance: Stay on top of updates, disk and hardware health, and cleanup so that you won’t have to worry about constant slowdowns.
19. Tweak your Page File: Turn up the available RAM in your Paging File to get more performance.
20. Turn off error reporting: Save your computer the trouble of sending information and turn off error reporting.
21. Eliminate disk errors: Runprograms like Microsoft’s Error Checking utility to scan your hard drive and repair errors.
22. Stay up to date on drivers and other Windows updates: Be sure to always have the latest patches for safer, faster computer use.
23. Disable Taskbar Button Grouping: Find your windows faster and easier by avoiding taskbar grouping.
24. Run an up to date antivirus: A bad virus on your computer can steal lots of resources and freeze up your system, so be sure to use a good antivirus and keep it updated.
25. Remove unwanted items in the Sent To menu: Cut down on your options in the Send To menu to make it load faster.
26. Empty your Windows prefetch folder: Clean out your C:\Windows\Prefetch folder on a regular basis.
27. End unresponsive programs immediately: If your computer does not terminate unresponsive programs immediately after you click on "End Task," reset your value for this action to 1000.
28. Empty your Recycle Bin: When was the last time you cleaned out your Recycle bin. Free up some space by wiping it out.
29. Protect yourself against spyware: Install utilities that help prevent spyware infections to keep your personal information and computer’s performance safe. You can also manually identify and delete spyware by checking out SpywareGuide.
30. Turn off automatic network folder and printers search: If you’re having trouble with a slow loading My Computer window, turn off the option to automatically search for network folders and printers.
31. Update your device drivers: Make sure you have the latest software for all of your devices by visiting the manufacturer’s website.
32. Tweak game performance levels: Put an end to power-sucking games by setting your performance levels lower.
33. Get rid of components you don’t use: If you use alternative programs, or just find that you don’t get a lot of use out of pre-installed components, just remove them.
34. Pay attention to the Windows Experience Index: Check out a software’s Windows Experience Index score to consider how well it will work with your system.

Tools

Put these software tools to work, and you’ll have automated resources for making your computer faster.

35. SnoopFree Privacy Shield: Keep spies away with this tool that prevents keyloggers and other spyware.
36. WinPatrol: Get tighter control over your performance as well as protection against nasties like viruses and malware from WinPatrol.
37. Lavasoft Ad-Aware: Ad-Aware will help prevent Adware from being installed on your computer and slowing down your system.
38. Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool: Get rid of malicious software with this free Windows tool.
39. DiskMagic: Use DiskMagik to defragment, rearrange, and reprioritize the order of your drive’s files for faster access.
40. Advanced System Optimizer: With this tool, you’ll be able to optimize your Windows system for higher performance.
41. Speedtest: Use this website to find out how fast your PC’s broadband connection is.
42. TuneUp Utilities: Automate cleanup, customize Windows, and increase your computer’s performance with this set of tools.
43. StartUp Delayer: Set a start time for programs to load after Windows boots, and give your system an easier time getting started.
44. Spybot Search & Destroy: Spybot will zap any spyware that threatens to steal your computer’s resources.
45. SuperSpeed XP: XP users will love this tool that allows you to make the most out of your memory.
46. System Mechanic: This mechanic utility will speed up your internet connection, clean files, and clear your cache.
47. Audit My PC Internet Speed Test: Find out if you’re getting the fastest Internet connection possible with this speed test.
48. HijackThis: Stop hijackers from taking over your browser and computer by using this program.
49. Disk Defragmenter: Run Disk Defragmenter to consolidate fragmented files and folders to speed up reading and writing on your disk.
50. Bandwidth Meter Speed Test: CNET’s speed test will check your Internet connection against top services to tell you how good your connection is.
51. MemTurbo: With MemTurbo, you’ll be able to optimize your memory and manage your computer’s cache.
52. CCleaner: Remove unused files from your system and protect your privacy with this incredibly fast tool.
53. Seagate SeaTools: With SeaTools, you’ll be able to monitor and diagnose the health of your hard drive and disk drives.
54. Disk Defrag: Get fast optimization of your hard disk, plus a report after each session.
55. StartupList: StartupList will give you an all-emcompassing list of auto-starting programs on your computer, and help you disable the ones you don’t need.
56. Mmm: This program, called Mmm, will clean up your right click context menu so that it will load faster.
57. Drive Fitness Test: Run the Drive Fitness Test to determine how well your drive is operating.
58. Boost Speed: Use this program to clean up your disks, registry, and tweak Windows into its peak performance.
59. MyUninstaller: If you’re frustrated with the slowness of your Windows Add/Remove Programs utility, check out this alternative that works a lot faster.
60. Wincontig: With this stand-alone defragmentation tool, you can quickly defrag files without having to defragment your whole disk.
61. Memtest86+: This freeware testing tool will alert you to memory failures so that you can get the most out of your computer’s memory.
62. BugOff: BugOff is a small app that disables some of the most common exploits used by browser hijackers.
63. ReadyBoost: Windows ReadyBoost offers a way to use flash memory, like that of a USB drive to improve overall RAM on your PC.
64. Contig: Operate this defragmenting tool from the command line, and use it to defrag a single file.
65. Defraggler: Defragment your PC with speed using this program.
66. Uptimer: Constantly monitor your free RAM, disk space, CPU usage and more in this bar that sits at the top of your screen.
67. SpeedUpMyPC: Find out what your PC’s problems are with a free scan from this software maker.
68. Windows Memory Diagnostic: Run this diagnostic tool to find errors in your computer’s RAM.
69. PageDefrag: PageDefrag will defrag your Windows page file, registry hives, event log files, and hibernation files.
70. Your Uninstaller: This replacement to the Windows Add/Remove program offers a drag and drop way to remove unnecessary applications from your computer.
71. AVG Free: AVG offers free antivirus and antispyware software for Windows users.
72. Disk Cleanup: On Windows computers, you can use Disk Cleanup to reclaim space and rid yourself of unnecessary files.
73. Registry First Aid: Fix all of the incorrect registry entries left over from installing and uninstalling software by using this registry fixer.
74. Brute Force Uninstaller: With this program, you can be sure that uninstalled programs are completely wiped out.
75. Avast!: Trust your computer to this useful free antivirus software.
76. MemScope: MemScope’s memory testing offers an extensive diagnostic for your computer’s memory.
77. DefragMentor Lite CL: Defragment a single file or group of files at once using DefragMentor.

Articles & Advice

Check out these articles to get lots of information for making your computer work more efficiently.

78. How to Make Your PC Run Faster and Better: In this article, you’ll find a wealth of detailed information for speeding up your computer.
79. Does adding more RAM to your computer make it faster?: Read this article for useful advice about adding RAM for better system performance.
80. Speed Up Windows: Tips and Tools: In this About guide, you’ll learn about a number of tweaks you can use to make your XP or Vista computer faster.
81. 5 ways to speed up your PC: Microsoft recommends a few useful ways to streamline your PC.
82. Make Your Computer Faster: This video from MetaCafe offers an easy guide to disabling unecessary startup items and more.
83. Top 10 Ways to Speed Up Your Computer: Read this guide for small tweaks and maintenance you can perform on your computer.
84. How to Speed Up Your Computer Without Buying a New One: Here you’ll learn about a number of painless solutions for making your computer work more efficiently.
85. 10 Quick Fixes to Make Your Windows Computer Faster: Read this article to find some easy ways to create a faster Windows experience.
86. How to Make Your PC Run Faster: Check out this video to find out how to optimize your system.
87. How to Make Your Computer Faster: This article offers more than 25 different ways to get a faster computer.
88. How To: Speed Up Your Computer: Follow these six beginner-friendly steps to a faster computer.
89. Helpful Hints: Speed Up Your PC: Follow the 10 steps laid out in this guide to make your computer work a lot faster.
90. Top 7 Ways to Speed Up Your Computer: This guide from About.com offers steps and screen shots for making your computer work faster.
91. Make Your Computer Faster: This video quickly and easily runs through a handful of ways you can improve your system performance.
92. Freeware to Speed Up Your Computer: Check out this guide that offers a number of different freeware solutions for speeding up your computer.
93. Slow Computer? Speed Up Your PC By Disabling Unnecessary Windows Services: This article explains how you can disable unnecessary Windows services and make your computer faster.
94. Make Your PC Run Faster: In this article, you’ll learn about some of the causes behind slow PCs and what you can do about it.

Books

This list connects you to reviews and purchasing information for books that can help you streamline your computer.

95. Speed Up Your Computer: Upgrade Hardware, Optimize Your PC, Even Boot Up Faster!: Follow this book’s seven step approach to tweak your hardware, OS, and more to get your computer up to speed.
96. Simple Computer Tune-Up: Speed Up Your PC: Read this guide to learn how to use PC Pitstop’s Optimize tool to get better performance out of your PC.
97. Windows Vista Timesaving Techniques for Dummies: This Dummies book has useful tips for optimizing your computer, finding files fast, and customizing Vista to make it more convenient for the way you work.
98. Easy Steps to Speed Up Windows XP: This guide is aimed at users who have owned a Windows XP machine for some time, and are ready to make it work faster.
99. The Healthy PC: Preventive Care and Home Remedies for Your Computer: Read The Healthy PC to learn strategies that will help keep your computer running fast.
100. Cyber Savers: Tips and Tricks for Today’s Drowning Computer User: Check out Sandy Berger’s book to learn how to make computing faster and easier.

Anti-Virus

Some viruses are designed to allow hackers to harvest your personal information and take control of your computer. Put a stop to that with these helpful anti-virus programs.

1. AVG Anti-Virus: Created in 1991, this anti-virus program provides users with regular updates, spyware detection, email scam protection and phishing alerts.
2. BitDefender: Those in search of a good on-demand virus scanner may want to check out this free option. While it doesn’t have always-on capabilities, it will help you find any viruses that are lurking on your system.
3. A-Squared: This malware scanner will alert you of dangers like trojan horses, backdoors, worms, viruses, keyloggers and more. Users should be aware, however, that it only works with IE, so if you use Firefox another program may work better.
4. Command on Demand Scanner: Check out this program for a simple-to-use online virus checker that works within IE.
5. ESET Online Scanner: Make sure your computer is avoiding the worst virus infections by using this helpful Internet Explorer-based scanner.
6. Freedom Online Virus Check: This online virus scanner works within both Firefox and IE, and allows users to keep their computers free of potential harmful viruses and malware.
7. Avast!: This anti-virus program uses an MP3 player-like interface to allow users to scan their computers and email for viruses and spyware. Newer versions of the program have introduced P2P and IM protection as well.
8. Avira AntiVir: Avira has consistently been ranked among one of the best free anti-virus programs and comes with regular updates and a variety of scanning options. One drawback, however, is the intrusive ads that pop up when the program updates.
9. Rising Antivirus: This program is fairly new on the market and allows users free access to virus scans of their computers as well as email protection and a variety of other features.
10. Panda ActiveScan: If you don’t want to install a whole anti-virus program and just want to double check a file on your computer, try this online virus scanner from Panda Security.

Spyware

Keep annoying spyware from tracking what you do on the Internet with these free applications.

11. Ad-Aware: By far the most popular of the free anti-spyware software, this program makes it easy to keep up with updates, scan your computer and remove unwanted programs.
12. Ewido Networks Anti-Spyware: Use this online scanner to determine if your computer is infected with malware. You’ll get protection and you won’t have to pay or install a thing to do it.
13. Spybot Search and Destroy: This spyware detection tool works exceptionally well and won’t cost you a thing to use. Windows users can run the program to locate harmful spyware, trojans, keyloggers and more.
14. Windows Defender: You can get Windows Defender free from Microsoft if you can verify you’re running a legal version of Windows XP. You’ll then be able to scan for harmful spyware and malware that could be bogging down your computer and sharing your private information.
15. Max Secure Spyware Detector: Try this program to get rootkit, keylogger and heuristic protection in addition to a speedy spyware scanning program.
16. SUPER Anti-Spyware: This program is easy to install and use and provides good protection against a wide variety of internet threats.
17. SpywareBlaster: With this tool, you’ll be able to prevent ActiveX-based spyware from installing itself on your computer and block cookies from sites that use them to track your browsing habits.
18. Spyware Guard: This program keeps running behind the scenes to give you real-time protection from spyware and browser hijacking.
19. HiJack This!: With HiJack This you’ll be able to manually search and find spyware on your computer, and it is better designed to suit the needs of those who have a good knowledge of computers and how spyware functions.
20. a2 Free: With a2 you’ll be able to manually scan your computer to detect harmful programs and cookies that contain trojans, malware, dialers, worms, sniffers and more.
21. STOPzilla: This program has tested well and was found to block nearly all spyware, so give it a try when working to protect your computer.
22. Perfect Process: Check out this program for easy to operate protection from a variety of spyware, malware and other internet junk that can clutter your system.
23. Who’s Watching Me?: Feel like your computer is being watched by someone? You can get access to this free program to find out just who, if anyone, is spying on your private information.
24. PrivacyKeyboard: Try installing this program to protect yourself from spyware and malware and also dangerous keylogging programs designed to keep track of what you’re typing.
25. Arovax Shield: Get real-time protection from spyware and malware by using this program, which runs quietly in the background to keep your computer and information safe.

Vulnerability Scanners

Find out what security weaknesses your computer, website or network has with these tools.

26. MBSA: MBSA, or Microsoft Baseline Security Adviser, can give you the tools you need to determine if your IT infrastructure is really secure. It can identify missing security updates and will give you suggestions for increasing your security.
27. Nessus: Perhaps one of the best vulnerability scanners, this program explores and maps out your network for any potential weaknesses that could allow attackers into your systems.
28. Nikto: This web server scanner will perform a variety of tests including searching for thousands of harmful files and version specific problems over hundreds of servers.
29. Paros Proxy: Just developing a new web app? Use this program to determine how vulnerable it might be to attackers.
30. HFNetChk: Use this program to identify and fix what security patches and updates you may be in need of to keep your computer safe.
31. Tripwire: This open source program for Linux makes it easy to monitor changes to small or large servers and ensure they stay safe and secure.

Spam Filters

These filters can help rid your inbox of potentially harmful spam.

32. MailWasher: This program allows you to check your email on a secure server before downloading it to your PC to ensure you’re not bringing any harmful files in with your spam.
33. xTerminator: xTerminator works similarly to MailWasher and allows users to pre-sort their email before it ever gets downloaded onto their computers.
34. SPAMFighter: Keep your Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express inbox free from potentially dangerous spam by installing and using this program.
35. CA Anti-Spam: Check out this professional grade spam blocker to protect from spam in your inbox as well as phishing attacks from websites.
36. POPFile: Try out this program to have your mail sorted before it ever gets to your inbox.
37. eXpurgate: This program from manufacturer eleven helps filter out all the junk that comes into your inbox.
38. Spamato: Spamato is one of the best free spam filters out there and will keep nearly all of that annoying spam out of your inbox and in the garbage where it belongs.
39. Spamhilator: Check out this spam filter for nearly flawless spam filtering capabilities.
40. SpamPal: This free program allows users to filter their Outlook, Outlook Express and Eudora inboxes for spam.
41. Cactus Spam Filter: Give this free program a try if you’re looking for an easy way to knock out the worst of the spam that gets into your inbox.

Encryption

Make sure your private information stays that way by checking out these encryption utilities.

42. GNU Privacy Guard: This GNU version of PGP uses a public key encryption system and is entirely free to use and modify.
43. AxCrypt: AxCrypt allows you to encrypt your files with the AES encryption algorithm and supports large file sizes, shredding of files and great command line functionality for users who need greater control.
44. dsCrypt: This easy-to-use program employs simple drag and drop features and allows users to quickly encrypt a variety of file types.
45. TrueCrypt: This helpful program allows users to encrypt entire portions or smaller container parts of their hard drives which should help keep your information safe even if your computer security is compromised.
46. Camouflage: Try out this program for file encryption that will allow you to hide your information in a picture, video or music file.
47. FreeOTFE: This on-the-fly encryption program for Windows and Linux can help you create encrypted partitions on your desktop.
48. CompuSec: If you’re looking to encrypt your entire hard disk try this program out. It can also encrypt memory sticks, disks and other removable storage devices.
49. Scramdisk 4 Linux: Check out this Linux suite of tools that help you to create Scramdisk and TrueCrypt containers.
50. Cryptainer: With this tool, you can create 25MB "containers" which will appear to Windows as separate encrypted disk drives or send encrypted emails.
51. LockNote: Secure your documents using this program which provides help encrypting and decrypting information you want to stay private.
52. File Buddy: File Buddy encrypts and decrypts your files as well as destroying the original plaintext versions. It can also be used to compress your encrypted files before you send them.
53. CCrypt: More experienced computer users will find this command line tool helpful for encryption. It works on nearly all platforms and provides encryption to any files you specify.
54. FineCrypt: This program allows you to encrypt a limited number of files (though certain types are not supported) and comes complete with a variety of other features as well.
55. S-Tools: S-Tools is encryption software that comes with additional steganographic capabilities. You can encode files in BMP, GIF and WAV format so your secret information will stay safe.
56. Pretty Good Privacy: With PGP you can encrypt your email client or just individual files and messages.

Secure Email and Chat

Keep your conversations away from prying eyes by trying out these email and chat programs designed to keep everything encrypted.

57. Sbwave Email Encryption: Go on the Web to send and receive encrypted files and mail using this program. It is intended for information that needs light to moderate encryption and shouldn’t be used to send highly confidential information.
58. Hushmail Email Encryption: This free webmail service encrypts your emails using 1024 bit encryption. Users can encrypt files as well, but there is a limit on the size of file that can be encrypted.
59. PSST Easy Encrypted Instant Messaging: Ensure that your private conversations with friends stay that way with this helpful chat encryption utility that works in Windows and Linux.
60. X-IM Free: Use this tool to encrypt the messages you send back and forth during chats.
61. OTR Messaging: OTR, or Off the Record, Messaging provides encryption and authentication for online conversations ensuring private matters stay that way.
62. WASTE: This file sharing and instant messaging software allows users to keep information for both personal and work projects confidential and away from prying eyes.

Connection Protection

Ensure your connection isn’t being compromised by utilizing one of these tools.

63. NetStumbler: Keep rogue wireless networks from harming your computer by checking out this tool. It looks for other wireless LAN networks in your area and can help you sniff out the bad guys. Especially helpful for business owners with lots of information to protect.
64. Ethereal: This open source packet sniffer can help you to troubleshoot, analyze, and monitor all the activity on your network.
65. Snort: Snort is a helpful intrusion detection and prevention system which makes it easy to detect and block a variety of attacks on your computer.
66. ThreatFire: Check out this program for an additional layer of warning that malware may be trying to attack your computer.
67. Blink Personal: This HIPS detector comes complete with a firewall which can help alert and protect you from a number of threats when you’re online.
68. System Safety Monitor: With this program you’ll be able to track the loading of device drivers, installation of programs, modifications to the start menu and more to ensure your computer stays intruder free.
69. Samurai: This program aims to harden your system from attacks and also provides HIP services which can warn you when unwanted programs are installing themselves.
70. AntiHook: Use this program to monitor what programs are launching and running on your computer, the termination of your security software, and the installation of global hooks.
71. ProcessGuard Free: To get features like protection from process termination, prevention of program modification, application execution and installation, try out this program.
72. Winsonar: Get this program to detect when new and possibly unwanted programs have started running on your computer.

Firewalls

Firewalls can be a great defense against all kinds of threats, so check out these free options to protect your computer.

73. Online Armor Free Edition: With this firewall, you’ll be able to detect leaks in your internet security within an easy to use and best of all, free, format. It contains built-in HIPS protection, keylogger detection, and fights malware attacks.
74. Comodo Personal Firewall: This fully featured firewall offers users attractive benefits like an intrusion detection system and the ability to share connections with others. Users will find their incoming and outgoing internet traffic well protected with its services.
75. PC Tools Firewall Plus: Check out this Windows-based firewall which offers a few advanced features to help you more fully filter what’s running on your computer and what’s going in and out.
76. ZoneAlarm: With ZoneAlarm you can get some basic and free protection for your computer. Users can limit what programs can access the internet, and ensure all incoming and outgoing traffic is safe.
77. Sunbelt Personal Firewall: Block harmful spyware, malware and adware with this monitoring program.
78. Guarddog: Users of Linux will find this tool helpful. It allows the modification of an existing firewall so that users can block almost all traffic except those that are explicitly allowed.
79. GhostWall: Try out this lightweight firewall to filter the traffic coming into your computer and ensure you stay protected from those who’d like to infiltrate your computer.
80. Jetico Personal Firewall: This firewall has tested extremely well in protecting users from leaks, though some may feel that the interface is difficult to navigate.
81. Firestarter: Make your Linux OS safe from intrusion by installing this firewall program. It walks users through a customization program and boasts an easy-to-use graphical interface that will let you monitor your traffic and any intrusion attempts.
82. Softperfect Personal Firewall: Softperfect’s firewall is a great solution for Windows users, and comes with features that allow filtering of IP and non-IP traffic, multiple network configurations, and a learning mode.
83. NetVeda Safety: This program offers users standard firewall features while also enabling application control and content filtering.
84. Securepoint: This program can be an easy way for Windows users to protect against intrusions into their privacy, and best of all you won’t have to pay for it.
85. Webroot Desktop Firewall: Designed to be easy-to-use for both techies and computer novices, this firewall provides traffic monitoring, PC concealment, and prevents attacks from trojans and other malware.

Anonymous Surfing

Surf the net in relative privacy by using one of these browsers or applications.

86. JonDo: This program works with your existing web browser to anonymize any surfing you do by using proxy servers, and can keep your internet wanderings secret from just about anyone.
87. Tor: Tor allows anonymous browsing and also emailing, file sharing, IMs, and IRC chat.
88. XeroBank Browser: This program is a special version of Firefox that has Tor anonymization coding and can run directly from a USB drive.
89. OperaTor: Fans of the browser Opera can take advantage of this program which combines that browser with Tor and allows it to be used on portable devices.
90. Incognito: This basic program allows users to surf the net while maintaining their privacy and security of personal information.
91. Proxify: With this program you’ll have secure anonymous surfing with features that erase cookies, scripts and ads and hides your user agent.
92. Shadow Surf: Check out this site for free anonymous Web surfing capabilities.
93. Anonymous Web Browser: If you’re in a need of a more covert browser, try this one on for size. It will erase your tracks and hide your user agent so no one will know where you have been.
94. Guardster: Try this online service for some installation-free anonymous web browsing.
95. the-cloak: With this online site you’ll be allowed to surf to other websites, destroy JavaScript code that that site may place on your pages, and remove images and cookies while preventing information about your location and computer from being transmitted to that site.
96. @noymouse: Go through this site to browse the net anonymously. You’ll just have to enter a URL, and this site will fetch the information for you.
97. StupidCensorship: Visit this site to find the help you need to keep your browsing private. It can also delete cookies and other information that can let others know where you’ve been.

Browser Protection

Make sure your browser isn’t doing anything fishy with these tools.

98. Sandboxie: This program creates a special contained "sandbox" for your PC so that as you browse your vital applications, hard drive and other computer essentials are protected from anything your browser might pick up.
99. SafeSpace: SafeSpace ensures that your truly important information stays safe on your computer by creating a special space for internet browsing. The program is easy to use and boasts an attractive interface.
100. Returnil Virtual System: If you’d like to take this protection one step further you can check out this program, which clones your entire system partition giving you a safe space to work in.

Secrecy and Encryption

Keep prying eyes and hackers at bay by encrypting e-mail messages, hiding your identity and erasing online history with these add-ons.

1. Anonymization Toolbar: Clear your online cache and history with this add on, which also lets you surf the Web with Firefox anonymously.
2. Attention Recorder: This open source add-on lets users control their Web history and other "attention data" that can be stolen by hackers.
3. Browse at Work: Visit personal profiles and other sites that may be considered taboo at the office with this add-on, which keeps your identity a secret.
4. Clear Private Data: This extension makes the "Clear Private Data" feature on Firefox more effective and easier to access.
5. FormFox 1.6.2: Discover where your information is being sent online with FormFox.
6. Temporary Inbox: Set up a temporary e-mail address and inbox with this app, which can help you avoid spam, viruses and someone tracking you to risque sites.
7. SafeHistory: Keep hackers from finding out your online history with SafeHistory.
8. SafeCache: SafeCache is a similar app that checks cookie settings and "segments the cache on the basis of the originating document, defending against web privacy attacks."
9. Gmail S/MIME 0.3.4: Create and read encrypted e-mail messages through Gmail with this app.
10. hideBad 2.0: This tool is great for surfing the Web at work and for general security purposes. hideBad "quickly closes tabs that you do not want others to see" and clears your online history.
11. PhProxy - InBasic 3.0.3B: Only your server’s IP address will show up when you visit sites, not yours.
12. Ghostfox: This app doesn’t work with MacOSX, but it can be handy tool for Windows users who want to keep their Firefox browser invisible from passers by.
13. KeyScrambler Personal: Here’s a great tool that’s unfortunately not available for MacOSX. The app encrypts your keystrokes so that passwords and other private information can’t be tracked.

Add-Ons That Beef Up Security

Give your security a serious makeover by downloading and installing the following Firefox extensions which can keep JavaScript in check, run verification reports on websites and protect against phishing attacks.

14. CallingID Link Advisor: Verify that a link is safe and secure before you visit it with this app.
15. Controle de Scripts: Customize how JavaScripts can perform on different websites with this add-on, which lets you "set what functions or properties each site can access or modify, thanks to its Security Policies implementation."
16. Cert Viewer Plus 1.3: View website certificates for verification and security purposes.
17. Dr. Web anti-virus link checker: Do a security check on files before downloading them with this tool.
18. Finjan Secure Browsing: Find out if any sites brought up in your search results are hiding malicious content with this app.
19. Interclue for Firefox: Get information about a site before you risk clicking on it with Interclue.
20. Enigform 0.8.0: This app adds GnuPG Digital Signatures to sites that ask for extra security settings.
21. JSView 2.0.4: Get source code of external files from websites with JSView.
22. Personal Anti-Phishing Sidebar: This app adds a sidebar to protect you "from spoofing and phishing attacks."
23. Secure Login 0.9.2.6: With this add-on, you can choose to safely and automatically log in to sites saved in your bookmarks, protect login data from JavaScript, avoid phishing scams, and a lot more.
24. Vital Threat Level 0.1: Learn the current threat level of the Internet with this automatic tool.

Cookies

These add-ons give you more control over viewing, editing and deleting cookies.

25. Cookie Monster: Block all cookies with this add-on, view cookies for every site you visit and automatically see cookie permissions from different sites from a popup menu.
26. Cookie Button 0.9: Install this button to get easier access to cookie permissions.
27. CookieCuller: This app gives you the option to keep or delete cookies as you choose.
28. CookieSafe 3.0.3: This popular app is downloaded to your status bar and lets you manage cookies by viewing cookies, deleting them, temporarily allowing them for different sites, and more.

Testing Your System

Let these add-ons test your browser’s security against certain vulnerabilities and leaks.

29. Access Me: This add-on tests your system to see if websites and other personal information can be accessed by third parties while you’re online.
30. External IP 0.9.9.4: With this app, you’ll be alerted if your IP address changes.
31. gladder 2.0.2.2: The gladder proxy tool "works on a customizable sites list," making it extremely popular for testing your system for security leaks.
32. SQL Inject Me 0.3.0: This app tests your system for SQL Injection vulnerabilities, which can share all kinds of private data to hackers.

Passwords

Manage tricky passwords and keep hackers guessing with these tools.

33. Password Hasher 1.0.4: This add-on helps you come up with hard-to-crack passwords, sets up different passwords for different sites and will remind you to change passwords every once in a while just for good measure.
34. Magic Password Generator: Pick a master password which will serve as a key for customized passwords you set up for individual sites.
35. Public Fox 1.05: Set up a system that blocks automatic downloads and add-ons until you type in the password.
36. PwdHash 1.5: This app automatically sets up passwords for different sites and prevents JavaScript from figuring out the passwords.

Protecting Your Privacy Online

In order to protect your privacy online, take advantage of the following Firefox add-ons that can erase your personal data, scramble tab and page titles, and more.

37. Auto Browser Closer: Set up a timer to close Firefox after five minutes to keep spying eyes away from your screen if you have to get up suddenly or think you’ll forget to close it manually.
38. iTrustPage 3.04: This app stops you from filling out suspicious web forms and will direct you to a related form that is more secure.
39. Netcraft Toolbar 1.2: Protect yourself from phishing sites, which are blocked thanks to this Firefox add-on.
40. NoScript 1.7.6: This very popular add-on lets you choose to "allow JavaScript, Java and other executable content to run only from sites you trust."
41. Page Title Eraser: If you’re at work or a coffee shop, prevent others from figuring out what site you’re on with this app.
42. Distrust: Turn on this app when you start surfing the Web. Turn it off when you’re finished, and all of your history, cache and cookies will be deleted.
43. Secure Browser 1.2: This user-friendly tool helps those less technically inclined to delete sensitive data and online history automatically.
44. SquiggleSR 0.4.7.10: This tool protects your privacy during searches and when you subscribe to RSS feeds.
45. Torbutton 1.2.0.rc6: This shortcut quickly connects users to Firefox’s Tor, which heightens security on the browser.
46. TabRenamizer: TabRenamizer is another add-on that scrambles and renames the titles on your tabs to keep your Web surfing private.
47. TrackMeNot 0.5.32: Avoid being profiled from search engine and statistics groups with this tool.
48. WOT: WOT "warns users about risky websites that try to scam visitors, deliver malware, or send spam."
49. XSS Me 0.3.0: Protect yourself against XSS vulnerabilities in various web applications.
50. BugMeNot 2.0: With this add-on, you can "bypass compulsory web registration" and get on with your online activities without sharing information.

All-in-One Services and Public Records Search

Searching through public records is easy when you turn to these free sites that connect you to databases of court records, jail records, corporate records, and more.

1. Free Public Records Finder: Search free public records by state, view corporate records, court records, criminal records and more on this site.
2. Net-Investigation.com: Search by state to look up court records on almost anyone. This site also provides a background check crash course and tutorials for how to find the most relevant information.
3. Public Record Finder: This site uses "the largest public records search database on the World Wide Web" and pours through public records from the U.S., Canada and even Mexico.
4. Abika: At Abika, you can verify licenses, do a criminal records check, find contact information, dig up marriage and divorce records, do a license plate search, trace e-mails, and more.
5. Dates and Love: Run a background check, reverse cell phone number lookup, employee screening or people search on this site for free.

Criminal Background Checks

To find out if anyone has a criminal history, perform a free criminal background check on them using one of these tools.

6. Zimbio: Here you can run a free criminal background check by searching "millions of records at blazing fast speeds."
7. CrimCheck.com: CrimCheck.com connects users to over 1,330 public records and websites to help you with your search.
8. eFindOuttheTruth.com, Inc.: If it’s your birthday, you are eligible to perform a free background check using this site’s quality search services.
9. RecordCheck.com: Conduct your search on this site, and if you don’t get any results, you won’t be charged for the search.
10. Detective Unlimited: This site connects users to a free version of the Intelius service. Results bring up addresses, lawsuits, sex offender information, property ownership, relatives, neighbors, marriage records and more.
11. Instant Background Report: Type in the name and state of the person you want to search, and you’ll find out approximate ages and cities where people who have that name live. You do have to pay for more specific information, though.
12. Direct Pass: Non-subscribers to this service receive a description of each database used in their search plus access to the public record locator.
13. Public Records Information: Search by state and county on this site and get links to investigation records, judicial organizations, sex offender registries and more.

Contact Information

Verify addresses and other contact information by going to one of these free search sites, from the White Pages to the more elusive Internet Sleuth.

14. White Pages: The White Pages is a perfectly free way to find addresses and contact information for individuals.
15. Free Address Lookup: Browse by state or just type in a name to find out where someone lives in the U.S.
16. The Search Advisor: Search the U.S. database on this site to find missing people, do a quick address verification or find your birth family.
17. Addresses.com: This website offers a White Pages search, Yellow Pages search, cell phone caller ID and e-mail lookup.
18. AnyWho: To find a person or a business through this site, you need to type in their land line phone number.
19. MelissaDATA: You can verify and look up addresses on this website, which prompts you to type in a street address, zip code or city.
20. PhoneNumber.com: Conduct a people search or business search on this site, where you can find and verify addresses and phone numbers.
21. Superpages.com: Look up addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses on Superpages.com.
22. Internet Sleuth: Internet Sleuth searches databases at Addresses.com, Whitepages.com, SmartPages, 411.com, Anywho and Yahoo! to bring you contact information for your people search.
23. 411.com: At 411.com, search the white pages or yellow pages, do a reverse phone number check, reverse address check, look up an area or zip code and more.

Marital History and Genealogy

Has your date secretly been married before? Find out by digging into marriage and family records by state or county.

24. GeneaLinks: The free marriage records database lets you search ancestors’ records and link up to marriage records on other sites to maximize your search.
25. A - Z Marriage Records: Look up marriage records in the US, UK, Canada and Ireland on this site.
26. FamilySearch.org: This site lets you do a basic look up of named family members within a specific year range, country. You can choose a certain life event, too, like a birth, death or marriage.
27. Census Diggins: Browse marriage and divorce records by state and county from the 1700s to the present.
28. I Dream of Genealogy: This site is another service that provides free marriage records organized by state.

Employment Screenings

Employers need to be careful about who they hire, and there are several free services that allow you to verify contact information, past work experience, and even driving records.

29. Free Employment Screening: This site offers a "comprehensive employee screener search engine" that lets you search by name or combine a name with city, zip code, employer and birth year.
30. BackgroundSearch.com: Do a pre-employment background search by typing in a name and birthday. Using a SSN to narrow down your search is optional.
31. DatabaseRecords.com: Sign in with your name and e-mail address to get access to a free employee screening report here.
32. Switchboard: Verify that an applicant’s past work experience is legitimate by verifying their business here.
33. Driver’s License Search: Find court records and driving records by looking up your applicant’s driver’s license here.

Real Estate and Rent

Run a tenant check on a seedy looking applicant to find out if they’ve been blacklisted on one of these sites.

34. LandlordOnline.com: When you sign up for a free basic membership on this site, you’ll be eligible for two free credit reports and three free industry reports.
35. Deadbeat Tenant: Start by selecting your state and then conduct an eviction check or criminal record check on applicants.
36. Bad Tenant: This site offers free membership and a search to find out if an applicant has been blacklisted in the database.

Sex Offender Sites

Protect your family and your neighborhood by looking up sex offenders by name or zip code. Some sites even offer photos of each offender.

37. National Sex Offender Registry: The family watchdog on this site directs users to a search by location or search by name.
38. FBI Crimes Against Children: Click on a state to conduct a sex offender search from the FBI’s website.
39. MapSexOffenders.com: There are over 300,000 sex offenders listed in this database. You can view maps of the offenders and search by name.
40. Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Registry: On this site, you can type in a name, zip code, county or city to perform your search. Results include a photo, names and aliases used by the offender, registration information and address.
41. Free Sex Offenders Search: Perform a sex offender lookup by state and get public access to criminal records and jail records.
42. SexOffender.com Database Search: Look up sex offenders and anyone who has a history or record of violent behavior towards children.
43. US-Sex-Offenders.com: This site can search information and addresses for sex offenders in 27 different U.S. states.

People Searches

To conduct a general people search on someone, use one of these sites, which feature search options like reverse telephone number look up, e-mail addresses, online profiles and more.

45. Zaba Search: This free people search and public information search engine features search options by name, phone number or social security number.
46. Free Public Records Directory: Find death records, court records, marriage and divorce records and a lot more on this "absolutely free" site.
47. Yahoo! People Search: Conduct a U.S. phone and address search, reverse phone number check or e-mail search here.
48. Bigfoot: Find individuals or businesses through this site, which can reveal e-mail addresses, phone numbers, addresses and more.
49. Peek You: Peek You is "the smartest way to find people online." You can find out if someone has any risque pictures or information on their online profiles, on any site.
50. pipl: pipl is another online people search site that brings up social networking profiles, public records, mentions on blogs and the Web, and even customer profiles on sites like Amazon.com.

Search Engine Optimization

Use these tools to make sure your site is receptive to search engine traffic.

1. Google Webmaster Tools: See how Google views your site, diagnose problems, and more, on this control panel for Google.
2. SEO Group Website Evaluation Tool: With this tool, you can track your search engine ranking and up to 3 keywords per report.
3. Indexed Pages Tool: Find out your total link count from major search engines.
4. GeoTargeting Detection: Determine how well your site is targeted to country-specific search engines.
5. Search Engine Positioning Tool: Track how well your websites rank for targeted keywords using this tool.
6. Keyword Density Analysis Tool: See how well you’re targeting keywords on your site site using the Keyword Density Analysis Tool.
7. Multiple Data Center Pagerank SEO Tool: Use this tool to check out your page rank in multiple Google data centers.
8. Niche Watch: See how you rank against competitors in your niche with Niche Watch.
9. Strongest Pages Tool: Determine which pages on your site offer the most strength to search engines.
10. Future PageRank: Use this tool to find out what your PageRank will be in the near future.

Popularity & Traffic Assessment

Gauge the hotness of your traffic and reach using these tools.

11. URL Trends: Visit URL Trends to get an evaluation of your search engine popularity.
12. Alexa: Find out your traffic rank, reach, and compare your site with competitors on Alexa.
13. Technorati: Bloggers should check out their site on Technorati to see how they rank and get a glimpse into their popularity.
14. Link Popularity: Find out how many web pages link to your site with this tool.
15. Traffic Estimate: This site will simply give you an estimate of your traffic over the past few months.
16. Compete: Compete offers a great way for you to track your site’s performance against your competitors.
17. Quantcast: Check out Quantcast to get a look into your traffic demographics.
18. Website Popularity: With this utility, you’ll get reports of indexed pages, ranking, and more.
19. Backlink & Anchor Text Tool: Find out who is linking to you using this tool.

Statistics

Put any of these great statistics tools on your site, and you’ll get a peek into search engine terms, usage, and more.

20. Google Analytics: Get clear and easy reports about visitors to your site with this tool.
21. StatCounter: With this web stats tool, you’ll be able to track your traffic, search engine terms, and more.
22. Measure Map: Understand what people do on your blog with Measure Map.
23. AWStats: Use this open source tool to format your log information in a readable way.
24. pMetrics: Performancing’s pMetrics offers detailed site and user statistics.
25. Mint: Identify where your site succeeds with this fully-featured tool.

Browser Tools

Evaluate your site in your own browser with these tools.

26. Internet Explorer Developer Toolbar: With this toolbar, you can turn CSS and Javascript on and off to see how your site displays without them.
27. Firefox Web Developer: Use this add-on to get tools that will help you evaluate your site in Firefox.

Accessibility & Usability

These tools will allow you to get a peek into just how well others can use your site.

28. Accessibility Extension: Download this accessibility extension for Firefox, and you’ll be able to check your site right in your browser.
29. Fangs: Download this text reader for Firefox to see how your site serves up.
30. Crazy Egg: Take a look at heat maps and other tools that will tell you where interest lies on your site.
31. Mobile-Readiness Evaluation: Find out if your site is ready to be viewed on a mobile browser.
32. WAVE: Have WAVE take a look at your site to see your original page with embedded icons that discuss accessibility issues.
33. Link Validation Spider: Make sure that all of the links on your site work with this spider tool.
34. Vischeck: Evaluate your site for vision-impaired users with this tool.
35. UITest: This tool will give your site a quick run-over to evaluate its accessibility.
36. Readability Test: Use this tester to find out if your site is easy to read or not.
37. Backward Compatibility Viewer: See how your site looks in older browsers using this tool.

Conversion Optimization

Does your site make users do what you want them to? Find out with these tools.

38. Google Website Optimizer: Google’s Website Optimizer can tell you how well you’re converting visitors, and what you can do to improve your rate.
39. Verster: Verster will give you an analysis of your conversion rates on landing pages, internal marketing, and e-commerce.
40. UserVue: With this service, you can see the way users behave on your site.
41. Omniture SiteCatalyst: This tool will help you determine profitable paths on your site.

Performance

Check your speed and user experience using these performance assessment tools.

42. Web Page Analyzer: With this tool, you’ll get a look at the loading speed of your site. It analyzes what loads first as well as your site’s overall speed.
43. YSlow: Check out your site’s overall performance with this developer tool from Yahoo!.
44. Load Time Analysis: Find out how long it takes to load all of your site with this tool.
45. StressTester: Check how much stress your site can take with this stress testing tool.
46. UXinsight: Check out your visitors’ user experience and website performance with UXinsight.
47. WebWait: Check your website’s speed using this tool.

Validation

These tools offer a handy way to check your code.

48. W3C Semantic Data Extractor: This tool will evaluate how semantically rich your site is.
49. NetMechanic Toolbox: Use this toolbox to check for bad spelling, code, compatibility, and slow-loading pages.
50. W3C Markup Validator: Use this service to make sure your code is up to snuff.

Performance and Speed

Check your Internet connection to see if you’re meeting the speeds you’re paying for.

1. CNET Bandwidth Meter Speed Test: This speed test will check your bandwidth against DSL, cable modem, and broadband services.
2. Intel Broadband Speed Test: Check out this test to compare your speed with what others have.
3. Doctor Ping: Compare your ping time to more than 100 servers with averages from other users with Doctor Ping.
4. Roadrunner Speed Test: Check your Roadrunner connection to see if you’re really getting the speed you’ve been quoted.
5. AT&T Speed Test: Just like the Roadrunner speed test, this tool will analyze the movement of your AT&T data.
6. Audit My PC’s Broadband Speed Test: This test offers broadband speed testing results that are both accurate and easy to understand.
7. Internet Performance and Speed Test: Use this test to check out your Internet connection speed.
8. Speakeasy Speed Test: Accurately measure your line and internet connection speed with Speakeasy’s test.

Uptime

Does your ISP promise 100% uptime? Check their record with these tools.

9. IsItUp: Monitor your ISP’s uptime from an external system using this service.
10. 24×7 Line Monitoring: Check to see if your ISP is delivering on their always-on service.

Integrity & Quality

Check for interference on your line with these tools.

11. Web Integrity Checker: The University of Washington and the International Computer Science Institute have teamed up on this tool that will detect whether or not your ISP is inserting advertisements into pages.
12. Line Quality Testing: Check for packet loss on your line, plus problem routers along the way.
13. Network Diagnostic Tester: Run performance tests on your network connection using this tool.
14. Smokeping: Monitor your IP address for 24 hours or more to detect packet loss or excessive latency variability from three different locations with Smokeping.
15. PingPlotter: With PingPlotter, you can collect data to uncover performance and security issues on your line.
16. Network Neutrality Check: Take this test to see if your ISP is altering your traffic in any way.
17. Pcapdiff: This tool will compare two packet captures to indentify packets that have been forged, dropped, or mangled.
18. Wireshark: Use Wireshark to capture raw packets and determine whether or not you’re a victim of ISP packet spoofing.

Ports

Make sure you’re getting full access to the ports you need by using these tools.

19. Open Port Check Tool: This tool will tell you if your ISP is blocking certain ports or not.
20. Open Port Tool: DynDNS offers this tool that will determine if you have incoming ports blocked by your ISP.

Throttling

Is your ISP throttling your bandwidth? These tools will help you find out.

21. Glasnost: Use this test to determine whether or not your ISP is throttling BitTorrent traffic.
22. Gemini Project: Use this project and team up with someone else who uses your ISP to find out if you’re being throttled.
23. Vuze Network Status Monitor: Check for throttling right in your Vuze client, and help gather data on traffic control at the same time.
24. Network Measurement Agent: This tool will look for and flag a number of different ways your ISP may throttle your data.

Simple

Get to the bottom of what your ISP offers by using this simple tool.

25. Your TOS: A tool that’s worth checking out is your ISP’s terms of service. They will often spell out that they’ll stop your traffic if deemed necessary.

General

These sites offer fairly standard Internet games, like puzzles, TV game shows, and simple strategy.

1. Addicting Games: Get hooked playing these incredibly fun games.
2. Net-Games: Play action games, racing, board games, and more on this site.
3. Games.com: On Games.com, you’ll be able to play everything from word games to poker.
4. GameTap: This site has loads of free games, ranging from arcade to console.
5. Yahoo! Games: Visit Yahoo! Games to play puzzles, skill games, and more.
6. Miniclip Games: Miniclip has everything from sports to shoot ‘em up games.
7. Radical Play: Radical Play offers fun 3D action games.
8. Game Revolt: Game Revolt offers more than 1,900 games, including role playing games and sudoku.
9. AOL Games: AOL has lots of solitaire favorites online.
10. Riddler: This site offers a regularly updated library of fun and free games.
11. Online Video Games: Here you’ll find lots of fun games, including "Taxi Driver" and "What’s Her Bra Size?"
12. Shockwave: A leader in the online game industry, Shockwave has an impressive amount of quality online games to play.
13. BoomGames: BoomGames offers action, adventure, sports, and more.
14. PopCap Games: This incredibly popular game site offers a variety of games, from Mahjong to Bejeweled.
15. Bored at Work: Play games like Hedgehog Launch and Uphill Rush on this site.
16. Heavy Games: Visit Heavy Games to play motorcycle racing games, shooters, and more.
17. Coffee Break Arcade: Here you’ll find silly and fun flash games.

Card & Casino Games

Practice for your big trip to Vegas on these sites.

18. Video Poker: Here you’ll be able to master the art of video poker without spending a dime.
19. Wichita Faro: Play this Flash game from America’s frontier past.
20. AceGames: AceGames offers free solitaire, video poker, blackjack, and more.
21. Idiot’s Delight: Check out Idiot’s Delight to play an easy game of Solitaire.
22. NetSolitaire: NetSolitaire offers many different variations on Solitaire, including Klondike, Freecell, and Pyramid.
23. PokerSquares: PokerSquares offers an interesting take on online poker.
24. Solitaire Network: This site has 51 different free solitaire games.
25. Solitaire.com: This site offers the ability to play Double Solitaire against an opponent.

Sports

Train your own sports teams, drag race and more on these sports gaming sites.

26. SmallBall: Manage and train your own sports team in baseball and soccer on this site.
27. Grand Prix Racing Online: You’ll be in charge of a grand prix racing team on this site.
28. High Velocity Paintball: Make your mark with this online multiplayer paintball game.
29. F1: Play this Flash arcade game and race a Formula 1 car around the world.
30. StableKing: Manage your own horse stable on this online game.
31. RaceZone: Have fun racing in this online competitive simulator.
32. All Football Games: Flay for free kicks, defense, and more on this soccer site.
33. Cyber Pool Games: Play free pool games on this site.
34. Virtual Bow: Try your hand at archery using the Virtual Bow.
35. FreeKick: Check out FreeKick to play a soccer simulator game.
36. Street Racing Online: Know what it’s like to race on the streets with the games on this website.
37. The Boxing Game: Create a fighter, train in the gym, and take on opponents in this boxing game.
38. Pocket Them All: Play a fun flash pool game on Pocket Them All.
39. Games Freak: Check out this site to find loads of fun racing games.
40. Hattrick: See how you do as a football manager with this online team management game.

Role Playing & Strategy Games

Put your mind to the test with these game sites.

41. 2 Moons: On 2 Moons you’ll find a fantasy role playing game with a rich backstory.
42. Adventure Quest: Adventure Quest is a popular role playing game with an anime theme.
43. Torn City: Organize a bank hold-up with your friends on this gangster roll-play game.
44. RuneScape: Play the popular massive adventure game online here.
45. Silk Road Online: This MMORPG is rumored to be a like a free version of World of Warcraft.
46. War of Conquest: Play this strategy war game and win cash prizes.
47. Unification Wars: On Unification Warns, you’ll enjoy strategizing as the leader of your own civilization.
48. Galactic Conquest: Play this multiplayer online game that has a concept similar to Star Trek and Star Wars.
49. Astro Wars: Put your strategy to the test in this online space game.
50. 9 Dragons: Work your way up to the role of a hero on 9 Dragons.

Classic Games

Enjoy arcade games and video games you can’t find anymore on these sites.

51. Free Arcade: Check out Free Arcade to play games with puzzles, shooting, strategy, and more.
52. Arcade Town: Play shooters, action, and more on this arcade site.
53. 1980 Games: Flash back to the eighties and play games on this site.
54. Retro Uprising: Play all of your favorite games that you can’t find anymore on this site.
55. Atari Play: Find classic Atari games to play online on this official site.
56. Easy Retro: This site has loads of classic games from the 80s and 90s, playable in your browser.
57. Game Oldies: Play Zelda, Tetris, and more here.

Board Games

Check out these sites, and see your favorite board games turn to video.

58. Game Table Online: Game Table is a great place to find board and strategy games.
59. BrettspielWelt: Play popular German board games on this site.
60. Hive: Here you can play a game of insects online.
61. ItsYourTurn: Play turn-based games a little bit every day here.
62. Mind Sports Arena: Here you’ll find chess, Othello, and more.
63. Pass the Pigs: Roll pigs to see how many points you can get.
64. Pentagonia: Play this strategy game against the computer on this site.
65. Cartagena: This German site allows you to play the game Cartagena online.
66. Scrabulous: Play this online version of Scrabble over email, on Facebook, and more.
67. Take It Easy: Play Take It Easy online and score points for creating lines of a single color.
68. Cosmic Encounter: Play multiplayer games of Cosmic Encounter online in Macromedia Flash here.
69. Days of Wonder: Play award winning board games like Ticket To Ride and Memoir ‘44 online at the Days of Wonder site.

Console Games

With these sites, you’ll be able to enjoy all of your favorite console games online.

70. Virtual NES: Play more than 750 different NES games on this virtual console.
71. WiiArcade: Visit this site to check out a collection of games you can play on the Wii or online.
72. Arcade@Home: Use Arcade@Home to emulate your favorite console games.
73. Andre’s NES Emulator: Play all of your old favorites on this emulator.
74. Rage Games: Check out this site for console game hacks.
75. Virtual Game Boy: Use this emulator to play all of your favorite Game Boy games.
76. Sony Station: You’ll find Playstation games and more on this site from Sony.
77. WiiPlayable: Play these games on the Wii’s web browser or just on your computer.
78. SOPE: With this Playstation Emulator, you’ll be able to play PlayStation games on your PC.
79. Pico Drive: Visit Pico Drive to get SEGA emulation.
80. Mii Wii Games: Here you’ll be able to play games for the Wii online, plus make your own Mii.
81. SNES9X: Play SNES and other Nintendo game systems on your PC using this emulator.

Kids Games

On these sites, kids can play video games in a safe and fun environment.

82. KOL Games: AOL offers lots of fun games for kids here.
83. Club Penguin: In this virtual world, kids can create a penguin, play games, and interact with each other.

Multiplayer Games

Go up against others online on these game sites.

84. Tantrix: Play Tantrix puzzles with online opponents here.
85. Bots: On Bots, you’ll enjoy playing a multiplayer online fighting game with lots of action.
86. F.E.A.R.: F.E.A.R. Combat is a free first person shooter game.
87. FlyorDie: FlyorDie has loads of classic multiplayer games.
88. America’s Army: The US Government offers this game as a recruitment tool.
89. A Fun Zone: Play quick and fun multiplayer games here.
90. True Combat: Elite: Check out True Combat to play a tactical teamplay shooter.
91. Free Allegiance: Free Allegiance offers a fun space simulation with other players.
92. BigNetwork: BigNetwork offers a variety of classic multiplayer games.

Community

These sites offer plenty of fun with social gaming.

93. Uproar: Uproar’s community likes to review the games available on the site.
94. Zwinky: You can build your own look and interact with friends in this social game.
95. Pogo Games: Pogo Games has lots of fun games, and offers prizes to big winners.
96. Blitz Gamer: Blitz Gamer has more than 1,600 free games, plus an active community.
97. Dance! Online: With this dance game, you’ll meet players and dance together, competing as couples and teams.
98. Outspark: Play fun games on Outspark and chat about your scores in the forum.
99. Second Life: Create your own identity in this 3D virtual world online.
100. Big Fish Games: Play simple and fun games on this site with a fun community.
101. To The Games: Visit To The Games for loads of free online games and chat.
102. Cafe.com: Cafe.com offers animated MiniMe avatars, lots of fun games, and an active community.
103. Every Video Game: Play and discuss free online video games on this forum.

Broadcast & Community Sites

Content creators use these sites to connect with viewers.

1. CozmoTV: Watch "community powered TV" on Cozmo, or create your own channel.
2. USTREAM: This site offers live, interactive broadcasting.
3. Stickam: On this live community site, you can watch videos from celebrities and regular Joes alike.
4. SplashCast: Artists, politicians, celebrities, and specialty channels offer content on SplashCast.
5. WorldTV: Watch videos from people around the world on this site.
6. YouTube: A popular favorite, YouTube is home to plenty of web channels, shows, and interesting videos.
7. Blip.TV: This video sharing site focuses on user-created shows.
8. Yahoo! Video: You can upload your video and watch featured networks on Yahoo!’s video site.
9. Justin.tv: Watch live video content, create your own channel, and chat with people all over the world on Justin.tv.
10. MySpaceTV: MySpaceTV has videos from users, networks, and more.
11. 60Frames: 60Frames works with artists to create original Internet programming.
12. Metacafe: Metacafe is home to user-powered video entertainment.
13. Sharkle: Watch video clips shared by users from around the world on Sharkle.
14. Operator11: You can watch and create television on this social networking site.
15. Break: Break serves up plenty of comedy aimed at men.
16. blogTV: blogTV is a great place to discover new and interesting videos and web series.
17. 3BTV: 3BTV showcases new work by directors, writers, animators, musicians, and more.
18. Veoh: Veoh has indie productions, viral videos, and more.
19. Vimeo: Vimeo offers video sharing for everyone.

Channels

Tune into these channels to find stuff you won’t see on cable TV.

20. No Good TV: This channel is full of music, entertainment, and original episodes.
21. NASA TV: Watch live events and mission coverage on NASA’s web channel.
22. BMW-Web: The BMW channel offers BMW news, lifestyle, and more.
23. JCOC: Lovers of jewelry and gems will enjoy tuning into this website that offers jewelry entertainment.
24. Como Lake Channel: Check out vacation videos, interesting places, and more on this channel dedicated solely to Italy’s Lake Como.
25. BBC Sport Olympics: The BBC offers an online look at the olympics in Beijing with this channel.
26. 321Go Video: Watch rally car racing on this Internet TV channel.
27. BabyTV: New parents will love tuning into this channel that covers all of the aspects of parenting.
28. The Digg Reel: Get a look at the most popular videos on Digg with this channel.
29. Barats and Bereta Productions: Check out funny skits on this American comedy site.
30. Black20 News: On Black20, you’ll find plenty of entertainment news.
31. The Weather Channel: The Weather Channel broadcasts updates on weather on this site.
32. Cat Channel: If you love cats, you’ll love this channel that’s all cats, all the time.
33. Acceptable.TV: This interactive comedy series believes that "some stuff is better than other stuff."
34. LX.TV: LX.TV is a lifestyle channel that focuses on American hotspots.
35. Those Aren’t Muskets: The creators of the video "Internet Party" regularly serve up hilarious comedy on this channel.
36. Neave: Watch Neave to get original programming from the British.
37. Shorts: On this entertainment channel, you’ll get a look at short films from upcoming filmmakers.

Web Series

From the incredibly popular, to somewhat obscure, these shows are sure to entertain.

38. lonelygirl15: Watch the ongoing episodes of this web hit.
39. Dorm Life: Stay on top of the lives of your favorite college students with this web series.
40. Clark and Michael: CBS produced this mockumentary series about pitching a TV series to Hollywood.
41. quarterlife: quarterlife originally aired on NBC, but has since moved to its online home, which doubles as a community for creative types.
42. Facebook Diaries: Check out Facebook diaries to get a look into the lives of users on Facebook.
43. Tom Green’s House Tonight: This comedy talk show is hosted by Tom Green in his living room.
44. The Burg: Get a peek into daily life in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn.
45. America’s Dream Date: Watch episodes from this interactive reality dating show on GoFish.
46. Break a Leg: Sitcom writer David Penn offers this online series much like "The Office" and "Arrested Development."
47. Can Google Hear Me?: Check in on this entrepreneur as he documents his efforts to get an Internet business off the ground.
48. Coastal Dreams: Watch Coastal Dreams, an online soap opera created by NBC.
49. We Need Girlfriends: Follow 3 friends as they try to find love in the New York City dating scene.
50. The Guild: If you enjoy gaming, you’ll love this web series about a group of online gamers.

Organization

Use your iPhone as a handy personal planner.

1. Create to do lists in your notes: Use your iPhone’s note app as a simple to do list.
2. Whiteboard capture: Your iPhone’s camera works well enough to capture most whiteboards, so you can save notes and share them with others.
3. Getting tasks done!: Create projects, share tasks, and even get motivational phrases from this app.
4. Use motivational wallpaper: Put David Allen’s GTD system on your iPhone with these wallpapers.
5. 30Boxes: Use this calendar to share your schedule with friends, family, and colleagues.
6. Photo to do list: Take photos to remind yourself to take care of tasks.
7. 43 Actions: Organize your agenda and tasks with this app for the iPhone, and you can update using Jott, Twitter, or email.
8. do.Oh: Keep track of the tasks you need to do with this app that syncs between your iPhone and desktop.
9. Thumb Jot: This app makes taking notes on the iPhone faster.
10. Use your iPhone as an alarm clock: Wake up, remember lunch, or just get reminded to do a task by setting your iPhone’s alarm.
11. Evernote: Take notes, create to do lists, find images, and share everything using Evernote.
12. Harvest Time & Expense Tracker: The iPhone version of Harvest allows you to track your time, enter expenses, and more.
13. Attendance Countdown: Use Attendance Countdown to stay on top of your arrival and working time.
14. ezMemorize: With ezMemorize, you’ll be able to create flash cards and share them with others.
15. GlueyNotes: Take notes and make lists with this app. It even automatically identifies telephone numbers and URLs in your notes.
16. Before You Leave the House: Remind yourself of the things you need to do before you leave with this app.
17. Google Calendar: View your schedule, add events, and more from your iPhone.
18. Scribble quick ideas: Remember ideas that strike you while you’re out and about with the iPhone’s notes.

Communication

Keep in touch by using these tips and tools for communication.

19. Send an email from anywhere: The iPhone supports both web-based and corporate email systems, so you can stay connected anywhere you go.
20. Delete emails quickly: Use your email’s edit function to rapidly delete emails.
21. Save links using Gmail: Use your iPhone browser’s "share" button to email links to yourself, and even add tags to find them easily.
22. Blog: Get started on writing blog posts or even publish from the road with the iPhone.
23. Find out where people are: Locate friends, family and coworkers using location-based apps like BriteKite.
24. Use FriendFeed: Make use of FriendFeed to stay on top of what others have going on.
25. Translate on the go: Use this simple translation app to get a quick translation between two languages.
26. Photo blog: Use Posterus and start a photo blog that you can update just by emailing images.
27. Save your texts: Use an app like Treasuremytext to keep a record and organize your text messages.
28. Learn a language: Check out iTunes to find free language courses you can listen to on your iPhone.
29. Change your email signature: Create a custom email signature on your iPhone with this tip.
30. Sync with your PC email: Use the iPhone’s IMAP mail to keep your mail on your computer and your iPhone the same.

Browsing & Connection

Put your iPhone’s Internet connection to work.

31. Save your web pages: Use iWebSaver to browse pages any time you have to go offline.
32. Sync with Linux: Follow this tutorial to learn how you can sync your iPhone up with a Linux system.
33. Find free Wi-Fi: Save a link to a web page that offers free Wi-Fi and find a free connection wherever you happen to be.
34. Use bookmarklets: Grab these pieces of JavaScript to do everything from looking up words in a dictionary to finding a specific term on a page.
35. Create simple online bookmarks: Forget the social or tagging aspects of online bookmarking, and get a simple way to save pages with Instapaper.
36. SugarSync: Get access to all of your files on demand using SugarSync.

Money

Manage your finances from anywhere using the iPhone.

37. Slim down your wallet: Scan your cards into your iPhone, and you’ll be able to leave them at home.
38. myBudget: Create your budget and track your expenses in your iPhone with myBudget.
39. iCart: Use this iPhone app to create and manage up to 3 shopping lists right from your iPhone.
40. iBillTo: iBillTo lets you keep track of client billing information inside your iPhone.

Media

Use your iPhone’s media capabilities to their full potential.

41. Keep photos on hand: Swap photos of your products, family, and anything else by keeping them in your iPhone.
42. Kill the buzz: Use ferrite beads to suppress the buzz your iPhone and other mobile devices create in speakers.
43. uTorrent: Get the iPhone interface for uTorrent, and stay on top of your dowloads.
44. Stream iTunes: Use Simplify Media to stream your iTunes library to your iPhone and anywhere else.
45. iFlix: Use iFlix to manage Netflix from your iPhone.
46. Catch up on your reading: Download ebooks, or just put them on your iPhone as images, and you can read anywhere you go.
47. Geotag your photos: Get an app like iFlickr that will automatically geotag your photos taken with the iPhone.
48. Snapture: Put the camera application Snapture on your iPhone to get advanced features like auto-rotation and digital zoom.
49. Transfer images: Move your images over to XP by treating your iPhone as a digital camera device.
50. Catch up on podcasts: Upload podcasts to your iPhone and listen during downtime.

Getting Around

Get directions, remember your parking space, and more with your iPhone.

51. Send yourself directions: Email Google Maps directions to your iPhone’s email address, and they’ll open in your Google Maps app.
52. Discover what’s nearby: Use an app like Outalot to see what sort of restaurants, shops, and other useful places are around.
53. Find out where you are: Use Google Maps to triangulate your position.
54. Find a restaurant: Find good restaurants near where you are with StreetFlow.
55. Create a car dock: Use these simple instructions to create a car dock for your iPhone.
56. Photograph your parking space: Never forget where you’re parked by photographing your car before you leave it.
57. Improve your iPhone’s car integration: Make your iPhone more productive in the car with this upgrade.
58. Schmap: Schmap offers free travel guides that are optimized for the iPhone.

Office

With your iPhone, you can manage documents, collaborate, and more.

59. Export your slides: Using Mac Office 2008, you can export your PowerPoint slides to the iPhone.
60. Photograph receipts: If you need to keep receipts to track expenses, just snap a photo of them with your iPhone and throw them away.
61. in.solit.us: Upload and share your files using this app for the iPhone.
62. Google Docs Mobile: With Google Docs, you can access your documents wherever you are.
63. Torch: Torch’s project management app allows you to organize all of your communication, files, tasks, and more in one place.
64. iZoho: Create a mobile office with Zoho’s suite of productivity tools for the iPhone.
65. Approver: The iPhone edition of Approver makes it easy to stay on top of document reviews and approval status on the go.
66. EditGrid Spreadsheets: Create, edit, and view spreadsheets right in your iPhone with EditGrid Spreadsheets.
67. iPhonePrinting: Print promotional items, business cards, and more from your iPhone using this app.
68. RemoteNote: With this app, you can remotely edit, print, and back up your iPhone notes.
69. Unify your clipboard: With a service like cl1p, you can keep the same clipboard across your iPhone and multiple computer systems.
70. Mobile marketing: Use Headlight to check up on your marketing campaigns from your iPhone.

Information

Find and share news and information with these tips and tools.

71. Google News: Visit Google News on the iPhone, and you’ll get the latest from multiple sources.
72. Check out Google Reader: Whenever you need to kill time, use your iPhone to catch up on your feeds in Google Reader.
73. NPR Mobile: Get access to the latest NPR news and find NPR stations while you’re traveling with NPR’s mobile edition.
74. Find your browser history: Check out your browsing history in the iPhone’s Safari bookmarks.
75. Read magazines: With Zinio, you can read popular magazines on your iPhone.
76. Wikipedia on the iPhone: Get all of Wikipedia on your iPhone, and have access to millions of encyclopedia articles.
77. Customize Google Reader: Follow this how-to to find out how to make Google Reader more efficient.
78. TIME Mobile: On TIME’s mobile website, you’ll find the latest news, analysis, and photography.
79. Digg: Check out Digg on the iPhone to get the latest top stories.
80. Fox News: Get the latest Fox headlines on your iPhone with this site.
81. AP News: The Associated Press has created a site that’s optimized for the iPhone.

Meetings

Learn how to make use of your iPhone in meetings.

82. Make your iPhone vibrate first: Keep your iPhone from interrupting by setting it to vibrate first, then ring.
83. Charts: Create and manage charts of anything right in your iPhone using Charts.
84. Keypoint: Use this app to create, view, and share presentations on your iPhone.
85. Show off your portfolio: Use an app like Orb to broadcast media content to your iPhone.

Hacks

Push the boundaries of your iPhone with these productivity hacks.

86. Turn your iPhone into a Moleskine: Make holding your iPhone easier with this hack.
87. Use your iPhone as a remote control: Follow this hack to make your iPhone work as a multimedia remote for iTunes or even your desktop.
88. Remember cookies: Make use of iRemember, and your mobile Safari won’t forget your cookies.
89. Get copy and paste: Use Quasi Clipboard to get copy and paste functionality on your iPhone.
90. Use your iPhone’s Internet connection: Put your iPhone’s Internet connection on your laptop with this hack.
91. Create a stand: Make a stand with a business card and you can view your iPhone from a comfortable angle.

Miscellaneous

Create even more useful ways to utilize your iPhone with these tools and tips.

92. Set an automatic sleep mode: If you want your iPhone to turn off at a certain time, check out this how-to that explains how to do it.
93. CityMint: Get food-ordering quickly and easily on your iPhone with CityMint.
94. Edit your auto-lock delay: Read this guide to find out how to change your auto-lock settings.
95. Check movie listings: Use the iPhone to find out what’s playing while you’re on the go.
96. 101 Cookbooks: Check out the iPhone recipes on 101 Cookbooks to find recipes and ingredients when you’re on the go.
97. Enable Caps Lock: Save time when typing by enabling caps lock on your keyboard.
98. Mobiscope: Monitor what’s being recorded by your webcam using Mobiscope.
99. Store your shopping list: Take a photo of your shopping list with your iPhone before you leave home, and you’ll have a handy reminder of what to buy.
100. Kill time at the movies: Occupy yourself with feeds, videos, or checking the weather while you’re waiting for your movie to start.

Tips

Follow these tips to create a fun and easy free cable experience.

1. Get DVR on your computer: Download one of the many apps out there to record TV on your computer.
2. Buy a USB flash drive: Get a USB flash drive, and you can keep cable TV shows in your pocket.
3. Get a DVD player that can handle it all: Buy a DVD player that has a USB input and other features, and you’ll find that watching free cable TV is much easier.
4. Start getting set up early for live shows: Sometimes links are faulty and feeds go down, so if you want to watch a live show, get started early.
5. Get Netflix: Wait for the DVD to come out, and watch the shows on your own time.
6. Use a broadband connection: Getting TV online is pretty much impossible without a good connection.
7. Get DVDs at your library: Although it’s certainly not immediate gratification, you can check out DVDs of cable TV shows at your local library.
8. Always download encrypted: Get encrypted streams to make sure no one can see exactly what you’re downloading.
9. Specify an IP address: Protect your privacy by specifying a fake address in uTorrent and any other download clients with that option.

Articles & How To

Find all the information you need to get free cable TV in these articles.

10. How to Get Free Cable TV: Find out how to get free, legal cable in this how-to.
11. 3 quick ways to watch TV shows for FREE: In this article, you’ll get some quick advice for finding cable TV free online.
12. How to speed up video playback: Watch your videos faster by following the advice in this article.
13. Public vs Private-BitTorrent download sites explored: This article takes a look at the pros and cons of both public and private BitTorrent download sites.
14. A Beginner’s Guide to BitTorrent: Get a crash course in torrents from this guide.
15. How to Watch NFL Games for Free: Find out how you can watch NFL games with this article.
16. Ditch Your Cable Company with Free, Legal Alternatives: In this article, you’ll find advice and tools for getting free cable TV.
17. Turn Your Windows PC into a Media Center Powerhouse on the Cheap: This article explains the details of using your computer as a media center.
18. How to Watch Satellite & Cable TV on your PC FREE: Follow this tutorial to find out how you can watch online for free.
19. Top 10 P2P Friendly Colleges: Check out this list to find out if your college is OK with you downloading TV.
20. How to Get Free Cable TV: This article explains how to get more than 3,000 cable channels.
21. 35 Ways to Watch Television Without Cable or Satellite: Here you’ll learn about the many ways to find TV without paying for cable.
22. How to Watch Video Files from Your Computer on Your TV: Follow these simple instructions to learn how to put your computer’s videos on your TV.

Viewing Sites

Check out these sites to watch cable TV over the Internet.

23. Hulu: Hulu has lots of really popular shows available.
24. NeepTV: On the NeepTV site, you’ll find almost 3,000 different live and on-demand channels.
25. YouTube: You can often find clips of shows you’ve missed on this incredibly popular video site.
26. Fancast: Find some of your favorite shows here and discover even more.
27. Medinalia: Medinalia offers access to TV from all over the world.
28. Google Video: This site is full of everything, although you may have to dig deep to find full episodes.

Search

With these search engines, you can find cable TV streaming and on demand.

29. TVgush: Check out this search engine to find exactly what you’re looking for.
30. SingingFish: With the help of filtering options, you can find shows on SingingFish.
31. LocateTV: Use this search site to find out where and when you can find your favorite shows.
32. Yahoo! Video Search: Use Yahoo!’s advanced video search to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Live TV

Watch streaming TV channels with these sites.

33. FreeTube: FreeTube streams live TV for news, sports, and more.
34. 4TV: 4TV offers more than 250 channels of live TV.
35. Channel King: Channel King has streams of cartoon, entertainment, music and more channels.
36. ChannelChooser: Get online live TV with ChannelChooser.
37. ChooseAndWatch: ChooseAndWatch has hundreds of different channels for watching TV.

Aggregators

Visit these aggregators to get links to the best TV sources.

38. TV Links: Check out TV Links to find lots of shows fast.
39. World Wide Internet Television: This portal offers access to more than 2,600 live and on-demand TV channels.
40. Streamick: Streamick is a huge directory of places to watch free broadcast TV online.
41. No Subscription Required: This site plays host to free-to-watch sites.
42. Watch on Broadband: Check out this site to find more than 1,700 internet TV stations.
43. MyEasyTV: This aggregator makes finding TV online easy.
44. Joox: Joox has links to DivX TV and movies.
45. 5 TVs: This Internet TV directory is a great way to find the shows and channels you’re looking for.
46. Peekvid: Peekvid offers access to hundreds of shows and even live TV.
47. Sidereel: Make your hunt for TV easier with this aggregator.
48. OMGFreeTV: Get excited about this aggregator that has links to news, sports, music, and other channels.
49. tvDuck: With tvDuck, you can find TV shows from today and yesterday, and even ask for shows you’d like to see.

Torrent

With these torrent sites and tools, you’ll be able to download all the free cable TV you want.

50. Torrent Episode Downloader: This program is like an RSS utility for downloading torrents.
51. The Pirate Bay: Track and download torrent files on this incredibly large bittorrent site.
52. BitTyrant: This BitTorrent client offers extremely fast downloads.
53. mininova: Find all of the torrents you want on this large listing site.
54. Vuze: Formerly known as Azureus, Vuze is a very popular BitTorrent client.
55. isoHunt: This BitTorrent search engine will help you find what you’re looking for.
56. Junk Nova: This BitTorrent tracker offers great information, like screen shots, descriptions, and other important details.
57. uTorrent: This small and simple BitTorrent client will get the job done.
58. Videora: Videora uses BitTorrent and RSS to automatically download shows for you.
59. TorrentSpy: TorrentSpy offers a popular torrent search engine.
60. Lilx: Get an organized calendar and download torrents from this site.

Players

Use these players to watch and manage your TV online.

61. TVU Player: With TVU, you can get free P2P streaming of many cable TV channels.
62. Miro: Miro is an open source internet TV player that has thousands of channels.
63. Joost: The Joost player opens up access to lots of selected cable TV shows.
64. TV Tonic: Get hundreds of Internet TV channels with TV Tonic.

Community Sites

Visit these communities for online TV with a social aspect.

65. TIOTI: Check out this TV social aggregator that shows what’s popular in TV now.
66. FreeTVonline: Find and discuss your favorite shows in this TV community.
67. NewzBin: This site has great content, but is closed to new members, so you’ll have to score an invitation through an existing member.
68. shareTV: With this online TV community, you can share, track, and discuss your favorite TV shows.
69. viewmy.tv: Find channels, vote on your favorites, and discuss TV in the forums.

Channels

Check out these channels to watch clips and full episodes from cable TV.

70. VH1: VH1 offers full episodes, music videos, and more.
71. Adult Swim: Check out grown-up cartoons on Adult Swim’s site.
72. Cartoon Network: Get clips and behind-the-scenes looks at Cartoon Network’s shows.
73. CMT: CMT Loaded has videos, shows and clips.
74. Comedy Central: Hit the Motherload with these clips from popular Comedy Central TV shows.
75. Turbo Nick: Kids will find both clips and full episodes from Nickelodeon’s site.
76. RTE: Check out RTE for news from Ireland.
77. MTV: MTV regularly features pieces that aired on the channel.
78. Court TV: Court TV’s site has clips of testimony, sentencing and more.
79. G4TV: Check out clips from this gaming and popular technology channel.
80. ESPN360: Here you’ll find the latest in sports online.
81. E! The Vine: Stay on top of entertainment news with this channel.
82. BBC: You can catch BBC London news here.
83. Sci-Fi: Check out Sci-Fi’s The Pulse, where you can catch clips and full episodes.
84. TV Land: Go back in time with this channel’s programming.
85. C-SPAN: Find out what’s going on in the world of politics on this channel.
86. Food Network: Learn how to make delicious meals with Food Network.
87. Fox News: Watch video clips and more on the Fox News site.
88. Discovery Channel: Check out the Discovery Channel for shows like Dirty Jobs and FlipThatHouse.
89. HGTV: See what you can do to your home on this channel.
90. Speed TV: Check out cars, trucks and motorcycles on this channel.
91. CNN: Get the latest news from CNN’s free news clips.
92. BET: BET’s On Blast has music videos and clips from TV.
93. Lifetime: Go behind the scenes of Lifetime programming on this channel’s site.
94. The History Channel: See videos, speeches, and more on The History Channel.

Miscellaneous Tips, Tools and Hacks

Get even more resources for free cable TV here.

95. Cable modem owners hack for free cable TV: Hackers use a splitter to splice TV lines from their cable modem.
96. Add subtitles: If you have someone with hearing problems in your household, add subtitles with Open Subtitles.
97. TVFreeload: TV Freeload makes it easy to download episodes from more than 1,000 TV shows.
98. Hack Attack: Build your own DVR: Follow this hack to create a DVR on your computer.
99. My Episodes: Stay on top of the episodes you’ve downloaded and watched with this tool.
100. Broadband users cut into cable: This article explains how cable modem owners cut into lines to get free cable.

Suites

Get full-service office functionality with any of these suites.

1. FlySuite: FlySuite offers a full-featured suite of office products that you can use both on and offline.
2. Scrybe: Get a calendar, thoughtpad, collaboration and more from Scrybe.
3. Google Docs: Google’s suite offers documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and even PDFs, all shareable in real time.
4. Zoho: Zoho has an amazing range of offerings, including documents, CRM, databases, and a lot more.
5. ThinkFree Online: Get office apps, plus web space and synchronization with ThinkFree.
6. Peepel: This collaborative online office suite has great features for communication, organization, and document creation.
7. eDesk Online: eDesk is a free "online operating system" that you can use to manage your office, finances, personal information, and more.

Communication & Organization

Replace applications like Outlook and harness the power of the Internet as a communication tool with these web apps.

8. Meebo: Meebo replaces popular IM apps like AIM and Trillian.
9. Campfire: Campfire is an awesome online chat tool made just for groups.
10. ProjectStat.us: Avoid using lots of emails to send updates to clients and coworkers-use this service that keeps everyone updated at once.
11. Stikkit: Stikkit’s post it notes make a great online alternative to Microsoft OneNote.
12. iOrganize: iOrganize is great for keeping notes and other important documents together online.
13. 9cays: Manage group email in an efficient way with 9cays.
14. MyHomePoint: Your entire family can stay organized with this suite of organization tools.
15. mynoteIT: Track your to do list, take notes, and share everything using this web app.
16. MeetingWizard: Cut down on phone tag with this meeting scheduling service.
17. NoteSake: Check out this clean, simple note app.
18. 14dayz: Track and manage your time with this web app.
19. Ta-da List: Don’t use reminders in Microsoft Office-set up a super easy, shareable Ta-da List.
20. Spongecell: With this online calendar app, you can send yourself test message reminders, RSS, and more.
21. 30 Boxes: 30 Boxes is an incredibly simple calendar app.
22. Ubikuo: Keep notes that are shareable and accessible online and on your mobile device with Ubikuo.
23. Mindomo: With this free mind mapping software, you can plan projects, brainstorm, and more.
24. The Online CEO: Turn your to do list into a game with point values using this app.
25. Remember the Milk: Manage multiple task lists using this simple application. You can even use it offline.
26. Bubbl.us: Replace your Apple MindManager with this online mind mapping tool.
27. Sproutit: Manage your email with this online helpdesk app.
28. Xing: Xing is a great alternative to desktop contact management services.
29. Jott: Instead of using desktop transcription software, just call Jott and have your notes emailed to you.
30. ebuddy: This site makes it easy to connect to your IM contacts online.
31. WordFast: Get this translation tool to work with online clients.
32. Oovoo: Oovoo offers users a chance to communicate with free text or video chat.
33. Yugma: Use this web conferencing system to connect with clients, coworkers, and other people online.
34. Highrise: The Highrise contact manager system is a full-featured app, including contact interaction, cases, and the ability to share with others.

Word Processing

Forget about Word and enjoy these word processors that range from simple to full-featured.

35. J2E: Just 2 Easy is a great word processor for students, offering free accounts and a unique URL for sharing documents.
36. Buzzword: This word processor has a really slick interface.
37. Solodox: Solodox makes it easy for you to write, edit, and collaborate on documents online.
38. Writeboard: Writeboard is a full-featured word processor, with great features like collaboration capability and versioning.
39. GreenDoc: GreenDoc offers an incredibly simple way to write online.
40. FCKeditor: Use this HTML editor to enjoy the power of MS Word online.
41. Nevercode Docs: You can use Nevercode online, then download and store your files on their servers to access them later.
42. Writer: With this tool from BigHugeLabs, you can write simple documents and save them online.
43. TheOpenDoc: TheOpenDoc is great for collaboration, offering word processing with change tracking.
44. iNetWord: With this word processor, you can perform document tasks as well as edit web documents.
45. FlySuite: This app has a lot to offer, serving up offline capability as well as a gigabyte of file storage.

Spreadsheets

Crunch your numbers in these Excel alternatives.

46. ChartAll: With this service, you can create customizable charts from your data sources.
47. Numbler: If you’re looking for a simple way to do spreadsheets online, check out Numbler.
48. Sheetster: This online spreadsheet has lots of great features, including the ability to embed spreadsheets in a blog.
49. iRows: iRows offers an easy way to do spreadsheets online, plus you can display your work on any website.
50. EditGrid: Create, share, and collaborate on spreadsheets with this app.
51. Simple Spreadsheet: This online app is a simple piece of open source software.
52. NumSum: NumSum is ideal for collaborators, as you can leave your work open and allow others to comment on it.

Presentation

Use these presentation tools instead of PowerPoint.

53. Empressr: Empressr offers slick presentations that can be shared and voted on publicly.
54. Qlipboard: Use this tool to create online slide presentations and even record your own voice over it.
55. Spresent: With this Flash presentation generator, you can create documents and embed them anywhere.
56. SlideRocket: SlideRocket makes it easy to create professional quality presentations online.
57. Preezo: Using this web application, you’ll be able to create and share presentations online.
58. Vcasmo: Vcasmo supports multiple file formates, embedding, and more.
59. BrinkPad: You can use this presentation tool to create awesome online documents.
60. Thumbstacks: Build presentations in your browser and easily share your work with a unique URL.
61. PreZentit: Show your presentations online as HTML with this tool.

Money

Stay on top of your money online with these alternatives to Money and other desktop financial software.

62. Invotrak: Keep track of your invoices and determine what you’re owed with this tool.
63. Wesabe: Wesabe’s social finance site blows Microsoft Money out of the water.
64. Mint: With Mint you can see where all of your money goes and create plans for it.
65. SimplifyThis: Small businesses, freelancers, and independent contractors can use this payment management system for invoices and more.
66. XE: This currency converter offers accurate, up-to-the-minute currency rates.
67. Side Job Track: Stay on top of your time and billing using Side Job Track.
68. NetworthIQ: Track your net worth with this social personal finance manager.
69. Invoices Made Easy: This free online invoicing service is great for small businesses that are service oriented.

Collaboration

Instead of using desktop applications to connect, check out these tools.

70. Sosius: Take advantage of awesome collaborative tools, including a group manager, custom workspace, and discussion threads on Sosius.
71. Taskbin: This online to do list is great for groups to share.
72. Vyew: Vyew makes it easy to do real time collaboration and conferencing.
73. Approver: Share your documents and get them approved in one place using Approver.
74. OfficeZilla: OfficeZilla is touted as a web based intranet, where you can share calendars, files, forms and more securely online.
75. cyn.in: With this online content management service, teams can create and keep tabs on all sorts of data.
76. Monkey On Your Back: Send this monkey to do the dirty work of reminding others to get stuff done.
77. Backpack: Organize your team online with this ultra-useful collaboration suite.

Productivity

Get project management, time tracking, and more with these apps.

78. Clocking IT: Clocking IT features time tracking, reports, milestones, and lots more.
79. Devshop: This hosted project management application is made just for software projects. Single user accounts are free.
80. Projjex: Projjex’s project management and collaboration system allows timeline and dashboard capabilities, plus a number of other useful features.
81. timeXchange: With this free online timesheet tool, you can track time for multiple individuals and teams.
82. Unfuddle: With a free account on Unfuddle, you can get access to simple project management tools for software development teams.
83. Trackslife: With this database, you can keep track of your profession on items like budgeting, exercise, and other important items.
84. Wrike: This full featured project management service offers task assignment, Gantt charts, and lots more. Single user plans are free, and you can invite other team members to access it.
85. WhoDoes: Stay on top of your organization’s activities with this useful tool.
86. Track Issue: Use this bug tracking software to stay on top of tasks online.

Utilities

Upgrade your computer’s accessories and utilities with these resources.

87. Instacalc: Instacalc has great features, including built-in calculations and easy sharing.
88. Online Alarm Clock: Use the online alarm clock to keep track of time.
89. Dictionary.com: Look up spelling and definitions on this online dictionary.
90. Thesaurus.com: You won’t need Word’s thesaurus feature with this site.
91. Zamzar: The Zamzar app offers free online file conversion.
92. Krunch: Instead of WinZip, use this online tool that will zip and unzip files.

Miscellaneous

Replace even more desktop office applications with these resources.

93. Google Maps: If you’re still using a program like Microsoft Streets & Trips, make the switch to Google Maps to enjoy online access and lots of mashups.
94. MapQuest: MapQuest is another great alternative to desktop mapping programs.
95. Omnidrive: Get all of your files stored in one place online using Omnidrive’s service.
96. eSnips: This online storage site offers users 5 gigabytes.
97. Splashup: This online image editing application has a lot of the same capabilities as Photoshop.
98. Scanr: Instead of using your scanner and desktop software, just take a photo of the item and upload it with this service.
99. Gliffy: Gliffy’s online diagramming software makes it easy to create flowcharts, technical drawings, and more.
100. blist: This super-easy database is like a powerful spreadsheet that can be shared with anyone.

Networks for Free

Most of the major TV networks offer downloads of their current and some former shows for free. There may be delays between air time and when you can access them, but you’re sure to find some of your favorites among this list.

1. ABC. You can watch full episodes of The Mole, Lost Seasons 1-4, Ugly Betty and more. There are two ad breaks for a half-hour show and three ad breaks for an hour show and you must watch 30 seconds of the ads before fast forwarding.
2. NBC. Get Friday Night Lights, My Name is Earl, and more of your NBC favorites here. You get lots of extras such as deleted scenes, games, and trivia at each show’s video spot.
3. CBS. Get full episodes of your CSI’s and all the rest of your CBS favorites at this site. Also, they offer full episodes of classics like The Twilight Zone.
4. Fox. Watch full episodes of your favorite shows on Fox like American Idol, House, Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?, and The Simpsons. You will need to wait 8 days after the show aired to access the newest episodes.
5. Lifetime. Find full episodes of shows like How to Look Good Naked, Gay, Straight, or Taken? and Season 2 of Army Wives.
6. A&E. You can watch full episodes of Intervention, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, and The First 48 at this site. You can also watch clips of Indie movies like Murderball, Jesus Camp, and My Kid Could Paint That.
7. MTV. Watch Real World episodes, My Super Sweet 16, and even old Beavis and Butt-Head episodes on MTV.com. You will need to go to the specific show you want to watch to find videos.
8. HGTV. Get full episodes of shows like Color Splash and Designed to Sell on this site. You’ll watch the shows in segments ranging from just over two minutes to longer segments around eight minutes.
9. Discovery Channel. Watch shows from Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and TLC from this site. They offer a limited selection from a handful of shows that are available for a limited time, so you better stay on top of this site if you want to see your favorite.
10. PBS. Watch videos from some of your favorite PBS shows here. Not all of these offer full episodes, but you can get enough through the clips to feel like you’ve not been short-changed.

Networks for a Fee

These networks offer their TV shows, but you must either be a cable subscriber to their channel or you must pay for the download.

11. HBO on Broadband. Cable subscribers with HBO can watch over 600 shows on their PC. Right now this is only available in Wisconsin, but look for it to be coming to your area soon.
12. Showtime. You can watch your favorite series, for a fee, right on your computer or download your a series, boxing event, or comedy special on one of eight different video venues.

BitTorrent Applications

BitTorrents allow users to share files, such as TV shows or music, with others. There are several BitTorrent applications that will help you find and play your favorite TV shows on your computer. Some of these applications will even find the most updated episodes for you. Be sure to check local laws to ensure you are not breaking any copyright laws.

13. µTorrent. The claim to fame with this application is their small size. You can download your TV shows with this BitTorrent client running in the background and never notice it’s going. It also offers scheduling, RSS downloading, and customizable skins.
14. BitTorrent. Download the software for BitTorrent, then start watching your favorite TV shows right away. The more popular the show, the faster the download.
15. Miro. Download this software to "turn your computer into an Internet TV." You can play just about any major video format, incorporate video RSS feeds, and auto-download your shows.
16. BitComet. Download any video, mp3, or Flash file from any website so you can get your TV shows from even more locations. It promises fast downloads and it’s free.
17. BitSpirit. You can do simultaneous downloads or chat with other peers if you use this BitTorrent application to get your TV shows. You’ll get high speed with low memory usage with this software.
18. Transmission. Like µTorrent, Transmission promises a small size and lots of features to help you get your favorite downloads. This is open source software, so anyone can use it for free.
19. Vuze. Formerly known as Azureus, this torrent client promises quick, efficient, and quality downloads. It also offers a share feature that allows you to share bandwidth and speed up your downloads.
20. Ted. Let Ted do the work for you by finding your favorite TV shows and downloading them as soon as new ones become available. Ted works with other torrent clients such as Torrent or Tomato Torrent.
21. XTVi. Specializing in TV torrents, this site offers free shows with no registration. If you do choose to register, it’s still free, but you can also upload your own torrents and post comments.
22. GUBA. Get any type of video here, including your favorite TV shows. You can watch the videos in Flash or download to your PC, iPod, or other portable device.
23. EZTVefnet.org. This is similar to the other BitTorrent applications, but you must pay a subscription fee to download the software. The fee goes to the tutorials and support available at this site and may be worth it to someone new at bittorrent application use.

Freebies

All of these sites offer free access to TV shows. Some act as a clearinghouse and provide links to other sites while others actually give you the shows themselves.

24. Joost. Get over 20,000 shows for free at this site. You will need to have a broadband internet connection and to download the Joost software.
25. AOL Television. Watch full episodes of TV shows like American Dad, The Daily Show, and Lost for free. With almost 9000 episodes, your favorite show is sure to be here.
26. FreeTVonline.com. Download TV you favorite shows with this service. You will need to install their viewer, and the shows are available for free through advertisements, so you will have to see those as well.
27. TVFreeload. Choose from over 1000 TV shows on this site. Download instantly or register to take advantage of their Direct Download Option for an easier download.
28. ShareTV.org. This site is more than just TV downloads with an active forum, blog, and more. Watch full episodes of newer shows like Heroes or older shows like Twin Peaks.
29. Graboid. Download this software to get free full-length TV shows and movies. Some of the features do cost money, but some do not.
30. Peekvid. Register to get your shows for free with Peekvid. Browse alphabetically for TV shows or movies you want to watch with this simple website.
31. Veoh. From 30 Rock to The Young and the Restless, you can get free TV shows at this site. You can customize your Veoh experience, participate in forums, and download VeohTV to watch the shows from the web on your TV at the time of your choosing.
32. Joox. Find TV shows, sports, stand-up comedy, and more at this site that offers links to videos all around the Internet. There is no need for registration or downloading anything, but you might need one of two plug-ins to access the videos.
33. alluc.org. This site hosts a database of links to cartoons, TV shows, and more. The site is a bit awkward in that some of the links are broken and the English translation is a bit off (SpongeBob Hempants?), but there is a good selection nevertheless.
34. Fancast. Watch full episodes of lots of your favorite shows. You can find oldies like WKRP in Cincinnati and recent episodes of Family Guy.

Download for a Fee

You can find tons of TV shows with these sites, but you will either need to pay for the individual show or season or will need to have a paid subscription.

35. Netflix. Download your favorite TV shows instantly like Weeds, classic Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and The Office, and Dexter. You will need a paid Netflix subscription, but each download is free.
36. iTunes. iTunes isn’t just for music. Go to the store and get TV shows as soon as one day after they aired. You will need to purchase these shows, but you can watch them on your computer, iPod, or iPhone.
37. Direct2Drive. If you are tired of trying to track down your show the day the newest season is released, then get the latest TV shows downloaded directly to your computer at this site. The price is comparable to buying the DVDs.

Classic TV

Find classic TV shows and cartoon at all these sites. You are sure to find some old favorites like Gilligan’s Island or Gunsmoke among these.

38. Classic Cartoons. This blog is devoted to all sorts of classic cartoons and not only gives a bit of background, but also offers screenshots and videos of many of them. Use the search tool for specific topics or cartoons or just browse through the archives for unexpected treats.
39. Oldies TV. Watch classic TV shows from the 50’s and 60’s here. The site is a bit cumbersome with lots of scrolling involved, but you can find some great old shows to watch.
40. Nostalgia Manila. Another blog devoted to TV, this one offers cartoons and TV shows from the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. Browse from the list on the right or use the search tool to find links to full episodes of old favorites like Gilligan’s Island and The Flintstones.
41. Vintage Videosift. People post random videos, then others vote on them. More votes means the video gets pushed higher to the top of the list. You can find lots of vintage cartoons and other TV bits among these video. You may not be able to find exactly what you want to see, but if you are in a mood for someone else to select, this is the place for you.
42. liketelevision.com. Get classic TV shows and cartoons as well as vintage toy commercials here. You will need to pay for a subscription to watch anything other than the commercials.
43. GoFish. Targeted at mom, teens, and kids, this site has classic cartoon as well as a lot of current Japanese cartoons like Digimon and Naruto.
44. Crackle. Get "Minisodes" of lots of your old TV favorites like I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched, and Facts of Life. Minisodes are about five minutes long and edit out the superfluous stuff like chase scenes to keep the basics of the episode.

Commercials

What would TV be without the commercials? Find old ones, new ones, funny ones, and international ones at these sites below.

45. Funny Super Bowl TV Commercials, 1998-2008. This About.com page offers links to several places with Super Bowl commercials, including some banned ones. The "Wardrobe malfunctions" spoof commercial is worth a look too.
46. Retrojunk. Pick from the 70’s, 80’s, or 90’s and watch TV commercials that will give you a taste of your childhood. Choose your category from several options such as toys or snacks.
47. funnyplace.org. Watch funny commercials from all around the world on this site. The videos are on a wall you just click through them, so enjoy the random assortment of ads you will get here.
48. Classic TV Ads. All these commercials are from the 50’s, 60’s, and early 70’s. Select from these fun categories: eat, drink, smoke, clean, groom, shop, and travel. You will even get a little history behind these ads.
49. Thinkbox. These commercials from the U.K. are some of the most recent out there. Click on the images in the "Breaking Ads" section to watch them.
50. japander.com. The Japanese love to have westerners in their commercials…or maybe westerners love to be in Japanese commercials. Either way, these are some amusing TV spots.

General

These sites serve up just about every movie out there.

1. MovieFlix: This site has thousands of free movies you can watch.
2. Dailymotion: You can find movies and a whole lot more on this video site.
3. Movie Rumor: Get access to free and unreleased movies on Movie Rumor.
4. TV Loser: TV Loser has it all, offering comedy, action, horror and more.
5. DivVin: DivVin shares the latest in DivX and OGM movies.
6. PeekVid: This Stage6 alternative makes it easy to find the movies you’re looking for.
7. Ziryan: You can watch, upload, and share films on this site.

Aggregators

The vast majority of movie sites out there made up of aggregator sites like these, offering links to sources where you can view movies.

8. Online Cinema: Find, download, and watch current movies as well as classics on this site.
9. M-o-v-i: On this site, you’ll find embedded movies, plus the ability to download for registered users.
10. Meelu: Meelu links and embeds movies from everywhere on the Internet.
11. PowerFLV: Find everything from classic movies to blockbusters here.
12. Ssupload: Ssupload has a huge selection of movies and lots of alternate links.
13. Watch Movies: This site offers multiple links for movies, so you’ll always find one that works for you.
14. Watch Blockbusters: This site specializes in the latest blockbuster films.
15. David Movie: David Movie offers a simple, searchable listing of movies available.
16. TV-Links: This site has an amazing selection of movies to choose from.
17. Vid2c: Vid2c has an incredibly large selection of movies to choose from.
18. VidLoft: Find and share new releases and more on this site.
19. Peekvid: Peekvid offers an index of film links on the Internet.
20. SurfTheChannel: Visit this site to get linked up with hundreds of high quality movies.
21. Free Movie Look: This site makes it easy to find everything from animation to romance.
22. My Movies: This directory of movies is a great searchable source.
23. MediaTeeVee: Check out hundreds of movies on this site.
24. Project Free TV: This online project links to hundreds of different movies available online.
25. Free Movie Group: Free Movie Group embeds a wide variety of Flash full length movies into the site.
26. Movies Found Online: This site has links to everything from public domain films to Christmas movies.
27. Stage X: Stage X has a rapidly growing collection of movie links.
28. Leech Video: Leech Video offers a listing of some of the most popular movies and videos online.
29. Movie Key: Find more than 600 movies from various sources on this site.
30. 66Stage: This site regularly updates its large collection of streaing movies and more.
31. Video Fresh: Watch some of the best new movies online with this site.
32. TV-Life: This TV site features movies as well.
33. Momomesh: This site will find the movie you’re looking for in a number of different viewing sites.

Selected Freebies

Check out these studio released selections and other small collections.

34. ClickForFlick: Watch around 100 or so of the latest movies on this site.
35. Fancast: Fancast primarily offers trailers, but has a number of selected films for free viewing.
36. Lycos Cinema: Check out selected films in horror, comedy, and more on Lycos Cinema.
37. Sly Fox TV: Sly Fox’s collection is relatively small, but high quality.
38. Hulu: Hulu is a great source for full length versions of movie favorites.
39. Google Video: There are at least 50 popular movie titles available on Google Video.
40. Red Curtain Movies: On this site you can find current movies, plus more from the 1980s and earlier.
41. StreamingTVOnline: StreamingTVOnline has a growing collection of HD and Flash movies.
42. TV-Links: You’ll find a number of popular new releases on this site.
43. Balkan Spy: Here you’ll find a handful of popular movies.

Downloads

With these sites, you can download movies and take them anywhere.

44. Watch Movies: This site makes it possible for you to download and watch movies in pieces at a time.
45. Joox: You can download everything from foreign films to the latest releases on this site.
46. Movies On Demand: Get full-length downloads of the movies you want on this site.
47. Hungry Flix: You can download movies for viewing on your mobile device on this site.
48. Public Domain Torrents: Quickly download movies that are free and a part of the public domain.
49. NowTorrents: This torrent search engine will make it easy to find what you’re looking for. They even offer a box office torrents section.
50. BitTorrent: BitTorrent has a wide variety of free movies to download.
51. YouTorrent: Find any movie torrent you’re looking for with this search engine.
52. Torrent Reactor: Torrent Reactor has a special movie section, plus the ability to track categories by RSS.
53. The Pirate Bay: The Pirate Bay is one of the oldest torrent sites online, offering a wide selection of movies to download.
54. TV Okay: This site has a variety of high quality movies for you to download.
55. Atomic Movies: Atomic Movies is full of awesome movies that you can download.
56. Omega Tube: You can download thousands of movies on this site.

Specialty

Find specific genres of movies on these sites.

57. Fearnet: Fearnet features anything and everything horror.
58. Disney: This summer, Disney plans to air a number of films on TV, including Peter Pan, Finding Nemo, and Monsters Inc., and will be making them available for viewing online following the presentation.
59. Classic Cinema Online: Find classic movies, foreign films, and silent films on this site.
60. Free Moovies Online: On this site, you’ll get access to top quality classic films.
61. Movie Classics: This site allows you to watch classic movies in your browser. If you want to download a film, you will have to pay a fee.
62. Free Documentaries: This site features thought-provoking films from amateur film makers.
63. Classic Movie Database: This database is full of classics and public domain films.
64. Youki: The popular Chinese video site is full of movies that everyone can watch and download.

Forums & Blogs

On these sites, you’ll be able to get links from other movie lovers.

65. Tube Zoom: This forum has loads of resources for watching both new and old movies online.
66. Chasing the Frog: Users can watch and add movies to this site.
67. Fast Pass TV: Get quick links to full movies and more on this blog.
68. Ticket666: This forum offers a way for users to find and share streaming high quality movies.
69. Desktop-Cinema: You’ll find everything from blockbusters to classics on Desktop-Cinema.
70. MyMovees: This blog posts a wide variety of movies on a regular basis.
71. Online Movie Forum: On Online Movie Forum, you’ll find current movies, plus loads of links.
72. Free TV Episode: This blog offers great links to full length movies.
73. RootForum: Let the users on this forum point you in the right direction.
74. Wiz Movies: This community has loads of activity and even offers a handy list of full movies.
75. Free Movie Hunt: This blog seeks out the best movies to share.
76. Movie Jock: Movie Jock is a great place to find links for watching movies online.
77. Vid-Stream: Vid-Stream’s forums are a great place to find and discuss free movies.
78. MoviesBoss: On MoviesBoss, you’ll find loads of new embedded movies.

Social Sites

These sites don’t just offer movies-they have thriving social communities as well.

79. Show Links: Find numerous links for movies and vote on the quality with this site.
80. FreeTVOnline: You can discover and discuss movies on this site.
81. Nabolister: Rate, search, and discuss movies in this community.
82. LegalMovies: Users share and submit quality files on this movie site.
83. Alluc: This user-driven site is a great place to find free movies.
84. TV Shack: The TV Shack site offers free movies and an engaging community.
85. FilmZZZ: This user-powered site offers lots of links to movies.
86. MessageFromMe: This site makes it easy to find and share media, including movies.
87. SideReel: Check out reviews, ratings, discussions, and viewing links on SideReel.
88. Find Your Fix: On this download site, you’ll be able to vote for your favorite movies.
89. Videohybrid: Social media addicts will love this site’s Digg-like interface and community.
90. Movie Feens: Get a variety of high quality DivX movies and discuss them on the forums here.
91. Campusist: This online community makes it easy to find all of the movie links you want.
92. QuickSilverScreen: Submit links, check out discussions, games, and more on QuickSilverScreen.
93. VidIcs: This site offers a wide variety of free movies as well as an active forum community.
94. Megavideo: Find user channels, subscribe, and view movies on this site.
95. Veoh: You can often find links to download and viewing sites on this social video site.

Search

Use these search engines to find what you’re looking for.

96. Video Double: You can search for movies on this site, or browse through the directory.
97. OpenFLV: OpenFLV makes it easy to search for the videos you want to see.

Public Domain

Check out classic movies whose copyrights have expired on these sites.

98. Jonhs: You’ll find documentaries, public domain movies, and other freely available films on Jonhs.
99. Archive.org: Archive has a huge Moving Images library full of public domain films.
100. Emol: This site is full of major motion pictures from the 1910s to the 1960s.

General

Whether you just need to store some files online or back up an entire project, these sites have what you need.

1. Box.net: Store all of your documents, photos and files online with this storage space. You’ll be able to access them from anywhere, share them, and even edit photos and documents right from your browser.
2. Omnidrive: Omnidrive can make it easy to move all your Web and desktop files into one easy to access place that you can share or get to from anywhere that has an Internet connection.
3. XDrive: With up to 5GB of free storage, and additional storage for a cost, this site makes it easy to share and store all of your important information online.
4. Amazon S3: Designed with computer developers in mind, this offering from Amazon makes it easy to store large amounts of data on the Web. Its interface is very pared down and users will only pay for the space they use.
5. Windows Live SkyDrive: Part of the suite of Windows Live offerings, this site makes it easy to upload, store and share data within a password protected online storage program.
6. Who.hasfiles: This site offers 100 MB of storage space online for free or up to 100 GB for a fee and allows users to easily access their files and data from anywhere.
7. Online File Folder: Created by domain name giant Go Daddy, this online storage system provides cheap online storage for up to 2GB of information.
8. FlipDrive: An account from FlipDrive allows users to upload their data to a secure online storage area and, if they desire, share them with others. FlipDrive also allows users to store contacts and favorites, so all their data is in one place.
9. JungleDisk: Based on Amazon’s S3 storage system, this service allows users to store an unlimited amount of data and be billed only for the amount they’re using.
10. AllMyData: AllMyData provides users with unlimited file storage and makes it easy to share and access files from anywhere. Additionally, the program can be automated to back up your computer on a regular basis.
11. DropBoks: This is a handy program that allows you to store your files online for free. The simple interface allows users to move files as large as 50MB and to store up to 1 GB of stuff online at no charge.
12. BitRoad: BitRoad is billed as being completely free of charge internet file hosting. Simply upload your files and share them with others without paying a thing.
13. Openomy: Openomy allows users to upload files and share them with others using tags rather than folders to organize them, and offers up to 1GB of storage.
14. DriveHeadquarters: Here you’ll find tools to upload, share, store and more with online data storage, FTP services and easy computer backups.
15. OrbitFiles: This service offers up to 6GB of online storage for free as well as an easy interface for managing and sharing your information.
16. Diino: Create access to everything on your desktop even when you’re not on your computer with this online storage service. The program makes it easy to back up your computer or to share media like photos and videos with friends.
17. StoreGate: Create a hard drive on the Internet to store all your important information using StoreGate. You can back up your computer, share files, or even use it to store information from your mobile phone.
18. iStorage: Iomega offers this service, which is designed to make it easy to share and store files and photos online and also provides a service called WhaleMail to send large files.
19. gDisk: This isn’t a service but instead a program that you download an install on your computer. It allows you to use all that extra space in your Gmail account to save and transfer information easily.
20. File123: This site encourages people to get rid of their paper files by making everything digital and storing it online. The site promises to be secure and offers a free program to send large files.

File Sharing

These programs not only make it easy to store information online but to share it with friends, family and coworkers as well.

21. The Linkup: Called social networking for file sharing, The Linkup allows users to easily send and receive files with friends or just to store large files online easily.
22. Wuala: Wuala makes it easy to share files with your friends, privately. Files are encrypted and there are no limits on size.
23. 4Shared: This site makes it easy to share your music, videos or photos with your friends or anyone else.
24. BigFileBox: Exchange files or work together on a project easily using this file uploading and storage site.
25. WebOffice: WebOffice makes it easy to share the files and information that are a part of a big project. You can also allow everyone involved to edit and update the data.
26. RapidShare: This site makes it easy to upload files and then send them quickly to others, no matter how big they are.
27. TrueShare: Upload your files to this site and you’ll be able to access them at any time and easily share and collaborate on them with others.
28. eSnips: With eSnips you can upload your documents, photos, videos, links and more. The social networking features of the site make it easy to promote yourself or exchange things with other users.
29. Multiply: Make sharing photos, videos and information with your family more secure and private using multiply. You can upload anything you want and restrict access to a chosen few.
30. Freepository: Developers can take advantage of this site which provides free hosting and sharing of source code.
31. TileFile: This site allows users to upload a variety of media files, decide who to share them with, converse about them and even create widgets to embed in other websites.
32. DivShare: Store and share your photos, videos, music and documents on this site. You’ll get up to 5GB of storage and the capabilities to embed and share files easily.
33. Exaroom: Here you’ll be able to store and access your files from anywhere or share them with anyone you choose whether for work or just for fun.
34. GigaSize: Billed as the easiest way to upload and share files, this site offers both free and pay accounts that allow users to upload, store and send files and contact information.
35. in.solit.us: Still in the beta stages, this site provides an easy format for users to upload their files either for storage or to share with friends if they choose. It even has a version optimized for the iPhone.

Sending Services

Many email providers simply can’t handle sending huge files. These uploading services will take care of that for you.

37. YouSendIt: Send files up to 2GB quickly and easily using this popular service.
38. TotoExpress: Those working in the creative field can take advantage of this sending program which allows easy sending of large files to clients or collaborators.
39. Pandafile: Easily upload or send files with this beta program and share them with anyone you like.
40. FileFactory: FileFactory allows users to upload files for the purpose of sharing them. It comes complete with an email sending service for large files.
41. Sharebee: Send large files with ease using this site, which allows users to upload files of any size and to email them to anyone they choose.
42. DropSend: This program makes it simple to mail large files. Simply drag them into the site, drop them, and send them on their way.
43. Move Digital: Use the uploader that comes with this site to drag and drop files into an easy and user-friendly system for sending big files.
44. Driveway: Park your files on this site and share them with anyone you want. You upload what you want to share and a notice is emailed to the recipient to look at the files.
45. BoxCloud: Billed as "dead-simple," this file sending service allows users to share files right from their desktops. Users will just need to download and install the software and you’re ready to roll.
46. Send6: Mail large files using this online service geared towards professionals and businesses. The site also offers some free online file storage as well.
47. WebCargo: Designed with creative professionals in mind, this site makes it simple to send big files to and from clients. You can send up to 2 GB at a time and you’ll be notified when they’re viewed.

Passwords

Never forget your passwords again with these Web-based password storage services.

48. Clipperz: Store your passwords privately and without paying a thing with Clipperz. You can also use it to store other private information as well and keep everything organized.
49. Agatra: Try out this free service to securely store and retrieve your passwords no matter what computer you’re using.
50. PassPack: Use this simple password manager program to keep track of all your passwords online with nothing to download or install.
51. NeedMyPassword: Keep your passwords accessible and secure on this free password storage site.
52. HandyPassword: Download this password program and you’ll have an easy and free way to keep all your passwords organized and at your fingertips.
53. 4MyPasswords: This Web-based application allows users to safely store their passwords and get to them no matter where they are.
54. Keezey: Stop struggling to remember your passwords for your favorite sites and store them with Keezey instead.

Bookmarks and Contacts

Take all of your important information with you no matter what computer you’re on with these sites.

55. Bookmark Tracker: This site allows users to safely store and organize their bookmarks online and access them from anywhere with an Internet connection.
56. MyBookmarks: Take your bookmarks with you everywhere you go with this easy-to-use online bookmark storage program.
57. Backflip: Create an online directory of your favorite sites with this great bookmark storage tool that allows you to access sites from more than just your own computer.
58. BuddyMarks: With this site you can store your bookmarks online, access them from anywhere, share them with friends and easily organize them.
59. Plaxo: Keep your address book at your fingertips with this site that makes it easy to connect with your contacts, share web content and access it from anywhere.
60. Keepm: Sign up with this free site to keep your contacts easily accessible from anywhere, including your own computer, a laptop or even a mobile phone.
61. BigContacts: This web-based contact manager allows users to keep track of their contacts, calendars, files and more no matter where they’re accessing the Internet.

Photos

Store and share your photos online with these great services.

62. Picasa: Google’s offering to the online photo storage market provides users with an easy way to upload and share their photos in customizable Web albums.
63. Flickr: This popular photo sharing site allows users to upload their photos to store, share or link to from other sites.
64. PhotoBucket: Store your photos in this site which makes it easy to post hosted photos on anything from a blog to a forum.
65. ProtectMyPhotos: Back up your photos using this online service so you’ll never lose the record of all your great memories.
66. Sharpcast Photos: Automatically back up and store your photos online so you’ll never face a disaster if your hard drive crashes.
67. OurPictures: Simply upload your photos to this site and you’ll be able to store them in an album, share them with friends and family, or have them made into unique photo merchandise.
68. Shutterfly: Create an account on Shutterfly to upload and store your photos. Once they’re on the site you can order prints or share them with others.
69. Snapfish: Users of this site can upload their photos, create shareable albums and even order prints of their digital photos.
70. 23: Upload, organize, share and print out your photos on this great site.
71. Kodak EasyShare: Use this photo friendly site to store a few of your recent photos so they can be easily shared with friends or printed.
72. Fotki: Fotki makes it easy for users to upload their photos and create shareable albums so photos don’t have to just sit on your hard drive.
73. DotPhoto: DotPhoto provides amateur and professional photographers with a place to store and share all of their best photos.

Videos and Music

Keep your media safe or share it with others through these Web tools.

74. MyOtherDrive: Upload your videos, files and photos to this site to share them easily, with no file size limits and up to 5GB of storage.
75. EatLime: With EatLime, users can upload their videos and share them through the service, by linking them to MySpace, Bebo, Facebook, or sending them over email.
76. MediaMaster: Back up all your music files to this site so you’ll never lose them, plus be able to access and listen to them from anywhere.
77. VidiLife: You can upload and store all of your videos to this site, and if you’d like, share them too.
78. DropShots: Share your photos and videos using DropShots or keep them private as you store them as a backup.
79. ZippyVideos: ZippyVideos provides free uploading and storage for videos as well as an easy way to share them with friends, family or the rest of the world.
80. Supload: Supload specializes in hosting music, video and images. You can use the site to store your media or as a platform for sharing it.
81. Rupid: As one of the largest providers of free video hosting, Rupid gives you an easy way to upload, store and share your videos.
82. Mydeo: If you’re not just interested in storing your videos but in sharing them easily with others as well, Mydeo can be a great site to try out.
83. Pixilive: Upload your photos and videos to Pixilive for free and get unlimited storage, privacy options, and photo and video galleries.
84. MP3Tunes: Listen to your music from anywhere using this great site. Users can upload and store their music and listen to it from any computer or even from their phones.
85. BooMP3: Use this site to upload and share MP3 files with an unlimited amount of storage and the ability to place files on MySpace, your blog, Orkut and more.
86. Steekr: Steekr provides Internet users with a place to store or back up their digital music files, with 1GB of free storage. Users can also take advantage of photo and video hosting as well.

Computer Backups

Don’t let your data disappear if something happens to your computer. Instead, back everything up with these online storage systems.

86. Mozy: Back up all your important information to this secure site so you won’t lose a thing if something happens to your computer.
87. Carbonite Backup: This company is dedicated to helping users survive a computer meltdown by backing up their emails, documents, photos and more online.
88. Humyo: Humyo is a free place to back up all your important data or just to store a few important files. Users can also send and publish the files they put on the site.
89. IDrive: This site provides users with encrypted file backups that keep their information safe from loss and private from others.
90. IBackup: Schedule automatic backups for your computer with this online data storage site. It works for both Mac and PC users and offers plans for businesses as well as personal use.
91. FirstBackup: Businesses can take advantage of this site which offers reasonable prices for backing up customer data, important records and anything else you wouldn’t want to lose.
92. Data Deposit Box: This site makes a new backup of your computer every time you change the files or data so you’ll always have the latest records stored securely online.
93. Elephant Drive: For only a few dollars a month you can enjoy unlimited storage with Elephant Drive and store documents, music, photos and more.
94. ADrive: Enjoy 50GB of free storage with ADrive, and you’ll be able to back up your computer and store all your files.
95. Angel Backup: This site makes keeping your files backed up and secure easy, with automatic updates and access to your information from anywhere.
96. BlogBackupOnline: Don’t lose all your hours of work on your blog because of a computer malfunction. Back it up using this service instead, which makes it fast and simple to back everything up.
97. CrashPlan: Are you prepared if something happens to your computer? This site can help get you there by automatically backing up your data and storing in an offsite and easily accessible place.
98. Egnyte: Businesses will enjoy this service which not only allows them to backup their systems but to easily store, send and share data with clients.
99. Textive: Back up all your important writing with Textive. The site not only provides users with the ability to store valuable content but also the chance to get paid for publishing it as well.
100. Yuntaa: Keep your files safe and backed up with Yuntaa. You’ll be able to access them easily if something happens to your computer and share them with others if you need to.

Basic Steps

From anti-virus software to firewalls, follow these basic steps to protecting your computer.

1. Install a firewall: Using a firewall blocks public users from connecting to your computer and can prevent certain viruses from attacking.
2. Get anti-virus software: This tip is especially important if you use Windows.
3. Anti-spyware protection: Anti-spyware protects viruses and monitoring bugs that scan your system and steal your information right from your computer.
4. Delete suspicious e-mails and attachments: If you get an e-mail from a bogus address, don’t open it. If you open up an e-mail from an address that isn’t familiar but isn’t genuine, you should still delete it, and never open the attachment.
5. Don’t download extra software from a prompt: If a page you’re viewing prompts you to download Adobe, don’t click the button that pops up on the screen: go to the original site for the program you need and download it there.
6. Patch your software: When a vulnerability in your product or system is announced by the manufacturer, get a patch for it right away.
7. Close down your network: If you have a wireless network, make it password protected so that no one in the apartment or building next to you can hop on without you knowing.
8. Don’t let your computer save your passwords: Some sites like Gmail, Facebook and even your online banking account will ask if you want to save your password and login information. Never do this, even if it means taking a few extra seconds to type it in each time. You can even disable the "remember passwords" function in your browser.
9. Download a secure browser: Firefox is usually touted as a more secure browser than Internet Explorer, but Safari and Opera may have even less vulnerabilities than Firefox.
10. Go open source: If you’re pretty computer literate, see if you can manage working with a Linux operating system and open source software. It’s generally the most secure system out there and completely customizable.

At Work

Keep these security tips and guides in mind when you log on at the office.

11. Pick strong passwords: When you’re away from your desk, anyone could hop onto your computer, even your boss. Pick strong passwords with lots of characters and numbers to make it harder for someone to guess your key.
12. Make sure your anti-virus and anti-spyware is updated: If your office doesn’t have a big IT department, you’ll need to make sure updates are running on schedule yourself.
13. Encrypt e-mails: Consider encrypting your e-mails if you are sending sensitive information.
14. Use VoIP: Instead of chatting online or sending an e-mail, send a message or call someone using this very secure voice-over-Internet protocol.
15. Delete unnecessary TCP/UDP services: SearchSecurity.com writes that these "unneeded services can be the entry point attackers use to gain control of your system."
16. Monitor e-mail attachments: Never open an e-mail attachment with file extensions like .exe, .isp, .bas or any of the others in this list.
17. Don’t give out your system administrator password: Keep major passwords like this one to yourself.
18. Network Security for the Small Office: Small business owners may find this article about cost effective network security.
19. The WAN as Security Threat: If your office computers allow access to IM’ing and social media sites, read this article to understand how they affect your security.
20. Get a pop-up blocker: A pop-up blocker will prevent you from even accidentally clicking on a suspicious pop up. If you know you’ll need to see pop ups from a specific site, you can adjust the settings for that site only.

At Home

For computer use at home, remember these important tips.

21. Home Network Security: Here you’ll find a good outline of basic network terms and risk factors.
22. Use different passwords: Don’t use the same passwords for your office computer and your home computer. Also switch up passwords for more important sites like e-mail and online banking.
23. Use a NAT router: If you have more than one computer on the Internet at your home, use a NAT router, which "enables multiple computers to access to the Internet over a single high-speed link." It also blocks incoming connections.
24. Don’t respond to bogus IMs: If an instant message from an unfamiliar screen name pops up asking you to click on a link, don’t.
25. Is Your Home Network Safe From Viruses and Hackers?: Check out this article and then evaluate your home network security system.
26. Use HTTPS connections: Using this code when you type in a web address is much more secure than the plain old HTTP.
27. Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network: Participate in the discussion of home network security here.
28. 10 Tips for Wireless Home Network Security: Writer Bradley Mitchell shares his tips for setting up a secure network system at home.
29. Gmail as a Spam Engine: Learn about one of Gmail’s most recent vulnerabilities and how you can protect yourself.
30. Cyber-Safety Basics: Security for Everyone: This short guide from the UC Davis website lists the most important security tips for your personal network.

Protecting Your Assets and Identity

From protecting your credit card information to blocking spam, read this list for information on keeping your assets and identity safe.

31. Essentials of a Network: Network Security: This article goes over the basics of how data is transmitted through your network, so you know how to protect it.
32. Low-Hassle Ways to Secure Your Computer System: From beefing up your Firefox browser to coming up with new passwords, consult this guide for low maintenance tips.
33. Don’t send credit card information in an e-mail: Even if you get an e-mail from your bank asking for your credit card information, don’t respond online. Call your bank immediately to verify the e-mail.
34. Scan Your Drive for PII: The Network Security Blog shares that "many people have no idea how much personally identifiable information (PII) they have on their hard drives." Protect yourself by reading the entire post.
35. Antispam Group Outlines Defenses to Block Botnet Spam: Find out what this major antispam group is doing to control viruses spread through forwarded e-mails.
36. Protect Your Assets from Search Engines: According to this article, hackers can use Google to find your personal information.
37. Cyber Insurance: This new trend can protect your budget if you need to spend a lot of money cleaning up a virus or hacker attack.
38. Phishing and Pharming 101: Protect your identity: This article has lots of great tips for avoiding online scams and making your network security system stronger.
39. Protect your Computer and your Identity: Read about cyber safety basics, backing up your system and identity theft here.
40. How to Analyze Security Needs: Before you can accurately evaluate your network security system, you’ll first need to understand your security needs. Read this article to find out how.

Child Safety

Keep child predators away from your network by understanding child safety rules online.

41. A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety: This guide from the FBI is a must-read for parents of children who surf the web.
42. SafeKids.com: This website features posts about child safety online and tech reviews to help parents beef up their network security system.
43. SafeSearch: Filter your search results with this tool to block child pornography and other offensive material.
44. MySpace Agrees to Measures to Prevent Child Predators: If your child has a MySpace account, read this article to learn how the social network is strengthening its security against child predators.
45. Keep Your Kids Safe from Online Predators: This article lists several good tips for helping parents monitor their children’s online activity.
46. Online Safety Guide: This great site has safety tips categorized by age, from two years old to 17 years old.
47. Keep Your Child Safe from Online Predators: This article goes over recommended software and control settings to monitor for the sake of your children’s safety.
48. Keeping Teens Safe Online: MySpace is the focus of this reporter’s experiments with security and safety, but it’s a good read for parents of any child who has an Internet profile.
49. Web Aware Online Predators: This guide discusses how online predators work, which groups are most at risk and how to tell if you or your child is being targeted.
50. Eight Ways to Protect Your Child From Online Predators: For more tips on protecting your children and your online privacy, read this article.

Product Reviews

For reviews of anti-virus and other software, turn to this list.

51. Get Net Wise: This site specializes in reviewing tools and giving tips for kids’ safety online and protecting your computer security and privacy.
52. Reviews of Network Security Products: Get the lowdown on backups, Ad-Aware and more in this list.
53. Product Reviews: WindowSecurity.com reviews vulnerability scanners and other security tools here.

Mobile Security

Your mobile devices are a part of your network, so make sure they’re protected too.

54. 10 Top Tips for Mobile Security: Laptop users and those wanting to hop on Wi-Fi hotspots can learn a lot about security here.
55. Cracking the BlackBerry with a $100 Key: This article explains some of the vulnerabilities of the BlackBerry.
56. Get Internet and Bluetooth security for your cell phone: Your mobile devices will need anti-virus protection if they have Bluetooth and the ability to get online.
57. Give your cell phone a password: In case you lose your cell phone, all your e-mails and other sensitive information will remain safe if its armed with a good password.
58. Tech Tip: Implement Firewalls to Protect Mobile Clients: Firewalls are good for protecting your mobile devices too.
59. How to Protect Your Mobile Data: Learn how to encrypt data on your mobile devices in this article.
60. Mobile Security: How to Protect Against Employees’ Bad Habits: This is a great article for any small business owner worried about careless employees getting onto unsecured networks and making sensitive information vulnerable.

Working on Other Networks

These tips and tutorials are for when you have to stray away from your customized network and hop online at an Internet cafe, a shared network or community site.

61. Use a firewall: Double check your settings to make sure your firewall is on.
62. Lock down shared files: Make these folders private so that they’re much harder to access from someone on the outside.
63. Sign off e-mail or other logged on accounts: When you’re at an Internet cafe, completely sign off your account in case the site has automatically stored your password.
64. Use a secure IM client: One of these secure IM clients will encrypt your messages.
65. How to: Protect your privacy on Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn: Read this post before baring all on one of these social sites.
66. Turn off shared printers and other accessories: These can be an easy gateway for hackers if left open on an unsecured network.
67. How Facebook is like the Bush Administration: This post from the Own Your Identity blog considers how to protect your privacy and maintain a strong security system while sharing information online.
68. 5 Tips Every Traveler Should know About Internet Security: From getting portable Firefox to confusing keyloggers, this is a great read for anyone who uses Internet cafes.
69. Security Tips for Net-Connected Travelers: Here you’ll find lots of great tips and how-tos for staying secure at Internet cafes and when you’re using a laptop or mobile device on a shared network.
70. Create a Secure Linux-Based Wireless Access Point: Give yourself a real, secure access point wherever you are with this trick.

Articles

The following articles dispense great advice on network security, from open networks to debunking popular computer security myths.

71. Safety: Open Networks Pose Dilemma: Learn how businesses and individuals need to start monitoring all of their online activity more closely.
72. Popular Sites and Forums for Network Security Analysis: Use this guide to learn about other reputable sites and tools that will help you boost network security.
73. Debunking Some Common Myths: You may be surprised to learn that your online activity isn’t as safe or secure as you thought.
74. Top Ten Cyber Security Tips: This article urges readers to back up important files, use strong passwords and understand messaging security.
75. How to Think Like an Online Con Artist: Protect yourself by anticipating what a hacker or con artist would do to your system.
76. Network Security Policy: Cisco’s guide to risk analysis and preventing security breaches in your system is definitely helpful.
77. How to Protect Your Wireless Network: This step-by-step guide reveals common sense tips as well as more advanced tricks.
78. Tales from the Cryptographer: Protect your network against hackers by reading this article.
79. How to Shield Your Network From Clever Hackers: Kim Komando’s guide for business professionals gives examples of red flags to watch out for.
80. Protecting Your Network from Hackers, Viruses, and Malicious Software: Read about unrestricted server permissions, firewalls and physical security here.

Tools

Find the tools you need to beef up security by searching through these lists.

81. Best Tools for a Secure Network: From administrator tools to tools used to monitor security, these are the best.
82. Cool Tools for Hacker Trackers: Discover how to get updates on hacker attacks here.
83. Top 100 Network Security Tools: Find open source tools for your network here.
84. Network Security Tools: O’Reilly lists tools for assessing your network security system, fighting off hackers and more on this page.
85. Free Tools and Utilities to Help You Secure Your Computer or Network: If you’re worried about paying too much for network security, turn to this list of free tools.
86. Hacking and Network Security Tool Downloads: For a list of tools that can help you test your system, look here.

News Articles

Here you’ll find news stories and sites all about network security trends and how to protect yourself from hackers.

87. ISPs Tracking Everything You’re Doing Online: Read about how a British company is turning to ISPs for their marketing strategies.
88. Coverity’s David Maxwell on Quality Issues in Open Source Software: Anyone interested in open source software and open source security systems will be interested in this article.
89. Securing Your Network, One Zone at a Time: This story considers how some security systems aim to tackle virtual worlds and extended servers.
90. Security News: Visit this page every once in a while to get updates on network security news, trends and advice.

Miscellaneous Resources

Read these blogs and resource guides for more tips and tutorials on network security.

91. Network Security Podcast: Visit this blog for summaries and links to podcasts about network security.
92. Network Security Blog: Browse this blog for posts about hackers, phishing scams and more.
93. ID Theft Secrets Blog: Anyone who uses online banking or who shops online can benefit from the posts in this blog.
94. Info World Network Security: This site’s Network Security section has news articles and more for understanding network security.
95. Own Your Identity: Here’s a blog "about owning your online identity in a world with an increasing amount of software that wants to own it for you."
96. Top 5 Security Issues for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses: Make sure you’re protected against these risk factors.
97. How to Configure Internet Explorer Security: Stubborn IE users can beef up security with this tutorial.
98. Wifi Security 101 Course: Sign up for this course which will teach you how to manage a secure wireless network.
99. Secure Your Network: This writer offers up valuable, realistic solutions for small network managers worried about security.
100. TaoSecurity: This blog is "dedicated to digital security and the practices of network security monitoring, incident response, and forensics."

Finance

If you want to get in the financial spotlight, be sure to build a presence on these sites.

1. Tip’d Investing News: This is the premier social media site for financial topics.
2. Real Estate Voices: This steadily growing site offers an active real estate community of realtors, sellers, and more.
3. Feed the Bull: Financial investors and stock market traders gather here to discuss and rate market news. Alexa reports that in the last 3 months, this site has experienced a 16% improvement.

Shopping & Style

Whether you’re offering coupon updates or product highlights, these shopping sites are a great place to be.

4. iliketotallyloveit: On this rapidly growing site, you can discover new products and share your favorites.
5. Dealigg: Dealigg regularly features coupons, rebates and freebies online. This site’s traffic rank has grown 110 points in the last 3 months.
6. Stylehive: Stylehive is a quickly becoming a popular shopping site, with 28% growth over the last 3 months. The site features loads of visual bookmarks for fashion and more.
7. Chictini: This steady-growing website allows users to discover, share, and buy chic designs.
8. ThisNext: ThisNext offers a way for users to recommend, share, and find the next cool product they should buy. In the past few months the site has jumped 149 points in traffic rankings.
9. Kaboodle: On Kaboodle, users can discover new items from similar shoppers, recommend products, and create shopping lists. Kaboodle has enjoyed a 38% growth recently.

Sports

Use these sites to appeal to armchair quarterbacks.

10. ArmchairGM: On ArmchairGM, you’ll find an active social community and voting system. The site has experienced a slowdown in the past 3 months, but shows a consistent level of growth for the future.
11. BallHype: This site, which has jumped by more than 2,000 points in traffic rankings, features cutting edge sports news, allowing users to assign "hype" to them for popularity.

Causes Relate to readers who care on these sites.

12. Care2: Care2 has shown a consistent level of growth throughout the year. This network allows users to vote and get the word out about campaigns, petitions, and more.
13. Gaia: Gaia’s community is full of supportive, environmentally friendly, and socially conscious people. In the past 3 months, the site has enjoyed a growth of 14%.
14. Fivelimes: For all things green living, be sure to check out Fivelimes, a site that’s experienced an amazing traffic rank jump of more than 5,000 points.
15. Hugg: Hugg has expanded its reach by 38% in recent months. The site is full of user-generated environmental news.

Art & Design

Within these sites, you’ll find plenty of ways to appeal to creative types.

16. Design Float: Check out Design Float, a site that’s grown by 28% in the last 3 months. You can use it to discover and submit stories aimed at freelance designers.
17. Design Sites Up: On Design Sites Up, you’ll be able to find design news and share your own. This site has experienced huge growth in recent months, with a 49,395 point jump in Alexa traffic rankings.
18. Ravelry: Ravelry is an invitation-only site that caters to the knit and crochet community. Exclusivity seems to work for the site, as it has recently expanded its reach by 28%.
19. PhotographyVoter: Check out photography news, and images, and submit your own work on PhotographyVoter. The site’s viewers tend to visit a lot of pages within the network, reflecting a 9% increase in page views.
20. Pixel Groovy: This steadily-growing user controlled directory offers the best of the web’s tutorials.

Internet Technology

Share your knowledge on these sites that focus on web development, blogging, and beyond.

21. DNHour: DNHour’s solidly growing site is all about domain strategy, sales, and more.
22. Hacker News: Hacker News is full of all things hacking and web development. It seems to be growing in popularity, with a jump in traffic rankings of more than 16,000 points.
23. Slashdot: Traffic has dropped within recent weeks, however this favorite shows a consistently high level of growth as shares the latest in tech and offbeat news.
24. tweako: On tweako, you’ll find "collaborative computing" resources, including guides and tutorials. tweako’s visitors tend to stick around, which has contributed to the site’s 37% growth in page views.
25. BloggingZoom: As blogging gets hotter, so does this consistently growing site. BloggingZoom is a great place for any blogger to promote their work.
26. DZone: The word is getting out about DZone, which has, according to Alexa, enjoyed a 29% growth in the past 3 months. Web developers should check out this site, which is full of useful news and links.

Business

Appeal to business-savvy readers on these sites.

27. KillerStartups: This site reviews 30 or more internet startups every day, and encourages members to vote on which one they think will succeed. As interest in new ventures grows, so does the site.
28. PlugIM: PlugIM, a site that has expanded its reach by 42% recently, allows users to share news, projects, and stories about internet marketing.
29. HubSpot: On HubSpot, you’ll find marketing posts to submit and share. The site has jumped a respectable 922 points in traffic rankings recently.
30. Gooruze: Gooruze is an online marketing community, offering news, advice, and more. According to Alexa, the site has expanded its reach by 13% in the past few months.
31. Sphinn: Brush up on your internet marketing knowledge with this community that shows a consistent pattern of growth.
32. Small Business Brief: Here you can find and share the latest news and information for small businesses. Although small, the site boasts a consistent record of improving traffic.

Entertainment

Anyone involved in music, video, writing, and beyond, will find a home in these sites.

33. ShowHype: This site, which has increased its reach by an incredible 91%, allows users to submit and vote on the latest in entertainment news.
34. Video Bomb: For popular online videos, be sure to check out this video bookmarking site. Its current users have helped its page views grow by 8% recently.
35. IMEEM: On IMEEM, both users and artists will find a place to share and discover new music, video, and photos. Imeem’s reach has increased by 17% in the last 3 months.
36. Wordsy: Check out this small but consistent book community where users share and discuss the latest news in the book world.
37. Crackle: On Crackle’s rapidly expanding site, you can watch videos, rate them, and network with other viewers.
38. GamerDNA: This site offers a great way for gamers to get together and share game notes, links, and more. It has pulled on an amazing growth of 51,912% and a jump in traffic rankings by more than 18 million points within the last 3 months.
39. Hey! Nielsen: On Hey! Nielsen, users can rate music, TV, movies, and more. The site’s page views have recently increased by 29%.
40. VideoSift: VideoSift has consistently high traffic growth and features all of the best videos online.

Miscellaneous

These sites are in a class of their own.

41. Kirtsy: The site formerly known as Sk-rt serves up links submitted by women, for women. Since relocating from Sk-rt, Kirtsy has enjoyed a steady upward growth.
42. NewsHeat: Follow the candidates and promote your favorite political news on NewsHeat. Visitors have been fervently tracking the upcoming election, boosting the site’s page views by 30%.
43. Fark: If you want to read or share amusing stories, Fark is the place to go. The site’s faithful readers have contributed to its steady growth.
44. Blogs4God: This site features the latest in Christian blogs, and holds a consistent following of readers that boost its page views regularly.
45. BlackPlanet: On the fast growing site BlackPlanet, you can vote on stories, style, and lots more.
46. Yahoo! Buzz: Vote on the stories of the day on this site that remains consistently high ranked.
47. Meme or Lame: Meme or Lame allows users to submit and vote on gadgets of all kinds. The highest rated content on this site with excellent growth is used to create the site’s monthly free magazine.
48. AutoSpies: Discuss and vote on new cars, automobile articles, and more on this site that’s recently experienced a traffic rank jump of 867 points.
49. Daytipper: Find and share useful tips and information on this site that is sure to enjoy continued growth in the future.
50. tipstrs: On tipstrs, users love to share helpful advice. The site has recently enjoyed a traffic rank jump of almost 29,000 points.

Web Desktops

These tools allow you to have a familiar desktop just by logging in.

1. Desktoptwo: Using this web-based desktop, you can contain all of your applications within a browser window.
2. GlideOS: GlideOS is an extremely useful virtual desktop that you can access through your browser.
3. YouOS: YouOS offers a user-centric web desktop application.
4. Goowy: Use this app to get a window interface that you can use to work on all of your apps.

Collaboration

Work together with friends, fellow students and coworkers using these collaborative apps.

5. Basecamp: Organize and collaborate with anyone with this project application.
6. Gliffy: Using Gliffy, you can create diagrams and even share them online.
7. Comapping: Create collaborative mind maps online with this app.
8. PBwiki: This simple wiki app makes it easy to connect over time and space.
9. Central Desktop: Share files and communicate with anyone using Central Desktop.
10. WhoDoes: With the WhoDoes project management application, you can assign tasks, share documents, define roles, and more.
11. ConceptShare: Use this app to do online design collaboration.
12. Writeboard: Using Writeboard, it’s easy to share and collaborate on documents.

Office Suites

Forget about Microsoft Office. These apps have everything you need and more.

13. Averiware: With Averiware, you’ll get great tools for customer relationship management, accounting, and beyond.
14. Zoho: Zoho replaces just about every office application you might need, with a word processor, project management software, web conferencing, and lots more.
15. WORKetc: With this suite of tools, you’ll have everything you need to run a business or home office.
16. ThinkFree: ThinkFree offers a great variety of office apps, and even includes up to 1 gigabyte of storage free.
17. Panthius: With this ebusiness suite, you’ll be able to stay on top of customers, tasks, schedules, and more.
18. Actionize: Use this office management tool to get an address book, task tracking, file management, and more.
19. ContactOffice: Manage your office contact data with this tool.

Documents

Write drafts, spreadsheets and more with these apps.

20. TinyPDF: With this software, you can create PDF files from any printable document.
21. GreenDOC: GreenDOC serves up simple, free, and easy word processing online.
22. HTML Slidy: Create and present XHTML slideshows with Slidy.
23. Docly: This word processor has copyright protection built in.
24. Thumbstacks: Use Thumbstacks to create presentations such as slideshows or outlines in your browser.
25. Google Docs & Spreadsheets: Google’s apps offer a simple way to create and manage documents online.
26. koolwire: With koolwire, you can turn documents into PDF files using email.
27. Orangoo: This web application offers the simple task of spell checking.
28. SmartSheet: This document app truly is smart, offering all of the documentation tools you want along with history tracking, task assignment, and more.
29. EditGrid: Make extraordinary spreadsheets with this online app.
30. Writely: With this online word processor, you can write, collaborate, and more.
31. Webnote: Webnote makes it easy to take notes in your browser, and then access those notes from any web-enabled computer.
32. Create PDF: On Adobe’s site, you can create a PDF online.
33. YourDraft: Use this online word processor to create quick drafts, and you won’t even need to register.
34. Flowchart: Create charts with this simple, but full featured chart app.

Productivity

These apps will help you get things done online.

35. 30 Boxes: With this calendar app, you can keep up with birthdays, events, and more.
36. TimmyOnTime: Stay on top of how you spend your time with this IM-based time management tools.
37. Remember The Milk: This web-based to do list will remind you to say on top of your tasks.
38. Bubbl.us: Bubbl.us makes it easy to create mind maps, and even embed them in web pages.
39. SideJobTrack: Use SideJobTrack to properly manage your side business.
40. Ta-Da List: Track your to-dos in this fun little app.
41. Relenta CRM: Using this program, you can stay on top of your customers.
42. 88 Miles: Punch in and out of different projects with this time tracking tool.
43. Google Calendar: Use this web app from Google to organize your schedule and share it with others.
44. RescueTime: Find out exactly how you spend your time with RescueTime.
45. DarkCopy: This application will help you write documents while the rest of your screen is blacked out to eliminate distractions.

Finance

With these web apps, you can manage your money anywhere.

46. Mint: Mint is a great online tool for keeping tabs on your money wherever you are.
47. BudgetPulse: Stay on top of your budget with this app that provides graphical views of your accounts.
48. FreshBooks: Use this simple billing tool to track your time, send invoices, and accept PayPal.
49. Wesabe: Wesabe makes it easy to track your money online.
50. Dimewise: With Dimewise, you can track your finances using Web 2.0 features like tagging and charts.
51. Moneytrackin’: Use Moneytrackin’ to watch your finances online.
52. Blinksale: Business owners can use Blinksale to create professional looking invoices for clients.

Storage

Keep all of your files handy on the web with these apps.

53. Xdrive: With 5 gigabites of online storage, you’ll have room for lots of stuff.
54. eSnips: You can get 5 gigabytes of space on this free storage site.
55. Amazon Simple Storage Service: You’ll have to pay for it, but Amazon’s storage service is one of the best.
56. BingoDisk: Host up to 100 gigabytes of your files securely online with BingoDisk.
57. openonmy: Use this website to store up to 1 gigabyte of files.
58. MediaTemple: If you need more space, consider getting a hosting account for your stuff.

Media

These media manipulation apps go beyond traditional desktop software.

59. SplashCast: With this media player, you can create slideshows using a variety of different media.
60. Adobe Photoshop Express: Edit your photos using the online version of everyone’s favorite editing software.
61. Flickr: Share and store your image and video files online with Flickr.
62. Splice: With Splice, you can remix audio right in your browser.
63. Eyespot: Use Eyespot to mix videos online.
64. LunaPic: With LunaPic’s online photo editor, you can do all sorts of fun effects to your images.
65. Photobucket: Store and share your images online with this popular photo site.
66. Jumpcut: Use Jumpcut to mix your videos, adding effects, titles, and more.
67. XMG Image: With XMG Image, you can rezise tag, crop and otherwise edit your images.
68. Picture2Life: Picture2Life makes it easy to edit photos, create collages, and more.
69. Finetune: With this app, you can make your own online mixtape.
70. Pandora: Fall in love with Pandora’s jukebox that plays music based on the artists and songs you already like.
71. kPlaylist: With kPlaylist, you can stream your music online.
72. Tun3r: With Tun3r, you can find all sorts of internet radio stations.
73. Picnik: Do simple photo editing in your browser with Picnik.
74. Colorblender: Use Colorblender to match colors and palette design.
75. Ajax Animator: Get online and use this web-based Flash alternative.
76. My Own Sketch: Create drawings in this online sketch app.

Organization

Use these web apps to keep things together online.

77. iOrganize: Keep all of your work together with iOrganize.
78. Del.icio.us: Save your favorite sites on Del.icio.us right from your browser.
79. Neptune: This simple app makes it easy to get organized.
80. Diigo: This in-browser highlighter makes it easy for you to save important pieces from the web.
81. Stikkit: Using this little sticky-note app, you can communicate and get organized online.
82. Backpack: Backpack offers a great way to keep all of your important documents together, whether they’re notes, images, or to-do lists.
83. Todoist: With this app, it’s easy to keep track of your tasks.
84. CalendarHub: Get updates on multiple calendars, events and more with CalendarHub.

Communication

With these web apps, you can keep in touch with everyone you need to talk to.

85. Highrise: Highrise makes it easy to keep in touch with your customers.
86. Oovoo: Use this free chat application to communicate with video or text.
87. Yahoo! Mail: Yahoo!’s new webmail looks a little bit like Outlook.
88. Claros inTouch: Claros offers a full suite of communication tools, including webmail, notes, RSS, and instant messaging.
89. RoundCube: This browser-based email application has lots of great features you’ll love.
90. Mail2Web: With Mail2Web, you can receive email from any computer online.
91. eBuddy: eBuddy makes it easy for you to IM without a desktop application.
92. Twitter: Keep all of your friends and acquaintances updated at once with this tool that lets you broadcast small pieces of text.
93. Meebo: Instead of using a variety of desktop IM applications, use Meebo for unified communication.
94. Gmail: This extremely popular webmail is great for zapping spam.

Miscellaneous

Get even more awesome features from the web with these apps.

95. Zamzar: Get free online file conversion with Zamzar.
96. InstaCalc: This online calculator will blow the one you have on your computer out of the water.
97. Google Maps: Use Google Maps instead of desktop-based MapPoint.
98. Krunch: Zip and unzip files online with Krunch.
99. Bitlet: Bitlet allows you to torrent without having BitTorrent installed.

1. Have set availability. Don’t let clients, friends and family contact you at all hours during the day. While you want to be available, this kind of open-ended availability can be disastrous to your productivity. Instead, return calls and emails at set times throughout the day.
2. Stay caught up on your email. Letting your inbox pile up is easy and especially tempting if you’re in a hurry, but if you keep caught up with it, you’ll never have to search through it for a lost email or wonder if you replied to a client on an important issue.
3. Set time boxes. Creating time boxes can be a great way to structure your day and get more done. Set certain amounts of time to work on each part of a project, answer emails, take breaks, and anything else you do throughout the day. By allowing yourself only set amounts of time for each thing you’ll be more focused and get more done.
4. Monitor your surfing. The Internet is tempting, filled with shopping, games, and contact with friends that’s generally more fun than any project you are working on. A little surfing is fine, but truly productive web workers know that there is a time and place for the fun stuff. If you can’t get control yourself, try using a program that can help you.
5. Take breaks. It may sound silly to advocate taking breaks as a way to become more productive but it’s true. Workers who take regular, structured breaks actually get more done and are happier than those who keep plugging away without end all day. Set aside a few minutes for yourself every few hours to give your mind and eyes a rest.
6. Work during your high points. All of us have times during the day when we’re more productive. Some people work better first thing in the morning, while others get an afternoon rush. Determine what your most productive times are and schedule your hardest and most intense work around them.
7. Set incentives. One way to get yourself working harder than ever is to give yourself incentives for a job well done. Get into the habit of giving yourself small rewards based on the amount of work you’ve completed. You’re much more likely to push through to get something done if you know there is a reward waiting at the end.
8. Don’t multitask. Unless you are a master at multitasking, doing more thing at once is going to do more harm than good. Concentrate on one to-do item at a time. It might seem like it would take longer, but it will help you focus and prevent errors.
9. Learn shortcuts. Most programs used to work online have keyboard shortcuts, macros, and ways to make even the simplest of tasks take less time. These few seconds saved may not seem like a big deal, but they can add up throughout the day and give you extra time to concentrate on more important things.
10. Simplify your processes. If you find yourself going through a multi-step ordeal to handle your email, client questions, or work on projects, then perhaps it’s time to think about streamlining how you work. Eliminating unnecessary steps and keeping it simple will allow you to keep your focus and make the most of the time you spend working.
11. Treat your body well. You won’t be very productive if you’re sitting at your computer exhausted from lack of sleep or sick from overwork, so make sure that you’re taking good care of yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in projects and forget to have healthy lunches or take a break to get some exercise, but start scheduling these things in as part of your day, and you’ll look and feel much better.
12. Set and meet deadlines. You may find yourself spending much more time on a project than you should if you don’t set deadlines for yourself. Whether you’re a blogger or a web designer, create reasonable goals for yourself and do your best to meet them.
13. Find a focus. Concentrating on a project can sometimes be a frustrating endeavor, so find something either about the project or in your environment that helps you find and keep focused. Turn on some music, clear off your desk, or make it fun for yourself, whatever it takes to keep you on task.
14. Follow up. The best web workers know that a project shouldn’t just fall by the wayside once you’re done with it. Check in with clients, commenters and anyone else who sees your work to get feedback and make you better at whatever job you’re doing.
15. Have the right tools for the job. A lot of time can be wasted by not having the right tools for the job. If you can’t afford expensive programs, then try finding open source alternatives that can do the same work for a fraction of the price.
16. Always have a clear agenda. Don’t just work willy nilly. Go into meetings and projects with a clear idea of what you want to get accomplished. Otherwise, you may find yourself losing time to disorganization.
17. Create set times to check messages. If you want to get more done, then don’t be a slave to your phone and email. Create a schedule to check emails. You can do it at frequent intervals if you’re afraid of missing important information, but constant, unscheduled checking can be a productivity killer.
18. Dress for work. You might be working from home, but that doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t get out of those pajamas to get to work. You don’t need to dress up, but at least put on something you wouldn’t be embarrassed to leave the house in. You’d be surprised how much of an affect your appearance will have on your motivation.
19. Take computer breaks. Working on the computer all day is hard on your eyes and joints, so make sure you take take a rest from it every once in awhile. It’ll save you from eyestrain and repetitive stress injuries which can cost you in the long run.
20. Define work hours. When it’s up to you to schedule your work, you may end up working at all hours of the day. Of course, when this happens, work tends to slowly but surely take over your life. You’ll get more done if you focus your energy on working during specific hours.
21. Automate. In this high-tech age, you shouldn’t have to do everything yourself. Automate as much of your process as you possibly can and you’ll feel like you have your own personal assistant.
22. Keep your workspace organized. A disorganized workspace is a surefire way to slow yourself down. Whether your virtual desktop is covered in files and icons or your real one is overflowing with papers, clean it up. It will be less distracting and you’ll be able to find what you need more quickly.
23. Stay positive. Everyone has bad days, but maintaining a generally positive attitude towards your work will go a long way in boosting your productivity. Find something that makes you happy, even if it’s just your morning coffee, and make it an integral part of your day.
24. Keep a calendar. You’ll let important deadlines and appointments fall by the wayside if you don’t keep at least some record of them on a calendar or day planner. Keep your day-to-day activities laid out and you’ll never have to waste time wondering what it is you should be doing today.
25. Be honest with yourself. Always be honest with yourself about how long a project will take and how interested you are in completing it. Being honest lets you set realistic goals and spend more time working towards them instead of making excuses.

- Julia, May 27, 2008 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Julia, as we state throughout our website we never have access to your account information here, therefore, we can’t cancel for you. Please refer to any purchase receipt Customer Support contact numbers or visit our Cancel Internet Service FAQ page for a list of telephone numbers to try.

Did you know that dial up internet is generally available nationwide? You don’t need to cancel just because you are moving. All you would have to do is change the telephone number your dial up internet software uses to connect.

If Netzero is your dial up internet service provider, you can browse through a few of their frequently asked questions on the Netzero Support website www.netzero.net/support. You can also order a Netzero CD-ROM if you will not be taking your computer with you, but have another computer to use at your new home www.netzero.net/signup/cd.html.

- John

- Ron, May 24, 2008 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Ron, remember that I do not represent Verizon FiOS nor do I work for Verizon, so these are my own personal views.

Before discussing Politics, it is important to remember that a Business (Verizon FiOS or any other) needs to invest money in profitable ways both short term and long term. If a business loses money after making a sizeable investment, people lose jobs and customers lose services. No one wins when a Business makes an unwise investment.

If Verizon FiOS were to roll fiber optic cable down my rural street, I would be quite surprised. For their sake, I would also hope that others beside me would sign up for the service. My street is currently serviced by Charter Cable Internet and AT&T DSL internet services. Imagine investing millions of dollars into that market place, kind of scary if they were to use my money. But the Verizon FiOS product looks like a good one and many people want it, and of course I want it too.

Back to politics. Try doing a Google.com search for your state, city, or town along with the words “verizon fios license” for example. Verizon FiOS needs approval to operate in your area. If they get approval, then they have to build out the system which takes time to do. If it’s not too late, you can do your part by voting or voicing your opinion in writing to those in power to approve the Verizon FiOS service.

When I read rumors that local governments request that Verizon FiOS rebuild a public library or give other perks to the town, I bite my tongue. Everyone will benefit in the USA once 100 Mbps internet service is main stream. Any politician that stands in the way of 100 Mbps internet service is a fool. Want to work and video conference from home, want more competition in TV like video and CD quality music online, a truly interactive and liberated media environment? That’s what Verizon FiOS internet service is bringing forth.

Verizon FiOS has the potential for 100 Mbps, however, it is currently not offered at this speed. Please read these two articles I wrote for additional information about Verizon FiOS internet and FiOS TV services: Verizon FiOS vs Comcast Internet and Verizon FiOS Internet

- John

- Mary, May 13, 2008 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Mary, your Peoplepc.com email and account information is accessible from any computer in the world with internet access by visiting http://home.peoplepc.com/

Online help including the ways to contact Peoplepc.com can be viewed at http://home.peoplepc.com/helpinfo/

- John

After thoughts: Peoplepc dial up internet service deal for this month is $5.47 per month for the first three months, then only $10.95 per month. As with all internet service deals on the site this is for a limited time only, see our Peoplepc web page to get this special offer and to find a link to sign up and learn more about the Peoplepc service. Peoplepc dial up internet has email virus protection, phisher security, spam controls, pop up blocker, up to 4 email addresses, and more. Upgrade to PeoplePC Security Plus for complete security and firewall protection at $7.97 per month for 3 months, then only $15.95 per month.

- Sheri, May 16, 2008 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Sheri, there are many DSL internet service providers, which is your husband using? Take a look at his local phone bill to see if it’s AT&T, Verizon, etc and call the Customer Service or Technical Support numbers given on the monthly bill. If he still has his purchase receipt there should be numbers to call on that as well.

If you know the internet service provider’s website you can look for “Help” or “Support” and also login to his account online to check email and billing from any computer with internet access.

- John

After thoughts: If you are not running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or something better, your computer’s operating system might be an easy target for viruses and spyware. Windows 2000 (Windows ME) was replaced by Windows XP, Windows XP was recently replaced with the newer Windows Vista. Windows Vista now ships on new Windows based PCs and laptop computers. Visit microsoft.com to learn more about the risks of using outdated software on your PC or laptop computer.

- Bill, May 17, 2008 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Bill, if you made a purchase from Verizon through the use of the links on our site, Verizon is your internet service provider not InternetServiceDeals.com. InternetServiceDeals.com is a free to use website. We never bill you nor do we have access to your Verizon account information.

Verizon technical support can be reached by calling the support numbers given to you on your purchase receipt, confirmation email, or a recent Verizon monthly billing statement. Help by email from Verizon is also available by visiting http://www.verizon.com/help

An alternative might be to chat with someone at Live Person. We are in the process of reviewing this service, which is a by the minute fee based service for persons like yourself who need real time assistance. Here at InternetServiceDeals.com we do not make outgoing calls.

- John

- Rose, May 16, 2008 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Rose, all special offers are input by the internet service providers or authorized retailers. The links on our site show all the details and specifications available to you. If a specification is not met, we can’t make changes here at InternetServiceDeals.com, that is the nature of the special offers system.

Combining Phone and high speed internet service together through the same provider usually is the cheapest way to get both. DSL is through your local phone company which can be bundled Internet + Phone. Cable is through your local cable company which can be bundled Cable + Internet + Phone. Satellite and Wireless internet are usually much more expense and offer slower internet access speeds.

- John

After thoughts: A few examples of internet service providers who bundle phone and internet services together are Verizon, Comcast and AT&T.

- Joan, May 16, 2008 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Joan, if you made a purchase from AT&T Yahoo through the use of the links on our site, AT&T Yahoo is your internet service provider not InternetServiceDeals.com. InternetServiceDeals.com is a free to use website. We never bill you nor do we have access to your AT&T Yahoo account information.

AT&T Yahoo technical support can be reached by calling the support numbers given to you on your purchase receipt, confirmation email, or a recent AT&T monthly billing statement. Help by email from AT&T Yahoo is also available by visiting http://helpme.att.net

An alternative might be to chat with someone online using this Live Person service. We are in the process of reviewing this service, which is a by the minute fee based service for persons like yourself who need real time assistance at a reasonable price. Here at InternetServiceDeals.com we do not make outgoing calls.

- John

- Jen, May 18, 2008 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Jen, there are more than 50 internet services on the site. If you signed up for Callwave, did you sign up for the Internet Answering Machine or just the Internet Fax product? Do you have the correct system requirements including any required call-wait or caller-id on your phone service?

Please contact a Callwave customer service rep if you are still having trouble. I have listed a few links that you might need, however, if your purchase receipt lists support numbers please follow what is said on your purchase receipt.
http://www.callwave.com/landing/internetAnsweringMachine_L1.asp
https://www.callwave.com/common/contactCare.asp
https://www.callwave.com/common/login.asp

- John

After thoughts: Callwave internet answering machine service works with both dial up and high speed internet services. Dial up internet users can use Callwave internet answering machine to listen to calls, see the caller name and ID, and decide whether or not to pick up. Visit the Callwave page on our site to learn more about this internet service.

- Darlene, May 18, 2008 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Darlene, a wireless modem simply removes the wires between your computer and the modem. Many people confuse cell phone like wireless services with that of a wireless modem. They are not the same. Cell phone like wireless internet service is expensive, however, it is mobile and can be used nationwide.

Back to your wireless DSL modem. To network a home office or just a couple of computers, all you really need is Windows XP or Windows Vista. Windows XP and Windows Vista software can do most if not all that you need to do. Please read through these two articles I wrote for some insight: Wireless Internet Network and Wireless Internet Security

If you are a book worm, visit your local book store and pick up a book about Home Networks, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Networking, or Wireless Networking at Home. If you are reading anything that says you need to spend a lot of money on equipment and supplies, it’s the wrong book! Windows XP and Windows Vista can share your printer, share computer hard drives, folders, and more. You just need to find the page that lists the instructions.

Lastly, invest a little time and money into an internet security suite with both Antivirus and Firewall. The Firewall is just as important as the Antivirus these days. All of my computers use McAfee Security Center but other popular brands are just as good. Buying a 3 license pack can save you money if you have 3 computers for example.

- John

- Linda, May 19, 2008 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Linda, the pages on our site were recently updated. The Mediacom page and most others say to “Please use the check availability tool to the right” I don’t see where it talks about a link. Some other pages do have green buttons or links but not the Mediacom Internet page.

The internet specials database is ever changing by input from the internet service providers themselves. We do our best and pay attention to the emails that come in by visitor such as yourself. I removed the $9.95/mo which looks to me like it was a Mediacom Cable 2 Star Pak promotion, not the high speed internet which is $19.95/mo. If the Check Now tool doesn’t work for you and you believe that you are in a Mediacom service area then you will have to contact Mediacom directly or visit www.mediacomcc.com which is their website.

- John

- Steven, May 20, 2008 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Steven, I posted a couple of Q&A’s on the site a while back that might be of interest to you. Remember that Internet Access gets you connected. Once you are there, you can do what you want within the limits of the technology. Please read MSNTV Broadband Internet Service and Bellsouth DSL MSN.

May I ask why you are not happy with Comcast internet service? If you do decide to switch from Comcast to AT&T, be careful that you are comparing like services. Speed for example, on AT&T DSL for $19.95 per month is only 768 kbps. While this might be ok for light internet users, it might not be satisfactory for WebTV, video or internet phone services. My personal recommendation is always 3.0 Mbps or more. At this internet access speed or better you should be the most satisfied.

- John

This month www.internetservicedeals.com also features the Verizon Triple Play Bundle: Verizon Internet, Verizon Home Phone, plus Verizon FiOS, DIRECTV or Verizon Wireless services starting at $94.99/mo. Check availability of these internet only special offers (they are not available if you call Verizon direct) here on our web site. Same great Verizon High Speed Internet or Verizon Bundle services, and your order will be processed and serviced by Verizon. Additional Verizon Internet deals include:

Verizon DSL 768 Kbps to 7.1 Mbps plans start at $12.99/mo
Verizon FiOS 5 Mbps to 30 Mbps plans start at $29.99/mo
Verizon Business DSL 768 Kbps to 7.1 Mbps plans available
Verizon Bundle Internet, Phone, TV or Wireless Phone

[Update: Verizon DSL price increased from $12.99/mo to $19.99/mo in May, 2008 for the starter plan. Please use any check availability links on the site to review current pricing for Verizon DSL and other internet service providers.]

- Jose, January 8, 2008 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Jose, for dial up internet, Copper.net has the easiest to use dial up access number check available by clicking this link. Use coupon code [special ended] for Copper.net only, to get the 3 month free trial.

High speed internet providers are all listed on the site. You will need to use the check availability tools to determine which speeds and services are available to you at your location.

- John

After thoughts: Copper.net dial-up internet services are available in the US and Canada. The Copper.net 3 month free trial special is only available by using our Coupon Code 207605, and is for a limited time only. Copper.net dial up internet has more than 25,000 US and Canadian access numbers, so you’re sure to get a dial up internet access connection each time you dial up. Copper.net is V.92 compatible.

- Julian, January 6, 2008 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Julian, we just added frequently asked question pages specific to Verizon, please take a look.

- John

After thoughts: Verizon DSL and Verizon FiOS offer very popular deals each month. For that reason we decided to add these Verizon specific frequently asked questions. Julian’s answer is on the Verizon Internet Availability web page: Verizon High Speed Internet, Verizon Internet Availability, Verizon Internet Installation, Verizon Internet Features, Verizon Online Services, Verizon with AOL Services, Verizon with Yahoo Services, Verizon Billing and Account Information.

- Jill, January 4, 2007 (name change for privacy)

Hi Jan, high speed DSL or Cable internet should always be faster than dial up. Dial up has a maximum through put of 56 Kbps. DSL plans start at 768 Kbps for the same price as dial up, however, I always recommend upgrading to 1.5 Mbps (1,500 kbps) or more if you intend to use the internet frequently. As long as your system meets the minimum requirements for use, you are ok. A 2 year old Dell system should be fine.

Remember that your Email and Internet Access are two separate things. I have an MSN Premium Email account from which I can access from any computer in the world with internet access. I simply visit www.hotmail.com or www.live.com and sign in with my user name and password. The same goes for free AOL Email, Netscape Email, Netzero Email, Verizon Email, Comcast Email, Charter Email, Time Warner Email and so on.

Every high speed internet service provider will provide you with new email accounts using some-name@your-provider.com, for example. That does not mean you have to use them. If you like AOL Email, then you can auto forward your new email account to your AOL Email address. That way you will not miss any important emails sent to you by your Internet Access provider, billing or support information for example.

Visit aol.com to review the latest offerings for AOL Mail. Free AOL Email accounts are available. If you are paying a monthly fee for dial up internet access, call AOL to negotiate a reduced rate, drop Internet Access but keep your AOL Email account active if that is what you decide to do. It is not that big of a deal, because if you go to any email provider such as www.hotmail.com and click Sign Up, you will see the current pricing for Hotmail Plus is $19.95 yearly. So do some comparison shopping if you wish to keep any premium email services active.

I wrote a few articles that you might also like to read, about v92 dial up internet access, ATT Yahoo high speed internet access, and also look for the one titled Wireless Home Network Setup.

- John

Hi John, I’ve been a Comcast cable subscriber for hi-speed Internet and tv for the last 10 years here in Northern NJ. We use Verizon only for our phone services and pay an average of $95/month that includes a second (business phone) line. Our upstairs tenant recently subscribed to the Verizon FIOS package plan, which includes fiber-optic tv, Internet, and phone service for $95/mo. Now we’ve received a “limited time offer” in the mail for the same package deal (including a free LCD HDtv).

My question(s) is: As far as you know, have they ironed out all the wrinkles with the FIOS technology, and do you think it is much of an improvement over cable hi-speed Intenet access? Secondly, does their package offer of $95/mo. sound to you like a potential ‘bait-and-switch’ where after 6 months to a year we can expect to be paying a lot more?

Lastly, would switching over to Verizon FIOS cause any major disruptions? For one, I have a website and webhost and solicit a lot of business through my site - which is operational through Comcast’s TCP/IP server configurations. So far my wife is all for it, but I have cold feet because I don’t know what I’m potentially getting myself into, and I know Verizon sales reps at the 800 number are not going to tell me anything negative, even if it turns out the cons do outweigh the pros.

Anyway, I’d appreciate any feedback on the subject as soon as you have the chance.

- Scott, November 10, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Scott, there’s quite a bit to reply to, so I’ll try to chunk it up and answer as briefly as I can.

Do you think the Verizon FiOS high speed internet service is much of an improvement over cable high speed internet service?

Yes and no. Other factors aside, you generally pay for internet access Speed. You will need to read the details of the Verizon FiOS special offer, and realize that Verizon FiOS adjusts it’s internet access speed in relation to price, similar to what DSL providers do. Verizon FiOS at $29.99 or $39.99 monthly, for example is Up to 5 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. So if you are planning to cancel Comcast internet at 6 Mbps for Verizon FiOS at 5 Mbps, you may not improve upon your internet access speed. If you like the overall package deal, consider upgrading your internet access speed to the 15 Mbps for $49.99 monthly. Then you will more than double your speed, making the change really worth while.

Have they ironed out all the wrinkles with the Verizon FiOS technology?

I realize these days we all tend to avoid our neighbors, but if at all possible ask to test out your tenant’s Verizon FiOS service. While you’re doing that, go to Youtube.com or another website where you can download or view a video file. Compare your experience to that on your Comcast internet service. Also ask your tenant about his Verizon FiOS installation experience.

Most of the complaints I’ve heard about Verizon FiOS revolve around pricing and features, not the technology. For example, promotional pricing is often quoted 1st month free, just $29.99 monthly for months 2-7. That’s for 5 Mbps and doesn’t include a static IP for business or internet phone use. The Verizon FiOS technology is said to be capable of 100 Mbps high speed internet service. Verizon FiOS internet is already surpassing cable at 15 Mbps and 30 Mbps, and should continue to do so. The same can’t be said about DSL.

Would switching over to Verizon FiOS cause any major disruptions, website and webhost?

I’ve created quite a few websites over the years, using different webhosts from year to year. Website hosting is plentiful, cheap and continuously improving. Your website Hosting and Domain Registration services can reside anywhere in the world that you’d like. For example, I transferred 6 websites last month to a new server maintained by a new company, because I got better pricing, better features, and better customer service. Once you figure out how to liberate your online business in this way, you won’t have to worry about who is hosting it. Of course if you’re a Fortune 500 company you can’t keep moving your business, but for most small to medium size websites you shouldn’t be stuck somewhere you don’t want to be.

Call Comcast and ask for stand alone pricing of their hosting services. If you chose not to stay with Comcast as a website hosting service, you should talk to someone about moving your website prior to making a mess of things. I am using Hostgator.com for website hosting. Various website hosting plans exist. Call them up and ask which is right for you, get a price quote, and ask if they can assist in your transfer of files, free or fee based.

I recommend using what’s called cPanel with WHM (Web Hosting Manager) website hosting services, which is what Hostgator.com uses. It’s popular, easier and faster to use than Plesk, and you can find cPanel books online or at your local book store.

I register my domain names through Godaddy.com. Keeping domain name registrations separate from hosting saves me money, and keeps me from getting stuck with a bad website hosting service. You can transfer domains into Godaddy.com if you need to, give them a call or browse their online help.

I think I covered most of your questions, if not email back.

- John

AT&T offers $10 DSL as part of merger agreement. I have article from June
19, 2007 Biz Journal. I cannot find this offer online. Please tell me how I can find
this offer.

- Jerry October 10, 1007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Jerry, the ATT $10 DSL special offer is generally available, however, it’s easy to miss. The ATT Yahoo DSL special offer links on our site will lead you to an ATT Yahoo DSL web page which states:

Basic DSL $14.99 per month, OR, get Basic DSL at even a lower price! Select the Order Now button to see if you qualify.

So the “at even a lower price” suggests the ATT $10 DSL per month rate is in effect. If you are in a qualifying area you should be presented with the ATT $10 DSL option among the other higher speed DSL specials.

Here are a few details from the terms and conditions section:
$10.00 per month Basic DSL for Qualifying Customers: Residential AT&T Yahoo! High-Speed Internet customers only. Basic speed ($10.00 per month) available for new customers only. New customer is defined as not having AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet or BellSouth High Speed Internet in the past 12-months. Purchase of local service from the applicable AT&T incumbent local exchange carrier required. This is a limited time offer and is only available for AT&T Yahoo! High Speed Internet.

Me again. If you are a light internet user, say that you only use the internet to retrieve email, then the ATT $10 DSL service might be all that you need. However, if your expectations are high on your move from Dial Up to DSL, I’d recommend upgrading to ATT Express DSL for $19.99 per month. See my related ATT Yahoo DSL Pro blog post for additional insight.

- John

I am having a hard time with Netzero on separate email with my wife and me. I have my own email in to which I have to share with my wife and the same with her I can also read her email. I want to have my own email separate from her so we don’t have to read each other email. I complained to Netzero about it and they suggested that I open another account and pay more so that my wife can get own email. Please advise me onto what is going on or if you do the same thing if two individuals (wife and me) will have to share emails.

-Mark, August 7, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Mark, sharing an email account with your wife? I cringe at the thought, the privacy nightmares you two must have. Not that there’s anything wrong with it. I personally wouldn’t want to know what my wife talks about with her friends, most of the time anyways.

Always remember that “Internet Access” and “Email” are two separate things. Just because you access the internet through Netzero Free, Netzero Platinum, or Netzero 3G High Speed doesn’t mean you need to use the Netzero Email account services. Sure, Netzero dial up internet access has an equally good email service compared to others, however, there are plenty of reasons why you could use hotmail.com, yahoo.com or gmail.com free email accounts instead.

If you both wish to use the Netzero Free email service, try to create one new Netzero Free dial up internet access account. You can do this from our website or visit the Netzero support home page which talks about adding a free email account. (please report broken links)

After setting up the new Netzero Free account, from any computer in the world you both should be able to login at the Netzero Webmail home page. You can set the Netzero Webmail page as your “default” home page in Internet Explorer or as a “favorite” if that helps.

Failing the above, and failing your desire to upgrade Netzero dial up internet service, visit hotmail.com, yahoo.com or gmail.com and set up a free email address account there. The added benefit is that free accounts from Yahoo, Hotmail, and Gmail go where you go regardless of past, present and future internet service provider. You will find advanced features like Instant Messenger with Voice, Webcam Video and more. Yahoo, Hotmail and Gmail will let you upgrade for about $19.99 annually for additional storage space and for use with Outlook or Outlook Express.

I don’t think anyone cares these days if you send and receive emails from Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail or Netzero. My go-to email account is a Hotmail account, only because I’ve had it for about 10 years now. Had to think about that for a minute. I do keep it upgraded at the $19.99 annual fee. I think it’s worth it.

- John

Earthlink high speed internet service through Cable is a partnership of Earthlink with your cable provider. Earthlink high speed internet service is delivered to your home over your existing cable television lines. Earthlink combines multimedia programming with the latest communication technologies like Earthlink Email, Personal Start Page, personal web space, streaming audio, and streaming video. All this is done over the cable systems Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial or HFC network.

Earthlink specials are available for both Home and Business DSL, Dial Up, Cable, Web Hosting, and Phone services. Internet and Phone service bundles are also available for a limited time only. Earthlink Cable Internet ranked #1 by PC World Magazine readers in 2005. And Earthlink DSL high speed Internet service received PC Magazine’s Readers Choice Award in 2005.

Check availability of Earthlink High Speed DSL and Cable services here on Internet Service Deals to receive the Earthlink specials. If Earthlink dial up internet service is what you’re after, visit this page on our website to download earthlink dial up software and get connected today.

The Bayers are a good example of today’s Digital family. They have three home computers that are constantly in use, plus several TV sets scattered around the house. The Bayer family uses their Verizon FiOS internet for both work and play. Rich uses the internet for his work as an accountant. Marjorie does the shopping and activity planning via the internet. The kids use the Verizon FiOS high speed internet for homework research and communication between friends and classmates. Almost all of their activities depend upon online access to files, accounts and information. Reliability has always been a concern for the Bayers, and Verizon FiOS internet is who they turned to for a faster, more reliable internet service, and higher-quality, more dependable phone service.

Why did the Bayer and one million other families choose Verizon FiOS service over other DSL internet and cable internet service providers? Verizon FiOS is a broadband high speed internet service provider unlike any other. Verizon FiOS allows you to access the internet at speeds up to 50 Megabits per second (Mbps) and might soon reach beyond 100 Mbps. This is done using advanced fiber optic technology and networks using the B-PON architecture of the company. The Verizon FiOS network generates pulses of light that streak through the fine glass fiber strands to your new wireless internet modem. The result is that you spend more time surfing the net instead of waiting for files to finish downloading.

Verizon FiOS internet service enhances your online game play, instant messaging and video streaming, all done at very fast speeds. And there’s more good news. Verizon is exploring the possibility of changing the speed of Megabits per second to Gigabits per second. That would imply an internet speed increase of at least four to eight times faster then the present FiOS speed. Online productivity, uses, and adventures in the United States will reach boundaries that we have yet to dream of reaching using the internet. Faster broadband internet connections, bundled services at competitive prices, and no more service disruptions. Thank you Verizon FiOS.

Verizon FiOS internet is changing our digital world. A bundle of Verizon FiOS Internet, TV and Voice services now offers a competitive alternative that seeks to break through traditional telecom boundaries. Reliable internet service, clear high definition TV reception, and enhanced voice services that currently have no equal.

Order all three Verizon internet services in a bundle or individually right here on the Internet Service Deals website. Verizon FiOS internet service is available to more than 1,700 communities in 16 states and expanding. Please use the links available on our site to check availability. We can’t do it for you by email or phone.

Have you heard about the latest buzz in the dial up internet world? America Online® also known as AOL® software and services, has launched a new CD ROM free trial disk by mail strategy to help support the brand. America Online is encouraging it’s user base to collect AOL free trial disk 1.0 thru 9.0 and display them to the public on their free personal website space or in AOL, Google, MSN and Yahoo user groups. A tribute to those who have stuck with the AOL dial up internet brand through it’s ups and downs.

Not! While researching this AOL buzz we’ve failed to find reference to any award or mail strategy led by AOL to support it’s brand in this manner. We were able to find hundreds of websites proud to display their very own collection of AOL CD ROM free trial disks. In the spirit of buzz, we’ve also decided to display our very own collection of AOL free trial disks, hats, shirts and other memorable stuff created over the years by AOL software and service marketing efforts.

Each AOL free trial disk allows the recipient to open an AOL email account and dial up to the internet from home. Free trial periods vary by disk from 30 days to 90 days. The current America Online CD disk version is AOL 9.0 and carries a 90 day free trial. Additional AOL service benefits include up to 5x faster surfing, spam and pop up blockers, privacy tools, McAfee email and PC virus protection, 200 stations of music, news and sports, the signature @aol.com email address extension, and now each free AOL CD-ROM includes free games.

Kids as young as 10 years old, even juniors and seniors in high school are lapping up the AOL free trial disk by the hundreds in key US cities in anticipation of an online gaming revolution. For those who grew up during the dial up internet heydays with AOL at it’s prime, adding free games, video and music is a step towards comeback for the brand. It’s no secrete that AOL brand US subscribers were cut in half from March 31, 2005 to March 31, 2007. AOL’s loss of subscribers is due to an increase in low cost dial up competition, and $14.95 DSL high speed internet access which became available earlier this year through local telephone service providers.

In hindsight, AOL dial up internet service was relatively slow to provide free and unrestricted access to the internet. Back in 1999 subscribers could only access the internet through AOL’s proprietary dial up and browsing software interface. Eventually, the constant software updates and the call for freedom by subscribers forced AOL to redefine and segment its service to that of dial up internet access, email, instant messenger, and search services more in-line with competitors. Expanding game, video, and music content further expands the freedoms AOL is willing to give future subscribers. But why has AOL discontinued mass free trial disk production and mailings?

Years ago America’s young men and women applauded the development of the first hassle free dial up internet service to seamlessly integrate a web browser with content. AOL also was the first dial up internet service company to introduce the concept of Buddy Lists, leveraging their one-on-one AIM® instant messaging service. So good was the concept that everyone wanted a free trial disk. Soon came mass mailings of CD ROMs in tin and plastic, and now we look back, laugh and make jokes about it.

America Online 4.0 and 5.0 CD ROM with 100 or 250 free hours of dial up internet and email services. Reminds me of the orange Tide washing machine detergent box. AOL’s easiest and best ever Version 6.0 all new with 1000 hours free for 45 days, what’s with those fish? AOL Version 7.0 with 1000 hours free for 45 days, Leopard graphic. I am starting to wonder if the graphics coincide with recent vacation destinations of marketing VPs at AOL. Fish in the Caribbean, Leopards on safari maybe? If so, Version 8.0 must have been a boring year. Somehow there was a 70’s flash back involved. AOL 9.0 CD ROM free trial disk with 1045 hours free or 90 days risk free, is the latest version available on disk. Tweety from Looney Tunes versus the Yellow Page’s walking fingers, or the Best Buy fingers, or is that still the AOL logo? (1st image on post) I’m confused, I vote for Tweety bird on the CD package at least! Road Runner for High Speed, Tweety for Dial Up, why not?

Haven’t seen an AOL disk in your snail mail lately? Well considering that Americans began protesting against AOL in the early 2000’s I’m not surprised. Mass distributions of the once desired dial up internet access software turned into discussions about CD mail pollution and needless burdens on the environment. So instead of encouraging the re-pollution of your environment, please download AOL software for free online. New computer owners simply need to check what special offers are pre-installed on their machine. Whatever you’ve got, use it to download the latest AOL 9.0 software and services (or any other dial up internet free trial download). No plastic trees to cut down and plenty of free online games to make you forget about the past.

*America Online®, AOL® and AIM® software and services are registered trademarks of AOL LLC.

- John

So, you pressed the right button with me. But what are you selling? And
will it work with Norton? I want to get something, but I do not want to
trial and error every spamblocker program that is available. The other
thing I cannot figure out is why Earthlink turned off my spamblocker when
technically I still have email messages coming through Earthlink?

Give me some advice please

- Randy, June 27, 2007 (name changed for privacy

Hi Randy, only I answer emails directed to John Napoletano. If I were to create a marketing name, would I need to think of something more exciting? I like the name Paul Simon, but it’s already being used by someone quite popular this week according to Google Trends.

I see now from your follow-up email that you migrated from Earthlink email to Embarq email. Most likely you’re in with the 750,000 Embarq DSL high speed internet customers who will need to adjust their Earthlink - Embarq relationship due to recent email contract changes. I believe the change started in April 2007, and judging by the October 31, 2007 forwarding deadline there’s a grace period for the migration. Embarq DSL high speed internet subscribers with email addresses ending in @eartthlink.net will be asked to migrate to @embarqmail.com.

As Embarq says on their email migration web page:

“Your Free Earthlink email will expire October 31, 2007. Not to worry! EMBARQ now offers an improved email service featuring unlimited email storage. Best of all, EMBARQ will save all of your EarthLink email, contacts, and folders and transfer them to your FREE new EMBARQ email account. Until October 31st, email sent to your old EarthLink address will be forwarded to your new EMBARQ address. Additionally, you can also choose to automatically notify everyone in your contact list of your email address change. Transfer to your FREE new EMBARQ email account by July 17, 2007 and you will be instantly entered for a chance to win $100,000!”

* Please note: you do have the option to retain your Earthlink email address for $3.95 per month. I’d call Earthlink sales or support and ask for an update on this Earthlink - Embarq email migration, prices and services may change at any time.

Randy, always remember that “Internet Access” and “Email” are two separate things. Just because you access the internet through Embarq DSL doesn’t mean you need to use their Email account services. Yes, Embarq DSL has an equally good free software package. I could give you 10 reasons why it’s good, and I could also give you 10 reasons why you should use hotmail.com, yahoo.com or gmail.com instead of either Earthlink email or Embarq email. But you have expressed that you like your Earthlink email address and spam blocker, so who am I to tell you not to use it.

Earthlink Total Access system requirements and sign up telephone number can be found on the Earthlink software download home page. I assume that once you sign up for Earthlink email, some form of email support will be given to you by Earthlink. Check the order forms or ask questions before signing up.

If you would like to stick with your Earthlink email address and Earthlink Total Access software, you still have to address your conflict between the two software packages. I don’t like to step in and override technical support for these issues. Technical support should know the ins and outs of their products better than me. I can only say that your high speed internet connection should not be dependent upon Earthlink nor Embarq’s software. In other words, you should be able to “opt out” of using Embarq’s software if that is what you wish. If you are able to do so (talk to Embarq directly, don’t take my word for it) then you simply auto forward all your Embarq emails to your Earthlink email account. You paid for Embarq email, so that account will exist as long as you have high speed internet service through them. Log into your Embarq email account on occasion to make sure the forwarding and settings are still working as expected.

Before you remove the Embarq Online Security software and undo what’s already been done, compare Earthlink Total Access to the Embarq Online Security package again. The Earthlink firewall offering is still unclear to me, so compare that to the F-Secure details on the Embarq FAQ pages.

Embarq has partnered with F-Secure who is one of the leaders in anti-virus and firewall software. The free Embarq Online Security software package now includes Virus, Spyware, Pop-Up, Spam, Content and Firewall protection. Frequently Asked Questions are available on the My Embarq website.

What’s my advice? If you like Earthlink Total Access then see if you can get back to the set up you had before the migration. If you like the Embarq Online Security software with firewall, give it a try for a while. With Embarq (and most email systems) you can control spam pretty well by increasing your sensitivity levels and by establishing filtering rules. I don’t have spam problems myself because I make adjustments as needed. Also, the service providers are getting better at moving mass produced emails to your junk box without your need to report them as junk.

I currently use Microsoft Outlook to retrieve my emails from MSN Hotmail and a dozen other email accounts I must access daily as a Webmaster. I pay $19.95 yearly to MSN, the benefit of which is that MSN Hotmail integrates well with all my Microsoft Office applications. I chat and video chat with family, friends, and business associates, and they always know when I’m online and how to reach me.

- Paul Simon (AKA John Napoletano)

After thoughts: see also my blog post for insight into wireless internet security which discusses both modem and software firewalls, two layers of high speed internet protection.

For those who didn’t know, you can check Earthlink email or Embarq email from anywhere in the world using the Embarq or Earthlink webmail log in pages.

- Bill, June 18, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Bill, First you need to have the Yahoo Att Dial Up software installed on your computer. Either this was part of the Yahoo Att DSL internet installation or you can download what you need from the ATT help website.

The Yahoo Att Dial Up software helps you to select internet access numbers. Generally you save a “home” location and an “away” location. Look for instructions on how to “Edit” or change your away (or home) dial up connection settings. Browse the telephone numbers available to you and chose one in the area you are calling from.

Sign into the helpme.att.net website using the link above to learn more. Email us back if you get stuck.

-John

After thoughts: Yahoo ATT DSL specials with free unlimited dial up internet access are available here on our website. For a limited time only ATT Yahoo DSL high sped internet plans start at just $14.99 per month. Our exclusive special offer includes nationwide free dial up internet access, earn up to $50 cash back and 2 months free. SBC Yahoo DSL is now ATT Yahoo DSL internet service, the two services have merged. ATT Yahoo DSL high speed internet services are now named ATT Yahoo Basic DSL, ATT Yahoo Express DSL, ATT Yahoo Pro DSL, and ATT Yahoo Elite DSL.

Verizon DSL Starter Plan $14.99/mo
- $25 Target gift card
- first 30 days free
- modem included
- Up to 20 times faster then dial-up (768 kbps/128 kbps)
- Fast email, photos, banking, shopping, downloads, games and more
- Verizon 30 day money back guarantee
- 9 email accounts
- Online entertainment and special discounts
- 24/7 live technical support
- Three step self-installation kit

Verizon DSL Power Plan $19.99/mo
- $25 Target gift card
- first 30 days free
- modem included
- $19.99/mo for 1st 6 months
- $29.99 for months 7-12
- Up to 50 times faster then dial-up (3.0 Mbps/768 Kbps)
- Faster email, photos, banking, shopping, downloads, games and more
- Verizon 30 day money back guarantee
- 9 email accounts
- Online entertainment and special discounts
- 24/7 live technical support
- Three step self-installation kit

Enter your home telephone number into our check availability tool to see if you qualify for Verizon Online DSL or Verizon FiOS super fast high speed internet. New Verizon Online DSL customers will receive their gift check 10 to 12 weeks after the order is placed. One gift award per household. Verizon high speed internet service and support is provided by Verizon Online, and the $14.99/mo price is available to new residential customers ordering 768 Kbps service online. For more speed, upgrade to the $19.99/mo special price available to all new customers ordering Verizon Online DSL 3.0 Mbps service. Reduced price is for the first six months only, a $29.99 monthly rate applies to months 7-12.

Verizon high speed internet service is not available in all areas or on all telephone lines and is subject to final confirmation of services by Verizon. Wireless home networking is available but requires purchase of a wireless router and may require wireless adaptors and wi-fi cards which are sold separately. A one year commitment is required. Review the Verizon Online order form for more details.

- John

- Jullian, June 14, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Answer: Hi Jullian, congrats on the new laptop! You first need to comparison shop for a high speed internet service provider. Have you tried entering your telephone number into our Check Availability tool?

Since your location determines which types of high speed internet service you can use, your options are generally limited from the start. Most people will struggle to chose between their local Cable company and Telephone company (DSL), Comcast Cable vs AT&T Yahoo DSL for example. Speed and price are what you need to consider most. Think of “wireless” as an add on, something that you can get with either one.

Verizon Online DSL high speed internet currently offers a free wireless modem to those who sign up for the Verizon Power Plan. Price starts at $19.99/mo for the 1st 6 months, $29.99 for months 7-12 and there is a one year agreement. The Verizon DSL high speed internet deal for June 2007 (on our site) includes a $25 Target gift card and the first 30 days free.

Our AT&T Yahoo DSL high speed internet deal for June 2007 doesn’t require a contract. Pricing starts at $14.99 per month for 12 months. AT&T Yahoo subscribers can earn up to $50 cash back and 2 months free. The only down side is that the wireless modem costs about $50.

Cable internet service providers tend to charge an “all or nothing” fee for high speed internet service. So while your cable internet service provider might seem more expensive, you are getting more speed out of the deal. The question you will need to ask yourself is how much speed do I need, and how much do I want to spend for wireless internet service? Those who want to download music and videos shouldn’t buy less than 1.5 mbps. Upgrading from 1.5 mbps to 3.0 mbps cuts your wait time in half for a nominal $5 more per month.

Those looking to replace their dial-up internet service will be happy to pay the same $14.95/mo for 768 kbps versus the slower 56 kbps speed of dial up.

So let’s say you decide on AT&T Yahoo DSL. Take a look at the Yahoo AT&T DSL self installation I did a while ago, some pictures included. Your final decision will be deciding weather to self install or schedule for a professional to do the installation for you. I’d say that setting up a dial up internet service connection is now at the same difficulty level as self installing DSL internet. Take a look.

Don’t forget to include the wireless modem while ordering online!

- John

- Jack, June 14, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Answer: Hi Jack, if you have an active Qwest DSL internet service account you should be able to access anything available to Qwest DSL internet subscribers on their Qwest support website. There’s a web page for Qwest MSN users and also a security software download web page. If you run into trouble please contact Qwest technical support through the numbers provided.

- John

After thoughts: For those who don’t know, you can check availability and order Qwest DSL service specials right here on our website. For a limited time only, our Qwest DSL specials include a $60 Visa gift certificate, free MSN Premium software and email package and more. Visit the Qwest DSL internet page on our website and enter your telephone number into our Check Availability tool. Compare all our DSL, Cable and Satellite internet specials on the check availability results page.

- Tommy, June 13, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Tommy, thank you for visiting IntenetServiceDeals.com and for taking the time to submit your question. Download speeds for the most common internet connection types are as follows.

Dial up: 28 to 56 kbps
AirCard Cellular: up to 400 to 700 kbps
Satellite: 700 to 1,500 kbps
DSL: 768 to 7,100 kbps (7.1 mbps)
Cable: 3,000 to 12,000 kbps (12.0 mbps)
Verizon FiOS: 5,000 to 30,000 kbps (30 mbps)

Please keep in mind that the internet service providers are pushing the limits this year and seem to be rolling out higher speeds every 6 months. Of course, you will pay more money for higher speed. Cable companies at the moment tend to have an “all or nothing” service offering which makes them appear higher priced.

DSL service providers tend to let you buy in at different speed levels. Take a look at AT&T’s current offering as an example:

Att Yahoo Basic DSL $14.99/mo, 768 kbps
Att Yahoo Express DSL $19.99/mo, 1.5 mbps (1,500 kbps)
Att Yahoo Pro DSL $24.99/mo, 3.0 mbps
Att Yahoo Elite DSL $34.99/mo, 6.0 mbps

Now compare Att Yahoo DSL to Comcast Cable Internet at $42.95/mo for 6.0 mbps

- John

- Ted, June 1, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Ted, before I direct you to the High Speed Internet speed test page, let me say a few things. Residential DSL and Cable internet systems work in a shared environment. Residential customers share internet lines with others between your home and the system hub. Businesses will often purchase leased lines, a fraction of a T1 line for example, which greatly reduces the number of shared users. In essence businesses pay more, while sharing keeps the cost way down for home users.

Going to work or another person’s house is not comparable, unless that other person’s house is subscribed to the sameAtt Yahoo high speed internet service with a rating of up to 768 kbps. What you can do is measure the “Overhead” percentage at a friend’s house and compare it to yours. For example, if your friend is rated at 1,500 kbps (1.5 mbps) and they are speed testing at 1,200 kbps, that’s an Overhead of 20% or (1,500 - 1,200) / 1,500. Comparing it to your service would be 768 x (1 - 20%) or 614 kbps. Comparing to work is not a good idea unless they are using the same residential Att Yahoo High Speed Internet service.

As you will read on the Att Yahoo High Speed Internet website link I’ve provided below, DSL has distance issues. Distance and sharing could be your issue assuming that your equipment is set up correctly.

Here’s that link to the official At&t Yahoo speed test web site. I copied and pasted the first bit of info for your convenience.

“What is throughput? Throughput is the amount of data moved successfully from one place (e.g., your computer) to another (e.g., any given website on the Internet) in a given time period.”

“What does this test measure? This test measures the throughput of the connection from your computer to our network location. The throughput of your High Speed Internet service is based on a number of factors, including the distance between your home/office and our network location, the number of “hops” from our network location to your computer, the performance of network servers and routers, the condition of any lines between these two points, environmental factors, and your computer performance. Because many factors affect throughput, your actual experience may vary. The results of this test could be affected by a number of factors inside your home or business, and in the network.”

“This test checks throughput between your computer and our network to the Internet. This test does not check sync rate (the speed or capacity of the High Speed Internet connection from the Network Interface Device at your home to the High Speed Internet Access Multiplexing or Remote Gateway equipment in our network). Only a trained technician using special equipment can test the sync rate. Throughput is not necessarily an indication of sync rate.”

After thoughts: Sometimes slow internet speed is a technical issue that can be improved. Sometimes its a distance or overhead issue and cannot be improved without upgrading. While comparing your high speed internet options remember that you are buying “speed.” A closer look at Att Yahoo DSL pricing helps to understand this, setting special offers and extras aside.

- Angela, May 26, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Answer: Hi Angela, I have a few things to tell you, so let me break them up.

While viewing your Road Runner email inbox, can you see a “Size” column? Very basic emails are 5KB or less, that’s text with no pictures. Deleting 20 small 5KB emails will do less than deleting 1 email with a file size of 5,000KB, for example. Take another look at the file sizes and delete the highest sized emails first. Any pictures or attached files of importance should be saved to your hard drive. In other words, get into the habit of removing things from your Road Runner email inbox, don’t store what you don’t need there. Save files to your C drive, or a folder you create under My Documents. The more you store in the Road Runner email inbox, the more you will slow down the email system and give yourself a headache.

If you are sending or receiving pictures, take a look at this slow dial up internet speed web page I created a while back. Half way down the page it talks about compressing pictures.

Know your inbox size limit. Somewhere in your Road Runner high speed internet account information there will be an email size limit number. These days premium email services will offer up to 2GB (2,000,000KB) which is a lot. A full size picture uncompressed is about 5,000KB. If you’re email account size is low, say 250,000KB (sometimes quoted as 250MB) and you need more space, contact Road Runner high speed internet and ask for an upgrade. Compare the price quote from Road Runner to that of other services like Hotmail (now called Live). You will see Hotmail email now gives 2GB free, and 4GB for only $19.95/year.

Remember that email and internet access are two separate things. Road Runner high speed internet has received high customer satisfaction ratings so the issue might by in the way you are using the system. If all else fails, you don’t need to use the Road Runner email account. Just ignore it and sign up for another service such as through Hotmail.com. Then auto forward your Road Runner email to your Hotmail.com email address, for example.

Hope this helps,

- John

- William, May 25, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Answer: Hi William, there is usually a wait period before the Amazon gift cards are sent out. If I recall correctly, the wait period is 90 days for the Amazon gift cards. Details of the Comcast high speed internet deals are made available prior to completing an online purchase. Remember that all promotions are entered into a database by the providers, in this case Comcast Internet.

It’s important that you keep and use the contact numbers provided on your purchase receipts for technical support, billing and cancellation policies. The numbers provided are to regional support centers for Comcast high speed internet, and for the special promotion offers. Calling a local Comcast cable or internet representative, for example, will often confuses the situation. This is because most company representatives are unaware of the
high speed internet deals accessible on our website.

To help protect your privacy, InternetServiceDeals.com does not receive access to your Comcast high speed internet account information. If you would like for us to submit an inquiry on your behalf, we will need to know the following information as provided to make your purchase:

Full Name
Billing Address
Email Address
Telephone Number
Confirmation No [if available]

Please email the above information if you would like for me to submit an inquiry.

- John

After thoughts: If you’re reading this post and you already ordered internet directly through the Comcast web site, please don’t waste our time and try to get the deal after the fact. Comcast will know if you ordered through us or not. Instead, tell a friend about our Comcast specials and look for another deal, free internet fax service for example.

- Betty, May 25, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Answer: Hi Betty, I’ve heard of upgrades from SBC to the new ATT Yahoo high speed internet, in which case the SBC email address doesn’t change. I’m not familiar with account transfers and would assume whatever SBC high speed internet is doing needs to be supported by them. Please give your technical support contact a call. While you’re waiting you can browse the ATT Yahoo support online help pages which is for both SBC and ATT users.

- John

- Paul, May 14, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Answer: Hi Paul, the shipping times for modems and kits vary by provider. Estimated times are provided to you during the ordering process. You should have saved a copy of your purchase receipt, please call the customer support number given if you are concerned about your order. If you have lost your receipt, I would need the full name, address, email, and telephone number used to complete the order, and of course the service you ordered (Bellsouth DSL, Charter Internet, Qwest DSL, Time Warner Internet, etc). Then I can put in a request with the provider to re-issue your receipt or to request that they contact you by email or phone.

- John

After thoughts: I think I did a better job of answering this question on my Verizon DSL Order Online post. There I stated an average order time of 10-14 days, however, self installation times are much faster because providers will ship you the modem within just a few days. Take a look at the linked Verizon post for more information.

- Carol, May 11, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Answer: Hi Carol, I am the only John here at InternetServiceDeals.com and no one here has spoken with you by phone. To help protect your privacy, InternetServiceDeals.com never has access to your NetZero internet account information. We cannot cancel Net Zero or adjust your purchase for you. Please call the Net Zero billing or cancellation number provided on your purchase receipt or visit the Net Zero support web site for cancellation information. I copy/pasted a piece of that information below for your convenience:

“If you would like to cancel your Net Zero account, please call our [Net Zero's] toll-free billing support number at 1-800-851-7908. When you call, be prepared to provide your Net Zero Member ID and last 4 digits of your credit card or Platinum account number for verification purposes.”

- John

- Vinny, May 9, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Vinny, InternetServiceDeals.com does not bill you, we are not your internet service provider nor do we have access to your internet account information. Please check your receipts for cancellation info or call your service provider (Embarq, Qwest, Earthlink, PeoplePC etc) directly to cancel.

- John

After thoughts: Though it’s never exciting to answer cancellation emails, with 30,000 visitors each month we’re bound to get them. This post is a good place to insert our legal disclaimer, click “Terms of Use” at the bottom of any page to read our legal details.

“Please retain a copy of your online order receipt which provides important technical support, cancellation, and refund policy information. InternetServiceDeals.com does not have access to your personal account information. Account information is managed by your dial-up or broadband high speed Internet access provider of choice. Though we may offer assistance via e-mail for problems you might incur, such assistance is a courtesy and not an obligation of any kind.”

In other words, if you lost your receipt and need help, tell us which service it is you need to cancel. We’ll do our best to point you in the right direction. Please don’t drop us a cancellation email and wish it all to go away — we can’t cancel your internet account for you.

- Tom, May 8, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Tom, remember that we are in no way responsible for your Juno webmail account. We are able to offer special links for Juno internet and email that you might not be able to access otherwise. Your account information is managed by the provider you chose, in this case Juno.

Juno email is always accessible online by visiting the Juno Webmail login page. If you account is active you should be able to login. Juno account details are generally available on the Juno site, if not clickable through your Juno webmail account login. Here’s the link to Order a Juno CD. Here’s the link to Juno cancellation information.

I think that’s it. Juno has an extensive help website but it becomes overwhelming since there’s a lot of info there. The special offers are available as is, we can’t modify them for you. If you can click through a link and sign up, then your able to get the offer. You might have invalidated yourself because you are an “existing customer,” but you might find ways around it like using a different credit card for example, or having a girl friend or relative sign up for you.

DSL is much faster at $14.95/month. If you are in a
Verizon DSL or AT&T Yahoo service area check it out on our website.

- John

After thoughts: Juno CD’s are free by mail for existing members. If you want to grab one of our Juno internet special offers, sign up at work or using your existing dial up internet service at home. Once you have your member ID, go ahead and order the Juno CD using the link above in this post.

- Steve, May 5, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Steve, did you call Directv for a high speed internet service price quote? Most high speed internet services are somewhat of monopolies. For example, you can’t get Bellsouth DSL if your local phone carrier is Verizon. Oversimplified, the local telephone company owns DSL rights through the phone lines. Similarly, Directv or Hughesnet owns the satellite. This year DSL is opening up a bit as local phone providers are now “sharing” their DSL capabilities with others. Earthlink has been around the longest, and has always had to contract with the local cable and phone companies to share capabilities and fees.

To me, your internet service choices look something like this:

Dial up = any company with a local access number
DSL = Bellsouth or Earthlink
Cable = your local cable company
Satellite = DirecTV (Hughesnet)

“Price and Speed” are what you need to compare. “Wireless” should be thought of as an add on. If the company you chose doesn’t send you a wireless modem, then you can run to the store and buy a “wireless router” and plug it into the modem you received. That will cost you about $50.

- John

- Francis, May 3, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Francis, I don’t use a SBC Global email myself, but the basic features are usually similar. When you “Compose” or “Repy” to an email, do you see an option to switch between HTML, Rich Text, or Plain Text formats? Sometimes the options present themselves as drop down buttons or clickable radio buttons that say “switch to.” To make all the colors and font styles go away, select “Plain Text” format.

When you have time, click through all of your SBC Global email setup options. Somewhere in there you will find options for how your emails should look when you read them, and how they should look when you create them. SBC ATT Yahoo have a support website which might be of some help as well.

- John

- Janice, May 2, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Janice, there are a handful of ways to connect to the internet, but your physical location determines what’s available to you.

Dial Up - requires phone line
DSL - requires phone line
Cable TV/Internet - requires cable line
Satellite - requires equipment purchase
Wireless (cell phone like) - requires AirCard purchase
Wireless Mesh - handful of cities only, similar to airport service and hot spots

In a few years more cities will start building Wireless Mesh services which allows people to use there existing wireless cards to connect at low cost. This will feel like when you walk into an airport or a hot spot like at Starbucks stores, except the whole city will be covered. This won’t help those of us in the suburbs of course.

DSL is currently the best price for speed [$14.99 for 768 kbps]. Installing a single home phone line + DSL service might net you the same monthly cost as getting Cable, Satellite, or Wireless through a cell phone company. Compare the costs on an annual basis and see which option works best for you.

You can check availability of DSL, Cable, Satellite, Wireless internet on our site. Dial up internet service deals are here too.

- John

After thoughts: Remember that you only need one home telephone line for DSL and Dial Up internet services, you don’t need a second line installed.
DSL filters received inside your self installation kit allow you to talk on the phone and surf the internet at the same time.
Take a look at this AT T Yahoo DSL installation I did recently for insight.

Dial up internet users can download Callwave, an internet answering service that notifies you when someone is calling. Callwave prompts you with Caller ID and gives you the option to answer, or send the caller to voice mail.

- Jasmine, April 2, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Jasmine, Comcast at your discounted $46 per month does seem a bit high compared to other high speed internet services like AT&T Yahoo Pro DSL. I used Comcast in the past in Connecticut, and loved the 3 Mbps offered by Comcast cable at the time. Now Comcast cable high speed internet offers connection speeds up to 12 Mbps in some areas, which is pretty tough to beat. So remember that while you are comparing prices of different high speed internet services, you will always pay a higher monthly rate for more speed.

How much speed do you need? AT&T Yahoo DSL Pro is just great for most internet users at 3.0 Mbps. A savings to you of $46 - $25 or roughly $21 per month. This month you’ll get two months free a $50 value and no contract is required. The only down side to the current AT&T Yahoo DSL high speed internet deal is the required DSL modem purchase. Two options are available priced at $49.99 for basic and $79.99 for the AT&T Yahoo DSL wireless modem, a one time charge. In essence, your getting 2 free months ($46 x 2 = $92 saved vs Comcast Cable) but paying for the new AT&T Yahoo DSL modem which lowers your up front savings by $50 or $80. That monthly $21 savings still makes the overall high speed internet deal worth while for you.

Getting hooked up to AT&T Yahoo DSL internet is no more difficult then setting up a dial up internet service connection. For some that’s tough to do, but if you have ever set up a new printer, web cam or dial up internet connection in the past, I’d suggest that you give the self installation kit a try. Take a look at a recent AT&T Yahoo DSL self installation I did recently by following the link.

Warmest regards,

John Napoletano
Webmaster
InternetServiceDeals.com

After thoughts: If you’re struggling to decide between the $49.99 basic or the $79.99 wireless AT&T Yahoo DSL modem, read our article titled Wireless Home Network Setup Expand Your Home Office Into Your Living Room.

- Frank, March 18, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Frank, I have not used MSN TV 2 myself so keep that in mind, but from how I understand the MSN TV 2 web system all you need is a free “port” on your DSL broadband internet modem. First, take a look at this AT&T Yahoo DSL internet installation with pictures on our website. Third picture down is the back of the AT&T Yahoo DSL internet modem. See the 4 available ethernet ports - 1st port is currently being used by the yellow ethernet cable which connects to a PC. Using this example, you would connect a second ethernet cable from one of the available ethernet ports on the DSL broadband internet modem to your MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player. It would seem that the MSN TV 2 web system acts like a PC in that it will automatically detect internet connection availability. Though nothing ever seems that simple, it just might work that way for you.

Don’t just take my word for it, see page 10 of the MSN TV 2 Set Up Guide found on the MSN TV 2 website (MSNTV) for more information. This PDF file might take a few minutes to download if you are on a dial up internet connection.

If your Bell South DSL internet modem only has one ethernet port, you can run down to Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack or any major retailer and pick up a $39 wireless router from Netgear, Belkin or Linksys among others. MSN TV 2 also works with wireless internet connections, so you might as well purchase a wireless DSL internet modem and use that feature. The extra DSL internet modem ports can stay unused until you expand your home network. Of course, if your existing Bell South DSL internet modem already has wireless capabilities, you already have all you need.

See also my article about wireless internet networks at home for some insight.

- John

Afterthoughts: If your wired or wireless broadband internet connection works well with MSN TV 2 or WEBTV, please let me know via email or a reply to this post to help others.

- Mathew, March 16, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Mathew, throughout the site we state that it’s important to read your sign up and order form receipts which provide the specifics for each service offered. We often are not notified of changes, but we do our best to let people know the deals are out there. NetZero Free is free, no fees unless you upgrade to add on services like antivirus protection. There are two offers for both NetZero Platinum and HiSpeed, that’s why we have a handful of links on the NetZero web page. In general, to get a deep discount like 30% off, there is a commitment of 1 year. Sometimes there’s a grace period of 30 days where you can cancel, after that there is an early cancellation fee. Again, please read the details to know for sure. Read the bottom of each web page after you click the special offer links and also use any “Learn More” buttons.

NetZero $0 Always Free Dial Up (10hrs Monthly)
NetZero Platinum 30% Off or $6.95/mo NetZero
Platinum First Month Free then $9.95/mo
NetZero 3G Hi Speed 30% Off or $9.95/mo
NetZero 3G First Month Free then $14.95/mo

Here’s a link to our Netzero special offers web page.

- John

- Duncan, March 16, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Duncan, NetZero has extensive online support web pages for you to troubleshoot your connection errors. Try this Netzero error web page first, and see if there is something you might have missed. If that link doesn’t help, do a search on the main NetZero support web page using the exact error code or words received.

One thing you might want to try from work or from someone else’s computer/internet connection is to sign into your NetZero email account. Remember that “email” and “internet access” are two seperate things. If you can’t sign into your email address account, than your account might not have been created successfully. From any computer in the world you can go to http://my.netzero.net and enter your Member ID and Password.

If you can sign into email, but can’t “dial up” from home, then review all the dial up connection settings, failing that look for the “how to re-install” NetZero support information. Take note that if you do “re-install” the deletion of your NetZero software might leave you without internet access. In other words, you might not have a second way to download and re-install NetZero from home. If needed, you can order a NetZero CD-ROM online.

The NetZero CD is free for members, so new members should sign up first through our Netzero special offers web page.

- John

- Linda, March 12, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Linda, you can order the CD for Net Zero online from the Net Zero official website, click Existing Member and use the login and password your mom was using for Net Zero email.

I’m not sure how your mom would have accessed the internet to download the software originally. One possibility is that when she purchased the computer there were pre-installed internet service promotions like free AOL 90 day trial, etc. Maybe take a look at her computer, click START, then Programs and look around for something regarding internet offers or the brand names. Sign up for something then cancel after you re-install Net Zero Free again.

Viruses are a problem that will never go away. In the past it was a guessing game if you would ever encounter a virus. Today it’s a matter of when you will get your first one, and how often you will get others. If you mom’s computer isn’t well protected with anti-virus software, then she should purchase better software as soon as she can. Alternatively, get protection through the internet service provider.

Read the system requirements carefully, because today’s AntiVirus packages slow down the computers quite a bit. If your mom’s computer is more than 2 years old, she will notice a significant slow down in performance. Unfortunately this is what we’re faced with going into 2007. The more advanced the viruses get, the bulkier the AntiVirus software gets, the more powerful the computer needs to be to keep up.

- Jen, March 13, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Jen, DSL internet service through Verizon Online DSL or any other provider will not disrupt your primary telephone service. One Verizon telephone line is all you need to get the special price.

Take a look at this AT&T Yahoo DSL installation I did recently for insight. Though you are shopping for Verizon DSL, the installation and set up is very similar.

Also take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about DSL and Cable internet for some more information, or send me another email.

- John

1. Your Charter Customer Service, I can not understand your outsourced service people, I had to hang up on two of them, I was getting NO WHERE and fast.

2. Your email address book is slower than a 2400 baud modem, and that is if it works at all.

Can you help me, at least with the email. I switched to your email because you no longer support outlook express, that’s fine, but how about a product that is at least compareable?

- Alan, March 11, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Alan, I’m glad to see that you are making use of InternetServiceDeals.com. Please allow me a moment to say a few things, then let me make a suggestion regarding your email troubles.

In regards to high speed internet services, InternetServiceDeals.com is a “search, check availability, and online ordering tool.” Because of the high volume of visitors to the site, we’re able to provide this tool to the public. The deals are input by the providers such as Charter, and Charter bears the responsibility for technical support issues.

What I’m getting at here is that if you are calling the technical support numbers provided on your online order receipt, that is the Charter internet technical support team. Here at InernetServiceDeals.com we can’t access your account information, which protects customers privacy and customers generally like the idea that the service provider (Charter) will be the one in charge of the account. The deals are the same services offered directly through the provider, just at a reduced price when available.

With some companies, calling at different times of the day may help. For example, if you call late at night, your call might get forwarded to an outsourced calling center. Where if you call around noon time, you might get a rep in your area. These days regardless of industry tech support is problematic: computer purchases, banking, etc. Every time I call my bank I end up in Pakistan, so I have to drive in and visit the branch instead! If you can’t understand the rep, ask to be transferred or get a case number assigned and call back later if necessary.

Email problems — if Charter email is not compatible with what you would like to do, remember that you don’t have to use it. “Email” and “internet access” are two separate things. For example, once you’re online, you can visit any website you wish. If you can’t get what you want through Charter, visit http://www.hotmail.com (now live.com) http://www.yahoo.com or http://www.gmail.com and sign up for a free email account. I can’t recall offhand if the free accounts integrate with Outlook Express. Check the “sign up” details for each to learn more. I can say that the upgrades do integrate, because I pay $19.95 per year to use a @msn.com email address which integrates nicely with Microsoft Outlook.

With Outlook I can access multiple email accounts through POP3, IMAP, HTTP, etc, so I use my @msn.com email account on a daily basis and forward all other email accounts to it. Using one of the above three can also open up the door to free webcam and voice calls using Instant Messenger. If you are not familiar with Instant Messaging, take a look at this AT&T Yahoo Yahoo DSL web page on our site for some insight.

- John

- Darlene, March 6, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Darlene, let me mention a couple of things before I show you how to compress those pictures before sending by email.

You mentioned Cable and Satellite, did you look into DSL high speed internet service for your parents? DSL high speed internet also might not be available in the country, however, it’s worth a look. Verizon DSL and AT&T Yahoo DSL high speed internet are offering the best internet deals this month.

 “Wireless” means two different things which makes it confusing. One meaning is using a cell phone company like Verizon Wireless. If this is what you are thinking, then visit the Verizon Wireless home page and select Plans / Wireless PC Card Plans to see what they have to offer. Of course, if Verizon Wireless doesn’t service your area, try another company that does. We often have wireless internet service deals mixed into our Check Availability tool as well. Like cell phones, however, if your reception is bad at the house, this type of wireless internet connection can be problematic too. The upside is that wireless internet service plans go where you go nationwide.

Wireless within your home network is when you buy a wireless modem and connect it to your existing internet connection modem. In your case, connecting a wireless modem to your existing dial up internet connection will not improve your email download speed. The bottleneck is still your 56k dial up internet connection. Take a look at this DSL installation I did recently which shows pictures of a wireless modem for AT&T Yahoo DSL internet service.

Ok, so about those email pictures. Anytime you send picture through email you should reduce the file size through what’s called compression. Reducing the file size reduces the time your parents (or anyone) will have to wait to see them. I’ll give you a quick example using Microsoft Picture Manager, though many other picture editing software packages have this same compression feature.

Assuming you have Microsoft Office installed on your computer, click your “Start” button on the lower left of your screen. Select “programs” then “Microsoft Office” then it will be in this folder or continue to “Microsoft Office Tools” then select the program “Microsoft Office Picture Manager.”

Once Microsoft Office Picture Manager is open, you will see something that looks like Windows Explorer with folders off on the left side and files within those folders in the main viewing area. Navigate to the folder with your pictures. Double click on a picture to select it for editing, then use the top menu “Picture / Compress Pictures.” On the right you will see the “Compress Pictures” options. Select compress for “E-mail messages” to get the smallest file size. If this is too small for your needs, try the “Web pages” option. The file size reduction is substantial, see the “Estimated total size” before and after before clicking “OK.” Don’t forget to “File / Save as” and give the compressed file a new name. Keep the larger original file around in case you wish to use it in a slide show for example.

That’s Grand Central Station in New York if you’re trying to guess. I was there not too long ago. I’ll leave you with these basic instructions, let me know if you need more help.

John Napoletano
Webmaster
InternetServiceDeals.com

Was your recent AT&T Yahoo DSL installation a success? If yes, let others know by posting a comment below. Help future AT&T Yahoo DSL high speed internet customers save money and gain the necessary confidence to self install AT&T Yahoo DSL high speed internet service themselves.

In Connecticut, a nearby AT&T Yahoo DSL high speed internet customer asked me to help with an SBC Yahoo DSL installation - now AT&T Yahoo DSL internet service due to mergers. So if you’re using our high speed internet check availability and online ordering tool, see if I can’t convince you that AT&T Yahoo DSL installation is doable for those with basic computer experience.

The first picture I have for you today is a Dell XPS 400 desktop computer running Windows XP. The Dell XPS 400 tower is below the glass desk, a Dell 17 inch LCD monitor on top, to the right is a Cannon printer, and to the left is the AT&T Yahoo DSL internet modem. The modem you receive in your AT&T Yahoo DSL internet installation kit might differ, however, the basic self installation process will be the same. If you plan on making a purchase through our check availability and online high speed internet ordering tool, simply review your AT&T Yahoo DSL internet deals, which identify the type of DSL internet modem you will receive in the self installation kit. This AT&T Yahoo DSL internet customer received a 2Wire (brand name is called 2Wire) SBC DSL wireless internet modem. You’ll see the back of the 2Wire DSL wireless internet modem in the third picture.

The second picture is the AT&T Yahoo DSL installation kit. When you take everything out of the box, there‘s not really much there. The 2Wire brand wireless DSL modem (left), 4 DSL filters wraped in plastic (center), some telephone wire (yellow), a thin plastic mount for the modem if needed (right) and the AT&T Yahoo DSL installation CD (back).

In the third picture, you’ll see the back of the 2Wire SBC Yahoo DSL internet modem. This particular DSL internet modem has wireless capabilities and 4 ports available for network connections. The most basic use of this modem will give 4 wired computers access to the internet - that’s one computer plugged into each of the available 4 ports - and about 250 wireless computers or other wireless devices may also access the internet. Beyond the scope of today’s post, this particular DSL internet modem also acts as a router. Modems that act as Routers are standardized to allow up to 254 network connections. So if you were thinking of networking computers in your home office, most likely a DSL modem router combination like this 2Wire is all you need.

Quick Start instructions provided by AT&T Yahoo DSL will help explain how to make the 3 connections to the back of the AT&T Yahoo DSL modem. The grey plug at the top is your telephone line. Plug a standard telephone line into the modem. The end will only fit snuggly into the one telephone socket. Don’t plug the telephone line into the larger jack(s), those are the 4 network ports we mentioned earlier. The yellow wire in the picture is the Cat 5 or Category 5 network connection cable. This Cat 5 cable is the network link between the DSL modem and the Dell XPS 400. Both ends of the Cat 5 cable are identical, so you simply plug one end into an available port on the DSL modem, and the other end into the network port on the computer. Note that Cat 6 is now widely available and can be used in place of Cat 5 network cable. Wireless laptops and desktops of course get to skip this step altogether! Power cord is the black wire at the bottom, but don’t plug it in until you have read all of your Quick Start instructions.

Before you turn anything on, you will need to use those 4 DSL filters that came along with the AT&T Yahoo DSL installation kit. Plug a DSL splitter or DSL filter into each used telephone jack, including the one you plan to connect to the DSL internet modem. The next picture is an example of the DSL filter connected to your telephone. The purpose of the DSL filter is to split high and low frequencies, splitting the frequencies between those used for data (DSL internet service) and those used for voice (telephone service). The DSL splitter is what enables you to use the internet and talk on the phone at the same time, among other things.

Each telephone in the house needs to connect through a DSL filter. As show in the picture, plug your telephone into the side labeled Phone. The side marked Internet will only be used once by the 2Wire modem in this AT&T Yahoo DSL installation. In the picture, only one telephone wire is connected to the right side of the DSL filter. The black cord you also see in the picture is a power cord for the AT&T telephone, so don’t let it throw you. The next picture is a close up of the DSL filter, telephone is plugged into the right side. The left side stays open and is only used on the one telephone jack that receives the 2Wire DSL modem.

So at this point, your requirements are to plug 3 wires into the back of the AT&T Yahoo DSL internet modem and plug one of those wires into the back of your Dell XPS 400 computer. Then you run around the house to each telephone and install the DSL filter between the phone and the telephone jack – easy enough? The hardest part to a high speed DSL installation these days is installing the software and choosing your email account address. If you never installed software yourself, installation of software for a new printer for example, then you will need a friend to help out, or should consider the professional installation option.

On this day, the AT&T Yahoo DSL installation was a snap. After following the Quick Start instructions, loading the AT&T Yahoo DSL installation CD, and answering the questions asked of the Network Setup wizard, I was able to get this AT&T Yahoo DSL internet customer online in one sitting. A testimonial of sorts as to how far DSL high speed internet service has come. The AT&T Yahoo DSL installation was no more difficult than setting up a dial up internet connection.

If your recent AT&T Yahoo DSL installation was a success, let others know by posting a comment here on Internet Service Deals.

- John

- Nicholi, March 4, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Nicholi, internet access is through your regional service provider, whom must register their servers (IP) correctly to identify it as Russian. Those that cheat the system do it with software and tricks that hide or replace the IP trail.

If all you want is a free website, “go2moscow.com” for example, you can associate whatever free email address you want with a “.com” or related domain name. For example, tell you family in the USA to register the domain and use their USA mailing address on the bill. Then create a free email address account nicholi@go2moscow.com and send your emails through web mail. However, if you try to do something illegal, your IP trail back to Russian will still be traceable in the header records of email and internet access logs. Visit any free website hosting site for information like this.

- John

- Tim, March 4, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Tim, we make it clear throughout the site that only your internet service provider has access to your account information. You will need to contact them directly. You didn’t say which dial up internet access service you are trying to cancel. If you are trying to cancel netzero internet access, please visit their support web page for additional information. Same goes for the other providers, please refer to your purchase receipt or search for “Billing” or “Cancel” on their websites.

Excerpt from http://www.netzero.net/support/faq/bp04.html
“If you would like to cancel your account, please call our [NetZero] toll-free billing support number at 1-800-851-7908. When you call, be prepared to provide your NetZero Member ID and last 4 digits of your credit card or Platinum account number for verification purposes.”

- John

- Julie, March 4, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Julie, the script that checks the email address on the high speed internet check availability web page is rejecting the .edu extension. I just tried your phone number with a .com in place of .edu, and only obtained Hughesnet and other satellite providers as available internet service deals. If you do want satellite, then might I suggest that you do the .com trick, check the details offered, then call into the number provided or use the live chat. If you don’t call in and make a purchase with the incorrect email, your confirmation email will go to the wrong place.

Fixing the .edu bug isn’t something I can do this week. I am sorry that you’re having trouble, and I am thankful that you brought this to my attention. However my time is already spread over too many projects, so the bigger problems come first.

- John

Update: the script has been corrected.

- Steve, March 3, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Steve, please visit the NetZero dial up internet website to order a CD, we don’t have any here at the moment. I’m not sure if we will be ordering any in the future. If you’re a NetZero Member the CD-ROM is free, so you might be able to work the system if you need one of our Netzero deals, coupled with the CD. Sign up first for Netzero dial up internet on our web site, then go and order the Netzero CD. Not sure if that will work smoothly, so you’ll have to use your own judgment on that one. Here’s the Netzero Platinum and Netzero 3G CD link http://www.netzero.net/signup/cd.html

- John

What is the status of the upgrades to V.92? Where is it available? Is there an upstream cap at 22? Could it be adjusted to a more reasonable 33.6?

The integration of V.92 has been underway for 2 years now, and according to modems nos, no city of any size has yet to get upgraded, if I am wrong, which numbers in what area code are listed as V.92 compatible?

- Joe, March 3, 2007 (name changed for privacy)

Hi Joe, oh so many questions my friend. First, let me say that dial up internet  wont go away any time soon. I like to view the internet access market in three pieces: city, suburbs, and countryside. You should also visualize the market by: homeowner, student, traveler among other things. Dial up is still practical and priced right for light user, travelers, and those out of range and out of service area for DSL and Cable. Satellite is so expensive for such little speed.

So lets agree that dial up will hang around. Does that mean v 92 is a hot stock tip? Well, whatever company your investing in, you need to look at their “product portfolio.” Are they a 100% dial up internet company? Are they 40% dial up, 20% DSL, 40% something else? Go and look at United Online’s financial statements, Annual is better but Quarterly for a few updates. Look at what they are doing, pay attention to “subscribers” year over year. These companies are looking for other “product lines.” Why? Subscriber numbers are falling. Doesn’t mean they are bad companies, just means that a big chunk of people want what — more speed?

Internet access is exciting and confusing at the moment. But one thing is for sure, if the consumer has the choice, they will want 3 mbps or more. Soon they will need it, because as a website developer, I also see that “Flash” and “Video” is ever more present. Heard of YouTube.com? How many high school and college students will watch YouTube videos on a dial up connection? Social Networking is when the user participates on the web site.

V 92, what’s the expected dial up speed increase? I can only dig up “wow huge increase 40%,” 40% of what, 28k or 56k? Nice to check email, but not my “go to” access preference. I just did a quick search and found this web page interesting as well, I pasted the info below http://ist.uwaterloo.ca/cn/Dialup/

“V.92 is currently the highest-speed ITU standard for dialup-modem communication over the public telephone system, using analog home-end and digital head-end equipment. It provides theoretical home-end maximums of 48k sending and 56k receiving.”

“IST’s objective has always been to keep the operational costs as low as possible. However, the initial and monthly expense of replacing the current UW analog head-end equipment with digital lines and V.92-compliant digital modems and dialup-server devices would more than double the current costs, and hence require a proportionate increase in the hourly rate. We do not believe that the realizable benefit would be worth the cost … a rate increase of 150% to enable a theoretical 43% upload-speed increase and 67% download-speed increase does not make sense.”

Me again. Is he saying that to go v.92, they would have to double the bill rate, say $6.95 per month to $14.95? Back to DSL at $14.95. DSL is looking hot this year.

After thoughts: I’m not saying that you shouldn’t run out and buy a v.92 modem. At least once a month I receive an email from someone who’s upset that they can’t qualify for DSL internet access, because of distance restrictions or the service is simply not available in their area. If you’re in this boat, then a v.92 modem will help, but it won’t compare to DSL or Cable internet access speeds.

Each of the major dial up internet service provider are rolling out v.92 access numbers. We checked in with Coppernet, some spot checking was done, and v.92 seems pretty wide spread to me. There are just way too many numbers to list. If your dial up internet service provider doesn’t have a v.92 acc