Hi John, I signed up for this service and nothing is working on my computer. What I understand is that if someone calls I will see it pop up on my computer and Will or will not be able to answer the call. Nothing is working and its been 1 week. Tell my what i need to do Thanks.

- 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.

Hi John, I have a DSL Modem and a Built in Wireless capabilities, and would like in a near future set up Home Wireless Internet, will my ISP charge me for using the features on the Wireless router; or can I setup the wireless internet, without having to worry about a monthly charge. Your prompt reply is appreciated. Thank You.

- 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

Hi John, I cannot locate a link for the Mediacom $9.95 Internet special on your Mediacom page. Where cannot that special (i.e. link) be located for ordering purposes? Thanks.

- 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

Hi John, my question I’m with Comcast, and not happy with them. With Comcast I get MSNTV. Would I be able to get MSNTV if I signup with AT&T. Would appreciate your reply. Thank You.

- 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

Verizon High Speed Internet service deals for February 2008: modem included at no charge, first month free. The high speed Verizon DSL Starter Plan is $12.99 per month for a limited time only, the lowest monthly rate currently available. Verizon High Speed Internet access is generally available to those who already subscribe to a Verizon phone service or are in a Verizon high speed internet service area. Visit our Verizon Questions page for more information regarding Verizon DSL.

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.]

Hi John, do you have a local access phone number for Fredericksburg, Texas? I don’t want to pay long distance charges. What is the highest and minimum speeds for your High Speed internet service?

- 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.

Hi John, my home phone service is with Verizon but why is internet not available to me. It says if you have a home phone account you are eligible to get the internet? I would appreciate an answer. Thank you.

- 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.

Hi John, I have a 2 year old Dell system, 2.4 Ghz and wondered if moving on to high speed (I have dial up) which provider is worth the money and if I lose my AOL mail address in the process.

- 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