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Written by Tony Phelps
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Monday, 06 February 2006 |
Last week we began a series considering the essential services the average person should expect from a computer, and some of the choices that are available. The intention is to outline the diversity of solutions and to build up a picture of what a well-functioning and reasonably up-to-date computer looks like. We considered the office suite. This week we turn to the Internet.
While internet access remains expensive in Vanuatu, and is rare outside the large towns, it is nonetheless a common feature in computers, and in fact software is increasingly assuming that there is an internet connection. Many packages depend on the internet for activation, registration, and automatic updating to the latest fixes, features and security protections.
Generally speaking, a computer will access the Internet via a dialup (or modem) connection using a standard phone line and appropriate account with TVL, or use some type of permanent connection that is 'always on'. The actual technical method for each type may vary from computer to computer depending on equipment and requirements and budget, but essentially the internet connection is either set up as and when required or is always there.
The connection type has a marked effect on how a computer should be configured. When software can assume that the Internet is available whenever needed, all sorts of time-saving and automated tasks become possible – email software can check for new emails ever 5 minutes, any new outgoing emails can be sent as soon as created, system and software package updates can be set to download overnight when the computer is otherwise idle, and facilities such as instant messaging (eg. Yahoo!, MSN) and internet phones (eg. Skype) to automatically log in and register your presence or absence.
Of course, an internet connection is useless on its own. You need software to make use of it. This principally involves a browser of some sort – most people will be familiar with Microsoft Internet Explorer which comes built-in with Windows, but there are many other alternatives. Internet Explorer has in fact faced severe criticisms of late for its security weaknesses, although this is most likely due to its popularity. You might like to try Firefox (go to getfirefox.com to download, there are versions for all major operating systems) or Opera – the differences are not huge, but some people find them easier to use, and they are allegedly less prone to security problems. It is also worth pointing out that non-Microsoft operating systems (Apple Mac, Linux) are inherently less prone anyway, albeit due to the lack of hacker attention paid to them.
More next week, on email.
Discuss this or any other IT topic online with VIGNET (Vanuatu Internet User Group), register free at http://lists.spc.int/mailman/listinfo/vignet_lists.spc.int, all welcome!
Send IT questions & comments to acp at merlinpacific d0t net - Tony Phelps is part of the Merlin Pacific IT team, dedicated to effective & efficient business IT. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 06 February 2006 )
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