INews Newsletter - Apr 08, 2002
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * I N e w s * * *
A publication of Internet Nebraska, composed and distributed by
* * * manager@inebraska.com * * *
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Volume 5, Number 2 April 8, 2002
Welcome to another issue of INews, Internet Nebraska's customer newsletter.
This newsletter communicates service bulletins, announcements and other
useful information to our customers. Please let us know what you think of
it. Archives of INews are located at http://www.inebraska.com/inews
In this issue: Network Upgrade Time
Content Filtering Software for Children
Exploring The New Web-Based E-Mail Program
Using WebTV with Internet Nebraska
Reviewing Trisoft Virtual Desktop
The Internet in China
Mr. Internet
*** Upgrades, Upgrades, Upgrades ***
Big things are afoot at Internet Nebraska, and we think you'll be pleased.
Within the next several weeks, we'll be adding a great deal of capacity,
and improving network performance across the board. During this period,
some short downtimes will be required in order to make these changes.
Because each of these changes must be coordinated with a telephone company
(and in some cases, more than one), we don't know exactly when each
downtime will occur. As each is scheduled, we'll send a note explaining
what's going on, who will be affected, when, and for how long. Until
then, here's a rough timeline with estimates of when the steps will be
taken. Most of these steps will cause service interruption of only a few
moments.
April 11-12: Frame-relay customers and dial-in customers in Beatrice, Beaver
Lake, Clay Center, Geneva, Hastings, Plattsmouth, Seward, and
York
April 11-19: ADSL customers in all areas except Omaha and Norfolk
April 12-16: Move of servers to new location will cause short overnight
downtime for all services
End of April: Dial-in, ADSL, and wireless customers in Omaha, O'Neill,
Valentine, Norfolk, Pilger, Tilden
Late May/Early June: Frame-relay and dial-in customers in Doniphan,
Grand Island, and North Platte
Keep in mind that these dates are tentative, and depend heavily on the
various telephone companies involved. We know you will appreciate the
improved performance, and we appreciate your patience during this upgrade
period.
*** Special Software Helps Keep the Kids In Line ***
Kids, whether on purpose or accident, are known for wandering into places
they don't belong, and let's face it, even the least busy parents can't
monitor their child's Internet usage all the time. The following software
packages aren't a replacement for parental supervision, but they can help
keep your kids away from the seedier side of the Internet when you can't.
Many different packages are now available to help with this daunting task,
and although they share similar features, they go about it in different
ways. The most popular programs are Cyber Patrol, Cybersitter, and Net
Nanny.
Cyber Patrol ( http://www.surfpatrol.com/home/products ) is an excellent
filtering utility that has many options, including some that other
programs may lack. Cyber Patrol will filter web sites, news groups, and
the most popular chat programs. One especially nice feature of Cyber
Patrol for multi-child households is that you can allow access to users and
not others. For example, you could allow your 15 year-old to access
violent shoot 'em up-style video games, while restricting your 7 year-old.
With Cyber Patrol, you can filter out web sites containing certain words or
groups of words, and you can control access based on the voluntary rating
system in place on many web sites. Cyber Patrol also provides the ability
to limit certain users to certain times of the day, and it even lets you
limit the total amount of time per day you can be connected. (This feature
might also be useful for Everquest-addicted adults, although that could
lead to some fights and the realization that "Because I'm the boss!"
doesn't work as well on your spouse as it does on your children.)
One of the most interesting features in Cyber Patrol is a feature that can
prevent your children from giving out personal information. The peace of
mind from this option alone could make this program worth the investment.
Cyber Patrol is a subscription-based service. There is a free 14 day trial
period, after which you can uninstall it or subscribe to their service, for
the reasonable price of $49.95 per year.
Cybersitter ( http://www.cybersitter.com ) is another good content
filtering program. Like Cyber Patrol, it filters not only web pages, but
news groups and chat programs as well. Cybersitter is the most
tamper-resistant of these packages, which is big plus for kids that are
devious enough to try to circumvent the filter. Daily logs are e-mailed to
you to let you know what attempts have been made to view blocked content,
and if any attempts have been made to alter the filter settings.
Cybersitter also lets you block access to programs extremely computer-savvy
children might use to get around the filter, such as the Windows Registry
Editor.
Lists of banned sites (known as blacklists) are updated automatically in
the background. You and your kids won't even know it's happening as it
keeps things up-to-date. Technical support for Cybersitter is free via
e-mail, and the program automatically includes all the details the support
person is likely to need to know, so all you have to do is explain what
problem you're having.
The cost of Cybersitter is $39.95, and you can even order on-line and
download the software right away, so you don't have to go to the store or
wait for the software to come in the mail.
Net Nanny ( http://www.netnanny.com ) is another program to control
Internet usage. Like other programs, NetNanny blocks Internet sites with
questionable content. Unlike some other programs, however, you have
complete and immediate control of which sites and words you choose to
filter. Other programs may require you to submit questionable sites to the
software company, and they'll add it to their lists if they deem it
inappropriate.
NetNanny is one of the most trusted filters, having been around since the
first days of Internet content filtering. Other nice features include the
ability to have profiles for up to 12 different users, and the ability to
log chat conversations so you can see with whom and about what your
children chat on-line.
NetNanny can be found on-line for as little as $30.
Hopefully you've found this information helpful, but remember-- no software
is a complete substitute for parental supervision, and no filtering package
will block 100% of the questionable material.
*** New, Improved Webmail -- A Great IN Feature ***
Internet Nebraska has updated its web-based e-mail service! A new look
and improved functionality make it easier to check your email from
anywhere on the Internet. Try it out and see for yourself!
New features include:
* Sorting your email through filters to keep it organized for you
* Optional filtering of e-mail content for profanity
* Customizable maintenance operations
* Sorting your email by date, date received, from address, etc.
* Ability to choose how many e-mails are shown per screen
* Ability to set how often you want the program to check for new messages
* An improved (and now searchable) address book
* An easier to use Graphical Interface
* And many more!
This new version of our web-based e-mail program is even easier to use than
the old one, but if you run into any problems or need a little help,
feel free to call our helpdesk, and we'll be glad to get you on the right
track.
For those who don't currently take advantage of our web-based e-mail, now
might be the time to start. If you have an Internet connection and a web
browser at school, work, or on the road, that's all you'll need to take
advantage of this service. To log into your Internet Nebraska e-mail,
simply do the following:
1. Open your favorite web browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera, etc)
2. Point your browser at the URL http://mail.inebraska.com/
3. Type in your username and password when prompted
At this point, you should see any mail for you that is on the Internet
Nebraska mail server. You can read, reply to, forward, print, and
delete your messages. You can save messages so that you can download
them using Outlook Express or another e-mail program at home, and you can
even compose new messages from the same location.
This great feature is included with every Internet Nebraska e-mail
account. Be sure to take advantage of it whenever you need access away
from home.
** Using WebTV with Internet Nebraska ***
In this article we will give you some tips, tricks, and links to
information that will allow you to get more out of your WebTV.
First, let's check out a page with some neat tools tailored to WebTV users
(http://www.wtz-zone.com/PowerTools/PT/index.html). On this page, there
are several useful tools that will enrich your web experience. Some
particularly useful examples are the PDF-to-HTML converter, the HTML
source code viewer, and the calculator.
Have a web page of your own? This site,
http://www.webreference.com/dev/webtv/index.html, offers tips and tricks
to optimize your web page for the WebTV user. It gives examples of
HTML tags that are not supported, and how to tweak those that are.
Would you like to get your two cents in on what features should be added
to the next WebTV unit or their main site? You can do so by filling out
an online form at
http://help.webtv.net/forms/suggestion.html
You can also view the status of your various WebTV services and utilities,
such as WebTV email and messaging services, at
http://askwebtv.webtv.net/status/stat.html
Having trouble viewing a webpage with your WebTV? Submit it to them with
the form at http://help.webtv.net/surfing/trouble.html and they will help
you.
If you use WebTV only, you should ask Internet Nebraska to have your
e-mail forwarded to your WebTV account. You'll never miss another
Internet Nebraska e-mail again.
*** Integrated Computer Systems - Advertisement ***
ICS, an A+ Authorized Service Center serving western
Nebraska for over 14 years, is ready with over 40 years
of combined experience to professionally and expertly meet
your computer needs. From large networks to stand alone
PC's, ICS proudly offers their knowledge and expertise to
work for you. Whether it be Windows (95, 98, 2000, NT, ME),
Novell or Unix, new installations, trouble shooting,
networking, print sharing or repair, ICS will be there to
assist you or your personnel on arriving at the best
possible solution to fulfill your needs.
Located in North Platte, Integrated Computer Systems serves
over a 100-mile radius reaching communities such as Kearney,
Valentine, Thedford, Mullen, Sidney, Ogallala, McCook, Grant,
Imperial, Gothenburg, Lexington, Chappell, Sutherland, and
Hershey, to just name a few. So give us a call at 534-1500,
toll free 800-400-1527, or stop in and see us at 101 South
Chestnut.
*** EFT a Great Way to Avoid Late Fees ***
Effective March 1, Internet Nebraska began assessing a late fee of five
dollars on accounts when they are thirty (30) days past due, and again
when they're sixty (60) days past due. Accounts which are 60 days or more
past due will be subject to service interruption. Accounts which are 90
days or more past due will be subject to collections efforts, including,
but not limited to, the use of a collections agency.
The best way to avoid accidentally missing a payment is to join the EFT
(electronic funds transfer) direct payment program. You never have to
remember to send in a check, and the monthly work is all done by us and
your bank. For more info about signing up for EFT direct payment, see
http://www.inebraska.com/eft.html
*** Reviewing Trisoft Virtual Desktop ***
If you're like most people, you sometimes find yourself with too many windows
open, wishing you had more room on your computer desktop. There are
a few ways to accomplish this, including buying a better monitor and video
card, or even adding a second monitor and card. There's a free alternative,
however, and it's called Virtual Desktop by TriSoft.
This software allows you to have up to seven virtual desktops that you
can switch between via user-definable hotkeys. The default hotkeys to
move from one desktop to another are CTRL + right arrow and CTRL + left
arrow. You can also switch to specific desktops with CTRL + [1-7].
To learn more about or download this software, just go to:
http://www.trisoft-tech.cz/corporate/en/products/tvd/
After you download the software and install it, you will begin a 30 day
trial period. To continue using the software after this trial period,
simply download a free software key from the same web site by clicking on
the "Click here" link in the Special Offer for Version 1.xx section.
*** Schaefer's TV & Appliance Center - Advertisement ***
Schaefer's is an independently owned and
operated television, appliance, and home
theater retailer in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Born out of a small corner drugstore four
decades ago, Schaefer's TV & Appliance is a
22,000 square-foot "superstore" today,
specializing in commercial/professional-grade
appliances, whole house sound systems, home
theater and central vacuum systems. The
success of Schaefer's is key to repeat
business. If a customer happens to have a
problem with a product, Schaefer's will bend
over backwards to get it solved. Our service
center is the largest in the city, and has been
voted Lincoln's #1 servicer for 10 years in a
row! A knowledgeable sales staff, express
delivery, easy financing, and our customer
service representatives are just a few of the
ways in which we at Schaefer's distinguish
ourselves from the rest. Stop by our showroom
at 48th and R in Lincoln, or call us at
and see for yourself.
-- http://www.schaeferstv.com/index2.htm
*** The Internet in China ***
The Internet as we know it is a global system of computers providing a
virtually limitless supply of information on pretty much any topic
imaginable. As such, it has been a tremendous driving force for free
speech and global democracy.
The Internet in China, however, is a completely different story. The
Chinese government has controlled newspapers and television for years, and
they have no intention of letting the Internet be used for subversive
purposes. To this end, the Chinese government has built another great
wall around its borders, this time not with stones and mortar but with
thousands of Cisco firewalls. These firewalls allow the Chinese
government to choose which web pages its citizens are allowed to visit,
and gives the police the ability to search Internet traffic for
anti-government sentiment. Internet providers in China are required to
keep logs of all their users' on-line activity for 60 days.
Chinese citizens found ways around these firewalls. Cyber-cafes
throughout China have allowed nearly anonymous Internet access, and people
can use proxy servers to circumvent web site blocks. The government has
answered with crackdowns on these cafes, and by blocking the addresses of
known proxy servers. Police investigation of proxy-like activity has
virtually eliminated these holes in "The New Great Wall."
In addition to the official Chinese firewall, an e-mail wall is being
created around China and other parts of Asia by the West. Much of the
spam you receive is forwarded through Asian mail servers running out-of-
date or improperly configured software. Even when notified, many of
these server admins are unable or unwilling to make the modifications
required to block spam from flowing through their servers. This has led
many western server admins to take the drastic step of blocking all
e-mail from Asian sites in an attempt to thwart the torrent of spam.
There is still hope for the Chinese Internet. There are currently around
30 million Internet users in China, and this number has been doubling
every six months. Soon, the sheer number of users and volume of traffic
will make the idea of a national firewall impracticable. Access for the
Chinese will become ever slower, and the filters will become incapable of
filtering all traffic. Late last year, a few sites such as CNN.com were
removed from the official list due to extremely high demand. As China
continues to aspire to entry into the World Trade Organization, it will be
under increased pressure to remove its filters as a cost of doing
business. Old ways are dying hard in China, and hopefully the Internet
can inspire a digital revolution in China, rather than simply becoming
another tool of oppression and control of its citizens.
*** The Capital Soccer Association - Advertisement ***
Capital Soccer Association specializes in
teaching soccer. However we recognize that
soccer, or any other youth sport is merely
one tool in the development of a young
child. Teamwork and sportsmanship through
knowledge and proficiency of the game are
our main goals.
-- http://www.capitalsoccer.com/
*** Mr. Internet ***
Q: I signed up for Postini and still get some junk mail. What can I do to
get rid of it?
A: There are a few things you can do. First, double check your filter
categories and filter sensitivity in the Postini junk mail area. If you
are set to "Lenient" or "Moderate," you can change to a more aggressive
filter setting. If you have received junk mail from this sender before,
you can add their email address to your blocked senders list. To do
this, go into "Junk Mail" and then "Blocked Senders." You can add
email addresses here. You should also forward the message to
spam@postini.com so that future versions of the mail filter will be
able to recognize that message as junk mail.
Q: Mr Internet, why doesn't your new web-based email system have my old
address book?
A: Actually, it does. The new address book is designed to be searchable.
Simply click on "Address Book" towards the top of the window. Once the
address book loads, you will see a screen that has a blank search box in
it. You can either enter a name to search for, or you can click the
"Search" button while leaving the search box empty to get a listing of
your entire address book.
Mr. Internet is a regular feature of the INews, and he welcomes questions
of any kind. Just mail them to mrinternet@inebraska.com, and he'll answer
one or two each issue. Those he doesn't use will not necessarily be
answered, and you should still use 'manager' and 'accounts' for regular
business.
*** Advertise on Our Home Pages ***
What better way to advertise your business than on a Web page that is seen
tens of thousands of time every month? None, if you're paying as little
as we charge for it!
We are now offering banner advertising that rotates on all our pages
which is priced based on the number of impressions (viewings) per month.
Your banner can reach thousands of Nebraska residents, and this is a
unique way to advertise your Nebraska business to residents in the area.
Prices for banner advertisement can be found at:
http://www.inebraska.com/ad.html
We will also be selling links from our main page. Please contact
manager@inebraska.com, or give us a give us a call at our office,
402-434-8680, and ask how you can reserve banner spots on some of the
hottest URL's in the state. The advertisers in this issue did, and we
recommend them highly.