Banwell Blogger
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Vista Freeware
This is the best site I have found for vista freeware http://www.carolsvault.com/vista-freeware/
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Voice over Internet
Sip? Voip? Skype?I have spent the last few months pushing the boundaries of technology and finding out which services are available for using your internet connection like a normal telephone FOR FREE.
The technology is moving along at a very fast pace. So here are the best offers currently available. My Last article on this subject sung the praises of Skype but is it getting left behind? The latest voice over internet protocol that's taking off in a big way is SIP.
Lets review skype (www.skype.com) Skype is quite simple. you can speak to other skype users for free and dial normal phones for a set tariff. Sound quality is good but with skype there is not currently a facility for people to dial your computer from a "normal" landline phone or mobile.
SIP providers give you either a free"softphone" that is as suggested a software phone similar to skype. The best one available is the x-lite (www.xten.com) This free softphone allows you to connect to up to 6 service providers ( and therefore 6 incoming pone numbers) with the same phone. The importance of this will become clear later. You can also purchase a phone that plugs into a router and looks like a normal phone but works over your broadband connection.
All SIP providers give you certain basic functions. These are
1. A normal telephone number that can be rung from any normal phone. The type of phone number available depends on the type of service you want. eg. I have 3 incoming phone numbers from 3 different providers. one is a 0870 number(national rate), one is a 0844 (local rate) number and one is a 01934 number (same rate as a Weston Code). I have all of these phone numbers for free. I could equally have chosen a London or Birmingham number! The type of number will normally dictate the other services available with that provider (see further on!) All these phone numbers can be dialled from normal landline phones and mobiles
2. A SIP phone number that can be rung for free across the net from any other sip phone number from any SIP service provider. This means that unlike skype which can only connect with skype users, you can connect for free with any SIP user across any of the SIP providers. A sip phone number looks a bit like an email address. For example one of mine is 9306296@sip.gossiptel.com.
3. You can ring any normal phone or mobile number from your computer at set rates (as per skype) There are big savings if you phone abroad and you can phone normal phones in the UK for FREE with some providers(see below)
4. Other add ons include Voicemail, call forwarding, conference calling, etc.
So why have 3 different providers? Well, all three of them are on the same phone. When the phone rings it makes no difference which number is called or calling. I have 3 different SIP providers because at this stage, I need that many to get all of the services I want to access for free!
Here is the detail
Provider 1. "Gossiptel" (www.gossiptel.com) supply a free download of the free x-lite softphone and very easy set up instructions. A good first port of call. You get a free 0870 incoming telephone number, sip number for free net to net calls using a sip/soft phone(mine is 9306296@sip.gossiptel.com) a wicked fully programmable voicemail service. So for example if you dial my phone number 0870 9306296 it rings on my computer, if I don't answer it is answered by the voicemail and I get an email notification. You buy pay as you go credit or a monthly contract for outgoing calls (which I don't use this provider for)
Provider 2"Sipgate" (www.sipgate.co.uk) supply a free regional rate incoming phone number from virtually anywhere in the country, e.g. 01934,0117,020,etc. So you can phone my computer on 01934 808008. but there is not answer phone and if my computer is switched off you will only get an engaged tone. You also get your sip number (mine is 4808008@sipgate.co.uk )as usual for net to net free calls via your softphone.You buy pay as go credit for outgoing calls or a monthly contract (which I don't use this provider for)
Provider 3"Voipuser" (www.voipuser.org) supply a free 0870 or 0844 incoming phone number, a SIP phone number ( mine is foundalive@voipuser.org) no answerphone BUT free outgoing calls to normal phones where the cost is less than about 1.5p per min. Please use this site with consideration. This site is run as a site where people can try out the SIP system for free. The site earns an income from commission on incoming calls made to phones on the 0870 type numbers (national rate to the person who phones you is about 6 or 7 p per min) This site reinvests the profit from these calls so that you can make free outgoing calls to any normal phone for up to 10 minutes at a time and try it all out for as long as you want. Currently there are 55,771 minutes in the community "pool"!
So, in summary, you can get free incoming phone numbers ( a great second incoming line), free SIP to SIP calls no matter who the provider is, voicemail, local std code numbers, free outgoing calls(please don't abuse that free service) and you can have a software phone on your computer or a hardware phone that plugs into a router. If using a softphone you need a headset or speakers and a mic. (Tip: if you buy a usb headset the sound is much better and does not go through your soundcard, so you don't get any other odd noises your computer might make as part of your phone call!)
Experience tells me the softphone x-lite by xten is firewall friendly and can be set up to go through a router and around a network quite easily. Each provider is set up on a different proxy server inside the softphone control panel. User and set up instructions are very good on all of the provider sites.
Just to confirm, all the numbers, voicemail, software, etc that I have selected are free. There are some other providers that charge for it all but the Protocol "SIP" is the same and therefore the voice quality seems to be pretty standard across the board.
Here is a list of what BT customers will have to pay if they phone your sip phone on your computer from their BT line
01934,etc - normal bt rates from their phone to that dialling code.0870 - 7.51p peak, 3.75p evening, 1.5p weekend0844 - 5p per min all day/night.0845- 3p peak, 1p evening, 1p weekend.
all prices from BT website and include VAT.remember from another sip phone the call is free, even across providers.
It appears some businesses are starting to use this system for employees that work a lot from home as they can have a std code number that is in the same area as their office, and nowone knows they are a hundred miles away answering the call at home!
(terms and conditions of service providers and services available are correct at the date of this email. They may change!)
The only question left is, How much was your last phone bill!Happy Sipping!
Graham( please, no incoming sip calls tonight! many thanks)
Important: Users should use the above information as a guide and satisfy themselves as to the terms, prices and conditions of all the providers mentioned in this email. The writer takes no responsibility for any inaccuracy!
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Back up Time!
Stress Free ComputingMost people will tell you how great their computer is, until it misbehaves!Unlike Basil Faulty, people tend not to hit or kick their computers for onegood reason. There is usually a large amount of precious information lockedinside the casing, and they are desperate to get it back.It is usually at this stage that they wished they had found time to installthat anti-virus program and firewall! But the main issue to cover today issimply "back up".Backing up your files regularly means that, even if the very worst happensand your computer enters the recycling process, you still have your files,Letters, Emails, Photos, Financial records, etc. which can be irreplaceable.Backing up your files is simple and not expensive. The principle is that yousave a copy of everything that is important to a different "place", so thatyour data can be accessed at a later date, copied back onto your computer,or indeed a new computer! This "place" can take many formats but in essenceis as simple as copying any file.You can spend money on a program that automates the process, or youroperating system may have a back up tool already installed. (although, thefirst time you use either of these methods, you will usually still need tofind the folders you want to back up and list them all) Some of theseprograms actually saves the back up to a separate partition on yourcomputer, which I tend to avoid as I have never known half a computer to bestolen.I have always felt that for home use, a simple copy process is just asquick. The first task is to do some housekeeping on your computer and ensurethat all the files you want to back up are in as few main folders aspossible, you can always create many sub folders to keep them organised. Onmy computer all my non program files are in two folders, photos are in "myphotos" and everything else is in "my documents.Once a week I copy these folders from all my computers to a 80gb externalhard disk which I can plug into my USB port. You could equally well use a cdwriter, dvd writer, USB memory stick, or floppy disc.The most suitablemethod for you will depend on how much data you are backing up. You can, ofcourse, split your folders into myphotosA,B,C, and so on, which means youcan use a smaller type of media (all be it more of them!)If you want to back up your favourites and address book, you can select"export" in the program menu of your browser or address book and save themto a file in "my documents" for back up.Back up all you emails is a bit more tricky. In outlook express for example,to find our where your emails are stored, click>tools>options>maintenance>then the "store folder" button. This will displaythe path to the directory of your email store. Since these are usually inhidden folders, go to the main control panel and click "folder options".Select "show hidden folders". you should then be able to browse to youremails in "my documents" and make sure they are included in your back up.Any back up is only as up to date as the last time you did it, so make it aregular event. The choice is yours, why not back up to a cd for pennies andsafeguard those irreplaceable files. I am sure you will sleep more soundly.Should you require more information on anti-virus, firewalls, spyware, etc,please visit the help page of the village website at www.banwell.info.(The 80gb hard disc that I use can be plugged into a computer via USB orinto a network switch or router via ethernet, and cost £99. A standard cdrewriter can now be purchased for about £40. A 128mb USB memory stick can bepurchased for about £40.)Back up and relax on Summer Holiday.Graham Found
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Blog it!
"Blog it" this Summer!
Have you ever Fancied publishing your thoughts online or having your own
webpage online, without the need for any web design knowledge or experience?
Why not start a "blog" - for free!
What is a "blog", I hear you say!
A "blog" is a web log, an online diary. It is similar to a discussion
board,but without the right to reply! So nobody can tell you they disagree
with you! You get your own website address, which you can give to anyone so
that they can visit and read your "blog", and it is all free!
Starting a blog is very easy, in fact no web skills are required whatsoever.
You can update your blog, adding extra text, just by one click of the
button. You can use it as an online diary or for any use you wish. I use
several blogs on pages of the village website that need updating on a very
regular basis. Local police reports that affect Banwell can be found at
http://banwellpolice.blogspot.com and copies of previous items I have
written in the Parish News, along with hints and tips on internet usage are
at http://banwellblogger.blogspot.com
To start your free "blog" visit www.blogger.com and click to create an
account, choose a username and password ( which you need to keep a note of
for future visits) choose a name for your "blog" , then choose from a choice
of designs for your webpage. Then all you need to do it type in the box
whatever you want, and click "publish" for the text to be automatically
added to your webpage. Click "view blog" and you can see your new site on
the web. Make a note of the webpage address so that you can view your "blog"
on the web. ( why not have it included in the directory of the village
website!)
When you want to add more to your "blog", simply return to www.blogger.com
, , type in your username and password, select the name of your blog, type
your text and click "publish". It is that simple! ( you can also edit
previous entries you have made) The blogger service is free, so enjoy it and
put your thoughts, memories, aspirations, interests, or indeed anything you
want, on a webpage for the world to see.
Happy "Blogging"!
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Spell checker for Internet explorer
Now you can spell check when you are filling in forms on-line. very useful is you post to forums or discussion boards. The program puts an icon in your icon bar of Internet explorer, just click the button and it checks everything you have typed on the page! for the download visit http://www.iespell.com
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Keep the Kids safe online
This month I would like to discuss a subject that is close to all of our
hearts, the safety of our children.
There are worrying stories about the internet that make the news on a
regular basis, and yet our children are taught to use the internet at
School. Some of you may wonder how this conflict can be overcome? The
reality is that the internet is here to stay, the worry, and perhaps the
potential danger, is that many of our children know more about using the net
than we as parents or Grandparents do! So what chance do we have of
"policing" their online activities.
It is therefore up to us as parents to make sure that our children have the
knowledge that they need, to stay safe online, instilled in them. Teaching
your children to stay safe on the net is much akin to the basic " don't talk
to strangers" and "don't go to certain areas on your own after dark" that we
have been drumming into our kids for years. It is simply that the dangers
are different and there is a new set of rules.
Firstly, don't put a computer in a corner or bedroom where the Children can
use it without someone passing by regularly and keeping an eye on what is on
the screen. The only computer in the house with which my children are
allowed to access the internet is in the living room, and they are only
allowed online if an adult is in the room.
Secondly, remember that everything published on the internet can be read by
anyone. So make sure that your Children do not put up a web page with any of
their personal details, address, photos, telephone number or anything else
that could identify them or where they live. Likewise many online "clubs"
ask for a member profile page, make sure they leave it blank!
Next, consider getting some software where you can control and monitor which
sites they can access. This may be provided by your internet provider, or
there are plenty of packages on the market. For example AOL provide the best
software to keep children safe on the net that there is. I personally only
let my children on sites that have been approved by me.
Finally, the dreaded chat rooms! What ever you do, I can assure you that
your children will, at some point, chat to other kids in chat rooms. Most
children's and teenage chat rooms are full of kids from school talking about
what ever kids talk about! However, they will never know if the person they
are talking to is who they appear to be, or not. So the rules are; never
give your real name, or where you live ( even the county) or your phone
number or address. Never ever arrange to meet anyone you chat to, they could
be any age with any intention. In most chat rooms you can talk privately to
others in the room or you can talk in the room where all can see the text. I
would strongly suggest you ban private chats as a matter of course, as this
is where the main potential danger has been found to exist.
So, in summary, talk to your children about the dangers of the internet. The
lessons you give them are no different to the other personal safety issues
we are used to teaching our kids about. The internet will be an integral
part of our children's lives, so let us give them good guidance from an
early age and keep them all safe.
If you would like to find out more about teaching your children to use the
internet safely, please feel free to contact me.
Thursday, November 06, 2003
Essential Software for Broadband - All Free!
Anti- virus software
Anti -virus software does what it says on the packet. It is designed to stop you getting a virus. A virus corrupts the data on your hard disc and may get your computer doing things you dont want it to, like sending everyone an email from your email account. The software will scan your registery, boot area, files, incoming email attachments, etc. To keep the program working properly you must update its virus file often. Otherwise it may not recognise new viruses. Hence it is not fullproof, it relys on the virus being recognised and known. So, common sense is needed as well.
1. Never open an email that looks like spam.
2. Never ever ever open an attachment in an email if you dont know who the email is from.
3. Set your email program to read emails in plain text, not html.
4. Scan incoming attachments with your anti virus software before opening them.
5. Close the preview pane in outlook express so that it doesnt automatically open each email when you select it.
The only free anti virus software I would recommend is AVG from grisoft
www.grisoft.cz . ( if the page comes up in another language there is a menu to change it to English a little way down on the left!) Remember to keep updating the virus file! This software is very highly rated by many experts and is better than some of the "paid for" programmes.
Firewall Software
Sorry but you need one of these as well ! Anti virus stops viruses. A firewall stops hackers, people and programs that try to gain entry to your computer through your open internet connection. This could led to your computer being used by someone else. They could even buy something if you have saved the password, and even pay for it with your credit card, if they can find the details. Hackers can also download programs onto your computer to act in the future, perhaps sending them information about all the keys you use on your keyboard. (back to your credit card details!)
Glad your convinced. However before we go on, there are some common sense safeguards here as well.
1. Never save a password on a web page, it is better to type it in each time than leave it available on your computer. (apart from your email program!)
2. If you use I. E. as a web browser you can set it up so that it does not save encripted secure pages in your memory. (tools/internet options/advanced/heading security - make sure there is a tick where it says - do not save encrypted pages to disc.)
3. Never save an important username on a webpage. Aha you say, it comes up automatically when I visit the site. This is because the web page is saved in your temporary internet pages. These files can be regularly deleted quite safely - tools/internet options/general - then delete cookies and then delete files. A cookie is a spy that identifies you to the site from a previous visit, and often fills in your details for you!
( more experienced users can get a free program that wipes the internet history, I use Internet Sweeper http://www.bmesite.com , but be careful, it is easy to delete important program files or change your registry entiries, which will stop your box working!)
Right Back to Firewalls. Unlike anti virus, a firewall needs to be set up. It allows programs to access the internet by permission, either automatic or prompted by you each time. ( for example my email program, file transfer programmes and messenger programes can not access the internet without a click from me each time) A firewall will also block unrequested incoming web traffic. It will also make your ports, the channels information flows through, invisible to other net users.
The only free firewall of merit is Zonealarm www.zonelabs.com Again this is a lot better than some of the paid for firewalls. Remember, just like anti virus, keep checking for updates to the program.
Spyware
So you have anti virus, you have a firewall, what else can go wrong. Well, beleive it or not there are programes you may have on your computer that may report back to head office on your surfing habits, and nobody is quite sure what else! To check the programes on your computer, use either of these free detection programmes. They also remove the spyware bits for you and back them up, so if it stops a particular program working you can restore it. Ad-aware is the most famous www.lavasoft.com and there is Spybot, which also looks for auto diallers, etc http://www.safer-networking.org. Just like the others, you must keep updating the program files with up to date spyware databases.
Thats it, common sense, anti virus, firewall, anti spyware, keep deleting your tempory internet files, dont save your passwords, and you can leave your computer online with a broadband connection and you should be able to come home to find you have not had unwelcome visitors.
Sunday, September 21, 2003
redo your mp3 tags
id3-tagit is a great piece of kit to keep control of your mp3 files, and you can change the tags! www.id3-tagit.de
online site editing
ftpedit, www.ftpedit.com, allows to you edit your html code on your site server, save a lot of time for minor changes!
the essential messengers
Yahoo, Aol, Icq, MSN.
(you can get aol messenger even if you are not an aol customer)
bootvis for windows xp
got windows xp. then you need bootvis, see the ms site. This tools rearranges the programes in the boot sector of your hard drive so that it starts quicker.. it works
eprompter - a must for email on broadband
eprompter checks your mail at predifined intervals. can check pop3, hotmail,yahoo, aol. Up to 16 email addresses at once. you can set it to just download the headers, delete what you dont want and download the emails in your current email program. or you can get it to download into epromter. best of all you can use it as a screensaver and it will show you new emails as they arrive! www.epromter.com. brilliant
Geocities (yahoo) webspace
you can have a free site in up to two countries with the same yahoo id. The Uk site allows ftp transfer for free, the U.S site does not. Log into the country first and them geocities from there to acces the geocities site in that country.
Yahoo Email
Did you know that if you have a email address @yahoo.co.uk, you can use pop3. ( This does not apply if you have @yahoo.com
