Streamyx

If you are in a quandry over how to test the performance of your computer network you're in luck. A little research lead me to an amazing set of tools online availabe to everyone as a free service. You can pretty much measure or analyze anything broadband related with the tools provided via the online techie community forum at SpeedGuide.net. Whatever it is you need to look at.....performance or design related.....you can get it done with the free SpeedGuide tools. Nice little resource you should take advantage of.

Here's a list of what they have available to you:

* SG TCP/IP Analyzer

The SpeedGuide TCP/IP Analyzer is a program designed to display your Internet connection parameters, extracted directly from TCP packets sent by your browser to their server. The Analyzer program then displays recommendations based on the settings extracted from the headers of those packets.

* SG TCP Optimizer

The TCP Optimizer is a free Windows program designed to help optimize your Internet connection. The program makes it easy to find the best MaxMTU value, test latency and tweak the important Registry Parameters. The Optimizer can be helpful with tuning any Internet connection type, from dialup to Gigabit+ :) If you need help with the program, check the TCP Optimizer Documentation, read their broadband tweaking articles and the related FAQs, and/or visit their Forums.

* SG Security Scanner

The SpeedGuide.net Security Scanner audits certain ports on your computer detecting potential vulnerabilities.

Note: Some firewalls might log a potential attack from their server if you choose to test the security of your system since they are testing for vulnerabilities.

* SG Speed Test

A quick download speed test to estimate your connection speed at the time.

* SG Network Tools

The SG Network tools section includes many common network tools such as PING, TRACEROUTE, WHOIS, etc.

* SG Bits/Bytes Conversion Calculator

The Bits/Bytes calculator is a useful tool for quickly converting bits/bytes, etc. It takes into consideration the different conventons while calculating data communication rates and storage space.

* SG RWIN/BDP Calculator

The RWIN/BDP calculator can be used to estimate TCP Window values, based on the Bandwidth

*Delay Product (BDP for short).

It can also calculate maximum bandwidth based on RWIN and latency values, and perform a number of different conversions as well.

Drop in at SpeedGuide.net and test out (no pun intended) these tools. At the very least you may learn something about your current system needs or performance. While you're there I suggest you also check out their community forum. Great place to ask questions and get answers for whatever broadband issues you may have.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFireCommunications....including Business-VoIP-Solution and DS3-Bandwidth.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you're always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, and insights.

About twenty years ago when your computer used DOS and carried around cell phones the size of luggage the idea of wireless internet was something saved for sci-fi and spy movies. Now, we see laptops being transported cable free while their users Google the latest sports scores or work on projects in coffee shops, parks, and their homes. Thanks to this the world is at our finger tips almost anywhere. If your considering getting wireless internet here are some commonly asked questions that make help you decide whether it's for you.

• What is wireless internet?

  Wireless internet is just what it sounds like. Internet without wires. The advances in communication have made it possible to bring internet to your computer without the cables, boxes, and wires that used to go along with it. Through a system of signals, terminals and transmitters/antennas your computer's modem will pick up a signal connecting you to a wireless internet network. The system is much like that used in other wireless forms of communication like cell phones.

• Why should I equip my computer for wireless internet?

  Being an active part of society often requires you to travel near and far with little lag time in between. Society as a whole is so dependent on communication that it seems impossible to go more than a few hours without emailing or using the internet. Unfortunately, there isn't always a computer that is wired and ready to access the internet. The daily commute can be a boring expanse of time where no work gets done. However, the accessibility of wireless internet allows those who ride buses, trains or subways to work while traveling. Essentially, this makes wireless computing a major benefit if not necessity to the working man or woman who is constantly on the go.

• Is it expensive?

  Wireless is generally a lot more affordable than service that depends on a phone or cable line. You will be able to get a plan specifically for your lap top where as before you may have had to change your phone service or switch from satellite to cable to cash in on the still expensive bundle package. If price is your concern this is quite possibly your best option although ultimately it depends on the carriers in your area.

• How reliable is wireless internet?

  Wireless communications have come a long way and wireless internet is relatively reliable and shouldn't cause you any major losses of service. However, much like other forms of wireless there will are a few things that may interrupt your service.

  • Out of Range: While this is definitely becoming a honed communication tool it's not flawless. Much like a cell phone, there are areas where you will not get a signal which will limit or terminate your service. This makes it hard to use the wireless internet at or in tunnels, under ground, remote locations, or inside some buildings.
  • Interference: Wireless internet can be excellent when it works, and it usually does, but there are various things besides range that can limit your internet access. Too many users can slow service or leave you unable to get service at all. You may also have a problem securing service if trees or other objects obscure the line of vision.
• Is wireless internet secure?

  Security presents a major issue for some individuals. While there some concern does exist, networks are becoming more secure as time goes on. There are however programs you can use and actions you can take to help create a more secure network. By taking simple precautions like enabling encryption you decrease the likely hood of a security breech.

For great accessories for your laptop or other wireless forms of communications like cell phones and discount PDA's shop at SFPlanet. SFPlanet offers quality products including discount cell phone accessories.

If you have heard of Bluetooth technology but are not sure what it is or how it works you may be wondering why more and more people are using it in their everyday lives. There are many advantages to using Bluetooth technology which can make using electronic devices that little bit easier.

As you may already know, Bluetooth was created as an alternative to using cables and wires so that electronic devices can communicate with each other without linking them together. The advantages of using wireless technology are obvious as you will no longer need to worry about taking connection cables with you wherever you go.

Bluetooth has quickly become the universal wireless standard technology and because it operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which is license free, its available and compatible worldwide. This will allow you to use the technology all over the world no matter where you are.

The technology is also very easy to use because when any two or more electronic devices that are equipped with Bluetooth enter a range of up to 30 feet they will automatically start communicating with each other without any action needed to be taken by the user. There is no need to set up a connection, install any software, or push any buttons.

Although its an advanced technology, Bluetooth is actually inexpensive and easily affordable so anyone can take advantage it and start using it. It is also a standardised wireless platform and has a high level of compatibility which means that any two devices can connect with each other, even if they are different models.

Bluetooth has been designed to conserve energy and operate at low power levels which is essential for any wireless device that relies on battery power. It also uses a system called frequency hopping which improves security and allows it to avoid any interference from other devices that use the same frequency band.

The compatibility of Bluetooth allows devices to easily share data and voice communications which is perfect for things like mobile phones and headsets. It also uses a Personal Area Network or PAN which allows any device to connect with as many as seven other devices at the same time within a range of up to 30 feet.

To find out what is bluetooth just go here: http://www.what-is-bluetooth.com