Cable modem connections, like other always-on broadband connections, are vulnerable to outside attacks. While these are fairly rare for most users, it’s still good to protect yourself when you have broadband access.

First of all, make sure you’re running a software firewall. This application will prevent unwanted users from accessing your system. Windows XP has a firewall built in, so make sure it’s up and running. You can access it in the Control Panel by selecting Network and Internet Connections and then Windows Firewall. If you not prefer Windows firewall, the alternative is Zone Alarm. Zone Alarm is an excellent and free firewall.

You’ll also want to make sure that you don’t have File and Print Sharing turned on if you’re not sharing files or printers over a network. In Windows 2000/XP, open the Control Panel and then click Network and Internet Connections and then Network Connections. Right-click the Local Area Connection icon and select Properties from the pop-up menu. In the window that appears, uncheck the box in front of File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks and then click OK.

You should also have an antivirus application running to prevent infection or Trojan horse attacks. If you have antivirus software and your computer is acting suspiciously, run a full system scan to see if you’ve been infected. If you don’t currently have antivirus software installed, Grisoft’s AVG is an excellent and also free program.

If your cable modem is having problems maintaining a constant connection to the Internet, it could be because the signal isn’t strong enough. If you have a splitter on the coaxial cable line (a y-shaped device used to connect two cables to one main cable line), this could be weakening the signal. Make sure that your cable modem has a dedicated coaxial line.

Also, you’ll want to recheck all the connections to and from your modem and make sure that every cord is attached snugly. And it never hurts to reset the modem and reboot your computer. But if this intermittent connection goes on too long, you’ll need to contact your service provider. If the cable signal in the room where you have your cable modem isn’t strong enough, your service provider can add a signal booster that will beef it up so it’s strong enough for high speed data transfer.

More basic guide here.

Many cable service providers let you save an installation fee if you set up your cable modem yourself. Because it’s an external installation, even a computer novice can usually handle it smoothly. But there are problems you may run into during installation.

If you can’t get your new cable modem up and running, make sure all the cable connections are tight. For example, make sure the Ethernet cord is snapped into the modem all the way and that the coaxial cable is tightened securely. Reboot your system and reset the modem.

Even if you’re doing the modem installation yourself, you may need to call your cable service provider during the process. They’ll need the serial number and MAC address number of your specific cable modem so it is allowed to sync up with their network.

Sierra Wireless AirCard

[phpbay]wireless, 10[/phpbay]

The first thing you should check when your cable modem connection goes down is whether or not your television is working. Because the coaxial cable is bringing both the TV and Internet signals down the same pipe to your home, turning on your cable TV is a quick and easy way to make sure there’s not a major problem with your cable provider.

If your cable television is working, then you’ll want to check all the connections to and from your cable modem to make sure that a cable hasn’t been accidentally unplugged or loosened. The indicator lights can give you some clues about which cables to check.

If all the lights are on and all the cables are snugly affixed, reboot your PC. This simple act can solve a good chunk of computer problems all on its own.

If this doesn’t help, you can also reset the modem at the same time. Resetting the modem is easy if there’s a reset button (usually you just hold it own for five seconds or so, or use a paper clip to press it if it’s a recessed reset button), but you may want to follow these steps to ensure a proper hard reset. First, unplug the power cord from the back of the modem. Next, unplug the connection to your PC, either USB or Ethernet. Then, wait a couple of minutes. You can reboot your PC again during this time just to ensure you’re working with a clean slate. Finally, reconnect the power cord and PC connection. You’ll need to wait a minute or two while the cable modem re-establishes communication with your provider and your PC, but this step often does the trick when your connection is down.

If you still don’t have a connection to the Internet, you’ll need to call your provider to find out what’s going on. Often, it’ll have a voice menu letting you check on service in your area or telling you about current connection problems.

[phpbay]cable modem, 1[/phpbay]

Broadband access has become so ubiquitous that you can get this high-speed Internet connection almost everywhere. Most users rely on a cable modem or a Digital Subscriber Line modem for obtaining this fast connection, and these modems are almost always external. That means that these modems will take up some extra desk space, but it also makes it easier to find out what’s wrong and troubleshoot the devices.

Cable Internet access typically offers transfer speeds of 1Mbps or more that’s at least 20 times faster than the speediest dial-up modem. As their name implies, cable modems connect to the same coaxial cable that brings you your TV signal. Most of them then connect to your computer either via an Ethernet or a USB connection, or going through network router.

On The Outside
You can glean a lot of information about your cable modem just by looking at it. For example, the manufacturer name and model number will be on the device somewhere, usually on a sticker on the back. This can come in handy when you’re searching online for updates or troubleshooting help.

The front of the cable modem usually features a series of indicator lights; the most commonly used ones say Power, Cable, Data, Ethernet, and USB. The Cable light might also be called an Online light on some modems, and the Data light is sometimes divided into two lights for uploads and downloads. These LEDs can also be quite helpful when you’re troubleshooting as they will flash (or not flash) differently as a way of delivering error messages.

The rear of the cable modem will have ports for the coaxial cable, a power supply, and Ethernet and USB cables. You’ll also often find a reset button.

Read more »

Creative is a little late to the wireless music-streaming party, but the company comes with a gift its competitors can’t match: the X-Fi Crystalizer technology lifted from its X-Fi soundcard line.

The Xmod Wireless base station captures your PC’s audio stream and transmits it to a remote receiver. The system relies on your PC’s media-player software, which means it can stream any track your media player is capable of playing, including WMA Lossless, FLAC, and DRM-protected songs.

The transmitter receives power and audio from your PC over a USB cable, but it’s also equipped with line-level RCA jacks. A 1/8-inch stereo jack enables you to plug in a set of local speakers. The receiver is powered by an AC adapter and has line-level RCA and 1/8-inch outputs. Both modules have buttons for play/pause, track forward, and track back as well as a large volume-control knob, so you don’t need to hunt for the simple included remote to control the devices.

The Xmod Wireless costs $120 more than Logitech’s Wireless DJ, but it can’t match that player’s awesome remote (which displays your track list and current tune on its LCD). On the other hand, the Xmod sounds considerably better than Logitech’s product and it can stream to multiple receivers (a feature Logitech promised but never delivered). The Xmod wireless costs $70 more than a Squeezebox, doesn’t rely on your wireless router, and is much cheaper to expand to a multizone system. But it lacks that device’s excellent display and it can’t stream Internet radio.

And then there’s the Sonos Digital Music System. For its price, you could buy three additional Xmod receivers and have $160 left over to buy music. But all the Xmod receivers will play the same music, the system can’t be expanded beyond four zones, and each receiver must be within 100 feet of the transmitter. The Sonos comes with that brilliant remote control, supports up to 32 zones and can stream independently to each, and operates on a wireless mesh network that delivers substantially greater range.