Tombigbee Electric Cooperative

If you have your domain hosted with one of Tombigbee.Net’s fine hosting solutions then you need to know how to set up your incoming Domain Mail (web-mail) for your Outlook, or other standard, email program.Follow these simple steps and you’ll soon be set-up and ready to get your domain-generated email on your home or office computer!; Open your mail program - this TooT-orial is for MS Outlook Xpress.

1. Pay at the office during business hours from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm

2. Pay at the office after hours using the two night deposit boxes

3. Pay by mail using the pre-addressed envelope supplied with your bill

4. Pay online using a credit card

5. Pay by draft from your checking account

6. Pay by draft from a credit card

7. Pay by check over the phone

8. Pay by credit card over the phone

All of these services are available for your convenience without any additional cost to you. Just another way that your Cooperative serves you.

In last months issue you were given an in-depth look at the new meter being used to record your power usage. How this meter works and its accuracy was explained in great detail. This month we want to explain how the readings are transferred from your meter to the office and turned into the bill that you receive.

The readings, along with the serial number of the meter, are transmitted over the power line from your meter to the substation that supplies power to your location. Once the signal from your meter reaches the substation, a device collects that reading and stores it. Due to the way this data is collected and stored an interruption in the process does not cause data to be lost. Should a problem arise, once it has been corrected, the data is still available. Several times a day a computer located at the office calls each substation and downloads these stored readings. Teresa Kell is shown reviewing the Pre-Bill Edit report.

Teresa Kell is shown reviewing the Pre-Bill Edit report.

Each billing cycle these readings are transferred to a program that checks them for accuracy. Once the readings have passed this check they are then posted to individual accounts. The meter serial number attached to the reading is matched to the meter serial number of each individual account to assure that the reading is posted to the correct account. During the posting processes, if any thing does not match 100%, an error report is printed and the necessary correction is made.

Once the readings have been posted a second series of steps are taken to assure the accuracy of the bill you receive. A program is run that goes through 14 steps of checking the readings to catch any potential problems. Some of the checks that occur are: does the current reading exceed last months reading by a certain percentage, are the days of service greater or less than they should be, how does it compare to last years service period, etc. If any of these are not within in the normal range, that account information is printed on a report that is checked by someone in the billing department. Any necessary corrections are made and the program is run again. If there is still concern about a reading an employee is sent to double check the reading and the meter. This process is repeated until the billing is as accurate as possible.

With the accuracy of the meters that was referred to in last months article, the safety built into the system to preserve the readings in case of a power or communication failure and the extensive checks before billing, you can be assured that your bill is as accurate as we can make it..

We utilize technology to provide more and better services as economically as possible. But we haven’t forgotten the value of personal service. That is what makes your Co-Op different, neighbors helping neighbors. FMI: 205.468.3325

Identifying mystery files on your computer

By Buell Harris
TEC Computer Department Manager Identify those mystery files

When you are using your computer, do you ever come across a file that you are not sure what its function is? That probably happens to all of us from time to time. Is it spyware, an extra file that was added during installation of a printer, or a part of the operating system that if deleted would cause your computer to crash?

There is help available to determine what this file is and what its function is in relation to the operation of your system. The following link will take you to PC magazines website where the most common files and what they do are listed. To access the site enter the following link into the address bar on your browser http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,771890,00.asp

As with all information of this type be aware that each system is different and you have to decide whether this information applies to your computer.

If the information you are looking for is not available on this site you can also enter the file name in your favorite search engine to find information. Remember, when you are using a search engine, in order to narrow the focus to exactly what you are looking for, always enclose your information in quotes. An example would be AOL Instant Messenger, when I entered Instant Messenger without the quotes the search engine found over 12 million occurrences. With the quotes it was just over 4 million. The reason being that without the quotes the search includes occurrences of either Instant or Messenger as well as Instant Messenger. The second search included only those cases where Instant Messenger appeared in the same sentence.

New Gadget – looking for an easier way to make large amounts of data more portable than a stack of floppy discs or CD’s. Try one of the relatively new devices called a Flash Drive. This device uses a USB connection and is available in capacities up to 4Gb. They typically are about 2" long and ½" wide. Imagine being able to store over 5 CD’s worth of data on a device about the size of a disposable cigarette lighter.

I have been using these devices for over a year now and have found them to be very reliable. I have purposely used, abused and intentionally subjected one of these devices to various levels of stress, without the first failure.

These devices come in an array of styles, capacities and security levels. I recently saw one that had a titanium case that was supposed to withstand up to 20,000 lbs of force. Might be a little much for the average user, but overall this is one of the most useful devices that has been introduced in some time. Prices range from less than $20.00 for the low end to over a $100.00 for the large capacity.

If you have questions regarding this article please phone Buell Harris at 205-468-3325 X24.

[ James Scott, Manager of Member Services, is shown using his new computer to locate a customer ]

Using the latest technology, Tombigbee service personnel can quickly locate an outage and calculate the most efficient route to that location. With a combination of electronic mapping, location numbers and GPS devices, employees have a wealth of information at their fingertips.

When a worker needs to be dispatched to a customer location, the dispatcher simply relays the location number to the employee, who then enters it on his laptop and the computer immediately shows the customers location on the map. It also displays the customer information as well as information about the equipment that services that particular location. Another feature available is, if an employee needs to know who lives at a location he simply clicks on that location and the information is displayed.

What does this mean to you the member? By having all this information available instantly, service personnel can make informed decisions about the best and most efficient way to address a situation. They know what equipment and materials will be needed to restore service. This means a savings in time, fuel, and other expenses, which helps to hold down overall operating costs.

Just another way technology is being applied to help
Tombigbee bring better service to its members!

To Google or not to Google? Increasingly, that is the question for people searching the Internet for shopping information, travel options or background for a term paper. Choose to google and you’re in good company. Google is the most-used search engine on the Web.

But how much do you really know about Google and what it can do? Did you know Google can also help you manage your finances or check your child’s algebra homework? “Almost everyone I know uses Google, but few use it to its full potential,” says Michael Miller, author of 75 best-selling how-to books, including his latest tome “Googlepedia: The Ultimate Google Resource,” from Que Publishing. Google searches are highly customizable. You can use the search engine to ferret out address and phone numbers of long-lost acquaintances; search scholarly information; find word definitions; perform complex mathematical calculations; create detailed maps; e-mail, chat, and blog; search and download video, images and music; and track headlines.
Google is a tool like any other.

Computer systems like ours usually have to be replaced or upgraded every five years or so. If you can get seven or more years that is really good. The machine we are replacing is almost ten years old.

It means that while keeping up with technology, your Co-Op has also gotten maximum benefit from each dollar spent on the equipment. We purchase equipment only when necessary to handle a new task that would benefit you or when equipment becomes obsolete. The machine being replaced will no longer be supported by the manufacturer at the end of 2006. This means that it would become difficult to get parts and maintenance for the equipment.

The new system has several features that will allow Tombigbee to continue moving forward with our goal of better serving you the consumer. One improvement will be, if you need to call for information regarding your account, you should no longer have to wait or call back because the system is unavailable. Processes that used to make the system unavailable can now be done while the system is online.

The system is also faster, which allows us to be more efficient. It also has multiple drives that afford better protection for data and advanced technology that allows for corrections and even some hardware replacement without shutting the system down. It is also easy to upgrade and add features to. These are just some of the benefits.

We have also added a piece of equipment that automates the way we process payments received by mail. Mail payments are scanned and a copy of the check or money order, as well as the payment coupon is kept on file. Once the payments are scanned, a file is created that posts the information to the accounts. Where all payments used to be keyed in by hand, now with just a couple of keystrokes the payments are posted. A job that used to take 14 to 16 man hours is now reduced to just a couple of hours. The benefits to you are by making the process more efficient we reduce the cost of the process without reducing personnel. This frees up personnel to assist you with any needs you might have, thereby providing better service to you without the cost of additional employees.
Our goal in the computer department is to provide you with the best possible service and the features you need, which will help keep our costs low.

Tombigbee.Net provides Internet clients with a variety of hosting options. One option offered is cPanel hosting which is available on three usage-based plans that are suitable for small to very large business or personal website needs.

What is cPanel?
cPanel (control panel) is a graphical web-based management tool, designed to make administration of web sites as easy as possible. cPanel handles several aspects of website administration in an easy-to-use interface.

It is designed for use by customers who may wish to administer their own webmail, or make simple changes to their web sites through an online login and password. Additionally, you can use your cPanel mail controls to monitor spam, ban or block annoying IP’s or email spammers.

How do I get cPanel?

It’s easy... just phone our Web Team to inquire about moving your website to cPanel or in setting up a new hosting account on this great administrative tool.

Phone TEC Computer Department Manager, Buell Harris at 205.468.3325 X24 or contact TEC Internet Projects Coordinator, Kay Marshall, at 205.921.0300, to ask how you can be set-up on cPanel hosting!

Have you ever wondered, “Is it just me, or is my PC getting slower?” According to Jeff Dunteman of PC Magazine, your PC is getting slower, as what is affectionately call gunk collects in it. Gunk is data, files, and programs you don’t need, and debris from applications you’ve uninstalled. It’s spyware and adware, which beyond compromising your privacy can slow your PC and make it unstable.

All this is reversible, though. Once you’ve swept out your PC, it will be faster and more reliable. Discipline and good habits are important; with regular care, digital gunk will never get the better of you again.
Here are a couple of things you can do to degunk your PC

Nearly all e-mail clients keep a copy of every sent message. Though most messages are small, in aggregate their size quickly grows. If you mail large files, you may have many megabytes of them—most of which are stored elsewhere and can be deleted—saved in the Sent Items folder.

You can quickly free up some serious space while sparing the bulk of the messages. Open your Sent Items (or Outbox) folder, and make sure you have the Size column displayed in the message index. In Outlook Express, go to View | Columns, and click on Size. In Outlook, select View | Current View | Customize Current View, and then click on the Fields button. With Size displayed, click on the Size column header to sort the index by message size; select the larger messages that you want to get rid of and delete them. Outlook has other options that you may want to explore as well.

You should eliminate spyware and adware. Many “free” utilities install a program that transmits details about your Web browsing habits to a server owned by an advertising company. This process will tailor ads (often pop-ups) to your interests, but it may also bring a torrent of spam. Such programs are installed with little warning and are hard to remove. They slow your machine, clog your Registry, and may compromise your PC’s network machinery.
And that’s just the “legitimate” spyware. Related programs (and much worse) are Trojan horses that steal passwords and open network back doors into your PC for malefactors to exploit. They can also turn your PC into a spam proxy without your knowledge.

It’s best to avoid installing spyware in the first place. Before you install a “free” program, see if it comes with spyware. Read the licensing agreement carefully. Also, go to Google and type the program’s name, followed by “spyware.”

Not all spyware is installed with another application; it may come from a Web site. A pop-up may ask if you want to install something and make it appear that it’s a condition of entry. Don’t click on Yes. Better, use a pop-up stopper utility, or a Web browser with a built-in pop-up stopper.
The most notorious spyware sources are file-sharing utilities, spam-promoted Web sites, and sites offering sleazeware, warez (pirated software), and cracks (tools to defeat software serial-number registration.) Stay away from these and your defenses won’t be tested as often.

Some spyware goes to great lengths to avoid removal. Some nastier items modify the Registry and install small boot-time service routines: If removed, they will reinstall themselves from a hidden file! The best way to get rid of spyware and adware is to use a utility that’s specifically designed for this. One that is highly recommended in surveys is Webroot’s Spy Sweeper (about $30.00) followed closely by the free Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware.

Whatever you choose, make sure that you use it regularly to check your computer.
Finally, remember that it is up to you to decide if this information applies to your particular situation and be sure you understand each process before applying it.

Article by Robert P. Lipschutz and John Clyman
From an online aritcle at www.pcpitstop.com.

If you have kids, then the computer they use -which may also be the computer you use - is vulnerable to infestation by spyware. Spyware preys on the behavior of children, and teens in particular, by parking itself in the programs they download and on the sites they visit. Peer-to-peer music-swapping software, free online games, screen savers, song-lyrics sites are prime destinations for kids and many of them can carry an unwanted payload that can melt down a machine. But by teaching your kids appropriate behaviors and habits, and using some protective software, you can go a long way toward preventing spyware from gaining a foothold on your system.

Just how serious a threat does spyware pose? It can hijack your Web browser, barrage you with endless pop-up ads, slow your PC to a crawl, or crash it Popups

entirely. An adware-infested PC can become so slow and unstable that it turns into little more than an expensive desk ornament. In its worst forms, spyware known as dialers and keyloggers can force a modem to dial expensive toll calls or can capture every keystroke you make, putting confidential information from passwords to credit-card numbers at risk. Keyloggers are far more dangerous than adware and browser hijackers but, fortunately, much less common. Broadly speaking, spyware is software that infiltrates your computer without your informed consent and almost always with some negative consequence.

Internet Explorer storms of endless popup windows are a common symptom of spyware infestations. What’s more, a lot of spyware clutters up your system when it installs, won’t let you control its behavior, and actively resists removal. In short, spyware is not something you want to let onto a PC in the first place unless everyone who uses the computer, dads, moms and kids, is prepared to accept the consequences.
One potential privacy threat that’s sometimes lumped in the same category as spyware is tracking cookies. Unlike most spyware, though, cookies aren’t programs that run on your computer; they’re simply small data files that sites can ask your browser to save so that they can identify a returning user. Because some networks of sites do share cookies and use them for purposes like targeting ads in Web pages, cookies from some sources can be classified as a privacy threat. Most cookies, though, are innocuous, and cookies never present the same active dangers and inconveniences as spyware and adware programs.

Search engines are the key to finding specific information on the vast expanse of the World Wide Web. Without sophisticated search engines, it would be virtually impossible to locate anything on the Web without knowing a specific URL. But do you know how search engines work?

When people use the term search engine in relation to the Web, they are usually referring to the actual search forms that search through databases of HTML documents, initially gathered by a robot.
There are basically three types of search engines: Those that are powered by robots (called crawlers; ants or spiders) and those that are powered by human submissions; and those that are a hybrid of the two.
(Due to space limitations we will look at one in this article. More info can be found at) http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Internet/2003/HowWebSearchEnginesWork.asp).

Crawler-based search engines are those that use automated software agents (called crawlers) that visit a Web site, read the information on the actual site, read the site’s meta tags and also follow the links that the site connects to, performing indexing on all linked Web sites as well. The crawler returns that information back to a central depository, where the data is indexed. The crawler periodically returns to the sites to check for any information that has changed. The frequency with which this happens is determined by the administrators of the search engine.

When you query a search engine to locate information, you’re actually searching through the index that the search engine has created —you are not actually searching the Web. These indices are giant databases of information that is collected and stored and subsequently searched. This explains why sometimes a search on a commercial search engine, such as Yahoo! or Google, will return results that are, in fact, dead links. Since the search results are based on the index, if the index hasn’t been updated since a Web page became invalid the search engine treats the page as still an active link even though it no longer is. It remains that way until the index is updated.

So why will the same search on different search engines produce different results? Part of the answer to that question is because not all indices are going to be exactly the same. It depends on what the spiders find or what the humans submitted. But more important, not every search engine uses the same algorithm to search through the indices. The algorithm is what the search engines use to determine the relevance of the information in the index to what the user is searching for.

Did You Know...
The first tool for searching the Internet, created in 1990, was called “Archie”. It downloaded directory listings of all files located on public anonymous FTP servers; creating a searchable database of filenames. A year later “Gopher” was created. It indexed plain text documents. “Veronica” and “Jughead” came along to search Gopher’s index systems. The first actual Web search engine was developed by Matthew Gray in 1993 and was called “Wandex”.

Summertime is almost here, kids out of school, lots of free time to play, swim, visit with friends and surf the internet. Wait - when did ‘surfing’ the internet instead of ‘surfing at the beach’ become part of summer? You may not have noticed but computers are part of our everyday life. Like it or not they are here.

Just as you protect your children from sunburn, bug bites and too much junk food, they also need to be protected from the dangers of unsafe surfing. The internet is a wonderful tool when used properly. It has much to offer in the way of information, entertainment and education. But there are potential dangers lurking there also. With that in mind here are some general tips on internet safety and some links to additional information.

+ Your child spends large amounts of time on-line, especially at night.
+ Your child receives phone calls from people you don’t know or is making calls, sometimes long distance, to numbers you don’t recognize.
+ Your child turns the computer monitor off or quickly changes the screen on the monitor when you come into the room.
+ Your child becomes withdrawn from the family.

What Can You Do To Minimize The Chances Of An On-line Exploiter Victimizing Your Child?

Communicate, and talk to your child about sexual victimization and potential on-line danger.
+ Spend time with your children on-line.
+ Keep the computer in a common room in the house, not in your child’s bedroom.
+ Always maintain access to your child’s on-line account and randomly check his/her e-mail.

Teach your child the responsible use of the resources on-line. There is much more to the on-line experience than chat rooms.
Instruct your children:
+ to never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they met on- line;
+ to never upload (post) pictures of themselves onto the Internet or on-line service to people they do not personally know;
w to never give out identifying information such as their name, home address, school name, or telephone number;

These are just a few things that could help to safeguard your child. For more information check the following websites:

An always-on broadband Internet connection, WildBlue's service will offer access speeds that are comparable to DSL and cable modem services. WildBlue's two-way service provides high-speed data in both directions, upstream and downstream. Customers will not need an additional phone or cable line or the expense of a traditional dial-up ISP to receive broadband Internet access. The installation of WildBlue is expected to take two to three hours, similar to the time needed to install satellite television.

From General Manager, Steve Foshee "We are pleased to bring to the Tombigbee Electric Cooperative, service area, Internet access that is comparable to what is available in urban areas." "We encourage anyone interested in WildBlue broadband services to contact Tombigbee Electric Cooperative, Inc., at 468-3325 or 1-800-621-8069 or on the web at www.tombigbee.net"

We look forward to bringing WildBlue to this area and believe you will find it worth the wait.

Improvements continue at Tombigbee, with new features added to Tombigbee.Net Internet service!

As we mentioned in the May issue of Alabama Living, we have been looking at ways to offer our Internet customers more features. If you are a Tombigbee.Net Internet subscriber you have already received an email describing these new features. If you are not a customer, here are some of the features available to all Tombigbee.Net dial-up customers.

All these features have been added, at no additional cost to our users! We prefer to enhance the product being offered instead of reducing features to cut cost.

Also, please don't forget that if it is not available by the time you read this article, WildBlue broadband Internet service will shortly be available in your area. Plans continue to start installing the areas newest broadband internet service in late May or early June. You no longer have to live in certain areas to have access to broadband, Tombigbee is bringing broadband to you, via the WildBlue satellite internet service.

Spyware, Adware, Malware, whatever you call it, it is becoming one of the biggest problems faced by internet users. Most users think it is almost as bad as viruses. Certainly it has become a nuisance at best and can slow your system down to where it becomes almost unusable. What can be done to rid your system of it and prevent it from coming back?

We have previously mentioned a couple of freeware versions of programs called SpyBot Search & Destroy and AdAware Personal SE. These programs are still very useful and can help to remove and prevent this type of problem. Recently we have been trying another program of this type called 'Webroot Spy Sweeper'. This program seems to be able to find and fix problems that escaped the other two. In addition to the adware removal, it was able to fix a browser hijack problem on a pc we tested it on.

It is not perfect but it seems to be a pretty good piece of software and you can get a trial version for free. The complete version sells for around $30.00. One disadvantage is that it uses a lot of memory when running. It is a large program, almost 4Mb, may take a while to download if you decide to try it. It and the others are available at www.download.com.

If you decide to try any of these programs, remember that we are merely passing along information and while we try to be as careful as possible about software we tell you about, it is always the users responsibility to determine the suitability of any programs before they are installed.
As a safety precaution, we always suggest backing up your data before running any new programs.

Here at Tombigbee.Net we have been in the internet business for several years now. Have we always provided perfect service? Of course the answer to that has to be no, even though it would be nice if it was yes, because nothing is actually perfect. Have we provided good service? We think that answer is yes, because several of you have been with us since the start. We appreciate your loyalty and hope that our service continues to earn that loyalty.
We realize that you have choices when it comes to service providers and with that in mind let us take a minute to look at what we are currently doing and some of the things we are working on to provide better service.

1. Lowest modem to customer ratio of any provider. Ever got a busy signal when you dialed?

2. Plenty of Bandwidth; providing enough room on the internet highway to eliminate traffic slow downs.

3. Unlimited access; this means you can log onto the internet as many times as you like.

4. Toll free 24/7 tech support: with some of the lowest on-hold times in the nation. Average on-hold time before a live tech answers, 5 minutes or less, (usually less than three minutes).

7. We strive to keep up with the advancements in technology; most of our equipment is just slightly over two years old.

8. Web mail: allows you to check, send and receive e-mail from anywhere you can access the internet.

9. Spam and Virus protection: (EmScan application) that holds email on our server, sends you a notice and allows you to inspect and delete any unwanted email without downloading it to your PC.

10. Power backup systems to keep your internet service working even in times of power outages. Our systems is also monitored 24/7 and we usually know of and are working to correct problems before you are aware there is a problem.

Recently we have been hearing ads for internet service providers in other parts of the state bragging about all the services they are now offering. Services that tombigbee.net has been offering for years. We would never claim to be the best or flawless but we are constantly trying to improve our service to you.

1. Broadband service to all of our service area plus surrounding counties through satellite internet service. No matter where you live, if you have an unobstructed view of the Southwest sky you can now have high speed internet service. This service will be provided through the WildBlue program and should be available by June 1st, 2005. See our website www.Tombigbee.Net for more information.

2. Currently testing a browser accelerator application that should enhance your online experience.

3. Also working on an application that will let you change your login and password online.

We will continue to work on other things to enhance our service to you. We appreciate you choosing tombigbee.net as your service provider and will do our best to continue to earn your trust everyday.

Spyware is a general term for a program that is designed to gather data about you and track where you go on the Internet, usually without your specific knowledge. One category of Spyware is called"Adware" which is used to push advertisements to your computer in the form of pop-up ads.
Of course, the fact that you see pop-up ads does not mean that you have Spyware on your computer. Many Web sites that you visit will load pop-up ads when you visit them. While these can be an annoyance, they are related to the specific sites that you visit. For more information and links to free tools to prevent these types of Web site generated pop-up ads
However, if you find that pop-up ads are appearing even when you have not surfed to a Web site, you may have Spyware on your computer. Internet users often install Spyware on their own computer without realizing it. Many of the free programs that are available on the Internet include a Spyware component. The service agreement that you are asked to read before downloading and using the software may even mention the fact that the program will track your behavior or push advertisements. But, since most people do not read the service agreement, they install the software without realizing that it includes a Spyware component.
There are free programs that will scan your computer for Spyware and allow you to remove any that are found. Links to two of the better Spyware detection and removal tools that are known to be free of their own Spyware are listed below.

Both of these programs can be downloaded from the following site: http://www.download.com
You can leave these programs on your computer and they will help to prevent this kind of problems. They are completely free and should be updated regularly.

As a safety precaution, we always suggest backing up your data before running any new programs.

If there's anything that gets us ruffled the most, getting scammed or suckered by someone else is one of those things.

It happens a lot on the Internet. You've seen the emails and websites that encourage you to give out your email address as well as those of all of your friends, family and remote acquaintainces. A word to the wise... don't.

There's also a new series of scammers who will send out emails claiming to be from a reputable online company or service such as eBay, Amazon or PayPal that asks you to re-enter your credit card information... don't.

We try to alert our customers and clients to all sorts of cyber-world perils. It's really up to each individual to take precautions when dealing with emails they recieve.

Below is a list of helpful links and resources that will aid you in uncovering the truth behind what might be a scam or in what you think may be a scam. Visit one of these places first before giving out any personal information - protect yourself from online predators who prey upon the unwise and unweary.

Snopes - by and large one of the very BEST at snooping out the fakes, hoaxes and every sort of online fraud. Check here first (we're begging you) before sending a dire warning to everyone on your email list.. if you don't... succccker!

If you wonder why we take the time and trouble to set up free Internet classes for the public (and that includes anyone, even if they do not use our Internet Service) then we'd like to share our vision with you.

The Internet is the new frontier of communication. It allows anyone with access the ability to exchange ideas, information and images at the touch of a key.

For the young it is an invaluable tool that they have grown up using. Much like television or microwaves are for those of us who grew up in the 60's or 70's.

For the older generation, the Internet is a way to stay in touch with family members, be an active part of an online community for health and enjoyment, to research hobbies and medicial interests, and for those who are shut-ins, the Internet is quite literally a way to go beyond their doors.

There are other reasons that we have for trying to bring this technology to all people in an easy and non-intimidating way. Of course we want you to use our service - whether it's dial-up or high-speed Satellite connections - but even if you don't get your service from us, or perhaps you only want to use your computer without an online connection - whatever your reasons for having a computer it's enough for us. We believe in the future and the future is technology.

Don't let a lack of confidence prohibit your potential enjoyment on a computer or on the World Wide Web. Take advantage of our free, easy and very basic computer and Internet classes - taught by Buell Harris - and let 2004 open up the world to you!

For more information on our free classes please phone the cooperative at 205.468.3325.

We're always trying to improve your service and your Internet experience. We realize that spam is a big issue with all Internet users and we have taken additional steps to help filter out these pesky messages!

Below is a series of screen-shots regarding our new service and its features. If you have any questions please phone our Internet Tech Support at 1.800.352.8156.

For more useful tips and suggestions on getting started please consider attending one of my Basic Computer Classes. I offer these classes FREE of charge to anyone, regardless of whether you have your internet service with us. They are held once a month in the conference room at Tombigbee Electric in Guin. Call for registration for this 2-3 hour class and I will email you with the date of the next scheduled class time.

Thanks and happy surfing!
Buell Harris
TEC Computer/Internet Department Manager

This month I'd like to tell you about our new V.92 upgrade for our Internet customers. As part of our commitment to customer service Tombigbee.net has recently installed all new equipment at our locations. We now have V.92 modems available to all our customers. The V.92 is the latest version of modem technology. While older modem versions will continue to work with our service you may wish to take advantage of the features offered by upgrading to a V.92 modem in your PC. We will be glad to assist you if you wish to upgrade to V.92. If your PC is only a couple of years old you may already have a V.92 modem. In that case you would be able to use the new features, you may already be using some of them without realizing it.

Read the following article for more information.

What is V.92?
V.92 is a new standard for dial-up communications that offers several important improvements over the existing V.90 standard. These improvements are intended to make communications faster, easier and more enjoyable. V.92 and its companion compression standard V.44, have been officially adopted by the ITU, the International Telecommunications Union.

What makes a V.92 modem faster than V.90?
There are three features that allow the V.92 modem to give you faster speeds.
The first is the V.92's improved "automatic negotiation" or "handshake" which is the way modems determine compatibility and decide what standards to use to communicate. With a typical V.90 modem this can take as long as 30 seconds. With QuickConnect , the entire process can take as little as half that time.
The V.92 Modem also includes V.44, a new international data compression standard. V.44 was designed specifically for the Internet, and can double the effective speed of your Internet page loading.
Finally, the V.92 standard increases the upload speed by as much as 30%., from 33,600 bps (the maximum upload speed using V.90) to 48,000 bps.

Where will I see the most difference in speed?
For reference, WEB searches show the most visible improvement, especially searches on WEB stores or areas that have high amounts of text and numerous small images. The most improvement is in standard WEB browsing. Email and downloading of ASCII type text files show noticeable but more modest improvement.

How can I use one phone line for both voice and data?
The V.92 standard lets your ISP or online service put your data connection "on hold" while you pick up a voice call using your "call waiting" service. When you finish with the voice call you can instantly resume the connection as though you had never left.

Does V.92 "QuickConnect" work on all calls?
This feature of the V.92 standard allows the modem to "learn" and "remember" the variables associated with calling a specific telephone number and connecting to a specific modem associated with that number. This feature will be most effective when you repetitively call the same number - such as that for your on-line service or internet service provider. The modem will then be able to use its stored profile and deliver the advantage of a quicker connection.

Will a V.92 modem work automatically with earlier modems?
V.90, K56flex, X2? With 33.6k, 14.4k, 9600 and 2400 modems?
A V.92 modem will automatically negotiate and connect at the best achievable shared speed down to 2,400 bps. The negotiation and the related connection time may take longer if the connection does need to be negotiated down to a very low speed as the higher speeds are attempted first. However the connection between a 56K V.92 and a 56K V.90 will take approximately the same time as between two current V.90 modems.

Thanks and happy surfing!
Buell Harris
TEC Computer/Internet Department Manager

HOWARD COMPUTERS

By now, most of you know that we sell and service Howard Computers here at Tombigbee EC. You won't find Howard Computers having a young guy touting their computers with the catch phrase of "Dude, you're getting a Howard", but their lack of high-profile advertisement does not diminish their merit in the PC industry.

For more information on prices and products please feel free to phone me at 468.3325, extension 24. Or visit the Howard Computer website at this address -> www.HowardComputers.com

Also, please remember to check our site for the latest updates on spam, computer viruses, and other hints to enhance both your Internet surfing experience as well as the over-all enhancement of your computer's life.
We have a great new feature here on the TEC Website called the Tips & Tricks section, which is full of up-to-date and helpful suggestions.

You'll find helpful and easy suggestions on keeping your computer updated, and upgraded. Suggestions as well on topics such as hard-drive defragmentation, and quick computer short-cut keys that will make your computer worktime more efficient.

Thanks and happy surfing!
Buell Harris
TEC Computer/Internet Department Manager

Our busy Web Develpment team is comprised of Kay Marshall and John Boyett. Kay is TEC's primary web designer & developer, hosting consultant, and TEC site webmaster; she can most definitely help you establish a great working Website presence for your expanding business and help coach you in ways to Market your site globally.
John provides us with programming, and technical skills and can help get you on your way with computer installation, program installation, and email set-up. Here at TEC we have the resources, skills, and creativity to meet all of your Internet and Web Development needs.

Thanks and happy surfing!
Buell Harris
TEC Computer/Internet Department Manager

PC Pitstop is the place to go if you have questions regarding how your PC is running. To quote their site on their services, here is what they do.

"At PC Pitstop we can help you get your PC in top form -- running fast, stable and secure. PC Pitstop runs diagnostics on your PC to identify things that might help improve performance. The process is fully automated, private and safe. After the diagnostics run, we'll give you tips for improving all kinds of things. Best of all, the service is free!"

Thanks and happy surfing!
Buell Harris
TEC Computer/Internet Department Manager

News from the Internet Department

Quick Tutorials!

HOWARD COMPUTERS