by: Daniel Punch
Almost everyone has heard about the massive crack down on Internet music piracy that has been occurring over the past few years. Napster was taken down (although it has now returned as a pay service), other file sharing programs now require users to pay for a license and the RIAA and other similar organizations are doing their best to hunt down copyright offenders and put an end to their crime sprees.
The consumers on the other hand argue that their actions hurt nobody, that there is no damage done to anyone by their not buying an album. Furthermore, they claim, MP3s allow them to sample a CD before purchasing it, thus actually helping sales.I'm not here to argue the pros and cons. Basically it's not worth it, as neither side of the argument will ever see the opposition's point of view. What I'd like to do is take a look at the completely free and legal alternative to 'stealing' music.
Those wonderfully talented musicians who are willing to put their creations online to download for free, solely for the joy of spreading their creations to the masses.Free music is surprisingly easy to come by, even music by famous bands. Sometimes it needs to be 'streamed' from the Internet, meaning that you can only listen to a song while you're online, but with the ever-growing popularity of broadband Internet this is really no longer a problem. Sites such as MP3.com and purevolume.com provide free music by almost any band you can think of, although there is a large amount of it that has to be streamed and not downloaded. A search for 'free legal MP3 downloads' will reveal a huge number of pages to visit.For something specific, try visiting the artist's website, or the site of their record label. These will often offer a few sample tracks to download for free.
It's not quite as convenient as having access to every song that you want, but it's not a bad alternative.But how about we forget about the mainstream for just a while and move towards the alternative? Towards the hopefuls, the talented bands that have yet to be 'noticed'. There are a huge number of these smaller bands out there that are sticking their stuff online for any and all to listen to, just so that they can be heard. These can be easier to find, because most MP3 sites will be filled with these smaller acts. A great place to start is http://www.garageband.com/ or the aforementioned http://purevolume.com
The great thing about smaller bands is that you can often find bands that come from your local area and then go and see them play live. Being able to see a favourite band live more than once a year (or lifetime) without expending huge amounts of money and time is pretty cool. Many music search engines will let you search for bands of a particular genre in a particular area, which makes it all quite easy.
A fairly major contributor to the online music scene is the remixer. These people take other tunes and redo them, often in a techno style because one person can do this competently. Chief among the tunes selected to be remixed are those old ditties that used to play through the simplest of sound chips on now aging consoles: the video game theme songs. People now go and grab the main tune line from an old favourite and fill it out, making real the work our imaginations used to do for us to turn the single tone melodies into orchestral masterpieces. A few good places to start are http://remix.kwed.org and http://remix.overclocked.org as well as a personal favourite band http://machinaesupremacy.com
I hope this has given you something to think about. It's not hard to come across illegal MP3 rips, in fact it's often hard to avoid them, but if you give the free music scene a look you may find something completely different and new that will really do it for you. With web hosts already being penalized hugely for illegal content being stored on their servers (having an entire server taken down because of one inconsiderate user is damaging and irritating beyond belief) and moves being made to charge ISPs for the content being accessed by their users, it makes more sense than ever to get out there and grab yourself an awesomely original and completely legal music collection.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Daniel PunchM6.Net Web Hostinghttp://www.m6.netDaniel Punch is a University student gathering a large music collection to keep himself going during those long nights of 'study' (also known as 'playing video games')
Monday, November 16, 2009
How Can a Broadband Cable Benefit You?
by: David Gonzalez
We are now well ensconced in a time when the Web is riddled with graphics, animations, sounds, and videos, bringing about a necessity for superior internet access such as that which broadband can provide. The fact is that anything less than the speed supplied by a broadband cable has become inadequate for today’s Web users.Of course, if you use the internet only once every so often, you wouldn’t be as heavily dependent upon high-speed internet access as is provided by broadband, however, if you’re a regular user, it’s virtually a necessity.But wait a minute…even though you use the internet, it doesn’t mean you know exactly what this high focus form of internet access actually is.
So lets start there. In essence, broadband is a very fast form of internet connection. Broadband Will provide you with a noticeably faster internet speed than a dial-up connection.Broadband used to be a challenge only because of it’s limited availability, however, today there are many ways that you can have a much faster connection. The delivery methods of broadband have been expanded to the following types of broadband cable:- Copper telephone wires- Cable TV wires- Radio microwaves from local base stations- Satellite microwaves from geo-stationary satellitesNow lets look at why this faster style of internet access is actually better. The benefits of broadband actually include much more than faster downloads.
Broadband is the connection that is always “on”. As soon as you start up your computer, it’s already connected to the internet. For anyone who has waited for a modem to dial up and connect, the advantage of this is quite apparent. Furthermore, broadband allows you to download movies, music, and web pages that were virtually inaccessible in practical terms when using dial-up.But the benefits of broadband aren’t just felt by individual users. Businesses, governments, schools, and communities can all experience the superiority that broadband cables can provide.
Here are some examples of benefits for each of those types of organizations:- Businesses will notice an increase in productivity when large data files transfer quickly and directly among local and head offices, no matter the distance between the locations. Moreover, with the popularity of net-meetings and videoconferencing, a face-to-face meeting becomes entirely possible without the travel costs.- Schools can now offer equal opportunities to their students no matter their location or funding. A student in a remote community is now able to use a broadband connection to receive violin lessons from the same revered instructor as a student in a large city. Moreover, rural students can take virtual field trips and see the same fascinating and educational museums as city kids.- Local governments are now enjoying broadband benefits that let them provide one-stop shopping for town business transactions, as well as licensing, permits, billing, and utility payments.- Communities have been quick to jump on the broadband band wagon to promote their local historical and other various tourist attractions.
No other marketing resource reaches as far and as effectively as the internet.There are so many fantastic benefits to a high-speed, broadband internet connection, that it is becoming as “basic” a need as a computer in today’s society. About the author:Author's Website: http://www.broadband-dsl-directory.com
Please click here for more ISP related articles.
We are now well ensconced in a time when the Web is riddled with graphics, animations, sounds, and videos, bringing about a necessity for superior internet access such as that which broadband can provide. The fact is that anything less than the speed supplied by a broadband cable has become inadequate for today’s Web users.Of course, if you use the internet only once every so often, you wouldn’t be as heavily dependent upon high-speed internet access as is provided by broadband, however, if you’re a regular user, it’s virtually a necessity.But wait a minute…even though you use the internet, it doesn’t mean you know exactly what this high focus form of internet access actually is.
So lets start there. In essence, broadband is a very fast form of internet connection. Broadband Will provide you with a noticeably faster internet speed than a dial-up connection.Broadband used to be a challenge only because of it’s limited availability, however, today there are many ways that you can have a much faster connection. The delivery methods of broadband have been expanded to the following types of broadband cable:- Copper telephone wires- Cable TV wires- Radio microwaves from local base stations- Satellite microwaves from geo-stationary satellitesNow lets look at why this faster style of internet access is actually better. The benefits of broadband actually include much more than faster downloads.
Broadband is the connection that is always “on”. As soon as you start up your computer, it’s already connected to the internet. For anyone who has waited for a modem to dial up and connect, the advantage of this is quite apparent. Furthermore, broadband allows you to download movies, music, and web pages that were virtually inaccessible in practical terms when using dial-up.But the benefits of broadband aren’t just felt by individual users. Businesses, governments, schools, and communities can all experience the superiority that broadband cables can provide.
Here are some examples of benefits for each of those types of organizations:- Businesses will notice an increase in productivity when large data files transfer quickly and directly among local and head offices, no matter the distance between the locations. Moreover, with the popularity of net-meetings and videoconferencing, a face-to-face meeting becomes entirely possible without the travel costs.- Schools can now offer equal opportunities to their students no matter their location or funding. A student in a remote community is now able to use a broadband connection to receive violin lessons from the same revered instructor as a student in a large city. Moreover, rural students can take virtual field trips and see the same fascinating and educational museums as city kids.- Local governments are now enjoying broadband benefits that let them provide one-stop shopping for town business transactions, as well as licensing, permits, billing, and utility payments.- Communities have been quick to jump on the broadband band wagon to promote their local historical and other various tourist attractions.
No other marketing resource reaches as far and as effectively as the internet.There are so many fantastic benefits to a high-speed, broadband internet connection, that it is becoming as “basic” a need as a computer in today’s society. About the author:Author's Website: http://www.broadband-dsl-directory.com
Please click here for more ISP related articles.
VoIP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
by: Raymond Klesc
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated - send to info@globalvalueconnect.comTitle: VOIP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSAuthor: Raymond KlescEmail: info@globalvalueconnect.comCopyright 2004 Raymond KlescPreformatted for 60-charactersVoice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, has grown in popularity recently and with that rise in popularity has come a number of common misconceptions and confusion.
Global Value Connect (http://globalvalueconnect.com) has complied this simple guide to address some of these most common questions and concerns.
1. What is VoIP and what does it stand for?
2. How do I make a VoIP phone call?
3. What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls?
4. Are there any differences between making a local call or a long distance call?
5. Who can I call if I am using a VoIP service?
6. Are there any advantages in using VoIP phone service?
7. Will I be able to dial 911 emergency services?
8. Will I be able to use my computer while making a VoIP phone call?
9. Will I be able to take my phone adapter with me while traveling?
10. Does my computer need to be running in order to use VoIP service?
11. How will I know when I receive a phone call over my VoIP service?
12. Who regulates VoIP services?
13. What are the computer system requirements for VoIP?
14. Are free trials normally available?
15. How can I improve the sound quality?
1. What is VoIP and what does it stand for? VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and it allows you to place telephone calls over a data network like the Internet. It operates by converting your voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that can then be transmitted over the Internet. The digital signal is then converted at the other end back to a voice signal that the other party can hear. When you use a phone with an adapter the calls are placed just like a regular telephone. You first hear a dial tone then the call is made. You are also able to place a call directly from your computer using a conventional telephone or microphone.
2. How do I make a VoIP phone call? Making a VoIP phone call is no different from using a regular land line telephone. You pickup the receiver and listen for the dial tone. You can then dial your number as you always have in the past. The call connects to your high-speed Internet connection and travels to your local telephone company's equipment to a VoIP provider which transport the signal through the Internet to the local provider of the party you are calling. They relay the signal to your parties telephone. As an alternative, you may also place the call using your computer's hardware and software, entering the number through your keyboard. The signal is then sent through your cable modem to your local telephone carrier.
3. What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls? Your existing incoming high-speed Internet connection should be sufficient but the higher the connectivity the better the signal. In terms of hardware, you can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer or connect a phone directly to a VoIP telephone adaptor (ATA). Or you can use a phone specially made to work with Internet Voice. This is called an SIP phone. Each SIP phone is a network endpoint, and voice is routed via its IP address. It allows a DID (direct inward dialing) number to move with a user. You can move, add or remove stations and never have to call your interconnect/PBX service company. SIP phones also allow full use of advanced features like voice mail to e-mail and auto attendant.
4. Are there any differences between making a local call or a long distance call? There are many different calling available for VoIP. The calling rates and fixed plans will vary from one vendor to another depending on the service you select. Please make sure to read all of the fine print associated with any plan that you choose. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that VoIP can blur the difference between local and long distance by issuing a local number for your Internet phone. This allows you to make LOCAL calls to your home area code from that phone, regardless of where you are geographically. All you need is an Internet connection to plug in your phone, it doesn't matter what Internet provider you use, and you can call your local area code from anywhere in the world without paying long distance rates.
5. Who can I call if I am using a VoIP service? Your calls can be made to any local telephone number, mobile phone, long distance number, or any international number. You may even use the service to speak with more than one person at a time. More importantly, the person you are calling does not need any special equipment; just a regular telephone.
6. Are there any advantages in using VoIP phone service? If you are using a broadband internet connection, you don't need to maintain and pay the additional cost for a regular land line just to make telephone calls. With VoIP you're able to talk to many people at the same time. You can set up conference calls with your colleagues, staff, family and friends. VoIP allows you to reduce interconnect/PBX fees by enabling you to add, move and remove stations from your network without calling your service provider. In addition, you don't have to buy an expensive phone switch to set up your network. VoIP also offers many advanced calling features from caller ID and call forward to voicemail and distinctive ringing to call tracing and reminder calls, among many others. You can also manage your features through the Internet; log-in and customize services that normally you would have to rely on your provider to change - for a fee of course.Voice over Internet can lower long-distance fees by assigning a local telephone number to your VoIP phone. You will then be able to take your phone anywhere in the world, plug it into any broadband connection regardless of specific provider, and you can make LOCAL calls to your home area code. Parents can keep in touch with children at college; churches can contact missionaries all over the world; and businesses can connect branch offices in different cities.
7. Will I be able to dial 911 emergency services? Some Internet Voice services have difficulty seamlessly connecting with the 911 dispatch center or identifying the location of Internet Voice 911 callers. Check with your local VoIP provider to determine if they can provide this service in your area.
8. Will I be able to use my computer while making a VoIP phone call? Yes you most certainly will be able to use your computer while making calls on your VoIP network.
9. Will I be able to take my phone adapter with me while traveling? You should be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high-speed Internet connection available. Your adaptor should work the same as when you are at home or in the office as long as you have access to a high-speed Internet connection.
10. Does my computer need to be running in order to use VoIP service? Your computer does not need to be turned on but your broadband connection must be active in order for VoIP to function properly. However, if you are not using an adapter and choose to use a microphone or headset with your computer then your computer must be on.
11. How will I know when I receive a phone call over my VoIP service? Your VoIP phone will ring like any other telephone.
12. Who regulates VoIP services? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to create an environment promoting competition and innovation to benefit consumers. Historically, the FCC has not regulated the Internet or the services provided over it. On February 12, 2004, the FCC found that an entirely Internet-based VoIP service was an unregulated information service. On the same day, the FCC began a broader proceeding to examine what its role should be in this new environment of increased consumer choice and what it can best do to meet its role of safeguarding the public interest. In November 2004 they ruled that States do not have the jurisdiction to impose taxes on VoIP services, another victory for the consumer.
13. What are the computer system requirements for VoIP?The specific requirements of any VoIP system must be checked with each individual VoIP provider.
14. Are free trials normally available?You need to check with your selected VoIP provider to determine if a free trial is available. Most VoIP providers will provide some kind of free trial or conditional free trial period. If you are dissatisfied for any reason you should return the equipment in their original packing boxes together with all shipping paperwork and packing slips to ensure they will honor their warrantee.14. Will I be able to use VoIP behind a firewall?You need to ask your network administrator regarding any special setting that are required to function through the firewall.
15. How can I improve the sound quality?* Speak with a headset instead of a microphone. Better still, use a phone with an adaptor.* If you are using a microphone, hold it away from the speakers to avoid having the sound from your speakers recirculate into your microphone causing feedback. * Lower the volume on your speakers. * Check with your sound card manufacturer to be sure you are using the latest drivers. * Use a direct phone jack. A split line or extension cord between your phone jack and computer can distort the sound causing an echo. Global Value Connect (http://globalvalueconnect.com) offers a wide range of VoIP products and services from the most reliable vendors at the most competitive prices.
If you are in the market for VoIP services or curious as to what it may cost or how you may benefit then stop in and check out our products and services at: http://globalvalueconnect.com/VoIP.htm
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Global Value Connect (http://globalvalueconnect.com) has been providing the best value in telecommunication products and services for the home or office since 1995.
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated - send to info@globalvalueconnect.comTitle: VOIP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSAuthor: Raymond KlescEmail: info@globalvalueconnect.comCopyright 2004 Raymond KlescPreformatted for 60-charactersVoice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, has grown in popularity recently and with that rise in popularity has come a number of common misconceptions and confusion.
Global Value Connect (http://globalvalueconnect.com) has complied this simple guide to address some of these most common questions and concerns.
1. What is VoIP and what does it stand for?
2. How do I make a VoIP phone call?
3. What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls?
4. Are there any differences between making a local call or a long distance call?
5. Who can I call if I am using a VoIP service?
6. Are there any advantages in using VoIP phone service?
7. Will I be able to dial 911 emergency services?
8. Will I be able to use my computer while making a VoIP phone call?
9. Will I be able to take my phone adapter with me while traveling?
10. Does my computer need to be running in order to use VoIP service?
11. How will I know when I receive a phone call over my VoIP service?
12. Who regulates VoIP services?
13. What are the computer system requirements for VoIP?
14. Are free trials normally available?
15. How can I improve the sound quality?
1. What is VoIP and what does it stand for? VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and it allows you to place telephone calls over a data network like the Internet. It operates by converting your voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that can then be transmitted over the Internet. The digital signal is then converted at the other end back to a voice signal that the other party can hear. When you use a phone with an adapter the calls are placed just like a regular telephone. You first hear a dial tone then the call is made. You are also able to place a call directly from your computer using a conventional telephone or microphone.
2. How do I make a VoIP phone call? Making a VoIP phone call is no different from using a regular land line telephone. You pickup the receiver and listen for the dial tone. You can then dial your number as you always have in the past. The call connects to your high-speed Internet connection and travels to your local telephone company's equipment to a VoIP provider which transport the signal through the Internet to the local provider of the party you are calling. They relay the signal to your parties telephone. As an alternative, you may also place the call using your computer's hardware and software, entering the number through your keyboard. The signal is then sent through your cable modem to your local telephone carrier.
3. What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls? Your existing incoming high-speed Internet connection should be sufficient but the higher the connectivity the better the signal. In terms of hardware, you can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer or connect a phone directly to a VoIP telephone adaptor (ATA). Or you can use a phone specially made to work with Internet Voice. This is called an SIP phone. Each SIP phone is a network endpoint, and voice is routed via its IP address. It allows a DID (direct inward dialing) number to move with a user. You can move, add or remove stations and never have to call your interconnect/PBX service company. SIP phones also allow full use of advanced features like voice mail to e-mail and auto attendant.
4. Are there any differences between making a local call or a long distance call? There are many different calling available for VoIP. The calling rates and fixed plans will vary from one vendor to another depending on the service you select. Please make sure to read all of the fine print associated with any plan that you choose. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that VoIP can blur the difference between local and long distance by issuing a local number for your Internet phone. This allows you to make LOCAL calls to your home area code from that phone, regardless of where you are geographically. All you need is an Internet connection to plug in your phone, it doesn't matter what Internet provider you use, and you can call your local area code from anywhere in the world without paying long distance rates.
5. Who can I call if I am using a VoIP service? Your calls can be made to any local telephone number, mobile phone, long distance number, or any international number. You may even use the service to speak with more than one person at a time. More importantly, the person you are calling does not need any special equipment; just a regular telephone.
6. Are there any advantages in using VoIP phone service? If you are using a broadband internet connection, you don't need to maintain and pay the additional cost for a regular land line just to make telephone calls. With VoIP you're able to talk to many people at the same time. You can set up conference calls with your colleagues, staff, family and friends. VoIP allows you to reduce interconnect/PBX fees by enabling you to add, move and remove stations from your network without calling your service provider. In addition, you don't have to buy an expensive phone switch to set up your network. VoIP also offers many advanced calling features from caller ID and call forward to voicemail and distinctive ringing to call tracing and reminder calls, among many others. You can also manage your features through the Internet; log-in and customize services that normally you would have to rely on your provider to change - for a fee of course.Voice over Internet can lower long-distance fees by assigning a local telephone number to your VoIP phone. You will then be able to take your phone anywhere in the world, plug it into any broadband connection regardless of specific provider, and you can make LOCAL calls to your home area code. Parents can keep in touch with children at college; churches can contact missionaries all over the world; and businesses can connect branch offices in different cities.
7. Will I be able to dial 911 emergency services? Some Internet Voice services have difficulty seamlessly connecting with the 911 dispatch center or identifying the location of Internet Voice 911 callers. Check with your local VoIP provider to determine if they can provide this service in your area.
8. Will I be able to use my computer while making a VoIP phone call? Yes you most certainly will be able to use your computer while making calls on your VoIP network.
9. Will I be able to take my phone adapter with me while traveling? You should be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a high-speed Internet connection available. Your adaptor should work the same as when you are at home or in the office as long as you have access to a high-speed Internet connection.
10. Does my computer need to be running in order to use VoIP service? Your computer does not need to be turned on but your broadband connection must be active in order for VoIP to function properly. However, if you are not using an adapter and choose to use a microphone or headset with your computer then your computer must be on.
11. How will I know when I receive a phone call over my VoIP service? Your VoIP phone will ring like any other telephone.
12. Who regulates VoIP services? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to create an environment promoting competition and innovation to benefit consumers. Historically, the FCC has not regulated the Internet or the services provided over it. On February 12, 2004, the FCC found that an entirely Internet-based VoIP service was an unregulated information service. On the same day, the FCC began a broader proceeding to examine what its role should be in this new environment of increased consumer choice and what it can best do to meet its role of safeguarding the public interest. In November 2004 they ruled that States do not have the jurisdiction to impose taxes on VoIP services, another victory for the consumer.
13. What are the computer system requirements for VoIP?The specific requirements of any VoIP system must be checked with each individual VoIP provider.
14. Are free trials normally available?You need to check with your selected VoIP provider to determine if a free trial is available. Most VoIP providers will provide some kind of free trial or conditional free trial period. If you are dissatisfied for any reason you should return the equipment in their original packing boxes together with all shipping paperwork and packing slips to ensure they will honor their warrantee.14. Will I be able to use VoIP behind a firewall?You need to ask your network administrator regarding any special setting that are required to function through the firewall.
15. How can I improve the sound quality?* Speak with a headset instead of a microphone. Better still, use a phone with an adaptor.* If you are using a microphone, hold it away from the speakers to avoid having the sound from your speakers recirculate into your microphone causing feedback. * Lower the volume on your speakers. * Check with your sound card manufacturer to be sure you are using the latest drivers. * Use a direct phone jack. A split line or extension cord between your phone jack and computer can distort the sound causing an echo. Global Value Connect (http://globalvalueconnect.com) offers a wide range of VoIP products and services from the most reliable vendors at the most competitive prices.
If you are in the market for VoIP services or curious as to what it may cost or how you may benefit then stop in and check out our products and services at: http://globalvalueconnect.com/VoIP.htm
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Global Value Connect (http://globalvalueconnect.com) has been providing the best value in telecommunication products and services for the home or office since 1995.
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