14 Part I: Easy Click OK. Windows closes the Removable Disk Properties dialog box and starts using the drive for ReadyBoost. You should now see a performance improvement, especially during long com- puting sessions or when you have many applications and documents open. However, the difference may not be dramatic. Step 5: Remove a ReadyBoost Device For best effect, you should leave the memory device attached all the time you use your PC. This is easy to do with a desktop PC, where you can plug in a USB memory stick and simply leave it, but having a memory stick protruding from a laptop PC tends to be awkward—so you’ll probably want to remove it. To remove the memory device, follow these steps: Click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the notifi- cation area (the icon with the green circle containing a white check mark). On the menu that appears, click the Safely Remove USB Mass Storage Device item for the drive. When Windows displays the Safe To Remove Hardware dialog box, click OK, and then unplug the device. Windows mirrors all the data that’s stored on the ReadyBoost device in a file on your hard disk, so removing your ReadyBoost device doesn’t have any bad effects— Windows simply retrieves the data it needs from the hard disk rather than from the ReadyBoost device. Now that you’ve maxed out your memory, and maybe turbocharged performance using ReadyBoost, your PC should be running well. It’s time to turn your attention to your Internet connection—is it fast enough, and if not, could it be faster? 5. 1. 2. 3. 15 Project 2 Get the Fastest Possible Internet Connection What You’ll Need Hardware: Modem, router, or satellite dish Software: None Cost: $10–50 U.S. per month T o get the most use and enjoyment out of your PC these days, you’ll want to connect it to the Internet. And not just with any old connection—preferably with the fastest connection possible. This project discusses your options for choosing a fast Internet connection and shows you how to proceed. Step 1: Find Out How Fast Your Internet Connection Is First, find out how fast your Internet connection is—if you haven’t already checked. You can find various utilities and sites on the Internet for checking connection speed and throughput. Here, we’ll use one of the easiest sites, the CNET Bandwidth Meter. To use the Bandwidth Meter, follow these steps: Launch your web browser and go to http://reviews.cnet.com/7004-7254_ 7-0.html (see Figure 2-1). Type your area code in the Area Code text box. In the Choose Your Current Connection Type area, select the appropriate option button. In the Select Your ISP drop-down list, choose your current ISP. This step is optional but may enable the Bandwidth Meter to make better recommendations of Internet connection upgrades available to you. ● ● ● 1. 2. 3. 4. 16 Part I: Easy Click Go. The Bandwidth Meter runs the test, during which it displays an information screen, and then displays the results page. Figure 2-2 shows an example. If you want, click one of the Find ISP or ISP name links in the Faster Provid- ers column to find out about faster connections. But before you do, it may be a good idea to assess the different types of Internet connection available and decide which would suit you best—assuming it’s available. Step 2: Assess Your Options for a Faster Connection In the beginning was the modem—and for many people, that’s still as far as Internet connectivity has progressed. But in most places you can get a much faster connec- tion, even if it costs more than you would like to pay. This section walks you through 5. 6. Figure 2-1 The CNET Bandwidth Meter Speed Test lets you check your Internet connection’s throughput via a web page. Project 2: Get the Fastest Possible Internet Connection 17 the commonly available Internet connection technologies, starting with the slowest and speeding up to the fastest. Once you know your options, you’ll be able to decide which connection type makes sense for you. Table 2-1 provides a generalized summary of widely available connection options in descending order of preference—in other words, with the best connections first. Dial-Up Connections A dial-up connection using a modem is normally the slowest form of Internet connec- tion, but it works almost anywhere you can find a phone line and is usually reliable. On the downside, a dial-up connection is not only slow at transferring data but also slow to connect, typically taking 10–30 seconds to establish a connection. Figure 2-2 The Bandwidth Meter results page shows you an estimate of your current connection speed, together with faster options and providers. 18 Part I: Easy These days, a dial-up connection is practical for e-mail or text-only instant messag- ing, but for most other Internet activities you will find its limitations difficult. See the sidebar “Get the Most Out of a Dial-up Connection” for suggestions on maximizing the use of a dial-up connection while minimizing the irritation its slowness can cause. The fastest dial-up connection you can get is 53.6 Kbps using a 56 Kbps modem. However, even this speed requires a good-quality telephone line and suitable equip- ment at the exchange. In practice, speeds of 33.6 to 48 Kbps are normal. The longer the distance from your modem to the ISP, and the greater the number of devices between the two, the slower the connection is likely to be. Get the Most Out of a Dial-Up Connection If you’re stuck with a dial-up connection, first make sure that your connection is working as well as possible. Here are three suggestions: Keep your connection open Get a flat-rate (“all you can eat”) con- nection from your ISP and telephone provider. Configure Windows never to drop the connection and to redial if the connection does get dropped (for example, if the ISP drops it or if there’s a problem on the phone line). Turn off call waiting so that incoming calls don’t knock you offline. You’ll need a second phone line or a cell phone if you want to be able to make phone calls as well. Ensure your modem is tuned correctly Type modem tune-up into your favorite search engine to find recommendations for configuring a modem manually or modem-boosting utilities that do the tweaking for you. ● ● Location Connection types Urban or suburban 1. Fiber 2. DSL or cable 3. Wireless 4. Satellite 5. ISDN 6. Dial-up Rural 1. DSL (if near to a substation) 2. Satellite 3. ISDN 4. Dial-up Table 2-1 Typical Connection Options in Descending Order of Preference Project 2: Get the Fastest Possible Internet Connection 19 Bond two or more modems together If you’ll be using dial-up long- term and you have (or can get) two or more phone lines, consider bonding two or more modems together to form a single faster con- nection. There’s some overhead on such connections, so you don’t get the full bandwidth of the first modem plus the full bandwidth of each other modem—but you should see a considerable improvement. (For example, bonding two modems each capable of a 48 Kbps connection might yield a 90 Kbps connection.) Your operating system, your mo- dems, and your ISP all need to support modem bonding. Next, make sure your Internet applications are using your meager band- width sensibly. Here are four suggestions: Web browser Turn off as much multimedia—pictures, sounds, and videos—as you can bear. For example, in Internet Explorer 7, follow these steps: Choose Tools | Internet Options. Internet Explorer displays the Internet Options dialog box. Click the Advanced tab, and then scroll down to the Multimedia section (about halfway down). Clear the Play Animations In Webpages check box if you can dis- pense with animations. Clear the Play Sounds In Webpages check box if you can do with- out sounds. Select the Show Image Download Placeholders check box to make Internet Explorer display placeholders for images. Clear the Show Pictures check box if you can dispense with pic- tures. (You can display a picture by right-clicking its placeholder and choosing Show Picture.) Click OK. Internet Explorer closes the Internet Options dialog box. If you cleared the Play Animations In Webpages check box in step 3, close and restart Internet Explorer. E-mail If possible, set up your e-mail program so that it consults you before downloading attachments greater than a certain size (for example, 50KB). You can then decide whether to download the lat- est picture of your aunt’s dog rather than have it hog your Internet connection when you need to retrieve time-critical messages. Some e-mail programs offer this option, while others do not. Depending on your e-mail service provider, you may also be able to read your e-mail on the Web. This allows you to choose which e-mail headers to open and avoid downloading all the spam along with genuine messages. ● ● 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. ● (Continued) 20 Part I: Easy ISDN Connections ISDN, which stands for Integrated Services Digital Network but is usually referred to by its abbreviation, is a digital telephone line that provides modest speeds but greater range than DSL (discussed later in this section) from the telephone exchange. A normal consumer-grade ISDN line provides two 64 Kbps bearer channels and a delta channel that’s used mostly for signaling. Depending on your ISP and phone company, you can use one bearer channel, use both bearer channels (giving 128 Kbps), or use the first bearer channel and add the second bearer channel on the fly when the first channel becomes busy. Because the phone line is digital, connections take only moments to set up—so even if you do not keep the line open, you can establish a connection much faster than with a modem. If you do keep one channel open all the time (as you will prob- ably want to do if you’re paying a flat rate for the ISDN connection), you will find that even though 64 Kbps sounds slow, it is adequate for e-mail and web browsing. However, downloading large files will be slow, even if you add the second channel for the duration of the download. Consider ISDN only if you can’t get a faster type of connection. DSL Connections DSL, which stands for Digital Subscriber Line but is also usually referred to by its abbreviation, is a digital telephone line. DSL comes in various implementations, but most consumer ones are variations of ADSL—asymmetrical DSL—in which down- load (or downstream) speeds are much higher than upload (or upstream) speeds. A typical DSL implementation splits off a part of the analog telephone line for digital use, leaving the still-analog part of the phone line for voice use—so with DSL, you don’t need to get a second phone line. However, DSL works only within a certain distance of the telephone exchange (the exact distance depends on the implementa- tion), so DSL is not usually available in rural areas. DSL speeds vary depending on the implementation, with downstream speeds of 384 Kbps to 6 Mbps being common. High-speed DSL, which typically is available only Queue your downloads Rather than downloading files while you’re performing other activities online, schedule your downloads for a time when you won’t be using the computer—for example, in the early hours of the morning. Some web browsers provide down- load managers. Alternatively, use a third-party download manager such as GetRight (www.getright.com). Close Internet applications you’re not using If you’re not using an Internet program, close it to make sure it’s not using your bandwidth surreptitiously. For example, IM clients such as Windows Live Mes- senger tend to lurk in the background, checking in to the IM server to see if there’s anything new for you. ● ● Project 2: Get the Fastest Possible Internet Connection 21 in cities, can provide up to 24 Mbps. Most DSL connections are “always-on”—once you’ve configured and powered up the DSL router (often referred to as a “DSL modem”), it maintains the Internet connection permanently or until a problem occurs. DSL can be great for home connections and small offices, because there is enough bandwidth to have multiple computers accessing the Internet at the same time. In many cases, your main choice will be between DSL and a cable connection. Cable Connections If you have cable television (or can get it), you can probably get cable Internet as well from your cable provider. Cable connection speeds vary depending on the cable com- pany and its hardware and how far your house is from the cable connection point. But in general, speeds are comparable with DSL—for example, from 512 Kbps up to several megabits per second. Like DSL connections, cable connections are always-on and provide a good solu- tion for home connections and small offices, with enough bandwidth for multiple computers to connect to the Internet simultaneously. Wireless Connections Wireless Internet connections are very convenient, especially if you need to be able to connect from any point within the area covered by the wireless network. At this writ- ing, many coffee shops, libraries, and similar institutions provide wireless Internet ac- cess for their patrons, but few wide-area wireless Internet connections are available. In 2006, Google launched the first citywide wireless network in the United States, in Mountain View, California. Google and other companies are looking to create city- wide wireless networks in other cities as well. Satellite Connections Satellite tends to be the most expensive form of Internet connection, but it is worth considering if you are in a rural area where the only alternatives are ISDN and dial-up—or perhaps only dial-up. For example: StarBand (www.starband.com) offers a 512 Kbps service for $49.99 a month and a 1 Mbps service for $129.99 a month—after you’ve paid $299 for the satellite dish that’s needed. HughesNet (www.hughesnet.com) offers a service of up to 1.5 Mbps for $99.99 a month with no upfront fee, but you’ll need to commit to a two-year contract. Fiber-Optic Connections If your building or street is wired for fiber-optic connections, you should jump at the chance to get one. This is the fastest form of connection, providing bandwidth of 100 Mbps or so. You’ll probably be sharing the circuit with your neighbors, but even so, you’ll get great performance. ● ● 22 Part I: Easy The drawback to fiber-optic connections is that they are normally available only in new communities or refitted buildings (for example, apartment blocks). However, they are gradually becoming more widespread. Step 3: Order and Install Your Faster Connection Once you’ve decided which Internet connection type will suit you best, research In- ternet service providers (ISPs) who offer that connection type where you live. Here are some pointers: To find out which broadband technologies are available where you live, put your area code into a broadband search engine. For example, click one of the Find ISP links or ISP name links in the CNET Bandwidth Meter (discussed earlier in “Step 1: Find Out How Fast Your Internet Connection Is”). Consult your neighbors, colleagues, or friends about what Internet connec- tion type they have, how well it works, and whether they’re happy with it. If you’ve decided to get a cable connection, you may find that your only choice is your existing cable company—in which case, the decision-making process shouldn’t take long. After selecting a provider, order the service and either install it yourself or have it installed (depending on the technology). Step 4: Find Out How Fast Your New Connection Is After establishing your Internet connection, run the CNET Bandwidth Meter again to check how fast your connection is. If you’ve upgraded from a slow connection (such as dial-up) to a broadband connection, you should be able to see the difference easily without measuring the speed. Your fast Internet connection is just crying out to be used—and use it you will. The next project shows you how to turn your PC into a free VoIP phone, and the project after that shows you how to use your PC for videoconferencing over the Internet. ● ● ● 23 Project 3 Turn Your PC into a Free Phone What You’ll Need Hardware: Broadband Internet connection; headset or speakers and microphone; webcam (optional) Software: Skype Cost: Free to $75 U.S. H aving a broadband Internet connection opens up all sorts of possibilities to you. Not only can you download massive files in minutes and upload files at a respectable speed, but you can also make phone calls over the Internet. This project shows you how to make Internet phone calls by using the Skype software and service. Skype uses a data-transfer called Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VoIP for short, so you’ll often see the term VoIP in connection with Internet phone calls. Step 1: Line Up Your Audio Hardware If you’re considering this project, you’ll need a fast Internet connection. If you don’t yet have one, go straight to Project 2 to find out your options. Next, you need audio hardware—either speakers and a microphone or a headset that includes a microphone. If you plan to make family calls, speakers and a micro- phone can be a good solution. Otherwise, a headset is normally a better choice, as it lets anyone nearby overhear only the half of the conversation that you control. If you decide to buy a headset, your main choice is between wired and wireless mod- els. Go with wireless (for example, Bluetooth) if you may feel the need to leave your PC and gesticulate wildly during calls. If you’re content to remain tethered, a wired headset should do fine. Using a USB connection is normally easier than using audio jacks—but if you already have a headset that uses audio jacks, it should work fine. ● ● ● [...]... Firewall has blocked some features of this program,” verify that the name is Skype, and then click the Unblock button and authenticate yourself to User Account Control Project 3: Turn Your PC into a Free Phone 27 12 If the wizard displays a screen telling you that “The Skype name you chose is already taken,” select the option button for one of the alternative names offered, or select the last option... see the person into whose ear you’re whispering sweet somethings? Your PC can help you out here as well Turn the page to find out how Project 4 Turn Your PC into a Video Phone What You’ll Need ● Hardware: Video camera with microphone, broadband Internet connection ● Software: Windows Live Messenger ● Cost: $50 U.S T urning your PC into a free phone, as described in the previous project, is great But... headset microphone or a microphone that you can position freely ● note Resolution 640×480 resolution is adequate for Internet telephony; unless you have a fast connection, 320 24 0 resolution may be enough Some as web-cams go up to 1600× 120 0 resolution, but you will not normally be able to transmit this much data at a reasonable frame rate Windows Vista or Windows XP compatibility Most webcams sold nowadays... in manually, make sure this check box is cleared 6 Click the Sign In button Messenger signs you in, and then displays a Welcome window, as shown in Figure 4 -2 Figure 4 -2 Messenger displays a Welcome window when you sign in Project 4: Turn Your PC into a Video Phone 39 On subsequent logins, Messenger displays the Windows Live Today window, which provides quick access to news headlines and Hotmail e-mail... screen If not, choose Help | Getting Started from the main Skype window to launch the wizard 2 Select the Do Not Show This Guide At Startup check box to prevent the wizard from running again automatically, and then click the Start button The wizard displays the Check That Your Sound Works In Skype screen: 28 Part I: Easy 3 Arrange the window so that you can see both the Skype window and the wizard,... Call Me To Test Your Sound item in your Contacts Skype displays the Profile For Skype Test Call window: 4 Click the Call Skype Test Call button Skype opens the call window: Project 3: Turn Your PC into a Free Phone 29 5 Click the Call button to place the test call Listen to the audio message (change the volume if necessary), record a message of your own after the tone, and verify that the audio volume... contact, follow these steps: 1 In the main Skype window, click the Contacts tab if it’s not already displayed 2 Click the Add Contact button Skype launches the Add A Contact Wizard, shown in Figure 3-1, after a successful search 30 Part I: Easy Figure 3-1 Searching by a person’s “real” name may turn up 24 or more aliases 3 Type the person’s Skype name, full name, or e-mail address in the text box, and then... Contact To call a contact, follow these steps: 1 In the main Skype window, click the Contacts tab if it’s not already displayed 2 Click the contact you want to call Skype displays the contact’s details: 3 Click the Call button in the contact’s details Skype places the call  32 Part I: Easy 4 If the contact answers the call, you can start talking The Call Duration readout shows the length of the call... follow through the procedure for buying credit Once you have credit, to make a call to a conventional phone, follow these steps: Project 3: Turn Your PC into a Free Phone 33 1 In the main Skype window, click the Call Phones tab to display its contents 2 In the Select The Country/Region You Are Dialing drop-down list, choose your country or region—for example, United States 3 In the Enter [Country/Region]... list, choose you language Click the links to read the End User License Agreement and the Skype Privacy Statement, and then select the Yes, I Have Read And Accept check box Project 3: Turn Your PC into a Free Phone 25 8 Click the Options button The Skype Install routine displays the Options screen 9 The Select Where Skype Should Be Installed text box shows the default installation folder for Skype—in a . you how to turn your PC into a free VoIP phone, and the project after that shows you how to use your PC for videoconferencing over the Internet. ● ● ● 23 Project 3 Turn Your PC into a Free Phone What. ReadyBoost, your PC should be running well. It’s time to turn your attention to your Internet connection—is it fast enough, and if not, could it be faster? 5. 1. 2. 3. 15 Project 2 Get the Fastest. types Urban or suburban 1. Fiber 2. DSL or cable 3. Wireless 4. Satellite 5. ISDN 6. Dial-up Rural 1. DSL (if near to a substation) 2. Satellite 3. ISDN 4. Dial-up Table 2- 1 Typical Connection