NEWS

Iphones, Blackberries, Androids and so on

You couldn't help noticing recently that there has been an explosion in the functionality and availabilty of "smart phones". These gadgets combine the functions of mobile phones with cameras, music players, internet access and even navigation machines! Some of them can even collect your email when you're out and about and synchronize with your calendar on your computer. For some people they can even replace a laptop when travelling.

I have an iphone, and I'm dead impressed with the interface design (how it works), functionality, and availability of apps (extra programs) to add to its functionality. People who do a lot of emailing tend to prefer blackberries. There are a myriad of other options available too.

But choose carefully. They are expensive gadgets (even on a $0 up front plan) and usually come with expensive phone plans to accompany them. In particular, make sure that you know what DATA allowance your plan has (that means how much internet access), how they will charge if you go over your allowance and whether you'll have to pay extra to get email. Also, consider getting an extended warranty / enhanced service plan and/or accidental damage cover and/or theft cover, as they are very expensive to fix / replace.

Prefereably, find some way of actually trying out the one you are thinking of purchasing, because the way they work and the functionality varies quite a lot, and everybody is different.

Windows 7

Microsoft has released Windows 7. I've been trialling it, and it seems quite similar to Vista operationally, but somewhat faster. So far it looks pretty good. However, I don't recommend upgrading unless you have a recent computer (last 2 years) and / or a good reason to do so. Upgrading always brings problems with it as well as benefits.

National Broadband Network

The federal government has decided to build a new broadband network using fibre-optic cables reaching most homes and businesses. This means incredible broadband speeds like we've never seen in Australia - possibly allowing internet TV, video-conferencing, etc. etc. TASMANIA HAS BEEN SELECTED as the first rollout location, meaning we'll probably get these services first. However, it's still all really unclear who will get what when, how much it will cost, and what the retail model will be. So I wouldn't hold your breath. I woudln't postpone decisions on the basis that the fibre optic cable will be installed soon. The official website is here: http://www.dbcde.gov.au/all_funding_programs_and_support/national_broadband_network

Cheap phone calls via the internet (VOIP, Voice Over IP)

If you have a broadband connection, you can utilise it to make very cheap phone calls via the internet. This usually involves some setting up / initial cost, and there are many different options. There is a good roundup article here: CNET article "Voice over IP in Australia". VOIP (Voice over IP) also effectively gives you a second phone line, without the monthly line rental. The main drawbacks are that sometimes the sound quality is not as good as a normal phone line, and sometimes you may have technical problems you have to sort out yourself. However, the calls are so cheap (eg. 10c untimed within Australia; 3c per minute overseas) that many people find it very worthwhile.

Wireless internet, mobile broadband, 3g, nextG and the whole shebang .

A lot of people are very confused about all the new types of wireless internet services that are available, and the new mobile phone networks.

First off, there are two completely different types of wireless internet connections:

1) There is the type that operates through a base station at your home or office, and nowhere else. Aside from setup fees, this will usually cost the same as a normal broadband connection - but there may be some other problems (see "wireless networking more reliable" below).

2) The other type of "wireless broadband" operates via the mobile phone network, and is much more expensive to setup and maintain. But you can use it anywhere you can use a mobile phone. You may use a laptop, phone or handheld computer to access it. You may also be able to send and receive email. If you only connect very occasionally you may be able to use your mobile phone to connect (ask your phone company) but if you connect more than that you should talk to your phone/internet company about a suitable modem and data plan. Otherwise it can get VERY expensive. These type of wireless broadband services are being advertised heavily at the moment - but think twice. They are quite expensive compared with "fixed" broadband, and quite limiting in how much you can download.

Mobile phone networks - GSM, 3G, CDMA and nextG. Mobile phones work on different frequencies and standards. Different companies support different standards and their networks cover different geographic areas and have different capabilities. Most mobile phones for the last few years have operated on GSM (various companies) which are good in urban centres but not so great in the country (poor coverage). Until recently, CDMA has provided better coverage for regional and country users, but was only available from Telstra. Telstra are switching off the CDMA network early next year, and replacing it with the 3G and nextG networks.

3G is basically an upgrade on GSM in terms of speed and capabilities (more data capabilities) and will be offered by a number of providers, but the coverage outside urban centres may be poor. nextG is similar to 3G but operates on a different frequency, which theoretically gives it greater range and therefore better regional coverage. THEORETICALLY being the operative word - I have heard mixed reports about its coverage at this stage.

WHATEVER YOU DO, if you are buying any mobile services - phone or data - make sure you are really clear on what you are committing yourself to, and on what basis it is charged (time vs download). Look three times at the equipment - whether it has the right accessories and options available and/or is compatible with standard equipment (eg. headsets). Ask lots of "stupid" questions - most of them aren't so stupid.

Broadband more affordable and worthwhile.

Broadband internet (ADSL) is now available in many areas, and is now more reasonably priced. For many people the cost of ADSL is little more than the cost of their dialup connection, and it has the additional advantages of being massively faster, "always on" and it doesn't tie up the phone line.

When upgrading to broadband consider carefully the details of the plan you are signing up for. There are a few traps:

• Generally broadband is charged by the amount of stuff you get from the internet (including looking at websites, receiving emails and so on), and on the cheaper plans it is easy to exceed your limit and end up having to pay extra. Some companies provide "shaping" which means that if you reach your limit, rather than charging you extra, they will slow down your connection for the rest of the month. This is particularly useful in households with teenage children (music downloads).

• Some internet service providers give you a certain number of months free or half price, but will then automatically roll you onto the most expensive plan unless you specify otherwise.

Make sure you get the right kind of broadband modem for your situation. There are various types and ways of connecting them, and some accomodate multiple computers and others don't. A broadband modem is not the same as a dialup modem (your existing modem will not work).

Wireless networking more reliable.

Wireless networks seem like a great way of sharing an internet connection with more than one computer or being able to use your laptop anywhere in the house.

But, until recently wireless networks have been pretty unreliable and insecure. Wireless networks can also be complicated and confusing to set up (you will probably need professional help). Of late they have become much more reliable (the equipment and software are better) providing you have recent equipment and Windows XP or VISTA on ALL your computers.

However, before launching in on a wireless network it is important to realise that security is still a major issue. If you have not set up your network properly other people may be able to see your files or private information and piggyback on your internet connection.

In many buildings, "black spots" are also an issue - particularly buildings with brick, stone or concrete internal structures. Generally wooden buildings are OK. If you are unsure as to whether a wireless network is suitable in your situation we can come and test your building and/or discuss the appropriate equipment and safety measures.

Adware, spyware and phishing more problematic than ever

Computer viruses have been a major nuisance for a long time, and most people now have antivirus programs (if you don't YOU NEED TO). In the last couple of years, adware, spyware and phishing have been really serious threats as well.

What are they?

• Adware are programs that infect your computer with advertising material - popups, webpages and links that you don't want - often for pornography or gambling. Adware can often infest your computer so badly that it will slow down to a crawl, and will constantly take you to websites you don't want, add toolbars to Internet Explorer, pop up advertising windows. Adware can make computers unusable. Often adware comes as a trojan along with things you download (eg. screensavers, games)

• Spyware are programs that get into your computer and find out information about you (eg. where you go on the internet) and transmit that back to their owners. Mostly the information they find out is fairly harmless, but most of us would prefer not to be watched in this way.

• Phishing (the nastiest of all) is the practise of attracting you to a website which infects your computer with a program designed to catch your banking or credit card details via your keyboard (even if you are using a secure banking website). If you have received any emails which appear to be from banks, asking you to login to your account, they are probably phishing lures. The details are then used to raid your bank account and steal your money. Since the phishers are using your real details, it can be hard to prove that it was not you making the withdrawals.

What can you do about it?

Exercise caution.

• Don't download anything you don't need or if you are unsure about whether the source is trustworthy.

• Don't respond to emails that appear to be from banks or other financial institutions and which contain private financial information. Email is not secure, and banks do not send information out this way.

• Get protective software such as Norton Internet Security, Spybot Search and Destroy, Microsoft Defender.

• Follow all precautions against viruses and security threats listed in our information sheet (Essential security measures).

• If you think you have been infected and don't know what to do, contact your bank and/or get professional help to de-louse your computer.