Tech Talk Radio Program
April 15, 2000 Show
Sponsored by Stratford University
Federal IT Initiatives
FOSE
Academic Software
Free Internet Access
DSL vs Cable Modem
Federal IT Initiatives
 
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FOSE
 
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Academic Software

     Most software companies have academic pricing that is 25% to 75% less than the list price. In order to qualify, most vendors require that you be enrolled (or a faculty/staff member) at a post-secondary academic institution like Stratford University. A few selected academic vendors are listed below. Many others can be found by performing a simple Google search (the best search engine in Tech Talk's opinion) using the key words, "academic software."

 
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"Free" Internet Access

     In order to encourage the use of their Internet portal, many firms are now offering "free" Internet access. Free is placed in quotations because the service frequently comes with a non-monetary price, such as required advertising banners or sharing of private information through mandatory questionnaires. The first link below is a review of the currently available free ISPs, including their requirements. The second two links are two free services that appear to be among the best. Neither of these recommendations has advertising or privacy invasion.

     One provider is even offering free DSL with their Internet service.
 
DSL vs. Cable Modem

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
      DSL is an analog modem technology that uses unused high frequencies available in the twisted pair local loop. In order to permit the transmission of these frequency, the phone company must remove all load balancing inductors on the line. These inductors were used to improve the shape of the frequency band used for voice, but severely damp all high frequencies. This frequency space was previously reserved for security and alarm systems.

     Two excellent DSL reference websites are:      DSL is available directly from Bell Atlantic and frequently from resellers of Bell Atlantic lines. Most of the resellers in this area purchase the DSL from Covad, which in turn leases the lines from Bell Atlantic. You can check for the availability of DSL in your area from either Bell Atlantic or Covad. Cable Modem
     Cable modem uses the bandwidth in one of the channels in your cable system. All the users on the same cable segment are in the same shared local area network (LAN) and can see each other if sharing is turned on. Also cable modems are always on, so security is a major issue. Firewall recommended.
     The dominant cable modem supplier is Road Runner (www.rr.com). You can go to the Road Runner site to check for the availability of Cable Modem in your area. Locally Cox Cable offers Road Runner in Fairfax County.
     Cable modem is subject to congestion if your neighbors are heavy users and if Cable Company does not scale Telco connection speed as it adds users (a very common complaint). No DSL or Cable Available?
If neither Cable Modem nor DSL are available, your choices choices are few.
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