1.Is a survey necessary during internet connection?
- YES, it is necessary so as to determine line of sight for WiMAX and to establish actual requirements. For fiber optic connections, to establish the actual works and material involved.
2.Why is it advisable to have a UPS as a back-up for a computer?
UPS’s, while they provide power back-up at times of blackout also offer surge and spike protection. This feature alone can ensure a long life of your computer. Additionally, it is recommended to get a convertor strip to protect all the other devices such as WiMAX radio, router, speakers, etc.
3.Which network device is advisable for safe Internet @ home?
Any SOHO/Home-based router that has a built in firewall. Examples: from D-Link DIR-100, DIR-600, DIR-615. From LinkSys: WRT120N, WRT160N. Most of these routers are equiped to support 4 PC/Laptops on cable and others via the secured WiFI.
4. What is the role of a Cyberoam in Internet connectivity?
Cyberoam manages bandwidth by optimising usage and prevents network congestion, lowering bandwidth costs;
Allows Individual or category based bandwidth limits to applications and websites (with subscription enabled);
It offers comprehensive email security, covering all email protocols including SMTP, POP3 and IMAP;
Simplifies email management by re-routing or copying incoming email messages;
Offers SPAM control (with subscription enabled);
Saves bandwidth costs – 90% of unwanted emails are blocked at the gateway by Cyberoam significantly reducing bandwith consumption and optimizing network performance.
5. What is the best anti-virus program to use in my PC/Laptop?
Favouring one from the other would be discriminating a brand. However, pick one that offers regular small updates, is light on the processor and most importantly effective against majority of viruses. Some anti-virus programs cause a 40% overhead on the processor while others silently hide any viruses found. Free anti virus programs are great and work well when you have a network perimeter security solution. However, for home and mobile it is recommended to use a powerful product possibly with a firewall built in. Look under our Software -> Anti Virus section to pick the one that best suits you;
6. Are there monthly rates for Cyberoam or tax involved?
YES and NO. Cyberoam can run in its native state without any subscription. However, it only functions as a router/firewall in this mode. Once a subscription is added, all the features are enabled. These include: Gatewal anti virus (AV), Gateway anti spam (AS), web and application control, intrusion prevention system (IPS), and most importantly 8 × 5 support service.
7. Can a router bring down times on Internet connection and what advise can you give for such cases?
YES, An incorrectly programmed router can be the root cause of downtime. Furthermore, an insecure WiFi setting will enable neighbours to tap in and use your connection and perhaps even commit fraud. This is an extensive topic and can be discussed further.
8. What cable can you advise or is the best to use for Internet @ home in order to avoid cuts?
Outdoor cable cat5e or cat6 is highly recommended.
9. Do i have to bear any extra cost when we decide to shift to another apartment or building but maintain same the ISP?
YES, some labour costs are involved with survey of your new premises. There exists a possibility of changing the structure which completely depends on signal coverage. Please call in for further advise.
10. How can i convert my cable Internet connection to wireless access without cost incurred?
There is a cost involved. You will need to purchase a wireless router or a wireless access point. Please look under our network devices to find one that best suits your requirement.
11. What is the coverage of a wireless environment?
There is no proper answer to this question. Most wireless devices transmit signal in a circular manner. To the wireless device, a solid wall and glass are barriers which bring down the signal strength. Always have the wireless device installed central to your mainly used areas. The higher the signal strength, the better your experience. In larger environments, there may be a need to add repeater(s). Please call in for further information.
12. Do I require an external storage in case I am saving a document and power goes off?
An external storage device is always recommended. It is safe to backup your work at a frequency you find most suitable. This safe guards against computer crash, hard drive crash, virus infections amongst many causes of failure. Remember, data can make or break an entity and backing up is most crucial.
13. How do i get my domain hosted and what are the requirements to access this service?
ODC’s other concerns include being registrars for .COM, .BIZ, .CO.KE, .ORG, .OR.KE, .AC.KE, and all other domains. Please write to us on sales@odc.co.ke and we will happily arrange this for you.
14. If am using 3 computers and 1 as my main server, installed with an anti-Virus will it help in control of the rest?
YES and NO. Ideally each computer must have it’s own anti virus program. The main reason for this is to combat viruses inroduced by flash drives, external storage and emails. No if using a powerful gateway system such as Cyberoam with subscriptions.
15. How do i archive faster services on internet??
First and foremost it is important that you have subscribed to the correct Internet package. The next main important criteria is to ensure your computer is running optimally. Increasingly, websites are becoming intensive in nature (e.g. Facebook consumes almost 50% of processor power), so to have your computer running optimally is mandatory. Ensure you have enough RAM, free disk space, an efficient anti virus program, the latest version of the browser (Google Chrome, Microsoft IE, Mozilla, Safari). Remember to defragment your hard disk regularly and clear temporary files.
16. What are some common attacks and how can i protect my system from them through the internet?
Protecting the network from computer attacks is an ongoing and non-trivial task. However, some simple security measures will stop the majority of network penetration attempts. E.g. ensure that your built in firewall is always running. Additionally, ensure that you download and install all Windows / Operating System updates. This ensures that any compromise with a previous version is rectified and applied.
17. How do I protect my mails from being hacked or how do i get into privacy with my mails from other people?
Never reveal your password to anyone, to top that change your password at regular frequency. Very oftem it seems like a bother to do so, but remains an important battle against hackers or robotic programs. If using a public computer, ensure that you log out completely from the mail window.
19. How can I restrict web access so that users are unable to browse sites that are unrelated to work?
This remains a controversial topic and depends completely on your company’s policies. For a work environment, it is recommended to have a Cyberoam unit with subscription in place. For the home environment, you can restrict sites by enabling the Parental Controls on the browser options. Either way, the Internet can be a very helpful tool or a damage inducing facility. Use with care, always monitor the activity on the computer and seek assistance as necessary.
20. What is a port in Internet lingo?
A port is a virtual opening that allows for certain type of traffic to pass through. For example, browsing uses Port 80, sending mail uses Port 25, receiving mails most commonly uses Port 110. Aside from the common ports, P2P programs use any/all ports from 1-65545.
21. I want to use uTorrent and Limewire to download music, videos and software
Copyright acts condone the use of these programs which were originally made to distribute individual non-licensed programs. However, movies, songs and many softwares are governed by copyright laws. Thus these programs pose risk and you may receive a legal notice in some cases from the Copyright Board. It is common to find virus infected files downloading through these P2P programs.
22. I regularly get emails soliciting money. What should I do? Some companies send me products for sale.
Many emails are documented scams and you should Ignore and delete! Sales promotion emails are governed by law. If you don’t want to see some regular promotional emails, look for the unsubscribe link or reply and make it clear that you wish not to be part of the mailing list.
23. Are wireless networks secure?
YES and NO. Public WiFI environments may be secure up to the extent of not letting malicious content coming through. However, Public networks mean that your virtual neighbour laptop could have a serious infection which can easily pass on to your laptop. Simply put, if you regularly use hotel/public WiFI, get yourself a serious anti virus program.
For private environments, it is important that the wireless network is configured with adequate security. This ensures that neighbours are unable to use your service.
