Chris Pirillo » modem

What Would You Do if You Were Stuck on Dial-up?

Chris — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:54:58 +0000

What Would You Do if You Were Stuck on Dial-up? is a post from Chris Pirillo

This email starts out with a familiar tone:

My name is Shean (pronounced like Sean or Shawn) and I’ve been a fan of yours ever since the good ol’ days of TechTV. You know, back when stuff on television was awesome!

But then it takes a turn for the worse:

Anyway, I’m contacting you because I’m in a situation that I would like to share with you. I’m a self-proclaimed geek with absolutely zero access to all the fun and cool things that geeks love to play with. The reason for this is because… wait for it…
I’M A DIAL-UP USER and not by choice.

Holy shit.

I’ve been using dial-up for the past 10 years and I’ve been trying to get broadband for nearly 5 of those years. There is nothing better than dial-up available where I live. Well, there is satellite service, but it’s very expensive and doesn’t even come close to what DSL and cable has to offer. I typically download large files because of my small computer repair business, so wireless Internet is out of the question. Monthly 5GB cap limits simply won’t do when I’m downloading large programs and updates for my customers. Dial-up is slow as heck, but at least it’s completely unlimited with no extra charges.
I can’t enjoy streaming video, can’t download songs from iTunes, and can’t play games online. I don’t own any Internet capable devices because they simply won’t work where I live. I don’t even own a cell phone. Social networking services like Twitter and Facebook are no fun when all you have is dial-up. The Internet itself is a tiresome chore. Websites have become way too big and flashy for a dial-up user.
I used to be able to keep up with a little effort, but now it’s pretty much impossible. I’ve contacted many telecoms and cable companies in my surrounding area, but they simply won’t bring broadband into my little community. I’ve thought about moving to a new location, but that’s easier said than done. I understand that the government is trying to improve broadband in the US, but what am I supposed to do in the meantime? I’m tired of living in 1998 and I need quality service at this very moment.
Life is downright boring without proper Internet and technology as a whole is leaving me in the dust, Chris. What would you do in my situation?

What would YOU do, gang?

USB Adapter for PCMCIA 3G Modems on Windows

Chris — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:00:41 +0000

USB Adapter for PCMCIA 3G Modems on Windows is a post from Chris Pirillo

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You can’t fit a square peg into a round hole, unless the square peg has a USB port. USB adapters are great, because they allow you to have backwards compatibility with legacy devices. Just about every computer has USB.
My friends at SewellDirect.com sent me this USB to Cardbus Adapter for 3G high-speed modems.

Never be out of touch with your e-mail, VPN, chat, or other internet service again with this USB to Cardbus adapter for wireless 3G data cards. Newer notebook computers have phased out the PCMCIA (cardbus) slot in favor of the newer ExpressCard slot, leaving PCMCIA data card owners high and dry. Regain your access with this adapter that plugs into any available USB port!
This card works with a large number of cutting-edge wireless 3G cards. Please see below to see if your card is supported. Great for connecting laptops, desktops, or specialist systems (like point-of-sale systems), this U142 adapter will keep you connected when you need to be connected.

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How to Handle Remote Tech Support

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:30:00 GMT

Using GoToAssist is the easiest way to view and control another person's computer online. Use it to provide instant technical support to family, friends and customers. Start a session with just one click, and instantly connect with the other party.

Network Tools for Windows

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

You need these network tools, no matter which operating systems and networks you have to support. SolarWinds ipMonitor: Affordable Network Monitoring for SMBs. Get turnkey network, server and application availability monitoring with SolarWinds ipMonitor v9.0. This easy-to-use, reliable solution for SMBs delivers out-of-the-box availability monitoring so you always know exactly what's up with Active Directory, DNS, Exchange, FTP, Web, IMAP, MS SQL Server, and SMTP. Download your free trial today. Or, try their totally free tools! And, through 2/29, save 20% when you purchase ipMonitor 9.0.

Get Your Own Web Site

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

Starting at just $3.99/month, web hosting from GoDaddy includes 99.9% uptime, 24/7 support and free access to GoDaddy Hosting Connection, THE place to install over 30 FREE applications sure to help you get the most from your hosting plan and Web site. Enter code CP2 at checkout, and save an additional 10% on any order.

Plus, as a friend of Chris Pirillo, enter code CHRIS7, that's C-H-R-I-S and the number 7, when you check out, and save an additional 10% on any order. Get your piece of the internet at GoDaddy.com.

VMware and Parallels for Virtual Machines

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:30:00 GMT

It doesn't matter if you're running on Windows or Mac OS X - every power user needs either Parallels or VMware (or both). There's never been an easier way to test software without destroying your primary operating system's stability. Think of how many times you wish you could press a 'reverse' button on your computer. Plus, there's no easier way to try new Linux distributions - see what all the fuss is about. Run Windows in OS X, run Linux in Windows, but the best way to do either is with VMware and/or Parallels.

Coupons for Online Shopping

chris@lockergnome.com (Chris Pirillo) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 07:56:13 GMT

This feed is fueled by Lockergnome Online Shopping and Coupon Codes

Before you shop next time, see if we have a coupon first.