cInet Do-It-Yourself PC UPGRADE PROJECTS phần 2 ppt

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.. Step 2: Assess Your Options for a Fa

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 puting sessions or when you have many applications and documents open However, the difference may not be dramatic

com-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 cation area (the icon with the green circle containing

notifi-a white check mnotifi-ark)

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?

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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

To 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

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 ers column to find out about faster connections But before you do, it may be

Provid-a good ideProvid-a to Provid-assess the different types of Internet connection Provid-avProvid-ailProvid-able Provid-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

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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

The Bandwidth Meter

results page shows you

an estimate of your

current connection

speed, together with

faster options and

providers.

These days, a dial-up connection is practical for e-mail or text-only instant 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.

messag-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”) 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

con-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

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Urban or suburban 1 Fiber

Project 2: Get the Fastest Possible Internet Connection 19

Bond two or more modems together If you’ll be using dial-up 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

long-Next, make sure your Internet applications are using your meager width sensibly Here are four suggestions:

band-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 pense with animations

dis-Clear the Play Sounds In Webpages check box if you can do out sounds

with-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 tures (You can display a picture by right-clicking its placeholder and choosing Show Picture.)

pic-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

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

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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 tion for home connections and small offices, with enough bandwidth for multiple computers to connect to the Internet simultaneously

solu-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 wide wireless networks in other cities as well

city-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

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 ternet service providers (ISPs) who offer that connection type where you live Here are some pointers:

In-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 tion type they have, how well it works, and whether they’re happy with it

connec-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

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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.

Having 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 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

mod-if you already have a headset that uses audio jacks, it should work fine

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Whichever type of audio hardware you choose, plug it in and install it As an added bonus, Windows Vista identifies most current USB headsets correctly and installs them automatically, although for some headsets you may need to provide a software driver manually.

Step 2: Download and Install the Skype Software

Next, download and install the Skype software Follow these steps:

Open your web browser For example, choose Start | Internet

Click in the Address bar, type www.skype.com, and then press ENTER or click Go

Click the Download Skype button, and then follow the directions to start the download Internet Explorer then displays a File Download – Security Warning dialog box.sss

Click the Run button Internet Explorer may display the Internet Explorer – Security Warning dialog box, telling you that “The publisher could not be verified.”

Click the Run button Windows displays a User Account Control dialog box warning you that “A program needs your permission to continue.”

If you’ve turned off User Account Control, you won’t see the User Account Control dialog

box—but be warned that turning off User Account Control removes one of Windows Vista’s

main layers of defense against malware (malicious software) No matter how annoying you find

User Account Control’s constant naggings for reassurance that you’re the one running potentially

dangerous software, keeping User Account Control on is a good idea.

Click the Continue button The Skype Install routine launches and displays the first screen

In the Select Your Language drop-down list, choose you language Click the links to read the End User License Agreement and the Skype Privacy State-ment, and then select the Yes, I Have Read And Accept check box

Project 3: Turn Your PC into a Free Phone 25

Click the Options button The Skype Install routine displays the Options screen

The Select Where Skype Should Be Installed text box shows the default stallation folder for Skype—in a \Skype\Phone folder inside your Program Files folder For most computers, this is a good choice However, if you want

in-to use a different folder, click the Browse butin-ton, use the Browse For Folder dialog box to select the folder, and then click the OK button

Select the check boxes for the options you want:

Create A Desktop Icon Select this check box if you want an icon for Skype on your Desktop Having the icon there is handy if you want to be able to launch Skype directly from your Desktop rather than using the Start menu

Start Skype When The Computer Starts Select this check box if you want Windows to launch Skype automatically whenever you log on This setting is handy if you intend to use Skype in every Windows ses-sion If you plan to use Skype less frequently, clear this check box

Install Skype Extras Manager Select this check box if you want to stall the Skype Extras Manager, a feature for using additional Skype fea-tures (such as games)

in-Click the Install button The Skype Install routine installs the features you chose and then displays the Thank You For Installing Skype screen

If you want to use the Skype add-on for Internet Explorer, which allows you

to use Skype to easily call the phone numbers shown on websites using Skype, leave the Also Install The Skype Add-On For Internet Explorer check box selected Otherwise, clear this check box

Click the Start Skype button Windows launches Skype Go straight to the next step

Step 3: Set Up Your Skype Account

The first time you run Skype, you need to create a Skype account (unless you have one already) and then configure Skype to use that account Follow these steps:

If you’re continuing directly from the previous step, you should have Skype open with the Skype – Create Account Wizard running and the first Create

A New Skype Account screen displayed If not, double-click the Skype icon

on your Desktop or choose Start | All Programs | Skype | Skype to launch Skype

Click the Skype End User License Agreement link, the Skype Terms Of vice link, and the Skype Privacy Statement link, and then read each in turn

Ser-If you can accept the terms, continue with this list Ser-If not, click the Cancel button to stop installing Skype

Type your name in the Full Name text box This is optional, but it’ll help identify you to the people you call.

In the Choose Skype Name text box, type the Skype username you want to request The name you want may well be taken already, so it’s a good idea to think of several alternatives before you start

Type the password you will use for Skype in the Password text box and in the Repeat Password text box (to make sure you get it right) The password must be at least four characters long, but you’ll get much greater security if you use six characters or more

Select the Yes, I Have Read And I Accept check box for all the items you read

in step 2, and then click the Next button The wizard displays the second ate A New Skype Account screen

Cre-Type an e-mail address in the E-mail text box You’re required to enter an address here; and if you want to be able to retrieve your password, you need

to use a real address

Clear the Yes, Send Me Skype News And Special Offers check box unless you want to receive e-mail news and offers

Optionally, choose your country or region in the Country/Region down list, and enter your city in the City text box

drop-Select the Sign Me In When Skype Starts check box if you want Skype to sign you into the service automatically as soon as you launch Skype If you want people to be able to contact you easily, signing in automatically is a good idea.Click the Sign In button If Windows Vista displays a Windows Security Alert dialog box, to tell you that “Windows Firewall has blocked some features of this program,” verify that the name is Skype, and then click the Unblock but-ton and authenticate yourself to User Account Control

Project 3: Turn Your PC into a Free Phone 27

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 button and type a different username that you want to try Click the Sign In button

When you’ve chosen an unused name, Skype registers that name for you, and then displays the Skype – Getting Started tutorial Go through it as described in the next section

Step 4: Make Sure Your Sound Equipment

Works with Skype

To make those calls, you need to make sure your headset, or your speakers and microphone, work with Skype Follow these steps:

If you’re following on directly from the previous section, you should have the Skype – Getting Started Wizard running and showing its Hello screen If not, choose Help | Getting Started from the main Skype window to launch the wizard

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:

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Arrange the window so that you can see both the Skype window and the wizard, and then follow the instructions Click the Call Me To Test Your Sound item in your Contacts Skype displays the Profile For Skype Test Call window:

Click the Call Skype Test Call button Skype opens the call window:

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