FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Computer Specifics

What are the minimum computer system requirements?

Can I have more than one computer hooked up to my modem?

Yes, but a hub, server, or modem sharing must be installed to do so.

A hub is very similar to a multi-outlet power strip. Once the hub is connected to the modem, additional computers can be connected to the hub in order to share the Internet signal. Each computer will need an Ethernet card to interface with the hub. Additional IP addresses will be provided at a nominal charge; Contact Trans-Video.Net with your request.

A proxy server or equivalent software (WinGate, SyGate, Windows Internet Sharing, NAT, etc.) may also be required for multiple computers and/or business accounts.

What is my connection speed?

Does your connection speed seem slow? You can check it in several places, including here:

• Microsoft Bandwidth Test
• DSL Reports Speed Test

Since Microsoft's servers are located on the West Coast, try the speed test between 2am and 7am for best results. The DSL Reports servers are in California, Louisiana, and New York. Try all three.

Your average speed should be between 250-500K download, 80-120K upload. Remember: The Internet is slower during peak hours of midday and evening, and when there is heavy Internet traffic in your neighborhood.

How can I speed up my computer to take advantage of the cable modem?

Computers built before 1998 might not be able to take full advantage of cable modem speeds because they weren't designed with this new technology in mind. But all computers can be helped along. If you know your way around your Windows-based computer, here are some suggestions:

• Add more memory. Browsers like Internet Explorer 5.5 require huge amounts of it. Why? Because only a certain portion of the browser can "fit" into memory, and the rest of it is stored on your hard disk drive. When the computer needs part of the program, it has to find it, and swap it with what's in memory now. That takes time. The less swapping, the better. 256-384MB of memory will be very helpful. Be sure to read your owner's manual to find out what kind of memory you use. It can be purchases locally at computer and stationery stores (like Staples) or on line.
• Update your hard drive. New hard drives run at 2 to 3 times the speed (both disk platter rotation and "access" time) of older drives. The prices have dropped and most drives available at chain stores come with full instructions on how to swap them into your system.
• Turn off what you don't need. That might include Fast Find, Microsoft Office Toolbar, and many of the items in the lower-right hand "system tray". It may take an extra step to run applications (using the Start --> Programs --> ... mouse clicks), but you won't waste the computer's resources on the chance that you'll need them.
• Clean your system. Use Windows maintenance programs like Scandisk and Disk Deframenter regularly to clean up fragmented files and clear out damaged data. From Microsoft, you can also download Regclean and TweakUI, two optimizing programs.
• Perform a tune-up. Look into the system Device Manager to find out what hardware appears to be "broken". Delete what you don't use, and re-install what you do use. If your Performance shows "compatibility mode" devices, go to the Microsoft site and use their diagnostics; DOS compatibility mode can slow your system down by 75%. There are utilities that can be purchased at computer stores that will help tune up your system.
• Update your operating system. If your computer came with Windows 95, look at Windows 98SE (not ME or 2000, as they will demand more and actually slow down the machine). If you have Windows 98, definitely get Windows 98SE and or consider Windows ME.
• Get a new computers. The time for a change comes more quickly with computers than with televisions or VCRs. A complete new generation of computers appears every 18 months: twice as fast, twice as much memory, twice as much storage. And, unfortunately, with programs that expect the computer to be this fast. Remember "dog years" vs. "human years"? If your machine is three "human years" years old, it's two full generations old in computer years. That doesn't mean you have to replace it -- but if you don't, be wary of downloading all the latest and greatest software.

It was working. It stopped working. All my modem lights are on. Huh?

For reasons technical people don't seem explain very clearly, the modem on a perfectly running system can lose its synchronization to the Big Box that talks to it -- not our server, but an intermediate piece of equipment. It's infrequent, but it's the talk of cable modem discussions.

For now, the solution is annoying but simple: Unplug the cable modem, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. It will re-sync and all will be well.

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