Christian Podcast

High tech believers are taking advantage of the Christian podcast as a cutting edge way to build their faith and knowledge of the Bible. The wide array of video and audio media that is available to today's consumer is rapidly being embraced by the Christian world. Any thing from sermons, to contemporary Christian music videos to entire church services can be downloaded onto home computers, cell phones or mobile image or audio processors. As the phrase "on demand" becomes more and more prevalent in every day jargon, the idea of keeping spiritual content close at hand is growing as well. For this and other reasons, free Bible podcasts have become a popular spiritual growth tool among believers. It would seem that the number of groups and individuals who are signing on to this meeting of the Bible and the megabyte is growing every day. Churches across the country are now offering their services, sermons and Bible studies by this means and hungry believers are downloading them in droves.

The role that video media play in every day life is expanding at a rapid pace. Projections of what the future might hold range anywhere from video alarm clocks to catching streaming video of family events by cell phone while en route to the event. The benefits of the Christian podcast could include enjoying a service from the family church while away from home, keeping connected and growing in faith while serving in the military, squeezing that extra Bible study in while working out at the gym, not to mention the endless world wide missions opportunities afforded by this far reaching technology. While these video and audio services are never meant to function as a substitute for actual church attendance, many believers feel that they do serve as a means of spreading the Gospel and taking the Bible into new places. In addition, most of these free Bible podcasts are relatively easy to access and download.

Understanding the phenomenon of the Christian podcast does not require a degree in computer science. A podcast is simply a means of obtaining video and or audio files via the World Wide Web. The files can be enjoyed from a personal computer or from any kind of mobile media player. Within the believing world, the various types of programming that are available in this form include, devotionals, special programming or music for children, music, readings of scripture, sermons or expository teaching. Believers across the globe are finding these downloaded files to be a convenient and effective way to grow in faith. Some podcasts are downloadable audio files while others combine audio and video. The fact that these files can travel with the user has contributed to the popularity of these files. The simplest and fasted way to obtain these files is through the use of a broadband Internet connection. A podcast is not an example of streaming media. The term streaming media represents video or audio file that can be played on the personal computer, but is not saved to the computer's hard drive, it simply goes away as quickly as it comes. Podcasts are entire audio or audio and video files that are saved to a computer's hard drive and can be transferred to other mobile video or audio devices.

Locating free Bible podcasts is very simple given the number of directories that are available over the Internet. Each of these directories offers links to hundreds of different podcast files. Whether a user is in search of a good daily devotional or the latest video from a favorite musical artist, a wide variety of downloads are readily available. Anyone who is unfamiliar with this technology can generally find a number of online tutorials to get them started. Selecting a file to download is often made easier by a rating system that helps the user key into files that would best suit the user's own particular needs and tastes. In addition, a wide variety of software products are available that can help the consumer organize various media choices on the home computer or a mobile audio or video device. The Bible makes frequent mention of the importance of sharing God's praise. "Sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise glorious." (Psalm 66:2)

Various Christian individuals or organizations such as ministries, churches or Christian recording artists are taking advantage of the Christian podcast technology to spread the Word of God. There are several advantages of building an affiliation with a directory of Christian podcasts. One of these advantages is the assurance that all recommended files have been screened and no inappropriate content such as pornography or files with adult content will share a space in the directory. Another advantage might be the indexing features that are used by these web sites that allow Internet users to more quickly find what they are looking for. Most of these directories of free Bible podcasts require that all of the suppliers that are included on their site agree to a specific statement of basic beliefs and doctrine before they are included in the directory. These directories tend to make downloading links and files a relatively simple process for the supplier and include information about each church, ministry, speaker, or Christian artist that is represented. In addition to sermons, daily devotionals, church services, scripture readings, children's ministry programs, music in a variety of Christian genres, Christian music videos, expository teaching, Christian speakers, and children's worship music, popular figures in Christian radio are also increasingly offering podcast files for downloading. With such a wide array of media available, today's Christian has many sources to choose from in the area of spiritual growth and enrichment.

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Business Internet Service Provider

A business Internet service provider can be used for a small home office, a small or middle-sized business, larger enterprises, and hospitality services. These services provide companies with fast speed Internet that enables efficient communications with a customer base. Networking, security, and website hosting are all features that a provider can offer. Internet access that is "on" 24/7 is vital for businesses. Instantly being informed of email messages and faxes can be the determining factor in making a sale. Having a domain name and a website can bring in much more revenue today with the advances being constantly made to Internet technology. Having the security for customers to make purchases online or to keep track of important account records is needed and provided by business Internet services. Another added feature that can be offered is the ability to work through viruses or system crashes. Having file-back ups and secure off-site storage can allow these files can be accessed and retrieved through a variety of ways.

Many companies also offer web hosting; plans are based on website size, traffic, and e-commerce functions. Installation from a business Internet service provider can be achieved quickly and successfully from an outside company or from the company offering these services. It is recommended that those interested in purchasing or utilizing national or regional business Internet services do a pre-check of availability in the area of business. There are many companies that can only offer service around major metropolitan areas. A local provider may not have as many options as a larger national or regional provider, but there may not be a plethora of choices available for a business located in a rural or suburban area. Most geographic locations are able to receive dial-up connections. This is achieved through the telephone lines. Wireless connections, cable, and broadband access are achieved through different means and are not available at many locations.

A provider can also set up an entire office building to have wireless capabilities. In addition to building wide wireless access, business Internet services can allow a network of computers to be connected so all employees within a company can retrieve information through a company wide Intranet system. There are security measures that must be put into place before employees can log in, and most companies have the option of installing tracking devices to be sure that employees are using the network and Intranet for work-related tasks. With the expansion of the Web as a whole, and the options to purchase products online, do banking, email and communicate, and retrieve various information; it is also a concern that employees will spend too much time using the computer for their own personal benefit. Many companies have cracked down and are adding restrictive measures to the freedom of company computer systems.

Companies can also offer an array of other services including website management, and design. Certain design techniques have been proven to attract more clientele and/or consumers. By offering a website design and management package, a business Internet service provider can offer small and large companies alike a one-stop shopping approach to Internet service. A one-stop approach means that there can be one bill and one payment made that wraps all fees and costs of services together for ease of organization and record keeping. It also offers a consistent and familiar sense of the type of company, who their market is for, and what types of budgets they have to work with. A thorough and complete understanding is necessary to receive the maximum benefits of beginning an online marketing campaign, or to keep up with the modern technological times of having a website, utilizing fax and email, and offering online purchases.

Programs offered through providers can range from basic online availability to a full service Web marketing package. Costs for the business Internet service provider will vary dependent upon the inclusive features of a particular plan. The more features offered, the more expensive the monthly fees will be. The fewer options offered through business Internet services, the more inexpensive a plan will be. Each company will have their own individual goals and reasons for wanting to access the Internet. These reasons are as flexible as the plans offered. There should be a plan that exists or one that can be created to allow the maximum benefit to a company without creating an extraordinary overhead. The most important aspect of a business is the integrity and ethics of its founders. All businesses should first and foremost walk in the way of the Lord and conduct their business as such. "That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it." (Proverbs 2:20-21). Leading a company through the leadership of the Lord is the greatest way to seek success.

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Best Internet Service Providers

Internet service providers should first be chosen by the individual or business based on needs. It is important for the company or person to know what they need before delving into the world of ISPs. Some important needs to consider when choosing providers will include the speed of the connection, access, and cost. Most importantly, the major use of the service should be considered. If the web is needed for personal use at home, there are very few items that will be crucial. If someone is running a website or performing other business functions online, a high speed connection may be more appealing than dial-up. The best Internet service providers will be able to meet every need.

Access is another important aspect for the individual or company to think about. For an individual using the Internet for personal use, getting access to the Internet from other locations may not be important. For businesses, accessing the ISP from a different state or country may be very important. Security will be especially important for companies that deal with personal records including financial or personal information on a variety of individuals. Choosing ISPs can be made easier when needs are evaluated before the search begins.

The cost can vary greatly from one provider to another and is an important factor to consider for everyone that needs an ISP. An individual or company must determine how much they can or are willing to pay. This expense will change depending on the type of service that is preferred. For high-speed access, the equipment needed and prices are usually much higher than dial-up. If the web is used on a regular basis, however, high-speed access can be much better for the individual or company. When choosing from the best Internet service providers, a comparative cost analysis should be done. Taking the time to compare the costs may provide the business or individual the opportunity to receive the same or similar service for a much lower price. Saving money is very important for both individuals and companies. God calls His people to serve in areas of talent as well as provide for family. With today's technologies it is important to find the easiest services available in order to be able to spend quality time building God-given skills and relationships within families.

A reliable ISP should be a major point of consideration when searching for information. Evaluating the equipment used by Internet Service Providers is one way to view the reliability. It is important to know if the equipment is modern or when the company will upgrade to more modern equipment. The amount of time that the company has been in business can also be useful information. This will allow the consumer to understand if the company is well-known, recommended, or a risk. This information along with the history of the company can be very helpful. Other information, like the security that is provided through the ISP is another factor that may contribute to understanding if an ISP is one of the best. Good Internet Service Providers will offer virus protection software and protection from SPAM.

Choosing can be time consuming, but should be done with great effort and consideration. When choosing between the best Internet service providers, individuals and businesses should first determine their needs. This will often include speed, access, security. Reliability and cost are other important point to consider when selecting from the best Internet service providers. It is very important to know how long a company has been in business, the security they offer, and the equipment that is used.

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Business Instant Messaging

As a communications tool, corporate instant messaging saves time and money, but presents some security risks. Since its inception in the late 1990s, instant messaging (IM) has grown in popularity amongst Internet users, nearly 50% regularly communicate online via chatrooms and blogs. During the last decade, domestic and foreign companies have opted to use business Internet messaging as a convenient, cost-saving alternative to landline phone calls or e-mail. Today, over 280 million users regularly send instant messages through one or more of five major IM providers. As a business communications tool, IM is expected to outdistance e-mail in the very near future, primarily due to its ease, immediacy, and seamless efficiency.

While some would argue that constant corporate instant messaging can be distracting and threaten employee productivity, others argue that the opposite is true. IM has been proven to be a boon to businesses that rely heavily on communication between workgroups and teams to collaborate on projects. Workgroups can easily conduct online think tank sessions comparing documents, images, files, and streaming content in real-time and at relatively little cost to the company. Compare IM with the high cost of domestic and international conference calling and the reason businesses switch to electronic communication is a no-brainer. Instead of mailing blueprints, drafts, or contracts to customers or business partners across the state or overseas, IM allows images and files to be shared and viewed at individual workstations.

The beauty of IM technology is that traveling sales representatives and employees at remote locations don't have to be left out of the loop when it comes to communicating. Business instant messaging is accessible anywhere in the world and to and from most cell phones. Partners can share files and download real-time streaming content to view stock quotes or share statistics accessed through links to other websites. Corporate instant messaging actually encourages greater workplace communication, collaboration, cohesiveness, and consistency in achieving goals and completing tasks. And that cohesiveness is a Biblical principle that reaps rewards in the world of commerce. "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour." (Ecclesiastes 4:9)

However, the downside to business instant messaging is the security risk. In the information age, sensitive corporate data can translate into stolen dollars. When enterprises engage in electronic communications, server providers have access to confidential data that can cost billions if leaked to the public. Providers have a moral and ethical obligation to users to safeguard private information, such as email addresses, social security numbers, bank accounts, and confidential e-conversations and text messages. Corporations should only deal with reputable providers who can assure that text messages will remain secure and accessible only to workgroup members.

Other workplace abuses can exist when employees use business instant messaging to communicate with family and friends, or engage in personal texting at the expense of productivity. Many corporations have implemented policies limiting or prohibiting personal emails, text messaging and telephoning in the workplace to discourage abuse. A legitimate concern is that confidential corporate information may inadvertently be sent to personal contacts and vice versa. Especially susceptible to security breaches are military and government agencies, hospitals, retailers, banks and other financial institutions. A significant amount of damage can be done when personal identification, financial records, sensitive data, and even insider stock market trading information fall into the wrong hands.

On the upside, business instant messaging is cost effective; and some providers offer free downloads. Individuals and businesses can access free or low-cost programs online and install a software client, which enables users to connect to offsite servers through their PC with a provider-issued password and username. Once the client is logged on, the server verifies the client's Internet Protocol, or IP address and the client's unique port. The server essentially acts like a telephone operator, connecting the company's computer or client, to users in the company's contact list. As individual users log on, the server notifies chatgroup members of one another's availability and proceeds to send instant messages to and from their individual IP addresses.

To carry on an instant message "conversation," individual work or chatgroup members simply click on the name of a user who is noted as online and begins typing a text message into a window, similar to an email message box. Senders click "send" and the instant message is immediately and directly sent to the recipient. Having succeeded in making a connection between the right users, the IM server simply bows out of the picture and allows the clients of each individual within a chat group to "talk" as long as they want without worrying about long distance fees or rates. Each string of the text message appears to each individual logged onto the client, as users converse back and forth in real time. At the end of a corporate instant messaging session, clients end online conversations by closing the message window and logging off. The client sends a digital signal to the server that the user has logged off; the server discards the temporary file created by the client; and the username is placed in "offline" status.

The advantages of using business instant messaging are better corporate communications and increased workplace productivity. However, corporations must implement strategic and effective security policies and software programs to prohibit employee abuses and infiltration by insidious viruses and malicious hackers. Installing security measures to protect sensitive and confidential employee and corporate data and system hardware is an enterprise's greatest defense against cyberspace culprits and Internet crime.

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Cable Internet Services

Cable Internet services are a great way to get online in the home and can also be combined with a package that will offer some cable television. Cable Internet phone service is also available and considerably less expensive than traditional telephone services. When looking at these services, consumers need to be able to understand how important it is to choose the right service and service provider while keeping in mind affordability.

When trying to figure out whether these services can be part of one's home, customers need to consider their location. Those who live in a smaller town may find cable Internet services harder to come by. Some companies will only do business with people in certain areas because that is as far as their connections reach. The consumer needs to call around to different companies and find which ones will serve the local area. Many times, customers will not have a choice. Those who live in the country may not even be able to get cable Internet phone service. Therefore, before investing anything, customers simply need to ask whether the company will give business in the local area. More than likely, simply asking for the services will do the trick.

The next thing to consider is the price. Many times cable Internet services will come with a package price for television. Simply getting the web connection will allow customers to have basic cable in the home, but providers will try to offer great deals that also come along with extended television channels. Web telephone service can be free; however it may not always be the best quality. When deciding how to compare prices, consumers need to call the companies and tell them what they are willing to pay. Surprisingly, many companies will work with consumers as they want business and do not want their competitors to gain more profit.

The right cable internet services package will vary from household to household. While technology has moved forward leaps and bounds, it is raw and sometimes unreliable. Switching your phone line to a cable Internet phone service is certainly something to consider when adding cable to your home. Then, as with any decision, people need to bring it to the Lord's table and ask for his advice on what to do. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)

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Christian Filtered Internet Services

Christian Internet services are available to customers of any denomination that would like to do business with an ethical company that offers Christian filtered Internet services. Online services can encompass a variety of areas that include: website designers, website hosting, Page rank services, marketing services, Christian online shopping resources, and communications services. The most popular are the filtered Internet services. These filtered services allow a Christian Internet user to feel safe using the online information by having all the inappropriate pop-ups and websites blocked from the user interface. Online services allow a person to have access to "everything Christian". For example; a user will be able to locate Christian owned businesses to frequent. They will also have access to church and ministry directories, events, and seminars. Prayer chains and prayer room locations can be found with the help of tailored online services.

Christian filtered Internet services usually allow the user high speed Internet access. Typically span and virus email filtering are the most common types of services for both individual homes and businesses. Nationwide filtered Internet services use quality dial-up services for areas that can not be accessed by broadband or DSL high speed options. Recently satellite wireless reception has been added through the use of cell phone and other portable communication methods. In addition to the advances in wireless technology, counties across the United States are incorporating free dial up access via wireless communications for all residents. Christian Internet services will have to compete to provide access based on filtered services and high standards of customer relations. This can be done and successfully if computer services focus on the desires of the consumer.

A good way to research the desires of the consumer is through email, telephone or direct mail surveys. Using a number of 100 people interviewed and being asked the same questions should result in accurate insight into what the consumer hopes to accomplish by purchasing Christian filtered Internet services. Christian Internet services that take the time to survey their consumers to provide better service and a better product will reap the rewards of their efforts. Most people that subscribe to filtered computer services have children in their households. The children appear to be the main reason for the Internet filtering. With so much pornography, and other inappropriate material popping up while surfing the Internet, it is no wonder that filtering services are in demand. Parents of young children do not want to restrict their child's access to the good information that can be found utilizing the Internet, but they don't want them to be exposed to the information that is not at all appropriate for children. Since the Internet is a relatively new phenomenon that is stretched across the globe, regulating its content is easier said than done. Many countries have many different ideas on what is or is not appropriate for their citizens. Censorship may be legal in one place and illegal in another, so there are difficulties in blocking certain material from being seen.

While the United States government keeps a close eye on the Internet, its usage, and its material; it still cannot prevent all bad information from being distributed for all to see. It is up to the parents of young children to monitor their own home's computer usage and to use filtered Internet services to block out trash that may be entering their home through the web. Many businesses are also turning to Christian Internet services for help. In order to be sure that employees are not wasting time on the Internet or allowing inappropriate material to enter into their systems, filtered and blocking services are sought. These services allow a business to monitor their network of computers and keep out the information that should not be tying up an employee's time. Tailored computer services also provide any subscriber with a homepage that can be designed to give a devotional message each day or allows certain faith based information or news to be viewed. Many people of faith appreciate this religion based homepage as well as appreciate the Christian filtered Internet services policy on what can and cannot get through for Internet surfers to view.

It must be understood that no service or software is perfect, and occasionally hackers may get through the Christian filtered Internet services protective blockers. If this happens, a subscriber is told to simply call the service company and give information as to what type of website was allowed to get through the filter. This should be done so that the Faith based computer services webmaster can incorporate the information and add it to the blocking list so future recurrences will not be a problem. It is imperative that subscribers, parents, and the Christian Internet services employees all work together in order to protect the children, and anyone else from inappropriate information being transmitted into their home or office through the use of the Internet. "Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness." (Proverbs 25:5-6)

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Bulk Text Messaging

Global corporate communication involves bulk text messaging more now than ever in the past. With over 70 percent of all mobile users communicating using SMS (short messaging service) on their phones, displaying a company's advertisement or contest is quite vital in reaching those most affected by texting, rather than other forms of marketing media. This 70 percent represents over one billion mobile phone and hand held device users worldwide. One billion people do not sit through radio commercials or save the marketing fliers they find in their mailboxes, but an untold multitude of technology savvy individuals read the screens of their hand held phones. A business or individual can reach a growing, active market segment with the simple use of group text messaging. Outside of the business sector, bulk text messaging is helpful in communicating plans, calendars or changing needs to select groups.

For example, members of a church youth group could stay on top of changing plans for the camp out by group text messaging as the plans unfold. In this way, all the teens are reached with the information regardless of whether or not they are home to receive a land line phone call or at their computer to read an email update. What a handy technique of reaching a mass amount of individuals now available to business owners and individuals globally with a far smaller advertising budget than is necessary for television, radio and print media campaigns. Communication across wide terrain is getting easier and easier. "Wherefore he said unto the messengers of Benhadad, Tell my lord the king, all that thou didst send for to thy servant at the first I will do: but this thing I may not do. And the messengers departed, and brought him word again." (1 Kings 20:9)

A short messaging service will allow 160 characters or fewer. This is including spaces. Brevity is of utmost value while texting. For this reason, many phone users that utilize short messaging services write many of the messages in camel case. Camel case is a form of capitalizing the first letter of each word, without placing a space between words (MuchLikeThisParentheticalExplanation). Not only has spacing been altered to accommodate the limited allowable characters, but the spelling of words has also been altered or shortened to allow more words per text. An example of this is the phrase "laugh out loud" being abbreviated as "LOL," or the word "text" is often rendered "txt." With these spelling changes and sentence alterations, businesses can use group text messaging to articulate their marketing goal or the benefits of their products. Text messages, unlike incoming calls, cannot be screened or rejected. Therefore, the person who is receiving the message must at least look at it and potentially read some, if not all, of it.

There are two types of gateways available to companies interested in bulk text messaging. The first gateway is called the aggregator model. In this model the message originator has several agreements with multiple carriers of mobile service to transmit information to and from the originator's platform. However, there is no delivery assurance or transmission time guarantees with this model. However, the SS7 model, also called the international termination model, works with the SS7 protocol in order to send messages. What is the SS7 protocol? Simply, it is the technological "language" that the phones "speak" to each other, and it supersedes carrier networks. It is the "highway" on which the messages transmit, regardless of the "car" (phone) the recipient may have. This allows for delivery guarantees, because the message does not have to go from the originator's network, through the recipients' networks. This traffic delay can often result in loss of the message. With the SS7 model, the text is sent along the SS7 protocol, and therefore is not delayed by the many mobile carriers along the path from sender to recipients. This is especially desirable in mission-critical messages and corporate communications.

A business utilizing group text messaging is harnessing the power of the current appeal of texting. Though the United States does not display the extreme love of short message service, it is still quite popular among United States phone users between the ages of 18 and 24 years old. Sending and receiving SMS is so popular that the word "texting" is now part of common vocabulary. Young people are even accused of being addicted to receiving and sending notes through short message services. With the sheer volume of messages and the inability to block or deny them, people who prolifically text often feel an urgency to be available to read the text. With this urgency, a business can send emails, advertisements, contest information or product details with relative assurance that the recipients will feel compelled to look at, if not read, the sent message. This is far greater percentage of receptivity provided by other media outlets.

Now, most satellite technology is set up to receive and send SMS messages. Skype also receives and sends short message service information. As long as a short message service device can interface with a computer, group text messaging is possible through even an email protocol. Even devices like hand held schedulers and blue tooth technology driven products typically come with SMS capabilities. A company that utilizes the SS7 protocol to advertise can now do so to a myriad of users, receiving on multiple platforms, in almost every country in the world. To be globally known and technologically relevant will add credibility and desirability to the message sent from the message originator. In this way, the form of the advertisement goes a long way toward verifying the content of the advertisement. The sheer fact that a company can reach globally, across multiple mobile provider's protocol and in the common language of the day will encourage the recipients of the bulk text messaging campaign to take note.

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10 Best Internet Service Providers

The best Internet service providers give their customers fast reliable service and offer the customer service that will guide the novice as well as the experienced web navigator through any online issues that may arise. Customer service, quality performance and speed are on the minds of those looking for service providers and there are consumer reviews that will give consumers a list of the 10 best Internet service providers and why these providers have made the top ten list. Before you sign up with any provider, check out the information offered by various consumer reviews to find the quality provider that will be less headache and more browsing time!

When a consumer is choosing the best Internet service provider, or ISP, there are many different factors that can be considered in the decision making process. With the technology available today, the 10 best Internet service providers offer a variety of services and options for online connections. There can also be regional service differences so consumers should be aware of what is available in their area and the various online companies that provide service. Some services piggyback with cable and TV providers. Whether consumers choose DSL or dial-up will also depend upon availability in their area.

Different consumer reviews will rank the 10 best Internet service providers differently, and the results generally depend upon a broad range of consumers and their age, geographic locations, and economic status. Survey results are tallied and statistics are derived from a percentage of those using various Internet providers. Consumers will find that though rankings may differ from one consumer review or survey to another, there are a few of the best Internet service providers that consistently rank at the top with their customers.

Among the top rated online companies, consumers will find that reliability, easy email programs, and additional features are all part of consumer choices. The best Internet service providers offer their customers many different features at low monthly costs to the consumer. Consumers do not like paying for extras, but want services such as chatting, as part of their over-all packaged connection deals.

Most all survey companies and agencies report that America On Line is the largest online service provider in the United States, yet not necessarily the most reliable. Advertising and consumer awareness has made AOL among the best Internet service providers, but popularity is not always the best choice. Consumers are encouraged to thoroughly check out any of the 10 best Internet service providers under consideration before signing up. Find out the details about services and extra costs when researching!

Online access providers that prove worthy of research may include Verizon, SBC Yahoo, Earthlink, Net Zero, Juno, and Cox preferred. Not all of these ISPs are available in all locations, so find out what's available to you first, before taking the time to research each 10 best Internet service providers. There are many other good companies and as technology advances, consumers will be offered the latest electronic advancements and a variety of options.

When researching ISP agencies, read the various consumer and Internet reports available online through the World Wide Web. There are also web sites that not only report on the various ISPs available, but many of these web sites will connect the consumer directly to the ISP of their choice for further information. Log on to the World Wide Web to find out more about what's happening with service providers and their features today.

When looking into gaining the latest technology for your home and family, it is a good idea to keep a healthy perspective about the web and what technology you truly need at your fingertips. Are you a part-time surfer with occasional emails? Or, is your business dependent upon online action and technology speed? These questions should be asked before buying into an expensive computer and advanced Internet services. Obtaining as much information as possible will equip you to make the best decisions about your technology purchases.

The Bible encourages us to get information when making major and minor decisions. The book of Proverbs is full of practical applications for daily living, making the Bible as relevant today as it was over two thousand years ago. "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom." (Proverbs 13:10) The Proverbs also tell us that all knowledge and wisdom ultimately come from God. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding." (Proverbs 9:10) As confusing as today's technology and various web connection services are, taking the time to get further knowledge will only help you with your choices and keep you abreast of what's ahead in this information age of technology.

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Cheap Internet Service Providers

Cheap Internet service providers can be found on the Internet, particularly if you live in a fairly large metropolitan community where many Internet providers offer cheap Internet service for their customers. If you are in a rural community or really small town, your choices may not be very large. Often, one or two providers are available, and they could not be described as cheap. They may be reasonable, but because of the lack of competition and the smaller number of customers, the monthly fee is not terribly low. Those smaller local providers are usually able to offer excellent customer service, which makes the higher fees more tolerable.

One has a better chance of finding less expensive Internet service with dial-up service than with broadband. Prices vary, of course, but where the dial-up Internet service runs about $10.00 per month (although one advertises a price of $4.97 per month), the faster internet service providers will be in the neighborhood of $20.00 per month, or more. There are many Internet sites offering a list of less expensive internet service providers for the consumer to consider and compare, and there is even one that has broken down the providers by state, and within the state by area code, and the cities within that area code who have access to which companies. That site is especially valuable to the new computer owner who is looking for cheap Internet service providers.

If, in your search for Internet service providers, you decide to get a high-speed service, there are three main types: DSL, Cable, and mobile data services. Of these, cable is the most expensive, and DSL requires a telephone line. Comparison of features and costs are available online for those as well. Since buying a computer is still a major cost, getting the best price for Internet service by researching Internet service providers is a must for most consumers. Some Internet service providers offer special services or prices for a limited time to get consumers to try their services. The cheap Internet service provider may discount its price for the first six months, or offer technical support free for a limited time (after which there will be a charge per call). Sometimes there is a rebate offer. Most are now offering free set-up to new customers. The hope is that the customer will like the service so much that he will continue subscribing even after the special has come to an end.

Broadband, or high-speed Internet service is becoming more reasonably priced as its popularity grows. A small modem is added to the computer equipment to accommodate that kind of Internet service, and those have usually come with a hefty price tag. Installation fees could add up to $150.00 or more, and the monthly fees were at least twice that of a dial-up system. Currently, installation is often offered free, and the monthly fees are closer to the cost of the dial-up cheap Internet service. It is particularly difficult for the person whose only use for an Internet connection is an occasional e-mail to pay higher prices for that service. On the other hand, the computer operator who needs to use the Internet for research purposes, and might be willing to pay a little more to get efficiency and speed, still wants to find cheap service when possible. No one wants to throw money away.

Businesses are always interested in finding a service that will allow them to keep in touch with their customers via e-mails or a web site. Internet service allows a business to send out ads via its telephone lines instead of putting advertisements in the paper, or at least not so many, and still reach the customers he wishes to attract. Internet service providers are interested in providing services to both individuals and businesses, and they make sure they are ready to take care of both. They let it be known by placing ads on TV, in the newspapers, and online. Since more and more people are acquiring computers and will be looking for that kind of service, covering all the bases is a wise move.

Whether it is a dial-up or high-speed Internet service you want, if you live in a large metropolitan area you will have little trouble finding Internet service providers who will provide what you need. Once you have compared the companies in your area that provide the cheap Internet service you want and you've made a choice, you will enjoy the communications abilities they provide. It has never been easier to keep in touch with friends and family than it is today with the Internet service that is available. Those who live in outlying or sparsely populated parts of the country will find few or no choices available to them.

In Bible times, there weren't even telephones for communication (much less computers!), yet they managed to get messages passed on. Just think how much Christ taught the people by traveling around the countryside and talking to them. "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching," (Matthew 7:28)

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Broadband Internet Services

Broadband Internet service is now one of the fastest forms of web connection used today. Rather than waiting for the web company to dial up, the modem is constantly connected. Websites take only seconds to load and downloading is extremely fast. In addition, there are exciting new technological advances. The newest advancement is broadband Internet phone service. This allows people to use their connection to make a telephone call to just about anywhere. It's cheap, efficient and spreading like wildfire across both the web connection industry and the telephone industry. Many consumers may be considering signing up for these revolutionary services. When making the decision, it's important to consider both the benefits and the disadvantages so consumers can choose the right services for them.

Many people who use a high speed connection love the convenience of instantly hopping online. They can view videos, download music and look at high-traffic websites with ease. With dial-up, consumers have to log-on and wait for the modem to dial. The connection has to be made, which can take a few minutes. Then, looking at high-traffic, high-bandwidth websites can take longer to load than on the high speed connection. One of the best advantages of using the broadband Internet service is that it doesn't tie up the telephone line like dial-up. Customers don't have to worry about someone picking up the telephone and severing the web connection. Some people avoid this problem by purchasing a phone line just for going online. By adding up the cost of the extra line with the cost of the dial-up service and their special features, one can see that it often adds up to the same rate as this high speed connection.

Price is an issue when it comes to this high speed connection. Broadband Internet phone service tends to cost anywhere from $35 per month to $55 per month, depending on location and what company offers the services. Dial up and other connections can cost considerably less. However, with high speed broadband, customers are paying more for convenience and speed. For those who work at home on the web, this high speed connection can be a major time saver and tends to be highly reliable as well. Overall, there are few disadvantages to getting a faster Internet connection other than price. Plus, customers have the option of getting web telephone as well, saving money on monthly telephone bills.

Broadband Internet phone service is growing quickly because long-distance and international calling is so much cheaper. Web phone connects calls as data through the web. Many local phone companies are now offering Internet phone services while smaller companies are cropping up everywhere to offer these newer telephone services exclusively. For around $15 or $20, customers can get 500 minutes of call time to anywhere, local, long-distance or International. Other services offer unlimited minutes to anywhere for only $25 or $30 per month with many of the same features offered by traditional phone companies. Like the high speed web connection, broadband Internet phone service has little disadvantages. Consumers should just make sure that the company they choose offers 911 access. Most Internet phone companies now connect customers to the nearest 911 station as long as they keep an accurate address on file.

When choosing the right company for these services, the choices may be limited by location and what is available locally. Fortunately, many companies are now taking on broadband as part of what they already offer. Some cable television companies now offer these services. This can save customers a good deal of money because of package deals with the company. Some people may decide, however, to get broadband Internet service from one company and the web phone from another company. Shopping around could turn out to be a better deal. Call and compare prices for both options, as well as quality of service and reliability. Look on the web for reviews of small web connection companies. Those who have the chance should test out the service at the company's location if they have one nearby. Ask people if they would recommend using broadband and if it's worth the extra cost. Their recommendations may help speed up the selection process so hear what they have to say. "Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips" (Job 13:6).

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Online Auction Sites

As society becomes more internet-based, online auction sites are replacing the weekend trips to the mall or the endless procession to visit all the flea markets on a given Saturday. No longer are bargain hunters required to stand for hours listening for an auctioneer to call out a price they can afford. Virtual shopping and internet bargain hunting is slowly but surely replacing the hot flea markets and the overpopulated malls and shopping centers. Shopping will never become totally obsolete, but for those unable or unwilling to walk the distance in malls or spend the time at outlets and auctions, the top online auction websites are offering a viable alternative, while still allowing the shopper to haggle for the best price and search through merchandise for the best fit for their needs. For the retailer, there are many benefits to the business model of selling products through online auction sites.

This business model consists of participants bidding on products or services that have been displayed over the internet. Auctioning software regulates all the processes involved in buying, selling and shipping of the merchandise or service being bid upon. The top online auction websites on down to the personal endeavors to consign merchandise over the internet do not actually store, inventory and monitor merchandise. The internet auctioning websites are simply computer interfaces between seller and potential buyers that provide a vehicle of purchase. The merchandise is stored at either the seller's home or warehouse. Internet sites do not have geographical locations, so cannot house any tangible products or perform any literal services. In this way, the software allows a website to accept bids, offer payment options, display photos and descriptions of sale items and to support email communications between seller and buyer. All of this is possible despite the fact that the internet site does not actually own the merchandise being bid on or sold. In this way, online auction sites act like virtual open air marketplaces allowing the sellers to have internet "booths" in which to display their goods or services.

There are several types of auctions available for individuals shopping via the internet. An English auction lasts for a fixed amount of time. This time frame is usually under two weeks. The seller will sell the item or items to the highest bidder at the end of the allotted time frame. Often the seller will set a predetermined amount representing the lowest possible starting bid. This is called a reserve. For example, if the reserve is $15.00, all bidding must begin at no less than $15.00 and go up from there. In a Dutch auction, a seller offers multiple identical items during the time span of one auction. Many shoppers bid, and the highest bid is what all the shoppers will eventually buy the items for. Treasury Bills are often sold in this manner. Most top online auction websites typically host English auctions, as it is the simplest to execute and easiest to understand.

As a seller, the benefits to auctioning merchandise over the internet are numerous. There are no time constraints to limit hours of operation. Internet sites are on 24 hours a day, so buyers can shop in India, while the seller sleeps in the United States. Closely related to this, is the lack of geographical constraints. It is no longer impossible to "attend" an auction two states away. In addition, there is no longer a central geographical site that all the merchandise is shipped to, stored at and shipped out of. As a result, a seller can offer more items, accept more bids and thus save money. The saved money is then passed on to the bidders who can start out at a lower beginning bid. As a result of the exhilaration felt as the bidder waits to see if their bid wins, the participants are highly loyal. Some shoppers are even bidding just for the thrill of it. As a seller, this creates a faithful "fan base," and repeat customers who relate the excitement they feel with the specific product they bought. As they grow in popularity top online auction websites attract more bidders. More bidders attract more sellers, which attract more bidders, and so on. This strengthens this type of business model.

However, internet auctioning sites are not without their critics. With the high traffic and the lack of geographical location, criminals run rampant, even on the top online auction websites. Stolen goods are easier to sell over the internet than from the back of a van in an alley. Law enforcement often searches these internet auction sites to locate criminals and reclaim the stolen merchandise. Many retailers are urging the US congress to enact laws that force online auction sites to disclose information about large volume sellers and those suspected of auctioning stolen goods.

Sellers are not the only people benefitting from online auction sites. Buyers are no longer hindered by location or physical difficulties. Even if a shopper lives in a remote area, with internet shopping they can still benefit from the completive prices of big city auctions. "And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands." (Genesis 41:57) A shopper with a disability is now no longer hindered by their inability to climb stairs or walk for a long period of time. Rather than search through rack after rack of clothes or continue to look through stores for the right gift, many internet consignment sites have search tools to allow the bidder to find the right item in a very timely manner.

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Business DSL Providers

Businesses that are trying to find a DSL service provider will discover a wide array of options that are available to them through broadband technology. DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, a term that is somewhat self explanatory. By combining telephone lines and digital coding, businesses can link to the Internet as well as obtain video, voice and data information quickly. Among the benefits presented by business DSL providers is the ability to transmit data at speeds that are much, much faster than dial up connections. There are several forms of digital subscriber lines including ADSL, or Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line, the HDSL, or High Speed Digital Subscriber Line, the SDSL, or Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line, and the VDSL, or Very High Bit Rate Digital Subscriber Line. A major advantage of digital subscriber lines over dial up connections is that the user is always connected to the Internet if the computer is on and the web browser is open. There is no need to dial up to get a connection. The cost of a business connection generally runs higher than a connection for a private home, but the extra features that are available to businesses, along with the additional requirements, justify the higher price. These extra features could include VoIP, or voice over Internet protocol, integrated voice and data services, web hosting, company intranets, and video conferencing.

Access to the Internet is the first and most obvious benefit offered by business DSL providers. Internet access is necessary for any company that wants to function in today's world. This is usually the first priority that business owners face when trying to find a DSL service provider. Another feature that a good provider might offer is something called voice over Internet protocol. Voice over Internet protocol, or VoIP, simply means the distribution of voice information using the Internet. The benefits of this feature could include sending out more than one telephone call at a time using the same connection, giving the effect of extra telephone lines. Many features that standard telephone companies charge extra for such as automatic redial, caller ID, call forwarding, and conference calling are standard features on a VoIP, saving businesses money. Other services that are available could include the ability to set up a video conversation and the ability to share files and data that correspond to the video conversation at hand. Basically, having phone lines that are on the same network as personal computers makes many things possible that were not available with older technology.

When attempting to find a DSL service provider, many businesses are interested in packages that offer integrated voice and data services. Significant cost savings could be the result of combining Internet access, voice needs and data needs over one line. In addition to cost savings, combining all of these services to one bill creates more convenient and simplified paperwork. As with VoIP, many features that standard phone lines charge extra for are generally part of a DSL package. These features could include a feature called direct inward dialing which assigns separate, direct line phone numbers to individual employees. Line roll over, or the ability to direct an incoming phone call to the next available line, *67, or the ability to block caller ID on outgoing calls, is another feature that may be offered. Other possibilities could include voice mail, distinctive rings for different phones, timed call forwarding, or the ability to program a time of day when calls should be forwarded to a different number, or remote call forwarding. Quality business DSL providers are generally able to offer these features and many more.

Another service that is often offered by business DSL providers is web hosting. By including web hosting in a DSL package, these providers supply a major need for companies and again offer a simpler solution than hiring a separate source to handle in this crucial area. Online tools that make web building easy create another cost savings. Businesses benefit by not having to purchase additional and costly web building software. When this technology is used to its fullest advantage, business communication can function at its peak. The Bible talks about the value of communication with God. "I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons." (Psalm 16:7)

Versatile business DSL service providers may also offer video conferencing options. With the video conference, employees in different locations can meet via Internet connection. The hardware that is needed for these video conferences include a video camera or webcam, a projector, a television, or a computer monitor that is large enough for all participants to easily see, audio input hardware such as microphones, audio output devices such as speakers and a data transfer device such as the Internet or a digital or analog telephone network. The ability to pull together widely scattered employees for a meeting at quick notice is an obvious benefit of this technology. The money that can be saved in travel expenses alone could amount to a significant cost savings over time. Voice over Internet protocol technology can also be used for more informal video conferences in which employees can meet without leaving their own desks.

All of these extra options should be considered when attempting to find a DSL service provider. Intranets, or inter company computer networks are another valuable resource that is frequently offered by these providers. These intranets basically function as a non public form of the Internet that is restricted to company employees. An intranet can help an organization make large amounts of data easily and quickly accessible to their staff and keep it readily on hand. Intranets also greatly facilitate communication and keep employees informed.

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DSL Internet Service

Consumers seeking cheap DSL service can easily find attractive packages through local telephone or cable television providers. Competition for DSL dollars is tough! Telephone companies and cable TV providers wage a constant battle over consumers who insist on the fastest Internet speeds for downloading movies and music, transferring files and surfing the Worldwide Web. The Internet brings events from around the globe onto our computer screens, just as decades ago television sets opened up new vistas onto the world's stage. Consumers around the globe just can't seem to get enough of surfing the worldwide electronic highway; and a digital subscriber line, or DSL, is the preferred mode of touring cyberspace.

High speed DSL Internet service provides commercial and residential customers a mode of sending and receiving digital data over telephone wires or via television cables. Telephone and cable television companies reserve virtual property on the Web as Internet Service Providers, or ISPs. When consumers contract with an ISP, whether it's the company that furnishes home or office phone service or the cable TV provider, they are actually leasing the right to connect their personal PC to the ISP's reserved cyberspace. High speed DSL technology divides phone lines into two bands: one low frequency transmits voices, the other transmits digital data. Unlike phone companies, cable television companies also transmit also digital data, but connections are made through cable modems connected to users' PCs via an onboard Network Interface Card, or NIC.

Early web-based technology required subscribers to access ISPs via dial-up networks. Users were issued a landline telephone number, which dialed into an Internet Service Provider's server to provide subscriber access to the Web. But high speed, cheap DSL service far surpasses dial-up access by downloading digital packets at lightning fast speeds. Users no longer have to wait for telephone lines to cough, crackle and pop before opening browsers. Digital subscriber lines -- whether provided by telephone or television companies -- beam surfers up to the Worldwide Web in the twinkling of an eye. But surfing in cyberspace is nothing compared to inheriting eternal life in Christ. In the Last Day, followers of Jesus Christ will be transformed and "beamed up" to heaven. "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" (I Corinthians 15:51-52).

So what's so hot about DSL Internet service? From the comfort of a home or office PC or laptop, individuals can travel the information super highway without booking a plane ticket! By surfing the Net, subscribers can gain access to facts, figures, and stock market futures. At the click of a mouse, cyberspace surfers can easily find themselves virtually transported to remote tropical paradises in Hawaii or to the city streets of New York teeming with beautiful people and Wall Street moguls. Cheap DSL service brings international venues to our front door and opens up worlds never before experienced. Downloading streaming audio and video content introduces browsers to sights and sounds they might have never before seen or heard if it were not for the Worldwide Web. Fast access communication eliminates traditional methods of talking and writing to family and friends. Instant messaging, Internet telephony, web conferencing, and e-mailing have virtually eliminated long distance calling costs, expensive hotel accommodations, and postal service fees. From city to city and coast to coast, the Web has revolutionized the way the world communicates.

Because of competition between Internet Service Providers, such as telephone and television companies, high speed Digital Subscriber Lines have become dirt cheap. A few years ago, the average Joe couldn't afford to go surfing on the Net, but today's cheap DSL service, usually charged monthly, costs less than two tickets to a Saturday afternoon at the movies. And speaking of movies -- subscribers may never pay for a movie ticket again. DSL Internet service opens a gateway to free downloads of movies, real-time videos, podcasts, music, and online games. Rates charged for dial-up networking are the cheapest, especially for those who still have to put up with the squall of landline phone connections. High speed DSL cable connections are usually bundled with television and telephone services, making these rates a formidable contender for consumer dollars. Meanwhile, the lure of satellite and wireless fast access DSL is almost too much to resist, with prices hovering near those charged by cable TV Internet Service Providers.

Today, it's a buyer's market for anyone looking for cheap DSL service. Internet providers are knocking down consumers' doors with entertaining and engaging ads for fast, faster, and the fastest high speed DSL access bundled with e-mail, streaming video, wireless networking, and photo storage. Some providers are willing to throw in antivirus protection, online calling, and free trial offers to entice consumers to subscribe or switch from existing services. Free trial offers provide opportunities to slip into long term plans without a large amount of cash. But subscribers need to look out for short term rock bottom trial offers that erupt into caustic costs after the trial period ends. A word to the wise: choose plans that lock in low rates over the long term and don't get tied up in multimedia bundles that might turn around and bite you. Some low rates look attractive, but hidden fees can quickly make cut rate plans abhorrent. Most providers will allow cancellations within a specific time frame; so new subscribers should read the fine print and carefully monitor statements. Finally, as technology changes, consumers can expect DSL Internet service to become even less expensive or be replaced by a newer, more improved technology or hybrid version of digital data transmission. In the meantime, we can all sit back, point, click and enjoy the ride through the Worldwide Web.

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Small Business Podcast

The couple believed that a small business podcast was exactly what they needed to take their learning center business to the next level. A free educational web broadcast referencing many of the hot button issues that plague school children and their concerned parents was the direction they decided to go. This was a learning center of their design and creation. After several years of research and curriculum search, the woman, a PhD in education and her husband, with a Master's degree in business, believed that their unique approach to student learning would eventually have real potential to be franchised. Learning center franchises that the two looked into did not allow any freelance web subscriber broadcasts of any kind, in fact, no creativity and freedom of any kind was allowed under several brands of learning centers they investigated. For them, it was the liberty to talk to parents in their own language that set them on the course of developing an independent learning center.

A podcast is much like a niche radio broadcast every so often that a person can download and listen at leisure. They are often delivered to subscribers and are different from Internet radio webcasts because those listeners had to tune in and listen at a certain time or miss the information. Podcasting can be an exceptional way of gathering an audience for a specific topic of interest without fear on interruption, censorship or commercials. And it is rather quite simple procedure to begin podcasting and get it on the web; it's another thing to make it sound professional so that people will actually hear.

To create free educational podcasts, the husband and wife asked some experts in the podcasting field what kinds of equipment to buy. There was, of course, the computer. Next was the choice of microphone which the experts cautioned was huge to a high quality of voice reproduction. Recommended was a large diaphragm condenser microphone to create real warmth in the voice tones. Also recommended was a small mixer to give a little more freedom in the area of timbre, equalization and reverb. Since the two of them would often be talking, two microphones were needed, and each one's pickup could be designed to enhance each individual's voice. A little less low end for the man, and a few more highs, while them woman would need a little more low end and not as much mid range.

While this learning center would be offering free educational podcasts, a small business podcast for many other types of businesses might be of real value. What about a live podcasting broadcast from the local place for teens to eat, where a reporter might interview the jocks after a Friday night ballgame? Or how about the local fabric shop running a podcast on the best types of fabrics for sewing a bridal dress? The opportunities and possibilities are endless, and each podcast can direct listeners to certain websites to further advertise the business. The whole idea of a small business podcast is to stir up interest and questions in a specific area that the business making the Internet production can answer.

For this entrepreneurial couple, the beginning of successful, free educational podcasts was the choosing of hot button topics that would really have a pull with parents. In their plan for the first ten podcasts, the two decided to interview a school principal, a teacher, and a child psychologist. In addition they would address the importance of foundational skills that children need to be successful in school such a knowing phonics and foundational match skills. Of course a very very soft sell of the benefits of the ne learning center would be included. And any small business podcast can use the same format, selectively adjusted for the market. Or perhaps the business would want to use its podcasting efforts for a more community focused agenda, using community goodwill as an opportunity to build a strong public relations foundation.

Getting listeners to subscribe to the free educational podcasts they would be making would be the hard part of all this process.. The couple decided that the largest advertising expense for the year would be spent on a small information pagoda in the local mall that would simply be a place to hand out information on how to get to the website and hear the center's podcasting program. Since the part time teachers for the staff had already been hired, one would be at the pagoda each evening and all day Saturday to share the good news about help for struggling students. In the weeks before opening the center, the couple spent every spare moment learning how to be both podcast producers and directors. Some minor disagreements arose, but things such as opening and closing music and guests to the subscriber informational learning center cast were firmly secured. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Success most often comes in little steps, and little steps they were for the free educational podcasts by these business owners. The first week there were two subscribers. The third week there was five and by the end of the tenth week there were thirty four. But along with a few radio spots, a full page ad in the paper and lots of balloons outside the center, the seven students the center started with was encouraging. The hectic schedule of running this business forced the couple to cut back to a once a month podcast, but the subscriptions actually went up, and by the end of the first year, three hundred subscribers listened each month to the center's subscriber informational corner, and the student population had climbed to twenty three.

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Christian Music Ringtones

Christian music ringtones are now available by some of the industry's hottest Christian artists. In order to take advantage of all the latest music downloads, search online and add the mp3 ringtones to the cell phone. Almost any cellular carrier has the ability to download Christian music ringtones - all the customer needs to know is how to retrieve them. Just make sure the cell phone is not too old, otherwise problems will be encountered. Assistance can be had by contacting the customer service department of the cell phone carrier. Listeners can have all the latest free gospel ringtones at the touch of a button simply by finding and accessing online lists and catalogs of music. Not only that, but other services are available as well such as graphics, games and various wallpapers and a person can visit the free gospel ringtones websites often to access entirely new musical content offerings so that the music library on the cell phone stays fresh and exciting.

Some websites providing free ringtones ask the customer to subscribe for a certain period of time for a fee in order to get free mp3's, but there are many sites that will allow visitors to access mp3's absolutely free without having to subscribe at all. There are numerous types of gospel ringtones to choose from such as traditional music found in conservative hymnals, to the latest pop Christian favorites. In order to download free music, just choose the proper phone carrier and enter the cell number. The customer will be sent or provided with a pin number in order to access the Christian music ringtones service. If there is a fee to subscribe to get the free ringtones, the fees will be billed automatically to the cell phone number or deducted with a service that has been prepaid.

There are a few types of Christian music ringtones ranging from simple to complex. For example, tunes utilizing only one tone are referred to as monophonic. Older phones used these types of tones. Then there are tones that can play between 30 and 100 notes which sound like many different instruments. These ring tones sound more authentic than the single tones. Finally, there are song downloads that sound exactly like real recorded music and can be retrieved in as many as four types of music file formats such as WAV and mp3. In order to make the customer experience even more exciting and varied, a major Christian song producer has just introduced the first online music store for ring tones that supports many of the major cell phone providers. This major Christian music producer also provides sections on the websites of Christian artists to provide ring tones of that artist's songs. In this way, the customer can simply go to the website of a favorite artist to directly download that person's songs.

Christians will find that the music downloaded onto the phone is inspirational and encouraging. Never before has there been the ability to choose any type of artist and as many songs as desired as there is today. Now everyone has the ability to carry favorite songs close by all day long. This is a great way to subtly let others know about the Christian faith and perhaps even strike up a conversation. Free gospel ringtones can provide the opportunity for some brief worship if in a small group setting or even when alone. Not only are these tunes available in English, but in other languages as well. Here in the United States these downloaded songs are available in Spanish. "But sanctify the Lord in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that that is in you, with meekness and fear." (I Peter 3:15)

But the free gospel ringtones that are readily available for anyone to download and use on their cell phone is, in many ways, a symptom of what has gone wrong with the Christian community over the past forty years or so. Instead of practicing what scripture has taught Christians to do, that is to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in our lives with all those around us, beginning with love, joy, peace patience, kindness, long suffering and meekness, Christians instead have relied on props like ringtones and bumper stickers and "Jesus loves you" checks and other gimmicks to relieve believers of their real responsibility. That responsibility is to live extraordinary lives, perhaps even labeled as supernatural lives that mimic the person of Jesus Christ in all things. The picture in Scripture of people magnetically drawn to Jesus because of the way he lived his life ought to be all the goal of all believers. Anyone, as a right of free speech, can have a free gospel ringtones on a cell phone, which offers the troubling scenario that there could be some very poor representatives of Jesus Christ having the tune of Amazing Grace going on a cell phone off while they are also going off on someone at work. Interestingly enough, Christians are taught by the apostle John that the way unbelievers will be attracted to the amazing message of God's love and grace through Christ will be through the love that Christians have for one another. Unconditional, supernatural love given over and over though it may be always unrequited will forever be far superior to any Christian music ringtones that any phone can hold.

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ISDN Internet Service

An ISDN Internet service to replace the sluggish modem used for the past ten years or so will be great for some who have a distaste for sluggish Internet service. Old modems negatively impact the ability to quickly do business in an efficient manner. The 56K modem is outdated, outmoded and now out of the question. Visit a local computer store to inquire as to how communications can be sped up to meet the ever increasing demand for the work being done. The techs at the store may suggest an ISDN service provider rather than use an outdated modem that can not transmit information as fast. If cost is a concern, spend a bit of time discussing the cost associated with the better provider. After a short while, the shopper may be convinced that the cost will fit nicely into the budget.

Apparently, this service is supposed to have a high speed of 128 k/s which is so very much faster than the outdated modems some are still using. Therefore, the user should no longer need to worry about waiting for a connection when getting onto the Internet. The connection will always be there, barring electrical outages, etc. Also, if ever there is a need to set another person or two up on the system, that too is not a problem because more users can be easily accommodated. In the event that even faster Internet service is needed, there is what is referred to as an accelerator service that can be added on for an additional fee. Try to understand what the needs are of the system being used so that the correct information can be conveyed to the techs at the store.

Can anyone expect continued excellent customer service? This seems almost too good to be true, but experience is the best teacher, and so waiting for a couple of days for the ISDN service provider to be installed is not without a lot of anticipation. The provider may inform the buyer that the usage is available around the clock, 24/7 and the email and IP addresses will never be substituted for new ones. The customer help will always be available when needed. ISDN Internet service can also provide videoconferencing, telephone and fax options which is a real boost for confidence, since there could be some thought given to having those installed as well. Now all a person needs to do is to call if a service needed to be added. The phone line can finally be free to take calls!

The ISDN Internet service may be available for bundling, depending on the provider for all those extras for a smaller fee than if each function is obtained separately at various times. This is even better on the budget! During the installation, the technician can explain how the system works, how it is being installed, what to do if trouble is encountered and then may leave the customer with a phone number to call in an emergency. Be sure to keep the business card in a business card holder where all the other cards were kept and also make a notation in the rolodex to keep on the desk for quicker reference. Make a mental note to tell other business professionals about this ISDN service provider so that those businesses can also benefit from better usage.

Once everything is installed and ready to go, turn on the computer, click on the Internet icon on the desktop and immediately the webpage will be made visible. For the next several minutes, spend some time just surfing to various websites on the Internet and note how quickly all the information becomes available. Just to check it all out, send a fax to a vendor, place a call over the Internet, and send several emails to friends telling them of the new updates and how business will now be improved as a result. The only adjective to describe the first day experience using the new ISDN Internet service is exceptional. For the first time the user will feel like taking a deep breath could realizing that no more time will be spent kicking that sad old machine that functioned so poorly last week. "Wherefore, my beloved bretheren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." (James 1:19-21)

Over the next several months when there may be occasional inclement weather the user may anticipate some type of malfunction regarding the new ISDN service provider. Each time however, nothing will probably occur, which only serves to increase the confidence in the usage. The only time a user may experience lost communication and Internet connectivity is when the electricity goes down due to someone hitting a telephone pole in the area of the business or if lightening happens to strike nearby. This will be short-lived however, and soon the user will be very happy in the choice made to switch from using an outdated modem to the faster more efficient ISDN. Be sure to check for available ISDN services where the usage is needed, because it may not be available everywhere. Also, discover what discounts and special packages can be obtained to be sure that the best deal is obtained. Every user has different needs, and so this is an important aspect.

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Make Your Own Ringtones

Most mobile phones allow users to create free ringtones. In this way, a cell phone user can personalize their hand held device. Though, personalizing a ringtone is not the only way that someone can express themselves through their phone. Mobile phones come in a vast array of colors, shapes and designs. In addition to the shells and outer appearance of the phones, the inside of the phone can be personalized as well. Mobile phones come equipped with a variety of choices for the menu background. However, most also allow the user to take pictures, which can also be used for the background. In addition to that, the user may go online to choose from an inexhaustible selection of premade backgrounds. The user simply downloads the image and places it on the background. The user interface on the screen can be set to a theme, so that the size, shape and colors of the numbers and menu choices are all fashionably coordinated. Now that mobile device is visually appealing and expresses the personality of its owner, you can make your own ringtones to personalize the device even more.

A ringtone is the sound made by an incoming call. In the infancy of cellular and mobile receiving devices, it was impossible to create free ringtones. The hand held products came with a selection of ten to twenty songs and sounds that the owner could choose from. "Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance." (Psalm 89:15) If they were so inclined, the song or sound could be changed on a daily basis. This eventually led to recording artists and record labels offering debut songs for a nominal fee. This was an excellent advertising tool. As people inadvertently listened to twenty seconds of a new song, interest was piqued, and another record was potentially sold. If an observer truly loved the song, they would not hesitate to ask the owner of the mobile device about the recording artist. The owner was rewarded, because for as little as $.99, incoming calls sang their favorite song and set them apart in a crowd. The ringtone industry began to boom in the late 1990s and grew to be a multi-billion dollar business in just a few short years. As a technologically savvy generation matured into a hands-on consumer base, more and more people began to create free ringtones. There are now several software companies that ease the process of choosing, formatting and uploading a favorite song or sound to a hand held device. Most mobile products accept a wide variety of formats for the ringtones their products will recognize and utilize. This fact, coupled by the increase in advanced software made for personal computer users, has made it so easy to make your own ringtones. With this capability, the average user can have hundreds of songs, sounds and creations to choose from when responding to an incoming call.

As stated before, the formats supported by cellular and mobile devices today are quite numerous. Most phones support .wav and mp3 files. Knowing this is helpful when beginning to create free ringtones. Most computers have the ability to send the sound wave out, versus in. This capability is customarily sound under the start menu, then under entertainment. When a computer is set for the wave out capability, it will record anything playing. This will allow the user to record a CD in the CD drive, a song found on the Internet or even the sound of their child laughing, in the event they have a microphone jack on their computer processor. Open a media player and begin to search among stored songs, surf the Internet for favorite tunes or record your kids laughing or your dog's bark. Before recording from a microphone port or from the song on the computer, know that only twenty seconds are needed for an average ringtone on a mobile hand held device. When you have recorded twenty seconds of your favorite song or sound, you are well on your way as you begin to make your own ringtones. Save the sound or section as a .wav or .mp3 file, both of which are supported by most commercial mobile devices.

There are at least two options for a cellular user after successfully recording the desired song or sound. Several software products that were specifically created to transfer sound files to mobile devices can be purchased and downloaded, and a few are even free downloads. These applications can be downloaded to a computer, then subsequently to a mobile phone, or they can be directly downloaded to a cellular device that has Internet capabilities. These software applications provide a menu-based interface for downloaded sound bytes and songs that have been recorded. The software loads the sound files onto the memory of the phone then allows the user to create free ringtones from them. The other option available to a mobile phone user is to locate the phone's email address from the packaging or by sending your home computer a photo from your picture phone. Your phone's Internet address will show up in the "from:" section in the email. From the processor that houses the recorded files, the user should send an email to the address of the phone. In the email, attach the sound files. From the phone, open the text message. Click on the attachment to open it, and store it with the other sound files that originally came with the phone. In this way, many new phones allow you to make your own ringtones. Regardless, of the route you choose to upload the files to the phone, you can make free ringtones. From there, follow the instructions on the phone's main menu to choose them as ringtones.

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Free Internet Service Providers

Free Internet service providers may be found online but some have limited access and charge based upon a per minute connection fee. Free Internet service usually includes a limited number of hours of service per month and usage exceeding that is billed to the customer. This may work well for individuals who don't use more than a few hours per month but those extra charges could add up quickly. Some of these companies charge a setup fee and require a credit card for sign up. Plans may include an email account and limited customer support. Consider all charges and stipulations when signing a contract for free Internet service.

Some providers offer fast connection speeds, email, instant messaging, nationwide access numbers, and compatibility with most web browsers. It is possible to sign up for a free trial period and then upgrade to a premium plan for additional benefits. Most free Internet service providers have pop-up blockers, virus protection for email, additional storage space for email accounts, and online account management for upgraded service but a free plan may be limited on features. It would be smart to shop around and do some comparisons on different plans and providers before making a final decision and consider taking advantage of free trial periods. Pray and ask friends about the provider they use before signing up for a free plan. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5).

Additional expenses could occur when using long distance access numbers. These charges will usually show up on one's phone bill through free Internet service. Make sure the access numbers used are local to avoid unnecessary charges. Many companies charge extra for customer support issues and contacting technical support. Check system requirements before signing up with free Internet service providers, by checking their site online for the information. There are minimum requirements needed to be able to properly connect to the Web and the recommended requirements will provide access at higher speeds. When browsing the Web it is easy to become frustrated when access is slow. There are a few things that the surfer can do to make access easier and faster, check into upgrading to make a difference in browsing capabilities. When using a dial up connection be sure and get a high speed modem preferably at least 56k.

Research and know what to expect when using free Internet service providers. Some have banner ads that pop up occasionally during use which could slow down browsing. Some providers will disconnect the user after 30 minutes of being idle thus causing the user to have to reconnect which also slows down browsing. For greater ease and flexibility with browsing choose off-peak hours to surf. If more people are trying to access the same web page it could slow down loading time and cause frustration. Free Internet service companies should be able to give some insight on off-peak hours and the best time to access the Web.

Another thing to check that can slow browsing is opening too many browser windows at once. For easy access to favorite web pages use the "Favorites" folder and save in the folder for easy access and faster surfing. Ask companies about bandwidth since a higher-bandwidth connection will carry more information at one time than a low band-width connection. Consider emptying the "cache" or deleting temporary Internet files from time to time as a full folder could slow down surfing performance and loading speeds. When browsing the Internet limit searches by being as specific as possible when using keywords, doing so will save time when trying to find information on the Web.

When downloading large files, such as music files, a slow connection could prove to be very frustrating. Large downloaded files often can take hours depending on the type of contents of information and the size of the file. When signing up for a plan, find out what the speed is for downloading and uploading files. Upload speed and download speed will usually vary depending on the connection. Downstream is used for downloading email and Web pages while upstream is used for sending files through email. Usually download speeds are faster than upload speeds through free Internet service providers.

Consider investing in computer Internet security by installing anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall protection, pop-up blocking, email junk mail filter, and parental controls. Free Internet service may not include these features but many providers offer these additional features with premium service that is based upon a monthly charge. Invest in anti-virus software that will detect any foreign invaders immediately and have the capability of cleaning the infected files or deleting them. Set up anti-virus software to check all attachments received through email before downloading. Invest in anti-spyware that will provide continuous protection from porn sites, adware and other threats. Parental controls are a good idea for families that have children who frequently use the family computer unattended.

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Instant Messaging Security

Implementing instant messaging security policies and protocol has become a grave concern for large and small corporations. Largely due to the threat of malicious viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and cyberspace piracy, many companies have taken measures to safeguard sensitive and confidential data which, if accessed by an attacker or competitor, could threaten a business' viability. Knowledge is power and knowledge of strategic data, government secrets, and the identities and social security numbers of key personnel or ordinary citizens could jeopardize the security of a company or an entire country. However, as hackers and malicious viruses increase, network administrators are challenged with the task of preventing electronic communications, such as emails, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and instant messaging (IM) from being used to infiltrate system computers.

In order to block instant messaging which may be susceptible to malicious attacks, corporate network administrators install high quality instant messaging security which monitors, detects, and stops infected files in their tracks. The key to avoiding damage to individual workstation computers or a corporate network is to quickly and efficiently disrupt instant messaging events at their point of entry before viruses and worms carried in electronic communications infiltrate or expose sensitive corporate data or files. Malicious worms and Trojan horses typically "piggyback" onto vulnerable IM servers or attach themselves to programs frequently used by unwary individuals and companies. Viruses can easily infiltrate systems if administrators and users are not watchful. Similarly, we can be caught unaware if we are not mindful of the condition of the soul: "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man" (Luke 21:34-36).

Employees at small and large businesses utilize approximately ten different IM software programs for electronic communication. But these programs have varying security weaknesses. Some are prone to infection by viruses and bugs and susceptible to infiltration and exploitation by malicious hackers. IM programs can leave systems vulnerable upon user login, during file transfers or downloads, and at service messages. Other programs lack sufficient protocol to encrypt usernames, IP addresses, and passwords, which are sent and stored in http proxy logs, readily accessible to experienced hackers and viruses. Certain programs may also cause game buffer overflows, which can enable hackers to overwrite a computer's memory with data and gain remote access to a corporate PC and potentially, the entire network.

By employing instant messaging security, corporate network administrators can readily detect and block vulnerable IM programs before they can do considerable damage. IM infiltration prevention software can be installed to enable protection against potential cyberspace crime. Once installed, administrators can monitor and disrupt instant messaging from users of vulnerable programs at the desktop. Administrators can electronically designate when and under what conditions security programs should block instant messaging -- whether upon user login, file transfer, downloads, or message request. If employees attempt to access or transfer files via vulnerable IM programs, the program automatically blocks logins, transfers, or peer to peer electronic communication.

Messaging networks which connect several users to decentralized servers are most susceptible to infiltration. While these networks are great at enabling several users to converse online, adept security measures can block instant messaging which may threaten the integrity of systems and allow sensitive data to leak out into the public domain. Networks connect users via a set of IP addresses of identified systems, which enable clients to "talk" and share files. However, the danger is that those shared IP addresses and files may become vulnerable to harmful viruses or hackers. One infected computer can easily transfer infected files throughout a corporate network. The greatest fear is that employers, such as hospitals, federal and state governments, and military installations might have databases infiltrated and security compromised through unscrupulous use of electronic communication or an intentional cyberspace attack.

Corporations which seek to implement instant messaging security should be diligent in designing policies for employer electronic communication, including the use of workplace computers and peripherals for personal applications, emailing, and texting. Once policies are in place, installing preventative software, such as antivirus and firewall programs to detect and block spam, suspicious downloads, viruses, worms, and Trojan horses is the next prudent step. Companies should also install and update IM patches periodically to keep current with provider improvements, which can eliminate detected vulnerabilities. Passwords and saved conversations should never be stored on a computer; and IM logs can be periodically purged from electronic files and selectively stored as hard copies in a safe location with limited access.

Installing internet messaging security software to monitor employee usage and block instant messaging should be the next line of defense. Corporations can buy into high quality internet security programs to help safeguard sensitive data and secure employee and company identities, especially IP addresses, usernames, and passwords. Another nearly failsafe method of securing communications is to install a corporate dedicated server which would handle IMs and emailing in-house. Accessibility could be limited to network administrators and monitored through internet messaging security programs. Having control over online employee communications and implementing a security policy; training employees on the importance of safeguarding private, corporate and personal data; and installing internet security and antivirus protection software are necessary tools to keep small and large companies viable without fear of infiltration.

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