Internet telephony lets you make real-time voice, fax and even video calls over the Internet. Many small businesses are experimenting with Internet telephony, mainly because it can significantly reduce telecommunications costs.
You might also hear it called voice over IP (VoIP) or voice over the Internet (VoI). A somewhat synonymous term, IP telephony most commonly refers to voice calls routed over a private intranet or wide area network (WAN), as opposed to the public Internet.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Site Loads, But Features Don't Function Properly
Solutions:
The site may contain a Java applet , ActiveX control , JavaScript , or some other advanced feature that your browser cannot process. Make sure that: your browser is capable of using such features, and that these capabilities are activated (see your browser's "Preferences" or "Options" menu).
Download a newer version of your browser if necessary. Look under "Help" in your browser's menu bar to determine its version. For Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer, download Version 3 or higher if you have not already done so.
Your browser might require a plug-in (auxiliary file) to use a feature contained in the site. Most sites will provide a link for downloading the necessary plug-in; Microsoft Internet Explorer will attempt to download whatever plug-ins it needs automatically.
If you are on a slow connection (slower than 28.8 kbps), have a slow CPU , or if you are online at a particularly busy time, your system may have trouble downloading or processing the feature. Try again at a different time, or just be patient. If your computer has consistent problems processing Java or ActiveX, disable those capabilities.
Some "virtual memory" applications, which allow a computer to operate as though it has more RAM than it actually does, can interfere with browsers. If you use virtual memory software and experience frequent problems with your browser, remove the virtual memory software. If your computer needs more memory, upgrade it with actual RAM.
The site contains non-standard HTML or unusual scripting that is specific to a particular browser. Look for special instructions on the site concerning preferred browsers and plug-ins that enable other browsers to use the features. Many sites offer alternative (usually text-only) pages for users without certain capabilities.
The site contains code that is erroneous or corrupt. If you believe this to be the case, notify the Webmaster.
The site may contain a Java applet , ActiveX control , JavaScript , or some other advanced feature that your browser cannot process. Make sure that: your browser is capable of using such features, and that these capabilities are activated (see your browser's "Preferences" or "Options" menu).
Download a newer version of your browser if necessary. Look under "Help" in your browser's menu bar to determine its version. For Netscape Navigator and Internet Explorer, download Version 3 or higher if you have not already done so.
Your browser might require a plug-in (auxiliary file) to use a feature contained in the site. Most sites will provide a link for downloading the necessary plug-in; Microsoft Internet Explorer will attempt to download whatever plug-ins it needs automatically.
If you are on a slow connection (slower than 28.8 kbps), have a slow CPU , or if you are online at a particularly busy time, your system may have trouble downloading or processing the feature. Try again at a different time, or just be patient. If your computer has consistent problems processing Java or ActiveX, disable those capabilities.
Some "virtual memory" applications, which allow a computer to operate as though it has more RAM than it actually does, can interfere with browsers. If you use virtual memory software and experience frequent problems with your browser, remove the virtual memory software. If your computer needs more memory, upgrade it with actual RAM.
The site contains non-standard HTML or unusual scripting that is specific to a particular browser. Look for special instructions on the site concerning preferred browsers and plug-ins that enable other browsers to use the features. Many sites offer alternative (usually text-only) pages for users without certain capabilities.
The site contains code that is erroneous or corrupt. If you believe this to be the case, notify the Webmaster.
Cannot Access a Particular Web Site
Solutions:
Web sites are not permanent, and may change URL addresses or even close without notice. In such cases, hotlinks to affected sites are not always updated or deleted right away. If you receive an error message when attempting to access a particular site, try searching for a more up-to-date URL via a Web index.
Some access providers maintain their own archives (caches ) of Web sites in order to speed up access. Sometimes, this archiving process will inadvertently disable certain Web functions, making some pages difficult or impossible to access properly. Also, this archiving process can prevent you from loading the most current version of a page (a dilemma most noticeable when accessing news sites or other resources that change frequently).
Your access provider may maintain firewalls that prevent you from accessing certain Internet resources for security reasons. Contact your service provider if you believe this to be the case.
A Webmaster may establish bozo filters that block certain users from accessing Web pages. Some bozo filters are temporary, so wait a few days to see if it is removed. Otherwise, try contacting the Webmaster to see if there are other ways of accessing the site.
Some Web sites require registration before you can access them. Follow the registration procedure (which may require you to pay a fee before full access is granted).
Your access software may contain a monitoring application that blocks access to Internet resources considered inappropriate for children. Disable this application if necessary; if you need help, ask your service provider.
If the server containing the site is overloaded or "down," you will not be able to access the site. Try again later.
Web sites are not permanent, and may change URL addresses or even close without notice. In such cases, hotlinks to affected sites are not always updated or deleted right away. If you receive an error message when attempting to access a particular site, try searching for a more up-to-date URL via a Web index.
Some access providers maintain their own archives (caches ) of Web sites in order to speed up access. Sometimes, this archiving process will inadvertently disable certain Web functions, making some pages difficult or impossible to access properly. Also, this archiving process can prevent you from loading the most current version of a page (a dilemma most noticeable when accessing news sites or other resources that change frequently).
Your access provider may maintain firewalls that prevent you from accessing certain Internet resources for security reasons. Contact your service provider if you believe this to be the case.
A Webmaster may establish bozo filters that block certain users from accessing Web pages. Some bozo filters are temporary, so wait a few days to see if it is removed. Otherwise, try contacting the Webmaster to see if there are other ways of accessing the site.
Some Web sites require registration before you can access them. Follow the registration procedure (which may require you to pay a fee before full access is granted).
Your access software may contain a monitoring application that blocks access to Internet resources considered inappropriate for children. Disable this application if necessary; if you need help, ask your service provider.
If the server containing the site is overloaded or "down," you will not be able to access the site. Try again later.
Incoming Calls Break Net Connection
Solutions:
If you have Call Waiting on the phone line that you're using to access the Net, incoming calls will interrupt your Net connection. Depending on how your connection software responds to such disruption, you might have to reboot your computer as a result. If incoming calls pose a problem for you:
Temporarily disable Call Waiting on your phone line by dialing *70 (some connection software can do this for you automatically). On an office line, dial "9" first. Call Waiting will automatically be restored when you disconnect. Exact procedures may differ by region and phone company; contact your phone company for details.
Switch to a phone line that does not have Call Waiting.
Permanently cancel the Call Waiting service on your phone line.
If you have Call Waiting on the phone line that you're using to access the Net, incoming calls will interrupt your Net connection. Depending on how your connection software responds to such disruption, you might have to reboot your computer as a result. If incoming calls pose a problem for you:
Temporarily disable Call Waiting on your phone line by dialing *70 (some connection software can do this for you automatically). On an office line, dial "9" first. Call Waiting will automatically be restored when you disconnect. Exact procedures may differ by region and phone company; contact your phone company for details.
Switch to a phone line that does not have Call Waiting.
Permanently cancel the Call Waiting service on your phone line.
Accessing the Web and Other Resources Takes a Long Time
Solutions:
During particularly busy times, your Internet access provider—along with other servers and gateways on the Net—might slow down substantially. Some providers report that the hours 12 noon - 3 PM and 9 - 11 PM Eastern time are "prime time" because many users from all the North American time zones are online for fun as well as business. If you experience consistently slow performance within a specific time frame, try logging on at a different time (the early morning hours are typically the least busy).
If your modem speed is slower than 14.4 kbps , accessing the more elaborate graphics and other resources on the Web will be difficult, if not impossible. To enhance the speed at which your computer accesses information on the Net, replace your modem with a model that transmits data at 28.8 kbps or faster.
Some Internet access providers require that you dial into a special number in order to take advantage of higher speeds (namely 28.8 kbps). Double-check your connection settings to make sure you are dialing in to the number that will offer you the best performance.
Most Web browsers allow you to turn off the automatic downloading of graphics when accessing a Web site, thereby speeding access time. Although Web sites will not look as attractive when you choose this option, you will access the text and hotlinks (the "guts" of most sites!) much more quickly. And, you can always load the picture later on by clicking on your browser's RELOAD or REFRESH button, or by clicking on the blank placeholder of the page graphic (usually designated by a "?" or other icon).
Sites that rely on plug-in or helper applications , or that contain special features such as Java applets , usually take longer to load than less complex sites.
During particularly busy times, your Internet access provider—along with other servers and gateways on the Net—might slow down substantially. Some providers report that the hours 12 noon - 3 PM and 9 - 11 PM Eastern time are "prime time" because many users from all the North American time zones are online for fun as well as business. If you experience consistently slow performance within a specific time frame, try logging on at a different time (the early morning hours are typically the least busy).
If your modem speed is slower than 14.4 kbps , accessing the more elaborate graphics and other resources on the Web will be difficult, if not impossible. To enhance the speed at which your computer accesses information on the Net, replace your modem with a model that transmits data at 28.8 kbps or faster.
Some Internet access providers require that you dial into a special number in order to take advantage of higher speeds (namely 28.8 kbps). Double-check your connection settings to make sure you are dialing in to the number that will offer you the best performance.
Most Web browsers allow you to turn off the automatic downloading of graphics when accessing a Web site, thereby speeding access time. Although Web sites will not look as attractive when you choose this option, you will access the text and hotlinks (the "guts" of most sites!) much more quickly. And, you can always load the picture later on by clicking on your browser's RELOAD or REFRESH button, or by clicking on the blank placeholder of the page graphic (usually designated by a "?" or other icon).
Sites that rely on plug-in or helper applications , or that contain special features such as Java applets , usually take longer to load than less complex sites.
Can't Connect to the Internet Service Provider
Solutions:
Make sure your modem is switched on and connected to a live phone line. If necessary, refer to your modem's user manual.
Make sure your connection software is configured properly. If necessary, refer to the original setup instructions, or call your provider's customer service number.
You might be having trouble with your phone line. Before attempting a connection, make sure that all phones on the line are hung up, and check for a dial tone. If you encounter a problem with your line that you cannot resolve on your own, contact your phone company by dialing 611, a service available in most areas in the U.S. (on someone else's phone, of course).
You may experience problems if your modem is "connected" to your phone line by way of a radio-based phone extension. While adequate for voice communications, these extenders usually do not provide a connection that is clean enough (noise-free) for digital transmissions.
The problem might not be on your end, but might lie with the service provider. Often, if too many users are logged on to a provider's system, the provider will not permit additional connections. Also, the provider might be performing system maintenance (though most providers try to do such work during "off" hours to minimize disruption). If you believe this to be the case, try connecting again until you establish a connection, or try another "point of presence" phone number for your provider.
Make sure your modem is switched on and connected to a live phone line. If necessary, refer to your modem's user manual.
Make sure your connection software is configured properly. If necessary, refer to the original setup instructions, or call your provider's customer service number.
You might be having trouble with your phone line. Before attempting a connection, make sure that all phones on the line are hung up, and check for a dial tone. If you encounter a problem with your line that you cannot resolve on your own, contact your phone company by dialing 611, a service available in most areas in the U.S. (on someone else's phone, of course).
You may experience problems if your modem is "connected" to your phone line by way of a radio-based phone extension. While adequate for voice communications, these extenders usually do not provide a connection that is clean enough (noise-free) for digital transmissions.
The problem might not be on your end, but might lie with the service provider. Often, if too many users are logged on to a provider's system, the provider will not permit additional connections. Also, the provider might be performing system maintenance (though most providers try to do such work during "off" hours to minimize disruption). If you believe this to be the case, try connecting again until you establish a connection, or try another "point of presence" phone number for your provider.
How Locating Internet Access Providers
If you already have Internet access but wish to learn about other access providers, go to TAG Online (http://www.tagsys.com/Provider/provider_search.html) or Mecklermedia's "The List" (http://www.thelist.com/), where you will be able to search databases of U.S. and international access providers by name, geographic location and area code.
If you do not already have Internet access, you can learn about Internet services that are available in your area by contacting your local library or telephone company for recommendations, or by consulting a local computer publication or computer store.
For information about international Internet access, see the section "The 'Net Around the World."
If you do not already have Internet access, you can learn about Internet services that are available in your area by contacting your local library or telephone company for recommendations, or by consulting a local computer publication or computer store.
For information about international Internet access, see the section "The 'Net Around the World."
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