Tuesday, July 15, 2008 

Moving Around Bangkok On A Budget

Bangkok, Thailand is an amazing city in the heart of South East Asia. If you're living in Asia, chances are you've visited the city, or have a friend or relative who has. If you're not, here are some tips on how to navigate your way around.

If there are any budget carriers flying into Bangkok from your country, hop onto it - airlines like Jetstar Asia, AirAsia and Tiger Airline offer pretty decent service for a very low cost. Otherwise, catch Thai Airways or any other airline that passes by your country en-route to Bangkok.

The new international airport is Suvarnabhumi Airport, and is located about 30-45 minutes away from the city. The layout is longitudinal, so it does take some time to get your bearings upon arrival. Passport clearance and baggage claim should be quick, depending on the time of day you arrive.

When you step out of the departure area, you will see many representatives of the airport limousine companies offering car services into the city. The cost of these is about 3 times that of a regular street cab, which can be easily found. Head towards the signs showing the way to buses, and go down the escalator where you can find the taxi stand. Getting to the city from here should cost no more than USD10. Best part is, you won't to negotiate with the driver, as the price is metered, and destination pre-arranged at the cab counter.

In the city, choose to live near the sky train system, or BTS. This is a city-wide monorail network that takes you to most of the major shopping and business areas. The fares on the network are very affordable, and the service is efficient. If you're getting to an area not served by the Skytrain, you can experience the adventure of a tuk-tuk or auto rickshaw for a very low fare.

If you intend to stay beyond a couple of days, and intend to make local or overseas calls on your cellphone, remember to purchase a prepaid SIM card for your cellphone. Some of the local operators are AIS, and TRUE. You can be sure that this will save you bundles compared to your Vodaphone or Singtel Autoroam.

This article appears on http://vacation-guide.info Vacation Guide offers trip planning resources as well as tips on maximizing your travel dollar.

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How to Connect Multiple Computers to One Broadband Internet Connection

Broadband, or high-speed, Internet connection is what many users currently use in their home. Along with high-speed Internet, many users may also use a router to allow multiple computers to connect to the Internet. This post will describe how a router is used to connect multiple computers. To make it easier to understand, I will use where you live as a comparison to how your computer is connected to the Internet.

What is an IP Address?

IP addresses are a series of numbers in the form: nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn, where nnn is a one to three digit number. An IP address is unique to an individual computer on a network, similar to how your home has a unique address. For an Internet connection, an IP address is supplied by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). In some cases, your ISP may provide you with more than one IP address, which allows you to connect multiple computers. As you will see later, however, you can still connect multiple computers with a single IP address.

Connecting a Single Computer

Connecting a single computer to your high-speed Internet is very simple to do. Simply connect a network cable into your modem, and then into the network card in your computer. Your computer will then be assigned an IP address from your ISP. For example, if your ISP assigned you the IP address of 24.24.50.17, then your computer will have that IP address.

When you make a request to a server, such as for a Web page, the Web server knows which IP address made the request. The information is then sent through the Internet and back to your computer. This is similar to when someone sends you mail to your home. The address on the mail allows it to be delivered to your home and not somewhere else.

Connecting Multiple Computers

How can multiple computers connect if only one address is assigned? When you make a request for a Web page, how does it know which computer requested that page? Let's take our home analogy one step further. Let's say instead of living in a house, you live in an apartment. When someone sends you mail, they not only include your address but also an apartment number. This number is internal to your apartment building and every apartment has its own unique number. Similarly, multiple computers can connect to the Internet if they each had there own unique local IP address. This can be handled by a router.

A router is a piece of hardware that connects directly to the modem. Each computer is then connected to the router, instead of the modem. Now instead of your computer having the IP address supplied by your ISP, your router now is assigned that IP address. This is similar to your router acting as the apartment building.

The beauty of a router is that it can assign its own local IP addresses. When you connect a computer to the router it now receives one of the IP addresses assigned by your router, similar to how each apartment has it's own number. Now when you make a request for a Web page, the request is sent using the same ISP address, but this time it is assigned to the router. When the Web page is returned, the router receives the request, and sends it locally to the computer that requested the page.

The router also has its own local address that is similar to the local IP addresses of the computers. So now the router has two addresses assigned to it: an external one provided by your ISP, and a local one provided by it. This allows the router to connect to both the Internet and the local network.

Note: The 192.168.xxx.xxx address are special IP addresses reserved for Local Area Networks (LANs).

Managing a FTP or Web Server on Your Network

Let's take a look at this scenario. You have a router connecting multiple computers to the Internet. But now you want to create a FTP or Web server. No problem. You setup the necessary software on a computer on your network, told someone outside your network the local IP address of your FTP server and they try to connect. They then discover that they can't connect. Why? Its similar to someone mailing something to you by just specifying your apartment number and no address.

The IP address assigned to your computer is local to your network. You can connect to that computer from within your network, but not from the Internet. You will need to use your ISP-assigned IP address (the one assigned to your router) to have someone from the Internet connect to your FTP server. The problem is that your router is assigned that IP and not your computer, and since an IP address must be unique, how can two computers have the same IP? The answer: they can't, but they don't need to.

Routers have the ability to forward information on a port to a specific computer. A port is a numbered channel that data can be sent through on a network. You cannot physically see it as it is a virtual channel used extensively in networking for sending/receiving data. For FTP servers the default port is 21; however another port can be used.

Open your router setup and look for the port forwarding option. Specify the internal IP address of your FTP server and the port number and then save that information. Now when a user tries to access your FTP site, they must use the ISP IP address that is assigned to your router. The router will then notice that the data is being sent on port 21 and then forward it automatically to your FTP server. A Web server can be setup the same way, but its default port is usually 80.

Note: By default a router will dynamically assign IP addresses to the computers connected to it. This means that the first computer to connect to the router will get the first available IP address, and the next will get the second, and so on. If you manage an FTP server, it may be easier to assign a static IP address to the computers to ensure that the FTP server always has the same IP address.

This article described how to connect one or more computers to one Internet connection. It is important to remember the following:

  1. If you have one computer connected directly to the modem, then that computer will be assigned the IP address from your ISP.
  2. When using a router, the the router will be assigned the IP address from your ISP. Any computers connected to the router will be assigned a local address by the router.
  3. A router will have the ISP IP address and a local IP address. This allows it to connect to both the Internet and your network.
  4. When setting up a computer as a FTP, Web, or other server to communicate over the Internet, it is important to use the router's IP address to access your server. You will then need to forward the necessary port to your server.

For more information, please read the Technically Easy blog.

Paul Salmon has been involved with computers for 20 years and currently works as a technical systems analyst. He has been involved in many aspects of computers including hardware, software development and quality assurance. He currently maintains Technically Easy, a blog that provides information about various technologies in use today.

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ADSL Modems

Users who want to connect to ADSL broadband use the ADSL modem to do so. ADSL modems are a very cost-effective solution for users and are popular across the world, including the US. The ADSL modem enables the transfer of Internet data directly to the computer. The data rates provided by ADSL modems are consistent with North American and European digital hierarchies. Users can purchase these modems from the market with various speed ranges and capabilities. The minimum configuration enables data rates of 1.5 or 2.0 Mbps downstream in a 16 kbps duplex channel. Other configurations offer rates of 6.1 Mbps along with a 64 kbps duplex. One can also opt for products with downstream rates of 8 Mbps and duplex rates of up to 640 kbps.

There are three types of ADSL modems. They are the ethernet ADSL modem, the PCI ADSL modem, and the USB ADSL modem. The ethernet ADSL modem can be fed directly into a PC ethernet port or used to add a modem to certain broadband routers. The PCI ADSL modem fits inside the computer. USB ADSL modems are the most popular form of all ADSL modems, and they are designed for connecting individual computers to ADSL lines.

Now, how does an ADSL modem function? The ADSL modem organizes the stream of aggregate data in blocks. These data are created by multiplexing downstream channels, the duplex channels, and the maintenance channels. While transmitting the data, the ADSL modem attaches an error-correction code to each block. ADSL modems are capable of accommodating ATM transport with variable rates and compensation for ATM overhead, as well as the IP protocols.

ADSL modems can create multiple channels to transfer data. For this, ADSL modems divide the available bandwidth of a telephone line in one of two ways - Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) and Echo Cancellation. The FDM assigns one band for upstream data and assigns another band for the downstream data. Further, the downstream path gets sub-divided into one or more high-speed channels by time division multiplexing. Similarly, the upstream path also gets multiplexed into corresponding low-speed channels. Echo Cancellation enables the upstream band to overlap the downstream band. These two bands get separated by means of local echo cancellation. Both Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) and Echo Cancellation techniques enable ADSL to split off a 4 kHz region for POTS at the DC end of the band.

However, in spite of the tremendous capabilities of ADSL modems, it is recommended that Internet users using modems should not be awed with the technological capabilities of the modem, and install firewall software for added security.

ADSL provides detailed information on ADSL, ADSL Modems, ADSL Web Hosting, ADSL Routers and more. ADSL is affiliated with DSL Service.

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Gorilla(?) Marketing

A lot has been written about Guerrilla Marketing Strategies.

Does that mean putting on a monkey suit to attract attention? Of course not.

Ormaybe Yes.

Guerrilla Marketing has been championed in recent years by Jay Conrad Levinson, whos written a series of books on the subject. The name simply implies means by which you can implement marketing ideas through low-cost, non-traditional methods.

True story: when I was Advertising Manager at Royal Insurance, I received an unusual delivery one day. When I opened the box, inside was one of those plastic foot models you see in a shoe or department store. This foot?was wearing a sneakerand a note attached from a local ad agency which said, in essence, Now that weve got our foot in the doorlets set up a meeting to discuss how the (name) Ad Agency can assist you and Royal Insurance in your marketing endeavors?/p>

Well, I thought it was brilliant, and invited the guy in post-haste. How can you not respond to something like that?

Here are some other ideas:

  • Send one of those inexpensive throw-away?cameras to a valued client or high-chance prospect with the message Picture us together?etc.)?/li>
  • Similarly, send one of those silly bottles (of candy) that typically are labeled Stress Busters?or Problem Solvers?and send that, along with an apt message that acknowledges the clients concernsalong with your ability to take care of it.

  • Consider old-fashioned bartering; according to Rick Crandall, PhD, and marketing author, Barter not only cuts your costs, but can also get you a beginning client base which can then provide further referrals and testimonials.?/li>

Guerrilla marketing is as far-reaching and all-inclusive as you want it to be. It doesnt have to be wild?or inconsistent with your business or industry. It just has to be different. To paraphrase Oscar Wilde, the worst sin one can commit is to be dull.

So start to think outside the box. And inside, and alongside, and near side and far side?/p>

Joel Kweskin is the principal behind JDK Marketing Communications Management.

He is a former Advertising Manager and Creative Director for Royal (& SunAlliance) Insurance, helping to earn several industry awards for excellence in advertising and marketing communications. During this period, he served as national Vice President of the Insurance Marketing Communications Association (IMCA) and was representative to the Association of National Advertisers (ANA).

He has been a copywriter for New York City and Charlotte advertising agencies; his writing skills embrace virtually all disciplines of marketing promotion and journalism.

Since 1996, through the emergence of his own company, Kweskin has offered consultation on marketing strategy and creative development and implementation for such diverse national, regional and local corporate names as BellSouth Mobility DCS (Verizon); Transamerica Reinsurance; Bristol-Myers Squibb; John Deere; Moissanite Jewelry; Pro-Med Emergency Care; Charlotte Housing Authority and Archadeck.

Kweskin has also displayed his skills on both the publication stage and the theatrical stage: he co-authored articles for National Lampoon magazine and co-scripted a comedy revue off-Broadway in New York City.

Joel Kweskin JDK Marketing Communications Management 704.846.4835, office 704.575.8850, cell 704.841.2746, fax http://www.jdkmarketing.biz

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Tweaks to Speed Up Internet Streaming Video

The birth of Guerilla Video?sites, such as Peekvid.com, Alluc.org and Youtube.com have given users instant access to a plethora of free media files. Although streaming video technology offers instant access to video files, zero loading time is not always possible. There are many factors that attribute to your computer's ability to start videos immediately. Other factors such as choppy PC video playback and slow video streaming also hinder your viewing experience. There are easy fixes to these problems. Sometimes choosing another site for the source of the video streaming or a lower quality version of the video can award you with instant play. These alternatives are not always available. However, there are a number of tweaks that help speed up your streaming video startup times, eliminate choppy PC video play and stop slow streaming video.

Before we start with the tweaks to speed up slow streaming video, lets get a basic understanding of streaming video technology in order to stop choppy video. Streaming video is a prerecorded video files that can be distributed as part of a live broadcast "feed." The video signal is converted into a compressed digital signal and transmitted from a Web server. This server is able to be multicast the same file to multiple users at the same time. When you click on the on the video it is partially loaded before you can access it. This is known as buffering? This helps you to load and play the video instantaneously. Now lets take a look on how to cut down on buffering time, stop slow streaming video and eliminate choppy PC video playback .

Common Streaming Video Problems

Problem #1: Choppy PC Video Playback--Choppy video is usually a PC performance related issue. Here are a few things you can try to stop choppy playback and improve computer performance.

Solution A. Turn Off Hardware AccelerationAll media applications require different aspects of your computer's hardware. Depending on the task, the requirements may change. Turning off hardware acceleration allows the application to set the requirements itself and not be forced to use one universal setting. Hardware acceleration has been to known to cause choppy PC playback, application crashes and slow streaming video problems.

You can eliminate the problem below:

1.Click on Start?BR>
2.Click Control Panel?BR>
3.Select the Settings?tab and click on the Advanced?

4.Click on the Troubleshoot?tab.

5.Disable the hardware acceleration completely by dragging the slider to the extreme left.

Solution B. Turn off Video AccelerationThe reason for this tweak is the similar to hardware acceleration. This act frees up resources in your media player and not your hardware. However you will need to decrease video acceleration in your chosen player. Some sites like Youtube.com don't offer this option. However, Windows Media Player gives the ability to easily alter this problem, follow the steps below. Other players' instructions will vary.

1. In Windows Media Player

2. Click the Tools?menu tab

3. Click on Options?BR>
4. Select the Performance?tab.

5. Move the Video Acceleration Slider to None?/p>

Solution C. Adjust your Windows Desktop Visual EffectsYou computer will get a significance boost in
speed. This tweak will also free up more resources for your media player and PC performance.

1.Click Start? and then click Control Panel?

2.Click System?and Choose "Display".

3.Find the Advanced?tab and Click

4.Under Performance? Click Settings?BR>
5.Under Visuals Effects? you may choose from a list of options such as Adjust for best performance?or custom. If you choose Adjust for best performance all the features will be unchecked.

For more performance tips check the Ways to Speed Up Your PC?/a> to free up more resources to stop PC choppy playback.

Problem #2: Slow and Constant BufferingThis problem can be attributed to two factors internet speed and your media player. You can tweak your PC setting in both areas to cut down on slow streaming video. Remember that each player has its own buffer settings. Below is an how to change buffer setting in Media Player.

Solution A. Adjust Buffer Settings-- To change the default buffer settings in Windows Media Player, use the following steps:

1.Start Windows Media Player

2.Click the View?men

3.Click Options?BR>
4.On the Advanced?tab, click Streaming Media?Windows Media)

5.Click Change?to alter the buffer settings.

Remember that the higher you set the buffer the more of the clip will be loaded. The waiting time before you can see or hear the file will be longer, but there should be fewer interruptions once the clip begins to play.

Solution B. Use a Video Specific ProxyA proxy allows for popular files to be loaded onto its servers. This eliminates the need for your computer to load the files. For example if you use the proxy, YouTubeProxy.org, you will not have to wait for your computer to download popular YouTube.com content because it may be already loaded in the server. This is a great way to stop slow streaming video.

These are just a few tips to eliminate choppy PC video playback and slow streaming video. However, there are more advanced ways to stop this problem. Depending on the site, there may be independent software developed specifically to speed up slow streaming video. Also, remember the general maintenance is a good way to avoid choppy PC video playback.

For more speed tips visit:
http://www.delete-computer-history.com/how-to-speed-up-my-computer.html

And to solve other common PC problems visit:
http://www.delete-computer-history.com/fix-computer-problems.html

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