CPAPtalk - First Ripples of Revolution?

[Tn-Ken]

I hate to be a naysayer but the internet as it's currently configured has way too much competition built in to possibly be "controlled" by anyone - no matter how big.

If my ISP is doing something that I don't like I have the choice of switching to a gazillion others - most of whom have terrific service with the exception of AOL!

I can create a website instantly on literally thousands if not millions of computers worldwide in less than 5 minutes.

So - while there are issues about cable and telephone companies restricting access to their cables - at the same time there is new technology (that I'm actually using) that lets us use the Cellular network for access. There IS too much money involved here for any company to block access - they'd simply lose the business to others with a better mouse-trap. - Just look at the PC business and IBM or Digital and the telephone business with AT&T getting blindsided by competition.

So - in my opinion (humble as ever!!) - the sky isn't falling - it's just raining hard in some places.

Happy Summer,
Ken

[unclebob]

Hi United AND Solo anarchists - no discrimination here,

First, Tn-Ken - you seem to know a lot about computers and such. Please tell me how I can get rid of all those damn pop up ads. They even appear when I want to look at a news story. Very distracting.

Anyway, I read that China has/had a method to restrict the general population from accessing their perceived unsuitable web info. If they can do it, it's not really a big stretch for big business, which largely has politicians in their pockets in the democratic world, to do the same.

But in the long run, isn't this the same old story. First, it was the sword. Then, the pen became mightier than the sword. What was next? - radio, Elvis, TV - just goes on and on.

Seems to me that it's just a matter of controlling the masses. In this day and age they use information overload, mis-information, lies, lotteries/taxes, and of course promises. This is in the free world, otherwise we're back to the sword. No choices there.

So as far as this forum is concerned, xPAPers need only be concerned with the eventual tax on the additional air they are consuming. The downside, of course, if you don't pay the tax - and on time - you'll just be cut off.

Pleasant dreams!

Bob F

P.S. - No refunds on xPAPs without air.

[NightHawkeye]

Please tell me how I can get rid of all those damn pop up ads.

That's an easy one UncleBob. Just download the Firefox browser. It'll solve lots of other potential problems too. It's the browser I use. http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/

Of course, if you quit visiting all those X-rated sites that'll help a lot too. .

Regards,
Bill

[cflame1]

you can also try downloading and running a program called Ad-aware put out by a company called Lavasoft. Use the free version.

[Tn-Ken]

Here's the set of things that I use to keep our systems clean:

1) a good router (I use the Kyocera KR1 for cellular service - Linksys 54GL would be perfect for those of you on cable or DSL) that enables network address translation. This keeps almost anyone out of your system except the real geniuses. Make sure to set this thing up using encryption - don't just use the standard settings because your neighbors will be delighted that they can just hop onto your web service if you do.

2) A good software firewall ( I use the AVG anti-virus and firewall which is much quicker and I think better than the two overbloated popular ones such as Norton and McAfee) Several years ago when I was wondering why my system was so slow I started disabling pieces of the software and found out that Norton was eating almost 20% of my resources just with the firewall and anti-virus modules.

3) Anti-Spy software (two good ones here - Webroot Spysweeper and Counterspy - either will do a great job) and yes, they are a must.

Of course I never use Internet Explorer (Firefox is indeed the browser of choice) and subscribe to several newsletters that are very helpful.

for those of you interested in more of this kind of thing I'd refer to you the site http://www.windowssecrets.com and wish you all luck.

By the way - I'm beginning to think that there is one perfect solution to all of this..... it's called MacIntosh !

[Amigo]

I hate to be a naysayer but the internet as it's currently configured has way too much competition built in to possibly be "controlled" by anyone - no matter how big.

If my ISP is doing something that I don't like I have the choice of switching to a gazillion others - most of whom have terrific service with the exception of AOL!

I can create a website instantly on literally thousands if not millions of computers worldwide in less than 5 minutes.

So - while there are issues about cable and telephone companies restricting access to their cables - at the same time there is new technology (that I'm actually using) that lets us use the Cellular network for access. There IS too much money involved here for any company to block access - they'd simply lose the business to others with a better mouse-trap. - Just look at the PC business and IBM or Digital and the telephone business with AT&T getting blindsided by competition.

So - in my opinion (humble as ever!!) - the sky isn't falling - it's just raining hard in some places.

Happy Summer,
Ken

Excuse me, but who do you think controls the access lines of those "gazilion" ISP's and Cellular networks?

The corporations that own the telephone lines, cellular networks, and cable access will be able to do whatever they please if Network neutrality is lost.

You have a "happy summer" also.

[Ric]

Excuse me, but who do you think controls the access lines of those "gazilion" ISP's and Cellular networks? The corporations that own the telephone lines, cellular networks, and cable access will be able to do whatever they please if Network neutrality is lost.

Amigo makes an important point: there are but a handful of big companies that own the wires. That they are even THINKING about putting tools in place to control the flow of information, and that congress is even THINKING about letting them, is cause for concern. Now that the "BIG 3" broadcast networks are loosing their grip on the giant "MIND CONTROL" button in our living room, there is cause for alarm that we might start sharing information and (heaven forbid) THINKING all by ourselves, without any help from the mind-control authorities. Sounds paranoid? Then ask why are they actually trying to pull it off. I'm actually hopeful that WI-MAX technology will expand the sheer number of "control points" as to become truly competitive as TN-ken was suggesting, and make the temptation to censor the thought content of the internet more difficult and less attractive and more obvious when they try to control/sensor it. See it for what it really is: AN EXPERIMENT IN MIND CONTROL.

(don't HAPPY, be WORRY!)

-Ric

[Tn-Ken]

Well - we disagree about competetion and the effect of it but that's fine. There are way too many players in the field even now. Do I think that there are people who would like to control everything - well sure! - but is it gonna happen - no way.

Examples of this are everywhere even in recent experience. Look at the uproar over Microsoft and all of the conspiracy theories that came up with them. They are losing market share every day because someone else (or several someone elses) has come up with a better idea. (Google, Linux etc) While I suspect Microsoft will morph and survive (like IBM has) it's very doubtful that they will ever have the market position that they had over the past few years.

Fortunately we live in a country where competition is not only permitted but celebrated - and now if we can get gorgeous George and the crew of raiders out of our government we'll hopefully come back to some sort of sanity.... but then, that's a different thread isn't it! <grin>

Ken

[Snoozin' Bluezzz]

Fortunately we live in a country where competition is not only permitted but celebrated - and now if we can get gorgeous George and the crew of raiders out of our government we'll hopefully come back to some sort of sanity.... but then, that's a different thread isn't it! <grin>Ken

I don't think I agree with you about competition being celebrated and permission would be revoked by many if it could be. I think this is a con, another part of the "Big Lie". Efforts to dismantle the protections that are available to protect the means of entry into one market, or another, are constant. Our current political environment supports those efforts. The opposition party can not radically campaign against such practices because they can not afford to alienate those who desire this. Business, particularly big businesses hate the anti-trust laws that protect us against vertical and horizontal monopolies. They are constantly active to weaken or even revoke them. Their motto could easily still be General Bullmoose's "what's good for General Bullmoose is good for America" and that assertion is categorically not true.

You point about ISPs does not hold for me either. I have two choice's for broadband access. My cable provider or my local phone company, that's it, and neither are great shakes. I think this is common for many people. I suspect that you are happy with it because, right now, it works for you.

David

[Tn-Ken]

We disagree. - that's ok. You're right that you probably now have only two alternatives but there are more on the way and that's what makes it work. There's ALWAYS something on the way.

Before you know it (and possibly even now) you have the availability of cellular access at wonderful speeds and even that will be superseded in a couple of years by another even better system.

An on it goes.

The glass is indeed half full.

and with that I'm done on this thread.

ciao!

[Amigo]

We disagree. - that's ok. You're right that you probably now have only two alternatives but there are more on the way and that's what makes it work. There's ALWAYS something on the way.

Before you know it (and possibly even now) you have the availability of cellular access at wonderful speeds and even that will be superseded in a couple of years by another even better system.

An on it goes.

The glass is indeed half full.

and with that I'm done on this thread.

ciao!

Well, even though our "Mr. Sunshine" has left the building, I cannot resist pointing out that he totally ignored the root of this problem by simply and repeatedly implying, 'there will always be a better tomorrow.'

What planet is this person from?!!

[Guest]

Not planet xPAP, at least it doesn't seem that way. Even if his way is somewhat true it only works for early adopters which is not characteristic of most of the world. If we are talking computer gadgets and communications then I tend to be an early adopter. Not so much so when it comes to my health. His example is also a virtually unregulated business, for good and ill, where technology has made barriers to entry a little less onerous. Even then the vested interests are doing their best to close that down. Hi-speed cellular is not cheap and requires access to large capacity pipes that the big boys own and want to lock down. All point of entry into the net requires that access to hi-speed pipe, that is why net-neutrality is an important issue. It's sort of analagous to saying you can't take your boat on my ocean unless you pay a fee commiserate with your size.

David

[Amigo]

...All point of entry into the net requires that access to hi-speed pipe, that is why net-neutrality is an important issue. It's sort of analagous to saying you can't take your boat on my ocean unless you pay a fee commiserate with your size.

David

Good analogy, David, and I'm relieved to see that at least someone here understands the perniciousness of what the telecoms and cable owners are trying to accomplish.

[Ric]

June 26, 2006


Richard:

Thank you for writing to me about open access to the
Internet and network neutrality. I appreciate hearing from you.

I agree with the general principles of network neutrality
that owners of the networks that provide access to the Internet
should not control how consumers lawfully use that network and
should not be able to discriminate against content provider access
to that network.

As Congress debates changes to our telecommunications
laws this year, many different proposals have been offered
regarding network neutrality. The question arises whether or not
action is needed to ensure unfettered access to the Internet. I
believe any workable solution must balance the needs of the
network, service and information providers. Please know that
when legislation regarding network neutrality comes before the
Senate I will be sure to keep your specific views in mind.

Again, thank you for writing. If you should have any
comments or questions, I hope you will feel free to contact my
Washington, DC staff at (202) 224-3841.

Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

http://feinstein.senate.gov

Further information about my position on issues of concern to California and the Nation are available at my website
http://feinstein.senate.gov. You can also receive electronic e-mail updates by subscribing to my e-mail list at
http://feinstein.senate.gov/issue.html.

[Offerocker]

...Before you know it (and possibly even now) you have the availability of cellular access at wonderful speeds and even that will be superseded in a couple of years by another even better system.

I accessed the internet via my cell phone about 4 years ago.