High-Speed Internet Customer Service Links

High-speed Internet. It's rampaging across the world like some kind of monster movie, only the monster is awesome and lets you watch gems like Brendan Fraser's goofy clapping while browsing your favorite Web sites. This high-speed monster is a kind monster, and likes to give you lots of bandwidth.

Even though high-speed Internet has seen rapid growth in the last few years in the U.S., it is not quite everywhere, and is continuing to move from home to home. It's becoming the norm now to have faster Internet, so much so that people are expecting free WiFi at hotels and in other publicly visited places.

In fact, high-speed Internet is one of WhiteFence's most ordered products for the last couple of months, which still surprises me. I suppose I've been used to having it for a few years, so I forget that other people might not have made the plunge yet. Seeing as how there are dozens of providers out there providing all these megabytes to PCs (and Macs, I know) across the country, I figured I'd post links for their high-speed customer support centers all in one place. That way, if you've got any questions about a provider, you can check it out.

Save Wasted Energy with a Smart Power Strip

We’ve written about vampire energy before and recommended you upgrade to a smart power strip to fight the problem and increase your energy efficiency. TrickleStar has just released a new line of these green power strips, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to walk you through how they work.

Devices that you always want on, like your cable modem or phone, plug into special “always on” outlets. You pick one device that you want to function as the switch for the system, maybe your computer or TV, and plug that into the “control” outlet. All other devices get plugged into the remaining outlets. When you turn off the control device, the other devices are turned off and will no longer draw any current; it’s that just easy.

You might think that very little energy and money could be saved this way, but TrickleStar estimate that by using one TrickleStrip you can save up to $38 in electricity charges. Given that the TrickleStrips only cost a few dollars more than that, you’ll pay for the device in less than two years and then save on energy costs for years to come. In fact, they estimate that you could save over 300 dollars over the life of just one of the strips. That’s not a bad return for just swapping out a power strip.

TrickleStrips for PC and TV use are on sale now at the TrickleStar store.

Image via TrickleStar

VoIP: Easy as 1-2-3

Disclaimer to whomever is in charge of Mr. Jackson's estate: please do not sue us for the title of this blog. We are alright people, and one time we even did a Thriller video in the office. Not really, but how cool would that be?

Anyway, the other day I was talking to my mom, who just recently purchased a new laptop. One of the features she was the most excited about was being able to video chat and Skype with other relatives. Yes, I just used Skype as a verb. Now, my mom is not a tech-savvy person in the slightest, so it was interesting to hear her talking about this, particularly with the amount I've been hearing about Skype, Google Voice and VoIP in general these days. I think it says a lot about the potential and growth of VoIP.

For the uninitiated, VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a technology that allows you to make telephone calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular (or analog) phone line.What makes people so excited about VoIP is its ease of use and potential savings benefits over some long distance carriers.

7 Things To Do Before and After Your Move

There's no getting around it, moving is an exercise in multi-tasking and stress management. Sometimes we succeed, and sometimes we turn it into an epic fail. It all depends on preparation.

Having moved just a few months ago, I don't envy anybody that's having to do it in the near future. That's why it's always good to make the transitions as easy and stress free as possible. Luckily, Apartment Therapy has stepped in with two helpful articles listing 7 Things To Do Before Moving Out as well as 7 Things To Do Before Moving In. The second one actually has 8 steps, not 7, but hey, who's counting?

Both articles have a few tips that some people wouldn't even consider before the big day, such as changing toilet seats (seriously, why have I never thought of that). In addition, each one has a checklist of the normal moving tasks like cleaning, changing locks, planning walk-throughs, etc. For nerdy guys like me, seeing everything in one spot with a checklist really helps prioritize and get things done.

Really, the only thing the articles don't mention is taking care of your home services, but I think we've already got you covered there. To read more, be sure to visit Apartment Therapy.

Do You Rent or Own?

Late last year, my wife and I bought our first house. It was an exciting and nerve-wracking process that seemed to last forever, but we came out of it with a great house that really fit our (and our pack of dogs’) needs. Sure the commute down here to WhiteFence every day may be little long, but it’s worked out great in general.

Owning your own home is truly a wonderful thing—the feeling of having security and a place of our own is awesome, but that’s not all that makes everything worth it. We’ve jumped at the ability to finally make decorating decisions, already installing new flooring and picking out new paint colors. Living in rentals, your home life becomes a sea of beige walls and beiger carpets, so it’s nice to make a change. Not having to take all the aforementioned dogs out on leashes three times a day, every day (42 trips per week!) is another big bonus.

It’s not always fun, though. Now when something around the house breaks, there’s no one to call out to come and fix it for free. I’m not looking forward to when the grass finally comes out of hibernation mode and I have to start actually caring for it. Also, the monthly expenses are a little higher now, though at least we are building some equity.

So, here’s today’s question: do you currently rent or own your home? Vote now and don’t forget to share your thoughts about home ownership vs. renting in the comments!

How Do You Watch TV?

Technology is a funny thing. Ten years ago, if someone had asked me how I prefer to watch TV, I would have given them my best "what are you talking about" look and continued on about my day. There used to be one way to watch TV: live. Well, unless you were that crazy guy who actually hooked up a VCR, but let's get real, hardly anybody did that. I was an uber-nerd and I still thought that guy was kind of lame. My apologies to those of you who did that. I'm sure you're pretty cool.

Anyway, TV watching has changed. Some would say for the better, and others (primarily networks) would argue that it's for the worse. With more people constantly moving to online viewing of their favorite shows as well as watching via DVR, it's getting harder for TV networks to make the big bucks they used to off of ad revenue. While everybody is still trying to figure out what the ad revenue model is for the Internet and TV executives want to figure out how to eradicate DVR, we are still happily watching American Idol, The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien (for one more night anyway) and 30 Rock.

My TV habits are totally different now than they used to be as a result. I even watch sports almost exclusively with DVR, so I can get past the commercial breaks, timeouts, etc. Knowing this, I thought I'd make a poll to find out how our readers watch the tube as well. Feel free to vote and tell us how you watch your favorite shows in the comments!

Ever Wish You Could Pluck Electricity Out of Thin Air? Now You Can

After posting about the cell phone you spin to charge, the charger that harnesses yo-yo power and the solar-powered cell phone, you’ve probably guessed I’m a little obsessed with free and green ways to power gadgets. Well, as cool as all of the chargers I just listed are, I think I’ve found one that tops them all. RCA’s Airnergy charger harvests energy from WiFi signals in the air and turns it into clean electricity that can be used to charge gadgets. How cool is that?

Sure, they might not be the first company to have this idea, but they are the first company to produce a unit with high enough energy efficiency to be viable. During a demonstration in this year’s CES event, RCA was able to charge a cell phone from 30 percent battery to full in just 90 minutes. The device contains a battery, so you can leave it on spot or carry it around, harnessing energy from WiFi signals throughout the day.

What would you expect to pay for such an awesome device? $200? $100? Try just $40. RCA is planning on releasing the Airnergy this summer, and I cannot wait to get my hands on one!

Image via OhGizmo!

Knology and NFL Network Announce Expanded Partnership

Good news for Knology customers who are also NFL fans. The cable company plans to deliver more football games to sports fans across its viewing area in 2010 and beyond. Knology and NFL Network recently announced a multi-year agreement to continue carriage of NFL Network through 2014. The new deal includes primetime regular-season games carried by NFL Network, including Thursday night games, as well as all preseason games.

NFL Network is now available to Knology digital cable customers as part of the Digital Preferred packaging in Alabama (except Dothan), Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. High definition customers in Pinellas County, Florida can also view NFL Network in HD. Knology basic and HD customers in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota will continue to have access to the NFL Network live games.

If you want to see more NFL games in the New Year, see if Knology is available in your area.

How to Set Up a Wireless Network

If you’ve just ordered a new high-speed Internet package, chances are you’re probably ready to start making the most of it. One of the coolest things you can do with your new service is to cut the cord and set up a wireless network for your home. This lets you use Internet service on laptops, desktops, and all sorts of other nifty devices like DVRs and game consoles, without any wires. How futuristic!

Many Internet providers will furnish a wireless router, either for free or with an additional charge. But, if you are looking to set up your wireless network on your own, check out these handy steps:

• Make sure your devices are ready – Setting up a new wireless network without making sure your stuff is wireless-ready is like buying an awesome new cereal without checking that you have milk at home. Avoid disappointment by checking your computer and device specs to make sure they are ready. Most laptops and many desktops from the last few years come equipped with wireless ability right out of the box, but it’s always best to check.


• Buy a wireless router – There are a million options on the shelves, and they seem to change daily. With that in mind, instead of giving you specific recommendations here, I’m referring you to Cnet’s excellent, constantly updated guide to the best wireless routers on the market. Check through the reviews to find the router that best meets your needs and budget. Then buy it.

Verizon Operations Center Earns LEED Green Building Certification

Verizon recently announced that its operations center in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, has earned the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® Silver certification for the center's environmentally friendly-design and energy efficiency.

To make the 1.4 million-square-foot facility more energy efficient, Verizon uses temperature sensors and energy-management systems to monitor heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The company also controls the facility's lighting schedules; tracks maintenance and service requirements; uses air handlers with variable frequency drives for energy-efficient heating and cooling; and has installed energy-efficient light-emitting diode and fluorescent T-5 lights.

"Verizon's LEED certification demonstrates tremendous green building leadership," said Rick Fedrizzi, president, CEO and founding chair of the U.S. Green Building Council. "As the newest member of the LEED family of green buildings, the Verizon operations center is an important addition to the growing strength of the green building movement."

Verizon says that is remains committed to finding practical and innovative ways to increase energy efficiency and bolster conservation efforts. The company currently operates the largest fuel cell site of its kind in the nation. Using seven fuel cells, the company's Energy Star Award-winning facility in Garden City, New York, can generate enough electricity per hour to meet the energy needs of 400 single-family homes.

To qualify for the Energy Star rating, the center had to place among the top 25 percent of the most energy-efficient facilities in the U.S. Commercial buildings that earn the Energy Star rating use an average of 40 percent less energy than typical buildings and release 35 percent less CO2.

If you would like to follow Verizon's lead and make your home or office more energy efficient, check out the energy conservation tag of the blog for great resources on how to be greener in the New Year.