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.

Cable vs. Satellite

There are more options for television service out there than ever before. While this is good news for consumers, all the choices can be a little daunting when it comes time to order a television package. One of the first things most people have to figure out is whether they are going to go with a cable provider or a satellite provider.

In order to make that first big decision just a little easier, I’ve come up with this handy list of things to consider when comparing cable and satellite.

• Similarities – Cable and satellite have a lot in common. All of these are features available on both platforms: HDTV service, local channels, pay-per-view programming, on-demand options, DVR service and premium channels (such as HBO, Showtime and Starz).
• Availability – Unfortunately, not every area is served by a cable provider. In areas like this, satellite is usually the only choice for non-broadcast television. If you’re unsure on what your options are, enter your address at WhiteFence to find a list of providers that serve your area.
• Digital vs. Analog – All satellite channels are 100 percent digital, but with cable some channels may be analog. Analog is quickly becoming a thing of the past though, so it’s possible to have a totally digital cable package.
• Equipment – Satellite service requires more equipment than cable, the biggest addition being a satellite dish that has to be mounted on your house for reception. Depending on the provider or contract you sign up for, this equipment may come at a price. Also, while both satellite and digital cable require a box for each television, basic cable content does not require a box.
• Bundling – In general, cable companies provide a little more choice when it comes to bundling telephone and Internet service with your television package.
• Programming – While most channels are available on both platforms, some things can be exclusive to one provider. For example, NFL Sunday Ticket is only available on DIRECTV.
• Weather – In bad weather, satellite reception quality can suffer. If you live somewhere with lots of extreme weather, this may be something to consider.
• View – For satellite television to function, you’ll need to have a clear view of the southern sky. This is not a problem for most people, but something to keep in mind if you live in dense forest.

Whichever option you end up choosing, WhiteFence has you covered. Start comparing your options now at our television service page!

Need Help Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions?

Every year, millions of us start the new year off with promises to make positive changes. Millions of others swear this is the year they won't make any resolutions at all! For those of us in former group, there are plenty of resources to help get started and stay motivated. And we'll probably need all the help we can get!

According to ProactiveChange.com, between 40 to 45% of American adults make one or more resolutions each year. However, only about half of those resolutions make it past the six-month mark. You shouldn't give up all hope, as they also found that people who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't.

New Year's resolutions are so popular for Americans that even the government wants to help. USA.gov provides links to resources on everything from weight loss to saving money to reducing stress. If you need a little more help setting and keeping up with your goals, check out the New Year's Resolution Kit from Psychology Today. This handy worksheet walks you step-by-step toward resolutions that are, "realistic, achievable, and meaningful."

If your resolutions include lowering your bills, moving to a new city, or making greener energy choices, WhiteFence.com is here to help, too!

Here's to a happier, wealthier, greener 2010!

10 Easy Tips for a Green Christmas

Christmastime is generally one of the least eco-friendly parts of the year—but it doesn’t have to be. Stay off of Santa’s naughty list this year with these simple green tips.

• Buy LED lights – LED Christmas lights use up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent.
• Shop online – Driving across town all day buying gifts really racks up the carbon emissions. Instead, plan ahead and buy your gifts online.
• Use real plates and cutlery – It’s no secret, people love to eat around the holidays. This year, make sure you aren’t generating trash and wasting resources by serving everything on real plates and silverware.
• Put up less lights – Many times, people keep putting up lights just because they have more to put up. Make sure you’re only putting up lights you really want to put up—less can be more.
• Buy a sustainable and/or potted tree – Plastic trees are not eco-friendly at all, but cutting down a tree every year isn’t either. Look for trees that have been raised sustainability or ones that are potted. Potted trees can be reused for years and eventually re-planted.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle wrapping – Americans generate countless tons of waste each year just in Christmas gift wrapping. Instead of adding to the pile, look for ways to cut down on the amount you use, reuse gift bags and ribbon and recycle paper.
• Organic and local foods – For your Christmas feast, try to buy as much organic and locally raised foods as possible. Bonus: your food will probably end up tasting better!
• Send e-cards – Instead of paper cards, send out virtual cards this year. They may not have the full effect of a real card, but they cut down on lots of waste and carbon emissions.
• Recycle your tree – If you end up with a real tree that isn’t potted, don’t just feed it to the landfill. Instead, find a recycler that can chip it up for use in gardening.
• Turn off lights – Lights are great at turning up the holiday spirit, but only have them on when you are around to enjoy them. Leaving lights on while you are out of the house is just a waste.

How to Switch Electricity Providers Online with WhiteFence

Looking to save on your energy bills? With WhiteFence, switching to a new electricity company is quick and easy. If you live in a deregulated area, you have the power to choose your provider based on what matters most to you — whether that is the lowest price, the best customer service or the availability of green energy choices.

To get started, simply visit WhiteFence.com and enter your address. WhiteFence will search for the electricity providers and plans available at your location and present you with a list of results in just seconds. You can then compare all of the plans to find the one that best meets your needs.

Here is some of the information you will find about each plan:

• Price per kWh – What price you will pay per kilowatt-hour. On average, most homes use around 1500 kWh per month or more, depending on the size and energy efficiency.
• Pricing Type – What type of rate the plan uses, whether it is fixed or variable.
• Contract Term – How long the rate is guaranteed not to change.
• Energy Type – Whether the electricity you will be using is renewable or not.
• Cancellation Fee – What you will have to pay if you cancel the contract (if there is one).
• Specials – Any special promotions the company might be offering, such as a rebate.

Once you have made your selection, it’s time to order your service. For most states, to switch your service to a new provider, you will have to provide your current provider and account number (Texas residents do not have to provide an account number). You will also have to enter your service address, contact data, billing details and other pertinent information.

After you have submitted your order, it will be processed by your new electricity provider and they will contact you if any further action is needed on your part. Depending on your state, your new electricity service could start as soon as within three business days, but might take one to two billing cycles.

How to Change Your Address Online with WhiteFence

Have you ever had to drag yourself down to the post office and stand in that never-ending line just to change your address? Then right as you get to the front of the line most of the postal workers seem to disappear and you're left with the disgruntled one that is mad at you because they can' go on break.

Well say goodbye to those dreadful days, because WhiteFence can help you change your address easily online. Watch our short video demonstration to see for yourself how simple and fast changing your address with WhiteFence can be.

8 Ways to Have a Green Thanksgiving

It’s that time of the year again, where as a nation, we collectively devote an entire day to gorging ourselves on rich foods and having awkward conversations with obscure family members. This year, why not help the planet alongside all the overeating with some of these stress-free green tips:

• Buy organic food—Organic foods are not only more healthy, but also keep dangerous chemicals out of the eco-system. For extra green points, see how much of your meal you can buy from local producers.
• Decorate with natural materials—Instead of buying some cheesy store-bought decorations, make your table green and classy at the same time with an assortment of pine cones, leaves and mini-pumpkins.
• Buy carbon offsets—If travelling is part of your Thanksgiving plans, consider buying some carbon credits to offset the carbon emitted during your travels.
• Eat leftovers—Sure, after a few meals turkey can get a little boring, but using the food that you’ve already cooked saves both time and energy. One great way to use leftovers is to make a soup with leftover vegetables and stock made from leftover turkey.
• Use your dishwasher—It may seem a little counter-intuitive, but studies have found that dishwashers actually use less energy, soap and water. Just make sure you air dry the dishes, as heat drying wastes electricity.
• Plant a tree—What better family activity could there be than to take time to go outside and plant a tree? Bonus: yard work can help burn off some of the calories from that second slice of pumpkin pie.
• Don’t put hot food in the fridge—It may be tempting to just throw everything in the refrigerator when the eating is through, but waiting a little while can help keep your fridge cooler, which saves both energy and money. Just don’t leave it out for hours on end, as you will probably end up with a nasty case of food poisoning.
• Always remember to reduce, reuse and recycle—These three concepts are the keys to green living. Use them to see if you can find some inventive new ways to cut your energy consumption. If you do, let us know about them in the comments!

How to Choose the Right HDTV

Ready to take the plunge this holiday season and buy a new HDTV, but overwhelmed with all of the options on the market? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. With the multitude of confusing choices on the shelves and new features showing up on a seemingly weekly basis, even the most tech savvy of us can get a little confused when it comes to TV shopping.

“What size screen do I need?” “Should I go with an LCD or a plasma?” “What in the heck are refresh rates and which one is right for me?” If these are the sort of questions that run through your head at in the TV aisle of your local big box store, HDGuru is here to help. They have published an in-depth guide to help you navigate through the HDTV maze and emerge with the perfect television for your needs.

Check out the guide here.

Recycle Your Old Cell Phone

This holiday season when you open your gift and find a brand new cell phone for you to tinker around with, don't forget to be green and recycle your old phone.

I found this awesome post that has all kinds of information about recycling your old cell. You can drop it off at certain retail locations such as a few select Target and Radio Shack stores. You can even mail it in. If the cell phone is in good condition you might want to donate to a charity like Call to Protect that refurbishes old cells and gives them to people who have suffered domestic abuse.

So if you need to recycle your old phone, read Bluetooth? iPhone? Don't just ditch the Old Phone.

Save Money and Go Green by Upgrading Your Home’s Insulation

Yahoo! Green has posted an in-depth guide on how to lower your bills and reduce your carbon footprint by upgrading your home’s insulation. On average, heating costs make up about one third of a home’s energy budget, making insulation upgrades one of the quickest ways to make your home more energy efficient.

The article walks you through how you can identify trouble areas in your home and how to choose your new insulation. Included is an in-depth breakdown of every style of insulation on the market, featuring innovative new green choices like bio-based fibers, radiant barriers and blown-in insulation. To help you determine which type of insulation is best for your situation, the guide even provides a link to a handy cost-to-savings calculator.

With winter just around the corner, there’s not much time left to protect your home from the cold before temperatures drop and energy rates soar, so consider upgrading your home’s insulation today.