The latest versions of virus and wom activity may be fairly easy to identify and prevent from infecting your computer. Most viruses can infect computers running Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP; viruses are less likely to infect computers running the Macintosh or Linux operating systems.

Most viruses arrive as an attachment to what appears to be a bounced message sent from an infected computer's e-mail account. If an email arrives with an attachment, it should be considered suspect. Many viruses invite a user to open an attachment to respond to an issue. Do not open the attachment because this will launch the virus. Security experts generally advise computer users to avoid opening any e-mail attachment unless a trusted person sends it and it was expected. If it is from a trusted source, but seems "unusual", contact that source by phone and verify that they sent it.

• Make sure that your antivirus software is current. Most antivirus companies have updated their software to be on the lookout for the latest versions of active viruses, trojans or worms.
• If you do open the attachment and your antivirus software is not updated or you do not have antivirus software, your computer will be infected. If this happens to you, immediately download, install and run one of the free tools offered by several Internet security companies, including
  • Network Associate’s McAfee.com
  • F-Secure Inc.
  • Symantec
  • Trend Micro
    

Concerned with an email? Please review these twelve scams posted by the FTC at: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/doznalrt.htm

Be aware of Spyware or Adware!. Spyware is a class of software that mostly gets onto people's computers without their knowledge rendering the machines unusable. The most common way to get spyware, including adware, is to download file-sharing software, screensavers and other free programs that rely on revenues from such tagalong programs to cover costs. The following resources are provided for removal:

http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html
http://www.tucows.com/webbrowser_adwarecleaner_default.html

Proxies cache, or store, frequently accessed content, then locally fulfill successive requests for the same content, eliminating repetitive transmission of identical content over network links. Transparent proxies on the CableSpeed network cache all requests sent on port 80 (http). Thus, the complete caching solution comprises a networking component and a cache component.

To localize traffic patterns, the two components work together in the following way:
A user requests a Web page from a browser. The network analyses the request and, based on certain parameters, transparently redirects it to a local network cache. If the cache does not have the Web page, it will make its own Web request to the original Web server. The original Web server delivers the content to the cache, which delivers the content to the client while saving the content in its local storage. That content is now cached. Later, when another user requests the same Web page, the network analyses this request and, based on certain parameters, transparently redirects it to the local network cache. Instead of sending the request over the Internet or intranet, the network cache locally fulfills the request. This process reduces download time for the client.

CableSpeed service and the customers' computers connect to the Internet via a cable modem over Broadstripe Digital Media's hybrid fiber-coaxial cable network (HFC) - essentially a large, multi-neighborhood network. Networks on the Internet agree to communicate by the Internet protocol (IP). A cable modem is a device designed to convert data (digital) from a computer (Ethernet port) into signal (analog wave form) so that it may be transported over our network to a central point (headend), where it is reconverted back to data and sent to the Internet. MDM has responsibility and control over this two-way path from a cable modem out to a connect point to the Internet (the backbone connection). This is what is referred to as the customers' "connectivity".

The CableSpeed network uses transparent proxies to provide you with the best possible online experience and to ensure that the web pages you view contain the most up-to-date content. NOTE: If you host your own web site and would like to find out how to make your pages more cacheable, visit http://www.mnot.net/cache_docs.

For more information about transparent proxies, click on CableSpeed Caching FAQs.

If you are using a cable modem supplied by MDM or you own your own cable modem, the number of status lights will assist you in determining the status of your connection. Depending upon make and model, the names for these status lights may vary, however common status lights are as follows:

• Power: Light indicates whether the modem is plugged in and turned on.
  
  
• Activity: Light indicates when information is being passed through the modem. Some makes and models will have two separate activity lights, "Upstream"? for transmitting from your computer and "Downstream"? for receiving from the Internet.
  
  
• Sync: Light indicates whether the cable modem is able to detect and perform an information "handshake"? with MDM’s headend equipment. This light may sometimes be labeled "ready" or "online". On most cable modems, a red or flashing red sync light indicates that your cable connection is impaired in some way.
  
  
• Ethernet: Light indicates whether your cable modem is able to detect an Ethernet connection to a computer connected to the cable modem connection.
  

A No Sync situation may occur from a lack of signal strength, please review the following:

• Checking your wiring
  Make sure that your cable modem’s connection is securely attached, check loose fittings, kinks, staples or amplifiers on the wired path to the ground block (cable entry into home) or junction box. Make sure there are minimal “splits��? along the path to the modem (splits to serve additional TV sets for example). If the wire appears to be damaged, replace it with RJ 6 coaxial cable and secure fittings. MDM field personnel can assist you with these needs.
  
  
• Power cycle your cable modem
  Turn off the power switch on your modem or surge protector, or unplug it, then wait several seconds before powering it back up. Wait 60 to 90 seconds for your cable modem to attempt to re-establish its connection. Make sure to restart your router after modem sync (if applicable) and then computer.
  
  
• Check for filters
  Cable video terminal devices other than your cable modem may be filtered so that your video services can be delivered properly. These filters may prevent two-way communication from your cable modem. To ensure that these filters are not the problem, disconnect any televisions, cable converters or boxes from your cable modem line. When your cable modem is the only device on the line, turn it off, and then back on again. If following these steps restores service, you may need to replace one or more of your cable TV connections or terminals. MDM field personnel can assist you with these needs.
  
  
• Check your cable TV service
  The cable outlet jack that your cable modem is plugged into usually should have video service when a TV is plugged into it. Connect a TV set into the outlet that your cable modem uses and see if you receive a quality video signal. If you don’t get a video signal or it of poor quality, there may be a physical problem with your cable TV/cable modem line, MDM may be experiencing a service interruption or you have been placed in a billing or technical disconnect. Call the local MDM office for more information.
  
  
• Test at your ground block
  Something may have happened to your house or building's wiring. To make sure that your no-sync problem is not an internal wiring problem, unplug your cable modem and take it to the Ground Block (the first point of entry) of your residence. This will normally be a junction box on the outside of your house or in the basement. At some locations, this will be located in a garage or closet. There may be a test point there that you can plug your cable modem into. If the problem persists at the ground block, contact technical support immediately so we can get your line fixed. We also recommend testing at your ground block for video problems.

A Sync-no-surf situation may occur from a problem with the connection to your computer or the computer’s TCP/IP configuration, hence steps to ready the situation should involve:

• Power cycle your cable modem
  Turn off the power switch on the cable modem (or unplug it), and your router (if applicable), then wait several seconds before powering the modem back up. Wait 60 to 90 seconds for your modem to attempt to re-establish its connection, then power on the router (if applicable), and then your computer.
  
  
• Check your modem’s activity light
  After power cycling your modem, keep an eye on your activity light and try opening a web page with your browser. It should flash briefly when your computer makes an HTTP request. This is a good indication that your computer is able to connect through to your modem. If the activity light does not flicker when you try to get online, there may be a problem with your Ethernet card, in which case it may be a good idea to contact your computer manufacturer for further assistance. Make sure your Ethernet connections are securely seated in the modem and computer.
  
  
• Check your Network Settings
  Make sure that your computer’s TCP/IP Network Settings for DHCP are specified correctly. The settings you should be using are provided when your service is delivered. For details on how to get to your network settings, please see our Installation Support site for appropriate information.
  

Most connectivity problems fall under three categories. Troubleshooting methods vary depending upon the type of problem you are experiencing.

• No Sync - occurs when your cable modem does not detect enough signal from the headend in the "downstream"? (or "upstream"?) path and cannot deliver your requests to the internet.
• Sync-no-surf – Your connection fails even when your cable modem indicates that you have "activity"? (your cable modem "locks"? on the channel or path to and from the headend).
• Intermittent Sync - Some sync problems are not constant, with the connection going up and down repeatedly at seemingly random intervals.
  

If an error occurs, one or more lights turn off, or continue to flash (until the modem automatically resets itself), providing visual clues to detecting problems. Make sure to boot up the cable modem first before turning on your computer!

An Intermittent Sync situation may occur from outside conditions affecting your connectivity, hence steps to ready the situation should involve:

• Check for environmental causes
  A cable modem is a delicate piece of electronic equipment. Electronic interference can effect its ability to function - lamps, microwaves, radio signals, and wireless transmitting equipment have caused many intermittent-sync problems that are easily solved by moving either the modem or the interfering device further away. If you are using a wireless home network, please review the security settings for the device or disable the wireless capabilities to your computers and connect them via Ethernet cable to resolve the issue. Make sure your modem is placed in an open area to prevent over-heating, connected via a surge protector, and away from moisture and excessive heat.
  
  
• Check your wiring
  Make sure that your cable modem’s connection is securely attached, check for few or no splitters, loose fittings, kinks, staples or amplifiers throughout the connection path to the Ground Block or junction box. If the wire appears to be damaged, replace it with RJ 6 coaxial cable and secure fittings. MDM field personnel can assist you with these needs.

If the connection is ever lost, MDM recommends powering down your computer and cable modem, then powering up in the following order:

1. the cable modem
2. wait 30 seconds to five minutes
3. router or switch (if applicable)
4. wait 30 seconds to two minutes
5. the computer

Rationale for the above process (for the user): Every device that is to become a part of a network (ie. the internet) has to have what is known as an IP address assigned to it in order to become a functional part of the network. In Broadstripe Digital's internet service IP addresses are assigned dynamically. Each device that wishes to be functional on the network "asks" our servers for an IP address to be assigned to it during its start up process. When a device receives an address it then is ready to function as part of the network. If a device such as the cable modem has not received an IP address and the router is asking for an IP address at that time, the router will not get an IP address (or it will get the wrong IP address) hence, it will not function as part of the network. The same is true of computers being turned on before a router or a cable modem has an IP address.

It is worth noting that some computers are able to detect when the router or cable modem is ready and they will then ask for an IP address; not needing to be restarted. However, whether a computer is capable of detecting the status of a router or cable modem dependends on three factors: its hardware and BIOS settings, its Operating System, and installed Drivers.

• Be sure to turn on the spam filter in your email client. You can also increase or decrease the spam settings as necessary.
  
  
• If you receive spam, do not use the link to remove yourself from their spam lists. This only lets the spammers know that your email address is valid, leading to even more spam.
  
  
• Never reply to any request for personal information received in email; Broadstripe would never request this information through email. Such phishing attempts are created to get your secure information.