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Microsoft Alternatives

Part II – Internet Connectivity and Browsing Applications

In Part I we talked about Server Operating Systems (OS) options and in Part II we discussed Desktop Applications. In Part III we’ll discuss a topic with endless applications, the Internet.

There seems to be a lot of confusion about the Internet. The Internet is a global network connecting millions of computers. More than 100 countries are linked into exchanges of data, news and opinions. Many people confuse the Internet with the World Wide Web (Web). The Web is just one means of accessing the information on the Internet using one of its many languages (HTTP). E-mail (using SMTP) is another way to communicate via Internet. Usenet, FTP and Instant Messaging are all ways for computers and people to communicate over the Internet. Don’t be confused by the fact that your Internet browser is labeled “Internet.” E-mail is just as much Internet as the Web is.

Internet Connectivity is the only topic we’ll cover that Microsoft is not the hands-down leader in. Microsoft nearly missed the boat on Internet technology and their misstep allowed America Online (AOL) to jump out ahead. AOL’s aggressive marketing and millions of free CDs have cemented them as America’s favorite Internet Service Provider (ISP). In some ways, this is unfortunate. AOL has done an excellent job of hiding the true power of the Internet from its subscribers. Many AOL subscribers see the Internet as the AOL console. For instance, many users don’t realize that once connected they can minimize the AOL console and continue browsing the web with any browser they wish (although AOL 7.0 is based on Internet Explorer). Microsoft has followed AOL’s lead with its MSN product.

At Promethius, we normally recommend using a local service provider (like IQuest) unless you travel frequently. Travelers need to have access to local dial-up numbers in various locations and should therefore look into national providers like AOL, MSN or Earthlink. Of course dial-up is no longer the only option. Today we have cable modem service (check with your local cable company) and DSL. These high-speed connections normally cost around $50/month compared to about $20/month for dial-up. Businesses also have options like T1 or fractional T1. Full T1 connections will cost around $700/month or higher, depending on your office location. Some carriers still offer ISDN service which is essentially shared dial-up service and is reasonably priced. The service usually leaves something to be desired, however.

The biggest browsing applications are:

1. Internet Explorer (IE)
2. AOL
3. Netscape Navigator
4. Mozilla

All of the above browsers are essentially free although the AOL browser will only function if you are a subscriber to AOL Internet service. Netscape once held the most market share in the Internet browser market until Microsoft began giving IE away and integrating it into every software package they sold. There are countless browsers available for the taking scattered around the Internet, but this is another case where it is hard to beat Microsoft for compatibility and ease of use.

If you have questions concerning your Internet connection or Internet browsers, please call us at 317/733-2380.

 

USB abb.: 
Universal Serial Bus 
A port (socket) for connecting peripheral devices, which can be daisy-chained together, to your computer. These can include devices such as scanners, printers, keyboards, and hard drives.

Summertime Recipes
Its summertime, and all of us here at Promethius know what that means: Cookouts! Here are a couple of our favorite recipes soon to be seen at the nearest barb-e-que. 

Fruit Pizza

Take a package of refrigerated sugar-cookie dough and spread it onto a non-stick pizza pan. Bake until golden and firm. Allow to cool. Spread a layer of pineapple flavored cream cheese and top it with a thin layer of Cool Whip. Then add slices of your favorite fruits like strawberry, mandarin orange, banana, kiwi, blueberry, pineapple, etc. That's it -- a fast, easy, refreshing, delicious, beautiful dessert.
Stuffed Green Peppers

ingredients:
4 large green peppers
1 lb. Ground beef
½ cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons chopped onion
1 cup cooked rice
1 medium tomato, chopped or ¼ cup of catsup
½ teaspoon of salt
Dash pepper
1 cup of (8 oz can) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon leaf basil


Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut tops of peppers, remove seeds membrane. Cook peppers for five minutes in boiling water to cover. Drain and set aside. In fry pan, brown ground beef with celery and onion; stir occasionally. Add rice, chopped tomato, salt, and dash pepper. Mix well and spoon mixture into pepper. Place green peppers in a shallow baking pan. Combine tomato sauce, sugar, and basil, and mix. Spoon ½ of sauce of peppers. Bake uncovered 30 to 40 minutes spoon rest of sauce. 
Web sites of the Month

 Flag Day is Friday, June 14th!

Celebrate the history and adoption of the American Flag on Friday, June 14th. June 14th marks the date that the 1777 Continental Congress adopted a Resolution that established the Stars and Stripes as the United States National Flag. 

A few rules to follow when displaying the American Flag:

  • The Flag should not be displayed during inclement weather unless it is made of all-weather material, such as nylon. 
  • The Flag Code states, “when a flag has served its useful purpose, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning.” Many American Legion Posts conduct Disposal of Unserviceable Flag Ceremonies on Flag Day. The ceremony provides a dignified and solemn occasion for the retirement of unserviceable flags.
  • The Flag may be washed or dry-cleaned.
  • Take care not to let the Flag touch anything beneath it (such as the ground.) If your flag does touch the ground, you are not required to destroy it. 
  • It is customary to display the Flag only from sunrise to sunset, however, the Flag may be flown at night if properly illuminated. Star-light and moon-light are considered acceptable forms of illumination. 
  • If displayed with other flags, the American Flag should be placed in the most prominent position—above all others and in the center. 
For more information about the American Flag and its history, visit www.legion.org, www.flagday.org or www.flagday.com.