Network Services of Cape Cod

It’s not often that I actually use the Internet for entertainment purposes.  Beyond posting pictures of the kids for the family, checking the weather, video chatting with the grandparents on Skype, shopping for gifts… ok, so maybe I do use the Internet occasionally.  For me, I am continually intrigued with the seemingly endless amount of software, most of it free, that can reduce the number of steps needed to accomplish various tasks.  Still there is more software and services that can interchange data via the Internet between home and office computers, handheld devices and phones.  Yet somehow none of it seems to work right…  I often wonder how it is, that any of this works at all.

Wow! I remember when digital watches were considered high-tech. (Pong was cool, too.)

Anyway, the more time I have to explore OS X and non-Microsoft applications (particularly the Firefx web browser), I am amazed at all of the third party add-ons which enhance the browser experience, allow for the synchronization of bookmarks between computers, and allow for posting blog entries (such as this one)…though there doesn’t appear to be a spell check.  I’m spoiled now, having used OS X for nearly a year and a half.  The OS integrates spell check into just about everything, it seems.

It’s been a few weeks now since the 2.1 update was released for the iPhone. The update restored the main feature I had missed since upgrading to the iPhone 3G. I now have the ability to listen to voicemail messages on my inexpensive Jabra bluetooth headset. I tested call performance using 3G for a few days, and found it to be improved over the last software release, however, I still find that coverage is better, overall, with 3G disabled.

Since I disabled 3G on my iPhone last week, I have experienced very good reception and call performance. I am now able to make calls in remote areas, such as 6A in Yarmouthport, and calls are no longer dropped when driving between towers on route 6. It’s ironic, really, that the feature that the new iPhone is named for pretty much cripples the device. The phone should have been more aptly name, “iPhone 3G Capable.”

Also, if you’re reading this, and are interested in some feedback on bluetooth headsets, stay away from the “jawbone.” That headset is an overpriced piece of crap. I returned it after two weeks of frustrated clients that could not hear me. I’m back to a cheapo Jabra that works just great. I miss being able to listen to voice mails with the bluetooth, but the Jabra is 1/3 the cost and I am able to make calls.

In addition to documenting information such as system serial numbers and software license numbers, consider documenting your network drops.

Quick and easy to implement, documenting network drops can save a lot of time and effort in the event of an equipment failure on your network. Be sure to record which computers and devices are connected to particular ports on your patch panel and network switches. This can be done on paper or electronically, but no matter how you choose to document this, I would suggest posting a hard copy near the network equipment. This can be very useful in troubleshooting a bad switch or router.