Tellurian Networks offers the following suggestions and recommendations to help you create a better computer and Internet experience. These are the tips and tricks we use to keep our own computer systems running smoothly, efficiently, and virus free.

1. Choose a quality modem.

Many computer manufacturers utilize low quality modems that are not up to current technical specifications in order to cut costs and boost profits at the consumer's expense. It has been our experience that a low quality modem will ultimately lead to frustration for the dial-up customer. If purchasing a new computer system, most computer manufacturers will offer a modem upgrade for a small additional amount and we encourage you to take advantage of that. If upgrading an existing computer system with a new modem, most quality brand-name modems are affordable and easy to install. Please feel free to call us at 973-300-9561 for recommendations on a quality modem.

Alternatively, you can also purchase a Lucent Winmodem from Tellurian Networks for $20.00. This modem works with Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP and offers consistent and reliable connections to our network, especially when you are dealing with less than perfect phone lines. Please feel free call to us at 973-300-9561 for more information on the Lucent Winmodem.

2. Keep your modem drivers up-to-date.

Periodically check with your modem manufacturer for any available modem driver updates. We suggest every couple of months and minimally once a year. Modem driver updates usually add functionality, fix known software bugs, and generally improve overall modem performance.

Additional resources:

• Tellurian Networks: Modem Tips and Tricks
3. Take advantage of "Windows Update"!

This is easily the best way to maintain a Microsoft Windows-based PC. You can get to Windows Update by clicking your Start button and clicking "Windows Update" or by opening Microsoft Internet Explorer, choose "Tools" and then "Windows Update". All of Microsoft's security fixes and software upgrades are released through Windows Update and we suggest you check for new updates at least once a month if not once a week.

Additional resources:

• http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
4. Use Windows "Disk Defragmenter" on a regular basis.

If you are a Microsoft Windows user and notice your machine is performing very slowly, or your programs are taking longer to open, or things in general seem to be "sluggish"... try running Microsoft Windows "Disk Defragmenter" (aka: "defrag") at least once a month if not once a week. Microsoft Windows Disk Defragmenter helps to optimize overall hard disk performance. You can usually find the Disk Defragmenter in:

Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools

5. Purchase, install, and maintain anti-virus software.

We cannot stress this recommendation enough! With the number of viruses circulating today and the damage they can do to your PC, you simply must run anti-virus software on your machine. Once you have it installed, check for virus definition updates at least once a week if not more often. Even the best anti-virus software is useless without regular updates. When your introductory virus definition update service ends, pay for the renewal. It is much easier and less expensive to pay the annual fee for virus definition updates than it is to pay a computer company to remove the virus after the fact (if at all possible) and/or reformat your hard disk to reinstall your operating system. Not to mention the downtime and the lost data.

Additional resources:

• Norton AntiVirus by Symantec
• McAfee VirusScan
• F-Secure Anti-Virus
• AVG Free Edition by Grisoft

(Note: Tellurian Networks does not provide support for this or any third party software)

6. Be careful about e-mail attachments which may be Trojans or viruses.

Programs called Trojans (named after the legendary wooden horse used by Sparta to defeat Troy) are used to trick people into opening or running them to spread a malicious or destructive payload. Many people open messages and attachments from friends without questioning the source or reason for the message. Many of these programs are OK, but many more contain viruses. You need to keep your anti-virus software up-to-date and make intelligent choices about the risks you are willing to take. If you don't want to lose all of your data and/or open an back door for people to access and control your computer, do not open executable attachments.

7. Filter out spam messages.

Tellurian Networks offers free spam filtering for all customers that have email addresses ending with @tellurian.com, @tellurian.net, or @garden.net - corporate customers with their own domain name can sign up for this service with Tellurian Networks, please see this page for more information.

Additional resources:

• Tellurian Networks: Set-Up Instructions: Personal Spam Filtering
• Tellurian Networks: FAQ page concerning SPAM
• Tellurian Networks: Email Policy
8. Remove Spyware from your computer.

Spyware is software, scripts, and/or cookies that are installed unknowingly and usually without your consent on your computer as your surf the web and/or download and install third party software. Spyware can monitor and report back your surfing habits, your e-mail habits, and generally anything about your online behaviour to the company that installed the spyware. Spyware can also be the source of unrequested and unwanted pop-up advertisement windows. While spyware is generally harmless in nature, it is considered a blatant violation of personal privacy by many online privacy organizations. We recommend the download, installation, and use of the free Ad-aware program by Lavasoft to help remove unwanted spyware from your computer.

Additional resources:

• Ad-aware Free Edition by Lavasoft

(Note: Tellurian Networks does not provide support for this or any third party software)

9. Block pop-up advertisement windows.

Tellurian Networks will NEVER send you any pop-up advertisement windows, pop-up advertisements come from the web site that you are currently browsing or possibly from spyware (see above). There are several programs available that can block pop-up ads from appearing including Panicware's Pop-Up Stopper and the free Google Toolbar.

Additional resources:

• Pop-Up Stopper by Panicwar
• The Free Google Toolbar

(Note: Tellurian Networks does not provide support for this or any third party software)

10. Disable "Microsoft File and Printer Sharing".

If you are not on a local area network, then remove Microsoft File and Printer Sharing. If you need to share files, do not bind TCP/IP on the dialup adapter to MS File and Printer Sharing. Enabling file and printer sharing without a password and then sharing your hard disk enables ANYONE on the Internet to access ALL your information.

Additional resources:

• Microsoft.com: Disable File and Printer Sharing for Additional Security
11. Backup your data on a regular basis.

Invest in a CD-R drive, a tape backup, or a Zip/Jaz drive, and save your important information. Hard disks are mechanical devices and they eventually fail — it is not a question of if your hard disk will fail, but when. Saving important data such as bookmarks, address books, Quicken or Money files, spreadsheets, word processing documents, pictures, and any other important personal data is HIGHLY recommended. For important financial records, keep a copy of this data in another location such as a safety deposit box at your bank or at the home of a trusted relative or neighbor.

Please note, these are general computer suggestions which we believe constitute best practices for home and small business users. Due to the wide variation of operating systems and software implementations and our specialization in Internet connectivity, we cannot assist you with any of these tasks or applications. Tellurian makes no warranty as to the appropriateness of these recommendations for your particular circumstances. If you are unsure about your needs, please consult a professional for advice. For help with individual programs and hardware suggested above, please contact the vendor(s) from which you obtain the software and/or hardware.