Internet
Yes. Comporium, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to monitor bandwidth usage (i.e., monthly data transfer rate) and determine when such usage is in excess of the set limitations. Please refer to the following webpage for more information:
http://www.comporium.com/site/rate_limits.php
Privacy note: Comporium does not monitor or track Internet sites that their customers visit. We only measure total bandwidth used for network management.
Yes, but a home network must be set up first. Subscribers can purchase a router and share the connection with other members of the same household. Comporium offers network installation services-for more information, contact your local business office.
Comporium offers Trend Micro Internet Security to all High Speed Internet subscribers for free (up to 3 PCs). Dial-Up subscribers can purchase the software for a small fee. To access, go to the Comporium Utility Portal.
Comporium offers free content filtering services as part of the security suite provided through Trend Micro. To access the software, click here. For more information on content filtering click here.
Comporium can provide IT services ranging from:
· Network installation
· Server configuration/installation
· PC configuration/installation
· Support for the following Operating Systems
o Windows
o Windows Server
o Linux
o Unix
o Macintosh
· And many more!
Click here to get more information (be sure to check Business Internet under Comporium Services)
Yes. Comporium offers a wide range of Linksys, Cisco, Adtran, and other networking devices for both the home and office. Click here to contact the business office for more information. Comporium also offers installation of these products.
If you are looking for more advanced networking configuration, we offer technology consulting through our Computer Network Solutions group. The business office can also help you with this type of inquiry.
At this time, Comporium only supports connectivity using an Ethernet card. This is due to several functionality issues with using USB to connect to the Internet at high speeds.
Click here to run Comporium's Speedtest. If this is the first time you have used the speedtest site, be sure to read the instructions.
Comporium recommends the use of a surge protection device. Surge protectors are available at just about any retail shop that sells computer equipment
Click here for technical support contact information, including telephone numbers and online forms.
Please see: http://www.comporium.com/FAQ/windowsupdate.htm
Yes you can. Comporium provides all high-speed users with a backup Dial-Up account with 10 hours of usage per month. Overages will result in a fee of $1.25 per hour.
Local access numbers are:
- Rock Hill: 324-7107
- Fort Mill: 802-3000
- Lancaster: 416-8134
Most routers today come with a DHCP server built in, so in most cases there should be no special configuration for your computer. Depending on what type of Comporium High Speed connection you have, you will need to configure the router as follows:
| Service | Dynamic IP Address | Static IP Address |
| Cable Modem | Configure for DHCP | Configure for Static |
| DSL | Configure for PPPoE | Configure for Static |
| FTTP | Configure for DHCP | Configure for Static |
While some P2P applications facilitate the transmission of legal versions of media and software, most also allow for illegal versions to be traded as well. While Comporium does not block the use of such services, we in no way support or advocate that any customers utilize these services. Information received from third parties indicating subscriber posession of illegal media or software will result in service termination.
1. Check for viruses. If you have antivirus software, make sure it is updated and then run a full system scan. Comporium offers Trend Micro security to its subscribers and can be accessed by clicking here (free to HSI subscribers). If you do not have antivirus software installed, try running one of these online scans:
Trend Micro Antivirus online scan: Here
Norton Antivirus online scan: Here
McAfee Antivirus online scan: Here
2. Check for spyware. Make sure your spyware software is updated and run a full system scan. Lavasoft’s Ad Aware spyware utility can be downloaded here.
3. Run the Disk Cleanup utility. For instructions, click here.
4. Run Disk Defragmenter. For instructions, click here.
5. Clear your browser cache. For instructions, click here.
6. Run the Comporium speed test. If none of these steps seem to help contact Technical Support for more information.
Comporiums DNS servers are:
Primary - ns1.comporium.net (208.104.244.45)
Secondary - ns3.comporium.net (208.104.2.36)
Tertiary - ns7.comporium.net (208.104.2.85)
You can upgrade to the higher tiered service plan. If you are already in the highest tiered service plan, we are developing an addendum to that plan that would allow you to use additional bandwidth based on a predetermined rate structure. Please contact the Business Office for more information..
Tips for preventing SPAM:
1. Avoid opening and/or responding to unsolicited e-mails or messages from addresses that you do not recognize.
2. Before giving out your e-mail address online, be sure that the website is reputable and does not share your address with third parties.
3. Run antivirus and spyware protection software on your computer. Viruses and spyware often collect your e-mail address from your computer and “share” it with outside sources who send SPAM. Worms will typically use your address book to send themselves to other users, which can cause exponential propagation of SPAM.
4. Login to the Comporium SPAM filtering service. Here you can manage allowed and blocked sender lists. To access, login to webmail and click on the Junk Mail button.
Click here for information on monthly transfer limitations.
Please see: http://www.comporium.com/FAQ/browsers.htm
Your computer must meet the following specifications in order to support Comporium Internet services:
Macintosh OS9 and OSX PowerPC (G3, G4, iMac)
Operating System
Windows 98SE/2000/XP
Processor
Pentium II 500 MHz
Required Memory
64 MB
64 MB
Recommended Memory
128 MB
128 MB
Recommended Free Hard Drive Space
250 MB
200 MB
Required Free Hard Drive Space
1 GB
1 GB
To check these specifications in Windows, follow the instructions below.
Operating System/Operating System Version: Right-click on the "My Computer" icon on your Desktop, then select "Properties". This information is located in the "Computer" area of the "General" tab.
Processor Type: Right-click on the "My Computer" icon on your Desktop, then select "Properties." This information is located in the "Computer" area of the "General" tab.
Processor Speed: You can find this information on the documentation that came with your computer. If you are using Windows 2000/XP, go to the "Start Menu", then "Programs". Select "Accessories", then "System Tools". Click on "System Information". On the window that opens, click on "System Summary". The processor speed is located on the "Processor" line, and is listed in terms of MHz (MegaHertz).
Amount of RAM: Right-click on the "My Computer" icon on your Desktop, then select "Properties." This information is located in the "Computer" area of the "General".
Free Hard Drive Space: Double-click on the "My Computer" icon on your desktop. Then, right-click on the "C:" drive icon and select "Properties." This information is located in the "General" tab.
Malware is short for malicious software. It is software designed specifically to damage or disrupt a computer system, such as a virus, worm, or a Trojan horse.
A computer virus attaches itself to a program or file so it can spread from one computer to another, leaving infections as it travels. Much like human viruses, computer viruses can range in severity: Some viruses cause only mildly annoying effects while others can damage your hardware, software or files. Almost all viruses are attached to an executable file, which means the virus may exist on your computer but it cannot infect your computer unless you run or open the malicious program. It is important to note that a virus cannot be spread without a human action, (such as running an infected program) to keep it going. People continue the spread of a computer virus, mostly unknowingly, by sharing infecting files or sending e-mails with viruses as attachments in the e-mail.
A worm is similar to a virus by its design, and is considered to be a sub-class of a virus. Worms spread from computer to computer, but unlike a virus, it has the capability to travel without any help from a person. A worm takes advantage of file or information transport features on your system, which allows it to travel unaided. The biggest danger with a worm is its capability to replicate itself on your system, so rather than your computer sending out a single worm, it could send out hundreds or thousands of copies of itself, creating a devastating effect on your local network. One example would be for a worm to send a copy of itself to everyone listed in your e-mail address book. Then, the worm replicates and sends itself out to everyone listed in each of the receiver's address book, and the manifest continues on down the line. Due to the copying nature of a worm and its capability to travel across networks the end result in most cases is that the worm consumes too much system memory or network bandwidth, causing Web servers, network servers and individual computers to stop responding. In more recent worm attacks such as the much-talked-about .Blaster Worm, the worm has been designed to tunnel into your system and allow malicious users to control your computer remotely.
A Trojan Horse will appear to be useful software but will actually do damage once installed or run on your computer. Those on the receiving end of a Trojan Horse are usually tricked into opening them because they appear to be receiving legitimate software or files from a legitimate source. When a Trojan is activated on your computer, the results can vary. Some Trojans are designed to be more annoying than malicious (like changing your desktop, adding silly active desktop icons) or they can cause serious damage by deleting files and destroying information on your system. Trojans are also known to create a backdoor on your computer that gives malicious users access to your system, possibly allowing confidential or personal information to be compromised. Unlike viruses and worms, Trojans do not reproduce by infecting other files nor do they self-replicate.
Spyware is any software that covertly gathers user information through the user's Internet connection without his or her knowledge, usually for advertising purposes. Spyware applications are typically bundled as a hidden component of freeware or shareware programs (especially P2P, or Peer to Peer, software) that can be downloaded from the Internet. Once installed, the spyware monitors user activity on the Internet and transmits that information in the background to someone else. Spyware can also gather information about e-mail addresses and even passwords and credit card numbers. Spyware steals from the user by using the computer's memory resources and also by eating bandwidth as it sends information back to the spyware's home base via the user's Internet connection. Because spyware is using memory and system resources, the applications running in the background can lead to system crashes or general system instability.
Before your High Speed Internet connection is installed, you need to have an Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) installed in your computer. If you do not have one installed, Comporium can install the NIC for a fee. Depending on what technology type your service will work through, you may need a cable television outlet (Cable Modem) or phone jack (DSL).
A dynamic IP address refers to a changing or active IP address. Every time you authenticate a new connection, a different IP address is assigned to your computer. A static IP address refers to a constant or stationary IP address. No matter how often you go on- or offline, the IP address stays the same.
A firewall is simply a program or hardware device that filters the information coming through the Internet connection into your home computer or household network. A firewall is the single most important piece of hardware or software you can utilize to protect your computer while accessing the Internet. A firewall gives you the ability to control spyware from being embedded on your computer as well as monitor illegal access (hackers) to your computer.
Hardware firewalls are actual physical devices that sit in between your computer and your Internet connection. Most routers in today's market have some type of hardware firewall built in. Routers that support NAT (Network Address Translation) and SPI (Stateful Packet Inspection) do a very good job at securing a network. Comporium recommends Linksys products.
Linksys
A software firewall is a piece of software running on your computer that provides protection from outside threats. While we recommend a hardware firewall solution foremost, a software firewall can provide some valued protection. If you are using Windows XP, you already have a software firewall available. To enable the built-in software firewall on this Operating System, click on the link below and follow the step-by-step directions: here.
The only difference between these three technologies is the "last-mile" mechanism for delivery. Cable modem uses the cable televison (coaxial) network while DSL uses the telephone (twisted pair) network. FTTP uses fiberoptic cable. All of these services are similar in that they traverse the same central network.
Comporium supports:
• Windows 98SE/2000/XP/Vista
• Macintosh OS9/OSX
All of our current rate plans can be found here.
These steps will all provide added security for your Dial-Up Connection:
· Install antivirus software, keep it updated, and run scans on a regular basis.
· Keep your Operating System up to date (In Windows, by running Windows Update).
· I nstall a software firewall can help protect your computer for malicious threats (Windows XP has a built-in firewall - click here for instructions on how to enable)
· Install a spyware cleaner (such as Ad Aware) and run scans regularly.
· Use common sense when browsing the Internet and checking your e-mail. Never click on pop-up ads or advertisements from companies you are not familiar with. Also, never open e-mails from unfamiliar sources.
These steps will all provide added security for your High Speed Connection:
· Install antivirus software, keep it updated, and run scans on a regular basis.
· Keep your Operating System up to date (In Windows, by running Windows Update).
· Purchase a router and enable the hardware firewall on the device. If you do not want a router, install a software firewall can help protect your computer for malicious threats (Windows XP has a built-in firewall - click here for instructions on how to enable)
· Install a spyware cleaner (such as Ad Aware) and run scans regularly.
· Use common sense when browsing the Internet and checking your e-mail. Never click on pop-up ads or advertisements from companies you are not familiar with. Also, never open e-mails from unfamiliar sources.
Comporium currently supports Internet Explorer 6.x+, Firefox 2.x+, and Safari 2.x+ (Macintosh).
Comporium offers Trend Micro security to its subscribers and can be accessed by clicking here (free to HSI subscribers). There are also several other free utilities available on the Internet.
Comporium recommends the following three online virus scans:
Trend Micro
Norton
McAfee
