Time is Money: PCMag.com Names the Fastest ISPs in America

Nevada, Virginia and Pennsylvania Have the Fastest Internet Service—
In a world where time equals money, slow Internet connections have real-life business and quality-of-life implications. Fiber optic connections have proven themselves the fastest way online, but they're still rare—and expensive. Which Internet service providers (ISPs) offer the fastest broadband? And in which state? After conducting over 200,000 individual tests as part of its third annual study, PCMag.com found that Verizon's FiOS fiber-optic connections are indeed the fastest overall service, and Cablevision's Optimum Online proved itself the fastest cable ISP in the United States. Likewise, Nevada, Virginia, and Pennsylvania are home to the fastest surf speeds—the full state ranking is below. PCMag.com’s “Best ISPs in America” list hits PCMag.com on December 2.

To uncover the nation’s best ISPs, PCMag utilized the custom-designed SurfSpeed application (a utility that grabs pages from several popular Web sites to measure actual Internet surfing speed) and pored through data from over 17,000 profiles (that is, unique IP addresses).

Cable vs. DSL: DSL and cable lines were for a time synonymous in people’s minds, but cable has clearly taken off in terms of sheer speed. Cable connections are 47 percent faster than DSLs. Cablevision’s Optimum Online tops the list, with an average nationwide SurfSpeed of 839 Kbps. And 61 percent of users declared themselves satisfied with the service. Even the slowest cable service provider (Earthlink, averaging 565 Kbps) was faster than some DSL providers, from CenturyTel at 520 Kbps down to Alltell’s measly 357. FrontierNet is the fastest DSL provider in the nation, averaging SufSpeeds of 724 Kbps. And, perhaps most importantly, just 27 percent of DSL users reported themselves satisfied.

State by State: Analyzing regions offers insight and challenges, but the region with the fastest Internet service—the West—is just 14 Kbps faster than the slowest, the South at 551 Kbps. The difference between states, on the other hand, is shocking, with No. 1 Nevada offering residents Internet more than twice as fast as bottom-ranked New Mexico.

The PCMag Fastest ISPs in America 2008 - State Ranking:

Ranking State SurfSpeed (Kbps)
1 Nevada 781
2 Virginia 765
3 Pennsylvania 747
4 New Jersey 727
5 Connecticut 716
6 New York 714
7 Nebraska 707
8 Oklahoma 695
9 Massachusetts 695
10 Maryland 691
11 Illinois 681
12 Georgia 679
13 California 666
14 Oregon 665
15 Delaware 646
16 Washington 625
17 New Hampshire 615
18 Minnesota 609
19 Texas 605
20 Ohio 600
21 North Dakota 593
22 Colorado 564
23 Florida 562
24 South Dakota 560
25 Alabama 556
26 Kentucky 547
27 Michigan 544
28 Missouri 539
29 North Carolina 534
30 Kansas 528
31 Indiana 524
32 Utah 517
33 Rhode Island 516
34 Arizona 505
35 Tennessee 474
36 Louisiana 470
37 Idaho 461
38 South Carolina 457
39 Montana 455
40 Maine 427
41 West Virginia 417
42 Mississippi 413
43 Arkansas 405
44 Arizona 402
45 Wisconsin 402
46 Iowa 398
47 Vermont 391
48 Wyoming 379
49 Hawaii 378
50 New Mexico 322
National avg 557

Consumers Flock to Cyber Monday for Holiday Shopping

Christopher Ferguson, NASA Astronaut

Philadelphia's own, NASA Astronaut, Christopher Ferguson may be seeing stars right now, but Technically Speaking's own, JC Lamkin had a chance to catch up to him when he was on the ground. Listen in to the interview to find out how Christopher Ferguson (Captain, USN) became an astronaut.

Speed up the PC – Robust CyberDefender Application Streamlines and Extends Computer Life

Today, CyberDefender launched its new Registry Cleaner application, speeding up the common PC by ridding the registry of the junk, clutter, and holes. Now is not the time to be spending thousands of dollars on a new computer, instead save money by speeding up the old one.

• The CyberDefender Registry Cleaner not only keeps the computer running faster, but also keeps it running for a longer time.”
• CyberDefender Registry Cleaner automatically detects and corrects many of the most common problems including: Invalid paths, fonts, file types, CLSID, DLLs, sound, help files, shell extensions, AppEvents and class keys.
• It allows the user to quickly and easily undo any changes that are made to the computer in case a problem occurs, ensuring the safety of the computer and data files.
• It is easy to use for novice and advanced computer users.
• The program offers responsive and helpful customer support to sure make certain registry problems are eliminated.

Every parents nightmare, cyberbullying

Every parents nightmare - a website uploaded with exposing pictures of your child, death threats coming to them through their cell phones, or harassing emails sent out in their name.

With Cyberbullying going on in our communities/nation/world, a cyberbullying, Derek R. Randel, Stopping School Violence LLC, 847-853-4308 expert lends himself to helping those in need. Derek is a professional speaker, used to live audiences, call ins, and the need for spontaneous remarks. His solutions for parents include:

• Time to talk
• Internet in the bedroom
• Computer locations
• How to respond
• Saving the documents
• Personal information
• Who to contact
• Signs to look for
• Social networking sites
• Types and examples of cyberbullying

If you want to know more, please visit the stoppingschoolviolence.com website.

Taking the dumb out of Smart Phones

More and more we are realizing how smart phones permeate our lives and how dangerous it could be to place bank info, user names and passwords on a device that could so easily crash or go missing.

Someone has to take the dumb out of Smart Phones!

Smart phone users tend to place all types of personal information on their devices simply because it’s so convenient. Yet, if their iPhones crash (which happens more than we’d like) or their Blackberries or Windows Mobile devices go lost or stolen, all of that data gets lost or – even worse – ends up in the wrong hands.

Also, when a smart phone goes missing or crashes, users often lose files that don’t get backed up on their computers: music, ring tones, text messages and other files. Listeners (many of whom use Smart Phones) can come to understand the seriousness of carrying around a device with so much valuable data and the need to protect it.

CyberSynchs (www.cybersynchs.com) is a cool, easy and economical solution to losing you data. CyberSynchs is a small application that loads onto your phone and backs up all of the data to their secure server. What’s even better is that the CyberSynchs web server allows you to erase all of the data from your smart phone should it go missing.

Earlier this year, Amos Winbush, CyberSynchs’ founder discovered that his iPhone had crashed and his personal and professional life came to a screeching halt. The idea for CyberSynchs actually came to him one night after learning that he’d never retrieve the data from his crashed iPhone.

Barcampphilly

Like Podcampphilly, BarcampPhilly is sort of a lecture for computer users (mostly social media) who understand that collaboration is the key to learning. However, instead of one person doing all of the talking, everyone discusses their own experiences with a certain topic. This knowledge sharing technique is unique in that normally, opinion leaders prefer to hoarde information for themselves. The feeling is that hording will give them an edge. Barcamp operates on a different premise.

During the November 8, 2008 Barcampphilly, over 100 computer user collaborated on ROI for Social Media (Bus./Mktg.); Using Social Networks for Social Change: facebook, myspace & more (especially for nonprofits) ; Building Better Web Developers - What should colleges be teaching?, What Tech stuff is Happening in Philly and more.

Located in the University of the Arts, this un-conference had intentional focus on openness and collaborative learning.

Video Your Vote

This year's election has been trying for everyone. Admittedly, there have been some quite humorous moments. However, voters are exhausted. Volunteers are fatigued. And, we have yet to reach our climax. Take heart, we are closing in on November 4th and Technically Speaking Radio is right there with you; so, we close in on it together.

Good news, we are not alone. Video the Vote wants to join us for the final days of our journey. Video the Vote is helping us monitor our democracy. This is a nationwide initiative. If you are interested in citizen journalism, you can provide a video record of election issues in real time. Video the Vote will then distribute footage to media outlets. If you do not have a camera, but would like to participate, you can sign-up as a dispatcher. Partners for this initiative include NAACP, YouTube and PBS. So, Video Your Vote !

Regarding filming your vote, please fee free to review the laws in your respective state. http://citmedia.org/blog/2006/11/06/state-laws-vary-on-polling-place-photography/

Free computer class: Using Blogs

For Immediate Release

Free computer class: Using Blogs

Philadelphia, PA, --- Promoting an organization's agenda in the 21st century takes an internet presence. But, how does an organization or individual on a shoestring budget convey information via the internet? With the ongoing Internet evolution, community members have more tools at their fingertips than ever before to accomplish this required self-promotion.

On Saturday, November 15, 2008, Liberation Fellowship Community Development Corporation will host a free computer workshop class called, "Using Blogs" to teach individuals and organizations how to use the internet as an excellent resource for hunting, gathering of resources and promoting their agendas.

This workshop is an excellent opportunity for grass roots organizations and community members to learn more about a wide range of e-topics, including some fantastic how-to content for social networks and other tools.

During this 3 hour hands-on workshop, participants will learn: What is a blog? Why do I/my organization need one? How can I build and maintain a blog for free? How can I promote my blog? How can I use a blog to generate revenue?

You will also have the ability to participate from the comfort of your own home via the live webcast for this event, via http://technically-speaking-radio.blogspot.com, the Technically Speaking Radio, “Taking Tech to the Streets” web page, http://technically-speaking-radio.blogspot.com/2008/08/taking-tech-to-streets-event.html

Pre-requisites: Proficiency in using Microsoft Word and internet navigation savvy.


Event details
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2008
Time: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Northwest Regional Library,
68 West Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144-2795
(Greene St. & Chelten Ave.)
Meter parking available in the rear

Cost: Free

Participants must RSVP before November 1, 2008 via http://free-phila-computer-training.eventbrite.com. Space is limited.

This class will be facilitated by JC Lamkin, CNA, PMP, President of Gypsy Lane Technologies. As Philadelphia’s renowned tech expert, Ms. Lamkin was an invited panelist during the Congressional Black Caucus’ Annual Legislative Conference on Internet Security; the Spotlight Speaker at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs Business Exchange Breakfast; the 2007 Technology Council Gala Nominee for Educator of the Year; recipient of the Business Award from the Philadelphia Women's Opportunity Resource Center; and voted “Philadelphia's Most influential Young Socialite” by readers of the Philly blogspot, Destination Philadelphia. Ms. Lamkin will also be available to sign copies of her book, “Fabulous & Tech-filled.com, Volume 1”.

About Liberation Fellowship CDC
Liberation Fellowship Community Development Corporation (LFCDC) is a federally tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501 (c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. It was created in March, 2006 by members of Liberation Fellowship Church of Jesus, Inc. in Philadelphia, PA as a separate, stand-alone outreach and community development expression of the church's commitment to progressive personal and societal change.

We are focusing our activities on the leadership development of youth and adults. Consequently, our initial programs include the following: 1) youth and adult training programs that focus on three core leadership values and time-management skills; 2) a ten-week adult drawing basics course; 3) a ten-session environmental leadership training course that focuses on developing sustainable community organizations committed to solving environmental problems; 4) a four-hour course on website design that teaches individuals how to plan, organize and create a website from start to finish. 5) job-readiness training that prepares participants for job interviews, conflict resolution at work, and job-to-career strategies and methodologies.

About Gypsy Lane Technologies

Gypsy Lane Technologies (GLT), is a professional Internet solutions company based in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. We specialize in best-in-class social media, webcasting, online marketing, Flash multimedia, corporate identity and search engine optimization. GLT features an integrated team of web consultants, creative designers, writers, coders and marketing professionals that know how to get online results. Our business-driven approach separates us from typical web design companies. Gypsy Lane Technologies (GLT) sponsors the innovative community development radio show, Technically Speaking Radio, Fabulous & Techfilled.com, http://technically-speaking-radio.blogspot.com/

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Ruby on Rails and lijit networks

Tiffani Bell
Ruby Developer
http://the.commentari.at/

What is Ruby on Rails?
How can you get started using this open source web framework for programmers?


Tara Anderson
Community Catalyst
lijit networks, inc.

How can you use search stats to improve content targeting and uncover reader intent?




During our September 26, 2008 program, we will discuss Ruby on Rails and lijit networks. Open source web framework for programmers and confidence in searches this week during the Technically Speaking Radio program.

Today's "Two Tech Thumbs-down" Award goes to CAPTCHAs that Blind You with Science

Invented in the year 2000, a CAPTCHA is supposed to be a sort of security measure against computer robots that would like to mascaraed as humans. "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart" (CAPTCHA) gives the user a challenge response news test to see if the user can identify or calculate a set of characters.

Using CAPTCHA technology minimizes spam traffic through a given site. There is only one draw back, however. The CAPTCHA also often minimizes a user's patience. One of the most frequently used CAPTCHAs is the distorted characters CAPTCHA. Because the characters are generally hyper-distorted, sometimes even humans can not decipher the characters.

I occasionally teach computer workshops. At times during the workshop, I might instruct the students to register for a particular service. Subsequently, we may spend the next 20 minutes attempting to decipher the CAPTCHA on each others' screens. Some users become so frustrated that they want to give up before they ever get started.

While the CAPTCHA is helpful, we will need to create a better way to distinguish human computer users from robots. Until then, today's "Two TechCrusader Thumbs Down" award goes to CAPTCHAs that blind us with science.

Using the Animation Features in PowerPoint

Image via Wikipedia

Animation of text and objects is a popular PowerPoint feature. Many presenters find it exciting news to add a special visual or sound effect to text or an object. For example, you can have your text bullet points fly in from the left, one word at a time, or hear the sound of applause when a picture is uncovered.

There are several considerations when planning your animation effect.

Animate text by letter, word, or paragraph
Animate the text you want with an entrance, emphasis, exit, or motion path effect.
Add an entrance, emphasis, or exit animation

To add effects to your presentation follow the steps below and view the attached video for illustration.

Open the presentation you want to add animation to and do one or both of the following:

Apply a preset animation scheme

If you only want to apply the animation scheme to a few slides, click the Slides tab, and select the slides you want.
On the Slide Show menu, click Animation Schemes.
In the Slide Design task pane, under Apply to selected slides, click an animation scheme in the list.
If you want to apply the scheme to all slides, click the Apply to All Slides.

Apply a custom animation

1. In normal view, display the slide that has the text or objects you want to animate.
2. Select the object you want to animate.
3. On the Slide Show menu, click Custom Animation.
4. In the Custom Animation task pane, click , and do one or more of the following:
5. If you want to make the text or object enter the slide show presentation with an effect, point to Entrance and then click an effect.
6. If you want to add an effect to text or an object that is on the slide, point to Emphasis and then click an effect.
7. If you want to add an effect to text or an object that makes it leave the slide at some point, point to Exit and then click an effect.
8. Note The effects appear in the Custom Animation list, top to bottom, in the order you apply them. The animated items are noted on the slide by a non-printing numbered tag that correlates to the effects in the list. This tag does not show up in the slide show view.

Tip

If you preview animations for a slide using the Play button on the Custom Animation task pane, you do not need to click to trigger any animation sequences. To preview how triggered animations work, click the Slide Show button instead.

Add a motion path
In normal view, display the slide that has the text or objects you want to create a motion path for.
Select the text item or object you want to animate.
For text items, you can select a placeholder or paragraph (including a bullet).

If the Custom Animation task pane is not displayed, on the Slide Show menu, click Custom Animation.
In the Custom Animation task pane, click , point to Motion Paths, and do one of the following:
Apply a preset motion path

Click a preset path or click More Motion Paths to choose from more options.

Create a custom motion path

Point to Draw Custom Path and then do one of the following:

1. Click Freeform to draw a path with both curved and straight segments. Drag to draw freehand shapes; click and move the mouse to draw straight lines.
2. Click Scribble and drag to draw a path that looks more like it was drawn with a pen or to create smooth curves.

Click Line and drag to draw a straight path.
Click Curve and click where you want the curved path to start, and then continue to move the mouse and click wherever you want to add a curve.
Do one of the following:
If you want to end the freeform or curved path and leave it open, double-click at any time.
If you want to end a line or scribbled path, let go of the mouse button.
If you want to close a shape, click at its starting point.

Tip

To make the path mimic an exit effect, set effect options to fade or hide the item after the animation plays, or draw the motion path off the slide.
In the Custom Animation task pane, in the Custom Animation list, click the animated text item that you want.
Click the arrow, click Effect Options, and then do one or more of the following:
If you want to animate by letter, on the Effect tab, in the Animate text list, click By letter.
If you want to animate by word, on the Effect tab, in the Animate text list, click By word.
If you want to animate by paragraph level or bullet, on the Text Animation tab, in the Group Text list, click an option.
Note If you want a delay in action between letter, word, or paragraph animations, on the Timing tab, enter a number in the Delay box.

Tip

To animate the text all at once, on the Effect tab, in the Animate text list, click As one object.

City of Philadelphia, CIO, Allan Frank joins us

Allan Frank
Chief Information Officer
Division of Technology
City of Philadelphia

During program for Saturday, September 20, 2008, we will review the insights and perspectives on the issues that matter most to the chief information officer (CIO) of the City of Philadelphia, including the most important one of all—aligning IT with overall goals with economic constraints. With 50% information and 50% inspiration, the CIO's journey through a city's challenges could propel that city to new heights.

From staffing to program development, a Chief Information Officer is consider the general of a city's tech army.

Allan Frank brings 35 years of knowledge in technology and business leadership to his position as Chief Information Officer for the City of Philadelphia. His background includes co-founder of a publicly-traded Consulting and Research company, Senior Partner in a Global Professional Services Firm, and extensive experience in setting strategy, implementing and operating core business processes, product development, marketing, internal IT management, software development and all facets of building a world-class technology/services organization. He is also a recognized as an expert in the areas of information delivery, decision support and knowledge management. Mr. Frank holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Computer Science, and Master of Business Administration in Finance from Lehigh University and he is also a non-practicing Certified Public Accountant.

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