Wednesday, February 22, 2012

 

Broadband Frequently Asked Questions
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This page contains answers to Frequently Asked Questions handled by our support staff, along with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here as questions.

 E-Mail Related Questions

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FPB WebMail is an alternate way to access your email and you can use it from any Internet connection in the world. To use WebMail, visit http://webmail.fewpb.net and login using your username and password.  If you use an email application like Outlook Express, any mail that you have downloaded to your computer will not be available for viewing on the WebMail server. If you only use the WebMail access, all of your messages will stay on the server until you delete them or download them using an email application.  

You may want to change your password from the initial one we assigned you or you may like to change your passwords from time-to-time.  We have a Step-by-Step instruction page on how to change your email password that you can print out and use as a guide (Click here).  If you are still uncomfortable, you can call our 24-hour Technical Support line 866-352-9570 (toll-free) and request that your account password be reset.

Outlook Express is the most commonly used email application.  We have a Step-by-Step instruction page that you can print out and use as a guide (Click here). If you have more than one email account, you may be interested in setting up separate Outlook Express Identities so that each email account has its own Inbox.


Pop-Ups, Viruses & Other Annoyances

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Pop-ups tend to be a result of having Spyware running on your system.  Spyware has probably become the largest source of problems for Internet customers recently.  There are a number of software packages available that you can install to combat this problem. Look at our Broadband Utilities page in the sections of Anti-Spyware and Pop-up Blockers for assistance.

Viruses are one of the biggest problems for Internet connected computers and having a good anti-virus software is the key to keeping your computer virus-free.  Unfortunately, most people assume that once anti-virus software is installed on the computer, they will always be protected and no further maintenance is needed.  In fact, all anti-virus software must be updated on a weekly, if not daily, basis to stay ahead of the latest viruses.  If you believe you may be infected or if you don't currently have up-to-date anti-virus software, there are a number of software packages available that you can install to combat this problem.  Look at our Broadband Utilities page in the section of Anti-Virus for assistance.

The vast majority of these computer system problems tend to be the result of having Spyware running on your system.  Spyware has probably become the largest source of problems for Internet customers recently.  There are a number of software packages available that you can install to combat this problem. Look at our Broadband Utilities  page in the section of Anti-Spyware for assistance.


Personal Web Space Questions

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If you have never created a Web Page or used HTML code before, there are several types of resources that can help.  You first need to choose a web page editing program.  There are many kinds of applications that can help you create web pages, some are even available for free download on the Internet.

WYSIWYG Editors, pronounced "wizi-wig", allow you to edit a web page directly in the software as it will look when it is viewed in a web browser, hence the name WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get).  WYSIWYG Editors tend to be more expensive than simple HTML Editors.  HTML Editors, are simple code editors that usually have a preview option that allows you to quickly preview how the HTML code will look when viewed in a web browser.  Many of these HTML Editors are available for low cost or sometimes freely downloadable on the Internet.  Whichever you decide to use will be a matter of personal preference; however, it is one of the more important decisions to make prior to getting started.

The experts over at the HTMLGoodies website have created an excellent Non-Technical Introduction to HTML.  They also have many tutorials and examples of HTML code to help you get started.

If you have not requested the activation of your Personal Web Space (PWS), please call our Customer Service Department at 352-4372 to make that request.

Customers who have FPB E-Mail Accounts get free Personal Web Space (10MB each) to create their own personalized (non-commercial) web pages.  If you don't think you have an FPB E-Mail Account, just call Customer Service at 352-4372 to inquire further.


Lightning / Surge Protection & Modem Warranty

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  • Purchased from FPB:  If you purchased your cable modem from FPB, we will honor the manufacturer's warranty and replace the unit for up to one year from the date of installation.
  • Purchased via Monthly Installment Plan Option:  If you bought your modem on the Monthly Installment Plan (payments spread over 3 years), FPB will honor the warranty for a period of one year from the date of installation.  If it is damaged after the warranty is expired, you will still be responsible for the remainder of the payments (per your signed contract).  Monthly Installment Plan (MIP) appears as a $4 per month charge on your bill.
  • Renting from FPB:  If you rent the cable modem from FPB, we will always replace the cable modem if it appears to have been damaged.  Rental charge appears as a $7 per month charge on your bill.
  • Safety First:  Take the necessary precautions and stay safe.  Be sure to shut down and power off all components including your monitor, computer, and/or turn off your power strip *before* unplugging anything from the wall outlet.
  • Use a good quality Surge Suppression Power Strip:  The first line of protection is to use a good quality Surge Suppression Power Strip.  These units can also have inputs for both phone lines *and* CATV lines.  These will help keep your computer safe.
  • Unplug devices during a Thunderstorm:  If a storm is near, you can protect your equipment by unplugging your power strip from the wall outlet *and* any other device connected to the wall, for example:  your CATV line to your cable modem and dial-up phone line modem.


General Questions

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FPB currently offers four levels of Residential Cable Modem Service and Business Cable Modem Service (1Mbps, 2Mbps, 4Mbps, & 8Mbps).  Typical dial-up is rated at 56kbps.

The only hardware you need is a network interface card or a USB port. If you think your computer does not already have one, refer to your computer owner’s manual to be sure. Macintosh requires a 10 Base-T Ethernet port.

A cable modem is a device that allows high-speed access to the Internet via our cable television network. It allow you to access the Internet without the use of a telephone dial-up modem. This technology enables the subscriber to stay online all the time, eliminating busy signals or “dropped connections,” as well as increasing your download speeds depending upon what level of service you choose.

Yes. Both the cable television service and the FPB’s high-speed modem access service will operate normally when both are in use at the same time.

Although a cable connection from FPB to your home will be necessary for you to receive high-speed data services, you do not have to purchase cable TV service.

No. FPB operates over Cable TV lines and does not need a telephone line to send and receive information for the Internet.

The Internet is a shared resource. This shared resource, regardless of how you access it, also presents an element of risk. As a result, the security of your files and computer while on the Internet is your responsibility and one that we encourage our customers to take seriously. Remember, with the Frankfort Plant Board service, you are online all the time.

FPB Cable Modem Service is compatible with AOL BYOA™ Bring Your Own Access. Please contact AOL for assistance with this feature.

Not at this time. Should the Service become available to FPB customers, we will contact them directly.

Yes, in most cases; however, a technician will make that determination at installation. It is a requirement for Macintosh systems.

If you have a problem with your Internet connection or your FPB ISP Service you should call our 24-hour Technical Support line at 866-352-9570.  If you have problems with other services (e.g. AOL, MSN, etc.), you should contact the technical support representatives for that service.

Unlike other companies providing similar services, FPB does not require a contract for service. We feel the customer's satisfaction with FPB's service will keep you as a customer in-lieu-of a contract.

Yes. Backups should be a regular part of using any personal computer. The installer will not back up your system for you. You will be required to sign a waiver releasing the installers from responsibility if something should happen during your installation or from using your connection.

Computer running either Windows 2000/XP or Macintosh OS 9 or higher.

FPB requires the creation of at least one FPB e-mail address to help identify the account and so we can send administrative alerts. Customers who want to keep their current e-mail service can do so; however, at this time, we will only recognize the primary FPB e-mail address for sending notices and alerts.

Sticky IP addresses are sometimes required for certain applications like: video teleconferencing (H.232 protocol), remote access, and sometimes VPN services. Sticky IP addresses cost $10 each per month.

No. The cable modem is more like a network connection. It is not connected to a serial port but to an internal network interface card. So, both your standard modem and the cable modem can reside inside your computer.

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