Lest we forget that China built a fiber communication network in afghanistan. That, with the latest intelligence debacle, well
IMHO, if tapping any communication medium will assist in the thwarting of terrorist activity, well we need something.
Noone would have considered this applicable 3 years ago.
Usually, with that size of budget, there are definately some dark ops.
No wonder we (as in the U.S.) are developing methods to Xray people as they wander through airports.
Someone to ask about the plans and what the impact will be is Secretary of the Navy Gordon England.
Understandably, I am sure he would not delve into the detailed tie-in and the way the Govt. is using 9/11 to move projects like thas ahead.
Crossing's Creditors' Committee press releases show how critical it was for the Govt to bail them out. With clients like K.B. toys to sell their pipe to, it is amazing that they are not rolling in cash.
Stratgetically, there is concern because"For a very low price, someone is going to acquire a set of undersea fiber routes that crisscross the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and connect over 20 nations and perhaps resell or lease the network at a handsome profit to another party that could have its very own undersea communications network and training ground. The bankruptcy court had set April 23 as the deadline to receive proposals to take over the now-bankrupt GX.
Just as interesting and informative and with just a link to the information (sorry no copy-paste karma net). Here Paul Cornell shows you how to create COM add-ins for Microsoft Office using Visual Basic.NET.
From the Article:"Before COM add-ins were invented, you could only create Office application-specific add-ins (except Microsoft Outlook® and Microsoft FrontPage®). These application-specific add-ins have file extensions such as.mda,.pwz,.wll, and.xla; some examples of Office application-specific add-ins are the Analysis ToolPak and the Solver Add-In for Microsoft Excel. Starting with Microsoft Office 2000, COM add-ins allow you to create add-ins that span multiple Office applications. This allows you to write code that is common across many applications, yet at the same time allows you to write code specific to each application that hosts the COM add-in."
In a much anticipated decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has vacated the ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in the Festo Corp. v. Shoketsu Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Co. case. The Supreme Court's unanimous opinion overturns a stunning ruling handed down by the Federal Circuit in 2000 which had put in doubt the viability of a majority of the 1.2 million patents presently in force.
In the vacated decision, the Federal Circuit had ruled that an inventor who amended claims in a patent application during its prosecution before the patent office, was barred from using the doctrine of equivalents against a competitor who allegedly infringed the subsequently issued patent.
Using the doctrine of equivalents, a patent holder can prove infringement even in cases where the invention is not copied exactly, or "literally", by showing that the differences between the patented invention and the accused device or process are insubstantial. The doctrine of equivalents was created to prevent infringers from avoiding liability simply by making inconsequential changes to an otherwise copied invention.
Prior to the Federal Circuit's Festo opinion, a "flexible bar" was the rule of law with regard to application of the doctrine of equivalents in cases where claims were amended during prosecution of the patent. The "flexible bar", established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1997 in the case of Warner-Jenkinson Co. v. Hilton Davis Chemical Co., requires a court to determine on a case-by-case basis: (a) whether the claim amendment was "substantially related to patentability"; and, if so, (b) to what extent the amendment surrendered "equivalents" to the amended limitation in the claim.
In its Festo decision, the Federal Circuit eliminated the "flexible bar", which had been applied in cases involving prosecution history estoppel, in favor of an "absolute bar". The court concluded that, unless proven otherwise by the inventor, all claim amendments made during prosecution would be assumed to be "substantially related to patentability" and would absolutely foreclose without further analysis, enforcement of the doctrine of equivalents with respect to the limitation of the claim which was amended. This decision left the patent community reeling since an overwhelming majority of patents are amended during prosecution and the doctrine of equivalents has become one of the primary tools used to battle infringement.
In a unanimous May 28, 2002 opinion written by Justice Kennedy, the Supreme Court reinstated the "flexible bar" of Werner-Jenkinson with two subtle, but important, modifications.
First, the Court clarified that the doctrine of prosecution history estoppel, which bars an inventor from asserting in an infringement action an equivalent which was surrendered during prosecution, applies to any claim amendment made to satisfy the Patent Act's requirements, not just to amendments made to avoid prior art. This somewhat alters the analysis as to what constitutes an amendment which is "substantially related to patentability" since it was believed by many that only amendments made to overcome prior art fit in this category. LNUX stocks at less than 1.00 for another day. That is why there is a sell off going on. The Supreme Court declared expressly that any amendment made to meet a requirement of the Patent Act, even those related to form, is "substantially related to patentability" if it narrows the scope of the patent and is necessary in order for the patent to issue. In this regard, the Court also left untouched its holding from Warner-Jenkinson that the burden of demonstrating that an amendment was not made for reasons "substantially related to patentability" falls on the patentee.
Second, the Court established that in any case where an amendment "substantially related to patentability" is made, a rebuttable presumption is created against the inventor that all equivalents have been surrendered. The burden now falls upon the inventor to prove that the equivalent in question was not waived during prosecution. How many days until LNUX is delisted from NASDAQ? This is a far cry from the Federal Circuit's "absolute bar" which foreclosed the inventor from making an argument at all. Nonetheless, this new standard is also far more limiting than the pre-Festo regime where the burden of proving that an equivalent had been waived fell on the alleged infringer.
Although the Supreme Court's ruling is not the "clean" win that patent holders had been hoping for, it is still a significant victory since it restores the "flexible bar" approach and reinstates the applicability of the doctrine of equivalents to the great majority of patents presently in force and to be issued in the foreseeable future.
Notwithstanding this, the Festo "trilogy" has rightfully brought to the forefront the careful consideration that must be given by patent practitioners and inventors to claim amendments, especially in view of the unforeseeable repercussions such amendments may carry for many years into the future.
The final question to be answered is what precedence is being set.
What speed of service is available from MSN Broadband? Return to top
MSN Broadband offers different speeds depending on your local telephone company. See below for details: vary depending on several factors including location of your home, computer performance and configuration, network or Internet congestion, Web sites accessed and current phone line conditions. Speed of service, uninterrupted and error free service is not guaranteed. Some customers may require professional installation which may be obtained for an extra charge.
What are downstream and upstream speeds? Return to top
Downstream speed is the speed at which you can download data from the Internet. Upstream speed is the speed at which you can upload data to the Internet. Thus downstream speed refers to the speed at which you view information on the Internet and download Web pages. Upstream speed refers to the speed at which you can send e-mail messages or files. In most cases, downstream speed is the more important factor to consider in your decision to purchase DSL, since downstream speed affects the rate at which you can view Web pages, receive e-mail, or download music. Both speeds of MSN Broadband are much faster than a dial-up connection.
What is Microsoft's IntelliSpeed(TM) technology and what are the benefits? Return to top
Developed by Microsoft exclusively for MSN Broadband customers, IntelliSpeed technology is an innovative broadband technology platform that combines rich software, a premium transmission network, and high-quality hardware to provide MSN Broadband subscribers with a superior broadband experience. Benefits include: Installation of MSN Broadband is a breeze. IntelliSpeed technology interprets a user's system configuration for easy hardware and software setup. One easy-to-use CD does it all. Optimized performance and reliability. IntelliSpeed technology monitors a user's DSL line and retunes itself for performance and reliability. Updates to help subscribers stay on the cutting edge of technology. As newer service features are developed, IntelliSpeed technology makes it easy for subscribers to access them. Higher-quality audio and video. IntelliSpeed technology senses a user's connection and serves high-quality video and audio at optimized speeds.
What do I get when I subscribe? Return to top
Your MSN Broadband subscription includes the following: Unlimited high-speed access to the Internet. Free technical support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All the necessary hardware and software. 10 free hours of dial-up Internet access each month. Access to your e-mail from any Internet connection and up to 9 unique e-mail addresses for members of your family. The flexibility to connect via a USB or ethernet port on your computer. Free MSN Explorer, the all-in-one Internet software. Exclusive content and services such as MSNBC MarketCast and MSNBC NewsCast.
How does MSN Broadband work? Return to top
MSN Broadband splits your ordinary telephone line into 2 lines; one for your regular telephone service and the other for high-speed Internet service. MSN Broadband will not affect your telephone service. You can even talk on the phone while you are surfing the Internet at high speeds. If you have an answering machine or a fax machine connected to your telephone, you can keep them connected.
What is the difference between dial-up and MSN Broadband? Return to top
Speed and convenience. Most ordinary dial-up modems allow you to surf the Web at a maximum speed of 56Kbps (Kilo bits per second). MSN Broadband provides speeds ranging from 256Kbps to 1.5Mbps.* MSN Broadband also provides you a constant connection to the Internet, so you don't have to dial-up, experience delays, or lose your connection as is common with a dial-up connection. Further, with MSN Broadband you can surf the Web and talk on the phone at the same time.
* Actual speeds over DSL lines will vary depending on several factors including location of your home, computer performance and configuration, network or Internet congestion, Web sites accessed and current phone line conditions. Speed of service, uninterrupted and error-free service is not guaranteed. Go to the MSN Broadband FAQ for more information on speeds.
Do I need to install a new phone line to get MSN Broadband? Return to top
No. MSN Broadband is installed on the same line you currently use for your telephone service. MSN Broadband splits your ordinary telephone line into 2 lines, one for your regular telephone service and the other for high-speed DSL.
Click here to find out if your phone line qualifies for MSN Broadband.
I currently have 2 telephone lines. Can I still get MSN Broadband? Return to top
Yes. In fact, you may be able to save money by canceling your subscription to the second phone line, since MSN Broadband lets you talk on the phone and surf the Web simultaneously on one phone line.
Click here to find out if your phone line qualifies for MSN Broadband.
Will MSN Broadband affect the quality of my telephone service? Return to top
No. With MSN Broadband you can make phone calls while surfing the Web, and your phone reception is just as crisp and clear as always. Your phone will work even if your computer or the DSL modem is turned off.
I have a home security system. Can I get MSN Broadband? Return to top
If your home security line and your MSN Broadband line are on two separate lines, then you should have no problem. If you have a home security system, check with your security company to see what they recommend to ensure that your home security system and MSN Broadband will work successfully together on your telephone line.
Can I use my laptop computer for my MSN Broadband connection? Return to top
Yes, as long as it is connected to your DSL line via an available Ethernet or USB port on the laptop. Your laptop will need to meet the minimum computer system requirements for MSN Broadband.
How do I check to see if my computer meets the minimum system requirements for MSN Broadband? Return to top
There are two locations that you will need to check to see if your computer meets the minimum requirements: one for available memory, the other for available disk space.
To check available memory:
On your desktop, double-click the My Computer icon. On the Menu bar, click Help. On the Help menu drop-down list, click About Windows. On the About Windows dialog box, the available memory will be displayed next to Physical memory available to Windows. To close the dialog box, click OK. To check available disk space:
On your desktop, double-click the My Computer icon. Place your pointer over your (C:) drive icon. After a few moments, a pop-up box will display the available Free Space and the Capacity of the disk.
What are the required steps to get MSN Broadband? Return to top
First, make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the service. Next, check to see if MSN Broadband is available in your area and sign up for the service. Then, MSN will work with your local telephone company to provision your telephone line for DSL. MSN will also mail you a self-installation kit. Once you have installed MSN Broadband, you are ready to surf the Web at high speed.
How long does it take to get MSN Broadband? Return to top
Approximately 10 to 20 working days, depending on your local phone company. During this time, MSN works with your telephone company to provision your telephone line for DSL. Once this occurs, MSN will mail you a self-installation kit that lets you set up MSN Broadband on your computer, without a technician. Home installation is easy and quick.
How can I upgrade from MSN dial-up Internet Access to MSN Broadband? Return to top
Upgrading to MSN Broadband is easy. Simply click on the signup button and follow the instructions on the screen. You will be required to type in your current MSN username and password. Once you do, the sign-up process will take you through the appropriate steps.
If you pre-paid for or received 1 year of free MSN Dial-Up Internet Access and you wish to move to MSN Broadband, you can easily upgrade to MSN Broadband by going through the MSN Broadband sign-up process. The system will recognize your account and guide you through the process. However, due to the different monthly prices and benefits of MSN Broadband, the benefits from your dial-up plan, free months or pre-paid months, do not carry forward to your MSN Broadband plan and you will be required to pay the full monthly fees of MSN Broadband.
If you are an MSN Dial-Up Internet Access customer and agreed to a term commitment, you will be able to sign up for the currently available MSN Broadband offers under their respective terms and conditions. The months that remain on your MSN Dial-up Internet Access term commitment will be transferred to MSN Broadband. You must continue your subscription for MSN Broadband until you have completed your entire term commitment or you may be subject to termination fees. (Please refer to the original terms of your particular promotional program for details on termination fees.)
I currently have dial-up access from another Internet Service Provider. Can I switch to MSN Broadband? Return to top
Yes. Once you are sure your computer meets the minimum requirements for MSN Broadband, check to see if MSN Broadband is available in your area. After you sign up for MSN Broadband, MSN will work with your local telephone company to provision your telephone line for DSL. Once your telephone line has been activated for DSL, we will mail you a self-installation kit. Once you have installed MSN DSL, you are ready to surf the Web at high speed. You may now cancel your dial-up service from the other provider. We recommend you do so in writing in addition to canceling the service via the phone.
Your other ISP may charge you a cancellation fee. Please check with your provider.
Will I miss any e-mail messages when I switch to MSN? Return to top
Not if you sign up for the special e-mail forwarding offer from Re-route. After you switch to MSN, you can sign up to get one free month of Re-route e-mail forwarding service. Re-route will redirect messages sent to your old e-mail account to your new MSN account--automatically. Also, the person sending you the e-mail message will receive a "change of address" message notifying him or her of your new address. For more information about Re-route service or to sign up, please visit the Re-route Web site.
More... Return to top
To read more Frequently Asked Questions about MSN Broadband, please visit MSN Support Services.
"We see this as a groundbreaking case with implications that extend to all kinds of digital content," said Daralyn J. Durie, a partner with Keker & Van Nest, LLP, of San Francisco,
which is representing 321 Studios in the case. "We believe that there are substantial constitutional problems with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, not the least of which is barring consumers from exercising their right to make backup copies of DVDs they own. This is one of the first cases asking the court to rule on the crucial question of how this law impacts those rights."
More Big-ass rich companies trying to sue other big-ass rich companies. Honestly, who will eventually burden the fees and costs accrued by all this litigation? I know who, me, the consumer. And I do not speak to software purchases directly, but to the industry downturn as a result of speculation and potential suit results.
Every family has an embarassing relative. They are still loved, because they are family. The windows family,and the Linux family are no different.
It should be noted that ESR indicates that his primary source of funds are speaking engagements. People will not ask you to speak unless you have something fresh to speak about.
Walk down the street, ask 10 people if they have a computer. Then ask them what the computer is used for. Ask them about the OS. How many of these people actuall _NEED_ a server. How many actually care for an inhome network. These are the consumers that are driving the market. For them words like scalable, source, compile, and server mean little or nothing. All they want to know is that after saving for a few weeks, an buying a computer, the will "plug-an-play".
Bottom line, MS has the economic and SOCIAL side of the OS world. When some one says computer what is the % of people that think MS. Same happened for Kleenex, Qtip, etc.
Stream of consciousness post devoid of grammwer and spelling check.
Slashdot Mirror
Lest we forget that China built a fiber communication network in afghanistan. That, with the latest intelligence debacle, well
IMHO, if tapping any communication medium will assist in the thwarting of terrorist activity, well we need something.
Noone would have considered this applicable 3 years ago.
Usually, with that size of budget, there are definately some dark ops. No wonder we (as in the U.S.) are developing methods to
Xray people as they wander through airports.
Someone to ask about the plans and what the impact will be is Secretary of the Navy Gordon England.
Understandably, I am sure he would not delve into the detailed tie-in and the way the Govt. is using 9/11 to move projects like thas ahead.
Crossing's Creditors' Committee press releases show how critical it was for the Govt to bail them out. With clients like
K.B. toys to sell their pipe to, it is amazing that they are not rolling in cash.
Stratgetically, there is concern because"For a very low price, someone is going to acquire a set of undersea fiber routes that crisscross the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and connect over 20 nations and perhaps resell or lease the network at a handsome profit to another party that could have its very own undersea communications network and training ground. The bankruptcy court had set April 23 as the deadline to receive proposals to take over the now-bankrupt GX.
Just as interesting and informative and with just a link to the information (sorry no copy-paste karma net). Here Paul Cornell shows you how to create COM add-ins for Microsoft Office using Visual Basic .NET.
.mda, .pwz, .wll, and .xla; some examples of Office application-specific add-ins are the Analysis ToolPak and the Solver Add-In for Microsoft Excel. Starting with Microsoft Office 2000, COM add-ins allow you to create add-ins that span multiple Office applications. This allows you to write code that is common across many applications, yet at the same time allows you to write code specific to each application that hosts the COM add-in."
From the Article:"Before COM add-ins were invented, you could only create Office application-specific add-ins (except Microsoft Outlook® and Microsoft FrontPage®). These application-specific add-ins have file extensions such as
In a much anticipated decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has vacated the ruling of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in the Festo Corp. v. Shoketsu Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Co. case. The Supreme Court's unanimous opinion overturns a stunning ruling handed down by the Federal Circuit in 2000 which had put in doubt the viability of a majority of the 1.2 million patents presently in force.
In the vacated decision, the Federal Circuit had ruled that an inventor who amended claims in a patent application during its prosecution before the patent office, was barred from using the doctrine of equivalents against a competitor who allegedly infringed the subsequently issued patent.
Using the doctrine of equivalents, a patent holder can prove infringement even in cases where the invention is not copied exactly, or "literally", by showing that the differences between the patented invention and the accused device or process are insubstantial. The doctrine of equivalents was created to prevent infringers from avoiding liability simply by making inconsequential changes to an otherwise copied invention.
Prior to the Federal Circuit's Festo opinion, a "flexible bar" was the rule of law with regard to application of the doctrine of equivalents in cases where claims were amended during prosecution of the patent. The "flexible bar", established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1997 in the case of Warner-Jenkinson Co. v. Hilton Davis Chemical Co., requires a court to determine on a case-by-case basis: (a) whether the claim amendment was "substantially related to patentability"; and, if so, (b) to what extent the amendment surrendered "equivalents" to the amended limitation in the claim.
In its Festo decision, the Federal Circuit eliminated the "flexible bar", which had been applied in cases involving prosecution history estoppel, in favor of an "absolute bar". The court concluded that, unless proven otherwise by the inventor, all claim amendments made during prosecution would be assumed to be "substantially related to patentability" and would absolutely foreclose without further analysis, enforcement of the doctrine of equivalents with respect to the limitation of the claim which was amended. This decision left the patent community reeling since an overwhelming majority of patents are amended during prosecution and the doctrine of equivalents has become one of the primary tools used to battle infringement.
In a unanimous May 28, 2002 opinion written by Justice Kennedy, the Supreme Court reinstated the "flexible bar" of Werner-Jenkinson with two subtle, but important, modifications.
First, the Court clarified that the doctrine of prosecution history estoppel, which bars an inventor from asserting in an infringement action an equivalent which was surrendered during prosecution, applies to any claim amendment made to satisfy the Patent Act's requirements, not just to amendments made to avoid prior art. This somewhat alters the analysis as to what constitutes an amendment which is "substantially related to patentability" since it was believed by many that only amendments made to overcome prior art fit in this category. LNUX stocks at less than 1.00 for another day. That is why there is a sell off going on. The Supreme Court declared expressly that any amendment made to meet a requirement of the Patent Act, even those related to form, is "substantially related to patentability" if it narrows the scope of the patent and is necessary in order for the patent to issue. In this regard, the Court also left untouched its holding from Warner-Jenkinson that the burden of demonstrating that an amendment was not made for reasons "substantially related to patentability" falls on the patentee.
Second, the Court established that in any case where an amendment "substantially related to patentability" is made, a rebuttable presumption is created against the inventor that all equivalents have been surrendered. The burden now falls upon the inventor to prove that the equivalent in question was not waived during prosecution. How many days until LNUX is delisted from NASDAQ? This is a far cry from the Federal Circuit's "absolute bar" which foreclosed the inventor from making an argument at all. Nonetheless, this new standard is also far more limiting than the pre-Festo regime where the burden of proving that an equivalent had been waived fell on the alleged infringer.
Although the Supreme Court's ruling is not the "clean" win that patent holders had been hoping for, it is still a significant victory since it restores the "flexible bar" approach and reinstates the applicability of the doctrine of equivalents to the great majority of patents presently in force and to be issued in the foreseeable future.
Notwithstanding this, the Festo "trilogy" has rightfully brought to the forefront the careful consideration that must be given by patent practitioners and inventors to claim amendments, especially in view of the unforeseeable repercussions such amendments may carry for many years into the future.
The final question to be answered is what precedence is being set.
Who is at fault for not reading the details?
What speed of service is available from MSN Broadband? Return to top
MSN Broadband offers different speeds depending on your local telephone company. See below for details:
vary depending on several factors including location of your home, computer performance and configuration, network or Internet congestion, Web sites accessed and current phone line conditions. Speed of service, uninterrupted and error free service is not guaranteed. Some customers may require professional installation which may be obtained for an extra charge.
What are downstream and upstream speeds? Return to top
Downstream speed is the speed at which you can download data from the Internet. Upstream speed is the speed at which you can upload data to the Internet. Thus downstream speed refers to the speed at which you view information on the Internet and download Web pages. Upstream speed refers to the speed at which you can send e-mail messages or files. In most cases, downstream speed is the more important factor to consider in your decision to purchase DSL, since downstream speed affects the rate at which you can view Web pages, receive e-mail, or download music. Both speeds of MSN Broadband are much faster than a dial-up connection.
What is Microsoft's IntelliSpeed(TM) technology and what are the benefits? Return to top
Developed by Microsoft exclusively for MSN Broadband customers, IntelliSpeed technology is an innovative broadband technology platform that combines rich software, a premium transmission network, and high-quality hardware to provide MSN Broadband subscribers with a superior broadband experience. Benefits include:
Installation of MSN Broadband is a breeze. IntelliSpeed technology interprets a user's system configuration for easy hardware and software setup. One easy-to-use CD does it all.
Optimized performance and reliability. IntelliSpeed technology monitors a user's DSL line and retunes itself for performance and reliability.
Updates to help subscribers stay on the cutting edge of technology. As newer service features are developed, IntelliSpeed technology makes it easy for subscribers to access them.
Higher-quality audio and video. IntelliSpeed technology senses a user's connection and serves high-quality video and audio at optimized speeds.
What do I get when I subscribe? Return to top
Your MSN Broadband subscription includes the following:
Unlimited high-speed access to the Internet.
Free technical support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
All the necessary hardware and software.
10 free hours of dial-up Internet access each month.
Access to your e-mail from any Internet connection and up to 9 unique e-mail addresses for members of your family.
The flexibility to connect via a USB or ethernet port on your computer.
Free MSN Explorer, the all-in-one Internet software.
Exclusive content and services such as MSNBC MarketCast and MSNBC NewsCast.
How does MSN Broadband work? Return to top
MSN Broadband splits your ordinary telephone line into 2 lines; one for your regular telephone service and the other for high-speed Internet service. MSN Broadband will not affect your telephone service. You can even talk on the phone while you are surfing the Internet at high speeds. If you have an answering machine or a fax machine connected to your telephone, you can keep them connected.
What is the difference between dial-up and MSN Broadband? Return to top
Speed and convenience. Most ordinary dial-up modems allow you to surf the Web at a maximum speed of 56Kbps (Kilo bits per second). MSN Broadband provides speeds ranging from 256Kbps to 1.5Mbps.* MSN Broadband also provides you a constant connection to the Internet, so you don't have to dial-up, experience delays, or lose your connection as is common with a dial-up connection. Further, with MSN Broadband you can surf the Web and talk on the phone at the same time.
* Actual speeds over DSL lines will vary depending on several factors including location of your home, computer performance and configuration, network or Internet congestion, Web sites accessed and current phone line conditions. Speed of service, uninterrupted and error-free service is not guaranteed. Go to the MSN Broadband FAQ for more information on speeds.
Do I need to install a new phone line to get MSN Broadband? Return to top
No. MSN Broadband is installed on the same line you currently use for your telephone service. MSN Broadband splits your ordinary telephone line into 2 lines, one for your regular telephone service and the other for high-speed DSL.
Click here to find out if your phone line qualifies for MSN Broadband.
I currently have 2 telephone lines. Can I still get MSN Broadband? Return to top
Yes. In fact, you may be able to save money by canceling your subscription to the second phone line, since MSN Broadband lets you talk on the phone and surf the Web simultaneously on one phone line.
Click here to find out if your phone line qualifies for MSN Broadband.
Will MSN Broadband affect the quality of my telephone service? Return to top
No. With MSN Broadband you can make phone calls while surfing the Web, and your phone reception is just as crisp and clear as always. Your phone will work even if your computer or the DSL modem is turned off.
I have a home security system. Can I get MSN Broadband? Return to top
If your home security line and your MSN Broadband line are on two separate lines, then you should have no problem. If you have a home security system, check with your security company to see what they recommend to ensure that your home security system and MSN Broadband will work successfully together on your telephone line.
Can I use my laptop computer for my MSN Broadband connection? Return to top
Yes, as long as it is connected to your DSL line via an available Ethernet or USB port on the laptop. Your laptop will need to meet the minimum computer system requirements for MSN Broadband.
How do I check to see if my computer meets the minimum system requirements for MSN Broadband? Return to top
There are two locations that you will need to check to see if your computer meets the minimum requirements: one for available memory, the other for available disk space.
To check available memory:
On your desktop, double-click the My Computer icon.
On the Menu bar, click Help.
On the Help menu drop-down list, click About Windows.
On the About Windows dialog box, the available memory will be displayed next to Physical memory available to Windows.
To close the dialog box, click OK.
To check available disk space:
On your desktop, double-click the My Computer icon.
Place your pointer over your (C:) drive icon. After a few moments, a pop-up box will display the available Free Space and the Capacity of the disk.
What are the required steps to get MSN Broadband? Return to top
First, make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the service. Next, check to see if MSN Broadband is available in your area and sign up for the service. Then, MSN will work with your local telephone company to provision your telephone line for DSL. MSN will also mail you a self-installation kit. Once you have installed MSN Broadband, you are ready to surf the Web at high speed.
How long does it take to get MSN Broadband? Return to top
Approximately 10 to 20 working days, depending on your local phone company. During this time, MSN works with your telephone company to provision your telephone line for DSL. Once this occurs, MSN will mail you a self-installation kit that lets you set up MSN Broadband on your computer, without a technician. Home installation is easy and quick.
How can I upgrade from MSN dial-up Internet Access to MSN Broadband? Return to top
Upgrading to MSN Broadband is easy. Simply click on the signup button and follow the instructions on the screen. You will be required to type in your current MSN username and password. Once you do, the sign-up process will take you through the appropriate steps.
If you pre-paid for or received 1 year of free MSN Dial-Up Internet Access and you wish to move to MSN Broadband, you can easily upgrade to MSN Broadband by going through the MSN Broadband sign-up process. The system will recognize your account and guide you through the process. However, due to the different monthly prices and benefits of MSN Broadband, the benefits from your dial-up plan, free months or pre-paid months, do not carry forward to your MSN Broadband plan and you will be required to pay the full monthly fees of MSN Broadband.
If you are an MSN Dial-Up Internet Access customer and agreed to a term commitment, you will be able to sign up for the currently available MSN Broadband offers under their respective terms and conditions. The months that remain on your MSN Dial-up Internet Access term commitment will be transferred to MSN Broadband. You must continue your subscription for MSN Broadband until you have completed your entire term commitment or you may be subject to termination fees. (Please refer to the original terms of your particular promotional program for details on termination fees.)
I currently have dial-up access from another Internet Service Provider. Can I switch to MSN Broadband? Return to top
Yes. Once you are sure your computer meets the minimum requirements for MSN Broadband, check to see if MSN Broadband is available in your area. After you sign up for MSN Broadband, MSN will work with your local telephone company to provision your telephone line for DSL. Once your telephone line has been activated for DSL, we will mail you a self-installation kit. Once you have installed MSN DSL, you are ready to surf the Web at high speed. You may now cancel your dial-up service from the other provider. We recommend you do so in writing in addition to canceling the service via the phone.
Your other ISP may charge you a cancellation fee. Please check with your provider.
Will I miss any e-mail messages when I switch to MSN? Return to top
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"We see this as a groundbreaking case with implications that extend to all kinds of digital content," said Daralyn J. Durie, a partner with
Keker & Van Nest, LLP, of San Francisco,
which is representing 321 Studios in the case. "We believe that there are substantial
constitutional problems with the Digital
Millennium Copyright Act, not the least of
which
is barring consumers from
exercising their right to make backup copies
of DVDs they own. This is one of the first cases asking the court to rule on the crucial question of how this law impacts those rights."
Office / Staff Telephone Fax COURTS - SUPERIOR \\ EXECUTIVE OFFICER \\
Arthur Sims \\ 272-6070 271-5130
ASST. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Barbara J. Fox, Chief Assistant Executive Officer 272-6070 271-5130
Joanne Lederman, Assistant Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 272-6070 271-5130
Theresa Beltran, Assistant Executive Officer, Information Technology 268-7841 208-1223
Other Offices / Staff
Renè C. Davidson / Alameda County Courthouse
Administrative Divisions
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More Big-ass rich companies trying to sue other big-ass rich companies. Honestly, who will eventually burden the fees and costs accrued by all this litigation? I know who, me, the consumer. And I do not speak to software purchases directly, but to the industry downturn as a result of speculation and potential suit results.
This is not the Tea Pot Dome.
Just a couple pennies worth...
Every family has an embarassing relative. They are still loved, because they are family. The windows family,and the Linux family are no different.
It should be noted that ESR indicates that his primary source of funds are speaking engagements. People will not ask you to speak unless you have something fresh to speak about.
Walk down the street, ask 10 people if they have a computer. Then ask them what the computer is used for. Ask them about the OS. How many of these people actuall _NEED_ a server. How many actually care for an inhome network. These are the consumers that are driving the market. For them words like scalable, source, compile, and server mean little or nothing. All they want to know is that after saving for a few weeks, an buying a computer, the will "plug-an-play".
Bottom line, MS has the economic and SOCIAL side of the OS world. When some one says computer what is the % of people that think MS. Same happened for Kleenex, Qtip, etc.
Stream of consciousness post devoid of grammwer and spelling check.