All broadband learning centre articles

• Control Internet Usage

  When you first realise how fast broadband is, you can easily get carried away watching streaming video clips and downloading songs to your computer. Take these steps to ensure you can avoid a nasty monthly bill. Sharing broadband, monitoring usage and dangers of file sharing software are all covered

• Leading Australian Internet Providers – 2007

  Your best value Internet deal might not be with one of the big name companies - but who else is there? Check out Broadband Buddy's 2007 "Who's Who of Internet Service Providers" to discover your options

• Churning or Rapid Transfer

  If your ISP allows Churning, that means you can transfer to another ISP on the go - much like mobile phone companies allow number porting. You can be online with your new ISP in as little as one hour, and usually the connection fee is waived, as a way to get you interested

• Broadband FAQs - common questions answered

  Looking for fast answers to common questions about broadband? Broadband Buddy cuts through the jargon to explain important terms using easy-to-read language

• Broadband Jargon Buster

  Do your eyes start to glaze over the minute a sales person starts talking the difference between download speeds and monthly download limits? It's easy to get confused with all the sales speak. So much to take in! Check out our jargon buster so you can be armed with all the facts to help you make the right broadband choice

• Porn filtering - resistricting access to porn

  Porn can put your computer at risk of viruses and spyware. Find out how porn filtering can help protect your computer - and family - from porn

• An introduction to Bit Torrent

  What is a Bit Torrent? Find out how to use Bit Torrent technology to share files

• Speed myths

  Internet speed "traps" - when high-speed is not as fast as you thought. Before you sign up, find out what your provider may not tell you

• safe web browsing for kids

  Are your children disclosing information they shouldn't be when they use the Internet? How to deal with the risks

• Choosing an Internet service provider

  Choosing an Internet service provider can be confusing. Not sure which Internet service provider to go with? Here are the questions you need to ask yourself before you sign up to a new broadband plan

• Internet speed: the what’s what of bandwidth

  Bandwidth can be confusing. How do you work out which ISP is offering the best value and fastest connection for the money? Here's the what's what of bandwidth to help you understand when you are comparing apples with apples - and so you can recognise a stand-out deal when you come across one

• Internet service locators: connecting people faster

  Trouble connecting to the Net? Not sure if you need broadband? Looking for a services locator to help you connect? Here are some useful links

• Internet and broadband: common technical issues

  Many people can use the Internet, but fixing a connection error is another story. Broadband Buddy provides you with some basic troubleshooting tips including Internet safety and broadband speeds

• Broadband connection speeds: user profiles - are you a match?

  Need broadband Internet but not sure which speed to go for? See if you match one of these user profiles to work out what is best for you

• Movie downloads: how Internet transfer speeds effect successful downloading of DVDs

  If you want to download large DVD files or lots of mp3s you'll need a decent connection speed - if your service is too slow will the file quality be effected? This guide to successful downloading walks you through the basics of downloading DVDs, considering speed, time and better options for dial-up

• Modems: your gateway to the Internet - ADSL 2+, ADSL broadband, 56K dial-up

  Modems act as the essential gateway between your computer and the Net - but how do these magic little boxes work and when did they become a household consumable? Broadband Buddy gives you the lowdown

• What is blogging? A guide to blogs and web logs.

  What is a blog? Internet fad or news medium of the future? Chances are you've heard the term, but what does it mean? Read our guide to web logs, blogs and vlogs

• Web design: A guide to website development

  Building a website may seem like a job for computer geeks, but it is possible to do it yourself? Get started with these useful tips

• Uploading videos to Youtube et al

  You’ve heard the name YouTube everywhere, even on the news, but what is it and how do you upload your videos to it? Read this video sharing networks guide

• What is an API? A guide to simple computer software development

  You may think that computer application development is only for experts, but APIs are vital tools in helping the relative novice with software development

• My firewall is too safe!

  Are you having trouble accessing the Internet or certain programs on your computer? It’s possible that your firewall is protecting your computer too much. Read how to find a balance

• Is free software safe? Exploring the freeware alternative

  Free software (freeware) is an increasingly viable alternative to expensive programs by established brands, but is it safe? Get the lowdown on freeware and shareware here

• Bandwidth and internet speed: broadband comparison guide

  With so many broadband Internet plans available, how can you be sure that you are choosing the right one to suit you? Broadband Buddy discusses Internet connection speeds and their applications

• Internet speeds explained

  Internet speed jargon can be frustrating when you don't know what it means, so if kilobits and megabits confuse you, Broadband Buddy's translation explains all

• What is a modem?

  The term "modem" is always popping up where the Internet is involved. Do you know what it really is? Broadband Buddy explains the function and speed of modems and provides information about dial-up, ADSL and cable modems

• Making home videos – the need for speed

  Video editing can be one of the most resource-intensive tasks to perform on a computer, so how powerful does your computer need to be? Money Buddy finds out

• IDSL: hybrid of ISDN and DSL

  IDSL is related to both standard DSL broadband and high-powered ISDN dial-up, so what are its benefits and is it a long-term solution for rural Australians?

• Computer viruses, Trojan horses, spyware and antivirus

  Does your computer seem very slow? It’s possible that you are affected by a virus, Trojan horse, worm or spyware. What are these bugs and how can you fix them? Get protected with this handy article

• Broadband usage: what kind of user am I?

  Unsure of what Internet plan to sign up for? Or just wondering if you should switch to a different plan? Broadband Buddy examines user profiles to help you get the facts

• My favourite things: credit card, mobile phone and laptop (wireless Internet)

  The big three of modern luxury items – the mobile phone, credit card and laptop – have all but become lifestyle essentials. How have we changed as a result?

• Online gaming: connection requirements

  Want to play games online? Find out what type of connection you will require as well as the pros and cons

• Understanding Broadband

  Don't understand what broadband is or some important terms? Here's a rundown for the layman

• Bandwidth Jargon – Simple explanations for common Internet terms

  Not a geek? Confused by the language? Bandwidth jargon is explained here for the layman

• Manuals: why do we avoid reading the instructions?

  Most people are familiar with the frustrating process of setting up something technical, so why is that we refuse to look at the manual? Broadband Buddy discusses the benefits of reading the instructions

• BigPond Games: Latest gaming news, reviews and titles to download

  BigPond Games is a major resource of information on the video game and gaming market, but what does it offer, and is it the only source you need for gaming? Broadband Buddy digs deeper

• What is a high speed modem?

  Confused about the various types of modems available? Find out about high speed ADSL and cable modems as well as dial-up

• Is Australia behind on Internet speed?

  Are Aussies behind on Internet speeds... you bet! How do we compare to the rest of the world?

• A short history of bandwidth

  Broadband Internet is changing the world but who invented it? Here's a brief history of bandwidth

• Broadband options in rural Australia

  Living in a regional or isolated rural area no longer means being stuck with inferior communications technology. In recent years not only have the communications companies pushed broadband into areas where radio has long been the main mean of long distance communication, but the Government has also developed a policy regarding equal access by rural Australians to broadband technology

• How to choose the right broadband for your needs

  Broadband is a magnificent tool for internet users. It is fast, reliable, and users are able to download a vast amount of material compared to the old dial – up option

• How do broadband speed tests work?

  Broadband speed tests are used to confirm the quality of your internet connection. The speed tests are run by visiting a web page. There are hundreds of speed tests available online from servers all over the world. Most ISPs also have a speed test so their customers can check their connection

• Broadband Guide: Matching Broadband Plans with Your Needs

  You have various broadband options, so how to choose between them? The first thing is to consider your Internet usage – whether you're watching streaming video, downloading, or web surfing. From there, you can determine which type of plan best covers that usage

• Truly Unlimited Broadband: Is It Possible?

  Australia has long been behind the rest of the world in terms of internet connections, and in fact uses broadband far less commonly than the rest of the world. Truly unlimited broadband has yet to be offered in Australia, although many other nations have had unrestricted broadband internet for years

• Broadband speed & data usage: Do ISP's actually deliver the true value?

  The contract is signed, and your ISP has promised you superior service. However, your connection seems slower, and when your bill arrives in the mail, the numbers don't add up. You begin to wonder: "Is my ISP ripping me off?" Read on for tips to track internet usage and more

• National Broadband Network & Fibre to the Home: Fast Fibre Optics

  The National Broadband Network (NBN) is the largest infrastructure project in Australian history. Its goal is to provide universal broadband Internet access. The Government regards broadband as critical infrastructure – akin to road and rail – and has determined that such an investment will have a multiplier effect across many industries, helping the whole of Australia