Internet Service FAQs

If you are unable to establish a dial-up connection, you should be getting an error message. Write down exactly what the message says, and contact our 24/7 tech support.

If your computer is telling you that there's no dial tone, or it cannot detect the modem, then you should try the following: First, make sure the line cord from your phone jack is securely plugged into the jack and the modem port on your computer. If it is secure, then get a telephone and plug it into the jack you have your computer plugged into. If you have dial tone, then the modem in your computer may be bad.

Are you being prompted for your Username and password? If so, you should remove and retype both your username and password, and try again. Also, make sure your CAPS LOCK is not on. At the time that you initiated your internet service you were given an information sheet listing your unique username and password. If your computer is having a different problem it should give you an error message telling you exactly what's wrong. Write down the error message and contact our 24/7 tech support.

Check your proxy settings, and make sure you're not trying to use a proxy. If that doesn't work, then try disabling your firewall (if you're running one). If that doesn't work, you may need to have someone look at your computer to find out what's interfering.

Write down the error message, and contact our 24/7 tech support.

Have you set up your cot.net email on your computer? If you have set it up, and it has been working up until now, you should be getting an error message. Write it down and contact our 24/7 tech support.

The first thing to try it to make sure you're entering the correct username and password. Also, make sure your CAPS LOCK is not on and you don't add any extra numbers, spaces or punctuation. If you've tried all of that and it doesn't work and contact our 24/7 tech support.

All of your emails are run through our spam-filters and virus scanned before they reach your inbox. However, somtimes this is not enough. We recommend running your own spam filter on your computer. There are several different spam filters out there. Do a search for "spam filter" on the web and pick one that fits your needs. If you are using Microsoft Outlook Express, we suggest you check out Mozilla Thunderbird. Thunderbird has excellent integrated spam filters and is safer to use than Outlook Express.

Windows is the most common PC operating system, and is particularly vulnerable to viruses. In fact, you should not use a windows computer on the internet without updated virus protection. The thing to remember is that some viruses can destroy your computer. If you compare the cost of software to the cost to repair your computer, it really makes sense to get the software. Free anti-virus software can be found at http://free.grisoft.com/

First and most important, educate your children about the dangers of using the web without supervision. Education is the most powerful security you can provide your children. Next, you can buy some parental control software. These programs will allow you to control the content your kids access.

The two most important things you can do to maintain your computer's health is periodically run your Windows Update, and keep your virus protection software up to date.

Adware and spyware is software that is downloaded via the internet or email. Sometimes you will click 'yes' on something you haven't read carefully, and that will load the software. Or you may have opened a spam email that had the software attached to it. A lot of adware and spyware works like a virus, getting onto your computer without your specific permission or knowledge. Adware specializes mostly in introducing pop-ups and other internet-based advertising. Spyware specializes in logging keystrokes, and keeping track of where you go on the internet. Both types of software can and do send your information to the company or individual that originated it. The best way to remove this kind of software is to run a program that searches for and removes adware and spyware. There's different software available, you can search on the web to find one that's right for you. We recommend Webroot Spysweeper.

The answer is we do! We do virus scanning and spam-filtering before your mail even reaches your inbox. Unfortunately, this is not enough to catch everything you can get from your email. Virus Protection and a spam filter software on your computer is a good idea. We don't provide filters for you internet access because filtering can limit you as much or more than it protects you. We feel that our customers are the best judges of what they want to use their internet connections for.

The simple answer to this question is, a lot faster. Perhaps a better way to describe it is in terms of plumbing. You will hear the term "bandwidth" all the time. Bandwidth is basically the size of the 'pipe' that carries data to and from your computer. Your bandwidth for dial-up is up to 56k. The base speed for our High Speed Internet is up to 256k. That means that you have nearly five times as big a 'pipe'. That means you can move more data at one time, which makes it work much faster.

You don't need any special equipment or software to get the High Speed Internet. The modem/radio equipment is supplied by us and you pay a monthly maintenance fee. You will, however, need to have an Ethernet adapter in your computer. Check the manufacturer's specifications to see whether or not your computer came with one. If not, you will need to have one installed.

Yes. Our DSL accounts include a router as part of your $3.95 rental fee. This router has ports for up to 4 computers. You can link more by using wireless or a network switch to expand the capacity. For our wireless and fiber customers, you'll need to purchase a router. Please as our customer service about a router when you're signing up for an account.

A good surge protector can be a lot cheaper than a new modem or a new computer. These things can be damaged or destroyed by power surges.

Unlike dial-up internet, or your phone service, Broadband (DSL, fiber and wireless) requires quite a bit of additional work in order to move from one place to another. Moving your Broadband is exactly like doing a brand new installation. If you move your High Speed Internet service before your 1 year agreement is up, then you will be charged the originally waived $100 installation fee.