Internet FAQs

Questions Frequently Asked to the Helpdesk

Q1: What is the maximum speed I can get through my cable modem on the BMU Network?

Q2: How can I tell what my IP address is at any given time?

Q3: Do I need a personal firewall when connected to the BMU Network?

Q4: Is it possible to use more than 1 PC with my cable modem?

Q5: I have a wireless router. Should I enable any security features?

Q6: I wish to purchase my own cable modem. Which brand should I buy?

Q7: Can I get a Static IP address for my PC?

Q8: What are the minimum requirements I need for my PC to use the BMU Internet service?

Q9: How many E-mail addresses can I have?

Q10: I would like to have my own Web Pages. How does this work?

Q11: Can I connect an Internet Server to the BMU Network?

Q12: How can I protect my computer from viruses?

Q13: How can I prevent E-mail "SPAM" from coming into my E-mail Inbox?

Q1: What is the maximum speed I can get through my cable modem on the BMU Network?
A1: The maximum speed you can get is 4096 kbps downstream (from the Internet to you) and 256 kbps upstream (from you to the Internet). Various things can effect this speed such as:

• The speed, operating system, and configuration of your PC
• How busy the BMU Network is at the time
• How busy the site you are going to is at the time
• How busy all the links between you and your destination site are at the time

Q2: How can I tell what my IP address is at any given time?
A2: On Windows 2000/XP machine, from a Command Prompt type "ipconfig". Note the IP address for the adapter connected to the cable modem. If you have a router, to find the router's "Internet" IP Address, you can look at your router's configuration. Also certain Internet sites, such as "www.whatismyip.com", will tell you what your IP Address is.

Q3: Do I need a personal firewall when connected to the BMU Network?
A3: By the nature of cable modems being "always on", you are always vulnerable to intrusion from anyone on the Internet. We recommend that in your network configuration, you turn "File and Print Sharing" off. There are various personal firewall software programs that can be installed on your PC to help protect you. A good site to get lots of information on this subject is Gibson Research Corp. http://grc.com/su-firewalls.htm.

Q4: Is it possible to use more than 1 PC with my cable modem?
A4: Only one IP Address per cable modem is assigned for one Customer PC. This is all that is supported by the BMU Helpdesk. There are ways of using one shared IP address by many PCs. A router can be used which obtains its outside address from the BMU Network, then shares that address with multiple PCs on the inside. Also, a PC can be used as a gateway, where that PC gets its IP address from the BMU Network, then shares that address with multiple PCs on the inside. Various software programs can be used to allow the PC to do this.

Q5: I have a wireless router. Should I enable any security features?
A5: Yes! Without proper security features enabled, your home network is open to let anyone in. Privacy issues are not the only concern. If someone, say a neighbor, uses your wireless Internet connection to do illegal activities, the blame would be put on you. You are responsible for all Internet activity that comes from your cable modem, such as illegal downloads of music, movies, or software. If you have any questions on setting up your wireless security features, contact the manufacture of your wireless router.

Q6: I wish to purchase my own cable modem. Which brand should I buy?
A6: BMU offers the Motorola Surfboard 5100 cable modem. It features a "Standby" Button to disconnect your PC from the Internet when not in use. If you purchase another brand, make sure the cable modem supports "DOCSIS" (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification).

Q7: Can I get a Static IP Address for my PC?
A7: No. Currently IP addresses are assigned dynamically to residential customers.

Q8: What are the minimum requirements for my PC to use the BMU Internet Service?
A8: Microsoft lists the requirements for Internet Explorer 7 at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/sysreq.mspx

Q9: How many E-mail addresses can I have?
A9: You will be assigned one E-mail account during installation. Up to 4 additional accounts can be assigned upon request. Each E-mail account starts with 5 MB of storage. Additional storage up to 20 MB is available upon request.

Q10: I would like to have my own Web pages. How does this work?
A10: Upon request, you are assigned 5 MB of Personal Web Page Storage. Anyone on the Internet would access your Web Page by surfing to "www.cityofbryan.net/youremailaccount" where "youremailaccount" is your E-mail name. Only one Web account can be assigned to a customer. Please call the Utilities Office for additional billing questions.

Q11: Can I connect an Internet server to the BMU Network?
A11: Use of Internet servers is permitted only for business accounts.

Q12: How can I protect my computer from viruses?
A12: Viruses cost businesses millions of dollars. The best defense against viruses on your PC is to install a good anti-virus program such as Norton AntiVirus. You are not only protecting your own PC, but also other Internet users. Many viruses spread via E-mail. If you receive an E-mail with an attachment, even if you know the person who is sending it to you, Do Not open the file unless you are expecting it. If your PC is infected, you may inadvertently send a virus to everyone in your address book. We recommend using an anti-virus program with "Real Time Protection." The program will constantly monitor files coming in and out of your computer and will alert you when a file (such as an E-mail attachment) has a virus. We also recommend using the anti-virus program to periodically scan your computer's memory and all files on your hard drive for viruses.

Q13: How can I prevent E-mail "SPAM" from coming into my E-mail Inbox?
A13: E-mail SPAM is unsolicited commercial E-mail. It is the same thing as "junk mail". The BMU Network has a SPAM filter made by Barracuda Networks. Your E-mail is scanned by this appliance before it is sent to your inbox. Sometimes good mail gets flagged as SPAM. The system is not perfect. We cater to a very large audience. One person's SPAM is another person's good E-mail, so it is sometimes difficult for the scanner to detect which is which. It is a constant battle with the spammers as they change their techniques of how they send SPAM. The volume of SPAM on the Internet goes up and down as spammers learn new tricks and companies like Barracuda try to catch the new techniques.