Subject: [SUPPORT] New High Speed WidoSAT Service and updates
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2002 11:07:09 -0500
This is a quick message to keep you updated on several happenings here at
Widomaker.
1.) NEW! Satellite Service Now Available (WidoSAT)
2.) Busy Signals
3.) NEW! Usenet newsgroup server
4.) Online training courses
1.) NEW! Satellite Service
--------------------------------
Widomaker is pleased to announce the availability of another NEW
broadband Internet access product, Widomaker Satellite (WidoSAT).
The speed of Internet access available from Widomaker's High Speed
Satellite service is similar to DSL, with speeds up to 800K/sec for as low as
$24.95/mo. As with DSL & WirelessDSL, a total of "7" email addresses are
included with the service.
WidoSAT reaches far beyond conventional copper wire based DSL or even
cable. It also brings broadband Internet access to many areas where high
speed DSL/Cable service has been unavailable. We're excited about this
new product, and we look forward to serving you!
Visit http://www.widomaker.com/wsat/ for more information.
2.) Busy Signals
--------------------------------
Some users are still encountering random busy signals when attempting to dial
into our modem pools. The area phone companies have been very responsive in
trying to correct this issue. The trouble reports you give us are very
helpfull in determining where the problem may be. In particular, the number
you are calling from helps to narrow this down to specific call centers across
the region. Should you encounter a busy signal, please help us by calling (757-
253-7621) or visiting http://www.widomaker.com/busyupdate.html
to report the date and time of the busy signal, your telephone number
that you were calling from, and the dial-up number(s) you were trying to
connect to when you received the busy signal. This information helps the area
phone companies greatly when trying to find this problem.
While the area telephone companies are working to resolve this problem,
we suggest that Windows users be sure to use the Microsoft Connection
Manager [Widomaker Communication Services (CMAK) icon] to make the
dial-up connection. If you do encounter a busy signal, it generally only lasts
for one or two calls. The Microsoft Connection Manager software that we
recommend and make available (on our web page and on CD) to all dial-up
users will automatically redial and generally connect after an automatic retry
or two. This can help reduce the frustration of receiving busy signals
when trying to connect.
3.) NEW USENET News Server (news.widomaker.com)
--------------------------------
Due to the performance and other issues with our current Usenet server
provider, Widomaker is going to be changing to a new Usenet newsgroup
server. This should mean greater uptime and better/faster performance
when using Usenet newsgroups. This change will take place on Monday
(11/4/02) at 11am. This change will only affect folks who use Usenet
newsgroups.
This will also mean that the message counters that your news reader uses
to keep track of what messages you have downloaded and read will be out
of sync with the message numbers on the new Usenet server. If you notice
that no new unread newsgroup messages are appearing in your news reader
then you may need to take one of the following steps.
Outlook Express:
- Reset the message counters for the news account, "news.widomaker.com".
- Visit this Microsoft support web page for instructions...
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q166/5/14.ASP
(Step 6, item 4, explains how to reset the message counters)
- Remove the news server account settings for "news.widomaker.com" from
your news reader, restart the news reader program, and setup the news
server account again. See this page for instructions...
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q171/1/64.ASP
Netscape:
- Reset the message counters for the news account, "news.widomaker.com".
- See this Netscape UFAQ page for instructions...
http://www.ufaq.org/navcom/nocatchu.html
Other news reader users may need to take similar steps.
If you need any assistence with this, please do not hesitate to contact us at
support@widomaker.com or (757) 253-7621.
4.) On-Line Training
--------------------------------
As many of you have discovered, Widomaker offers an online training program
directly from our website. The courses are provided by MindLeaders, an Ohio
based company that has provided self-paced training packages snce 1981. The
courses range from "Basics of Business Math" to "The Insurance Professionals
Exam". You can learn at your own pace, at any time, in the comfort of your
home or office. Visit http://www.widomaker.com/training/ for details and to
see a course listing.
As always if you have any comments, questions or concerns on the above or
anything else here at Widomaker, please do not hesitate to let me know.
--
Benjamin F. Loyall
President
Widomaker Communication Services, Inc.