August iiNews

editor's note

First off, apologies to those who emailed me over the last few weeks and didn't get a response right away. I've been away on holiday and was forcibly removed from my email account by loved ones.

Being from Perth I often find traveling abroad, particularly to big cities, a confronting experience. The sheer size and complexity of a place like London can be intimidating when you're from a city that doesn't even have a Starbucks yet.

In London it seems they build roads upon roads, streets between streets so that I rarely made it more than 100 meters without having to retrieve my map once again and performing my best impersonation of a typical clueless London tourist.

Friends living over in the UK have it worked out. Many now have GPS built into their mobile phones, making it relatively easy to navigate the CBD. I made a mental note to get me one of those. However, returning to Perth I picked up on the My Maps function on Google Maps that allows you to create, annotate and add pictures to your own personal map of any city.

This is cool simply because it takes tourist maps out of the mass produced realm and allows pretty much anyone to share their favourite sight seeing routes. A city like London has heaps of information about the popular sites, but as most people know it's the lesser known locales that often turn out to be the most memorable.

In terms of your own home city, it helps locals to better demonstrate what makes their home the best place on earth, as you can upload pictures and give a personal commentary that's always missing from the Lonely Planet guide to life.

On to August content. This month's feature story looks at online habits and sites that might lead you down the path to life betterment. Find out exactly what that means in Feature Story.

This month's Site Scan provides some other useful mapping sites; in News we go through the latest broadband plan revisions; The Simpsons Movie reviewed in Entertainment and in Support & Services we look at an innovative new feature added to our on-hold system.

Hope you enjoy.

Mark Welker
iiNews Editor

 

inbox

"To editor Mark - I say congratulations on the two year anniversary of the newsletter!

As an older computer user (OK, I'll tell you I am in my 60's), I have found the articles in your Newsletter have been of great help as I try to keep up with the ever-changing technology. By reading these articles I can at least sound reasonably intelligent and informed whenever I talk with my hugely computer-literate family members! Well done, and keep up the good, nay excellent, work!"

- Margaret J, WA

"I have a question about better integration of VOIP with my PSTN number. Currently, I receive calls via my PSTN number because I want to retain it (and provides me with redundancy); I don't want to change numbers. All of my outgoing numbers are via VOIP. Having incoming calls via PSTN means I can't use email voicemail. Is there any way this can be better integrated? eg, can I redirect (or something) my PSTN so it comes in via my VOIP number? Also, when will 13 xx xx numbers which redirect based on geography work via VOIP?"

- James P, QLD

At the moment the only real viable way that you can better integrate your landline (PSTN) with VOIP than you already have is to set a call forward all on your iiNet landline number (which you can do in toolbox). The only issue with that is that you are paying for the cost of the forwarded call (ie the cost of a local call from your landline to your VOIP line). More information on this feature is listed at http://www.iinet.net.au/products/phone/features.html#call_forward

As for 13 XX XX numbers (like a pizza delivery service) they actually are technically capable of being rung via a VOIP phone. The problem isn't your number, it's that many businesses simply haven't updated their phone systems yet to support VOIP numbers. For example, when you ring a pizza place your location is derived from their system "looking up" your number in their phone database. VOIP number ranges are available to these companies, they just haven't got around to adding them yet. As more and more people adopt VOIP you should see these places starting to add these numbers to their internal database.

"Hi, thank you for the information on the VOIP phones. I have been searching for a VOIP phone for over 6 months but they are seem to be locked into either Skype, Engin or some other carrier. I have even been to CEBIT and the story was the same with about 8 VOIP providers, they all tell me to go to my VOIP provider! So can you please tell us where to buy VOIP phones that aren't locked to a provider?"

- Roman B, NSW

Hi Roman. Retailers such as Harvey Norman are getting into VOIP phones in a big way at the moment. Both models that we mentioned last month should be available "unlocked" at most of their stores.

"Please don't fall into the PDF invoice trap that my mobile phone provider has done. I have tried to explain to them that whoever set up their PDF invoices obviously tested them on a colour printer, but gave no consideration to the result when printed out in shades of grey on a laser printer. The result is that banner and other parts of the invoice have absolutely no contrast and the phone number, as an example, is terribly hard to read."

- Alan G, NSW

Duly noted Alan. We have a team of thoroughly trained monkeys who will be doing the print tests on the new invoice and reporting back on the results.

Send your newsletter views, news and suggestions to iinewsfeedback@iinet.net.au

news

broadband plan revisions
Some broadband tweaks hit the ground on the 7th of this month, with some healthy quota tweaks and new speed options for our broadband1 plans.

Feedback from customers indicated that a few more high quota plan options were in demand so we've added 2 plans to the home broadband range and an extra 4 plans to our business range. The revised business plans now come with features such as a static IP, extra email addresses, and priority business support as standard.

You can check out the revised home plans at www.iinet.net.au/products/broadband/plans.html and business range at www.iinet.net.au/products/business/

If you're on an older broadband plan (ie not a "home 1-5" or "business 1-3" plan) you can upgrade at any time through toolbox or by calling us. Standard rules apply; if your old broadband plan is currently bundled with iiphone, Phone Advantage, or iinetphone you'll need to upgrade your phone/VOIP service at the same time. If you change to a broadband plan of equal or lesser value, a small $19 administration fee applies.

 

support & services

new "virtual hold" support service
If you've called our support line over the last month or so you may have noticed a new feature of the service: 'virtual hold'. This new feature prompts customers ringing from a recognised number (ie a number we have on file that corresponds to a customer) with the option to hang up and still reserve their place in the queue.

The on hold queue progresses as normal and when your call reaches the top, the next available customer service representative calls you at home to answer your query.

The virtual hold function at this stage is available in busy times when our on-hold waiting times start to creep up. We also need to have your phone number on file - so it's a good idea to check that your contact details are up to date in toolbox.

It's completely up to you whether you take the option to receive a call back; either way you'll continue to progress in the queue and get your query answered as soon as possible.

tech tip - webmail

This month we'll be doing an overview on our webmail system and highlighting some of the main features.

Folders
Once you've logged into webmail, you can add new folders and also create rules to sort your emails. Just click on the "folders" link at the top of the webmail interface. It also shows you at a glance how many messages you have in each folder and how much space they're using.

If you have a favourite forum/website or are a member of a mailing list, you can create new folders and set up an email rule to move all emails received from a particular address, or with a specific subject line, into your various folders. Email rules make sorting through a clogged inbox a lot easier as you can switch between folders when you're looking for emails relevant to a particular topic, person or group.

Address Book
The address book helps you to store contact details of friends, family or work colleagues online and accessible from any computer. Click on "address book" at the top of the webmail interface to access it. You can add a new contact, a new group or import/export your contacts from your existing email program in a CSV (comma separated values) format.

Settings
Here you can adjust your display name (the name people will see when you send them an email), the font style of the interface, include a signature to send with each email, change your time zone, image display settings and many others. Just click on "settings" at the top of the webmail interface to adjust them - and don't forget to click on "save settings" at the top left once you've finished.

Interface speed
When you're in the settings section of webmail, there's a button on the left titled "interface speed". If you click here, you'll be able to change from the simple interface to the advanced interface, and then save the changes. The simple interface is a stripped down look that is more suited to a slower connection, the advanced interface is for broadband users and looks more like your typical email program (such as Microsoft Outlook).

Tutorial
If you want to check out some more features of webmail click on the "tutorial" button in the simple interface, or "help" and then "webmail tutorial" in the advanced interface. The tutorial is pretty cool, features an easy to listen to voiceover and subtitles if you're in the office.

 

security watch

top 5 viruses reported to Sophos in July

  1. Netsky
  2. Mytob
  3. Zafi
  4. Iframe-E
  5. MyDoom

List provided by Sophos. Remember, all iiNet plans come with industry leading Sophos email anti-virus and Ironport spam protection that is automatically kept up-to-date with the latest virus threats. However, to fully protect your system, we recommend that you use our email anti-virus in conjunction with a personal anti-virus product such as those listed on this page.

zero-day threats
Sounds pretty ominous doesn't it? A "zero-day" threat is one that's identified in a recently released software application and allows hackers to manipulate security loop holes for the purposes of wreaking havoc.

As implied by the name, zero-day threats are usually identified in the initial release of software applications such as office productivity suites, Internet browsers and operating systems. Once identified most software creators will work double-time to identify the loop hole and write a patch to secure the users of the software against possible attacks.

Often the zero-day threat will only be identified after the attack has taken place. However, while patches do take time to write, software creators are wise to the probability of a hidden zero-day threat and response times for getting a fix out can be as little as 24 hours (there are sites that track known zero-day threats).

That is of course if you're checking for software updates regularly or the software has automatic updating switched on. Whilst there is no fail-safe inoculation for zero-day attacks, an article recently released by security firm Sophos outlines some common precautions users should take to reduce the risk of such attacks on their computers:

  • Ensure you have a good firewall and anti-virus software that is up-to-date - most modems with router functionality (those with more than one LAN port) feature a built-in firewall ability that restricts unauthorised traffic getting to your computer but back-up software is always advised.
  • Keep your system clean of unused applications - the more software you have, the more vulnerabilities you have. You can reduce the risk to your computer by using only the essential applications.
  • Keep up to date with patches provided by your software vendors - patches fix the vulnerabilities in your software and operating systems, strengthening your resistance to attacks.


feature story: online guide to life betterment

People talk of the vastness of the web, of how our lives have become entwined in the net as it grows exponentially. But for all the value it holds, the Internet remains public enemy number 2 (number 1 being terrorism) for its potentially negative effect on social relations, family life, public health and the subversion of innocents.

Every now and then, those with time on their hands (like me) might wonder whether the increasing dominance of the world wide web is progress for the sake of progress itself, or whether it's really making our lives better.

Is it a social revolution, or just another millennial distraction alienating us from the real world? Considering the amount of time I spend online everyday, I hope it's not the latter. The Dalai Lhama once said the aim of human society must be the compassionate betterment of human beings, so how does the web help achieve this?

Well, after long chats with family, friends and workmates, here are a small selection of ways the Internet might better your life.

Laugh More
It's claimed that people who practice the art of laughing regularly experience lower blood pressure, an improved immune system & brain functioning, lower heart attack rates, increased fitness and an overall improvement in mood and social interaction. The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humour stated in a recent article "without humor one's thought processes are likely to become stuck and narrowly focused, leading to increased distress."

It's reported that by the time a child reaches pre-school, he or she will laugh about 300 times a day. Adults laugh an average of 17 times a day.

Luckily, now we have the biggest chain mail system in the world connecting Friday funnies to otherwise drab inboxes across the world. Sites like Youtube pump out funnies about 6 times a second, making humour more "on demand" than ever. And if you don't find a clip on the "world's tallest midget" funny, perhaps a few lessons on improving your sense of humour are in order.

Connect better
When someone tells me about a website like Facebook or Geni it usually ends with "...and it put me in touch with family/friend/ex that I haven't seen in years!" If part of being a better person is developing and extending human relationships, the Internet wins hands down. You can now experience the world from another person's point of view instantly and intimately through blogs and webcam; connect with like minded individuals via forums and online chat; or lay your soul down for others to reflect upon. The net can enrich and mend relationships strained by time, social boundaries or distance.

Learn more
While critics argue over the lack of authority of wikipedia , it's hard to deny the potential of a global community contributing to a better understanding of the world. Sure a wikipedia article can be written by anyone, but often "anyone" doesn't have the level of commercial or political interest of your average news network. And wiki is not alone, sites like www.howstuffworks.com/ and even Google itself help to continually add and index a global database of information for people to learn from.

Ideas exchange
The world is a smaller place. These days your best friend is almost as likely to live in Tokyo, as they are likely to live next door. This virtual crossing of boundaries means people have the opportunity to gain an understanding of different cultural practices and ideals. With easy access to personal blogs and photo albums , reporting back from these experiences is easier than ever.

The sharing of ideas also helps the bottom line as well. Springwise is a weekly e-newsletter that collects together the best new business ideas from around the globe. Geekologie gives you daily updates on some of the more "think-outside-the-square" gadgets making the global rounds everyday. Wherever you travel online, the idea is the same - one idea leads to another and another and...

Active democracy
This year US voters got a unique chance to play a part in the democrat's US presidential candidates' debate by submitting online questions to candidates via Youtube. Whilst the videos were still vetted by the CNN network, the event is a first for American politics and demonstrates the power of the Internet to bring new voices to the forefront. Sites such as www.getup.org.au typify the defining characteristics of democracy where citizens are able to organise and communicate in groups to have their voice heard. Whether you like it or not, all individuals live within, and struggle against, boundaries placed by their political system. Our ability to participate in the process of political change is linked to our individual quality of life.

In conclusion
What you see online is part and parcel of participation on a global scale. The web's untamed nature means no individual or group is ever likely to dominate or control its content. Be it friend or foe, the Internet is here to stay, so make it work for you. But remember, give a little back, as you're not the only individual out there.

Related Links
http://www.fazed.org/ - collection of reader submitted Youtube funnies
http://icanhascheezburger.com/ - to many, this is the funniest site on the Internet
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ - the online home of the world's largest magazine empire
http://www.amonline.net.au/explore/ - the Australian museum site. Full of useful fact sheets and activities for school projects
http://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/ - info on what volunteering opportunities are open in your neighbourhood
http://italy.culturaltravel.net/ - a lesson on how to experience another culture without being a tourist

Got your own recommendation, or think we're steered way off track? Send your newsletter suggestions and comments to iinewsfeedback@iinet.net.au

Next month: RSS News Feeds

 

 

iipeople

staff img staff profile

Name: Anthony Collinson
Title: NZ Senior Customer Service Representative

What does your current role involve?
Provide nothing but the best support to both customers and Customer Service Representatives in between my rostered cups of tea drinking hours. I really enjoy problem solving so the technical support is where I feel more in my element - that's not to say that I can't sell you an awesome product, or make sure you are getting your value for money. Actually, I'm the perfect all rounder...

What did you do before you came to iiNet?
Played drum and bass really loud to gatherings of people, which is why I chose to do something a bit quieter. My options were either a) work in a library or b) office job. So when I saw the opening at iiNet I thought it would be the best choice for me - I can mix my customer service skills (which I got quite good at while diplomatically telling people I didn't have their favourite "Abba" tune) with a quieter environment.

What is the best thing about working at iiNet?
The staff at the Auckland contact centre, from the IT geeks to the weird HR women, are very social and outgoing. It doesn't seem to matter what department you are in, everyone is on the same level, even our Contact Centre Manager sits in the middle of the centre with the CSRs.

Your favourite website?
www.dogsonacid.com - it keeps me informed of what's happening in the world of drum and bass, lots of mixes, audio, interviews and what-not.

customer img customer of the month

Name: Richard Lees
Location: Manly, NSW
Account type: broadband2+ with VOIP
Customer Since: 2005

Describe your typical day of living online?
I am a Business Intelligence consultant and an important aspect of my business is hosting live OnLine Analytical Processing (OLAP) demonstrations from my web site, which is located at our home office in Manly. OLAP in layman's terms, is really about crunching up huge volumes of data for very easy and fast analysis.

For example, my site http://EasternMining.com.au allows everyone to analyse the site's web logs and servers host metrics through a specialised web browser. This online functionality allows me to show potential customers what I can do with OLAP.

The best thing about broadband for you?
I like to show customers sub-second responses from ad hoc queries to a >100 Million row databases. The Microsoft OLAP technology I have can do this, but I also need fast Internet connectivity to deliver the fast responses. iiNet's broadband2+ provides the fast response that I need.

My site also hosts many customer video testimonials, which prospective customers watch. Again, my Internet speed needs to be very wide to support these web videos. An added benefit of iiNet's broadband is that it is bundled with VOIP, which allows us to make long low cost international phone calls.

Your favourite site?
http://www.coastalwatch.com/ - this is a site where I can view a webcam of the local Manly Beach. I only live 200m from the beach, but by seeing the webcam, I get a good idea of the prevailing surf and conditions and can then take the appropriate gear down. The site also has a useful "Virtual Buoys" component, which predicts surf conditions (size and direction) for up to 3 days in advance

Interested in being our next customer of the month? Send your details to iinewsfeedback@iinet.net.au.

 

competitions

The Invasion is a remake of the 1956 horror classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers . The mysterious crash of a space shuttle leads to the discovery that there is something alien within the wreckage. Those who come in contact with it are changing in ominous and inexplicable ways.

Psychiatrist Carol Bennell (Nicole Kidman) and her colleague Ben Driscoll (007 inductee Daniel Craig) learn the shocking truth about the growing extraterrestrial epidemic: it attacks its victims while they sleep, leaving them physically unchanged but emotionally blank and inhuman. As the infection spreads, more and more people are altered and it becomes impossible to know who can be trusted. Now Carol's only hope is to stay awake long enough to find her young son, who may hold the key to stopping the devastating invasion.

To celebrate the Australian release of The Invasion on September 4, Village Roadshow Pictures have kindly passed on to us 50 double passes to give away.

To be in the running for this prize, please email competitions with "Invasion Competition" in the subject line, and provide your username, full name and address by 5pm WST, 1 September, 2007, along with the answer to this question: in 25 words or less, give an example of how you think the Internet could better your own or someone else's life.

The Invasion is rated M. Check out the official website at www.theinvasionmovie.com

village roadshow pictures logo

entertainment

game review 2 minute games review - Xbox 360 Live Arcade Round-up
with Niaal Holder

Could it be that time of year again? Plenty of big industry talk abounds, only not enough hard-hitting, tangible game goodness is hurtling into my clutches. Maybe I'm picky, but the distinct lack of August goods means we're faced with another Novelty Filler Review Piece.

This time around we'll be passing the time with a jolly old delve into the many niches of Xbox 360 Live Arcade (XBLA). My mission, should I choose to accept me, is to splurge on the gamey treats found through the XBLA marketplace. Then I'll play them all real hard and tell you which ones I reckon are the most goodhouse, and which are pants.

Lumines Live
It's Tetris and Columns mooshed into a hallucinogenic ball set on fast forward. There's a distinct, other-worldly quality about this evil - be it the psychedelic level themes or the fact that your very moves in-game control the music that plays, Lumines is so simple and so impossible to put down you'll need a ten step program just to shut it off for the night. This may be the most expensive title to buy in full, but I still urge anyone who hasn't tasted the colours yet to free their minds forthwith. Download.

Assault Heroes
Sitting quietly at the purdy end of the arcade listing, Assault Heroes is simple, co-op action fun with cars, boats and big guns for many a splosion. Move with the left stick, aim and fire with the right. Think Smash TV on wheels, with big colourful crap flying all over the screen.

Bomberman Live
Big smacks for anyone that hasn't listed Bomberman in their gaming CV. This is the top banana of mindless party action, set around the concept of little cartoon men dropping and throwing bombs at each other to become the last man standing. The XBLA version is absolutely plagued with features and the gameplay is true to original form (unlike the recent 360 re-release Act Zero, which was so amazingly bum it defies reason).

Golden Axe / Double Dragon
Let's be controversial, these two are virtually the same game. There's nothing new to report here, the games are preserved in their original form (I'm happy to report that the Dwarf can still headbutt his way from start to finish) and enabled for co-op play over XBL. These are classic releases and on that basis alone, deserve a play if you can shell out the credits.

Street fighter II / Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
As above. The old school heroes are back, but in their new legitimate XBLA form you don't have to worry about finding a bevy of worthy opponents - Live will ensure you can sho-ryu-ken your way to great success for hours upon hours. Upon hours.

Wing Commander Arena
With all good things comes the occasional festering dag of uncool - this is it. I'm a WC fan from way back, even pre-Mark Hamill, so I know my sheezy when it comes to things Kilrathi. This, however, isn't what you'd expect from the franchise, a total reinvention of the concept with a dimension removed and all the fun sucked out as a result. Do not.

Carcassonne / Catan
Faithful console adaptations of two of the finest tabletop games to grace our recent years. As a veteran of both, I'm happy to say the XBLA versions capture the aspects of each that made the originals so ace. Expect turn-based, nerd-based puzzler action and you won't be disappointed.

Honourable mentions
Mad tracks - mildly amusing "micro machine" racer with hideously overpowered guns.
Alien Hominid HD - lovely looking, downright hard comic-book platformer. Touch and go.
Mutant Storm Reloaded - epilepsy-inducing arcade shooter, worth a pop.
Yie ar kung fu - good for one laugh but tending towards the tedious end of nostalgia.
Prince of Persia Classic - fantastic overhaul of the founding father of platform. Purchase!
Small Arms - made for XBLA, the answer to Super Smash Bros and almost as much fun.


movie review movie review - The Simpsons Movie - Rated PG

After 12 years of impatiently waiting, 4 years of expecting it to never happen, and about 2 years of knowing it's going to happen but not caring so much (hey I have Family Guy now...), The Simpsons Movie finally arrives - with mixed results.

The general consensus on The Simpsons Movie is that it's like three great episodes crammed together, with a slow bit in the middle. In part, this seems to be what was intended by the makers, as the question of why anyone would pay to see something that you can see for free on TV is raised in the opening scene.

Nonetheless, as things go in tinsel town, things are definitely bigger and better for the silver screen adaptation of the longest running TV series of all time. The modest animation of the TV show is helped along from some cleverly applied CG effects (ala Futurama-style) and the story itself smacks of a bigger budget with new characters, locations and of course 87 minute running time.

The story just briefly. When Homer recklessly disposes of his new pet pig's waste in the local lake, he unknowingly catapults Springfield to the top of America's top pollutants list. Newly elected President Schwarzenegger (no, not Rainier Wolfcastle) and his corrupt environmental advisor Russ Cargill crack down on the small town, isolating them under a transparent dome and making plans for their elimination.

With Homer squarely blamed for the town's demise, the Simpsons family head for the hills of Alaska to escape being lynched (literally). But when the family catch wind of Springfield's imminent end, they band together and return to Springfield to save the day. Or do they?

The Simpsons Movie revolves around a familiar plot pasture, that of Homer's lacklustre parental ability and his selfish tendencies. But is Homer really selfish, or is he just plain stupid?

Even at its slower points, The Simpsons Movie is still far more witty and enjoyable than most other movies currently sharing space at the box office. Let's get that out of the way.

Unfortunately, most of the best moments in the movie will be all too familiar to cinema goers that have caught a glimpse of the advertising blitz leading up to the film's release. This is a real shame, as despite their general hilarity, most of these scenes drop like a lead weight in the cinema as the audience struggles to laugh at a scene experienced for the 10th time.

With these moments already ruined for me, I can honestly say that I was bored for at least a third of the movie.

This impression isn't helped by the sudden shift in location to Alaska. While it's great to have a new location (many classic Simpson's episodes occur in cities like Tokyo and New York) character's come few and far between in the wilderness and so we're left with the Simpson's family and their crumbling family dynamic for entertainment.

With Homer vilified scene after scene for his apparent selfishness, much of the Alaskan section seems devoted to overtly pushing the movie's moral standpoint - a technique always overused in other kids movies (such as Shrek 2).

With such high expectations, perhaps it is fitting that the end result is different to what many will expect. The Simpsons Movie is a very mild experience, one that passes very quickly and leaves little to chat about afterwards in the cinema car park.

Go in with 18 years of anticipation and you'll be let down. Go in with the realisation that this will probably be the first of many feature length Simpson's movies, and you'll enjoy it. But that's about all.

 

site scan - maps

www.mapmyrun.com
Strictly for those with a fitness inclination. Use an intuitive Google Maps interface to map your local jogging route, log your times and distances run, plus receive suggestions for new routes from other online joggers.

www.whereis.com
Probably the most used site on my bookmark bar. Find your way around any city quickly by telling it where you are and where you want to get to.

maps.google.com.au
Allows you to create your own personalised map with the places of interest important to you, then send to a friend. Perfect for family or friends visiting your city for the first time.