Price : $1,420.25

Features

• Easy to set up
• Phone freedom. TalkSwitch works with any analog and IP phones.
• Remote and external IP extensions keep you connected anywhere
• Expandable
• Requirements for configuration software: Windows Vista (32 bit) or Windows XP or Windows 2000 and minimum 256MB RAM, 160MB hard disk space and 800×600 screen resolution.

Product Description

TalkSwitch (CT.TS001.128801) TalkSwitch 288vs

Beware of VoIP internet service providers that operate on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols because they are PUBLICLY OPEN and INTERPRETABLE! This also includes, but is not limited to, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.

In plain terms, this means, if you subscribe to, or considering subscribing to a VoIP internet solution provider who operates on these industry standards ? and over 90% do — you have inadvertently made yourself vulnerable to the criminal activities of hackers.

Regardless of the type of anti virus software you have on your computer, the publicly accessible industry standards provide a pathway by which these criminals can access your computer to plant viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and/or steal your identity.

Like sharks in a feeding frenzy, unscrupulous criminal hackers view systems operating on these industry standards as their personal ?Cash Cow? because of the ease by which they can access your computer and gather your information to sell to other criminals.

Did you know that some hacker-friendly providers offer processor chips that are only sold on the Internet?

Did you know that hacker-friendly providers actually offer hacker software that enables these criminals to deliberately disable security on computers, access your personal and confidential information, as well as inject their viruses, worms, and/or Trojan horses?

For instance, ?Vomit? is a free download software that was designed to convert VoIP phone conversations into a wave file which could be played with standard sound players. Hackers gleefully interpret this as a tool they can utilize to attack unsuspecting victims.

Hacker manuals are also easily accessible via the Internet. One of these manuals shows how to DoS other sites. DoSing (Disruption of Service) involves gaining unauthorized access to the ?command prompt? on your computer and using it to tie up your vital Internet services. When a hacker invades your system, they can then delete or create files and emails, modify security features, and plant viruses or time bombs onto your computer.

?Sniff? is another tool (originally intended to help telecommunication professionals detect and solve problems) that criminal hackers use to tamper with the protocol and ?sniff out? data. When hackers sniff out a data packet from Internet traffic, they reconstruct it to intercept conversations. This enables them to eavesdrop on conversations, gather information, and sell it to other unprincipled criminal entities.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is one of the most sinister of vulnerabilities you can inadvertently be subjected to. Identity theft is defined by the Department of Justice as

??the wrongful obtaining and using of someone else?s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.?

Identity theft is the by-product of unscrupulous criminal individuals obtaining your social security number (including those of your spouse and children), your bank account, your credit card information, etc. Your information is then sold to other criminal entities for profit. Using your information, these criminals can then:

?access your bank account funds
?create new bank accounts with your information
?create driver?s licenses
?create passports

Attorney General Ashcroft stated that,

Identity theft carries a heavy price, both in the damage to individuals whose identities are stolen and the enormous cost to America’s businesses.?

Don?t be na?ve enough to think it won?t happen or couldn?t happen to you!

A group hosting a website known as shadowcrew.com was indicted on conspiracy charges for stealing credit card numbers and identity documents, then selling them online. While this group allegedly trafficked $1.7 million in stolen credit card numbers, they also caused losses in excess of $4 million.

According to a Press Release issued by the Department of Justice on February 28, 2005, a hacker was convicted of several counts of fraud, one in which

??he fraudulently possessed more than 15 computer usernames and passwords belonging to other persons for the purpose of accessing their bank and financial services accounts, opening online bank accounts in the names of those persons, and transferring funds to unauthorized accounts.?

If you are using a VoIP internet service provider and do not want to be a victim of Identity Theft, then take the first step to protect yourself — don?t use VoIP internet service providers operating on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols.

Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses

On January 28, 2005, a press Release issued by the Department of Justice reported that a 19 year old was convicted for his criminal activity by ??creating and unleashing a variant of the MS Blaster computer worm.? Christopher Wray, Attorney General ? Criminal Division stated that,

This ? malicious attack on the information superhighway caused an economic and technological disruption that was felt around the world.?

On February 11, 2005, in a Press Release issued by the Department of Justice, reported that another criminal was sentenced for circulating a worm. This worm,

?directed the infected computers to launch a distributed denial of service (DOS) attack against Microsoft’s main web site causing the site to shutdown and thus became inaccessible to the public for approximately four hours.?

March 7, 2005, Symantec.com posted discovery of a worm named ?W32.Serflog.B? that spread through file-sharing networks and MSN Messenger ? networks that operate on publicly open and interpretable industry standard codec and protocols, including P2P systems, as well as Instant Messaging systems?none of which are protected, regardless of the anti virus software on your computer. The W32.Serflog.B worm also lowers security settings and appears as a blank message window on the MSN Messenger.

If you don?t want to be the next victim of the devastation created by worms, STOP using services that operate on industry standard codec and protocols, and/or services that incorporate P2P systems.

Anti virus software does not incorporate protection for Instant Messaging services. In addition, Instant Messaging services, in and of themselves, do not include protection for their users.

If you like the convenience of text chatting via Instant Messaging, then use a VoIP internet service provider that includes the Instant Messaging feature — one that does not operate on industry standard codec or industry standard protocols that are publicly open and accessible.

Optimally secure VoIP service providers that incorporate a secure Instant Messaging feature, operate from their own proprietary high end encryption codec on patented technology that is hosted in a professional facility. Simply put, when a VoIP internet service provider operates on optimally secure platforms, the Instant Messaging feature on the VoIP softphone, is also protected with their technology.

A Trojan horse is a program that internet criminals use to interrupt and interfere with your security software and produces the following results

?Terminates processes
?Removes registry entries
?Stops services
?Delete files

Hackers, who have gained access to your computer, because of the programs and software as mentioned above, are having a field day incorporating this nasty little program into their arsenal of weapons.

As recently as March 4, 2005, a new Trojan horse was discovered that modified settings in Internet Explorer. Windows 2000, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP were the reported systems that could be affected.

Here?s the bottom line.

1.If you are currently using a VoIP internet solution provider that operates on industry standard codec and industry standard protocols that are publicly open and interpretable, you need to make a decision:

a. Continue enticing criminal hackers and remain on their service, or
b.Take immediate corrective action.

2.If you are currently using Instant Messaging of any sort, you need to make a decision

a. Continue enticing criminal hackers and remain as a user of their service, or
b.Take immediate corrective action.

If you decide to take immediate corrective action:

1.Find a VoIP internet solution provider that has their own proprietary high end encryption codec

2.Find a VoIP internet solution provider that has their own proprietary patented technology

3.Find a VoIP internet solution provider that hosts their proprietary patented technology in a professional facility

4.Find a VoIP internet solution provider that includes the Instant Messaging feature in their proprietary patented technology

**Attn Ezine editors / Site owners ** Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your site so long as you leave all links in place, do not modify the content and include the resource box as listed below.

Dee Scrip is a well known and respected published author of numerous articles on VoIP, VoIP Security, and other related VoIP issues.

Other articles can be found at http://www.free-pc-phone.com

Here?s a place you can look over to see what a VoIP internet solution provider looks like that operates on their own proprietary high end encryption codec with their own proprietary patented technology hosted in a professional facility, AND that incorporates the Instant Messaging feature: http://www.free-pc-phone.com.

Price : $1,800.25

Features

• Easy to set up
• Phone freedom. TalkSwitch works with any analog and IP phones.
• Remote and external IP extensions keep you connected anywhere
• Expandable
• Requirements for configuration software: Windows Vista (32 bit) or Windows XP or Windows 2000 and minimum 256MB RAM, 160MB hard disk space and 800×600 screen resolution.

Product Description

TalkSwitch (CT.TS001.148801) TalkSwitch 488vs

Now, there is a way that you can get free high-speed Internet service and come out ahead with extra money in your pocket…

You can take it out of your phone bill.

Are you thinking Huh?

Let me explain…

Most people are paying too much for their phone service. Add to that the cost of dial-up Internet service, and many people pay almost $100 monthly in phone expenses!

You actually can eliminate the phone company, have better phone service, gain high-speed Internet service and have money left over.

They way to do this is simple: Get high-speed Internet from the cable company and then digital phone service from a VoIP provider.

Don’t bite on the cable company’s offer for inexpensive phone service with their package. Go for the special TV rate or something else.

Your total bill for the broadband plus digital phone should be less than what you now pay. This way you’ll gain the broadband Internet service free.

Digital phone service or VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) is a way of eliminating the old phone company. That’s because the phone signal goes through the Internet instead of the old phone wires and switching stations.

You can use the phones you now own and don’t have to be at your computer with a headset on.

Most digital phone plans offer every feature imaginable, included long distance at no additional cost. The basic phone rates are low and there are very few taxes.

There is more information including a checklist for selecting a digital phone provider on our web site.

Digital phone service also works over DSL. Since DSL operates through the local phone lines, you won’t be able to completely eliminate using the old phone company.

With DSL, you could eliminate the long distance plan now have. In this case, your digital phone number would have to be an additional one to your home. You could still gain the other benefits of digital phone service, and add a phone line this way.

In this scenario, you would have your DSL (with local phone service by default), then use your digital phone line for all you long distance calls. You should still save money while gaining broadband service and an additional phone line. This savings will be less than if you used cable for your Internet.

With DSL for your VoIP broadband, you can easily use several phone handsets through the digital system in your home. This is easy to set up. Just plug a handset base into the small box that you receive when you get the digital phone service. Your computer plugs in there also. Then you can operate several portable handsets from that base.

If you have cable broadband and don’t use them for local phone service, then you can easily use the existing phone wiring and phones that are in your home right now for all your digital calls.

You’ll have the best savings and greatest simplification by using cable for your broadband and NOT using them for you phone service- use a separate digital phone provider.

In the past, 911 service was an issue with digital phone service. That has been resolved with the E911 database. This growing database links your digital phone number to your address. Only responsible digital phone providers will sell service to customers in the E911 coverage area. Soon, this won’t be a problem, as E911 will cover the entire United States.

If you visit our site, we can recommend a responsible VoIP provider.

In addition, a few digital phone networks are capable of using video phones. Imagine being able to see the face of the person you are talking to in real-time across the globe!

There is also information about that on our site.

This is a great strategy to gain services and features and save money.

For more information about saving money, shopping for digital phone or video phone services, be sure to visit our site.

Copyright 2006. All Rights Reserved

Paul Myers is President of Ph.Developments USA, Inc. and webmaster of

http://www.video-phone-home.com/

A site dedicated to helping people discover video phones and save money on telecommunication services.

Price : $6.99

Features

• Stereo headset: Flexible mic arm, In-line mute and volume control;
• Sensitivity: -67dBV/microbar, -47dBV/Pascal /- 4dB
• Connector: 2 standard 3.5mm audio jacks (audio in and out).
• Desctop Microphone System frequency response: 100Hz-10kHz;
• Input sensitivity: -56dV/ubar, -36dBV/Pascal /-4dB.

Product Description

CYBER ACOUSTICS AC-644 BEHIND THE NECK STEREO HEADSET WITH BOOM MICROPHONE ABSOLUTELY FREELABTEC VERSE 303 DESKTOP OMNI DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONEThe Cyber Acoustics AC644 Stereo Headphones add to the enjoyment of your computing needs. This headset is ideal for voice-over-IP applications and features rich stereo sound for gaming, music, and chat. Microphone is fitted with a soft foam cover to protect the microphone and to suppress breath sounds that can interfere with voice recognition and chat. The headphones allow for an impressive experience with a comfortable soft foam ear cushion; amplified noise canceling microphone element; comfortable neckband design. HEADSET SPECIFICATIONS: Stereo headset; Flexible mic arm; Additional features: Mute button, Gold-plated plug, Noise canceling circuit; In-line mute and volume control; 7′ sheilded cord; Gold plated plugs; Sensitivity: -67dBV/microbar, -47dBV/Pascal /- 4dB; Mic power source: 1.5 volts; Frequency response - Microphone: 100 to 16,000Hz; Impedance - Microphone: 680 ohms; Connector: 2 standard 3.5mm audio jacks (audio in and out).MICROPHONE FEATURES:Labtec Verse 303 features an omni directional microphone to provide clear voice input for Internet telephony and voice chat, and other multimedia applications. Designed to be mounted on the monitor for space-saving. This is suitable for audio input and voice-over-IP applications, including Internet voice chat, video conferencing, and multiplayer gaming. Space-saving design mounts on top of monitor; For audio input and voice-over-IP applications, including Internet voice chat, video conferencing, and multiplayer gaming; 7-foot shielded cord with color-coded jack (PC ‘99 compliant); System frequency response: 100Hz-10kHz; Input sensitivity: -56dV/ubar, -36dBV/Pascal /-4dB; Microphone power source voltage: 1.5 V DC.

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2008-07-23
Best bang for buck. headphones are not surround sound but good quality. I would have given it five stars but the headset does not adjust for cranium size. Tested microphone with windows movie maker, picked up kids watching a movie about twenty feet away and I heard clearly what they had said. Overall good quality, comfortable, and they look geeky-cool.

The new FCC Chairman, Kevin Martin stated, The requirement to provide access to 911 is about public safety. Because the commission previously found that the VoIP services at issue were interstate, the commission assumed the responsibility to ensure that basic public safety requirements are implemented and satisfied.

Currently VoIP service users who dial 911 run into many problems such as being redirected to administrative offices instead of a dispatcher. Also, when calls are received by dispatchers contact information for the caller such as the telephone number and location of the caller is not provided with the current VoIP 911 system. The lack of a reliable 911 system has brought several lawsuits against VoIP providers.

Sen. Conrad Burn, a sponsor of the bill made the comment, The few seconds it takes someone to realize that their broadband connection cannot reach 911 can be the difference between life and death, and we cannot waste that time during an emergency.

VoIP providers are being required to update and inform all customers, both new and old, of the limitations and problems that can come with calling 911 from a VoIP phone. The measure will require that 911 dispatchers must receive all calls to 911 and that the calls are accompanied by the caller?s information and location.

Anyone who dials 911 has a reasonable expectation that he or she will be connected to an emergency operator. This expectation exists whether that person is dialing 911 from a traditional wire line phone, a wireless phone or a VoIP phone,? states Martin, ?Today, we take this action to ensure this expectation is met as soon as possible.

Broadband phone service subscribers can check with their current VoIP provider for updates to their VoIP 911 plans. New updates and changes are being added to VoIP to meet the FCC?s new regulation so VoIP users are encouraged to check with their VoIP providers.

Dana Abrames writes articles for http://www.calling-plans.com.

Price :

Features

• Panasonic Skype Adapter compatible with Panasonic KX-TG5700 Series Cordless Telephones

Product Description

Panasonic’s KXTGA575S Skype Adapter for Panasonic Phones allows you to use the same phone for calls through the Internet or traditional phone network.

Customer Reviews

Review date : 2007-05-04
I would rate this product as excellent even I had to do some troubleshooting.
Here is a problem I had: when I connected the USB device, installed the software, registered with base, etc. I did not hear audio on a Panasonic phone. The reason was that Panasonic USB Audio was not listed in Playback devices. After some time I found it conflicted with Logitech USB webcam (in your case it could be other USB device Panasonic is conflicting with). So the solution is to disconnect USB webcam or another usb device before plugging in Panasonic USB (or in device manager uninstall USB Audio for Panasonic, unplug webcam, search for hardware change and install Panasonic USB Audio, plug webcam back)
The only other minor thing which I don’t like is that I can’t log off/login from Skype using the phone, so when I don’t want to receive Skype calls (obviously at night) I need to step down to my basement and turn Skype off on my computer.
Tip: set Skype AUDIO IN/OUT to Panasonic, but leave default audio device to your computer audio system and you can use it simultaneously.

Review date : 2007-01-09
Excelent product that delivers what promises. One minor flaw, though: Since it needs to "take posession" of the PC sound in/out (i.e. mic and speakers) with the XP it is not quite simple to use the sound for anything else simultaneously with this device.
Instalation of both device and software was very simple.

Now somebody might break that already loose relationship.

John C. Dvorak, a very reputed columnist, fervently argues that there is no Clay Christensen disruptive technology in its very own coined definition: disruptive technologies are low performers, ?less expensive technologies that enter a heated scene where the established technology is outpacing people’s ability to adapt to it?.

Is my music editors ? steam engines connection invalid then, as there is no disruptive, let alone sustaining, technology? I thought so. Yes, I thought so, as in his paper, Dvorak rebukes so persuasively all purported disruptive technologies: the microcomputers are not cheaper than the minicomputers, and neither do internet sales supplant bookstores. His points are convincing, covering even the titans among the believed disruptive technologies of digital photography and Linux.

But I think again, ?independently?. And let me re-affirm with you that despite the distant connection, music editors and steam engines are indeed parts of the twin aspects of technology, disruptive and sustaining.

Microcomputers were not cheaper, because the smaller-sized disks were more expensive. However, microcomputers were not the disruptive technology. It is the smaller-sized disk drives. When the sustaining technology of cost-saving capacity improvement came, the disruptive technology of smaller-sized drives truly took over as they achieved the same price points as larger-sized drives. The smaller-sized drives are thus cheaper in utility terms. Isn?t it now a disruptor?

Internet sales, on the other hand, might not outperform bookstores yet. But even that fits into the definition of a disruptive technology: it is an initial low performer. That internet sales would exceed bookstore revenues, especially when there are more credit card holders than ever nowadays, seems a good bet.

Thus, in similar arguments, it is fair to state that perhaps the conclusion that Linux and digital photography not being disruptive technologies is somewhat untimely. And who knows if digital photography is not cheaper because it can?t be cheaper or because it is so in demand its economic price can?t be lower?

If you are not yet convinced, Napster and VoIP technologies will make you. They fit into every aspect of Clay Christensen?s definition of disruptive technologies.

Napster was inferior, it was sued for copyrights violation and eventually shut down. But this first peer-to-peer music sharing program was not only cheaper (in fact, users only needed to pay for their internet access and the music editors if they wish to morph the songs before sharing) than what conventional music producers offer, but also quickly revolutionized the way people listen to music (so quickly that it had to be shut down as the then legal framework had yet to accommodate its form). Napster is non-existent now. But its variants are growing strong. And the sustaining industry of music editor softwares has carved out a niche market for its own. This is typical of a disruptive technology, one that not only changes the way things are, but also brings on other flows of goods and services.

In addition, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is another epitome of disruptive technologies. Telephony is getting cheaper, but VoIP is free (except for the internet access). And VoIP boasts efficient pioneers the like of Skype and Vonage that threaten to outdate traditional telephony practices. In fact, telecommunication services have become so complex consumers could not fully utilize their functions, thus turning to simpler services and paying only for what is relevant to their needs. That is how Sweden?s Comviq has seized 39% of the market from the incumbent Telia by offering half as many handset features and simpler pricing plans. But telecommunications will soon be free; VoIP will soon disrupt even the like of Comviq. And the sustainers that will keep VoIP evolving will be the class of voice changer softwares and cheaper and faster internet connection.

Ala, my music editors and steam engines are still related.

Josh Nowell is a Media Morpher writer who specializes in technology research. This article is the second in the 4-part series on Disruptive Technologies of his.

He could be contacted at media@audio4fun.com.

Price : $1,745.00

Features

• Easy to set up
• Phone freedom. TalkSwitch works with any analog and IP phones.
• Remote and external IP extensions keep you connected anywhere
• Expandable
• Requirements for configuration software: Windows Vista (32 bit) or Windows XP or Windows 2000 and minimum 256MB RAM, 160MB hard disk space and 800×600 screen resolution.

Product Description

TalkSwitch (CT.TS001.184801) TalkSwitch 848vs

TDM technology has evolved over a century and was primarily developed at the behest of the old nationalised post, telegraph and telephone companies (PTTs) such as the UK?s GPO before it became BT. Therefore the TDM network is rigorously engineered and very robust. We take it for granted that when we pick up a phone and punch a dozen or so buttons, another phone will ring just about anywhere in the world. When that phone is answered, we (normally) have a clear and uninterrupted conversation. This is not surprising given that multiple layers of switches and wires between the two phones create a complete end-to-end 56Kbps circuit between them.

In the modern, highly flexible and mobile work space this marvel of technology has one drawback. You don?t call a person, you call a phone. Therefore, you assume that the person you want to talk to is going to be close enough to that phone to answer it, or has put a machine in place to take you call, or is willing to pay extra for it to be forwarded to another device. Meanwhile, in an IP world, you connect to the network from any IP device and if you are connected to the internet, then the Internet can tell those trying to reach you where you are. VoIP will allow you to call a person, not a phone.

The other drawback of the TDM connection is that the circuit has a fixed bandwidth that was originally designed to support a phone conversation and nothing else. Dial up data communications and fax technology are essentially technical compromises. Anyone who struggled to surf the web over a dial up connection will recognise this. The essential technical difference between IP and TDM technology ensures that a VoIP conversation makes better use of that bandwidth. Furthermore, with the ubiquitous availability of DSL, the Internet is now a multi-megabit, broadband network that breaks free of the 56 kilobit shackles of the TDM network. The result is that we can have far ?richer? conversations with IP.

These conversations can include video images, instant messages and data ? all over the same circuit. Voice over IP is but one application on this converged communications platform. Ebay?s acquisition of Skype is a good example of the creation a converged applications. Ebay is an on-line auction house that provides its bidders images and data about items for sale as well as conducting the auction over the web. Skype is an internet telephony service. Combined, the two businesses will offer a service whereby someone bidding for a particular item can click a button on the screen and talk directly to the person offering the item for sale. It does not take too much imagination to envisage similar applications driving improved efficiency and productivity across all shapes and size of business.

In summary, the three key advantages of VoIP over IP versus TDM are cost, flexibility and better, richer ways of communicating.

Formed in 1998, VegaStream is one of the most experienced players in the industrial VoIP market. The company supplies gateway CPE to both traditional telecommunications carriers and the new generation of Internet telephony service providers. VegaStream also serves the enterprise market through a global network of distributors and resellers supported by regional offices in the UK, USA and Australia. VegaStream is a non-listed UK company. Investors include the management team, Pace Micro Technology PLC and MTI Partners.http://www.vegastream.com