Re: [CGUYS] Verizon DSL Service Dry Loop
The box where your FIOS back up battery lives has lights and alarms on it. If you open it up it has a battery similar to those used in a UPS. I was told to expect to replace it on my dime in three or four years. They left the POTS lines connected in the phone box on the house but who knows what they did down the line. I keep charging cables for the cell phones in the cars just in case. On Mon, Mar 17, 2008 at 9:21 PM, Tom Piwowar [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In this discussion of FIOS, I'm reading if I lose my electric I'll lose my phone service. Is that correct? It will last as long as the battery holds out. Do FiOS customers get any instructions on how to maintain their battery? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * -- John Duncan Yoyo ---o) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Verizon DSL Service Dry Loop
The question was does a POTS line still supply power? The answer is unequivocally yes. If you have a POTS line to your house and your power goes down -- pretty common occurrence here in Western Loudoun lately -- the power on the POTS line will stay up and you can plug your 1970s-vintage Princess Phone in and call the electric company to complain about the blackout. I have four wireless phones in my home and one plain, black telephone -- guess which one still works when the lights go out in Purcellville. Switching subjects to FiOS, Verizon usually disconnects your copper when they install the fiber but you can request them to leave it. I think we have folks on this list who retained their copper when they got FiOS. But since Verizon switches your phone service to the fiber circuit when they install FiOS I'm not sure that there's still power on your old copper. You would probably have to pay for a second phone line to keep the copper live. Anybody know? -Mike __ Michel David Lowe -Original Message- From: Computer Guys Discussion List [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of MrMike6by9 Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 10:24 PM To: COMPUTERGUYS-L@listserv.aol.com Subject: Re: [CGUYS] Verizon DSL Service Dry Loop Everything I've heard says that when Verizon installs FiOS, they cut the old POTS line. That Princess phone will not work then. YMMV The phone company still supplies power for legacy phones. If you've got a '70s Princess Phone in a box in your basement, you can plug it into a POTS line and it will work just fine. -- I'm as pure as the driven slush. - Tallulah Bankhead * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * smime.p7s Description: S/MIME cryptographic signature
Re: [CGUYS] Verizon DSL Service Dry Loop
I have two Igo power supply chargers. I go makes both laptop power supplies and car charges but the unique thing is you can replace the tips for different appliances. I have one in my car with a dual lead so I can charge two things at once. All I have to have is the tips for each device. I also have a 90 watt one which will do laptops. It comes with both 11 home plug in and a car adapter (plane) so I can charge the laptop in the car. With the tips I can charge most any portable appliance. Stewart At 07:16 AM 3/18/2008, you wrote: The box where your FIOS back up battery lives has lights and alarms on it. If you open it up it has a battery similar to those used in a UPS. I was told to expect to replace it on my dime in three or four years. They left the POTS lines connected in the phone box on the house but who knows what they did down the line. I keep charging cables for the cell phones in the cars just in case. Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
[CGUYS] déjà vu? [Was: start from an external]
Is it the list acting funky or my email? I sent this message days ago and now it is freshly in my mail box once again? Is anybody else having flashbacks? Subject: Re: [CGUYS] start from an external Sent:3/15/2008 8:53 PM Received:3/18/2008 9:05 AM From:Tom Piwowar, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To:Computer Guys Discussion List, COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM To: * Computer Guys Listserv, COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM How do I get the machine to start from the external and ignore the internal, or local disks? Immediately upon startup press the following 4 keys: Command, Option, Shift, Delete (Backspace). This will lock out the local disk and should allow the other disk to take over. Keep holding the keys down until you see evidence of the OS loading. You may have to hold the keys down for a minute or two. This method often works when other methods fail because it does not let the internal drive start. Some drive defects will lock up the computer immediately so this avoids that. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Verizon DSL Service Dry Loop
Can you notify the power company of an outage with a cell phone text message? Fred Holmes At 10:39 PM 3/17/2008, Rev. Stewart Marshall wrote: What I read (and I think it was on this list) is that they disable the POTS service from the box or father back. It is their way of cutting back on service for that type of line etc. Keep a cell phone handy. The FCC is requiring (and the cell companies are fighting) long term back ups at all Cell towers. Last year when the Tornado wiped out the High School west of here, their cell phone service worked excellently until demand outstripped the towers capacity (mainly used by emergency and public service personnel.) They have since upped it's capacity so that does not happen again. (regional Cell company owned by the Southern Companies) In New Orleans after Katrina, our Church/National staff was able to communicate with Cells although it was spotty, but text messaging worked like a champ!!! Stewart * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Verizon DSL Service Dry Loop
But what happens when the electrical grid goes down? In the olden days when copper came all the way from the central office, the central office had huge storage batteries that would last for 48 hours or more and a diesel generator that would run as long as fueled. If now many POTS phones are fed by fiber to the neighborhood where it joins the neighborhood copper, the only place that the power-over-copper can be supplied is from the neighborhood connection to the grid, which may be down (unless power copper is in the bundle with the fiber). Fred Holmes At 04:22 PM 3/17/2008, Michel Lowe wrote: The phone company still supplies power for legacy phones. If you've got a '70s Princess Phone in a box in your basement, you can plug it into a POTS line and it will work just fine. -Mike __ Michel David Lowe * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Nat Geo Classroom
I was just reading an article yesterday where insurance companies are no longer going to pay for hospital goofs. Can you imagine that Hospitals expected your and my insurance to cover them for their mistakes Hmmm... Maybe hospitals should pick and choose which patients they see so as to not expose themselves to 'errors'. What do you think of that? There are already privately owned ambulatory surgical centers that do this. By the way, Medicare is the leader when it comes to decreasing insurance reimbursement. When they commissioned the Harvard Study, all the insurance companies dropped their reimbursement to that new level, many are now below the Harvard Study, and reimbursement has been falling ever since. Medicare has announced that they are and will be decreasing physician reimbursement over the next 10 years, but each year, they back down. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Nat Geo Classroom
Shouldn't all insurance reimbursements be below average? Fred Holmes At 10:42 AM 3/18/2008, Brian Jones wrote: By the way, Medicare is the leader when it comes to decreasing insurance reimbursement. When they commissioned the Harvard Study, all the insurance companies dropped their reimbursement to that new level, many are now below the Harvard Study, and reimbursement has been falling ever since. Medicare has announced that they are and will be decreasing physician reimbursement over the next 10 years, but each year, they back down. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] déjà vu? [Was: start from an external]
That's almost as slow as snail-mail. The message in question was not in my inbox this morning. I think something similar happened to one of your messages last week (on investment advice), unless you re-sent the original. I got it once. then got it again a few days later. I just assumed that you had reissued it because the topic had drifted away from the original question. Richard P. Tom Piwowar wrote: Is it the list acting funky or my email? I sent this message days ago and now it is freshly in my mail box once again? Is anybody else having flashbacks? Subject: Re: [CGUYS] start from an external Sent:3/15/2008 8:53 PM Received:3/18/2008 9:05 AM From:Tom Piwowar, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To:Computer Guys Discussion List, COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM To: * Computer Guys Listserv, COMPUTERGUYS-L@LISTSERV.AOL.COM How do I get the machine to start from the external and ignore the internal, or local disks? Immediately upon startup press the following 4 keys: Command, Option, Shift, Delete (Backspace). This will lock out the local disk and should allow the other disk to take over. Keep holding the keys down until you see evidence of the OS loading. You may have to hold the keys down for a minute or two. This method often works when other methods fail because it does not let the internal drive start. Some drive defects will lock up the computer immediately so this avoids that. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Verizon DSL Service Dry Loop
You text a message to your cousin in NYC requesting him to call and notify the power company for you. On Tue, Mar 18, 2008 at 10:23 AM, Fred Holmes [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Can you notify the power company of an outage with a cell phone text message? Fred Holmes At 10:39 PM 3/17/2008, Rev. Stewart Marshall wrote: What I read (and I think it was on this list) is that they disable the POTS service from the box or father back. It is their way of cutting back on service for that type of line etc. Keep a cell phone handy. The FCC is requiring (and the cell companies are fighting) long term back ups at all Cell towers. Last year when the Tornado wiped out the High School west of here, their cell phone service worked excellently until demand outstripped the towers capacity (mainly used by emergency and public service personnel.) They have since upped it's capacity so that does not happen again. (regional Cell company owned by the Southern Companies) In New Orleans after Katrina, our Church/National staff was able to communicate with Cells although it was spotty, but text messaging worked like a champ!!! Stewart * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * -- John Duncan Yoyo ---o) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Verizon DSL Service Dry Loop
Vicky you prove my point. I thought she proved mine. She is in effect in a straightjacket and this prevents her getting DSL. Given complete freedon she would get DSL. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Verizon DSL Service Dry Loop
I never knock the competition. All I can say is that in Verizon territory, you pay for 3 mbps, you get 3 mbps, or a reasonable facsimile. That has been my experience with Verizon DSL. I'm puzzled why Mike is so anti science. Knowing how something really works means that you can figure out how it will work, even under conditions that have not yet been experienced. With Mike's observational approach the best one can ever say is So far go good. Observation brought us astrology, science brought us astronomy. Etc., etc. I agree with Mike that certain companies tend to underperform and that such compalies should be avoided until there is evidence of improvement. But that has nothing to do with the choice of DSL vs cable. Such a company would be a poor performer regardless of the technology they employed. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
[CGUYS] Pay more, get less [was: Verizon DSL Service Dry Loop]
Rev. Stewart Marshall [EMAIL PROTECTED] escribió: What I read (and I think it was on this list) is that they disable the POTS service from the box or father back. It is their way of cutting back on service for that type of line etc. Keep a cell phone handy. The FCC is requiring (and the cell companies are fighting) long term back ups at all Cell towers. No electricity = no phone service after only a few hours of blackout. No power = maybe no cellular service either. FCC attempted to take over the shortwave bands so nobody would have emergency communication [they failed, thank goodness]. I have a cell phone. I even use it at home. I could also use a Kaito emergency radio that charges cell phones using solar or wind-up. I also have a land line that doesn't go down when our power does. That's one of the major reasons I wouldn't consider FIOS unless the telco forced it by disconnecting all POTS service in our neighborhood. FIOS service has a short-lived battery backup. If the telco also provided an inexpensive solar charger for the backup batteries, like the PV trickle chargers that I've seen at the VW dealers, then FIOS would be a more appealing service--after they cut prices and speed up broadband. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] IT Jobs DC
Any good sources for getting a sense of the DC job market. I have spent five years as the stay at home parent and really need to move back into support myself. Experience is as a software developer, mainly C++, database apps, Winitel architectures, 15 years used to have a clearance etc. Any advice welcome. -PJM b_s-wilk [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Rev. Stewart Marshall escribió: What I read (and I think it was on this list) is that they disable the POTS service from the box or father back. It is their way of cutting back on service for that type of line etc. Keep a cell phone handy. The FCC is requiring (and the cell companies are fighting) long term back ups at all Cell towers. No electricity = no phone service after only a few hours of blackout. No power = maybe no cellular service either. FCC attempted to take over the shortwave bands so nobody would have emergency communication [they failed, thank goodness]. I have a cell phone. I even use it at home. I could also use a Kaito emergency radio that charges cell phones using solar or wind-up. I also have a land line that doesn't go down when our power does. That's one of the major reasons I wouldn't consider FIOS unless the telco forced it by disconnecting all POTS service in our neighborhood. FIOS service has a short-lived battery backup. If the telco also provided an inexpensive solar charger for the backup batteries, like the PV trickle chargers that I've seen at the VW dealers, then FIOS would be a more appealing service--after they cut prices and speed up broadband. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * Checkout One Laptop Per Child project laptop.org * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
[CGUYS] dtv converter box choice
which dtv converter box is best? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Pay more, get less [was: Verizon DSL Service Dry Lo
Tell him not to insulate the battery from the floor. For some reason car batteries discharge if you put a car battery directly on concrete. On Tue, Mar 18, 2008 at 5:52 PM, Rev. Stewart Marshall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My father in law has a car battery backup for his Sump pump due to a disaster a number of ears ago. During a torrential downpour (extended) the power went out for 24 hours. They ended up with 6 inches in their basement. So he keeps a warning buzzer on the pump plus a back system to power the pump. Stewart At 04:20 PM 3/18/2008, you wrote: That is a great idea. I would be far less resistant to getting FiOS if I didn't have to worry about the battery. Overall I think this is a major aspect of the service that I think they failed to think through. Maybe the gubment ought to get on their tails, like they tried to go after the cell providers over 911 service. Heck, I don't even use batteries to backup my sump pump because it won't be there when I need it most. My backup is a water-powered siphon. Can I get a water wheel to power my FiOS? Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * -- John Duncan Yoyo ---o) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] dtv converter box choice
I got my coupons last week but I haven't had a chance to run out and use them. I needed three however and I picked up the Magnavox at WalMart. It seems to work OK with an indoor antenna. I get all the major networks. It is spotty on 26 WETA and sometimes it drops it. I have an outdoor antenna that I need to put up for the rest of the channels. I want to try and get Baltimore. I can pull that in on rabbit ears in the kitchen with a standard tuner. My favorite feature is the toggle switch on the side. You can use the remote to switch it on and to standby but the switch turns it all the way off. On Tue, Mar 18, 2008 at 6:18 PM, Rev. Stewart Marshall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Our local Walmart has a stack of them, but then again I have not received my coupons yet. Stewart At 05:05 PM 3/18/2008, you wrote: I've seen no reports yet, but then none have yet been spotted in the wild. On Tue, Mar 18, 2008 at 5:35 PM, rlsimon [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: which dtv converter box is best? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * -- John Duncan Yoyo ---o) * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] dtv converter box choice
Best Buy also carries them - 1 brand, 1 model, listing for $59.99. Coupons should be available online. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Pay more, get less [was: Verizon DSL Service Dry Loop]
I have a cell phone. I even use it at home. I could also use a Kaito emergency radio that charges cell phones using solar or wind-up. I also have a land line that doesn't go down when our power does. That's one of the major reasons I wouldn't consider FIOS unless the telco forced it by disconnecting all POTS service in our neighborhood. FIOS service has a short-lived battery backup. If the telco also provided an inexpensive solar charger for the backup batteries, like the PV trickle chargers that I've seen at the VW dealers, then FIOS would be a more appealing service--after they cut prices and speed up broadband. The best solution though is first ordering a 2nd line, have that line with as few amenities as you can stand or get away with like for example no minutes of free calls, no long distance and the like. When Verizon comes to change over to FIOS, it only changes over your first number leaving you with a line still connected to copper and batteries. Still I should remind you that whole exchanges failed in NYC during a blackout despite not being fibered. If you can't get it under $15, ask about what Verizon provides in your neck of the woods in terms of a lifesaver line. Everyone is assuming that phone companies will keep their battery 48 volt systems forever and also find some means of charging the batteries, that's not necessarily a good bet presently. * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] dtv converter box choice
what coupons are these? from where? John Duncan Yoyo wrote: I got my coupons last week but I haven't had a chance to run out and use them. I needed three however and I picked up the Magnavox at WalMart. It seems to work OK with an indoor antenna. I get all the major networks. It is spotty on 26 WETA and sometimes it drops it. I have an outdoor antenna that I need to put up for the rest of the channels. I want to try and get Baltimore. I can pull that in on rabbit ears in the kitchen with a standard tuner. My favorite feature is the toggle switch on the side. You can use the remote to switch it on and to standby but the switch turns it all the way off. On Tue, Mar 18, 2008 at 6:18 PM, Rev. Stewart Marshall [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Our local Walmart has a stack of them, but then again I have not received my coupons yet. Stewart At 05:05 PM 3/18/2008, you wrote: I've seen no reports yet, but then none have yet been spotted in the wild. On Tue, Mar 18, 2008 at 5:35 PM, rlsimon [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: which dtv converter box is best? * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Pay more, get less [was: Verizon DSL Service Dry Lo
I learned a long time ago not to give my father-in-law advice if it is not asked for. Long stories, not worth retelling. Stewart At 06:55 PM 3/18/2008, you wrote: Tell him not to insulate the battery from the floor. For some reason car batteries discharge if you put a car battery directly on concrete. Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] Pay more, get less [was: Verizon DSL Service Dry Loop]
On Mar 18, 2008, at 2:32 PM, b_s-wilk wrote: No electricity = no phone service after only a few hours of blackout. No power = maybe no cellular service either. FCC attempted to take over the shortwave bands so nobody would have emergency communication [they failed, thank goodness]. The federal government did take over the shortwave amateur bands during WWII and then proceeded to refuse to return them to radio amateurs afterwards. It took a whole lot of lobbying and money for radio amateurs to regain the use of the shortwave frequencies, and I do not believe they got all of them back. Steve * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] dtv converter box choice
On Mar 18, 2008, at 5:35 PM, rlsimon wrote: which dtv converter box is best? I recently obtained my two coupons. I used one of them to buy the Zenith DTT-900 unit which has been favorably reviewed thus far, particularly in regard to its RF front end. I use it in conjunction with an indoor cubic quad VHF/UHF antenna made by Terk that seems to work pretty well for both TV bands. Around the DC area, most stations are on UHF for their digital broadcasts, and the fact of the matter is that any regular old TV antenna is all that is required for digital reception. There is no such thing as a digital or HDTV-specific antenna, although a lot of advertising tries to convince consumers otherwise. I am going to hold on to the other coupon until it nears expiration, which is 90 days, to see what other converters become available a bit later on. The prices should also decline. Steve * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
Re: [CGUYS] dtv converter box choice
Magnavox are the ones at Walmart. Stewart At 08:47 PM 3/18/2008, you wrote: On Mar 18, 2008, at 5:35 PM, rlsimon wrote: which dtv converter box is best? I recently obtained my two coupons. I used one of them to buy the Zenith DTT-900 unit which has been favorably reviewed thus far, particularly in regard to its RF front end. I use it in conjunction with an indoor cubic quad VHF/UHF antenna made by Terk that seems to work pretty well for both TV bands. Around the DC area, most stations are on UHF for their digital broadcasts, and the fact of the matter is that any regular old TV antenna is all that is required for digital reception. There is no such thing as a digital or HDTV-specific antenna, although a lot of advertising tries to convince consumers otherwise. I am going to hold on to the other coupon until it nears expiration, which is 90 days, to see what other converters become available a bit later on. The prices should also decline. Steve * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** * Rev. Stewart A. Marshall mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Prince of Peace Ozark, AL SL 82 * ** List info, subscription management, list rules, archives, privacy ** ** policy, calmness, a member map, and more at http://www.cguys.org/ ** *
