Volume 5 Issue 12

July, 2000

Network Monitoring

We recently implemented several sophisticated network monitoring systems.
These systems will help the staff follow the use of resources, monitor important server parameters and strengthen our network's security.
Several of these systems' reports are now available for you to view from our web site. You can now see our actual modem usage and traffic levels on our circuits, in real-time, by following the links provided on our Administrivia Page, under the heading, "How is the Cove's Network Performing Today?"
Our servers are now being monitored 24 hours per day, 7 days a week and the new server monitoring system is programmed to notify an administrator whenever a server needs attention.
Network security systems are also in place to monitor any attacks on our servers.
For security reasons, the server and security monitoring reports are not publicly available.

More Courses Added

True to their word, MindLeaders (formerly DPEC) have just sent us another upgrade to their web-based training packages.
The training packages are upgraded every three months.
This upgrade includes an additional 51 courses to their already extensive list of courses.
As you know, we provide MindLeaders' high-quality web-based courses very inexpensively. For more information, please visit our web site under Sales & Services.

Phone Line Checks

Is anyone having trouble connecting, or staying connected?
Usually, the trouble lies with the modem. "Winmodems" need to have their firmware updated periodically.
Others have had trouble with noisy telephone lines.
We now know that new water meter readers are being installed, which attach to a phone line to send their readings back to the DPW. Addressable cable boxes also use a phone line when a pay-per-view event is ordered.
Both of these gadgets can affect your ability to use your modem. Please check for these items.

Help Desk Notes

Some subscribers are still trying to log into the network using their real name.
You can only login using your username and password. Your username is your email address without the "@cove.com" part.
Also, please remember that usernames and passwords are all lowercase and that there can be no spaces, including before and after the username and password.
Please call us if you have trouble connecting. We're here to help you!

SysAdmin's Corner

Our network has been blissfully quiet over the past month. Even the Help Desk has been quiet.
The quiet time has been put to good use; implementing the new network monitoring systems.
The next planned upgrade is the final migration of our primary unix web server over to a much more powerful computer. Customers with web sites will be notified of this final migration, as they were for the intermediate migration.

Subscriber Referral Program

Are you pleased with our service? Do you know someone who is unhappy with their current Internet/On-line service?
Why not do them and yourself a favor?
Just recommend our service. If they subscribe, we'll give you a free month of access!
They will appreciate your advice and you'll save a little money.
Again this month, over a dozen subscribers are getting their access in July for free - by referring new subscribers.

Everybody wins!

Internet Training

Have you seen our new web-based training packages?
They are convenient, up-to-date, and very inexpensive.
Visit this website at:
www.courses.cove.com
You can now even take introductory Internet and general computer use courses for free! Just visit our Help Page for access.

What's New at the Cove is a monthly publication of Cove Communications.

Publisher/Editor, Bill Ostaski

27 Congress Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978) 741-5300
(978) 282-3399
office@cove.com

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