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    FIRST AID GUIDE & Help with your CVB Wireless Service
    Download it here and keep it with your computer

     Help Pages

     - Q&A
     -     Service Outages
     - Connectivity Problems
     - E-mail Problems
     - Router Info
     - Connection Speed
     - Virus Info
     - Spyware Info
     - Spam Filter
     - Dialup Option
     - General Configuration
     - E-mail Configuration 
     - Outlook Configurations
     - MAC Configuration
     - Windows Vista
     - Add New Email (Coming Soon) Call us
     - Change Email Password
     -     Webmail

    Q & A

  • Q: How is Broadband different from dial-up service?
  • A: Broadband service provides higher speeds of data transmissions.  It allows more content to be carried through the transmission pipeline. Broadband provides access to the highest quality internet services - streaming media, VoIP, gaming, and interactive services.  Many of these current and newly developing services require the transfer of large amounts of data which may not be technically feasible with dial-up service.  Therefore, broadband service may be increasingly necessary to access the full range of services and opportunities that the Internet can offer.
  • Broadband is always on - it does not need a phone line and there is no need to reconnect to the network after logging off.
  • Q: How fast is the connection?
  • Central Valley Broadband has several connection speeds and service plans available depending on your need.
  • Basic speeds start at 768Kbps Downstream and 256Kbps Upstream
  • Q: Is this Satellite?
  • A: There is still a lot of confusion around Fixed Wireless Broadband and some of our prospects tend to associate it with satellite and one-way dishes such as DirectPC. CVB’s service has a very low latency or delay, compared to Satellite systems where the signals have to travel thousands of miles up to the satellite and back.
  • Q: How does it work?
  • connectiondiagram
  • A: After a successful free site survey by one of our installers where it was determined that you can receive a CVB broadband connection, we install a wireless antenna/radio.  The antenna has an attached receiver/transmitter unit and will be installed on your roof or eaves, or where you can receive the best connection signal. The mounted radio/antenna should have a clear line of sight. The wireless signal from your radio/antenna on the roof goes to CVB’s access point and from there to CVB’s backhaul, a point to point wireless link to our Fiber Optic connection in Roseville which is directly connected to the internet.
  • Basic Installation Process
  • A radio is mounted
  • The Customer Premise Equipment is a small microwave weatherproof antenna/radio mounted on the eaves or rooftop. It can also be mounted on a separate freestanding pole or tower.  The installed antenna points to a an Access Point located on a radio tower or tall building. It can also be your neighbor.
  • If your rooftop has an uninterrupted line of sight to one of CVB’s many base stations, the antenna and radio are connected via Ethernet to your LAN. This connection is like any other Ethernet based high-speed internet access, except this “last mile” is without any wires.
  • High hills and growing trees and foliage could impair your wireless signal, this is why CVB’s installers need a clear line of sight. Fixed-wireless systems operate at frequencies that require a clear line of sight. Central Valley Broadband is currently working with other non-line-of-sight solutions and has successfully installed customers that had no other options.
  • Wiring
  • A CAT5 cable also known as Ethernet cable is run down from the antenna/radio on an exterior wall. Our installers try hiding the cable as much as possible. The installer than drills a small hole in the wall, or will work with existing installation for Cable, Phone, or Satellite TV installations and fish the cable through the hole. If you need additional wiring please contact a wireless contractor or see CVB’s extra charges list. You can use a wireless router to distribute further connections to other areas of you house or computers. (We do not provide you with routers, please buy it a computer store) You may call CVB for recommendations on which router to buy which depends on how big your house is. 530-852-0318 or 916-676-2697
  • Connect Your computer
  • Once inside the house the cable can be connected to a computer with a network card, a wireless router. (a router is highly recommended for added security). CVB provides you with 1 Ethernet connection. If you want to connect more than 1 computer you need a wireless router, which works as a splitter and you can multiple computers to it. It sends your signal wirelessly through your house to any other computer or laptop.
  • With everything in place - The connection is tested and your calwisp email can be setup.
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    • Q: What are the different types of Broadband Technologies?

    A: Broadband includes several high-speed transmission technologies, such as:

  • • Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

    DSL is a wireline transmission technology that transmits data faster over traditional copper
    telephone lines already installed to homes and businesses. DSL-based broadband provides
    transmission speeds ranging from several hundred Kbps to millions of bits per second (Mbps).
    The availability and speed of your DSL service may depend on the distance from your home or
    business to the closest telephone company facility.

    • A large number of areas throughout the world currently are not able to access broadband connectivity. DSL can only reach about three miles from the central office switch, and this limitation means that many urban and suburban locations may not be served by DSL connectivity.

    • Cable Modem

    Cable modem service enables cable operators to provide broadband using the same coaxial cables that deliver pictures and sound to your TV set.

      • Most cable modems are external devices that have two connections, one to the cable wall outlet and the other to a computer. They provide transmission speeds of 1.5 Mbps or more.

      • Subscribers can access their cable modem service simply by turning on their computers without dialing-up an ISP. You can still watch cable TV while using it. Transmission speeds vary depending on the type of cable modem, cable network, and traffic load. Speeds are comparable to DSL.

    • Fiber

    Fiber, or fiber optic, is a newer technology available for providing broadband. Fiber optic technology converts electrical signals carrying data to light and sends the light through transparent glass fibers about the diameter of a human hair. Fiber transmits data at speeds far exceeding current DSL or cable modem speeds, typically by tens or even hundreds of Mbps.

  • • Wireless
  • Wireless broadband connects a home or business to the Internet using a radio link between the customer’s location and the service provider’s facility. Wireless broadband can be mobile or fixed.
  • • Satellite
  • Just as satellites orbiting the earth provide necessary links for telephone and television service, they can also provide links for broadband. Satellite broadband is another form of wireless broadband, also useful for serving remote or sparsely populated areas.
  • • Broadband over Powerlines
  • (BPL) BPL is the delivery of broadband over the existing low and medium voltage electric power distribution network BPL speeds are comparable to DSL and cable modem speeds. BPL can be provided to homes using existing electrical connections and outlets.
  • The broadband technology you choose will depend on a number of factors. These factors may include whether you are located in an urban or rural area, how broadband Internet access is packaged with other services (like voice telephone and home entertainment), price, and availability.
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    • Will a Central Valley Broadband service work with Windows Vista?

    Yes, your Central Valley Broadband connection is compatible with Windows Vista.

  • navgreenbutton Service Outages
  • The cause of Network Outages
    • Power Glitches
    • Equipment failure due to physical, electric or lightening strikes
    • Bad weather, growing tree foliage, reflections due to rain or snow

    An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device which maintains a continuous supply of electric power to connected equipment by supplying power from a separate source when utility power is not available gets low or spikes. A UPS is inserted between the wall plug and the radio routers both external and internal. When a power failure or abnormality occurs, the UPS will effectively switch from utility power to its own power source almost instantaneously. This helps minimize radio lockups and helps extend the life of the radios. It is often a good idea to buy a larger UPS and connect your computer also to extend its life as well.

    Scheduled System Maintenance Information

    CVB has regularly scheduled maintenance days, every Tuesday evening from 10:00PM - 2:00AM on Wednesday our System Administrators will be doing routine updates and configuration changes to our network when it is needed, you may experience downtimes during this time frame. Emergency maintenance may happen as required and without notice.

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  • navgreenbutton Connectivity Problems
  • Power off the wireless CVB radio unit count to 5 and then re-power it and wait until the unit reboots.
    Next step: If you use a wireless router you need to power it down for up to a minute and power it back up. Wait a minute and you should be connected. A a link light on your WAN (Wide Area Network) port should be visible.

  • Next step: If you still can’t connect, reboot your computer and try it again.
  • If you have a Network Setup
  • Do the same as above + Reset all Network Devices such switches and hubs and reset each computer.
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  • navgreenbutton E-mail Problems
  • Check your connectivity by trying to go to Yahoo or Google. If you can’t connect try the above instructions.

  • Check your e-mail configuration guidelines.

  • Send yourself an e-mail

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  • navgreenbutton Router Links to Manufacturers

  • CVB does not sell any routers at this moment, please buy these at  a local computer store. If you have problems with these routers please contact the manufacturer’ s websites for help.
  • Belkin - www.belkin.com/support/ or call (877)523-5546
    Linksys - www.linksys.com/ - (800)326-7114
    D-Link - http://support.dlink.com - (877)453-5465
    NetGear - http://kbserver.netgear.com - (888)638-4327

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    navgreenbutton General Configurations

    The CVB Domain Name: calwisp.com

    The CVB DNS Setting are:

      Primary Domain Name Server: 207.231.68.163

      Secondary Domain Server: 65.74.141.197

    E-mail Configuration:

      Incoming Mail Server: pop.calwisp.com
      Outgoing Mail Server: smtp.calwisp.com

    Please log-in with your full e-mail address: youraddress@calwisp.com

    Send yourself an e-mail

    The best way to check your e-mail

    We recommend setting up and using an e-mail application like Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express as your primary method of accessing your e-mail. It means that all e-mails are downloaded from the CVB server and stored on your computer.

    You can use all CVB e-mail addresses to access WebMail . It can be accessed from any computer that has an internet connection. You can access it from anywhere when travelling, accessing from work, home etc.

    How do I find WebMail?

    You’re able to log in to WebMail from the CVB home page just click on the WebMail icon,it takes to the webmail page type your e-mail address and password and select Go.

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    navgreenbutton Want to add a new e-mail address? Coming Soon!

    navgreenbutton Click Here for E-mail Password Change

    Keep your password secret.
    For added security, you should change to a new password every month or so.

  • navgreenbutton Test your Connection Speed
  • Go To: http://www.speedtest.net/
  • By measuring the download and upload rate (choose San Francisco) you are able to accurately judge your current line throughput or internet connection speed.

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    navgreenbutton Virus Information

    Why is it important to stay online secure?

    All your computers should have Virus Detection and Protection installed and your computer should be checked frequently.A virus can cause your computer to run slower .

     As of January 2008 there are a total of 73,813 virus detected!

    There is no device based security with CVB Wireless Broadband. Security is similar to mobile phone calls, or using a phone line to access your internet. Sensitive data needs to be sent through a secure website encrypting the information before sending it.

    Using a Firewall

    Connecting to the internet without a firewall is a little like leaving the door to your house unlocked. It’s a ‘virtual security fence’ around your PC, watching for information that is not supposed be entering or leaving your computer.

    You can purchase firewall software over the internet and from most computer stores.

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    You need protection from

    a non threatening piece of Adware which tracks your on-line behavior . You could also have code that monitors your keystrokes to see details of a bank account. CVB recommends all users to install security programs and check for updates.

    What are?

    Viruses – are computer programs that steal passwords, replicate themselves and are send to other users

    Virus Hoaxes – are reports of non existent viruses

    Spyware – lets advertisers or hackers collect information from your computer without your permission

    Adware – is software displaying advertising on your computer

    Trojans – someone else taking control of your computer without you even knowing it

    Internet Worms – viruses that make copies of themselves and spread all over the internet

    Zombies – a computer remotely controlled and used for malicious purposes without the users knowledge

    E-mail Virus – most viruses move around in an e-mail

    Spam – unsolicited e-mail. or junk e-mail

    Cookies – enables a website that you visit to leave files on your computer to remember who you are

    Pharming – redirects you from a real website to a fake copy allowing people to steal information that may enter

    Phishing - using false e-mails and websites to steal confidential information

    How does it work?
    You receive a legit looking e-mail from a website that you recognize as a well-known brand. The e-mail will ask you to visit the website by clicking on an embedded link, but the link will take you to a dummy website asking to enter your personal or financial information. The scammers then use your username and password, credit card number and expiration date etc. to steal from you

    For the latest list of Phishing type emails: http://www.antiphishing.org/phishing_archive.html

    NOTE: Never respond to requests for personal information via e-mail. Never send credit card information via e-mail

    Page-Jacking – using reputable websites to redirect users to other websites

    Spoofing – e-mails that look like that they came from one user but come from someone else

    Mousetrapping – preventing you from leaving a website

    Boot Sector Viruses – viruses that modify how your computer is starting up or prevents it from starting up

    Document Viruses – viruses that hide in macros which are commands that run automatically in programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel

    An up-to-date anti-virus program notifies you when your computer is infected with a virus, and helps you to remove it or show you how to remove it.

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    • Here are some virus protection software companies, some have FREEware and trials to offer:

    AVG Technologies formerly Grisoft - http://www.grisoft.com/

    AVAST! Antivirus - http://www.avast.com/

    Lavasoft - http://www.lavasoft.com/

    Spybot - http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html

    Norton AntiVirus (NAV) is one of the most widely used antivirus programs. Its function is to detect and remove viruses, spyware, adware, and other potential security risks. Free trials available.
    Update: Norton Virus Security System - antivirus updates, after updating it is asking users to authorize access to a certain site if you click no it will block access!

    TrendMicro - www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/

    TrendMicro's FREE online virus scanner - http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/

    webroot Software - Free trials available - http://www.webroot.com/En_US/index.html?rc=5082
    McAfee Security Center - http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?cid=10371

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    navgreenbutton Spyware

    • Spyware is software that is installed secretively on your computer to intercept or take partial control over your interaction with the computer, without your consent. A more appropriate term is the term privacy invasive software. It does not spread like a virus or worm and does not transmit the infection to other computers.
    securitywarning
    Can look like this

    navgreenbutton Spyware Removal Tools

    MacAfee - Spyware/Malware remover, Free versions available -
    http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=vrt

    Ad-Aware http://www.lavasoft.com/

    Spyware Guard - www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html

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    Spam Filter

    Central Valley Broadband has a network spam filter that filters all incoming e-mail before it reaches your mailboxes it blocks millions of spam messages every day! It compares unique identifiers of known spam with new messages coming in to determine what should be rejected. The following will be rejected:

  • If the spam sender is known
  • If the body of the message is exactly like known spam
  • If it appears to be forged in some way

  • navgreenbutton Dial-up Option
  • CVB does not provide dial-up access. You can find many inexpensive dial-up providers nationwide We do not solve other Dial-up providers problems.
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