This title enables readers to get the low-down on what cable internet provides don't know or won't tell you; this book will help readers to be vigilant against hackers.

The number of North American cable subscribers has grown by more than 75,000 average new users per week. Despite a downturn in nearly every technology-related market, new research from Strategy Analytics concludes that growth rates across the wireless content and broadband Internet will average 26 percent increases over the coming five years. In March 2001, eMarketer predicted that broadband technology (including cable and DSL) should reach 90 million households worldwide by the end of 2004, representing a 350 percent increase from the 20 million broadband-equipped households in 2000.

(NOTE: Each chapter concludes with a Summary.)
Introduction.
I. UNDERSTANDING CABLE MODEMS.
1. The Internet and Your PC.

From Your Desktop to the World-Connecting to the Internet. How Your PC Connects to the Internet. Fast Alternatives to Analog Modems.
2. What is a Cable Modem?

Cable Modems and Your Friendly Cable Provider. How Cable Modems Connect to Your Computer. Speeds of Cable Modem Service.
II. GETTING CABLE MODEM SERVICE.
3. Making Sure You're Ready for Cable Internet Service.

Prerequisites for Any Cable Modem Connection. Can Your Operating System Speak "Cable Modem"? Making Sure Your Computer Has the Correct On-Board Hardware. Connecting Your Cable Modem: I/O Slots and Ports.
4. Ordering and Installing Cable Modem Service.

Service Types and Options. Troubleshooting Your Initial Installation.
III. USING YOUR CABLE MODEM SERVICE.
5. Setting Up Your Software to Use Your Cable Modem.

Setting Your Browser Configuration. Configuring Your E-Mail Client. Tweaking Media Players and Other Internet Software.
6. Ten Ways Cable Modems Make the Internet Better.

Better Computer Health Through Easy Access to Software Service Packs and Update. Making E-Mail More Exciting with Attachments. View Multiple Web Sites. Listen to Internet Radio. Watch Streaming Video. Use Multiple Search Engines at the Same Time. Exchange Messages, Files, and More Via Instant Messaging Services. Play Online Games. Print and Share Your Photos Online. Store Files Online.
IV. ENHANCING YOUR CABLE MODEM SERVICE.
7. Adding Multimedia Features to Your Cable Modem Service.

Web Cameras. Installing NetMeeting. Video E-Mail. The Software You Need for Online Audio and Video Content. Internet Radio.
8. Using Internet Multimedia and Messaging.

Windows Media Player. RealPlayer. Apple QuickTime. Internet Radio. Instant Messaging Services. NetMeeting.
9. Using a Webcam.

Creating and Sending Video E-Mail. Receiving and Viewing Video E-mail. Using a Webcam with NetMeeting. Using a Webcam with IM Services.
10. Using Photo and Data-Storage Services.

Selecting an Online Photo Service. Getting Your Photos Online. Ordering Photo Prints Online. Sharing Photos Online. Selecting an Online File Storage Service. Storing and Retrieving Online Files.
11. Playing Internet Games.

What You Need to Play an Online Game. Tweaking Game Settings for Fast Performance. System Maintenance for Best Performance.
12. Speeding Up Your Cable Internet Service.

Tweaking the Windows Registry. Tweaking MacOS-Based Systems. Alternatives to Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator/Communicator. Download Managers. Using Browser Synchronization. Tweaking Your System for Better Gaming Performance.
V. SECURING YOUR CABLE MODEM SERVICE.
13. Firewalls and Your PC.

The Dangers of Always-On Internet Access. Firewalls and What They Do.
14. Stopping Computer Viruses.

How Viruses Threaten Your PC and Your Data. Types of Computer Viruses. Antivirus Software. Using Online Antivirus Services. Protecting Your System from Script and Active Content Attacks. Changing Your Online Behavior.
VI. SHARING YOUR CABLE MODEM SERVICE.
15. Using Microsoft's Internet Connection Sharing.

What Internet Connection Sharing Is-and Isn't. The Hardware and Software You Need for ICS. ICS Client Setup. Alternatives to ICS.
16. Using Other Computer-Based Internet Sharing Programs.

How Third-Party Sharing Programs Differ from ICS. Deerfield WinGate. Ositis WinProxy. Sygate Home Network. Sharing for MacOS Users. Alternatives to ICS-Which Is the Best?
17. Router Your Way to Internet Sharing.

What Routers Do. Types of Broadband Routers. Router Features to Look For. Adding a Router to an Existing Network That Did Not Share the Internet. Adding a Router to an Existing Network That Was Used for Internet Sharing. Making a Router Part of Your Network from Square One.
18. Setting Up a Home Network for Sharing Your Internet Connection.

Network Types-Overview. Installing a 10/100 Ethernet Home Network. Installing a HomePNA 2.0 Phoneline Network. Installing a Wireless Ethernet (Wi-Fi) Network. Installing a Wireless HomeRF Network.
VII. TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR CABLE MODEM.
19. Troubleshooting Your Connection to the Internet.

Understanding the Signal Lights on Your External Cable Modem. Troubleshooting Firewall Problems. What If It's Not Your Fault? Provider and General Internet Problems. What TCP/IP Is and How You Use It.
20. Troubleshooting Internet Sharing.

Troubleshooting Computer-Based Sharing. Troubleshooting Routers. Troubleshooting Router Hardware and Cabling Problems. Troubleshooting Special Connectivity Problems.
21. Troubleshooting Internet Multimedia and Instant Messenger Software.

Troubleshooting Webcams. Troubleshooting Media Players. Troubleshooting Windows Media Player. Troubleshooting IM Clients.
22. Keeping Your Cable Modem Service Up-to-Date.

Switching to a New PC. Changing Network Cards. Installing Browser Upgrades. Installing Other New Software.
Index.