When it comes to programs that claim to “simplify” a process, I give it the Parent’s test. Which means that if my parents can utilize the program, and do so effectively then I’ll believe their simplification.

Network Magic is once such program that truly backs up their claims. Managing a network, especially a wireless one can be a daunting task for a newcomer. WPA, WEP, wireless card, modem, router, what do all these things have to do with one another? I can tell you that Network Magic makes it much easier to understand these concepts, and make connecting easier.

The greatest thing about Network Magic is that it is truly point-and-click. Every step that you need to take to connect is represented by an icon, with a short description of its function. There’s no complicated menus, or jargon to barrel through.

Something like this is hard to talk about without ’selling’ it. Cisco is offering a 7-day trial of their program, so you can try it out for free. This program is the latest release from Cisco since its purchase of Pure Networks. So far it’s looking like a sound investment.

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Twitter, MySpace, YouTube..these are all places people love to go and check out what other people are getting into, and what they’re saying. Could these places be hit hard from the current economic crisis that’s effecting the nation?

I think the common sense approach is that, ‘of course it will affect them’. Really looking at the broad scope of things, I think everyone is in potential trouble of the failing economy. But how does some of the immensely popular Web 2.0 sites stack up in terms of survivability?

MySpace - This is one site that most people would be scratching their head at. How could one of the biggest social networking sites fall off?

One word, momentum. MySpace is losing tremendous speed at the moment. With all the problems with bots, and other things plaguing that site I can see why. If something drastic isn’t done at MySpace, I foresee a troublesome future ahead.

Twitter - Twitter’s problems stem from some of what is causing MySpace problems. It’s getting to big that it’s becoming hard to sustain. It doesn’t quite have the bot problem, or problems of the sort. It’s problem comes from too many people, not enough server space.

Also, there have been the numerous reports of Twitter having touble monetizing their efforts. It will take some creative thinking to bring in the money from the millions who do use it.

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For those who are all about speed, and having it in abundance when it comes to the internet, I believe I’ve found you an ISP. It’s being reported that Verizon has recently invested $23 billion into building a new fiber network.

There have been no concrete specs to release, but what Verizon has talked about implementing sounds amazing. With a installed Fiber network, there would be speeds that simply aren’t seen in the US. It’s sad but true, that American ISPs have some of the slowest, and most expensive service in the world.

With a fiber network, internet speeds vastly improve over other infrastructure types. Here’s hope the investment pays off, and other ISPs are pressured to follow suit.

(via: Cnet)

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WiMax has had a rather turbulent ride since its unveiling a couple of years ago. One Sprint CEO was fired for supporting the advancement of WiMax, and not staying dedicated to improving 3G. Now that the massive launch is upon us, we’ll see if the rocky road was worth it.

The promises given about what WiMax can do, is nothing short of amazing. It is being heralded as providing a wide array of connection, mostly to places that thought was impossible for internet connection.

WiMax works independently of local Wi-Fi connections. So in essence, they work independently of each other. An easy way to think about it, is WiMax controls the broad connection of everyone in a town, city; while your Wi-Fi is for local connection.

Easily the most impressive spec of WiMax is the connection speeds that it promises. WiMax certified systems can provide up to 40 Mbps, and potentially up to 300 Mbps.

For business, WiMax will be a godsend. This can greatly help lower the cost of getting a business connected to the internet. Instead of having to deal with hardline broadband access, it will be as easy as connecting to a router. Needless to say this will save some dollars in the long run.

WiMax still has alot to prove. The technology has proven great in developing areas, where hardlined infrastructure is impossible. With more populated areas that do have hardlined broadband, WiMax has to prove that it is the better alternative. We’ll just have to wait and see.

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