THE BROADBAND REPORT *************************ADVERTISEMENT************************* Ever wish you had some way to keep track of all of Winmag.com's best content? We've got the answer. Phil Albinus's weekly Winmag Preview newsletter is low on blather and high on links to our very best reviews, columns, and articles. Plus it gives you a leg up on stories we're working on for the near future. Get Winmag Preview: http://www.winmag.com/columns/wmpreview/ *************************************************************** February 2, 2001 -- Vol. 2, No. 2 By Scot Finnie, Winmag.com Read the neater Web version of the Broadband Report online! http://www.winmag.com/columns/broadband/ IN THIS ISSUE * WinList Review: SMC Barricade Wireless Does It All * StarBand Update * What About Two-Way DirecPC? * Networking with StarBand * Broadband Q&A * My Broadband Story * Link of the Week - Da LAN Tech * Upcoming Schedule * Subscribe, Unsubscribe, or Change Your Address. Get up to speed on broadband data-transfer rates: http://www.winmag.com/columns/broadband/2000/03a.htm WINLIST REVIEW: SMC BARRICADE WIRELESS SMC7004WBR ----------------------------------------------------------------- SMC's Wireless Barricade does most everything well, and it's one heck of a bargain too at $320 street price (Outpost.com). That may sound expensive, but this baby offers a lot of value. It's a 3-port-switch broadband router designed to connect to a DSL or cable modem for simultaneous access of up to 252 PCs on a LAN using one IP address. It also has a built-in 11-Mbps 802.11b wireless access point. And if that weren't enough it includes both a serial port and a print server. Like the Linksys and some of its competitors, the Wireless Barricade comes with a Web-based configuration tools with a good set of configuration options. In short, this one does it all. My experiences with this product and this company are mostly positive. Setup went pretty well, although I hit one snag. My Wireless Barricade wasn't able to automatically assign an IP address the first time out, which also meant I couldn't get into the Web configuration screens. To make it work I had to assign a static IP address to TCP/IP settings for the NIC on a PC connected to the Barricade. The IP address had to be within the default range of the Wireless Barricade (192.168.123.100). I also entered the IP address of the Wireless Barricade on the Gateway tab of my NIC's TCP/IP properties (192.168.123.254). After a reboot, the Wireless Barricade recognized my PC and allowed me into the access screens. That only took a couple of minutes, but you had to know how to do it. Because it gave me a good opportunity to do so, I called SMC's tech support on the above problem. I'm impressed. I didn't have to wait long, and the tech support rep identified and fixed the problem in less than 15 minutes. She also sent me some additional documentation for this product -- which is a good thing because the docs that come with it are scanty. (There is a .PDF manual on the CD.) The Wireless Barricade does a great job as a security tool. Broadband Report regulars will recall that I use three different Web site security analyzers as my test suite for NAT/DHCP broadband router/hub products. Those sites are: GRC's Shields Up! https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 HackerWhacker.com: http://hackerwhacker.com/ and Security Space: http://www.securityspace.com/sspace/index.html HackerWhacker and Security Space are for-pay Web services, and both companies have been good enough to provide test access to the Broadband Report. The Wireless Barricade came through with flying colors on all three tests -- after I made one small adjustment. In fact, no product has done quite as well as the Barricade did in these tests. Although I was able to fix it, one flaw with the Barricade was pointed out by Shields Up's stealthiness check (the "Probe My Ports" test). Port 113, the IDENT port, was closed but visible. There are good arguments for why this port may need to remain visible in some environments, but the argument against is compelling: If it's visible, you get literally zero security advantage from this product. All it takes is one common port like this one to be visible, and they might as well all be visible. I highly recommend that SMC's engineers change this in a subsequent release of its firmware. It would make more sense to create an easy way to turn off stealth on this port than to leave it off by default. Even so, the fix is simple once you know how to do it. Follow the instructions to enter the Web configuration utility. Open the "Virtual Server" screen. In the first empty ID row, under Service Port type: 113. Under Server IP type an IP address between 002 and 252. (Make sure it's an IP address that's not being used by any PC or device, and not likely to be used.) If you're not sure what to enter in this field, type 252. Put a check mark under Enable. Press the Save button. Then press the Reboot button. That's it. Some of the other things I like about this product have to do with the hardware. It comes in a flat-top, flat-bottom box that'll stack well on other flat networking products, such as the Netgear 24-port Fast Ethernet Switch I use in the Broadband Labs. It also puts the ports on the front (which you may or may not prefer). There's an on/off toggle switch, something I greatly prefer. The LEDs are simple and easy to understand. There's a 9- pin serial port on the back to which you might attach a conventional analog modem to be shared on the network. The parallel port provides the print server functionality. Two antennae raise up from the back to provide wireless access. After configuring the network ID name (SSID) and channel number in the Web configuration screens, the SMC7004WBR provided flawless wireless access. (Note: SMC and many other companies sell 802.11b wireless access PC Cards for client PCs separately.) A few small negatives: There are only three RJ-45 Ethernet ports available on the Wireless Barricade, whereas some other products have four. (Of course most other products don't offer the print server port.) Also, you will need a crossover cable (not supplied) to connect the Barricade to another hub or switch product. The firmware for this product will almost certainly need updating once you get it. Visit SMC's support area for both the download and instructions: http://www.smc.com/smc/pages_html/support.html My last criticism is simply that the firmware could use some work. I've already made one suggestion in this area, concerning port 113. But the Web configuration screens are not quite as flexible and offer fewer options than the Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router (not a wireless product). All the essential bases, including MAC address cloning and two-way PPTP VPN support, are covered. At the moment, no other product combines all these features in one package for only $320. MaxGate, which also includes the print server option on its Ugate line is one to keep an eye on though. Lucent's Orinoco RG-1000 Residential Gateway also combines many of the SMC's features. And D-Link also has a player in this area. Many other companies are working on competition to the SMC7004WBR too. But for right now, at least, the Wireless Barricade is the best NAT/DHCP broadband router/switch and wireless access point money can buy. It easily earns a spot on Winmag.com's WinList, as well as Broadband Report's Product of the Month honors. * $320, SMC Wireless Barricade SMC7004WBR, SMC Networks, 800-SMC- 4YOU Product Page: http://www.smc.com/smc/common/prodPreview.cfm?prod_code=SMC7004WBR Company Page: http://www.smc.com/ Do you have a security or firewall question, tip, or suggestion? Let me know all about it! mailto:bbreport@scotfinnie.com?subject=Security_Center STARBAND UPDATE ----------------------------------------------------------------- If you didn't see the major review of StarBand's two-way USB satellite service in the last issue of this newsletter, go back and check it out. Road Test: StarBand Two-Way Satellite Service http://www.winmag.com/columns/broadband/2001/01.htm#lederev I got a lot of e-mail about this StarBand review, and most people seemed to think I was saying "don't go there." But that isn't at all the case. I think StarBand represents the best hope for getting broadband service to anyone who has been told that DSL and cable modem service aren't in his or her future any time soon. One thing I was saying is that maybe StarBand isn't quite ready for prime time. But then, neither are half the DSL installations in the U.S. either. Let's keep this in perspective. StarBand USB is a nationwide service that's a mere one month old. It has a lot of growing to do. It also has a lot to offer. On the price/performance scale it cannot compete with either DSL or a cable modem. But then, in most cases it's competing with a 56- kbps dial up service. And in that competition it wins most of the time, and resoundingly. --- All the Difference --- Since last time things have improved markedly on my StarBand PC. Two things have made all the difference. First, it turns out that about fifty percent of my problems were, as I suspected, with the StarBand service itself, having nothing to do with my equipment or configuration. The day after my last Broadband Report, somebody threw a switch somewhere and the problems disappeared on the server side. The second improvement was that while attempting to knock out the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) problems I was having on Windows startup whenever the StarBand software was installed, I spent about an hour and a half on the phone with tech support. We tried a lot of things -- almost all of which I had tried before. One of those things was uninstalling the software and then reinstalling it. But the tech support rep had a secret. I had been removing the USB cable before I uninstalled the software. This is a recurring issue with USB that many people don't realize. Pay attention to install or uninstall instructions. They very often tell you not to plug in the cable until after you've installed the software. And the reverse is also true. This I knew. What I didn't know was that it makes a difference which end you remove. But the tech support guy had seen this one before. We tried it once, and got the same condition I'd been getting. The second time around he said "remove the USB cable from the back of the computer this time." Presto. For the first time I saw a complete uninstall, and on the next install the software worked perfectly for the first time ever. Since this change and StarBand's server improvements, I'd have to say that StarBand has been operating at 95 percent. I've had a few brief outages here and there. Also the BSOD has completely disappeared. I still occasionally see the screen freeze overnight, but not as frequently. To summarize: It's working pretty darn good. As I wrote last time, there are some specific issues with StarBand. I have found that Internet protocols other than http and ftp are slower than you have a right to expect in the performance range StarBand operates. That includes some e-mail and newsgroup functions (although large newsgroup downloads are usually fast). The StarBand members-only site also openly states that there are issues with StarBand and both AOL 5.0 and AOL 6.0, including poor performance. AOL 6.0 in particular has difficulties. Note: These issues will only be the case when you operate AOL in the "ISP/LAN Connection" mode that dial-up only users probably are not familiar with. With a cable modem or DSL connection, AOL is like a speed demon under that mode of connection. No waiting, at all. Unfortunately, that's not the case with this broadband solution. StarBand suggests that you access your e-mail via AOL's Web-based tools, which work pretty well, but only offer the basics: http://www.aolanywhere.com/ The StarBand support area also warns about issues with Prodigy 5.0 and Juno 4.0 and 5.0. Last time, I neglected to mention that StarBand's newsgroup services are still in beta testing. Although they seem to function okay, I have seen days where they stopped working and lost all messages. For more StarBand specifics, including VPN over StarBand, please see "Networking with StarBand" and "Broadband Q&A" later in this issue of the Broadband Report. --- Another StarBand 180 USB Experience --- "I just read your article on StarBand 180. I had mine installed about a week ago and had similar experiences getting it up and running. I am running an AMD 700MHz using Win98 SE. It took my StarBand installer over eight hours to get this up and running so for $200 he sure wasn't happy about that. Of that time, two and half hours were spent on configuration. In the initial install, I received the BSOD and it no longer recognized COM3 after that. "Finally we figured it out by calling the tech support line. Then after using it for an hour or so, the system went down for a good 2-3 hrs. I later found out that the StarBand office in Georgia had a power outage. Another call to the tech line and after another four hours on the phone, we finally got it working. I must say they were very good and patient at the help line. "Since the initial problems and bugs, I am happy to say that it has been stable. I do run into problems using AOL 6.0, including frequent disconnects, no buddy list, plus it seems the speed with AOL is not much faster than my old 56-kbps modem. I also have not been able to use AOL for uploading at all, even e- mail. I have no trouble using Outlook Express and StarBand's own e-mail system. "My fingers are cramping up from constantly crossing them. Time will tell as we are the guinea pigs so to speak." --Rick Sack, New York If you have StarBand and want to tell me about your experiences, or if you have questions about StarBand, send e-mail: mailto:bbreport@scotfinnie.com?subject=StarBand WHAT ABOUT TWO-WAY DIRECPC? ----------------------------------------------------------------- A company called Pegasus Communications is set to begin beta testing and rolling out DirecPC's two-way satellite service. I'm told that will begin later this month, and also that I'm on the list to take part in the testing. Hey, I've already got two satellite dishes in my yard, wanna try for three? Sure! The Pegasus DirecPC product is called Pegasus Express: http://www.pgtv.net/ContentExpress.htm Announced in more detail recently at the Consumer Electronics trade show a few weeks ago, Pegasus Express comes in two flavors. The "Classic" version is one-way satellite. Skip that. The "Pegasus Express" service is two-way, and very similar to StarBand. It uses a USB satellite modem, elliptical dish, and can be purchased with or without DirecTV satellite TV services. According to the press release, the launch date is "first quarter of 2001," so how long can the beta process last? (They've been in closed beta for a while.) Pricing is expected to be as follows. A suggested list price $499 for equipment and presumably installation, with a $69.95 monthly charge. If you sign up with a one-year commitment and also opt for DirecTV satellite TV services, those prices change to $399 and $59.95 per month respectively. I'll keep you posted on Pegasus. I've heard that its downstream speed is expected to be 400-kbps, which is a notch slower than StarBand. But if there's anything I've learned about broadband, it's that you have to test it to know for sure. NETWORKING WITH STARBAND ----------------------------------------------------------------- A lot of people have written me wondering how to share StarBand access with multiple PCs, how to setup a firewall, and whether hardware broadband routers work. For example: "Thanks for your recent review of StarBand. It was very informative and very timely for me. I live in a rural area of Virginia with little or no hope of DSL or cable Internet access within the next couple of years. I am currently researching proxies and firewalls for use with the StarBand USB connection, and have a few questions for you: 1. Do you know of any "hardware" firewalls that will work with StarBand's USB connection? 2. Can you recommend a proxy server and firewall for use with a small (six-user) business network composed of Windows NT 4.0 server (soon to be upgraded to 2000 Server) and Windows 98 workstations (also to be upgraded to 2000 Professional). Currently, since NT 4.0 does not support USB devices, the proxy and firewall would be installed on a Windows 98. Later, after upgrading to Windows 2000, the proxy and firewall would be installed on the Windows 2000 Server. 3. Do you have information on StarBand's compatibility with Windows 2000?" --Robert K. Dias, Virginia Good questions, all. I'm going to work backwards up your list of questions. StarBand has a proprietary support Web site that only members can see. On that site there are instructions for using Ositis Software's WinProxy software-based NAT/DHCP/Firewall server to share StarBand's Internet access among multiple PCs. Luckily, the document itself is in the clear, and you can read it here: http://www.starband.com/faq/homenetworking/s180winproxydoc.htm On the StarBand support site, it says that WinProxy will not work with StarBand if is running under Windows 2000. (Somehow, I think that problem could be gotten around.) But, bottom line, you might have a problem under Win2000, and WinProxy for StarBand certainly will not work under NT. WinProxy: http://www.winproxy.com/ WinProxy would be my recommendation to you for "proxy server," although WinProxy technically doesn't work as a proxy server (unless you want it to). StarBand is already using a proxy server, by the way. I've been testing a beta version of WinProxy that's being optimized for use with StarBand (more on this below). I expect that functionality to be generally available in a month or two. Although WinProxy does have some firewall services, I would recommend running ZoneAlarm behind WinProxy, and also on each client PC. Happily, StarBand gives instructions for ZoneAlarm installation too. I have some reports from readers that they have been able to use a hardware firewall by activating the Ethernet port on the back of the USB 180 modem. StarBand strictly forbids you to do this, and if they find out you've done it, they could cancel your service. I have not tried this personally. Bottom line, the use of a broadband router/switch product, such as the SMC7004WBR reviewed in this issue, is not supported under StarBand. However, if you're running WinProxy on a PC that has both a network card and the StarBand USB 180 satellite modem connected to it, you can connect any network hub or switch to your PC. --- WinProxy with StarBand --- I had planned to give you my first-hand experiences on making WinProxy work with StarBand. There's a new beta of the version of WinProxy for StarBand too. Unfortunately, the StarBand service went down today just before I was set to start a new WinProxy installation. So I'll have to postpone this until the next issue of the Broadband Report. BROADBAND Q&A ----------------------------------------------------------------- QUESTION: I've just read your article regarding StarBand and I have a few questions. I work at home as a medical claims contractor for Wal-Mart. They have an in-house program that I have to access through the Internet with a program called ExtraNet. I am paid by production, so obviously I have a real need for speed. Cable is not available in my area and probably won't be for several more years. I am currently shot-gunning my modem with two phone lines to access my ISP. Although better than using a single line, it has the disadvantage that my ISP frequently boots me off the system, usually in the middle of my work. I am considering a two-way satellite service but based on your article I'm wondering if such a service would be much better than my dual phone line modem. I certainly cannot afford the kind of down time you mentioned in your article. Would you still recommend StarBand? --Bonnie Helms ANSWER: The StarBand USB service is fledgling; it's only 30 days old! So we have to cut it some slack. Also, the StarBand service I have now would be blisteringly fast during daytime hours compared to what you have now. My belief is that StarBand's reliability will improve with time. But there are some issues you should be aware of. StarBand provides the best service with standard http and ftp protocols. I haven't tested it extensively with VPN (Virtual Private Networking), which it sounds like you may be using. As I continue to test it, it is really unlike any other broadband connection I have ever used. Some times of Internet activities are very fast, and others are not. (See more about VPN under the next question.) If you decide to go with StarBand, I wouldn't drop your existing ISP or dual-line setup. Keep them both for a while until you're sure this new service will work for you. Also, did you look into DSL? Just because your phone company says "no" doesn't mean you can't get it. --S.F. QUESTION: Thanks for the excellent write up on StarBand. I will be moving out into the "sticks" later this year and will have to depend on a two-way satellite connection. I will need to be able to access our company's network via a VPN (Virtual Private Networking). The folks at StarBand say there's a problem with VPN and they do not recommend this type of access. However, I also read a review where a user did not have any problems with VPN access. Can you tell us your experiences with StarBand and VPN? --James Murray ANSWER: Good question. I am able to connect with standard PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) VPN. My initial impression is that the performance isn't as good as it should be, although it's not terrible on my system for just loading basic Web pages. Time will tell, because time is needed both for StarBand to improve the backend of its service and for me to gauge VPN performance (and many other things) through frequent use. Bottom line, PPTP works on StarBand. The only official word I have from StarBand is "StarBand doesn't support VPN." According to Jack Leach, another Broadband Report reader, his Washington state-based company tested StarBand for VPN and it wouldn't run much faster than 28-kbps. He writes: "StarBand says that it's working on ways to improve its VPN performance. If it's successful, we'll probably start installing their systems at numerous field sites. Until then, StarBand has no immediate value to us." --S.F. QUESTION: What an absolutely superb review of StarBand! Living in a low-density suburban area, I have struggled with broadband, or the lack thereof, for about a year. I've tried ISDN and IDSL with dismal results -- both in throughput as well as system stability. With Comcast two-way cable nowhere in sight in my area, StarBand seems like my last hope. You clearly suggest that it's still too immature for broad acceptance. If the StarBand service doesn't improve dramatically would you recommend a downstream-cable/uplink-telephone (known as "one- way cable") as a preferable solution? Will such a solution provide a persistent connection? Are there any problems with such a system supporting a home-based LAN? --Leo Mullen ANSWER: As I've written above, the StarBand USB service I am testing is just about a month old, and has already improved markedly since I wrote the review. It's definitely a contender for you. Personally, I think purportedly "broadband" solution that requires a separate dial-up upstream is anathema. I would say "no," that isn't worth it. Also, this is not effectively "always on." You will have to dial-up to surf in order to click anything. I didn't review the one-way DirecPC satellite service, which has been around for a couple of years, precisely because I just think the need for analog modem 56-kpbs dial-up makes it worthless. But, I should add right here, that I have never personally tested either one-way cable or one-way satellite. I have received scores of e-mails from Broadband Report readers who have this type of service, and very few have been positive. To answer you specifically, I would look at StarBand first among the solutions you have available to you. I would look at other two-way satellite solutions second. And I would keep pray that your cable company wakes up! --S.F. QUESTION: About a month and a half (maybe two) ago, I wrote asking if you knew why no one publishes cable modem reviews. Also, why can't find a cable modem for sale from any of the big e-tailers to save your life? --Jack Hayes ANSWER: This is a recurring question, and even though I've answered it before, my guess is that others have the same question still, so I'll answer it again. No one publishes cable modem reviews because no cable modem service (at least that I am aware of) lets you choose cable modems. They will sell you a model (or direct you to a specific retailer to buy one specially packaged for them). The reason for this is that cable modem networks are designed around specific hardware. They are only going to support the use of a few specific brands of cable modems, and there's usually only one at any given moment that they prescribe for new installations of their service. Because the end user rarely has much choice, there's not much point in reviewing them. As long as we're on this topic, I strongly recommend *against* buying your cable modem -- unless you've had the service for at least six months. In most cases, you'll get much better support from your cable company if it's renting you the cable modem. If you own the modem, they're not bound to replace it if it goes bad. Or even to support it at all. Their tendency may be to suspect your modem is at fault if something goes wrong. It's easier for them to assume this then to go the extra mile to check out an unusual problem. That could leave you stuck having to buy a new modem, which may or may not solve the problem. Some cable companies don't give you the choice to rent your cable modem (usu. a $10 per month additional cost). With such a cable company, buy the exact modem model that company recommends that you buy. If the company permits more than one modem, call customer service and ask them which modem has the fewest problems -- and even it is more expensive, buy that modem. --S.F. MY BROADBAND STORY ----------------------------------------------------------------- A recent announcement by AT&T Broadband finally paves the way for AT&T to deliver cable modem service to my town. If "My Broadband Story" is a new one on you, let me backtrack by saying that this newsletter began life as a description of the horrors I underwent to get 384-kbps DSL service during the last half of 1999. I had been a MediaOne cable modem subscriber for more than two years when I moved to a neighboring town that did not have cable modem service. Initially I got ISDN, but then discovered that I could get DSL if I pushed hard enough, even though the local phone company said it wasn't available. The process was so painfully pathetic that I decided to chronicle it (in Windows Insider, as "My DSL Story"). The response of newsletter readers like you was so overwhelmingly positive that this newsletter was born. That was a year ago. As you probably know, I've just added StarBand two-way satellite service (I'm also hoping to add Pegasus Express), and my ultimate goal is to have cable modem service as well -- giving me the three main types of broadband service in one location. That way I'll be able to test and report on issues that most of you might experience. So, there you have it, the plan. Periodically, I report on the state of the Broadband Report's broadband connections. Last time I did this I noted that my street had been wired with fiber-optic line in preparation for cable modem service. With the AT&T announcement, the backroom corporate jockeying phase is over, and AT&T is finally able to do something about towns like mine. When will they do something? Who knows. I'm trying to find out. But the signs are good. Many of you have asked me for more coverage of cable modem service; well getting cable service will help enormously with that. For those of you who get a regular chuckle out of Scot's DSL saga, let me tell you a story. A friend of mine living in a nearby town ordered Flashcom DSL service early last year. He got the same service level I did. It's getting close to a year since he got the service, which is working fine for him, and he's never received a monthly bill. Meanwhile, my Flashcom situation is in limbo. Although I filed all the paperwork necessary to switch to SpeakEasy.net as my ISP, Flashcom will not let me go. Ironically, since Flashcom stopped serving its Rhythms and NorthPoint customers, retaining only the Covad customers (like me), the service levels have been better. Many fewer disruptions, and until the last 48 hours the mail was far more reliable. Mail problems are cropping up now, though, and with no support to speak of, and a skeleton crew in their operations center, I may wind up resorting to someone else's mail operations. Bottom line: I'm in a holding pattern. I don't want to leave Flashcom because I'll lose my DSL line, which I'm told by reliable sources is unlikely to be replaced in the near future. So I wait. If you're a Flashcom customer -- especially if you're a Covad/Flashcom customer -- you should read this document recently posted on the Flashcom site: http://www.flashcom.com/status_faq.htm In particular, note the line that reads: "...If we are unable to show the bankruptcy court that [customer] accounts can be served on a profitable basis, their service will be terminated, perhaps with little or no advanced notice." LINK OF THE WEEK - DA LAN TECH ----------------------------------------------------------------- Broadband Report reader Andrew Barnes suggested this week's Link of the Week, Da LAN Tech: http://www.dalantech.com/ Andrew writes: "Da LAN Tech.com provides Networking articles in plain English, and has a very active forum where questions range from networking or Internet connection sharing problems to tips for securing a mail server on a large corporate network." I checked it out. I liked. (Nice review of the Linksys EtherFast Cable/DSL Router.) You should take a look too. What Web sites have you checked out that you liked? It could be broadband content, broadband tips or news, performance testing, utilities, you name it. Drop me a line. Please include the site's URL and tell me briefly what you liked about it. Thanks! mailto:bbreport@scotfinnie.com?subject=Link_of_the_Week UPCOMING SCHEDULE ----------------------------------------------------------------- I'll be out of the country the week that the next scheduled issue of the Broadband Report should appear: February 15 or 16. But the Broadband Report will be back in force on March 1 or 2. FINE PRINT ----------------------------------------------------------------- Check out the back issues of the Broadband Report on the Web: http://www.winmag.com/columns/broadband/backissu.htm If you like this newsletter, share it with friends and co- workers, and encourage them to sign up! It's free, and you can unsubscribe at any time. TO SUBSCRIBE, UNSUBSCRIBE, OR CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS Use your browser to visit our Newsletter Subscription Center: http://www.winmag.com/subscribe/ http://www.winmag.com/unsubscribe/ http://www.winmag.com/changeaddress/ You may also unsubscribe by replying to this message using your e-mail program's message-reply feature. Type the word "Unsubscribe" on the subject line. Be sure you're sending the message from the e-mail account you originally subscribed with. NOTE: You cannot unsubscribe by sending e-mail directly to me. Please send comments, suggestions, or questions about this newsletter to mailto:bbreport@scotfinnie.com?subject=M-DD-2001. -- T-H-E--B-R-O-A-D-B-A-N-D--R-E-P-O-R-T ------------------------ Copyright 2000-2001 CMP Media Inc. A service of Winmag.com. http://www.winmag.com/ Distributed by MessageMedia Inc. - http://www.messagemedia.com