Edition 83, 20-03-2009
1. Security training courses
2. New firmware available for FRITZ!Box 7170
3. New USB modem for Mobile Internet
4. Multiple number portability
5. Phishing mails
6. XS4ALL comes out best in tests again
XS4ALL is once again providing security training courses for its subscribers. As well as protecting PCs by means of security software, users’ own internet behaviour plays a key role. Security risks often arise because internet users themselves are unwittingly behaving in a risky way. In May and June, three training courses will be provided: a general security course, a special course for business people and a special course for parents.
General: Learn how to use the internet securely and identify risks. Set up security.
Business people: No ICT expert? Learn how to protect business and customer data.
Parents: Teach children how to use the internet even if you are not familiar with MSN or Hyves.
Each subscriber can bring one guest. The training costs € 25,- per person.
Read more and sign up: http://www.xs4all.nl/veiligheidstraining
New firmware is available for the FRITZ!Box 7170 modem. It brings two important advantages: improved modem performance and stability with a simultaneous reduction in power consumption.
Installing the firmware is very easy. It takes just a few minutes and does not affect your settings.
Download the firmware and read the notes: http://www.xs4all.nl/helpdesk/adsl/fritzbox/update.php
On 9 March we introduced a new USB modem for Mobile Internet. We have replaced the previous modem with the world’s thinnest USB modem (10mm) from Huawei. That means we now offer our customers a compact Plug & Play modem for both Windows and Apple computers.
The new modem is ideal for KPN’s HSDPA network and the recently increased Mobile Internet speeds. XS4ALL is therefore offering its customers a future-proof solution. Everyone ordering Mobile Internet will receive the new USB modem on loan free of charge.
Mobile Internet from XS4ALL gives users wireless access to the internet wherever they are. It is useful for people who are often on the move in the Netherlands and want to be able to go online at any time.
Read more about Mobile Internet: http://www.xs4all.nl/en/allediensten/mobiel/
It is now possible to have multiple telephone numbers transferred simultaneously to Talk from XS4ALL. That means, for example, that you can transfer all your ISDN numbers simultaneously. The maximum at any one time is eight numbers.
For further information and to apply, see: http://www.xs4all.nl/en/allediensten/bellen/nummerbehoud.php
Phishing mails are sent out regularly. They are e-mail messages which look as if they have been sent to you by a familiar company. They often ask you to log in so that the company “can be sure you are still using your account”, or some other vague reason. The web page you are then taken to looks as if it belongs to the company, but it is a forgery. If you log in on that page, your user name and password will be immediately stored in order to be used for abusive purposes.
Phishing mails are almost always recognisable by the poor use of language and of course the unusual request that they contain. Trustworthy companies will never ask you for your password. The link which you are supposed to click in the phishing mail often looks reliable, but hidden behind it is an insecure internet address.
XS4ALL’s Security Officer reports phishing mails and other forms of internet abuse on our website.
Read more about phishing: http://www.xs4all.nl/en/veiligheid/phishing/
The Dutch Consumers’ Association conducts tests of internet service providers every two months, recording any problems and developments among ISPs.
XS4ALL received the highest score in the test in December 2008. And it has done so again. We rose by 1 point in the general test, to a score of 79. We recorded the biggest rise for customer satisfaction: from 8 to 8.3. Internet quality also rose sharply: 8.2. For fault resolution our score unfortunately decreased: from 7.6 to 6.8. Fortunately we are devoting additional attention to this area.
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