HomeThe main page and intro to Rick and Toby, plus a map to our location.

SalesOur latest special pricing, plus notes on systems and a non-functional (for now) order page.

• SystemsCheck out our latest computer systems. Usually we have specs, pictures and descriptions of something interesting.
• SpecialsIt's hit or miss. We list peripherals that we have made good buys on that we can pass on to our customers.
• OrderingWe do not have an order page up yet. We are still working with a vendor on this one. May not happen soon.

NetworksHow to design a network, notes on local DSL vendors, growing to a larger network and backup strategies

• DSL SetupHow to set up a home or small office network on DSL or cable modem, with suggestions for router settings and procedures.
• DesignIf you need a more sophisticated network than just a simple file sharing one, we can design one for you.
• BackupProbably the most important topic related to computers. How many of you backup? Must reading.

ISPA list of our dialup phone numbers, info on DSL in our area and how to set up your email account on our server.

• Dial-upSetup instructions for our dialup service as well as a list of phone numbers that work with our system.
• BroadbandSome suggestions regarding the selection of DSL and other providers of Internet connections.
• EMail SetupNow to set up your mail program to work with our mail server.

Web ServicesHow to point your domain to our servers, our web hosting services, how we design web pages for our customers (with examples of actual sites) and maintaining a web site.

• Web HostingHave your web site hosted on our server. Here are the reasons why it is better than doing it yourself.
• Web DesignThis link will take you offsite to our design studio where we discuss creating web pages and show samples of our work.
• MaintenanceDescribes how we can perform web site maintenance for your site and why it is important to keep your web site up-to-date.

ResourcesOur eletter, some web sites we find useful, some articles we have written on specific help topics and an introduction to Ventura County's largest and most useful computer user group.

• E-LetterOur monthly blog and E-Letter. Subscribe to receive a copy in your email or just come back here to read our latest.
• Help SitesSome sites we find useful, some help articles and a bit more.
• User GroupThis will take you offsite to the Channel Islands PC User Group (CIPCUG) web site where you can read about the best resource for learning about computers in the county.

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DSL/Cable Help

If you use a DSL/Cable router to connect to the Internet it is inevitable that occasionally you will lose your connection and suddenly be unable to see anything outside your local network. Here are the steps to restore Internet connectivity. You might want to print this page out or save it to your hard disk. Otherwise, when you need the information here, you won't be able to get to it.

Determine the IP address of your router. Do this once and write it down. If you are using Windows 95/98/Me, click on Start, Run and type in "winipcfg" (without the quotes). In the middle of the dialog box that pops up, you'll usually see a line for PPP Adapter. If you click on the down-arrow to the right of the entry, you'll get a drop-down box of all the adapters on your system. Select your network card adapter. It should show your IP address (it will start with 192.168. followed by two more numbers). Find your Default Gateway information two lines below, usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Write down the Default Gateway.

If you are using Windows NT/2000/XP, then click on Start, Run and type in "cmd" (without the quotes). At a C:\> prompt, enter "ipconfig" (no quotes). Jot down the listing for your Default Gateway.

1. Shut off your DSL or cable modem and router; leave them turned off for 30 seconds. If you don't know which box is your modem and which is your router, the phone line or TV cable connects to the modem and your computer connects to the router. Trace backwards from whichever is easier.
2. Turn the modem back on and wait until all the lights have stopped blinking. This can take up to two minutes.
3. Turn your router back on.
4. Open up your browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape or other) on your computer and in the address bar at the top type in "http://192.168.1.1" (or whatever address you wrote down, don't include quotes), then hit the ENTER key.
5. Most routers will prompt for username and/or password. Some leave the user name blank and use a password of "admin" (no quotes) but if that doesn't work, check the instructions. The default username and password are in there.
6. Most routers will display your connection status on the default page, but on some you'll need to click on Status at the top. If your WAN IP Address shows as 0.0.0.0 you are not connected and you'll need to click on "Connect." Otherwise click on your Home Page icon and see if you can get to the Internet. You should be up and running again, but if not...
7. Reboot your computer.

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