The freedom to surf on-the-go is still fairly new and so are the challenges associated with doing so.  One problem that crops up occasionally is finding a site that you have already visited.  Maybe you were out gymnastics practice with the kids, surfing the web with your CLEAR USB modem, or sitting in a movie theater playing on your iPhone (before the show started of course),  when you went to Google and searched for something that caught your eye.  Three days later, you realize that you want to revisit that site, but you can’t remember the URL or enough information to locate it again via a Google search.  You also find yourself lost in the “where was I and which device was I using when I looked at….” struggle.

Mobile

Thanks to some incredibly smart minds at Google, this battle can come to an end.  The new Search History link  (announced via the Google Mobile blog) “helps you quickly get back to sites you’ve been to and see items you have starred from your Android, iPhone, or desktop searches.”  Using this feature could not be easier.  Simply log into Google on your mobile device and the new History link will be there.  The one prerequisite is that you must have enabled “Search History” from the Settings area.

Google Mobile Search History

The History link will take you to a page that details the sites you have visited as well as Starred Items.   Starred Items are web sites or pages that you have specifically chosen as “your favorites” while surfing at home or on-the-go.  If you see a site that you simply must research later, tag it by clicking on the star icon (in Google search) and it will be waiting for you the next time you visit your history page.

Note: The Google mobile experience is available on the iPhone and for Android users.  However, if you are one of the daring few that have switched to Opera on your Android device (61 million people and counting), you may see limited functionality.  I’m sure this will be taken care of in an update, but for now you’ll have to use the default browser to take full advantage of the History link.

From Your Computer

The new History link on your mobile device is not the only area you can use to view your search history.   It simply “completes the circle” for your browsing experience.  The idea of capturing your search history has been around for some time in the PC world and Google has another set of tools for those who want to use the Search History feature at their PC, laptop or other non-mobile device.

Search History is Available for Non-Mobile Devices As Well

Web History is available to everyone and you don’t need a mobile device to benefit from this wonderful tool.  Even if you only surf the web from your home computer, you’ll find the History page helpful and easy to use.  Your past searches and followed links are presented by day and time.  In addition to what you would expect to find, Web History provides some additional functionality:

• Manage your history and delete if necessary
• Get search results relevant to you (based on your history)
• See trends in your surfing habits

To view or enable your Google search history on a PC, simply visit http://www.google.com/psearch

Backstory

In order to understand the problem, you need to understand how your wireless router works, preferably in English and not super-techie talk.  Basically, if you want WiFi in your home or office, you need to connect a router to your internet connection (cable, DSL, T1, CLEAR).   The router converts your internet into a wireless signal and allows you to connect one or multiple devices, like laptops, video game consoles, smartphones, printers, etc.   The wireless signal is transmitted in a narrow radio frequency range of 2.4 GHz.  Unfortunately, there are various other electronic devices in a home that may use the exact same frequency.  Devices like cordless phones, garage door openers, baby monitors and microwave ovens can actually conflict with your wireless router.

The Test

How do you know if you are experiencing WiFi interference?  If you experience regular losses in your WiFi signal, it might be as simple as looking for patterns in the behavior.  For me, I finally noticed that my internet connection would die every time someone called the house.  Apparently, the wireless phone signal was causing the issue.  As soon as the phone call was over or the answering machine was through taking the message, the wireless signal came back.  There are also spectrum analyzers, like this one from Wi-Spy, that allow you to find the best channel (read on for an explanation of channels) for your WiFi router to broadcast on.  Unfortunately, these analyzers cost around $100.

Channels

Fortunately, the overcrowded 2.4 GHz range (the frequency that the WiFi signal is broadcast on) is divided into a number of smaller bands called channels.  These channels, much like those on a television set, allow routers to broadcast their signal in slightly different ways.  You can set your router to any channel (1-11) and all your devices will connect on that channel.  The trick is, you need to make sure that your neighbor’s router and/or other devices are not operating on that same channel.  One way to do that is to use a Wi-Fi network scanner (software) to see what channels are occupied.

There are quite a few FREE scanners on the market and you can even use your smartphone (assuming it has WiFi).

• inSSIDer from metageek – FREE software for Windows users
• WiFi Stumbler from Meraki – FREE tool (no installation required) that works from your browser
• WiFi Analyzer – FREE app for your Android based smartphone

Example of San from inSSIDer Program

Changing the Channel

Making changes to the settings of your wireless router vary by manufacturer and even model.  Honestly, I haven’t found a router menu system yet that I liked, but this is where you will have to land if you want to end the frustrations of WiFi ups and downs.  If you don’t have the installation disk or manual that came with your router, check your brand and model number on Google for details on how to access your router and make the necessary changes.  It might just be easier to start with Google, since locating old boxes, books and CD’s can be even more frustrating than having your WiFi signal drop.

If you are anything like me, your research will encompass several resources and a large dose of skepticism.  After all, when something sounds this good, there must be a catch.  What are they not telling us about the product?  With this article, I hope to provide you with something that you will not get anywhere else, a personal look at the product and the service here in the Houston, TX area.

The Pitch and the Product

I was first approached about CLEAR long before the service was available here.  A representative found my web site (JumpstartMyPC.com) and asked to meet with me about an exciting opportunity.  Over some coffee, he began to tell me about CLEAR, and their WiMax offering, that was coming here to my town.  Home internet service, mobile internet service and home phone for one low price.  Service without wires.  Service that would cover almost the entire city of Houston, including 1,900 square miles and more than 4 million people.  My first thoughts were “this sounds awesome, but what is the catch?”  I have been burned by so many “great deals” before and this one did sound “too good to be true.”

The Skeptic in Me

Over the next month, I researched CLEAR’s 4G offering online, looking at the other cities that already had service and what the user’s had to say.  I began to develop a checklist of challenges that this new service would have to beat if I was going to be on board fully.  Here is that list, along with the reality I was met with after signing up for CLEAR and testing it for the first 3 weeks:

Speed – First, and most importantly, I needed speed.  A long-time Comcast/Roadrunner cable modem user like me needs pure, raw speed for downloads, movie streaming, music, gaming, etc.  I didn’t want to sacrifice speed for savings, no matter how good the money was.  As a CLEAR representative said to me “if someone offered you free internet service, but you had to go back to dial-up, would you do it?”  NO!

REALITY: WOW! I have been blown away by the speed that CLEAR has to offer.  At home, I’ve gotten as high as 13Mb per second downloads.  That is blazing fast!  On-the-go I have gotten over 10Mb per second.  I’ve tested the service in the car, in the bar, at the doctor’s office, in the parking lot…. I’ve tested it while riding in the HOV lane, down 290 at 70 miles per hour.  It just works and it works almost everywhere in Houston.

Ease of Use – While it probably wouldn’t be difficult for me to make a change, how would it affect my family?  I mean, could we still use WiFi in the house?  Would everyone be able to get onto the internet without extra software and passwords?  I didn’t want to jump through any extra hoops.

REALITY: The only trick to setting things up at home was finding the right place for the home modem.  Since it picks up the WiMax signal over the air, from a tower, I just had to figure out which way to point it. After placing the modem in the front room, I was able to pick up on the signal from the closest tower (which is actually .75 miles away from the house).  Other than that, it works exactly the same as the high-speed service I was getting from Comcast.  No one notices the difference.

Gaming – I am a gamer.  I love my XBOX and the ability to play online against people all over the world.  I heard that you couldn’t get onto XBOX Live with this new service.  If that’s true I would have to keep my Comcast service while using CLEAR and that would mean a higher monthly bill.  I really can’t afford that right now.

REALITY: Even though I thought it would be horrible, I decided to give it a try.  Holy Cow! It works. I jumped right onto Modern Warfare 2 and began running, shooting and communicating just like before.  The only difference is a slower ping time (latency) that Live seemed to compensate for.  XBOX simply matched me up with players of a similar connection and we were off to the races.

Replacing Other Services – In order for me to get the most out of this service (CLEAR) and save the most money, I would need to be able to cancel Comcast internet service and my home phone.  The 2 together cost me over $85 a month and I don’t even use the home phone.  CLEAR’s Pick3 plan would be lower than that and includes a USB modem for use on-the-go.

REALITY: Gaming, check!  High speeds, check!  I still needed to check my home phone service.  After connecting the Voice Adapter (a $15 device) I connected the base unit for my home phone.  Presto!  The home phone and all of the additional hand sets in the house worked immediately.  I made a few calls and had no problems with connecting or sound quality.  I could hear them and they could hear me.

Bonus Time

After 3 weeks and countless hours of testing, I was almost convinced that CLEAR was the way to go.  Then, I started thinking about the extras.  These were things that I couldn’t do before.  Things I only dreamed of before.  Honestly, the geek in me is still jumping around like a little kid on a sugar high.

• Mobile – I can get almost the exact sames speeds on-the-go with the USB modem.  Friday afternoon, I worked for 2 hours at the bar.  Nothing like Stella while you work.
• Travel – Sure, I can get high-speed anywhere in Houston, but I can also take my modem to other cities.  There are already 28 cities in the US with CLEAR and plans for many more to come.  Texas has more coverage than any other state in the country, which is perfect for me.  UPDATE: As of 1/1/2011 I have traveled to 3 other U.S. cities and used my CLEAR USB with out any issues or additional costs.
• Phone Number – I have already started the process of “porting” my home phone number over to my new VOIP service.  In a few days, my old home number will work without my old home service.  Bye, bye telephone company.  UPDATE: Shortly after this article was posted, my home phone (via CLEAR) activated and I have been using it since.  Other than a slightly “hollow” sound on calls, there is no difference in quality of service.
• Multiple Connections - Sure, I can hook up a router and get WiFi at home, but I can also use the home modem and the USB modem at the same time.  That’s like having 2 high-speed internet connections in the same house at the same time.  Nobody will be slowing down my connection by using the internet in another part of the house.
• The Future – Electronics companies are lining up to produce devices that use WiMax technology (cars, gaming devices, computers, etc.) and as the technology is adopted in more cities and devices it will just get better and better.  I am already happy with my service and we have just gotten started.  What’s next?

If you have any questions or concerns about CLEAR internet service in Houston, or any U.S. city for that matter, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.  I’ll be happy to answer questions and help you make a decision about switching to CLEAR.

WiMAX is a new internet service that allows users to access the internet wherever they are, wirelessly.  At home, in your car, at the park, at a coffee shop…. the possibilities are limitless.  Depending on your city and the coverage provided by your local distributor, WiMax covers hundreds to thousands of square miles and allows you to enjoy true high-speed internet on the go.  Imagine how having high-speed internet access anywhere/anytime could change the way you surf, think and live.

This 4G (fourth generation) service is not available everywhere in the US now, but major cities and surrounding areas are being added constantly.  To date, WiMAX is available in over 25 cities of the United States (covering 10 states) and overseas.

Officially announced this week, Clearwire (also known as CLEAR) is launching 4G WiMAX service right here in Houston, TX.  Houston will be CLEAR’s 28th market and will cover more square miles than any other city in the US.  “In the Houston metro area, coverage extends as far north as Conroe and northeast as Kingwood; as far west as Katy and southwest as Richmond/Rosenburg; as far south as Alvin and southeast as Clear Lake; as far east as Baytown.  CLEAR service will also be available in the city of Lake Jackson to the south of Houston.” (quote from Clearwire Launches 4G WiMAX Service in Houston)  That is more than 1,900 square miles and more than 4 million people.

CLEAR 4G WiMAX Houston Coverage Area

CLEAR’s brochures and materials promise download speeds of up to 6Mb/s and I have to admit, when I first heard this I thought “yeah right.”  It wasn’t until I obtained and activated my devices that I became a believer.  Yesterday, I began using the Home CLEAR Internet on my laptop and the very first test I performed proved that these speeds were possible.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with the terminology or confused by the numbers that internet service providers often throw at us, “6Mb/s” means 6 megabits per second.  This speed is about 50-75% faster than the ISP national average (taken from results on speedtest.net) and means I could download an entire song (about 5MB) in under 10 seconds.

Over the next few months, Houstonians will hear more and more about WiMAX and CLEAR, as the official launch is set to take place in May.  For now, CLEAR is in pre-launch and is rolling out service through distributors as they put the finishing touches in place.  I will be writing more about WiMAX 4G as I use the home, mobile and home phone devices.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I will be selling CLEAR service as a licensed distributor.  The views and comments expressed in today’s article are the result of my actual use of the product and the facts provided are taken from actual tests (speedtest.net) and the article referenced from wimax.com.  The reason that I decided to sell CLEAR is simple.  JumpstartMyPC.com is here to help  PC users get the most out of their computer.  CLEAR is a natural fit for this and offers their services at very reasonable prices.  Many users will find that they can actually reduce their monthly bills by taking advantage of the packages offered by CLEAR.  This is exactly what attracted me to their company and the WiMAX 4G service they provide.

If you are located in the Houston area and interested in finding out more about CLEAR 4G, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  Our number is provided in the Contact section of our web site.  For those outside of Houston, TX, simply Google your city name and CLEAR to locate a local dealer.

Although this movement was originated in Europe, and now encompasses 500 events in 60 countries all over the world, it doesn’t seem to have caught on in the US. I’m not sure why, but I know that this is something we definitely need to start teaching our children, teens and well…. everyone.  New technologies, like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, cell phone cameras, Flip video cameras, etc. have turned us all into publishers of information.  Thanks to these technologies, a photo or video can be taken, posted and shared to hundreds, even thousands of people, in minutes.  More recent technologies, like “tagging,” make it even easier to find and share photos of friends and family.

As we mentioned in our Social Media Credit Score articles, these photos and videos might remain posted for the duration of one’s life.  How will this media affect the life of a young man or woman as they attend college, search for a job/career, date, etc?  Could a photo or video, taken by a friend at a party, have an impact on a young man years later?  Just look at the lives of those who have already been affected, like Michael Phelps.  He lost the respect of others, endorsements, time, and millions of dollars because of one photo.

Tips

• Use the privacy settings offered by social networking services!

• Select friends online that you can trust!

• Publish your own photos after thinking carefully about the potential consequences!

• Don’t publish pictures of your friends without their permission!

Resources

Official Web Site of Safer Internet Day 2010

List of all events planned across the world (PDF) – sadly, there were no events in the US mentioned

Use this article, and the rest of the day, to make friends and family aware of this great movement.  Share the information on Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or in any other venue that you think it might be helpful.  Together, we can educate those who are not aware of the consequences of their actions.