As we watch the passing of the last days of summer, darkened cool evenings have begun to replace our sun-filled days…remembrance that the weeks to follow will lead us deeper into winter's months.

As we transition into the new season, we would like to remind you all that it is time to winterize pipes, yard equipment and sprinklers again. It's all too easy to get caught up in the mix of daily life, but it's important that we all slow down just a bit--this is the time of year when roads are icy in those frosty mornings and darker hours make it difficult to see kids walking down the street. Be safe and use caution…winter is approaching.

INTERNET SECURITY & NEW BROADBAND TECHNOLOGY

"...Left unchecked, the problem worsens - unexplained comings and goings, schizophrenic behavior, abusive language, and complete failure to communicate. What's worse is the behavior seemed to change overnight!" (Read Article at Bottom of Page) This month we have new contributors to the Newsletter; Lorn Conner, VP of Networks writes about a serious illness facing families and friends in our community.

Also, Nate Jennings, our General Manager, writes on two new broadband technologies in Chelan County. (Read the articles below)

REMOTE CONTROLLED HOME

Genext has brought about yet another high-tech home project in Lake Wenatchee. Read the article below about our advanced home systems including Audio / Video, Theatre, House Sound, Security, Highspeed Networks and Remote Control.

NEW DIAL-UP UPDATES

ATTENTION: All Genext United Dial-up Customers! Be sure to click the link below to download the latest Genext Dialer with updated phone numbers and services. Read below for information about our new auto-update utility as well as expanded services.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES @ GENEXT

Are you always helping your friends and family figure out their computers? Do you have a gift for making technology work? Do you enjoy working with people and have a good work ethic?

If you answered YES then we may have a position for you.

Genext is presently seeking qualified applicants to fill positions in our Tier I Technical Services Group. Tier I Technical Services is our first line of telephone support for our Internet Customers. Duties include; answering customer questions, setting up computers to the Genext Network, as well as troubleshooting computer and network related issues.

Qualified candidates must have a strong understanding of Windows® or MacOS, common browsers and email applications. Communications is essential for this position therefore excellent verbal and written communications skills are required.

We offer an excellent benefits and compensation package as well as a positive team environment. If you or someone you know is interested in the position, please contact Lorn Conner at our offices or sent and email to hr@genext.net.

COMMITTED TO QUALITY

Each week, I take time to review the new referral signups and customer comments that are sent to our various departments. While I am primarily interested in areas where we can improve, we are always encouraged by your comments about the outstanding service you received, as well as comments about a specific team member who went above and beyond what you'd have expected. Thank you for taking the time to let us know how we're doing, we sincerely appreciate it.

THANK YOU

Drew Zabrocki
President

New Broadband Service Areas in Chelan County By: Nathan Jennings

The Chelan PUD is implementing pilot programs that will use new technologies to deliver broadband Internet service to the outlying areas of Chelan County. There are two technologies that the PUD is testing. The first is Wireless, which is a non-line-of-sight, 900MHz system that allows download speeds of 256-512Kbps (kilobits per second).

Wireless is offered in the Plain and Kahler Glen area for $35/Month. There are two types of installations, one uses an outside antenna that will face the ridge, the other uses an inside antenna that is mounted on a window facing the ridge. Contact Tim Gavin at our office for more information on pricing and scheduling.

The second technology is BPL (Broadband over Power Lines). This technology is new and still in the testing stage, but can allow download speeds of 375-900Kbps, average dialup speed is 40-50Kbps. The BPL trial uses the District's existing electrical distribution system as a broadband transport mechanism.

The trial period will last approximately 60 days as information is collected to evaluate deployment and maintenance costs and overall performance results. Pending a successful evaluation, the BPL system will remain in place to serve the Peshastin area. The information collected will also be used to determine if this type of infrastructure is feasible for additional broadband deployments in other parts of Chelan County.

Learn more about Broadband Technology on our Website or contact Tim Gavin in our offices.

INTERNET SECURITY BY: Lorn Conner

They say the first step to recovery is admitting that you have a problem. At first, it may be easy to dismiss - after all, nobody is perfect.

But left unchecked, the problem worsens - unexplained comings and goings, schizophrenic behavior, abusive language, and complete failure to communicate. What's worse is the behavior seemed to change overnight!

If a computer you know begins to display these symptoms:

• Random website launches without user interaction, or launching unrelated websites from a Web Search
• Unexplained spikes in data transfer rates, or suddenly constricted bandwidth
• Error messages such as "This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down", or "This page can not be displayed" when you know that you are connected to the internet
• Inability to navigate to any site on the internet, or to check your email

You may have a virus or spyware problem. Taken individually, any of these problems could have an innocuous explanation - but together, they usually point to a larger cause, particularly if you have recently installed new software on your computer.

This article provides links to unsupported software that may help you diagnose or correct the problem.

LAVASOFT AD-AWARE SE
SPYBOT SEARCH AND DESTROY
HOUSECALL @ ANTI-VIRUS.COM

These links are provided as-is, and use of the software at these links is at your own risk. Genext will not provide support for use of the software included in this article.

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LAVASOFT AD-AWARE SE

Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE is the industries leading free spyware detection and removal tool. Lavasoft regularly updates the spyware definition file, so it pays to scan weekly for updates to the software.

After you have installed and updated the software, simply hit the "Scan Now" button. Ad-Aware will scan your computer for known pieces of spyware or malware. When the scan is completed, you will be presented with a list of critical issues which Ad-Aware can attempt to correct. Simply select the objects you wish to have Ad-Aware attempt to correct, and click the "Next Button." With luck, malicious software which has degraded your Internet surfing experience will be removed!

Lavasoft Ad-Aware Page
Best Download Link

SPYBOT SEARCH AND DESTROY

Spybot Search and Destroy is the 2nd leading free spyware detection and removal tool that I recommend. If Ad-Aware can't find your problem, Spybot Search and Destroy just may have the goods.

Like Ad-Aware, Spybot Search and Destroy is regularly updated with new spyware definitions, and is free to download.

Simply install the software, and go through the initial steps of backing up your registry, applying updates to the software, and performing the initial scan. Once Spybot has finished scanning the drive, you can choose to try to remove any malicious software that it finds.

Safer Networking - The Home of Spybot Search and Destroy
Best Download Link - Click Here

HOUSE CALL ANTI-VIRUS

Housecall is a free online virus scanner, the web based version of Trend Micros' popular PC-Cillan antivirus suite. To scan your computer for viruses, go to http://housecall.antivirus.com and click on the "Scan Now - It's Free!" link.

When the Active-X installation window appears on your screen, click "Yes" to install the virus pattern and definition file. This will likely take some time - be patient!

Once the software is downloaded, you will be presented with a checklist of drives to scan for viruses. Select all of the drives and hit the "Scan" button to the right. The antivirus software will scan your drive for viruses, and attempt to remove any that it finds.

Remote Controlled Home – Experience the Difference

Last year, Genext began construction on an integrated home system for a client's cabin in Lake Wenatchee, WA. The project started with a solid foundation: Genext's Smart Cabling System. Our wiring solution connected all rooms with outside services and also offers expandability. During construction, our client put much consideration on “installing the right wires in the walls”…his investment paid off.

Genext recently completed the installation of Home Sound and Theatre Systems as well as connection of the homes security, heating, cooling and lighting controls to the Internet.

Music is now enjoyed throughout the home. The speakers disappear into the walls and ceilings and offer exceptional sound reproduction without unsightly wires and boxes. The volume controls blend into the walls and offer complete control over the music sources from any room in the home.

With a growing family, our client optioned for a dedicated theatre room complete with the Genext provided Samsung® 60” DLP Monitor, Harman/Kardon® AVR 330 Theatre Receiver, DVD Player and Digital Satellite Receiver. Genext completed fine tuning on the surround system ensuring enough connections for the kids' video games, as well as high-performance Phoenix Gold® Optical, Component and DVI Cables for the ultimate theatre experience.

All equipment is easy to use and fully secured as the family travels back and forth between the cabin and the coast. With remote control over security, cameras, thermostats and lighting, their investment is secure, they're in control and aware of activity in and around their new year-round get away.

For more information about Genext's Suite of Home Systems, contact us today.

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SAVE MONEY WITH ABUS® HOME AUDIO

A-BUS is a revolutionary technology that makes traditional home audio systems obsolete.

Using standard CAT-5 wire, Genext's A-BUS systems transmit power, stereo audio, status, as well as infrared control right to your fingertips.

MUSIC AS YOU WANT IT

Genext Home Sound Systems can distribute multiple Audio/Video sources to every room in your home simultaneously.

Many systems include features such as:

• Remote control from every room
• Interchangeable Keypads for maximum performance and cost savings
• Paging and doorbell support
• Advanced built in inferred (IR) remote control learning

Premium equipment combined with our knowledge and expertise dramatically reduce installation time and guarantee a quality job; done right the first time.

For more information about Genext's Home Sound Systems, call our offices and ask for Devin.