Troubleshooting Windows Internet Network Services

Troubleshooting Windows Internet Network Services

Troubleshooting Windows Internet Network Services

Accessing the internet, for most people, can be a time consuming process. One needs to turn on the computer, open a browser, then surf over the desired site. Many times, this is a lot of work to go through when all that is wanted is a quick weather check or stock market report. Enter the Chumby.

At first glance, the Chumby looks more like a child's alarm clock than an always-on internet appliance. It is soft, squishy, fits in the palm of one's hand, and comes in a range of muted colors. Yet, inside this cuddly exterior is a small computer designed to do one thing - open a "window into your internet life." It does this by letting the user choose and install widgets from the Chumby.com website. Each widget is designed to do one thing, whether it is show the weather, a funny quotation, or even let the user do a crossword puzzle. The Chumby is always on and it can sit quietly on a shelf or the kitchen counter, where the desired information can be obtained with a glance.

Ambient Information

The Chumby is an example of the growing field of ambient information devices. The idea behind these sorts of gadgets is that the internet is delivering vast amounts of personalized information to users, but that accessing this information is often more difficult than it needs to be. Ambient gadgets, on the other hand, are part of the furniture; they fit into the design of a room and they provide information without requiring any action on the user's part. Chumby’s widgets are designed to let people do exactly that - see the information they want without having to go searching for it.