There's an absolute treasure-trove of information available in our back issues. Be sure to check them out. In fact, the next few letters are also about previously published articles readers found through various Google searches.

Megapixels for fun and profit
Lorraine Ampela, Special Analyst for Surveillance Planning & Assessment at the New York Stock Exchange wrote this simple statement:

Thank you for the article on megapixels in Computing Unplugged Magazine. I didn't realize how very simple it is!

That article sparked so much interest, we wound up launching Connected Photographer Magazine. If you haven't had a chance to check it out, visit http://www.connectedphotographer.com.

Getting Socom 3 to work
Reader "Phil" and I had an interesting dialog. Here's what started it:

I was actually Googling a way to get past my ISP's Port 80 block when I came across your article. Luckily for me, I was just about to call Verizon and inquire as to switching from Optimum to Verizon. I play Socom 3, and I'm addicted to it.

Three days ago, the mic stopped working, and my stress starting rising. I called Sony, who said to call cable, who in turn said to call Sony. I finally found out that Socom 3 added three more ports necessary to run the games: 6000,7000, and believe it or not, 80. I am hoping if you know a way to get around using port 80 for gaming purposes, if not no big deal.

I'm not expecting much success in my search for a mic that works anyway, but I'm thankful for coming accross your article and good luck with your company.

The issue isn't port 80 down to Phil. That's the Web browser's port so all ISPs will keep it open. The issue is using port 80 up from you to the outside world, which is what Web servers use. I'd be very surprised if Socom is using port 80 outbound; Sony would obviously be getting a trillion complaints about that almost immediately.

I don't play Socom, but I'd guess it's a different problem, perhaps a firewall issue (either on your router or in the cable company). I used to use Optimum, and found that once you found a higher level tech, they tended to have a clue -- but you've got to climb the support chain. First, though, take a look at your router and make sure the extra ports are open and forwarding, and make sure you're using both TCP and UDP forwarding.

Also, try going to http://www.broadbandreports.com and see if anyone else at your ISP is having similar problems. They have postings for ISPs and areas and you can often get a good feel for what's happening through that site.

Finally, if you've got a PC, make sure you've patched Windows completely to the very latest patch level, then (and only then) turn off your PC's software firewall (on the PC itself) and run Shields Up! (go to http://www.grc.com). This should show you what ports are open through your hardware router's firewall (at least incoming). Then, be sure to turn your PC software firewall back on.

Phil later got back to me, and this might help other readers:

Thanks a lot. I actually got somebody at Sony's end who knew what they were doing. The game itself online uses Port 80 for all the connecting and streamlining. However all the other systems run on other ports.

I found that the ports the microphone used, which is where I'm having my problems, uses UDP 6000-7000 and 50,000. The mysterious thing is, I don't use a router.

Although I have one, when I use my PS2, I connect it directly into my cable modem. Sony says it probably has something to do with the Socom 3 server. Because it's new, they are having massive problems with the server. They told me to wait it out another month than see, but they are still baffled about how I connect to SOCOM.

Thanks anyway, and as always, good luck in the business world. If your company has stock, let me know. I'd love to help you guys out.

Thanks for the offer to buy stock, Phil. ZATZ is privately held, but if we ever do issue stock, we'll make sure you know about it!