WAS967

I prefer to go the challenge refresher class. I find the CME route annoying for two reasons: 1) Most lectures are only 1-2 hours and they always seem to be on days that I work. I work 60+ hours a week just to make ends meet so I really can't take a lot of days off to attend CMEs. If they had a self study option that met the core requirements then I might be more interested in going the CME route and 2) You have to attend CMEs on certain topics to meet the different requirements of the CME recerts. I can attend a challenge CME and meet all these requirements in a single structured class than have to sit down with a schedule to figure out what classes I still need and when. I can go in, take the tests, do some take home work, sit in on a few lectures and labs, and have all my core requirements on the same piece of paper.
For me the challenge recert is a matter of convenience, not laziness. I do a lot of studying and research to keep my knowledge up, and then some.
In the end it comes down to what works best for the individual. Everyone will have different needs.

From Somers FD:

Reposted from a public group on facebook:

Note: Incident Alerts should NOT be updated inside a working fire. But we appreciate the dedication...

2nd what jack said. Get a router and put it between your existing computer that has the optonline, and optonline "modem". The function of the router is to route communications to/from multiple computers inside the house. As far as optonline is concerned, it's still serving one computer. As mentioned, wires is best because you don't suffer from any bandwidth bottlenecks or interference from things like microwaves/cordless phones/distance issues. IF you do go the wireless route, make sure you SECURE YOUR WIRELESS. Routers can be hooked up with default settings but that usually means no wireless security, which means any idiot can park in front of your house and leech your internet access.
Netgear and D-Link seem to make good stuff lately. Linksys has kinda gone downhill since it's acquisition by Cisco - I'd only go with one of them if you plan to flash the router with third party software (DD-WRT) - but that's a bit advanced for what you want/need. If I had to pick one brand, it would be netgear.
Check out Newegg.com. Good prices, free shipping on many items, good customer service, no sales tax in NYS (eat it Albany).

I didn't get a Harrumph out of that guy!

I didn't get a Harrumph out of that guy!