Frustrated with your Internet service provider? Towson University has an app for that.

The school announced on Friday the creation of the Maryland Broadband Map, which allows users to see what kind of Internet access is available at different locations around the state. Input an address, or click on a spot on the map, and it will spit out the types of access there and the providers that you can pay to get it.

Users can also find out how fast their internet connections actually are with the speed test.

“By engaging the greater community in achieving Maryland’s goal for statewide broadband service availability, the interactive map will help more of the state’s citizens enjoy the enormous advantages of access to information, services, and opportunities for economic growth,” said Dyan Brasington, Towson’s vice president for economic and community outreach.

For instance, dropping The Daily Record’s digits (11 E. Saratoga) into the tool shows five types of connections — DSL, fiber optic, mobile wireless, satellite and “other copper wireline,” which just doesn’t sound as cool as satellite or fiber. There are 16 ISP’s available to serve up web access to that address, from At&T to XO Communications.

Much of downtown has similar options, and many areas around the state have at least a half dozen ISP’s beyond the big guys like Comcast and Verizon. But the farther from I-95 you travel, the slimmer the pickings get. Residents of the town of Accident, Garrett County, for example, have to choose between cable and satellite hook-ups offered by four providers.

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People got really excited to see The Magnificent Steve Jobs reappear at an Apple announcement yesterday, and there were some cool new products.

However, it might be wise to wait a few days and/or check with your IT department before you install the iPhone firmware update, especially if you need your phone for work. The Consumerist blog reports some iPhone 3G are having problems with the new setup in the way it connects to Exchange servers. Click through for details on why people think it’s happening.

It seems likely that Apple will fix this soon, but in the meantime the version 3.0 firmware is working just fine for me. Of course, there’s always the temptation.

As The Consumerist writes:

“If you’re a gadgetophile like me, you love firmware updates because it’s like giving your smartphone, camera, or other mp3 player a mini-makeover. If you’re normal, however, don’t rush into it—the best thing to do is wait a bit and see what problems are reported from the front line.”

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