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We took the plunge and went with Ooma. I would not recommend the change, unless you really, really research it carefully, and are sure you understand ...
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I have an All-In-One Printer that includes a fax feature, but I've never used it because the cost of a second phone line for it is greater than my nee...
Comment by Renaud Olgiati on How to Send a Free Fax (April 9, 2024 11:13 PM)
If your computer does not have an internal fax-modem card, that simple solution is to use a USB fax-modem. I have been using for years one made by Tre...
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Living in Ecuador, I have been doing volunteer service registering US citizens to vote in the November election. Each state has its own rules, but ...
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Geo, if you use Firefox try Reader View. On my computer, it's at the end of the line that shows the current URL - a rectangle containing 3 horizontal...
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Comment by hojo on Geekly Update - 27 March 2024 (March 28, 2024 02:27 AM)
read customer reviews on the topscan car scanner, wont work on many new car/trucks,thebig i got you, is a $20/mo charge to use their software,with I p...
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There are lots of Bluetooth ODB scanners. I bought a Kitbest for $12 on Amazon that seems to work fine. I found plenty of free apps for it for my Andr...
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Hello Bob, I’ve been receiving your newsletters for many years, and with my recent issue, I thought that I would send you a question. It has to do...
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Piracy is in the eye of the beholder. Ask yourself this: if freeware is available, why would anyone buy it from microsquish, etc? I view piracy as a...
Wireless Articles
[SPEED] Is Satellite Internet Getting Faster?
If you live in a rural area, your Internet access options are limited. DSL, cable and fiber internet service are not available in many thinly-populated areas. Forget about 5G and even 4G cellular access. For many rural residents, Internet access boils down to a choice between miserably slow dial-up and slightly better satellite Internet access. The latter option is showing greater promise, though. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of satellite internet service...
...Detect and ZAP Your WiFi Leeches
Is your wireless Internet connection being 'borrowed' by a stranger? If your home WiFi connection is sometimes mysteriously slow, it might be that a neighbor, stranger (or a malicious hacker) has tapped into your wifi. It happened to me! Read on to learn how to bust bandwidth bandits, and give digital leeches the boot...
...Which is Fastest: Verizon, AT&T or T-Mobile?
When choosing a mobile phone service, you want to know which one has a good strong signal and a fast 4G (or 5G) data connection, in the places where you live and use your cell phone. In their advertising, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all make various claims about network coverage, reliability and speed. All of them claim to ‘best’ in some way. But is there a way to honestly compare which one is best where YOU live and work? YES! Read on for that...
...Eggs and Router Security (my advice...)
“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” some wise person opined. Yet most of us do exactly that with all of our expensive “smart” home electronics, and the consequences can be as calamitous as the old proverb implies. In addition to attacking your computer, cyber-crooks are targeting home internet routers. Here's my advice on what you need to know to defend yourself against router attacks...
...How to Detect (and ZAP!) WiFi Leeches
Is your home WiFi connection sometimes mysteriously slow? It's possible that your Internet connection is being 'borrowed' by a stranger. So how can you tell if a neighbor (or a malicious hacker) has tapped into your wifi? Read on to learn how you can bust bandwidth bandits, and give digital leeches the boot...
...Which Mobile Carrier Has the Strongest (and fastest) Signal?
When choosing a mobile phone service, you want to know which one has a good strong signal and a fast 4G (or 5G) data connection, in the places where you live and use your cell phone. In their advertising, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all make various claims about network coverage, reliability and speed. All of them claim to ‘best’ in some way. But is there a way to honestly compare which one is best where YOU live and work? YES! Read on for that, and an update on the ‘dog and duck’ situation...
...Here’s How to Boost Your WiFi Signal
A frustrated AskBob reader says: 'How can I boost or extend the wifi signal in my home? I finally got high-speed internet with a wireless router, but the wifi signal is very weak in some rooms. What tweaks, tricks or gadgets do you recommend to boost wireless signal strength and distance?' I've got some, read on!
...Is Someone 'Borrowing' Your WiFi Signal?
Is your WiFi connection sometimes mysteriously slow? It's possible that you're unwittingly sharing your Internet connection with a stranger. But how can you know for sure if a neighbor (or a malicious hacker) has tapped into your wifi? Read on to learn how you can bust bandwidth bandits, and give them the boot...
...Here's How to Boost Laptop Wifi Reception
Boosting your laptop's WiFi reception is a good idea, no matter where you are. Away from town and cities, wireless Internet hotspots can be few and far between. But even in urban areas where WiFi hotspots are plentiful it's good to have more networks from which to choose. Here's how to get a stronger wifi signal...
...Try These Tips to Boost Your WiFi Signal
A frustrated reader asks: 'How can I boost the wifi signal in my home? I finally got high-speed internet with a wireless router, but the wifi signal is weak in some parts of the house. What tweaks, tricks or gadgets do you recommend to boost wireless signal strength and distance?' I've got some, read on!
...Do You Have a Wifi Intruder?
Is your Internet service sometimes mysteriously slow? It's possible that you're unwittingly sharing your wifi with a stranger. But how can you know for sure if a neighbor (or a malicious hacker) has tapped into your wifi? Read on to learn how you can detect bandwidth bandits, and give them the boot...
...Dead Zone? Try a WiFi Extender
Many homes have WiFi “dead zones” where radio signals are weak or non-existent. WiFi extenders (also called wifi repeaters, range extenders, or wireless signal boosters) can fill such gaps, enabling your teenagers to keep their video gaming in the basement instead of taking over the living room couch. An extender can also let you live the dream of Web surfing in a hammock out in the back yard. Here is some recommended gear to make it happen...
...Free Wireless Internet? (YES, here's how...)
A reader asks: 'Is there any way to get free wireless Internet access? I'm on a tight budget, so I'd like a solution that works both at home and with my mobile phone.' The answer is YES! Read on to learn about free wireless Internet -- it's not just in coffee shops anymore...
...WiFi 6 Is Coming... Fast!
When the first standard for wireless networking was released in 1997, it supported a maximum data speed of only 2 Mbps. Subsequent advances brought us new wifi standards known as IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. In 2009, devices using the 802.11n standard achieved 600 Mbps. The latest standard, 802.11ac, can hit 1,200 Mbps over short distances, but in early 2019, eye-watering wifi speeds of 4,800 Mbps will become available. Along with that blazing speed will come other changes to wireless network naming and features. Here's what you need to know...
...[HOWTO] Make a WiFi Hotspot With Your Phone
A reader asks, 'How can I use my smartphone as a hotspot to connect my laptop to the Internet? We do not have wired internet, but have mobile data on our phone.' Here's the scoop on using your smartphone as a wifi hotspot to provide Internet access to a laptop or other device...
...COMING SOON: Improved WiFi Security
“The third time’s the charm,” they say. We’re about to find out if that adage holds water in the case of WiFi Protected Access, the security protocol and certification system developed by the WiFi Alliance of industry heavyweights. The WPA3 protocol is finally ready and will start appearing in products like routers and network adapters before the end of 2018. Read on to see what the problems were with earlier versions, and what to expect in WPA3...
...[DANGER] Free Wifi Hotspots Can Be Risky
Coffee shops, bookstores, airports, hotels, and other public places often provide free access to wireless Internet hotspots. But along with that convenience comes the danger of being digitally mugged. Here are some some simple tips you can use to make sure you're not broadcasting your business to snoops and hackers while using wifi hotspots...
...[KRACK] Your Encrypted WiFi Just Got Decrypted
The encryption protocol used by virtually every WiFi-enabled device on Earth has been cracked by a Belgian security researcher. It’s a huge problem for every maker of routers, PCs, smartphones, IoT devices, and more. But should you panic? Read on for the scoop...
...Do You Have Wifi Intruders?
Is your Internet connection sometimes mysteriously slow? It's possible that you're unwittingly sharing your wifi with a stranger. But how can you know for sure if a neighbor (or a malicious hacker) has tapped into your wifi? Read on to learn how you can detect bandwidth bandits, and give them the boot...
...Prepaid Wireless Phones: A Good Deal?
Verizon, AT&T and other mobile phone providers are offering pre-paid cell phone service with pay-as-you-go billing. If you like the idea of NOT having a long-term contract, and you don't use a cell phone all that much, a pre-paid mobile phone plan could be a good option. But first you'll have to sort through all the confusing plans and offers...
...[HOWTO] Create a WiFi Hotspot
A reader asks, “How do I set up my cell phone as a hotspot to connect my pc to? We do not have wired internet, but have mobile data on our phone.” Here's the scoop on using your smartphone as a wifi hotspot to provide Internet access to a laptop or other device...
The Best Mobile Network For You?
A question comes up often from my readers: “What is the best mobile network?” Unfortunately, it’s one of those questions to which the answer is, “It depends…” The answer to the question can get pretty complex when all of the dependencies are considered. Let's take a look...
...Try One of These WiFi Extenders
Many homes have WiFi “dead zones” where radio signals are weak or non-existent. WiFi extenders (also called repeaters) can fill such gaps, enabling your teenagers to keep their video gaming in the basement instead of taking over the living room couch. An extender can also let you live the dream of Web surfing in a hammock out the back yard. Here is some recommended gear to make it happen…
...[HOWTO] Boost Your Laptop's Wifi Reception
Boosting your laptop's WiFi reception is a good idea, no matter where you are. Out in the country, wireless Internet hotspots can be few and far between. But even in urban areas where WiFi hotspots are plentiful it's good to have more networks from which to choose. Here's how to get a stronger wifi signal...
...Are Wireless Keyboards Leaking Your Data?
Wireless keyboards transmit every keystroke to your computer, via a low-power radio signal. Is it possible for a hacker to intercept that signal, to steal your passwords and other sensitive data? In some cases, yes. Should you panic? Maybe. Here's what you need to know...
...[WIFI] Stuck in a Dead Zone?
Here is a common question: 'I have a laptop and a smartphone that can both connect to the Internet via my wifi router. In certain rooms it works fine, but other places have an inexplicably weak signal. What can I do when my wifi hotspot seems more like a black hole?' Here are my best tips...
...Wireless Home Automation Gadgets
Strolling through Best Buy or Home Depot, I’ve noticed a growing range of gadgets “designed to work with your smartphone” in one way or another. Door locks, garage door openers, security cameras, and landscape irrigation systems are just some of the product categories that can be made smarter with an app and wireless connectivity. Let's take a closer look at home automation gadgets…
...HOWTO: Detect and Defeat Wifi Intruders
Is your wireless Internet connection sometimes mysteriously slow? It's possible that you're unwittingly sharing it with a stranger. But how can you know for sure if a neighbor or a malicious hacker has tapped into your wifi? Read on to learn how you can detect bandwidth bandits, and give them the boot...
...Google OnHub: The Ultimate WiFi Router?
Google entered the WiFi router market in August 2015, with a mind-boggling product called “OnHub.” It doesn’t look anything like a traditional router, and it doesn't act like one either. And that's a good thing! Read on to learn more about this router, and why you're going to want one...
...Boost Your WiFi Signal: Ten Tips and Tricks
A reader asks: 'How can I boost my wifi signal? I finally got high-speed internet with a wireless router, but the wifi signal is weak in some parts of the house. What tweaks or gadgets do you recommend to boost wireless signal strength and distance?'
...Are You Sharing Your Wifi?
Over the past few years, cable companies have built a network of several million WiFi hotspots open to the public. If you get your Internet access from one of these cable companies, you can use this nationwide WiFi network for free. However, you may unknowingly be providing one of those hotspots, also for free. Is it fair, safe, and legal? Read on...
...Save Money With a WiFi Phone
Would you give up cellular phone service if you could still get unlimited voice, text, and data? How about if it costs $20 to $50 a month less than “unlimited everything” plans from major cellular carriers? Read on to learn how…
...HOWTO: Connect Your PC to TV, Wirelessly!
Wouldn't it be great to beam whatever is on your computer screen directly to your big-screen TV? Now you can wirelessly send Netflix, Hulu, YouTube videos, photos and computer games from your PC screen directly to your television screen. Even browse the web on your fancy big-screen HDTV. Here's how to make a wireless PC to TV connection...
...Push Button WiFi Flaw Just Got Worse
Back in April 2012, I reported that many WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) routers were vulnerable to brute-force hacking. Incredibly, not much has been done to address this flaw. To make matters worse, a security research team has invented a way to guess a vulnerable router’s password in as little as one second! Here's what you need to know...
...Is Someone Stealing Your WiFi?
Is your wireless Internet connection sometimes mysteriously slow? It's possible that you're sharing it with a stranger. But how can you know for sure if a neighbor or a malicious hacker has tapped into your wifi? Read on to learn how you can detect bandwidth bandits, and give them the boot...
...Wireless Internet Access for Laptops
A reader asks: 'How do I get wireless Internet access for my laptop? I just bought a new laptop with wifi, and I'm having trouble getting on the Internet.' Read on for a bunch of helpful wifi tips and tricks!
...Are Prepaid Wireless Phones a Good Deal?
Verizon, AT&T and other mobile phone providers are offering pre-paid cell phone service with pay-as-you-go billing. If you like the idea of not having a long-term contract, and you don't use a cell phone all that much, a pre-paid cell phone could be a good option. But first you'll have to sort through all the intentionally confusing plans and offers...
...WPS Security Flaw: Are You Vulnerable?
Last summer I wrote about a family in Minnesota that was terrorized by a neighbor who had hacked into their wifi. Fortunately, that guy is spending the next 18 years in prison, but there's a newly discovered wifi security threat that may affect you. If your wireless router uses the WPS security method, you could be affected. Is your home or office computer at risk? Read on to find out...
...Wifi Sidejacking: Are You Vulnerable?
A Firefox add-on named Firesheep ignited a firestorm of controversy when it was released in October 2010. Firesheep demonstrated a hacking technique known as sidejacking, or wifi session hijacking. Sidejacking is not a form of malware, so your anti-virus software can't protect you. But if you're aware of the problem, and you know what extra steps you should take when using wifi, you needn't worry. Read on and learn how to protect yourself from sidejacking when using a wifi connection...
...Wireless Data Storage Devices
I've recently heard about wireless portable hard drives, and am thinking about using one as a backup drive. I love the idea of doing wireless backups from all the computers, tablets and smartphones in my home, to a single storage device. If you have any advice on the wireless backup storage devices available, I'd love to hear it...
...Help, I’m Stuck in a Wifi Dead Zone!
I have a laptop and a smartphone that can both connect to the Internet via my wifi router. In certain rooms it works fine, but other places have an inexplicably weak signal. What can I do when my wifi hotspot seems more like a black hole?
...Installing a Wireless Router
If you have several home or small office computers and want them to share one Internet connection, installing a wireless router is the best solution. Even if you have only one computer and don't see any need for a network, there are still good reasons for installing a wireless router. But you have to do it right or you may end up exposed to identity thieves, computer hijackers, and other online predators...
...Has Your Wireless Router Been Hacked?
Malcolm Riddell was a tech-savvy guy who lived on the 12th floor of a building where most of his neighbors were retired seniors. He figured he didn't need a password on his wireless router. But after an unexpected visit from the FBI, he changed his mind. Here's what you need to know to keep hackers from using your wireless Internet connection...
...Boost Laptop Wifi Reception
Boosting your laptop's WiFi reception is a good idea, no matter where you are. Out in the country, wireless Internet hotspots can be few and far between. But even in urban areas where WiFi hotspots are plentiful it's good to have more networks from which to choose. Here's how to get a stronger wifi signal...
...Wireless Broadband?
Very simply, wireless broadband is high-speed Internet access delivered without wires. It can refer to a wifi connection in your home, or to the type of wireless connections made by smartphones and other mobile devices. But what exactly is broadband and what delivers it, if not wires? Here's the scoop...
...Cannot Connect to Wireless Router
I ran into a very odd problem with a public WiFi hotspot recently. I learned from it something I didn't know about Windows Vista and Windows 7: their default configuration settings don't work with older wireless networking equipment. Fortunately, there is a fix. Here are the symptoms I encountered and the solutions I found...
...Wireless Internet Routers
I'm a little confused about routers. Can you explain to me about wireless routers, internet routers and exactly what you can do with them?
...Prepaid Wireless Phone Service
I just saw a new prepaid mobile phone service offering a 7 cents/minute rate. I currently pay about 20 cents/minute for wireless calling with Tracfone, but my monthly bill is always over $40. Now I'm wondering if I should stay with a prepaid plan, or go with a service like Cricket that offers unlimited calling for $30 a month. It's all so confusing... what is your opinion of prepaid wireless and other options?
...Wireless Networking
Wireless networking has become the standard in homes and small offices. A wireless network eliminates cable clutter; makes it easy to move computers, printers, scanners, and other devices to convenient places as needed; and provides visitors with quick access to the Internet and other network resources. Here's how it all works…
...Wireless N Routers
You may hear the terms N router or 802.11n when discussing WiFi equipment. What is N and who needs it? Here's the scoop on N wireless, in plain English...
...What is MiFi?
I'm starting to see some buzz for MiFi, which looks like a mobile WiFi product. Can you explain how this works?
...Is Free Wifi Illegal?
Sometimes when I'm away from home, I'll park my car, fire up the laptop and get online with a free unsecured wireless signal. Is this legal?
...Wifi Sniffers
I'm thinking about buying a Wifi sniffer to help me find wireless networks when I'm travelling. How good are the various devices, and are they legal?
...What is Bluetooth?
This is the age of wireless devices. Information is relevant only if it is accessible anywhere and everywhere. From phones to computers, every device is aiming at becoming wireless and providing more accessibility to the users. Read on to learn how Bluetooth technology is making wireless connections at home, at the office, and on the go...
...Hide Your SSID?
I have a wireless network at home, which lets me get an internet connection on my laptop all over the house. But I'm concerned that neighbors or people driving by can hack into my computer. A friend said that hiding my SSID will solve the problem. What's a wireless SSID, how do I hide it, and will it help?
...Wireless Printing
I have a laptop with no printer attached. But I do have a wireless network in my home, and one of the desktop computers on the network has a printer. How can I print from the laptop, over the wireless network, to the printer that's hooked up to my desktop?
...Wireless Laptop
Currently in my home I have a desktop computer that is for family use, and I have a laptop for work. When I bring my laptop home, I have to unhook my DSL line and hook it to my laptop. My laptop has a wireless card built in -- can I get a router that can go wireless, and have a line to go to my desktop, that is not wireless?
...802.11n Wireless Networking
I've seen a new wi-fi adapter that claims to be a HUNDRED TIMES FASTER than the currently available ones. Is this new 802.11N technology really that fast, and will it work with Windows XP?
...Wireless Security
Is it safe to use wireless Internet access in my home? I've heard that neighbors or even people driving by can tap in to my wireless signal. There must be a way to do it safely, since it's so common these days. Got any tips on wireless security?
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