routers Archives - Komando.com The Kim Komando Show: America's top weekend talk radio program about all things digital! Free tips, downloads, software, newsletters, advice and more about the home electronics, digital cameras, photography, TVs, online security, gadgets and more. Fri, 22 Dec 2023 21:10:30 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://www.komando.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/cropped-favicon512x512-32x32.png routers Archives - Komando.com 32 32 166923932 The mistake slowing down your connection and killing your phone https://www.komando.com/kims-column/mistake-slowing-your-connection/899177/ Mon, 25 Dec 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=899177

It’s a cozy evening, and you just started streaming your favorite show. But, as the plot thickens, your Wi-Fi takes an unexpected hiatus. Annoying, right?

Before you unplug your router, look at your smartphone. The culprit could be apps chowing down on precious bandwidth.

Click here to read full story.

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Expired, dangerous stuff hiding in your house: Fire extinguishers, recalled products and lots more https://www.komando.com/lifestyle/dangerous-tech-in-your-home-now/864240/ Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=864240&preview=true&preview_id=864240

Look around your house, and you’ll see things you never even realized have a shelf-life — and I don’t mean things like food that have a best-by date.

Take fire extinguishers. Over time, they can lose pressure. Those and smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years or so.

Click here to read full story.

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Do this with your router before selling it or throwing it away https://www.komando.com/security-privacy/critical-router-security-step/884385/ Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:00:00 +0000

You know to wipe your devices before tossing them or giving them away. Your phone and computer contain lots of data that can be used against you. But what if you don’t have a chance to reset them? Here’s how to remotely wipe the data from your phone and computer.

Your router is not just a dumb box that connects you to a network. It stores information to manage the network, and you should take the same precautions as you would with all your connected devices.

Click here to read full story.

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Easy way to see if someone is stealing your Wi-Fi https://www.komando.com/downloads/see-if-someone-is-stealing-your-wi-fi/2251/ Wed, 26 Apr 2023 21:00:00 +0000

Having slow internet may occur more than you’d like. You may see a frozen screen when trying to binge-watch your favorite TV show. You might get booted out when paying bills. Tap or click here to get the fastest internet speeds in your area.

The problem may stem from the way your system is set up. However, it might not be your system at all. Slow internet could be the result of someone stealing your Wi-Fi.

Click here to read full story.

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Where does your ISP fall among the fastest and slowest in the country? https://www.komando.com/technology/fastest-and-slowest-isps/884387/ Thu, 20 Apr 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Do you work from home? Is someone in your house a hardcore gamer? Do you stream high-definition content from multiple devices simultaneously? All these factors will help determine if you’re paying too much for internet speed. Here’s what you need to know.

Not all internet service providers are created equal, but which one’s are the fastest? See where yours lands on the list below.

Click here to read full story.

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Worth it? This router has a built-in VPN https://www.komando.com/privacy/router-with-built-in-vpn/881164/ Wed, 22 Mar 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=881164&preview=true&preview_id=881164

Protect your internet-connected devices at home, such as an Amazon Echo or a smart thermostat, with a VPN router to prevent hackers from causing chaos.

A VPN-enabled router encrypts data on your network, adding an extra layer of security and privacy for all connected devices. Watch out for these five signs indicating your current router may not keep you safe.

Click here to read full story.

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How to find and remove unwanted devices connected to your network https://www.komando.com/tech-tips/how-to-see-all-the-devices-connected-to-your-network/611057/ Sat, 14 Jan 2023 09:30:00 +0000

If you use wireless internet at home, you probably have several devices connected to your network. It’s so easy to keep piling on additional devices, too. Your new laptop, another video game console, a tablet or even your friend’s phone.

All that congestion can slow down your network, but there are other culprits. Tap or click here for 10 ways to boost your network speed.

Click here to read full story.

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Must-do tech cleanups for your inbox, network and gadgets https://www.komando.com/how-tos/5-essential-tech-cleanups/819465/ Wed, 04 Jan 2023 10:30:00 +0000

The best way to embark on a new year is to start fresh. After all, you can’t make a new beginning if you’re tied to the past. Tech issues can hold you back when you’re trying to leap forward.

Cleaning up your tech is one of the best ways to obtain a clean slate. By tidying up your tech, you can ensure they’re working in tip-top shape. Tap or click here for five ways to quickly clean up digital junk.

Click here to read full story.

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Where to put your router for better speeds https://www.komando.com/how-tos/where-to-put-your-router/809802/ Wed, 28 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=809802&preview=true&preview_id=809802

If you sink a ton of money into a high-performing router, you probably expect it to function perfectly. Though, just buying a good router isn’t enough. You need to put it in the ideal spot to maximize efficiency.

Regarding routers, it’s all about location, location, location. By that, we mean you need to think about anything that could obstruct its signals.

Click here to read full story.

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3 simple ways to make your Wi-Fi faster and more stable https://www.komando.com/technology/3-tips-for-faster-wifi/868733/ Wed, 14 Dec 2022 08:30:00 +0000

Game time. Work time. Chill time. All rely on lightning-fast Wi-Fi. Little is more frustrating than slow internet.

Many things can cause your connection to falter from unauthorized users to a poorly-placed router and even an outdated modem. What’s the best way to get faster internet? We can help.

Click here to read full story.

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Router warning: Check if yours is susceptible to this hack https://www.komando.com/security-privacy/router-ddos-attack/855805/ Fri, 09 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Your router is the key to home internet. All other devices must connect to the router for Wi-Fi, which is why you must ensure all security protocols are in place. Hackers who breach your router can cause serious problems. Tap or click here for five reasons to replace your router.

The gateway to valuable information is a lucrative prospect for any cybercriminal, and a group is now using a new malware variant to conduct their crimes.

Click here to read full story.

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5 reasons to replace your old router https://www.komando.com/kims-column/replace-your-old-router/853231/ Sat, 20 Aug 2022 11:30:00 +0000

Your router is responsible for sending Wi-Fi signals to your phone, laptop, smart TV, security cameras and more. It has a big job.

Sometimes it’s the reason your internet connection is spotty, but not always. Tap or click for my guide to troubleshooting your bad Wi-Fi.

Click here to read full story.

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Security tip: 5 reasons you need to replace your router now https://www.komando.com/security-privacy/router-buying-guide-2022/847373/ Mon, 25 Jul 2022 17:00:00 +0000

Your router is responsible for sending Wi-Fi signals to your phone, laptop, smart TV, security cameras and more. This makes you especially vulnerable if your router is hacked. Yes, that can happen.

Chinese threat actors are going after routers, telephone networks and online storage and using their combined power to target critical and military targets, steal login credentials and hijack banking information. Tap or click here to secure your home network.

Click here to read full story.

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Chinese hackers are going after American routers – How to protect yours https://www.komando.com/news/chinese-hackers-targeting-routers/841632/ Tue, 14 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Your router is a crucial part of your home’s connection. It’s the primary way the internet gets into your house, and it sends out the Wi-Fi signal that connects all your wireless devices.

Has it been years since you updated your router? We put together a quick quiz to help you choose the perfect model for your home and needs. This is a must if your connection is spotty and your router isn’t equipped with the latest security standards. Tap or click here to take our router-finder quiz.

Click here to read full story.

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Quiz: Fix your bad Wi-Fi with the right router https://www.komando.com/how-tos/quiz-to-find-the-best-router/838451/ Thu, 19 May 2022 21:30:00 +0000

Pop quiz: What’s the most important piece of tech in your house that helps you get online? If you guessed router, you’re right on the money — and if your router isn’t fast or powerful enough, you might not get the coverage you need in every room.

Thankfully, today’s networking tech is much better than what you could buy a decade ago. From Wi-Fi 6 routers to mesh networks, there are plenty of ways to set up your Wi-Fi without dead zones. Tap or click here to find the perfect location for your router to get the best speeds.

Click here to read full story.

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Check your router! Models from 200+ companies at risk https://www.komando.com/security-privacy/routers-vulnerable-to-cyberattacks/837433/ Sun, 08 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=837433

Are you happy with your internet service? Does it seem to be running slower than expected despite shelling out for faster service?

Many factors could affect your internet speed, including the number of devices on the network, your equipment, your browser choice, and more. The simplest one to diagnose and fix is router placement. Finding a good spot for it can increase your speed and signal strength. Tap or click here for tips on the best locations for your router.

Click here to read full story.

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5 things you need to update now because of the Ukrainian war https://www.komando.com/security-privacy/russia-ukraine-digital-protection/828072/ Wed, 02 Mar 2022 19:32:00 +0000

Anyone who thinks they’ll be unaffected by the Russia-Ukraine war is dead wrong. During World War II, conflicts were confined to physical battlefields. Thanks to the internet, cyberwar is a new threat that impacts every corner of the globe.

While attackers will likely focus on large companies, agencies and other organizations, those compromised can still impact you. For example, one Russian hacking group took credit for a recent McDonald’s breach, which puts your data at risk if you have an account with the company. Tap or click here to discover how Russia’s attack on McDonald’s could be the first step in an all-out cyberwar.

Click here to read full story.

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Free check to see if your router has been hacked by criminals https://www.komando.com/safety-security-reviews/see-if-your-router-has-been-hacked/312613/ Mon, 17 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?post_type=cool_sites&p=312613

The internet is a crazy place. Not only do marketers and advertisers follow your every move, but there are also hackers and scammers lurking in the dark corners, ready to pounce on your personal information.

At least marketers and advertisers want to make money off of you. The hackers and scammers we’re talking about want to flat-out steal your money by hijacking your personal information.

Click here to read full story.

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9 popular routers are at risk – See if yours is on the list https://www.komando.com/security-privacy/popular-router-vulnerabilities/818857/ Fri, 10 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://www.komando.com/?p=818857

Your router is arguably the most critical component in your internet network. It serves as the primary point where all wireless devices connect and download information. A vulnerability in the router’s software could spell disaster. Tap or click here if you are sick of slow Wi-Fi speeds.

That’s why it’s critical to ensure your router has the latest firmware updates installed. It is one of the first protections against malware and hackers. But these updates only protect your router from known threats.

Click here to read full story.

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Bad Wi-Fi around the holidays? Your decorations could be to blame https://www.komando.com/news/dont-put-your-christmas-tree-next-to-the-router/817793/ Sat, 04 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Every year, Christmas decorations get bigger, brighter and more sophisticated. When it comes to front yard inflatables, that’s not necessarily a good thing.

For smart Christmas tree lights, on the other hand, that’s a welcome upgrade over the traditional options. Tap or click here for our review of Twinkly’s LED string lights.

Click here to read full story.

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