If you’ve noticed your home internet experience declining recently, with Netflix frequently buffering, lag in online games, or spotty Wi-Fi coverage throughout the house, it may be time for an upgrade.
Before you get frustrated with the slowdowns and dropouts, let’s evaluate if a new router could resolve these issues. A modern model designed to handle today’s bandwidth-heavy demands may be just what you need to restore fast, seamless Wi-Fi where you need it most.
Slowing Performance as the Network Grows
In the last 5–10 years, home networks have seen exponential growth in connected devices. Where households once had only a computer or two, it’s now common to have 10 or more devices simultaneously using the router for streaming media, Web browsing, online gaming, and more.
This increased bandwidth demand stresses older routers that are not designed for high-traffic networks. They have less powerful processors, less memory, and less advanced chipsets than newer models. Over time, an aging router may struggle to keep up, resulting in lagging or buffering issues.
Frequent Disconnections and Requiring Reboots
If you’ve noticed your Wi-Fi signal cutting out regularly, forcing you to reboot the router to get reconnected, this is a telltale sign that the router may be on the way out.
Outdated Wireless Standards
The Wi-Fi standards supported by routers have advanced rapidly in the last five years alone. Older models may be capable of only slower legacy standards such as 802.11b/g or 802.11n, while newer devices take full advantage of the increased speeds that standards such as 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) provide.
It also leaves you vulnerable, as older standards have known security flaws that newer protocols have addressed.
Missing Security Updates
Wireless router manufacturers typically support a device with firmware security updates for around five years after its release. But after that point, if new exploits are discovered, your older router model may no longer receive patches, leaving it open to hacks and malware.
By upgrading to a currently supported model, you can ensure the latest bug and vulnerability fixes for years to come, keeping your home network protected as threats evolve.
Feeling left behind by your ISP router?
If your current router was supplied by your internet service provider (ISP) as part of the connection package, it was likely a very basic and low-cost model selected to meet the minimum functionality requirements.
While “free” at the time, these OEM routers are often underpowered for today’s needs. An independently purchased router gives you complete control to choose a model tailored to your specific usage scenarios, such as whole-home coverage, fast speeds, or robust parental controls, ensuring you get the most out of your broadband home network.
Is it time for an upgrade?
If any of the issues above seem familiar or you want a faster, more reliable network throughout your home, an upgrade to a new, higher-performance router is well worth the investment.
Give us a call today at (651) 456-8655 or visit our Contact page, and one of our experts can recommend the right model for your needs while also handling hassle-free installation.
Content Creation – Choosing the Right Laptop 3/27/2023
Are you an influencer? Or do you aspire to join the more than 50 million people making content for YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram? If you want to be a content creator, don’t struggle with a computer that isn’t up to the task. Considering these factors can help you land the best laptop for your needs.
Yes, the average person can take a video on their smartphone and post it for friends to enjoy, but when you’re serious about your video editing or creating high-quality, long-form content, you’ll need more.
To make your content look professional, pay attention to these factors. It will help you choose the laptop that sets you up to be the next Spielberg.
Video card
Pay attention to the video card. Also known as a graphics card, this is the piece of the computer that renders images on the display.
A laptop typically has a less robust video card than a desktop. That’s because laptops are often thinner. For the benefit of mobility, you compromise on the space available for a beefier graphics card. The card may also run slower because the card needs to be efficient without setting the laptop on fire.
So, when selecting a laptop with plans to edit video, do your research. You can easily find rankings for “laptops with good graphic cards” online. You can get away with an RTX 2080 (that’s a few generations old). Ideally, though, you’ll want the RTX 3080 or Intel Iris Xe.
Processing power
The laptop’s processing power can also play a role in your video editing success. A lot of video editing software needs multi-core processors. You can think of it as having many arms to get different things done at once.
For a PC laptop, go for at least an Intel i9 CPU. For Mac, a modern MacBook Pro with an M2 Pro CPU is a good choice.
Memory
For your laptop to be able to do many things at once, you also need powerful memory. Random access memory (RAM) is what you’ll be comparing here. RAM loads the operating system, runs video editing software, and performs other background functions.
At minimum, you’ll want 16GB of RAM, but the more you have, the better. Obviously, the budget will factor in here.
Storage
Your storage capacity also impacts how efficiently you can do all that you want to do.
If you’re working in Full HD (1920×1080), you could have some big project files to move around. The more storage you have, the easier this will be.
You’ll be choosing between hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). SSDs are good for working on the fly. They can run faster, as they don’t use any mechanical parts, but they can cost more.
A good idea is to work off your SSD for your current editing needs. Meanwhile, you can store archived videos and completed footage on a second hard drive. This can be on the laptop if there’s space, or you can attach an external HDD.
Display
Whether you are the star of your content or someone else is, you’ll also want to consider laptop display size. There are two main display types: Twisted Nematic (TN) and In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels.
TN panels cost less, but you can lose color accuracy on angles. The IPS panels give you more color at more angles, but they cost a little more.
Connectivity
You might want to attach an external HDD or connect to a larger desktop monitor. In that case, look for accessory ports and external display connectivity.
Need help deciding on the laptop that best suits your content creation needs? Our experts are here to help. Connect with us today at (651) 456-8655 or visit our contact page.
You drop your computer in the bathtub, or your basement home office floods and the desktop is under water. Or you spill your tea across the keyboard. If any of this happens, you can guess right away that you’ll be dealing with liquid damage. Only it’s not always that obvious. Knowing the common signs to look for can help you diagnose liquid damage in your devices.
If you are right there when your computer is exposed to liquids, unplug it immediately. Wet components can short-circuit and cause issues for your motherboard, hard drives, and more.
Still, you might not know immediately that liquid damage is to blame. You might live in an area with high humidity. Or maybe someone in the family watches Netflix while in a steamy bathroom. That’s when you look for signs that there’s moisture inside your computer.
Signs you can see yourself
Liquid spilled inside your keyboard can make keys or the trackpad stop working. Even a few liquid droplets can cause the keyboard or trackpad to start responding to your touch erratically.
You might also experience screen issues. This depends on where the liquid penetrates your laptop. Look out for:
images not displaying properly;
pixel discoloration;
a display that won’t turn on.
These are pretty obvious signs that you need to get help. You might also see some discoloration on the outside of the computer. The white or green residue is not a good sign.
Another scary indicator? The computer won’t turn on at all. That suggests that internal components are damaged, and you’ll need to take action.
Signs that repair shops can see
Most people should not be opening up computers on their own. Even if you think there might have been liquid damage, it’s safer to take the computer to a trained expert. That way, you won’t do more damage trying to see what’s wrong in the first place.
At a computer shop, the person doing the repairs will look inside for corrosion around connectors and your motherboard. They’ll be looking for that white or green residue you were hoping not to see on the exterior.
Another sign? The liquid damage indicator shows exposure to water or liquids. The indicator is a small device inside the computer that’s used by manufacturers to deny warranty coverage (despite the consumer’s protests, the laptop never got wet).
What to do with a wet computer
Unplug it. Get help. The sooner you take a liquid-damaged computer in for repair, the more likely it is to recover. Work with a professional IT repair shop to diagnose and repair your device issues. We’re here to help. Call us at (651) 456-8655 or visit our Contact page. Check out our additional laptop services HERE.
Patrick, owner of Twin Cities PC Repair, has decided to do his Flash Labor Sale yet again!!
With the cost of goods & services ever increasing, Patrick has decided it’s time he gives his customers a little break on the pocketbook… You’ll receive the same great responsive service at a discount of 25% off his normal $85/hr carry-in labor rate. This brings our labor rate down to $63.75/hr, that’s $21.25 off per hour!
Just book your device drop off anytime between 3/2/2023 – 3/23/2023 and we will automatically apply the discount to your estimate & invoice.
To book your device drop-off, simply click the button below or click HERE. For more information on our services or Flash Labor Sale, call (651) 456-8655, or visit our Contact page.
Better than the Big Box Boys – Certified Techs, Fast Turnaround: PC Computer Repair, Virus Removal – Bloomington Location – Remote Services Available
You’ve found the best place in town for responsive, reliable, friendly, and effective residential computer repair. Our expert technicians are trained on the latest techniques to solve your technology problems.
Too often, computer users get lured into the marketing of big box stores and franchise chains that care only about their bottom line! We strive to create real lasting relationships with our customers so you know you can count on us as your go-to computer shop.
Aspects of our business that set it apart from the rest:
Accurate & honest labor billing Guaranteed satisfaction or you don’t pay us Friendly, honest communication, no “geek-speak” Professional, experienced, and certified technicians Locally owned and operated
Microsoft Windows PC Computer Repair
Apple iMac and MacBook Computer Repair
Data Recovery
Viruses, Malware, Adware and Ransom-ware Removal
Cracked and Broken Laptop Screen Replacements
Open Monday through Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM & Afterhours by Appointment
Stay Safe Shopping Online This Holiday Season – 11/10/22
Retail research tells us that over 75% of people are shopping online each month, and, with the holiday season upon us, you’re likely to be one of them. But don’t let the appeal of convenience distract you from the need to stay safe when shopping online.
The number of digital buyers is steadily climbing. In 2020, according to Statista, more than two billion people purchased goods or services online. During the same year, e-retail sales surpassed $4.2 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide.
Retailers are embracing the change in consumer behavior. But, do you know who else is taking advantage? Cybercrooks. Before you buy, consider these strategies to stay safe.
#1 Question that great deal
If a deal looks “too good to be true,” it probably is. You’re not going to get a new Apple laptop for $29.99, or the latest Beats headphones or Xbox gaming console for under $20. Anyone offering you that price is trying to lure you to their site to enter your payment details, so don’t be surprised when your product never arrives!
#2 Review seller feedback
While scrolling social media you see adverts for perfect gifts for someone on your list. And it’s so easy to click the link and buy! Still, before purchasing, take the time to research the seller.
Read the feedback from other buyers on independent sources. It adds only a few moments to check sites such as Trustpilot and Google My Business.
#3 Research the business domain
Think about it: who are you more likely to trust with your sensitive data? Someone who has been in business 10 years or someone who set up shop 10 days ago? Quickly check how long a business website has been around. Enter the URL into the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers’ lookup tool [https://lookup.icann.org].
#4 Watch out for email scams
Before clicking on any offer links in emails, check the URL. You can hover over the link before actually redirecting there and check the target. Double-check that the address is to the site you’re expecting.
Also, slow down and be sure that the address doesn’t have any typos or atypical endings. You don’t want to confuse www.nike.com with www.n1ke.co and end up a victim of identity theft instead of the proud owner of the latest Air Max.
#5 Check payment site security
There are several ways to verify the security of a payment site. These include:
verifying that the site uses an SSL certificate – it will start with “https” instead of “http”;
checking for a physical address and phone number – call the contact number to confirm it is not fake;
reviewing the Terms and Conditions and Return and Privacy policies – any reputable brand has these!
#6 Pay with Online Payments
When you do decide to buy, prefer to pay using PayPal or another online payment tool. You won’t be giving the seller your credit card details. If you can’t take this approach, use a credit card from a credit account rather than debit. You will have more protection this way. You can start a chargeback through your credit card company when the item isn’t as advertised and the seller’s customer service doesn’t help.
Before online shopping, at any time of the year, update your operating system, and keep your anti-virus software current, too.
Our IT experts are here to help you keep your technology safe and secure year-round. Contact us today at (651) 456-8655 or visit our Contact page.
OK Google, How Safe Are You Really? Are you prompting Siri, Google, or Alexa? When you talk to a home assistant, you join a growing number of smart homes.
Smart home assistants search online, start phone calls, order groceries, play music, turn lights on. All with a single spoken command.
Research into how people use Google or Alexa demonstrates the core features. Listening to music ranked first. Checking weather and asking for general information rounded out the top three. Setting timers and reminders, asking for the news or jokes (perhaps to make up for the news?) are also common.
Yet, the question remains, just how safe are these virtual assistants? After all, having a smart speaker in your home means there is always an open microphone in your house.
Smart Speaker and Home Assistant Safety Concerns
The convenience of the speaker demands that it always be on, ready and waiting for you to say “Hey Siri” or “OK Google.” Once triggered the device records the command, sends the data to servers for processing, and figures out its response.
Smart speaker users can log in to view the history of queries on their accounts. This prompts some concerns that these mega-companies will use the information for financial gain. For example, those talking about an overseas holiday might start seeing related ads on their computers.
Someone hacking into the home assistant to gain access to your personal information is another concern. Those who set smart speakers as a hub for many devices also create more points of vulnerability.
It’s difficult to anticipate all the ways the assistant could prove too good a listener. In one case, a voice assistant recorded a private conversation and sent it to the couple’s contacts list.
Steps to Stay Secure with a Smart Speaker
That candid conversation share aside, few big privacy flubs or personal data breaches have been reported. Nevertheless, if taking advantage of Alexa, Siri, or Google helper, keep these strategies in mind.
Clear your history. Don’t leave everything you’ve ever asked it stored on the company server. The assistant will relearn your commands quickly.
Connect with caution. It’s great to be able to turn on the TV and dim the lights without leaving the comfort of your sofa. Be wary of connecting security or surveillance devices to your home assistant.
Mute the microphone. Yes, it undermines your ability to call from the closet “OK, Google, what’s the weather like today?” But, turning off the mic when it’s not in use stops recording without you knowing about it.
Secure your network. Home assistants do their work by connecting to the Internet using your network. Ensure they are accessing a password protected network. They should use devices (e.g. modems) changed from default password settings.
With a little effort you can gain convenience without worry.
Want more questions answered about setting up a smart speaker to be safe and reliable? We’re here to help. Give us a call at (651) 456-8655 or visit our Contact page.
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Stay Safe Shopping Online This Holiday Season – 11/10/22
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