6 Easy Tips To Speed Up Your Internet Connection

A slow connection can, in the long run, seriously hurt your internet experience.

The internet is, without a doubt, the most impressive technological development of the last 50 years, and has fundamentally changed the way we live. With access to endless information, retailers and the ability to communicate with people across the world, there is something of benefit to all.

However, one problem remains: the variation in internet connection speeds. This can depend on where you are geographically, how many people use your system and various other factors. The following are six ways in which you can speed up your connection.

Switch to wired

You can sometimes boost your internet speed by switching from a wireless connection to a wired one. This is because wireless efficiency can be affected by distance from the router and obstacles in between.

If you use a desktop and are next to your router, you can plug straight in and eliminate the need for a wireless connection. This method is best for home-office use, as it will give you a faster and more direct connection to your broadband, so try it if you are close enough to connect a cable.

Password protect

If you do not have your wi-fi password-protected, then you’re leaving it open for others to use. For example, if you have a personal internet set-up in a shared house, others can access your broadband. Or your neighbors could piggyback on your connection.

The more people that are using your broadband, the slower it will become. Thus, it always pays to add a password and only allow those you have deemed suitable for access to use the system. Adding a password should be simple, and your broadband provider will help if you run into problems.

Upgrade your hardware

Just as smartphones are regularly improved, so is computer hardware. Not just computers themselves, but the peripherals such as your router. A router more than a few years old will not be as efficient as an up-to-date model. Improvements are made all the time to related equipment and also to various other elements of the system.

It may also be possible that your provider has introduced a new level of broadband in your area and you're not taking advantage of it. Talk to your provider about the best way to improve your speeds and they will be happy to help.

Move your router

Where is your router currently located? Some people tuck it away in a cupboard so it can’t be seen. This is the wrong thing to do! The cleaner the line of sight between your router and the computers it is serving, the faster your speed and more efficient your connection will be. Walls, doors and even windows can disrupt the wi-fi signal, and the further from the router you are, the slower your speeds will be.

Place your router in a central place and high off the ground for the best results. Don’t put it in a cupboard, as this will slow down the signal. Choose a shelf and place it there where it can send its signal throughout the building. If you do still have problems, you can purchase range extenders that boost the signal.

Powerline adapters

Some broadband providers can offer you powerline adapters. These are clever devices that send the signal through the electric circuits in the home.

These work well in some buildings, but not so in others, and your provider will be able to advise you as to the suitability of this solution in your home. Where this system is suitable it provides fast internet speeds, so it's worth considering.

Broadband accelerator

Depending upon who you get your broadband from, they may be able to offer you a broadband accelerator. This is another bit of equipment that effectively boosts the signal within your home. However, these are only available from select providers, but if you can get them it may be the answer you are looking for.

A slow internet connection is an annoyance, and one that is common. There are locations where the internet is barely accessible and those where it is super-fast. For those of us in between, the above are just some of the things you can do to speed up your connection, so check them out further and you may find more solutions to the problem.

Credit: entrepreneur.com

Update Chrome Right Now To Patch Another Dangerous Exploit

At some point in the future, we’ll go a week without having to be warned about another zero-day exploit, but this is not that week. Google rolled out an update for the Chrome browser on desktop this past Thursday (6-17-21) that features four security fixes, including one for an exploit discovered earlier that week that has been found in the wild. Hackers are actively exploiting this security flaw, and that means you should update your browser now to keep your data safe.

As noted by The Hacker News, this is the eighth zero-day Chrome exploit that Google has patched in 2021. That number is undoubtedly higher than Google would like, but their team is clearly addressing the issues quickly. The key is for all of us to do our part and install the updates as soon as they roll out so that hackers don’t have an opportunity to take advantage of the flaws.

“I’m happy we are getting better at detecting these exploits and the great partnerships we have to get the vulnerabilities patched, but I remain concerned about how many are being discovered on an ongoing basis and the role of commercial providers,” tweeted Shane Huntley, a member of Google’s Threat Analysis Group, earlier this month after another zero-day was patched.

Chrome doesn’t always apply the latest updates when you open the browser, so if you want to check and see which version you are running, go to Settings and then click About Chrome at the bottom of the menu bar on the left side of the screen. If you’re already running the latest version of the browser, you’re good to go, but otherwise, you should begin the process of updating as soon as possible. Once it’s downloaded, click the Relaunch button to finish updating.

Credit: bgr.com

CPAP Recall

If you use a CPAP machine you may not be aware that Phillips Electronics has issued a huge recall on almost all of the Dreamstation CPAP machines made in the last 5 years.

It seems that some insulation foam that is used to deaden sound can deteriorate and the user can breathe it in. It can be carcinogenic, and people are being told to cease using the machines immediately. Call your doctor if you need a substitute machine.

You might look up the recall on line, although the serial numbers haven't been released yet.

Windows 10 Has Built-in Ransomware Protection: How To Use It

Ransomware protection is built right into Windows. Here’s how to get started.

Ransomware gangs have gone pro. DarkSide, the group responsible for a spate of ransomware attacks including Colonial Pipeline, now operates with a business model that mirrors legitimate businesses.

Called Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), it uses partners to execute cyberattacks. For individuals and small businesses and schools, attacks from RaaS groups pose the risk of loss of access to all critical data, in addition to the financial burden of paying a ransom.

The small steps to prepare yourself for a potential future ransomware attack will also protect you from other malware and viruses.

It’s not widely known to consumers and small business users that Microsoft offers built-in ransomware protection.

Turning it on is pretty simple: type in "Ransomware Protection" in the Windows 10 Cortana search bar (typically in the bottom lower left of the screen) then select the "Ransomware Protection" screen.

Toggle on the "Controlled folder access." Then you have the option to select which folders you want protected.

Click on "Protected folders." The Protected Folders screen should already be populated by folders that are protected by default. You’re also given the option to add other protected folders.

In addition, you have the option to add folders from Microsoft’s file hosting service OneDrive, if you subscribe to that service.

"In a ransomware attack, your files can get encrypted and held hostage. With controlled folder access, a notification appears, where an app attempted to make changes to a file in a protected folder," according to a Microsoft document describing the feature.

You can also "whitelist" applications. While the goal of Windows ransomware protection is to block suspicious software, if an app is blocked that you know is safe, Microsoft allows you to build a white list. Use the Controlled Folder Access for whitelisting apps. You can do this by going to "allow an app through Controlled folder access."

Other tactics to fend off ransomware:

Use a secure cloud-based file hosting service with automatic backup so you’re regularly backing up files.

Another strategy is a so-called "air gap" where the external storage device is completely disconnected (i.e., offline) from your computer and the internet. Back up your files, then disconnect the storage device.

Another piece of advice recommended by cybersecurity experts is to separate work and personal devices. While attackers tend to target corporations, schools, and hospitals, consumers who are working from home can get targeted by attackers too.

Credit: foxnews.com

Executive Board Minutes

Computer Technology Club, Inc. – Executive Board Minutes
June 11, 2021

Alan Marcus, President, called the meeting to order at 9:00AM. Members in attendance: Jim Trimboli, Bob Kenlay, Linda Tingley, Bill Balch, Don Forgette, Bob Leiner, and Alan Marcus.

Secretary’s report read by Bob Kenlay. No corrections or additions necessary.

Jim Trimboli read the Treasurer's Report. The current balance is $1403.04. Jim Trimboli made a motion to give five $10 gift cards at the meeting. Alan Marcus seconded the motion. The board passed the motion.

Alan Marcus asked Bill Balch to scan members at the next meeting. Bill Balch agreed.

Jim Trimboli suggested we make an announcement at the next meeting for “Senior Learning”.

Future meeting topics:

June 16 - “Phones for Hearing Impaired” by Susan Richardson from ClearCaptions
Jul 21 - "Resolving Senior Scams" by Doug Hart, Seniors vs. Crime Project
Aug 18 - "Cellular Internet Alternatives” by Don Forgette and Bob Kenlay

Bill Balch suggested we look into Zoom meetings for the future.

The meeting adjourned at 9:35AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Bob Kenlay, Secretary

Tesla Model 3 Or Chevy Bolt? Price Creep Vs Price Crash

Chevy Bolt

Chevy is offering deals on 2021 Bolts that bring the price of the 259-mile-range EV to some of the lowest levels yet, while Tesla slowly raises the price on its best-selling Model 3.

In greater Los Angeles, 2021 Chevy Bolts are being priced close to $26,000, according to listings on TrueCar. The MSRP for the Bolt LT is typically about $37,000.

Meanwhile Tesla has upped the price of its least-expensive 2021 Model 3 Standard Range Plus to $39,990, a $3,000 price hike from $36,990 earlier in 2021.

Bolt vs Model 3

Price: The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus now lists for $39,990 while the Bolt LT has dropped to as low as $26,000

Range: The Model 3 Standard Range Plus has an estimated range of 263 miles. The Chevy Bolt is rated at 259 miles.

MPGe: The Model 3 has a combined EPA-rated 134 MPGe*, the Bolt 118.

U.S. sales

The Model 3 was No.1 in EV sales in the U.S. for 2020, the Bolt was No. 3 (the Model Y was No.2)

Rydell Chevrolet, one of the largest Bolt dealers in the Los Angeles area, is showing a new 2021 Bolt Premier, the priciest trim, on their website as of May 29, 2021, priced under $30,000, a discount of more than $14,000 off the MSRP of $44,575.

TrueCar shows prices close to $26,000 for a new 2021 Bolt LT, the cheaper trim, roughly $11,000 off the MSRP.

That’s unusual for a new model year Bolt, which typically doesn’t see heavy discounting until late in the model year.

Why is this happening?

Chevy Bolt:

There is a major model year update coming for 2022 The existing Bolt is getting a makeover and Chevy is introducing the all-new Bolt EUV.

What’s different this time is, pricing on the upcoming Bolt is a lot lower, with the 2022 Bolt EV starting at $31,995. That’s roughly $5,500 off the MSRP for the current base model. And the slightly larger 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, starts at $33,995.

The 2022 Bolts will include features such as adaptive cruise control and GM’s Super Cruise (hands-free-driving) tech, both firsts for the Bolt.

Model 3:

The Model 3 price hikes, on the other hand, are a mystery since Tesla doesn’t respond to media queries these days. And it should be noted that Tesla has also dropped the price of the Model 3 and Model Y. That happened earlier this year. That said, year to date, there has been a net increase.

NOTES:
*MPGe: how far a car will travel on the equivalent of one gallon of gas.

Credit: forbes.com

UPDATE: There may be additional promotions to lower the Bolt price another $1,000 or more. Check with area dealers. Also, used car prices have gone up recently so your trade-in could reduce your cost of a new Bolt EV even more. As of 5-30-21 there were 108 Bolts in stock within 100 miles of Oak Run.