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Boosting home Wi-Fi with wireless repeaters and access pointsFast, reliable Wi-Fi is a business necessity, whether you’re working in an office or at home. Now that more and more people are working remotely, having good home Wi-Fi is more important than ever. A wireless repeater device and additional access points may just be what you need to ensure a stable and lightning-fast wireless […]

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Boosting home Wi-Fi with wireless repeaters and access points

Fast, reliable Wi-Fi is a business necessity, whether you’re working in an office or at home. Now that more and more people are working remotely, having good home Wi-Fi is more important than ever. A wireless repeater device and additional access points may just be what you need to ensure a stable and lightning-fast wireless connection throughout your home.

Both wireless repeaters and access points are simple and inexpensive, and getting either or both of these devices can improve your home Wi-Fi.

Wireless repeaters are devices that extend the limited reach that Wi-Fi routers tend to have, especially in structures with thick walls and multiple floors. They receive a signal from a Wi-Fi router and rebroadcast it as a new network. This new network is an extension of the main network, enabling the signal from your router to be transmitted over long distances or to the other side of obstructions, such as a wall, post, or ductwork.

On the other hand, access points are devices that allow wireless devices to connect to a network. Your router at home is actually an access point, and while most access points have built-in routers, others have to be connected to a router. Access points are usually hardwired to network switches or modems.

Getting started

But before you go out and buy these devices, conduct a survey of the Wi-Fi signal throughout your home first. This will help you map out where to place repeaters and access points to maximize your Wi-Fi connection. This involves:

  • Determining the reach of your router. Use a Wi-Fi analyzer app such as NetSpot, Wifi Analyzer, or OpenSignal.
  • Locating dead zones, or areas that don’t get a Wi-Fi signal, in your house. This can usually be solved by moving your router or modem to an area where the signal is better.
  • Checking for obstructions (walls, furniture, plastics, water, etc.) and sources of interference (baby monitors, microwave ovens, radios, etc.). Any of these may be blocking or slowing down your Wi-Fi connection.

Based on your analysis, identify the best places to put the repeater and access point. For instance, if your router is in the living room and you can’t get a good signal in your bedroom down the hall, place the access point outside the living room and the repeater in the bedroom. The signal will be extended by the access point and picked up by the repeater, which will then broadcast it to nearby devices. Note that wireless repeaters must be set up in areas where the signal is poor, not in dead zones.

Setting up wireless repeaters and access points

Most brands and models of wireless repeaters and access points follow the same setup process.

Wireless repeaters

  1. Choose a location free from obstructions that can block signals from your Wi-Fi router.
  2. Plug the repeater into a power outlet.
  3. Using an Ethernet cable, connect the repeater directly to a computer. You can also connect the computer to the repeater’s wireless network.
  4. On your computer, enter your Wi-Fi network’s password.
  5. Any other steps to setting up your wireless repeater should be in the manufacturer’s instructions.

Access points

  1. Choose a location free from obstructions that can block signals from your Wi-Fi router.
  2. Turn off your router or modem and computer. Connect your access point to your router or modem and to your computer using an Ethernet cable.
  3. Turn on your router or modem, and plug the access point into an electrical outlet.
  4. Turn on your computer, and start enjoying better Wi-Fi performance.
  5. Any other steps to setting up your access point should be in the manufacturer’s instructions. You can also change optional and advanced router settings by connecting to your router using the IP address provided in the manual, or either 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.

If you need more information about setting up and getting the most out of your wireless network, whether at home or in the office, get in touch with our experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Printer troubles and how to fix themIs your printer broken again? There could be several reasons why. From paper jams and clogged ink cartridges to driver problems and an overloaded print queue — the possibilities are endless. To ease your printer-related woes, let’s take a look at common problems and how you can fix them. Paper jams Paper jams are a […]

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Printer troubles and how to fix them

Is your printer broken again? There could be several reasons why. From paper jams and clogged ink cartridges to driver problems and an overloaded print queue — the possibilities are endless. To ease your printer-related woes, let’s take a look at common problems and how you can fix them.

Paper jams

Paper jams are a common printer problem caused by misaligned paper in the printer tray. Usually, removing the jammed paper and ensuring that the paper is lined up correctly will fix the problem.

Check your printer’s loading capacity as well. The loading capacity typically depends on the material to be printed on. For instance, a printer can print on 100 sheets of plain paper, but can only accommodate 10 envelopes at a time. To avoid jams, make sure to use only the paper sizes and materials prescribed by the printer company.

Lastly, if your printer says there’s a paper jam but no paper is stuck inside, shredded paper residues from the last paper jam could be stuck inside the printer’s gears. Remove them before trying to print again.

Driver problems

The printer driver is responsible for communicating with your computer. Drivers often become outdated or incompatible with your system after an upgrade. Sometimes, you may install an incorrect driver, which can cause the printer to misbehave.

To fix the problem, try uninstalling the faulty driver and replacing it with the appropriate one. You can usually find printer driver information on your printer manufacturer’s support website. Avoid downloading drivers from a third party, as they may be loaded with malware that can cause your computer to malfunction.

Overloaded print queue

There are some instances where your printer fails to clear its queue. If you encounter a paper jam, for instance, the system will not consider the print job done. And if the user attempts to print again, the previous job will not make way for the new request. The worst part? Deleting the print jobs doesn’t do anything most of the time.

To clear the print queue, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off and unplug your printer from the power source.
  2. Click the Start button on your computer and type in services to open Windows Services.
  3. Right-click on Print Spooler and select Stop from the menu that appears. This will halt any stuck print jobs in the queue.
  4. Open File Explorer on your computer, and type in C:\Windows\System32\Spool\PRINTERS in the address bar. Delete all the existing files inside the folder.
  5. Restart your computer and printer. Try printing again.

Clogged printheads

Printhead ink will dry up if you don’t regularly use your printer. This may lead to clogging, which then prevents proper printing. To make sure this issue doesn't happen, unclog your printheads often.

The printhead is located at the end of the cartridge where the ink comes out. To clean it, take a damp paper towel and blot the ink cartridge with the printhead side down. After blotting it a couple of times, you should see ink on the paper towel. Hold the cartridge against a dry paper towel for one minute to dry out any excess ink. Slide the cartridge back into the printer and try to print again.

For printers using individual color cartridges, running a printhead cleaning job can get rid of clogs. While the setup may differ per brand, this is a typical function built into most printers’ software. Consult your user guide to know the best cleaning options for your printer.

Slow printing speed

Slow print jobs are usually caused by outdated software or an intermittent connection. Fix the problem by ensuring that printer drivers and software are updated. If your printer requires an internet connection, you can also try moving your printer closer to your router for a stronger connection.

Check your printer settings as well. For instance, you may be printing at best quality, which takes more time than a draft or normal print because it uses more ink.

If all else fails, check your connections to see if a cable or a power outlet is malfunctioning.

These are just some common problems that you may encounter with your printer. If you have further issues, give us a call today. We’d be happy to assist you.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Top qualities to consider when choosing a laptopIf you love working in your PJs in the comfort of your own bed, then you probably enjoy working from home. It’s not so great though if you’re stuck with a laptop that’s slow and inefficient. But don't worry, we have some recommendations to help you make a decision. Size – When it comes to […]

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Top qualities to consider when choosing a laptop

If you love working in your PJs in the comfort of your own bed, then you probably enjoy working from home. It’s not so great though if you’re stuck with a laptop that’s slow and inefficient. But don't worry, we have some recommendations to help you make a decision.

  • Size – When it comes to your laptop weapon of choice, size matters. Of course, this depends on what you’ll be doing with it. If you’re a graphic designer, you might want to have a bigger display. However, if your work mostly entails writing, blogging, or doing reports, you probably need a standard-sized (11.6- to 15.6-inch) laptop.
  • Screen quality – For work, comfort is the main factor when it comes to screen quality since you’ll most probably be in front of your screen hours at a time. Fortunately, most laptops these days have full HD displays. A 1920x1080-pixel resolution (full HD) should be considered if you require plenty of space to line up windows and keep things in view.
  • Keyboard quality – The quality and functionality of a keyboard drive productivity. If you need to type long hours and want to avoid finger fatigue, you’ll want a keyboard that has a comfortable layout. Make sure the keys have adequate travel on the downstroke and quick responsiveness when you type.
  • CPU – By any given standards, Intel Core Processor offers the best performance, especially when it comes to multitasking and multimedia tasks. Core i3-based laptops are generally found in budget systems, while Core i5 makes up the majority of mainstream business computers. If you want top-of-the-line performance, a Core i7 or even Core i9 CPU is ideal for you.
  • RAM – More RAM allows for more applications to run simultaneously, and for data to be quickly accessible by the system anytime. Nowadays, 8 GB is recommended for most users. But if you're dealing with many applications and assets at any given time, consider 16 GB and above.
  • Storage – We recommend a solid state drive (SSD), as it offers a lot more speed than a hard disk drive when it comes to booting your system and loading programs. It also runs silently and can be installed without adding too much weight and bulk to the laptop.
  • Battery life – You might be plugged in the whole day since you’re working from home, but in the long run, it’s better to factor in the battery life of your laptop. Note that there are many variables that affect battery life such as screen resolution, brightness, number of applications running in the background. Look at the rating of the battery in watt-hours (Wh) or milliampere hours (mAh). The larger these digits are, the longer the battery can last.

Now that you know what to look out for when purchasing your new laptop, here are a couple of recommendations to get you started:

Chromebooks

Chromebooks are budget-friendly laptops that guarantee long battery lives and come with fast processors for web browsing and running productivity apps. They’re lightweight and compact, which is perfect for those times you need to move around or switch places in your home. In addition, Chromebook laptops usually have quiet and ergonomic keyboards. With its built-in Chrome OS, you can expect a faster and more secure laptop that will keep you working efficiently.

2-in-1 laptops

Lightweight laptops with a tablet touch screen allow for unparalleled flexibility and mobility. Most 2-in-1s also have HD displays backed by high-speed processors and integrated graphics to enhance your video conferencing experience. What's more, they're usually paired with a stylus, making them perfect for note-taking, photo editing, and other creative tasks.

Microsoft Surface laptop

Microsoft Surface laptops are considered top performers in the premium laptop market, as they offer great balance and portability. They handle general computing superbly with no slowdown and noise, even if you’re running 10 applications with plenty of tabs in your browser. Other great integrations include an excellent keyboard and trackpad and an ideal screen ratio that’s perfect for productivity tasks.

Apple MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro laptops are generally known for their safe and secure operating system, MacOS. They’re also popular for their powerful hardware that can run graphically intensive tasks. Plus, they can run other operating systems like Windows, UNIX, and Linux. If you need to do video editing, you can definitely take advantage of Mac-exclusive software like Final Cut Pro.

One of the most remarkable features that Apple MacBook Pro laptops boast of is the switch from the former butterfly-like keyboard to the more traditional scissor mechanism. The new keys offer better travel and they also feel soft and clicky. If you’re after a good blend of portability and performance, a MacBook Pro laptop is probably your best bet.

Any laptop is an investment, so you should know what to look for and what to consider. While it’s tempting to get all the great features, it’s still more important to have a laptop that’s reliable and that’s best suited for your needs, especially when you can’t afford to deal with hardware issues while working from home. Call us today to learn more.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Help your staff learn the gear they need for remote workWhile being able to let your staff work from home is a distinct advantage, you still need to execute your remote strategy properly. A big part of this is the hardware your staff has at home. In addition to the primary items like computers and smartphones, these are the items your employees need to have. […]

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Help your staff learn the gear they need for remote work

While being able to let your staff work from home is a distinct advantage, you still need to execute your remote strategy properly. A big part of this is the hardware your staff has at home. In addition to the primary items like computers and smartphones, these are the items your employees need to have.

A reliable keyboard and mouse

PC users obviously need external keyboards to operate their machines and work on files, but there are laptop users who splurge on external keyboards because they prefer how these feel or love to customize some or all of the keys.

Some aspects you want your staff to consider when choosing a keyboard are:

  • Interface – Is it wired or wireless? They won’t have to worry about a power source with wired boards, though battery-powered ones can easily last a year. Choosing a wireless one will mostly depend on whether or not they like to move around and still type away as normal.
  • Comfort and ergonomics – How do the keys feel on their fingertips? There’s now a wide variety of key types to suit their fancy. And if they’re worried about carpal tunnel syndrome, there are now keyboards with keys laid out like a very wide V so that users can hold their wrists at more natural angles.
  • Extras – Does it come with a number keypad and/or a trackpad? Does typing fill the room with sound, or is it muffled and silent? Make sure that the keyboard they choose has at least the things that would help them do their job, and at most make them happy whenever they have to work.

When picking a mouse, they’ll want to think about interface, comfort, and ergonomics, too. And while some are satisfied with a trackball or trackpad, the majority might prefer the ease of use a mouse offers. They’ll most likely have to work for hours on end, so it all boils down to what they’re most comfortable with.

A computer monitor (or two)

PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones all have their own screens, though most prefer screens they can easily read from and use. If your employees are among the lucky ones who work on a file with one screen while using another one to display their references, then they might find it difficult to go back to a single-monitor setup. Thankfully, replicating a dual-monitor setup is just a matter of getting another monitor, connecting it to their computer, and adjusting their display settings.

Of course, setting up dual monitors is their prerogative. If they’re buying monitors, screen aspects to consider are size, aspect ratio (i.e., the proportions of its width and height, resolution (i.e., image quality), and interface (although ports mismatching video cables is a problem that’s easily fixed with adaptors).

However, they don’t even have to buy a new screen if they have a smart TV or a TV they’ve connected to a Chromecast or other similar device. Laptops running on Windows can detect such internet-connected devices, and all they have to do is go to Settings > System > Display > Multiple displays, then adjust their settings as they like.

Webcam and headset

If an employee’s computer doesn’t come with a web camera, they’ll most likely have to purchase one separately, especially if you regularly keep in touch with your team via video conferencing. They’ll need to primarily consider video resolution and sound quality, plus other features such as noise cancellation and autofocus. To reduce external distractions, they might want to use a headset, though isolating themselves in a room and hanging a “Do not disturb” sign might work just as well.

Letting your staff work at home can be a big boon for your company — provided that employees set their devices up properly and that you have a good remote work policy in place. If you’re interested in taking full advantage of remote work but don’t know where to start, talk to our experts. We're more than happy to help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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