Simple Tips for Boosting Your Internet Experience
Now more than ever, Americans depend on a fast and reliable Internet connection. Whether working from home, learning online, or connecting with virtual health care providers, families need to know they can access the necessary information quickly and securely. For the majority of people, keeping up with tech trends can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are some easy tips anyone can adapt to ensure a higher quality Internet experience.
Protect the Connection
A basic but critical step in maintaining the highest levels of online satisfaction is protecting your equipment. A power surge can wreak havoc on computers and other electronics. Ensure you are armed with the appropriate circuit breakers for your particular needs so that you won’t be knocked out of commission by an unexpected electrical fault. Options exist for both residential and business applications, so you’ll be able to find the right fit for any situation.
Start With the Basics
If you’re experiencing less-than-optimal connectivity, take a deep breath. Oftentimes the easiest solution is actually the best one. Begin by simply rebooting your router. It may seem too low-tech, but this is often the most effective action you can take. Before leaping to conclusions about complicated and expensive solutions, shut it down and start it back up. It just may solve the problem and, at the very least, will save you from an embarrassing conversation with tech support in which you have to admit you didn’t start with this most basic step.
And, speaking of routers, here’s another simple tip: Relocate it to a central location in your home. While it may not be the most decorative of accessories, your router needs to be located in the center of the action, Internet-wise. Make sure it is front and center, not tucked away in a corner, so the signal is loud and proud.
Eliminate the Distractions
Did you know your Wi-Fi signal can be hijacked by devices that aren’t even linked to it? Baby monitors, mobile phones, and antennae can operate on the same frequencies as your router and interfere with the network. If you suspect this might be the issue, experiment by temporarily turning off the extraneous devices to see how that impacts your Internet connection.
If you live in an urban area, your signal could also be clashing with nearby neighbors. You can switch to a different channel to reduce congestion and speed up your Internet access without causing friction in the neighborhood.
Fortify the Password
Are you still using the password given to you by your Internet provider? While it may be convenient because it’s printed on the back of the router for those inevitable memory lapses, it’s also a prime target for thieves. While they may be after nothing more nefarious than free access, you need to block these freeloaders in order to maximize your Internet experience. Reset your password with a customized and exhaustingly long one that will discourage hackers’ attempts.
Remember the Wires
If you’re relying on wireless connectivity for all your devices, reconsider that choice. Using ethernet for applications that require the fastest connections, like gaming and streaming, will greatly increase user satisfaction while reducing frustration. A wired connection is also the gold standard for privacy, so banking and other confidential activities are best conducted this way. Obviously, wired devices aren’t as portable as others, but an ethernet connection’s speed and reliability can be well worth the sacrifice.
Block the Malware
Make sure you’re regularly using state-of-the-art antivirus software. Not only can viruses and other types of malware slow down your Internet experience, but they also have the potential to compromise and even devastate your most important personal information. Installing and running the appropriate security software will alert you to breaches that may be slowing down your Internet speed and allow you to take the proper steps to eliminate the threat.
In these days of increasing reliance on the Internet, ensuring your family can access it in the most efficient, reliable, and secure manner is a top priority. By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure a quality experience for everyone.
