When Your Internet Connection Becomes Flaky...

Unless your internet connection is obscenely slow and the reason for this stems directly from your internet service provider, you need to think of the many possible ways to address your speed concerns.

It’s time to be creative and thoughtful.

If the quality of your internet connection is slow on all computers, laptops and devices at home or at the office, investigate on the hardware  by resetting the modem and the router. Resetting both your modem and router accounts 90% of most home internet problems. Update the firmware of your router if resetting it becomes a little too often.

How do you reset your router? First, you need to unplug the router followed by unplugging the modem. Count 10 seconds, then plug both back again; the modem first, followed next by the router. Wait for some time for it to boot up properly. Wait for the activity lights to show and then try connecting again. Resetting modem and router solves 90% of most home internet problems.

If it does not solve the issue, eliminate the router. Connect your computer directly to the modem, then reset the modem again. If the connection is still slow or null, contact your ISP.

If you cannot access a particular website, there can only be 2 reasons that can explain it. Your internet connection may not even be the reason why you cannot load it; the cause lies in the website's server. To rule out this possibility, check other websites and see if it loads on your browser. If it happens to be an isolated case, then the reason indeed lies in the website's server.

If you cannot check other websites, then the problem lies in your internet connection. Try contacting your internet service provider for help on this.

If you can access websites in one computer and not in other devices, then the problem lies not in your internet connection, but on your local machine. It helps to look into the browser that you are using. Check if you are using the updated version. Check too if your anti-virus is still working as there is a possibility also that your computer has been inflicted with a virus, thus preventing you from loading websites on your browser.

Dealing with a flaky internet connection is not everyone’s forte. But be patient and use your mental faculties in thinking of the possible causes why it is slow instead of letting your wrath and frustration cloud your thoughts. Most troubleshooting tips are simple. You just have to eliminate all the possible reasons why your internet connection is failing you one step at a time.

5 Benefits of Broadband Internet Services

The beauty of broadband internet is it allows users to perform tasks online minus the bit rate and speed limitations. It is a great technology to have that even non-tech savvy people should consider having in their lives. It is just bursting with benefits that are simply hard to pass by. What are examples of broadband internet benefits? This article lists down 5 that you should know.

1.     It helps commercial enterprises stay successful. In this age of online stores and digital storefronts, it is essential that businesses stay with this trend than let others surpass them. Having a broadband Internet connection lets businesses, especially small ones, to make profits and sales even with little capital on hand.

They say that broadband Internet is the great equaliser when it comes to online enterprises, and it is true since a lot of businesses that started small are now able to compete with the big names in their chosen industry all thanks to a broadband connection. Not only are they closer to their customers, but they are also able to engage more easily with them through online channels such as emails and social media.

2.      It helps with education. The internet is not only about the connections it creates; it is also about the vast information and resources that it contributes to the world of learners. The internet is home to online universities, dictionaries, online dissertations, libraries, educational videos, encyclopedias and language sites that help facilitate a fun learning environment for students in schools and universities.

For people who cannot afford to go to school or do not have the time to go to class, broadband Internet is their own teacher. Distance learning is made possible by the steady and uninterrupted connection of broadband Internet.

3.     It helps employees be more productive. With the birth of broadband technology, whether in the form of fibre, fixed wireless or satellite, it has ushered in a brand new definition of employment. With super fast and high-speed Internet, employees now:

·        Have the luxury of working within the comforts of their own home.

·        Can freelance outside their 8 to 5 jobs. We now have rapid access to online jobs all thanks to a reliable internet connection in the form of broadband.

·        Can connect with their bosses, managers and co-employees anywhere they are in the world.

·        Can decrease travel expenses such as booking a flight, a hotel or paying for transportation in general since they can connect with their co-employees using teleconferencing, emails and instant messaging made possible by broadband internet.

4.     It creates a more fun entertainment experience. With a fast and seamless internet connection, it is now possible to download or stream TV shows and movies with just a few clicks on the mouse. Regardless of the file size, whether a 720p movie or a high-def movie at 10800p, a fast broadband connection will not disappoint you during Friday movie night at home.

With a reliable internet connection at home, you can turn your living room into a movie theatre. You can say goodbye to your TV set also as you go along.

5.     It simply changes the way you live. You can pay your bills, shop online, interact and communicate all with a broadband connection. You also get to stay in the know with the current news with broadband technologies that let you stay connected with the world. It is true that life B.C. (or Before Computers) were a lot simpler than today, but no one can deny the fact that computers and the technologies that came along with it namely Internet broadband has significantly changed our lives for the better. Do you agree?

Top 5 Tips When Using Your Phone Overseas

Travelling overseas is probably the best way to spend the holidays. Nothing can refresh your mind, your body and your spirit than being immersed in a new place and gaining new experiences as you go along. Travelling is also, by far, one of the most exciting and most fun to document in your life. And where else but on social media.

Hence, travelling overseas also puts that pressure of having and finding a way to stay connected to the internet. Aside from documenting your travels immediately as it happens, you also need a steady access to the internet to check on your flight, weather updates, directions and even translating words and phrases you are too shy to ask from a local.

Follow these tips below so you can enjoy your international data roaming perks without going home with such a big shocker (a.k.a. your phone bill).

1.      Ask your service provider for different international data roaming options. Even before you fly out, ask your mobile carrier the different MB allowances you can opt for international data roaming. This will help you control your use of the internet while you are overseas, and also help you manage your bill as you get back home. Inquire about data packs also that your service provider has as this is cheaper than pay-as-you-go rates.

2.     Check the international roaming rates in the country that you are visiting. There are free online tools that will show you the countries which you can use your phone for international roaming and the rates that apply accordingly.

3.     Buy a local SIM card. If you are considering this, make sure that your phone is unlocked so it can accommodate the local SIM.

4.     Detect Wi-Fi hotspots. If you want to enjoy free access to the internet, look for Wi-Fi hotspots. You can access free Wi-Fi in malls, coffee shops and (if you are lucky) in your hotel room.

5.     Let your friends and family send you a message than call. You get charged for every call your phone receives when you are overseas. For any favours you have left for your friends and family back home, let them know about it well since they don’t need to call you. If your number at the office is diverted to your mobile, make sure to tweak your settings to avoid roaming charges for received calls.

6.     Use your internet lightly. Make your itinerary months or weeks before your flight. This will help you avoid the excessive and heavy use of your mobile internet. With a mapped out itinerary to refer to, you do not have to consult Google to verify every so often. Come prepared for your vacation, to say the least.

7.     Turn off your cellular data when not in use. Maximise your international data roaming allowance by using it only when necessary. Take pictures of your travels and upload them preferably later on once you get back to your hotel room. Further, turning off your cellular data prevents you from updating your background applications and receiving email updates. 

For the 21^st century traveler, having a mobile phone is a non-negotiable. If you cannot travel without your mobile phone, these tips will certainly let you enjoy your inevitable need to access the internet without going overboard your monthly limit. 

How to Boost Your Internet Speed in 5 Steps

A lot of people think that when their internet speed is down, it’s their provider’s responsibility to do something about it. However, certain aspects and details about your connection may impact the speed that you get whether you are searching an item on your browser or downloading files on your computer.

More often that not, your internet speed can be increased by paying attention to the tiny little details about your connection; increasing it is definitely not an exercise in futility.

Know where your router is

Where your wireless router is located can impact the strength of your broadband signals. Examples of barriers to your internet’s optimum speed are walls, doors, the number of floors you have at home and other household electronics that may be interfering with your signals. A baby monitor, a microwave oven or a cordless phone can impact your broadband signal strength.

Where should you place your router, then? Put it in a central and elevated location. Put it at the top of your stairs or have a high table and put your wireless router on top of it. Avoid putting it in corners, near walls, near windows, in cabinets and beside mirrors.

Check your browser

While it may seem like it is about your internet speed, the truth is, the version of your web browser plays a significant factor when browsing the web. Always get the latest version of the web browser you are using. Or better yet, try to switch to a different browser to test which works faster.

Leeching neighbours

Especially if your network is not password-protected, it is likely that your neighbours are piggybacking on your internet connection. Aside from slowing down your internet speed, letting your neighbours use your internet connection freely is also a big security risk on your part. Protect your network with a password. Create a password that is hard to crack as well.

Cut your bandwidth

Unless it is your anti-virus software, turn off all background applications that naturally update itself when an internet connection is detected. Some applications may ask your permission first before updating, but a great majority of applications also just proceeds with the update.

Examples of these are updates on your Windows or media player, security scans, instant messaging apps and weather and foreign exchange widgets on a website or a blog that is currently running on your browser.

If you are on a computer, check your task manager and see what applications are running. Check your phone or tablet computer also for any background applications that inevitably updates itself.  Cancel them to give your internet speed that much needed boost.

Expand it!

If you are using a wireless router, expand your coverage with an external equipment. Whether it is a wireless extender, a repeater or a powerline adapter, it can increase your internet speed as it bounces your signal all over your premises. While expensive, investing on an external equipment can be an effective way to increase your internet speed.

Since the quality and speed of your internet greatly affects your productivity, work out on these tiny details to give you a more satisfying internet experience.

3 Qualities Your ISP of Choice Should Have

Your choice of an internet service provider or ISP can make a world of difference to your entire online experience. With so many ISPs trying to get your attention with almost the same promos and the same promise of super fast Internet speed, what you need to be cautious and be alert to would be the qualities an ISP you want has.

Offers plenty of high speed internet choices

It is useless to do business with a particular ISP if your choice of high speed internet is not available in their menu of choices. In this age of broadband technologies, it is important that your ISP of choice is updated with the latest in broadband developments as well. 

•    Do they offer fibre broadband?
•    Do they offer fixed wireless broadband?
•    Do they offer fast ADSL?
•  Is satellite broadband available?

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It is also important to note that your location plays a big factor in the kind of broadband connection you can get. If you are in the urban areas, fibre and fixed wireless broadband are available. If you are in the rural areas, your option would be satellite broadband. Make sure that not only do they have plenty of high speed internet choices, but they are also capable of servicing your area. 

Reliable 24/7 customer support

It is important that the ISP you choose has a reliable 24/7 customer support that you can call. Especially if you are getting an Internet connection for your small business, you need someone who can troubleshoot immediately so your operations are not interrupted. Technology is a great tool for small business operations, but it can also be a very big enemy if it fails to act when you need it to. 

If there are problems with your physical network, you can report it no matter what time of the day it is. If there are speed issues, a 24/7 customer support can give you the answers and explanations you need at the moment. At the end of the day, the kind of customer support they have is proof of their commitment that you get the upload and download speed quoted to you as much as possible.

Offers flexible plan terms 

An ISP that offers both no-contract terms and 12-month plan terms is an ISP that values your satisfaction more than anything else. While it is obvious that they will get more out of you if the only option they have is a 12-month plan term, an ISP that offers no-contract terms is an ISP that allows you to experience a variety of broadband choices without commitments. 

If you are not satisfied with your current plan or choice of broadband, you can switch to another option to test the waters. Go to an ISP that offers flexible plan terms for you to choose from. Check also the perks that they have such as free installations, free plan changes, no excess usage fees, etc., which will all come in handy during payment. 

While there are many other qualities that your choice of ISP should have, the 3 qualities just discussed should be your non-negotiables. The kind of Internet you will have will all reflect on the kind of ISP you will work with.

The 2014 Guide to the Internet: Round Up of Terms Every Beginner Should Know

You'll be surprised at the different Internet terms that not only beginners are unaware of, but also among those who have been using the Internet for a long time on a daily basis. To address this information gap, we have here a 2014 guide to Internet terms for beginners – and the not-so-beginners alike. 

Internet and the Web: Is there a difference?

The Internet is a system of networks that connects computers from all over the world using a protocol called TCP/IP. What started as a communication experiment for the military, the Internet we know today is a public platform where anyone can freely broadcast want they want to say and share. To access the Internet (and contribute to it), you need to have an Internet connection. This connection can be provided privately by an ISP or publicly from a Wi-Fi network.

The Web is short for World Wide Web. A subset of the Internet, the Web is that portion of the Internet that we are most familiar using. We view the Web using a web browser software. Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari and Mozilla Firefox are examples of popular web browser software that we use.

http: VS https:

HTTP is a an acronym that stands for hypertext transfer protocol. When 2 computers communicate with each other, it follows a certain protocol of communication. HTTP is the default protocol that displays on our web browser when we browse a web page using its URL address.

The only difference between http: and https: is the latter is secure. You will notice https: on your web browser if you are on a website that requires a username and a password. If you need to access your bank account, transfer payment to a merchant or share sensitive information, the web browser should be encrypted with https: for your security and protection.

URLs

URL stands for Uniform Resource Locators. It is the address that you put on your web browser when accessing internet pages and other online media such as images and videos.

There are several parts of a URL address, but let us keep it short and simple here.

Typically, a URL address such as 'http://www.google.com' has 4 parts. 'http://' is the protocol. 'www' is the host name. 'google' is the subdomain name. '.com' is the domain name. Collectively, 'www.google.com' is the resource name.

IP Addresses

IP addresses are like home addresses. It is unique per household. For instance, if you are having pizza delivered, you need to let the delivery guy what your exact address is or else he can just send the pizza to anybody else. 

The Internet works the same way. Without an IP address, information cannot be received. Whether you are accessing the Web using your smart phone, your tablet computer or your laptop, a dedicated IP address (it is formatted in numbers) is assigned to your device.

Blogs

Blog is a contraction for 'web blog'. Blogs these days are like diaries without a lock. It is a highly public way to express your feelings. Both professional writers and amateurs have turned to blogs to share their expertise and ideas on a wide range of topics. Digital marketers have likewise used blogs in advertising their brand.

ISPs

ISP is an acronym for Internet Service Provider. It can be privately owned or a property of the government that allows you to explore the Internet. An ISP can offer you different internet services such as fibre broadband, fixed wireless, ADSL or mobile internet. You can select your preferred monthly data allowance and speed depending on what the ISP offers.