What’s the name of your home’s wireless network? Listen to this one-minute podcast for an easy way to remember.
How to turn an old PC into a home media server
If you’ve ever upgraded your computer system, you’ve had to deal with the old version. Maybe you want to sell it online for a pretty penny. Tap or click here to maximize your selling price when giving away your old devices.
Then again, you may not want to part with it for a few reasons. That makes sense: Your old PC has a few pretty cool uses. For example, you can turn it into a home media server that stores your old songs, videos, documents and files.
This is an excellent backup if you ever deal with cloud storage issues or lost thumb drives. All you need is the right free software and a little ingenuity. Here’s an easy guide to turning your old computer into a handy home media server you’ll use time and time again.
Why you need it
Here’s a quick overview if you’ve never heard of a home media server. It’s like a private streaming service that keeps copies of your favorite movies, photos, shows, podcasts and more. Think of it as a central hub for your media.
The main benefit of having your own home media server is freedom. You’re not at the mercy of streaming services and their ever-changing deals. So often, you find a show or movie on one service only to discover it’s disappeared a few days later.
This can be frustrating since you have to look up the movie again to see where it’s streaming. You might even have to sign up for a new service to watch the film. Tap or click here for a few handy sites that reveal where the show or movie you want to watch is streaming.
A home media server also lets you watch high-quality videos
Setting up a home media server saves you time and effort. Another great benefit is video quality preservation. After all, your local network may move data more quickly than your internet connection.
To put it simply, adding a 4K movie with Blu-ray quality to your home media server means you can watch it anytime, even when the internet is out. While you don’t need internet access, you will need a LAN or local area network.
If you’re new to lingo like LAN, check out our easy guide to internet connectivity. You can even tinker with your router to control traffic with network prioritization and beef up security. Tap or click here to get better Wi-Fi using these features on your router.
Ready to get started? Here’s how to set up your own home media server
Is your small business struggling to hire? Try this
If you’re having trouble finding new people to join your team, you’re not alone. When looking to reel in new talent, you need to make the first point of contact tantalizing to potential employees.
We’re talking about the job posting. It’s your one chance to make an excellent first impression. Sure, it’s tough to write the perfect job description, but the results are well worth the effort. Your work here can make or break a potential employee’s willingness to join your company.
Crypto tip: Top 5 cryptocurrencies for beginners
© Wywenka85 | Dreamstime.com
Cryptocurrency has been around for more than a decade, starting with the release of the first decentralized blockchain-based digital currency in 2009. Cryptocurrency runs on distributed public ledgers called blockchains and does not rely on a central banking system.
5 ways to maximize your home security system
Modern burglars are less like the bumbling bozos in “Home Alone” and more like the highly organized team in “Ocean’s Eleven.” In 2018, a high-tech group of criminals stole around $10 million from 50 Long Island businesses by hacking into wireless networks and disabling alarm systems. The victims learned that there are always more ways to upgrade your existing home security system even though they set up alarms.
How to unlock international Netflix to access more movies and shows
If you’re a big streamer who craves new content, you may cast your eyes towards foreign content. Unfortunately, streaming platforms like Netflix don’t show the same shows and movies in every country. Thanks to the complex spiderweb of global licenses, you can’t stream whatever you want on Netflix. There are a ton of limitations getting in the way.
Is your ISP throttling your internet speeds? Here's a fast test to find out
© Ian Allenden | Dreamstime.com
Does it ever feel like your internet is running slower than usual? Of course, it does. It’s happened to all of us at some point.
Web pages seem sluggish, while downloads and uploads seem to take forever. It’s very frustrating — especially when you’re paying for high-speed internet. Many potential issues are causing the slowdown, including problems with your device, browser or even a website you’re trying to visit.
All phones might not work soon
What would you do if, one day, your mobile phone just stopped working? Listen to this one-minute episode to learn what to do if America’s cellular network goes down.
3G is shutting down - Here's how you are affected
Are you prepared for AT&T to shut down its whole 3G network next week? Listen to this one-minute episode now to find out how this affects you.
Digital Life Hack: Amazon's hush hush about using your bandwidth to create a network
Do you own an Amazon Echo speaker or a Ring video doorbell? Listen now to learn how Amazon is using your bandwidth to create a network with your neighbors.
Have smart devices at home? Take these steps to stay safe
When you put a cheap smart bulb in your shopping cart, no one warned you it might be susceptible to hackers who could use it to break into your entire network. With more and more of our devices connected to the internet, we’re all at risk. I brought in cybersecurity expert Ricoh Danielson to help you lock it all down. Find out more about Ricoh at 1stresponder.us.
How often you should reboot your computer
There are few certainties in life: Death, taxes, and turning your computer off and on when there’s a problem. This advice is usually the first tip you get from friends, family, and tech support.
Rebooting your computer helps keep it running smoothly. It clears the memory, stopping any tasks that are eating up RAM. Even if you’ve closed an app, it could still tap your memory. A reboot can also fix peripheral and hardware issues.
Hitting the road? Here’s a money-saving change you should make before your next vacation
© Fabio Camandona | Dreamstime.com
Summer is here, which means it’s high time to plan a vacation to get away from it all. Maybe you’re picturing a sun-drenched beach, or perhaps your mind wanders to a cozy cabin away from the hustle and bustle.
Many people are turning their vacation dreams into reality this summer, while also trying to stay on budget. But oftentimes, a hotel or rental, plane tickets, a car when you arrive, food and drinks, gas — can all add up fast.
Finding the right person is hard. Here's why your job ad isn’t getting any results
If you’re looking to attract new talent to your company, there’s no better time to publish a job listing. There are a ton of talented people out there looking for their next great role.
Let’s say you posted an employment ad and no one is biting. Is it you? Is it the description?
The best (and worst) cases to protect your AirTags
Earlier this year, Apple finally released its take on a tiny tracking device: The AirTag. It ties in with the existing Find My network, so you don’t have to worry about losing your keys, luggage or anything else you can attach it to.
Your smart devices are leaking private info - Steps you can take
When you put a cheap smart bulb in your shopping cart, no one warned you it might be susceptible to hackers who could use it to break into your entire network. With more and more of our devices connected to the internet, we’re all at risk. I brought in cybersecurity expert Ricoh Danielson to help you lock it all down. Find out more about Ricoh at 1stresponder.us.
3 ways to make sure Facebook really isn't listening
We all know that Google can listen to your conversations, but what about Facebook? The social media giant claims that it doesn’t eavesdrop, but how often have you seen ads for products relating to a recent conversation?
Change your Wi-Fi password or face jail time
Here’s something to think about. If you don’t lock down your home’s Wi-Fi network, you could be charged with a crime you didn’t commit.
A threat to your online security hiding in plain sight
With the internet of things, you can open doors and turn on lights with one tap on your phone. That’s a lot of power — so what happens when a hacker takes over your home network? Kim speaks with Cequence Security hacker Jason Kent, who shares some scary stories about what can happen if you aren’t careful. You’ll also get a ton of cybersecurity tips to make sure your online security is airtight!
Have lousy Wi-Fi? Upgrade to a mesh system ($46 off if you hurry)
If there’s one place you should have a consistent, speedy network, it’s your home. From streaming music and movies to attending virtual classes, meetings and even doing your job, this is where you have full control. A single router works great if you live in a small one-room apartment, but what about multiple rooms and floors?