Plus, is your info on the Dark Web? I’ll explain how to check. Also, I give my trusty advice to a gal sick of pricey cable. And Instagram’s big update, smart sprinklers can save you big bucks and the best tech for caregivers. For those of you in rural areas, slick ways to boost your Wi-Fi.
Worth it? This router has a built-in VPN
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Protect your internet-connected devices at home, such as an Amazon Echo or a smart thermostat, with a VPN router to prevent hackers from causing chaos.
A VPN-enabled router encrypts data on your network, adding an extra layer of security and privacy for all connected devices. Watch out for these five signs indicating your current router may not keep you safe.
Secure your home with this new VPN router
Most routers don’t come with built-in VPNs. However, a new product from our sponsor ExpressVPN is changing the game.
Its first hardware product, ExpressVPN Aircove, is a Wi-Fi 6 router that comes out of the box with a VPN already installed. According to ExpressVPN, it’s “the industry’s first and only Wi-Fi router with built-in VPN.”
Just know that you’ll need an ExpressVPN subscription to take advantage of this special protection. That’s a win-win for those of us at Komando HQ. We use ExpressVPN to protect our privacy while browsing the web — and you can too.
Good news: Kim negotiated a special deal just for you. When you sign up for one year at ExpressVPN.com/Kim, you can get three months of ExpressVPN for free.
How this VPN-enabled router can help you
With Aircove, you can have up to five different Device Groups. All you have to do is drag and drop your devices onto different ones. For example, this feature allows you to have one group for guests and another for your streaming devices.
Imagine sitting on the couch with your computer on your lap and Netflix on the TV. For some reason, the show you watched yesterday isn’t available today. A website says the show isn’t on American Netflix anymore — but you can find it on Japanese Netflix.
With Aircove, you can link your smart TV’s internet traffic to a Japanese server, even if your computer is connected to a German server. This streaming trick makes life much easier.
Fully encrypt all the devices on your home network
5 ways to increase your PC's download speed
You may have a poor internet connection if downloads take forever to reach 100%. Outages or poorly-constructed websites could also be to blame. Whatever the cause is, try these tricks to increase the download speed on your PC.
Your router's dirty data secrets, Tesla’s Cybertruck debut & organizing photo secrets
Don't buy these 10 obsolete products
© Roman Tiraspolsky | Dreamstime.com
Have any old gadgets around? Your dusty phones, boomboxes and gaming consoles can be worth a fortune. Here’s a list of items to fatten your wallet.
“New” is a relative term when it comes to tech. One product can remain on the shelves for years while another is replaced annually. The impact this has on your buying decisions can vary. Purchasing last year’s toaster oven may mean missing out on the new air fryer, but it’s not the same as getting an older smart speaker.
Where to put your router for better speeds
If you sink a ton of money into a high-performing router, you probably expect it to function perfectly. Though, just buying a good router isn’t enough. You need to put it in the ideal spot to maximize efficiency.
Regarding routers, it’s all about location, location, location. By that, we mean you need to think about anything that could obstruct its signals.
Don't place your WiFi router in this room
Slow Internet? Your router might be in the wrong spot. Here are some factors to consider, in 60 seconds.
Get weather alerts and $360 in freebies, cat chess, Xbox goes woke
Plus, why MacBooks are being sold for scrap, use physical security keys to protect your Apple accounts, end-to-end encryption in Facebook Messenger and cool ways to use your router’s USB ports.
Porn scams, new humanoid robot, grow taller with $150k legs
Plus, fast charger secrets, feds crack down on social media censorship, how to find the best router and the best way to keep your cell phone number private.
Porn scams, new humanoid robot, grow taller with $150k legs
Tech workers are getting leg-lengthening surgery that costs up to $150k. Plus, Tesla gets ready to unveil its humanoid Optimus robot, porn tech support scams, feds crack down on social media censorship, fast charger secrets, find the best router in under one minute and the best way to keep your cell phone number private.
Find the best router in under 1 minute
What’s the most important piece of tech that helps you get online? A router! Listen to this one-minute podcast for an easy way to find the best router for your home.
Uber dangers, remote work scams, fix slow Wi-Fi
Stop pulling out your credit cards to buy things. Follow these tricks instead. Plus, here’s the best place for your router to fix lagging Wi-Fi. Also, five legitimate ways to make money online — and remote job scams to look out for. You also need to know about the enormous risk you take whenever you order an Uber.
Cool ways to use your router's USB ports
Ever look at the back of your router and wonder what the USB port is good for? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a few tech tips that will change your digital life.
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.
Best place for your router to fix lagging Wi-Fi
Is the Wi-Fi in your house lagging? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a few simple fixes.
How to save your texts, protect nude photos and find spyware
I’ve got a lot of great advice in this episode of Kim Komando Today. First, you’ll learn how to never lose a text message again. I’ll also tell you how to protect your nude photos from hackers. (This was based on a listener question.) Plus, where to put your router for the best Wi-Fi, how to find spyware and a few other tech tips that will make your digital life easier.
AirTag stalkers, easy change to get faster internet, tax return pro tip
It didn’t take long for creeps and thieves to use Apple’s AirTags to follow people. Apple has a response, but is it enough? Plus, tips to get your tax return back faster, and where to put your router for better internet speed.
Free check to see if your router has been hacked by criminals
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The internet is a crazy place. Not only do marketers and advertisers follow your every move, but there are also hackers and scammers lurking in the dark corners, ready to pounce on your personal information.
At least marketers and advertisers want to make money off of you. The hackers and scammers we’re talking about want to flat-out steal your money by hijacking your personal information.
9 popular routers are at risk - See if yours is on the list
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Your router is arguably the most critical component in your internet network. It serves as the primary point where all wireless devices connect and download information. A vulnerability in the router’s software could spell disaster. Tap or click here if you are sick of slow Wi-Fi speeds.
Digital Life Hack: Put your router here for speedy Wi-Fi
Is your home Wi-Fi slow and annoying? Listen now for a quick and easy fix.
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?