Category Archives: Internet and Networking

Questions and answers on Internet use, connectivity, networking and the Web

The weakest link in cyber security – the human

Posted on March 15, 2023 by quill

As anti-malware software and firewall protections improve, the classic ‘barging in through the front door’ methods that criminals use to breach a network or deliver malware and ransomware, have given way to gaining access to computers and networks through social … Continue reading →

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Q: What should I check first if my computer lost internet access?

Posted on December 19, 2019 by quill

The first rule of support is: Check the cables. The second rule of support is: Check the cables again! Is everything powered on? Once you have done that, you need to isolate where the internet access is being interrupted. Was … Continue reading →

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Q: News web sites lock up every computer I’ve used, using much of it’s resources

Posted on December 12, 2019 by quill

A: Your experience is not the same as others. Yes, news sites rely a lot on syndication, ads, dynamic content and loading content from multiple different sources. But the majority of computers do not bog down or lock up on … Continue reading →

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Is FixYa Dead? Have the scammers won?

Posted on October 17, 2019 by quill

FixYa is a site where people can post ‘how do i fix…’ questions online, and other members volunteer suggestions to solve the problem. This is similar to Quora and Yahoo Answers. While there have been debates on the quality of … Continue reading →

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I have lousy WiFi reception – what can I do?

Posted on May 1, 2015 by quill

I can’t get good WiFi reception in my living room, my router is in the basement on the opposite side of the house In order to achieve reliable WiFi performance, you have to get a strong radio signal from the router … Continue reading →

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Another Phishing Email – “Your iTunes is frozen”

Posted on August 3, 2014 by quill

Online criminals continue with phishing expeditions. Phishing is sending phony emails that mimic legitimate emails from reputable sources, hoping to get you to click on them to download malware, or to steal your login and password when you arrive at … Continue reading →

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NoScript with Firefox gives a higher level of security to web browsing

Posted on April 30, 2014 by quill

Web browsing is full of hazards. Even reputable websites can have poisoned banner ads from third parties, which can attempt to hack your machine or browser settings. You don’t even have to click on a “bad” website to be the … Continue reading →

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Q. What is a NAS drive and how would I use it?

Posted on March 19, 2014 by quill

NAS stands for Network Attached Storage.  It means any stand-alone hard drive or storage unit that is connected to an Ethernet network, and can be shared by the devices on that network. This is distinct from a USB or Firewire … Continue reading →

Posted in Computer Questions and Answers, General Computer, Hard Drives and SSD, Internet and Networking | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Routers – home and small business router vulnerabilities

Posted on March 18, 2014 by quill

We think (a lot) about keeping our computers up to date, virus free and protected with passwords. But stop and consider this: the wireless router that sits in the corner of the office and quietly handles all your WiFi and … Continue reading →

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Don’t fall for a parasite – watch your installers

Posted on May 3, 2013 by quill

Parasites … nobody wants them. But you almost certainly have at least one, in your computer.  Did you ever wonder how a Ask, Yahoo, AVG or other browser search toolbar suddenly appeared on your computer screen? Or why instead of … Continue reading →

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Zero Day Java Exploit – Disable Java Now

Posted on January 12, 2013 by quill

There is yet another series of malware out which exploits holes in the Oracle (Sun) Java language, including the most recent version (Java 7 Update 10) as of Jan 12 2013. Disable Java in your Web browser now. After the … Continue reading →

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Q. What is Ethernet CAT5 cable?

Posted on September 7, 2012 by quill

Ethernet is the most popular standard for transmitting network signals from one computer to another. Ethernet can be carried on a variety of different media Cable types: Coaxial (10Base5) “thick” or “thinnet (10Base2)” which are largely obsolete, optical fiber, power line, … Continue reading →

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Q. Where can I get free TV shows and movies?

Posted on September 3, 2012 by quill

First, a word about copyright. Unless they are offered for free by the copyright holders, downloading commercial movies, music or programs for free is not legal. You can get TV free at lots of places on the Internet. First, check … Continue reading →

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Q. Can I get Nike, NFL or Air Jordan stuff cheaply from this site?

Posted on August 28, 2012 by quill

There are a huge number of websites which offer name brand and team branded sports items, apparel and shoes at a discount. They may advertise “factory direct” or “wholesale” prices. The bottom line is, if you are being offered name … Continue reading →

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Q. Can I really get great deals on penny auctions?

Posted on August 27, 2012 by quill

Can I really get an iPad for $39.87 like they advertise all over the Internet? Short answer, no. Longer answer – ONE lucky person out of a couple of thousand that are trying for it will get the iPad for … Continue reading →

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