Reasons to Rethink Your ISP-Provided Router

When you sign up with your internet service provider (ISP) you may also get a modem and router combination. It could be free, a rental, or something you buy outright. Before assuming that is the best device for your needs, weigh up these considerations.


Many ISPs provide you with a proprietary router and modem. Your internet service plan may include it for a rental fee, or you might have to pay over time to buy the device. If that's the case, find out how much the modem and router would cost to buy outright. You might be able to buy a higher-quality device at a better price.


Other times, ISPs offer free modems and/or routers included with your plan. The price is reasonable, sure, but you could be getting a low-quality device. You might want to upgrade to a better option for not much more money.


What you need to know about modems/routers


Your home network requires a modem, router, or combination device. The latter are growing more common.


The modem connects your home to your ISP through a physical connection. This device translates ISP data into a format your home network devices can use.


The router creates a local area network (LAN) connecting your devices to your modem. This allows your computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones to connect to the internet. You'll have either a wired or wireless router.


In summary, the modem sends and receives internet signals, while the router distributes them to your devices.


What to look for in a router


Before relying on an ISP router, consider the benefits of store-bought devices.


If parental controls are important to you, shop for a router offering those features. You may have parental control apps on your devices, but having the controls on the router can be more effective.


Encourage a safer online environment for children with features such as:


  • website filtering


  • content filtering


  • time restrictions


  • safe search


  • device management


  • reports and alerts


  • remote management


You can also improve network security with a router that allows you to set up a separate guest network. Provide guests with internet access without worrying they can access your private network.


You can also look for a router that supports Quality of Service (QoS). This feature allows you to allocate internet bandwidth to different devices or applications. For example, you can prioritize a work computer with more bandwidth than a gaming console.

 

Depending on the ISP...you MAY want to provide your own router.

We've given you plenty of reasons to rethink your ISP's router, yet choosing an alternative can overwhelm you. We can help you identify the right solution for your specific needs.


Contact us today at 940-282-0290.

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Why You Need to Question Facebook Quizzes

When you see a quiz on social media you:


A. Always fill it in! Of course, you want to know your celebrity alter ego or what your favorite food means about you.


B. Sometimes participate. Your friends have done it, so now you're curious about your results too.


C. Scroll on by. You don't want to risk security.

You don't need to be great at quizzes to guess which of these is the correct answer for your cyber safety.


Answering a "20 questions about me you never knew" or "15 questions about my childhood" survey may seem innocent, yet the people behind those questions could have ill intent. They're using a quiz format to gather the personal information they need to access your accounts. Think about it. Who else asks for your pets' names, your favorite color, the elementary school you attended, or your mother's maiden name? These are questions you'll see as password reset prompts.


When you do one of these personal surveys, you're encouraged to share your results. Doing so may be giving access to your answers to anyone on the internet.


Other quiz risks


Taking Facebook or Buzzfeed quizzes, even if not scams, can compromise your privacy. These online quizzes learn about you and your preferences. That data may be sold to third parties.


You might have seen IQ tests on your social platforms. You know you've always wanted proof of how smart you are! But these tests can sometimes ask for your phone number before you receive your results. You won't be feeling so brilliant when you start getting all the junk texts and new charges on your cell phone bill.


What can you do?


If you do continue to take quizzes, take the following steps:


  • Avoid quizzes that have you typing in custom answers.

  • Read the fine print about how they use your data.


  • Think twice before sharing your contact information to get quiz results.


  • Be careful about posting your results on Facebook; check how much access you're giving that website.


If you're in the midst of a quiz and realize it could be a scam, take a screenshot and write down your answers. If you can delete the answers before submitting, do so. Also, record the name of the user who posted the quiz. It may be a fake account, but all the information you have can prove helpful when you report the post to Facebook.


Once you realize you could have given up security-question answers, change your account settings. Often, you have many questions to choose from when setting your security prompts. If that doesn't give you an original question to answer, you can enter a fake answer. But you'll need to keep track of that alternate response in case you need to recover that account in the future.


Need help securing your online data? Our IT experts can help shore up your cybersecurity.


Call us today at 940-282-0290.

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Brian W. Norby
 
(Owner of both BWN Computer
AND That Computer Man)


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