2022 June eBytes
WiFi - Replace Router By Tom Kreuzer
Quick Topics from the May 3rd Q&A By Tom Kreuzer
Facebook - Unfriend, Block, or Unfollow By Tom Kreuzer
Need a Budget Laptop? We've Got the Best Picks
10 Big Reasons Not to Upgrade to Windows 11
Save yourself some money and cut the cable TV cord already
How to Set Up Your Smart Home: A Beginner's Guide
The 6 Best Android 13 Beta Features
How to Free Up Space in Google Drive
Sluggish Browser? How to Speed Up Google Chrome
Google Can Now Remove Your Phone Number, Address From Search Results
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WiFi - Replace Router By Tom Kreuzer
Five years ago I had CenturyLink install Fiber Internet in my house for my Internet. CenturyLink installed a Fiber Modem for free with no monthly charge inside my house. I purchased from them their C2100T WiFi Router for a one time cost of $99. The fiber line goes into the modem with an Ethernet out that connects to the Lan input on the Router. The Router has 4 Ethernet out and provides WiFi. I have always bought my modem and router so I am not paying monthly rental fees. The Router would have cost me $15 month * 12 months * 5 years = $1125. I saved over $1000 by buying my own WiFi Router. Routers should be upgraded every 3-5 years to take advantage of new 802.11 standards, better security, faster processors, and other functions. If you are buying today get a router that at least supports 802.11ax which is also called WiFi 6. You will see some 802.11be WiFi 7 routers for sale if money is no object.
I live in a 1000 Square Foot house, so my needs are for a good small house router. I saw a CNet review and recommendation for a good budget router TP-Link Archer AX21 AX1800: https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/tp-link-archer-ax21-review/ that supports 802.11ax.
I went online to Amazon, eBay, Target, and WalMart to see who had the best price. New models sell for about $100. Amazon was selling refurbished models for $65 with free 4 day shipping, so I ordered one. While waiting for the router to arrive, I checked several locations in my house using the Android "WiFi Analyzer'' App to see the signal strength of my current router. I have an outside camera that was getting a weak signal that affected the quality of the live video stream that I was hoping would improve with a new router. I also collected my info I had set up on the old router (SSIDs, Passwords, MAC ID, etc.).
In the past thirty years I have replaced Xfinity and CenturyLink DSL routers and usually it was fairly easy, so I was not expecting a problem. In some cases I had to change a MAC ID on the new router to what the old router had or had to contact Xfinity or CenturyLink to allow my router to connect to the Internet. I hoped for the best and unplugged my fiber modem, unplugged my old router, and plugged in the new router with one Ethernet connected directly from the router to my laptop. Turned on the modem and then the new router and waited for it to start. I then used my laptop browser to connect to the Router Admin Setup for the router http://192.168.0.1. Many newer routers come with a phone app to do their setup, but I find the laptop and browser is easier and offers me more details and functions than the apps. The browser connected to the new router and prompted me to enter an Admin password instead of asking me to create a new Admin password. This indicated to me that the refurbished Router had not been Reset after the refurbish was done, so I got a paper clip and pushed the Reset on the back of the Router and waited for it to reset and start again. I connected again and got the windows to enter a new Admin password. It then continued the setup. After I made a few changes, I could see the Router was working fine, but I could not get to the CenturyLink Modem for the Internet connection. Looks like I had more work to do.
I reconnected the old router backup and did a Google search "CenturyLink Fiber replace WiFi router". I should have done this before I got my router, but live and learn. There were a number of articles and YouTube videos. One link was to the CenturyLink website on supported WiFi routers. https://www.centurylink.com/home/help/internet/modems-and-routers/compatible-modems.html#recommended. They listed 4-5 routers for $150-$200 and mine was not in the list. They also did not list any setup settings or how to configure any router. Looked like CenturyLink was going to be no help. I then looked at other search results with many of the articles talking about setting up supported routers configured from CenturyLink which I did not have. I found an article https://superuser.com/questions/1148268/how-to-ditch-centurylink-fiber-modem that talked about the need to connect with PPPoE and may need "201" Tagging that CenturyLink does for security. This was the first I had heard of that. I found a 15 minute YouTube video How to use CenturyLink Fiber without CenturyLink's Modem and with your own Router that talked about what had to be setup. I also saw several articles about leaving the old router, turning off its WiFi, and connecting the new router to the old in "Bridge Mode". This option would be my last resort if I could not directly connect my new router directly to the modem.
A PPPoE connection to your ISP requires a Username and Password that authorizes your Internet connection. I could not find it listed on my old router and the articles talked about contacting CenturyLink to get them. I then went to the CenturyLink site and tried finding a phone and tried calling. After spending about 30 minutes entering info on the phone and getting transferred to other departments I gave up with the phone. I usually have better luck with "Chat" online than by phone so I tried that. The person I connected with was great after I gave him my account info and I had my PPPoE Username and Password in less than five minutes. I asked him about the "201" but he did not know, but could send me a PDF with instructions to set up a router to my email. I never did get the email with the PDF.
I connected my new router again and went into the setup to setup PPPoE. I put in my Username and Password and crossed my fingers that the Internet light on the Router would glow white this time. After a minute - no connection. I then was looking where I could set up the "201" Tagging. After hunting for a couple of minutes I found a page with settings that looked and sounds right. After making the changes it rebooted. Praise God the Internet light was white. I checked the laptop and I could now connect outside my home network to the Internet.
The entire process took a little longer than I thought, but thanks to a "Google Search" and YouTube info I was able to get the new router to connect.
I made a couple of other changes to the router for SSIDs, user WiFi password, and remote admin. I used the same SSIDs and password as the old router, so I did not have to setup/connect my almost 20 devices to a new WiFi network. Also , with the same name and password, I could unplug the new router and replace with the old if I have any problem in the future.
The next day I downloaded the 112 page PDF manual for the router and found a feature where I was able to set auto update of the firmware and also to reboot the router once a month on the date and time I set. I then updated my Router WiFi list I print and keep next to the router with the settings, lights, and other info. All in all the router upgrade went well. I have better Signal quality than the old and have not had any issues since I installed it three weeks ago.
For additional info, see the January 2022 PCC Meeting on Home Networks on the club website.
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Quick Topics from the May 3rd Q&A By Tom Kreuzer
Windows Task Manager is a great tool included in Windows to let you know what is currently running and how it affects performance. You can also disable and enable items that have been setup on your computer when you installed some software or changed settings. In the startup tab you can right click on an item to do a Google search if you want to know what an item is.
Clipboard History - Windows Key + V
Many people use the standard Ctrl + C to Copy and Ctrl + V to Paste, but to know that Windows keeps a history of items you Copy. This makes it very handy to copy multiple things on a web page and then go into where you want to Paste and use the Windows Key + V to select one of the previous items Copied. You can also see items that you may have copied days ago if you have not logged out.
Paste as Text
Many times I do not want to paste the format (font, size, color, graphics, etc.) when creating an eMail, Word doc, OneNote, or other software. Instead of doing a Ctrl + V, I do a right click and can usually select an option like “Paste as Text”.
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Facebook - Unfriend, Block, or Unfollow By Tom Kreuzer
If you unfriend, the person will not be notified. You will not show on their or your friends list. They will not be able to see your private posts. They can look up your profile (just like any other nonfriend Facebook user) and send you a message or friend request. If you no longer want a friend to be able to see your profile or contact you at all, block them. They will not be notified. They will not be able to find your profile or message you. You won't be able to see their profile either. If you want to unblock that person, you'll need to send a new friend request.
If you're only tired of seeing a friend's posts, you can unfollow them instead of unfriending or blocking. Unfollowing prevents that person's posts from appearing in your feed, but the person won't know that they've been unfollowed. You'll still be friends on Facebook, so you can still view their profile and posts when you wish, and they can still view yours. Click the three dots in the top right corner of the person's post in your newsfeed and select Unfollow, Block, or Unfollow.
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Need a Budget Laptop? We've Got the Best Picks
While they may not be as flashy as mobile devices, laptops still handle most of the work in the world. And today, you've got an amazing array of choices at affordable prices. CNET editors break down the best Windows PCs, Macs and Chromebooks for your money.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/how-to-buy-a-budget-laptop-in-2022
Chromebook vs. Laptop: What Can and Can't I Do With a Chromebook? - Sure, a laptop has more functionality, but maybe you don't need all that.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/chromebook-vs-laptop-whats-the-difference
2022 Grad's Guide: The Best Laptop for Each Type of Graduate - Finishing college and hitting the job market? First, make sure you're armed with the right PC. These are our top-rated recommendations for graduates in seven key professions.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/2022-grads-guide-the-best-laptops-for-each-type-of-graduate
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10 Big Reasons Not to Upgrade to Windows 11
If you don't want to buy a new computer or give up an efficient interface that you love, then don't upgrade to Windows 11. Windows 10 does everything just as well, and in some cases even better.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/10-reasons-not-to-upgrade-to-windows-11
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Save yourself some money and cut the cable TV cord already
Stop paying so much for cable. This step-by-step guide will help you find the right streaming services and devices for you.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/how-to-cut-the-cord
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How to Set Up Your Smart Home: A Beginner's Guide
From understanding connectivity protocols and voice assistants to picking the best products, setting up a smart home isn't as simple as you'd think. Here's where to start.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-set-up-your-smart-home-a-beginners-guide
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The 6 Best Android 13 Beta Features
Google’s mobile OS gets a fresh visual upgrade, sweet Wallet features, and excellent privacy improvements.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/best-android-13-features
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How to Free Up Space in Google Drive
Is your Google Drive always on the verge of being full? Learn how to track down and delete files shared with you, large videos, PDFs, and stuff you no longer need.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-free-up-space-in-google-drive
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Sluggish Browser? How to Speed Up Google Chrome
Does your Chrome browser feel like it's running a bit slower than usual? These tips and tricks can help you give Google Chrome a speed boost.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/sluggish-browser-heres-how-to-speed-up-google-chrome
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Google Can Now Remove Your Phone Number, Address From Search Results
Google expands the types of information you can request that it remove from search results, including your email address and login information.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-can-now-remove-your-phone-number-address-from-search-results
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Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
The Best iPhone Apps for 2022 - The App Store hosts nearly 2 million titles, so it's tough choosing which ones to install on your iPhone. We help you decide with our top app picks in 12 key categories.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-iphone-apps
The Best Free Software of 2022 - You want powerful software? You don't have to pay for it. Everything you need to be productive and secure on your PC is on this list, and it's all totally free.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-free-software
Can Alexa Devices Make Calls? Yep, and Here's How It Works - You can call your contacts, video chat, leave a message and more with your Amazon Echo. Here's how to get started.
https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/can-alexa-devices-make-calls-yep-and-heres-how-it-works
I Tried Out Verizon and T-Mobile's 5G Home Internet to See if I Could Truly Ditch Cable - T-Mobile and Verizon's 5G home internet options are promising, but thanks to connection inconsistencies aren't yet worth the trade.
The Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2022 - These days, your wireless router not only connects you to the internet, but often your job, too. Here's what you need to build the best home Wi-Fi network, along with reviews of our top-rated routers for a range of needs and budgets.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/the-best-wireless-routers
Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2022 - Your router holds your smart home together. From mesh to gaming to Wi-Fi 6, we've tested the latest models to bring you our top picks.
https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-wi-fi-router
How often should you restart your router? - Did you know that your router is a computer? Just like your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, your router has a central processor, memory, and an operating system. But with routers typically on and running 24/7, we tend to place more demand on them than on most other personal electronics — except for maybe our overworked mobile phones. Like our computers, routers need to be rebooted. But how often should you reboot your router?
https://discover.centurylink.com/why-you-should-reboot-your-router-regularly.html
How to Share Passwords Safely - It's perfectly safe and easy to share your passwords, as long as you use the right tools for the job.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/share-passwords-safely
3 Simple Tricks for Remembering Strong Passwords - You need to lock your password manager with one strong master password, and you must remember it yourself. Here's how to do it.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/tricks-for-remembering-strong-passwords
Cheap Phone Plans Compared: 8 Affordable Alternatives to Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T - It's time to give serious consideration to a carrier other than AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/best-cheap-phone-plans
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Ask a Question - Send any Tips & Downloads, Ask a Question, For Sale, or articles to: TheMiningPCC@gmail.com
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Q. From a PCC Member - I currently use the Norton Password Manager, should I switch to another like LastPass or Bitwarden?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Each Password Manager has a set of features or functions. You can compare your current to another to see if it has any that you would like. Examples might be cost, 2 Factor Auth, Auth Apps, storing other secure documents, and others.
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Q. From a PCC Member - Is the 3M Company Store open yet?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. I use the online store at: https://store.orderfront.com/3M/Account/LogOn?ReturnUrl=%2f3M It has all the items and even hot deals. I believe that shipping is free for orders over $250-$25. You do need to setup an account which is not the same as you use for 401K, HSA, and other 3M services.
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Q. From a PCC Member - Likes Google Voice for making calls overseas. He did get an that his free number would be deleted if he has not used it in the last 6 months.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. Talked about how he uses his Google Voice number to call his SmartPhone or send text messages to tests if my notifications, do not disturb, and other settings are working the way I want them.
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Q. From a PCC Member - Could you recommend someone to set up a new router for me?
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. If you did not attend the Jan 2022 PCC Meeting on Home Networking, I recommend you look at the handout and view the video. https://sites.google.com/site/theminingpcc/future-meetings/past-meeting-files
Not sure if you are talking about getting a new Internet connection into your house, installing or moving the router in a location/room in your house, or just plugging in a new router and doing the setup. The first two are usually done as part of your Internet service provider initial install. I assume you are talking about the third setup which is simple.
I recommend people set up their own router and not pay $99-$300 each time a change is made. That way if you want to make changes you do not have to pay again and again for someone to do something fairly simple. Routers come with instructions or you can always download a complete manual. Follow the instructions for your router and most people are connected in 5-30 minutes. There are even YouTube videos that can help. If you have any questions on setup, let me know.
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Q. From a PCC Member - Just got an email from McAfee without any input from me. Help?
McAfee was the virus software loaded on my HP computer when I purchased it years ago. I'm unlikely to still have this computer 3 years from now. I have been paying a yearly fee that has gone up over the years but no big deal and maybe they were helping me keep away a virus. I'm wondering what prompted them to send me this email and go forward with a 3 year contract. But is this phishing and not from McAfee? eMail shown below…
From: Microsiftio Rivert <rivertmicrosiftio@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, May 6, 2022 at 7:45 AM
Subject: Receipt #: 251-7131238902-2:2z457_Payment Confirmed!
To: <XYZ@gmail.com>
Subscription e-Receipt
Date: 05/06/2022
Product: McAfee-Bull Guard Protection
Receipt #: 251-7135238902-2:2s457
IAF No #: 1155926-8420
PM: VI****
Payment Remitted Amount: $311.00
Your information will be used to provide you with an electronic receipt for your McAfee-Bull Guard Protection for 3-years purchase transaction plan via XYZ@gmail.com.
We have processed your request to receive an electronic receipt-bill.
This is an automated email. Please do not reply to this message. This message is for the designated recipient only and may contain privileged, proprietary or otherwise private information.
Help-desk- +1(251)s257-00275
For more information on our privacy policies visit our website.
A. From Tom Kreuzer, a PCC Board member. This is a scam and not from McAfee. They know lots of people have McAfee so they send out millions of these eMails hoping to fool people into contacting them.
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