Latest Wi-Fi & Networks How-To Stories
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Why some Web sites are much slower than others
John asked why one Web page "comes up right away, while another takes quite a long time to load."
Hassle-Free PC
Use SpeedTest to help diagnose Internet problems
If your connection suddenly seems slow, SpeedTest can help you determine where the problem lies.
How-To
Six ways to cope with flaky hotel Wi-Fi
If a troublesome network is keeping you from getting your work done, consider these other options.
How-To
How to set up public Wi-Fi at your business
Offering free Wi-Fi can increase foot traffic and earn goodwill for your small business. Here's how to get started.Answer Line
How to sync files and folders across two PCs
Sasdas asked the Desktops forum for ways to keep the same folder synced on two PCs, so that changes on one computer show up on the other.How-To
How (and why) to set up a VPN today
Investing in a good VPN is one of the smartest steps you can take toward improving your online privacy. We'll show you how to do it right.
How-To
Video: How to secure your home Wi-Fi network
In this Tech Tip video, we'll show you how to do more than just set a password to restrict access to your Wi-Fi network.
Answer Line
Answer Line: Change your Wi-Fi password on various devices
1gynRat258 asked the Windows forum how to change the password for a home Wi-Fi network.
How-To
An obscenely slow Internet connection when you’re paying for a fast one
Interronator is paying Time Warner for 20mbps Internet service, but is only getting about .7 (note the decimal point).
How-To
How to keep your PC connected on the road
Visiting relatives and faraway cities doesn't mean you have to leave your email behind. Here's how to keep your PC connected in unfamiliar locales.
Answer Line
Wi-Fi vs. Powerline
Charliehendricks281 needs to extend his network across a large house. He asked the Networking forum if a Powerline solution would make more sense than wireless.How-To
PC security: Your essential software toolbox
Don't fall victim! With these tools, services and tips, you can protect yourself against malware, phishing and theft.
Hassle-Free PC
How to know when it’s time to replace your router
Can a router wear out? Is there a way to make it last longer? How do you know when you should cut bait and buy new?How-To
How to extend your Wi-Fi network
Tips and tricks to boost your wireless network range at home or in the office.Answer Line
My Internet Connection Randomly Drops Off
Jake Clarke asked why his Internet connection completely drops out every so oftenHow-To
How to Supercharge Your PC With a RAM Disk
Want the speed of a solid-state drive without the expense? You might be able to set up a virtual hard drive in your PC by creating a RAM disk. Here's how to do it.How-To
Easy Home Automation Projects for the Weekend Warrior: Part One
This first installment in an ongoing series will cover everything you need to know about lighting control.How-To
How to Enhance Your Router With Open-Source Firmware
The stock firmware included on many broadband routers takes advantage of only a fraction of the hardware's capabilities. We explain how to use use powerful open-source firmware to unleash the beast in your router.How-To
Easy Ways to Clear Space on Your Laptop’s Hard Drive
Do you live with a thin-and-light laptop that has a small drive? Or just have a large drive that's filled to overflowing? Here's how to get some breathing room back.How-To
How to Make Your Own Network Cables
We show you how to clean up the rat's nest of cables behind your PC by making custom-length network cables and wiring your own network jacks.How-To
16 PC Mysteries Solved!
Our digital detectives uncover the truth behind some of tech’s most baffling questions.Hassle-Free PC
Sync Any Folder to Your SkyDrive Account
If you don't want to upset your existing folder structure, here's a simple way to add folders to SkyDrive without moving them first.How-To
How to Speed Up Your NAS With iSCSI
Want to access your network-attached storage drive a little faster? We explain how to configure and use an iSCSI target on a NAS server with Windows' built-in iSCSI initiator for fast access.How-To
How to Convert an Old PC into a Modern Server
Don’t recycle that aging desktop PC–give it a new purpose in life.Answer Line
Extend Your Wireless Network
Crazy4laptops needs to extend a WiFi network throughout a "rather long house." He asked the Networking forum for advice.How-To
Protect Yourself From DNSChanger
If the DNSChanger rootkit has infected your PC, you'll lose access to the Internet when the FBI shuts down DNSChanger's surrogate DNS servers. Here's how to determine whether you're infected, and what to do if you are.How-To
How to Buy a Router
Buying a router may not be at the top of everyone's to-do list, but a new model can mean the difference between enjoying Netflix in HD and seeing a grainy mess of substandard video.How-To
How Switching to VoIP Can Save You Money
Migrating your business to a Voice-over-IP communications system may save you a big chunk of change in the long run. Here's why (and how) to cut the phone line and go VoIP-only.How-To
The Greatest PC Mysteries–Solved!
PCWorld's editors band together to solve the greatest PC mysteries! Find out why your PC beeps on startup, what a .dat file is, how USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 differ, and much more!How-To
RAID Made Easy
Wondering what RAID is all about, and whether using it will benefit your business? This primer explains all.How-To
Fifth-Generation Wi-Fi Is Coming: Are You Ready for 802.11ac?
We’re on the verge of the biggest change in wireless networking since 2007. Fifth-generation Wi-Fi technology promises to deliver faster-than-cable speed–without the cables.Answer Line
I Can’t Eject This Flash Drive (or External Hard Drive)
When CHIN3927 attempted to remove a USB external drive, Windows' wouldn't provide the Safe to Remove message. The Answer Line forum offered help.How-To
How to choose a server for your small business
Thinking of buying a server for your growing business, but don't know where to start? This guide will explain the basics and help you decide which type fits your needs best.How-To
Secure Your Home or Office Wi-Fi
Security holes leave even a password-protected Wi-Fi network vulnerable to hacking. Here’s how to defend yours.How-To
How to Share an External Drive Between a Mac and a PC
Want to use a single external drive with both a Mac and a Windows PC? Follow our guide to learn how to do it.Hassle-Free PC
Get 5GB of Extra Dropbox Storage, Free
The catch, if you can call it that, is that you have to use the new Dropbox beta to upload your photos and videos.How-To
How to Set Up Intel Smart Response SSD Caching Technology
Intel’s Smart Response Technology can significantly accelerate system performance, without your having to spring for an expensive, high-capacity solid-state drive. Here's how to set it up.How-To
How to Stream Super Bowl XLVI
Watch the 2012 Super Bowl online, no matter where you are, with our guide to streaming the Giants vs. Patriots game on your PC, smartphone, or tablet.Answer Line
Can My Neighbor and I Share an Internet Connection?
John asked if he and his neighbor could share one Internet access accountHow-To
Quick Windows Networking Fixes
Even in Windows 7, many networking issues aren't easily resolved. Find some help here.How-To
How to Stream Digital Media From Your Windows 7 PC
A PC can serve capably as a hub for digital media collections, but sitting at a desk isn't the best way to watch movies. We'll show you how to stream media from a Windows 7 PC to a game console, a set-top box, or even a smartphone.How-To
Solving Tech Mysteries: 3G vs. Wi-Fi, Write Access Denied
Inquiring minds want to know: What's the difference between 3G and Wi-Fi, and can access be restored to a mysteriously write-protected drive?How-To
How to Fix Your Windows 7 Network
Networking your PCs together is easier than ever, but a few common problems still pop up from time to time. Learn how to resolve them now.Hassle-Free PC
Restore Access to a Write-Protected Hard Drive
Is your flash drive, external hard drive, or other drive suddenly refusing to let you write anything to it or delete files? Here's the fix.Tech Audit
How to Get More Out of Ethernet Switches
Ethernet switches can handle more than simple connectivity. These extra capabilities can make your network faster and more secure–and make users happier.How-To
How to forward ports on your router
Your router can sometimes get in the way of your favorite multiplayer games or chat programs by inadvertently shuttering certain network ports. To fix that problem yourself, follow our simple guide to port forwarding.How-To
Wireless Networking 101
Setting up and maintaining a home Wi-Fi network can be a daunting task for a PC newbie. These four how-to guides will run you through some of the basics.Answer Line
How Safe is WPA2-Secured WiFi?
Darryl Boyett asked if his home WiFi connection, which uses WPA2 protection, is safe enough for online bankingHow-To
Geek Up Your Bike With Ethernet Cable Handlebar Grips
Show your geek pride and creativity by turning unused Ethernet cables into bicycle handlebar gripsHow-To