PLYMOUTH – Spring is the time of year
for fresh starts. We change the batteries in our smoke alarms. We go through
closets and give away old clothes, toys and other unused items. We clean up the
yard, garden beds and even the garage. It’s also a good time to ensure the
technology in our home is running efficiently.
Here are four easy tips to help ensure you’re
getting the most value from your technology services.
Uncover
New Features: Most of us aren’t aware of all the value-add features
available from our video, Internet and voice service provider, especially if we’ve
been with the same company for a while. We recommend logging into your account
information at least a couple times a year to learn what’s new, such as
value-rich apps that let you stream TV on your mobile devices and even let you easily
trouble shoot common issues from the comfort of your own home.
Don’t
Double Pay: Your Internet service
provider might already offer you a suite of online security products at no
additional charge that protect against viruses and other online threats. If
you’re paying separately for an anti-virus computer program, check with your
current Internet provider to see what’s included before renewing any
subscriptions.
Expand
Your Wi-Fi Signal: There
are ways to ensure your home Wi-Fi is set up to give you the most robust
signal strength and speed. Place your router within a clean line of site to
where you use wireless most often in your home. A central location off the
ground and out in the open is ideal. Don’t place your router on the floor, in a
remote corner of the house, or near a window or other electronics, as it could impact
signal strength. If in doubt, conduct a
speed test to ensure you’re getting the speeds for which you’re paying.
Maximize
Internet Performance – The number of connected
devices in your home and how you’re using them impact your Internet
performance. Many people, however, don’t realize how many gadgets in their home
rely on Internet. Here are the most common connected devices so you can start
counting: smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers (laptop and desktop)
iPods, gaming consoles, refrigerators and other household appliances, printers
and Blu-Ray players. If your Internet doesn’t seem to be working at its maximum
potential, call your provider to assess your plan and see if you need more
bandwidth to support all of your connected gadgets.
