Update May 2024: Charter/Spectrum has notified existing customers via email and web page that new symmetric internet speeds are now available to existing customers. A DOCSIS 3.1 modem is required for the upgrade. As part of a multi-year nationwide upgrade to Charter's Spectrum Internet service announced in December 2022, in April 2023 they began advertising the availability of symmetric internet speeds at Reno area addresses. The Reno area is one of the first markets to be upgraded as part of … [Read more...]
April 19, 2023 By Computer Techs
April 6, 2023 By Computer Techs
What is AI Chat and how does it make searching the Internet better?
In the past few months, AI (Artificial Intelligence) Chat has come to light as a new conversational way to search the internet. To compose the rest of this article I asked Google's Bard chatbot and Microsoft's Bing chatbot "What is AI Chat and how does it make searching the Internet better?". Below are the responses I received. According to Google's Bard: "AI chat is a new way to search the internet. It uses artificial intelligence to understand your questions and provide you with answers … [Read more...]
March 16, 2023 By Computer Techs
Don’t overbuy: How to save money on your Internet service
Updated February 2026: Now that the wireless carriers are offering Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Internet service in many areas, there's more choices for internet speeds and service levels. However, FWA may not be as reliable. You may be able to downgrade the speed provided by your current Internet provider to save money with little or no noticeable difference. Consider bundling home Internet and wireless service to save money. Internet service providers offer different speed … [Read more...]
December 30, 2022 By Computer Techs
Tips for Properly Cleaning Electronics So You Don’t Harm Them
No matter what type of electronic device you own, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping them running efficiently and smoothly. This ensures that your device continues to serve its purpose for many years to come. However, it’s important to be aware of how to clean electronics properly to not cause any damage to them in the process. It’s easy to overlook the importance of cleaning electronic devices, especially if you’re not aware of the dangers of improper cleaning. Not … [Read more...]
December 16, 2022 By Computer Techs
How to Keep Money from Being Stolen Through Online Banking
Online banking is one of the most convenient services available and offers individuals, businesses, and organizations a way to quickly and easily manage their finances. Unfortunately, online banking is also vulnerable to all of the same security risks that stem from the virtual nature of the internet. It’s important to take steps to ensure that your hard earned money is secure from theft and fraud. You wouldn’t want to suddenly realize that your bank account has been drained of your … [Read more...]
December 9, 2022 By Computer Techs
A chat with OpenAI about Streaming TV vs Cable TV
A new chatbot called "ChatGPT" that tests what AI (Artificial Intelligence) can do has been all the rage this week. So I decided to have a conversation with the chatbot about Streaming TV vs Cable TV, and our unedited conversation is below. You can sign-up and have a conversation with the chatbot yourself at https://openai.com/ What are the advantages and disadvantages of streaming tv versus cable or satellite tv? There are several advantages and disadvantages to streaming TV as … [Read more...]
December 5, 2022 By Computer Techs
Chromebook vs. Laptop. Which Is Better?
Chromebooks offer a less-expensive alternative to a traditional laptop, however they offer less features and flexibility. Many things we do on a computer these days can be done in a web-browser - from email, messaging and conferencing, listening to music, watching video, word processing and spreadsheets, and of course everyday reading and web browsing. If you can imagine using just a Google Chrome browser for all of your computing needs, then a Chromebook may be right for you. On the … [Read more...]
November 24, 2022 By Computer Techs
Top Tips for Secure Online Holiday Shopping This Gift-Giving Season
The holidays are a busy time for online shoppers. According to a recent study, over 60% of consumers said they would do some or all of their holiday shopping online this year. That’s a lot of people clicking away on their keyboards and smartphones, looking for the best deals on gifts. With all of this online activity, it’s important to remember to stay safe. Here are 10 tips to help you do just that: … [Read more...]
November 21, 2022 By Computer Techs
New FCC map lets you check the broadband internet speed availability at any address
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a new broadband map where broadband Internet availability can be searched by address. Information for the map is reported by the service providers, and challenged if incorrect. The FCC considers broadband as speeds at a minimum of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 3 Mbps upload. Some providers listed on the map fail to meet the minimum speeds defined. The map not only displays traditional fixed/wired … [Read more...]
November 11, 2022 By Computer Techs
How to Setup & Get the Most Out of a Smart Speaker
Smart assistants are all the rage these days, with everyone from Amazon to Apple to Google getting in on the action. But what are they, really? In a nutshell, smart speakers are voice-controlled assistants that can perform tasks, answer questions, play music, and control smart devices in your home. But, before you can start issuing commands to your new device, you need to set it up. This can seem like a daunting task, but we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll walk you through the … [Read more...]