BUH-BYE: Java finally fades away
Well, at least it will. Java, once the darling of programmers all over the world, is finally planning to leave the browser. Three years ago, I spat on Java, calling it a “must-miss.” I took some flak for…
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I spent a week using only Microsoft Edge. Should you?
I do this stuff so you don’t have to. As most people now know, Microsoft Internet Explorer is a dead man walking. While it is actually part of Windows 10, it’s hidden so successfully that…
Does it “really” make a difference what router you choose?
I don’t have the numbers, but I’d feel pretty comfortable saying that around 75% of people use the free router they got from their internet service provider. I don’t blame them — depending on the ISP,…
DO THIS NOW: Backup your Ubiquiti configuration
If you’re using Ubiquiti’s Unifi access points, you know that there’s a cute little desktop app called Unifi which makes it super easy to manage all of your access points at once. It’s great, except there is…
Most versions of Internet Explorer now both naggy and obsolete
Microsoft is tired of you using Windows XP and Vista. They’re also tired of you using older versions of Internet Explorer when you don’t have to. I think they actually hate Internet Explorer altogether, considering they…
Will the PC be this year’s hot tech purchase?
Well, maybe not this PC. Seriously, though, after years of sluggish sales, PCs bounced back in 2015. This was due to the huge pent-up demand caused by people who didn’t want to buy Windows. 8. Sure, Win8.1…
Wi-Fi isn’t wireless Ethernet. Honest.
It’s really tempting to think of Wi-Fi as “wireless Ethernet.” But, really, it isn’t. You see, Ethernet is just part of the way we describe network information traveling over a wire. It’s so popular that we…
Anyone else notice that routers are getting really big?
I thought maybe it was just me, but when you look at this year’s crop of high-end routers (like this Linksys EA8500) the one thing that strikes you is, they’re really large. As in, about twice the…
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Transistors and Minecraft
So if you know someone under the age of 18 you’ve doubtless come to know about Minecraft. Simply put, Minecraft is to today’s kids what Legos were to older generations — a limitless tool for building whole worlds…
Wait, maybe the internet of things isn’t really necessary.
About, oh, 15 years ago the more forward thinking and geeky among us started putting the pieces together. What if you could combine wireless networking, low power, cellular technology, and basic information in a really durable…
FROM THE FRONT LINES: Wi-Fi with 1000′ range?
So you have a big backyard. A really big backyard. If you want to blanket all your land with Wi-Fi, the best option would be to put a network of outdoor access points. This will create a common Wi-Fi…
So you got Wi-Fi Calling. Does that mean you don’t need a cell booster?
It’s all the rage now. Several carriers have enabled Wi-Fi calling for their top-end phones and it’s only going to get more popular. Using your home Wi-Fi to make calls when possible reduces the strain on…
Tablet or Laptop? Which is Better for You?
Need help choosing between a tablet or laptop?
What’s the Best Way to Hook Your Computer to a TV?
Hooking a computer to a TV? Read this first!
When Bluetooth isn’t your friend
Bluetooth ought to be the perfect solution. It’s been evolving for decades and in its latest incarnation, it works with very low power and provides secure communication between devices that has, as yet, proven difficult to…