Best of the Blog 2014, Volume 1
Take a look at the best from the fall and early winter of 2013.
Read Morecomputers and internet
Should you use the 5GHz band on your router?
It depends on if you’re an IT professional. The latest version of the 802.11 standard for Wi-Fi includes the ability to use the 5GHz broadcast band as well as the 2.4GHz broadcast band. This opens up…
Beware the perils of Bluetooth keyboards and mice
OK so I’m being a little dramatic. Personally I use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse on my PC and they work fine. In fact, Bluetooth is a great technology for connecting these things, because it’s built…
5 best uses for an inkjet printer (besides printing)
Be honest. When was the last time you used the printer on your desk at home? People still print things in office occasionally but home printers are usually just sitting there taking up space. It’s a…
What is the difference between a hub and a switch?
Well, other than the fact you can’t really find a network hub anymore. Once upon a time, network equipment was expensive. Of course today we have great product like our Datatronix Network Switch that’s very inexpensive and…
YES YOU CAN: Build a wireless network over 8 miles long
OK, not everyone needs this… but that doesn’t mean it isn’t cool. Wireless, secure network communication between two points 15 kilometers apart. It’s not only possible, it’s easy using Ubiquiti’s Nanostation M5 adapters. Put one where your network…
What is eSATAp?
Does it seem like this alphabet soup is out of control? Because SATA was hard enough to swallow. If you trace the origins of this acronym all the way back, you’ll learn that the middle “AT”…
Is a cheap wireless router worth what you pay for it?
Our TP-Link Wireless-N router is one of the least expensive on the market… but is it worth the money? A router that doesn’t work isn’t worth any amount of money. The first thing you need to know…
2015 Predictions: The Year in Internet
You know, that internet thing seemed like it was finally catching on. My predictions for 2015 are pretty dire. The internet came to most homes about 20 years ago, and at least in the United States,…
EDITORIAL: I hate microUSB
Despite the fact that I am an Apple user, I find myself overrun with microUSB cables and devices. It’s the go-to charging cable for just about everything in my life with the exception of those Apple…
Are you using too much power on your desktop?
Electricity isn’t free… but chances are you knew that. All things considered, though, it’s not really that expensive either. We are lucky to live in an age full of electronic wonders, and although they are beholden…
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Startech HDMI VGA Adapter
The cure for old monitors. Ever since VGA was introduced in the late 1980s on IBM’s PS/2 line, that 15-pin connector with the blue plastic cover has been the ultimate standard. Plugging in a monitor…
Here’s what that new USB connector will look like
Smaller than MicroUSB and more powerful. That’s the message from the USB Promoter Group who have finally finalized their Type C connector. It looks to be a little smaller than MicroUSB, or about the size of a Lightning…
Solid Signal’s HANDS ON REVIEW: CInemizer Virtual Reality Glasses
Because sometimes you really want to be in the middle of the action. As much as we all want a truly 3D immersive experience, the last thing we want are bulky virtual reality goggles. No one…
Is coax networking slower than Ethernet?
Here at Solid Signal, we’re all about helping you find ways to make life better. For example, we’ve showed you how to network your home using just your satellite cables, and several months ago we did a…