Tech Talk
By Bonnie Masnick
Welcome to ‘Tech Talk,’ where we tackle your most commonly asked computer questions. Whether you’re grappling with perplexing error messages or yearning for smoother digital experiences, fret not! Let’s dive in and geek out on technology together!
If you’ve ever felt like your internet connection is playing hide-and-seek, then you’ve come to the right place. I hear spotty internet complaints all the time so you’re not alone.
Possible Reasons and Practical Solutions for a Stable Internet Connection
Physical Obstacles: NYC apartments often include thick walls, metal structures, plaster and other physical obstacles that can block or weaken Wi-Fi signals. Additionally, the distance between your device and the router can also affect the signal strength. Solution: Position your Wi-Fi router in a central location, away from thick walls or obstructions, even furniture can cause Wi-Fi interference. Elevating the router can also help improve signal coverage. If that doesn’t work, consider investing in range extenders or mesh Wi-Fi systems to expand coverage to hard-to-reach areas of your apartment.
Overloaded Network: Internet service providers’ networks can become overwhelmed, especially during peak hours. This can lead to slower speeds and intermittent connectivity. Solution: Ensure you have an internet plan that suits your usage needs. Upgrading to a higher-tier plan may improve your connection during peak times. Contact your Internet Service Provider (such as Spectrum, Fios, etc.) to inquire.
Outdated Router Firmware: This can cause connectivity issues. Solution: Check with the router manufacturer for available updates and install the latest version.
Let’s review one more pesky problem I hear all the time. “Why do I get an error message for low on memory?” When your laptop displays this warning, it is referring to the Random Access Memory (RAM) rather than the storage space where you save your files. RAM is a type of memory where applications store data while they’re running.
Possible Reasons and Practical Solutions for Low Memory
- Too many applications (or programs) are running simultaneously, which consume portions of RAM.
- Software bugs or poorly optimized programs can also cause memory leaks. A memory leak will gradually consume more and more RAM.
- Older laptops or budget models often come with lower RAM capacities.
Solutions: Start by closing any unused or unnecessary programs running in the background. Use your operating system’s Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS) to identify what is consuming the most RAM. If that doesn’t do the trick, consider adding more RAM which could be bought on Amazon and elsewhere. You could also manage Startup Programs. This means you could prevent unnecessary programs from launching automatically when you start your laptop. Remember, a little proactive memory management can go a long way!
It’s also essential to be vigilant about what and who you allow on your computer. Just like you’d protect your home from intruders, fortifying your digital world requires the same caution. Be wary of unsolicited emails, suspicious links and unexpected attachments. Cybercriminals are crafty, and their tricks can be hard to spot, so when in doubt, take a moment to verify its authenticity. A quick internet search can help you determine if the update request is genuine. Stick to official websites and trusted sources for software updates. Stay vigilant, stay curious, and embrace the boundless possibilities that technology has to offer.
If you find yourself still facing challenges or have any specific questions related to your technology, don’t hesitate to drop me an email at thevillagetechlady@gmail.com or call/text 917-453-5121.
