router Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Is it safe to sell a used router?

Posted on September 13, 2025

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Question from Ben: I know I need to replace my router with a new WiFI Mesh system.

I checked on Ebay and routers like the one I’ll be replacing are selling for around $60.

I’d like to sell the old router after I get the mesh system but I’m afraid a hacker might be able to steal my info from it.

What’s your opinion on selling used routers? Is it safe? [Read more…]

Q&A: Lightning destroyed my cable modem. Should I replace my router too?

Posted on August 7, 2025

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Question from Kendra: Hi, Rick. We had a pretty bad thunderstorm last night that caused a lot of damage in my area.

Once I noticed the lightning I turned everything off like I always do when it’s storming and then went on to bed.

This morning when I turned everything back on I couldn’t get the cable box or the modem to light up at all. They’re completely dead.

I called the cable company and they’re sending a technician out to replace the cable box and modem.

What I need to know is do you think I need to buy a new router too? It lights up like it always did and it appears to be working. [Read more…]

Tips for fixing a slow Internet connection

Posted on May 11, 2024

As you probably know, the dependency on the Internet has increased by leaps and bounds over the years.

Covid 19 and the consequent remote work culture has made this dependency even more severe, exacerbating the usual frustration we feel when our Internet connection slows to a crawl.

In many cases it can be difficult to pinpoint the reason(s) behind a sluggish Internet connection. If you’re struggling with this issue, this post just might be a help to you. [Read more…]

5 tips for getting the most from your Internet connection

Posted on April 12, 2024

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Back in the early days of home computing, most users had to connect their computers to the Internet using a dial-up analog modem.

Those dial-up connections were typically about as slow as a sedated slug, and establishing and keeping a stable connection was tricky at best.

Even worse, that slow and unreliable connection was typically dedicated to a single computer, so connecting multiple computers to the Internet required a separate modem and a separate telephone land-line for each computer. [Read more…]

Q&A: Are WiFi and the Internet the same thing?

Posted on February 24, 2024

Question from Beverly: I’ve always thought that Internet and WiFi were just two names for the same thing, but someone told me they were different.

Is that true? If it is, what’s the difference?

Rick’s answer: What that person told you is accurate, Beverly.

While WiFi and the Internet are frequently used together, they are in fact completely different technologies that serve two very different purposes. [Read more…]