Wi-Fi Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Does my WiFi network really need a password on it?

Posted on June 11, 2025

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Question from Deborah: I’ve been using my wireless router without a password on the WiFi connection for some time.

My boyfriend told me I need to put a password on the WiFi connection but I don’t think it’s necessary because I don’t have any neighbors living close by to piggyback off of it.

I like being able to let guests connect to my network without having to hassle with a password.

Do you think it’s ok if I leave it without a password? [Read more…]

How to use a wired Ethernet connection with a newer MacBook

Posted on February 24, 2025

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Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

These days wireless Wi-Fi connections are the norm, but there are still situations in which we need to connect our computers to a router with a wired Ethernet connection.

In fact, just last month three different people asked me how they can connect a recent MacBook Pro or MacBook Air that doesn’t have an RJ-45 Ethernet connector to their router via an Ethernet cable.

It can be certainly be done, and it’s actually quite easy to do… [Read more…]

Try this when your WiFi devices can’t connect to the Internet

Posted on July 17, 2024

If you’ve been using the Internet for a while, chances are you’ve had trouble getting your computer or a mobile device to make or keep a working Internet connection at some point in the past.

While they can be quite irritating, many Internet connection problems can be fixed with a simple reboot procedure.

It might take you a few minutes to reboot all of your Internet-related devices, but it’s a simple procedure that will fix most any transient glitch that happens to afflict your local network. Here’s how to do it the right way: [Read more…]

Q&A: What’s the difference between Bluetooth and WiFi?

Posted on July 7, 2024

Question from Marvin: After using a flip phone for years, I finally decided it was time to upgrade to a smart phone.

I found a good deal on a new iPhone at Best Buy, so I bought one. I like the phone ok, but some things about it are really confusing.

For example, my phone’s user manual says it supports both Bluetooth and WiFi wireless connectivity.

What is Bluetooth and how is it different from WiFi? [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it safe to share my Internet with a neighbor?

Posted on April 16, 2024

Question from Natasha: A few days ago a guy rented the vacant apartment next door to mine. He moved in yesterday, and this morning me knocked on my door and introduced himself.

My new neighbor and I talked for a few minutes, and before he left he asked me if I would consider letting him piggyback off of my WiFi connection because he wouldn’t be able to afford Internet service of his own for a while.

He also said that if I’d accept his offer he’d buy me a brand new $200 wireless router kit to replace my old router as long as I’d be willing to accept it in lieu of his portion of the monthly Internet charge.

This sounds like a pretty good deal to me because I really do need to upgrade my router, but I was wondering if you know of any reason why I shouldn’t accept his offer? [Read more…]