wireless network Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Should I let my neighbor piggyback off my WiFi network?

Posted on May 21, 2023

Question from Mallorie: I need some advice Rick, and it’s sort of a touchy situation.

We live in a duplex and our neighbor has a 14 year old son who bought a Straight Talk phone from my daughter.

The thing is she didn’t reset the phone before she sold it to him because he said he’d like to just take over her phone number, and she said that would be fine.

This phone still automatically connects to our WiFi network, and I know for a fact that he uses our WiFi a lot because he told my daughter that he does.

My question is do you think he could cause us any problems by piggybacking off of our wireless network? [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I keep the WiFi from disconnecting in Windows 10?

Posted on March 11, 2021

Question from Aaron S: Hi Rick. I really like your blog and appreciate all the help you give to so many people.

I hope you can help me with an issue I’m having with my HP laptop.

Ever since I updated it to Windows 10 the WiFi automatically disconnects after about 30 minutes and I have to reboot the computer to get it turned back on.

How can I keep the WiFi working until I actually shut the laptop down?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it safe to set up a gaming network without Internet access?

Posted on July 1, 2017

Question from Kevin: I need some advice about networking Rick.

I have 3 computers that I’m planning to place in my bedroom and my two sons’ rooms. We’re going to use these computers for just one thing, and that’s for playing games over a private LAN.

After doing some research I went to Best Buy and bought a 5 port switch and three 50ft Ethernet cables to run up into the attic and then down into each of the rooms.

These computers will NOT be connected to a modem, only to each other through the switch.

Now, my question – Since there will be no Internet access we won’t be able to update our virus software. Will that be a big problem or do your recommend going wireless and connecting the machines through our router so they’ll have Internet access?

I didn’t think of the virus issue until I had already bought the switch and cables, but I can return them if I need to. Thanks in advance for your help.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

WiFi Guard – Find out if someone is piggybacking on your Wi-Fi network

Posted on September 2, 2016

wifi Most people assume that their Wi-Fi connection is safe from hackers if it is secured with encryption and a password, but the sad truth is even a “protected” Wi-Fi connection can be broken into by a determined hacker using the right software.

If you suspect that someone might be piggybacking on your wireless network (and even if you don’t), I suggest downloading and running a free tool called WiFi Guard.

WiFi Guard is a small and lightweight utility that will scan your entire network and list all the devices connected to it including computers, tablets, smart phones, wireless printers and more. If it’s logged into your network, it’ll show up!

Using WiFi Guard is easy. Here’s how: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I prevent my Android phone from automatically connecting to a Wi-Fi network?

Posted on June 17, 2013

Question from Donna T.: I have a Sprint Samsung smart phone running Android (no clue what version). It drives me crazy by automatically connecting to my wireless network every time I walk into the house. Even if I turn Wi-Fi off on the phone, the next thing I know it has connected again.

I never use my phone with my home Wi-Fi network and I’d like to prevent it from automatically connecting to it. How do I do that?

Rick‘s answer: [Read more…]