Linksys Provides Assistance for Home IT Support

Linksys has recently been in touch with some suggestions for those of us who provide the IT support in the home.  Read on for details!

Linksys has recently been in touch with some suggestions for those of us who provide the IT support in the home.  We’ve all been there…”Dad, my iPad can’t get on the internet!”  “Honey, that Quicken report won’t print!”  Does that sound familiar?  Linksys has some suggestions.

Tips for Resolving “It won’t print!”

• Depending on your computer’s compatibility with your printer, you will need to install the drivers for your network printer.  An installer utility usually comes with your printer when you buy  it.
• If you have multiple printers at home, your print jobs may be sent to another printer.  Always check which printer you are sending your file to every time you send a print job to the printer.
• Check the wireless settings of your router. The settings saved on your printer should match the settings of your network.
• Check if other wireless devices are able to connect to the wireless network.  Otherwise, you might need to configure your router’s wireless settings so that your printer can also connect wirelessly.
• If your printer is connected to the network but still not printing, it may be offline. To check if your printer is online, Open “Devices and Printers” on your computer; Right-click on your printer and check if there is a checkmark next to “Set as Default”.  If there is none, left-click on the option to select it. Then, print a Test page.

Tips for Solving Common Wireless Issues

• If your computer is having difficulties connecting to your wireless network but other wireless computers are able to do so, try to isolate the problem by connecting it to other wireless networks available (coffee shops, stores, etc..).
• Power/electricity interruptions may also trigger poor performance or loss of wireless signal. You may solve the issue by performing a powercycle:  unplug the router power cord from the power outlet for 10 seconds, then re-plug.
• For combating low signal strength, try moving your wireless network devices closer to each other. The common range is up to 100-150 feet and the farther you are from the access point, the weaker the signal (Avoid moving closer than 18 inches from the router as this is considered a wireless dead zone.).
• Wireless networks are also susceptible to obstructions that may lead to low signal. Common obstructions are cabinets, mirrors, metal objects, thick walls/ceilings, aquariums and electrical equipment including television sets, microwaves, radios, etc. If these are in the way, consider relocating your router somewhere high to get around the obstruction.
• Ideal placement of your router is as high off the ground as possible, leaving a distance of two feet between the router, ceiling and wall.  If your signal passes through multiple floors, place the router on the upper-most floor, and high up in the room.

And a really fun infographic too!  I found these statistics to be interesting.