Tips for a safer WiFi home network

WiFi Home Networks can be a great way to help retro fit your home network.  No cables to run, and no hard to reach areas.  Wireless networks are now able to go further, while ensuring that your information is secure.  Setting up your new wireless router is fairly painless.  Your experience will vary depending on the manufacture that you go with.  For the optimal experience, I would recommend either D-Link or Linksys (now Cisco.)  Each of these manufacturers have been at it for a while and know what they are doing.  Regardless of the manufacture, you should be able to configure these options to ensure your security of your network.

First and foremost, setup a unique password on your wireless router.  By changing your password you are helping to make sure that others that may gain access to your network can not change your settings very easily.

Second, Setup your Broadcast SSID.  The Broadcast SSID is the Identifier for your network, a name of sorts that lets you know that this is your network.  While on this setting I would recommend turning off the option that broadcasts your SSID.  By doing this you are making your network a lot harder to find by the common hacker.

Third, change the security of your network.  I would recommend WPA2, setting up a Passphrase, and turning off WEP.  WPA2 uses a stronger encryption method so all of your data that goes through the air is not easily intercepted.


These three items will help to make sure your experience on your home wireless experience is a safe one.

Happy New Year and Safe Browsing!  Computer Xbertz, your Trusted Computer Advisor.

Top 5 Giftmas Gadgets

As the holidays approach and each of us search for something to give loved ones and friends.  On our quest we have many types of people on our lists.  From the kids with their latest toys to the adults who never seem to get enough of the latest gadgets.  This article is to shed a unique perspective on some lessor thought about items, but sure to be a hit with the gadget guru.  Here are the top five contenders (yes there are many gadgets out there, but here is our recommendation):

1. Portable Zero Ink Printer.  Perfect for the on the go person that takes alot of pictures.  I'm sure that you already have a camera of some fashion but with the latest generation of portable, zero ink printers they allow you to print anywhere.  Another great benefit is they require no ink.  The magic is in the paper.  You can find these from $50 to $150.  Additionally these printers do not require a computer to print your photos.  You can print right from the memory card that is in your camera.  Follow the links below for more information and pricing.

Polaroid CZA-10011B PoGo Instant Mobile Printer (Black)


Pandigital Zero Ink PANPRINT01 Portable Photo Color Printer

Dell Wasabi PZ310 Portable Zink Photo Printer - BLUE

2.Quiet Comfort Headphones from Bose.  Sure to be a hit with the music lovers.  One can never have a better experience then with Bose.  They pay the highest attention to audio detail and they take pride in what they do.  The old saying of "you get what you pay for"  is very true.  Well work the money spent and they will last for years to come.
Bose® QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones
Bose® QuietComfort® 3 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 2 Acoustic Noise Canceling Headphones

3. Logitech Revue (Google TV)   This little black device connects the internet to your TV, allowing users to stream movies, television shows and more from their favorite Web sites such as YouTube and Hulu. Sports fans will love it because you can check your fantasy stats online, while still watching the game using the picture-in-picture function.  Check out the great prices on this and many more like it below:
Logitech Revue Companion Box with Google TV and Keyboard Controller
Boxee Box by D-Link
Apple TV MC572LL/A (2010)


4. Microsoft XBOX Kinect   Gaming evolution has come a long way since Atari’s joystick. Kinect is a controller-less experience that tracks your actual skeletal movement allowing you to play video games without a handheld controller. Available only to Xbox 360 users, gamers will love to give this new experience a try.  Grab a friend or two and get up and moving today with the many interactive games and choices that is brought to you by this revolution in gaming.
Kinect Sensor with Kinect Adventures!

5. Nook Color   More than an e-book reader, less than a full-blown tablet, the Nook Color's artful compromises make for a compelling, color reading experience that is ideal for both books and magazines.  Combine that with the extras and apps that this device packs makes it a compelling choice and alternative to the IPad at a reasonable price.  For more on ereaders check out our previous blog " E-Readers, IPads and Kindles, Oh My!"   
Barnes & Noble NOOK ebook reader (WiFi + 3G)[B&W]


Happy trails and enjoy the adventure of live, also the gadgets that make it that much better!