Wheat State's Fall 2020 Newsletter

Cornerstone Group © 2020 If you’ve tested your internet speed at www.speedtest.net or a similar site and it’s not what you expected, your first thought might be to contact your Internet Service Provider. Keep in mind, however, that a number of things could be decreasing your internet speed. They include: Multiple Devices Connected Simultaneously Does your household have multiple laptops, tablets, game consoles, and smartphones? This can reduce the overall internet speed each device receives, since when multiple devices are connected simultaneously to the same network, they must share the available bandwidth. Bandwidth-Demanding Applications Applications such as streaming movies and TV shows, playing online games, and video conferencing will consume more bandwidth than things like checking email, so they can reduce your overall internet speed. Poor Computer Performance The culprit for disappointing speeds could be your computer—such as an old and unstable operating system or insufficient memory. In addition, if your computer is infected with adware or spyware, you may experience diminished computer performance and a stream of pop-up ads. This will likely cause everything on your computer to work more slowly. Insufficient Wireless Router Wireless router specification is an important factor in your home’s internet performance. If an older router that does not support high speed is used, internet speed will be cor- respondingly reduced. For example, if you are signed up for 40 Mbps service and your outdated wireless router only supports up to 10 Mbps, your internet speed will only reach up to about 10 Mbps. Buying a new router is one of the best ways to make sure your network is as fast and reliable as possible. Interference in Your Home Network Other wireless devices—such as older cordless phones, baby monitors, some security cameras, and microwaves—can cause interference in your home, weakening your wire- less router’s signal and affecting your internet speed. Wheat State Technologies can answer questions about home net- works and help you get the internet speed you need. Call us at 1/800 442-6835 to learn more. Many Factors Can Affect Your Internet Speed Do You Have an Ergonomic Home Office? Ergonomics is the science of design- ing work spaces and equipment to fit the person using them. By paying attention to ergonomics, you may be able to reduce muscle and eye strain. This is especially important if you’re working from home regularly. Here are the basics: • In addition to a ceiling light, make sure you have adequate task light- ing. To avoid screen glare, don’t place your computer and monitor in front of a window. • Your desk chair should offer lumbar support and allow you to put your feet on the floor with your legs at a 90-degree angle. • Keep your computer monitor about an arm’s length away. You should be looking straight ahead or slightly down at the screen, not straining upwards. If you use a laptop, a separate keyboard and a laptop stand may be needed to create an ergonomic setup. The wrong chair or computer height aren’t the only things that can give you a pain in the neck. So can Wi-Fi troubles. Call 1/800 442-6835 and ask about our Whole Home Wi-Fi service.