Xtrium's Podcast

Getting the best out of your Broadband Plan

Tough times lately, right? We all know that due to the pandemic, many people just like us choose to work remotely. Aside from the fact that you're safe from the virus wandering around outside, you can enjoy no daily trips in the morning. There is no strict dress code unless you have an online meeting. While this sounds wonderful, it turns out that working from home is more complicated than we think, especially when you encounter slow or unreliable broadband. So here are some tips to get the best out of your broadband plan. First, you need to run a speed test. This measures the speed of the device and the test server using apps like SpeedCheck and desktop websites. It can show if your internet seems slower than expected, and it is the easiest way to verify if you have a problem on your end or your internet service provider. Then after checking, you can proceed with boosting your wifi signal strength. By making sure your wifi router is plugged into the master socket and not the extension. Keep away from cordless phones and microwave ovens, as electrical equipment can also interfere with the wifi signal. If you have a shelf or location where you can install your router near the center of your home, your wifi strength will be much more powerful overall. But if it still doesn't change the speed of your wifi, here's how you can modify the wireless channel to communicate on other frequencies to avoid intrusion. This information applies to all that use 2.4GHz or 5GHz wifi. 1. Open the internet browser and enter the IP address of your router. 2. Enter the user name and password 3. Then open the wireless settings. 4. Then click the [Channel] drop-down menu to change the wifi channel. 5. Be sure to click Save or Apply at the end. You can also consider guaranteeing the wireless router’s security, so anyone nearby can not connect to your broadband easily. Here's how to put a password to your wireless router; 1. Log in to the wireless router. 2. Select the Wireless Safety Settings tab. 3. Open the password section. 4. Select WPA2 and AES for encryption settings. 5. Enter a new password and click Save or Apply. If you still have problems with wifi, try connecting your device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. Ethernet cables are computer network cables that provide faster and more reliable connections. But if, after all these troubleshooting steps, and still makes you feel that you're not getting the service you paid for, you'll want to consider switching. Because as technology evolves rapidly and new companies continue to enter the market, it makes sense to review options every 1-2 years to make sure there are better choices. For more tips and tricks visit our website at https://xtrium.com or subscribe to our podcast!

Best Substitute for Netflix?

I have an exciting thing for you today. I’m sure everyone here knows Netflix; it’s the biggest video streaming service in the world! It’s where we get our daily dose of great TV series such as Friends, Grey’s Anatomy, Crash Landing on You (for the K-drama fans out there), and a whole lot more. But, while many of you will agree that Netflix is totally awesome, we’ve all had nights wherein we just can’t find anything good to watch. Is it the curse of the paradox of choice? Maybe, maybe not. So if you find yourself in an endless loop of scrolling and scrolling or rewatching the same thing, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. So let me tell you this: Netflix isn’t the only streaming service out there. And if you don’t have Netflix yet, there are tons of other services that offer great movies and TV shows! Plus, it gets better. Some of these Netflix substitutes are free. Let’s start with Amazon Prime Video. Some might argue that it is the best substitute out there. I can definitely see why with shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, House, Orphan Black, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Homecoming, Them, and more. You can get Amazon Prime Video if you’re an Amazon Prime member. This is priced at $12.99 a month! But if you just want the streaming service alone, you can also get that for $8.99 a month. The next one has equally a lot to offer. I’m sure many of you have downloaded it recently because this next streaming service is HBO’s very own HBO Max. Yup, where you can watch Friends: The Reunion special. If that isn’t enough for you, HBO Max also has Game of Thrones, Chernobyl, Barry, and Gossip Girl, among many others. It gets even better. HBO Max subscribers have access to non-HBO content like Doctor Who and Pretty Little Liars. The service also provides streaming access to Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, Studio Ghibli, and more. The sad part, though, is that it’s a teeny bit more expensive. HBO Max will set you back $14.99 per month! If you don’t mind 4-minute ads every hour, you can opt for their $9.99 plan. But if you don’t want to have a monthly subscription, Crackle is a great Netflix substitute. It’s free and has amazing content! The catch?? It has ads. Before you can watch something, a 30-second commercial will play. Then it’ll show you 3 ads if you’re watching a TV show, 9 if you’re watching a movie. However, I still think that’s a pretty sweet deal. I mean, it is free, after all. That’s all I have for today, folks! When you're tired of Netflix, check out these other streaming services that are just as terrific. For more tips and tricks visit our website at https://xtrium.com or subscribe to our podcast!