#Mac or pc for family 2016 upgrade#
#Mac or pc for family 2016 android#
#Mac or pc for family 2016 Pc#

Even if a router is located near the computer, make sure it isn’t obstructed by objects like doors, chimneys or thick plaster walls that might weaken the signal. That’s where your childhood trophies live. If it’s out of range of where your family members actually use their Wi-Fi, they’re likely to suffer from slow speeds and dropped connections. What does matter (and this matters A LOT) is where the router is located. The location of the modem doesn’t really matter because it’s just translating the service into something your parents can actually use. Your parents’ modem is probably close to where service comes into the house.

#Mac or pc for family 2016 Pc#

If you don’t know what to look for, check out PC Mag’s “Best Wireless Routers for 2016.” If your family’s computer is compatible with that, a new router makes a great birthday or holiday gift. The latest routers operate on the 802.11ac standard.

#Mac or pc for family 2016 upgrade#

Most modems and/or routers really only have a two- to three-year lifespan, and if your parents have waited longer than that to upgrade their equipment, those devices are probably slowing whatever speeds they are paying for waaaaay down. While it is technically possible to use the same modem and/or router for five or more years, it’s a terrible idea if speed is at all a concern. Whether one device or two, you want a modem and router that are: If not, you’re looking for two that are likely in close proximity to one another. If this is the case, you’re looking for one device. Search out their modem and wireless routerĬhances are that your parents have a modem/router combination that’s leased from their ISP.

Whether you ask your parents to pony up for better service or you decide to pitch in to get them a faster plan, you’re already on the road to improving your family’s connection to the internet. Infrastructure matters and even the fastest internet service provider (ISP) in the world is limited by the infrastructure your family is connecting with. If your parents’ internet bill says “dial-up” anywhere on it, you’ve just found the source of slow speeds. Find out what type of service they’re paying for Check out that link above to see more precise city and state averages to find out what’s achievable in your hometown. If you’re not, you might have a little work to do. If you’re looking at speeds within 10 Mbps of that, you’re golden. The average download speed for the US is just over 50 Mbps for broadband connections.

#Mac or pc for family 2016 android#

Or, connect to their Wi-Fi and then run our mobile Android or iOS app.

Visit for a free, quick assessment of how fast your parents’ internet speeds actually are. Houston, do we even have a problem?īefore you dive in with fancy fixes and shiny new equipment, it helps to get the lay of the land. If you want to give your family the gift of faster internet (and maybe show off a little), try this simple DIY home internet audit at the old homestead. While this may seem like a chore because the internet feels so obvious to you, you’re probably rocking some untapped skills that could save your family a lot of time and frustration.

Adult children of baby boomers are frequently tasked with tech support and a visit home is the perfect time for your family to capture your attention. If you secretly suspect your parents invited you home to not only see your darling face but also because they’re waiting for you to move the last 12 months of photos from digital camera to computer, you are not alone.