Broadband Guides: Technical Issues

Where does my broadband router come from?

Broadband routers are manufactured around the world, yet their country of origin can affect consumer trust.

Keeping the noise down in today’s multimedia age

With so many web-enabled devices and entertainment platforms in our homes, it’s easy to generate unwanted noise pollution

Does it matter if my ISP is taken over or rebranded?

Broadband rebrands are a common facet of internet services, but a rebranded ISP shouldn’t affect your connection

Why different computer games require different levels of hardware

How are broadband connection problems defined?

Broadband connection problems affect most of us at some point, but how are they defined and what causes them?

What does RAM do, and why is it so important?

Random access memory powers everything we do on our phones and tablets. We explain what does RAM do and why it’s so vital

Are WiFi 7 routers worth having?

The next generation of routers are in development, but does WiFi 7 bring anything new to the table, sideboard or shelf?

What do emergency alerts achieve?

Emergency alerts will be tested on our mobile devices soon, but what are these national alerts meant to achieve?

Common broadband tips (which won’t really work)

We explore some of the many broadband tips which won't actually work in terms of improving internet connection speed and reliability

What to do if your router breaks

How to tell if your ISP is having network or service problems

Network or service problems can derail daily life, but sometimes the problems lie closer to home…

Quick ways to boost slow broadband

If you’re desperate to boost slow broadband, these simple hacks and tips could significantly improve your connectivity

How to take and edit quality smartphone photos

Even with the latest smartphones, knowing how to take good photos requires a blend of skill, patience and knowledge

How to prepare for an online job interview

Online job interviews require a very different mindset to a face-to-face interview. We explain what you need to know, do and check

Website error codes – and what they really mean

Website error codes tell you why a particular resource isn’t available, so ignore them at your peril…

What do we know about 6G?

How to avoid common video-call mistakes

In today’s remote-working culture, it’s vital to be professional at all times. We explain how to avoid video-call mistakes with colleagues and clients alike

What should I do if I can’t access emails?

If you can't access emails, there’s no need to panic – a variety of short-term solutions will help while you investigate longer-term steps

Ten tips for reducing router interference

Reducing router interference can significantly improve your wireless connectivity – especially on slower connections

How to take screenshots – and why you might want to

Knowing how to take screenshots can simplify many aspects of online life, from password management to complaints escalation

The value of broadband line speed checks

Broadband line speed checks serve numerous purposes – including advising your ISP on where connection problems may lie

Coping strategies when online services go offline

When online services go offline, the initial response may be more panicked than is really necessary

Why you shouldn’t turn your broadband router off overnight

It may be tempting to turn your broadband router off overnight, but it’s a bad idea for several reasons.

When to use a VPN – and when not to

We explain when to use a VPN (and when not to) depending on your need for privacy, speed and safety

The best broadband routers in 2024

The best broadband routers will make you wonder why you persevered with your ISP-supplied hardware for so long

Five things your next computer needs – and five things it doesn’t

There are some things your next computer needs, and many features you could probably live without.

What should I do if a webpage won’t load?

If a webpage won't load, there are various steps which might help to resolve the situation

How far can WiFi signals travel?

We answer the question of how far can WiFi signals travel, and consider the factors reducing wireless router range in the home and garden.

How to tell when your old computer is dying

Being able to tell when an old computer is dying – and knowing how to respond – could simplify the transition to a new device.

Easy SEO wins for your website

Even small SEO wins can make a big difference to your website’s performance

Still using Windows 10? Time’s running out to upgrade

Consumers still using Windows 10 will soon have to make a key decision about their PCs

How to run reverse image searches

Reverse image searches might sound complicated, but they’re easy to run – and surprisingly helpful

What are IPTV services, and are they legal?

They’re used by over 17 million people in Europe, but what are IPTV services?

How to keep your hard drive working

If you can keep your hard drive working optimally, your computer’s lifespan will be hugely extended

How does Bluetooth work?

How does Bluetooth work? The answer is using some decidedly low-tech communications

How to revive an old computer with a factory reset

Even if your PC or Mac is starting to fail, it’s often possible to revive an old computer by restoring it to factory defaults.

How to handle notspots

If you find yourself in a data notspot, there are ways to circumvent their drag on device connectivity.

How to properly clean a computer

Knowing how to clean a computer properly could add years to its lifespan, while protecting you against real-world viruses.

A beginner’s guide to coding

Computer coding underpins everything our laptops, tables and smartphones do, yet it’s hugely misunderstood

How to keep working when your broadband fails

Being able to keep working when your broadband fails can make an offline period surprisingly productive.

Why is my favourite website not accessible?

From server failures to essential maintenance, there are many reasons why you might suddenly find a website not accessible.

What’s causing my broadband to drop out?

Broadband dropouts are frustrating and inconvenient, but it’s always worth investigating the root cause.

Five things which can block WiFi around the home

Any list of things which can block WiFi will include unexpected barriers including water, wood and wireless baby monitors

Why can’t I access my email?

Being unable to access email is frustrating, but it’s usually temporary – and there may be workarounds

Do I really need to do system updates on my computer?

They are annoying and often inconveniently timed, but system updates can be crucial for the health of your PC or Mac.

Tips for freeing up hard drive space

Freeing up hard drive space helps maintain your computer’s functionality, and it doesn’t require a computing degree

Help! Why won’t my computer connect to the internet?

If your computer won't connect to the internet, there are plenty of things you can try before contacting your ISP’s technical support team.

The best and worst places to put your broadband router

Where you keep your wifi router can have a surprisingly big impact on the quality of your broadband connection.

The unknown benefits of restarting your wifi router

Benefits of rebooting your router include improved performance, greater reliability and a longer lifespan.

A beginner’s guide to computer cables

Computer cables come in all shapes and sizes, though help is on the way courtesy of our old friends in the EU