Broadband Guides: Technical Issues

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?

A sixth generation of cellular communications is in development, but is 6G really needed when 5G hasn’t achieved its full potential?

How to avoid common video-call mistakes

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

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

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

How does remote PC access work?

Remote PC access unlocks your files and folders across the internet, for offsite working and tech support alike

What’s the best modern web browser in 2023?

If you’re looking for the best web browser, it might pay to look beyond the obvious candidates.

How to get perfect WiFi coverage all over your home

Generic broadband routers often struggle to achieve whole-home WiFi coverage, but there are easy ways to boost signal strength.

Easy ways to recover lost data from an old or crashed PC

Computer failure doesn’t have to mean disaster – we outline some easy ways to get your files back when things go wrong.

Laptops don’t last as long as desktop computers – here’s why

We investigate why laptop lifespans are considerably shorter than desktop computers, despite performing near-identical jobs.

How does in-car WiFi work?

In-car WiFi is the latest attempt at bridging the connectivity gap between our homes and our vehicles, promising seamless entertainment and communications

How are screen resolutions measured?

The question of how are screen resolutions measured has a surprisingly simple answer

How can I buy a domain name already in use?

Discovering your perfect domain name is already in use doesn’t necessarily stop you from buying it...

Top 5 tips to extend the life of your PC

Being able to extend the lifespan of your PC will maximise the value of this expensive piece of kit!

How to get the best results from broadband customer service

Your broadband provider's call centre staff are the gatekeepers of a functioning home internet connection, so keeping them on-side is crucial.

How to stop latency ruining your online experiences

ISPs do everything they can to stop latency affecting consumer internet access, but we can play our part as well

How to launch an online store quickly and easily

You don’t need to be a computing expert to launch an online store, with platforms simplifying site construction and ecommerce alike

How to choose a PC for gaming

Our gaming PC buying guide explains what to look for when buying a rig to run today’s most resource-intensive software titles.