Should You Buy a Router If Your ISP Gives You a Combined Router/Modem?

Should You Buy a Router If Your ISP Gives You a Combined Router/Modem?: "Many Internet service providers are now giving their customers combined devices that function as both a modem and a wireless router. With these devices, you don’t have to buy a router — but you can, if you like.

While separate routers can be more powerful, configurable, and feature-filled, that isn’t necessarily a good thing for everyone. Whether you should get a separate router or not depends on what trade-offs you want to make."



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Netflix is raising prices for new members | The Verge

Netflix is raising prices for new members | The Verge: "Netflix is about to get more expensive, but only by a dollar or two. In his company's Q1 letter to shareholders, CEO Reed Hastings said, "Our current view is to do a one or two dollar increase, depending on the country, later this quarter for new members only." Hastings then noted that existing customers will be able to stay at current monthly rates (e.g. $7.99 in the US) for a "generous" period of time. "I don’t think it’s a huge difference," he said of the price change during Netflix's afternoon earnings call."



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Windows XP Security Risks: They're Real And Heading Your Way In 2014

Windows XP Security Risks: They're Real And Heading Your Way In 2014: "With plenty of press coverage about the impending end of support for Windows XP, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s all just hype. But without security updates, the aging operating system becomes a Trojan horse in your home or business."



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Nanoelectronic circuits reach speeds of 245 THz

Nanoelectronic circuits reach speeds of 245 THz: "Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have designed and manufactured circuits that can reach speeds of up to 245 THz, tens of thousands of times faster than contemporary microprocessors. The results open up possible new design routes for plasmonic-electronics, that combine nano-electronics with the fast operating speed of optics."



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10 Ways to Boost Your Wireless Signal | PCMag.com

10 Ways to Boost Your Wireless Signal | PCMag.com: "Troubleshooting your network's wireless performance can seem like a baffling exercise, until you consider that there are really just two main factors to consider—range and speed. Yes, you can have one without the other. For example, it's great to have a screaming-fast wireless network, but if you only get decent speed when your laptop is right next to the router, the speed isn't worth much. You need to boost the signal's range. If your device can barely open friends' Facebook pictures when you're in the same room as the router, then we're talking about problems with speed."



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How to Recycle Your Technology | PCMag.com

How to Recycle Your Technology | PCMag.com: "We love our computers and electronics. That is, until they stop working. Then these computers and their peripherals, from printers to monitors, not to mention your handhelds, batteries, and accessories, often become digital garbage."



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The ultimate guide to staying anonymous and protecting your privacy online - Slideshow | ExtremeTech

The ultimate guide to staying anonymous and protecting your privacy online - Slideshow | ExtremeTech: "Whenever you browse the web, your privacy is under constant barrage. Advertisers are trying to track every move you make, and governments around the world want in on the action as well. Getting tracked by Facebook and Google is bad enough, but knowing that the NSA has its eyes on your web traffic is more than a little worrisome. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to protect your anonymity on the web, and prevent other organizations from monitoring your browsing habits, ensuring your privacy online."



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7 Windows Desktop Settings Only Available in PC Settings on Windows 8.1

7 Windows Desktop Settings Only Available in PC Settings on Windows 8.1: "If you use Windows 8.1 on the desktop, you can’t ignore the new “Windows 8-style” interface entirely. There are some important options you can only access from the PC Settings app, not the desktop Control Panel.

We’ll try to ignore settings that only apply to the “touch-first” interface here and just focus on settings you might want as a desktop user. To be clear, this article is about Microsoft’s oddly-named Windows 8.1 Update."



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5 crazy and handy Google tips and tricks | Komando.com

5 crazy and handy Google tips and tricks | Komando.com: "Web search, image search, email – odds are you use Google for at least one of these things every day. But just because you use something every day doesn’t mean you know every secret.

-ADVERTISEMENT-

In fact, I’ve rounded up five things you can do with Google that you probably had no idea. Some are useful and some are just fun, but you’ll want to give them all a try."



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The 5 Best Media Streamers | PCMag.com

The 5 Best Media Streamers | PCMag.com: "There are many ways to watch online content on your HDTV. Your television itself might have apps, or you might have a Blu-ray player or game system connected with built-in streaming services. If neither case applies, or if your HDTV, Blu-ray player, or game system doesn't have the exact media features you want, you can get a dedicated media hub. For $100 or less, you can set up your HDTV with any online or local media streaming services you need."



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