Which web browser is the best? 

If you're looking for the best browser, it just depends on what is right for you. All of the main browsers – like Chrome, Ede (formerly Internet Explorer), Safari, and Firfox – are good choices and safe, although each has its own features or advantages.

Compatible 
When choosing a browser, look for compatibility for things you frequent most. For example, there are Google video conferencing products that only work on Chrome.

Ease of Use
Choose one that suits your ease of use. Can you adjust how websites are displayed if you have visual impairments? Can you adjust the font size or easily find bookmarks to websites you want to save? 

Secure
Equally as important, look for security. All the major browsers have the ability to block certain websites (like adult-only content) or unsafe websites. Unsafe websites could potentially set you up for credit card theft if you were to make a purchase on the website. Secure websites have an address that starts with "https://". Some browsers display a padlock on the address bar as well so you can quickly reference if it is secure or not. 

Speaking of address bars, we commonly hear people confuse an address bar with a search engine. Most browsers set its homepage to its preferred search engine, which is usually Google or Bing. If you type in a website address (such as smalltowntech.shop) in the search engine, it will not take you directly to the website. Instead, you will see corresponding search results, which in most cases there will be a link that leads you to the right website. If you have a specific URL address (website address), such as for a Zoom conference, it will not work to type this into the search engine. Look for the address bar, which is a short and long rectangle box at the top of any browser and type in website addresses there.

No matter which browser you download, do not use password saving services from the browser. Your browser company has no incentive to protect your data, and in the fine print they absolve themselves from any breach of your data. Our Protech Enterprise plan comes with a password-saving platform that is secure.

If you need help finding the browser right for you, our Tech Team is always here to help.

Tune in on KSDM 104.1 FM, KGHS 1230 AM, KGHS 95.3 FM on Wednesday at 8:40 am for the next episode of Tech Talk. 

Send your tech questions to info@smalltowntech.shop.

With more people working and learning from home, you may find yourself asking why your internet is slow. 

On our last Tech Talk, we talked about what the internet is and how it gets to your house. When things slow down, there are a lot of things that can cause your internet to slow down. The most common is the number of devices using the internet - but it's more than your computer or phone. Remember your Alexa, Roomba, smart fridge, smart laundry devices, and more. These things take up a lot of bandwidth. 

One option to speed up your internet is to kick everyone off the Internet. But, we know that's not realistic.

Speed up your internet
First, you should call your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and ask if you're getting the speed you are paying for and if you can get a faster service. You may be able to get a better package than you currently have, which will be worth it for how many devices you have using your internet. 

Move your router
Also look at where your router is located. Is your router in the basement next to a concrete wall where the signal is blocked? Move your router to a central location in your house.

Hardwire your devices
The best way to get the fastest and most reliable speed to your devices is to connect it to the Ethernet, rather than using the Wi-Fi signal. 

Distribute your signal
Another option is to evenly distribute your internet throughout your house. Small Town Tech can extend your wireless signal, even to another building such as your garage. If you're setting up an office in an auxiliary building or in the basement and you don't have a reliable signal in your house, a Wi-Fi booster can distribute your signal.

Tune in on KSDM 104.1 FM, KGHS 1230 AM, KGHS 95.3 FM on Wednesday at 8:40 am for the next episode of Tech Talk. 

Send your tech questions to info@smalltowntech.shop.