Networking

Jonathan would like a backup system that will backup through his router, and he'd like it to double as a media server. Leo says that's called network attached storage. It hooks into the router, is visible on the network as a drive, and it can be used as a backup. Many NAS systems will run media servers so they act like a jukebox for music, video, etc.

Leo says he does need to get a modem that's compatible, and he can get a list of compatible modems from Time Warner's website. Leo uses an Arris modem on Comcast, and he thinks that would also be compatible on Time Warner. Leo says you can almost always save money and get a more up to date modem by buying your own instead of renting one from the cable company.

Rick is getting an error message that he's lost his Wi-Fi connection. Leo says it's a common issue with Wi-Fi. It's not malware because the last thing malware would want is to get him offline. Malware these days is about making money off of him, and that means it has a vested interest in keeping him online.

When Rick rebooted, the Wi-Fi light on his router wasn't on. He did a system repair which fixed it. Leo says that the router may have chosen a congested channel and as such, he may be just getting knocked off. It may also be an issue with a recent update.

Jack has an issue with his iMac getting knocked off the network using Wi-Fi. He has to reboot from time to time. Leo says that Apple has issues with Wi-Fi and it's a black art. Leo thinks it may be an issue with the cable modem. Jack should ask his cable provider if he can buy his own, and pick up an Arris DOCSIS 3 modem. Even though they gave him one, he's just renting it and it's likely a used one. He should buy his own, along with a router, and he'll get better results and save money on rental fees as well.