Turn Your Wireless Router Off

     If you have a wireless router at your house, or your business for that matter, it's great to just be able to jump on the Internet at any time.

     But you might want to turn it off when you're not using it for two reasons.

     First, if it's not set up with a security encryption, then anyone within range can take advantage of using it.  Some programs can allow computer to computer sharing that are on the same wireless network, so you really don't want to be sharing your information with your neighbor down the street...or that guy sitting in his car in front of your house.  If you leave it on when you're not home, and there's no security encryption, you'd best have your computer shut off, and not just on standby.

     Second, every wireless system needs a point where it can reset, and it must be turned off for 10 seconds, and then turned back on.  If you shut it off when you're done, and turn it on before you need it, your proving some additional protection against hackers.  It might be a hassle to go to the basement everytime you want to log on to "flick the switch," but you'll get some exercise by using the stairs, you'll save energy and electrical costs, and it's still a lot less time that waiting for the annoying dial-up test sequence.

Back to Tech Tips index