The Business of Broadband

Most people that purchase new computers, networking equipment, peripherals, etc. think that once the purchase is made, they are scot free and can enjoy getting their money’s worth for these big (or small) ticket items. The Internet connection is zipping along, but they gradually begin to notice that their wireless connection keeps dropping, and their router LEDs are doing a Mardi Gras dance. What is going on?

Routers as well as many other devices, occasionally need to be updated, and the atypical symptoms are just one sign that can let your customers know that it’s time for firmware or some form of an update for the devices. Manufacturers tend to release updates as a means of enhancing a device or correcting issues that may result, so completing any available updates can be beneficial to a device’s performance.

Hard(wear) Updates

‘My Internet is slow. Can you come fix it?’ I’m sure that you’ve lost count of the number of times that you’ve gone out to your customers’ homes and connected your laptop to find that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Internet connection. You then ask the question ‘When was the last time you updated your computer or your network card drivers?’ Suddenly, Cantonese is your native language because they have no idea what you’re talking about. Whether your customers use laptops, desktops, or tablet computers, the hardware components of the systems will periodically need updates. On Windows operating systems, many hardware updates can be found by accessing the Custom or Optional updates available from the Windows Update site or Control Panel. For Mac lovers (and yes, they love their Macs), updates can be obtained when accessing the Software Updates option from the Apple Menu. Manufacturer websites are also convenient for these updates, so your tech support team can be ready to assist customers in identifying the hardware installed and locating updates for hardware efficiency and performance.

Updating Router Firmware

Wireless router usage in home networks is continuing to rise, and many of your customers benefit from the perks of wireless connectivity. Imagine coming home only to tell the kids that Wi-Fi is no more because your router went AWOL. There would rampant Wi-Fi withdrawals in the form of no tweet updates or Facebook pokes on iPhones, and the Xbox 360′s shiny exterior would become laden with cobwebs. To prevent mass hysteria, firmware updates can be applied to routers as they become available. Updates are generally found on the manufacturer’s website and are often accompanied by easy to follow instructions. Your customers may have questions about which updates apply to their devices, so having a list of commonly used routers and the most current versions will greatly help out. Assisting with firmware updates could also possibly limit service calls from customers who are really having router issues but think their issues are Internet-related.

File ► Print ► Scan

Computer peripherals in some form are almost a necessity, especially printers and scanners. These devices seem to enhance our Martha Stewart scrapbooking aspirations and are an easy way out to print and scan pictures from the Internet when being an ‘arteest’ is not in the cards. They can also assist your customers when they want to print emails of your latest newsletters or promotions. Printers require more than the occasional changing of an ink cartridge , and like other peripherals, can benefit from periodic updates. On most peripherals, updates can be found on the manufacturer’s website and are usually accessible through a menu detailing the device’s feature. There are various brands and models of peripherals, so keeping up with current updates will be a challenge, but your tech support team can easily locate manufacturer’s websites to provide information that may assist customers.

Updating hardware doesn’t have to be a tedious task, but you may have to engage your customers’ interests because completing this is not always at the top of the maintenance checklist. For additional information on hardware updates, please leave a comment, and we will be glad to locate any needed information.