Discovering Computers

Chapter 10: Communications and Networks

Cut the cord!

Antenna
I cut the cord! Finally. No more outrageous cable bills to watch your favorite TV shows and movies. If you didn’t already, you can too. First, check the channels available in your area. Next, buy an antenna. Mohu Sky 60 works for me, but if you live in the city, you may be able to purchase a lesser expensive one.  Add a splitter to hook up two TVs to one antenna and save more money. With 45 high-def channels available free over the air, including local and all the major networks, that may be all you need!

Streaming devices
If the free over the air channels aren't enough for you, you can get additional free TV shows, movies and more with a steaming device. Download an app such as Netfllix or Sling, along with a monthly subscription service, even more entertainment is available. See Digital Trends 2015 10 best recommendations for streaming devices. The following are streaming devices, apps and services I use:

  • Google's Chromecast device. This device will allow you to use the Internet to stream entertainment such as Hulu, Netflix, and more to your TV.
  • Amazon Fire TV or Amazon Fire TV Stick devices. Just recently, I purchased Amazon Fire TV with a $20 monthly Sling TV subscription. The subscription is a pay as you go, no contract. You get 14 channels over the Internet, instead of from your cable provider. Some channels include ESPN and TBS. Sling currently does not work with Google's Chromecast. Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick devices, like Google's Chromecast device, allow you to stream entertainment to your TV (both support Netflix).

    For me, I watch 45 local high-def channels for free using an antenna. I can use Google's Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV to watch movies on Netflix. Netflix costs $8 a month. Just recently, I added Sling TV to get more channels such as ESPN and TBS, for an additional $20/month. So far, the Sling subscription/Amazon device combination looks pretty good. I already have an Amazon Prime* account, which I like to use for free shipping of items I purchase. The Prime account also allows me to access and download even more free movies using my Amazon Fire TV. Now that I have Amazon Fire TV to use with Amazon Prime account to watch movies, I may cancel my Netflix subscription.

    *Students get Amazon Prime free for 6 months and then 50% off after that. You can get it for $50 a year (I pay $100 a year).

Computer Networks from PBS Learning Media

In this interactive activity adapted from the Wisconsin Online Resource Center, discover how computers communicate with one another through networks. Learn about types of networks (local area networks and wide area networks) and three common components: links, nodes, and routers. In addition, investigate some of the advantages and disadvantages of four kinds of network topologies: mesh, bus, star, and ring. Finally, explore the role of routers and how data travels from one network to another.

Home networking explained

A CNET editor answers questions about the basics of home networking.

Wi-Fi

Caller complains her Wi-Fi access disappeared, yet she doesn't even have a router...
Video is 05m:55s.