Networking

Lee has a printer and he'd like to wirelessly print through the router with Linux. Can he do that? Leo says Modern printers use WiFi to connect directly to the printer, but some routers have a special windows program for a print server. But it may no support your printer. Leo says that there is a driver called CUPS that may be able to do it. Look by router brand and model in the CUPS database. If it's there, then you can use CUPS to do it. Another option is to use VMWare or maybe even WINE to use the Windows version.

John has been upgrading his parents' network with a new router, some smart devices like NEST Cams, etc. He's running into some issues, though. He suspects it's the modem/router combo. Leo says it likely is: you'll need to find the IP address and log into it. Likely Admin/Blank for a user name and password. Then turn off the wifi and DHCP. The DHCP is also doing double NAT, so turn that off. It's called putting the router side into "bridge" mode. Let the modem send the bandwidth to the Google home router and it will handle it all.  That should fix it all. 

Now that Windows has killed Workgroups, what's the best way to share files for his network? Leo says that file sharing is still available in Windows through File Explorer. But make sure you share with permissions to keep your network secure. What about a NAS? Leo says that a NAS will work, but they can get expensive with having to buy enclosures separate from the drives the data is housed in. 

Gordon cut the cord in favor of streaming through Verizon. After he did that, his streaming speeds plummetted. But it doesn't with his computer. Leo suspects that the issue is due to the WiFi connection to the TV. Most TVs have terrible WiFi radios in them. Leo recommends having a wired connection to television. Use a streaming box, like a ROKU to handle the WiFi and then connect wired to the TV. Another option is to get a MESH Router.