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6 Ways to Fix a Verizon Router Blinking White

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6 Ways to Fix a Verizon Router Blinking White

Each light on your router means something different and can alert you to potential issues with your connection or hardware. While the blinking light on the Verizon router might seem like a problem, it usually means that you just need to wait for it to finish what it’s doing. However, there are some situations in which you’ll need to try to fix it. 

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What Does It Mean When a Verizon Router Blinks White?

verizon-router-blinking-white

A white blinking light means that your router is performing a routine task, like booting up or applying updates. It can be a signal that your internet is unavailable while the task finishes, but it also shows that nothing, in particular, is wrong.

If the white light continues blinking for a long time and doesn’t change to the unblinking white light, which means your router is working correctly, something could have gone wrong during the process the device was performing. You may have to troubleshoot the router if you think it will not regain a connection and work again.

How to Fix a Verizon Router Blinking White?

Most of the time, a simple task like resetting your modem and router will fix any problems that stem from your hardware. If they don’t, you will have to undertake more involved measures. 

One caveat: wait at least an hour before trying to reset your router in case it is downloading and installing firmware updates. If your internet is particularly slow or your router is older and hasn’t been updated in a while, it could take even longer. In that case, the blinking light would stay present not because the router is stuck but because the process it’s completing isn’t done yet. 

Reset Your Router

Resetting your router and modem is the best way to start any troubleshooting required with your internet connection or networking hardware. Sometimes the process stops working as it should, and a quick reset fixes it right up. Since it takes so little time and effort, let it be your first stop as you try to stop the white light from blinking on your Verizon router.

  1. Unplug your router and modem from the wall. Don’t just turn them off. For the process to work as intended, you want to remove the plugs from the outlet. If you have a combination modem/router, you only need to do it once for the entire device.
    unplug-router-power-cord
  2. Wait a few minutes to let be sure they’ve reset. While it may not take them long to be ready to go, it’s best to wait at least two minutes.
  3. Plug the modem back in and watch the lights on it as it powers on and detects a connection. It should have a series of lights that shows the connection is working and stable. When those appear, you’re ready for the next step.
    Plug-the-modem-back
  4. Plug the router in and wait while it accepts a connection from the modem. Keep an eye on the white light, and don’t panic if it starts blinking. That’s normal while the device is powering on, which can take a few moments to complete.
  5. Test your internet connection with your computer or smartphone once it appears to be working. If the light starts blinking again and doesn’t stop after a long time, you may have to try a few other solutions.
    check-internet-speed

While a reset can fix many problems, it can’t fix everything. When the blinking white light is caused by something more intensive, it can take similarly intensive solutions to fix it. 

Contact Verizon

Checking with Verizon early in the process is a good idea because you won’t have to do extra work to get your router back to normal. You don’t want to run through an hour of troubleshooting and resetting things only to find out that you could never do anything because the problem was Verizon’s. 

You can contact Verizon through your personal account or call 611 from your Verizon phone. 

Try Different Cables

If you have alternate cables that will fit your router, try swapping them out for the cables that came with the router. Over time, cables can stop working as well. It’s also possible that they were damaged without you realizing it.

Don’t try to substitute cables that aren’t intended for a router like yours. You can always contact Verizon or the manufacturer of your router to get help finding compatible cables if need be. 

Reset Your Router Firmware

Routers ship with whatever firmware is installed on them when you receive them and set them up the first time. Most updates these days are done via the router portal; you download the update, and the router installs it.

Sometimes, routers need to have firmware rolled back because of an error. If your router is repeatedly blinking white and Verizon says the service is connected, hard resetting the router might be your best bet.

You can do this without having to enter the portal, though you will need to get in to update the firmware once you’ve reset it.

  1. Look for a small pinhole or button on the back of your router. It may say Reset by it. Whether you have the pinhole or button depends on your model. If you can’t find it, check the manual. There should be a picture explaining each of the lights and buttons on the model you have.
    look-for-small-reset-pihn-hole
  2. Insert an unbent paper clip into the pinhole and hold it down for 15 seconds. If you have a button, press down on that for 15 seconds.
    insert-paper-clip-into-reset-pinhole
  3. Wait to see the lights on the router change so that you know it reset.
  4. Reconnect to the router as you did when it was new. You can find the default password on a label on the router itself. 

As long as the router is working and the blinking white light isn’t blinking anymore, you can update the firmware. 

Updating the Firmware

Updating the firmware after resetting the router is crucial because it may come with stability or security updates. However, most Verizon routers handle firmware updates on their own because Verizon pushes the updates out. Once you’ve reset the router, it should do the update on its own.

You can always power cycle it to force an update if need be. 

If you’re using a router that lets you update on the router portal, you can update it manually.

  1. Sign in using your administrative username and password. 
  2. Look for Advanced or Administration.
  3. Look for Firmware.
  4. Choose Firmware Updates or Check For New Version .
    check-for-firmware-updates
  5. Confirm that you want to download and install the update.
  6. Don’t use the router portal again until it’s finished. 

Once it’s done, check to see whether the router is still working and that the white light isn’t blinking anymore. 

Replace the Router

If you still have the problem but the internet works, there might be a problem with the lights on the router. It isn’t something you’ll be able to replace easily. Reach out to Verizon and explain that the router is damaged, and you require a replacement. 

You can also live with it if it isn’t affecting your internet. You don’t have to replace it if your internet is working and you’re getting the proper speeds. 

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Why I Ditched Microsoft Excel for Google Sheets (And Why You Should Too!)

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Hey there, fellow spreadsheet enthusiasts! Today, I want to share my journey from being a die-hard Microsoft Excel fan to becoming a Google Sheets official nerd. Believe me, it wasn’t an easy decision, but after experiencing the wonders of Google Sheets, there’s no turning back.

I’ve done so many other tech reviews, it just felt right to do one on Microsoft Excel vs. Google Sheets. So, grab your virtual seat, and let’s dive into why you need to stop using Microsoft Excel and start embracing the awesomeness of Google Sheets.

Excel, We Had a Good Run…

I’ve had a long and fruitful relationship with Microsoft Excel. We’ve tackled countless budgets, analyzed heaps of data, and even played the occasional game of spreadsheet Sudoku (admit it, we’ve all been there). But as the years rolled on, it became evident that Excel had its limitations, and it was time for a change.

The Love-Hate Relationship with Excel

Don’t get me wrong; Excel is a powerhouse when it comes to crunching numbers and performing basic calculations. It’s like that trusty old calculator you had in high school. However, when things get complex, Excel can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded – frustrating and time-consuming.

Why I Fell Out of Love with Excel:

  1. Collaboration Nightmares: Ever tried collaborating with multiple people on an Excel file? It’s like trying to play a symphony with a broken piano. Google Sheets, on the other hand, offers real-time collaboration. It’s like having a jam session where everyone is in sync.
  2. Formula Frustration: Excel’s formulas are like a secret society’s code. Nested IF statements? Array formulas? It’s a maze. Google Sheets simplifies this with a user-friendly formula bar that guides you, making complex calculations less intimidating.
  3. Data Size Drama: Excel has its limits, and sooner or later, you’ll bump into them. Large datasets can bring Excel to its knees. Google Sheets handles big data gracefully, giving you the freedom to analyze without constraints.
  4. Dated Data Visualization: Creating charts and graphs in Excel is like painting with finger paints. Google Sheets offers sleek, modern data visualization options that can turn your data into works of art.
  5. Mobile Accessibility: In a world where we’re always on the move, Excel’s mobile app falls short. Google Sheets’ mobile app is user-friendly and lets you access your spreadsheets from anywhere, anytime.
  6. Automatic Backup: Excel doesn’t automatically save your work, and one wrong click can erase hours of effort. Google Sheets automatically saves your changes, so you can breathe easy knowing your work is secure.
  7. Free or Affordable: Let’s talk money. Excel can be pricey, especially if you need advanced features. Google Sheets offers a free version and affordable subscription options that won’t break the bank.
  8. Data Security: Sharing sensitive information via Excel can be risky. Google Sheets provides secure, permission-based sharing, ensuring your data stays safe and sound.

Why I Fell in Love with Google Sheets:

Now that you know why I had to part ways with Excel, let me tell you why Google Sheets became my new spreadsheet crush:

  1. Seamless Collaboration: Real-time collaboration is a game-changer. With Google Sheets, my team and I can work on the same spreadsheet simultaneously, leaving version control issues in the past.
  2. User-Friendly Formulas: Google Sheets’ formula bar guides you through creating complex formulas, making even the trickiest calculations manageable.
  3. Data Freedom: The freedom to work with large datasets without worry is liberating. No more hitting Excel’s limits and sacrificing data.
  4. Modern Data Visualization: Visualizing data has never been easier. Google Sheets offers sleek chart options that help convey insights effectively.
  5. Mobile Magic: Google Sheets’ mobile app keeps me productive on the go. I can access and edit my spreadsheets from my smartphone or tablet without a hitch.
  6. Automatic Peace of Mind: Knowing that Google Sheets saves my work automatically is a weight off my shoulders. No more “did I save that?” moments.
  7. Budget-Friendly: Google Sheets’ free version has impressive features, and their paid plans are affordable, making it accessible to all budgets.
  8. Top-Notch Security: Secure sharing options ensure my data remains confidential, granting access only to those who need it.

In Conclusion

Breaking up with Microsoft Excel wasn’t easy, but transitioning to Google Sheets was one of the best decisions I ever made. It’s more than just a spreadsheet tool; it’s a game-changer for productivity, collaboration, and data analysis. So, my fellow spreadsheet fanatics, it’s time to make the switch. Embrace the future with Google Sheets, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Trust me; your spreadsheets will thank you!

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How safe is my data after a hack or leak?

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How safe is my data after a hack or leak?

The UK’s elections watchdog revealed on Tuesday it had been the victim of a “complex cyber-attack” potentially affecting millions of voters.

It also emerged personal details of police officers in Northern Ireland were published accidentally.

But what can you do if you are concerned your data may have been leaked, and how can you prevent issues?

How safe is my data?

Generally, when public organisations such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) respond to Freedom of Information requests they should remove any identifying data.

But in this case the force published confidential details by accident, leaving some officers and their families with concerns about their safety.

However, an average person affected by a data leak or hack should not panic.

Regarding the cyber-attack affecting UK voters, the Electoral Commission has apologised to those affected but says on its website the data it holds is “limited, and much of it is already in the public domain”.

“According to the risk assessment used by the Information Commissioner’s Office [the data regulator] to assess the harm of data breaches, the personal data held on electoral registers, typically name and address, does not in itself present a high risk to individuals,” it says.

This information could be combined with other bits of data about you, such as what you share on social media, to identify you – but this takes a lot of time and cyber criminals will generally only target prominent individuals like this.

And unless you have opted out of being named on the open electoral register, much of this information will already be publicly available online.

If you are concerned about a different data breach, and are worried your information may have been lost, there are also websites which will tell you if your email was part of a known data breach.

The Electoral Commission specifically recommends people use the free online service Have I Been Pwned (sic) to check this.

What can I do to keep my data safe?

If you believe your password to an account may have been compromised, it makes sense to change it.

But you should be mindful not to respond to any emails recommending this, as they could be attempting to scam you – instead you should visit the website as normal, and change your password there.

This is also why it is important to have different passwords for different accounts.

By always keeping different log-in credentials, a future hack is less likely to affect you seriously as the hackers will not be able to use your data beyond accessing a single service you used.

Another thing people can do is to remain vigilant online to avoid any data loss.

Recent research from Barclays released on Wednesday shows that 87% of all scams take place on tech platforms, such as dating apps, social media and online marketplaces.

It says these scams are on the rise, and it wants tech platforms to shoulder some of the liability.

“Without the joint help of tech organisations, the Government, and regulators, we risk enabling the unchecked growth of what is now the most common crime in the UK, hurting countless individuals, and costing our economy billions each year,” says Barclays CEO Matt Hammerstein.

“Our data shows that tech platforms – particularly social media – are now the source of almost all scams. However, there is no current legislative or regulatory framework obliging the tech sector to support the prevention of these crimes, as there rightly is for banks.”

But there are a few simple steps you can take to stay safe online, which can help protect your data – and your wallet.

These include using a strong password for each site you visit, avoiding emails from people you do not know, and being careful when visiting unfamiliar websites.

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The Rising Importance of Managed IT Services with Proficiency in Apple Devices for Today’s Business Landscape

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The Rising Importance of Managed IT Services with Proficiency in Apple Devices for Today's Business Landscape

In the rapidly evolving world of business technology, there’s an undeniably prominent shift toward Apple devices. Their sleek designs, unparalleled security features, and user-friendly interfaces have made them a favored choice among business professionals. Yet, the challenge remains: how do businesses ensure they’re tapping into the full potential of these devices while ensuring security, efficiency, and smooth integration into existing systems? Enter managed IT services companies, particularly those that are Apple aficionados.

If you’re a business owner or decision-maker, you’ve likely encountered the classic dilemma: hiring in-house IT specialists or outsourcing. With the increasing reliance on Apple devices in modern businesses, it’s not just about finding IT support but the right IT support.

Why Apple?
Apple’s ecosystem is unique. It’s not merely about devices but also the secure, interconnected universe they create. An iPhone syncs seamlessly with a MacBook or an iPad, leading to an integrated working experience. However, with this high level of sophistication comes the necessity for specialized knowledge.

“You wouldn’t hire a general handyman to fix a specific issue with your car. Similarly, hiring general IT support might not do the trick for businesses that rely on Apple devices. They need specialists,” points out Aaron Kane of Machero in Chicago.

The Perks of Outsourcing to Apple-Savvy Managed IT Services
The advantage of partnering with a managed IT service familiar with Apple’s world is multi-fold. They bring a deep understanding of Apple’s operating systems, know the best practices for integration, and can troubleshoot issues specific to Apple products. This expertise is often hard to find in generic IT teams.

Furthermore, such companies can help businesses deploy Apple devices in a way that they’re used to their maximum potential. They understand the nuances of iOS, macOS, and other Apple-specific software and can guide businesses in deploying tools and applications best suited to their needs.

Ed Anderson of Dyrand Systems in Vancouver (Visit their website) echoes this sentiment. “Modern business operations demand agility. And in a landscape dominated by Apple devices, you need IT support that speaks Apple’s language fluently. Outsourcing to managed IT services that are Apple specialists is more than a trend; it’s a strategic move.”

The Security Element
Security is one of Apple’s hallmarks. Yet, the best hardware and software security features can be undermined if not handled appropriately. Regular updates, patches, and knowledge of potential threats specific to Apple’s ecosystem are crucial.

Jorge Rojas with Tektonic Managed Services emphasizes the security component. “When we talk about Apple devices, we’re looking at a different kind of architecture, both in hardware and software. The threats these devices face, while fewer than others, are unique. A managed IT service team that is well-versed in Apple’s realm is your best bet against potential cyber threats.”

In Conclusion
Today’s business world isn’t just about adopting the best technology and understanding and integrating it seamlessly into one’s operations. With their growing popularity in the corporate world, Apple devices come with their own demands and intricacies. While these devices offer many advantages, leveraging them requires specific skills and expertise.

The choice is clear for businesses keen on not just surviving but thriving in today’s tech-centric environment. Partner with a managed IT service that knows Apple inside out. It’s an investment that promises smooth operations and a competitive edge in a landscape where technology is the game-changer.

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