TECH TIMES

Written and compiled by: Kareem LaTouche and Stephanie Lyew

Tech problem of the week - What devices are connected to the wireless router/network?

Why you need to know

The more devices that are connected to a wireless router/network, the less bandwidth that is shared among the users; this may affect streaming videos, downloads, or just general Internet usage. If you realise that Internet pages are moving slower than usual, it is possible that someone is sponging off your wireless connection.

What you will need

• Computer
• The router (and accessories)
• Information on MAC addresses
• Internet connection

How to get it done

Ensure the router is connected to the computer or that the computer is connected to the Wi-Fi hotspot. Consult the router's manual, as it may provide general information on the network settings. Some routers make it easy to identify the devices that are logged on, through accessing the Open Network and Sharing Center window, or through the Airport Utility settings on Apple Mac computers.

However, an easy way to access the router's settings is to enter the default gateway address into the browser. The default gateway address is accessible by going into the Internet network or router settings, printed on the router or by going to the Start menu, selecting Run, and typing 'cmd' then 'ipconfig' to access the local area network's general information.

Most routers use the default gateway address 192.168.1 and the username 'admin', and default password as 'password'. These are also listed on under some routers or at the back.

Go to LAN Setup and select DHCP (which means dynamic host configuration protocol), which should show DHCP clients list.

You will now need to know how many devices within your own home or office are connected, the names of the users/devices and/or the MAC addresses. If you notice unknown devices, change the name of the network and password and reset the router. Now the Wi-Fi network should be secure.

Helpful link: http://www.wikihow.com/Tell-If-an-Outside-User-Is-on-Your-Wireless-Network

Apps this Week for Android, Apple and Bb

• Magisto Video Editor and Maker for Android

The Magisto video-production and editing application was updated on December 11, allowing users to share created movies publicly and privately. Although the app takes a long time to process the final production, it is worth the wait to see how Magisto puts video themes, graphics and effects together with your video clips, photos and choice of music.

• Movie Slate for Apple (iPhone)

This application, created by Pure Blend Software, replaces the traditional clapboard slate or clapperboard, which video and movie-production companies use during the capture of scenes or 'takes'. The digital clapperboard usually has the time, the take, the scene, production time and/or date, director's name, and notes on the scenes of each production. Now, iPhone users who work in film production can take more notes.

• 360 Panorama for Blackberry:

It may seem strange at first, but once the 360 Panorama application is installed properly on the BlackBerry device (either Q10 or Z10), the user will be able to capture beautiful 360 panoramic pictures. Click the camera's start button, move the camera steadily in the field of view, and when you are through, the application stitches the captured images together using its built-in grid to make the image picture-perfect.