10/31/2025

How to make a network cable - Crimping a network (LAN) cable.

 You don't have to be a computer network administrator to get into a situation where you have to attach a connector (RJ 45 or RJ 46) on the spot;


Simply, you bought a TV that also has LAN available, in order to be connected to the Internet wired, you need a network cable to your router. If the connection goes through the ceiling and you have to drill holes, it is difficult to run the cable with the connectors already installed.

The procedure itself is called "Crimping" and it is nothing complicated, the only thing that requires a suitable tool, and a suitable arrangement of wires considering the purpose of the cable.

So let's go;

You need a network cable of suitable length (every IT shop has it) and a pair of LAN connectors, and you can borrow a crimping tool:


First of all, the insulation should be removed from the mains cable, either with a tool or with a scalpel. What length of bare wires (pairs) should be left, you will understand on the spot when you try to push them into the connector, because fixing with pliers goes first over the insulation (physical contact) while at the same time establishing contact with the contacts (electrical contact), by breaking through their thin plastic sheath with sharp tin contacts (which are integrated into the connector).


How you will arrange your personal wires depends first of all on what type of cable you want to make: 

T568A or T568B

After that, the wires should be arranged according to the TIA/EIA 568 standard A or B. In case of making a crossover cable, one connector is made according to the A standard and the other according to B. For non-crossover cables, both connectors have the same arrangement and it does not matter whether A or B is used. For normal connection, a non-crossover cable is used.


The combination of these two standards (on one side one type of connection (T568A) and on the other another (T568B) is needed, for example, when you network two computers directly with a network cable...
That is, you connect their network cards directly, with a crossed network cable. (one standard to another)

When you have chosen the combinavia, insert your personal one into the connector, then into the pliers and, like any other good thing, just squeeze :)...

So step 1.





step 2.



Result: your cable is ready, connect it! In case it doesn't work, there are also testers to test the LAN cable....



How to Set Up Parental Controls on Your Network — Step-by-Step Guide

 

How to Set Up Parental Controls on Your Network — Step-by-Step Guide

How to Set Up Parental Controls on Your Network — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Protect your children online and manage screen time with router parental controls, DNS filters, and third-party apps. This guide walks you through setup, best practices, and troubleshooting for all major routers.


๐Ÿ”’ Why Use Parental Controls?

Parental controls let you block inappropriate content, limit online time, and manage which devices can access the internet. Implemented correctly, they provide a safer online environment and reduce arguments about screen time.

Family using devices with parental controls
Parental controls give parents tools to manage kids' online time and content.

๐Ÿ“‹ Overview — Methods to Control Access

  • Router-level parental controls — built into many modern routers (best for device-wide control).
  • DNS filtering — uses services like OpenDNS to block categories (easy and robust).
  • Router apps / vendor ecosystems — TP-Link HomeCare, Asus AiProtection, Netgear Circle, etc.
  • Device-level controls — built into iOS, Android, Windows, or via apps (applies per device).

⚙️ Step 1 — Log Into Your Router

Open a browser and type your router’s IP (192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1). Log in with the admin username and password. If you don’t know them, check the router label or the manual. For safety, change default admin credentials if you haven't already.

Router login screen on browser
Router admin page — access it to configure parental controls.

๐Ÿงฉ Step 2 — Locate Parental Control Settings

Router menus differ by brand. Typical places to look:

  • TP-Link: Parental Controls / HomeCare
  • Asus: AiProtection → Parental Controls
  • Netgear (Nighthawk): Circle with Disney → Parental Controls
  • Linksys: Parental Controls or Access Restrictions

If your router UI is limited, check the vendor’s mobile app — many router apps have friendlier parental control pages.

๐Ÿงพ Step 3 — Create Device Profiles

Identify the devices your children use (tablet, phone, gaming console). Create a profile for each device or user to apply rules individually.

  1. Find Device List or Attached Devices in the router admin interface.
  2. Note device names or MAC addresses.
  3. Create a new profile (e.g., “John-Tablet”, “Anna-Phone”) and assign the device to it.
Router device list screen
Assign devices to profiles so you can apply different rules per child.

⏱️ Step 4 — Set Time Limits and Schedules

Most routers allow scheduling internet access (e.g., weekdays 07:00–19:00; bedtime block 21:00–07:00). Use this to:

  • Limit daily screen time
  • Block internet during homework time
  • Disable access at night to improve sleep

Example rule: “School days: allow 2 hours of internet (17:00–19:00); Weekends: allow 3 hours (10:00–13:00 and 16:00–19:00)”

๐Ÿšซ Step 5 — Block Websites and Categories

You can block websites one by one or block entire categories (Adult, Gambling, Social Media, Streaming, etc.).

  • Domain blacklist: add specific domains like examplebadsite.com
  • Category blocking: use router-provided categories or use DNS filtering (recommended)
Parental control settings blocking websites
Block access to specific sites or categories from the router’s control panel.

๐ŸŒ Step 6 — Use DNS Filtering (OpenDNS FamilyShield / CleanBrowsing)

DNS filtering is a powerful and vendor-agnostic method. It blocks domains at DNS lookup time — requests to blocked categories never resolve.

OpenDNS FamilyShield (automatic adult content blocking):

  • Primary DNS: 208.67.222.123
  • Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.123

CleanBrowsing (Family Filter):

  • Primary DNS: 185.228.168.168
  • Secondary DNS: 185.228.169.168

How to apply: In your router admin → Network / WAN / Internet Settings → set DNS servers to the chosen values → Save and reboot router.

Changing DNS server settings in router
Set DNS servers in the router to enable network-wide filtering.

๐Ÿ” Step 7 — Use Vendor-Specific Solutions (TP-Link, Netgear, Asus)

Many vendors provide simplified parental controls with apps:

  • TP-Link HomeCare: set profiles, time limits, and content filtering via mobile app.
  • Netgear + Circle: per-user controls, bedtimes, pause internet, and usage reports.
  • Asus AiProtection: includes malware blocking and parental control scheduling.

Open your router app → go to Parental Controls / Family → follow the wizard to create user profiles and rules.

๐Ÿ“ฑ Step 8 — Device-Level Controls (iOS, Android, Windows)

For extra control, use built-in device features:

  • iOS (Screen Time): set app limits, downtime, and content restrictions.
  • Android (Family Link): manage apps, limit screen time, and set device bedtimes.
  • Windows (Family Safety): manage websites, app usage, and screen time per account.
Phone parental control screen
Combine router-level and device-level controls for the best results.

๐Ÿ”Ž Step 9 — Monitor and Test

After setup:

  • Open a blocked website on a child’s device to verify it’s blocked.
  • Try scheduled times to confirm access windows work correctly.
  • Use router logs (if available) to see blocked attempts and which sites were requested.

๐Ÿ› ️ Troubleshooting Common Problems

  • Rules not applied: ensure devices use the router for DNS (not a manual DNS on the device) and clear device DNS cache.
  • Child uses mobile data (4G/5G): parental controls don’t apply to cellular — use device-level restrictions or restrict installing mobile data apps.
  • Smart TV or consoles bypass filters: set static IP + apply filtering on that IP, or mark the device profile in router UI.
  • Performance issues: some routers slow down when heavy filtering is enabled — consider a modern router or dedicated DNS appliance.

✅ Best Practices & Tips

  • Combine router-level controls, DNS filtering, and device-level limits for a layered approach.
  • Explain rules to your children — transparency encourages better behavior.
  • Regularly review access logs and adjust categories as kids age.
  • Use strong admin credentials and disable remote management on the router.

❓ FAQ

Q: Can smart devices (IoT) be controlled by parental rules?
A: Yes — add IoT devices to the router, create a device profile and optionally block internet access hours. For fine control, isolate IoT on a guest network.

Q: Is DNS filtering enough?
A: DNS filtering is effective for category blocking, but tech-savvy users can bypass it (VPNs, alternate DNS). Combine with device-level controls and app restrictions.


๐Ÿ”š Conclusion

Setting up parental controls on your network protects your family and gives you tools to manage screen time and online content. Start with router-level rules and DNS filtering, add vendor apps for convenience, and complement with device-level controls. Review policies regularly and adapt as children grow.

Written by Computeria ITS — practical IT guides & home tech tips.


10/30/2025

How to Clean Your Computer from Viruses

 


How to Clean Your Computer from Viruses — Complete Step-by-Step Guide

How to Clean Your Computer from Viruses

Is your computer running slower than usual, showing strange pop-ups, or behaving unpredictably? It might be infected with malware or viruses. Don’t panic — in this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to clean your PC, step by step, using both automatic and manual methods.

๐Ÿฆ  Common Signs of a Virus Infection

  • Computer runs unusually slow
  • Pop-up ads appear when you’re not browsing
  • Unknown programs start automatically
  • Browser homepage or search engine changes without permission
  • System crashes or freezes frequently

Pop-ups and slow performance are common signs of malware infection.

⚙️ Step 1: Disconnect from the Internet

Unplug your Ethernet cable or disable Wi-Fi. This prevents the virus from spreading or sending your data to remote servers while you’re cleaning the system.

๐Ÿ” Step 2: Enter Safe Mode

Restart your computer and press F8 (or Shift + Restart on Windows 10/11). Select Safe Mode with Networking. This mode loads only the essential system processes, making it easier to remove malware.


Safe Mode prevents most malware from running at startup.

๐Ÿงฐ Step 3: Scan with a Trusted Antivirus

If you already have an antivirus program installed, update it and perform a full system scan. If not, install one of these reliable free tools:

Let the scan complete and remove all detected threats.


Use a reputable antivirus tool to detect and clean malware.

๐Ÿงฝ Step 4: Manually Check Suspicious Programs

Open Control Panel → Programs and Features and uninstall any unknown or suspicious software. Be cautious — if you’re unsure about a program, look it up online before removing it.


Remove unwanted programs that may reinstall malware.

๐Ÿ—‘️ Step 5: Clear Temporary Files

Delete temporary and cache files to remove leftover traces of malware. Press Win + R → type cleanmgr → select your drive (usually C:) → choose all options and click OK.

๐Ÿšซ Step 6: Check Startup Programs

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → open the Startup tab → disable any programs you don’t recognize. This prevents malicious software from launching automatically.

๐Ÿ”„ Step 7: Update Windows and Software

Once your system is clean, make sure Windows and all programs are up to date. Security updates patch known vulnerabilities that malware can exploit.


Regular updates help prevent future infections.

๐Ÿง  Prevention Tips

  • Never open email attachments from unknown senders
  • Download software only from official websites
  • Regularly back up your important files
  • Use a strong antivirus with real-time protection

✅ Conclusion

Cleaning your computer from viruses doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few careful steps and the right tools, you can restore your PC to peak performance and prevent future infections. Stay cautious — prevention is always easier than repair!

Written by Computeria ITS — Your source for smart and practical IT solutions.



See also:

Your data are stolen-RANSOMWARE

Top 10 Most Stable Companies for Long-Term Investing

  Top 10 Most Stable Companies for Long-Term Investing (2025 Overview) Introduction Long-term investing focuses on companies that show: ✔...