Winter Proof Tips to Stay Connected

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Winter is officially here as of the hibernal solstice on December 21, more commonly known as the winter solstice, when either of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the Sun. Here are some internet tips for the winter months to help you stay connected and keep your devices running smoothly.

Keep It Cool

Even in California, temperatures drop when the sun goes down, or before it rises, so protecting your internet-enabled devices is key. Don’t leave your devices in freezing temperatures for extended periods. This can damage batteries and internal components. And these rapid shifts from sunny days to the California cold can cause condensation to form inside your devices. It’s a good idea to let them warm up when changing locations to avoid this.

Stay Dry

Wipe down your device with a soft and dry cloth to remove debris and moisture. And when our rainy season does kick in, be sure to keep your device in a case that is waterproof, or a  bag when traveling between locations. While it’s tempting take your mobile phone out and look at emails, social media, or send a quick text, a little water can do a lot of damage.

Install That Update

Ensure your devices, including internet routers, have the latest software updates installed. These updates often include security patches that protect against vulnerabilities. It’s always a best practice to stay on top of updates as they become available. Since you may have more downtime keeping warm inside, what better time to let your device hibernate for an update that will improve its performance and stability?

Optimize Your Connection

If you work from home, test your remote work setup (internet connection, VPN, video
conferencing software, etc.) beforehand to ensure it’s functioning properly. A best practice to do at least once a month is to back up important files to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or other secure location. And speaking of backing up, you should also have a backup plan in case of internet outages, such as using a mobile hotspot or switching to a different location with reliable internet access.

If you are without reliable internet in your home Cox offers various internet tiers, including two affordability plans geared toward qualifying lower-income households.

  •  ConnectAssist – $30/month for speeds up to 100Mbps (for households without K-12
    children and ideal for those who receive a VA pension or survivors’ benefits).
  • Connect2Compete – $9.95/month for speeds up to 100Mbps (for families with children
    in grades K-12 to ensure digital equity for all students for their education).

For more information on ConnectAssist and Connect2Compete, click HERE.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your internet connection and devices remain reliable and functional throughout the winter months.

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