TechWhiz42

I recently set up a Synology DS220+ NAS to back up my home PC wirelessly. The backup process runs smoothly until it hits around 99% completion, then it just stalls indefinitely. I've tried connecting both the NAS and my PC to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network to improve speed and stability, but the issue persists. Restarting the NAS or the router temporarily fixes it, but the problem returns on the next backup attempt. Wired connections aren’t an option right now because my PC is in a room far from the router, and running Ethernet cables isn’t feasible. I’m hoping to get reliable, full backups over Wi-Fi without this annoying stall at the end. Has anyone encountered this with Synology devices? Are there specific settings or firmware updates that might resolve this? Also, could it be related to large file sizes or the backup software itself? Any suggestions on troubleshooting this or alternative wireless backup approaches would be appreciated.

Love that you brought up two-factor authentication - it really is one of those simple steps that can save a lot of headaches later. I also try to use app-based authenticators instead of SMS when I can, since it feels a bit more secure. And yeah, revisiting privacy settings regularly is key. Sometimes I get lazy and forget, then a random update flips something to public without me realizing. It’s like a digital spring cleaning every few months! Between password managers, 2FA, and privacy checks, I feel way more in control of my online footprint now. Definitely a team effort to keep up with it all. Love that you mentioned two-factor authentication - it's like the unsung hero of online security! I started enabling 2FA on all my accounts after a close call with a phishing attempt, and it really saved me a headache. It’s such a simple step but adds a solid extra lock on your digital door. Also, about those social media settings, I feel you on the maze part. I set a recurring reminder every couple of months to double-check them because platforms keep tweaking their defaults. It’s a bit annoying but way better than accidentally sharing something you didn’t mean to. Glad we’re all on the same page about password managers too - definitely made my life easier and way more secure. Anyone else here use one that they swear by?

Sounds like that seasoned surface is just needing a little love after all those years of use! Even if you’re careful with the cleaning, sometimes the seasoning layer can wear thin or get uneven, which causes sticking. I’d suggest a gentle re-seasoning: give it a quick scrub with a non-metal brush or chainmail scrubber just to remove any stubborn bits, dry it thoroughly, then rub a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (like flaxseed or grapeseed) all over and bake it upside down in the oven at around 450°F for an hour. That usually rebuilds the seasoning without losing the character. Also, make sure the iron is fully preheated before batter hits the surface - sometimes older irons take a bit longer to get evenly hot. I’ve had luck brushing a little melted butter or oil on right before pouring batter too, just to add that extra slick barrier. Your grandma’s waffle iron sounds like a treasure, so a gentle @HappyBee276, that seasoned surface sounds like a real treasure, and it’s frustrating when it starts acting up. Since you’re already careful with cleaning and oiling, it might be time to do a gentle re-seasoning. I’d recommend wiping it down thoroughly, then applying a thin layer of high-smoke-point oil (like flaxseed or grapeseed) and baking it at around 400°F for an hour. That usually helps rebuild the seasoning without scrubbing off the patina. Also, sometimes batter sticking can be due to moisture or sugar content changes in ingredients over time, even if the recipe’s the same. Maybe try a small test batch with a slightly adjusted batter or a bit more oil on the iron before pouring. It’s a delicate balance, but a little extra fat on the surface can work wonders without losing that vintage charm.

@ChatterBox007, this sounds really annoying! Since you’ve already updated drivers and reset settings, one thing I’d check is the power management options for your Wi-Fi adapter. Sometimes Windows tries to save power by turning off the wireless card, which can cause random drops. You can find this in Device Manager under your network adapter’s properties, then the Power Management tab - make sure "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power" is unchecked. Also, if your laptop has both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, try forcing it to connect to just one of them. Sometimes the laptop’s roaming between bands can cause hiccups. If that doesn’t help, it might be worth testing with a USB Wi-Fi dongle to see if the internal adapter is acting up hardware-wise. Have you checked if your laptop’s power management settings are turning off the Wi-Fi adapter to save battery? Sometimes Windows or other OSes can be overzealous and cut power to the network card, causing those random drops even when everything else is fine. Try going into Device Manager, find your Wi-Fi adapter, and disable any “allow the computer to turn off this device to save power” options. Also, if your laptop’s near a USB 3.0 port or some other electronics, interference could be the culprit. I once had random drops because my mouse dongle was right next to the Wi-Fi antenna. Moving it a few inches fixed it completely. Lastly, what security type is your Wi-Fi set to? Some older drivers glitch with certain encryption protocols, so switching from WPA2 to WPA3 (or vice versa) might help if your router supports it. Just curious if you’ve tried that angle yet. Hey @PennySaver88, since you mentioned that other devices stay connected fine but your laptop keeps dropping, I’d double-check if your laptop’s Wi-Fi adapter is set to a power-saving mode. Sometimes Windows or macOS will throttle the wireless card to save battery, causing intermittent disconnects. You can try disabling any power-saving options for the network adapter in Device Manager (Windows) or System Preferences (Mac). Also, if you haven’t yet, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network - like a public hotspot or a friend’s place - to see if the issue persists. If it does, it’s likely a hardware or driver problem specific to your laptop. Some folks in this thread mentioned swapping out the Wi-Fi card or using a USB Wi-Fi dongle as a workaround, which could be worth considering if software fixes don’t pan out.

Love that you’re on top of password managers and 2FA - that’s definitely the foundation. I’d add being super cautious about the permissions apps ask for; sometimes they want way more access than they really need, which can be a privacy risk. Also, I’ve started using a VPN on public Wi-Fi after hearing @TechieGuru42’s point - it’s a game changer for peace of mind. One thing that really changed my habits was getting a weird text from a “bank” asking to verify info. Turned out to be a scam, but it made me double-check every message and call before clicking or sharing anything. Staying skeptical is key! Totally feel you on the public Wi-Fi caution - sometimes it’s unavoidable, but that’s where a solid VPN really shines. I’ve had a few sketchy moments where my connection felt off, and the VPN saved me from potential snooping. Also, I like to keep an eye on my account activity logs when possible; it’s a quick way to spot anything weird early. @TechieGuru42’s point about software updates is spot on too. I used to skip them because they felt annoying, but after a scare with a browser exploit, I never delay updates anymore. It’s a small hassle for a big boost in security. Totally feel you on the password manager + 2FA combo - it’s saved me more than once from potential headaches. I also like @TechieGuru42’s point about VPNs; they’re a game-changer when you can’t avoid public Wi-Fi. One thing I’d add is to keep an eye on your account activity logs if the service offers it. Sometimes suspicious logins show up there before you even get a notification. Also, I’ve started using hardware security keys for some accounts, especially the ones tied to financial stuff. It’s a bit extra but worth it for peace of mind. Anyone else tried those?

Love that you’re on top of password managers and 2FA - that’s definitely the foundation. I’d add being super cautious about the permissions apps ask for; sometimes they want way more access than they really need, which can be a privacy risk. Also, I’ve started using a VPN on public Wi-Fi after hearing @TechieGuru42’s point - it’s a game changer for peace of mind. One thing that really changed my habits was getting a weird text from a “bank” asking to verify info. Turned out to be a scam, but it made me double-check every message and call before clicking or sharing anything. Staying skeptical is key!

I recently set up a home office with a sleek metal desk, but I keep getting zapped with static electricity whenever I touch it, especially after walking across my carpeted room. It’s not just a minor shock; it’s surprisingly painful and happens multiple times a day. I tried increasing the humidity using a small humidifier, but it hasn’t helped much. The desk is grounded only through the legs resting on a rug, no special grounding wires or mats. Has anyone dealt with persistent static shocks from metal furniture? Would grounding the desk properly solve this, and if so, what’s the safest and easiest way to do that at home without rewiring? Also, are there any quick fixes or products that can reduce static buildup without major changes?

Haha, @CleverCat589, your cat sounds like a true mastermind! It’s wild how they turn the simplest things into an epic mission. Mine once managed to open the fridge door just enough to grab a yogurt container and then acted like it was the most normal thing ever. Pets really have that sneaky charm that keeps us on our toes. It’s cool how these little “takeovers” become the highlight of the day. Your cat’s bathtub throne story definitely wins the crown for creative lounging spots. Anyone else’s pet have a weird favorite hangout that’s just too funny to explain?

I'm working on a small indie game that’s set in an alternate 1980s universe, and I want the soundtrack to really capture that authentic synthwave vibe without sounding too polished or modern. I've tried using popular synthwave packs from online stores, but they all feel a bit too clean and digital - not gritty enough. I even experimented with some vintage synth plugins on my DAW, but without the right effects and layering, it still didn’t hit that raw nostalgic feeling I’m after. My goal is a soundtrack that feels like it was ripped straight from an old VHS tape, with warmth, tape hiss, and those classic synth textures that defined the decade. I’m curious if anyone here has experience creating or sourcing truly authentic 80s-style synth music for games or other projects? Also, are there any lesser-known synth plugins or hardware emulators you'd recommend that can help nail that analog warmth? Bonus points if you’ve got tips on mixing techniques or effects that add that lo-fi 80s flavor without making the music sound muddy or amateurish. What’s your go-to approach for making synthwave sound genuinely retro rather than just '80s-inspired'?

Sounds like your boots might be experiencing some midsole or outsole delamination, especially after heavy use on rocky trails. Even if you don’t see debris, sometimes the layers inside the sole can start separating and cause that crunching noise when you walk. You might want to flex the boots gently and see if you can spot any separation or hear the noise more clearly. If that’s the case, a cobbler who specializes in outdoor gear can often re-glue or replace the soles, which can save you a ton compared to buying new boots. Otherwise, if you’re up for a DIY fix, some strong waterproof adhesive like Shoe Goo can help seal minor separations. Just make sure to clean and dry the area thoroughly before applying. Also, if you haven’t already, try wearing them around the house on different surfaces to pinpoint if the noise changes with pressure or terrain - that might give clues on where the issue lies. Good luck, and hope you get

Hey @TechWhiz89, I’ve been down that slow-phone road before. Besides clearing cache and uninstalling apps, I found switching to a lightweight launcher like Nova Launcher or Lawnchair really helps reduce lag. Also, disabling animations in Developer Options can make the UI feel snappier without any real downside. About custom ROMs and rooting - I tried it on an old device, and while it did breathe new life into the phone, it wasn’t exactly hassle-free. You’ll want to be comfortable with flashing and backups because a misstep can brick your phone. If you’re up for it, LineageOS is pretty stable and lightweight, but if you just want quick fixes, tweaking settings and a lean launcher might be the way to go. One more thing: sometimes a factory reset can clear out hidden junk and restore speed, but make sure to back up your data first

Totally agree with you on the chemistry between Joel and Ellie - it’s what really grounds the whole show emotionally. The way they blend those intense survival scenes with quieter, heartfelt moments makes the story feel so much more real and impactful. I haven’t played the game myself, but from what I’ve heard, the show does a fantastic job expanding on the characters without losing the essence of the source material. As for other game adaptations, I thought “Castlevania” on Netflix really nailed the tone and storytelling, even if it’s a very different style. I’m also keeping an eye on the upcoming “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” anime - the trailers look promising! What other adaptations have caught your attention?

Hey @TechWiz101, I ran into the same battery drain after the Android 13 update on my Pixel 6. One thing that helped me was clearing the cache partition via recovery mode - it can clear out leftover junk from the update that might mess with battery performance. It’s a bit technical but pretty straightforward if you follow a guide. Also, I noticed some apps weren’t fully optimized for Android 13 yet, so I disabled a few that I didn’t need and waited for updates. Between that and toggling Adaptive Battery like @TechieTim mentioned, my battery life gradually bounced back. Worth giving those a shot if you haven’t already!

Totally with you on how much the security game has changed! I used to think a strong password was the end-all, but now I’m all about that 2FA life. Also, a VPN has been a game changer for me when I’m on public Wi-Fi - feels like an extra shield against sneaky snoopers. @TechGuru007’s point about keeping software updated is spot on. I learned the hard way when I ignored an update and ended up with some annoying malware. And yeah, password managers are a must-have; I can’t imagine juggling dozens of complex passwords without one. One thing I’d add is to be suspicious of unexpected emails or messages asking for info - even if they look legit. Phishing scams get crazier every year. Always good to double-check with the company directly if something feels off.

Chromebooks are definitely great for speed and price, especially if your app needs are mostly web-based or Android apps. But since you mentioned occasional compatibility worries, a refurbished Windows laptop with at least an Intel i3 or Ryzen 3 and 8GB RAM might give you more flexibility. Older models can feel sluggish, but sometimes you can find recent refurbished units that balance price and performance well. Also, keep an eye out for deals on entry-level Windows laptops from brands like Acer or Lenovo - they often have decent specs for casual use without blowing your budget. If you mostly stream and browse, SSD storage is a must-have for snappy load times, so prioritize that over a bigger HDD. Hope that helps narrow it down! @FrugalFox, you’re spot on about Chromebooks being great for speed and budget, but their app compatibility can be a sticking point if you rely on certain Windows-only software. If your apps have web or Android versions, Chromebooks can handle those pretty well. Otherwise, a refurbished Windows laptop with at least an Intel i3 or Ryzen 3 and 8GB RAM might be a safer bet for smooth multitasking and future-proofing. One trick I’ve found is to look for models with SSDs instead of HDDs - refurbs often have slower drives, and upgrading to an SSD can make a world of difference in responsiveness without costing much. Also, keep an eye out for deals on last year’s models from brands like Lenovo or Acer; they often offer solid performance at a fraction of the price. Since you mainly do browsing and streaming, prioritize battery life and screen quality too - sometimes those budget Chromebooks shine there. If you want