An independent home technology reference. Not connected with the real-estate agency that previously operated on this domain; we do not sell property. This is not the website of Rosreestr or Gosuslugi.
Tools
A calm digital life at home doesn't take many things, and you probably already have most of them. What matters more is knowing what each one is for and using it properly. Below are tools for your home network and for storing data. We don't name brands, models or prices: just the purpose, a short description and a practical tip.
The most valuable tool in your home is the one you actually use. A password manager that is installed and forgotten protects nothing.
How this section works: a tool is included if it solves a common household task and can be used without special knowledge. We do not compile ratings or recommend specific models, shops or services.
The things that determine how reliably the internet works throughout your home.
The router receives the internet connection from your provider and shares it with your devices. In the admin panel, which opens in a browser or in the manufacturer's app, you change the network name and password and the security type, and check for updates.
Tip: Change the default admin password and save the new one in your password manager.
These apps and websites measure how fast data reaches your device and leaves it. The result depends on the distance to the router, the walls and how busy the network is.
Tip: Compare a test next to the router with one in the farthest room. A big difference means it's time to work on Wi-Fi coverage rather than call your provider.
A surge protector smooths out voltage spikes. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) also keeps your router or computer running for a while after the power goes out.
Tip: If the power often flickers, plug the router into a UPS so the connection doesn't drop with every short outage.
Several units that work as one network: your device switches to the nearest unit automatically, while the network name and password stay the same.
Tip: Before buying one, try moving the router closer to the centre of your home, higher up and away from thick walls.
The things that help you avoid losing files or losing access to your accounts.
A separate storage device for copies of important files. It works without the internet, but it sits in the same home as your main devices.
Tip: Connect the drive only while copying and store it away from the computer.
Files are stored on the service's servers and are available over the internet. It works well as the "copy away from home" in the 3-2-1 rule.
Tip: Protect your cloud account with a strong password and a second factor: it holds your whole family history.
An app that stores passwords in encrypted form and fills them in when you sign in. You only need to remember one master password.
Tip: Make the master password a long phrase and never use it anywhere else.
The app shows one-time codes that change every few seconds. Even if your password leaks, nobody can sign in without the phone that shows the code.
Tip: Before switching phones, transfer the authenticator or save your recovery codes, or you may lose access.
Wi-Fi generations, the 2.4 and 5/6 GHz bands and where to keep a backup, in easy-to-read tables.
A step-by-step article on getting your home tech in order over a weekend, plus the article catalogue.
Plain definitions of words you meet in router and cloud settings and in security emails.
Service features, device settings and password requirements change over time. Before taking an important step, check the official help pages of the manufacturer, your internet provider or the government service.