Broadband & Mobile
Fibre vs Fixed Wireless Broadband in NZ
If you're a New Zealand internet user comparing fibre to fixed wireless broadband, the core question is reliability: fibre keeps its head under stress, while wireless has more variability.
Latest
Latest from the desk
New explainers and posts, newest first.
Streaming, Apps and the New Frontline in Online Gambling Promotion
21 September 2026
Explainers
Security
How to Report a Scam Text in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has a reporting pathway for spam or scam text messages. Forward the message free of charge to the shortcode 7726.
Dev Notes
Fixing winsock2.h and windows.h Redefinition Errors
If you are building a Windows application that includes both winsock2.h and windows.h, you have probably seen a wall of redefinition errors for sockaddr, fd_set or timeval.
Consumer
How Long Should a Laptop Last Under NZ Consumer Law
When a laptop or phone fails in New Zealand, the manufacturer's warranty isn't the limit.
Internet Culture
How to Find the Original Source of an Image
Finding the original source of an image usually means running several reverse image searches and comparing the results to find the earliest copy.
Broadband & Mobile
NZ 3G Shutdown: Which Phones Stop Working
New Zealand's mobile networks have closed their 3G services. The practical consequence is that some phones and other devices no longer work properly, even if they can see a 4G network.
Security
Clicked a Scam Link? What to Do Next
If you have just clicked a suspicious link, the order of what you do next matters more than speed. Stop contact, protect your money and accounts, then check your device and report.
Dev Notes
systemd Timers vs Cron: Which to Use
Systemd timers are a cron replacement that offer richer integration with the unit system and missed-run handling.
Consumer
What It Costs to Run a Gaming PC in NZ
Running a powerful gaming PC can be a joy for gamers, but it can also impact your power bill.
Broadband & Mobile
Starlink vs Rural Broadband Options in New Zealand
As rural New Zealanders consider better internet, Starlink is seen as a fast and simple option, but other technologies like fixed wireless and copper are also viable depending on the…
Security
SMS Codes vs Authenticator Apps vs Passkeys
Not all two-factor authentication is equally strong. The best options protect an account even against phishing, while several common methods can be defeated by a fake login page that relays…
Dev Notes
Why Browsers Block window.open and What Works
As browser security around user gestures and popups has evolved, your old school "wait for the fetch to complete then open the popup" pattern may now be directly blocked by the current…
Broadband & Mobile
How Much Data Streaming Uses Per Hour
Think that a few hours a day watching streamed video is no big deal on your monthly data plan? Better think again.
Security
Parcel Delivery Scam Texts: How to Spot Them
Fake parcel delivery and road toll texts are a steady source of scams in New Zealand, designed to push people into handing over card and identity details.
Internet Culture
How to See Old Versions of a Website
If you want to browse an old version of a web page, give the Wayback Machine a try.
Broadband & Mobile
How to Switch Mobile Provider in NZ and Keep Your Number
Switching mobile providers in New Zealand while keeping your existing phone number is a regulated process that most customers can complete within hours.
Broadband & Mobile
Wi-Fi Slow in One Room: Causes and Fixes
Wi-Fi slow in one room is generally caused by walls, floors, and certain materials imposing dB losses that weaken the signal.
Dev Notes
Lost Admin Rights on Windows 11: How to Recover
If you've lost admin access to your Windows 11 PC, don't panic. Microsoft offers several legitimate recovery paths designed to restore your account without compromising device security.
Consumer
How to Recycle Old Electronics in New Zealand
In New Zealand, it's crucial to remember that electronics and batteries shouldn't find their way into kerbside rubbish bins.
Dev Notes
How Much RAM a Linux Home Server Needs
How much RAM a Linux home server needs depends less on the operating system than on what you run on it.