Month: October 2022

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Windows 11 22H2 update

Windows 11 KB5018496 is now rolling out to the general public with a couple of new features and several improvements. This is the second big update for Windows 11 version 22H2 and it’s available via Windows Update. Microsoft has published direct download links for Windows 11 KB5018496 offline installers on its Update Catalog.

KB5018496 is an optional cumulative update and it comes with a lot of new stuff to look forward to. For example, it enhances Windows Search’s visual treatments on the taskbar to help users discover more content, such as weather and other global or local updates from Bing.

If you choose to skip the update, you’ll get the bug fixes and improvements in Windows 11’s November 2022 Update. The update is titled “2022-10 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5018496)” and it advances the system to Build 22621.755.

You’ll need to reboot the system to finish applying changes to Windows 11 22H2. The installation could take anywhere between three and eight minutes, and only a single reboot is required to finish applying the changes.

Download Links for Windows 11 KB5018496

Windows 11 KB5018496 Direct Download Links: 64-bit.

The update is of Microsoft Update Catalog – the library of Windows Cumulative Update offline installers. To get started, simply can click on the ‘Download’ button and run the .msu installer.

Windows 11 KB5018496 (Build 22621.755) changelog

According to the official release notes, this optional update changes Windows 11’s Search visual. Microsoft is A/B testing the new visual update for the Windows Search panel and some devices might notice different designs as the company gather feedback. The tech giant is also enhancing the backup experience when using Microsoft Account (MSA).

Microsoft is also integrating MS Account experience in Settings. As a result, you can now easily manage your OneDrive subscription and related storage alerts directly from the Windows 11 Settings app! This feature has been under testing for a while now and Microsoft’s efforts to link online services with Settings started with Xbox integration.

Another new feature is a new way to access Task Manager – right-click context menu of the taskbar. This feature has always been a part of the operating system, but it was removed with the release of Windows 11 version 21H2.

Here’s a list of all bug fixes and improvements:

  • Fixed an issue where Microsoft Edge wouldn’t work in IE Mode.
  • Fixed an issue that might cause vertical and horizontal line artefacts.
  • Fixed an issue that blocks credential UI from displaying in IE mode,
  • Fixed an issue where audio won’t sync with the gameplay recorded using the Xbox Game Bar.
  • Fixed an issue that affects File Explorer where OneDrive folders won’t appear.
  • Fixed an issue where the Start menu stops working when you use keyboard commands.
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Starlink Satellite Internet

What is starlink?

Starlink is a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, the company founded in 2002 by Elon Musk. SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites in 2019 and as of September 2022 has launched more than 3,000 satellites into low-Earth orbit (LEO). 

Starlink primarily focuses on delivering high-speed, low-latency broadband internet in remote and rural locations globally. As of September 2022, service starts at $110 per montly with a one-time hardware cost of $599.

Where can we get it

Starlink’s service has expanded significantly thanks to its large constellation of satellites. The company currently has more than 3000 satellites in orbit and continues to expand it with near-weekly launches. On September 18, 2022, SpaceX launched another 54 satellites into space. 

Starlink claims that it’s available across all seven continents — in September 2022, the US National Science Foundation announced it was testing Starlink’s “polar service” in Antarctica. However, as of mid-September 2022, the Starlink site says that service across Africa is “coming soon.” In Kenya, Nigeria and Mozambique, for instance, the site says service will start before the end of 2022.  Meanwhile, Starlink is busy expanding its services to mobile sites and vehicles, like Jets and boats, so when you’re on the move, you can take your broadband with you. In 2023, according to plans, Starlink will be available on all Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises ships. SpaceX has also made deals with airlines like Hawaiian Airlines to offer Starlink connectivity on flights.

How fast is Starlink?

In the US, Starlink’s median download speed in the second quarter of 2022 hit just over 62 Mbps, according to the network intelligence firm Ookla. That’s more than sufficient for one or two people to stream videos, download games or do whatever they want on the internet. However, a year prior, download speeds in the US were closer to 90 Mbps.

How much does Starlink cost?

In the US, you can get Starlink service beginning at $110 per month with a one-time hardware cost of $599. There are no long-term contracts, data caps or exclusivity requirements.

Starlink Business is available for remote and rural businesses across the globe for $500 per month with a one-time hardware cost of $2,500. This service provides connectivity for offices of up to 20 users, storefronts and demanding workloads across the globe with promised download speeds of up to 350 Mbps and latency of 20 to 40 ms.

Starlink for RVs costs $135 per month with a one-time hardware cost of $599. Customers can pause and un-pause service at any time and are billed in one-month increments. 

Starlink Maritime costs $5,000 per month with a one-time hardware cost of $10,000 for two high performance terminals. It delivers up to 350 Mbps download speeds while at sea. As with Starlink for RVs, customers can pause and un-pause service at any time and are billed in one-month increments.

How does Starlink work?

From a consumer perspective, Starlink works with the help of a Starlink kit — that includes a Starlink satellite dish, WiFi router/power supply, cables and base. The Starlink base is designed for ground level installation, or to support a quick-start setup to test your internet connection. However, you may want to purchase a permanent mount for the best installation. 

The Starlink dish is self-orienting and connects quickly as long as it has a clear view of the sky. Once you set up the hardware, you can connect to the Starlink network and use the Starlink app to manage your service. 

SpaceX delivers the Starlink service with its large satellite constellation in low Earth orbit (LEO), at about 550km. By comparison, other satellite internet services use single, geostationary satellites that orbit the planet. Since Starlink has many satellites that are relatively close to the ground, it can provide lower latency service. 

Each satellite uses four phased array antennas and two parabolic antennas to provide increased capacity.

What’s next for Starlink?

SpaceX is busy expanding its Starlink service to all parts of the globe. Musk has promised to seek exemptions to sanctions that keep it from delivering internet to places like Iran. 

Meanwhile, SpaceX hsa partnered with T-Mobile to put an end to mobile dead zones. Using its existing midband spectrum, T-Mobile plans to enable cell phones to connect to Starlink satellites, bringing coverage to remote areas with no existing cell service. Once the service is launched, Starlink’s second-generation satellites will be able to broadcast directly to cell phones.

How to setup and install starlink kit

We hope that very soon starlink will start its operations in kenya once it get its operation license from the Government of Kenya.

Admin Kirui
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To provide many Satellite dish points

To provide many satellite dish points, (e.g. FREESAT,ZUKU,STARTIME or DSTV) around the house or in each room of your house you either need a quatro LNB on your dish or a quatro LNB dish kit  and a 5 input multiswitch (multiswitches are usually situated in a loft or cupboard or central area.)

Quad LNB
3 in 4 out multiswitch

The quatro or quad LNB (with 4 outputs) feeds the multiswitch(4: 8 port) using 4 LNB cable and it is best to put two outlets in each room as it may be that twin tuner receivers(that record one channel as you watch another) may be needed. (These are called twin tuner PVRs) If so s   Use twin coaxial cable to each room and use the twin wall plate outlets in each room.

For (e.g.) 6 rooms a 12 output multiswitch would be used. An aerial can be fed into the 5th input of the multiswitch if required. Using a wall plate which has a diplexer built in, two satellite points and an aerial point is available. The UHF aerial signal is added to the satellite signal by the multiswitch and goes down the same wire as the satellite signal. If two or three aerials are required e.g. TV, FM and DAB radio, a 3 way combiner can be fitted on the roof and the one cable from that unit goes into the 5th input of the multiswitch. Again the appropriate wall plate is needed to separate them all out again.

DIAGRAMATIC REPRESENTATION



 Advantages of using multiswitch instead of a splitter

  • wider range of programming which will be available to people living in a home or apartment building. Everyone will have access to all stations. Frequency and polarization won’t overlap, as they do with satellite splitters. Multiswitches also look better, since you won’t have multiple satellite dishes taking up space on your patio or balcony. Less dishes mean more space and less maintenance.
  • cost savings. You will only need to buy one dish, one multiswitch, quad LNB, coaxial cable, and receiver. You won’t pay any extra to watch TV. For the price you pay, you’ll get a significantly greater variety of programming than you do with a cable connection
  • Signal is not attenuated as when using a splitter and therefore there is no need of signal amplifier.

NB:
With the above discussed system, each point will  need a receiver. i will share with you soon on how to use one receiver with other televisions.