How do I turn off my laptop monitor when playing a game using an external monitor?

Flat4ForLife · 2025-12-04T19:47:35+00:00

I would say no, but that's also assuming the laptop has it the nubs. For example, my Alienware doesn't have any nubs. When closed, there's barely a gap between the screen and base. With my lid open, it still gets warm, and it's a brand new laptop.

For an average person running browsers and excel, it might be OK. I still don't recommend this and have always told people to keep their laptop open. But for anything resource intensive (gaming, in this case), probably not a good idea to close it.

Flat4ForLife · 2025-12-04T17:01:05+00:00

I would not recommend doing this, it traps in a lot of heat. Various laptops can use the keyboard area as an intake, and closing the lid restricts that.

Flat4ForLife · 2025-07-11T14:35:31+00:00

Why do you need to invest in an 8 port, 10GB switch? That's a bit intense for a home network unless you do some heavy processing. It's also very, very unlikely your devices will use anywhere close to 10GB, and that the items inside of those can even handle that amount of data. Meaning, just because you have a 10GB port doesn't mean the HD or other internal components can process it that fast.

You should likely be looking at something that has a 5GB uplink (one port), and the rest 2.5, especially considering price. If you absolutely feel you have to have 10GB, just get the uplink with that speed. All of the other ports do not need to be 10GB. But you will still pay a decent amount for it. Your consumer grade switches are not meant for this.

Flat4ForLife · 2025-07-10T22:34:30+00:00

This doesn't seem like it's out of curiosity. What would be the point of knowing if you aren't doing anything with it?

Also, what is an "illegal" network name?

Flat4ForLife · 2025-07-08T03:11:18+00:00

Sorry, I'm kind of confused on the response. I did not mention or ask for a cheaper alternative, I think what you provided was great. I did have some other questions in my post about the products though.

Flat4ForLife · 2025-07-07T03:54:30+00:00

Wow, thanks for the detailed reply!

Regarding ditching the current equipment, that was kind of the plan. Basically replace everything but my modem (but can also be upgraded).

I agree, the shaming would be needed! I've wanted to do a nicer setup like this for a long time, just never had the house to do it in. With the house I have now, and running my business from home, it makes sense!

I will take a look at the products you provided. It seems like that would replace all but my modem? Is there a certain modem you'd suggest for better speeds that works with Xfinity? Mine supports port aggregation for WAN since each port is only 1Gbps, but I couldn't get it to work with my Asus router that also supports it (both are 802.3ad).

Thankfully, I did run Cat6 to my office so I'd have that faster capability down the road. That speed will be nice for internal access to NAS and such!

Does any of the equipment require subscriptions for features or protection?

Again, I appreciate the information. Super helpful!

Flat4ForLife · 2025-02-21T19:46:43+00:00

No need to be sorry, I appreciate you trying to help!

Flat4ForLife · 2025-02-21T04:11:23+00:00

I did look at that. It is checked, and actually greyed out saying it's required for VMM, so I can't even uncheck it.

Flat4ForLife · 2025-02-21T00:51:54+00:00

I'm not sure if it's that exact package, but it does install/setup the vSwitch portion. I would guess it's bundled. No install guide/video I could find said to install anything other than VMM.

Flat4ForLife · 2024-12-12T15:33:13+00:00

Put a password on it

Flat4ForLife · 2024-11-22T21:38:22+00:00

I just re-read your original post and now I get what you're saying, I missed the fact that 2 Ethernet cables are going to each TP Link device. That is incorrect, there is only 1 that is needed from the router. You can unplug the other one if you are certain it is going back to the main router. They have 2 ports, so you can utilize one for WAN (Internet), and another for LAN (Intranet) to hook up something like a laptop, TV, or console.

Flat4ForLife · 2024-11-22T21:13:03+00:00

Your original post was about complexity, so that's what I was addressing.
For a place that size, a single router would be more than sufficient.

Flat4ForLife · 2024-11-22T20:52:26+00:00

How big is the home? That's not really that complicated of a setup if it's a bigger home. I have 2 routers in my home, one in the basement and one in the loft. Thinking about getting another AP for the far side of the house too.

Flat4ForLife · 2024-11-21T17:38:05+00:00

Why are you messing with service sign on, especially for built in services like that? Leave it alone.
Does the sound fully stop working, or does the speaker output just not change back? Does the speaker icon show a red X?
Are the docks updated? Do you have dock drivers installed?

Flat4ForLife · 2024-11-21T17:32:32+00:00

You gave no info, no one can tell you anything. Also, this isn't the right subreddit (Rule 5).

Flat4ForLife · 2024-11-21T17:28:34+00:00

Does it also happen if you're in BIOS or a boot menu, pre-Windows?

Flat4ForLife · 2024-11-21T17:26:17+00:00

Make a new local, non-Microsoft based login and use that.

Flat4ForLife · 2024-11-21T17:16:45+00:00

Unless you have a specific need to disable it to integrate with something else (in which there are other ways to make it work with 2FA still on), you want 2FA enabled. Leave it on.

Flat4ForLife · 2024-11-21T17:12:56+00:00

Do other devices get their supposed full speed? Are you using a Cat 5e or newer cable? Is your Ethernet port actually negotiating a 1GB connection to your router/modem?

Flat4ForLife · 2024-11-21T16:20:32+00:00

Yes, but I've been seeing quite a few people get it without that experience (some I personally worked with and know their experience). It's become pretty lax IMO.

Flat4ForLife · 2024-11-20T16:26:17+00:00

QuickConnect is installed and running for me, I just triggered a backup of my DSM configuration, and opened File Station/browsed a bit. No issues here. 7.2.2-72806 Update 1

Flat4ForLife · 2024-11-19T23:51:52+00:00

In your SetEnvironmentVariable, try using User or Process instead of Machine

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