Finished resetting the LIFT lightbulbs and little Bluetooth adapter to my splendid but non-Bluetooth JVC receiver ("Alexa, turn on dining table" or "Alexa play Symphony Hall on SiriusXM for 90 minutes"). I did my shopping research then ran it past my son (the computer programmer who is the most techie of all of us). I've researched the various security protocols offered now (WEP is no longer even offered, just as well - now it's WPA2 or WPA3 or a combination.)

Now I'm to the point when I can address the data port on the router and set up my external hard drive for a full backup. (A reminder - the AT&T modem has a USB port but, according to ATT, it is "reserved for future use," so only works for charging; Netgear lets you set up a backup drive on that USB port of theirs. In fact, they seem to expect you to set up a backup drive on that port. Smart of them.)

It wasn't pretty to watch, but three weeks out I'm almost to the point of getting that backup I want. I cleared space in the small hall pantry for these devices and the external drive will have to go in there. I think it was DaveRo who mentioned he didn't like it being that close to the modem or router, but it seems unavoidable. It will be distant enough from the computer itself that (dog forbid) were another burglary to happen, they wouldn't notice the backup drive and modem and router in the small closet across the hall from the office.

Every year or two I take on one of these projects and end up getting a refresher course on the various parts of the technology I am using. Learning new things is what keeps me young. :)