You're paying your ISP (AT&T, Comcast, etc) for a certain speed (download and upload). You can simply check your speeds using the following online tool from Speedtest.net.

​To get accurate readings, perform the test using a computer that is hardwired using an ethernet cable to the main router, and avoid using other devices at the same time.

For ping, lower the number the better. 1ms is best, 20ms is OK. Download and Upload speeds should be within 90% of what you are paying for. 
Sophos Home is all you need to address your virus, malware, ransomware protection and web-filtering.  Works for Apple (Mac) & Windows based computers. Doesn't slow down your computer. It's free and no cost to keep it updated.

Be sure to uninstall existing security software before you install Sophos Home. Links to common un-installers: for MAC | for WINDOWS
Running out of space on your smartphone?

Use Google Photos to safely move your photos from your portable devices to the cloud, then delete them from your portable device. You can access them anytime through a web-browser or the Google Photos app. Sharing photos is as easy as your native photo app. Google also has fun features like searching for photos with a specific face, create movies, search based on location or object (e.g.: flower, car, etc) and many more. 

There is no cost in using Google Photos and the key feature is enabling more space on your portable device so you won't miss out on the next Kodak moment. 

*The unlimited option (High Quality) will back up photos up to 16MP and videos up to 1080HD. This is sufficient for smartphones.

**This is also available for your desktop and laptop computers [link]
There are Wi-Fi Hotspots everywhere you go today, like at coffee shops, hotels, airports, etc? Unfortunately, hackers can be on the same Wi-Fi Hotspot collecting (aka: sniffing) your internet traffic and possibly gaining your private information like your usernames & passwords. You'll be amazed at what they can collect in a short time!

How can you protect yourself? Use a VPN (virtual private network). The technology is very sophisticated, but luckily there are simple apps to get your own VPN. NordVPN is my recommendation.

It works on all devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops!
When you come back into the US from an international trip, most times the US Customs line is super long. You can sign up for services like Global Entry which bypasses those long lines. But there's a free alternative to Global Entry...

Mobile Passport is a smartphone app that pre-authorizes you (and your family) so that you can bypass those long lines. No need to visit an office to answer question, or fill out long forms. 

Simply download the app before you head off for your trip. One person can set up the entire family on their smartphone [works on iPhone & Android].

In May 2019, a $15/year fee was added which saves passport information in the app, saving you time and frustration when you return to the US. A few version is still available, but each time you use it you need to enter your passport information.

So if you are quick in typing on a smartphone, the free one should suffice. But if you are not too savvy with the touchscreen keyboard or have multiple members in your family, the $15 fee may just be for you. 
SMARTPHONE TIPS WHILE TRAVELING
Heading off on a trip outside of the US?

Your mobile phone will work anywhere in the world, but the voice/text/data plan you are on is only valid in the US. Once you leave the US, roaming fees kick in.

*There are some mobile carriers like T-Mobile that includes some countries in the voice/text/data plan, which will save you on roaming fees. You will want to check with your carrier for details.

But if you have cellular carriers like AT&T, Verizon, etc... here's a few tips while outside of the US to avoid roaming fees.
  1. Ensure your smartphone's firmware is up-to-date. Performing this update while on travel may take hours and fail. Do it a several days before your trip
  2. Enable Wi-Fi calling on your smartphone several days before you leave. This will allow you to send/receive phone calls and text messages as if you were in the US - with no fees! Note: making phone calls into the local country you are in will be considered a long-distance call. And when you return, you can leave Wi-Fi calling enabled - for homes/business that have weak cellular signal, Wi-Fi calling will utilize the wireless internet to keep you connected.
  3. Stay on Airplane Mode and connect to public Wi-Fi Hotspots. This is great if you can live without connection between Hotspots. It's the least expensive method. If you connect to a public Wi-Fi hotspot, use a VPN, (like NordVPN) to protect your login info and data from hackers using the same free Wi-Fi hotspot as you (even hotels that require a hotel provided login is not safe).
  4. If you are one that needs to be connected at all times, your mobile carrier may offer an international day-pass which allows you to use your smartphone the same way you do back in the US, without any roaming fees. It's the simplest most convenient way, but can cost up to $10/day/smartphone.
  5. If you don't need to make/receive phones calls from your US mobile phone number, a cost effective method is to use a smartphone that is 'unlocked' (which means it is no longer tied to a mobile carrier) and purchase a local SIM card (at the country you are visiting). You'll get a local phone number, plus have capability to send/receive text (through that local number) and have internet access. With Facebook and WhatsApp used by many people today, you can make voice calls using those apps without any additional fees. 
  6. The last option is to use a personal mobile hotspot. This is similar to connecting to a WiFi hotspot, but it is your own private one that you carry around. Typically 5 devices can connect to it, including smartphones, laptops, tablets. You can rent one upon arrival at the airport of the country you are visiting or rent one in advance from Tep Wireless, so you'll have internet access the second you land. Having your own private hotspot allows you to have internet connection where ever you go and there is no security issue (no need to use a VPN). Note: although the plan is unlimited data, after 1GB usage (per day), the speeds get throttled (meaning the internet speeds are slower). You can prevent over-usage by disabling automatic updates of app, disable background app refresh, disable cloud-based apps like Dropbox, Google Photos, iCloud.