Episode 1126 October 12, 2014

Brian wound up getting a browser hijacker. Leo says that's the risk of downloading software these days -- it often will come bundled with other unwanted programs. Typically, during the install, there will be checkboxes for other programs which should be unchecked. It's not technically considered malware, but they were likely obscure in how it was worded and it tricks users into installing these programs. Leo strongly advises against using third party download sites like CNET's Download.com because of this. Only download software from the original developer.

To get rid of the offending program, Leo recommends going into the Control Panel and looking under "Programs & Features." He should also go into his Chrome browser, right click on "Extensions," select "Properties," and then look in the launch link under the shortcuts tab. There he can remove anything that's in the start page.

Shel has designed a prosthetic hand that he wants to get out to developing nations, and his issue is actually finding people who need it. How can he use the internet to find people in need? Leo says that teaming up with organizations that are already in the country is likely more effective than doing Google searches.

Diana is finally replacing her XP machine with a new computer. But how does she transfer all her files to the new machine? Leo says that since Diana hasn't bought a new Windows machine yet, it may be a good idea to think about whether or not she really needs Windows. Often people buy far more computer than they need. And now that the industry has matured, Leo's more inclined to suggest a Chromebook and keep her data online, rather than Windows. Or maybe even a tablet, if most of her activity is email and surfing the internet. Leo gave his mom an iPad for that very reason. Both are steady, stable, and secure. And they're under $500. Leo recommends Acer, Asus, Lenovo, and HP.

If she's still set on getting Windows, she can still get Windows 7 until the end of this month. They have a transfer wizard that takes her data over. But Leo prefers to buy an external drive, and she can put all her data on that. Then copy it back onto the new computer. This will give her a backup of her data on that external drive as well.

LG makes a great Chrome machine called the Chromebase, which comes with a 21" LCD monitor for only $350.

Benny wants to get a Blackberry Z10 because he used one for awhile and loved it. Leo says that they're easy to find on eBay, but Leo likes to get stuff like that from NewEgg. He can get one "open box" from them for around $200. He should make sure he doesn't get the Verizon version, he'll want the AT&T and T-Mobile versions that are unlocked. Those are called "Unlocked GSM."

Pat has a Samsung Galaxy S5, and when he's streaming through Google Play, he gets random pauses. Leo says if it's streaming, that's bandwidth buffering. If it's local, there could be stuff in the background that's using the processor. Leo suggests turning the phone off and on, and maybe even doing a factory reset. But then he'll have to redownload all of his apps.. Google will remember his account information though.

The chatroom says that Google Play has the issue but others say not at all, so that leaves Leo to think that that it could be an issue with Pat's phone. Returning the phone and getting a new one might solve the problem.