Audience Questions

Audience QuestionsHour 1

Hour 1 Hour 2 Hour 3

Is Java's Kommodia safe to install?

Watch Mark from Santa Ana, CA Comments

Mark hears that when downloading Java, junkware downloads with it. Leo says that Java is now being bundled with adware, so he should make sure he unchecks the option. Better yet, he shouldn't download and install Java unless he needs it.

He should also make sure that it doesn't load automatically in his browser, which is a security issue. Java uses Kommodia, which actually breaks the encryption technology of a browser. So Marks' wife should remove it immediately.

How could I set up home automation to help someone who's paralyzed?

Watch Paul from Daytona Beach, FL Comments

Paul got an eye tracker to help his paralyzed friend use the computer, but he's wondering if there is a way his friend could utilize home automation to turn things on and off. Most of these things are iOS or Android based, and he wants to know of something that is Microsoft-based. As long as it can be clicked with a mouse, he could use it.

Leo says in many cases, these things have to be customized specifically for the person. Stephen Hawking, for example, uses a single cheek muscle to do everything he does. Leo suggests looking for an independent living resource center in Paul's area that may be more of an expert on adaptive technologies.

Here are some home automation solutions that would work on Windows:

  • Insteon
    •

    Battlecam in the chatroom said he uses this.

  • Plum

    • This has apps on all platforms.

  • Homeseer

    • This has PC software for home automation.

Paul has created a GoFundMe page to raise money for her at helpannette.com.

Audience QuestionsHour 2

Hour 1 Hour 2 Hour 3

What does the FCC's decision on Net Neutrality mean for broadband competition?

Watch Mark from Santa Ana, CA Comments

Mark says if the government wants to make broadband internet a utility, the FCC should regulate it like a utility. He makes the point that the reason it's a utility is because there's only one place to get it, like the gas or electric companies. Leo says we can blame the FCC for giving the cable companies a monopoly years ago. But he says they had been more or less blackmailed into that decision because the cable companies told the FCC they wouldn't build out the infrastructure otherwise. Furthermore, the FCC's second vote on Thursday was as important because it said it would invoke rules that would prevent state legislatures from banning municipal internet. That decision would introduce competition for broadband providers, and that's the only solution in the long run.

Leo understands people's fear of government regulation of the internet -- the internet has succeeded essentially because no one had been paying attention. But we don't want the broadband providers planning the future of the internet, because they have a strong interest in charging content providers (like TWiT) for access to customers in addition to charging customers for access to the internet. They don't have an obligation to protect society's best interest, they only have a financial obligation. The only way to prevent this now, in Leo's opinion, is to have government regulations preventing it. At least until there's viable competition in this space.

How can I keep my cellphone from being tracked?

Watch Ed from Rancho Mirage, CA Comments

Ed thinks his HTC One Android phone has been hacked. Can it be tracked? Leo says that every cellphone made is trackable. In order to use a cellphone, he has to connect to a tower, so it's able to triangulate his position at any given moment. If he's worried about that, then he shouldn't have a cell phone.

Why can't I log into Facebook with my iPad?

Watch Patricia from Escondido, CA Comments

Patricia's iPad has a ton of pictures on it and now she can't do anything with it. She's gotten rid of half the pictures and she can do a bit more than before. Leo says that Patricia should take advantage of iCloud and if necessary, buy more storage. She's gotten rid of most of her apps as well. She reinstalled Facebook and now she can't sign on. She gets error messages, which Leo says are useless because they are notes for programmers, not users.

Leo says to log onto Facebook on the web and make sure that it works. Then she should log onto Facebook through the app. If she has the wrong password, she won't be able to log in. If she can log in through the web, she could try changing the password. But a lack of storage can make a lot of crazy things happen.

Another option for photo storage is Flickr, where she can get a free 1TB of storage. She also could consider using Google Plus, which can automatically back up photos. Laura in Downey, CA called in to say that Shutterfly offers an unlimited amount of photo uploads as well.

It's probably a good idea to back up all of her data on her computer, and then wipe the iPad and start over.

How can I rebuild my computer and not buy new Windows software?

Watch Dave from Anaheim, CA Comments

Dave upgraded to Windows 7, and now he's thinking upgrading all his hardware. He's been told, however, that he may have to buy a new version of Windows. Leo says that's not true. While Microsoft is paranoid about piracy to the point that they've created Windows Genuine Advantage, all he will need to do is call Microsoft. He should let them know that he's rebuilt his computer and ask them to reset it. He should just be pleasant and they should help him. They may say he'll need to buy a new serial number.

Audience QuestionsHour 3

Hour 1 Hour 2 Hour 3

Why can't I play videos downloaded through iTunes?

Watch Phil from Reno, NV Comments

Phil bought and downloaded movies from iTunes, but now he can't watch them. Leo says that he'll have to authorize his iTunes account in order to play them back. That's copy protection, and the only people it frustrates are the legitimate owners.

How can I get access to my data if Windows won't let me log in?

Watch Paul from Palmdale, CA Comments

Paul can't get his resume off his computer because he can't log onto it. He gets a user profile loading error. Leo says that the good news is that the data is probably not gone. It's always helpful to have the admin account as an unused account, and to only run as a standard user. Then he could always go into the Admin account and have access to all files.

Leo suggests looking at tech note 947215 from support.microsoft.com. It offers a method in order to save the data. It's not for the faint of heart, but it will work.

He could also try restarting in Safe Mode because there is a built in admin account in safe mode only. The username is admin, and leave the password blank. He should be able to get it then.

Is my internet service worth the money?

Watch James from Gardena, CA Comments

James pays $56 a month for cable internet with Time Warner. What are his options? Leo says it depends on what he gets for that much. How fast is it? The more he pays, the faster it should be.

Leo recommends going to SpeedTest.net to see how much bandwidth he's getting. Then he should go to BroadbandReports.com and see what everyone else in his neighborhood are paying. He can also find out what other services are available and get reviews of those services. We pay more in the US for our data, and for less speed, than most other countries. And that's shameful.

Is a Wi-Fi hotspot safe for surfing the net?

Watch Rick from Salisbury, NC Comments

Rick's wife got unlimited cell service for him, and he wants to know how to keep his tablet secure while at a hotspot. Leo says that by using his own cell service, his data is encrypted and safe. But if he's relying on Wi-Fi hotspot, then he'll have to be sure his passwords aren't given out in the clear. Especially if it's bank information. But even then, he's dealing with an encrypted portal, so it's pretty safe. He'll want to turn on encryption for his email, though.