The YubiKey is a security key that enables strong two-factor, multi-factor, and passwordless authentication. It's an all-in-one configurable security key, it's easier and safer than authenticator apps where you can use the key itself to authenticate yourself, and works with hundreds of services such as Gmail, Dropbox, and Duo. Its price is as low as $20!
Ring Central is a provider of cloud-based communications and collaboration solutions for small and large businesses. Their core product, Ring Central Office, is an all-in-one cloud communications and collaboration services that include products such as a cloud phone system, online meetings, team messaging, and online faxing.
The eero* Pro is a tri-band mesh router that's a perfect start for smaller homes and apartments. The eero uses multiple access points to cover all areas of your home and works with your existing modem and internet provider to deliver a constantly strong signal where you need it.
The eero line of products also has a smartphone app that allows you to monitor your devices, check the data usage of your network, and diagnose/fix issues within your network.
*eero is a sponsor of the TWiT network
The Lenovo Yoga A940 Desktop is an all-in-one PC engineered to provide the ultimate workspace for your creativity. It features a 27" tilting 4k display with pen support, a dial that allows you to assign settings and use features in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and more, and also has a wireless charging dock.
It offers an 8th Gen Intel Core processor with six cores, has an AMD Radeon RX560 graphics card, and 32GB of DDR4 memory.
VueScan is an application for scanning documents, photos, slides, and more on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It reverse engineers older scanner drivers so you can use old scanners that are no longer support. It also uses the latest drivers and plugins from manufacturers and operating systems.
How to Code: A Step-By-Step Guide to Computer Coding is a great book to learn the basic concepts of coding. It has step-by-step instructions that help to teach and develop the skills that will allow you to create your own website and more. The book will teach you how to use Logo, Scratch, Python, and more.
Amazon has created an Echo product for the car. Drivers plug the device in, connect to car speakers (Bluetooth or auxiliary input), and mount it on the dashboard. With Echo Auto, drivers can speak to Alexa and command her to play music, podcasts, and audiobooks, while also helping with navigation via connecting to a phone GPS app (Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps). Most importantly, users can use their voice to enable actions instead of their hands while in the automobile. It's most valuable in older cars that do not already have voice-activated controls.
In the Beginning...was the Command Line is science-fiction author Neal Stephenson's discussion of personal computer operating systems, complete with examples and anecdotes. The book involves Microsoft, Apple, and Linux culture while being critical of particular business practices. In the Beginning...was the Command Line has almost turned 20 years old (published November 9, 1999) and gives readers a look into the history of personal computing, up until the end of the 20th century. Leo considers it well-written, entertaining, quite informative, and highly opinionated.
VIZIO's upward-firing 46" 5.1.4 Home Theater Sound System features 4 Dolby Atmos channels, 2 rear speakers, 8 Sound Bar speakers, a wireless 10" Subwoofer, Wall Mountability, a Remote Control with LCD, built-in Chromecast, and Google Assistant voice support. The system goes for $999.99 and includes a 1-year parts/labour warranty.
A physical authentication device provides an extra layer of security that doesn't come with normal 2nd-factor authentication. SoloKeys sells open-source FIDO2 security keys that work similarly to Yubico's Yubikeys and are quite cheap at $20 - $25 each. Plus, customers can purchase a handful of coloured cases for easily telling them apart. Solos are available in USB A or USB C. NFC versions (Solo Tap) are coming soon and will cost $35 - $40 depending on USB type. These items are useful for protection when logging onto Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, and other sites.
