Laptop or desktop computers and any components within.
Hardware
Can I buy a laptop with Linux on it?
Episode 1664
Frank fromFrank is interested in buying a new laptop, but with Linux on it. Is that a good idea? Leo says that System 76 uses Ubuntu, and Dell is going to be putting out a Linux laptop as well. But if you have an old Windows 7 machine, you can update it to Windows 10 for free, but going with Linux isn't a bad idea either.
Can I print from a USB drive?
Episode 1664
Tim fromTim wants to know if an EcoTank wireless printer can print from a USB thumbdrive. Leo says most wifi enabled printers have eliminated the need for it. But if you want to print without a computer, that's a good way to do it. From the chatroom - The Ecotank 7700 has a USB thumbdrive for that purpose. You can also connect your camera.
Should I build my own computer?
Episode 1664
Dave fromDave built his first computer. Leo says it's a great project for someone who wants to learn about computers. But you have to be your own tech support.
Sam Abuelsamid ... Driverless
Episode 1664
Sam is back to talk about self driving cars like the Chevy Cruise Origin. The car will have no controls of any kind and will essentially be controlled with an app. Sam says there will be dual sliding doors on either side, and will be modular to swap various configurations. It'll also be rated for a million miles.
The GizWiz and the Hydrofoil
Episode 1663
This week, Dick is back with a gadget he saw at Showstoppers during CES. The Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1, world’s first production hydrofoil bike launched in the U.S. at CES. Using the same technology as America’s Cup sailboats, and seven years in development, the Hydrofoiler is the first bike of its kind to replicate the cycling experience on water. The New Zealand-based company sold out the initial pilot production run in six months, after their short video of the hydrofoil prototype went viral, amassing more than 350 million views on Facebook.
Which Chromebook Shall I Buy to Replace a Windows 7 Computer?
Episode 1663
Maria fromMaria has a Windows 7 computer and with the end of life support for it, she's is looking to get a Chromebook but doesn't know which one is best. Leo says that she can still upgrade your Windows 7 machine to Windows 10 for free, and that would be cheap. But a Chromebook is a great option for someone who isn't tech-savvy. Her HP printer is rejecting her new cartridges. Leo says that's a known issue.
Which Laptop Shall I Buy For Writing?
Episode 1663
Cara fromCara is a writer and wants to know what's a good backup alternative. Google Docs? Leo says that Google Docs is a good option, but what if her account gets canceled by Google? He recommends planning for the worst and having multiple backups off-site. Also don't' forget that a print out is a form of backup. Cara also wants to know what's a good computer for editing her manuscripts. She needs a fast skimming alternative. Leo says that Cara's current Chromebook is causing the lagging skims. Any modern computer will be fast enough. If it's' on a hard drive, it'll be fast.
How Can I Have More Consistent and Fast WiFi?
Episode 1663
Chris fromChris has everyone set up with WiFi through UVerse DSL, but he wants to move away from it because it keeps going down. Leo says that UVerse DSL really isn't' all that great. It's not like UVerse Fiber. He would like a hardwired system to his Eero. Leo says Eero has beacons to cover the space. Two would be enough (one base, one beacon). The benefit is that Mesh routers have a second back channel to talk between the MESH devices. That makes WIFI much faster.
Why Can't I See My Wireless Security Cam Video?
Episode 1663
Todd fromTodd is getting wireless security video from one building on his property, but not the second. He can ping it, but he can't access it off-site. Leo recommends using a MESH system to extend the signal from building to building.
Why Does My Bluetooth Keyboard Disconnect?
Episode 1663
Drew fromDrew has a Microsoft Bluetooth keyboard, but sometimes it stops working and loses connection. Leo says he had the same problem with his Surface studio. That's why Leo doesn't care for wireless keyboards. Bluetooth is notorious for that. It requires you to remove and re-pair.
