Laptop or desktop computers and any components within.
Hardware
Sam Abuelsamid ... in studio
Episode 1575
Sam joins Leo in studio, and he says that while electric vehicles are getting more popular, it would still take 20-30 years to replace the entire fleet in the US. He drove to Eastside Studios in a KIA NIRO electrified vehicle. The NIRO Hybrid gets 50 mph, but you can get a plugin hybrid as well, which gets 27 miles on a charge. Or you can get a fully electric NIRO, which has a 239-mile range.
Will a Cert Help Me to Get a Job in Computing?
Episode 1575
Daniel fromDaniel is graduating from college with a degree in Computer Science and now wants to know what Cert he should get. Leo says that largely depends on the job he wants. But an AWS cert is good no matter what as everything is using Amazon Web Services these days. But keep in mind, a degree is going to get him further than a Cert.
Was a Chromebook a Good Buy?
Episode 1575
Jason fromJason is tired of maintaining his Windows machine to guard against malware, so he bought a Chromebook. He really enjoys the simplicity of it and how secure they are. Leo says that Chromebooks are great and everything is going online now. So with that, all most people really need is a Chromebook. Even photography and videography are starting to be done online.
Should I Buy a Sound Card?
Episode 1575
Jeremy fromJeremy wants to know if he should get a new sound card for his computer. Leo says that today's motherboards have really good sound cards built right on the board. They're very good for 99% of all sound needs. You'd need to be a hardcore gamer or recorder to squeeze that extra percent out, and most people won't even be able to tell.
Should I Buy an SSD Drive for my Laptop?
Episode 1575
Marie fromMarie is planning to swap out her 1TB spinning drive for a 1TB SSD drive. Will that hurt her motherboard? Leo says it won't, but there's no need to get one that large. She can get a smaller SSD drive for just her programs, and then connect the spinning drive via an external enclosure for her data. Leo recommends Samsung's EVO brand. The 860 EVO is a great drive, and at $150 it's a great buy.
Are Old Macs Worth Anything?
Episode 1575
Ananias fromAnanias got a bunch of Macs with Quadros and wants to know if they're worth anything. Leo says he can go to EveryMac.com to see their history. But they run a PowerPC chip, and as such, aren't really supported in the modern computing world. Likely, they just fodder for eCycling. However, it is still worth checking out eBay to see if there are any opportunities.
Can my Computer Handle a New Video Card?
Episode 1575
Larry fromLarry is a gamer and got a new video card that supports RayTracing. He put it in his computer but it's lagging terribly. On top of that, he's now getting "green sparkles" everywhere. Is his machine too old? Leo says it shouldn't be too old at all, it's likely just a bad card. Green artifacts are usually an indication of a bad video card, so Larry should send it back for a refund or replacement. The GTX 1070 is better matched to his computer anyway.
The Giz Wiz ... a Step Up
Episode 1574
This week's gadget is a clever device: a 4 in 1 Multifunctional Vehicle Latch Door so you have easy access to the car roof rack. The step is also equipped with a Safety Hammer and a Seat Belt Cutter. The company says the step itself is made from aluminium alloy, and the car doorstep is small, sturdy and easy to install. With the folding design, it is easy to carry and store.
Are There Alternatives to ViewSonic's Viewboard Display?
Episode 1574
David fromDavid is a teacher and wants to know if a ViewSonic Viewboard Direct View monitor is a good choice. Leo says that Viewsonic makes very good monitors, but there are other options. The Microsoft Surface Hub is a great option that is multi-touch with a built-in PC for it. The Chatroom also recommends Google JamBoard, which is half the price of ViewSonic's monitor.
How Can I Watch Amazon Prime Video Offline and in the Air?
Episode 1574
Bob fromBob would like to download Amazon Prime shows from his iPhone and play them back on his PC. Leo says he hasn't used LonelyScreen, but a quick perusal shows it may be OK. The Chatroom says AirServer is another. However, using applications that rely on WiFi won't work out of range.
Amazon Prime also lets users watch offline content. Some Hotels are now offering Chromecast support.
