Laptop or desktop computers and any components within.
Hardware
How can I connect a GoPro without a smartphone?
Episode 1738
Mike fromMike runs a CNC machine to create custom precision parts that he sells on eBay. He thought it would be cool to get a GoPro camera and mount it to his machine to grab some CNC footage of what he makes or to monitor the machine as it runs. But he doesn't have a cellphone, so how can he see the live feed? Leo says that's a problem. But Mike could use an iPod Touch and connect to it that way. So if he doesn't want a smartphone, the Touch is a smartphone without the phone and it'll have both Bluetooth and WiFi. That's the way to do it, and you don't need the most expensive one either.
Can a modem overheat?
Episode 1738
Steve fromSteve has a DOCSIS 3.1 modem and wants to know if there's anything faster. Leo says that DOCSIS 3.1 can handle up to 1GB down and DOCSIS 3.2 is coming. Should it run hot? Leo says no. If it's too hot to touch, that's a problem and could indicate the modem may be wearing out faster. But cable modems don't wear out as fast as your router does, so you may need a new router. But the main reason to update a router is to get a more secure system. Most consumer routers don't get updated and have unpatched vulnerabilities.
Look for a router that will offer automatic firmware updates.
What's the deal with Apple's product life cycles?
Episode 1738
Rodney fromRodney doesn't understand Apple's product life cycle. Leo says that Apple's software is driven by its hardware. So when a new version of hardware comes out, sometimes older generations get left behind. It would be nice is Apple could let you know when the end of life is for its products, but since Apple makes both hardware and software, they don't have to do it.
Apple, for instance, has left behind 32-bit apps in macOS Mojave. So if software companies don't upgrade to 64-bit applications, those apps stop working on Macs using the new operating systems.
How can I make my old computer faster?
Episode 1738
Jessica fromJessica's desktop is about eight years old and she has nearly a TB in free space on her hard drive. But she's concerned about the age of her computer. Leo says older computers aren't as slow as newer computers like the old days. So an older computer really isn't that big a deal. The more worrisome thing is the age of your hard drive. They can crash as they get older. So replacing the hard drive will be faster and give new life to your computer. Especially with a solid-state drive or SSD.
Can I use IKEA's wireless speakers for my PC?
Episode 1738
Lott fromLott came across a set of SYMFONISK WiFi Speakers at IKEA and wants to know if he can get sound from his computer to play on them. Leo says that IKEA has a partnership with SONOS and Amazon to create wireless speakers. You need to use SONOS software to add your music collection and play it. It uses a variant of DNLA and in theory, the SONOS software can scan your PC and play it.
Sam Abuelsamid ... and the Augmented HUD
Episode 1738
Sam joins Leo to talk about a new kind of heads up display that uses augmented reality to give the driver more information. The new generation hud will be hitting the market in the coming months (2021). HUDs have become fairly common since it's debut in 1988. It projects light through an LCD in your dashboard onto the windshield. HUDs make the information look like it's hovering about 3-4 away above your hood.
What computer should I get for recording audio?
Episode 1738
Rosie fromRosie does voiceover and she needs a new computer to record lines and auditions. She uses the Focusrite Scarlet as a digital interface. Leo says that any computer will work with the Scarlet. Audio is relatively low in demand, compared to video editing, gaming or multi-track recording. Leo's preference is Mac over Windows. The nice thing is that it comes with all you need, including Garage Band. If you want to go up to the next level, Logic Pro is only about $150. And Audacity will work on the Mac as well as Windows.
The Giz Wiz ... Camfected
Episode 1737
Dick joins Leo to talk about a new device to combat "Camfecting." That's when a hacker takes control of your webcam with your knowledge or your permission. A webcam privacy cover can help stop that. It's basically a webcam cover slide. It can be easily applied and removed from the device without any traces. You can get a pack of 6 Webcam Cover Sliders for around $8.99,
Why can't I stream my podcast on YouTube?
Episode 1737
Mary fromMary uses an ATEM Mini Pro to stream her podcast via YouTube Live. But recently, it stopped streaming from her camera. Leo says the ATEM is a great video switcher for the money. She found out that YouTube changes her streaming key from time to time. Leo says that Leo does that a lot. The key changes randomly. That's likely the issue.
YouTube does offer a permanent key, but Mary tried that and it didn't work.The solution may be to get your key just before you go live, which can be a tedious thing from week to week.
Why is Apple moving away from Intel?
Episode 1737
Dave fromDave wants to know why Apple is switching away from Intel. Leo says that Apple is moving on from Intel because they can't provide low power, high performing chips that Apple wants. The reason is that development of processors by Intel has been stalled at 10nm, while Apple has gotten very good at developing ARM chips that are just as powerful for their mobile platforms (they are 5 nm now).
