Your internet connection, web sites and services.
Internet and Web
Will a VPN protect my kids from seeing bad stuff online?
Episode 1660
Jim fromJim wonders if a VPN is really worth it for daily life, and can it be used to control the content his kids watch? Leo says maybe not. But Leo says that OpenDNS certainly can. It enables you to filter content so that kids can't go where you don't want them. A VPN is used to carve out a tunnel online so that others can't see what you're doing. So it's the opposite. But OpenDNS is great for protecting your kids from the stuff out there. A new router can also do the same.
Why am I using up so much data?
Episode 1660
John fromJohn recently discovered that he was being charged 2.1GB for Sunday, even though it was Saturday when he found out. What gives? Leo says it's likely based on UTC Universal Time Zone or Greenwich Mean Time. So that's why it's listed as tomorrow. But if you have had data used up when you're not using it, then someone may be "borrowing a cup of wifi" from you. You can also check your router's data logs. Call AT&T and tell them that you aren't using that much data.
Is my Microsoft Account secure?
Episode 1660
Don fromDon has noticed someone from the Ukraine has tried to log into his Microsoft account on a weekly basis. Should he be concerned? Leo says as long as you don't use the same password, have 2-factor authentication, and have a password manager like Last Pass, there's no way he can get into it. But make sure you have 2 Factor turned on just in case someone manages to guess the password. It will then ask for an authentication code from you through Microsoft Authenticator, which notifies you via text. It's very secure.
Johnny Jet ... binged
Episode 1659
Johnny Jet is back to talk about CES. Delta has a binge button, where you can binge a TV show without interruption while on a long flight. Website of the week - FlightConnections.com. This website will tell you what connections any flight makes, the hubs they fly into, cheaper airports you can fly into, and more.
The Traced Act Could end robo calls
Episode 1658
The president signed a new law called the Traced Act, which will enable the federal government to frustrate and maybe even end Robocalls.
Is my new router safe online?
Episode 1658
Charlies fromCharles got a new Eero mesh router all set up (Eero is a sponsor of the TWiT Network), but now he gets a warning that his router can be seen online. Leo says that the best thing a router can do is be invisible by not responding to any online queries. It's called Stealth Mode. That's what GRC's Shields Up will test. Most routers have PING turn on by default. But you can turn it off in the security settings. Also, turn off universal plug n play and file sharing.
Why does my browser keep resetting?
Episode 1658
Larry fromLarry is finding that every time he removes a program from his computer, his default apps get reset. What gives? Leo says that Microsoft may be trying to get Larry to use EDGE as a default. It could also be Microsoft's attempt to protect your computer's database by erring on the side of caution. There is a way to prevent it. Over at SuperUSer.com, there's a way to do it with REGEDIT. That's scary though.
Cambridge Analytica Data Mining Used to Manipulate Elections Worldwide
Episode 1658
This week, documents were leaked from a former Cambridge Analytica employee that the company data-mined information from Facebook worldwide on an "industrial scale" to manipulate elections worldwide.
Johnny Jet ... on the train
Episode 1657
Johnny Jet joins us to talk about travel. Leo recently traveled to Las Vegas on the Train with the California Zephyr and it was amazing. Johnny Jet says that Amtrak is making a comeback because it's just as much as flying, but it's far more leisurely and enjoyable. App of the week - POLARSTEPS. It's a travel journal for your phone and uses your photos to create great photo books. Available for iOS and Google Play. And people can follow you.
How Can I Stream Live with GoPro?
Episode 1657
Alex fromAlex wants to do Facebook live by connecting a GoPro to his iPad. Leo recommends considering buying the MEVO camera. It is designed to stream live directly to Facebook, YouTube, etc. in 4K. If he streams in 1080p, it's like having 4 cameras at once. If going with the GoPro, then he'll need to use GoPro's software to do it. The challenge will be inputting the audio. The chatroom says he can use a USB-C mic adapter into the GoPro. GoPro has a 3.5mm adapter here.
