Your internet connection, web sites and services.
Internet and Web
Is there a chatroom for tech questions?
Episode 1647
Paul fromPaul would like to know if there are chatrooms for tech questions? Leo says that the TWiT IRC Client runs 24/7. It's a general chat focused around Leo's radio show and podcast. But you can ask questions there, too. And there are IRC chat threads for just about any topic in the world. Just do a google search for "IRC (topic here)." Or (topic) Chat Channels. Another option is a Dischord chat.
What WiFi router should I get for my mom?
Episode 1647
Jack fromJack's mom is moving into an assisted living facility, and he wants her to have her own WiFi. What router should he get her? Leo says it's a good idea to give her own WiFi access point. It'll protect her. NetGear makes great WiFi Routers. How about a basic wireless access point? Leo says that the router will be better for security, but a WAC is fine.
Should he get a Samsung Galaxy Note 10? Leo says that since Jack has a note 8, he can trade it in and get a great deal on a Note 10. Go for it.
Is My Modem Fried?
Episode 1646
Johnny fromJohnny has an ARRIS modem that he bought in 2017 and has gigabit service. But after a power outage, his internet didn't come back up. A technician came out and said that the power outage fried out his modem, even though the power light is on. Leo says it can happen when the power surges into a home as it gets turned back on. That's why people need a surge protector. Leo also says that if they fried the modem, the power company should get him a new one.
Johnny Jet ... Focused
Episode 1646
Johnny Jet flew his dad out to California so he could meet his granddaughter. Travel tip, when you are flying business class, check before you buy if there are seats available for upgrading. Johnny recommends expertflyer.com. Here are Johnny's thoughts on why this site is worth paying to subscribe to http://www.johnnyjet.com/guide-expert-flyer-membership/. Another tip - When possible book a bulkhead seat. You get extra legroom.
Can I Stream Using Cell Phone Service?
Episode 1646
Alex fromAlex wants to cut the cable. But he wants to avoid a contract. Can he stream from his phone? Leo says he could, but he will eat up bandwidth data caps in no time. He can eat a gig in an hour. Eventually, cell service will begin throttling. So that's not really the answer. Many cellular providers offer home internet plans. So call the cellular provider and find out.
What's a good alternative to Microsoft Outlook?
Episode 1645
Karen fromKaren is still having issues with Microsoft Outlook 365. She wants to know what her alternatives to Outlook are? Leo suggests going to http://outlook.live.com. There's a good chance you can log in where your contacts and data will already be there. You can also export all your contacts there and then use an alternative like Google Contacts.
How can I stream music?
Episode 1645
Jim fromJim says he's a bit of a luddite, but he's discovered the Sonos Amp with Klipsh speakers, and it's just plain nice. Leo says the nice thing about the Sonos is that you can control it with your phone and stream from any music service. So you can listen to just about anything ever recorded.
NY Times Thinks the Internet Didn't Turn Out as We Had Hoped
Episode 1645
This week's NY Times Magazine cover story talks about how the Internet didn't only not turn out as we had hoped, but it may have even made our lives worse. Leo says that part of the anxiety comes from not being able to do anything about how much power internet companies like Google and Facebook wield in our lives. But we're also getting a lot of benefit from it. So don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.
Johnny Jet ... Paired
Episode 1644
Website of the week - TryAirPair.com ... get an AuPair to travel with you to help care for your kids.
App of the week - Dark Sky. You can go back into time and see what the weather and sky were like any time from the present to the past. iOS and Android.
Scott Wilkinson ... streamed
Episode 1644
Scott joins Leo to talk about content creator intent vs. consumer choice. Netflix is doing a trial run on playing back movies at up twice the normal speed. Leo says that Lisa listens to books at that speed. She gets more read that way.
But Scott says that directors are really up in arms over it, saying it alters the creative intent of the movie. It works in audio, because of pitch shifting. But for Video, well Leo says it makes the actors look like the Keystone cops.
