Your internet connection, web sites and services.
Internet and Web
How can I measure bandwidth?
Episode 1631
Travis fromTravis wants to know how he can measure his bandwidth to see if he's getting what he's paying for. Leo says that Windows 10 has a bandwidth monitor built-in, but that will only measure what your machine is using. Modern routers also have bandwidth monitors, but if you've been given a router by your ISP, it likely won't. That's why Leo always recommends buying your own router. He recommends the Ubiquity Edge Router X. And you won't be paying a rental fee on that gear either.
Oculus Announces VR Social Network
Episode 1631
This week, at Oculus annual VR conference, Oculus announced a new virtual social network called Facebook Horizon, where you can join friends in a virtual room and hang out. It's like the infancy of Ready Player One. Leo says it makes sense now the way Facebook would spend $3.2 Billion for Oculus, now. They see the future. Here's what it will look like:
What are the Best Current WiFi Routers?
Episode 1630
Seth fromSeth wants to know what the best consumer-grade WiFi routers are. Leo says it's constantly changing. And now, WiFi 6 (aka 802.11AX) is here. Designed to make IoT devices more efficient, WiFi 6 will certainly change up the game. Leo recommends the new MESH routers. They are more expensive, but they are much better for homes, especially those with spotty WiFi coverage. Leo also says that the older Eero Beacons can be used with Ethernet, so if users have their home wired for Ethernet, they can plug in for even better performance. The other alternative is Powerline networking.
Johnny Jet ... Indigenous
Episode 1630
Travel Tip of the week - when you're traveling, avoid taking pictures with characters in Times Square. There are very aggressive people trying to get you to pay them for a picture. They're very in your face. So it's best to avoid it altogether. Also, prices for taking a PediCab can be more than you think. Often up to $7 a minute. So make sure you know upfront how much it's going to be.
Can you stream YouTube TV with a VPN?
Episode 1629
Al fromAl uses a VPN with YouTube TV on a Linux computer because he doesn't live in California anymore. Sometimes it gets disconnected and YouTube thinks he's somewhere else. Leo says that YouTube may decide to block your VPN. Netflix does that.
How can I guard against scams like cross-site scripting?
Episode 1629
Jay fromJay wants to know how he can avoid cross-site Scripting attacks. Leo says that you could turn off javascript, but that would make most of the web unusable. Leo uses UBlockOrigin, which is nominally an ad blocker. But it can block cross-site scripting. A good browser like Firefox will protect you as well. In the security settings, you can block a lot of things like cross-site scripting. And load a minimal set of extensions as well.
How can I tell YouTube I'm not where it thinks I am?
Episode 1629
Gary fromGary uses TMobile's home service for $50 a month. Speeds fluctuate from 25-115 MBps. Leo says that's pretty usable. Gary likes YouTube TV, but TMobile thinks he's in another city, and so he can't get local TV. Leo says that's the problem with mobile-based internet. It's based on where your IP is located. It's a universal problem because people trust geo-located IP and it's never accurate. Leo says that there may be a way by contacting YouTube.
Doctor Mom says that YouTube now has a page where you can tell YouTube TV where you are.
Johnny Jet ... At Your Gate
Episode 1628
American Airlines ran a fundraiser with Stand Up to Cancer, where you can donate to get your name on a plane, and his mother's name is now enshrined on one of their fleet of planes. You can still donate $25 and have a chance. Plus AA will give you miles for doing it.
Johnny Jet ... Big Time Traveler
Episode 1626
The FAA has ruled that airlines must allow passengers with horses as service animals, to provide space for them.
Tip: Always do your research to see if you can bring a carry-on for free or not, especially with low-cost airlines (i.e. Spirit)
Can I use my own router for my WISP internet service?
Episode 1625
Tim fromTim's internet is terrible because he lives in a rural area. His router managed to give him decent speed, but it went bad. So his wireless ISP gave him another one and it's terrible. Leo says that Brainstorm is a WISP, or wireless internet service provider, and you're most likely required to use their dedicated hardware. But you may be able to use your own router. But Leo suspects the problem is on their end. Routers to look at are TPLINK. Asus. NetGear. Check out thewirecutter.com for their recommendations.
