Internet and Web

Your internet connection, web sites and services.

What Are My Options to Locast for Streaming Local Channels?

Sling

Episode 1825

Perry from Aurora, CO

Perry wants to know what his alternatives are now that Locast has shut down. Leo says that an antenna is the best free option. Sling and other streaming services do offer other local channels for an extra cost. Here's a list of alternatives. There is a Reddit thread at reddit.com/r/cordcutters which talks about some options.

What Broadband Options Are Available in My Area?

DSL Extreme

Episode 1825

Ron from Los Angeles, CA

Ron got a notice that DSL Extreme is canceling his internet service in November. They're offering him a service that is more expensive and requires him to subscribe to their internet service. He's currently using DSLExtreme. Leo says that AT&T has to provide DSL Extreme broadband service and it sounds like DSLExtreme is signing off. But Leo says the good news is that there are other options out there, including Starlink. Google Fiber. And others. Check out DSLReports.com for choices in the area.

Locast Suspends Streaming Operations Amidst Legal Challenges

Locast

Episode 1825

Citing an ongoing lawsuit by broadcasters against its streaming of their content, Locast has ceased operations effective immediately. The streaming service, which sought to provide cable cutters with streaming of local programming in a city near you, took donations to defray expenses. But broadcasters say that Locast does not have retransmission rights to put their content online. A judge agreed, saying that the streaming service violated copyright when they took donations and sought to expand their service with it. 

Rod Pyle and Going Sideways

Rod Pyle

Episode 1824

Rod Pyle joins Leo to talk about the launch of the Astra rocket, which started its launch inching sideways across the launch pad before going up. Astra is a small rocket start-up, launching its third attempt.  What happened? Rod says that one of the give small engines failed, and it could only hover until it became light enough to start climbing. Eventually, the rocket had to be destroyed as debris began to fall off the rocket itself. So third time wasn't a charm for Astra. But Space is hard.

What's an Alternative For Bad Broadband?

Eero

Episode 1823

Pam from LaHabra, CA

Pam just bought a house in Arizona and the area doesn't have the best internet service. How can she improve the speed? Leo says most have two choices ... the phone company or the cable company.  Anything else is wireless. T-Mobile is offering cellular internet home access, though. It's a bit more expensive, but if her cellular is good in the area, it's an option. WISP is an option. But the newest, hottest option is Elon Musk's Starlink service. But it's not cheap. $99 a month plus $500 for equipment. She will need a clear view of the entire sky for it to work.

Johnny Jet ... Postponed

Johnny Jet

Episode 1823

Johnny joins Leo to talk about why it may be a good idea to postpone (again) that trip to Hawaii because of the Delta variant.  Mandates are not likely going to happen, but the reality is that they don't want you to come, and you won't get that Hawaiian experience anyway. And you'll have to be tested to get back into the intercontinental US. So Johnny says that 2021 is the year of the staycation. Stay home. 

Can My Company Monitor My Internet Activity?

VPN

Episode 1823

Lisa from Los Angeles, CA

Lisa hears that her company Wi-Fi is monitored. Leo says that her company has a legal right to monitor her online activity, so it's not private. But if she can use a VPN or is on an encrypted site, they can't see specific data, they can just know she's online. Be sure to be familiar with company policy when using the company's internet network and what potential consequences are. Can they put software on her phone or laptop? Leo says only if they own it. They don't have the legal right to put it on her personal property. 

Why's My Browser Constantly Updating?

Brave

Episode 1823

Paul from Louisville, KY

Paul has two laptops running Linux with the Brave browser installed on both. He's now experiencing a lot of updates every other day. What gives? Leo says it's normal. Browsers are constantly updated because they are the front-line defense against infection. Google has lately updated the chrome browser 13 times this week, for example. So, what Paul is seeing is Brave updating their browser as Google updates Chrome since they're both based on the Chromium architecture.