Your internet connection, web sites and services.
Internet and Web
Can I Prevent Bandwidth Throttling?
Episode 1604
Phil fromPhil has heard about something called a "WiFi blast range extender" which promises to solve bandwidth throttling. Is it legit? Leo says NO. The article that Phil came across was a sponsored article, disguised as legitimate content. They make plenty of promises, but not really deliver. In this case, bandwidth throttling isn't done at the router level, it's done at the ISP level. When ISPs put a bandwidth cap on you, you can work around it, you just have to either deal with the slowdown or pay for more bandwidth.
Twitter Will Put Select Questionable Tweets Behind a Wall
Episode 1604
When political figures make questionable or controversial quotes that may violate Twitter's Terms of Service, the social media company will put them behind a "grey wall" with the note that the post violated their abuse rules. Leaving the reader the option to read it or not. Leo says it'll be interesting to see how this will be received or if it will just add to the problem.
What is a Good Online Community for Photography?
Episode 1603
Steve fromSteve is amazed at how GPS mapping apps can know what the best and fastest route is. Leo says that WAZE is crowd sourced, so it gets real time traffic data from Waze users themselves, and it can work to route you around it.
Steve is also a photographer and wants to know what are good online sources to share and get feedback. Leo says that while it has changed recently, Flickr is a good place to post for community input.
Is YouTube Legit?
Episode 1603
Al fromAl says he's been watching Smarter Every Day on YouTube and he has learned about click farms that are designed to create bogus views and clicks on YouTube to not only earn ad revenue but to skew the recommendation engine to drive videos that wouldn't normally be recommended. Leo says that YouTube really needs to address this by 1) getting rid of comments, and 2) getting rid of the recommendation engine.
Signify Creates LiFi LightBulbs Which Transmit Data Over Light
Episode 1603
Signify has created a new light bulb that has light-emitted wifi, called Trulifi, which can transmit data at speeds up to 150 megabits using light waves.
YouTube Is Under Federal Investigation for Violation of Child Privacy Act
Episode 1603
The latest news about YouTube is that the federal government is investigating the streaming video portal for violation of provisions of the Child Online Privacy Act. The problems are in the recommendation engine, which veers to strange videos, even in the YouTube Kids channel. Numerous complaints to the Federal Trade Commission questions if YouTube is collecting data on kids under 13.
Should I Register a Domain with GoDaddy?
Episode 1602
Benny fromBenny wants to create a website and wants to know if he should register a domain with GoDaddy. Leo says NO. He hates GoDaddy and their questionable business practices. And there are plenty of other domain registrars out there. Leo recommends HOVER.
What about web hosts? Leo says that Blogger is free, as is Wix. Leo also recommends Squarespace.
What is a Good Database App?
Episode 1602
Greg fromGreg is part of an RV club and they'd like a good web-based database to manage contacts, offer invoices, and get out information. Leo says that Capterra is a directory of business software. A really good resource to find the right app for the need. Also, check out Monday.com
What's an Alternative to Evernote?
Episode 1602
Ruben fromRuben is looking for an alternative to Evernote. They've raised prices for the Premium version. Leo says that he can still do the free version, and he may be able to get by, but it's not encrypted. Leo's alternative is Microsoft's ONENOTE. Leo says it's free on everything and he won't have to have an Office subscription to use it. Another good one is Google Keep. Keep is interesting because it's like a bulletin board.
Johnny Jet ...Check your Equipment
Episode 1602
Johnny Jet says that before you book your flight, always look at what birds they're using for that flight. You can find that out online as you book. Not all planes are created equal. Johnny Jet uses Google Flights but also goes to the airline website to find out what plane is flying on his flight. You want a wide body whenever possible.
And if you fly American, when you fly, you can get free upgrades in the offseason.
