Your internet connection, web sites and services.
Internet and Web
Johnny Jet ... Happy for Canada
Episode 1600
App of the week - CanBorder. This is the Canadian version of Mobile Passport.
How Can I Set Up a VPN at Home?
Episode 1600
Tom fromTom wants to set up a virtual private network at home. How can he do that? He's worried about getting bit by ransomware. Will a VPN prevent that? Leo says that no. If you click on something, a VPN can't help you. But a VPN will keep your traffic private, so no one can see where you're going. But even then, it has its limitations. While it burrows an encrypted tunnel to where you're going, once you get there, it's no longer encrypted. So you have to trust that where you're going will keep your privacy. And your provider still sees your traffic.
Facebook Launches New Cryptocurrency
Episode 1600
Known as Project Libra, Facebook will launch its own cryptocurrency through partnerships with Visa and other companies. Leo says that while interesting, the problem is it requires users to connect all their financial information with their Facebook profile. Hmmmm. That's not going to fly
FedEX Caters to Major Companies like WalMart
Episode 1599
FedEx delivers for Walmart. Amazon delivers to UPS. Are major companies taking sides? Amazon says that customers don't really want choice because there are too many choices out there. So they offer "Amazon's choice" to make it easier for shoppers to buy what they want. The technique is called Dark Patterns and it causes changes in the algorithm. Once you order Amazon's choice, you start getting more results like that.
Which Mobile Service is Best for Travelling Abroad?
Episode 1598
Sherman fromSherman is going to be going hiking around the world and wants to know which service to go with? Leo says that Google Fi is great because it uses three separate mobile carriers. He could also go with TMobile, they offer 2G around the world for no extra cost. But it's slow. He's also getting a Chromebook, is an i5 processor fine? Leo says it'll be expensive, but he can. Does he need a VPN? Leo says not really. Especially in a country like China, where using a VPN will get him arrested.
Johnny Jet ... On the Edge
Episode 1598
Johnny Jet was at Disneyland this week and got to see Galaxy's Edge during a private event. Johnny Jet said that there was a 90-minute line to ride the Smuggler's Run ride. You need a reservation right now, but after June 23rd, you won't. Will open at Disney World August 29th.
App of the week - Dawn Chorus. It will play birds from the country to wake you up. Free for iOS and Android.
How Can I Use an HPStream Without Internet?
Episode 1598
Nancy fromNancy bought an HP Stream laptop. Is that for streaming video only? Can she only use it with the internet? Leo says that she can, sure. But if she doesn't have internet access, turn on hotspotting on a mobile device.
Investors want Zuckerberg out of Facebook
Episode 1598
68% of Facebook investors want CEO Mark Zuckerberg removed. But the problem is, that Zuckerberg controls 61% of Facebook stock. Zuckerberg is a class A investor, and as such, he controls ten times more votes than Class B investors. Really, what's the point of giving them a vote?
GotoMyPC or RemotePC?
Episode 1598
Alice fromAlice wants to know which remote software to use. RemotePC or GotoMyPC? Leo says that they're very similar and both do the same thing. RemotePC is an advertiser but is half the price of GotoMyPC. And they have a free trial before you buy.
If you have Windows 10 Professional edition, it comes with its own remote access options, but there is a known security flaw in it, and Leo recommends waiting until Microsoft fixes it.
Are online will and trust websites secure?
Episode 1597
Tom fromTom is looking at a program to create a living trust through Susan Orman's Wills & Trusts website. Is that safe? Leo says that they will have to encrypt your personal information in order to keep it safe, and if you don't trust Time Life or Suzie Orman, then don't. Also, make sure the connection is secure before you give it out. What are their security practices and privacy policy? Would it be better to use software and keep the data on Tom's system? Leo says not really. In fact, the cloud is probably safer than your own computer. Leo says that it's better to go with an attorney.
