Every OS Sucks! How do I configure OpenDNS? Clip-grab not working under win 11 may be a DRM issue linked to the TPM in your PC, Wireless Home Internet?  Apple may remove Facetime and iMessage from UK if new backdoor law goes into effect,  OpenDNS, ChatGPT getting dumber!

Every OS Sucks! How do I configure OpenDNS? Clip-grab not working under win 11 may be a DRM issue linked to the TPM in your PC, Wireless Home Internet?  Apple may remove Facetime and iMessage from UK if new backdoor law goes into effect,  OpenDNS, ChatGPT getting dumber!

Computer Talk 7-22-23 HR 2

Microsoft Cloud hacked via Counterfeit Key or Design Flaw…..don’t call it a Zero Day! What’s a smart speaker?  My cloud went away what do I do? Why is my OneDrive showing up twice? We fixed a callers issue, AI was able to detect a Drug dealers movements.

Microsoft Cloud hacked via Counterfeit Key or Design Flaw…..don’t call it a Zero Day! What’s a smart speaker?  My cloud went away what do I do? Why is my OneDrive showing up twice? We fixed a callers issue, AI was able to detect a Drug dealers movements.

Computer Talk 7-22-23 HR 1

Wes Bryan from ITPro TV checks in to talk AI, Not connecting to server Wifi issue due to 2nd Router, Why should I use Encrypted email, Low cost Printer for home, Trying to log-in to Dell PC – Microsoft account locked out.

Wes Bryan from ITPro TV checks in to talk AI, Not connecting to server Wifi issue due to 2nd Router, Why should I use Encrypted email, Low cost Printer for home, Trying to log-in to Dell PC – Microsoft account locked out.

Computer Talk 7-15-23 HR 2

AI helping translating Cuneiform tablets, The Nanny upset production companies want to use AI for actors, Vanguard Robo-Advisor looking to advise Erik, My printer caused a BSOD of my encrypted HD,  Is it ok to use my personal PC to remote into my office? Portable hard drive Local drive E error, My Network card is messed up, Vintage Apple Desktop clearing cache issue, should I have my computer turn off and on by itself, Apple updates seem confusing.

AI helping translating Cuneiform tablets, The Nanny upset production companies want to use AI for actors, Vanguard Robo-Advisor looking to advise Erik, My printer caused a BSOD of my encrypted HD,  Is it ok to use my personal PC to remote into my office? Portable hard drive Local drive E error, My Network card is messed up, Vintage Apple Desktop clearing cache issue, should I have my computer turn off and on by itself, Apple updates seem confusing.

Computer Talk 7-15-23 HR 1

Yahoo data breach, Debit Card compromised, Canada will not advertise on Facebook anymore, Why can’t I txt more than 10 people, NFC protections, Storms fried my modem, can I still purchase Office Suite once?  Outlook.com broke for 18 hours, Teams Flaw not being patched, UK want’s to offer back-door access to your encrypted communications.

Yahoo data breach, Debit Card compromised, Canada will not advertise on Facebook anymore, Why can’t I txt more than 10 people, NFC protections, Storms fried my modem, can I still purchase Office Suite once?  <a href="https://protect-us.mimecast.com/s/AUy5C68M0WUr15nn8tpvkFx?domain=outlook.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Outlook.com</a> broke for 18 hours, Teams Flaw not being patched, UK want’s to offer back-door access to your encrypted communications.

Computer Talk 7-8-23 HR 2

Stupid Admin Tricks!  UCONN email hacked to say the Presidents dead, Did hackers make off with 30Million emails from Microsoft? My google account is locked what do I do?  My Credit Card was hacked how? So many Credit Card hacks, Caller feels SaaS is the same as racketeering.

Stupid Admin Tricks!  UCONN email hacked to say the Presidents dead, Did hackers make off with 30Million emails from Microsoft? My google account is locked what do I do?  My Credit Card was hacked how? So many Credit Card hacks, Caller feels SaaS is the same as racketeering.

Computer Talk 7-8-23 HR 1

QR Code Phishing, Gonetspeed looking for access to the poles and holes, Google to Yank links from News Sites in Canada, I’m running out of space!, Bank account hacked thanks to PayPal, My Audio on my laptop HP support trying to scare me into paying for support!

QR Code Phishing, Gonetspeed looking for access to the poles and holes, Google to Yank links from News Sites in Canada, I’m running out of space!, Bank account hacked thanks to PayPal, My Audio on my laptop HP support trying to scare me into paying for support!

Computer Talk 7-1-23 HR 1

Is apple Photo Stream closing? Cash App duplicating transactions! Can’t login to my AT&amp;T email on my 10 year old Laptop, My Printer is no longer able to copy, Now running Defender, Hotmail running out of storage, Can’t get my Yahoo Cal to sync, Happy 4th!

Is apple Photo Stream closing? Cash App duplicating transactions! Can’t login to my AT&amp;T email on my 10 year old Laptop, My Printer is no longer able to copy, Now running Defender, Hotmail running out of storage, Can’t get my Yahoo Cal to sync, Happy 4th!

Computer Talk 7-1-23 HR 2

Facebook is reducing website traffic, My cheap laptop is not performing when I need it to perform, How do I copy data between two drives, ProtonVPN, how safe does it make me?, Google will Pixel phones act as dashcams, Is it easy to connect my old drive to my laptop? UPS data breach is now causing people to be tricked into pay, What kind of system do I need? ChatGPT will give you an activation key.

Facebook is reducing website traffic, My cheap laptop is not performing when I need it to perform, How do I copy data between two drives, ProtonVPN, how safe does it make me?, Google will Pixel phones act as dashcams, Is it easy to connect my old drive to my laptop? UPS data breach is now causing people to be tricked into pay, What kind of system do I need? ChatGPT will give you an activation key.

Computer Talk 6-24-23 HR 2

Google telling employees NOT to use its ChatBot, SSD HD missing from Datacenters found for sale on eBay, CCP connect company providing encryption chips to NASA, US Nave and NATO what could go wrong? Lawyers wo cited fake cases provided by ChatGPT must pay a fine, Why is my restore point so big? Google says Microsoft Cloud is anti-competitive and a national security risk! What kind of laptop should I get?  I want to use a tablet in my car, DDoS is hitting Microsoft, Why is my Facebook page so messed up?

Google telling employees NOT to use its ChatBot, SSD HD missing from Datacenters found for sale on eBay, CCP connect company providing encryption chips to NASA, US Nave and NATO what could go wrong? Lawyers wo cited fake cases provided by ChatGPT must pay a fine, Why is my restore point so big? Google says Microsoft Cloud is anti-competitive and a national security risk! What kind of laptop should I get?  I want to use a tablet in my car, DDoS is hitting Microsoft, Why is my Facebook page so messed up?

Computer Talk 6-24-23 HR 1

Since 1995, Computer Talk with TAB has been on the air live each week providing an in-depth practical view of computers and their place in our everyday lives. A Computer Radio Program for everyone! Erik Semmel from TAB Computer Systems hosts the show and provides real time answers to caller’s questions. To keep the topics fresh and informative, guests are brought in as a result of listener’s questions and suggestions. The show is geared towards the everyday computer user with questions about how their computer works and how to fix it when there is a problem.

Excellent show for all levels. Great hosts! One of the better computer repair shows. Keep up the good work.

Great Show

Computer Talk with TAB

Erik and Bob take your questions.  We offer advice on how to secure your Ring doorbell cameras after a series of news stories about some of the less secure cameras being taken over by hackers in recent weeks.  Lexis-Nexis database exposes names of risky potential bank customers.  Mozilla Foundation and others file an appeal to restore "Net Neutrality" in court. A listener asks if a new laptop with an Intel i5 processor, 8th generation quad with a 1TB hard drive is a good deal.  Also he wonders about the security risk of allowing a their party to transfer information from his old computer to the new one.  A user with an old Lenovo laptop wonders why his WiFi keeps dropping out, but the problem happens with all his devices.  A caller has a Samsung Galaxy S2 tablet sees the message "Samsung Plus Has stopped" plus he sees advertising popups from a British newspaper app.  A user with an old Dell desktop running Windows 7 wonders if he should replace it. 

Erik and Bob take your questions.  We offer advice on how to secure your Ring doorbell cameras after a series of news stories about some of the less secure cameras being taken over by hackers in recent weeks.  Lexis-Nexis database exposes names of risky potential bank customers.  Mozilla Foundation and others file an appeal to restore "Net Neutrality" in court. A listener asks if a new laptop with an Intel i5 processor, 8th generation quad with a 1TB hard drive is a good deal.  Also he wonders about the security risk of allowing a their party to transfer information from his old computer to the new one.  A user with an old Lenovo laptop wonders why his WiFi keeps dropping out, but the problem happens with all his devices.  A caller has a Samsung Galaxy S2 tablet sees the message "Samsung Plus Has stopped" plus he sees advertising popups from a British newspaper app.  A user with an old Dell desktop running Windows 7 wonders if he should replace it.

Computer Talk: Smart Doorbells Being Hacked (12/14/19) - Part 1

Erik takes your computer questions.  Ring Doorbell and parent company Amazon face lawsuit over alleged camera security hacks.  Erik tries out the "smart" Nexx garage door opener.  Contractor admits to planting "logic bombs" in software to ensure continued work.  A listener asks for help in uninstalling his McAfee software in Windows 10.  A caller seeks advice in backing up her computer before upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10.  Upgrade questions continue as a listener asks if Windows 7 computers will stop working after Microsoft stops issuing security updates.  Windows 7 computers will actually continue to work, but will stop receiving security updates. However, Windows Defender antivirus software will still receive updates from Microsoft.  A caller running Windows 7 seeks a specifications for a replacement desktop computer.  We recommend an Intel i5 processor, 8th or 9th generation processor, 8 gigabytes of RAM, solid state or hybrid drive running Windows 10.  Also she is seeking a replacement for the Google Picasa photo management software that she likes, but is no longer updated by Google.  A caller looks for specifications for a computer for financial-only transactions

Erik takes your computer questions.  Ring Doorbell and parent company Amazon face lawsuit over alleged camera security hacks.  Erik tries out the "smart" Nexx garage door opener.  Contractor admits to planting "logic bombs" in software to ensure continued work.  A listener asks for help in uninstalling his McAfee software in Windows 10.  A caller seeks advice in backing up her computer before upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 10.  Upgrade questions continue as a listener asks if Windows 7 computers will stop working after Microsoft stops issuing security updates.  Windows 7 computers will actually continue to work, but will stop receiving security updates. However, Windows Defender antivirus software will still receive updates from Microsoft.  A caller running Windows 7 seeks a specifications for a replacement desktop computer.  We recommend an Intel i5 processor, 8th or 9th generation processor, 8 gigabytes of RAM, solid state or hybrid drive running Windows 10.  Also she is seeking a replacement for the Google Picasa photo management software that she likes, but is no longer updated by Google.  A caller looks for specifications for a computer for financial-only transactions

Computer Talk: Smart Camera Security Hacks? (12/28/19) - Part 1

A listener who falls victim to an online scam tells her story having a malicious "fixit.exe" program running on her computer.  A listener running Windows 7 wonders what would be the best computer to buy for a new one.  Another caller looking to purchase a new computer looks for a way to easily transfer information from his old computer to a new one.  An Apple Macintosh user looks for a way to remove the SearchMine trojan fro her Mac. We help a Windows user who wants to increase the time she stays logged into her computer. Also, she wants to stop mortifications from Yahoo! news.  A Mac user asks if the e-mail she received saying that he old sent.net e-mail address going away was a scam exposing her to a possible computer virus.  An Outlook.com user looks for a way to stop a large increase in spam to his e-mail address.  A listener says that her e-mail recipient cannot open the spreadsheet she sends.

A listener who falls victim to an online scam tells her story having a malicious "fixit.exe" program running on her computer.  A listener running Windows 7 wonders what would be the best computer to buy for a new one.  Another caller looking to purchase a new computer looks for a way to easily transfer information from his old computer to a new one.  An Apple Macintosh user looks for a way to remove the SearchMine trojan fro her Mac. We help a Windows user who wants to increase the time she stays logged into her computer. Also, she wants to stop mortifications from Yahoo! news.  A Mac user asks if the e-mail she received saying that he old <a href="http://sent.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sent.net</a> e-mail address going away was a scam exposing her to a possible computer virus.  An <a href="http://Outlook.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Outlook.com</a> user looks for a way to stop a large increase in spam to his e-mail address.  A listener says that her e-mail recipient cannot open the spreadsheet she sends.

Computer Talk: Smart Doorbells Being Hacked (12/14/19) - Part 2

Computer Talk 3/21/20 Hr 1

Should I save passwords in my browser? We answer your questions on this and much more on Computer Talk!

Should I save passwords in my browser? We answer your questions on this and much more on Computer Talk!

Computer Talk 3/14/20 Hr 2

Computer Talk 4/11/20 Hr 2

Dutch company Wolters Kulwer left many customers in the dark after its accounting software was hacked.  A listener concerned about excessive charges from his cable company asks if there is  any  difference between modem rentals and WiFi rentals and seeks ways to lower his bill.  A listener who edits MP3 files wonders if a standard hard drive is better than a solid state drive for M3 audio file processing.  A listener who purchased a Chromebook for financial transactions asks if he should move his credit card accounts to his Chromebook.  We recommend the use of two-factor authentication with physical security "keys" that plug into the computer, such as Yubico's YubiKey or the Google Titan security key.  A caller asks for Erik's opinion about using password managers for security.  Also he asks if Webroot anti-virus software should be used on an iPad.  A listener wonders if she should add a Chrome extension onto her browser to complete a printing task at a website.  Also she seeks a way to stop her Gmail account from opening when she opens her YouTube account.  A caller looking to cut his cable bill tries to see if home cellular service is available in his area.  Finally, the last caller looks for a compatible modem to use with GoNetspeed fiber optic internet service.

Dutch company Wolters Kulwer left many customers in the dark after its accounting software was hacked.  A listener concerned about excessive charges from his cable company asks if there is  any  difference between modem rentals and WiFi rentals and seeks ways to lower his bill.  A listener who edits MP3 files wonders if a standard hard drive is better than a solid state drive for M3 audio file processing.  A listener who purchased a Chromebook for financial transactions asks if he should move his credit card accounts to his Chromebook.  We recommend the use of two-factor authentication with physical security "keys" that plug into the computer, such as Yubico's YubiKey or the Google Titan security key.  A caller asks for Erik's opinion about using password managers for security.  Also he asks if Webroot anti-virus software should be used on an iPad.  A listener wonders if she should add a Chrome extension onto her browser to complete a printing task at a website.  Also she seeks a way to stop her Gmail account from opening when she opens her YouTube account.  A caller looking to cut his cable bill tries to see if home cellular service is available in his area.  Finally, the last caller looks for a compatible modem to use with GoNetspeed fiber optic internet service.

Computer Talk: Smart Camera Security Hacks? (12/28/19) - Part 2

Microsoft finds 44 million accounts with breached passwords, and forces password resets. New Tesla cybertrucks may not fit in your garage, a new app reveals.  More powerful versions of Tesla's cybertrucks will get manufacturing priority.  Video streaming services will crack down on password sharing.  A listener calls in after her copy of Malwarebytes Antimalware seems to "disappear" from her computer after running a virus scan.  More than 70 state and local governments were ransomware targets in 2019.  A listener asks if you can use OpenDNS while on a WiFi hotspot or while using cell phone tethering.  A user asks if it is safe to log into a website using sites like Facebook or Google to sign in rather than logging in to the website directly. A listener asks if it's possible to use a USB drive to get pictures copied from her iPhone to her computer.  A caller with a Roku streaming device cannot get the Roku remote to work with the Roku streaming device.  We offer help to reset a Roku device plus information on the alternative nVidia Shield streaming device.

Microsoft finds 44 million accounts with breached passwords, and forces password resets. New Tesla cybertrucks may not fit in your garage, a new app reveals.  More powerful versions of Tesla's cybertrucks will get manufacturing priority.  Video streaming services will crack down on password sharing.  A listener calls in after her copy of Malwarebytes Antimalware seems to "disappear" from her computer after running a virus scan.  More than 70 state and local governments were ransomware targets in 2019.  A listener asks if you can use OpenDNS while on a WiFi hotspot or while using cell phone tethering.  A user asks if it is safe to log into a website using sites like Facebook or Google to sign in rather than logging in to the website directly. A listener asks if it's possible to use a USB drive to get pictures copied from her iPhone to her computer.  A caller with a Roku streaming device cannot get the Roku remote to work with the Roku streaming device.  We offer help to reset a Roku device plus information on the alternative nVidia Shield streaming device.

Computer Talk: Microsoft's Breached Account Problem (12/7/19) - Part 1

Computer Talk 3/21/20 Hr 2

Erik and Bob take your computer questions.  Windows 7 computers to give a full screen warning on most computers when support for security patches is scheduled to end on January 15, 2020.  Windows 7 PCs may become collateral damage in any conflict with Iran.  New plant based bacon and chicken alternatives are good enough fool any meat eater.  Some Android based phones for people with low incomes may have malware preinstalled.  Our first caller asks whether his Windows 7 computer will be unusable for the Internet after Microsoft stops issuing security patches for his five year old computers. A Windows 7 user asks if updates to Windows security patches will continue if Microsoft Office is installed.  And the Windows 10 upgrade questions continue as a caller asks for the best way to back up his computer before upgrading to Windows 10.  Also we tell you a way to purchase individual copies of Microsoft Office products without having to pay monthly or yearly rental subscription fees to Microsoft for the software.  A Windows 7 user who users his computer to buy airline tickets or purchase online wonders if he could use a Chromebook for these tasks.  We also discuss changing from an SBC Global e-mail address to a new e-mail address.  A listener with problems using his on-off switch on his computer wonders if his Lenovo computer is worth salvaging.  He also wants to transfer his programs to a new computer.

Erik and Bob take your computer questions.  Windows 7 computers to give a full screen warning on most computers when support for security patches is scheduled to end on January 15, 2020.  Windows 7 PCs may become collateral damage in any conflict with Iran.  New plant based bacon and chicken alternatives are good enough fool any meat eater.  Some Android based phones for people with low incomes may have malware preinstalled.  Our first caller asks whether his Windows 7 computer will be unusable for the Internet after Microsoft stops issuing security patches for his five year old computers. A Windows 7 user asks if updates to Windows security patches will continue if Microsoft Office is installed.  And the Windows 10 upgrade questions continue as a caller asks for the best way to back up his computer before upgrading to Windows 10.  Also we tell you a way to purchase individual copies of Microsoft Office products without having to pay monthly or yearly rental subscription fees to Microsoft for the software.  A Windows 7 user who users his computer to buy airline tickets or purchase online wonders if he could use a Chromebook for these tasks.  We also discuss changing from an SBC Global e-mail address to a new e-mail address.  A listener with problems using his on-off switch on his computer wonders if his Lenovo computer is worth salvaging.  He also wants to transfer his programs to a new computer.

Computer Talk: Windows 7's Full Screen Warning (1/11/20)

A listener calls in to discuss the quality differences between consumer- and business-grade laptops.  A listener looking to buy a new laptop wonders if he should buy an i5 or i7, and if the processor boost from Intel Optane memory is worth the increased cost.  A caller asks about cable "modems" and if the cable signal is actually digital. A listener has a problem with a new printer but the cartridge is incompatible.  We recommend getting a firmware update to work with Windows 10.  A fungi found in Chernobyl is found to feed on radiation; this property could be used to protect astronauts in space.  A user gets a pop-up box that says his old McAfee firewall is not working and he needs to fix the issue.  Erik talks about his new Nexx "smart" garage door opener.  A listener with a Zebra label printer has difficulties getting it to work with Windows 10.  A caller wonders about the elimination of Homegroup in Windows 10 when using networked drives.

A listener calls in to discuss the quality differences between consumer- and business-grade laptops.  A listener looking to buy a new laptop wonders if he should buy an i5 or i7, and if the processor boost from Intel Optane memory is worth the increased cost.  A caller asks about cable "modems" and if the cable signal is actually digital. A listener has a problem with a new printer but the cartridge is incompatible.  We recommend getting a firmware update to work with Windows 10.  A fungi found in Chernobyl is found to feed on radiation; this property could be used to protect astronauts in space.  A user gets a pop-up box that says his old McAfee firewall is not working and he needs to fix the issue.  Erik talks about his new Nexx "smart" garage door opener.  A listener with a Zebra label printer has difficulties getting it to work with Windows 10.  A caller wonders about the elimination of Homegroup in Windows 10 when using networked drives.

Computer Talk: Consumer vs Business Grade Laptops (2/8/20 Hour 2)

Erik and Bob take your questions.  Apple backs off plans to fully secure backups after FBI intervenes.  Star Trek fans are not happy about new logo for United States Space Force.  Sonos speaker users upset over planned obsolescence of older speaker models.  Facial recognition company Clearview AI is sued over privacy concerns.  London police use facial recognition software to tackle serious crime.  We  help our first caller with information on how to disable Microsoft's Virtual assistant, Cortana, in Windows 10.  We also give instructions on turning off OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage service.  We help a caller who backed up shortcuts to his photos instead of backing up the photos themselves.  A caller moving from an old Gateway computer to a new one has questions about moving anti-virus software.  We also provide information on setting up OpenDNS to surf the web safely. A listener asks if his cable modem/router combination gateway is acceptable or if he should purchase separate devices.  Also he asks if a Roku device should be connected via Ethernet as opposed to a wireless connection.  Finally, we talk about strategies to extend the wireless connection to weaker reception areas by using a wireless access point.

Erik and Bob take your questions.  Apple backs off plans to fully secure backups after FBI intervenes.  Star Trek fans are not happy about new logo for United States Space Force.  Sonos speaker users upset over planned obsolescence of older speaker models.  Facial recognition company Clearview AI is sued over privacy concerns.  London police use facial recognition software to tackle serious crime.  We  help our first caller with information on how to disable Microsoft's Virtual assistant, Cortana, in Windows 10.  We also give instructions on turning off OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage service.  We help a caller who backed up shortcuts to his photos instead of backing up the photos themselves.  A caller moving from an old Gateway computer to a new one has questions about moving anti-virus software.  We also provide information on setting up OpenDNS to surf the web safely. A listener asks if his cable modem/router combination gateway is acceptable or if he should purchase separate devices.  Also he asks if a Roku device should be connected via Ethernet as opposed to a wireless connection.  Finally, we talk about strategies to extend the wireless connection to weaker reception areas by using a wireless access point.

Computer Talk: A Problem With US Space Force Logo? (1/25/20)

The coronavirus pandemic may be the most visualized ever. A caller asks for help connecting mini-boxes to his TV to HDMI cable.  A Mac user has questions about using the Zoom app for meetings.  A cord-cutting caller asks buying his modem instead of renting it from the cable company.  A caller in has problems with pop-up ads while listening to Radio.com. We discuss using ad blockers and different browsers.  A Malwarebytes user cannot use his computer after he updated Malwarebytes.  An educator draws attention to the lack of training for teachers in online education.  A laptop user has questions on how to activate Bluetooth on his computer.  Also, he asks about the privacy benefits of the Opera web browser.  A caller who wants to upgrade to to Windows 10 has trouble getting it loaded on his computer.  We discuss options for upgrading his 10-year old computer as well.  A listener asks for an alternative to Norton anti-virus, plus she asks about buying her own modem instead of renting from her cable company.  A listeria asks about getting higher speed internet service from a different Internet Service Provider.

The coronavirus pandemic may be the most visualized ever. A caller asks for help connecting mini-boxes to his TV to HDMI cable.  A Mac user has questions about using the Zoom app for meetings.  A cord-cutting caller asks buying his modem instead of renting it from the cable company.  A caller in has problems with pop-up ads while listening to <a href="http://Radio.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Radio.com</a>. We discuss using ad blockers and different browsers.  A Malwarebytes user cannot use his computer after he updated Malwarebytes.  An educator draws attention to the lack of training for teachers in online education.  A laptop user has questions on how to activate Bluetooth on his computer.  Also, he asks about the privacy benefits of the Opera web browser.  A caller who wants to upgrade to to Windows 10 has trouble getting it loaded on his computer.  We discuss options for upgrading his 10-year old computer as well.  A listener asks for an alternative to Norton anti-virus, plus she asks about buying her own modem instead of renting from her cable company.  A listeria asks about getting higher speed internet service from a different Internet Service Provider.

Computer Talk 3/28/20 Hr 2

A caller asks about alternatives to cable for Internet and phone after her cable company increases prices.  We discuss DSL, and the use of VoIP services like Ooma and cellular base stations as alternatives to the cable phone service.  A caller Windows 7 wonders if he can use a Galaxy tablet to safely shop online with a credit card.  Plus, we give the recommended specifications for buying an upgraded computer: at least an Intel i5 processor or better, 8 GB RAM, solid state hard drive with at last 256 GB of storage.  We help a user with instructions on how to force a manual update to Windows 10 in light of recent news about a security flaw in the operating system.  A listener with an Apple computer wishing to upgrade her storage wonders about using personal "cloud" storage versus a solid state hard drive.  A listener looking to "cut the cord" with the cable company seeks a good streaming device.  We like the nVidia Shield device for this purpose.  Also the user suggests the use of PC Mover Pro software to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 with a transfer cable.  We also help with a discussion of routers needed if you are upgrading your router.  We also help a caller who wonders if his heavily using Internet household needs 200 Megabits of "fast" Internet service.  Plus, we give information about using OpenDNS to improve Internet security.  A caller adds that Google Voice is a great alternative for people cutting the cord for phone service from the cable company.  The only drawback to using Google voice and other VoIP services is that 9-1-1 service may not be available using an Internet-based phone provider.

A caller asks about alternatives to cable for Internet and phone after her cable company increases prices.  We discuss DSL, and the use of VoIP services like Ooma and cellular base stations as alternatives to the cable phone service.  A caller Windows 7 wonders if he can use a Galaxy tablet to safely shop online with a credit card.  Plus, we give the recommended specifications for buying an upgraded computer: at least an Intel i5 processor or better, 8 GB RAM, solid state hard drive with at last 256 GB of storage.  We help a user with instructions on how to force a manual update to Windows 10 in light of recent news about a security flaw in the operating system.  A listener with an Apple computer wishing to upgrade her storage wonders about using personal "cloud" storage versus a solid state hard drive.  A listener looking to "cut the cord" with the cable company seeks a good streaming device.  We like the nVidia Shield device for this purpose.  Also the user suggests the use of PC Mover Pro software to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 with a transfer cable.  We also help with a discussion of routers needed if you are upgrading your router.  We also help a caller who wonders if his heavily using Internet household needs 200 Megabits of "fast" Internet service.  Plus, we give information about using OpenDNS to improve Internet security.  A caller adds that Google Voice is a great alternative for people cutting the cord for phone service from the cable company.  The only drawback to using Google voice and other VoIP services is that 9-1-1 service may not be available using an Internet-based phone provider.

Computer Talk: Alternatives To Cable For Internet & Phone (1/18/20)

Computer Talk 2/29/20 Hr 2

Dyson designs and builds a new type of ventilator for coronavirus patients.  Broadband speed plummets by 40% after coronavirus outbreak. YouTube to limit video quality around the world for a month.  GM will build ventilators and masks to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.  Taiwan collars quarantine scoffers with smartphone geo-fences. A 77-year old man in Spain was fined for playing Pokemon Go during the coronavirus epidemic.  A listener asks for what do do with hard drives before recycling a computer.  A caller with a three year old laptop has video display issues where a white screen intermittently appears.   We suggest checking RAM and trying to connect an external monitor for troubleshooting.  A caller has questions about the safety of people using their computers to donate processing time like Folding@home in order to solve complex problems.  A caller wonders why a particular ".gyjoru" file tries to open when the computer starts up.  Also, he wonders if two anti-virus programs should run on his computer at the same time, and how to verify if Windows Defender antivirus is turned off, and finally how to set up OpenDNS on a router.  A caller with a Samsung TV and a Memorex DVD/VHS player asks for help connecting his DVD player to his TV.  Also, we help with advice on connecting a new cable modem.  We help another user as well to connect his own modem, router, and voice  modem (for cable phone service instead of renting from the cable company.

Dyson designs and builds a new type of ventilator for coronavirus patients.  Broadband speed plummets by 40% after coronavirus outbreak. YouTube to limit video quality around the world for a month.  GM will build ventilators and masks to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.  Taiwan collars quarantine scoffers with smartphone geo-fences. A 77-year old man in Spain was fined for playing Pokemon Go during the coronavirus epidemic.  A listener asks for what do do with hard drives before recycling a computer.  A caller with a three year old laptop has video display issues where a white screen intermittently appears.   We suggest checking RAM and trying to connect an external monitor for troubleshooting.  A caller has questions about the safety of people using their computers to donate processing time like Folding@home in order to solve complex problems.  A caller wonders why a particular ".gyjoru" file tries to open when the computer starts up.  Also, he wonders if two anti-virus programs should run on his computer at the same time, and how to verify if Windows Defender antivirus is turned off, and finally how to set up OpenDNS on a router.  A caller with a Samsung TV and a Memorex DVD/VHS player asks for help connecting his DVD player to his TV.  Also, we help with advice on connecting a new cable modem.  We help another user as well to connect his own modem, router, and voice  modem (for cable phone service instead of renting from the cable company.

Computer Talk 3/28/20 Hr 1

In this episode, Erik purchases his new Linksys EA9500 Max-Stream™ AC5400 MU-MIMO Gigabit WiFi Router.  Draft law could put encryption at risk, reportedly under the guise of protecting against child pornography.  Proposed Maryland law would make possession of malware a crime.  Our first caller looks for a way to create a full image copy of his new Windows 10 laptop.  Also he wonders how often he needs to back up his computer, and we give advice on backup software to use.  A caller with many backups from older computers wonders how to tell his older backups apart so that he can back up his new computer.  He also wonders how to "cut the cord" considering he has DirectTV satellite service along with fiber optic internet.  A listener who has two old TI-99/4A computers asks how to give them away or dispose of them.  A user with a new Dell computer has problems with getting some Windows 10 updates to install properly.  An HP Envy laptop user laptop user calls to find out why his computer was failing to start.

In this episode, Erik purchases his new Linksys EA9500 Max-Stream™ AC5400 MU-MIMO Gigabit WiFi Router.  Draft law could put encryption at risk, reportedly under the guise of protecting against child pornography.  Proposed Maryland law would make possession of malware a crime.  Our first caller looks for a way to create a full image copy of his new Windows 10 laptop.  Also he wonders how often he needs to back up his computer, and we give advice on backup software to use.  A caller with many backups from older computers wonders how to tell his older backups apart so that he can back up his new computer.  He also wonders how to "cut the cord" considering he has DirectTV satellite service along with fiber optic internet.  A listener who has two old TI-99/4A computers asks how to give them away or dispose of them.  A user with a new Dell computer has problems with getting some Windows 10 updates to install properly.  An HP Envy laptop user laptop user calls to find out why his computer was failing to start.

Computer Talk: Putting Encryption At Risk? (2/1/20) - Part 1

A recent mover asks for advice on cutting the cable.  We recommend 50-100 megabit internet service with YouTube TV and 70 channels, but there are other choices you can try, such as Sling, Roku, Amazon Fire stick, and Apple TV.  You will also need a streaming device such as the NVIDIA Shield.  A buyer of used Tesla finds his Autopilot feature is disabled because he did not pay for it.  A listener asks if he should use a password manager app to save his passwords.  He also asks how to buy a copy of Microsoft Office without having to pay monthly or yearly rental fees.  Our TV and Video expert calls in to ask if his Quickbooks 2010 is incompatible with Windows 10.  Windows 10 will only work with Quickbooks 2015 or newer.  We help Jeff with information on how to get the best certifications in Microsoft products and learning networking certifications.  Nick had problems with Microsoft Office not starting up properly.  We recommend doing an online repair of Microsoft Office.  A Gmail user wonders if a possible security breach notification in his mailbox is legitimate or not.  We recommend changing the Gmail password and setting up two-factor authentication.  He also was looking for a good recommendation for a banking-only computer. Our final caller asks for a description of the YouTubeTV streaming service, plus how to purchase a single-license copy of Windows without having to pay yearly or monthly rental fees.

A recent mover asks for advice on cutting the cable.  We recommend 50-100 megabit internet service with YouTube TV and 70 channels, but there are other choices you can try, such as Sling, Roku, Amazon Fire stick, and Apple TV.  You will also need a streaming device such as the NVIDIA Shield.  A buyer of used Tesla finds his Autopilot feature is disabled because he did not pay for it.  A listener asks if he should use a password manager app to save his passwords.  He also asks how to buy a copy of Microsoft Office without having to pay monthly or yearly rental fees.  Our TV and Video expert calls in to ask if his Quickbooks 2010 is incompatible with Windows 10.  Windows 10 will only work with Quickbooks 2015 or newer.  We help Jeff with information on how to get the best certifications in Microsoft products and learning networking certifications.  Nick had problems with Microsoft Office not starting up properly.  We recommend doing an online repair of Microsoft Office.  A Gmail user wonders if a possible security breach notification in his mailbox is legitimate or not.  We recommend changing the Gmail password and setting up two-factor authentication.  He also was looking for a good recommendation for a banking-only computer. Our final caller asks for a description of the YouTubeTV streaming service, plus how to purchase a single-license copy of Windows without having to pay yearly or monthly rental fees.

Computer Talk: Advice On Cutting The Cable (2/15/20 Hr 2)

Erik and Bob take your computer questions.  Report says that Google maps displays political borders differently based on where they are viewed.  YouTubeTV to stop Apple in-app payments after March 13.  Newly discovered Windows 7 bug prevents users from shutting down or rebooting their computers.  Amazon's Ring could tighten privacy after concerns that it shares data with Facebook.  The first caller has problems with blue screen issues in Windows 10 laptop when he starts his computer.  We discuss troubleshooting techniques for blue screen errors and how to update your BIOS.  A cable cord cutter learns to negotiate a better for Internet service with her cable company.  A new Apple computer looks to find the best antivirus for his Mac computer.  We  recommend using Webroot Antivirus for both Windows and Mac computers.  A caller has questions about switching to the new GoNetspeed fiber optic Internet service that has just become available in her area.  Rental car companies are failing to disconnect apps used to control cars after the car is rented.  We help a Gmail user learn how to change his password, plus we help him learn how to set up "two factor authentication" to better secure his account from hackers.

Erik and Bob take your computer questions.  Report says that Google maps displays political borders differently based on where they are viewed.  YouTubeTV to stop Apple in-app payments after March 13.  Newly discovered Windows 7 bug prevents users from shutting down or rebooting their computers.  Amazon's Ring could tighten privacy after concerns that it shares data with Facebook.  The first caller has problems with blue screen issues in Windows 10 laptop when he starts his computer.  We discuss troubleshooting techniques for blue screen errors and how to update your BIOS.  A cable cord cutter learns to negotiate a better for Internet service with her cable company.  A new Apple computer looks to find the best antivirus for his Mac computer.  We  recommend using Webroot Antivirus for both Windows and Mac computers.  A caller has questions about switching to the new GoNetspeed fiber optic Internet service that has just become available in her area.  Rental car companies are failing to disconnect apps used to control cars after the car is rented.  We help a Gmail user learn how to change his password, plus we help him learn how to set up "two factor authentication" to better secure his account from hackers.

Computer Talk: Google's Moving Political Borders (2/15/20 Hr 1)

We continue with the first hour's caller who asks if a solid state drive is a good choice for backing up, and if a hybrid hard drive would be a good choice when his desktop HP Envy computer eventually fails.  A listener has difficulty changing his Domain Name Service (DNS) to use OpenDNS when using the cable-company provided router.  A caller offers suggestions for the caller in the previous hour with an older TI-99/4A computer--donate it to computer museum.  A listener asks about how to "cut the cord" when purchasing a new house and asks about the Amazon Fire Stick.  A caller tries to get an older printer to get an older Brother printer to work with Windows 10.  A caller wonders why he is getting slow speeds using Firefox in comparison to other browsers.  Our last caller asks about the minumum specifications for a new computer.  We recommend an Intel i5, i7, or i9 processor with a 1 terabyte hard drive or 256 GB solid state drive, and at least 8 GB of RAM memory

We continue with the first hour's caller who asks if a solid state drive is a good choice for backing up, and if a hybrid hard drive would be a good choice when his desktop HP Envy computer eventually fails.  A listener has difficulty changing his Domain Name Service (DNS) to use OpenDNS when using the cable-company provided router.  A caller offers suggestions for the caller in the previous hour with an older TI-99/4A computer--donate it to computer museum.  A listener asks about how to "cut the cord" when purchasing a new house and asks about the Amazon Fire Stick.  A caller tries to get an older printer to get an older Brother printer to work with Windows 10.  A caller wonders why he is getting slow speeds using Firefox in comparison to other browsers.  Our last caller asks about the minumum specifications for a new computer.  We recommend an Intel i5, i7, or i9 processor with a 1 terabyte hard drive or 256 GB solid state drive, and at least 8 GB of RAM memory

Computer Talk: Hybrid Hard Drives & More (2/1/20) - Part 2

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