Andy TaylorAI, Audio Production, Backups, Computers, Consumer Electronics, Data Retrieval, Entertainment, Hardware, Health, Home Automation, Microsoft Windows 10, Microsoft Windows 11, Online Tools, Safety, Technology News, TechtalkRadio, Websites, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Episode 458 – “The Cloud Crashed: When the Net Goes Dark.”

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For this week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd tackle the story that shook the web — the massive AWS outage that left millions wondering if their internet had vanished. The pair break down what really happened when Amazon’s U.S. East-1 region went down and how a simple DNS failure can ripple through nearly every service we use. From Coinbase and Reddit to Roku, Robinhood, and even smart-home devices, the hosts explain how so much of our digital life runs through the same narrow pipes — and why that can be a dangerous single point of failure.

With streaming services sputtering and smart devices silent, Andy and Shawn turn their attention to the unexpected hero of the week: physical media. They discuss why DVDs and Blu-rays are making a quiet comeback and share the tools that make it easy to preserve your collection — from MakeMKV for ripping discs to HandBrake for compressing files and Plex for organizing your own personal streaming library. It’s a reminder that having your favorite shows and movies on hand (and not in the cloud) can be both nostalgic and smart in 2025.

The episode also dives into practical Windows tips, including Microsoft’s WinGet — a built-in command-line updater that keeps your apps current with a single command. Shawn tests it live on air and finds nearly half of his software out of date. Andy also fields listener questions about Windows 11 S Mode, breaking down who it’s for, why most users eventually turn it off, and how Microsoft’s locked-down environment compares to the open flexibility we’re used to.

Screenshot of TV.Garden
Screenshot of Windows Package Manager WINGET
Screenshot of Explore.Org

Finally, the hosts spotlight two incredible websites that make technology feel fun again. TV.garden lets you spin a virtual globe and watch free, live television from countries all around the world — a discovery that had Shawn geeking out over obscure motorsport streams. And Explore.org offers a front-row seat to nature through hundreds of live animal cams, from Alaska’s famous Fat Bears to serene ocean sanctuaries. Whether the cloud is crashing or calm, Andy and Shawn remind us that tech should connect, entertain, and inspire — even when the net goes dark.

Andy TaylorAcronis, Amazon Prime, Backups, Bluetooth Technology, Computer Games, Computers, Consumer Electronics, Entertainment, Facebook, Hardware, Home Theater, Microsoft, Microsoft Windows 11, Mobile Games, Movies, Online Tools, Shopping, Smartphones, software, Technology News, TechtalkRadio, Wyze, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

New Show Posted! Episode 312 – Shawn’s New Earbuds!

In this week’s show, Justin, Shawn, and Andy talk about the recent trip Justin had to make to Dallas for Work and what it’s like flying during the Pandemic. Justin shares some of the changes and the guys talk about flying first class and how it used to be.

Microsoft Windows 11 has been given a date for release of October 5th to roll out the free upgrade from Windows 10. Microsoft also acknowledges the OS will run on older systems if installed from an ISO. Shawn runs down the highlights of Windows 11. Shawn talks about a Vertical task bar is eliminated in the new Windows 11. More people are holding on to their computer systems longer, however for those wanting to upgrade, the guys talk about doing it yourself and how it can be overwhelming and offer some tips to make it easier. Andy tells us about the Upcoming release of Free Guy to Streaming and BluRay

Andy talks about walking the aisles of Best Buy and getting photos of products that should be featured on the show. Shawn tells us about getting his Wyze Ear Buds and give us his thoughts, the Pros and Cons of them including range, comfort, battery, and cost. Justin shares a story on how the Chinese government is planning to regulate gaming for minors during the weekday. The guys talk about how they are going to be implementing this. The guys talk about backing up your PC and while Andy loves Acronis, Shawn shares a Cloud Service his Mom has been using called BackBlaze.com

Andy TaylorAcronis, Backups, Computers, Data Retrieval, Events, Hardware, Laptops, Online Tools, Safety, Security, Smartphones, software, Technology Companies, Videos, Western Digital, , , ,

KMSB Fox 11 Segment Backing Up Your Data!

For this Mornings Segment we took a look at the Important process of Data Backup. Wednesday March 31st was World Backup Day. The idea was to do it before April 1st, Don’t Be a Fool, Backup! Even if you missed out on World Backup Day, it is always wise to, and I Quote Larry the Cable Guy “Get er done!”

For the Segment we stress what is a backup, A backup is a second or to be real safe a third copy of all your important files — for example, your family photos, home videos, documents and emails so you would never lose them in the event of a Disaster.

Instead of storing it all in one place (like your computer), you keep another copy of everything somewhere safe. First of All, while copying them to a Flash Drive or External Hard Drive, there are options to restore your system in the case of a hard drive failure, and it happens. The technology behind the storage devices has become much better over the years moving from a traditional “Spinny” drive to SSD Drives (Solid State – No Moving Parts)

While I am a fan of the Acronis Software, True Image 2021 and not only giving you a way to make an Image Copy of your system but also backups when your system changes. The newest version also offers data protection with Cloud Backups – storing your data in a secured cloud setting.  The Product sells for about 40 dollars for a single version and for a Five User System about $70. There is a few free options and one that gets a lot of love is EaseUS.Com. The Free Software will do backups and incremental backups. The Pro Version which is $30 can do drive imaging

Hardware for backup can be done with various Hard Drives and they come in different sizes. If you have a 500GB drive in your system, I recommend 750GB or Larger, the cost per terabyte is very reasonable. One option is the  My Passport drive from WD –portable hard drive storage for your Windows computer (can be reformatted to support other operating systems). Available in up to 5TB of storage, the My Passport drive also offers automatic backup software

Also don’t forget to backup your Smartphones – whether you use google drive or icloud depending on your device – SanDisk makes a removable flash drive that can connect to your device and using software easily backup your photos, videos and documents.

Portable is important because, you really don’t want to store your backup with your system, a fire or disaster would effect your backups – having it at work or in a safe deposit can protect your data from this. I recommend taking a look at the hardware at wd.com and for more on the need to back up your data – http://www.worldbackupday.com/

Andy TaylorAmazon Prime, Cameras, Computer Games, Computers, Consumer Electronics, Hardware, Microsoft, News Segments, Online Safety, Online Tools, Podcast, Streaming Video, Technology Companies, Technology News, TechtalkRadio, TTR Website, Verizon Wireless, Videos, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Episode 299 – The Kid Passed Out on the Floor! New Radioshow Posted!

In this Weeks TechtalkRadio Show, Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd, Justin Lemme chat about a recent report from Go.Verizon on the most dangerous states when it comes to data phishing. A blizzard type storm runs through Denver where Justin is based in and he tells us about preparations for the storm. The guys talk about Weather Reporting and Sites for gathering information on weather. Andy tries to mention the name of a site for getting weather but as usual screws it up, weather from Tupac?

Crypto continues to be a fascinating story for news outlets to cover yet most may not understand what it is about. Justin recommends following Tim Pace for info on the technology. Microsoft deals with an Exchange server problem and Shawn breaks down some of the problems around it. Andy shares the Terryza PocketPC he featured on KMSB Fox 11

Andy talks about Google Pixel users now being able to get unlimited storage with those devices on the Photo site. Justin talks about his upgrade to the Pixel 5 and what he likes and what he misses. Shawn tells us the story about a video he shot that went viral in 2014. It is an easy video to locate, “I didn’t make this kid pass out on the floor.” Shawn shares with us the background of the Video and how it went all over including Jimmy Kimmel and CNN. Justin tells us a similar story about Fox 5 in San Diego with a Water powered Jetpack which is found as a epic news failure. we have the videos shared on our blog at TechtalkRadio.

Shawn was the Cameraman on this Video
Justin shared this News Fail

We welcome Rosemary Roller, Communication Specialist with Go.Verizon to the show. Rosemary tells us about a recent study on telecommuters and safety and security while working from home. She reveals to us the study’s findings in States which are considered the most problematic for users and those phishing for information. We also learn the factors involved which also surround the laws to protect users.

https://go.verizon.com/resources/safest-most-dangerous-states-telecommuting

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Andy TaylorConsumer Electronics, Hardware, Microsoft Windows 10, Online Safety, Online Tools, Safety, Security, Technology Companies, Technology News, TechtalkRadio, , , ,

KMSB Fox 11 Segment Password Managers and Kensington USB VeriMark Fingerprint Key

For today’s Segment, it is all about Security on your personal computer. This past week LastPass issued a notice that the popular password manager with a Free Version would no longer support the

Free option entirely.  While this move could have users transition to the premium service at about 3 bucks a month or Family plan for multiple users. There are some options.  A Password Manager is a way for users to set good secure passwords and have them easily entered by the App to provide access to banking, paying bills, member websites etc. In the Old days many would use a password on many different services, this is dangerous in case a company you do business with has been compromised and your password which is used by all of your accounts is everywhere.  Some Browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge have password managers built in, for typing in your mobile devices and other systems, this is where products like LastPass have come in handy. Some options are also paid options and they include Dashlane, 1password. For Free Options, Bitwarden allows many of the features you found useful with the Free version of Lastpass. If you don’t mind Ads pushed to you, LOGMENCE is another option. A Password Manager can be great peace of mind and you can export your LastPass info to use on other services but don’t let it get seen.

Want to Add greater Password functionality to your Windows PC? Kensington has been around for years providing all types of great accessories for your Mac and PC systems. They continue to have monitor shields, system locks and even fingerprint keys. Users can find the Kensignton VeriMark (Which we have to show) USB Fingerprint Key, with this Scanner, your biometric after it is set up can be used to log in to your computer. It does not store passwords, it remembers your digital signature via a fingerprint and can log you on to your computer using Windows Hello which can be set up In your Sign in Options, and even connect your to Google, Gmail, Facebook, Lastpass, Dashlane, or Roboform after set up for the Authentication on those sites. You Don’t store something like this in your laptop bag it is easily carried on your keychain. If you want to give others access it can memorize up to 10 different user logins for windows. The FIDO (Fast Identity Online ) U2F device sells for around 39 bucks which again is peace of mind and Security!

https://www.kensington.com

https://www.lastpass.com

https://www.bitwarden.com