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 Shawn tests it live on air and finds nearly half of his software out of date.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.

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News13 Segment – Backup, Patchup or Upgrade? Windows 10 Support Ending

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This week’s Talking Tech Segment on KMSB Fox 11 News 13 tackles the looming October 14th deadline when Microsoft officially ends free security updates for Windows 10. While Windows 11 is the clear upgrade path, not everyone has the hardware — or the desire — to switch. Microsoft is offering two “carrots” for those staying behind: sign up for their Extended Security Update program and allow backups to OneDrive to get one free year of patches, or pay $30 per device annually for continued security support. Both come with caveats, including limited storage and ongoing costs.

Andy stresses the most important step before any upgrade or patch: make a backup. Whether it’s with a StarTech docking station and a new drive, or trusted software like Acronis and EaseUS, protecting your data is key. Flash drives can also play a big role — not just for backups, but for creating bootable Windows 11 installers. With the free Rufus tool, users can build a customized installer that bypasses TPM 2.0, skips secure boot, and even sets up a local account. This makes upgrading older hardware possible without losing programs through an in-place update.

For anyone hesitant about moving forward, Andy points to a helpful ZDNet article by Ed Bott that outlines how Rufus simplifies the upgrade process. The bottom line: if you plan to stay on Windows 10 past October 14th, be prepared with backups and a plan — whether that’s paid support, cloud backups, or a careful jump to Windows 11.

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Episode 457 – Windows 10 End of Life Workaround!

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Windows 10’s end-of-support dominated this week’s show, as Andy, Shawn, and Justin tackled the panic, the realities, and the options. From Microsoft’s ESU path ($30 for Home, $60 for Pro) to the confusing OneDrive “free” backup catch (that 5GB cap!), the crew broke down who really needs to move now and who can safely plan. They also dug into the TPM 2.0 / Secure Boot debate—why game anti-cheat systems are driving requirements, how tools like Rufus can help on older hardware, and the real risk of kernel-level hooks. Along the way, Andy shared a cautionary tale about flipping BIOS/UEFI settings, MBR vs. GPT, and why documenting changes (and cloning that SSD first!) can save a weekend.

Not ready for new hardware? The guys mapped out sane alternatives: when a legit Windows 7→10 key will still activate Windows 11 on supported gear, and when a friendly Linux distro (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.) is the better retirement plan for a beloved PC. Shawn even previewed Ubuntu’s whimsically named future release, “Resolute Raccoon,” and the team answered a listener’s webcam question—ultimately reminding iPhone families that FaceTime across phones, Macs, and iPads is still the simplest way to video chat without extra gadgets.

Andy revisited Driver Easy after a wave of online skepticism, sharing clean scans with Malwarebytes and real-world stability gains when Windows Update missed drivers. Shawn flagged a Corsair DDR4/DDR5 memory-speed class-action notice (proof that keeping receipts pays), and Justin gave an enthusiastic update on his new enclosed 3D printer: faster prints, auto-leveling, built-in filtration for ABS, and easy project ideas from MakerWorld and Thingiverse—all with filament costs that make practical prints (and holiday décor) surprisingly affordable. Justin’s Newest 3D Printer comes from FlashForge 


Wrapping up, Justin sounded off on Microsoft again—this time over the Xbox Game Pass price hike—while Shawn noted reports that some existing, auto-renewing subscribers may see delayed increases depending on market. Whether you’re planning your Windows 11 migration, eyeing Linux, tuning a printer, or trimming subscriptions, this episode is packed with field-tested advice, hard-won lessons, and a few laughs from the TechtalkRadio bench.

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News13 Segment – Slamming the Receiver: Why We Miss Old-School Phones!

We had some fun this week with the Tech Segment on News13 with Carsyn Currier even though a couple of mishaps made it even more fun. Live TV, What can you do! At least we take a step back in time as we explore the fun side of nostalgic technology!

From rotary phones and corded handsets to cassette tapes and even classic floppy disks, old-school gadgets are making a comeback in surprising ways.

I get to give a quick look at how the Cell2Jack device ($40) lets you connect your smartphone to a vintage rotary or corded phone via Bluetooth, so you can actually make and receive calls the old-fashioned way. Plus, check out the Van Sicklen handset ($20 at Target) for a cool retro vibe and that unmistakable ring.

Sometimes when I am going through the Videos I Find Screen Grabs which give me a good laugh at the Silliness that can happen, Always a lot of fun.

Whether you remember stretching cords across the living room or dramatically slamming the receiver to end a call, this segment is a reminder of why we love bringing back the past. Watch now and relive the charm of yesterday’s tech—updated for today.

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Video Episode 456 – Windows 11 Update made easy! Ok, Easier, Maybe…

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This week’s Flashback episode of TechtalkRadio kicks off with a laugh, as Justin recounts how YouTube flagged his video simply for having Monday Night Football faintly visible in the background. What started as a minor annoyance turned into a deep dive into the quirks of copyright enforcement online—especially when compared with Twitch streamers who manage to broadcast live sports disguised as gameplay. The crew joked about how even a Mountain Dew can or a MacBook box might get them flagged, highlighting the ever-watchful eyes of content algorithms.

The conversation shifted into new tech purchases and experiments. Matt shared his decision to buy a brand-new 14-inch MacBook Pro with Apple’s M3 Pro chip, not out of Apple loyalty but as the best platform to run Kali Linux for cybersecurity training. This led into a broader discussion on cutting-edge laptops and even the newly announced “Spacetop,” a screenless laptop that uses AR glasses as the display. The crew debated whether augmented reality machines are the future of computing or just a passing gimmick, with plenty of comparisons to Apple’s pricey Vision Pro headset.

Industry news took center stage as the hosts examined reports of Qualcomm eyeing Intel for a takeover. The panel dug into Intel’s struggles with its 13th and 14th generation processors, which have been plagued by overheating and reliability issues, along with looming lawsuits and declining stock. They contrasted Intel’s woes with AMD’s strong comeback, recalling the history of dual-core development and AMD’s Ryzen resurgence. The talk underscored how quickly fortunes can shift in the chip wars—and whether Intel is truly “too big to fail.”

In this Mini Segment Posted above from the Show, Shawn talks about finding Ninite!

On the lighter side, the team went full-nerd over Warhammer 40K—from Shawn’s first tabletop skirmishes to Henry Cavill’s obsession with the franchise and its upcoming Amazon series. The show wrapped with Shawn’s hands-on tale of reinstalling Windows 11, troubleshooting endless drivers, and finally discovering the time-saving installer tool NiNite. The guys closed with a reminder of why patience and persistence are key in tech, and a promise to tackle more listener questions next week. Subscribe to our YouTube page for New Shows and Mini Segments!

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