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Is Your Smart Home Spying On You? Gaming Memories, Software Wars and Smart Devices That Spy | EP 492

This week on TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd are back with another episode packed with technology news, helpful advice, product discoveries, and a little nostalgia!

Gaming Nostalgia and the Return of a Classic

Shawn shares his excitement about returning to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a game that brings back memories of his younger years. He’s even avoiding trailers and spoilers so he can experience the adventure all over again! The guys also discuss whether video games offer more benefits for children than endless scrolling on smartphones and tablets. Andy highlights the NEX Playground, a motion-based gaming system that gets the whole family involved. The Official trailer from Nintendo for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is here!

Adobe Creative Cloud, AI and Software Alternatives

Is the subscription software model getting out of hand? Andy and Shawn discuss Adobe Creative Cloud, the emergence of AI-generated alternatives to popular Adobe applications such as ArtCraft, and the advantages and disadvantages of paying monthly for software. They also look at the retirement of Microsoft Publisher, how LibreOffice can help users work with older Publisher files, and why Corel remains an option for graphic designers who prefer purchasing software outright.

Cybersecurity and Smart Home Privacy

Listener questions take center stage as the guys discuss whether Windows users really need to purchase antivirus software. Microsoft Defender, Malwarebytes, and safe browsing habits are all part of the conversation. Another listener asks about privacy concerns surrounding robot vacuums, leading to a discussion about connected televisions, smart refrigerators, and just how much information our household devices may be collecting.

A Handy New Gadget and the Future of Home AI

Andy showcases an affordable Suidek external CD/DVD burner that does more than play discs. With USB connections, memory card readers, and an M.2 storage slot, it’s a versatile accessory for modern laptops and desktops that no longer include optical drives.

The guys also discuss Clean Your TV, an open-source project designed to remove unwanted advertising and bloatware from compatible smart televisions, along with NVIDIA’s efforts to make it easier to run AI using computers on your own local network using Open Source PAIR – Personal AI Router

Discovering Free and Open-Source Software

Looking for an alternative to expensive software? Shawn revisits AlternativeTo.net, a resource for discovering applications that can replace popular commercial programs. He also discusses RustDesk and Tailscale, two tools that can help with remote computer access.

Whether you’re interested in gaming, cybersecurity, creative software, artificial intelligence, or just finding useful new technology, there’s something for everyone in Episode 492!

Listen to TechtalkRadio with Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd, and visit TechtalkRadio.com for more technology news, reviews, and videos.

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Episode 463 – “Scammers, Lies, Leather and Shawn’s N64 Crisis!”

This week’s TechtalkRadio Show kicks off with Andy, Shawn, and Justin joking about cold basements, impulse buying, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals before diving into a discussion with former FBI spy hunter and cybersecurity expert Eric O’Neill, author of Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime. Eric explains why he hates the Hollywood “hoodie hacker” stereotype and argues that today’s cybercriminals operate more like spies—well-funded, organized, and focused on long-term reconnaissance and deception. He walks through how overseas criminal syndicates abuse the dark web, cryptocurrency, and lax enforcement in countries like Russia and China to attack victims in the U.S. with little fear of being caught.

From there, the conversation gets very real about modern scams: AI voice and video deepfakes used for “family emergency” scams, social media “fun quizzes” that are actually fishing for password reset information, and toll-road and smishing (SMS phishing) texts that weaponize urgency and fear. Eric stresses that everyone is a target, not just big companies—criminals simply look for whoever is most vulnerable, especially seniors and teens. His core advice: assume every unsolicited email or text is a potential viper, don’t click deal links in emails (go directly to the retailer’s site instead), enable two-factor authentication everywhere, and never pay scammers via wire transfer, crypto, or gift cards. He also recommends using credit cards over debit for fraud protection. Check out Eric’s Website at https://www.ericoneill.net

Shawn confesses to an expensive impulse buy: the Analog 3D, a high-end, hardware-accurate recreation of the Nintendo 64 that outputs in 4K and supports original cartridges and controllers—but he can’t find any of his N64 games. Cue memories of GoldenEye, Mario 64, Ocarina of Time, Star Fox 64 and the possibility that “Steve” might still be “borrowing” his carts. Justin follows with a deep dive into his heavily modded Steam Deck OLED, wrapped in real leather from dbrand, customized with copper-infused buttons designed to develop patina, and upgraded Hall-effect joysticks. He talks about tearing the handheld apart, troubleshooting joystick issues with AI tools, and that classic “one screw left over” moment, all while Andy points out how AI is speeding up creative work—from fixing graphics to solving hardware problems.

Listener questions round out the show. Martin in Vail asks about smartwatches for an iPhone, and Justin and Shawn recommend sticking with Apple Watch unless you need serious fitness and outdoor tracking, in which case Garmin shines with better GPS, battery life, and health metrics. Shawn also vents about Apple’s sometimes maddening notification behavior and how he fixed messages going only to his Mac instead of his watch/phone. Adrian in Irvine asks about secure email in light of concerns over big tech scanning messages for AI training; ProtonMail gets a thumbs-up overall, with a side note about recent worries over dormant address recycling. Justin’s Website of the Week is point.me, a service that helps combine travel points across multiple programs to unlock flights and hotel stays—complete with a real-world success story from their friend Matt flying upgraded to Spain on points. The crew wraps with holiday well-wishes, a shout-out to a YouTube viewer, and a joking plea for any listeners with spare Nintendo 64 cartridges to send them Shawn’s way.

Got a question for the show? Email techguys@techtalkradio.com, and catch more at techtalkradio.com.

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New Show Episode #400! Scams, Screams, and Screen Streams

In this Weeks TechtalkRadio Show, Matt, Shawn, Justin and Andy open this week’s show with a story from Justin and getting ready for the new season at the Water Park. Justin tells us about a Cyber Attack and how he was able to mitigate any damage. One of the first indications during this and tracking down where the root of the attack came from. Justin shares the steps he needed to take after finding out some employees clicked and opened the attachment. Andy tells the story of Cox Customers being switched to Yahoo Email which has opened scammers to try and get credentials for users. Beyond Email attacks, the guys talk about Phone Scams and why with today’s technology users need to be vigilant almost to the point of not answering the phone to any unrecognized numbers or users. Justin tells us about the Pixel phone Call Screener.  Matt and Justin share the need for continued education to employees and methods used. What was the worst attack they have faced?   

Matt tells us about attending the Denver Cybersecurity Summit and being captivated by presentations from The United States Secret Service and another by the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS Agent has a specialist involved in investigating Crypto Scams. The Secret Service, which is a part of the Department of the Treasury talked about the Internet Crime Complaint Center and how investigations can be begun to hopefully help recover funds stolen after a cybercrime. https://www.ic3.gov  The faster a cybercrime is reported the better the odds for recovery, 

Listener Benny has a question about adding a second monitor. Andy took this and used it for his TV Segment at News13. He shared the LePow 15′ Monitor but decided to look at the Macsecor Extended Monitor which connects directly to the laptop. Andy also talks about the J5ScreenCast, a 4k connection to a Big Screen TV with HDMI for Duplicating your device or extending your device to the Big Screen via Bluetooth. This can also be used to connect your Smartphone to stream to the TV. After a previous discussion Rick left us a comment on the Apple Watch and why for health benefits this is a great solution. The Technology is there why not use it? Andy, Justin and Shawn share a couple of personal stories of always having Technology with you.  

Sandy from Sahuarita want to know about Windows 10 and not being able to update to Windows 11 which is ending support officially October of 2025. What are the options for those that can’t update to Windows 11. Is it a security risk to run software after EOL? Matt shares the story of a person who hooked a Windows XP system to the net, didn’t even go out to the internet but within minutes was full of malware.  The guys talk about the strange coincidence of having discussions of a new car, dream vacation or furniture needs to then notice ads on your devices for this product. Matt explains to Sandy about the TPM Chip and updating to Windows 11. 

Shawn tells us a story about a bug in Apple 17.5 which had previously deleted photos suddenly reappearing, a Patch to 17.5.1 is now available however the privacy concerns with this expand to all users including business.   

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New Episode #357 – Your First Record Album and Cybersecurity!

For this Weeks TechtalkRadio Show Andy, Shawn and Justin talk about Justin’s purchase of Audio Technica Turntable and how much fun he has had getting the Vinyl out and playing it on the system which has many nice features. The guys share stories of their first Vinyl LP’s and how the experience of owning a Vinyl Album has been different versus those that have only bought Digital Albums. This past year Vinyl Record Sale were the highest they have been for over 30 years. The guys talk about protecting your data and networks considering a recent attack on the Tucson Unified School District. Justin and Shawn share how a Hardware Firewall can add a layer of Protection. Justin recommends Fortinet Hardware Firewalls but also shares a Raspberry Pi Solution, known as PFSense. News this past week that Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo may not be attending this Junes E3 Conference. Shawn believes its smart for these companies due to the cost involved and how a Virtual Show or Digital presentation from these companies makes more sense financially. Justin asks is this could be something we could see with CES however the guys concede, the idea for in person works for CES and is important for investments in new technology.

The recent Cyber Attack on Tucson Unified School District systems has been confusing for some, Andy talks with Mike Lettman, CISA Region 9 Cybersecurity advisor about what it means and how this and other Ransomware attacks occur. Mike explains how this may have happen and how anybody could be a target when it comes to data. Mike tells us about the formation of CISA, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in 2018 and how cybercriminals target and why they target K-12 Schools. Mike shares info on the recovery process after ransomware attacks and what it may take to get the systems operational again. Mike also shares security tips within systems to be protected, “Patch Patch Patch.” Multifactor Authentication and education and awareness for users. CISA has put together an informational package for K-12 available at https://www.CISA.gov/partnering-safeguard-K-12-toolkit

Shawn shares info on the Google Fi T-Mobile issue that was recently discovered. The guys talk about your personal info which may be on the Dark Web and if company with services like LifeLock and others can be a solution for protecting your identity data.

Justin shares a website for creating sounds for the background while working or relaxing, https://www.asoftmurmur.com Shawn tells us about checking out Goldeneye 007 on the Nintendo Online service.

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New Show Posted Episode 302

EPISODE 302: Wading in the Water and Not Getting Wet

In this Weeks TechtalkRadio Show, its Andy Taylor and Justin Lemme on the show. Shawn is on the Road for a Getaway and the guys talk about doing road trips and the Technology that goes with it. Andy ask Justin if he uses the Apps for Trip Planning or Gas Cost when RoadTripping. The guys talk about the Ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline and what measures companies are taking in protecting their data. Justin and Andy talk about Phishing done to get information and why caution should be used in Social Media Questionnaires.

Justin has been trying out the Oculus Quest 2 and loves it. He tells us some of the fun experiences he has with it. One that he really likes is RealVR Fishing, super basic but a fun relaxing experience. Wear Glasses? Justin talks about how that works with the Oculus Quest 2.

Andy Taylor talks with Doug Little from Wacom about the recent introduction of the One by Wacom and how it fits so well into Education. Justin gives us the Website of the Week, https://www.ghin.com for Golfers that want to keep an eye on the Golf Handicap.

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