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Episode 450 – Pixels, Packets, and Privacy: Taking Back Your Tech!

From ditching Zoom for a better recording platform, to debating Windows 11 upgrades, to reminiscing about the golden days of AOL dial-up, this week’s TechtalkRadio is packed with tech talk, nostalgia, and a few surprises—including a home lab build and a Nintendo Switch 2 that didn’t get the reaction anyone expected.

In this week’s episode of TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor, Matt Jones, Justin Lemme, and Shawn DeWeerd dive into the evolving tech landscape, starting with their recent move from Zoom to Riverside FM. They share why Zoom was no longer meeting their needs and how Riverside FM’s superior video quality, cleaner audio, and feature-rich platform have improved their workflow—making it the right choice for the show moving forward.

The conversation then shifts to the pros and cons of upgrading to Windows 11. The hosts share personal experiences, touching on hardware compatibility challenges, software update quirks, and the OS’s enhanced security and features. They also explore options for those who can’t—or don’t want to—upgrade, including Microsoft’s newly introduced Extended Security Update Program. These insights offer listeners practical guidance for making the right decision for their setup.

Nostalgia kicks in as the crew reflects on AOL’s decision to retire dial-up internet. They swap stories of early online adventures, the unforgettable connection sound, and how far we’ve come—from sluggish dial-up to lightning-fast fiber. Justin adds a personal twist, recalling his time working in an AOL call center and the unique challenges of supporting users in the early internet era. They also discuss the benefits of switching providers for improved speed and reliability.

Wrapping up, Matt takes listeners inside his home lab build, showcasing the repurposed servers, networking gear, and AI-driven security components that power his privacy-focused smart home. Justin follows with the story of tracking down and buying a Nintendo Switch 2 for his son—only to be surprised when it didn’t spark the excitement he expected. Together, these segments highlight the personal side of tech, from ambitious builds to unexpected reactions.

Audio Version

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Episode 449 – Let the Dice Decide – What Shawn Checked out!

🎲 In this week’s episode of TechtalkRadio, Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd reunite at the mic as Shawn returns from Gen Con 2025—America’s biggest tabletop gaming convention. He shares his epic haul of new games, including Everdell Silverfrost, Dice Throne Slamthrone, and the new RPG system Daggerheart from Darrington Press, the creators behind Critical Role. The two talk trends in tabletop gaming, cosplay highlights, and how accessible these games have become—even for beginners and families.

But that’s not all—Andy and Shawn also dive into the world of Linux, tackling myths about its complexity, the perception of toxic forums, and why distributions like Linux Mint can breathe new life into older PCs. They share listener reactions to last week’s Linux segment and thanked those that added input. Shawn and Andy also offer practical advice for new users, and shout out tools like AlternativeTo.net and even ChatGPT for making the transition easier.

On the tech side, the show covers a listener question from Dave in Tucson about removing Windows 11 S Mode and what it does, Andy shares frustrations with Microsoft OneDrive, and Shawn highlights some exciting new gear: the upcoming Insta360 drone titled AntiGravity  and DJI’s first 360° camera, the Osmo 360.

Plus, if you’re a gamer, you’ll want to hear about the upcoming Battlefield 6 open beta starting August 9th—and how to get in on the action.  Andy tests out Riverside FM as a new recording platform for higher-quality video segments. It’s a jam-packed episode filled with gaming, geekery, and gear!

Photos from GenCon2025 taken by Shawn

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Episode 447 – The Battle of the Thumbs!

This Week on TechtalkRadio:
Andy Taylor and Shawn DeWeerd hold down the fort while Justin takes his son to see the new Superman movie in IMAX. Shawn shares his own IMAX experience with the new F1 film and discusses Apple’s potential takeover of F1 media rights from ESPN.

The duo dives into the evolving world of streaming platforms, comparing Apple TV+ with Netflix and Hulu. They also explore how content consumption has changed for kids, with YouTube creators like Ms Rachel reshaping early education and digital habits.

The conversation shifts to tech and parenting, highlighting the role of AI and digital tools in learning. Shawn stresses the need for parents to understand tech to help guide their children, advocating for a balance between screen time and outdoor activities.

Shawn then shares details about his Plex server upgrade, moving from an older Intel i3 system to a powerful i7-9700 setup with an NVIDIA 3060 GPU, running Linux Mint 22. He explains what Plex is, how it works, and how it allows users to stream their personal media libraries with features like metadata tagging, remote access, and RAID storage.

Also in this episode, Andy chats with Anna Bilych, founder of Les Amis, a platform built to help women foster real friendships. Anna discusses the challenges of building the platform, its use of AI for connecting users, and how Les Amis is helping women connect through curated local events. From pottery nights to group chats, Les Amis is redefining digital community with style and purpose.

To wrap things up, Andy and Shawn reflect on the changing ergonomics of smartphone use, from the days of one-handed texting on Sidekicks to today’s two-thumb operation on large-screen devices. It’s a new kind of digital workout — a true Battle of the Thumbs!

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Episode 442 – “Stop Being Nice to the A.I.”

This Week on TechtalkRadio: Andy, Justin, Matt, and Shawn reunite to explore the latest in tech, AI, and off-grid power. Matt shares his experience building a home lab with Terraform and Ansible, while Justin dives into his continued use of Grok AI, preferring it over ChatGPT for its real-time knowledge. The team swaps funny AI stories, including ChatGPT’s reaction to profanity and a study about kids being polite to AI. Does A.I. get a request and want to respond “Not You Again!” Maybe It Should? 

Shawn updates listeners on rewiring his RV with a lithium iron phosphate battery and 400 watts of solar, now powering his camper for up to 3 days without a generator. Camping habits come into play, with talk of KOA cabins and glamping for those less eager to rough it—Andy included!

Listener Jerry from Indio asks about controlling multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse, prompting a chat about KVM switches and free software like Mouse Without Borders.

The crew gets nostalgic with a dive into generational internet memories, from AOL to flash games, and plans to define their generational labels next week. Andy tests out MOCA tech for high-speed coaxial networking and seeks input on new “one-sheet” movie posters for the redecorated studio. Favorite tech-themed flicks and series include WarGames, D.A.R.Y.L., The Net, Sneakers, Ready Player One, Mr. Robot, and The Matrix. Matt mentions Displate could be a good location for these posters. 

A Couple of One Sheet Posters Andy has in the Studio, He wants to Add a Tech Themed Movie – Some Good Suggestions were given in this weeks show.

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News13 Software As A Service Segment – Adobe and Innovation

In this week’s Talking Tech segment on KMSB Fox 11 News13, we dive into the evolving world of Software as a Service, commonly known as SaaS. Gone are the days when you bought software once and used it forever which always seemed so convienient however, we were often missing out on critical updates and innovation without upgrading.

Today, the SaaS model allows developers to deliver continual improvements, cloud integration, and AI-driven tools directly to users, typically through a subscription. One of the pioneers in this shift was Adobe, transitioning from boxed software to their Creative Cloud platform.

We showcase the innovation that followed—like Adobe Firefly, their powerful AI art generator. With Firefly, users can now generate creative assets with the help of artificial intelligence and purchase additional credits for advanced use. Learn more at adobe.com.

But SaaS is no longer limited to software. We explore how this model is beginning to enter new industries—especially automotive. Car manufacturers are already discussing subscription-based access to features like heated seats, advanced navigation, and enhanced driving modes. What used to be part of your car purchase may soon be a monthly service.

Will this become the norm? Is this convenience or a cash grab?

👉 Watch now and join the conversation. #TalkingTech #SaaS #AdobeFirefly #CreativeCloud #TechTrends #AIinDesign #AutomotiveTech #SoftwareAsAService #AdobeMasterSuite