Tech Talk: Recent Episodes
Joel Michalec Productions
Listen each week to the podcast for discussion on computer help, tech gadgetry, geeky stuff, nerdy things and more!
Rusty first show back and it is a newer and shorter format for easy listening. On this program, Joel discusses:
Cyber-Security & the Human Factor - How we affect 95% of the cyber problems by our actions when we are browsing email or the web. You have to protect yourself.
Cut the Cable - Are you aware that there are choices, and lots of them, that would help you free yourself from cable TV channel monopolies and put some coin back into your pocket...
On YouTube - https://goo.gl/AUZy1v
On Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheJoelMichalec/
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! The topics list is as follows:
SCAM ALERT - Many people think that viruses only affect computers, but scammers are increasingly targeting smartphones with malware scams. Watch out for a con that uses malware to lock victims' phones and asks them to pay to fix it. See more at: http://www.bbb.org/scam
Cloud computing is the new craze and if you think that you are not using cloud services, think again. You might seem very interested to know that almost everything that you do today is cloud based. Email, online sharing, Internet telephone calls are all just a small sampling.
Are you serious - The Google Awakens. Google has teamed up with Lucasfilm and Disney to build out a new tool that lets you theme its suite of apps, including Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, Chrome, and many more with either the “Light Side” or “Dark Side,” based on your personal preference as we lead up to the release of Star Wars Episode VII.
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! The topics list is as follows:
SCAM ALERT - It may only be November, but scammers are already taking advantage of holiday goodwill. The latest seasonal scam is a gift exchange that's actually a pyramid scheme. Look out for this con on Facebook, Instagram and other social sites. - See more at: http://www.bbb.org/scam
Boomerang for Gmail - You can now schedule all of your emails to send later using a new app called Boomerang for Gmail. How cool..you can now script your Christmas greeting emails ahead of time and set them to send automatically at a future time. Find out more at http://www.boomeranggmail.com
News You Can Use - Some retailers are already offering Black Friday Deals. Amazon for example runs deals on what they call Black Friday Week. Now you are saving money before the hustle and bustle.
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! The topics list is as follows:
SCAM ALERT - Holiday Job Scam Tempts With High Pay. Read the alert from the Better Business Bureau Scam Center here: http://www.bbb.org/council/news-events/bbb-scam-alerts/2015/11/scam-alert-make-extra-money-this-holiday-season-look-out-for-this-con/
Google Chrome will be ending it's updates on Windows XP and Vista operating systems next year. If you are using one of these older OS systems, then the sands of time for the Chrome browser is April 2016. You can still use the browser, but Google will not be posting updates. Read More: http://www.cnet.com/news/google-finally-pulling-the-plug-on-chrome-for-windows-xp/
Quick Fact - In 2014, there were more than 320 million pieces of malware introduced onto the Internet. Listen to the podcast anytime at http://www.qybradionetwork.com
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! The topics list is as follows:
SCAM ALERT - Con Artists Bank on Credit Card Chip Confusion. Read the alert from the Better Business Bureau Scam Center here: http://www.bbb.org/council/news-events/bbb-scam-alerts/2015/10/scam-alert-con-artists-bank-on-credit-card-chip-confusion/
Windows 10 will not be distributed in OEM systems next year. Microsoft says no more.
Are you aware of the flaws in security in Windows 10? You better read more about the steps you should be taking to keep Microsoft's prying eyes out of your system here: http://thenextweb.com/microsoft/2015/07/29/wind-nos/
Adobe Flash is Dead! The vulnerabilities in Flash are making a quick death for the closed, proprietary system so do yourself a favor and dump it now. Read more here: http://www.techspot.com/guides/1082-remove-adobe-flash-everywhere/
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! Patrick Talley joined the show tonight. Patrick has created an app called Swaha. Swaha allows you to select multiple photos from your camera roll and then perform a voice over with your phone's microphone as you slide forward or backwards or both through the pictures. The app is only available for iPhone at the moment but Patrick tells us that Android is close behind. Patrick is also rolling out HeraTrack which is a wearable bracelet for Cognitive-Challenged individuals to track them within a geo-fence area. More at http://www.HeraTrack.com
Also on the show, scam alerts from Mr. Ron's Desktop and a brief discussion on time travel. Tune in each week on Wednesdays 8PM EST
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! From Mr. Ron's Desktop, the scam alert this week has to do with scammers getting to you by way of SMS text messages. That is right, they have found ways to steal your identity acting like your bank and sending you SMS. For more information, bbb.org/scam. We also talked about the XcodeGhost exploit that ran rampant through the iOS store and how that happened. Facebook had two old hoaxes brought out of the closet and dusted off so be sure not to believe everything that you read on the Internet. Twitter will be possibly coming out of their 140 character limit shell soon so be on the lookout for that!
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! Tonight's Scam Alert is about a fake email that looks like a recruiter is interested in you. Want more information? Just click this link to Google Docs for more info. Wrong answer. It is a scam to steal your email address and password. More information at http://bbb.org/scams. We also discussed a real-world issue with our producer (Tony) at his work with the SMTP relay service. They seem to be thrashing their 250 relay per day limit. He is sure there is no workstation spamming and he knows what the issue is. Either he has to up his relay count or better yet, employ a service like Constant Contact for mailing lists.
Links:
Beer Robots - http://dishwashers.reviewed.com/news/mit-built-a-fleet-of-robot-bartenders?utm_source=usat&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=collab
Spocking Fives in Canada - http://dangerousminds.net/comments/bank_of_canada_urges_star_trek_fans_to_stop_spocking_their_fivers
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! After a few weeks off, the Scam central worked overtime and we discussed a double-whammy; The IRS scam is back again and so is a new more expensive ransomware called CryptoWall. Be vigilant and be aware of the signs of these attacks. Plus remember never send anyone anonymous money. These types of scams solicit funds by way of non-traceable monies.
Later we discussed information regarding Chrysler's recall of 1.4 million vehicles to have software update following a proven hack whereas various systems were taken over by hackers by way of the head unit (entertainment system). Check with your dealer to make sure that you get any recall services you are eligible for done. Also, we gave some tips and tricks for tweaking your Location Services in the iOS to protect your privacy. Check it our and check your privacy!
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! The cloud-based password storage tank, LastPass has been hacked and compromised. So if you are a use of this web service it has been recommended that you logon and change your master password. Though LastPass officials say that other stored passwords have not been compromised, they do recommend that if you used the same password as the master password for any other site then you should change that as well.
Microsoft Windows 10 is now about a month away but guess what? They are clouding all the speculation and facts about who gets it free, how you get it free and how you are treated after you get it free. It is all very confusing and we invite you to read it all here in this article and judge for yourself what you think. There are some good alternatives to Windows so make wise decisions. Article: http://www.computerworld.com/article/2938913/microsoft-windows/clear-as-mud-microsoft-struggles-to-define-free-for-windows-10.html
Check out Joel's latest Op-Ed regarding users who may still be using and enjoying Windows XP. Read it here: http://michalecj.blogspot.com/2015/06/still-using-windows-xp-then-read-on.html
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! Tonight we begin with Mr. Ron's Desktop and the BBB Scam Alert. This one discusses the scammer "credit repair" agencies that are promising to fix your credit or help you build a whole new credit ID. These are red flags because you cannot "buy" a new credit ID, that is a form of Identity Theft. Watch for red flags and read more at bbb.org/scam to learn more about this and other scams. Also, botnets have returned to Skype and other cloud-based chat clients to deliver spyware. Be aware of people that you do not know trying to chat you up.
Later we covered some important items for you to keep in mind that are MUSTS if you are still using Microsoft Windows XP (as a consumer). Obviously, as a business, you should not be using Windows XP but if you are a consumer, some smart thinking and vigilance can give you more months or more with your favorite operating system. We de-Geeked Voice over IP (VoIP) and how it works. Check out the podcast and more for this awesome information.
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! Tonight, we brought up our Mr. Ron's Desktop Scam Alert which is the latest scam targeting job seekers looking for work as nannies, babysitters or caregivers. You must keep an eye out for anything that seems suspicious when you see or reply to an ad or receive any sort of "recruitment" from potential employers. Also, beware of people that are capable of jamming your vehicle remote fobs and prevent you from locking your car. This is a new way that would-be thieves are able to break into vehicles without breaking in.
Google will be changing the way that Google+ looks and feels so look for that and do not panic when the changes begin to roll. Also, freebie users of Google will no longer get text notifications of calendar events. By June 27th you will want to be sure that you download and configure the Google Calendar app on your smartphone to continue receiving your events on you device. Google has also unleashed a new way to view and check your security settings. Visit http://privacy.google.com and have a blast.
We also de-Geeked the signs that your computer may need to be put out to cyber-pasture. Download the podcast and review to see if you might need a new computer.
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! We open this evening with a couple of SCAM ALERTS; one is a travel website scam whereas the user follows a "too good to be true" deal ad and winds up on a scam site that steals their money and does not book any hotels. Another scam noted are the advances in tech support scams where they are using things such as look-alike security sites, blue screens of death (BSODs) and pornographic images to scam you into calling a toll free phone number to speak to an agent. Once on the phone they social engineer you to connect remotely and from their they gain the needed access. Beware of strange messages that pop up suggesting you are infected and that you should call!
Later we discussed some of the more popular cloud-based storage solutions out there for backing up your important documents, music or pictures and we talked about a new issue under iOS 8.3.1 where a certain random set of text sent to an iPhone can crash the device. Read more on that below. We then de-Geeked the Chromebook. What is it and why is it so cheap. Well listen to the podcast and then you will know as well.
Links:
New Tech Support Scams - https://blog.malwarebytes.org/fraud-scam/2015/05/tech-support-scammers-go-for-pornographic-shocker/
NEW Dell Inspiron Micro Desktop - http://www.dell.com/us/p/inspiron-3050-micro-desktop/pd
ChromeBook As Your Only Laptop - http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/features/laptop/3475621/can-you-use-chromebook-as-your-only-laptop/
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! Tonight we review another type of scam to be on the lookout for..Sweepstakes Scams. Obviously, as with other scams, they use real world variables and maybe things you heard in the news to prey on you and make themselves sound as legitimate as possible. Be on the lookout and use your defenses to make sure that these and other scams do not catch you off-guard. We also updated the news on #Microsoft Windows 10 and how this may actually be the last version. Like Mac they will just come out with evolutionary changes to the system. Something they maybe should have considered with Windows XP.
In our regular segment, we de-Geeked bits and bytes and what they mean. How can we understand what they are when talking about hard drives and storage? Well we took it all the way down to bits and ran through the calculations to the petabyte level including putting them into perspective. Can you decipher this word:
01100111 01101001 01100111 01100001 01100010 01111001 01110100 01100101
Links:
BBB Consumer News Blog - http://bbb.org/blog/
BBB Scam Stopper - http://bbb.org/scam
Just Delete Me - http://justdelete.me
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! First order of business tonight was a small discussion into the latest (and the lowest form of) scam riding the coat tails of the recent tragedy in Nepal. Please keep a vigilant eye on emails and other social engineering tactics using the Nepal earthquake as a catalyst to get you to dump your money into a scam. Then a discussion and help segment surfaced on the difference between backing up and making a disc image and the benefits of a disc image. You can send us your computer questions to techtalk@qybradionetwork.com or leave them on our Facebook Page or voice mail at (443) 836-0171.
On our regular weekly segment, we De-Geeked IoT or Internet of Things. IoT is a scenario in which objects, animals or people are provided with unique identifiers and the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.
Links:
Nepal Earthquake Scams - http://blog.appriver.com/2015/04/nepal-earthquake-scams/
Safety First Donating to Charity - https://www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-yourself/donating-to-charity-online/
Tesla Powerwall - http://www.techrepublic.com/article/tesla-powerwall-what-you-need-to-know/
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! Tonight, as per usual, we discussed some security threats from the previous week including a second Malvertising hack on the pornographic website xHamster. Plus the Feds are warning airlines that the on-board WiFi networks can easily be hacked and they should be on alert. We also talked about the program SuperAntiSpyware and it's benefits of both the free and premium versions. You can send us your computer questions to techtalk@qybradionetwork.com or leave them on our Facebook Page or voice mail at (443) 836-0171.
And then later on our regular segment, we de-Geeked the word reCaptcha and how this tiny little algorithm helps keep web bots from running their automatic spamming on web forms and applications.
Links:
SuperAntiSpyware - http://www.superantispyware.com
Top Five Threats - http://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Top-five-threats
Secure Your Smartphone - http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazine/2013/06/keep-your-phone-safe/index.htm
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! What a great and informative show as we talked about some security alerts and then discussed backing up and the possibility of using a cloud-based file system so you are instantly backed up in real time. Later we looked at some great life hacks; that is ways to make your life easier in so many ways. You can send us your life hacks to techtalk@qybradionetwork.com or leave them on our Facebook Page or voice mail at (443) 836-0171.
We also de-Geeked Phishing scams and explained what they are, how to identify them and what to do to report them if you feel that you were phished. So now you can chin-wag with the IT department at work!
Links:
Tech Support Scam Plagues LinkedIn - Article Link
BBB Reports Facebook Scam - Article Link
Older YouTube Apps No Longer Supported - Article Link
Hello and welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! Tonight's episode reached further into the Social Engineering topic with a discussion on some various scams to be on alert of including the Microsoft Tech Support Scam, the Law Enforcement Scam and the IRS Telephone Scam. Please download the podcast for further information on these scams. We also talked about some technology news, including some police departments who made the touch decision to pony up some dough on a Crypto virus scam and we de-Geeked LAN and WAN.
Links:
Watch old school cartoons online - http://www.vintagecartoons.tv
Protect yourself from Ransomware - Great Article Link
Welcome to Tech Talk LIVE presented by PC Tech Rescue! Tonight you are treated with a quick lesson in how to clean your keyboard, both desktop and laptop style and how to care for your trackball mouse (feed it some cheese?). Also, we discussed some interesting Internet sites to watch some interesting TV shows, talked some tech news and notes and then we De-Geeked the word Malvertising; what is it? Tune in to the podcast and find out!
Out The Door Tip: Android users should be cautious downloading third-party flashlight apps. They are riddled with malicious intent.
Links:
Shout Factory TV - http://www.shoutfactorytv.com
Battery Info View - http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/battery_information_view.html
Vote on our FaceBook Poll - https://www.facebook.com/TheJoelMichalec
Hello and welcome to TechTalk by PC Tech Rescue! On our debut show we discussed the difference between hard drives and solid state drives and explained what a hard drive crash is and why there are two different types of crashes. We also talked out the Apple watch with some pros and cons and we de-Geeked Social Engineering. What is it and how does it work. Plus some news nuggets from the technology world.
Links:
What is Social Engineering - http://www.webroot.com/us/en/home/resources/tips/online-shopping-banking/secure-what-is-social-engineering
Apple Watch: To Buy or Not to Buy - http://www.forbes.com/sites/dandiamond/2015/03/10/so-should-you-buy-the-apple-watch/