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Tech News & Commentary
Victor in Smyrna, Georgia listening Onlineasked: “I usually use Avast Software to keep my computer from malware and stuff. Now that it’s been updated that it’s not free, I wanted to see if there was a good anti-virus that you all would recommend that I use. Is there one that ids easy to use?”
Well, you can actually still use Avast. They still offer a free antivirus, they just also offer premium software that does more and is not free. But, the antivirus is still free. They even make it clear on their web address! The page you download the free antivirus from is: avast.com/free-antivirus-download, “free” is right there on the name.
If you still want to try other options, one of our guests this week discusses ZoneAlarm’s offering. They’ll give you an antivirus and a firewall in one package for free.
Others like AVG, Avira and NOD32 can also be downloaded for free. Though, they come without the firewall option, they’re free versions are only antiviruses.
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
“This Week in Tech History” Weekly Feature with Chris Graveline
Jim in Wilmington, Delaware listening on WDEL asked: “What are the ways to absolutely protect yourself from identity theft if you are going to use your home computer to do banking related activities?”
The only way to absolutely protect yourself against identity theft is to pay for everything with cash, and probably never leave home. But the average home banking connection is using a secure link with your bank, encrypting the data from end to end. The key thing is, don’t fall prey to phishing emails. These are emails written by identity thieves who want to get your user ID and password.
Most of the time they will scream about some problem with your account and say you must log in at once to correct it. They offer a link in the email, and needless to say this doesn’t connect with your real bank. It’ll be a fake site, just to collect your user name and password, and then the thieves will quickly connect with your real bank and take all your real cash.
Defeating them is simple. Never, ever (EVER!) connect with your bank by clicking on a link in an email. Never. Did you get that? never. If you do, Chris will come and beat you with a tuna fish. Seriously, though, always open your browser and connect with your bank directly. Make sure the connection is secured (you’ll see the https prefix in the address and a padlock icon on your browser status bar). Banks use all sorts of security systems to keep your connection safe.
It is far more likely that someone will steal your identity by lifting it from your credit card at a restaurant than by getting it from your online banking service. Online banking is very, very secure for the most part. Watch out for those emails, and you should be fine.
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
Rosie in Kentucky listening on WWTN asked: “I would like to know if an iPad needs any virus protector, thank you.”
You should be ok without an antivirus. The way the iPad handles software is different from how a regular computer does. iPad applications are “sandboxed” that means that they exist in their own little universe, so viruses can’t really reach out and infect other apps like they would on a computer, they’re confined to their own little sandbox.
Apps could do bad things in the background, but Apple has been good at keeping malicious apps out of their store. Even Google that has had more trouble with malicious apps under Android has been good about removing malicious apps quickly and even remotely uninstalling them from phones that had downloaded them.
Last year, a Google “software guru” came out and said that antiviruses not just on their own Android platform, but also on Blackberry and iOS were scams, that people pushing them were “charlatans and scammers” and that companies making them should be ashamed of themselves.
In terms of actual viruses, you should be ok. But, keep in mind that the internet is still the internet, regardless of how you’re accessing it. So you can still get email scams and you can still end up on websites that try to steal your personal information. Don’t think that because you’re using a platform that is less prone to viruses, you’re safe from all internet threats.
Also, make sure you keep your iPad updated, Apple regularly patches security holes they find that could endanger their users, so it’s always good to keep your iPad updated to the latest available firmware.
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
Damon in Nashville, Tennessee listens on WTN 99.7 – calling in via the Free App asked: “Dave, I have an EVO 3D that is rooted, and I wanna know if there’s a program out there where I can print wirelessly to any printer outside HP, the only program I found if HP. Whether it’d be a rooted program or a market program. Thank you.”
You can try PrinterShare. It’s available on the Android Market and it will require that you install a program on your Windows, Mac or Linux computer. Then, it connects to that program via WiFi or 3G and lets you print to any printer attached to that computer straight from your phone. PrinterShare includes services that are not free to use, if you’re interested in using them, you’re going to need the “Premium” version, but printing to your printer should be free.
If you use Google CloudPrint, you can try Cloud Print, it’s a third party app that lets you access the service on your account and print straight from your phone.
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
Guest in this hour:
Bari Abdul, Head of Consumer Business – ZoneAlarm by Check Point Software Technologies
How should you protect yourself online these days? Learn about their new ZoneAlarm Free Antivirus + Firewall to protect your computer.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT with Rob: Tech Gifts for Grads
Before we move on to celebrating Dad’s Day next month, we thought it would be nice to celebrate Grads on their own this year. This week’s Product Spotlight, features our top tech gifts for Grads.
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1) Ultra-thin LaptopsMacBook Air – for as little as $1000 for an 11-inch. We’d recommend the 13-inch model because 2 inches makes a difference. It offers the best battery life we’ve experienced so far.The HP ENVY Spectre 14-inch ultrabook is another good option. It’s a great alternative to Apple’s MacBook Air. It’s got an Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 128Gb solid-state drive for just under $1400.
If you didn’t want the MacBook Air, the new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 would be an even better alternative. It’s the thinnest Ultrabook PC right now, with its very sleek carbon fiber body. 2) AfterShokz Sport Bone-Conduction Headphones These have quickly become one of our most favorite headphones. Our safety with headphones has spurred some controversy, with people getting hurt while walking into traffic and not hearing their surroundings. The AfterShokz use bone-conducting technology, so they don’t sit inside your ear. Instead, they’re placed directly in front of the ears, so you can still hear what’s going on around you. The bass quality is kinda nice. The AfterShokz Sport cost $60. There’s also an in-line mic option so you can speak on the phone while using the AfterShokz. That cost just under $70. ) Powerbag The bags are equipped with a complete charging station, featuring: a battery, Apple dock connector, Micro and Mini USB connectors, and a USB port. The Powerbag can charge up to 4 devices at the same time. Of course, you have to make sure to fully charge the bag before you leave your house. To check the battery level, just hit the Powerbag logo. Prices for their backpacks, messenger bags or briefcases vary from $140 to $250. 4) Yamaha PDX-11 Speaker Dock One of the most rugged and easy to use speaker docks we’ve played with is the Yamaha PDX-11. It works really well with the iPhone and iPod. We’ve recommended this on the show before and thought this would make a fun gift for grads who enjoy listening to their tunes on the go. The dock charges your iDevice at the same time and works on both battery and AC power. It’s available for under $100 in different colors … good for those looking to stand out. 5) Streaming TV Boxes A lot of college students watch TV online or with a connected box. Still some people prefer cable or satellite at home. But, streaming TV boxes have gained a lot of popularity. The programming is still a bit limited, but you won’t get bored. We’re sure they’ll find something to watch. Some of our favorite boxes include: Roku – They have several options for you and affordable prices. Probably Dave’s most favorite box to date. Apple TV – Now supports 1080p HD video. It’s a great option at just under $100 for those who love using iTunes and iDevices and Boxee. Available for $180. Rob uses one of these at home for YouTube streaming. Portable battery backup charger on the go (grads are bound to have electronics with lousy batteries they’ll want to keep charged) 7) Samsung Note A tablet and phone combined. $249 with a 2-year contract on AT&T
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Barry in Las Vegas, Nevada listening online asked: “I was wondering what you have to say about the apps for the iPhone that will give me Flash video. I do see a few of them advertised. What is your take on it? Do they work? Is it worth it? Your advice is appreciated.”
Flash apps for iPhone are typically very limited in what they can do. They generally support a limited set of websites, won’t work with every video site, and won’t work with Flash games or animations. We know, it’s frustrating.
Of course, there’s no real Flash support of iPhone, and now that Adobe even discontinued support for Android phones, you won’t see any real Flash support any time soon.
For now, if you’re looking for an app that will let you watch videos on your favorite sites, you can check out their website. Apps like Skyfire have a list of all the websites they support, if the ones you use are on it, then you’ll have the Flash support you need.
Keep in mind that when they say stuff like “we support more than 200,000 sites,” a lot of those sites are tiny, foreign or lacking in content, make sure the stuff you’re interested in is supported, before spending any money.
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
This Week’s Prizes for Our Listeners
Creative: Live! Cam Connect HD — Webcam that records 720p video
Planon System Solutions: A couple of SlimScan SS100 Credit Card Sized Scanners
Scott Steinberg: Copies of his new book “The Modern Parent’s Guide to Kids and Video Games”