Laptop or desktop computers and any components within.
Hardware
What's the best computer for a start up business?
Episode 958
Carlene from
Carlene has started a business with a website and she wants to upgrade her computer. Should she get a Windows 7 computer or Windows 8? Leo says that Windows 8 is a radical departure that would take getting used to. But either platform would do. Don't fear Windows 8. Even though it's different, it will be the norm moving forward. She can get a great deal at a big box store. Leo says don't go cheap for a business computer, and a cheaper computer won't have a touch screen. Big Box stores don't usually sell the best computers, they sell the ones the manufacturers want to blow out.
Are there any good smartwatches available?
Episode 958
Ruth from
Leo says all models he's seen haven't been any good. They don't work like a phone. It doesn't work like he wants it to. It just tells him that his phone is ringing and shows him text messages. It's an expensive waste of money at this point. Leo also says that there isn't really a market for this (or Google's Glass) yet, but companies have decided there will be demand sometime. Even Apple is rumored to be getting into the smartwatch game. Leo says to wait awhile and see where things go.
Why does my brand new computer keep crashing?
Episode 958
Judy bought a Windows 8 computer recently, and is having problems with it. Leo says to try and do a system restore - but make sure to backup the data so it isn't lost. If the problems go away after she does, then it was a software issue. If the hard drive continues to crash, then there's a hardware issue and it needs to be returned. As for the hard drive structure getting messed up, it could be a failing hard drive, which can happen at an early stage. She should take it back and ask for a replacement as Leo doesn't think this sounds like something she could have done to cause it.
The Windows 8 Experience May Just Rely on the Hardware
Episode 958
At the behest of Father Robert Ballister, Leo picked up the Acer S7 UltraBook with Windows 8. It has a touch screen, which he really likes.
Dick DeBartolo
Episode 957
This week's gadget is the NewerTech Power2U USB outlet. What it does is that in addition to the AC plug outlets, the Power2U adds two convenient USB charging ports. The new version has safety for kids, has been boosted to 20Amp version for commercial use. Leo just installed them and he says they were easy to install and work really well! Note though - The Power2U USB device requires the 16 cubic inch electrical box. But they're only $15 at Amazon.
Why am I getting lines across the screen of my iMac?
Episode 957
Christian from
Leo says it sounds like a hardware error. First, he should boot from the software disc and see if it happens. If it doesn't happen there, then it's a software error. If it still shows up that way, it's a hardware error and he'll need to have it repaired. The Chatroom agrees that it's likely a bad monitor or the video card subsystem on the logic board. That'll be almost as costly to repair as getting a new iMac.
What equipment will I need to start a podcast?
Episode 957
Doug from
Since Doug is already into radio, he may already have the gear. If not, Behringer has a great Podcast Studio kit that does a great job mixing and recording the podcast.
How can I stop memory leaks in mobile devices?
Episode 956
Leo says that a memory leak is when a program claims memory and never releases it even after it's needed, and that's not usually how mobile devices work. Apps that have memory leaks in portable devices just keep acquiring memory until the app crashes, and that's why most mobile device OS's are designed to prevent that. If he jailbreaks the device, all bets are off and some apps are just poorly written. As a result, they'll just force close.
What are alternatives for rural internet access?
Episode 956
Jennifer lives out in the sticks and has no Internet access. Can she use her cellular internet with her computer? Her reception isn't that great for 3G. Leo says that's not going to work. Latency and lag will kill her internet service over 3G. And the bandwidth caps aren't really worth it either, especially if she's gaming. There are some solutions like Satellite - Dish offers 4G speeds for about $30 a month. Wild Blue Excede is another.
How can I copy large files onto an Android tablet?
Episode 956
Michael from
Michael has tried to move files onto his Google Nexus 7, but halfway through, the Nexus 7 freezes up. Leo says the card could be full. Copying a file larger than 2GB won't work, so keep it under that. File copying in Windows 7 and older was terrible and unreliable. So, it's not surprising that copying large files is problematic in Windows. Using the command line function "robocopy," (or "Robust File Copy") works better.
