Your internet connection, web sites and services.
Internet and Web
Johnny Jet ... A lifetime ago
Episode 1561
Johnny Jet just got back from New York after a conference, and he says that conferences are what he calls a "flu fest" because people are coming from all over the country, or even world, and they are sharing a closed space of an airplane with people who are sick. Now he's got the flu.
Why can't my laptop connect to the internet?
Episode 1561
Joe fromJoe's laptop won't connect to the internet. Leo says that some laptops have a function key that will set your laptop into Airplane mode. So check that out. Other than that, there may have been a corrupted WiFi driver that's preventing the internet from talking to your router/modem. But Joe erased some "unnecessary files" and Windows told him to do it. Leo says that's not the case here. But Microsoft has a tech note about this same issue.
How can I get free Internet access?
Episode 1561
Steve fromSteve wants to know if there's a device that will give him internet without paying a monthly fee. Leo says that Freedom Pop promises internet, but understand it'll be filled with ads. There's also NetZero. Another idea is to spend time at your public library or local wifi hotspot. Some cities also offer free public wifi all around their municipality.
Mark Zuckerberg Explains Facebook
Episode 1561
Under fire for privacy issues, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckberg wrote an op-ed piece in the Wall Street Journal explaining why and how Facebook collects your data and what they do with it. Leo says he thinks that Zuckerberg did a decent job of making his case for the business model Facebook uses. But he's also making the plea for regulators not to regulate social media.
Has my email been hacked?
Episode 1560
Suzanne fromSuzanne uses Hotmail and all of a sudden, she's getting hundreds of spam from subscribed newsletters. She also got an email about an order for a GoPro camera bought at Walmart. Leo suspects that someone doesn't like Suzanne or has stolen her identity. It's a new scam where hackers overwhelm your email address with bulk emails to distract you from the actual identity theft going on. It's called "Chaff." The idea is to be so overwhelmed with spam and bulk emails, you miss the stolen credit card activity. Shame on companies that allow signups without a double opt-in via email.
How can I protect my network on a shared internet access portal?
Episode 1559
Don fromDon is worried that his network may be compromised because he uses a shared internet network in his office building. Leo says there may be a weak link with a point of entry that's a result of the building, but it should be locked down pretty well. Leo recommends getting an IT consultant to help run his internet access. Employees may actually be a bigger risk if they fall victim to phishing scams. An IT consultant can help train the employees to be on the lookout for scams.
How can I protect myself from identity theft?
Episode 1559
Mara fromMara was a victim of identity theft, and just narrowly avoided having her brokerage account drained. Leo says that Mara should change her password and turn on 2 factor authentication right away. Leo suspects the bad guys got her information from a database breach like the Collection #1 or the Marriott hack. Leo also suggests going to haveIbeenpwned.com/passwords and see if her passwords have been compromised and are known.
Has my Gmail been hacked?
Episode 1559
Jim fromJim got an email from Google that stated he had put in a request to terminate his account, which is something he never asked for. Leo suspects this is a phishing attempt. He should hover over the URL for the link they offer to contact them and see if it's legit. Chances are, it isn't.
Johnny Jet on Travel Tech
Episode 1559
App of the Week - Shaka Guide App. It's a tour guide for Hawaii, that goes at your own speed. iOS or Android. In App purchases of tours.
Website - BabyQuip.com ... if you have young kids, this service is great to renting baby gear, toys and baby food. It's a great alternative when traveling with little kids.
Why doesn't ObiTalk work with Google Fi?
Episode 1559
Johnny fromJohnny uses Google Voice and bought an ObiTalk to use with some older phones. Is that a good idea? Leo says he used the ObiTalk for a long time. It's very cool. However, It doesn't work with Google Fi, so if his Google Voice is tied to Google Fi, he'll have issues. Johnny would have to use a second Google Voice number, but that doesn't do him much good and he can't forward that number to his other Fi account.
