In this episode of Ask The Tech Guys, Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent dive into the recent CrowdStrike security update disaster, discuss the end of Google's URL shortener, and address listener questions about Apple Music libraries and Mac upgrades. The hosts also share insights on the show's upcoming studio changes and the importance of Club TWiT memberships for the network's sustainability.

• CrowdStrike security update causes widespread Windows crashes, affecting airlines, hospitals, and major companies
• Google announces "goo.gl" links will stop working in August 2025, potentially breaking many existing services
• Matthew asks about moving his Apple Music library to an external drive and keeping the most recent versions of files
• Leo discusses the upcoming closure of the current TWiT studio and transition to home-based production
• The evolution of studio equipment and how consumer technology now enables high-quality home production
• Fransisco inquires about using an older MacBook Pro with Big Sur for online banking and purchasing
• Hosts advise using third-party browsers for security and discuss the timing of purchasing new Macs
• Dan wants to know how to best preserve his father's microcassette tapes
• Jim can't hear the text tone on his Apple Watch and wants to know how to change the sound.
• Jeff from Michigan asks about recording high school marching band events, with Leo suggesting using smartphones or the Sony ZV-1 camera for better quality and ease of use.
• Ann from Antioch inquires about allowing Bluetooth permissions for a garage door opener app.
• Richard from Tennessee reports issues with his new Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra crashing when opening YouTube.
• Bill from Tarzana asks if leaving devices plugged in constantly is harmful, with the hosts reassuring that modern devices have circuitry to manage battery health.
• Mark from Racine inquires about Leo's switch from Authy to 2FAS for two-factor authentication, with Leo explaining his reasons for preferring 2FAS.

Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2034

Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

Is there an easy way to convert an email into an audio file? Why can't I back up my files using both iDrive and iCloud? Why aren't banks using proper two-factor authentication methods? Plus, Sam Abuelsamid talks about the Cadillac CELESTIQ display and how manufacturers are leaning in more to software-driven features.

• FTC fires a warning shot at eight companies over 'Right To Repair' violations.
• Goldman Sachs: AI is overhyped, wildly expensive, and unreliable.
• This is the fastest object ever made by humans, and it's not slowing down.
• Toll of Snowflake hack widens with theft of AT&T text, calling data.
• Micah from the Airplane Geeks podcast calls in to ask if there's a proper lightning to USB-C adapter that he can use with his Shure microphone, which has a lightning connection and no USB-C connection.
• Dan emails the show asking for alternatives to Amazon Echo devices for his parents, who aren't very tech-savvy, that can stream music throughout the home on various devices.
• Sam Abuelsamid joins Leo and Mikah on the show this week. Sam talks about how car manufacturers are utilizing more software-driven features in their vehicles.
• Genet writes in, wondering what it means to "Sign In with Apple" on various websites and if it's safe to use this. Miakh explains how "Sign In with Apple" works.
• Patch has a 2015 MacBook Pro, and the battery is nearing its end of life, which is affecting some of its laptop functions. What can he do about the battery issues?
• Jay writes in, wondering if there's an app that can translate an email into an audio file for his mother.
• Charles calls in with a follow-up to Jay's question and suggests using Siri's VoiceOver function on the iPhone / iPad to do exactly what Jay is looking for.
• Ken is wondering why he's getting errors when trying to backup his files through both iDrive and iCloud, as he's trying to back up his files to multiple locations.
• Mel is in the market for a new computer for general computing needs, such as email and document writing, and is wondering what Mikah and Leo would recommend.
• Aaron has a simple question for the Tech Guys: why do the banks continue to avoid using 2FA applications like Google Authenticator?

Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

Guest: Sam Abuelsamid

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2033

Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

Leo and Mikah tackle a wide range of tech questions from viewers, covering everything from backup strategies to AI's impact on creativity. The hosts are joined by the Home Theater Geek Scott Wilkinson, who shares an impressive DIY home theater, and travel expert Johnny Jet with essential tips for renewing your passport online and staying cool while traveling in Europe. Don't miss Leo and Mikah's thought-provoking discussion on the future of AI and human creativity!

• Google research paper suggests AI "breaking reality" is a feature, not a bug. The team discusses the implications.
• Mathematicians discover the fifth "busy beaver" number after 40 years. Leo attempts to explain this computational math milestone.
• Cloudflare launches tool to block AI bots from scraping websites, as 85% of Cloudflare customers want to block AI.
• Saudi Arabia aims to be the eSports capital of the world with a $60 million prize pool.
• Martin asks for advice on replacing his Drobo Mini for backing up 8 family members' computers. Leo and Mikah recommend using a NAS for network backups, Time Machine for local backups, and cloud services like Backblaze for offsite backup.
• Richard wonders if he needs to convert his hard drives from NTFS to APFS when moving from Windows to Mac for his large video collection. The hosts explain NTFS works fine on Mac and recommend using a Synology NAS with Plex as a centralized media server.
• Jeremy wants to set up cloud backup with versioning for his daughter's MacBook before she heads to college. Mikah suggests using Time Machine locally and Backblaze for cloud backup.
• The Home Theater Geek Scott Wilkinson showcases an impressive DIY basement home theater built for under $24K.
• Jim, a movie sound professional, is looking for a Windows word processor that can handle his 2000+ page book with many illustrations. The hosts caution against trying to run macOS on a PC and recommend trying LibreOffice.
• Matthew asks if using the Google Photos app on iPhone will create duplicates. Mikah doesn't think so but suggests running a short test.
• Graham wants to play Apple Podcasts on his Google Nest speakers. Leo recommends using Spotify instead since it's supported by Google speakers.
• Hans, a multimedia artist, shares a fascinating discussion with Leo and Mikah about AI's impact on creative jobs. While some see AI as a threat, Hans embraces it as a tool to enhance creativity.
• Paul troubleshoots an issue where he's not getting play-by-play audio on certain sports streams through his TV speakers, but it works through his soundbar. The hosts suggest it's likely an encoding compatibility issue with his TV.
• Johnny Jet shares his unfortunate tale of catching hand, foot and mouth disease right before a big trip to Europe. He offers tips on travel insurance, the risks of posting your info publicly, and renewing your passport online.
• Vidak from Montenegro is experiencing audio cut-outs when using his Focusrite Scarlett audio interface with his M2 MacBook Pro. Mikah suspects a software conflict and suggests troubleshooting steps to isolate the issue.

Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

Guests: Scott Wilkinson and Johnny Jet

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2032

Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

Sponsor:

• cachefly.com/twit

Four thousand people were arrested in a crackdown on online scam networks. What's the best way to get started working in IT? What are good alternatives to the Windows Mail app? And Mikah and Leo give their recommendation for a Wi-Fi system that's great for older users.

• Nearly 4,000 arrested in global police crackdown on online scam networks.
• I paid $365.63 to replace 404 Media with AI.
• Microsoft tells Texas agencies they were exposed in Russian hack.
• NASA and SpaceX misjudged the risks from reentering space junk.
• The White House will host a conference for social media creators.
• Apple explores novel method for making iPhone batteries more replaceable.
• A caller is taking an online course to get a certification towards working in the field of IT and has started to look at online jobs. They found a job they are interested in, but it's asking for five years of experience, and the caller will only have this certification when applying. How can they find the ideal job to start their career in the IT field?
• Shele wonders how they can back up their iPhone data to network-attached storage rather than through iCloud.
• Nate uses a Mac and a Windows machine with multiple hard drives connected to it. Whenever he reboots his Mac though, the Windows machine with the drives goes offline, and he has to reconnect them every time manually. Is there a way to reconnect the drives automatically?
• Nate is also wondering why when driving in his vehicle and as he gets close to his house, Siri activates from his iPhone and takes over the audio in his vehicle?
• Jeff is having issues getting back into his email account after supposedly violating the email providers' service agreement.
• Jim has a website for wedding officiation. However, when people try to visit his website, the server can't be found unless they add "https://" to the URL. What's preventing people from visiting Jim's website?
• Kevin writes in to try to find alternatives to Windows's Mail app after being mandated to switch from it to Microsoft Outlook.
• David calls in trying to understand why he can only update the operating system through the command line when running Linux Mint.
• James calls in looking for a recommendation for a Wi-Fi system he can install for his parents and have them manage it themselves rather than relying on James.
• Andrew is looking for recommendations for his next laptop and to see if there's any spamware protection he can install for his Pixel 8.

Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2031

Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

Troubleshooting a callers' mail client.

Is it safe to leave your soundbar on all the time, using a second monitor with your iMac, download speeds are vastly different between two laptops with very similar specs, magnets and your phone, scanners for scanning photos, computers running slow after an update, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Marquardt, and more of your calls!

Host: Leo Laporte

Guests: Sam Abuelsamid and Chris Marquardt

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/the-tech-guy.

For detailed show notes, visit techguylabs.com.

Sponsors:

• LastPass.com/twit
• expressvpn.com/techguy
• GetRoman.com/TECHGUY

Would you pay a monthly fee for an AI Alexa?? Can I extend the connection between my AirPods and my Mac? What's going on with my connection to my network when using Apple's Private Relay? Plus, Dick DeBartolo talks about the MAD exhibition at the Norman Rockwell Museum and the new AeroPress Go Plus!

• How the dash to ditch paper money created a playground for criminals.
• 'This Old House' pays tribute to creator Russell Morash.
• Apple won't roll out AI tech in EU market over regulatory concerns.
• AT&T can't hang up on landline phone customers, California agency rules.
• Amazon mulls $5 to $10 monthly price tag for unprofitable Alexa service, AI revamp.
• Mark is wondering if a smartwatch is a good device to catch up on missed notifications and if there's a way to have the watch re-send any notifications he missed previously.
• Jesse is getting an 0x80d02002 error when downloading files on their Windows machine and is trying to figure out how to stop the error. They also ask why they can't get their Roku TV to connect to their Apple AirPlay.
• Dick Debartolo joins the show this week to talk about the MAD exhibition at the Norman Rockwell Museum and the new AeroPress Go Plus.
• Steve writes to ask if there's a way to extend the connection of their AirPods to their Mac.
• Bala's phone was stolen recently, and they got a new phone to replace it. But they're wondering if the thieves can easily access the information on their old phone.
• Vidak ask why his mesh system is not correctly connecting to the node they want it to connect to?
• Tim wonders why if Apple is such and advocate for privacy, why they allow downloaded apps from the App Store to collect information on you Tim is also having issues getting Apple's Private Relay to connect to their WiFi network.
• David writes in wondering what the best way to hook up their Apple TV to a project and get sound out with a soundbar or speakers.
• Emil emails the show asking why their 2nd Gen AirPods Pro constantly pauses audio playback from almost any movement.

Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

Guest: Dick DeBartolo

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2030

Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

Sponsor:

• wix.com/studio

Microsoft's Surface Duo dual screen tablet device, troubleshooting a printer that won't print, Scott Wilkinson reviews $3000 headphones, are they worth it? Do I have to install the latest Windows 10 updates? Securing a NAS, the best airlines to fly on during the pandemic, the GizWiz talks about the Acer Spin 3 notebook for back to school, and more of your calls!

Host: Leo Laporte

Guests: Scott Wilkinson, Johnny Jet, and Dick DeBartolo

Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/the-tech-guy.

For detailed show notes, visit techguylabs.com.

Sponsors:

• Melissa.com/twit
• adobe.com/businessmoves
• LastPass.com/twit

Apple & Meta will likely face charges for failing to comply with EU rules. Can you play Apple Spatial audio files outside of Apple Music? How can you start learning how to program and develop an application? Plus, Rod Pyle talks about the Boeing Starliner launch, and Chris Marquardt goes over the past month's photo assignment of Minimalist!

• Apple WWDC24, Apple Intelligence, and RCS coming to iPhone.
• Apple, Meta set to face EU charges under landmark tech rules, sources say.
• Matthew calls in, asking if upgrading his network from 2.4GHz to 5GHz is worth it.
• Chris wants to know how to play his Apple Spatial audio files in other applications outside of Apple Music.
• Rod Pyle talks about the Boeing Starliner launch, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch, and China's Chang'e 6 mission.
• Kevin likes having everything on his Mac open up in one Finder window with multiple tabs. How can Kevin keep Finder from opening links he clicks on in iMessage on his Mac to opening in the same Finder window where he has his multiple tabs?
• Henry emails Leo and Mikah, wondering where he can go to start programming an app he has an idea for.
• After upgrading to Mac OS Sonoma, Steve gets a notification that "Steve's iPhone microphone is not available." He wants to know why he's constantly getting this notification and how to stop it?
• Randy writes that they have a music collection on Apple Music, but he wants to save those files on his iPhone in the Apple Music app without constantly paying for a subscription. Is there a way for Randy to do this?
• Chris Marquardt goes over the Minimalist photo assignment and assigns the next assignment!
• Patrick calls in with a problem about why, when he's sending text messages on his iPhone through iMessage, the messages go from the Apple standard blue bubbles to green bubbles randomly at times. Patrick also wonders why his Apple Watch is receiving notifications inconsistently from apps like iMessage and WhatsApp.

Hosts: Leo Laporte and Mikah Sargent

Guests: Rod Pyle and Chris Marquardt

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Show notes and links for this episode are available at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys/episodes/2029

Download or subscribe to this show at: https://twit.tv/shows/ask-the-tech-guys

Sponsors:

• ZipRecruiter.com/Twit
• eufy.com