Tekzilla

Hosted by Patrick Norton, Robert Heron and Veronica Belmont. New episodes Tuesdays & Thursdays

Tekzilla feeds your tech hunger! Patrick Norton, Robert Heron and Veronica Belmont bring you hands on reviews of the latest gear, tips and tricks that improve the tech you already own and conversations with the most informative experts around. Read More

Why You'll Want The iPad 2, Will Thunderbolt Replace USB 3.0 and FireWire?, What's Does Windows Defender Exactly Do, Best Hard Drive Options For Archiving Data.

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011 – running time 37:35

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We get expert impressions of Apple's iPad 2. How do you run 3rd party security apps along with Microsoft's own Windows Defender and Security Essentials. Is Thunderbolt the ultimate peripheral interface for the modern PC? Our recommendations for archiving data onto hard drives.

Tekzilla

Gmail loses emails and Malware attack directed at Android and OS X

Gmail working to restore lost emails. 2 out of 10,000 Gmail users lost emails. If you need information in those emails consider downloading those email with an email client and Gmail's POP mail function. Attention Android phone users! There's a nasty trojan floating around for your phone called "Steamy Windows" that comprises the security of your phone. For more info check out this page at Computerworld.

Speaking of breached security there's also a trojan for OS X called the BlackHole RAT. Does it mean that OS X users are now are target? Maybe but the salient point is: don't download software from untrusted sites. In light of the security threat Motorola has told Infoworld that it has plans to develop APIs that will match Blackberry and iPhones in the level of security. On a more upbeat note PCMag is reporting that Motorola's XOOM is built to be modified and has been overclocked to 1.5 GHz and PCMag reports that it's case may be easy ti open to make it quicker to upgrade to 4G connectivity.

01:21 | Play

iPad 2 Announcement.

Steve Jobs comes out of medial leave to announce the release of the iPad 2. This update to the original Apple iPad offers more processing and GPU power, reduced heft, built in magnets, and 2 cameras. See what some industry watchers are saying about Apple's latest product.

05:33 | Play

Question: Long Term Battery Power for Modem and Wireless Router

Chris was wanting a way to power his modem and network router independently from a wall outlet and was piqued by a potential that an old Systm episode where we showed how to extend the time a UPS could run without being plugged in. Call it serendipity but fellow viewer Wesley sent in his version of a DIY portable power pack. Now depending on your draw, say 2 amps total, you'll get more than 4hrs worth of running time from a your standard NP12 Battery.

12:20 | Play

Intel's Thunderbolt Next Generation I/O Interface

We talked to Tested.com's, Will Smith about Intel's latest peripheral port interface. Capable of 10Gbps per channel now and potentially up to 100Gbps in the future, Thunderbolt, brings together a PCIe x4 interface and combines it with DisplayPort into a single plug. Currently only Apple's MacBook Pro line sports the technology, and until Thunderbolt peripherals start trickling out the only way to use that plug is with a mini DisplayPort cable. With it's faster than FireWire 800 and USB 3.0 speeds, however, Thunderbolt will be a compelling upgrade for manufacturers and end-users that can make use of it's high bandwidth and low latency connectivity.
16:49 | Play

Website Pick: Wordspy.com

If you a true believer in the organic nature of language check outWord Spy. This site is a self-proclaimed "Word Lover's Guide to New Words". From words like "manther" to "oncallogist" you'll cringe and delight to the ever growing library of English worlds.

24:03 | Play

Question: Difference between Windows Defender and Security Essentials and can you turn off the Windows stuff if you use third party tools?

Rob had a question about the differences between Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials on Windows 7 and 3rd party anti-virus applications like Avira and AVG. For the most part they do the same things. Windows Defender is a spyware/malware detector and removal tool while Security Essentials is Anti-virus tool. Now you can use Defender with a 3rd party anti-virus. Just don't run two anti-virus apps at the same time. Windows will still nag if you don't update the virus definitions however if you want you can turn off the notices under Real-Time Protection or turn off alerts in the Action Center within the Control Panel under Change Action Center settings on the left most pane.

25:17 | Play

Question: How to get back menu and toolbar in Firefox 4

Carla wrote in asking how to change the new look in Firefox 4 back to the way it was it previous versions. She feels the minimalist look of the GUI puts a dent into her web surfing activity. Worry not Carla for TechSpot.com has a great write up on tweaking the interface and disabling the Firefox button. Veronica also recommends using Firefox 4 UI Fixer which allows plenty of customizations to the Firefox 4 UI as well.

27:38 | Play

Question: Best Hard Drive Solution for Archiving

Manny had a question about archiving data long term on hard drives. What types of drives to use - 2.5" or 3.6" - and what kind of external drive solution would work best. The ideal solution is to use a long lasting archival grade media or have it stored with company that specializes in the role. While today's hard drives are relatively robust they could be corrupted as age and temp can alter the magnetic arrangement on the drive platters themselves. In Manny's case something like Data Robotic's Drobo will provide storage unit that with self-repairing ability if one of the four user installed drives fail. Other options include an external RAID 5, 10, or higher unit that allows rebuilding of data when a drive in the array fails. In terms of 2.5" to 3.5" drives the larger desktop 3.5" variety tend to offer more space for lower cost making them ideal of bulk data storage.

31:58 | Play

Video Question from Yannis what to do with Old PDAs

Finally Yannis in Chicago sent in a video question about what to do with his old but still functional PDAs. We're hoping you our resourceful viewers might a answer or three for Yannis. If you do email us at tekzilla@revision3.com!

35:06 | Play

GoToAssist Express
There are a variety of tools in the market that let you remotely work on another person's computer. But the only one I trust and rely on is Go To Assist Express brought to you by Citrix. The reason? Exceptional performance, ease of use, and security. No IT maintenance or updating is required. It's so fast you will be viewing your client's computer and troubleshooting in seconds. Plus, support clients' computers even when they are away from their computers. Tekzilla viewers can try GoToAssist Express FREE for 30 Days. For this special offer visit GoToAssist.com/tekzilla. That's GoToAssist.com/tekzilla for a FREE trial.

GameFly
GameFly is the largest online video game rental service and offers you a choice from over 7,000 new and classic titles across all consoles and handhelds. With plans starting at $15.95 a month, GameFly members can rent one to four games at a time and keep them for as long as they like. There are no late fees, no due dates and shipping is always free. Once you're done playing a game, send it back and GameFly will send you the next available game on your list. If you really like the game you're playing, simply click "keep it" on the GameFly website and the game is yours, at a discounted price. GameFly will even mail you the case and manuals free of charge! Tekzilla fans get a 15-day FREE Trial when they go to www.GameFly.com/TEKZILLA

HostGator.com
HostGator.com is the place for all of your domain hosting needs. Start a website from just $4.95 a month with 24/7 customer support. That's right, call at 3 am and get someone who really knows their stuff. HostGator also offers a number of features that differentiate it from the competition. See for yourself what makes HostGator the perfect hosting solution Check out www.hostgator.com and enter the code TEKZILLAHD to get 25% off your order.

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About the Show

Details
Show Title:
Tekzilla
Description:
Tekzilla feeds your tech hunger! Patrick Norton, Robert Heron and Veronica Belmont bring you hands on reviews of the latest gear, tips and tricks that improve the tech you already own and conversations with the most informative experts around.
Categories:
How-To & DIY, Technology & Gadgets
Launch Date:
Sep 1, 2007
Episodes:
430
Credits
Veronica Belmont (Host)
Robert Heron (Host)
Patrick Norton (Host)