Tech Talk

Ever wondered how your smartphone can pin down your exact location, anywhere on the planet? You can thank the Global Positioning System (GPS) for that. Now, I know that sounds all fancy and complicated, but think of it as a big game of cosmic tag that your phone is always playing with satellites in space. Back in the early 70s, the US Department of Defense began launching a bunch of satellites into orbit that eventually became the GPS system we rely on today. When it’s fully operational, the system has at least 24 active satellites circling the earth. It’s these guys that your phone is constantly communicating with. Now, these satellites are kind of like a bunch …

So, I’ve got a question that’s been eating at me lately. You know how we all have these old photographs, favorite songs, movies, and important documents stored on our laptops or external hard drives? I’ve got a ton as well. But a friend recently told me that hard drives aren’t reliable for long-term storage. Say like come 10, 15 years down the line, you could potentially lose all of your data. Can you believe that? He mentioned things like data degradation, drive failure, things I’ve never even thought of before … is that really true? I’ve kind of been freaking out since he told me this because we all probably have drives with stuff we’d hate to lose. You know, pictu…

My friends, how often have you looked at computer specs and wondered what the heck RAM is and why you should care? Well, pull up a chair because we’re gonna chat a bit about this technical marvel today. First of all, RAM stands for Random Access Memory. If you’re thinking this sounds like something a robot would say in a sci-fi movie, then hey, you’re not far off. While not as dramatic, but it’s still a pretty cool invention that’s crucial to your computer’s abilities. Imagine you’re cooking up a storm in your kitchen, RAM is like your kitchen countertop. The bigger it is, the more ingredients (or in this case, data) you can quickly access and use. Your computer i…

Yes, that’s right, I’m just a regular Joe who managed to upgrade my computer and I’m here to share my experiences. No, I’m not a certified tech professional but sometimes we all need a bit of advice from someone who’s been there and just about managed to do that; no technical jargon, no computer speak- just two buddies talking about computers. First things first, one of the most crucial aspects you need to consider is understanding what you’re trying to achieve with your upgrade. Gaming? Multi-tasking? Graphic designing? Or maybe just wanting your computer to run a bit faster. Trust me, it makes a difference in choosing the right components. Remember when I wanted…

Okay, long time lurker here, finally deciding to post something (yay me!). Anyway, here’s my predicament: Been using a Mac and everything Apple for what feels like decades but, recently I’ve been contemplating making a leap to the “dark side” - swapping my Mac for a PC. From what I gather, it might be a bit cheaper in the long run and a touch more customizable. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Mac but sometimes it feels like I’ve got a sports car but I can only drive it around a parking lot, you know? (Yeah, weird analogy, sorry!) The shift is a bit daunting, plus let’s be honest, I’m no tech guru. I’m just a regular dude who uses his computer for work (hello endles…

Hey folks - let’s dive right into a topic that often skims the edge of tech conversations: VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks. They’re tossed around like it’s yesterday’s tech news, but honestly, I bet some of us scratch our heads at the mention of them. So I thought, why not devote some much-needed space to this staple of internet privacy? I remember the first time I heard about VPNs, it was like listening to some obscure language! AES encryption, tunnel protocols, IP swapping - sounded more like a CIA operative’s handbook than a household tech tool. But I’ve since learnt that they’re simpler than they sound, and my word, more useful than I imagined. Picture this…

So the other day, I was cleaning my room and I found my old Fitbit at the back of a drawer. You know, one of those early models? It reminded me of the hype when these things first hit the market. It seemed like everyone and their dog had one strapped to their wrist, or was planning on getting one. And in theory, yeah, it was kinda cool - this sleek lil’ device tracking our every step, turning exercise into a game, helping to motivate us etc. But if I’m being honest? I was more excited about the shiny new gadget than its supposed health benefits. The novelty wore off after a few months. I stopped wearing it when the battery died one time and I just… never got round to …

Have you ever wondered how VPNs work and why they’re so important? Well buckle up, because we’re about to deep dive into the world of VPN engineering together. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. For those of us who aren’t tech gurus, this term can sound a little overwhelming. But, you’d be surprised how simple the concept actually is. You know when you’re looking for that little bit of extra privacy while surfing the web at your local coffee shop? A VPN’s got your back. Picture a VPN like a private tunnel on the internet superhighway. While everyone else is zooming along the shared lanes, you’re in this secure path that keeps your data hush-hush from prying e…

Hey folks, I thought it might be cool to put together a little guide for all our buddies interested in diving into the wonderful world of PC building. I remember when I started; it was quite a daunting task, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, there’s no turning back! First things first, you gotta decide what you’ll use the PC for. Are you an aspiring streamer set to take on Twitch? Or maybe you’re a graphic designer who needs massive processing power without spending an arm and a leg. Either way, knowing what you need helps guide all the decisions you’ll make along the way. Once you’ve got your needs sorted, next up is the central processing unit (CPU). In…

Hey folks, thought I’d share a few tips for anyone struggling to decide on the most important part of any gaming rig: the GPU. With so many options on the market right now, from budget-friendly to high-end choices, I know it can be a bit daunting to make the right pick. When it comes to gaming, your GPU, or graphics processing unit, is the heart and soul of your setup. It’s easy to get lured in by the cool-looking cases or high-speed memory, but those fancy RGB lights won’t help you run Cyberpunk 2077 on ultra settings. Now I remember my first GPU purchase. It was an Nvidia 8800GT back in the day (ah, memories). Did I need that powerful of a card back then? Probab…

hey peeps, new here and hoping you can help me out! Been saving up for a gaming laptop for a while now and I’m finally ready to make the purchase but tbh, I’m a little overwhelmed with all the specs. Nvidia or AMD for graphics card? Is a 2-in-1 model worth it (you know, for lazy Netflix days too)? And should I go all out on disk space or can I make-do with an external hard drive? Also heard something about solid state drives offering speed but not sure about that and and considering winter’s here and how much I’ll be indoors, I think I want to finalize this purchase ASAP. My budget’s not sky-high, around $1300 or so. The laptop wouldn’t just be for gaming, It will…

I mean, seriously, what’s the deal with removing them from practically all the new devices? I understand the push towards wireless and all that jazz, but I can’t be the only one who misses the dependability of those good old fashioned wired headphones. No charging, no worrying about pairing, just plug and play. Bliss. And what about the sound quality? Maybe it’s just my old ears, but I reckon nothing can really beat the quality from the wires. Wireless haven’t quite gotten there for me, but maybe that’s because I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to my music. Not to mention, have you noticed how many tiny ear buds are going to end up in landfill because there’s …

Recently, I’ve really noticed how much I rely on my wireless headphones. I once forgot them while going out for a run and the feeling was similar to leaving my phone at home, almost unbearable… Isn’t it mad how quickly we get used to new gadgets and tech and how they become a ‘necessity’? I wonder which gadgets you guys have that you just can’t imagine a day without. I mean beyond the absolute essentials like your phone or laptop. Is there any piece of tech that just makes those daily routines easier, or more enjoyable for you? I remember back in the day when my dad brought home one of those bulky, first generation mobile phones. He was so proud and thought it’s…

Okay, story time guys. I was cruising around the internet the other night, hunting for a new GPU ’cause my trusty old GTX 970 has reached the end of its lifespan. Now, let’s be clear, I’ve been through this process more than once…you know, doing my due diligence: checking prices, comparing specs, reading up on customer feedback, the whole shebang. So, I know the ropes, you could say. Man, was I in for a shock! Just a few months ago, I remember seeing the RTX 3070 going for something like $500. But now? The cheapest I could find cost double that. Wasn’t even a fancy model either. I mean, I like my games, but not enough to sell a kidney for a graphics card. Of c…

You know, I’ve been dabbling with computers and the Internet my fair share, and I think it’s really important for everyone to understand how VPNs work. They’re like the superheroes of the web, providing a secure connection and keeping your data safe and sound. I’ve noticed a lot of misunderstood information floating around, so I figured I’d shed some light on the subject. VPN is like your own private tunnel to the web. When you connect to the Internet, your data (like websites you visit, info you enter in forms) travels through this ‘tunnel’, hidden from unwanted eyes. Basically, instead of connecting directly to the Internet, you’re connecting to your VPN server whi…

Stumbled upon an old iPod in my drawer last night, the click-wheel one, remember them? Man, they were a gamechanger back in the day. We’ve definitely come a long way with tech since then, but I couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia. That little device held so much of my life at one point - all my music taste, DJ playlists, and even some infamous voice recordings are still on there! But it got me thinking. As great as all these upgrades and new gadgets are, there’s something to be said about old tech, isn’t there? Like, they’ve shaped so much of our present that it’s hard not to at least appreciate them. And yes, they are ridiculously cumbersome compared to today…

So, here’s the deal. I’ve been getting into video editing recently - just amateur stuff at the moment like making small clips of family vacations and mountain biking trips. I’ve been using my old laptop and it’s starting to give up the ghost - takes forever to process anything! I’ve been researching about what sort of laptop I need and let’s just say I’m more confused than when I started. There’s so much jargon out there! Quad-core this and SSD that. Not to mention all these different brands. And don’t get me started on budget. Of course I want the best of the best, but without a Hollywood budget, what’s the best option for me? So I’m here, reaching out to you te…

Hey everyone, have you also noticed this trend of physical keyboards slowly fading away from mobile devices? Back in the day, I remember how everyone was super excited about their BlackBerry or Nokia with its tactile QWERTY keyboard. There was something strangely satisfying about pressing those little buttons, right? But now, it seems we’re all about those touchscreens. Of course, they look slick and modern, but I can’t be the only one who sometimes misses the feel of a physical keyboard, can I? Sometimes, when I’m typing a long email or note on my smartphone, it just doesn’t feel the same. And don’t even start me on autocorrect mishaps! And with the new foldable…

First off, let’s unravel the mystery a bit. Building a computer isn’t as hard as it sounds. In fact, if you can turn a screwdriver, you are well on your way to assembling your own PC. I’ve done it a good few times and each time it’s a rewarding experience. You learn a lot, you get to choose exactly what you want, and it’s fun to see all your chosen parts come together to create something functional. The first thing you’ll need is a bit of space. Clear out a space on your desk, dining table, or whatever you’ve got going on and make a nice work area. It’s always good to remember that static electricity is the enemy of computer components. So, grounding yourself by touch…

I’ve been digging around the subject of self-driving cars and thought I’ll just stir up a conversation here - to see what everyone’s got to say about it. If you bought a car today, that comes equipped with self-driving capabilities, would you trust it enough to actually let it do the driving? Like hands off, feet off, just sitting behind the wheel reading a book or checking out the scenery? I recently had the chance to try out Tesla’s autopilot on a friend’s Model S. Gotta tell ya, it was pretty scary to take my hands off the wheel the first time, even on a less crowded highway. It did the job admirably I must say, but it was kinda unnerving to put so much trust …

So, I’ve been mulling over the idea of wearable tech lately. Like, I recently saw an advert for the new apple watch series 7 and I have to admit - I am intrigued. But then again, I also had this nagging feeling like, do I really want to be ‘plugged in’ all the time? I get the convenience aspect. Fitness tracking, email alerts, weather updates all right there on your wrist. Some of them even detect falls or emergency situations, which is handy especially for those with health conditions, right? But then we hear all this news about companies using our data and stuff. And I know, I know, we give away our information all the time just by using our smartphones, but …

Hey, just sitting here in my home office (aka my couch), bouncing between zoom calls, emails, and Spotify playlists. It got me thinking about my reliance on tech gadgets during this pandemic. Especially the ones which instantly climbed up the favourites ladder in these past few months. For me, it’s been a toss up between my noise cancelling headphones (what would I do without you, sweet escape from the sounds of my street??) and my fitness tracker which keeps me active (or shames me when I’m not). So what about y’all? Seen anything shiny and cool on the market lately you are dying to try out? What’s that one essential you feel you can’t do without? Has this pandemic a…

Hey everyone - hope you’re all safe and sound during these crazy times. So, here’s the thing - my ancient, trusty laptop finally decided to call it quits the other day, right in the middle of a game. Yep, that one hurt. But, that means it’s time for the upgrade I’ve been postponing for a while. My problem is, I don’t have a clue about what’s out there right now. Tech talk sounds like an alien language to me and most online reviews leave me with more questions than answers. I want a new laptop, ideally something reliable that won’t cost the earth, but I’m kind of a gamer and also use it for work, so it needs to be able to handle a lot. I’ve been skimming through o…

So, I was at my mate’s place last night, having a bit of a chill day, you know, the usual. He pulled out this VR headset, Samsung Gear VR to be exact. I must say, I was a bit sceptical at first. I mean, come on, how ‘real’ can a virtual world really feel? Turns out, way more than you’d expect! I was blowing up zombies, flying through space, I even had a virtual paintball match that felt so intense I was almost searching for cover behind the couch! I didn’t know whether to be impressed or terrified, LOL. It got me thinking, though.. With long lockdowns this year, could VR be an answer to escapism for some folks? It sure gave me a rush of adrenaline that I haven’t …

So, we’re all familiar with that pesky little popup that comes up on every website, right? Yeah, you know the one, asking if you’d like to accept their cookies. No, not the yummy, chocolatey kind unfortunately. These are a different beast altogether. But what exactly are browser cookies? And should you be accepting them? Browser cookies, or HTTP cookies as some folks call them, are small bits of data that websites store on your computer. They’re not necessarily a bad thing, despite popular belief. In fact, they can be pretty useful. See, when you visit a website for the first time, it doesn’t know who you are or what you like. That’s where cookies come in. They ho…