Tuesday, January 20, 2026

15 Jan 2026 - Windows 11 Customization

First ... sorry about that for our remote attendees.  "News and Comment" went as normal, but when I switched to a new sign-in account for show how Windows 11 can be customized from scratch, Zoom went away.  I should have realized that was going to happen.  I thought everything was going to be fine when I re-launched Zoom from the new user; but 1) Zoom wasn't even installed for the new user and 2) if I did a quicky install, I'm sure the re-login to Zoom for our Pro account would not have been quick.

Topics of the Day

  • For all the fun Star Trek AI videos (the preshow) simply go to YouTube and do a search.  <link>  The more you know ST, the better these are.  :-)
  • The Amazon Vine Program <link>  I get free stuff to review.
  • The first couple minutes of this week's "Security Now" podcast with Steve Gibson and Leo Laporte <link> talk about their being phished.  In Leo's case, the phish was successful (!) and he had to change 3 of his credit cards.  Proof that this can happen to anyone, even experts.
  • Bob Rankin re-addresses the old question, "Is it possible to get a computer virus just by opening an email?"  <link>  Short answer: No ... but what you do after that can make all the difference.
  • The Wave Browser <link> is not malware by itself.  But ... big but ... Nare-do-wells have used it so often for malware attacks that it is now considered a "PUP" - a potential unwanted program. <link>
  • You can check the details of your Delmarva Power bill here <link>.  My bill for December was $500 -> a new record high for me by $100!  Why?  A combination of factors: Major factor was it was cold, but gas generation up by 43% and generally everything is now more expensive.
  • I like and subscribe to the Microsoft 365 family plan, now called 'Classic' for $100/year.  It's a cost effective plan if, and only if, you need it installed on multiple machines.  That can be up to 30 computers!  Recommend the Classic plan w/o AI ("Copilot") features.  <link>
  • Link to my updated "Customizing Windows 11" paper <link>

Sunday, January 4, 2026

18 Dec 2025 - "Chasing Rabbits"

 Yup, this last one of the year went down a deep rabbit hole.  Bob's Bytes #345

 ·         Quickie NCC Tax Updates

o   Property taxes now due 31 Dec 2025 <link>

o   Parcel Search <link> shows updated balances, past bills, history

o   You can pay on-line <link>

·         The “RAM-pocalypse” is coming

o   https://www.howtogeek.com/dont-panic-about-the-ram-pocalypse/

·         The Stiltz Elevator <link>  Cool looking, but expensive

o   JerryRigEverything installs one <link>

§  https://www.youtube.com/@JerryRigEverything

o   JerryRigEverything is the YouTube channel of Zack Nelson, who reviews technology through teardown videos and durability tests.  Nelson's channel is the most-viewed cell phone repair channel on the internet

·         Rocket Sizes compared <link>  SpaceX’s StarShip is *Huge*!

YouTube channels worth investigating:

·         Smarter Every Day

o   https://www.youtube.com/@smartereveryday

o   The "Smarter Everyday guy" is Destin Sandlin, an American aerospace engineer and science communicator known for his popular YouTube channel where he explores science, engineering, and the world around us through in-depth videos and high-speed footage, aiming to help people to see things differently.

o   Trying to make something in America, the Smarter Scrubber

§  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZTGwcHQfLY&t=1s

§  Amazon’s “Chinese” copy https://www.amazon.com/Bristle-Cleaning-Scrubber-Barbeque-Chainmail/dp/B0D3LMS7JM

o   Some good ones to start with:

§  Surfacing a Nuclear Sub in the Arctic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFJnWp1tAdU

§  If the motor in a Helicopter fails, does it turn into a brick? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTqu9iMiPIU

·         Mark Rober … Glitter bombs & backyard Squirrels; Crunch Labs

o   https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRober

o   Former NASA engineer. Current CrunchLabs founder and friend of science. I make a monthly toy we build together on a video, that gets delivered to your house that teaches you to think like an engineer.  I worked for NASA JPL for 9 years, 7 of which were working on the Curiosity Rover (I made a video about it you should def totes watch cause it's probably my favorite of all my videos).  Then I made some Halloween costumes.  Then I worked for Apple in their Special Projects Group doing Product Design as a Mechanical Engineer for 5 years. Then in 2022 I created Crunch Labs to deliver monthly toys that teach you to think like an engineer.

o   Some good ones to start with:

§  Glitter Bomb vs Porch Pirates https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoxhDk-hwuo

§  The Squirrel Maze https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFZFjoX2cGg

·         Everyday Astronaut … rockets & rocket engines

o   https://www.youtube.com/@EverydayAstronaut

o   The Everyday Astronaut is Tim Dodd, an American science communicator, YouTuber, photographer, and musician known for making complex spaceflight topics accessible and exciting for a general audience through high-quality, documentary-style videos.

o   Some good ones to start with:

§  SpaceX’s Raptor engine, why is it different? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbH1ZDImaI8

§  How to catch a rocket when it lands https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAPt5vbr-YU

§  Inside the Star factory w/Elon Musk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFqjoCbZ4ik

§  The Truth about the Moon Landings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMHLvoWZfqQ

·         Tested (Adam Savage) … better half of the Mythbusters

o   https://www.youtube.com/@tested

o   Adam Savage is the popular host, maker, and editor-in-chief of the online platform Tested, known for his work as the co-host of Mythßusters, his deep dives into special effects, maker culture, and technology, and his engaging behind-the-scenes content.

o   Some good ones to start with:

§  Hollywood built space suits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-vsakGJhEM

·         DASEF in Smyrna has one modelled on Neil Armstrong’s suit

§  Can a plane take off from a treadmill? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUjcHW7SHaI

·         Linus Tech Tips … Canadian geek building computers

o   https://www.youtube.com/@LinusTechTips

o   Linus Tech Tips (LTT) refers to both the popular technology-focused YouTube channel and its founder, a Canadian tech personality known for creating engaging videos about PC hardware, consumer tech reviews, and engineering projects,

o   Some good ones to start with:

§  Building a computer using only wish.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ_8F4nzyiw

§  How to build a PC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL4DCEp7blY

·         First We Feast … home of the Hot Ones

o   https://www.youtube.com/@FirstWeFeast

o   "First.We.Feast" is the food and pop culture media brand behind the hit YouTube interview show Hot Ones, hosted by Sean Eyans, where celebrities eat progressively spicier chicken wings while answering tough questions. Evans, the show’s host and co-creator, became famous for his insightful, well-researched questions, turning the spicy wing challenge into a cultural phenomenon and a successful franchise.

o   Some good ones to start with:

§  Bobby Flay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5ZJJSag8tQ

§  Gordon Ramsay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9DyHthJ6LA

§  Alton Brown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1-k7VYwsHg 

o   There are 29 seasons of this, many celebrities has taken the test!

·         Don McMillan … Nerd and PowerPoint Comedian

o   https://www.youtube.com/@donmcmillancomedy

o   What do you get when you cross an Engineer with a stand-up comedian? You get Don McMillan. This former chip designer has been doing his one-of-a-kind, PowerPoint-Driven comedy show for audiences for over 20 years. In his show packed with graphs & charts

o   Some good ones to start with:

§  The Difference Between A Dork And A Nerd, full show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwz-Md6OoyA

§  The one that started it all, “Death by PowerPoint” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbSPPFYxx3o

·         Technology Connections … investigating lots of (mostly old tech) things

o   https://www.youtube.com/@TechnologyConnections

o   The host of the popular YouTube channel Technology Connections is Alec Watson, an American creator known for his in-depth, humorous, and well-researched videos on the history and mechanics Of everyday technology like home appliances, electronics, and transportation.

o   Some good ones to start with:

§  Lava Lamps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16gB2BDXwTo 

§  Dishwashers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHP942Livy0

·         CGP Grey – The Cartoon Explainer

o   https://www.youtube.com/@CGPGrey

o   Cartoon videos on topics of interest.  Doesn’t do many, but all interesting.

o   Some good ones to start with:

§  Does your Flag Fail, Rating US State flags.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4w6808wJcU  

§  Should all locks have keys https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPBH1eW28mo

§  Humans need not apply https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnJTWzf8kH4 

·         Jingle Bells … Forever

And the actual presentation:

Monday, October 13, 2025

Oct 9, 2025 - "Protecting Your Privacy Part 2"

 Bob's Bytes #342

Topics of the Day

  • New Tesla Model 3 and Y variants announced.  The new "Standard" versions are slightly less expensive.  https://www.tesla.com/
  • Consumer Reports reviewed Cell Phone plans.  Consumer Cellular was the top, AT&T and Verizon were at the bottom.  <Link>
  • We're still waiting for our NCC tax bills, taxes are due 30 Nov 2025.  Use Parcel Search <Link> to check your taxes, it should be updated with the new school taxes real soon now.
  • Bob Rankin's "50 Free Online Research Tools" should be on everyone's list of sites to check.  <Link>
  • Windows 10 hits its End-of-Support date on Oct 14.  What to do?  Here's 9 things <Link> with my recommendation of doing nothing.
  • Data Brokers collect as much data they can on you and sell to anyone.  It's legal and you can tell each of them to stop.  But there's hundreds of them; so hire someone like "Delete Me" to do it for you.  <Link>
  • GRC's Security Now podcast is where I get my computer security news and information.  Get it in Audio, Show Notes & Text transcripts here, Newsletter here, Video here, YouTube here, or in whatever podcast catcher you want. (Apple, Stitcher, Pandora, etc.)
  • Unbelievable: There is an app that will pay you if you let it listen and record all your phone calls.  Unbelievable that lots and lots of people will give up their privacy for a few bucks.  <link>
  • I've switched to the Brave Browser <link> because it's more privacy-protecting by default.  Use "Cover Your Tracks" <link> to test your browser.
  • All about VPNS - https://askleo.com/how-does-a-vpn-protect-me/, and https://askleo.com/is-there-any-reason-to-use-a-vpn-at-home/  
  • Are you over 18?  Prove it without giving away your private information.  It's hard!  The Delaware Mobile ID <link><link> and TruAge <link> claim they can do it.  But it takes a common system and these aren't it.
  • CSAM is a problem, “We must protect the children!”  Some lawmakers think they have to be able to read everyone’s messages and see everyone's pictures everywhere regardless of everyone's privacy to do that.