Topic: Tech Support

The hosts discuss technical difficulties following a major Windows update, including corrupted URL dialog boxes in Microsoft Outlook. One host describes a recurring issue where printing from Photoshop or IrfanView prompts a "save to file" dialog instead of executing the print job. Troubleshooting steps involve checking legacy forum posts from 2012 and attempting to reinstall printer drivers before finding a workaround by printing directly from a web browser.

The hosts detail a common tech support scam involving a fake Microsoft "pornographic spyware" alert. The malicious pop-up locks the user's browser and demands they call a toll-free number to prevent their computer from being disabled by authorities.

A host attempts to configure a Windows 10 feature that highlights the mouse pointer when the control key is pressed. The segment serves as a brief critique of the Microsoft user interface, noting that certain legacy features are now buried within "Ease of Access" menus and may not function as reliably as in previous versions.

A host recounts a frustrating experience trying to set up Google Fiber at a new Austin apartment. Despite visiting a physical "Fiber Store" and interacting with "Googlers," the process was stalled by database errors and address verification issues, leading to speculation that Google is scaling back its fiber business.

A recurring technical issue regarding how to enlarge the mouse pointer in Windows 10 is resolved. The hosts discover that the setting is located under the "Ease of Access" menu rather than standard mouse settings. They mock Microsoft for placing basic customization options in the accessibility section, which they refer to as the "invalid section."

The entire U.S. Navy continues to run on the obsolete Windows XP operating system, necessitating a multi-million dollar support contract with Microsoft for custom security patches. Microsoft ended general support for XP, but the Navy's refusal to upgrade has created a lucrative revenue stream for the software giant. The hosts criticize the lack of technical oversight in military IT procurement.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program discussing the weather in Port Angeles, Washington, and the recent heavy rains in Texas that raised Lake Travis. Dvorak describes his trip to see Puddles Pity Party, a singing clown lounge act, while providing tech support for his wife's printer.

An aside covers the difficulties of providing tech support to family members who do not understand how the internet works. The hosts discuss the "designated techie" role in households and share a personal anecdote about using humor and respect to get better results from technical assistance. They emphasize that home users often mistake local Wi-Fi issues for global internet outages.

One host recounts helping former Ambassador and CIA station chief Donald P. Gregg and his wife Meg resolve an email hacking incident. The story details the process of providing remote technical support to the 84-year-old statesman.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the show on November 5th, 2009, referencing Guy Fawkes Day and the Gunpowder Plot. Curry describes a catastrophic hardware failure of his customized MacBook Pro, which required an emergency data transfer to a new unibody model to maintain the show's complex audio routing and streaming setup. The transition involved significant software updates and driver replacements to ensure compatibility with the new hardware and operating system.

The hosts compare the stability of Apple's Leopard operating system with Windows, noting that while Mac users complain about rare crashes, Windows users are accustomed to frequent reboots. Adam Curry expresses satisfaction with his return to the Mac ecosystem for daily work, despite needing a Windows laptop for specific software like Cast Blaster. Dvorak admits that while he has issues with Apple as a company, he recommends their hardware to family members to minimize his own tech support burden.