Episode 441 - Software as a Service - Does it Make Sense?

This Week on TechtalkRadio: Memorial Day Weekend Edition:

Andy flies solo this week while Shawn enjoys a well-earned, tech-savvy escape to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Kicking things off, Andy tackles a listener question from Cecilia, whose mom got locked out of her iPhone after too many failed passcode attempts. He shares some helpful tips for recovering a locked iPhone—yes, even without the iCloud login—and explains when it makes sense to reset the device. This can be a experience that is not always solved overnight and could require a visit to an Apple Store. 

Then it’s time to talk subscriptions: Andy digs into the rise of Software as a Service (SaaS) and how companies like Intuit (Quickbooks) and Microsoft (Office) have moved from one-time software purchases to ongoing subscriptions—raising the question, what does that mean for small business users and the consumer on a tight budget however needing the software to get the job done?

Andy found after building a new machine to replace a Windows 10 Setup in the Studio and upgrading to Windows 11, he was not able to install the still powerful Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection 5.5. With the Activation Servers turned off, this can cause problems for those wanted to run this software which still works great and force an option to subscribe to The Adobe Creative Cloud. Instead, Andy explored some fantastic software alternatives. Sites like AlternativeTo.net help users find free or affordable replacements for popular programs like Photoshop, Adobe Audition, Word and more. He gives shout-outs to trusted tools like GIMP, Audacity, Reaper, and even Pro Tools Intro which shipped with his Mixer, which surprised him with its power and polish. There are solutions and while Software as a Service may have you feeling like you are caught in a Netflix/Hulu type streaming war, the Alternative to Subscribe to some of these services could reap benefits for the innovation behind the software. We have seen this with Generative Fill in Adobe Photoshop CC and other new features.

In gear talk, Andy shares his experience with the Fifine AM8 USB/XLR mic—an impressive budget find with RGB flair—and compares mixers, ultimately recommending the Mackie ProFX6v3 for its solid performance and versatility. He also teases a future review of the Shure SM7dB, the modern take on the legendary SM7B mic, now with built-in active pre-amplifier.

To wrap up the show, it’s the Website of the Week—and this one’s just for fun: TheUselessWeb.com. One click takes you to a completely random and often ridiculous website. From the “Long Doge Challenge” to judging hilariously real books by their covers (like How to Talk to Your Cat About Gun Safety), it’s a rabbit hole of time-wasting gold. Try it out and let Andy know what you find—just email [email protected].

Finally, a heartfelt tribute to those we honor this Memorial Day. Thank you to the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice. We remember you.