Back for a new run of episodes, the Really Useful Podcast this week is a "back to school" special, with tips for students looking for new laptops, computer chairs, and useful apps and websites. Really Useful Podcast Season 4 Episode 1 Shownotes In this week's show: The Best Laptop Under $400 The Best Cheap Linux Laptops Pinebook 64 review Websites Every Student Should Bookmark Best Cheap Computer Chairs Essential Student Apps for Windows Please share our podcast with anyone you think would benef...
Sep 03, 2019•30 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Planning a trip this summer? Looking forward to a hot vacation, or simply traveling to see family and friends? Whatever you're up to, it helps to plan in advance, stay secure, and not share your activity online. Really Useful Podcast Season 3 Episode 9 Shownotes This time we look at: Don't post these things online Hide memory sticks Blocks Decoded podcast Plan a vacation with Google Best portable Wi-Fi travel routers Want to hear more from James Frew and Christian Cawley? They're on Twitter, so ...
Jul 30, 2019•33 min•Season 3Ep. 9
You've noticed the retro gaming explosion---but what's it all about? Why are retro consoles being re-released, often in smaller form factors? Retro t-shirts, games, collections for Xbox One and PS4, even the new on-demand retro gaming service Antstream... retro gaming is everywhere. In this week's special show, Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner compare their own recollections of gaming in the past, looking at how things have changed over the years. How does the retro resurgence affect gamers from...
Jul 23, 2019•40 min•Season 3Ep. 8
The latest news and tips in the tech podcast for technophobes, hosted this week by Christian Cawley and James Frew. Look out for details about Spotify Lite on Android, YouTube on the Fire TV, and some handy PC gaming fixes. We've also got some great offline productivity apps and a look at three secure email providers. Really Useful Podcast Season 3 Episode 7 Shownotes In this week's show: Google's tennis-flavored Easter egg Spotify Lite hits Android Finally watch YouTube on the Fire TV Microsoft...
Jul 16, 2019•30 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Really Useful Podcast Season 3 Episode 6 Shownotes In this week's show: Amazon Alexa retains voice commands Antstream: the Netflix for retro gaming Girlboss, the "LinkedIn for women" How to open RAR, ZIP, 7z and other compressed files How to apologise via email Clean your tech with DIY slime This week, Christian Cawley is joined by Ben Stegner. They're both on Twitter: @thegadgetmonkey @stegnersaurus Please share our podcast with anyone you think would benefit from some jargon-free clarity and h...
Jul 09, 2019•33 min•Season 3Ep. 6
This week's Really Useful Podcast looks at Amazon Prime Day 2019, and learns about the new YouTube video recommendations system. You'll also learn about the social media craze, TikTok, how to find out what motherboard your computer has, and how to tell if you're using aa 64-bit version of Windows. Really Useful Podcast Season 3 Episode 5 Shownotes In this week's show: Change YouTube video recommendations Amazon Prime Day 2019 www.camelcamelcamel.com What is TikTok? Find out what motherboard you ...
Jul 02, 2019•29 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this week's Really Useful Podcast we look at some new Google tricks, the Raspberry Pi's latest model,the sudden crypto coin rally, some Facebook friend tips, an online insurance scam, and how to find tech jobs with no coding skills. Really Useful Podcast Season 3 Episode 4 Shownotes In this week's show, we covered: How to share Google search results Report suspicious sites on Google YouTube remasters old music videos for HD Release of the Raspberry Pi 4 Bitcoin rally The "ghost broking" car i...
Jun 25, 2019•34 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Join Christian Cawley and Megan Ellis as they take a look at the latest tech news that matters, along with some, tips and tricks to enhance your productivity. This week, Spotify Daily Drive, Android two-factor verification on iOS, Google's Anne Frank online exhibit, and free mobile games you can play without distraction from adverts. Plus some great photo editors for Instagram users, and ways to reuse an old desktop PC. Really Useful Podcast Season 3 Episode 3 Shownotes Spotify Daily Drive Andro...
Jun 18, 2019•35 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In this week's tech podcast for technophobes, we're looking at some recent news items, giving you some productivity and positivity tips, and admiring a current MakeUseOf giveaway for an underwater drone. Really Useful Podcast Season 3 Episode 2 Shownotes In this week's show, we look at: Google alerts you to nearby natural disasters Spotify Stations app launched Apple kills iTunes on macOS Apple reveals iPadOS Samsung DeX Check your grammar Positivity apps Worldwide suicide crisis lines Gladius M...
Jun 11, 2019•32 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner bring you a brand new Really Useful Podcast in which we hover around some video game topics, most notably Minecraft, video game addiction, and video game age ratings. Listen out too for news of yet another data breach, Facebook supremo Mark Zuckerberg's Tech & Society podcast, and Windows 10 apps you should uninstall. Shownotes Flipboard data breach Minecraft Classic in your browser Minecraft Earth augmented reality game Mark Zuckerberg's new podcast, Tech &a...
Jun 04, 2019•42 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Join Christian Cawley and James Frew as they break down the recent Facebook privacy scandals and investigate your options. From storing passwords in plain text, exposing your photos, and demanding email passwords from new users, Facebook has had a nightmarish six months. Don't let their nightmare ruin your online privacy. Shownotes Here are the links to the recent Facebook privacy issues we discuss: Facebook admits storing passwords in plain text New Facebook bug exposes your photos Facebook's V...
Apr 23, 2019•26 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Join Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips from MakeUseOf.com as they take a look at Disney+, YouTube TV's subscription increase (who uses it?!), and whether IPTV is legal or not. They've also got time to tell you about Office alternatives for macOS, how to transfer data from Android to a PC, and how to easily uninstall unwanted software on Windows.
Apr 16, 2019•31 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this week's show, we tell you how to avoid Amazon order scams, look at some tools to improve your memory recall, and revisit 10 PC games that are still worth playing and easily available. Plus, we show you how to make Google Assistant sound like John Legend and play Snake in Google Maps on your phone, tablet, or even your PC. NEWSFLASH: There's also a giveaway on MakeUseOf for a new Xbox One X! With Christian Cawley and James Frew. Shownotes: Make Google Assistant sound like John Legend Play ...
Apr 09, 2019•31 min•Season 2Ep. 10
MakeUseOf.com writers Christian Cawley and Megan Ellis take you through the latest tech tips for technophobes. Featuring tips on wireless charging, Spotify's new Duo feature, and how to manage several years of browser bookmarks. We also take a look at what an IP address is, and how one might be used to find you (or not).
Apr 02, 2019•33 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Facebook's huge plaintext password fail is the focus of this week's show, as we consider how long this litany of irresponsible security fails can continue. We also take a look at Google Stadia, Myspace loses several years of data, and how to use an app to control your TV. Plus, there's an update on the state of affairs with the potentially devastating Spectre and Meltdown bugs. Christian Cawley and Gavin Philips are your hosts. Here's the shownotes: Facebook storing passwords as plaintext Will G...
Mar 26, 2019•35 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Join Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner as they look at accidental keyboard shortcuts, unusual-but-awesome YouTube channels, and whether Kodi is legal or not. There's also a look at some recent news about Twitter and Windows 10, and we find out how Christian did spending a week using a Raspberry Pi as his primary computer...
Mar 19, 2019•40 min•Season 2Ep. 7
The Raspberry Pi is an awesome little computer that anyone can benefit from, regardless of their computing ability. Join Christian Cawley and Ian Buckley as they look at how easy it is to set up a Raspberry Pi, and consider some of the amazing projects the $35, credit card sized computer can be used in.
Mar 12, 2019•41 min•Season 2Ep. 6
You've probably noticed that some of your old games and applications don't work in Windows 10. Don't give up, though - we have several ways you can get them to run on your new PC. PLUS: the many ways you can watch TV on your PC, and how Amazon Prime members can choose a dedicated delivery day (and why). We also take a look at the new range of Samsung S10 phones and find out which one you might prefer, as well as explore why smartphone batteries don't last longer. This week's Really Useful Podcas...
Mar 05, 2019•36 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this week's Really Useful Podcast, we reveal the threat of SIM card swapping, and whether your phone is secretly spying on you. There's also a look at sleep monitoring apps, the Firefox browser's new sync tool, and find out how to download videos from Facebook to your PC or phone. Really Useful Podcast Season 2 Episode 4 Shownotes SIM card swapping Download videos from Facebook Is your smartphone listening to you? Eversleep review and giveaway Escape from Google and use Firefox to sync your b...
Feb 26, 2019•35 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Thanks to the internet, it's easier than you think to learn a new skill. In this new Really Useful Podcast we look at some of the places you can get started with new skills. Considering whether to try out Wish? We look at the benefits and risks, as well as explore the magic of portable apps. And if you've ever thought about starting a website, we take a look at where to find free domain names.
Feb 19, 2019•30 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Concerned about your email accounts and other personal data being stolen? You've possibly heard of Experian's Dark Web Scan service, but do you really need it? In this week's Really Useful Podcast we find out, along with taking a look at Skype's new blurred background feature, where to find college-standard online courses for free, and how to tidy Twitter the Marie Kondo way. We also take a look at what is the best portable game console, and how to choose a PC game that meets the system spec of ...
Feb 12, 2019•38 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Christian Cawley and Gavin Philips bring you some of the latest great productivity and tech tips from MakeUseOf.com, bringing you safely and productively into 2019. In this week's show, we discuss using positivity apps to manage depression, how to spot who has viewed your LinkedIn profile, and how to secure your accounts with two-factor authentication (2FA). Shownotes: Positivity Apps to Manage Depression Who's Viewed Your LinkedIn Profile? Secure Gmail, Outlook and More with 2FA As ever, please...
Feb 04, 2019•31 min•Season 2Ep. 1
We're back for a special Really Useful Podcast looking back at five of our favorite tips so far. Join Christian Cawley, Ian Buckley, Gavin Philips, and Ben Stegner as they discuss: Why your PC is slowing down How to make a HDTV antenna Deceitful Amazon reviews Building a DIY desk Buying a printer We'll be back in 2019. Have a great holiday!
Dec 17, 2018•39 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Why has the cryptocoin bubble burst, and should you buy a Steam Link while they're going cheap? These questions are discussed in the latest Really Useful Podcast with Christian Cawley and Ian Buckley. PLUS: Tips for buying a new printer and cleaning a laptop keyboard. Shownotes: Valve discontinues Steam Link: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/valve-discontinues-steam-link/ Crypto price crash-what it means: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-46323286 https://blocksdecoded.com/ Checklist for buying...
Nov 27, 2018•42 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Thinking about buying gifts for Christmas this Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Planning on wasting the Thanksgiving weekend searching for deals? Funnily enough, so are scammers - only YOU are the deal. We've got some concerning Black Friday scams to look out for this week on the Really Useful Podcast, and we also take a look at what a meme is. Your hosts are Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner. Shownotes https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/netflix-working-nintendo-wii/ https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/amazon...
Nov 20, 2018•34 min•Season 1Ep. 8
We're back with more tips and tricks, including some notes on how to earn money from playing video games---yes, it's possible! As ever, we kick off by breaking down some recent tech news, find out why it matters to you, and help you decide what to do with it. This week's show is brought to you by Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips. Shownotes: Disney announces streaming service: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/disney-plus-streaming-service-2019/ Facebook makes a Portal videophone: https://www.make...
Nov 13, 2018•41 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Join Christian Cawley and Ian Buckley as they find the useful aspects of recent tech news and share some tips for affordable printing and DIY computer desks. https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/new-apple-macbook-air-mac-mini-ipad-pro/ https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/flickr-limits-free-users-photos/ https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/top-5-world-news-websites-guaranteed-free-censorship/ https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-printer-for-home-use-with-cheap-ink/ https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/diy-computer-desk/...
Nov 05, 2018•44 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Christian Cawley and Ben Stegner bring you the latest tech tips and news for technophobes. Make your tech useful and not a headache with these items: WhatsApp Stickers---what are they, and why?: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/send-stickers-using-whatsapp/ Delete Google Search history: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/delete-your-google-search-history/ Sell your phone instantly on eBay: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ebay-instant-selling-sell-phone-instantly/ Get classic SEGA games on your smartphone:...
Oct 30, 2018•48 min•Season 1Ep. 5
A recording of a special live podcast, looking at some great news about Spotify, how to spot deceitful reviews on Amazon and a great tip to boost storage on Android phones and tablets. With Christian Cawley and Gavin Phillips
Oct 22, 2018•43 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Christian Cawley is back with some new productivity tips to help you make your tech work for you. With guest presenter Ian Buckley. Get free Wi-Fi: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-get-free-internet-service-almost-anywhere/ Use Your Phone as a PC Webcam: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/use-smartphone-webcam-computer/ Be More Productive with Google Calendar: https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/google-calendar-google-tasks-to-do-apps/
Oct 15, 2018•29 min•Season 1Ep. 3
