WCCO Tech Talk - podcast cover

WCCO Tech Talk

NewsRadio 830 WCCO
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

'Is this who we are?' Reaction to political shootings in Minnesota, plus the latest on how the killing spree unfolded

A detailed 20-page complaint filed by federal prosecutors reveals chilling details about the actions by Vance Boelter, the suspect in targeted, political shootings that left former Minnesota Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark dead, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife seriously injured. Here's reaction from local hosts on WCCO in Minneapolis, plus commentary on our overly hot political climate in the US, and how we can prevent this from happening again.

Jun 16, 202539 min

Doug isn’t a fan of Microsoft’s plan this year

Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart Topics include: Printer maintenance and purchase The importance of investing in quality paper and ink cartridges What should users of Windows 10 do in preparation for October (when support services stop) Debunking Windows 11 rumors Utilizing chromebooks

May 31, 202537 min

You don’t need to backup everything

Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart. Today's Topics: Backup services The competitive AI market What happens with Windows 10 this fall Uninstalling programs Can you skip updates? XP pens for tablets Virus protection for androids When to replace a battery in an iPhone

May 17, 202536 min

Give your old machine new life with Linux!

Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart have returned with the amazing weather for another edition of Tech Talk! Topics: How much trouble it is to change computer batteries on your own The necessity of using your laptop on battery power Innovation of the iphone 16 Troubleshooting printer problems with a hardwire connection Itunes disappearing from Windows tool tray Bringing the old computer you found in your attic back to life Windows scaling back their free security services

May 10, 202528 min

NL West Making Waves Early

The National League West has come to play in the first few weeks of the MLB season. USA Today writer and Audacy Insider Bob Nightengale breaks down why the division has been dominant so far. Plus, updates on a couple of poor-performing squads and if there's any progress on a salary cap.

Apr 19, 202514 min

Headlines from the Diamond on the Holiday

Bob Nightengale takes us through some of the big stories during this first month of the MLB season. Then, Steve gets you ready for the Twins' Saturday night tussle in Atlanta.

Apr 19, 202519 min

Wolves Look to Howl Against a Minneapolis Original

The Timberwolves open up their series against the Lakers on Saturday night. What can they do to vanquish the Purple & Gold's chances at a deep playoff run? Fanduel Sports analyst Kevin Lynch gives his thoughts.

Apr 19, 20259 min

Wild Look to Return to Early-Season Form

The Wild are in Las Vegas for their opening-round playoff series. How can they challenge a Golden Knights team that swept them in the regular season? Pioneer Press reporter Jess Myers shares his thoughts.

Apr 19, 202514 min

Still A Bit Chilly on State Lakes

It's been a slow warmup across the state. How's that affecting fishing and other water sports? Steve Carney lets us know that, as well as the best ways to prep for the open water fishing season.

Apr 19, 20257 min

Getting Out on the Water and Playoff Teams Aplenty

During the hour, Steve Carney tells us how this slow warming trend is affecting a day on the water. Then, Jess Myers and Kevin Lynch preview 1st-round playoff series for the Wild and Wolves (respectively).

Apr 19, 202536 min

Anxiety Grows Over AI Growth

With the Twins playing at night this Saturday, Doug Swinhart is back with Steve Thomson to tackle topics in the tech world. This week, they cover anxiety that's building over the expansion of AI usage, concerns with upcoming Windows O.S. updates, migrating programs into Office 365, and more.

Apr 19, 202535 min

Is the upgrade to Windows 11 necessary?

Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart are back in the shop for another edition of Tech Talk! They kick things off with a discussion about scam avoidance and the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11 for certain programs. Topics include: Security necessities for machines running Windows 11 PrivaZer restore point trouble The importance of investing in hard drives (new ones are pretty price friendly for what you get) When to start transitioning to a Linux operating system Steve and Doug aren’t usi...

Mar 22, 202535 min

The less personal the better

Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart are back for another edition of Tech Talk. They kick the conversation off with the scammer texts that all of us seem to be bombarded with. If you get a text from someone asking for you to provide any of your super secret numbers (social, banking, etc.)... SIMPLY DO NOT! PLUS: What to do if you do get on a spam list The lack of consequences for a corporation when they get hacked and user information gets compromised. How crucial is it for you to opt into iPhone upd...

Mar 15, 202535 min

Another chapter in humanity’s battle with a printer

Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart are back for Tech Talk! They kick things off with discussions on extending the life of your machines once the original operating system stops updating and printer maintenance. PLUS Calls/texts on issues with a new iPhone, changes to Microsoft Outlook, printers that won’t connect to the the WiFi and wiping all your information from machines you’re getting rid of.

Mar 08, 202530 min

Those VPNs aren’t what they used to be

Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart are back for Tech Talk. Steve opens the show with his feelings on what seems to be a losing battle in maintaining privacy online. Doug agrees and gives his thoughts on where we are most vulnerable and what to do about it. Lindsey asks about the quantum computing chips that some of the tech giants have announced in recent weeks. Plus, Steve and Doug’s thoughts on Avast security and other programs to defend your laptop, call/texts on upgrading Windows 11 and getting...

Mar 01, 202539 min

Tread Lightly with the IT Department

Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart back for Tech Talk. They open the show discussing the importance of keeping separation of personal and work information on your machines. A listener asks about AI and printers and it spurs a conversation about artificial intelligence and what can be sacrificed with its unchecked application. Steve is mostly confused about Microsoft 360’s overcomplications… it’s so bad that Doug wonders if they’re actually selling support rather than the product. Doug gives his tho...

Feb 15, 202537 min

How many browsers do you need?!

Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart open the show with a discussion about the necessity of browser diversity on your machines for the sake of yourself and the market itself. They take calls on internet speeds/providers including TMobile’s new 5G network, running Linux on old Mac that’s slowing down and how online authenticator apps work.

Feb 08, 202537 min

The threat of Deep Seek

A discussion about the release of Deep Seek leads off this edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart. The market shook but will American Big Tech? Doug is a little concerned. Callers/texts about pesky printer set up without WiFi, ugly Windows designs, finding your way back from the blue screen of death and apprehensions in updating a device.

Feb 01, 202535 min

Sharing isn't always caring

Steve and Doug are back and flooded with listener interaction! Topics: Accidental contact merge on Family Sharing on Apple Pitfalls of mixing email accounts Listener questions and texts Photo management & what to do with all the Tik Toks you downloaded

Jan 18, 202536 min

The future of internet service is competitive

Tech Talk Topics include: VPN marketing… is it worth all the work for you to have it? Wireless provider standards Potential tariff impact on the cost computer equipment Importance of cloud backup Icloud scams The internet ego olympics Installing a SSD Organizing photos digitally

Jan 11, 202535 min

Consider the cosumables

Steve and Doug start the program with a reminder to GROUND OUT. Discussion topics: Pumping the breaks on AI A call on recovering data and photos from an old phone Restoring from the cloud Wiping things from google Printer consumables PC Cleaners

Jan 04, 202536 min

For the love of Tech Talk BE GENTLE

Steve and Doug are back for more Tech Talk They kick off the show with a discussion about the ethical use of AI and the challenge it presents to sorting out what’s real and what’s not. Doug gets into how to best clean out your hard drive and gain speed (with PrivaZer) Steve also praises the value in purchasing factory refurbs instead of new machines Quick Hits with Doug Windows 11 Pro Rescue Discs

Dec 28, 202434 min

Beware of attachments but don’t be scared!

Today's Topics: Does a macbook need virus protection? Steve and Doug take calls on security concerns about iPads and security camera systems. Doug calls for longer usage of computer machines, you can use them longer than you think. Steve and Doug talk about last minute tech gifts… get a gift card don’t guess!

Dec 21, 202435 min

Tech and Static don't mix

Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart Static season is here... don't forget to ground out! Also, how not to get scammed by those Phishing schemes and what to do with your old machine that runs on Windows 7.

Dec 14, 202438 min

Keeping your tech locked down, tight and secure!

Today on the show we discussed how tightening and troubleshooting goes a long way in helping your tech operate properly, the importance of keeping your information secure and away from the dark web, and keeping your tech tested and powered throughout the home! We talk all things tech and take your questions and concerns for your tech that you may have for Doug Swinhart on Tech Talk!

Nov 24, 202439 min

Battery Backups, Power Supply, and Windows 11!

For Tech Talk today, we chatted about the importance of battery back ups, power supplies, some Windows 11 troubleshooting, browser questions and more as Doug Swinhart answers any and all questions regarding your technology and devices on Tech Talk!

Nov 09, 202438 min

Printers, printer recommendations and the Mac mini

Today we tackled questions regarding what to do with your hard drive, Mac Mini upselling, email troubleshooting in Windows 11, configuring your default security in Chrome, a printer power surge and home printer recommendations - that and much more as Doug Swinhart answers any and all questions you may have regarding your tech and devices on Tech Talk!

Nov 02, 202437 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android