Computer Talk 5-2-26

In this episode of Computer Talk with TAB, hosts Eric Semel and Dennis Halnon host a live e-cycling event at 10 Executive Drive in Farmington, Connecticut, promoting responsible disposal of electronic waste. They emphasize the environmental importance of keeping e-waste out of landfills, highlighting the work of Environmental Office Solutions, who’ve been handling e-cycling for over 30 years. The hosts discuss the challenges of Tesla’s full self-driving upgrade, noting that older hardware (like Hardware 3) may become obsolete and require e-cycling due to insufficient processing power. They also explore the irony of modern tech’s complexity—such as smart home devices failing to properly geofence or manage alerts—despite being marketed as intelligent. A caller shares concerns about refurbishing old computers, prompting a conversation on the limitations of upgrading 30-year-old laptops versus the practicality of e-cycling. The episode also covers a recent Linux exploit affecting older systems, Microsoft’s need to issue a patch to fix a flawed patch, and Utah’s controversial age-verification law for adult websites, which may inadvertently block VPN users. Throughout, the hosts advocate for responsible tech use, data security, and the importance of retiring outdated devices.