Refresh Computers Tech Talk

David Leavitt

Audio files of our weekly radio show on WDBO where we talk about your electronic life. Help and advice are given on a range of technical issues from computers to everything internet-related.

  1. -2 J

    04-04-2026 Space > Toilets Break Too And So Does Outlook

    Send us Fan Mail Your phone picks the worst possible moment to fail: right when you’re in a crowd trying to upload a photo, pay a vendor, or find your friends. We’re live from Spring Fiesta at Lake Eola to explain what’s really happening to your cell service and Wi-Fi at big events, why “full bars” can still mean no usable internet, and how 5G’s more localized coverage changes the experience as you move through a packed venue. Then we go way beyond the park and into space. NASA’s Artemis mission ran into a Microsoft Outlook problem that sounds almost too normal for a moon-bound crew, plus a “lunar loo” malfunction caused by a jammed fan. We break down what triggered the Outlook glitch, how mission control fixed it with practical troubleshooting, and why these stories are a great reminder that configuration issues and electronics failures happen everywhere, even on the most advanced systems on Earth. We also get serious about everyday security. QR code payments, digital menus, and contactless checkout are convenient, but QR code scams are exploding, especially sticker-over fraud on parking meters and unattended signs. We share quick habits that reduce your risk fast: preview the URL before you tap, look for sticker outlines, avoid unexpected links in texts, enable credit card alerts, and choose tap-to-pay instead of inserting your card where skimmers can hide. Plus, breaking news for small businesses and schools: Microsoft Publisher support ends after October 1, and we explain how to find .PUB files and convert them before it becomes a scramble. If this helped, subscribe, share the show with a friend who’s always scanning QR codes, and leave a review so more people can find these tech tips and security updates. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RefreshComputers/ Track us on X at https://x.com/RefreshStores

    37 min
  2. 28 MARS

    03-28-26 When Technology Gets Smarter Why Do We Feel Lost?

    Send us Fan Mail Your monthly tech bill is creeping up, and it’s not always obvious why. We walk through the “subscription squeeze” hitting streaming services and everyday software, where prices rise while features quietly disappear. We talk about what to look for in plan changes, why Netflix-style tier reshuffles frustrate so many people, and how subscription fatigue builds when you’re juggling logins, passwords, and constant renewals. From there, we get practical about a problem almost everyone hits sooner or later: “storage full” on your iPhone or Android phone. Photos and videos matter, but we zoom in on the overlooked culprit, unused apps. We share a simple approach to deleting apps you don’t use, avoiding duplicate browsers and stacked security tools, and being careful with cleanup apps that ask for broad permissions. If you’ve ever downloaded three different “phone cleaner” tools out of frustration, this part will feel familiar. We also cover why tech can feel more confusing as it gets more powerful: constant updates, settings that move, and products designed for power users instead of regular people. Plus, a cautionary story about niche apps that vanish from the app store, and what to check before you delete something you might need later. If you want fewer surprises, fewer wasted subscriptions, and a phone that feels simpler again, listen now. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s tired of updates, and leave a quick review with the most annoying subscription you’re paying for right now. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RefreshComputers/ Track us on X at https://x.com/RefreshStores

    41 min
  3. 21 MARS

    03-21-26 Why Your Phone Dies Early And How To Fix It

    Send us Fan Mail Your phone used to last all day. Now it hits the afternoon and you are hunting for a charger like it is a daily routine. We dig into what is actually happening to smartphone battery life, from lithium-ion battery degradation to the charging habits that quietly wear batteries down faster. We also talk about why cheap, off-brand chargers can create problems, how heat changes everything, and why background apps and location services keep draining power even when you swear you are not using your phone. Then we switch gears to a problem almost everyone blames on “an old computer” when the real culprit is sitting right on the screen: your web browser. We explain how tabs eat RAM, why performance tanks when you keep 20 to 30 pages open, and the simplest ways to reset things without losing your mind. If your laptop feels sluggish, you will want these practical steps before you spend money on upgrades. Finally, we tackle the biggest surprise: many “slow computer” complaints are really Wi-Fi issues. We break down router placement, dead zones, interference, aging routers, mesh networks, and why your internet plan speed is not the same as Wi-Fi performance in your home. We also share when an Ethernet cable or a USB-C adapter is the best upgrade you can buy. If you are thinking about a Windows 11 upgrade or a shiny new “AI-ready” computer, we offer a clear want-versus-need framework to help you spend smarter. If this helps, subscribe, share the show with a friend who always has 100 tabs open, and leave us a review. What is the biggest issue you want us to troubleshoot next: battery life, computer speed, or Wi-Fi? Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RefreshComputers/ Track us on X at https://x.com/RefreshStores

    39 min
  4. 14 MARS

    03-14-26 Is Your PC AI-Ready? + Refresh Computers Launches Trade-In Program!

    Send us Fan Mail Refresh Computers starts a Trade-In program for the first time in it's 26 year history. AI is no longer just a chatbot that answers questions. We’re watching the shift to AI agents, systems that can break a goal into steps, have multiple “bots” critique and improve the work, and in some cases take actions like planning a trip or preparing a reservation flow. That sounds convenient, but it also forces a real conversation about privacy, credentials, and what you should never hand over lightly, even if the tool feels smart and personal. We also tackle the question we hear everywhere right now: “Is my computer AI-ready?” If you’re on Windows 11, there’s a strong chance you already have what you need. We explain why most AI processing happens in the cloud and data centers, what an 8th generation CPU baseline means, why 16GB of RAM is a practical target, and when an NVIDIA GPU can speed things up. We even share a quick way to check your specs using “About This PC” so you can stop guessing. From there, we jump into robots and talking tech becoming real, plus smart toys that add interactive play without putting another screen in front of kids. And we get blunt about one place AI still fails: phone and email customer service automation that frustrates people and loses business. We wrap with scam prevention tips and Operation Senior Shield in Florida so you can spot seasonal fraud before it hits you or someone you love. Subscribe for more practical tech talk, share this with a friend who’s worried about AI, and leave a review with the one task you’d trust an AI agent to handle first. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RefreshComputers/ Track us on X at https://x.com/RefreshStores

    40 min

À propos

Audio files of our weekly radio show on WDBO where we talk about your electronic life. Help and advice are given on a range of technical issues from computers to everything internet-related.