Brothers in Tech

Mac Laptops!

Although we have discussed the Mac computer line-up before (see the “Mac Buying Guide” episode from May, 2022), now we actually have hands-on experience to share! Both Brothers have recently purchased/acquired new Apple laptops, and are ready to share their thoughts on likes, dislikes, and advice for those in the market. Do the Brothers agree on the deciding factors were on which machine they chose (hint, hint…they purchased the same model)? Were there features that would have changed their mind on which machine to buy? What do the Brothers really think about the touch bar? Watch or listen to find out!Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Computer Productivity & Efficiency Tips

Have you ever thought about all the time that you spend on your computer...not actually doing work, but rather taking steps in order to be able to do work? Want to open or switch to an application?...there is a few steps you have to take for that. Want to add bullets in a document?...there are a few clicks needed for that. Want to do some simple (or not so simple) math?...a few more steps. What if you could cut the time that each of those steps takes? In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers discuss some strategies that they use to increase their efficiency and productivity through built-in features of the computer. We are not going to guarantee that these will lead you will be more productive...but you could certainly gain a few extra minutes to listen to this podcast! In fact, we are thinking these tips could be helpful enough that we could make it a regular topic...can you say BiTEs (Brothers in Tech Efficiencies)?Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

September 2022 BiTs

OK, if you listened live to last week’s show, we are sorry! Audio issues sunk the BiTs episode, which is a bummer as we had a friend of the show Bill Carrigan back with us! But, that just means we will have to bring him back for another episode…And we get a chance to do another BiTs for you. So, listen in to the replacement BiTs episode for September 2022…and you will notice that since Alan is back in control, all went smoothly. This month’s suggestions focus a bit more on home business needs but can be really useful. And as a bonus…you get to hear the difference between Alan’s real voice and the smooth radio voice he typically entertains us with. Alan’s PicksUQR.me ($4.95/month for limited codes & up to 10,000 scans): An online service for creating AND TRACKING QR codes. Create, track, and even edit QR codes to connect users to webpages, documents, etc.Canva (Free for limited use, $ for unlimited pro features): Online design software to create graphics with stock images, stickers, etc.Brian’s PicsRoku Voice Remote Pro ($29.99): Upgraded remote for your Roku device. Includes voice activation, private listening (headphone jack), and rechargeable batteries.Tyme 3 (Free trial, then $3.99/month or $36/year): App for tracking time spent on various project. MacOS, iOS, and Apple Watch apps for starting/stopping, categorizing, and invoicing your time.Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apple iOS 16

Apple just released its latest mobile operating system (iOS 16, for iPhone), and although it is not our recommendation for you to be the first/early adopters of any software update...the Brothers have thrown caution to the wind and installed and tested the update so that we can give you a first-hand look at the new features. From editable lock screens to editing/unsending messages, to additional destinations/stops in Maps, to the new layout of notifications (which seemed to trigger some of our listeners!)...we cover the features/updates that you should care about, and help you determine whether to upgrade yet. Be sure to listen carefully, as one of our tips may just keep you from getting in real trouble with a late-night drunk text.. not that we have ever done that before.Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Printers!

As much as the Brothers have tried to wean themselves off paper (see previous BiT series on “Going Paperless”), we admit that there is still a need for printed documents in our personal and professional lives. So, even though it may seem like a technology that has joined the likes of fax machines, VCRs, and CD players...the printer industry is alive and kicking (and innovating), and the Brothers are here to provide both an overview of the current home solutions and some suggestions for finding the right printer for your needs. So, watch or listen to hear about the types and features to consider when purchasing your next printer. BONUS: You will also get an opportunity to hear about a swelling issue that Alan has had recently (PG, we promise)...which you won’t want to miss. Printer technology mentioned in this episode: Airprint, Voice control, Duplex, Ink Tank, Laser, Inkjet, PhotoDo you find yourself serving as the go-to “I.T.” person in your family? Or are you someone that tends to call other family members for technical support and would rather learn things on your own? Brothers in Tech is a weekly podcast focusing on home technology and provides help to the “default family IT person”. Hosted by Alan & Brian Jackson, a new topic will be discussed each month (main episode) followed by 3 weekly “deep dive” episodes (the B-sides) with additional information. Whether you are the person who everyone calls for tech support, are the person who is doing the calling, or are simply interested in technology…this podcast is for you!Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Streaming Services Revisited!

You might be thinking...haven’t the Brothers already discussed streaming services? Yep...twice in fact. But, this is a topic that requires periodic revisiting...which is why the Brothers are discussing their current views on the current streaming services. How do the Brothers’ rankings compare? Well, obviously there is Alan’s list..and then the correct one. Watch or listen to see if you agree...and to see who put Disney+ at the bottom of their list! Streaming services mentioned in this episode: Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, Disney+, HBOMax, Hulu, Paramount+, StarzDo you find yourself serving as the go-to “I.T.” person in your family? Or are you someone that tends to call other family members for technical support and would rather learn things on your own? Brothers in Tech is a weekly podcast focusing on home technology and provides help to the “default family IT person”. Hosted by Alan & Brian Jackson, a new topic will be discussed each month (main episode) followed by 3 weekly “deep dive” episodes (the B-sides) with additional information. Whether you are the person who everyone calls for tech support, are the person who is doing the calling, or are simply interested in technology…this podcast is for you!Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Virtual Reality Headsets

Have you been wondering when we might get to watch Alan make a fool of himself by wearing a headset and exploring the virtual world that he has been living in recently? Yeah, me too. Well, our wish is finally coming true! In this episode of Brothers in Tech, the Brothers (well, Alan) take Facebook’s Meta Quest VR headset for a spin, and discuss the possible current and future uses for the technology. Are there uses outside of gaming? Is it worth the price? Can you wear glasses in the headset? Why doesn’t Alan’s avatar have legs? Watch or listen for the answers to these questions and more, but fair warning…if you get dizzy easily, you might want to check out the audio version. Technology mentioned in this episode: Meta Quest VR Headset ($399) Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

August 2022 Brothers in Tech Suggestions (BITS)

Well, for all of those who were really excited to hear Brian on his own last week…I am sorry, but Alan is back. But, let’s just say…he totally made up for his absence with his BiTs in this episode. I mean, how often can you listen/watch an episode and get to watch 80’s TV…save yourself some money…determine whether you are going to watch a movie or not…and know whether or not your local McDonalds ice cream machine is down? And those are just part of the BiTs from this episode. You won’t want to miss this one. Plus, you will get to find out which Brother is really freaked out by clowns…Alan’s PicksValuable Websites:Photopea: Online (free) web-based substitute for Photoshop.My ____ (decade) TV: Web-based TV set emulator. Choose the decade, the topics, and flip through shows!Does The Dog Die?: Online search base for all of the fears that you might have…so you know whether you should watch the film or not…McBroken; A crowdsourced database of whether McDonald’s ice cream machines are broken or not.Mic Boom Arm ($37…although there are a lot of similar versions): A table-mounted/clamped arm for your microphone, so that you can get it out of the way while in or out of use.Brian’s PicsBlackstone Original 36” Griddle: Channel your inner Waffle House cook dreams…outdoors! Great outdoor 4-burner griddle/cooktop.1Password: Great password/document manager (~$7/month for a family plan…~$1/person beyond the included 5 accounts). The Brothers chose to use this specifically for the family sharing feature.Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meal Delivery Services

Well…this is either the episode you have been waiting for…or your worst nightmare. Alan is no longer with us. Well, let me rephrase that…he is still alive, just wasn’t able to join for this episode. It is all Brian. The “Brother” in Tech. So, if you are interested in trying out meal delivery services, have tried some but thinking about getting back in the game…or you just want to see whether Brian falls on his face trying to host an episode on his own, this one is for you! Learn about the types of services, the process of signing up and using, and some tips for making the most of them. And don’t worry…Alan will be back next time, unless there is a huge movement for Brian to continue on his own. Yeah…he will be back. Services mentioned in this episode: Blue Apron, Hello Fresh, Freshly, Gobble, Marley Spoon, Home Chef, Sunbasket, Green Chef, Hungryroot, EveryPlate, Purple Carrot, ButcherBox Your Usual Hosts:Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Consultant at Senaptec, Inc.Alan Jackson (the absent older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight. Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scam Avoidance

Although the process of bad actors attempting to scam someone has been around since the beginning of time (actually, we don’t know if that is true…but it sounds good), but the use of technology to accomplish those goals has become rampant over the past 30-40 years. From calls on your landline to see if anyone is home…to emails to suggest that the Prince of Nairobi wants to send you a lot of money…to messages claiming that you need to provide your financial information in order to stop a mistaken charge, scammers are always looking to find new and effective ways of getting access to your information and/or money. Yeah…people suck. But, regardless of the approach, there are some strategies that can help limit the likelihood that you will fall victim.In this episode of Brothers in Tech, we welcome a guest who has a lot of experience dealing with scammers and helping vulnerable users stay safe from scams. Bill Carrigan (IT/Help Desk/Support @ Pacific University) helps us figure out some steps in recognizing and avoiding phone, email, text, and online sales scams. So, if you are still waiting on your millions from the Prince of Nairobi…this episode is for you. Your Hosts:Alan Jackson (the older Brother) is a producer of online content with Jackson Creative and survey researcher with Jackson Insight.Brian Jackson (the younger Brother) is an Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Pacific University and Product Director/Consultant at Senaptec, Inc..Have any feedback for the Brothers regarding this topic (or future topics)? Visit www.Brothers-In-Tech.com or email info@themesh.tv.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.