TechStuff
Episodes
TechStuff's Favorite Tech Movies
11 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In response to a listener's request, Jonathan and Chris reveal their favorite "tech" movies of all time in this episode of TechStuff. Learn more abou...
Sony's Portable Gaming Systems
06 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by listener mail, Jonathan and Chris take an in-depth look at portable gaming systems, focusing specifically on Sony's PSP (PlayStation Porta...
How Fiber Optics Work
04 Jan 2010
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TechStuff, Jonathan and Chris discuss how fiber optics work. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork....
Tech Predictions for 2010
30 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Over the past year, the Techstuff crew has explored hundreds of topics, from the iPhone to Linux and everything in between -- but what will next year ...
Why is the U.S. military buying PS3?
28 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The US air force has purchased thousands of Playstation 3 units in order to build a supercomputer -- but how? Tune in as Jonathan and Chris examine th...
Electronics 2: Basic Electronics
23 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
After covering the basics of electricity in an earlier episode, Jonathan and Chris return with the sequel, examining the concept of circuits. Listen i...
2009 Predictions Score Card
21 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TechStuff, Jonathan and Chris discuss how the tech predictions they made a year ago, from Steve Jobs' successor to declining trade ...
Electronics 1:Theory
16 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TechStuff, Jonathan and Chris pun their way through electronic theory, from the basics of electrons to the two different types of c...
The Future of Video Game Controllers
14 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TechStuff, Chris and Jonathan discuss video game controllers past, present and future -- from early Atari models to Wiimotes to Pro...
What are Anonymous and 4Chan?
09 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by listener mail, Jonathan and Chris discuss 4Chan, the notorious image-sharing forum, and Anonymous, a loosely affiliated group of anonymous...
TechStuff's Favorite Tech Gifts
07 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the TechStuff guys reminisce about the best tech gifts and gadgets they've been given for Christmas over the years, from robotic tank...
Internet Architecture
02 Dec 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the TechStuff guys tackle Internet architecture, from the basic components to the complex details of servers, clients and IP addresse...
Types of WiFi
30 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TechStuff, Jonathan and Chris respond to listener mail and discuss some of the different types of wireless networks and standards. ...
The Office of the Future
25 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the TechStuff guys hop into the Way-Forward Machine to see what the Office of the Future will look like. Learn more about your ad-ch...
What is the Year 2038 problem?
23 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
You're probably familiar with the Y2K problem, but did you know another potential computer crisis could occur in 2038? In this episode of TechStuff, J...
DVD vs. Blu-ray
18 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by listener mail, Jonathan and Chris discuss the difference between DVD and Blu-ray in this episode of TechStuff. Learn more about your ad-c...
Social Networking after Death
16 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Social networking sites are popular ways to communicate, but what happens to them when their users become deceased? Jonathan and Chris explore social ...
Technology Conspiracy Theories I
11 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TechStuff, Jonathan and Chris tackle a topic often requested by listeners --- technology conspiracy theories. Tune in as they discu...
What's a hackintosh?
09 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In response to a listener's e-mail, Jonathan and Chris define and discuss hackintoshes, PCs that have been modified to run the Macintosh operating sys...
What does artificial intelligence mean?
04 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this listener-inspired episode of TechStuff, Jonathan and Chris explore the topic of artificial intelligence, from definitions to current AI techno...
How Podcasting Works
02 Nov 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this podtastic episode, Jonathan and Chris explore how podcasting works. Tune in as they touch on everything from how TechStuff got its start to ti...
How Shazam and Midomi Work
28 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Shazam and Midomi are both types of music recognition software. Tune in as the TechStuff guys compare and contrast Shazam and Midomi and explain how t...
Google Waves at TechStuff
26 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The Google Wave is a collaborative, centralized communication tool that's still in the preview stage. Tune in as Jonathan and Chris explain where this...
Zune do you love?
21 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the TechStuff guys tackle a topic often requested by listeners: the Microsoft Zune. Tune in to hear them discuss the Zune's history, ...
How Touch Screens Work
19 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TechStuff, Chris and Jonathan tackle a "touchy" subject -- touch screens. Discover the different kinds of technology that make touc...
Who screwed up the keyboard?
14 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
If you've ever used a computer for typing, you've used a QWERTY keyboard. But did you know that its design is based on obsolete, inefficient technolog...
Is the Apple Tablet real?
12 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In response to a listener's e-mail, Jonathan and Chris wade through the conjecture, speculation and rumors surrounding the existence of the Apple Tabl...
Do Facebook apps violate your privacy?
07 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In the past few years, a slew of entertaining Facebook applications have been added to the social networking site. But these apps have a not-so-fun si...
Image File Types
05 Oct 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TechStuff, Jonathan and Chris take a closer look at image file types. Learn more about technology in this podcast from HowStuffWork...
What's the difference between creative commons and copyright?
30 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Copyright strictly prohibits people from using and benefitting from other people's creative work, while creative commons is a bit more flexible. Tune ...
A Bundle of TV Cables
28 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of TechStuff, Chris and Jonathan discuss all kinds of TV cables, from co-axial to composite to fiber optic. Learn more about technolog...
Wireless Power: Myth or Reality?
23 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan and Chris discuss wireless power technology -- past, present and future -- in this episode of TechStuff, a podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. L...
TechStuff Shreds on the Electric Guitar
21 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this rockin' episode of TechStuff, Jonathan and Chris delve into the electrifying world of electric guitars. Learn more about your ad-choices at h...
The Sports World is All a Twitter
16 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
These days, Twitter is everywhere -- you'll even find it in sporting events. In this episode of TechStuff, Jonathan and Chris discuss how Twitter's po...
What in the world is augmented reality?
14 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In response to a listener's query on the topic, Jonathan and Chris discuss augmented reality, a new technology that brings computer graphics into the ...
What is an EMP?
09 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
An EMP, or electromagnetic pulse, is a burst of electromagnetic energy capable of knocking out electrical systems. In this episode of TechStuff, Jonat...
What are alternate reality games?
07 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Alternate reality games, or ARGs, blend the worlds of reality and fantasy. Dive deep into the world of alternate reality games with Jonathan and Chris...
Making Movies with Machinima
02 Sep 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Machinima is machine cinema, a method of filmmaking that uses pre-existing virtual worlds and characters. Tune in as Jonathan and Chris define and dis...
Stuff You Can Hook Up to Your TV
31 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the TechStuff guys discuss the past, present and future of home theater devices that hook up to your tv, from the VHS/Betamax format ...
Video Game Consoles
26 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, the TechStuff guys weigh in on video game consoles, from the models they own to the future of gaming consoles. Learn more about te...
Mega Bits, Mega Bytes & Mega Hertz
24 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The world of bits, bytes and hertz can be a confusing one, but Chris and Jonathan like a challenge. Tune in as they explore the differences between me...
How Airplane Technology Works
19 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Airplanes are full of cool technology, from sensors to satellite TV. Join the TechStuff guys as they give a basic overview of airplane technology in t...
What is a denial of service attack?
17 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Recently, Twitter was shut down for a few hours because of a denial of service attack. Join Chris and Jonathan as they discuss the details of denial o...
Overview of Linux
12 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Linux is an operating system that developers have been tinkering around with since 1994. Tune in as Jonathan and Chris delve into the history, applica...
Assistive Technology
10 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Assistive technology includes devices and programs that help disabled people perform routine tasks that they otherwise could not. Join Jonathan and Ch...
Is your cell phone a killer?
05 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Cell phone interference is annoying in general, but in some situations, it can be potentially deadly. Find out why hospitals and airlines tend to ban ...
What is Internet2?
03 Aug 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Internet2 is a networking consortium that has been running an advanced version of the Internet since 1996. Discover Internet2's origins, purpose and i...
TechStuff's Shark Week Special
29 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Sharks and technology don't usually mix, but the "Bruce" models from the movie "Jaws" are a definite exception. Learn more about the mechanical sharks...
How does 3D printing work?
27 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Unlike traditional printing, 3D printing allows users to create three-dimensional objects using layers and plastic. Tune in to find out how 3D printin...
Google Voice Goes Live
22 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Google recently launched Google Voice, a service which promises to make telecommunicating easier and more convenient. Find out where Google Voice came...
What's the deal with Google Street View?
20 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Google Street View, which offers panoramic views of a selection of streets around the world, debuted in 2007. Discover how Google gets those impressiv...
Computers from the Past
15 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Now that they've covered the future of computing, the TechStuff guys are ready to tackle computers of the past. Tune in as they explore the origins of...
Computers of the Future
13 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
What does the future hold for computer technology? Tune in as Jonathan and Chris tackle everything from quantum computers to DNA computers in this pod...
Creative Ways to Use Twitter
08 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com, Jonathan and Chris discuss creative ways to use Twitter, from shameless self-promotion to space Tweeting. Lea...
How much electricity does the Internet use?
06 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
It's hard to determine how much electricity the Internet consumes, but Jonathan and Chris are willing to try. Join them as they discuss the many facto...
Is green technology a trend?
01 Jul 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Environmentally-friendly technology is trendy right now, but is it here to stay? Get Chris and Jonathan's take on green technology's future in this po...
What is convergence?
29 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Technological convergence occurs when multiple technologies combine in a new form of technology. Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to hea...
Big Misses in Technology
24 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The TechStuff guys discuss hardware that didn't make the cut in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www....
Wolfram Alpha is Not a Search Engine
22 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Since its recent debut, there's been a lot of buzz about Wolfram Alpha. But this cool new tool isn't a search engine; it's a computational knowledge e...
Are we in cyber war?
17 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Cyber warfare is a nebulous field of combat without clear-cut rules or loyalties. Discover if we're currently at war -- cyber war -- in this podcast f...
Spotlight on Vint Cerf
15 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Vinton Cerf, often called the "father of the internet," is an extremely influential computer scientist and the chief "internet evangelist" for Google....
100th Episode Spectacular
10 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
It's official: TechStuff has hit the 100-episode mark! Join Chris and Jonathan as they reminisce about their first forays into the tech world and the ...
What's the deal with spam?
08 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Spam is unsolicited junk e-mail that clogs up your mailbox, but where did it come from? Why is there so much of it? And why is it named after a proces...
USB vs FireWire
03 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
USB and FireWire technologies are both ways to transfer data between devices. Tune in as the TechStuff guys explore the past, present and future of US...
E3 2009 Preview
01 Jun 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, is where producers of electronic entertainment showcase their goods every year. Tune in to this podcast from...
Why do other countries get cool tech before the U.S?
27 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Smartphones have been very successful in the EU and Japan, but the US didn't catch on until the iPhone. This isn't an isolated incident -- the US mark...
Are computers more eco-friendly than paper?
25 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to environmentally-friendly use of resources, are computers a better option than paper? Tune in as the TechStuff guys tackle the complic...
The Down Low on CB Radio
20 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Citizens' Band (CB) radio isn't exactly up-and-coming technology, but it still keeps people connected. Explore the fascinating history of CB radio in ...
Listener Mail Roundup 2
18 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
You've got questions -- and the TechStuff guys have answers. Listen in as they tackle more listener mail, from online scams to overcharging batteries,...
What's the deal with BitTorrent?
13 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
BitTorrent is a file-distribution method that allows you to download large files without using up tons of bandwidth. Learn more about this popular pro...
How Mobile Apps Stores Work
11 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Mobile applications stores for smart phones are the next big thing in telephone technology. Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to find out...
Listener Mail Roundup
06 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wanted to be a guest on TechStuff? If you've written to the guys, your letter might be in today's episode. Join Chris and Jonathan as they respon...
Windows 7 Preview
04 May 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Check out this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com to hear the TechStuff guys discuss the differences between the infamous Microsoft operating system Windo...
Technology We Can Thank NASA For
29 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
We might not all grow up to be astronauts, but there are lots of everyday technologies that we can thank NASA for. Find out which technologies were sp...
What are Mac clones?
27 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Mac users swear by Apple products -- the style and innovation keep these customers coming back for more. But what about the foreign companies manufact...
How RSS Works
22 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
RSS -- really simple syndication -- is a handy way to get updates from Web sites, and every user can configure his or her preferences. Tune in to this...
What exactly is cloud gaming?
20 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The phantom game console was designed to allow gamers to play any game from any system. The system hasn't panned out yet, but gamers still hope for cl...
How 9-1-1 Technology Works
15 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The 9-1-1 emergency system seems pretty straightforward -- you dial 9-1-1 and rescue teams are dispatched. But as the TechStuff guys reveal in this po...
How 2G, 3G and 4G Cell Phone Networks Work
13 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
As cell phone technology evolves, so does the nomenclature. What's a 2G network? 3G? 4G? In this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com, the TechStuff guys gi...
Computer Virus Emergency Response Plan Go!
08 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Computer viruses can be nasty customers, but there are ways to oust them that don't involve drastic measures. Tune in to hear the TechStuff guys detai...
Digital Camera Tips
06 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Digital cameras can take great pictures -- especially if you know how to use them well. Tune in to hear the TechStuff guys discuss some handy digital ...
Famous April Fool's Tech Pranks
01 Apr 2009
Contributed by Lukas
On April 1, pranks run wild in the tech sector. In this podcast from HowStuffWorks, the TechStuff guys tickle your funny bone with a list of famous Ap...
The CTO and CIO of the United States
31 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
As a candidate, Barack Obama promised to appoint a Chief Technology Officer. As president, he has appointed a Chief Information Officer. This podcast ...
Are more expensive cables worth it?
23 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Is it safe to assume that expensive cables will outperform their cheaper counterparts? Not necessarily. Tune in to this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com...
Cool Hardware Hacks
18 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Hackers tend to get a bad rap, but not all hacking is for nefarious purposes. Discover nifty ways to "hack," or repurpose, existing hardware in this p...
Is your ISP sniffing packets?
16 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Packets are tiny pieces of digital information that move across networks. In this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com, the Techstuff guys discuss the contr...
What are virtual machines?
11 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Virtual machines can function as a 'machine inside a machine,' preventing two mutually incompatible applications from sabotaging each other. Tune in a...
How Nanotechnology Works
09 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Nanotechnology is the science of building incredibly tiny machines. As manufacturing techniques improve, more nanotechnology may find its way to the m...
What the big deal with megapixels?
04 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Digital camera manufacturers frequently use megapixels in their marketing strategy -- but what exactly are megapixels? Do they make a difference? List...
What is MAME?
02 Mar 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Many older arcade games have disappeared, leaving nostalgic gamers with no access to their favorite games. Luckily for manufacturers, MAME has come al...
Whatever happened to...?
25 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
From the Amiga to the Concorde jet, more than a few fascinating pieces of hardware have emerged only to disappear soon after. Listen in as the TechStu...
How Mac Viruses Work
23 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Apple computers used to have 'security through obscurity' because most hackers didn't bother writing computer viruses for a Mac. Now that appears to b...
What's difference between LCD and plasma television?
18 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
With the advent of LCD and plasma televisions, the reign of the cathode ray TV may have already ended -- but which new TV is the best? Tune in as our ...
How Rechargeable Batteries Work
16 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Rechargeable batteries are used almost every mobile electronic device, but many consumers don't know how to maintain these batteries. Tune in as the T...
How Proxy Servers Work
11 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
The internet can be thought of as a series of clients and servers, wherein clients request data from a server. A proxy server has the ability to inter...
How can technology help me get healthy?
09 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
With the advent of Wii Fit, consumers are coming to see video games as a way to get in shape, rather than fall into a sedentary lifestyle. Tune in to ...
How 3-D Glasses Work
04 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
3-D glasses have been around for a long time, but recent innovations have redefined the traditionally marginal role of this technology. Check out this...
Will using multiple applications kill my computer?
02 Feb 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Most computer users run multiple applications at the same time -- this can often cause the computer to run more slowly. Check out this HowStuffWorks p...
Can computers teach me to play music?
28 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Would you like a robotic piano teacher? The unprecedented popularity of Guitar Hero and Rock Band have prompted some gamers to learn actual instrument...
Why is President Obama's Blackberry such a big deal?
26 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
After his election, Blackberry enthusiast Barack Obama faced a dilemma -- should he give up the Blackberry or break from tradition and become the firs...