TechStuff
Episodes
How Smartphones Work
21 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Your average cell phone boasts some pretty cool features, but Smartphones have taken things to a whole new level. Get the lowdown on these versatile g...
GPS Games People Play
19 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
GPS receivers are great for navigation, but they have another surprising application: games. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to get the goods on ...
The 2009 Consumer Electronics Show
14 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
From 3-dimensional TV displays to wireless battery chargers, the 2009 CES ushered in a wave of emerging technologies. Check in with the Techs tuff cre...
What is phishing?
12 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Phishers send emails to strangers, hoping to swindle them out of thousands of dollars. From the notorious Nigerian email scams to fake hard-luck stori...
The Team's Favorite Tech Toys
07 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as the Techstuff team reveals their favorite tech toys, distractions and hobbies in this podcast from HowStuffWorks. Learn more about your ...
Will the internet kill television?
05 Jan 2009
Contributed by Lukas
With the advent of streaming internet video, some believe the days of traditional television are nearing an end. Check in with the Techstuff crew as t...
How Bill Gates and Steve Jobs Work, Part 2
31 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are giants in the computing world -- and they have more in common than you might suspect. Listen in as the Techstuff team re...
Tech Predictions for 2009
29 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
From Steve Job's successor to the future of the internet, the Techstuff team is chock full of predictions for 2009. Check out this podcast from HowStu...
How Bill Gates and Steve Jobs Work, Part 1
24 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are giants in the computing world -- and they have more in common than you might suspect. Listen in as the Techstuff team re...
The TechStuff Christmas List
22 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Listen in as the TechStuff team reviews the latest round of sleek and super-advanced technology (just in time for Christmas) in this podcast from HowS...
How Streaming Video Works
17 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Streaming video allows internet users to watch content without downloading an entire movie or show. Listen in as the Techstuff team takes a look at th...
How Net Neutrality Works
15 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Net neutrality is the concept that a computer user should have the same access to webpages regardless of the ISP or site visited. However, several ISP...
How iPhone Applications Work
10 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Each day, more and more applications for the iPhone find their way into the marketplace and individual phones. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to...
How MMORPGS Work
08 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Massively multiplayer online role playing games -- or MMORPGs -- are games in which a player takes on a fictional persona in a virtual world. Check ou...
What tools do the HowStuffWorks writers use?
03 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode the Techstuff crew reviews the browsers, software and other applications they use to research podcasts and articles. Check out this Ho...
Can I use TiVo with my PC?
01 Dec 2008
Contributed by Lukas
TiVo is a brand of digital video recorder that allows users to record programs from television and watch the programming at their leisure. But can thi...
How Digital Rights Management Works
26 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Digital Rights Management -- or DRM -- is a method through which content providers attempt to prevent consumers from distributing content without the ...
How E-books Work
24 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The digital revolution is changing the way audiences encounter media and entertainment. Conventional books are no exception. Check out this HowStuffWo...
How E-waste Works
19 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The hectic pace of electronic innovation has created an enormous amount of waste across the planet. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more...
How Richard Garriott Works
17 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Richard Garriott -- better known to some as Lord British -- is an innovative computer designer responsible for the legendary Ultima video game series....
Do violent video games lead to real violence?
12 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Despite numerous studies, the jury's still out on violence in video games: do they make gamers more likely to commit violent acts, or function as a me...
What is the greatest threat to your privacy online?
10 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Internet service providers and companies like Google have access to a profound amount of private information. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to ...
How Internet Trolls Work
05 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
On the internet, a 'troll' is an individual with an overwhelming desire to stir up trouble with inflammatory comments and images. Check out this HowSt...
How Ray Kurzweil Works
03 Nov 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Ray Kurzweil is one of the world's most influential futurists. Join the Techstuff team as they take a look at Kurzweil's amazing career in this podcas...
Technology That Goes Bump In the Night
29 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Some technology is designed to scare the daylights out of you, and some is just scary technology. Check out this special Halloween HowStuffWorks podca...
What happened to the technology of the future?
27 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Tech gurus of the 1950s thought the future would be full of flying cars and robots. Whatever happened to the utopian technology promised years ago? Ch...
How Dean Kamen Works
23 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Although inventor Dean Kamen is best known for the Segway, he holds more than 440 patents and conducts educational programs across the nation to encou...
How does the economy affect the tech sector?
22 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
As the US economy struggles, every sector of business suffers -- even the technical industries. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more abo...
Whatever happened to virtual reality?
15 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Several years ago, the world buzzed with rumors of fully interactive virtual reality just around the corner. Whatever happened to this immersive, inno...
How Parental Controls Work
13 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Parental controls are designed to prevent children from spending too much time on a computer, or from visiting inappropriate web sites. This technolog...
How High-End Peripherals Work
08 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Check out this podcast from HowStuffWorks to learn more about high-end computer peripherals, such as customizable keyboards and specialized video game...
The Dark Side of Cloud Computing
06 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Cloud computing lets users share files and applications over the Internet. However, this service is not perfect. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast ...
The Ten Worst Computer Viruses
01 Oct 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Computer viruses have evolved just as quickly as computers themselves. Listen in as our HowStuffWorks staff breaks down history's worst computer virus...
How the Google Android Phone Will Work
29 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
After years of rumors, Google and T-Mobile are releasing a cell phone designed to use Android, Google's new open-source software platform. Tune in to ...
How Niche Social Networks Work
24 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The U.S. intelligence community is creating a social networking site for spies -- and this is just one example of the growing field of niche social ne...
How Web Browser Updates Work
22 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
As the capacity and complexity of the internet grows, browsers also become more complex. Check out this HowStuffWorks podcast to learn more about the ...
How Encryption Works
17 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Every day, consumers sign up for financial services over the internet, putting their private information online. Users count on encryption to protect ...
How Green Printers Work
15 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Some have called the 21st century "the era of the paperless office," but the printed page still has a profound effect on the environment. Check out th...
How WiMAX Works
10 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
WiMAX has hit technology news in a big way. This networking system can blanket a 30-mile radius with broadband access, creating city-wide wireless acc...
How Printers Work
08 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The swift evolution of printing technology has spawned several types of printers. Check out the HowStuffWorks web site to learn more about the history...
How Independent Game Developers Work
04 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Until recently, independent game developers were a rarity in the world of video game consoles. With the advent of developer kits like Nintendo's WiiWa...
What are the different ways you can print without wires?
02 Sep 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Wired devices are literally leashed to a network, and connecting devices can be very frustrating. With wireless printing, users are no longer tied dow...
How LCDs Work
28 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
You probably use items containing an LCD (liquid crystal display) every day. This technology can be found in laptops computers, digital clocks, ovens ...
Can the government take away my laptop?
26 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Federal agents have the right to confiscate and examine electronic devices belonging to anyone entering the United States -- and these agents aren't r...
How Energy-efficient Electronics Work
20 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The average American household spends $1,400 each year on energy bills. Take a look at our HowStuffWorks article to learn how energy-efficient electro...
How E-voting Works
18 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Generally speaking, e-voting refers to both the electronic means of casting a vote and the electronic means of tabulating votes. Will this become the ...
How Bluetooth Works
13 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Security is a concern in any wireless network setup. People sending sensitive information over a wireless connection need to take precautions to make ...
How the Merger of Sirius and XM Will Work
11 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Satellite radio allows listeners to access radio stations without sitting through radio ads. Only two companies -- Sirius and XM Radio -- have attaine...
How the Facebook Redesign Works
06 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Facebook is a social networking site. It was created for Harvard students but has expanded to an open membership. Learn about Facebook, it's network a...
How Twitter Works
04 Aug 2008
Contributed by Lukas
In May of 2008, Twitter received another 15 million dollars in venture capital funding. This increase reflects the growing interest in micro blogging ...
How Mp3 Files Work
30 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Certain parts of a song can be eliminated without significantly lowering the song's quality. The MP3 does not sound exactly the same as the original C...
How Cloud Computing Works
28 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Cloud computing allows users to store data on other computers or servers. For example, web-based applications are a form of cloud computing. Check out...
How the iPhone Works
23 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The new Apple iPhone has several advantages, including a GPS and 3G capacity. However, the iPhone is far from perfect, and still has some disadvantage...
How Zombie Computers Work
21 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
When a hacker makes a zombie computer, he infiltrates an unsuspecting victim's computer and uses it to conduct illegal activities. The user may be una...
How Video Game Systems Work
16 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Get a console-by-console update on the developments of the 2008 E3 exposition in this HowStuffWorks podcast, including news on improved online feature...
Do I Really Need a Digital Converter Box For My TV?
14 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
In an effort to free up radio spectrum for emergency broadcasting and wireless service, the US will switch from analog to digital television on Feb. 1...
How Open Source Works
08 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Open source is a way of developing software in which the original developer makes all of the source code available for modification. Learn more about ...
How Moore's Law Works
02 Jul 2008
Contributed by Lukas
Each year, manufacturers bring out the next great computer chip that boosts bigger and better computing power. Intel founder Gordon Moore predicted th...
What are the Best Video Games That Were Never Made?
25 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The best video games never made is a debate because of the number of great ideas that routinely get canceled. Check out the best video games never mad...
Why is the Google Algorithm So Important?
18 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The Google algorithm searches out Web pages that contain keywords you used to search. Learn about the Google algorithm and how the Google algorithm wo...
How the Google-Apple Cloud Computer Will Work
10 Jun 2008
Contributed by Lukas
The Google-Apple cloud computer is a revolutionary new system in which all programs are stored on a central server. Learn about the Google-Apple cloud...