Gareth and Matthew also look at the different file formats used by computers and programs.

#cloudservices #fileformats #googledrive #icloud #dropbox #onedrive

In the US California has already implemented laws requiring device makers to have age verification services on the new device on start up. They will also be required to put age verification into older devices.

#ageverification #apple #microsoft #android

Here is the full list of programs and links to download them. VLC Media Player https://www.videolan.org/ iTunes https://www.apple.com/itunes/ Audacity https://www.audacityteam.org/ Bitdefender Free https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/consumer/free-antivirus Malware Bytes https://www.malwarebytes.com/ Firefox https://www.firefox.com/en-US/ Ublock Origin https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/ublock-origin/ Wiztree https://diskanalyzer.com/ Winaero Tweaker https://winaerotweaker.com/ Open Shell https://github.com/Open-Shell/Open-Shell-Menu Cobian Backup https://www.cobiansoft.com/ Google Docs https://docs.google.com/ Google Sheets https://sheets.google.com/ Libre Office https://www.libreoffice.org/ Thunderbird https://www.thunderbird.net/en-US/ EMClient https://www.emclient.com/

A couple of extras Sumatra PDF https://www.sumatrapdfreader.org/free-pdf-reader FoxIt Reader https://www.foxit.com/pdf-reader/

Comment below if you want walkthroughs on how to use the programs.

Vanessa also explains how photographers deal with AI content appearing on the internet making it difficult to tell real from fake.

You can find out more about Vanessa and Wisteria Weddings here https://wisteriaweddings.com.au/

They also look at which AI service, Google Gemini, Anthropic Cluade, Open AI ChatGPT and XAI Geok, is right for you.

#ai #anthropic #grok #gemini #chatgpt #claude

#naplan #andriod #solidstatedrive #ssd #virus

They talked about electronic medical records, telehealth consultations, and the challenges of AI in medical diagnosis, as well as role of technology in patient care, including the use of wearable devices and the potential risks of patients using AI for self-diagnosis.

The Australian Scams Prevention Framework can be found here http://bit.ly/4swPgd4 and the website for the Australian Financial Complaints Authority can be found here https://www.afca.org.au/

#scamrecovery #bankingscam #financialscams

With remote access scams becoming a bigger issue the use of commercial programs for illegal activities is increasing. What can you do to keep yourself safe, even if you need to use programs like these for your work or family life.

They also look at how the news you see and read can be biased thanks to the interests of the sources you see.

They look at spam emails and how they get past spam filters and why can't you stop spam emails from getting into your spam folder completely.

How emails can get to you if your email server goes down. Having a second email address with a different provider can come in handy.

How to send large attachments or what files size you send and how to send larger files through emails.

Multiple email recipients and how to keep other people's email addresses private with BCC.

Unsending emails.

How to open email attachments your computer doesn't know how to open or opening Apple created files on an Windows computer.

Make sure you know your email account password.

#email #podcast #nerdandnormal

They touched on the latest update for Windows that was released in January 2026.  ZDNet has a list of some of the issues that were created with the update https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-bug-roundup/

Ensuring your iPhone don't update automatically by going in to Settings and then General and Software Update and turning off automatic updates. Instead update the phones manually a couple of weeks after the updates are released.

Update Android apps through the Play Store and the App Store on iOS by pressing on the account details in the top right corner of the screen.

Check how the space on the phone is going by pressing Settings, then General and Device Storage.

Hard restarts of phones should be done regularly by, on iPhones, quickly pressing the volume up and then volume down followed by holding the Power Button on the other side of the phone down until the Apple logo appears. On Android you should hold down either the volume up or volume down button and holding the power button at the same time. You should also go into the settings on an Android phone and search for "Button" and change the long press setting to Power Menu to ensure the button brings up the power menu without other buttons being held down.

Back up iPhones to iTunes on Windows computers or Finder on Apple computers for free.

With computers updates for most programs work automatically. In Windows settings and Windows Updates, make sure the setting to install updates as soon as they are available is turned off to give you a break from the updates of a couple of weeks after they are released.

When you need to clean your computer storage Matthew says to use Wiztree to manually clean temporary files https://diskanalyzer.com/

You should not defrag storage on modern computers.

Windows has basic maintenance built in now. 

You should look into Task Manager , by holding down the Ctrl, Shift and Esc buttons on the keyboard to and go into the Startup section to turn off programs from starting up with Windows to speed it up.

If you are after a free antivirus you can use the one built into Windows 11 or you can get Bitdefender from https://www.bitdefender.com/en-au/consumer/free-antivirus

Keep dust away from the grills and air holes on you computer.

To back up your computer you can use Cobian Reflector for free https://www.cobiansoft.com/

If you have any topics or questions you can post a comment here or email us at nerdandnormalpodcast@gmail.com

#computermaintenance #phonemaintenance #nerdandnormal #podcast #australianpodcast #freeprogram

We also talk about the Social Media Ban with Dr John Irvine, a clinical child psychologist about the effects the ban can have on young minds. #ces2026 #ai #robots #socialmediaban #Drjohnirvine

Australian Innovation and Capitalisation Australia's history of innovation is vast. Australian inventions such as the refrigeration system, notepad, and Wi-Fi. While Australia has contributed significantly to global technology, the country often lacks the financial resources to capitalise on these inventions, which are frequently purchased by foreign companies. 

Australian Inventions and Cultural Experiences Medical advancements, such as penicillin and the bionic ear, in improving health and well-being. Gareth emphasized the uniqueness of Australian experiences, including trying to catch a blow fly and engaging in cultural activities like eating meat pies. 

Technology in Sports and Culture Matthew and Gareth discussed the impact of technology on sports, comparing current and future changes in umpiring and scoring systems. They agreed that while technology offers new possibilities, human umpires remain more trustworthy. The conversation shifted to celebrating Australian values and freedoms, with Gareth listing various aspects of Australian culture and history to be proud of.

Sending letters to Santa with the help of Australia Post, https://auspost.com.au/about-us/supporting-communities/literacy-education/santa-mail and ringing Santa for free from any Pay Phone in Australia by dialing #464646 https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/call-santa-with-telstra-s-payphone--here-s-how-and-where-to-call

On the big night, you can track Santa's trip around the world with either Google https://santatracker.google.com/ or NORAD https://www.noradsanta.org/en/.

To find Christmas lights in your area you can check out https://www.christmaslightsearch.com.au/australia/.

We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. We look forward to speaking to you again in 2026

Matthew and Gareth discussed the challenges of smart homes, including the complexity of setting up devices with different manufacturers and Wi-Fi settings. Matthew shared an experience of helping a customer with a completely smart home that was more complex than the owners could manage. They explored issues like the lack of instruction manuals, the reliance on Wi-Fi, and the potential for smart homes to become "dumb" during power outages. The conversation also touched on the need for multiple apps to control different aspects of a smart home and the limitations of unified smart home systems like Google Home.

Google Home Radio Playback Issues Matthew explained that Google Home devices have been experiencing issues with radio playback, where the system would stop working for a month before being partially fixed but now only plays for 30 minutes. He attributed this to Google's automated testing process, which relies on virtual computers rather than real-world testing, leading to untested updates that cause problems. Matthew emphasized that while smart home technology can be useful, he personally only has one smart device - a Kmart light globe - and advised that health-related wearables should always be discussed with a doctor before purchase, as medical software systems like Best Practice and Praxoft cannot directly use data from many wearables.

AR Glasses Capabilities and Concerns Matthew explained the capabilities of AR glasses, including their ability to display information in the user's field of view and record real-time video. He noted concerns about recording people without their knowledge and the potential for distraction while using the glasses. Gareth inquired about the glasses' ability to correct vision and their availability and cost in Australia. Matthew clarified that while some AR glasses can accommodate prescription lenses, they are not yet AI-enabled to automatically adjust for vision changes. He also mentioned that AR glasses are currently expensive but have a niche market of early adopters.

EVs, Smart Meters, and Charging Matthew and Gareth discussed smart meters, EV chargers, and electric vehicles. Matthew expressed skepticism about smart meters, citing potential cost increases and power company control. They explored the technical requirements and costs of EV chargers, with Matthew emphasizing the importance of charge speed. Matthew shared his preference for hybrid over fully electric vehicles due to range anxiety and charging convenience. Gareth mentioned Rolls-Royce's new electric car, which Matthew found unappealing due to its high price and charging limitations.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/oct/11/is-london-in-the-grip-of-a-wave-its-not-so-simple

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/ministerial-media-releases/further-$268.2-million-responding-to-nsw-bushfire-inquiry-recommendations

https://www.itnews.com.au/news/nsw-lockdown-on-drone-use-around-prisons-515532

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/01/dutch-netherlands-police-birds-unauthorized-drones

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-17/khayat-brothers-jailed-over-failed-etihad-plane-bomb-plot/11805518

https://statescoop.com/new-gun-detection-system-uses-wi-fi-to-sense-concealed-weapons/ Matthew also looks into the issue mobile phone coverage and the safety and life threatening issues that have arisen since the 3G mobile phone shut down in November 2024

motormouth.com.au is both a website and app for you to find cheap petrol in your area, or anywhere in the country.

Energymadeeasy.gov.au is a free government to check for the cheapest energy prices for you based on your previous bills.

Finder.com.au a website with commercial agreements with a lot of businesses to help you find a range of different prices for services you need.

Productreview.com.au  should be used in conjunction with all compare websites to check customer reviews on the companies you’re shown.

Ozbargain.com.au find cheap services and products not usually promoted by businesses in easy to find locations.

Matthew explained the evolution of USB connectors, noting that USB-C is now widely used but can be confusing due to different standards like Thunderbolt 3, which allows faster data transfer and more power through the same connector. Gareth asked about using a USB-C cable with Apple devices, and Matthew clarified that while the iPhone Pro Max supports USB 3 speeds, other Apple devices use USB 2, making cables compatible but with varying speeds and power capabilities.

USB and Wi-Fi Technology Evolution Matthew explained the differences between USB cable versions, noting that USB 4 cables are backward compatible with USB 2 devices but offer faster speeds and more power. He advised Gareth to look for cables labeled USB 3 or USB 4 for compatibility with various devices. They also discussed the evolution of Wi-Fi standards, with Matthew explaining that different versions like 802.11b, 802.11a, and Wi-Fi 5 represent distinct technologies with varying capabilities. NBN Fiber and Wi-Fi Updates Matthew explained that most NBN connections can now support fiber-to-the-home, which would require changing the modem to achieve full speed benefits. He clarified that while higher Wi-Fi standards like Wi-Fi 7 and 8 offer faster speeds, Wi-Fi 6 is sufficient for most home internet usage, as most users don't require the high speeds these newer standards provide. Matthew also discussed two-factor authentication, explaining that it adds an extra layer of security beyond just passwords and usernames.

Two-Factor Authentication Challenges Matthew and Gareth discussed two-factor authentication methods, highlighting the challenges and security implications. Matthew explained that while two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security, it can be cumbersome, especially when switching devices or losing the primary device. Gareth raised concerns about the process of transferring authentication apps to new phones, emphasizing the need for careful setup or professional assistance. They agreed to address this topic in future sessions, and Gareth also planned to explore cloud-based data transfer options for new phones.

Cloud Storage and Digital TV Basics Matthew explained the basics of cloud storage, emphasizing that it involves using the internet to store data on websites like iCloud or Google Photos. He advised against relying solely on cloud storage and recommended backing up data on USB hard drives for control and security. Matthew also discussed the transition from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 in digital TV broadcasting, noting that older TVs may struggle to receive certain channels, prompting the need for new TVs or set-top boxes. Finally, Matthew defined an IP address as an internet equivalent of a street address and explained how it can be used to track internet activity.

Understanding VPNs and Computer Components Matthew explained how VPNs can help hide a user's IP address and location, but noted that law enforcement can still track users through VPNs by accessing logs kept by VPN providers. He also discussed the Darknet and Tor browser, which can further obscure a user's online activities. The conversation concluded with Matthew providing a basic overview of computer components, explaining the roles of the CPU, RAM, and storage devices in a computer system.

Gareth and Matthew discussed the history of smartphones. They explored the rapid technological advancements in smartphones over the past 20 years, highlighting the transition from basic models to foldable devices. Matthew explained the demise of Windows phones due to a lack of developer support compared to Android and Apple.

Smartphone Evolution and Preferences

Gareth and Matthew discussed the evolution of mobile phones, highlighting the advancements from basic models to modern smartphones with minimal physical buttons. They noted the dominance of Apple's iOS system and the saturation of the Android market. Matthew suggested that the choice of smartphone often depends on personal preference and familiarity with ecosystems. They also touched on the desire for smartphones to perform multiple functions beyond making calls, such as taking photos and playing games.

Phone Technology and Camera Quality

Matthew advised people to stick with their current phone brand if they are satisfied, whether it's Apple or Android, as switching can lead to changes in email programs and settings. He explained that larger phone screens are becoming more popular due to increased content viewing, such as watching movies and playing games. Matthew also discussed the evolution of phone cameras, noting that while smartphone cameras have improved significantly, they still cannot match the quality of dedicated cameras. He emphasized the importance of researching camera quality when considering a new phone.

Samsung Phone Network Ban Discussion

Matthew explained that Samsung phones from 2017, including the Galaxy J5, Galaxy A7, and Galaxy S7 Edge, will be blocked from using Optus and Telstra networks in November due to their inability to dial emergency numbers on Vodafone networks. He emphasized that affected users should have received text messages from their providers about replacing their phones. Matthew also discussed the limitations of mobile phone technology, noting that while each new generation offers increased speed, signal strength and distance have decreased, leading to spotty reception in some areas. He suggested that the federal government may need to build more towers to address these issues.

Affected mobiles can be found here.

SM-A720F

Galaxy A7 (2017)

SM-A520F

Galaxy A5 2017

SM-J120ZN

Galaxy J1 2016

SM-J320ZN

Galaxy J3 2016

SM-J530Y

Galaxy J5 (2017)

SM-N920I

Galaxy Note 5

SM-G920I

Galaxy S6

SM-G925I

Galaxy S6 edge

SM-G928I

Galaxy S6 Edge+

SM-G930F

Galaxy S7

SM-G935F

Galaxy S7 Edge

Apple vs Android Phone Features

Matthew and Gareth discussed the differences between Apple and Android phones, focusing on app installation and flexibility. Matthew explained that while Apple phones offer simplicity and security. Matthew advised against upgrading to iOS 26, citing ongoing issues, and recommended keeping older phones working as long as possible unless there are significant problems.

iOS Version Update Advice

Matthew advised Gareth to stick with iOS 18.7.1 for now, as the latest version, iOS 26, has not been fully tested and may have issues. He explained that Apple has changed its numbering system to appear more advanced than Android, which is currently on version 16. Gareth asked about the security implications of not updating to iOS 26, and Matthew clarified that while iOS 18 updates typically fix problems, iOS 26 introduces significant changes that may require multiple updates to address.

#nerdandnormal #mobilephone #android #ios

Looking at CPUs, comparing AMD Ryzen and Intel models. The AMD Ryzen3 and Intel i3 models for basic computing needs.

There is a huge importance of entering a computer store with knowledge to navigate the technical language and avoid being sold products based on commission or profit.

If you can’t get a computer built by a local technician, try and avoid HP computers. Lenovo and Dell offers the best after sale support.

For a basic computer for email and internet use you should get an AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel i3 processor, 8 – 16 GB of RAM and at least 512 storage.

For gaming, an AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 with at least 32 GB of RAM at least 2TB SSD and an Nvidia Geforce RTX 50 series video card with at least 8GB of memory

Damien Tudehope explains that the NSW government prioritises cybersecurity due to the high cost of preventing and remediating data breaches, which can lead to a loss of public confidence. He mentioned that each public sector agency has its own cyber policies, with New South Wales Customer Service prioritizing taxpayer information. Damien also discussed the importance of cybersecurity advice for startups, noting that while government support is limited, businesses should prioritise security measures

As part of scams we discussed the increasing sophistication of scams, particularly how scammers use AI to create fake websites, generate text-to-voice messages, and exploit personal data. Matthew emphasised the importance of caution and critical thinking when dealing with suspicious communications. They highlighted that scammers often use leaked data and existing victim databases to target individuals

Charlie Brown talks about what got him started making the phone made for keeping children safe on phones and what the G-Mee phone is for.

Keeping children safe by helping to teach both the children and parents about safety with technology, the G-Mee phone can be used to educate on safe phone use while helping parents control and help children communicate and feel safe.

#GeMee #onlinesafety #kidsphone

The limitations and ethical concerns of AI, focusing on its lack of understanding of human nuances, creativity, and intuition. They highlighted that AI relies heavily on the data inputted, which can lead to biased or incorrect outputs, and emphasized the need for more rigid controls on AI usage. They also touched on the potential for AI to replace certain jobs, diagnose medical conditions, and the ethical and privacy concerns associated with AI's data collection and use.

Looking at limitations and potential misuse of AI in education and other sectors. Matthew expressed concerns about AI's reliance on American English databases and its impact on teaching and learning, particularly in Australian schools. They also touched on the ethical implications of AI, including job replacement and the potential for AI to create emotional connections with humans, though Matthew emphasised the limitations of current AI technology.

Next week on Nerd and Normal we will be looking at AI in general and how it will affect the technology in your life.

The easiest thing is to update your computer to Windows 11. Not all computers can be updated. To check if your computer can be updated to Windows 11 you should download the PC Health Check program from Microsoft here https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/how-to-use-the-pc-health-check-app-9c8abd9b-03ba-4e67-81ef-36f37caa7844 After downloading the program run it and it will tell you if your computer can be updated.

If it can’t be updated you should sign up for the 12 month extension to Windows 10 security updates. For details on how to this check this video https://youtu.be/GQrXUfYnjhk

If your computer can't get the update to Windows 11 it will be either CPU, SecureBoot or TPM 2.0 not working on your computer or not meeting the requirements. SecureBoot and TPM 2.0 could be fixed on most computers, but the CPU might not be able to be updated.

If you are running Windows 11 you can use Open shell, https://openshellmenu.com , to modify the way it looks to make it look more like Windows 7 to make your use of Windows 11 easier and quicker if you find the new look hard to use.

Next week on Nerd and Normal we will be looking at google putting Gemini into every copy of Chrome and what the future holds for how you use the Internet on your devices.