Location:

United States

Description:

NewsRadio 830 WCCO

Language:

English


Episodes
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Control and Comfort Over Your Data Safety

2/21/2026
Doug Swinhart and Steve Thomson take your calls and texts during this week's edition of the program. Topics include the differences between Windows 11 & 10, the best ways to backup your documents and data, and how to recover your forgotten passwords.

Duration:00:34:34

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The Price of Safety and Security

2/14/2026
Doug Swinhart and Steve Thomson are in to take your tech questions. On this week's edition of the program, there's a focus on concerns with security. They discuss the anxieties around Flock Safety, upgrading your internet provider, and the steps needed to clear that hard drive before donating your old computer.

Duration:00:33:31

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Opening Our Tech-Driven Minds

2/7/2026
Doug Swinhart and Steve Thomson are in to answer your tech questions. This week, those include the latest push for Open Source programming, why you should use Privazer to help your computer's efficiency, and making the most out of your printer.

Duration:00:35:49

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When in doubt, reboot

1/31/2026
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Printer connections at home Changes in WiFi Windows 11 issues The future is web–based The future of Windows Must dos if you’re getting rid of an old machine Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Duration:00:41:21

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Open source systems may become a normal option

1/17/2026
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: The necessity of keeping your gas tank full during cold winter months Backing up your encrypted hard drive Windows 11 struggles Converting a Windows laptop to Linux Encrypted hard drives Security issues using Proton VPN Macbooks vs Windows vs Chromebooks Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Duration:00:39:47

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Dinosaurs do Tech Talk

1/10/2026
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Doug’s thoughts on the current state of Microsoft The impact of AI at work Shutting off AI Getting WiFi to your garage & extenders Getting hacked by a birthday invitation Brave as a search engine Steve converting a Lenovo machine to Linux Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Duration:00:40:43

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Sinclair warned us about this, Orwell warned us about this, will we heed?

12/20/2025
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Giant data centers fueling the AI boom The necessity of AI regulation Steve and Doug’s fears The unlikelihood of AI disclaimers What is the true human cost of AI? Network attached storage Was this popup malware? Emails meant to be sent ending up in the trash on an iPhone Running Privazer Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Duration:00:40:20

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Beware of the call to action

12/13/2025
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Managing humidity indoors for static management Being wary of scam season Doug’s distrust of scannable codes Amazon cracking down on piracy apps/streams The optimizing tool that is Privazer Amazon Leo Amazon satellites vs Starlink satellites BitDefender upgrade The greatness of Youtube Steve’s printer story Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Duration:00:39:53

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Regulation is a MUST

12/6/2025
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Windows 10 security updates abroad vs USA Need for oversight & regulation for Big Tech Have we passed the point of no return with AI? Privazer Premium on Windows 11 Ask Leo on the Brave browser Cleaning up a Mac mini bogged down with data Doug’s dream for more cross platform integration (especially with Apple products) How long will Windows 10 run without any problems? Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Duration:00:41:38

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Windows 11 is so broken Doug thinks 12 could be pushed early

11/29/2025
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Microsoft admits that Windows 11 is broken Cost of high level monitors Laptop trackpads Don’t be afraid of factory referbs Printer repairs Data is the problem Privazer The strength of the ethernet cord Amazon internet entering the market Satellite systems and the race 6G Tech that pays for itself Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Duration:00:38:02

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Do child protections in tech make kids more safe or vulnerable?

11/22/2025
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: International relations VPNs under attack (especially in Wisconsin) How the internet has become sectioned off Proton VPNs Purchasing a laptop for an international user Apple falling behind Securing Windows 10 machines Plus, calls and texts from listeners!

Duration:00:35:54

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The Sweet Spot: Maximum security + adequate efficiency

11/15/2025
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: How often you should delete your browser history Browser security Running Defender on older machines Email scam uptick (you’d be shocked at how much they know about you) The invitation virus and how you get rid of it HP printer that won’t print Refilling a bulk ink cartridge Tri band routers

Duration:00:38:30

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Everything runs better than Internet Explorer

11/8/2025
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Printer talks continued from last week Doug’s read on Microsoft Edge How to protect your machine to do after your warranty expires Buying electronics at Costco Extended warranties and identity protections Continued AI intrusion and misuse Cleaning programs VPNs internet speeds Plus, calls and texts from the listeners!

Duration:00:39:21

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Sometimes it's just easier to buy a new printer

11/1/2025
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Printer firmware updates, should you? Navigating a Windows 11 install Best printer to buy for small businesses Sending photos from desktop Replacing Apple II C floppy drive Buying refurbished machines on EBay Plus, texts from listeners!

Duration:00:42:39

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Protecting Your Computer From Malicious Forces

10/25/2025
Doug Swinhart and Steve Thomson take your calls on those nagging computer problems. Several questions ask how to protect your tech from malware and other malicious actors. Also, they tackle the latest on some widespread breaches and discuss what to look for when buying a printer.

Duration:00:38:33

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Did our talk fix our tech issues?

10/18/2025
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: What to do now that Windows 10 updates aren’t available anymore Backdoor solutions Solving tech issues on the fly Linux mint Anti virus removal tools Broken screens

Duration:00:42:39

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Take your time, do your own research

10/11/2025
It’s another episode of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Elon Musk’s upcoming Linux system The affordability of storage devices Setting up a new laptop Downloading Proton and what’s included Antivirus software… programs and preparation Microsoft 360 office online issues Syncing issues with Microsoft and Norton AntiVirus Windows 10 to Windows 11 transition

Duration:00:33:40

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Doug is a huge fan of Chris Titus' Windows Utility program

10/4/2025
It’s another edition of Tech Talk featuring Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics include: Windows 10 deep dive Increased competition for Apple and Microsoft from overseas Their level of trust in Chinese products Keeping work and personal email separated Broken power supply/damaged jack… should you replace the part or the machine? Tablets & E-Readers Chris Titus’ Windows Utility program

Duration:00:39:42

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The case of the missing cursor

9/27/2025
It’s another edition of Tech Talk with Steve Thomson and Doug Swinhart! Topics explored: What to do if you don’t want to move on from Windows 10 What the American market doesn’t get access to Setting up accounts securely Avoiding password webs Top notch password managers Avoiding scams Checking sourcing when downloading apps Cellular networks in your appliances

Duration:00:41:42

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Know Before You Click and Big Week for Windows!

9/13/2025
There are many ways in which people can access your information - we discuss ways in which simply clicking an email in the break can open up floodgates of trouble for your info and financial records, etc. We dive into this first segment, then dive into Windows 10, Windows Defender, monitor calibration and much more in today’s edition of Tech Talk!

Duration:00:37:35