Secrets of Technology

Email is a fact of life and Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier look at some email tools and software to help us better manage the flow of email in our inboxes. Plus Roku's draconian TOS rollout; why not to put your phone in rice; and why musical alarms could save lives. The post Emails Tools and Extensions appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Once you've taken photos on your phone, what next? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss software and workflows for editing and storing your precious photos securely. Plus, AI sacred art; parish podcasts; and America's last Morse code station. The post Capturing Memories: Mastering Photo Editing & Storage Solutions appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Protect the girls. Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the exploitation of girls on Instagram in accounts managed by moms and stalked by men and what we should do about it. Plus, Joanne's Vision Pro experience, the failure of self-checkout, and more. The post A Marketplace of Girl Influencers appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What's in your software toolkit? Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the software utilities and apps that keep them productive every day in their personal and work lives. Plus IRS e-file and why piracy is surging again. The post What’s in your Software EDC? appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Tired of fake news? Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott discuss how to find reliable news sources online to avoid disinformation, silos, and anxiety, by using critical thinking, a broad-based diverse approach, and helpful online tools. The post Find Reliable News Sources Online appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Smart home tech is ever more accessible, but if you're just getting started where do you begin? Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss the basic considerations, where to start, and why thinking of the others in your household first is necessary. The post Getting Started With Smart Home Automation appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Techie Farmer Matt Clark returns to talk to Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Thomas Sanjurjo about how climate change affects farms, the importance of connectivity to farms, population growth, and alternative proteins on the market. Plus headlines and picks of the week. The post The Future of Farming appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What are the big tech trends we can expect in 2024? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter look at what was big at the Consumer Electronics Show (and on product that wasn't there) to see what we can expect to see more of in the coming year and beyond. The post The Big Tech Trends for 2024 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Every year, tech geeks get new software and gadgets, so Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss their favorite tech from 2023, including retro gaming, home appliances, and more. Plus the problems of zombie scientific studies and other headlines. The post Our Favorite Tech of 2023 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

A marketing company has claimed it can listen in on people's smartphones and digital assistants. Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier discuss why it is likely untrue, but also how we can all do more to protect our privacy and be aware of how we "leak" data about ourselves all the time. The post Your Devices Aren’t Listening to You appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In our last Christmas gift guide of 2023, Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter give some ideas for last-minute gifts (or early Epiphany gifts!) Plus, they discuss Microsoft pushing OneDrive; DoorDash pushing tipping; and Google Maps pushing legibility. The post Christmas Gift Guide with Pat and Fr. Andrew appeared first on StarQuest Media.

It's stocking stuffer time! Dom Bettinellli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha come up with a list of tech gifts perfect to put in those stockings hung by the chimney with care this Christmas. The post Christmas Gift Guide with Joanne and Fr. Cory appeared first on StarQuest Media.

StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for listeners as we approach the Christmas season. We need to hear from you this Advent and Christmas at sqpn.com/give The post A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli appeared first on StarQuest Media.

On week 2 of our Christmas Gift Guide, Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini give some ideas of tech gifts that everyone from kids to grandparents would gladly receive. Plus, a look at the latest headlines and the picks of the week. The post Christmas Gift Guide with Thomas and Jack appeared first on StarQuest Media.

It's time again to start thinking about Christmas gifts, so Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Joseph Sund offer some gift ideas in the area of virtual and mixed reality entertainment and home automation. Plus news on UFOs, the Vision Pro social strategy, and why car radio is hanging on. The post Christmas Gift Guide with Pat and Fr. Joseph appeared first on StarQuest Media.

If you had to pare down the apps and features on your phone to the bare minimum, what would make the cut? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss their lists and criteria. Plus, AI and the dignity of work; the decline of remote work; and more. The post Must-Have Bare Minimum Smartphone Apps appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Every dollar counts these days and we want to be good stewards of our goods so Dom Bettinelli and Jack Baruzzini discuss their top tips and advice for sensible, thrifty spending on tech. Plus, New York's rules for AirBnB and 3D printing and a billionaire's new blimp. The post Thrifty Tech Spending appeared first on StarQuest Media.

We delve into the headlines this time. Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott look at AI used to debunk science fraud; More AI used to keep people from becoming homeless; Meta being sued by states and its plans to charge for ad-free social media; and more. The post Debunking Bad Science and More Headlines appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Your technology gets dirty. Filthy even. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss tips, techniques, and tools for cleaning smartphones, computers, TVs, and more, safely and effectively. Plus, iPhone 12 radiation, Microsoft printer drivers, and net neutrality. The post Clean Your Tech appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Every operating system has accessibility features for those who need extra assistance. However, Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Cory Sticha explore how those same features can also benefit those who don't have the same accessibility issues. The post Accessibility for Everyone appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Whether you own a house or rent an apartment, your home needs regular maintenance. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss high and low tech tools, gadgets, software, and tips for maintaining your home in top condition. The post Home Maintenance Tech appeared first on StarQuest Media.

We have lots of tech dedicated to helping us get healthier. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss some tech to help us lose weight, eat healthier, track our vitals, and sleep better. Plus canceling phantom subscriptions and more. The post Health and Wellness Tech appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Steam Deck is an amazing portable, handheld gaming console, but it's also a full-fledged miniature Linux computer. Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss many non-gaming uses for the versatile Steam Deck. The post Steam Deck Isn’t Just for Gaming appeared first on StarQuest Media.

We need your help to continue to produce our great Catholic shows that explore the intersection of faith and modern culture and look at the world from a uniquely Catholic perspective. The post A message from Dom Bettinelli of Starquest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What's new from Apple? Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss Apple's announcements of new phones and watches. What's new? Should you upgrade? And what about Apple's values-based touting of health and safety and environmental benefits? The post iPhone turns 15 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

ChatGPT can be an incredible tool that helps at both work and home. Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the specific ways that ChatGPT helps them every day; explain why we don't have to be afraid of this tool; and give hints, tips, and caveats as well. The post How We Use ChatGPT appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Your email account is the golden ticket for scammers and crooks. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss how to secure your email accounts with tips, hints, best practices, software, and services. Plus TSA facial rec; why we're all weather-obsessed; and a historic robocall fine. The post Email Security appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Catholic parishes have the tech needs of small businesses, charities, clubs, and schools are rolled into one. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Fr. Joseph Sund take a first step into parish tech, starting with communications, websites, and parishioner management. The post Parish Management Tech appeared first on StarQuest Media.

A periodic digital detox can be beneficial to your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss the benefits and the steps to take that can reduce stress and anxiety from the effects of constant digital engagement. The post Digital Detox appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Get the scoop on the Apple public betas this summer from Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Pat Scott. It's safer than ever to install the betas, although there are still some cautions. Plus they discuss the features they think really stand out. The post Best Features of Apple’s Public Betas appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Tired of walled gardens and ready to give it up for the freedom of open source? Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Sanjurjo talk about taking the plunge by giving up Mac or Windows and making Linux your operating system of choice, including tips, instructions, and what to expect. The post Migrating to Linux from Windows and Mac appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Browser extensions and content blockers can make your web browsing safer, fun, and more efficient. Dom Bettinelli and Pat Scott discuss their favorites and give tips on how to improve your browsing. Plus power from space; doctors use AI; and laws for minors on the internet. The post Browser Extensions and Content Blockers appeared first on StarQuest Media.

With warm weather, we want to get outside to grill and barbecue. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss tech for this outdoor cooking, from grills to thermometers and more. Plus, Netflix password crackdown, GPS woes, and Uber for swimming pools. The post Tech for Grilling and BBQ appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Whether you're taking a road trip or getting on a plane, Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier have gadgets, software, services, and travel tips to make your travel easier and to help you manage all the gear we take with us everywhere. The post Tech for Travel appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Social media has a big impact on our well-being in the digital age. Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss 12 steps to curating our social meda for greater mental and spiritual health. Plus, Steam Decks go to war; private space stations; and open-source UFO hunting. The post Curate Your Social Media for Mental and Spiritual Health appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Apple has introduced its AR headset, and Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Joanne Mercier discuss the Vision Pro and its promise and pitfalls, along with other Apple announcements, as well as news about the Vatican's own Earth-orbiting satellite. The post Another Apple Revolution? appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The US Surgeon General's new report on teens and social media offers even more dire warnings about the consequences for children. Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss the report and recommendations for what families can do. The post The Latest on Teens and Social Media appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The old way of acquiring technology was through a straightforward purchase, but in recent years, subscriptions have become the norm. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss the pros and cons of each approach, as well as some tech subscriptions they deem worthwhile. The post Subscriptions vs. Purchases appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Google's latest announcements of new hardware and software show where personal tech is going. However, Dom Bettinelli and Jack Baruzzini discuss the ethics and philosophy of how we use that technology in general. Plus, copyright's limitations on the internet and more. The post Google IO 2023 Highlights appeared first on StarQuest Media.

To-do lists, calendars, contacts, notes, and knowledge manager apps are the backbone for our productivity. Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss their favorite productivity apps in these categories, how they use them, and some other options as well. The post Favorite Productivity Apps appeared first on StarQuest Media.

There are many ways to stay in touch these day. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss what's available for email, messaging, video calls, VOIP, and more and their favorites for each. Plus, the end of Netflix DVDs, Amazon warnings, and future Windows plans. The post Favorite Communications Apps appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Whether you're single, a couple, or a big family, managing your finances can be tricky. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss personal finance software, including free and paid and desktop, mobile, and cloud options. The post Tech for Your Finances appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Are you the go-to person for all things tech in your family? Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini have tips for how to make the most out of Family Tech Day, to help you maintain all your family's gadgets but also teach them best practices to use them safely and efficiently. From laptops to smartphones, they'll provide you with all the expert advice you need to keep your family's tech gear up to date and optimized. The post Family Tech Day appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Now is a great time to start prepping for the next school term, so Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Pat Scott discuss tech for students, including hardware and software for notetaking, studying, and more. Plus lunar data centers and Tik Tok time limits. The post Tech for Students and Studying appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Are you a fan of vintage video games? Well, get ready to take a trip down memory lane because the retro gaming scene is booming, especially when it comes to handheld devices! Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Victor Lams explore the ins and outs of portable retro gaming. So grab your favorite classic game and join us as we dive into the world of handheld retro gaming and learn how to start your own adventure! The post Handheld Retro Gaming appeared first on StarQuest Media.

April 1 is a great opportunity to use your tech for some fun pranks. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier bring some ideas for harmless pranks and remember some of their favorite tech company pranks of the past. The post April Fool’s Tech Ideas appeared first on StarQuest Media.

You can get a lot of free software as alternatives to the pricey commercial apps, so Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss options across many categories that work on Linux, Windows, and Mac. The post Free and Open Source Software appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What basic steps can you take to protect your computer, phone, and tablet from hacks, malware, and ransomware? Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss software and best practices for basic security. The post PC and Mobile Security Basics appeared first on StarQuest Media.

As spring arrives in the global north, Dom Bettinelli, Victor Lams, and Fr. Joseph Sund discuss tech that wll help with gardening, whether indoors or outdoors. Plus followups on ChatGPT and iPhone security, and new teen social network, curated news app, and a solar law. The post Tech for Gardening appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Tech belongs in the kitchen, and so Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss tech for finding and organizing recipes, grocery lists. menu planning, plus cooking gadgets. Also, protecting yourself from identity theft, Amazon's healthcare offering, TikTok ban, and trashing MacBooks. The post Tech in the Kitchen appeared first on StarQuest Media.