TechStuff

What is a logic gate? To answer this question, we'll need to start with the binary system. In this episode, Jonathan and Chris take a closer look at the function of logic gates and a nifty little thing called Boolean logic. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air conditioners are a nifty -- and sometime life-saving -- invention, but how does an air conditioner make air cooler? What does a compressor do? What’s a swamp cooler? Tune in for answers to these questions and more in this episode of TechStuff. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that Google+ is live (though still in beta), people around the world are clamoring for more information about the social network. Join Jonathan and Chris as they tackle some of the biggest questions surrounding Google+. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reaching space is difficult, and returning safely is even trickier. Luckily for astronauts, Mission Control follows each shuttle launch in minute detail, and they're on standby to tackle any imaginable problem. Tune in to learn more about exploring space. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As digital content trends toward cloud storage, every company worth its salt is aiming to snag a piece of the action -- and Apple is no exception. But what exactly is Apple iCloud? Is it a musical streaming service? How much will it cost when it launches? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Google Wallet wants to turn your smartphone into a payment system. So how can you pay for things using your cell phone? Is Google Wallet a threat to other services? Join Chris and Jonathan as they explain how Google Wallet works. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Firefighters are an invaluable part of every community, but how does firefighting work? What tech will you find on a fire truck? Join Jonathan and Chris as they look at the technology behind firefighting. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could we blow up an asteroid like in the movie Armageddon? Join Jonathan and Chris as they tackle what may become one of Earth's most important questions: What do we need to do to be better prepared for an asteroid impact? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inspired by some listener mail, Jonathan and Chris decide to take a closer look at the history -- and future -- of space shuttles. Tune in to learn more about the future of space exploration. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bitcoin is a digital currency, and it has no backing central bank or government. Instead, this decentralized currency relies on a peer-to-peer network. Join Jonathan and Chris as they take a look at the concept behind Bitcoin. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Chris and Jonathan's series on electronics, the guys take a look at the handy devices called accelerometers. As you might assume from the name, these instruments measure acceleration -- but how do they work? Tune in to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For video game buffs, it seems like the deal of a lifetime: What if you could play games for a living? Join Chris and Jonathan as they take a closer look at what it takes to become a professional gamer -- and how it might not be as fun as it sounds. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communication on the internet occurs via small packets of data routed across networks. The packets of data don't make much sense without some way to re-assemble them. Tune in as Jonathan and Chris explore the changing nature of internet protocol. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minecraft took the gamin world by storm -- but what exactly is it, and what makes this game so special? Join Chris and Jonathan as they take a closer look at Minecraft, including how players can build virtual computers in the game. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Google's a lot more than a search engine. Their business interests are tremendously varied and continually expanding -- meaning they've become involved in more than their fair share of rivalries. But who are Google's rivals, exactly? Tune in to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who was Archimedes, and what did he actually invent? Join Chris and Jonathan as they take a closer look at the works of Archimedes -- including his historically famous, controversial death ray design. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gamification is exactly what it sounds like -- adding an aspect of gameplay to an activity. So why would someone add a game layer on top of an application or service -- and how old is gamification, exactly? Join Chris and Jonathan to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thomas Edison and Nicola Tesla were both pioneers of electricity. However, the two both advocated differing forms of electric power: Direct current and alternating current. Join Chris and Jonathan as they explore the infamous current war. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most people have heard about open source software -- but what about open source hardware? Join Jonathan and Chris as they take a closer look at the open source phenomenon known as Arduino. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today the TechStuff guys are heading west. And also south. Well, to be absolutely accurate, they're heading to SXSW, one the most popular annual conferences in the United States. But what is it, exactly, and what goes on there? Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radios are fascinating -- but how do they work? In this podcast, Jonathan and Chris tackle some of the fundamental processes of radio. Tune in to learn more about radio waves, radio stations and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happened to the PlayStation Network? Is credit card fraud the worst thing that could happen to you? Join Jonathan and Chris as they explain the recent hacks of the PlayStation Network, and how these hacks may affect you. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do QR codes store information? What’s the difference between a QR code and a barcode? Why did it take so long for QR codes to take off? Join Chris and Jonathan as they break down QR codes in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the Deep Flight Challenger? What sort of technology do scientists use to explore these environments? What are the challenges of exploring the deep parts of the ocean? Join Jonathan and Chris as they take a deeper look at the Deep Sea Challenger. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do we use programming languages? How many programming languages are there? Why do we need more than one programming language? Tune in for the answers to these questions and more in TechStuff's 300th episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like Nintendo's DS and DS Lite, the 3DS is a hand-held gaming device -- with a big twist: This device features 3D technology. Tune in as Chris and Jonathan break down the tech behind the 3DS, and how it lets gamers play in 3D without pesky glasses. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the third installment of Chris and Jonathan's series on the history of IBM, the guys examine IBM's evolution after 1981. Listen in to learn more about the history of one of the world's most well-known computing companies. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What products did IBM introduce to the market, and how was IBM involved with the space race? In the second episode of this continuing series on IBM, Jonathan and Chris explore IBM's evolution through the fifties to the present day. Tune in and learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While most computer users have heard of IBM, many don't know the company's history -- and it's a long story. So long, in fact, that Chris and Jonathan can't cover it in one show. Tune in and learn about IBM in the first part of this series. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2007, Intel has used the Tick Tock strategy to improve their microprocessors. When the company's in 'tick' mode, it focuses on building smaller transistors. In 'tock' mode, it concentrates on maximizing power and speed. Why? Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In addition to being scratch- and impact-resistant, Gorilla Glass is also incredibly thin -- it's not your typical glass, to say the least. But what sets it apart from ordinary glass? Tune in to learn more in this episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Epsilon is the world's largest permission-based email marketer. Other companies use Epsilon to promote their business -- which means that Epsilon has loads of email addresses. So how did their database get hacked? Tune in and learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How many people were involved in radio’s invention? Did Marconi really use 17 of Tesla’s patents? Was radio’s true inventor a farmer who kept his work locked in a shed? In this podcast, the guys explore the fascinating history of the radio. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More and more companies are looking for innovative ways to incorporate cloud computing, and Amazon is no exception. Tune in and learn more as Jonathan and Chris catch you up to date on Amazon's Cloud Player. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, the guys hop into the WayBack machine and travel to October 4th, 1967 -- the date of the of the Sputnik launch -- and trace the growth of the Cold War space race, which eventually led to the Star Wars program. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bullying is an age-old institution, but internet access has added a new layer to this pattern of repeated intimidation, harassment and ridicule. In this episode, Chris and Jonathan take a closer look at the phenomenon known as cyberbullying. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think of chiptunes as the merger between hacking and the 8-bit sound effects of classic video games. In this episode, Jonathan and Chris explore the modification, know-how and hacking needed to transform 8-bit video game sounds into original music. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The disasters in Japan severely damaged the Fukushima nuclear power plant. In this episode, Chris and Jonathan break down the tech behind nuclear reactors. Tune in to learn more about nuclear power -- and why preventing meltdowns is so important. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earthquakes are one of Earth's deadliest natural disasters. For centuries scientists have tried to predict the movements of tectonic plates before their movement reaches dangerous levels. So how do we actually measure earthquakes? Tune in to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Video game systems have evolved at an extraordinary pace, and this evolution includes audio as well as video. In this podcast, Chris and Jonathan recount the growth of video game music, from its origins to the work of modern-day composers. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geotagging allows users to add geographical data to their digital updates, such as tweets or Facebook posts. While geotagging is becoming increasingly popular, some experts have serious concerns about the safety of this practice. Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inspired by a listener suggestion, Jonathan and Chris break down the science behind lasers -- how does a laser differ from ordinary light, for example? Even more importantly, how do lasers actually work? Tune in to find out. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Officially, no one knows where Stuxnet came from. However, this software seems to be state-sponsored and built to attack very specific types of hardware. So what is Stuxnet, really? Join the guys as they get to the bottom of this mysterious malware. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's no secret that the old rules concerning entertainment and business have changed in the age of the internet, but questions remain. How exactly have these rules changed, for example, and who has profited from this new paradigm? Tune in and learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sega began in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1940. Originally named Standard Games, this company originally made coin-operated amusements. Tune in as Chris and Jonathan recount the storied history of the Sega corporation in this podcast. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The explosive growth of social media has triggered startling innovations - but it's also created unprecedented opportunities for social faux pas or embarrassing statements. Tune in as the guys break down social media faux pas (and how to avoid them). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Apple decided to bridge the gap between computers and televisions, they came up with Apple TV. But what exactly is it? In this episode, Chris and Jonathan examine the pros, cons and features of Apple TV. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports fans know that referees are fallible, and it's not uncommon to see fans loudly protesting controversial calls. In this podcast, Jonathan and Chris take a closer look at the camera technology used to eliminate the errors of human referees. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The universal serial bus, or USB, was meant to simplify the complicated world of computer peripheral connections. To be fair, USB has done well in this market -- but could a new standard loom on the horizon? Tune in to learn more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the ousting of Egyptian President Mubarak, the government cut off internet access across Egypt. Could other governments make the same move? Join Chris and Jonathan as they take a closer look at governmental control of the internet. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.