CNET to the Rescue #45: Can we still trust LastPass?

Hello everyone welcome to. CNET to the rescue our weekly show we try to answer your tech questions dispel some of the -- that may be. Impacting your brain. I'm here today with Donald bell -- agreed to join us I'm here to help attacked the five. -- -- buster yes thanks for joining Donald would be. -- -- going to be talking to of course we've got great interest in questions from listeners like you if you have one to add to the shelves and to us at rescue at cnet.com. This we do our best here to answer your question no question -- -- basic really we meaning a few what that we mean we get the questions. But before we get started their -- to lifting things -- want to discuss. First of all the last past security -- -- may have heard about that we'll talk about that for just the second. And then we're going to look at some of the newest Android tablets in particular that Galaxy Tab ten point one which was the freebie. That school gave way to 5000 developers at the Google I O conference to promote mean yes it's -- -- in a chair right exactly it. -- -- I have one right here will be talking about that -- little pink it's there movement chimed in I am naturally pretty pink -- this is enhancing. Pink to your -- that enhance national were now more white balance. Shirt that we actually that that shirt should be making it look green because that camera compensate. So here's the thing so as you may have heard the password managers that I have been recommending for quite awhile last -- Was had a potential security problems came -- a week or so ago. What happened was that the -- the guy's last -- noticed that some of the information in their database. Was. Ex patriot and was it left and walked out but that's not like and you've copied out so I mean they still have -- -- database and they couldn't they do they sell more data leaving that their servers than they should have and they -- RO may be something happened now all the last past data. Which is you know your master password and all the -- -- -- -- -- with protecting it's all encrypted but they worry. It's like okay and some of this data may have left. So they went into lockdown mode very quickly much faster than. You know it's only guys did when the PlayStation network -- reached -- in in the -- authorities told people via. Credit -- may have been out there which courts work the last tested -- they lock down their service and the they did two things first of all. If you tried to log on from the computer that you haven't logged on from before they made you an email verify it's likely that -- the past -- change them. It lets you indicated to them that you were comfortable with your password and you certified. Yourself. And to them -- it was a strong password because strong. -- -- are much harder to -- But the question is. Do I still recommend last past and can we trust laughed -- or the reverse is actually more -- can we trust -- path to I recommend it. What should people do in order to keep their -- were meant -- when a password manager like last past. Possibly. Is breached. So I called up the CEO last -- that it spoke about an hour ago Joe secrets. And asked them what happened what the latest is and and how the company is doing -- in light of this breach. And he said before we got into what actually happened technically that because they were. Over reactive on this potential may be -- he said to me yet we probably did more harm for ourselves and possible harm -- could come to consumers now. And I respect that I mean here's a guy whose businesses based on making consumers -- computers data -- making him consumers feel safe that they're doing that. And what the company did what say we may have had a breach the one thing that we're supposed to do we may have actually not done. And here's what happened and they've been fairly forthcoming with information about that. After talking to Joe I'm still using less -- and I'll tell you why they're there are. A couple of scenarios about what happened alas that's -- they don't even know exactly what data it got out you know I'll explain to you. Kind of the the likely scenarios and then there -- -- which are three and the fourth. Which is complete paranoid schizophrenia my part about what might could've happened which apparently didn't -- The first likelihood is that somebody might have gotten hold of some of -- NATO or not. And or the with a bug somewhere and the last past data. The last that's still just the secure -- before. That is whistling past -- I mean it may be possible but two to assume that nothing has been compromised is is not wise considering what. But many people have. And -- that's the second and most likely thing that happened last -- is that. Some of the data of your master passwords. Only. Left the building. So there is -- -- encrypted data. Of your master password has left the building now that data is all encrypted. Which means. It's just basically hash table of old your password out of your of your master path for data so if somebody decrypt that database they can then log on to your account on last -- And go in and see the passwords to all -- -- -- -- like -- banks then eBay and Amazon and what have Twitter. The solution to that is to change your master -- were. Unless -- because if you do that and then they break your password. In this database that they have in the use that broken path -- to get into your account it won't work because your master password change. That is the most likely. Probability of what happened with laughed at the master password only. And that if that database has broken the people who come in and and get your bank -- That's a change your master password and do it now and you'll be thing. It is extremely unlikely but not completely outside the real possibility according to -- that in addition to that. And I -- I I want to reiterate that Joe does not think this has happened -- I believe me to be honest here. That in addition to your master -- for data being gone. That's some of the password encrypted again -- all encrypted data from the encrypted data passwords themselves that you're using -- that's or awful building. They don't think this -- happened because the amount of data that has gone out has been relatively small compared the amount of data left a path on people. Why they don't know what exactly -- -- they left I don't know. But if this did happen this means that even if you change your master password now. That somebody out there if they break your old master password then can get into the data because they can use it to decrypt the passports that -- up. -- -- -- -- So the only solution to that if that happened which probably didn't. If the change not just -- master password but all the important path towards the west at the store and your bank in the past. And here FaceBook changed path -- That is probably not the likely. Possibility but I recommend that you don't change your bank account -- -- anyway. Unless the nightmare scenario happened and is waiting -- -- is the solution -- scoffed agreed and change my name. That's yet yet moved to -- -- -- file -- from Princeton. The heat may then nightmare solution is that there is is that last past servers have actually been breached and that every time you change a password. On last -- you -- sending the bad guys the new password that you change -- That's just -- being you know paranoid rate. But you you know -- if you're looking at security for a product you have to take that and that seriously -- know that didn't happen. But that that's the nightmare situation so they'll most likely solution is that it's small number of people possibly have their master password in encrypted form. Exported and that those people to change the -- and last that's is doing is demanding that everybody change -- the pastor 22. To a new secure password. And do an email -- another thing that people can't and I recommend people do. And I think people might want to consider -- using a two factor system with less path like UB key which is -- USB stick that is. If you don't have it you can't get into your count. It's an extra layer of encryption -- -- have a moderate password that you need still plus the UB key. And you need those two things the other article two factor something you know something you have. And you can't get in the decrypt the last past Leo lithium both those things. That means you have to carry around the USB -- all the time -- -- in computer when your knees and all that which kind of a pain but it's more secure that that's a feature of last path that actor. System -- Now people are asking that generally I thought the last past it and stored passwords. They they don't stored in clear text is stored encrypted and with the brute force system you might be able to decrypt -- passports that the problem -- distort something. Now there are other solutions out there. Like rubble -- which used to use the lot which by default does not store your -- in the cloud adult stores locally on your own computer. That is of limited utility -- -- -- of limited utility that I use multiple different computers then patina and a Smartphone and in my password everywhere and with -- -- you can sync across devices but it's not quite as elegant as it is with -- that's designed synchronized across the -- So I still have grudging respect for last past and I am still using it. But I am also changing my master password and all my main bank and -- high value path for -- the -- they -- minute but he -- -- of course. -- an -- -- their own around. -- line the last desperate effort yet the second to last password and eliminate well look at last pass through the by guys like many -- right now. Anyway so that is my little spiel on last paths still not grudging respect for the company and you know the is so the alternative. Is to just. Tattooed ammonia -- on the inside. Yes. That might be difficult because you do have to change what if we hit -- -- -- that may change every ninety minutes against it. A the alternative is to do something like that right on your passwords or memorize them which is not possible if you're going to be using secure passwords and you have to use a different path of every stutter -- not been secure and now possible Klestil can't -- remember my white cell phone number on -- -- right. Two factor security is a way to go. That's what -- passwords. Please everyone be safe and do not. Don't use that passwords and -- that the worsening possibly. Let's talk a little bit about that the Android tablets we're in the middle of Google mail it -- this afternoon Google gave out to everybody who was there. This. Which looks like an iPad but it isn't this is the Samsung. Galaxy. Have ten point one. It's an Android tablet I took home last night and -- I'm trying to -- it. -- I I if it's not going that well look department. Letting that thing that this what has going for more than any other. Honeycomb based tablet so -- that if -- thinnest and lightest we've seen. On par with the iPad to. I'll -- the zoom we criticize that early on for being chunky in heavy compared to the first generation iPad. And now we finally have lion quickly that -- -- to the iPad to in this dimension. Politeness. So it's that it's a really beautiful piece of hardware. And is looking and plasticky yet it is Hulu is low complexity -- as expensive -- something new Apple product if it's good enough I mean if there were no ipads in the world then. This would be -- my god what a fantastic product. But it -- version of that because -- there's no iphones in the world to have yet there is but I have to tell you something after using this thing. Com. I can't stand it. I just I simply cannot you're gonna have to -- in here and to defend the African I I hate being a fan boy an Apple fan boy yet but that that the iPad is just rock solid it just you'd download an app that works. Half the apps I tried to download on this thing. Don't work or won't install because they're not written for this particular conversion -- And they did is that the main strength of honeycomb right now is its browser. You know that it it is it is a browser is on a mobile browser with flash compatibility. Tabbed browsing experience for the united you know -- -- kind of and I I do like the browser experience. As the ten inch screen browsing experience on honeycomb tablet better than I will give you that it is a great browser experience I I but I will and I will see that and I will I will raise with. When you go to buy an -- -- says you want to this through the marketplace or browser like I don't know why even asking that stupid question just let me get the -- It and that kind of thing happens all the time. There are two different keyboards on this thing -- one from Samsung and one from global every both court and -- -- -- most mostly alike underwriter to properly install is third party apps are accessories are booting a meat that's also I tried to do that it didn't work. -- But it is I mean Android is that the thinkers alas I mean so. It is the decree which you have to that's in the people who are coming to the authority can and try to rip apart and now -- -- -- for them. Will be making its the tablet they want to be this -- not a -- platform this is a beautiful piece of hardware I will give them and the operating system. It's not bad I mean don't get me wrong I mean Android I I think it's. It's like the feel like the iPad a year ago maybe year and a half ago is the playing catch a plane kept a very very fast if they catch of bass but I do -- -- original play that -- if dead the tablet experience and there it -- large agree this is -- the iPad isn't the shape our our expectations for the tablet experience being so. Dependent on this fountain of novelty that comes from the App Store -- -- here always -- -- -- and next thing keeping interest in and keep you. -- -- -- Experiences and their -- come in here now I will say this and this is true for all Android devices. And Chrome OS devices to you get the product. Assuming at boot without crashing them you get the product you turn it on it ask you for your Google credentials -- your past your -- -- your password Yahoo! email and password. And then you're done. -- you got your Gmail all you got your bookmarks that your castle. Counseling through YouTube favorite and now ethical bat -- fantastical. I didn't new wrinkle in that it and that music music I wanna music beta -- at which ain't got the Triad yesterday schools announced cloud music service it. Once you go through the the little app that take -- that you music collection at a computer and upload solid information to your Google account all -- and actually. Upload the files themselves -- the fingerprinting. When you. You've done that that part of the process -- tablet -- phone. And the music app on. The tablet phone is going to have your entire collection stream mobile. The U entry -- is -- improbable series of thumbnails and the entire collection if it looks like -- there even -- with a streaming. Right but you can't play you can pin them that's -- -- can cash them into memory. They can have offline playback if cash is what you played seeking at all plan and -- can also proactively and thinks he -- right -- -- it is a little bit of it is a little bit of that magic of their communities one account. And in a premed and had a time and all that information just -- populated. And got something that Apple doesn't have. -- that's true they don't yet well and it's they've had a long enough I mean you know I I can yell at. -- at a cool about their you know fragmented market for Android products them just have. Both -- and Apple for the fact it's synchronizing music across devices. Through iTunes I mean airplane notwithstanding. Home sharing but give me operate in its pathetic and they bought -- I mean they should have it by now I mean how hard -- be to integrate that stuff they're hoping you're -- -- That's how wonderful their product like I never forget it. So. Yet at the -- except as is is pretty nicely I tried that and it compare to other players I mean streaming -- streaming standing. How you feel -- using the the global music player. It's. It actually had fur a for a cloud based music packed tightly in PPT and I've tried Adam and playing. And in the other Android based cloud service -- -- tried in -- Amazon. I do like how Google's that the pretty good job the -- lifting. The quick mixed playlist for generating this and you synchronize that so when you make it once it's going across all the different devices and services -- that it. Com and action -- the sort sort your songs buying things like reading. -- count which accountable the more advanced features that -- only has seen in -- -- you know old. Limited want to think about that the music streaming the musical -- its beta that I really really like and so I tried it last night and I didn't wanna upload mind this is just the past product at the beginning of the Stanford Packard I don't know what. But so I connected it to -- and I ran the of the -- up loader on my computer home. And I have. I think 7500 tracks in my my iTunes and elsewhere libraries. And it's hard to do the upload and you know what it upload it first. The most popular songs my iTunes. Yet because it's gonna take days to get it really does look at night and they -- information right and in the prioritize the music and no I already liked outlook first that's and -- just that little touch that really like another little thing that I noticed is that you can added animated meta data in. On the files with -- on mine it which is something I haven't seen in union the service a -- wanted only at album artwork to a file or problem. In your collection to do that -- changed the title changed whenever and then Apple. David but the only thing you can't do is download it back down only to -- to another computer. Now and let the lesson that something Amazon can do with thinking you can make sure that all year collections on computers -- equalized. So that you upload something you collections and it. -- back down. Interest in math useful in deaths there and -- this it's -- -- sucking -- -- -- -- schools. -- -- Sponsors and not let these services care work and file -- is -- -- wave files. I noticed this morning that some of like my long letter. Like audiobook files uploaded which -- -- -- where it needs the haven't seen it if WAV files copies or anybody. Actually in this recognized slacker -- and boutique formats like -- collection of that I would be curious. -- -- -- Let us move on to your questions and we're gonna start with a little community service -- this -- from -- -- -- that's interesting and questions in the past and here's another interesting one. -- -- -- -- -- -- says how do I convince my dad who wants to learn how to do something on the computer that he just won't understand it. It's like trying to write an essay without knowing the alphabet he keeps telling me to write down every step and I'm sure he won't understand that writing he doesn't have a double click nor any drag and drop which -- -- before. And of course he forgot. Without some basic computer -- our -- how is he going to learn something that's more difficult and all the things he doesn't know that it. Like Italy and listen -- Sony. The problem is not. Your -- the problem is how you teach. Computers especially modern computers are not. Unknowable by anybody who has half a brain act that the modern operating systems were invent the mouse was invented for four year old true story. So people can learn how to use a computer that the issue -- and is is how you teach and to be fair. Teaching your parents has got to be harder than brain surgery. It is being one of the most because there's such an emotional. Dynamic and difficult it's so my debt. My -- professor I can't he too many on the smartest guys I know. So you're saying it if not their fault but it it is their fault parents I mean it's. It's it's the problem is not the parent the problem not kind of the person the problem is the relationship which means if you're if you want to teacher deck computers. Don't try send him somewhere else. Or allowable premium add add to my mothers as the chief -- she and she's gone to classes she knows that she means they. -- -- Figure this stuff Bowden you know get with the program but the kids are doing these -- -- minutes -- that. -- -- club at the same class multiple times. -- -- -- and becoming goes over -- ousted tried to simulate how do. Can you fix my Internet -- it's making me get my printer to -- it like to change the printer cartridges and write down how this works. And still like shall she had voted down last time -- -- that makes sense but I and that the motivating factor I think for her. Was finding. -- anything that really was like she wanted to do -- idea if that's the key is I was checking your Flickr photos that really got. Her understanding how that worked and be able to print out photos from from Flickr an email print -- she socialist printing to printing out her friends' emails which you know. As as frustrating -- that might include the film and -- like -- to print that out. Still it if you can get him to do that that's something you want to do it helps little -- -- -- but knowing that you know the print. Dialogue is is you know appear in the file menu and -- I'm comfortable that so the key thing you say is too. Focused not on the generalities. But on a particular task that is highly motivational yet. -- which is. Which is for me that's relevant program I -- -- space ports in highland base also that thing that with the people when they want to say that they wanna learn an instrument. -- -- -- find a song should be the want to play. And that will keep humans but now will be the thing that inspire -- through all the headaches -- the frustration of -- planes that you really wanna play that song. And that will be that the thing about pushing up -- using -- and notes and McCain doesn't. Benedict seems attractive -- makes sense -- makes resetting -- actually commit to memory but it you can. Now -- -- their way to heaven you really want to you'll you'll learn all that stuff along the way god we have enough spirit have. Can't fit check in the world now here's here's the other thing that the best computer if you're going to do that is true that -- this than -- duties -- others would definitely set them up with the limit that up. Not just get infected at I seriously for somebody who's never used the computer before who you who thinks -- -- the basic web email play couple games. I would say get -- iPad there you know more more than a Mac which of my second choice and finally windows PC. -- for the iPad is that perfect beginners computer. It's really -- screwed up -- Getting new apps -- fairly easy it is still something a little bit. Delicate about the iPad you know but Ali Al -- on struggled just trying to use a mouse and a comfortable of that. The episode direct again there's no there's no. Abstraction melts here cursor there like a touch if it happens. So united I think the iPad as. It's great kids. -- information. Entry -- -- up copiers have its own parts and great for everybody that it's it's really it's it's incredible it's not I -- -- not a flexibly it is much on -- that are that are. But it I think it's the perfect. Beginning tech -- -- if you're if -- dad's gonna become a hunting and pecking on the keyboard one where the others and you know -- in -- that any better or worse than hard. Moving gun Christopher green says I'm -- Android to nominate a 200 megabyte data plan how can I best monitor my data usage and prevent background pinging. When I'm not on Wi-Fi so don't go over my ridiculously low cap. Related question from -- Brian. Same question for his eyes. Talk about routers that track your data usage. Is that -- that your keys and and so first of all this talk about the problem for low data caps on Android devices how can we make sure that we're not going over. In -- and I don't have an answer -- I thought there was an app for that and now lag and night and time -- leave your marriage and Allen has -- -- -- been -- would be able to help me on that we've been covering Google I -- our man and machine skipping -- angle ran around right. Capital into and out of guys from Chapman I tell you what if we find that answer will for sure because I don't know I'm new Android. We'll put it in the show notes at that -- accounts much rescue I'm really sorry about that. For routers. This is -- a perpetual dilemma now you're you're ISP will tell you -- should tell you how much. Data you're using some people dispute that but that's what they're billing you for and if you -- -- -- a -- -- -- router says this but you say that. Good luck navigating via this CSRs on that one. Check with that if you're in New Zealand there is a product called the web gage web gauge that CO dot and the which is a router. That had. Not only -- the track your usage. But since it knows how much your pain he will. Did the up the ISP bill among flat mates. If the router for -- it's the -- -- So in healthy things he used 200 gigabytes that he did all that BitTorrent view on the fifty bucks I only use three megabits -- with occasional email lots in the Netflix access. I love the thing I don't know if it's available in the US and trying to find out that's a great idea and -- just -- -- -- just put -- -- on -- connection -- -- I'm. You. If you have a there are several routers that can be flashed to new firmware. Either DD to be your key or the tomato router this is new code that you to put -- your existing router and I'm not sure but I think the WR -- -- and and will support that. And Lifehacker has a whole post about how to track your monthly band with use. Using one of these open source replacement flash thing. I have not done I just trust Comcast then I'm not him in or close to going overnight -- -- and not a lot so. That those -- that's the answer I think four your IP. And we'll get the -- question answer to. Here's a simple one from Chris -- carry my wife and I used to have to separate home offices. So he chatter on printers but with consolidated and we've bought a network although one printer hoping we could share it's an HP office yet pro 8500 a and is now directly wired ethernet in a router. The instructions on it suggests seems to say that I need one computer to have all the drivers and act as -- print server. And then the other computer can utilize the printer and all the functions like printing scanning and faxing. Taxing the of that one this isn't -- with my preferred Apple Computer computers in sleep mode where using them. I'd much rather have a full set of drivers on both computers are either has full capabilities like -- while the -- -- -- will this work. Yes. I don't know why HP is suggesting that and if you have a network printer you set up one of your computers as a server that's crazy. This is what I do my house -- an older networked HP desk jet. And all the computers in the house have the full HB suite on them now HP suites are horrendously huge and slow and body. But this means that this is an actual network printer and every computer. In my home can print to the network printer. And -- story so you were right HP's advice is goofy. -- right and round red in the chat room thank you rob says the links at sixth and and is the VWR he supported -- that -- I love this next question for -- I'm thirteen and manage my parents business network. Had it good for you met. Until he can totally relate to the teaching -- parents -- and yet recently we've gotten three new computers and then and the problem is that our router only has five ports and now we have eight computers that need ethernet. -- -- an extra networks which lying around like plug that. The router into the switch into the first port and then -- turn everything on. The new computers could only do file sharing -- -- onto the Internet tried going to the switches and the switches settings and messing with some settings but it didn't help. How can I get all the computers connect with both file sharing and Internet. Well here's -- thing. Switches don't have -- the least the ones -- know. Your router has all the settings that has all via the Nat routing and all that stuff and if you take -- -- routers connected to your Internet. They posted the that the ISP -- when it's connected directly to the cable of -- -- And then you plug a switch into one of the ports on the router. Everything should work you will have essentially a port network. If that's not working. And you've got somehow reverse that we've got the switch first and then the router I could see how that could be the problem so make sure the router is the device that is connected to your cable or your DSL. Modem and this which plugs into the router not the other way around or will you'll have the problem you're having. Putting a router or or you might have two routers -- -- that you what you think the switch might be router putting a router -- or outer. Is important -- and some business cases but in a home you don't want that you want. You want one router and then switches connected to the routers that need to extend beyond the routers capabilities the trying to. And hear this one. Donald is totally for you okay -- Skipping the next network which affect them later if we have time. Yet so Cory -- in dim their morning visit -- mourned him -- At the moment but the -- the more thank you all -- here. Flash based MP3 media -- seem to be the thing these days are they're still -- hard drive based MP3 media players other than the iPod classic. An -- that in the new -- mean nuclear but I want hard drive based ones I can always without my entire music collection with me I don't like the -- -- controlled and Apple -- over the right. -- he did he did not want an iPod classic and meet this was this is along with that -- back and forth probably about a week on this one. There was that I had the recommendation. The -- -- when he was with the last great. Hard drive based. And BD player out there high capacity. That would work with his idea -- primarily WMA based collection he had -- a lot of this collection early on into the W -- format they want it immediately that would support that. There's it was after although Microsoft has said that they're they're probably not going to be making more -- that the -- Service and the -- software they can meet there to support windows phone seven from now so you would be investing in need. Dead -- technology to a certain extent although. There are discarded and hacker -- Right so -- -- that might but you know -- still of the case to be named for the iPod classic car. Regarding -- out to be able to use the iPod. It to -- to put this car stereo. He -- there is. There's a lot to be but that the fact is -- his collections and -- it was a big sticking point. Also had to remind -- that you know. Apple is loosen up the restrictions a little bit and that as I don't think there's. Focus on making money off of the iPod franchise -- office on sales anymore that you haven't gone to the DRM free catalog now for their iTunes. Music sales. Election or -- rather supporting. IPod connections county use something like Winamp -- connector iPod -- they figure for your challenging -- here to. Challenges assumptions that the iPod classic is is all of -- double and actually give -- a second look I think it's worth a second look because. While if for no other reason -- really aren't. Any other great hard drive based MP3 players out there you can get hard drive based. Portable media players like the Archos seven -- has a 250 gigabyte. Seven inch tablet. That you -- you could invest in right now that's -- round. Wanna -- under 300 dollars and -- and you do a lot of storage and and the great for video playback to. But. It's still not the best interface for music. But it and it is it if capacities which -- looking for and united has invested in the -- faith and that one week ago. Here's another audio question from -- Bada thank you for great show -- question about my JVC. He just went home theater. I live in an apartment where I can run the wires by the walls to the rear speakers but I'm planning to move to a bigger apartment but I cannot run the -- the way I do now. Since segments will be exposed. And doors in court -- the only way to uses to run the wires for the -- rear speakers in the middle of the room. Partially below the rug and have a -- statements exposed my wife is against using tape the dreaded -- at the spousal approval fact that there. Is there a way to wirelessly. Connect the rear speakers. Is it reliable. But if -- There are ways you could do if you really wanted put your mind to it there is sound. There's some kids out there that wool will transmit from your receiver over RF. -- to get to rear speakers wirelessly the cherry -- thinking need to have those wireless receivers on the speaker wired to power. Yes does he -- this -- to be active minority get oriented signal but they still -- the power in the back of the room. But maybe you know having to deal with in the same as they beat you could be if you have power back there today. It could be okay and if an -- Take a cable from your receiver and in front -- you get full fidelity from wireless speakers and -- have to deal with any lag issues. It from what -- staffer for RF yeah. -- UV can have absolute CD quality sound. Transmitted wirelessly. It's not gonna be an open standard like Bluetooth or something like that -- connect multiple devices are. Or -- you can set up for this one dedicated use. I could interfere with. -- -- possibly -- in. In your room but it should be on different spectrum in an effort too -- -- the other solution I think that the lower tech solution though it is. Has been a lot of advancement and virtual surround bar technology -- that -- ones from our in front -- -- -- can do some acoustic tricks -- can trick you into. That does that sound coming from behind you for that rear channel. And -- within the whole listing of them up on CNET news that in a lot of around it for them and those can be as cheap as you know. A new home theater in a box system for -- 300. And it to be clear -- I've tried some of that technology here tried it out it is frightening. I mean it through the advancements in Psycho acoustics that are being put in two. That the technology and the DSPs. On modern speakers. It's not like he used to be the SR assistant -- U turn on a stress and you'll be surrounded with sound like crap then. Now it actually sounds pretty good that's pretty good stuff in -- and do so do you use that stuff. Now. Hell yeah finally only -- that at any cable. But rod red and -- matchup brings up a plane I remember from it and -- with the theater this he has prior to this -- there is. The absolute flat ribbon that you could paint over bicycling. I have a link here it's called in -- cable -- -- It's unlike all the other cables I recommend which are like three dollars you know for -- real. This is actually quite expensive but it is super duper -- and this is actually I would recommend. Is the you can run this under a rug and it'll be fine it won't evaporated and -- won't give the bump in the road. And then. There rug over your paint over or something like that this is it's thick it's thick -- very. -- this is this is the low tech solution that I would do is just run cables. That coal plants. You get to brag about your flat cables and flat frequency response could mean if I liked cables that statement that extra -- -- -- think they're flattered and flat. Now what just we have time for all I have one more -- -- and commitment on. Mike in Toronto I've gone through a number and other networking question but if it gets good. I've gone through a number of routers but I find that every week or two after power -- them because they've locked up or -- slower -- responsive. He says he has a lot of always on connections. Standalone -- as the moment and you monitor a print server and wireless thermostat etc. Is this just how cheap consumer grade routers operate -- killing them with so many connections. Is there -- more robust solution. Now. Again I went back and forth with with Mike on this -- -- the little bit. It doesn't make sense the factory built reboot your router I had the exact same product you do that even the IR 655 and I -- it. Twice in in the year or two that I have owned it is rock solid and has not slowed down. It is sometimes possible that when your ISP. Drops the signal or you have a power outage that the highest peak in have a slow -- and sometimes rebooting the router reset that connection and advocates. It gets fixed that way that's -- -- So the solution that you found he accused -- that got back to me on this this is really clever. There is a product out there. Because this problem was widespread enough that will actually power cycle your electronics on the time -- that you set. It's what's -- called here he ordered -- it's called. And he. Blank in blank picture of the three G store IP power switch. And this is what it does it you set it to turn off the power every twenty for hours briefly and then turn it back on. It's automatic reboot -- -- -- if it's the savior of IP geeks everywhere for can't let it become unreliable over time. I love this problem 15100 but -- the computer's Mac her and automatically district computers. The -- in this case that pink camera that's right that it's it's the -- -- rate. So if you -- technology that just needs to be re booted every day or so. Check out the IP powers -- I love this product and thanks for sending -- along might that's great. Let's see. How way over time -- Are right we're gonna leave it at that. Yet that's all we have time for -- -- any any final words with them no but I haven't gotten a -- -- by him that the Android data and tracking -- -- a -- -- have some help put some links in the show -- that -- you -- that we will this -- T this is how we get people to read the blog content within the show. Our for the big switch guys up but thank you request your questions as always if you have them questions for us then that's -- we can answer and expertise. Cnet.com slash rescues a website rescue at cnet.com is the email address thank you Donald for joining us. Where can people find your stuff the confinement in an obviously but they can also by me on Twitter at Donald. I have a FaceBook page -- -- yet while it's crazy. -- am I am prosperous -- stuff. Across the web I'll tell anyway thanks so much that I'm also on Twitter embrace our -- And Kelly thank -- producing. You -- on this site.