Tracing their ancestral roots, Robbie and Jeff dive deep into their Scottish heritage and family genealogy. The guys discuss what it takes to design and register an official family tartan with the Scottish Tartan Registry, the hidden privacy traps of modern DNA kits, and why Jeff's ownership of a couple of one-foot plots of land in Scotland gives him a fancy title.

They also tackle the unique challenges of tracing a family tree through centuries of phonetic name changes, share how a trip to the Barrie model railroaders show inspired a custom-coded smartphone app, and share the backstory behind Mel Brooks finally making Spaceballs 2!

Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/14/

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Running time: 44 Minutes 15 Seconds

0:00 Introduction

0:55 Dreaming of Robbie Ferguson Way

1:49 Jeff Weston Road, With Everything Weston

2:48 Jeff's Quest to Find His Ancestral Lineage

4:32 Jeff's Concerns About DNA-Based Ancestry Tests

9:33 Registration of a Family Tartan in Scotland

12:30 Orillia Scottish Festival 2026 - Celebrating Clan Ferguson

13:06 The Prohibitive Cost of Tartan Weaving

13:45 Jeff's Lairdship in Scotland

14:25 Hiking the Highland Trail

14:40 Galen's Loblaws Distribution Centre

14:58 A Smooth Commute: Zooming Through Queensville, Ontario

15:29 Barrie Allandale Railroad Modellers Train Show

16:50 BARM Model Railroad Club Layout

18:25 Model Train Scale and Gauges

18:49 Making Your Own Model Trains

20:04 Robbie's Son's Model Train Hack: Adding Sound to DC Railroad

23:13 Lua The Programming Language; Reminiscing About Minetest

23:52 Wishing for Flying Cars and Drone-Based Taxis

24:50 Flight Rules and Regulations for Flying Cars

25:40 Accelerating the Commute with Human-Carrying Drones

26:12 The Sophistication of Mesh-Based In-flight Crash Prevention

26:42 The Problem of Privacy and Being Tracked

27:33 Strava's Accidental Military Base Mapping

29:12 Human Selfishness Poses a Challenge to Technological Progress

30:43 Direct Bed-to-Work Drone Flight

31:08 Construction Lane Ending and Being a Kind Driver (or not)

32:11 Drivers: Turn on Your Headlights and Pay Attention

33:42 The Drive Continues and Sun Starts to Set

34:30 Data Drive - Now on Cable TV (ROGERS tv Channel 10 Barrie)

34:54 Looking Forward to Spaceballs 2 ... The Movie Sequel

38:56 How To Send Comments to Data Drive

39:18 Post-Production Magic

40:25 The Irony of a Web Creator's Show Making it to Cable TV

41:13 Jeff is Late to the Cable TV Service Game: Thank You Bundles

42:42 ROGERS tv is a Commercial-Free Viewer Experience

43:32 Closing Thoughts

Can AI, flamethrowers and lasers save us from a Barrie Winter? In this episode of Data Drive, Robbie and Jeff explore high-tech snow removal and how your AI chatbot might be snitching on your private data.

Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/13/

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Running time: 50 Minutes 37 Seconds

0:00 Introduction

0:58 Winter in Barrie Ontario

1:24 Tech-Enhanced Intelligent Snow Removal

5:50 Battery-Powered Electric Snowblowers

8:36 "Done With Winter" Music Montage

10:23 Turning to AI For Solutions to Day-To-Day Problems

11:42 Reflecting on the Shift to a Hybrid Workplace

13:00 Roadworks in Bradford, Ontario

13:21 Being Responsible with AI and Tech

16:27 Differences Between AI LLM Models

21:38 Using AI as a Dungeon Master in Dungeons and Dragons

23:41 Robbie Has Never Played "Real" Dungeons and Dragons

27:20 Jeff's Broken Smartwatch

30:43 Hiking in and Around Barrie, Ontario

31:30 The Dream of Disconnecting and Enjoying Nature

33:05 Using AI for Plant Identification

35:13 How Smart Autonomous Cars Could Become

38:12 80's/90's Movie View of "The Future" is Coming True

39:33 Technology Cannot Replace Real Human Contact

40:52 NVIDIA Uses AI to Make Eye Contact Possible in Virtual Meetings

43:10 Falsified Human Connection and Personal Rights

46:50 Easing the Terms and Conditions Burden

47:49 Jeff is Mr. Negativity

48:18 Be Careful Who You Trust

48:54 The Evolution of Scammers: A Future Episode Topic

49:38 Closing Remarks

Eighteen years of Category5 Technology TV... can you believe it?

Robbie Ferguson is joined by long-time co-host and fan favorite Sasha Rickman, visiting all the way from Newfoundland, for a nostalgic deep dive into the tech, gadgets, and moments that shaped nearly two decades of Category5.

From life on the East Coast (bees, cod fisheries, crab vending machines, goats and more) to the challenges of staying connected with rural Internet, Sasha shares what it's really been like living on the east coast of Canada. Then we take a fun “road trip” through the tech history of the show: boogie boards, gimbals, retro gaming handhelds, Kingston drives, spinners vs SSDs, and the legendary gadgets that stood the test of time... plus a few that sadly got away.

Whether you grew up with Category5 Technology TV, love retro tech, or just enjoy hearing the behind-the-scenes stories that made the show what it is, this special anniversary episode has something for every tech fan.

Thanks for joining us on the Drive! Let’s celebrate 18 years of Cat5 together.

Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/12/

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Running time: 44 Minutes

0:00 Introduction

1:13 Sasha Rickman Traveled from Newfoundland to Barrie

1:56 St. John's International Airport Frozen Seafood Vending Machine

2:52 Fresh Seafood Is Better Than Imports

3:45 Seafood's Impact on Newfoundland Economy

5:04 Sasha's Tech-Shock Moving from Ontario to Newfoundland

8:31 Category5 TV Studio D's Internet Challenges

10:21 How Starlink Brought Sasha's Remote Work to Rural Newfoundland

12:37 Human vs. AI Chatbot Tech Support and How Sasha Proves She's Real

14:38 Robbie's Dream: NEMS Linux Growth to Include Phone Support

15:20 Timezone Difference makes Newfoundland Great for Tech Support

16:32 Best Ontario Wildflower and Clover Honey: Cherry Creek Apiaries

16:46 Sasha's Dream of Starting an Apiary

17:39 Barnyard Animals Sasha Can Keep ... If She Can Convince Her Husband

19:34 Commercial Break

20:51 Reminiscing Over 18 Years of Category5 Technology TV

21:38 Memorable Products Reviewed

22:07 Defunct Product Favorite: PasswordBox

23:26 Defunct Product Favorite: PogoPlug

25:11 Defunct Product Favorite: Bring TIM!

28:34 Tech Favorite That Lasts Forever: Kingston SSDs, RAM and USB Flash Drives

30:14 Why People Still Use Spinning Hard Drives

32:35 Tech Favorite That Lasts Forever: Boogie Board

36:11 Tech Favorite That Lasts Forever: DJI Osmo 4K (Now Osmo Pocket 4)

39:40 Adding a Gimbal to Your Smartphone

40:44 Tech Favorite We Tried to Review: AtGames SEGA Genesis Ultimate Portable

41:58 Retro Gaming with RetroPi: Perfect Party Entertainment

42:59 Call for Comments

43:26 Extro

Let's drive into data security. From the complexities of cryptocurrency wallet keys to protecting your passwords and setting up encrypted backup solutions, Robbie and Jeff share practical advice to protect your data and plan for emergencies.

Discover how to ensure your family has access to critical files, avoid the pitfalls of forgotten passwords, and create resilient backup strategies that will save you time, money, and stress. Whether you're managing tech infrastructure or just safeguarding personal files, this episode offers something for everyone. Plus, hear the guys' thoughts on Christmas commercialization, LED Halloween pumpkins, and why a working Pi-hole is a game changer for home networks.

Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/11/

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Running time: 40 Minutes 56 Seconds

0:00 Introduction

1:40 Seasons Change: Driving In The Dark

2:00 Commercialization of the Christmas Season

4:32 Smart LED Christmas Lights and DIY Pumpkin Lights

6:43 Wyze Smart Doorbell Catching Halloween Looters

8:56 The Problem of Pre-Paying for Drive-Thru Orders

10:37 Supporting Less Fortunate in a Cashless Society

15:10 Commercial Break

16:39 Accessing, Trading and Exchanging Cryptocurrency

24:48 Jeff's Forgotten Pi-hole root Password and Fixing a Full Filesystem

30:59 Using logrotate.d to Maintain Log File Directories

32:06 Ensuring Your Disk Doesn't Get Full Using NEMS Proactive Monitoring

33:32 A Failed Pi-Hole Reveals How Ad-Laden the Internet Is

34:02 Remembering Your root Password, Or Storing it Securely

34:53 Kingston DataTraveler 2000 - Small Encrypted USB Flash Drive

35:31 Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 80 External SSD

36:21 Data Security Tips and Tricks

37:38 Passwords and Files: What Happens When I Die? Passing On Data to Next of Kin

40:19 End Credits

Bill Marshall joins Robbie to explore the fascinating world of Raspberry Pi clusters, the tech shaping our future, and the challenges that come with DIY projects. We also discuss smart cities, focusing on Innisfil's cutting-edge plans. We'll discuss the importance of open-source communities, balancing personal time with tech projects and customer support challenges. From troubleshooting a Raspberry Pi 4 1GB crash to building a quorum system for Proxmox, we drive into the learning process behind microcomputing, the power of tinkering, and the creativity that fuels innovation.

Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/10/

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Running time: 43 Minutes 25 Seconds

0:00 Introduction

1:07 Late Apex Simulators in Barrie

1:54 Barrie Downtown Construction Along Lakeshore 2024

2:19 Pirate Adventure Cruise by Pirate Life Theatre in Barrie

2:58 Nerdy Greeting: A Raspberry Pi 4 1GB

4:14 Raspberry Pi 4 1GB is Perfect for NEMS Linux Testing

6:46 Bill Keeps Robbie In-Line with the NEMS Linux Community

7:41 Finding Time for Maker Projects

9:07 Proxmox QuorumPi - Two-Node Proxmox Clusters with Quorum Using a Raspberry Pi

12:12 Commercial Break

13:36 Clustering Raspberry Pi 4 with ICE Tower Coolers

17:59 Using the Cluster HAT to Control a Raspberry Pi Zero Cluster

19:13 Ignore Online Discouragers: The Process Is Worth It

24:45 Commercial Break

25:34 Is Contributing to Open Source Actually Helping?

26:49 The Challenges in Supporting Open Source Software

27:31 It's Okay to Disconnect / Mute

28:06 FOSS Users Sometimes Abuse Support Channels

32:31 Innisfil Ontario: The Orbit Smart City (Coming Soon?)

36:14 Smart City == Hermit Paradise

37:33 Retirement: Benefits of Less Property

38:24 The Challenge for Passionate FOSS Developers: Time & Responsibilities

39:09 Category5 Technology TV Studio E (vs Studio D)

39:49 How Bill Marshall Found Category5

40:40 Our Roaming Studio for Data Drive Podcast

40:57 Data Drive is Robbie's Maker Project

42:02 Learning Things and Challenging Ourselves Makes Maker Tech Worthwhile

42:45 Closing Remarks

Take a scenic drive of Barrie, Ontario streets, exploring the mystery of disconnected Barrie roads -- like Bryne Drive -- and the budding future tech scene in Barrie. Robbie and guest Bill Marshall explore nostalgic tech with miniature model trains and the exciting possibility of Raspberry Pi integration in these miniature worlds. Plus, we reflect on the rapid rise of tall buildings in Barrie. Tune in for a mix of urban exploration, nostalgic hobbies, and tech-driven discussions!

Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/9/

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Running time: 32 Minutes 32 Seconds

0:00 Introduction

0:51 Some Things Change in 6 Years, Some Things Don't

1:55 Bill Marshall Joins us from New York

2:45 The Tourist Episode: Barrie, Ontario

3:14 Road Pronunciations: Bryne Drive, Minet's Point, Essa Road and Dubois

4:49 The Mysterious Disconnected Roads of Barrie, Ontario

5:47 Technology Has Changed the Driving Experience

6:55 The Traffic of Richmond County, New York

7:44 There are 3 Bryne Drives in Barrie, Ontario

8:48 Bryne Drive # 2

9:32 The Rapid Blinking Blinker

11:36 Barrie is a Tech Hub in Ontario with Datacentres

12:23 The Problem with Building Houses

12:55 Barrie: A Commuter City Between Toronto and Muskoka

13:27 Cottage Country and Being "On The Grid"

16:24 We Can No Longer Truly Escape Being Connected

17:11 Commercial Break

19:16 Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery

19:54 Model Railroads: Remembering Our Childhood Train Sets

21:25 Using a 3D Printer and Static Grass to Improve Model Railroad Realism

22:57 HO vs O-Scale Model Railroads

23:14 Using a Raspberry Pi and Python Code to Augment a Model Railroad

25:25 Cutting Foam with a Hot Wire Instead of Knife

26:21 Entering Barrie, Ontario from Angus, Ontario

26:41 Barrie is Growing Up ... Literally

27:48 Barrie's Tallest Buildings Still Don't Compare to New York

28:50 The Upward Growth of Barrie, Ontario

30:24 Bryne Drive The Third

31:38 Closing Remarks

On this episode of Data Drive Podcast, Robbie and Jeff delve into the ever-evolving world of IT, discussing how technological advancements are shifting paradigms in the tech industry. From the impact of cloud computing and AI to the growing need for a security-first mindset, this conversation sheds light on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Whether you’re an IT professional or just tech-curious, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of technology.

Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/8/

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Running time: 26 Minutes 5 Seconds

0:00 Introduction

0:51 Times Are Changing: Technology is Evolving

1:04 Don't Get Left Behind, IT Worker! The Paradigm is Shifting.

2:33 Tech Paradigm Shifts May Now Be More Subtle

4:02 Paradigm Shifts May Be Mindset-Based

5:54 Mobile-First Responsive Web Design is the Last Big Paradigm Shift

6:51 Security-First Mindset May Be the Next Big Paradigm Shift

8:17 Small Businesses Struggle With the Security-First Mindset

9:29 The Tech Solution: Hire a Third-Party SOC - Is It Realistic for SMB?

10:28 Commercial Break

11:13 Sponsor: Kingston Canvas Go! Plus MicroSD Cards

11:40 Sponsor: ameriDroid.com Home Automation and SBCs

11:57 Sponsor: VoyagerSystems.cloud IT Partner for Managed Technology

13:04 Jeff's Business Purchase Adventure

14:39 Business Sense: You Are Worth More, Because Consumers Demand Service

18:33 SMB Security Practices Require Reassessment

19:36 SMB Can't Afford Professional Cyber Security and IT Infrastructure

20:14 Consumer Information is at Risk

20:35 Security-First Businesses Are Crucial: Who Will Pay For It?

21:49 The Challenge with Free Products and Services: They Cost Money

22:26 Security-First Is Indeed The Next Paradigm Shift

23:25 Category5 Cybersecurity Chat Available For Hire

24:30 Inflation Costs Are Hurting Business

25:15 Closing Remarks

Jeff and Robbie debunk common tech myths and challenge stereotypes with hard evidence. Join us as we explore which countries rank as most tech-savvy and why, backed by solid data. From Singapore to Switzerland, discover who tops the charts in tech-savviness, IoT capabilities, and technological advancements. Don't miss out on this enlightening and entertaining discussion!

Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/7/

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Running time: 29 Minutes 42 Seconds

0:00 Introduction

0:47 Sponsor: Kingston Canvas Go! Plus MicroSD Cards

1:14 Sponsor: ameriDroid.com Home Automation and SBCs

1:30 Sponsor: VoyagerSystems.cloud IT Partner for Managed Technology

1:52 Jeff Breaks Down Tech Users into Two Categories

4:30 Accuracy of Reviews Depends on Context

5:27 Jeff Theorizes Geography Matters in Tech Savviness

8:44 North American Disposable Mindset Means Low Tech Know-How

10:53 Jeff Suggests North Americans are Actually Tech-Smart

11:32 Jeff Encounters the Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon

12:40 Jeff Continues to Dig Himself a Giant Hole

14:18 Commercial Break

15:57 The Most Tech Savvy Countries for Internet of Things (IoT)

18:50 The Most Technological Expertise Per Country Per Capita

19:25 The Most Technologically Advanced Countries in the World

21:18 Switzerland Is Brainiest, Most Able to Create and Most Advanced

21:46 Jeff Redeems Himself

22:56 Why Switzerland so High on the Tech Lists: Garmin, Logitech, Proton Mail and Others

25:56 Robbie is Proud of Jeff

26:21 Data Drive: Useless Knowledge to Share with the Family

27:37 Edifier R1210T Speaker Follow Up: Jeff is a Dummy

29:08 Closing Remarks

Take a wild ride through some of the quirkiest and most pressing tech topics today. From the mystery of disappearing Jeep doors to ingenious home security hacks, this episode is packed with practical advice, humorous anecdotes, and a deep dive into online security. Plus, we explore the real threat to FOSS open source software developers: user behavior. Buckle up for a journey filled with humor, tech insights, and a bit of nerdy wit.

Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/6/

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Running time: 23 Minutes 13 Seconds

0:00 Introduction

0:47 Sponsor: Kingston Canvas Go! Plus MicroSD Cards

1:14 Sponsor: ameriDroid.com Home Automation and SBCs

1:30 Sponsor: VoyagerSystems.cloud IT Partner for Managed Technology

1:53 Jeep Door Theft is On The Rise

4:37 Securing Our Property Against Late-Night Prowlers

9:23 Interior Cameras Looking Outside at Night

10:30 Security Cameras Selling Cloud Service

10:51 Robbie's WyzeCams Use RTSP to Record to Multiple DVRs

12:49 Security of Connecting Smart Devices to the Internet

15:38 Technology Used for Nefarious Purposes Gives Great Tech a Bad Reputation

17:19 Jeff Wants to Force Users to Read Terms of Use Every Day

18:16 Time Wasters Who Don't Read Guides Hurt Open Source Development

22:13 Closing Remarks

Drive into the hidden dangers of AirTags and how they're being used to make commuters and tourists into unknowing smugglers, how doggy doors are allowing critters into Jeff's kitchen, reminisce about Unreal Tournament LAN parties, and learn to charge your customers what you're worth. Robbie and Jeff navigating the complex digital superhighway on another episode of Data Drive.

Read the complete show notes, comment or rate this episode, view pictures and obtain links from this episode at https://category5.tv/shows/datadrive/episode/5/

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Running time: 45 Minutes 11 Seconds

0:00 Responding to Listeners: Weight of Internal Combustion vs. Electric Vehicles

6:08 Introduction

7:00 Sponsor: Kingston Canvas Go! Plus MicroSD Cards

7:27 Sponsor: ameriDroid.com Home Automation and SBCs

7:44 Sponsor: VoyagerSystems.cloud IT Partner for Managed Technology

8:06 Something We Know: Teslas Are Heavy

8:16 Apple Airtags Being Applied to Unknowing Drivers' Cars for Smuggling

9:39 How To Block Apple Airtag Trackers

11:33 How Apple Devices Track Airtag Devices

13:16 Why Apple Airtags Are Used by Criminals and Smugglers

15:08 Waze Aggregates User Information From Other Users

16:00 Accidental Smugglers

16:27 Jeff Wants to Learn From These Criminals When Loaning Gear

17:42 Commercial Break

19:57 So... We Learn About Crutch Words

21:30 Jeff Needs a Doggy Door Improvement After a Critter Break-In

24:38 Making a Doggy Door Into a "Smart" Doggy Door with Wyze Sense

26:31 Grabbing a Starbucks "Captain Pike" Coffee

29:02 Under Construction: Bradford Bypass

30:01 Unreal Tournament 1999 GOTY Raspberry Pi Server Concept

30:56 Reminiscing About Our Early 2000's Unreal Tournament LAN Parties

34:52 Planning a Retro WAN Party With Listeners

37:13 Jeff Played Counterstrike, Team Fortress Classic and Warcraft 3

37:51 Lost Pastime: Legitimate PC LAN Parties, Complete with OEM Upgrades

39:56 Unreal Tournament is Ready for Modern Gaming Hardware

42:20 Charging What You're Worth

44:16 Final Thoughts