Hands-On Tech 195: Connecting Older Tech to Modern Networks – Detailed Summary

Released on December 15, 2024, TWiT’s “Hands-On Tech” episode 195 delves into the challenges and solutions associated with integrating older technology into modern networks. Hosted by Micah Sargent, the episode addresses listeners’ questions ranging from managing Gmail storage to enhancing internet speeds. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the key discussions, insights, and conclusions.

1. Managing Gmail Storage and Deleting Old Emails

Guest: Jack
Timestamp: [01:33]

Issue:
Jack encountered a problem where, after deleting all emails before January 1, 2023, his Gmail storage remained unchanged despite waiting over 30 days—the period Gmail typically retains deleted emails in the trash.

Discussion:
Micah Sargent explored potential reasons for this anomaly. One possibility is that emails, especially those with large attachments, might still be occupying space despite deletion. Micah suggested using Gmail’s search operators, such as size: and larger:, to identify and remove oversized emails that could be contributing to the storage issue.

Notable Quote:
"Jack, you may have a lot of attachments included with your email or something else that is causing this to be." – Micah Sargent [04:50]

Suggestions Provided:

• Use Search Operators: Implement size:5M or larger:5M to find and delete large emails.
• Audit Email Habits: Ensure email clients aren’t using POP instead of IMAP, which can cause syncing issues.
• Third-Party Mail Programs: Utilize these to get a more granular view of email storage.
• Contact Gmail Support: If the issue persists beyond 30 days, reaching out to support for assistance is advisable.

2. Transitioning from Windows to Mac and Using Spinrite with APFS

Guest: Ronald
Timestamp: [09:15]

Issue:
Ronald inquired about maintaining an external drive formatted with Apple’s APFS (Apple Protected File System) using Spinrite, a disk repair tool traditionally associated with Windows.

Discussion:
Micah explained that while Spinrite is primarily designed for Windows, it can be utilized on Macs with some adjustments. He referenced guidelines from GRC.com, which outline methods to create a bootable USB drive compatible with macOS using Spinrite.

Notable Quote:
"If you do not have even brief access to a Windows machine, which would allow you to use the Windows bootable application... you can use DD to perform the copy operation as well." – Micah Sargent [12:00]

Solutions Offered:

• Bootable USB Creation: Use Spinrite’s bootable IMG file copied to a USB drive via DD or other utilities.
• Access via External Drive: Ensure the external drive is connected properly for Spinrite to interface with the APFS-formatted drive.
• Special Configuration Rules: Follow specific instructions from Spinrite’s documentation to maintain file system integrity.

3. Adding an Older iPad to a WPA3-Enforced Network

Guest: Hasan
Timestamp: [14:50]

Issue:
Hasan needed to connect an old iPad to his home network, which primarily uses WPA3 for security. The iPad is incompatible with WPA3 and functions correctly only when WPA3 is disabled.

Discussion:
Micah emphasized the security benefits of WPA3 and the challenges it poses for older devices. He recommended solutions that involve maintaining WPA3 for most of the network while providing an exception for the legacy device.

Notable Quote:
"If you enable WPA3 on your eero router, there's not a mixed mode of WPA3 WPA2 that is going to let you connect some devices the old way." – Micah Sargent [17:30]

Suggested Solutions:

• Use a Travel Router: Deploy a secondary router that connects to the main WPA3 network and broadcasts a separate WPA2 network for the older iPad.
• Non-Eero Access Point: Consider affordable alternatives like TP-Link to create a dedicated WPA2 segment.
• MAC Internet Sharing: Utilize a Mac’s internet sharing feature to create a temporary WPA2 hotspot for the iPad.
• Upgrade the Device: While not preferred due to costs, upgrading the iPad ensures full compatibility and enhanced security.

Community Input:

• Cole’s Suggestion: Use a Mac’s Wi-Fi sharing feature to provide internet to the iPad without altering the main network’s security settings.

4. Uploading Local PST Files to Online Email Services

Guest: Ray
Timestamp: [22:15]

Issue:
Ray wanted to migrate his extensive local Outlook PST files, which contain years of POP-managed emails, to an online service like Outlook.com or Gmail. His goal was to eliminate reliance on the Outlook client by forwarding his emails to a web-based platform.

Discussion:
Micah outlined a multi-step process to achieve this migration, emphasizing the lack of a direct upload feature for PST files to Gmail or Outlook.com. The solution involves using an email client as an intermediary.

Notable Quote:
"Unfortunately, there's no direct upload feature for PST files into Outlook.com and Gmail." – Micah Sargent [25:45]

Steps Recommended:

1. Choose an Email Client: Select a client that supports both the local PST file and the target online service (e.g., Outlook, Thunderbird).
2. Configure IMAP: Set up the online email account using IMAP to ensure synchronization between the client and the server.
3. Create Matching Folders: Manually create folders in the online account to mirror those in the local PST.
4. Drag and Drop Emails: Transfer emails from the PST to the corresponding online folders through the email client.
5. Verify Migration: After synchronization, confirm that emails are accessible via the web interface.
6. Finalize Setup: Once satisfied, cease using the local PST and transition fully to the online service.

Cautions:

• Data Integrity: Ensure that each folder is thoroughly migrated to prevent data loss.
• Service Limitations: Be aware of potential limitations or issues with large volumes of historical emails, especially with platforms like Yahoo.

5. Achieving True 2.5 Gbps Internet Speeds on a MacBook Pro M1

Guest: Ross
Timestamp: [35:00]

Issue:
Ross upgraded his internet package to 2.5 Gbps but observed that his MacBook Pro M1 achieved only around 960 Mbps via Ethernet connected to an Apple TV 4K box.

Discussion:
Micah addressed the possible bottlenecks preventing Ross from reaching his desired speeds. He emphasized the importance of each component in the network setup supporting higher velocities.

Notable Quote:
"Make sure that the hardware that you're using... is able to support those higher speeds." – Micah Sargent [37:20]

Recommendations:

• Check ISP Hardware: Verify that the modem and router provided by the ISP support 2.5 Gbps speeds. If using personal hardware, ensure compatibility.
• Ethernet Ports: Confirm that all Ethernet ports in use are rated for 2.5 Gbps or higher.
• Quality Cables: Use high-quality Ethernet cables (Cat6 or above) to handle the increased bandwidth.
• Account Configuration: Contact the ISP to ensure that the account is correctly provisioned for the higher speed tier.
• Router Configuration: If using a mesh system or a third-party router, ensure it’s configured to support 2.5 Gbps without throttling.

Specific Hardware Suggestion:

• Belkin USB-C to 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter: Recommended for MacBook Pro M1 users to achieve optimal speeds. Priced around $30, this adapter is compatible with USB-C ports and supports the desired throughput.

Notable Quote:
"It is the belkin USB C to 2.5 gig ethernet adapter. You know that you are supposed to get the fastest speeds that you possibly can with your 2.5 gig service." – Micah Sargent [41:50]

Final Advice:

• Thorough Troubleshooting: Systematically check each component in the network chain to identify and rectify speed limitations.
• Engage ISP Support: Utilize the provided suggestions and hardware evidence to advocate for necessary upgrades or configurations from the ISP.

Conclusion and Community Engagement

Throughout the episode, Micah Sargent not only provided expert solutions but also encouraged community interaction. He highlighted the importance of sharing outcomes to assist others facing similar challenges and reinforced the value of platforms like Club Twit for extended support and resources.

Final Note:
For listeners seeking deeper engagement or personalized assistance, joining Club Twit offers access to ad-free content, bonus materials, and a dedicated community for tech enthusiasts.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of "Hands-On Tech" episode 195, offering valuable insights and practical solutions for integrating older technology with modern network infrastructures.