Compute This

Compute This is where real computer problems meet real answers. Each week the program addresses the technology issues affecting everyday users, including security threats, major updates, performance concerns, and informed buying decisions. 

Produced by Schrock Innovations, Compute This is presented as a live weekly call-in show, with full episodes available as video and podcast replays on major platforms.

Episodes

Jul 19, 2026

53 min

If you let Chrome or Edge remember your passwords, this is the week to pay attention. A fast-spreading strain of "password stealer" malware is raiding saved logins straight out of the browser, and it is getting in through a fake "click to fix" popup that looks harmless. Thor breaks down how the attack works, why it can walk right past two-factor authentication, and the one simple thing that actually stops it.
From there it is a full slate of the tech that hits your wallet and your peace of mind. Thor gets into the real cost of skipping a laptop warranty, why hard drive prices are climbing again, and the AI story everyone is talking about: a famous life coach's AI assistant that went and bought itself a robot dog. Whether you are protecting your data, shopping for a new machine, or just trying to keep up with where AI is going, there is something here for you.
In this episode:
- A new wave of malware that steals passwords saved in Chrome and Edge, and the fake popup that lets it in
- Why stolen saved passwords can slip past two-factor, and why any antivirus beats none
- The $500 hard drive: a Papillion laptop owner's repair bill and the warranty decision behind it
- Why device and warranty prices are set to climb again next month
- Tony Robbins' AI agent "Bartok," the robot dog it bought on its own, and why it now wants to "merge" with it
- Anyone who saves passwords in their browser, is weighing a laptop warranty, or just wants to keep up with where AI is headed will enjoy this episode.
The thread running through all of it is simple: the right protection and the right advice save you money and headaches down the road. That is exactly what the team at Schrock Innovations in Papillion does every day, from stopping password-stealing malware with solid antivirus to helping you decide when a warranty is worth it. Stop in, give them a call, or start a conversation online, and get your technology handled by people who actually pick up the phone.
Show Notes:
- Malware steals saved browser passwords (BleepingComputer)
- Tony Robbins' AI agent bought a robot dog (The Blaze)
- Sophos Endpoint Protection
- Vote Schrock for Best of Omaha
- Careers at Schrock Innovations
- Schrock Innovations

Jul 19, 2026

53 min

Jul 12, 2026

53 min

Nearly seven million drivers just had their personal information exposed in the AssuranceAmerica breach, including their driver's license numbers. If a letter from your insurer shows up this week, don't throw it out. This is the kind of leak that fuels one of today's fastest-growing scams, where criminals can sound and even look like someone you trust.
Thor explains how one targeted employee can crack a whole company open, and walks through the simple steps that actually keep you protected.
In this episode:
- The AssuranceAmerica breach and the 6.9 million drivers it exposed
- How one targeted employee opens the door for deepfake scams
- Why Thor is personally auditing more than 800 Sophos subscriptions
- The free DriveAdviser upgrade that predicts a dying hard drive before it takes your data
- Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI over stolen trade secrets
- Anyone who owns a car, runs a business, or wants to stay ahead of the latest scams will enjoy this episode.
A breach like this can feel overwhelming, and that is exactly what Schrock Innovations is here for. The team at the Papillion service center can set you up with real protection and give you honest answers, so you get ahead of the threat instead of cleaning up after it.
Show Notes:
- AssuranceAmerica breach exposes 6.9 million drivers
- Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft
- Sophos Endpoint Protection from Schrock Innovations
- Schrock Innovations

Jul 12, 2026

53 min

Jul 5, 2026

41 min

Apple just pushed an emergency iPhone update, and this one's worth two minutes of your time. iOS 26.5.2 patches 29 security holes, including WebKit bugs where a single tapped link — no browser needed — could quietly grab passwords, two-factor codes, and card numbers off your screen. Plug in tonight and let it install while you sleep.
This Independence Day episode also covers a Supreme Court ruling on your phone's location privacy, how businesses wall off customer data, and a few lighter moments for America 250.
In this episode:
Apple's iOS 26.5.2 emergency update — and why WebKit matters to every iPhone owner
The Supreme Court's 6–3 geofence-warrant ruling, and the data-broker loophole it left open
How network "segmentation" keeps customer data separate from guest Wi-Fi
Fast holiday-week turnaround and a hiring update from the shops
The "dumbest gadget of the year": Sony's $260 wearable neck air conditioner
Anyone who owns an iPhone and wants to keep their personal data safe will enjoy this episode.
At Schrock Innovations, we keep your technology safe and running without the jargon or the runaround. Our Des Moines Service Center just got a full network-security upgrade, and the same team is ready to help you — with fast turnaround all holiday week.
Show Notes:
Schrock Innovations
We're hiring — see open positions

Jul 5, 2026

41 min

Jun 28, 2026

53 min

Windows 10 is winding down, but there's a twist: home users just got another free year of security updates, while businesses face a Microsoft bill that doubles every year they wait. This episode tells you how much time you really have — and what dragging your feet will cost.
From there, Thor covers the scams targeting your parents, why your next computer or game console is about to get pricier, and the jaw-dropping story of a security exec who tore out his own company's two-factor login.
In this episode:
- The Windows 10 split: free updates for home users, a doubling annual bill for businesses
- Fast turnaround at the shops — plus we're hiring
- Fake tech-support sites and remote-access scams, and how to shield the less tech-savvy people you love
- AI's chip crunch is quietly raising prices on computers, consoles, even tiny capacitors — why buying now can pay off
- The security boss who ripped out his own company's two-factor login (and what he knew that you don't)
Anyone trying to make smart, money-saving tech decisions for their home or small business will enjoy this episode.
Whether your Windows 10 machine needs a check-up, an upgrade, or a clean migration to Windows 11, the team at Schrock Innovations makes it painless. Stop by our Papillion service center and a friendly expert will handle the upgrade, lock down your security, and keep you running long after the deadline passes.
Show Notes:
Windows 10 end of support · Sophos Endpoint Protection · Schrock Innovations

Jun 28, 2026

53 min

Jun 21, 2026

53 min

AI agents are everywhere in the news right now — but what can they actually do for you? From tools that book appointments and manage your calendar to smart assistants that handle repetitive work tasks, this episode breaks down what's real, what's coming, and how everyday people can start using AI agents today.
We also tackle smart home upgrades, answer a listener question about keeping kids safe online, and get hands-on building a mini AI agent live on air.
In this episode:• AI agents vs. chatbots — what's the difference and why it matters• Smart home tech that's actually worth the money• Live demo: building a simple AI agent in real time• Keeping your kids safe online without turning into a spy• Listener challenge: try building your own agent by July 1st
Anyone who uses technology in their daily life — which is basically all of us — will enjoy this episode.
Schrock Innovations helps people and businesses across Nebraska and Iowa make technology work for them — not the other way around. Whether you're in Omaha, Papillion, Lincoln, or Des Moines, the team is ready to help with everything from smart home setups to keeping your devices secure.
Show Notes:• AI Agent Summit — July 15–17, 2026• Listener Challenge: Build Your Own Agent (due July 1)• Next week: "Quantum Computing for Everyone"
As always, you can find us at Schrock Innovations.com

Jun 21, 2026

53 min

May 31, 2026

53 min

Your cable company just handed your personal information to hackers. This week on Compute This, we break down the Charter/Spectrum data breach that exposed 4.9 million accounts—including names, phone numbers, and home addresses—all because hackers tricked a single employee over the phone. It matters right now because the same social-engineering and AI-powered tactics behind this breach are spreading fast, and the old antivirus tools most people rely on simply can't keep up.
We also dig into how Russian hackers are now building entire attack campaigns—phishing emails, malware, and infrastructure—using AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, which makes cybercriminals faster and harder to spot than ever. If you're a business owner, IT decision-maker, or anyone who wants to understand how today's threats actually reach your inbox (and what real protection looks like), this episode gives you the plain-English breakdown you need.
In this episode:
The Charter/Spectrum breach: how one phone call exposed 4.9 million customer accounts, and why the company refused to pay—so the data got leaked anyway
How Russian hackers (the GREYVIBE group) are using ChatGPT and Gemini to build fake emails, malware, and infrastructure, targeting Ukraine since last August
Why old antivirus can't see AI-built threats—and how Sophos can
A real-world IT disaster: how a chandelier on a winch shredded six network cables and took down an entire office floor
These are exactly the threats Schrock Innovations helps you defend against. Modern protection like Sophos guards your network against the phishing, social engineering, and breaches making headlines—and right now Sophos is $100 on the last day of the sale. Catch the replay at schrockinnovations.com, if you bought a maintenance checkup certificate you summer is the time to use it, and if you're looking to join the team, see open positions at schrockinnovations.com/jobs.
Show Notes:
Charter/Spectrum breach: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/charter-communications-data-breach-affects-49-million-accounts/
GREYVIBE group using ChatGPT + Gemini: https://www.theregister.com/research/2026/05/29/russia-linked-threat-group-put-chatgpt-to-work-from-lure-to-payload/5248368
The chandelier network disaster: https://www.theregister.com/networks/2026/05/29/russian-oligarchs-financial-network-crashed-thanks-to-a-crank-and-a-cleaner/5243167

May 31, 2026

53 min

May 25, 2026

53 min

Microsoft is phasing out text-message login codes, calling SMS authentication a major source of fraud, while AI-powered tools are uncovering thousands of critical software vulnerabilities faster than ever before. In this episode, we explain what these changes mean for your online security and why traditional antivirus software is struggling to keep up.
We also cover the growing risks tied to AI-generated cyberattacks, the rise of passkeys, and concerns surrounding Chinese-made memory chips appearing in popular computer hardware. This episode is packed with practical insights for anyone trying to stay secure in today’s rapidly changing tech landscape.
In this episode:
Why Microsoft is replacing SMS login codes with passkeys
How AI tools uncovered more than 10,000 critical software vulnerabilities
Why traditional antivirus software is becoming less effective
What Chinese-made memory chips inside Corsair RAM could mean for consumers
How Sophos Intercept X helps stop modern cyber threats
Anyone interested in cybersecurity, account protection, AI threats, or emerging computer hardware concerns will enjoy this episode.
At Schrock Innovations, helping customers stay protected from evolving cyber threats is a daily priority. From advanced malware protection to practical security guidance, the Schrock Innovations team helps homes and businesses navigate the same risks discussed in this episode with trusted expertise and proactive solutions.
Show Notes:
PCMag — Microsoft drops SMS 2FA, push to passkeys
PCMag — Anthropic’s Mythos / Project Glasswing
Sophos Intercept X Security Special — $100 all month
Schrock Innovations Jobs: https://www.schrockinnovations.com/jobs

May 25, 2026

53 min

May 18, 2026

53 min

AI is rapidly changing the cybersecurity landscape, and this week on Compute This, we explain why traditional antivirus protection is struggling to keep up. From Microsoft Edge exposing saved passwords in plain text to ChatGPT connecting directly with thousands of banks, consumers are being asked to trust technology with more personal data than ever before — often without understanding the risks.
We break down how cybercriminals are using AI to create smarter scams, why Microsoft’s response to recent security failures raised eyebrows, and what modern protection actually looks like in 2026. If you care about password safety, online privacy, or keeping your devices secure, this episode is for you.
In this episode:
Microsoft Edge’s password security controversy
How AI is powering phishing scams and malware
Why traditional antivirus software is becoming outdated
The privacy concerns behind ChatGPT banking integrations
How Sophos Intercept X stops modern cyber threats
Listeners who want practical advice about cybersecurity, AI threats, and protecting their personal data online will enjoy this episode.
At Schrock Innovations, we help customers stay ahead of evolving cyber threats with proactive maintenance, advanced protection tools like Sophos Intercept X, and expert support designed to keep your devices, passwords, and personal information secure in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Show Notes:
Microsoft Edge password story: Microsoft backpedals: Edge to stop loading cleartext passwords into memory
Microsoft AI vulnerability hunters: Microsoft’s new AI system finds 16 Windows flaws
ChatGPT banking integration: OpenAI launches ChatGPT for personal finance
Careers at Schrock Innovations: https://www.schrockinnovations.com/jobs

May 18, 2026

53 min

May 10, 2026

53 min

Mother's Day scams, a backyard data center experiment, and a 4GB AI model Google Chrome is quietly installing on your computer top this week's Compute This podcast. Host Thor Schrock breaks down Apple's $250 million Siri settlement that could put up to $95 per device back in iPhone owners' pockets, and explains how to spot the Mother's Day scams hitting inboxes and phones right now.
Listeners will learn how to vet suspicious messages, what to save in case they qualify for the Apple payout, and why their next computer needs more horsepower than they think. It's for anyone who owns a smartphone, runs Chrome, or wants to stay a step ahead of scammers and silent software changes.
In this episode:
The Span, Nvidia, and PulteGroup partnership putting miniature data centers in residential backyards
Mother's Day scam patterns making the rounds, from fake flower deliveries to "Hi Mom" texts and gift card demands
Google Chrome's silent rollout of a 4GB Gemini Nano AI model and how to remove it
Apple's $250 million Siri settlement: who qualifies, what to save now, and when the claim site goes live
Anyone who wants plainspoken answers about the tech changes hitting their devices, inbox, and wallet this week will enjoy this episode.
When background AI installs itself without permission and scammers tailor attacks to the holiday on the calendar, having a local team in your corner matters. Schrock Innovations has been the technology company built for Nebraska and Iowa families and businesses since 1999, with locations in Papillion, Omaha, Lincoln, and Des Moines. Reach out to any location for free suspicious email vetting.  All May, get Sophos Intercept X for the $100 promotional price on our website.  
Show Notes:
Mini data centers in your backyard: https://www.pcmag.com/news/fancy-a-data-center-in-your-backyard-start-up-wants-distributed-data-centers
Mother's Day scam roundup: https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/mothers-day-scams-2026
Chrome's 4GB AI model report: https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/google-chrome-silently-downloads-4gb-ai-model-to-your-device-without-permission-report-claims-researcher-says-practice-may-violate-eu-law-waste-thousands-of-kilowatts-of-energy
Apple Siri settlement details: https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/05/apple-reaches-250m-settlement-over-siri-delays-users-could-get-up-to-95-per-device/
Schrock open positions: https://schrockinnovations.com/jobs

May 10, 2026

53 min

Apr 27, 2026

53 min

Microsoft just declared Windows Defender "enough" antivirus for most users — on the very same day security researchers published a paper showing how attackers can exploit Windows through Defender itself. In this episode of Compute This, we break down what that contradiction means, walk through a real-world ransomware rescue Schrock Innovations performed for a local business, and take a hands-on look at the brand-new Framework Laptop 13 Pro.
This episode is built for small business owners, IT decision makers, and home users questioning whether their current security setup is truly enough to keep them protected.
On todays' show:
Windows Defender controversy
Local ransomware rescue by Schrock Business Solutions
Hands-on with the Framework Laptop 13 Pro
Ultimate Upgrade Sale ending April 30th
Open positions across Schrock Innovations
Schrock Innovations tackles these exact challenges every day, delivering fast ransomware recovery through Schrock Business Solutions, trusted hardware upgrades, and warranty coverage that actually pays off when it matters most.
Show Notes:
Infosec This Week — AI Accountability Slips, Windows Defender Turns Attacker (PCMag): https://www.pcmag.com/news/infosec-this-week-ai-accountability-slips-windows-defender-turns-attacker
Hands-On with the Framework Laptop 13 Pro (PCMag): https://www.pcmag.com/news/i-want-it-hands-on-with-the-framework-laptop-13-pro-a-new-premium-player

Apr 27, 2026

53 min

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