As for your question, Al, aspect ratio isn't a concern with modern TVs, which is why I didn't mention it. Any high-definition television of any size will have a resolution of 1280 by 720 (720p) or 1920 by 1080 (1080p).

Both of those resolutions are the 16:9 "widescreen" aspect ratios. All high-definition movies are suited to this ratio and most modern video games are as well. So, pick a TV based on size and budget without worry.

You may have been confused if you were looking at computer monitors. In addition to 16:9, many of those also come in 16:10 (or 8:5 for the math people). Then, there are the monitors in 4:3, 5:4, 3:2, 5:3 and 17:9. I recommend sticking with 16:9 or 16:10.

Buying a TV is usually just the first step. You need to set it up and add other components. I'll tell you more.

• An epic movie isn't quite so epic without the soundtrack. Find a home theater audio system that matches your TV's visuals.
• Spending too much on cable each month? Learn how to buy a gadget for Internet streaming instead.
• Buying the equipment is good, but setting it up is just as important. I'll walk you through the steps you should follow.

There is one caveat to Carbonite's unlimited backup, Madison. After backing up the first 200 gigabytes of data, Carbonite does slow down your data transfer speed. This is so you aren't hogging bandwidth from other customers.

However, unless you are a professional photographer, I sincerely doubt you have that much data. Even if you do, what's a little extra time compared to peace of mind?

Sign up now for a free 15-day trial; no credit card required. You'll quickly see why I recommend this service. Plus, when you become a subscriber, you'll receive two months of service free! Sign up now!

Carbonite is the best backup service I've found. Here are some other great ways it can help you.

• Upgrading to a new computer? Find out how Carbonite can help you move your data.
• Need to access your files on the go? Carbonite allows you to view your entire backup from any computer or smartphone.
• Not everyone is comfortable trusting their data to another organization. Learn about Carbonite's security features and why your data is safe.

Manage iCloud storage

Melissa of Ferndale, MI, listens to my national radio show as a Kim's Club member. She uses an iPad and an iPhone and says her free 5GB of iCloud storage is nearly full. She wants advice on how to free up space.

That's a common problem, Melissa. Even though iTunes purchases - music, apps, books and TV shows - don't count against your storage limit, it doesn't take long nowadays to gobble up 5GB of storage space.

It's important to remember that iCloud is a syncing tool and a backup tool. You can often save a lot of storage space by disabling backups for apps that may not need it. You probably don't want iCloud to backup the Camera Roll, for example, if those photos and videos are safely tucked away on a hard drive or uploaded to a photo-sharing site. 

On your gadgets, go to Settings>>iCloud>>Storage & Backup>>Manage Storage. There, you'll see a list of your apps and how much backup space they use. You can disable backup for an app by toggling its switch to off, then tapping the red Turn Off & Delete button.

If you have an iCloud mail account, it's a good idea to clear out your messages once in a while, especially ones with large attachments.  

For my other readers, are you a MobileMe user who hasn't upgraded to OS X Snow Leopard yet? Apple is offering a free Snow Leopard upgrade to MobileMe customers and OS X Leopard users who want to move to iCloud.

After installing Snow Leopard, you can easily upgrade to OS X Lion (required for iCloud) for $30. Click here to take advantage of this offer.

iPhones and iPads are great on-the-go gadgets. Here are a few more ideas that will help you get the most of the devices.

• If you have the new iPad, you'll want to use apps that take full advantage of the tablet's gorgeous Retina display. I've rounded up 10 of the best.
• Depending on your needs, the lower-priced iPad 2 might be a better option than the new iPad. I explain why.
• Should you buy an AppleCare+ warranty to go along with that iPhone? I'll help you decide.

Free Downloads New life for dead photos Click here. >> You deserve a break Click here. >> A better paint program Click here. >> Cool Sites Gem jamboree Click here. >> History's mysteries Click here. >> Web content collector Click here. >>

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Get Savvy with Social: Keys to success with social media

Using Facebook's Audience Selector

Lisa from Oklahoma City, OK, listens to my national radio show on KOKC 1520 AM. She's planning a surprise party for a friend and wants to send out an invitation using a Facebook status update. She thinks there is a way to do this, but isn't sure how.

Well, you are correct, Lisa. Facebook has a tool called the Audience Selector that works for status updates, photo uploads and many other things.

Type your status update and then click the Friends icon next to the Post button in the lower-right corner of the status update box. You'll see a drop-down menu of audience options; select Custom.

In the Custom Privacy box where it says Hide This From, enter your friend's name. Hit Save Changes and then click Post. Everyone will see that status update but your friend.

If you want to know more about the Audience Selector, friend lists and general Facebook privacy, check out my Facebook Privacy e-Guide. It has 11 pages filled with instructions for securing and customizing Facebook. At only $4.95, it's a bargain! Download it and start learning now!

Want to know more about the brave new world of social networking? I'll tell you some things you should know.

• Thinking about allowing your child on Facebook? I'll tell you how young is too young for the social network.
• Social media is a powerful platform for bullies. Learn how to protect your children.
• Social networks are more than just Facebook and Twitter. Here's a popular social network that could rival them both.

Rookie Rundown: The start to your digital life

Picking Wi-Fi encryption

John from Tucson, AZ, listens to my national radio show on KNST 790 AM. He's taking my advice and setting up the security on his new dual-band wireless router. It's asking for two SSIDs and passwords, he assumes it needs one for each band. However, the encryption options are tripping him up. There are so many acronyms, he doesn't know what to pick.

I'm glad you're taking my advice and setting up Wi-Fi encryption, John. You don't want criminals just waltzing on to your network.

I hear you about the acronyms, though. There are hundreds in the digital world and they can make your head spin.

For Wi-Fi encryption, you want to use WPA2-PSK(AES), which stands for Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 - Pre-shared Key (Advanced Encryption System). Hmmm … telling you what the acronym stands for doesn't make it any clearer, does it? How about I just say this is the most advanced encryption available to you.

Unfortunately, it might be too advanced if you have older Wi-Fi gadgets. In that case, you'll want to use the hybrid option WPA-PSK(TKIP)+WPA2-PSK(AES). This is a little less secure, but more compatible with older hardware.

If you have gadgets that require the older WEP encryption standard, it's time to upgrade.

As for the dual-band router asking for two SSIDs and passwords, you are correct. It treats each band, 2.4 gigahertz and 5 gigahertz, as a separate network.

If you don't have any gadgets that support a 5GHz connection, you can turn that band off. It will save you some headaches.

Wi-Fi is a popular way to connect to the Internet, and it's only going to expand. Here are some other things you should know about it.

• There's more to securing a home network than just encryption. Here are some other steps you can take.
• Technology soldiers on and Wi-Fi is no different. Learn all about the next generation of Wi-Fi and what it will mean.
• Do you ever wonder where Wi-Fi comes from? This video at TVKim.com will show you its surprising background.

What you can win:

Your chance to take home valuable prizes

What's even better than spring?

That would be winning cool stuff in my spring contest! I'm giving away the new, third generation iPad absolutely free! It's my brand new Spring iPad Giveaway, sponsored by Carbonite. I'll give away 3 new iPads, so shouldn't you get one of them? Enter now!

Did you know that Kim's Club members are entered in many of my contests automatically - every day? Save time, increase your chances of winning and get access to all the great content from my Digital News Network.

Plus, not only can you listen to my weekend show on your schedule, you can watch it right on your computer in state-of-the-art HD video! What a deal - and it's available starting at less than $5 a month! Sign up now!

My latest weekly Relax & Restore winner!

Midnight - just a few hours ago - was the deadline to enter my Relax & Restore contest. But I'm still choosing winners! This week's winner of a free one-year Carbonite Online Home subscription is:

• Angela Wilson from Delta, OH who listens on WSPD 1370 AM.

Freebies: Handy free things for you to enjoy

Contest site:

$1,000 Indulge Yourself Giveaway 

Wouldn't it be nice to have some extra cash to do something indulgent? SheKnows wants to give you $1,000 to do just that. Open to U.S. residents 18 and older (Void in RI). Expires May 27, 2012.

Freebie of the week:

Flix 

Not a big fan of flossing? This might be your solution. Flix is a toothpick, floss and breath freshener in one. Try a free sample today. Limit one sample per household.

Freebie from Komando:

A fun, old-fashioned game

Feel like playing a classic 2D side-scrolling game but don't have one lying around? Download Frogatto for cute, fun side-scrolling gaming.
Download it now! >> 

Freebie from GoToMyPC:

Free 45-day trial of gotomypc.com (www.gotomypc.com/kim)

Use your Mac or PC remotely. Works on PC and Macs! Kim Komando Show listeners get a 45-day free trial. Use promo code Kim.

Freebie from Carbonite:

Free trial and 2 months free (www.carbonite.com/kim)

Hard drives fail. Don't lose your precious photos and data. Carbonite is simply the best online backup. It's the one I use. Get a free trial. Use promo code Kim and get two months free when you decide to buy.

Killer Tip: What is Ivy Bridge?

Heavy on the technical side

Question:

I'm thinking about buying a new laptop. Is the Intel i-series still the best processor or is there something better? How fast of a processor should I buy? Thanks!
-Joe from Jackson, NC, listens to my national radio show on WJNC 1240 AM/WTKF 107.1 FM.

Answer:

That's very good timing on your question, Joe. As a matter of fact, a new Intel processor launched just this week.

Code-named Ivy Bridge, it's the replacement for the current Sandy Bridge i-series processors. If you're buying a new computer, you'll definitely want to wait a bit for this one.

Read on to find out why Ivy Bridge is a good buy. >>

Joke:

You can always count on me to make you smile

One day, a man walked into a newsroom claiming he had a talking dog. A reporter agreed to run a story on the dog, provided that it could actually speak.

With an air of pride, the man asked the dog, "What is just above us?"

The dog replied, "Roof!"

Understandably, the reporter was not impressed.

Somewhat worried, the man asked the dog, "What does sandpaper feel like?"
The dog responded, "Rough!"

Again, the reporter wasn't convinced.

In desperation, the man asked the dog, "Who is the greatest baseball player of all time?"
The dog answered, "Ruth!"

The reporter finally had enough, so he kicked the pair out of the building.

As they sat dejected on the sidewalk, the dog turned to the man and asked, "DiMaggio?"