Sept. 12, 2009

Sept. 12, 2009—Vol. 13, No. 37

A BIG WELCOME AND A BIGGER THANK YOU!
Welcome to your personal copy of the latest and greatest Kim Komando Show Electronic Newsletter! Get ready for need-to-know news, fab freebies and the best digital advice! Each week, my national radio shows, busy Web site and e-mail newsletters reach tens of millions. I'm honored to have you with us!

CONTENTS -- WHAT'S IN YOUR INBOX THIS WEEK:
- ON THE QT: Host a Windows 7 party; fun freebies and videos
- DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Easy and fast tips that work for you
- MY COLUMN: Keep your guard up on Twitter and Facebook
- COOL SITES: More fun stuff you'll like and use
- COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE: 5 freebies to save you money
- SECURE COMPUTING: Beware iPhone security tool
- YOUR WEEKLY Q&A: Watch recorded shows anywhere

FIND MY RADIO SHOW IN YOUR HOMETOWN
Catch me this weekend in your hometown! With over 465 radio stations throughout the United States, there's bound to be a station near you that's broadcasting my show this weekend. To find the one closest to you, simply click here and you'll be magically transported to the Official Komando Radio Locator Map.

Then, join me for one, two or the entire three fun-filled, jam-packed hours of great talk radio about the Internet, HDTVs, MP3 players, DVRs, digital cameras, camcorders, GPSs, home theaters, computers and, of course, tips and secrets to getting the most out of your digital life.

HOW TO CALL THE SHOW THIS WEEKEND
If you have a question about something digital, let me help! It takes just three easy steps: 1.) Call the LIVE broadcast. That's this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the East Coast, or, if you live on the West Coast, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. 2.) Know the phone number. It is, of course, toll-free 1-888-825-5254. 3.) Talk to me. That's all there is to it!

DOWNLOAD THE SHOWS; LISTEN WHEN & WHERE YOU WANT!
No iPod required! Get my daily and weekend national radio shows on your schedule. The shows sound incredible in crystal clear digital audio. It's commercial-free, too! Listen on your computer or take me with you in your MP3 player. You can even burn them to CDs and listen in the car. Click here to join Kim's Club today! It's just a few dollars per month.

CLICK THE UNDERLINED LINKS
When something is underlined in my newsletters, click it. It's a link to a tip, trick or secret on my home page for you to learn more. So go ahead, click the links. Expand your horizons. You'll be glad you did!

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HOST A WINDOWS 7 LAUNCH PARTY
We're nearing the launch of Windows 7. The official date is Oct. 22. Microsoft is asking you to help. It's looking for people to host Windows 7 house parties. I know. It doesn't sound exciting to me, either.

You can apply to host a party. If you're selected, you'll be given a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate. Microsoft will also send you a themed party pack complete with napkins and balloons. Additionally, you'll qualify to win a computer worth $750. I guess that makes it worthwhile.

HELLO ALL IN SAN FRANCISCO! 
Starting this weekend, you can hear my national weekend show on KNEW 910 AM, San Francisco. Tune in on Sundays at 1:00 p.m. The station will rebroadcast the show at 9:00 p.m.

Don't change that dial! In the noon hour, Monday through Friday, you can hear my Digital Minutes.

Spread the word! Let's get the whole area dishing the digital with me! Thank you!

FINALLY! ITUNES GETS A WATCHED FOLDER
In case you missed the news, Apple unveiled its new iPod lineup on Wednesday. It also launched iTunes 9. That features many enhancements. For example, it will create Genius mixes based on your music. It will also suggest iPhone and touch apps suited to your tastes.

But one new feature has received little attention. Apple has added a watched folder to iTunes. Music placed in the folder is automatically added to your library. Users have been asking for this feature for years.

In Windows, the location is C:\Users\Username\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media\Automatically Add to iTunes. If you're using a Mac, the location is ~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Music/Automatically add to iTunes.

And don't miss my recent column. It will help you get more out of iTunes. Learn how to make better playlists, get song lyrics and much more. It really puts the fun back into iTunes!

PUSH TEXT MESSAGING FOR SCHOOL EMERGENCIES
Sally in Surfside Beach, SC, tunes in on WRNN 99.5 FM. At a recent school meeting, emergency text messaging was discussed. The principal was interested in using it to alert parents in emergencies.

Sally remembered that I wrote a tip on this awhile back. So, she asked me to send her a link to the tip. I'm sure many other parents would benefit from this information. So, I'm sharing the link with you all.

If your school doesn't have emergency text messaging, start it! My handy tip covers everything you need to know. Print it out and take it to the principal!

FAVORITE IPHONE APP OF THE WEEK
The iPhone contains a basic app for taking notes on the go. But maybe you need something more robust. Look no further than Evernote! Evernote is great for taking basic text notes. You can also take photo notes or voice notes.

What sets Evernote apart from similar apps is that it synchronizes your notes to your password-protected Evernote account. So, you can access the notes from any Web browser. Or, type long notes on your computer and access them from the iPhone!

There's even a geo-location feature. You can search for notes based on the location from which they were uploaded. Evernote is a great way to stay productive on the go! Click here to learn more about it.

NEW! Do you have a favorite iPhone app? I've set up a special section on our Komando.com Message Board for you to share your gems. Simply click here to access the Message Board. Reminder: Anyone can read the Message Board. You have to be a Kim's Club member to post. Click here to join now.

OVER 300 FREE PROGRAMS AT KOMANDO.COM
In my Download of the Day archives, you'll find hundreds of great programs. All of them are free. And none will harm your computer. It's a win-win situation!

Every day I pick a free program. Here are some of my favorite free downloads from the past week:

Saturday's Download of the Day—Everyday tasks can drain your wallet. Calling 411, setting up conference calls and faxing are just a few. Those nickels and dimes add up. So, stop the drain. I'll tell you how.

Preview of Sunday's download—Many programs can be loaded on a thumb drive. Take them anywhere. I have some of the best.

Want direct access to over 300 free programs? Bookmark my Downloads page. Just go here and press Ctrl+D. That will add my downloads to your browser's favorites!

And remember this: If I say a program is free, it's FREE. There are sites on the Internet that sell free programs. There are also many ads on the Internet for similar programs, which aren't free. If somebody tries to charge you for a free program, back up. You've clicked on the wrong thing.

SHARE WITH A FRIEND: Help keep your family and friends in the know. Forward this newsletter to them now. Or, if you prefer, invite them to join us. In fact, we have a special place set up to do just that. Click now and share the power of knowledge.

CHECK OUT MY DAILY VIDEO PICKS
There are plenty of great videos on sites like YouTube. But then there are the other videos. Some use language that would make a sailor blush. Others feature drug use, sex or dangerous stunts. You don't want to expose your kids to these videos.

But, you never have to worry with my Video of the Day. I sort through the dross to bring you only the best videos. And they're always suitable for the entire family!

Here are my favorite videos from the past week:

• Many brave men and women continue to fight overseas. But does the public too often miss their sacrifices?
• There are so many fun things to do on a lake. But you can get in trouble, too. And the consequences can be hilarious.
• Every magician knows card tricks. But this guy is a master. This trick is unlike any other. It really is a blast to watch.
• The Beatles are probably the biggest band ever. Now, today's kids are getting into them. Share these videos with yours.

Most of us work hard to avoid danger. But some people choose to live and work under extreme conditions. Are they brave or just crazy? I'll let you decide. See more in my Video of the Day archive:

• Weather can really put a crimp in your plans. If you lived in Antarctica, it could kill you. You've never seen weather like this.
• The term "extreme sports" gets thrown around a lot. Some are more extreme than others. Highlining is about as wild as you can get.
• Curiosity killed the cat. It can be dangerous for others, too. This photographer found that out. This is a close call.
• Would you be willing to risk your life to study nature's most terrifying killer? Are you ready to see a "supertwister?" 

Saturday's video—Genius comes in many forms. Nathaniel Ayers is schizophrenic. He is also a gifted musician. See his inspiring story.

Preview of Sunday's video—Have you ever seen a commercial that left you feeling uplifted? Probably not. But this one will touch your heart.

BE A PAL! SHARE MY VIDEO PICKS WITH YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS
On the lower left of the Video of the Day screen, there is a button. In fact, here's what the button looks like.

 

Click this button and you can share the video with family members, friends, coworkers and more.

PRIVACY AND SECURITY TIP: Crossing the border with your data
You've always been subject to search at the U.S. border. But now, so are your laptop, thumb drive and MP3 player. And it may be awhile before they're returned. Get the details in the second hour of my show.

STILL TO COME: Useful tips, important news and a few laughs!

OPT OUT OF DATABASES TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY
Elizabeth wrote from Whitewater, WI, where she tunes in on WIBA 1310 AM. She is worried about Web sites that provide personal information. She doesn't want her data to fall into the wrong hands. So, she'd like to remove her data from online databases.

There are many ways that online databases get your information. Most of it comes from public records. For example, they collect information from property and marriage records. Traditionally, you had to go to a courthouse to look those up.

Fortunately, you can opt out of some databases. But many make it difficult. In some cases, the request must be in writing. In others, you can make your request directly to the site.

There's not enough room here to list opt-out instructions for these databases. So, head to my site! My handy tip will help. Start with the largest databases. Intelius is an example. Its information is available on a number of sites.

Online databases aren't the only threat to your privacy. Fortunately, I have plenty of tips that will help you. Here are a few you won't want to miss:

TIP IN A TIP:
You also need to protect your identity. Learn more about the only identity theft protection product I recommend and use by clicking here now.

FINDING FREE MUSIC ONLINE
Lauren wrote from Greenville, NH. She subscribes to the newsletters and visits my site. She learned about SpiralFrog on my site. But SpiralFrog has ceased operations. So, she wants help finding sites with free music.

Many free music sites have come and gone. Often, they were, or are, illegal. But others have struck deals with the recording industry. They are supported by advertising.

The recording industry usually shuts down illegal sites. And legal sites often struggle to stay afloat.

So, let's start with music stores. iTunes offers a free download every week. Check regularly for the latest one. You'll see it on the front page of the iTunes store. Amazon also offers free downloads—about 1,000.

There's also the Internet Archive. It offers plenty of free recordings. Most of these are live. Again, you can download them.

Other sites will stream music to your computer. It isn't actually downloaded. These sites are a good way to discover new music. My download that will help you access free music-streaming sites.

You'll also be interested in Songbird. It searches the Internet for music. You can download titles you find. The program is difficult to explain; it is a cross between a Web browser and a music player. Get it free on my site!

Finally, be careful with sites offering free music. My must-read tip will help you avoid their dangers.

WHAT IS LOCAL DIMMING AND WHY DO YOU WANT IT?
Brian in Norfolk, VA tunes in on WTAR 850 AM. He's wants a high-definition television. He's leaning toward an LED TV. But, he has a question.

Brian heard me mention local dimming in one of my Digital Minutes. He wants to know what it is and why I recommended it.

Brian, the term "LED TV" is a marketing invention. These sets are really LCDs. However, they use LEDs for backlights. Traditional LCDs use cold cathode fluorescent lamps. This may sound like a technicality. But it is important for understanding local dimming.

CCFL backlights are either on or off. The LCD effectively acts like a filter. It displays the picture. It must try to block certain parts of the picture to achieve blacks. Unfortunately, LCDs do this imperfectly. That's why it is difficult to achieve black blacks (and thus strong contrast) on CCFL LCDs.

In comparison, LEDs provide greater control. Some LEDs in the set can be on. Other LEDs can be turned off completely. Local dimming turns off the LEDs in black areas of the picture. LEDs remain on in other areas of the picture. The result is blacker blacks and a much-improved contrast ratio. As an added benefit, local dimming decreases power consumption.

For more on HDTVs, hit my site! I have plenty of tips to help you find the best:

INVITE A FRIEND: Help keep your family and friends in the know. Forward this newsletter to them now. Or, if you prefer, invite them to join us. In fact, we have a special on Komando.com. Click and share the power of knowledge now.

PAY IT FORWARD: I'm sure at least one person you know might benefit from these tidbits. So, spread the love. Forward this newsletter to all your friends. Encourage them to de-stress, too, and sign up for our newsletters!

GET UNBIASED BUYING ADVICE WHENEVER YOU NEED IT
Visit the Komando.com Buying Guide. Here, you can find unbiased advice on buying laptops, desktops, TVs, monitors, scanners, video cards, digital cameras, software, audio, printers, cell phones, networking gear, handhelds, memory cards and, well, let's just say a heck of a lot more! You can scan the categories. Or use the Search banner on the page. We hope you like the improvements at the Buying Guide and use it often!

DON'T STOP YET – THERE'S MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW: 

KEEP YOUR GUARD UP WHEN USING TWITTER AND FACEBOOK
You're careful about what you post online. You know Facebook and Twitter posts can harm your dating and job prospects. And thieves can use the sites to target you.

But there's much more to maintaining your security and privacy. Criminals and marketers have found new ways to use Twitter and Facebook. If you're not paying attention, it's easy to get taken.

Twitter limits posts to 140 characters. So, shortened URLs (Web addresses) are common. You'll also see them on other sites. URL services create the shorter addresses.

Do you have a Web site or blog? If you do, help support The Kim Komando Show! Linking to my site is easy. Plus, I just added new artwork to post on your page. You'll find instructions and the artwork here. Thank you for your support!

A LITTLE ABOUT ME:
Did you know that I host two national radio shows? I have a Digital Minute that airs Monday through Friday. I also host a three-hour show on the weekends. Over 460 radio stations in the great United States broadcast my shows. Plus, from here in the desert come all kinds of tidbits about living a digital lifestyle. You can read my weekly column in over 100 Gannett newspapers across the country. And I write two columns a week for the USAToday Web site.

HAVE A QUESTION? CALL ME THIS WEEKEND!
If you have a question about something digital, let me help! It takes just three easy steps: 1.) Call the LIVE broadcast. That's this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the East Coast, or, if you live on the West Coast, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. 2.) Know the phone number. It is, of course, toll-free 1-888-825-5254. 3.) Talk to me. That's all there is to it!

STILL TO COME IN THIS ISSUE: 

Jamie wrote from Hicksville, NY, where she catches the shows on podcast. She just bought a laptop. So, now she has two computers. She'd like to know if both can connect to the Internet simultaneously.

Yes, Jamie, they can. That's assuming you have a broadband connection.

You will need a router between the modem and your computers. A router basically connects two networks. The first network is your home network. The second is the Internet.

Routers have multiple Ethernet jacks. You can connect multiple computers via the jacks. Since you have a laptop, you'll probably want a wireless router. That way, you'll be mobile.

You will need a wireless card in your laptop. Most have them built-in; check your specs if you're not sure.

You won't need a wireless card for your desktop. Run an Ethernet cable from it to the router.

When you set up your router, be sure to use encryption. This will keep intruders off your network. My must-read tip will help you set it up.

On your laptop, click Start>>Connect to. Select your network and click Connect. You'll be prompted to enter your encryption key.

Networking trips up people. But my handy tips make networking simple:

DO YOU HAVE A NEW ADDRESS? 
Let us know so you don't miss a single issue of our free newsletters. It's easy. Just use our Change of Address form at the Komando Newsletter Center. Click here to access it now.

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER
Facebook: Join me at http://www.facebook.com/kimkomando
Twitter: I'm at http://www.twitter.com/kimkomando

STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:

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FIND ME ON A RADIO STATION NEAR YOU With over 465 stations, I'm likely to be on a radio station in your hometown. My locator map will provide you with an affiliate close to you. Click here to get started.

ATTENTION! MY HEART (AND MY SHOW) IS NOW IN SAN FRANCISCO
KNEW 910 AM broadcasts the weekend show on Sundays, 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. Catch my Digital Minutes in the noon hour.

NEW FM SIGNALS
Pocatello, ID (KEGE 92.1 FM) is simulcasting with KID 590 AM and KWIK 1240 AM, Sundays at 7 a.m. Minutes are broadcast in the 8 a.m. hour.

Wausau, WI (WSAU 99.9 FM) is added to the 550 AM frequency. It airs my Digital Minutes in the 8 a.m. hour.

TAKING THE AIRWAVES
Radio is my first love! So be sure to tune in to one of my 465 radio stations every day. Here's a peek at some of my stations: Chicago (WLS 890 AM); Boston (WBZ 1030 AM); Windsor, Ontario (CKLW 800 AM); Phoenix (KFYI 550 AM); Baltimore (WBAL 1090 AM); Pittsburgh (WPGB 104.7 FM); Sacramento, CA (KSTE 650 AM); Cincinnati (WKRC 550 AM); Las Vegas (KDWN 720 AM); Indianapolis (WIBC 93.1 FM); Raleigh, NC (WPTF 680 AM); Richmond, VA (WRVA 1140 AM); Boise, ID (KIDO 580 AM); Greeley, CO (KFKA 1310 AM); Fort Wayne, IN (WOWO 1190 AM); Rochester, NH (WQSO 96.7 FM); Beaumont, TX (KLVI 560 AM); and more!

SAYING HELLO TO OUR LISTENERS IN BEND, OR
The city was originally a logging town. Now it's known for its outdoor activities, like mountain biking and white-water rafting. I had to read this fun fact twice: At The Funny Farm in Bend, you can buy bowling ball seeds. Yes, bowling ball seeds!

Listen to my radio show in Bend on KBND 1110 AM Sundays, at 5 p.m. Catch my Digital Minutes in the 6 a.m. hour.

JOIN KIM'S CLUB AND LISTEN WHEN YOU WANT
Join today and start reaping the benefits of membership. You'll get on-demand audio, premium content, Message Board posting and so much more! Go now!

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KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: Tools for busy students
Think back on your carefree school days. They weren't always carefree, were they? Some classes can be hard. But the right tools can ease your kids' lives. I'll give you my picks during the third hour of my show.

Need to find a radio station near you? No problem! Click here to use the official Kim Komando Show Locator Map. With over 450 stations, there's probably one near you. But if there isn't, you can always download the shows with a Kim's Club membership. It's only $5.95 per month.

CONTEST SITE: Destination recreation
Camping World and the Speed Channel are giving away RVs and other camping gear. Open to U.S. residents, 21 or older. Deadline: 10/29/09.

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Abuelita Granulado
Nestle is giving away samples of its Mexican-style hot chocolate. It comes in instant granules. Open to U.S. residents.

FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: A fast browser from Apple
Most people use either Firefox or Internet Explorer. Both are good Web browsers. But there are other options. You may find something you like in Apple's Safari.

FREEBIE FROM GOTOASSIST: Free 30-day trial
Need to fix a friend or family member's computer? Solve issues immediately. Kim Komando Show listeners get a 30-day free trial. Use promo code Kim.

GET A COOL SITE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK
There are plenty of great sites on the Web. But who has time to find them? Every day, I pick one great site and share it with you. Try it for a week and you'll love it!

In case you missed any this past week, here's a list of some of our favorites:
• Share files the easy way 
• How does the Web see you?
• Track your stuff 

Do you get my free Cool Site of the Day newsletter? Sign up now by clicking here.

Stay with us. There's lots more to cover:

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THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: 5 freebies to save you money
Everyday tasks can drain your wallet. Calling 411, setting up conference calls and faxing are just a few. Those nickels and dimes add up. So, stop the drain. I'll tell you how.

Need to find a radio station near you? No problem! Click here to use the official Kim Komando Show Locator Map. With over 450 stations, there's probably one near you. But if there isn't, you can always download the shows with a Kim's Club membership. It's only $5.95 per month.

Let's keep it going; there's plenty more to cover:
• SECURE COMPUTING: Inconsistent anti-phishing tool

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	Digitize All Your Photo Memories! • 5 megapixel color photo scanner • One button easy-to-use operation • Utilizes single pass scan method • Connects to your PC via USB 2.0 CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS NOW!
	Other Items of Interest Convert Your Vinyl LPs & Casettes to MP3s Measure Your BMI in the Privacy of Your Home

Brought to you by my book, Complete Guide to Computer Security & Privacy. Order your copy today!

BEWARE IPHONE SECURITY TOOL
On Wednesday, Apple rolled out updated iPhone software. Included with the update was an anti-phishing tool. It is designed to prevent users from reaching phishing sites. However, the feature is providing inconsistent results.

Some users are being blocked from visiting phishing sites. However, some sites are not being blocked. This can be more dangerous than no anti-phishing feature at all. Users may believe they're protected when they're not.

THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
• Record TV, watch it elsewhere

 I'm in the market for a DVR. I would like to be able to record shows on one television. Then, I'd like to transport the recording to another television. I would prefer to buy a single gadget. However, if this isn't possible, I can buy one for each set. What do you suggest?
George in Dallas, listening on KRLD 1080 AM

Here's a new term to add to your tech vocabulary: placeshifting. It used to be that there was one place that you watched television. You watched it on the set in your living room.

With placeshifting, you're not tied to a location. You can watch it in a different room. Or, you can watch it halfway around the world.

It is particularly popular with sports fans. You don't need to worry about regional blackouts. You can watch your favorite teams when you travel.

Placeshifting isn't as difficult as it sounds. Head to my site! I'll tell you what you need to placeshift your shows. And don't worry, George. You can placeshift for as little as $50!

NEW LINKS ALWAYS DESIRED 
We have new linking artwork for your blog, online profile, Web site and wherever else you'd like to post it. Help us tell the world to go Komando. Just paste the code on the appropriate page within your site. It's that simple!

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER
Facebook: Join me at http://www.facebook.com/kimkomando
Twitter: I'm at http://www.twitter.com/kimkomando

Thank you for your support of The Kim Komando Show! Remember, Komando.com is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! I'll see you there!

Kim:)

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THIS ONE IS JUST AWFUL!
A prison inmate was assigned to learn carpentry. He soon became the best carpenter in the prison. The warden heard about the inmate's work. So, when it was time to remodel his kitchen, he approached the inmate. But the inmate refused to fit a countertop for the warden's kitchen. The inmate said, "I'd love to help, but it was counterfeiting that got me into prison."

Reminder: If you have a question about something digital, call me during the LIVE broadcast. It's Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the East Coast, toll-free 1-888-825-5254. You can find the station nearest you broadcasting my show by clicking here for our handy dandy map.

I WANT 100,000 FACEBOOK & TWITTER FRIENDS

FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER
Facebook: Join me at http://www.facebook.com/kimkomando
Twitter: I'm at http://www.twitter.com/kimkomando

Hugs to all!

Kim:)

GET MORE TIPS FROM ME TO YOU
You get this newsletter. Now, sign up for my other three free e-mail newsletters. Try 'em! You'll like 'em!

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