Sept. 26, 2009

Sept. 26, 2009—Vol. 13, No. 39

A DIGITAL BOUNTY OF TIPS, TRICKS AND FUN!
Let's get revved up for the latest edition of the Kim Komando Show Electronic Newsletter! Supercharge your digital life with handy advice, awesome sites and fun freebies! 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: The iPhone's anti-phishing tool; fun freebies and videos
- DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Easy and fast tips that work for you
- MY COLUMN: Five solutions to common digital photography problems
- COOL SITES: More fun stuff you'll like and use
- COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE: 3 programs to track your time
- SECURE COMPUTING: Mal-vertising: a growing trend
- YOUR WEEKLY Q&A: Filtering Wi-Fi access with MAC addresses

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.

CALL ME DURING THE SHOW THIS WEEKEND
I'm sure you have at least one question about something digital. So, 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 MY SHOWS; LISTEN WHEN YOU WANT!
Kim's Club members can download my daily and weekend radio shows. They also have access to 80 percent more content at Komando.com. 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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SURPRISE! THE IPHONE HAS A NEW ANTI-PHISHING TOOL
Apple recently introduced an anti-phishing tool for the iPhone. It is built- in to the Safari Web browsing app. It warns users when they stumble across a phishing site.

Unfortunately, Apple didn't hype the tool. So, many were unclear as to how it works. That led to speculation that the tool was ineffective.

Special steps are required to activate the anti-phishing tool. First, you need the latest iPhone software, version 3.1. If you're not using it, iTunes will prompt you to update. Just connect your phone to your computer.

Next, connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network. Launch the Safari Web browser and charge your iPhone. The screen should be off while you're charging.

The iPhone is pretty easy to use in general. But these steps are somewhat obscure. It's no surprise that many haven't gotten the anti-phishing feature to work!

I have more tips for iPhone users, free for the taking at Komando.com. Click the underlined words to be magically transported to the precise tip.

FINDING A LOST IPHONE
Recently on my national radio show, I briefly mentioned that I've lost my iPhone twice. Thankfully, I got it back by using my Mobile Me account. In case you're wondering how you can see your iPhone on a map, click here. I'll tell you all the details as well as share a screen shot that helped me locate my phone.

MY FAVORITE IPHONE APP OF THE WEEK 
I have four pages of apps on my iPhone. The iPhone includes a handy app that provides basic weather information. It shows you the high and low temperatures for the next few days. But you can do better than that!

The Weather Channel has a great iPhone app. For starters, you can get a detailed view of current weather conditions. Or, see how the weather will change on an hourly basis. Of course, there are also 36-hour and 10-day forecasts.

One of the coolest features is viewing weather conditions on a map. For example, plot the temperature or rainfall. You can also see moving radar and cloud views. And you can view local traffic cameras.

You'll also want to check out the video portion. There's even a section that will alert you to severe weather. You can even e-mail weather conditions to friends and family. This is perfect if they're planning a trip to visit you…or if you just want to gloat!

Note: The Standard app is free. The Weather Channel also offers The Weather Channel Max. This paid app adds more features. But you don't need it. Stick with the free version!

STEP RIGHT UP AND GET YOUR FREE SOFTWARE
Are you tired of paying steep prices for software? You're not alone! Fortunately, you don't need to spend a dime on computer programs. Just head to my Download of the Day site. You'll find hundreds of free programs! There are no duds here, just helpful tools!

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—How are you spending your time? Are you getting paid for all that you are doing? These easy and free programs will help you record and streamline your efforts. Getting things done is great. Getting things done better and faster is better.

Preview of Sunday's download—Hulu is one of the best places to watch TV online. Now, you can access clips, shows and movies without opening a browser.

Want direct access to over 300 free and useful 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.

TIME FOR A QUICK VIDEO TREAT
Video sites like YouTube amaze me. There is apparently no end to inane, offensive videos. Who posts these things? Fortunately, I do find the occasional video gem in my travels. Check them out on my fun Video of the Day site!

Here are my favorite videos from the past week:

• Peacocks are known for their beautiful plumage. It's a treat to see one. But one community is fed up with the birds.
• Need a smile? Then get ready for a big grin. This video combines babies and dogs, the two cutest things in the world.
• Commercial fishing is a tough job. Tough men tackle it every day. See what these Icelandic fishermen are up against.
• Sand animation is a neat way to tell a story, even when it's sad. This performance is nearly too good for a talent show.

I'm a big fan of photography. Whether using my iPhone or DSLR, it's just plain fun. And I've found some great videos on the subject. Here are my favorites. See more in my Video of the Day archive:

• Hobbyists and tinkerers toil away in basement workshops. Their creations can be surprisingly sophisticated. Here's one.
• Flowers are a symbol of spring. But you've never seen them depicted like this. These photographs are simply stunning.
• Special effects make fakes seem real. But could they make real things seem fake? One photographer does just that.
• Olympus debuted its compact Pen camera 50 years ago. Now, it's reviving the line. This video celebrates its history.

Saturday's video—We've all had an annoying coworker or two. This great animated short shows how tough the office can be. Everyone will identify with the main character.

Preview of Sunday's video—Take a walk in one of our national parks. Today's video explores our natural wonders. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sights!

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, co-workers and more.

PRIVACY AND SECURITY TIP: Is your computer in danger?
Malware is often used to steal information. But it can also be used to build an army. Botnets press-gang infected computers into service. How can you tell if your computer has been co-opted by a botnet? Get the know-how and tools you need in the second hour of my show.

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

BLOCKING GAMBLING SITES ON YOUR COMPUTER
Jerry wrote from Bloomington, IL, where he tunes in on WJBC 1230 AM. Jerry has a handicapped friend who lives with his mother. Jerry says the mother is spending their money at online gambling sites. Jerry would like to help his friend. He's looking for a tool that will block gambling sites.

I recommend an intervention and the free blocking software OpenDNS. It provides great control over the sites that are blocked. And there's a gambling category. This should come in handy. Again, OpenDNS is free on my site. Get it now!

I'm terribly sorry that you all have to go through this. It's a very difficult and emotionally draining situation. You can read more about online gambling addictions here: www.helpguide.org/mental/gambling_addiction.htm

As taken from the site:

MYTH: You have to gamble every day to be a problem gambler.
FACT: A problem gambler may gamble frequently or infrequently. Gambling is a problem if it causes problems.

MYTH: Problem gambling is not really a problem if the gambler can afford it.
FACT: Problems caused by excessive gambling are not just financial. Too much time spent on gambling can lead to relationship breakdowns and the loss of important friendships.

MYTH: Partners of problem gamblers often drive problem gamblers to gamble.
FACT: Problem gamblers often rationalize their behavior. Blaming others is one way to avoid taking responsibility for their actions, including what is needed to overcome the problem.

I discussed an Internet addiction center outside Seattle in a Digital Minute. This is my daily 60-second program broadcast throughout the country Monday through Fridays. While the Seattle facility is the first to focus only on Internet addictions, many other centers offer help, too.

What about online poker? I have heard from listeners that they love it. By the way, online gambling is illegal in the United States. If you want to see how online poker REALLY works, click here to watch this video.

The Internet has changed our lives forever. This isn't all good. For example, it facilitates all kinds of addictions. If someone in your family is struggling with an Internet addiction, get help. My site for invaluable information to help prevent and battle addiction:

FOREIGN DVDS MAY NOT PLAY ON YOUR COMPUTER
Andrew wrote from Oakdale, MN, where he listens by downloading the show because he is a member of Kim's Club. He has been purchasing DVDs online. He's bought region 3 and region 2 DVDs. He also has DVDs with American regional coding. He wants to make his MacBook region-free. He doesn't want to run out of region changes.

Let me explain the situation for my other readers, Andrew. Commercial DVDs are flagged with a region code. There are six region codes, corresponding to different areas of the world. There are also a few other codes, including worldwide codes. The codes prevent discs purchased in one region from working in another.

There are many reasons that publishers use region codes. They help limit piracy. Also, they facilitate movie releases at different dates around the world. And they help publishers manage royalties by region.

Region codes limit playback on both computers and standalone players. Some video programs like the free VLC player ignore region codes. VLC may solve your problem.

However, your drive may also block a DVD from playing. You can change the region code on your DVD drive five times. Then, the last selected region becomes permanent.

Now, a DVD drive can be made to ignore region codes. However, I can't help you with that. Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, such circumvention is illegal. Region codes are a form of digital rights management.

DVDs certainly are convenient. But they can be difficult to work with. Even seemingly simple tasks like editing a home DVD can be complicated. But my handy tips will make things a little easier for you:

WHY ISN'T CARBONITE BACKING UP ITUNES?
Mark in Houston tunes in to the show on KPRC 950 AM. He recently signed up for a free trial with my sponsor Carbonite. He's particularly interested in protecting his photos and iTunes library. But Carbonite isn't backing up iTunes. He wants to know what gives.

Mark, there's a simple explanation. During the trial period, Carbonite doesn't automatically back up music. That will snag you if you select the "recommended" setup option.

When you buy a Carbonite subscription, music will be automatically backed up. Or, you can specify that Carbonite back it up during the trial.

Open iTunes and click Edit>>Preferences. Click Advanced and open the General tab. You'll see the iTunes library location. Navigate to the iTunes folder in Windows Explorer. Right-click the folder and select Carbonite>>Back this Up. Now, wasn't that easy?

Many of us use iTunes to manage our music and videos. But the program can be finicky. Overcome the quirks and get more from iTunes in these great tips:

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!

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

FIVE SOLUTIONS TO COMMON DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY PROBLEMS
Thanks to digital cameras, we're taking more photos than ever. The sheer number of photos can easily create an organizational mess. Fortunately, there are plenty of tools to keep things straight.

You can spend less time on the computer and more time snapping shots!

Let's start with elimination of duplicate photos. It's easy to download photos multiple times. These duplicates take up valuable hard drive space. And they make finding photos more difficult.

You don't need to sort your photos one by one. Software can do that. Just be careful about deletions.

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: 

Kevin wrote from Ethel, WA, where he listens on KTCR 1340 AM. He also downloads and listens to the show again because he is a member of Kim's Club. His wife's organization is starting a Web site. But it has not yet selected a domain name. So, he'd like suggestions.

Every Web site has a domain name. Mine is komando.com. (The www is added by convention.) But getting a domain name is becoming more difficult. The Internet is running out.

The best choice is the organization's full name. That will make the site easier for clients to remember. Of course, she will probably want the .com extension. This is the most common one.

If the full name isn't available, try the organization's initials. I suspect this will be more difficult to snag, though. Other organizations may have the same initials. Some might even have the same full name.

She might not get either the name or initials. So, she could try appending words to the address.

For example, some organizations add "online" to their names. A better option might be something descriptive. For example, say your wife runs the Acme credit-counseling service. I'd try acmecreditcounseling.com.

Most registrars suggest variations if a name isn't available. These may give her ideas. But she should think like a marketer. A good domain name will help people remember her organization. She might even try the organization's slogan.

Setting up a Web site can be intimidating. But it doesn't need to be. These helpful tips will lend you a guiding hand:

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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LET'S GET DIGITAL Learning about all things digital is important! And I can help you train your brain. Just tune in to my big, three-hour weekend show. I'll let you in on all kinds of digital secrets and take your calls. During the week, catch my Digital Minutes and listen to Kimcasts anywhere, anytime!

THANK YOU, RADIO
Radio has been so good to me. And being a talk show host is better than I ever imagined. Stations love to hear positive feedback. Call your local station and say, "Thanks for airing Kim Komando!" You can find local station information here.

ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET
It's a star-studded affiliate list with over 465 in attendance. Here are just a few of the radio stations carrying my shows: Stations on The American Forces Radio Network; Chicago (WLS 890 AM); San Francisco (KNEW 910 AM); Atlanta (WSB 750 AM); Boston (WBZ 1030 AM); Windsor, Ontario (CKLW 800 AM); Phoenix (KFYI 550 AM); Baltimore (WBAL 1090 AM); Denver (KHOW 630 AM); Pittsburgh (WPGB 104.7 FM); Sacramento, CA (KSTE 650 AM); McAllen, TX (KURV 710 AM); New Orleans (WRNO 99.5 FM); Grand Rapids, MI (WOOD 1300 AM); Gainesville, FL (WSKY 97.3 FM); Bakersfield, CA (KERN 1180 AM); and so many more!

DES MOINES, IA
Des Moines is the capital of Iowa. The city is an important part of presidential races. The Iowa caucuses are the first step in nominating a presidential candidate. The Des Moines capitol is among the most beautiful in the country. It features a 14k-gold-plated dome.

In 1982, Ozzy Osbourne famously bit the head off a bat in Des Moines.
:-/

You can listen to my show on KWQW 98.3 FM on Sundays, 9 a.m.

FIND THE STATION BROADCASTING THE SHOW NEAR YOU
Use my locator map to find an affiliate near you. Just click your location, enter an e-mail address and get a response instantly!

JOIN KIM'S CLUB & DOWNLOAD THE SHOWS
Message board posting, access to premium content and on-demand audio. These are just a few great benefits of Kim's Club Membership. Sign up now!

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KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: Can you decipher texting lingo?
Children's text messages often look like they're written in another language. Your kids are masters of the lingo. Are you? Maybe you should be. Several tools will help you decipher what they're saying. Learn more in 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: Tailgate Tour Sweepstakes
Football season is here. Chili's is giving away tickets and trips to a college bowl game. Open to U.S. residents, 18 or older. Deadline: 12/5/09.

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Special K Challenge
Kellogg's and Blue Box are giving away samples of Special K Cereal. Open to U.S. residents, 18 or older. Deadline: 12/1/2009.

FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: 8 sites for cool photo effects
Photo-editing software can clean up pictures. But it can also be fun. These tools let you play with your photos. You don't want to miss these.

FREEBIE FROM GOTOASSIST: Free 30-day trial (www.gotoassist.com/kim)
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:
• A cool new way to read news online 
• Get free shipping the easy way 
• Clinical trials offer hope 

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: 3 programs to track your time
How productive are you? How about tracking exactly how you spend your time? These programs can help you record and streamline your efforts. Getting things done is great.

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: Mal-vertising is a growing trend

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	Make Calls in the Car Without Touching the Phone! • Bluetooth wireless technology • Built-in rechargeable battery • Noise suppression technology GET YOURS NOW!
	Other Items of Interest 4-in-1 Life Saver Emergency Tool Reading Glasses That Light Up The Dark

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

MAL-VERTISING: A GROWING TREND
Two weeks ago, the New York Times' site ran ads for scareware. But the Times didn't post them. Criminals did.

Now, more sites have been hit with malicious ads. Criminals used Google's DoubleClick network to display ads on popular sites.

The latest ads attempted to infect users' machines with the Win32/Alureon Trojan. The attacks used vulnerabilities in Windows, Adobe Reader and Acrobat software. The vulnerabilities had previously been patched.

It looks like "mal-vertising" is a growing trend. It is particularly worrying, as it can affect any site that displays ads. If you don't have security software on your machine, download some now. You'll find all the free tools you need at my Security Center.

Also, keep Windows and your software updated. You can use Secunia's free tool to alert you to third-party software updates.

THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
• Filtering Wi-Fi access with MAC addresses

	An Elegant Wall Clock With An Internal Pendulum! • Faux-wood finished wrought iron frame • Aged cracked white dial • Internal pendulum for added flair GET YOURS NOW!
	Other Items of Interest Earlybird Alarm Clock Personal Butler Alarm Clock

 On a recent show, a caller asked about access to his wireless network. You were going to explain how to use MAC addresses. But he changed the subject. Can you explain MAC addresses? How can I find MAC addresses on my computers.
Dave in Burlington, IA, listening on KBUR 1490 AM

Anyone who has a network needs to worry about security. That's particularly true with wireless networks. Intruders can easily hop on an unprotected network.

They can wreak all kinds of havoc. They'll slow down your connection. They may commit crimes, which will be traced to you. And they can steal your data or upload malware.

Fortunately, you can limit access to your network. You should, of course, use encryption to lock it down. But there's another precaution you can take—MAC address filtering. This helps control access on a computer-by-computer basis.

MAC address filtering isn't terribly difficult. But you need to know what you're doing. So, head over to my site. My easy-to-understand instructions will help you find your computers' MAC addresses. And I'll help you set up MAC address filtering!

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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A BUS DRIVER WHO'S ALWAYS ON TIME
A man boarded a metro bus. He was surprised by the driver, a bearded man, two feet tall. He was wearing a strange green uniform and a pointed red hat. He sat on a pile of pillows to reach the steering wheel. And he kept saying, "Tick-tock…tick-tock…tick-tock." The man asked another passenger about the driver. The other passenger explained that the driver was reliable and accident-free. "But why does he keep saying 'tick-tock?'" asked the man. "That's his job," was the reply. "He's a metro-gnome."

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!

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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