MAKE SURE YOU GET THE RIGHT BOB
We've all done it at some point or another. I'm talking about sending an e-mail message to the wrong person. Most of the time, this isn't the end of the world. But there are times when it can be disastrous. You could accidentally share confidential information with the wrong person. Or, you could send an embarrassing photo to your boss.

Well, Gmail has introduced the "Got the wrong Bob?" feature. When you compose a group message in Gmail, it scans the recipient list. If it notices something out of the ordinary, you'll get a warning. It only works with groups of people you e-mail often. So, it's not perfect. But it could potentially save you from a humiliating experience!

YES! MY VIDEO OF THE DAY SUPPORTS RSS
Liz in Chicago catches the show Saturday nights on WLS 890 AM. She's just starting to use RSS. She'd like to get my Video of the Day via RSS.

Nothing easier, Liz. For those unfamiliar with RSS, let me explain. It pulls stories from blogs and frequently updated sites. An RSS reader puts all the updates in one place. Learn all about RSS by watching this one-minute video.

Now, my Video of the Day page includes the orange RSS symbol. Click it.

On the next page, you'll get a number of options for subscribing. For example, you can choose to subscribe in your browser or Outlook.

Or, choose the "Click here" link next to the RSS symbol on the video page. It provides even more options for subscribing.
 
This is just another example of us working hard to make Komando.com the ultimate digital destination!

MY FAVORITE IPHONE APP OF THE WEEK
You practically always have your iPhone with you. So, it is handy for taking quick snapshots. Now, Photoshop.com Mobile will help you refine your iPhone photos.

It won't give you the full power of Photoshop, of course. But it will help you crop your photos and add fun filters. You can also tweak exposure and saturation settings.

The app is fun and intuitive. Photos are edited with simple gestures. For example, you can opt to adjust the exposure from a dropdown menu. Then, slide your finger across the photo to increase or decrease exposure. You'll see the changes as you work. And, there are few buttons and menus to get in your way.

When finished, save the photo to your camera roll. The original photo is not overwritten. The app also works with Photoshop.com, which gives you 2GB of storage. You can upload photos via the app.

GET A COOL FREEBIE EVERY DAY
Downloading software can be risky. You could end up with a machine full of malware. And you can't be certain a program will work as advertised.

Here are some of my favorite free downloads from the past week:

Saturday's Download of the Day—Working with video is often confusing. There are dozens of video and audio codecs. Converting and editing them can be a pain. I've put together a bevy of useful free tools.

Preview of Sunday's download—It's the weekend. You should have some fun. Here are five free things to do online. All of them are fun.

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.

IT'S TIME FOR SOME COOL VIDEOS
I'll admit it: I spend countless hours a week watching videos on YouTube. It's hard work finding the best videos to feature in my Video of the Day. But it's worth it! I know you'll just love my picks as much as I do!

Here are my favorite videos from the past week:

• This man absolutely loves soda pop. You'll want to meet him. He'll introduce you to a world of soda pop you didn't know existed.
• Think about the world around you. How much of it is invisible? There's more than you realize. This talk about the invisible is hilarious.
• Photo-editing software can distort reality. But doing it convincingly takes skill. Well, not anymore. Do it automatically.
• Juggling really is an art. Sure, it's often a circus sideshow. But it can be so much more. Just check out this guy.

Every life is full of stories. Some of those stories are worth sharing. These videos show a few very personal stories. They're some of my favorites. See more in my Video of the Day archive:

• Is there a key to happiness? One fascinating study has a few answers. And they may surprise you. You'll want to see this.
• Family can be defined in a number of ways. Larry Scandin is a father to many. But he's never had a child of his own.
• What happens when ex-enemies meet? Vietnam War pilots who were once adversaries met. Watch what happens.
• Success doesn't always come easy. One family had the hardest of beginnings. But they stuck together and prevailed.

Saturday's video—What's the best way to change people's behavior for the better? Punishment is one way. But what if you just made good behavior fun?

Preview of Sunday's video—The West was once a quiet place. But that was more than 100 years ago. Dick and Bonnie Cain are a couple trying to revive those simpler ways.

BE A PAL! SHARE MY SITE
Help us spread the good Komando news. On virtually every page at Komando.com., you can sign up for our free E-mail News Alerts without leaving the current page. Click the share button to send a page to a friend with a comment. There's a Print button. A Comments button takes you to the message board. Additionally, icons at the bottom let you add an article to your Twitter or Facebook profile. There are buttons for other sharing sites, too! Now, go find something and share!

PRIVACY AND SECURITY TIP: Breaking up offline now means online, too
The end of a relationship is never a happy time. But now, cutting your ties with someone includes your digital life. Yes, that means removal from your social networks. But there's more to it than that. I'll give you all the details in the second hour of my show.

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

INNOVATIVE WAY TO SOFTEN THE FLASH FOR BETTER PHOTOS
Nick wrote from Sacramento, CA, where he tunes in on KSTE 650 AM. He's not happy with his digital camera's flash. It's causing harsh shadows and washed-out subjects.

Most people use flash incorrectly. You'll get washed-out skin tones, bad glare and harsh shadows. On-board flash is really only good for two occasions: for fill light and shooting in total darkness.

When shooting outdoors in bright light, use your flash. That sounds counterintuitive. But fill flash will eliminate shadows on subjects' faces. It will also let you take photos against bright backgrounds. The light is evened out so you can see your subject.

Now, there are times when flash is required. You may be shooting in extremely low light. But you can't brace your camera. A flash gun will let you reflect light onto your subject. This light will be softer than pointing it directly at the subject. But many cameras don't accept flash guns; you have to use the on-board flash.

If your camera has a pop-up flash, you could try a diffuser. This will soften the flash. Diffusers cost about $10. But you can make a diffuser easily. Cover the flash with a piece of translucent plastic. A plastic food container is ideal. Or, use a coffee filter or wax paper. Hold it over the flash when you snap a picture. You'll get softer, more pleasing light!

Photography is part science and part art. So, if you want great photos, you'll need to work at it. Fortunately, I have plenty of tips to help you improve your skills:

JOIN KIM'S CLUB AND GET MY $14.95 PHOTO OR VIDEO BOOK FREE
Speaking of digital photography, we're about ready to end a promotion for Kim's Club. If you join Kim's Club for at least three months for $14.95, you get my downloadable book about the secrets of Digital Photography or Digital Video (a $14.95 value) FREE!

Kim's Club members can download my daily and weekend shows. Plus, members have access to 80% more content at Komando.com and can post on the Message Board.

To take advantage of this special offer, go to the store and follow these three easy steps:

1. Place your order for Kim's Club for at least three months.
2. Add either the 50 Secrets of Digital Photography or the 50 Secrets of Digital Video to your shopping cart.
3. Use the promocode FREEBOOK at checkout and the cost of the book will be automatically deducted.

Hurry! This special offer is about to end this coming week!

WORK-FROM-HOME OPPORTUNITIES ARE OFTEN SCAMS
Ashley in Kingston, PA, catches the show on WPGB 104.7 FM. She's a new mother trying to make ends meet. She needs information on work-from-home opportunities. She's particularly interested in the Easy Google Profit program.

Many moms—especially new moms—dream of working from home. They get to stay with their little bundles of joy. And they can help with household finances. But they're treading in dangerous waters. They're ideal targets for work-from-home scams.

The Easy Google Profit program is one such scam. So is its close cousin, the Google Home Business Kit. They are not associated with Google; they use Google's name to trick you. They charge a nominal fee in exchange for very basic information. But, wait! You also get an $80 recurring monthly fee. I predict your financial situation will not improve.

Beware any opportunity that promises quick cash. That's especially true if little work is involved. In fact, I would be cautious with any work-from-home opportunity. Do your research carefully. Make sure you understand what you're getting into.

Also, approach work-from-home opportunities on job boards carefully. And don't waste your time with job offers in Google ads. Some may be legitimate. But I'll wager that most are scams. Why take the chance?

Instead go to my Money Center. I have plenty of great ways to earn money from home—without the risk. And you'll find more tips for spotting scams. You'll also find money-saving tips to help cut expenses.

You can never be too careful online. I have tons of great tips to help keep you safe. Don't miss them, on my site:

GIVE MEDIA CENTER MORE ROOM TO RECORD
Bill wrote from Seattle, where he listens to the show on KTTH 770 AM. He uses Media Center to record TV shows. Lately, he's had to delete old shows to record new ones.

Media Center is handy for watching movies, listening to music and viewing pictures. And the television recording feature can't be beat. You get TiVo functionality, without the monthly subscription.

Fortunately, Bill's problem isn't serious. He's simply exhausted the space on his hard drive. The program limits the amount of hard drive it uses. However, that can be changed. The steps are identical for Vista and Windows 7.

Open Windows Media Center and scroll to Tasks. Click Settings and then click TV. Select Recorder and then Recorder Storage. Click the plus button under "Maximum TV limit." This will increase the amount of usable space. You can also decrease the amount of space; just click the minus button. Click Save.

Of course, your hard drive may be full. In that case, you can record to a second internal drive. Or, attach an external one. Then, change the recording destination. Scroll to Tasks and click Settings. Click TV and select Recorder. Click Recorder Storage. Click the plus or minus buttons under "Record on drive" to select the drive. Click Save.

Windows Media Center does more than record TV. It will also play your videos, pictures and music.

Want to convert home videos to digital? Then you need my Easy One-Step Media Recorder! It makes the conversion process a snap—no computer required!

Home entertainment is constantly changing. My tips will help you get more from your home entertainment setup:

MAC USERS: Creating a maintenance account
Mike catches my show on WBAL 1090 AM in Baltimore. He just bought a Mac. He wants to be prepared for trouble. If something breaks, he plans to take it in for repairs. He wants to know how to keep his personal data safe.

I'm glad you're thinking ahead. Contrary to popular opinion, Macs do break down. You can have them repaired at Apple stores or third-party repair shops.

To work on your computer, technicians need access to an administrator account. Hopefully your repair shop is reputable. But you never know.

You'll have to hand over your log-in credentials. More than your personal data is exposed. Your Mac stores many online and application passwords in the Keychain. All of these can be accessed with your log-in password.

So, act now before something breaks. Create a second administrator account. Your data and Keychain are account-dependent. A second account would not be able to access them. But the technician could use it to fix your Mac.

To set up a second account, click the Apple icon>>System Preferences. Select Accounts. Click the lock at the bottom of the window. Enter your password. Click the + button to add an account. Set the New Account drop-down menu to Administrator. Fill out the rest of the form. Call the account something like Maintenance. Be sure to give it a password. Click Create Account.

Now, don't use that account. Just hang onto it until you have problems.

More helpful tips for Mac users:

New!
Every operating system has useful, time-saving shortcuts, and my Guide to Time-Saving Shortcuts for Mac OS X will show you exactly what they are and how to use them. Whether you're a longtime Mac user or just switching, you'll find plenty of helpful information you can use every day. It's only $4. Order yours by clicking here.

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: 

KISS YOUR MONTHLY DVR SUBSCRIPTION GOODBYE
DVRs have changed the way we watch television. We can watch our favorite shows whenever we want and skip commercials. But TiVo and your cable company charge a monthly fee for the privilege.

Fortunately, you have options. You can get a DVR without the monthly subscription.

If you want to pay up, you'll find solutions at the store. Or, you can take the cheap-and-easy route. Let's go to the store first.

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: 

Kerry in London, Ontario, subscribes to all of my newsletters. She also reads the tips on my site.  Now, she has a question of her own regarding phishing attacks.

Kerry wants to know if phishing attacks can masquerade as software updates. She wonders if pop-ups offering updates could be illegitimate.

The answer is no. Phishing attacks use social engineering to trick you into divulging information.

That said, you need to watch updates. They could be Trojans. A Trojan is malware disguised as something desirable. Criminals use Trojans to gain access to your machine.

For example, a Trojan could add your machine to a botnet. Or, the download could install keylogging software. These results can be even more devastating than a phishing attack.

Now, you shouldn't hesitate to install updates through Microsoft's site. Nor should you worry about updates from reputable software developers. These often have an update-checking option. Or, updates may be downloaded automatically.

Fake security updates are possible. They could arrive via spam. Never open an e-mail purporting to be a software update. It will likely infect your machine.

Also, surf the Web cautiously. You may get pop-ups alerting you that some software is out of date. Again, ignore these; everyone I've seen is a scam.

Incidentally, I recommend that you run Secunia's Personal Software Advisor periodically. Download it free from my site. It will alert you to updates for third-party programs. Criminals are increasingly targeting these programs.

Phishing is a growing threat. So, don't miss my recent column. It will help you banish spam and phishing from your inbox and cell phone. You'll also want to read my column on targeted phishing attacks. These attacks can fool even the savviest surfer.

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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THE HOSTEST WITH THE MOSTEST Tune in for the latest on all things digital. You'll have a blast listening to my weekend show on the radio! And my Digital Minutes are required listening during the week. On the go? Catch my Kimcasts and listen when you have time!

BIG NEWS ON THE SHOW: NEW!
Miami (WIOD 610 AM), Sundays, 1 p.m. TUNE IN AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS!
Syracuse, NY (WFBL 1390 AM and WMCR 1600 AM), Saturdays, 10 a.m.

DIGITAL MINUTE TIME CHANGES
Boise, ID (KIDO 580 AM), Saturdays, 2 p.m. And now, listen for my Digital Minutes in the 3 p.m. hour.
Yakima, WA (KIT 1280 AM), Saturdays, 9 a.m. Digital Minutes in the 6 p.m. hour.
Yankton, SD (KYNT 1450 AM), Digital Minutes in the 5 p.m. hour, starting Monday.

RADIO WHEREVER YOU ARE
My shows are heard on over 465 radio stations, including New York (WCBS 880 AM); Dallas (KRLD 1080 AM); Houston (KPRC 950 AM); Washington (WTNT 570 AM); Seattle (KTTH 770 AM); Salt Lake City (KNRS 105.7 FM); Indianapolis (WIBC 93.1 FM); Louisville, KY (WLRS 105.1 FM); Austin, TX (KLBJ 590 AM); Honolulu (KHVH 830 AM); Bakersfield, CA (KERN 1180 AM); Lafayette, LA (KPEL 105.1 FM); Chattanooga, TN (WGOW 1150 AM); Modesto, CA (KFIV 1360 AM); and more!

FIND ME
Use my locator map to find a station carrying my shows in your area. Follow the easy instructions, and you will be e-mailed a station instantly!

JOIN KIM'S CLUB AND GET MY $14.95 PHOTO OR VIDEO BOOK FREE 
If you join Kim's Club for at least three months for $14.95, you get my downloadable book about the secrets of Digital Photography or Digital Video (a $14.95 value) FREE! Use the promocode FREEBOOK at check

out and the cost of the book will be automatically deducted from your order.

Kim's Club members can download my daily and weekend shows. Plus, members have access to 80% more content at Komando.com and can post on the Message Board.

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KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: Monitor children's cell phone use
A cell phone is standard equipment for most children. How do you know if your kids are using theirs responsibly? Keeping an eye on them is complicated. I'll help you find ways to do it. Tune into the third hour of the Kim Komando 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: High Velocity Protection
Wiley X is giving away a custom motorcycle from Arlen Ness. Open to residents of the contiguous United States. Must be 18 or older. Deadline: 10/25/09.

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Nourish damaged hair
Get a free sample of Aveeno Nourish+ Hair Care Collection. Just fill out a short survey. Open to U.S. residents, 18 or older. Deadline: 10/31/09

FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: Hit the links from your computer
The weekend is a great time to get to the golf course. But that isn't always possible. Thankfully, you can still get in a hole or two online. This golf game is very realistic.

FREEBIE FROM GOTOMEETING: Free 30-day trial (www.gotomeeting.com/kim)
Hold your meetings online. Works for business and personal use! Kim Komando Show listeners get a 30-day free trial. Use promo code Kim.

FREEBIE FROM PROTECTMYID.COM: Free 30-day trial
Every 79 seconds, someone in America becomes a victim of identity theft. Use the ID theft protection company that I do. Kim Komando Show listeners get a 30-day free trial.

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:
• Download free and legal music 
• Find out if your e-mail was read 
• A cool visual dictionary 

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 for working with video
Working with video is often confusing. Converting and editing videos can be a pain. What about downloading online videos? What about saving videos on DVDs? I've put together a bevy of useful free tools.

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: Lavasoft releases Ad-Aware update

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

LAVASOFT RELEASES AD-AWARE 8.1
Lavasoft has issued version 8.1 of its Ad-Aware software. The program now scans your system faster. It also has a new look. Threats are grouped into categories. This makes it easier for you to decide what action to take.

There's even a new gaming mode. You won't be bothered by threat notifications while you're gaming or watching videos.

THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
• Ditch XP for Windows 7

My old XP machine is on its last legs. So, I'm thinking about a Windows 7 computer. I have software and hardware that only works under XP. Should I bite the bullet and upgrade this stuff, too? Or, should I find a new computer that runs XP? I'd like to spend as little as possible.
Michael in Atlanta, listening on WSB 750 AM

Computers don't last forever. Eventually, they have to be replaced. The inevitable can be staved off only so long.

Windows XP is an excellent operating system. But it's old. I wouldn't buy a computer running XP. I would look for one running Windows 7. They should be available Oct. 22.

You don't need to sacrifice your old hardware and software. Windows 7 will still run it. But there are some things you need to know.

So, go to my site! I'll tell you how to run XP programs and hardware in Windows 7. Learn about system requirements and what you can and can't do.

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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BLAME RENKO IN LYNCHBURG, TN, FOR THIS STINKER!
A company was doing a security audit of its network. During the audit, it was discovered that one woman's password was "MickeyMinniePlutoHueyLouieDeweyDonaldGoofy." The auditors asked why she had such a long password. She replied that she was told that passwords must be at least eight characters.

I would never do anything that silly! My password is the same as my dog's name: pFt5%deLt. I change it every 90 days. :)

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:)

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