Tech tips: How to save old voicemails, computer cooling, small-biz tips

December 23, 2024

Hi, you: Old voicemails can be particularly nostalgic when you’re missing someone. Make sure you save yours the right way.

🙏 Imagine you’re at church: The pastor is sharing an emotional story so impactful there’s not a dry eye in the house. Then, your phone rings. Argh. Do what I do and say this before you enter: “Siri, silence my phone” or “Google Assistant, silence my phone.”

Windows laptop feeling extra warm? Consider an app to monitor the temperature in real time. CoreTemp and Real Temp for Windows are good options. Anything higher than 176 degrees Fahrenheit is bad news.

On the dotted line: It’s easy to create a virtual signature on a Mac. In the Preview app, hit Tools > Annotate > Signature > Manage signatures. Sign using your trackpad (hard) or sign your name on a white piece of paper and hold it up to your webcam (easier).

💳 “Kim, how do I take credit cards?” I get this question from small-biz owners. Stripe is a solid option that’s safe and won’t cost you a fortune. They’re not a sponsor; we use Stripe and like it here at Komando HQ!

Tips to take the best holiday photos

Forget getting everyone together at Christmas for a photo opp and having them all say, “Cheese!” Instead, use words that end in ‑ah. These sounds put the muscles around the mouth to work, creating a genuine smile. Try “yoga,” “mocha” or “banana.”

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Stuck on hold: There’s a hidden redial button on your smartphone. Hit the call button without typing a number or choosing a contact to call the last person you talked to.

Calling all trivia buffs: Did you know Barbados gained its independence in 2021? How about this? South Korea is smaller than Pennsylvania. Wild. Check out the CIA’s online World Factbook if you love geography or history … or to find trivia to stump your friends and fam.

It’s the spending season: You have to save where you can. No kidding, the first time I logged into Rocket Money, it saved me $360. It finds all your recurring subscriptions and lets you easily cancel those you no longer want.

“How come no one told me?” That’s what you’ll think if you don’t know this tip. On your Mac, click on a file and hit Return. Now, you can type in a new name. On a PC, click, wait a beat, then click again. Done!

Stop using your Google profile this way: Logging into other services using your Google creds puts one of your most important accounts at risk. Log in at myaccount.google.com and tap Security. Scroll to Your connections to third-party apps & services > See all connections. You’ll see a list of apps currently using your Google login. Open the details, then click Stop using Sign in with Google.

I hear you loud and clear! Coming soon: My guide to AI for total newbies. In the meantime, here are three practical ways to try ChatGPT: 1.) Event planning — Ask for itineraries, packing lists, or ideas for parties or vacations; 2.) Writing help — Ask it to spot typos or areas you can clean up; and 3.) Brainstorming — Anything goes, from blog topics and gift suggestions to medical issues and small-business names.

Growing your side hustle? Switch your Instagram account to a Business profile to add shopping links to your posts, run ads and lots more. From your profile, tap Edit profile > Switch to professional account.