No, all those ads you see based on what you’ve talked about or searched for aren’t just a coincidence. Yes, your phone is listening to you. In this DIY Security tip, Kim shows you how to stop your smartphone from eavesdropping. Follow these tips for Android or iPhone to get your privacy back.
7 hidden Alexa secrets you didn't know you needed
Alexa sure is handy, as long as you know the pro tricks for getting the most out of the Amazon smart assistant. Kim shares 7 tips to make your Echo experience more secure, useful and fun. Learn how to adjust your privacy settings, change the way Alexa sounds, upgrade your audio and much more with this week’s Digital Life Hack.
Get faster internet by changing this one setting
Have you ever been frustrated by slow internet speeds? There are many things that could be causing delays in your connection speed. No one likes waiting for web pages to load or videos to play. But if you haven’t changed this setting on your computer, you’re probably not getting the speeds you deserve.
Comparing TV streaming devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast
Which streaming player is best? Kim breaks down the options and tells you why you may want to choose one device over the others. Whether you’re looking to cut the cord and ditch cable, or just get access to even more content, this complete guide to the top streaming devices can help.
Teen sexting
Making sure you teach your kids about online safety is important but you can never be too careful. This can come down to even the way they talk to their friend through text. Here is what to watch out for.
How to remove your personal data from broker sites and protect your privacy online
You might be shocked to see how much of your personal info is floating around online. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. We’ll show you how to keep your private information locked down and how to remove it from data broker sites that store and sell your details.
How to spot spy cameras in your vacation rental: Common hiding places | DIY Security
We’ve all heard stories of people finding hidden cameras in vacation rentals. If you’ve ditched hotels and prefer to book accommodations through sites like Airbnb and VRBO, how do you ensure your privacy isn’t being violated? In this DIY Security tip, Kim reveals common hiding places for surveillance cameras, plus shows you how sneaky hosts could conceal monitoring devices.
Why you never see brilliant blue fireworks
What’s in a firework? I’m sure you know some of it at least — a bit of gunpowder, a dash of color-changing chemicals, and a propellant to launch them into the air, right? Well, the chemistry behind fireworks is a lot more complex. Even tiny details like color are fragile enough to restrict firework makers. Now, see why blue varieties of fireworks are a rare breed to see.
Notre Dame: an exclusive first look at restoration work
Notre Dame’s tragic fire was a shock to the entire world. The centuries-old cathedral lost its magnificent gothic spire and roof in the aftermath of the blaze, but thanks to the efforts of the Paris FD, the structure of the building was saved. Now, restoration has finally begun — and everyone is excited to see Notre Dame restored to its former glory. Get a sneak peek at what’s coming in this insider video.
30 amazing colorized photographs from the 1800s
The 19th century may seem like a distant era of the past, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s not that long ago. After all, we had working cameras back then — even if they weren’t able to shoot in color. Now, thanks to the miracle of computers, we can see the subjects of these photos as they were in life. Will you take a step into the past?
Best internet browsers: Comparing Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge | Digital Life Hack from Kim Komando
Which internet browser should you use? Kim compares well-known and top-used browsers based on safety, privacy, ease of use and personalization. Find out why you may or may not want to use Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, Tor and even Internet Explorer.
Nearly half of our readers polled at Komando.com use Google Chrome. What’s your favorite browser? Which will you never use?
Kim's son Ian gives a moving speech
It’s graduation season, and many of you will be watching your kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews reach that big life milestone over the next few weeks. I’m right there with you. My son, Ian, just gave his senior speech and talked about something very near and dear to my heart, his hero — my mother. Warning: Grab the tissues. (Ian’s speech starts just after the 6-minute mark.)
Deepfake videos are getting terrifyingly real
If you thought fake news was bad, then you won’t believe what’s coming our way in the future. Widely seen as the next generation of hoaxes, Deepfakes are videos that use artificial intelligence to edit faces, motion, and speech with scary accuracy. In a Deepfake video, you can make any politician say anything you want, or swap the face of a person you know on a salacious picture for instant blackmail. The worst part: it’s getting harder to tell them apart from the real thing. This video might disturb you.
Forget cats vs. dogs! Who would win, cougar vs. wolf?
Cats and dogs are traditional rivals for household dominance. Though some get along just fine, “fighting like cats and dogs” is so common that the image has become ingrained in popular culture. Now imagine that fight but taken to the extreme — with larger, meaner wild forms of our furry companions. Don’t worry, no animals were harmed in the making of this video, but this hypothetical match up puts two apex predators to the test.
Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
Finally, one for the kids. Mickey and his friends tell three Christmas stories: “Donald Duck: Stuck on Christmas,” a reminder that Christmas is so special because it only comes once a year; “A Very Goofy Christmas”, which finds Goofy trying to teach his son the joys of Santa Claus; and “Mickey & Minnie’s Gift Of The Magi”, which recreates the classic tale with the Disney icons.
This 'Home on the Range' ranch home costs $35 million
Have you ever wanted to fulfill your dreams of living the cowboy lifestyle on a large farm estate? Maybe wake up in the morning to feed the cows, ride the horses and then later explore your 30,000 acres? The Hobble Diamond Ranch offers a multitude of amenities, and is accentuated by the Yellowstone River that runs through the property.
Clearing cache made easy
So what is your computer’s cache? Why do you need to empty it? And when? Here’s how to do it. It’s easier than you think, and you can do it in less than 2 minutes.
Highlights from the Jerry Lewis telethon
For 44 years, the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon was a tradition of the holiday. The telethon raised billions for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and gave us “Jerry’s Kids.” Check out the best moments of telethon over the years, including the comedian’s surprise reunion with old pal and partner Dean Martin.
There’s a deadly oasis in the Sahara Desert
In the desert, any patch of green may seem like a lifesaver, with water and shade. But for some places in the Sahara Desert, an oasis may not be so for all who travel there. For underneath the lush exterior, something more sinister waits.
‘The Tudors’ (Netflix)
This series is set in England during the Reign of King Henry VIII in the 16th century. “The Tudors” follows the young king as he has to deal with conflicts inside and outside of his kingdom. If you decide to check out this series, you might recognize familiar faces such as Henry Cavill from “Man of Steel” and Natalie Dormer from “Game of Thrones.” This title is available to stream on Netflix.