 
July 11, 2009—Vol. 13, No. 28
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A WEALTH OF DIGITAL TIPS, TRICKS AND SECRETS
This weekend, it's supposed to reach 116 degrees in Phoenix, home of The Kim Komando Show. The summer weather is heating up all over. But you can stay cool with the Kim Komando Show Electronic Weekend Newsletter! In this week's edition, you'll find a bounty of digital advice, news, and, of course, freebies. Each week, my national radio shows, busy Web site and e-mail newsletters reach tens of millions. So, let me give you a million thanks!
CONTENTS -- WHAT'S IN YOUR INBOX THIS WEEK:
- ON THE QT: Get help with your finances; fun freebies and videos
- DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Easy and fast tips that work for you
- MY COLUMN: Find the perfect exercise music online
- COOL SITES: More fun stuff you'll like and use
- COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE: Learn about people online
- SECURE COMPUTING: Criminals phish with text messaging
- YOUR WEEKLY Q&A: Building a 64-bit computer
 USE MY HANDY MAP TO 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.
No show is complete without you. So, give me a call and let me answer your digital questions
CALL ME! THERE'S AN EXTRA HOUR THIS WEEKEND!
This Saturday morning, I will be taking your calls for a whole four hours! The extra hour will be broadcast when I take a trip this summer. So, 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 2 p.m. on the East Coast, or, if you live on the West Coast, 7 a.m. to 11 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!
IT'S ME ON DEMAND: 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.
GO AHEAD, CLICK THE UNDERLINED LINKS
When something is underlined in my newsletters, click it. It's a link for you to learn more. So go ahead, click the links. Expand your horizons. You'll be glad you did!
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GET MORE FOR YOUR MONEY WITH THE FREE 'MY MONEY' KIT
The recession has taught us a lot about the importance of financial security. Hopefully, we will all emerge financially stronger with better saving habits. But there are still many people who need help and advice.
That's exactly what you'll find at the government's My Money site. It has a free tool kit to help you organize your finances. Learn to calculate your expenses and net worth. Find out about financial education programs or learn about government benefits. The kit provides valuable tools for anyone looking to improve their finances! Click here to get yours now.
Be sure to visit my Money Center. Here is a sampling of what you can find there. Click any of the links below to learn more:
SOUTH KOREA: CYBER ATTACK COULD HIT PC'S
Last weekend, cyber attacks were launched against government Web sites. South Korea was also targeted. The denial-of-service attacks shut down access to many government agencies.
The attacks continued throughout this week. However, the later attacks had limited effect.
Now, South Korea says the attackers may target personal computers. They could wipe out users' hard drives. Affected machines could become unbootable.
The attacks spread via viruses that turn computers into zombies. So, secure your computer, if you haven't already. Hurry over to my Security Center for free security software. It will protect you from these attacks—and many others!
I GET LOTS AND LOTS OF LETTERS
Here are some questions from my listener e-mail. Along with the question, I have provided the answer. See, some things in life are free.
Check them out. You might have the same question.
You're free to e-mail me, too! I cannot provide individual replies. But I read every note and answer as many questions as possible, on the show or in our newsletters. Click here to e-mail a question to me.
TWO TIPS A DAY KEEP THE TECHS AWAY
Did you know that each day you can get two free tips from me?
- You'll find one tip on the site available at www.komando.com/tips. Click here to go there now and bookmark the page.
- And in your inbox, delivered via e-mail, you get a new and different tip. Sign up now while you're thinking of it. Click here and poof! You'll be at www.komando.com/newsletters
DID YOU WIN? WE HAVE WINNERS WHO DON'T KNOW THEY'VE WON
If you hear from Jackie, that's great news! She's my wonderful assistant who lets everyone know that they've won something in one of our contests.
We gave away some 80 prizes in our Spring Stimulus Giveaway. But we're having trouble contacting some folks. They left a bad e-mail address. Their phone numbers don't work.
So do us a favor. Check our list of winners now. Click here to look at the list of winners.
If you have not heard from us, drop me a note through the Web site.
FIND OVER 300 FREE SOFTWARE PROGRAMS
Your budget is strained. But you need software for word processing, photo editing and other computer tasks. That doesn't mean you need part with your hard-earned cash!
Just head over to my Download of the Day site. No matter what your needs, you'll find a free program (or two) that will help. All programs have been thoroughly tested and approved by me. And be sure to check back every day for a new download!
Here are some of my favorite free downloads from the past week:
• Spam filters aren't perfect. Some of the stuff always gets through. What if you could train your spam filter?
• Watching TV and movies on your PC is great. But that dang screen saver keeps popping up. Here's a quick fix.
• There's never anything on TV. So, what are people in other countries watching? With this, you can find out.
• Radio is theater of the mind. Old-time radio took that to heart. Relive some classic old radio dramas for free.
Saturday's Download of the Day—Need information on people? You can mine social-networking sites, public records and more. Several sites make searching these resources easy. What juicy tidbits will you find?
Preview of Sunday's download—Designing a Web site isn't easy. Even picking the right colors is hard. These tools will give your site the right hue.
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.
MY AWESOME VIDEOS WILL INSPIRE AND ENTERTAIN YOU
We all need a little pick-me-up from time to time. That's one of the reasons I started my Video of the Day site. I just love finding videos that will wow you—or just bring a smile to your face! Of course, you won't find any obscenities in my picks. There's just good, clean family fun!
Here are my favorite videos from the past week:
• Cooking for cowboys shouldn't be hard.That is, unless you use a chuckwagon. That takes a different kind of cook.
• This woman was determined to do something for the kids in her town. People laughed at her for 30 years, but she did it.
• Everyone has a weird-cat-lady story. You know—lives alone, has 12 cats. Well, this Russian takes it to a whole new level.
• Being blind changes how you approach the world. But you can still have wild adventures. Just watch these blind students.
• My favorite video this week was called "United breaks guitars." If you've ever been angered by a company's lack of customer service, you'll love this video. It's terrific!
Great music can come from surprising places. It's not always found in a store. It's not always crafted by professional musicians. These performances are great. See more in my Video of the Day archive:
• A fifth-grade chorus doesn't sound exciting. But this one is. Take it from Stevie Nicks. These kids will raise your spirits.
• Can you recite the alphabet backwards? Well, that's nothing, compared to this man's talent. Try singing backwards.
• Could an a cappella group reinvent one of the classics from 1982? This Slovenian choir did. And it beats the original.
• Well, shucks. Kevin Skinner of Kentucky is a jobless chicken catcher. But given his singing, he'll soon be working.
 Saturday's video—What happens when you reunite soldiers who were once fierce enemies? The results for these Vietnam vets were nothing short of amazing.
Preview of Sunday's video—Ever seen a mathemagician? You'll be amazed by this guy. He solves problems faster than someone using a calculator!
NOTE: Are you having trouble seeing my daily video picks? Do you get a message that the video is not available? Sorry to say, it's probably not the video. It's your computer, my friend. Get help on my troubleshooting page. These problems are pretty easy to fix.
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: Hackers attacking Webmail accounts
Spammers and criminals have spoofed e-mail addresses for ages. But these scammers are becoming bolder. They are hijacking Webmail accounts. Securing your account is easy. I'll tell you how in the second hour of the Kim Komando show.
Listen about halfway into the second hour of my national radio show for all that you need to know.
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 a station 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.
STILL TO COME: Useful tips, important news and a few laughs!
• Geotagging puts your photos on the map, literally!
• Which is the better choice: DSL or cable broadband?
• Understanding 64-bit computers
• Important security tips; and some awesome freebies!
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GEOTAGGING PUTS YOUR PHOTOS ON THE MAP
Mary in Shreveport, LA, tunes in on KEEL 710 AM. She and her family are heading off on vacation. She needs help managing her photos. She heard that she can put GPS coordinates in them. She'd like to know more about how it works.
That's geotagging, Mary. GPS coordinates are recorded by a GPS unit. The coordinates are then embedded in the photos' metadata. The photos can then be plotted on a map. You'll know exactly where a photo is taken. It's a great way to view your photos!
Now, there are a variety of ways to geotag your photos. You may be able to connect your GPS unit to your camera. For that, you'll probably need a digital SLR. Also, this is a rather cumbersome solution. Tethering a GPS unit to a camera can be restrictive.
A better option is a GPS tracker. These are small gadgets that simply record GPS coordinates. You can throw it in your camera bag or a pocket. The coordinates are time stamped. When you get home, software matches up the photos to the coordinates. The software does this by comparing the time stamps.
I recently wrote a fun column on geotagging. You'll want to read it carefully before your trip. It provides a more in-depth look at geotagging. It also covers specific gadgets and software for geotagging.
Geotagging is great when you're travelling. You don't need to remember where a photo was shot. And viewing your photos on a map brings them to life. You can relive your vacation for years! However, there are dangers, too. So, before you start, don't miss my recent tip. It will help you protect your family.
GPS is a great technology. It can help you find directions and geotag your photos. More importantly, it can help you keep taps on your children. This is particularly helpful when you're in an unfamiliar area. So, before you hit the road, read my can't miss tip on monitoring your children with GPS. It will take a load off your mind!
Speaking of GPS, on the show this weekend, I'll be talking about new camcorders that record in HD and track GPS data, too. Cool stuff!
FAVICONS DISAPPEAR FROM FAVORITES LINKS
Norman wrote from Norcross, GA, where he catches the show out of Atlanta on WSB 750 AM. He has a question about his Internet favorites. He would like to keep my icon with his link to my site. But the icon has disappeared. He wants to know how to get it back.
Norman is talking about favicons. These are the small images that often appear next to addresses in the address bar. When you save a site as a favorite, the favicon is also saved. So, it will appear next to the link in your favorites links.
You may encounter disappearing favicons from time to time. The problem occurs in Internet Explorer after you've cleared your Web cache. The problem does not happen in Firefox.
Fortunately, this problem is fairly easy to remedy. My handy tip will help you get your favicons back. And, you won't need to worry about them disappearing again. Find out how to get them back now!
Favorites help you save time by putting frequently visited sites at your fingertips. But, Favorites can quickly get out of control. This can slow you down. Fortunately, I can help you whip your Favorites into shape! Don't miss these great tips on my site:
IS IT WISE TO SEARCH FOR A JOB ONLINE?
Rhonda in Nashville listens on WWTN 99.7 FM. She wrote to ask about a story in last week's News of the Day newsletter. Criminals are increasingly targeting job seekers online. They're posing as recruiting agents. Victims are duped into revealing sensitive data. Rhonda wants to know if she should give up her online job search.
No, Rhonda, you need the Internet to find a job. It has become standard for employers to use job boards for hiring. They're also using social-networking sites for recruiting. Your search will be stunted if you stick to newspaper classifieds.
Instead, I recommend that job seekers remain vigilant and use common sense. Job hunting is stressful for everyone. It is easy to make emotional decisions. So, slow down and look carefully at offers. If an offer sounds too good to be true, move on. You're not going to get rich without doing real work.
You should also research companies thoroughly before providing any information. A quick Google search should expose most scammers. You'll also want to watch out for impostors. Don't contact an employer through a job site. Instead, look up its information and call or e-mail directly.
If an employer calls you, ask to call back. Look up the phone number on the Internet, and then return the call.
Moreover, guard your personal information. At some point, you'll likely need to provide your Social Security number. But an employer shouldn't ask for bank account numbers. The exception is for direct deposit. However, this usually isn't available immediately when you start work.
Truly protecting yourself requires more than just common sense. You need to know what you're up against. Phishing-type employment scams are on the rise. But the most pervasive employment tricks are advance-fee and money mule scams. My must-read tip explains how they work and how to protect yourself.
There's one last thing you need to watch for with online job searches: the competition! I have some great advice to help you search smarter. You'll also learn how to get past spam filters and where to look for opportunities! Finally, don't forget about your online reputation. It could derail your employment opportunities. My column will help you clean it up.
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:
• Rookie Rundown—DSL vs. cable broadband
• Building a 64-bit computer
• Keep reading! I have more money-saving tips!
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FIND THE PERFECT EXERCISE MUSIC ONLINE
Maybe you're just starting a workout regime. Or, maybe you're training for the marathon. No matter, one thing will help you get more from your workouts: music.
Music can encourage you to exercise longer. It can also lessen fatigue and other distractions. That's why runners and other athletes talk about their ideal playlists.
Of course, not just any music will improve your workouts. But I can help you find the perfect music.
Certain types of music are better than others for working out. You want a steady beat. That way, you can synchronize your movements with the beat.
Click here to read my entire weekly column on my site. It's free!
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! EXTRA HOUR!
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 2 p.m. on the East Coast, or, if you live on the West Coast, 7 a.m. to 11 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:
• Some freebies and a contest for you to win!
• What is required for a 64-bit system?
• And so much more you can use!
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Rob wrote from Mililani, HI, where he catches the show on KHVH 830 AM. He asked about broadband. He wants to know if he should go with DSL or cable broadband.
DSL and cable broadband providers are battling it out for customers. Unfortunately, this leaves customers caught in the fray. They don't understand the differences between the two.
Theoretically, cable broadband is faster than DSL. However, actual speeds are different from theoretical speeds. In reality, cable and DSL speeds are comparable.
That is, provided you're looking at the same service tiers. Providers will offer several download and upload speeds. Your mileage will vary. However, quoted speeds should be fairly accurate. How fast should you go? My handy tip will help you choose the right broadband speed.
Both cable broadband and DSL are susceptible to outages. You will also encounter sluggish speeds at times.
With DSL, you don't need to worry about others slowing your Internet connection. DSL speeds are distance sensitive. That means the further you are from the provider's hub, the slower your speed. Poor phone lines can also slow or disrupt your connection.
With cable broadband, the same cable connects many households. So, your neighbors could slow your connection.
I wouldn't really worry about the technology behind your broadband service. Instead, look at the different service tiers. Also, research providers online. See which has better overall customer satisfaction.
These days, you should also take a close look at prices. I would go with the provider that offers cheaper service. That is, provided customer satisfaction is up to snuff.
And remember that you can save on broadband by bundling services. You'll get a better deal from your cable company if you subscribe to several services. Same goes for telephone/DSL providers. That's just one handy tip you'll find in my column on saving money on broadband. Read the rest of my money-saving advice now!
Finally, remember that your connection type isn't always the cause of sluggish browsing. Your computer settings could be causing slowdowns. Or, your provider may be throttling your connection.
Fortunately, I can help you with these situations. Learn how to tweak your XP settings for speedier browsing. And don't miss my tip on testing your Internet connection speed. You might find that you're a victim of throttling.
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:
• Security tips to keep your computer safe
• Getting up and going with 64-bit computing
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DIGITAL DAYS OF SUMMER
Keep it cool this summer with my three-hour weekend show and daily Digital Minutes. Or listen on your schedule with my on-demand Kimcasts. Learn everything you need to know to survive in our digital world. I'll also take your phone calls if you need personalized help! |
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HELLO NEWBIES
Brooksville, FL (WWJB 1450 AM); Saturdays, 11 a.m.
JUST SOME GREAT AFFILIATES
My shows are heard all over the country and around the globe on the stations of the American Forces Radio Network; New York (WCBS 880 AM); San Francisco (KNEW 910 AM); Washington (WTNT 570 AM); Atlanta (WSB 750 AM); Boston (WBZ 1030 AM); Windsor, Ontario (CKLW 800 AM); Phoenix (KFYI 550 AM); Seattle (KTTH 770 AM); Tampa, FL (WGUL 860 AM); Sacramento, CA (KSTE 650 AM); Memphis, TN (WREC 600 AM); Oklahoma City (KOKC 1520 AM); McAllen, TX (KURV 710 AM); Grand Rapids, MI (WOOD 1300 AM); Lubbock, TX (KFYO 790 AM); South Bend, IN (WSBT 960 AM); Columbus, GA (WRCG 1420 AM); Winchester, VA (WINC 1400 AM); Monroe, LA (KMLB 1440 AM) and hundreds more!
CORPORATE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD: WILMINGTON, DE
Delaware was the first state to enter the Union! Wilmington is Delaware's largest city. However, it is not the state's capital. (Dover is the capital). Wilmington got its nickname when many companies started incorporating themselves in Delaware. The companies benefit from the state's liberal tax structure.
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WILM 1450 AM airs my weekend show Saturdays at 11 a.m. It also airs my Digital Minutes in the 6 p.m. hour weekdays. |
USE MY MAP TO FIND A STATION NEAR YOU
First, go to my locator map. Second, click on an area near you. Lastly, enter your e-mail address. I'll e-mail you stations where you can listen in your area.
DOWNLOAD THE SHOWS LISTEN WHEN YOU WANT
Get 24-7 access to me by joining Kim's Club. Access premium content, shows on-demand and the Message Board anytime! Try it! You'll love it!
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KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: Find the best schools
Quality education is important. That means placing your children in the right schools. But how can you identify the best? The Web holds tons of information on public and private schools. Get all the details 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 a station 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: $25,000 grocery giveaway
Everyday magazine is giving five winners $5,000 for groceries. That's around a year's worth of food. Open to U.S. residents, 18 or older. Deadline 9/29/09
FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Aquafresh Extreme Clean
Fresh breath can be free. Get a free sample of Aquafresh Extreme Clean toothpaste. Fill out the form to get yours. Open to U.S. residents, 13 or older.
FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: Learn all about other nations
Where do you turn for detailed information about foreign countries? The CIA, of course. And there's no need for a top-secret clearance.
FREEBIE FROM GOTOMYPC: Free 45-day trial
Access your office computer the easy way. Kim Komando Show listeners get a 45-day free trial. Use promo code Kim.
FREEBIE FROM CONSTANT CONTACT: Free 90-day trial
Sending e-mail newsletters is so easy. Pick a template, put in your e-mail addresses and click Send. Use promo code Kim to try it free for 90 days.
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:
• Stay connected in a family emergency
• Back to the Pleistocene
• Book airport parking in advance
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:
• Learn about people online
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THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: Learn about people online
Need information on someone? You can mine social-networking sites, public records and more. Several sites make these searches easy. What juicy tidbits will you find?
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 a station 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: Criminals use text messages
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 Brought to you by my book, Complete Guide to Computer Security & Privacy. Order your copy today!
CRIMINALS USE TEXT MESSAGES IN PHISHING ATTACKS
Law enforcement officials are warning about a new type of attack. Criminals are sending text messages purportedly from banks. The messages ask the recipient to call an 800 number. The number is, of course, fake.
Criminals have set up voice mail systems. These systems record account information entered by victims. Criminals then clean out victims' accounts.
These criminals are smart. They've also managed to fly under the radar. That's because they're targeting small, regional banks. Those in the area may not have heard about the scam. They bombard every cell phone in a specific area code with the messages.
Phishing attacks and their variants are increasingly difficult to avoid. But you can protect yourself. If you receive a message from your bank, don't rely on information provided in the message. Instead, get the contact information from a reliable source.
WATCH OUT FOR GOOGLE ADS USING MY NAME
Ralph wrote to complain about a registry cleaner I supposedly endorsed. He says the program rendered his machine unusable. Now the machine must be repaired. He wants to know why I recommended the program.
Unscrupulous sites use my name without authorization, Ralph. That's the case here. Often, these fake endorsements appear in Google ads. Registry cleaners and security programs are the worst offenders. If you see a Google ad using my name, assume that it is unauthorized.
I endorse few products. A product must work as promised. It must benefit my readers. And customer service has to be up to snuff. All of my advertisers must meet these standards, endorsement or not.
I have two advertisers who offer registry cleaners—PC Tools and Uniblue. Either should work well. Anytime you make changes to the registry, back it up first. Otherwise, you're asking for trouble. Click here for instructions on backing up the registry. THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
• Building a 64-bit computer
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 I am building a computer. I have seen the upgrade offer for Windows 7 and plan to use it. I just have a question about 64-bit computing. What are its pros and cons? Also, what is required for a 64-bit machine? Is it just software, or do I need specific hardware?
Shawn in Eugene, OR, listening on KUGN 590 AM
 The transition from 32- to 64-bit computing has been less than smooth. Publishers have been slow to develop 64-bit programs. And peripherals, like printers, sometimes don't work.
But the biggest obstacle may just be consumers. Many are unaware of the difference between 32- and 64-bit machines. Others, like you, don't know what's required for 64-bit computing.
Virtually all processors today are 64-bit. Be sure the chipset on your motherboard is also compatible with 64-bit. (It probably is.)
You can run either 32- or 64-bit Windows on 64-bit hardware. However, to get the benefits of 64-bit computing, you need 64-bit Windows.
Microsoft first released a 64-bit version of Windows XP several years ago. Virtually all versions of Vista are available in 64-bit Windows. In fact, it is increasingly common to find 64-bit Windows preinstalled on PCs.
I mentioned that publishers have been slow developing software. This shouldn't concern you too much. You can run most 32-bit programs on 64-bit Windows. It includes an emulation program to handle them.
Most compatibility problems with 64-bit Windows have been ironed out. It is increasingly common for manufacturers to offer 64-bit drivers. Drivers were a major hang-up in the early days of 64-bit Windows. Drivers help hardware work with Windows.
You shouldn't have many problems with newer hardware. But you may find that older peripherals are incompatible.
The biggest problem with 64-bit Windows is finding a firewall. There are very few of them. Fortunately, though, you do have options. Learn about them in my must-read tip. It even includes a link to a free firewall for 64-bit Windows!
The biggest benefit of 64-bit Windows is memory capacity. Thirty-two-bit Windows is limited to 4 gigabytes of memory. Sixty-four-bit Windows can access exponentially more. I recommend that you read this excellent tip on my site. It offers a quick, easy-to-understand rundown of the benefits of 64-bit computing. Read it before you get any deeper into building your computer!
Finally, let's talk about Windows 7 for a minute. It's true that Microsoft is offering special upgrade deals. You can learn all about the deals in my informative tip.
There are a few problems with your plan to take advantage of these deals, though. First, the discounted upgrades expire today. Microsoft has also limited the quantity of discount upgrades. Stores may be all sold out.
Also, the discounts only apply to upgrade versions of Windows 7. You won't be able to install the software on a machine unless it already runs Windows. Since you're building a machine, you need a full version of Vista.
You do have another option, though. You could download and install the free Windows 7 Release Candidate. That should run OK. It will die next June, so you'd eventually have to buy a full version of Windows 7. But you could skip Vista. Click here to download it. NEW LINKS ALWAYS DESIRED
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THIS ONE IS FOR THE BIRDS
A veterinarian was barred from performing surgery because of his poor record. However, the veterinarian continued to do surgery. The police busted him just as he was to operate on a sick bird. But the case was dismissed on a technicality. It was an ill eagle surgeon seizure!
I saw a smile! Have a great weekend and I'll see you on the radio!
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A MESSAGE FROM THE KOMANDO.COM POSTMASTER
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Hugs to all!
Kim :)
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