June 20, 2009—Vol. 13, No. 25

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YOUR GUIDE TO ALL THINGS DIGITAL
Welcome to your very own personal copy of the Kim Komando Show Electronic Weekend Newsletter! It's jam-packed with freebies! Get free digital advice, software, news and so much more! Each week, my national radio shows, busy Web site and e-mail newsletters reach tens of millions. Thank you for your support in all that we do in the name of digital enlightenment!

CONTENTS -- WHAT'S IN YOUR INBOX THIS WEEK:
- ON THE QT: Trace your family tree; fun freebies and videos
- DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Easy and fast tips that work for you
- MY COLUMN: Sites to sell your writing online
- COOL SITES: More fun stuff you'll like and use
- COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE: Get more productive
- SECURE COMPUTING: Apple patches Java vulnerabilities
- YOUR WEEKLY Q&A: Upgrading to gigabit Ethernet

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.

EXTRA HOUR TO CALL THIS WEEKEND
This Saturday, I will be taking your calls for a whole four hours! The extra hour will be broadcast when I take a trip. 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!

KIM 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.

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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HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
I miss my father. I would like to make a tribute DVD about him. I tried a few times. I simply cannot look at the pictures or home videos. It makes me too sad. Maybe someday it won't.

I miss his laugh. I miss being able to call upon him for advice. I miss just sitting on the couch with him watching Wheel of Fortune. He always won.

I can sometimes see his handwriting in my own. It's the rush to get things down on paper, I suppose. And I did it. My dad would tell me he hoped that I would have a child just like me.

So to all fathers, wherever they may be, we thank you for all the gifts of love and knowledge you bestowed upon us.

SPEAKING OF FAMILY
I received e-mail from Gary S. in Nevada the other day. He heard me mention some genealogy sites on a recent show. So, he decided to check them out.

As it turns out, Gary is related to the Queen of England. And he's on his way to meet her! Just kidding! But Gary did find interesting distant relatives.

In case you'd like to start finding the branches on your family tree, here are sites to help you:

• Don't pay for family tree information. Trace your ancestry for free
• Search Ellis Island records
• Specialized site to share and grow your family tree
• Free software to organize your family tree
• Even more resources to trace your lineage

ENTER NOW TO WIN BIG! OVER $40,000 IN PRIZES
You cannot win if you don't enter. Every day there's a new prize. Every day there's a new winner!

WHAT CAN YOU WIN? GLAD YOU ASKED!
Here's a peek at some of the prizes:

• HP TouchSmart All-in-One PC ($1,499 value)
• Windows Powered Toshiba Satellite laptop ($1,249 value)
• HP Pavilion Entertainment Notebook ($854 value)
• HP MediaSmart Server ($599 value)
• Samsung Cell Phones (up to $349)
• Logitech Indoor Video Security System ($299 value)
• Toshiba Portable DVD Player ($229 value)
• Windows Vista Ultimate ($219 value)
• DXG High-Definition Camcorder ($180 value)
• Kodak Easyshare Digital Camera ($179 value)
• Pure Digital Flip Video Mino ($179 value)
• SPOT Satellite GPS Tracker ($169 value)
• HP 8" Digital Picture Frame ($149 value)
• …and much, much more!

Click here to see all the great prizes at the Spring Stimulus Giveaway site.

Congratulations to our most recent daily winners!

6/12 – Paul Cowal of Miamisburg, OH (WHIO 1290 AM / 95.7 FM) won the Weekly Grand Prize: the Get Moving Prize Package ($530 value)
6/13 – Crystal Blackburn of Lexington, KY (WVLK 590 AM) won a Samsung a777 Cell Phone ($280 value)
6/14 – Mike Kuhl of Mishawaka, IN (WSBT 960 AM) won a DXG High-Definition Camcorder ($180 value)
6/15 – Lee Ann Hamerski of Anchorage, AK (KFQD 750 AM) won Altec Lansing's Moondance Glow ($180 value)
6/16 – Pat Tito of Atlanta (WSB 750 AM) won Samsung's Propel Cell Phone ($250 value)
6/17 – Dan Taylor of Rapid City, SD (KOTA 1380 AM) won a $150 ZAGG Gift Card
6/18 – Paula Allton of Punta Gorda, FL (WINK 1240 AM) won a Lexar Platinum II CF and SDHC Card Bundle ($190 value)

Note: Your name would look really good on this list, don't you agree?

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:
Visit the Spring Stimulus Giveaway page to enter daily. I am giving away great prizes each day of the giveaway. Plus, make sure to enter once a day for your chance to win our weekly grand prize!

Finally, sponsors make the giveaway possible. To learn more about the prizes, click those links (hint, hint) to visit the sponsors' sites.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY
Now that you've entered, why not invite your friends? Just enter their information on my site. I'll send them an invitation. If they win, maybe they'll share with you!

TELL YOUR FACEBOOK, TWITTER, MYSPACE, BLOG READERS AND SITE VISITORS
1. Put a banner on your site! Tell them all about my contest. And all they have to do is click to enter!
2. Click the Share This button. You'll see it at the top of the Enter, Prizes, Winners and Share pages. You'll see a list of sites. Select one. It adds my contest!
3. While you're at it, join me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kkomando) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/kimkomando).

HUNDREDS OF PROGRAMS, FREE FOR THE TAKING
Computers come bundled with handy software tools. Unfortunately, though, they don't provide all the software you need. You can easily spend hundreds of dollars filling in the gaps.

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

• Windows comes with a CD-burning program. If you're not happy with it, try this one. It's quick and easy.
• Setting up secure file sharing isn't necessarily easy. But this program offers a solution with a personal VPN.
• Sending large quantities of e-mail isn't easy. You'll need more than a desktop program. This tool should work.
• If you're reinstalling Windows, you'll need the product key. It's on the packaging. Or, just use this program.

Saturday's Download of the Day—Higher productivity is always good. I've found six great programs anyone could use. They'll streamline your work and help you communicate.

Preview of Sunday's download—Teaching a class is hard. There is a lot to keep track of. This course management program should help.

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.

THE WEB'S MOST ENTERTAINING VIDEOS
You'll find plenty of videos online. Unfortunately, many of them are inane or obscene. So, skip YouTube and those other video sites. Instead, head over to my Video of the Day site. You'll find the best videos the Web has to offer. You never know what you'll find among my family-friendly picks!

Here are my favorite videos from the past week:

• Need a laugh? You're bound to get a few with today's picks. They feature Don Rickles and his usual warmth.
• The night sky can make you feel small. But just how big are those dots of light? This video will help put them in perspective.
• Adventurers have long traveled around the world. But this 81-year-old man is doing it on foot. Learn about his journey in this video.
• June is wedding season. Everyone wants a unique wedding. The first dance is a great place to throw in some personality.
• You won't believe this cappella jazz choir singing Africa.

I truly believe that travel is an enriching experience. There are so many sights to see. You'll always find adventure. These are my favorite travel videos. See more in my Video of the Day archive:

• If you've never been to the American West, you're missing out. It really is beautiful. Just look at this time-lapse video.
• Many people have model trains in their basements. But none will match this masterpiece. It's a miniature wonderland.
• Boarding a plane is not much fun. But this flight attendant is changing that. This is the best safety briefing ever.
• One of Asia's largest slums is featured in Slumdog Millionaire. The movie was a hit. But what is its setting really like?

Saturday's video—Everyone knows the frustration of deadline pressure. This art student has turned his frustration into a great video.

Preview of Sunday's video—War memorials are created in different ways. Sometimes Congress signs off on them. Others take more work. One man has made this memorial himself.

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.

SHARE MY VIDEO PICKS
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: Secure data on thumb drives
Thumb drives are easy to lose. So, it's important to protect your data. The best way is with strong encryption. There are a number of ways to do it. Listen to the second hour of my show for details.

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!

• Should you upgrade your GPS unit's maps?
• Who is sending e-mail from your account?
• Upgrade your network speed with gigabit Ethernet
• Important security tips; and some awesome freebies!

IS GPS REALLY GOING TO FAIL?
Leona sent an e-mail from Petersburg, IL. She catches the weekend show and Digital Minutes via Kim's Club. She is considering updating the maps on her Garmin GPS unit. She's debating between a $70 one-time update or a $120 lifetime update. But she heard that GPS is going to fail. So, is updating the maps worthwhile?

Right now, there are 30 GPS satellites in orbit. Over time, these satellites fail and must be replaced. The GAO recently released a report warning that the system could become overloaded. It wouldn't provide the quality of service we've come to expect. The GAO indicated that we could start seeing problems as early as next year.

The Air Force, which is responsible for the GPS satellites, disputes the report. The Air Force is behind in launching satellites. But it is working on mitigating the risk of GPS failing. To provide full GPS service, only 24 satellites are required. The system has had up to 32 available.

I wouldn't worry about GPS failing. The military relies on GPS for its operations. Of course, the system is also open to the public. And it has become incredibly popular in recent years. So, I doubt the Air Force will let the system fail.

Now, let's talk about maps. It certainly is worth updating the maps on your GPS unit. Roads change, and points-of-interest change. Safety was probably a consideration when you purchased the GPS. So, remember, having the latest maps is a safety feature. And, for what it's worth, I'd go with the lifetime updates. It's a much better value!

Don't miss these other tips about GPS.

• Five GPS units under $200
• Keep track of the kids with GPS
• Plot GPS data on Google Maps
• Track a GPS phone online

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!

OPEN E-MAIL ATTACHMENTS IN THE RIGHT PROGRAM
Don in Southfield, MI, catches the show on CKLW 800 AM. He's using Microsoft Office on a Vista machine. And he has encountered a huge annoyance. E-mail attachments open in WordPad. He wants to know how to get them to open in Microsoft Word.

I'll bet Word documents on your hard drive also open in WordPad. Of course, you may not be aware of this. You may open the files from within Microsoft Word. You wouldn't normally do that with e-mail attachments.

Here's your answer, Don: Your file associations are out of whack. File associations tell Windows which program to use to open a specific file type. Right now, the Microsoft Word extension is associated with WordPad.

To change the file association, click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Default Programs. Click "Associate a file type or protocol with a program." There are several file types you will want to reassociate: .DOC, .DOCM, .DOCX, .DOT, .DOTM and .DOTX. I'd associate .RTF with Word, too.

Select one of the file types and click Change program. In the dialog box that opens, you should see Microsoft Word. Select it and click OK. If you don't see Word, click Browse. Navigate to WINWORD.EXE and click open. By default, it should be located in C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12. Repeat for each file type.

Incorrect file associations can be a huge annoyance. But, it's hardly the only annoyance you'll encounter in Vista. Fortunately, I can help you fix these annoyances. For example, check these great tips:

• Solving a DVD-burning problem
• Tweaking User Account Control
• Retrieving lost files in Vista
• Solving problems with peripherals in Vista

MEMORY CARDS CAN STORE ALL KINDS OF DATA
Diane e-mailed from Baltimore, where she listens on WBAL 1090 AM. She has a CompactFlash card for her camera. She also has an SD card for her music player. She wants to know if she can use the cards to store data other than music and photos.

Yes, Diane. You certainly can use the cards to store data. You're not just limited to music and photos. In fact, I often recommend putting a text file on your memory cards. It should contain your name and contact information. That way, you might retrieve a lost camera or card.

I recommend buying a card reader. This will make it easy to load data onto the card. It also makes it easier to get data off of the card. You'll even find readers that let you turn certain cards into thumb drives. You may see them for SD cards. But they're primarily for MicroSD or MiniSD.

Now, here's a word of caution. Don't format the camera card on your computer. Cards formatted on a computer oftentimes don't work in cameras. They'll need to be reformatted by the camera. The same could be true of the music player card. Follow the player's instructions.

Need more help buying and using memory cards? Then don't miss these tips on my site:

• Buying the right memory card
• The lowdown on SD memory card formats
• Is your memory card really high speed?
• Free programs to recover data from a memory card

IS MY E-MAIL MARKETING LIST SAFE?
Nancy in Phoenix listens on KFYI 550 AM every Saturday. She wants to try one of our advertisers, Constant Contact.com (www.constantcontact.com). She owns a small shop and wants to send coupons via e-mail to her customers. But she's worried that Constant Contact will share her client list.

Constant Contact will never rent, share or sell your list.

By the way, it's easy to get your list over to Constant Contact. It can be done in three file formats: .txt (text file), .csv (comma separated values) and .xls (Microsoft Excel spreadsheet). Simply browse to where the file lives on your computer and let the Constant Contact wizard guide you through the import. You can also use your Microsoft Outlook address book.

By the way, Constant Contact also provides a list-building tool in the form of a sign-up box to put on your Web site. Your site visitors can sign up for your e-mail list and their addresses are automatically imported into your Constant Contact account. You have access to this tool even in the free trial.

Just a reminder, you can try ConstantContact.com free for 90 days. Just click here (www.constantcontact.com) and at the top right of the home page, click the radio microphone and use promo code Kim.

STAY UP TO DATE THE EASY WAY
Staying up with the digital news can be tough. But you don't have to worry about that. I check the news every morning. Then, I send it to you in my free News of the Day newsletter, Monday through Friday. So why not sign up now?

Now, you can also get the headlines and watch the latest news videos, too, on my site. Drop by our Daily News page at Komando.com.

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—Who's using your e-mail account?
• Setting up a gigabit Ethernet network
• Keep reading! I have more money-saving tips!

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SITES MAKE IT SIMPLE TO SELL YOUR WRITING ONLINE
Are you an aspiring journalist or beginning freelancer? Or, do you just want to earn extra cash by writing? A growing number of sites will help you turn your writing into cash. And you can get started right away!

You don't need to be a professional writer to use these sites. But your writing skills should be above average. You'll have a greater chance at success.

So, let's start with eHow.com. It publishes how-to articles in a variety of categories. It doesn't matter if a particular tutorial already exists. You can write your own version. eHow accepts the articles automatically. However, it may remove articles that don't meet its standards.

eHow also provides an extensive list of articles it needs. These usually come from requests from site visitors. eHow doesn't pay a flat rate. Rather, you're paid based on the number of times an article is viewed. So, you'll get residual income, assuming people find your articles compelling.

Perhaps you're ready to put Ernest Hemingway to shame. Good luck on that! Whatever, read the rest of my free column on ways to launch a writing career!

Do you have a Web site or blog? If so, 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! EXTRA HOUR 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 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!
• Gigabit Ethernet makes for a speedier network
• And so much more you can use!

	Recharge All Your Batteries! • Recharge alkalines, don't throw them away! • 6 charging bays and an LED monitor • Save money and the environment! GET YOURS NOW!
	Other Items of Interest USB Rechargeable Batteries Universal Digital Battery Tester

Debbie in Miamisburg, OH, catches the show on WHIO 1290 AM & 95.7 FM. She sounded quite distraught in the e-mail she sent.

She's been receiving e-mail messages from her own address. She says the messages all have lurid subject lines.

She wants to know if I can help her find out who is getting into her account. She also asked if she should close the account.

Things are not as bad as they seem, Debbie! Nobody is breaking into your e-mail account and sending you messages. And I don't think it is necessary to close the account.

Spammers are using your e-mail address as a return address. It is very easy to spoof an e-mail address. Typically, they use a made-up return address.

In this case, though, they are aiming at your friends and acquaintances. People who know you are more likely to open the attachment.

So, why are you getting messages with your return address? A virus probably got into a friend's address book. It selected your address for the return address. It then sent its spam to everybody in the address book. That included you. The virus isn't discriminating.

There's a chance that the virus is on your computer. So you should scan your machine. If necessary, use the free software at my Security Center.

Most likely, it is on someone else's. They should scan their machines, too. Forward this newsletter to everyone in your address book.

We could all use more help battling spam. I have plenty of practical advice for getting a grip on spam. These tips on my site are a great place to start:

• Should you unsubscribe from spam?
• Use BCC to protect friends from spam
• Download a good, free spam filter
• Stop "friendly" spam

SPEAKING OF E-MAIL, 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.

STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:

• Security tips to keep your computer safe
• Setting up a gigabit Ethernet network

MY SHOWS ARE DAD FRIENDLY This Father's Day, don't forget to tell dear old dad to listen to my big three-hour weekend show. It's FREE on your local radio station. Weekdays, catch my Digital Minutes for a daily tip on everything digital. Need more? Join Kim's Club and get on-demand audio.

NEW TO OUR RADIO FAMILY
Champaign, IL (WDWS 1400 AM), Sundays, 4 p.m. Duluth, MN (WDSM 710 AM), Saturdays, 9 a.m. Listen for my Digital Minutes, too!

TIME CHANGE
Austin, TX (KLBJ 590 AM), Saturdays, 1 p.m. Minutes in morning drive. Washington (WTNT 570 AM), Saturdays, 1 p.m. Minutes, 6 p.m. hour

STATIONS GALORE
Be sure to tune in on one of my hundreds of radio affiliates across the country. Here are a few of them: Chicago (WLS 890 AM); Dallas (KRLD 1080 AM); Houston (KPRC 950 AM); Atlanta (WSB 750 AM); Pittsburgh (WPGB 104.7 FM); West Palm Beach, FL (WJNO 1290 AM); Norfolk, VA (WTAR 850 AM); Omaha, NE (KFAB 1110 AM); Baskersfield, CA (KERN 1180 AM); Spokane, WA (KQNT 590 AM); Lexington, KY (WVLK 590 AM); Boise, ID (KIDO 580 AM); and so many more!

TUSCUMBIA, AL
This city was named after a Chickasaw Indian chief, Tuscumbia, and is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Helen Keller was born in 1880 in Tuscumbia and her home, Ivy Green, is open to the public. The city is currently restoring its downtown city buildings.

When in Tuscumbia, listen to my shows on WVNA 1590 AM Saturdays, 9 a.m., and Digital Minutes in the 7 a.m. hour.

FIND AN AFFILIATE NEAR YOU
It's so easy to find me near you. First, click my locator map. Second, click on a location near you. Enter your e-mail address, and you'll receive a prompt response.

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	Elegant Executive Desk Set! • Display this set at home or at the office • Wood pen, pencil and letter opener • Handsome rosewood box set GET YOURS NOW!
	Other Items of Interest The Kim Komando Show Mug The Kim Komando Show Sports Cap

KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: Parental controls in Vista
Summer is in full swing. Your children will spend some of it on the computer. Windows Vista has robust parental controls. You should use them. Get 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: My Spring Stimulus Giveaway
Check out my giveaway now. We have laptops, speaker systems, camcorders and more. Enter every day to win. In fact, you could win something great every single day of the giveaway. So, bookmark the site now! There is over $40,000 in prizes.

CONTEST SITE: Vivienne Tam giveaway
Glamour Magazine is giving away a stylish Vivienne Tam netbook from HP. Enter for your chance to win. Open to U.S. residents, 18 or older. Deadline: 7/6/09

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Sundiwear stickers
These stickers help you avoid sunburns. Stick them on skin or clothing. When they turn red, it's time to reapply sunscreen. It's great for parents. Fill out the form to get yours.

FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: Convert videos for an iPod
iPods are great multimedia devices. But they only support certain kinds of video. You'll need to convert your video into the proper format. This program can help.

FREEBIE FROM GOTOMYPC: Free 30-day trial
Access your office computer the easy way. 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 way to control your computer
• Start your very own poker league
• What do you value in a job?

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:

• 6 free productivity tools

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THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: 6 free productivity tools
When life gets busy, everyone could use a little help. I've found six great programs anyone could use. They'll streamline your work and communication.

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: Apple patches 32 vulnerabilities

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

APPLE PATCHES 32 JAVA VULNERABILITIES
This past week, Apple patched 32 vulnerabilities in its implementation of Java. The patches were released for both Leopard and Tiger. These vulnerabilities are serious and could lead to a hijacked machine. All it would take is a maliciously crafted Java applet.

The same vulnerabilities existed in the implementation of Java for Windows. However, Microsoft patched the vulnerabilities more than six months ago. Mac users, make sure you get these updates now! You can get them by running Mac's update service.

THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
• Get your network up to speed with gigabit Ethernet

I am upgrading my home network to gigabit Ethernet. I want faster access to my network-attached storage (NAS) system. What equipment do I need? The NAS supports gigabit Ethernet. I assume that I need to upgrade my router to a gigabit Ethernet router, as well as my network cards. But what about a gigabit Ethernet switch? Is there something unique about gigabit Ethernet that requires a switch?
Scott in Round Rock, TX, listening on KLBJ 590 AM

Gigabit Ethernet certainly is the way to go with network-attached storage. Data transfer will be much faster.

There isn't much to setting up gigabit Ethernet. You will need a gigabit Ethernet router. Or, you can purchase a wireless router that includes gigabit Ethernet ports.

You shouldn't need a gigabit Ethernet switch. Most routers contain switches. Some contain hubs instead of switches. Avoid those. Be sure you get one with a switch.

Switches provide greater control over the transmission of data. A switch maintains a log of where data is supposed to go. So, the data is sent only where it is intended.

In comparison, a hub sends data to every machine on the network. This is inefficient. It can also lead to data packet collisions. When this happens, the data must be resent.

Be careful of your router's Ethernet ports. All should be gigabit ports. Some routers have a mix.  

In fact, all ports should be capable of 10/100/1000 speeds. Why? Down the road, you may want to use something that only works with lower speeds. You'd be out of luck with a gigabit-only router.

If your budget is tight, 10/100/1000 ports have another advantage. You won't need to update the Ethernet cards on your machines immediately. You can use the old cards, although at a slower speed. You can upgrade as your budget allows.

Now, you'll also need new Ethernet cables. Otherwise, you won't get the full benefit of gigabit Ethernet. Buy CAT6 cables.

Need more networking help? Don't miss these handy tips on my site:

• Understanding network equipment
• Backing up data over your network
• Vista settings for a small network
• A wireless network that goes the distance
• Secure your wireless network

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!

Join me on FaceBook and Twitter.

Kim :)

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BLAME TOM IN VAN BUREN, AR, FOR THIS STINKER
Penguins have a strong community bond. When a penguin dies, friends and family dig a hole in the ice, using their vestigial wings and beaks. The dead bird is rolled into the hole and buried. The male penguins then gather in a circle and sing Freeze a Jolly Good Fellow.

Speaking of the cold…

Walter the ice-cream man's van was parked at the side of the road. Lights flashing, music playing, and a big line of excited kids stretched down the street. But there was no sign of Walter. A policeman walking down the road wonders what is going on. Where is Walter? Why is he not dishing out the ice-cream? He goes over to the van and peers over the high counter. On the floor he spots Walter, lying very still covered in chocolate sauce, strawberry sauce, nuts, hundreds and thousands and those little jelly bits. "Get back kids," he shouts. Moving away so the kids cannot overhear him he calls the station. "Sergeant, you'd get a team down here quick," he stutters, "It's Walter the ice-cream man......He's topped himself!"

Reminder, there's an extra hour for you to call the show this weekend! If you have a question about something digital, call me during the LIVE broadcast. It's Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the East Coast, toll-free 1-888-825-5254.

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!

• Free computer tip Mon-Fri
• Free cool site daily
• Free news links Mon-Fri

`

June 6, 2009—Vol. 13, No. 23

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DIGITAL TRICKS, TIPS AND ADVICE TO SAVE CASH
Coming at you from our studios in the great Sonoran Desert is the latest edition of the Kim Komando Show Electronic Newsletter! Stay tuned for fun sites, great freebies, and all the advice you need. Each week my national radio shows and newsletters reach tens of millions. It's great to have you with us!

CONTENTS -- WHAT'S IN YOUR INBOX THIS WEEK:
- ON THE QT: Digital TV transition; fun freebies and videos
- DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Easy and fast tips that work for you
- MY COLUMN: Five GPS units under $200
- COOL SITES: More fun stuff you'll like and use
- COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE: A better way to watch TV online
- SECURE COMPUTING: Criminals compromise 40,000 sites
- YOUR WEEKLY Q&A: Protect a laptop without spending a dime

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.

HOW TO CALL ME DURING THE SHOW
I'd love to hear from you. 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.) Tell our call screener Andrew what's on your mind. That's all there is to it!

KIM 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.

CLICK IT 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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PANIC! THE DIGITAL TV TRANSITION IS NEXT WEEK!
You've had a four-month reprieve. But now, the digital television transition is finally coming. By June 12, all full-power television stations will be broadcasting in digital. I've been talking about the transition for well over a year. So, you should be prepared!

But, in case you're a procrastinator, I have help! First, read my column on the transition. It addresses a lot of common questions. Then, get a $40 coupon toward a converter, if you need one. My Cool Site will tell you how to get one (or two).

Now you're ready to set up everything. You don't have to go it alone. No, I won't come to your home and help! But the government has hired contractors. They won't install outdoor antennas. But they'll get your other gear up and going—for free. You can learn more at the government's DTV site.

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.

GET THE WEATHER ON YOUR DESKTOP
Edward wrote from Quincy, IL. He tunes in to my national radio show on WGEM 105 FM. He's looking for a program I recommended awhile back. It puts the weather forecast on your desktop. It appears as wallpaper.

Well, Edward, you're looking for WeatherMate. It is one of hundreds of programs you'll find in my Downloads section. I hope it brings you good summer weather! And check for other fun freebies!

QUESTIONS FROM MY IN-BOX
As I was going through my e-mail this past week, it appears as if many of you are looking to get your business online. So, to that end, let me point you in the right direction.

Here are direct links to information posted on my site to help you get started.

• The cheap and easy way to build a Web site for your new business.
• Small business means small budgets. Read this tip to learn about freebies for the small business owner, including accounting software, consulting, loans and more.
• Let your customers set appointments with you using the Internet. No more calls or e-mail going back and forth!
• Free accounting software for your small business.
• Send free e-mail marketing newsletters and promotions for your small business using my advertiser, Constant Contact. Use promo code Kim to get 90 days free! No credit card required.

If you have a question, call me at 1-888-825-5254 during the live broadcast of my show. That's Saturday mornings, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pacific.

ENTER NOW TO WIN BIG! OVER $40,000 IN PRIZES
You cannot win if you don't enter.

WHAT CAN YOU WIN? GLAD YOU ASKED!
Here's a peek at some of the prizes:

• HP TouchSmart All-in-One PC ($1,499 value)
• Windows Powered Toshiba Satellite laptop ($1,249 value)
• HP Pavilion Entertainment Notebook ($854 value)
• HP MediaSmart Server ($599 value)
• Samsung Cell Phones (up to $349)
• Logitech Indoor Video Security System ($299 value)
• Toshiba Portable DVD Player ($229 value)
• Windows Vista Ultimate ($219 value)
• DXG High-Definition Camcorder ($180 value)
• Kodak Easyshare Digital Camera ($179 value)
• Pure Digital Flip Video Mino ($179 value)
• SPOT Satellite GPS Tracker ($169 value)
• HP 8" Digital Picture Frame ($149 value)
• …and much, much more!

Click here to see all the great prizes at the Spring Stimulus Giveaway site.

Congratulations to our most recent daily winners!

5/29 – Carol Berube of Holden, MA (WTAG 94.9 FM & 580 AM) won the Weekly Grand Prize: the PlayStation Portable and Buzz! Master Quiz Package
5/30 – Patricia Gordon of Hutto, TX (KLBJ 590 AM) won the Pure Digital Flip Mino ($180 value)
5/31 – Nancy Metz of North Myrtle Beach, SC (WRNN 99.5 FM & 1450 AM) won the Toshiba Portable DVD Player ($180 value)
6/1 – Kathy Poe of Jacksonville Beach, FL (WOKV 690 AM) won a Logitech Indoor Video Security System ($300 value)
6/2 – Michael Wellendorf of Lansing, IA (WMT 600 AM) won a Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Product Red Version ($219 value)
6/3 – Karen Koontz of Gas City, IN (1190 WOWO) won QuickBooks Accounting Pro 2009 software ($200 value)
6/4 – Pete Borini of Rexford, NY (WGY 810 AM) won a Kodak Easyshare Digital Camera ($180 value)

Note: Your name would look good on this list!

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:
Visit the Spring Stimulus Giveaway page to enter daily. I am giving away great prizes each day of the giveaway. Plus, make sure to enter once a day for your chance to win our weekly grand prize! These prizes will be featured each Friday on the site and winners will be announced on-air each weekend!

Finally, don't forget about our sponsors. Be sure to check out the great prizes on the Spring Stimulus Giveaway page. The sponsors make the giveaway possible. To learn more about the prizes, click those links (hint, hint) to visit the sponsors' sites.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE GIVEWAY
Now that you've entered, why not invite your friends? Just enter their information on my site. I'll send them an invitation. If they win, maybe they'll share with you!

TELL YOUR FACEBOOK, TWITTER, MYSPACE, BLOG READERS AND SITE VISITORS
1. Put a banner on your site! Tell them all about my contest. And all they have to do is click to enter!
2. Click the Share This button. You'll see it at the top of the Enter, Prizes, Winners and Share pages. You'll see a list of sites. Select one. It adds my contest!
3. While you're at it, join me on Facebook and Twitter.

NEED A FREEBIE?
Downloading software from the Internet is a risky business. That is, unless you head over to my free Download Center!

Each day, I choose one great freebie to feature as my Download of the Day. Thoroughly tested, these gems won't harm your machine! Miss a day? No worries! You'll find all my picks at my Download site! There are hundreds!

Here are some of my favorites from the past week:

• Do you know a bunch of great photographers? Why not create your own photo-sharing community?
• Good video games don't have to break the bank. This 2D computer game is free and fun.
• Stop worrying about downloading malware. This program keeps others from changing your computer.
• What's the best part of the daily paper? The funny pages, of course. Now, get them on your desktop

Saturday's Download of the Day—Hulu lets you watch TV on your schedule. But you had to do it in your Web browser. No longer. You can now access Hulu on your desktop.

Preview of Sunday's download—Video formats are a confusing mess. So, convert your videos to easy-to-use formats.

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.

YOUR SOURCE FOR THE WEB'S BEST VIDEOS
I don't have much time on my hands. But I still make time to sift through the inane videos on YouTube. I do it so you don't have to! Each day, I pick one great choice to share with you. You'll love my videos!

Here are my favorite videos from the past week:

• It's important for a man to be handy around the house. But can that talent go too far? Yes, it can. And here is the proof.
• Who doesn't like to watch pets do silly tricks? These pets are surprisingly talented. One exercises; the other plays catch.
• This cool video looks back at pre-Internet history. A man found a modem from the early 1960s. He set out to make it work.
• Can you recite the alphabet backwards? Well, that's nothing, compared to this man's talent. Try singing backwards.

I really respect true performers. These are people who have honed their skills into an art. Watching them perform is deeply entertaining. These videos feature some fantastic performances. See more videos in my Video of the Day archive.

• The Army and Navy are allied forces. But they are fierce rivals when it comes to sports. What could bring them both to a standing ovation?
• For some insight into a foreign culture watch how they dance. Dancing can really tell a story. This Chinese dance tells a story beautifully.
• Improvisation is a real skill. Improvisation to Beethoven is an art. And these two do it perfectly. They have a hilarious lover's spat set to music.
• Magic is all about misdirection. But what about speed magic? This guy does 10 mind-bending illusions in five minutes. And he is good.

Saturday's video—The WWII memorial in Washington is beautiful. But many veterans of that war have yet to see it. One charity aims to change that.

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.

SHARE MY VIDEO PICKS
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: Worried about photo navigation?
A new innovation in GPS units is troubling. Photo navigation combines in-car GPS and geo-tagged photos. You can get turn-by-turn directions to where a photo was shot. But could this be dangerous? I'll give you the details on my national radio show this weekend. Be sure to listen around 40 minutes into the second hour of the show to learn more.

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!

• Another scam that could land you in trouble
• Can you connect a computer to a plasma TV?
• You don't need to pay to protect your laptop
• Important security tips; and some awesome freebies!

BOY, THOSE SCAMMERS KEEP GETTING SMARTER
Terry in Goodlettsville, TN, listens to the show on WTN 99.7 FM. She is looking for work-from-home opportunities. She received an offer from a Russian company. It wants her to edit text that it sends her. She will be paid for her work. She wants to know if this is a scam.

I'm glad you wrote. Many people are getting taken by work-from-home scams. I recently wrote a column about spotting these scams for USAToday.com. You can read it here on my site.

Now, this is an interesting one, Terry. It doesn't have the usual scam hallmarks. The message makes it clear that you'll be working. It also tells you the details of the position. And there are no get-rich-quick claims. Many people might jump on this. But the fact that the company is overseas could give them pause.

Let me start with the good news, Terry. The company will send you text to edit. It won't ask for sensitive data up-front. It will even pay you for the editing.

Now for the kicker. It would probably be grooming you. It wants to build trust. The company eventually will offer you a promotion. You'll be a local agent, a position that comes with more money.

You'll receive checks that you cash and forward to a different account. Ta-da! See how the magic works? You've become a money launderer! You're helping identity thieves. And you can expect criminal charges!

These guys are always developing scams. And I'd hate to see you caught up in them. So, do yourself a favor. Check my Money Center. You'll find legitimate work-at-home opportunities there.

Of course, there are plenty of ways to make money. Click the links below to my newspaper columns.

• How to sell your homemade crafts on the Internet
• Strike it rich with your own online store
• Make money with your own blog

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!

GETTING A MAC LAPTOP READY FOR COLLEGE
James wrote from Phoenix, where he listens on KFYI 550 AM. He just got a MacBook for his 18th birthday. This will be his college computer, so he needs to install Windows. He wants to know where he can download Windows XP. He also wants to know about securing the machine.

Well, James, Mac OS X contains Boot Camp. This nifty little program lets you run Windows or OS X. When you start up, you can decide between operating systems. Of course, you will need to set up Boot Camp.

Unfortunately, Mac OS X does not include Windows. You'll need to purchase a copy. You probably could download XP. However, I strongly recommend against this. That's piracy. And the download could be hiding viruses or other malware.

You'll have a hard time finding a store offering XP. I would check the many sellers of academic-priced goods online. These stores sell software to students at significant discounts. Check out this tip.

You may have to settle for Windows Vista. I would recommend that, anyway. XP is slowly cruising toward obsolescence.

If you're really adventurous, download the release candidate of Windows 7. It will last about a year. At that time, you can purchase a full version.

Most colleges suggest that you use Microsoft Office. This package lists for about $600. But as a student, Microsoft will sell it to you for $65. This is a great deal. Just go to its Ultimate Steal site.

Now, you're smart to think about securing your machine. Even Macs are not impervious to attack. I have a handy tip that will help you lock down your new Mac. Of course, you should also take steps to protect the Windows partition. My Security Center has all the free security software you need!

By the way, Carbonite, the online backup service, now works with Macs. This company advertises with me. Carbonite is wonderful; I use it at home and the office. Protect the data on your Mac today! Use promo code Kim during your free trial and you get two months free! Click here to try Carbonite now.

PROBLEMS WITH HTML NEWSLETTERS
Les wrote from Atlanta, where he catches the show on WSB 750 AM. He also hears it on podcast because he's a Kim's Club Member.

Les is having trouble viewing some HTML newsletters in his e-mail. He doesn't have trouble with my newsletters. But other ones cause problems. He views them in Outlook and uses the free AVG antivirus software.

Well, Les, you're able to read my newsletters without any trouble. So what's the problem? Just kidding!

AVG has been known to cause similar problems. And it doesn't sound like the problem is with Outlook. Otherwise, you probably wouldn't be able to read my newsletters.

Fortunately, the fix is easy. Start by opening the AVG interface. Click Tools>>Advanced Settings. Then, click E-mail Scanner. Now, uncheck "Certify e-mail." Save your changes. This should do the trick for you!

By the way, if you need free antivirus software, drop by my Security Center. You'll find links to free antivirus, anti-spyware and firewall software.

Don't let your inbox get out of control! I have plenty of tips to help you manage e-mail:

• Managing multiple e-mail accounts
• Getting a grip on spam
• Be courteous by using BCC

STAY UP TO DATE THE EASY WAY
Staying up with the digital news can be tough. But you don't have to worry about that. I check the news every morning. Then, I send it to you in my free News of the Day newsletter, Monday through Friday. So why not sign up now?

Now, you can also get the headlines and watch the latest news videos, too, on my site. Drop by our Daily News page at Komando.com.

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—Computers and plasma sets
• Don't let thieves get your laptop!
• Keep reading! I have more money-saving tips!

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FIVE GPS UNITS UNDER $200
Once luxury items, GPS units are now a necessity for millions. Keeping your bearings no matter where the road leads is a breeze. Full-featured GPS units can approach $1,000. Fortunately, you'll find excellent units at a fraction of the price.

Here are my top picks for GPS units under $200. These are average prices on the Web:

Garmin nuvi 265T

The nuvi 265T ($180) features a 3.5-inch screen. It includes maps for all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. There are six million points of interest and Bluetooth functionality.

You'll get turn-by-turn, text-to-speech directions that announce street names.

The big draw is free real-time traffic updates for life. You may see small, unobtrusive ads for businesses along your route. Routes are not altered to take you past advertisers.

Do you have a Web site or blog? If so, 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!
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:

• Some freebies and a contest for you to win!
• Free solutions to protect a laptop
• And so much more you can use!

Johnny wrote in from Swainsboro, GA, where he tunes in on WGAC 580 AM. He wants to use his plasma HDTV as a monitor.

Theoretically, you can connect your computer to any HDTV. But the connections on the TV should match your computer's.

This can be a bit tricky. Your plasma should have an HDMI port. It may also have a VGA port.

Your computer's video card will have a VGA port. It may also have a DVI port. You can use the VGA port, if you choose. But that's analog. You'll get a better picture with a digital connection.

So, you can connect the digital DVI and digital HDMI ports. A cable to do that will run about $25.

Now, you may want a dual-monitor setup. Your video card will need two video-out ports. Or, you can buy a second video card. It can be internal or external. Find out how to get everything set up in my handy tip.

And don't forget MultiMon for managing the two monitors. It's free on my site!

Finally, you might be interested in a set top box. This will transfer most of the content from your computer to your television. Set top boxes basically just let you view movies and pictures. Learn more about them in my must-read column.

And remember, if you connect a computer to your TV, you can use the computer as a DVR!

A MESSAGE FROM THE KOMANDO.COM POSTMASTER
Did you move and get a new e-mail 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.

STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:

• Security tips to keep your computer safe
• Finding free laptop trackers

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FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Tune in to my fun-filled, jam-packed big three-hour weekend show. It's loads of family-friendly fun—and it's educational, too. I go over all things digital and take your calls. During the week, my Digital Minute provides you a quick tip. If you're on the go, Kimcasts are the way to hear me on your schedule!

TIME ADJUSTMENTS IN THESE MARKETS
• Memphis, TN (WREC 600 AM), Saturdays, 6 p.m. You can still catch my Minutes in the 2 p.m. hour weekdays
• Fond du Lac, WI (KFIZ 1450 AM), Sundays, 2 p.m.
• Omaha, NE (KFAB 1110 AM), Saturdays, 3 p.m. Hear my Minutes in the 5 a.m. hour weekdays

HELLO, NEW STATIONS
Fresno, CA (KJZN 105.5 FM), Sundays, 4 p.m.

West Tennessee's TJ Network: Jackson (WTJS 1390 AM); Dyer (WTJJ 94.3 FM); and Humboldt (WTJW 105.3 FM), Sundays, 1 p.m. Digital Minutes are at 5:45 p.m. weekdays!

A GLOBAL LISTENING AREA
Hundreds of stations around the globe air my shows. I am sure if you check my locator map you will find a station near you. Here is a small sample: Stations on The American Forces Radio Network; Chicago (WLS 890 AM); Dallas (KRLD 1080 AM); Houston (KPRC 950 AM); Atlanta (WSB 750 AM); Kansas City, KS (KMBZ 980 AM); Rochester, NY (WHAM 1180 AM); Birmingham, AL (WAPI 1070 AM); Erie, PA (WJET 1400 AM); Columbus, GA (WRCG 1420 AM); Las Cruces, NM (KOBE 1450 AM); Astoria, OR (KAST 1370 AM); Puerto Rico (WOSO 1030 AM); and more!

LIMA, OH
First, the city is pronounced "Lye-ma" and not "Lee-ma," a common mistake. Lima was one of the Oil Boom towns. Oil was discovered in Ohio circa 1885. School buses, petroleum products, machine tools and fertilizer are just some of the products Lima produces.

WIMA 1150 AM airs my show Saturdays at 3 p.m., and Sundays, 9 p.m. It airs my Digital Minutes in the 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. hours!

LOCATE YOUR NEAREST KIM KOMANDO RADIO STATION
Click here and access my handy dandy locator map. It's simple. Click on an area near you. Then, enter your e-mail address. You will receive an instant e-mail telling you when to tune in.

BECOME A MEMBER OF MY CLUB
Join Kim's Club and get access to premium content. You'll also get Message Board postings about everything you can imagine. And let's not forget the on-demand audio! You can listen to my daily and weekend shows when and where you want!

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	The Perfect Mug For The Queen Of The Castle! • Hand-painted ceramic • Holds 14 oz. of beverage • Durable, microwave & dishwasher safe GET YOURS NOW!
	Other Items of Interest A Mug For Mr. Right A Mug For Mrs. Always Right

KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: Sims 3 is not for kids
My son has been eagerly awaiting Sims 3. But he won't be playing it. It's not kid-friendly. And neither is the online content surrounding it. Be sure to listen around 40 minutes into the third hour of the show this weekend to learn more.

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: My Spring Stimulus Giveaway
Check out my giveaway now. We have laptops, speaker systems, camcorders and more. Enter every day to win. In fact, you could win something great every single day of the giveaway. So, bookmark the site now! There is over $40,000 in prizes.

CONTEST SITE: Fantasy Fund Sweepstakes
Popular Mechanics magazine is giving away $100,000. One person will win. All you have to do is enter. Open to U.S. residents, 13 or older. Deadline: 1/15/2010

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Burt Day Gift
Burt's Beeswax is giving away 1,000 lip balms every day. Just visit the site between 9am and noon. If you don't get one today, try again tomorrow. Deadline: 6/20/09

FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: Personal finance programs
There has never been a better time to get your finances in order. But that's easier said than done. These personal finance programs will get you off on the right foot.

FREEBIE FROM CITRIX: GoToAssist
Are you in the tech support business? Ever want to be? Or, do you need to hop on a client's computers to check things? If so, try GoToAssist free for 30 days.

FREEBIE FROM CONSTANT CONTACT: Free e-mail marketing
Send e-mail newsletters and promotions to your customers the easy way. Kim Komando Show listeners get a 90-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:
• Have a little fun with your Webcam
• Cool, close-by attractions
• Stunning close-ups

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:

• A better way to watch TV on the Internet

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THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: A better way to watch TV on the Web
I've talked about Hulu before. It's a great place to watch TV for free online. You can learn more about Hulu and other sites in this tip.

Well, Hulu lets you watch shows on your schedule. But you previously had to do it in your Web browser. No longer. You can now access Hulu on your desktop. This is one slick program. You'll want to check it out.

But before you do, be sure to listen to the first hour of the Kim Komando Show this weekend. At around 43 minutes into the first hour of the show, I will give you some insider tips on using it.

Let's keep it going; there's plenty more to cover:
• SECURE COMPUTING: Hackers break into 40,000 sites

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A SLEW OF SITES HAVE BEEN COMPROMISED
Hackers have compromised as many as 40,000 Web sites. They uploaded JavaScript code, likely through an SQL injection attack. The code redirects visitors to a bogus Google Analytics Web site. From there, they are directed to another malicious site.

The site probes a machine for vulnerabilities in IE and Firefox. If it finds flaws, it can potentially install numerous pieces of malware. A similar, but probably unrelated, attack hit Twitter this week. Both apparently are from Russia.

Remember my motto, folks: update, update, update! Make sure you run Windows Update regularly for necessary patches. Use Secunia's Personal Software Inspector to check for updates to third-party programs. And, of course, make sure your security software is current.

*   *   *

Lately, I'm getting complaints about Tagged.com. This is a smallish social-networking site. It's apparently sending misleading e-mail to attract members. I have the information on my site.

THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
• Secure a laptop the free way

You recently mentioned Adeona. It is a free program that helps you recover a stolen laptop. My daughter's laptop was recently stolen. So, I want to install it on all my children's laptops. However, the site does not seem to be working. Are there free alternatives?
Candi in Somers, NY, listening on WSTC 1400 AM

You're wise to install anti-theft software on the laptops. They're particularly attractive targets for thieves.

There are plenty of paid programs to protect laptops. For example, there's Lojack and Computrace. But the yearly fees can be high.

That's why I recommended Adeona as a free alternative. But, since then, things have changed. It appears that the site is experiencing back-end issues. This is causing reliability problems.

Adeona is striving to fix these problems. You'll need to find an alternative in the meantime.

Fortunately, Adeona isn't the only such free tool.

For instance, there is LocatePC. It is designed to run undetected. There will be no pop-ups, icons or saved e-mail. That way, a thief won't know that the program is running. Further, the process name is obscure. This makes it more difficult to detect in Task Manager.

By default, LocatePC sends an e-mail to the owner daily. The e-mail declares the IP address it is using. It also sends an e-mail when it changes Internet Protocol addresses. (The IP address is a unique number used on the Internet.) So your kids can expect plenty of e-mail.

When a laptop is stolen, the e-mail keeps coming. Hopefully, the police can track it with the IP address.

Next up: LocateMyLaptop. Again, it is free.  

LocateMyLaptop offers many of the same features as LocatePC. But it also lets you view information online. That means you can track it from anywhere. When it goes missing, the program will send a stealth message. This goes to LocateMyLaptop. It will then provide you information to help you recover it.

LocateMyLaptop also offers a premium version. The features are beefed up. It also offers another handy tool. You can remotely delete the laptop data. But, you'll pay $3 monthly for the privilege.

I also recommend installing alarms. This is a great deterrent! Learn more about laptop alarms in my money-saving tip.

Of course, you should take other precautions. My handy tip will help.

Finally, your children should be sure to encrypt sensitive data. This could be more valuable than their laptops. I have a great free program that will help!

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!

Join me on FaceBook and Twitter.

Kim :)

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	Add Some Doggie to Your Soup! • Daschund salt & pepper shaker set • A fun way to season your food • A fun gift idea for any dog lover GET YOURS NOW!
	Other Items of Interest Perfect Brownies Every Time Beautiful Blooms in a Bag

FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS
For years, the campanile rang beautifully, under the guidance of a master bell ringer. But one day, the bell ringer fell from the tower, dying instantly. The distraught bishop advertised for a replacement. The next day, the bell ringer's brother appeared and requested an audition. The bishop sadly took him to the tower. As the man bent to lift the hammer, he suffered a heart attack. He, too, plunged to his death. A monk ran up the stairs and said to the bishop, "My God! How terrible! What was his name?" Replied the weeping bishop, "I don't know, but he's a dead ringer for his brother!"

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!

• Free computer tip Mon-Fri
• Free cool site daily
• Free news links Mon-Fri

`

May 23, 2009—Vol. 13, No. 21

		PAID ADVERTISEMENT STOP! BEFORE YOU PURCHASE A NEW PC... "Saw your ad in the Kim Komando newsletter. I just purchased Optimize and want to tell you it works great. My computer is back to normal speed now. I was almost ready to get a new one." —Tom in PA • Boost Internet Speed • Recoup System Resources • Energize System Performance Get Your Free Optimize Scan Now!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!
It's time for another thrilling ride down the information highway with the latest edition of the Kim Komando Show Weekend Newsletter! I've got plenty of freebies, advice and sites to help you get more from your digital life. Each week my national radio shows and newsletters reach tens of millions. It's great to have you along for the ride!

CONTENTS -- WHAT'S IN YOUR INBOX THIS WEEK:
- ON THE QT: Chrome; Memorial Day; fun freebies and videos
- DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Easy and fast tips that work for you
- MY COLUMN: 7 great freebies you'll actually use
- COOL SITES: More fun stuff you'll like and use
- COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE: Great deals for foodies
- SECURE COMPUTING: Gumblar attacks are on the rise
- YOUR WEEKLY Q&A: Using a digital camera as a Webcam

FIND MY NATIONAL RADIO SHOW IN YOUR HOMETOWN
Join me this weekend! 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 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.

Now, I'm sure you have at least one question about something digital. I'm here to help with unbiased advice. All you need do is call me.

HOW TO CALL ME DURING THE SHOW
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.) Tell our call screener Andrew what's on your mind. That's all there is to it!

DOWNLOAD MY SHOWS LISTEN WHEN YOU WANT!
Get my daily and weekend national radio shows on your schedule. Listen to my shows when and where you want. Wow! 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.

IF IT'S UNDERLINED IN MY NEWSLETTER, CLICK IT!
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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PAID ADVERTISEMENT Email Marketing – FREE TRIAL "I know first hand that staying in touch with customers regularly is the key to small business success! That's why I recommend Email Marketing from Constant Contact." —Kim Komando Keep your customers coming back to your business with email marketing from Constant Contact. Start Your FREE Trial Today!

CHROME IS FASTER
We certainly have a lot of free Web browsers. I'm a FireFox fan. But I also use Internet Explorer and Safari. And I have Chrome running on my home PC.

It's been nine months since Google released its impressive Chrome browser. This past week, Chrome got an update.

Here's the big deal: Chrome promises to work even faster. You can download it here.

HAVE A GREAT MEMORIAL DAY
This coming Monday is Memorial Day. It's not just a day off for backyard barbeques, picnics and time off from work. It is the day we honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their life. And we salute our present and past military men and women who make weekends with family and friends possible.

This weekend, I will be setting flags on our fallen heroes' graves along with my Boy Scout troop in my local National Memorial Cemetery. A national moment of remembrance is to take place at 3 p.m. local time on Monday. So, if you are having a gathering, note the time.

The White House Commission on Remembrance is sponsoring a musical tribute. Sara Evans, Kiley Dean and RA will join in. They have each created renditions of "On This Day."

You may hear these renditions on your radio during the remembrance. You can also download them. I have the link to them here.

And for more ways that you can participate this Memorial Day, click this link. I have all sorts of things you can do!

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.

GIVE YOUR BUDGET A BOOST
I get thousands of e-mail messages a week from listeners and readers. So, I have a pretty good idea of what's on people's minds. And many of you are still very worried about money. That's no surprise, given the state of the economy.

Well, I have something to ease your mind. My Money Center has tons of great advice for improving your financial situation.

• Learn how to find freebies online or sell items on eBay.
• Find out how to start a business or a money-making blog.
• Get a job online; and more!

It's all here! Even if your situation isn't dire, you don't want to miss these tips. After all, who doesn't want a little extra spending money?

MY STIMULUS PLAN: GIVE AWAY OVER $40,000 IN DIGITAL GEAR
"I never win anything!" I've heard that from nearly every winner in our Spring Stimulus Giveaway.

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?
Here's a peek at some of the prizes:

• HP TouchSmart All-in-One PC ($1,499 value)
• Windows Powered Toshiba Satellite laptop ($1,249 value)
• HP Pavilion Entertainment Notebook ($854 value)
• HP MediaSmart Server ($599 value)
• Samsung Cell Phones (up to $349)
• Logitech Indoor Video Security System ($299 value)
• Toshiba Portable DVD Player ($229 value)
• Windows Vista Ultimate ($219 value)
• DXG High-Definition Camcorder ($180 value)
• Kodak Easyshare Digital Camera ($179 value)
• Pure Digital Flip Video Mino ($179 value)
• SPOT Satellite GPS Tracker ($169 value)
• HP 8" Digital Picture Frame ($149 value)
• …and much, much more!

Click here to see all the great prizes at the Spring Stimulus Giveaway site.

Congratulations to our most recent daily winners!

5/15 – Diana Petronio of Webster, NY (WHAM 1180 AM) won the Weekly Grand Prize: Windows Powered Toshiba Satellite Laptop ($1,249 value)
5/16 – Raymond Veneklase of Ada, MI (WOOD 1300 AM) won a SanDisk slotMusic Kit ($100 value)
5/17 – Mike Mulligan of Palmdale, CA (Armed Forces Radio Network & KOSS 1380 AM) won FlatWire's Speaker Wire/Subwoofer Cable Kit ($399 value)
5/18 – Linda Bowers of Buras, LA (WRNO 99.5 New Orleans) won a Logitech Indoor Video Security System ($300 value)
5/19 – Lynn Landers of Pinnacle, NC (WSJS 600 AM) won QuickBooks Accounting Pro 2009 software ($200 value)
5/20 – Joe Patrick of Colorado Springs, CO (KRDO 105.5 FM & 1240 AM) won a SPOT Satellite GPS Tracker ($170 value)
5/21 – Beth Collins of Ames, IA (KWQW 98.3 FM) won a Samsung Gravity Cell Phone ($200 value)

Note: Your name would look good on this list!

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:
Visit the Spring Stimulus Giveaway page to enter daily. I am giving away great prizes each day of the giveaway. Plus, make sure to enter once a day for your chance to win our weekly grand prize! These prizes will be featured each Friday on the site and winners will be announced on-air each weekend!

Finally, don't forget about our sponsors. Be sure to check out the great prizes on the Spring Stimulus Giveaway page. The sponsors make the giveaway possible. To learn more about the prizes, click those links (hint, hint) to visit the sponsors' sites.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE GIVEWAY
Now that you've entered, why not invite your friends? Just enter their information on my site. I'll send them an invitation. If they win, maybe they'll share with you!

TELL YOUR FACEBOOK, TWITTER, MYSPACE, BLOG READERS AND SITE VISITORS
1. Put a banner on your site! Tell them all about my contest. And all they have to do is click to enter!
2. Click the Share This button. You'll see it at the top of the Enter, Prizes, Winners and Share pages. You'll see a list of sites. Select one. It adds my contest!
3. While you're at it, join me on Facebook and Twitter.

CHECK OUT MY FREE SOFTWARE GEMS
You never know what you get when you download a free program online. It could be great. Or, it could infect your machine with malware or cause glitches. You never have to worry about that with my Download of the Day. All have been thoroughly tested by yours truly! All of my picks are free, but I prefer to think of them as priceless!

I've got hundreds of programs in the archives. You won't believe all the great programs you'll find. Here are some of my favorites from the past week:

• Download free music. You'll love these tunes!
• Showing someone how to do something is easier than telling. This freebie helps you record your PC screen.
• Are you looking for a place to host your photographs on the Internet? This service is fast, easy and free.
• Everyone needs a calculator. And the one in Windows works well. But here's one that provides a tape!

Saturday's Download of the Day—How'd you like some free food! I scoured the Internet and found ways that both kids and adults can chow down for nothing.

Preview of Sunday's download—Is it going to rain? How hot will it be? The weather affects every part of our daily lives. So, get detailed weather reports right on your desktop.

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.

TIME FOR A VIDEO BREAK
It seems that there is a never-ending supply of videos online. That makes the good ones all the more difficult to find. But I do the work so you don't have to! Each day I feature one new video that you're sure to love!

Here are my favorite videos from the past week:

• This video explores the top-secret world of the FBI. See how it solves crimes and tracks down terrorists. It's fascinating.
• Houdini made a name for himself through spectacular escapes. Can this British man do the same? Or, is he just ridiculous?
• Craigslist says it will restrict erotic ads. But it will still allow massage ads. As this video shows, they're covers for prostitution.
• Have you filled your cuteness quota for the day? If not, you better check out this video. It's sure to put you over the top.

Music has the ability to affect all of our emotions. Songs can be funny, inspiring and touching. These are some of my favorite musical videos. See more in my Video of the Day archive:

• Singer Tom Rush performs today. He's getting on in age (68), and this song reflects certain problems. Hopefully, it's a joke!
• How do you get to Carnegie Hall? You might upload a performance to YouTube. Learn more in this inspiring video.
• You've heard classical music. But have you seen it? What if music were for the ears and the eyes? This is pretty cool.
• What is the key to a long marriage? I'm not sure I have the answer. But this amazing couple seems to have figured it out.

Saturday's video—Life is tough for new moms. This one has a slew of kids. First, she has to get them off the ledge. Then they have to walk to their new home through traffic. Fortunately, a friend helped out.

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.

SHARE MY VIDEO PICKS
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: Protect your camera from theft
Digital cameras are favorite targets for thieves. They're expensive and easily snatched. But you can protect yours. I have tips all shutterbugs should know. Check out the second hour of this weekend's national 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 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!

• Send text messages from your PC for free
• Getting rid of a persistent "infection"
• Cameras do double duty as Webcams
• Important security tips; and some awesome freebies!

SEND TEXT MESSAGES FROM YOUR COMPUTER FOR FREE
Lara in Louisville, KY, never misses the show on WNOX 100.3 FM. She thought she heard me talking about text messaging from a computer. She would like to know if this is indeed possible. If so, she wants help getting started.

Yes, Linda, you heard right. You certainly can text from your computer. And, you can do it for free! That's a great way to save.

In most cases, you'll need to know the recipient's cellular provider. You may be able to figure that out yourself. You can do a reverse lookup online. This should show you the carrier associated with the number.

You can send text messages from many providers' Web sites. Or, you can send text messages using a Firefox add-on. (You'll need the free Firefox browser, too.) You can even send messages directly from your e-mail account.

Learn about the myriad ways to send free text messages in my money-saving tip.

Check some of my other tips to save on your phone bill:

• Cellular shortcuts save you money
• How to renegotiate your cell plan
• Save money with prepaid cellular

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!

IS CSRSS.EXE A LEGITIMATE WINDOWS FILE?
Gary wrote from Chicago, where he tunes in on WLS 890 AM. He uses the ZoneAlarm firewall on his computer. It has started giving him security pop-ups. They warn that Client Server Runtime Process is trying to access the Internet. The messages also refer to the csrss.exe application. Gary asked if the program is legitimate.

Client Server Runtime Process is a Windows process. Csrss.exe is its executable file. This process is critical in Windows. But the file is also associated with malware.

I'm surprised that ZoneAlarm is asking. This process should be running all the time. So, it could be malware.

Scan your computer with antivirus and anti-spyware programs. If you don't have these programs, download them from my Security Center.
Be sure they are updated.

There's a good chance that you'll find something on your machine. Many viruses and other nasties target this process. Versions of the Netsky worm use the csrss.exe file, for example. The sooner you scan your machine and remove infections, the better!

New security threats are discovered every day. So, you'll want to keep up with my weekly Privacy tip. It will help you stay abreast of hackers and scammers. And don't miss these tips on my site:

• Getting rid of Spyware Protect 2009
• Avoid the latest threats and scams
• Stopping online impersonators

USING THE WEB TO FIND OLD FRIENDS
Steve in Conway, SC, tunes in to WRNN 99.5 to catch the show. He's trying to reach old friends. And he'd like help tracking them down. He wants to know if there are sites that can help. He's tried Google, but there are too many results to sift through.

Yes, Steve, the Internet is a great resource when you need to locate someone. Google is a good place to start. But it can be tricky if the person has a common name. You might try narrowing the search with a location or interest. I'll bet you've already tried that, though.

I really recommend a people-search site. These sites search networking sites and sites containing public records. They often also search the deep Web. These are pages that aren't indexed by most search sites. So, you have a better chance of finding long-lost friends. You can learn about some of the best people-search sites on my site.

Of course, using search sites is just one avenue. Think about creating a blog. Mention the person's name and how you met. Chances are, the person will find your post when searching his or her name. If you're interested you can start a free blog with Blogger, WordPress or LiveJournal.

WELCOME A NEW ADVERTISER
Are you in the tech support business? Ever want to be? Or do you need to hop on a client's computers to check things? If so, you need to check out GoToAssist from Citrix, makers of GoToMyPC.

With GoToAssist, you can instantly view and control customer computers with secure, easy-to-use GoToAssist Express. Try it FREE for 30 days and see how you can:

• Wow your customers with instant help – on a Mac® or PC
• Solve issues faster – and save time
• Reduce travel and support costs
• Give support even when customers are away from their computers

You can try it free for 30 days! Just click here to get started with your free trial now!

STAY UP TO DATE THE EASY WAY
Staying up with the digital news can be tough. But you don't have to worry about that. I check the news every morning. Then, I send it to you in my free News of the Day newsletter, Monday through Friday. So why not sign up now?

Now, you can also get the headlines and watch the latest news videos, too, on my site. Drop by our Daily News page at Komando.com.

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—Giving DoubleClick the boot
• How to use your camera for video chats
• Keep reading! I have more money-saving tips!

PAID ADVERTISEMENT    SOLVE TECHNICALPROBLEMS FASTER    GoToAssist Express lets you view and control another computer online, so you can use your expertise to fix the problem instantly. You'll solve technical issues faster while reducing travel costs and increasing customer satisfaction. "Support smarter with GoToAssist Express!" — Kim Komando Try GoToAssist Express FREE for 30 Days!

7 GREAT FREEBIES YOU'LL ACTUALLY USE
Free iPods! Free TVs! Free money! Unfortunately, these online offers are almost certainly scams. I'm using the word almost because I haven't checked every single one.

They fall under the rule we've all heard a thousand times: There is no free lunch. But there are legitimate freebies. Here are some that you will use time and time again.

Long distance calls are costly. That's particularly true if you're calling international numbers. But you don't need to spend a dime on long distance calling.

Do you have a Web site or blog? If so, 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?
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:

• Some freebies and a contest for you to win!
• Using a camera as a Webcam
• And so much more you can use!

Rob wrote from Ft. Lauderdale, FL, where he tunes in on WIOD 610 AM. Rob is trying to rid his computer of persistent malware. But he needs help.

Every time he scans his computer, DoubleClick is found. He quarantines it, but, it keeps popping back up in scans. He wants to know what he should do.

I assume you are running an anti-spyware or anti-adware program. It is unlikely that an antivirus program would flag DoubleClick.

DoubleClick isn't a spyware program. Nor is it a virus, Trojan or a worm. Rather, it is simply a cookie that's been placed on your machine.

So, you should be relieved that this isn't a serious problem.

The DoubleClick cookie is intrusive, though. It can be used to track your movement across sites. I understand if you want to block the cookie.

DoubleClick is one of the largest online advertisers. So, you may have picked up the cookie virtually anywhere online. It is placed on your machine when you see a DoubleClick ad.

Cookies are easy enough to remove. But, keeping them gone can be difficult. That's particularly true with the DoubleClick cookie.

Fortunately, there are a couple of options. First, you can block third-party cookies in your browser. Sites you visit can place cookies on your machine. But, advertising cookies will be blocked.

Another option is to use a HOSTS file. This will block all files that DoubleClick serves to a Web page you're viewing. You won't see the DoubleClick ads. Nor can DoubleClick track your Web surfing anymore.

Now, most cookies aren't that bad. Sites may use them to remember your user name and preferences. Learn more about cookies in my handy tip!

A MESSAGE FROM THE KOMANDO.COM POSTMASTER
Did you move and get a new e-mail 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.

STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:

• Security tips to keep your computer safe
• Can you use a digital camera as a Webcam?

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ALWAYS REMEMBER It's the unofficial start of summer! I hope you enjoy your long weekend. But don't forget to remember those who fought to protect our freedoms. Be sure to listen to my three-hour weekend show while planning your Memorial Day festivities. During the week, don't miss my daily Digital Minutes. Have some fun with us at Kim's Club, too!

A BIG TEXAS REMINDER
Houston (KPRC 950 AM) now airs my weekend show Sundays at 9 p.m. Catch my Digital Minutes weekdays in the 11 a.m. hour.

A FULL SALUTE TO ALL MY AFFILIATES
Make sure you salute a service member if you can this weekend. I'll say thanks to the stations of the American Forces Radio Network for carrying my shows. And let's not forget these great stations that also air my shows: Dallas (KRLD 1080 AM); Atlanta (WSB 750 AM); Seattle (KTTH 770 AM); Orlando, FL (WDBO 580 AM); Stockton, CA (KWSX 1280 AM); Columbia, SC (WVOC 560 AM); Porterville, CA (KTIP 1450 AM); Lansing, MI (WILS 1320 AM); Flagstaff, AZ (KVNA 600 AM); Morgantown, WV (WAJR 1440 AM); Dubuque, IA (WDBQ 1490 AM); Ithaca, NY (WHCU 870 AM); and so many more!

GATEWAY TO THE WEST
I had dinner with my friend Chip Davis, the founder of Mannheim Steamroller, the other night. He lives in Omaha. One of the best places to be in the summer is Omaha, NE. The NCAA College World Series has been held in Omaha each June since 1950. The Parks & Recreation Department holds neighborhood hydrant parties every summer. The city still represents hometown America!

My home in Omaha is KFAB 1110 AM. It airs my weekend show Sunday at 3 p.m. And don't miss my Digital Minutes weekdays in the 5 a.m. hour.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO SAY THANK YOU
Drop your local station's program director a line. Say, "Thanks for airing The Kim Komando Show!" You can find local station information here:
www.radio-locator.com. And don't forget to support local sponsors!

FIND ME WHEREVER THE ROAD LEADS
Traveling this Memorial Day weekend? Looking for me on the air? Go to my Locator Map and click on your location. I'll e-mail you your local station in a jiffy!

LISTEN WHEN YOU WANT: KIM ON DEMAND
Get with the "In" crowd by getting in to Kim's Club! You'll get special content and Message Board posting. Best of all, you get me on demand 24/7 with my Kimcasts.

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KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: How to make a graduation video
Graduation is a big deal. And once the diplomas are handed out, it's time to party. But a little reflection can be good, too. You can create a video looking back over your child's growth. It's easier than you think. Tune into the third hour of my national radio show this weekend for details.

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: My Spring Stimulus Giveaway
Check out my giveaway now. We have laptops, speaker systems, camcorders and more. Enter every day to win. In fact, you could win something great every single day of the giveaway. So, bookmark the site now! There is over $40,000 in prizes.

CONTEST SITE: A spa vacation
You could win a four-day spa package at Red Mountain Resort and Spa. The prize includes travel expenses. Open to U.S. residents 18 or older. Deadline: 6/30/09.

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Protect and pamper your skin
Summer is coming. So, it's important to protect your skin. Get a sample of Hawaiian Tropic: After Sun Body Butter. Open to U.S. residents.

FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: Cut costs, watch TV for free online
Cable television is great. But it costs quite a bit. Did you know your favorite shows could be seen for free online? Well, you do now. These sites make it easy.

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:
• Visually impaired photographers?
• Help for tricky crossword puzzles
• A puppy a day

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:

• Great deals for foodies

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THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: Great deals on food
The economy is still getting the best of us all. So, this week, I wanted to find some great places to get wonderful, free food. Score a free appetizer or dessert.

I'll tell you more during the first hour of my national radio show this weekend. 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: Legitimate sites serving malware

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GUMBLAR ATTACK FOCUSES ON LEGITIMATE SITES
Security firms are warning about a new malicious script. The so-called Gumblar attack is targeting legitimate sites. It infects them with the malicious JSRedir-R script. And the attack is growing fast. It accounts for about 50 percent of malicious infections found in the past few weeks.

The script hides behind JavaScript. It looks for browser vulnerabilities. If vulnerabilities are found, malicious software is loaded on the machine. In particular, it looks for flaws in Flash and PDF plug-ins. It is not exploiting holes for which there is a patch.

Now is a great time to check your machine's security. If you don't have updated security software, head to my site. I have all the free security tools you need for your PC. You'll also want to make sure Windows is updated. And finally, run Secunia's Personal Software Inspector. It checks for updates in third-party programs.

THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
• Using a digital camera as a Webcam

I want to be able to video chat with my family back home. I'd really rather not buy a Webcam, though, if possible. Can I use my digital camera?
Kevin in Palm Springs, CA listening on KPSI 920 AM

Webcams are a great way to keep in touch with friends and family. And, in fact, some digital cameras can be used. Some cameras actually advertise a Webcam mode. (These are often inexpensive, off-brand cameras, though.)

Point-and-shoot cameras will double as Webcams. Things are different when it comes to digital SLRs, though. You may be able to use a digital SLR that has live view or a movie mode. I wouldn't bank on it, though.

Now, not just any point-and-shoot will work. It must have an A/V port for connecting to your television. Fortunately, most cameras have the necessary port.

Your camera should have come with the appropriate A/V cable. It may connect to the camera any number of ways. But the end that connects to the television probably has RCA-type connections.

Plug the cord into your computer's video input, if it has one. Such inputs are fairly common on desktop computers. But you probably won't find one on laptops.

In that case, you'll need a video-capture device. This could come in a number of sizes and shapes.

I recommend a video-capture cable. On one end, you'll find plugs that connect to your camera's A/V cord. At the other end is a USB connection. In the middle is a small box. Expect to pay $40 or less.

You'll need to install the cable's drivers. Video-editing software may also be included. You don't need to install the video-editing software unless you choose.

Once the drivers are installed, connect your camera. Turn on the camera and start your chat program. The program may find the camera automatically. If not, select it as the input.

The program may be able to pick up audio through your camera. If not, connect a microphone to your computer. You're good to go!

Now, you could run into problems. First, your camera may shut down automatically after a few minutes. If so, check the manual. You should be able to disable the automatic shutdown.

You also need to think about the battery. It may not last through a long video chat. In that case, use your camera's power adapter.

For more help with Webcams, hit my site:

• Insider tips to buying the right Webcam
• Use a Webcam to stay in touch
• Finally, what you really need. Three great free programs for your Webcam

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!

Join me on FaceBook and Twitter.

Kim :)

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	Other Items of Interest Colorforms Original Classic Toy Gear Charging System

THIS ONE IS JUST TERRIBLE!
A professor was teaching an introductory anatomy class. One day, he announced, "Today I will be lecturing on the contents of the abdomen. We will take a close look at the liver, pancreas, spleen, duodenum, jejunum, kidneys, ileum, adrenal glands and other structures." Just then, a student shouted, "If there's one thing I can't stand, it's an organ recital!"

Speaking of music…

Did you hear about the new line of Elvis Presley-themed steakhouses?
They will be for people who love meat tender.

I heard you laugh! After all, it's not rare for this medium. Har-har-har!

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!

• Free computer tip Mon-Fri
• Free cool site daily
• Free news links Mon-Fri

Copyright © 2009, The Kim Komando Show. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of The Kim Komando Show is prohibited and strictly enforced. Newsletters may contain links to sites on the Internet owned and operated by third parties. The Kim Komando Show is not responsible for the availability of, or the content located on or through, any such third-party site. Information in this document is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and freedom from infringement. The user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document. We will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of this information, including, but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages.

If you must, unsubscribe details are below. :/

To unsubscribe, use my online form.

You may also unsubscribe by sending a request via postal mail. Please include your name, e-mail address and a printed copy of your Newsletter e-mail. Send to:
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May 16, 2009—Vol. 13, No. 20

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YOUR WEEKEND DOSE OF DIGITAL SECRETS
It's your guide to the digital universe, the Kim Komando Show Weekend Newsletter! I'll show you how to get more from your digital life with helpful advice, insider secrets, top tips and cool sites. And let's not forget the freebies! Each week my national radio shows and newsletters reach tens of millions. Thank you for supporting the work I do!

CONTENTS -- WHAT'S IN YOUR INBOX THIS WEEK:
- ON THE QT: Windows 7 is coming; fun freebies and videos
- DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Easy and fast tips that work for you
- MY COLUMN: Save money with a netbook
- COOL SITES: More fun stuff you'll like and use
- COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE: Free tools for your mobile phone
- SECURE COMPUTING: Apple issues massive security update
- YOUR WEEKLY Q&A: Speed up Vista the free way

FIND MY NATIONAL RADIO SHOW IN YOUR HOMETOWN
Join me this weekend! 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 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.

Now, I'm sure you have at least one question about something digital. I'm here to help with unbiased advice. All you need do is call me.

HOW TO CALL ME DURING THE SHOW
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.) Tell our call screener Andrew what's on your mind. That's all there is to it!

DOWNLOAD MY SHOWS LISTEN WHEN YOU WANT!
Get my daily and weekend national radio shows on your schedule. Listen to my shows when and where you want. Wow! 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.

IF IT'S UNDERLINED IN MY NEWSLETTER, CLICK IT!
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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IS YOUR PC READY FOR WINDOWS 7?
Windows 7 is almost here! Microsoft hopes to complete its latest operating system by mid-August. That would make it available for the holiday season. Of course, no definite release date has been set.

I covered Windows 7's features in last week's Killer Tip. If you missed it, the lowdown is on my site. I'm sure many are eagerly awaiting Windows 7. But will your current machine run it? Or, will you need to upgrade your computer?

I won't leave you guessing. Download the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. It will scan your computer to see if it is compatible. It also checks your programs and gadgets for compatibility. If a problem is discovered, it will give you upgrade options. Download the Upgrade Advisor from my site!

HAVE HP? IT'S RECALLING 70,000 BATTERIES
HP is recalling lithium-ion batteries used in HP laptops and Compaq notebooks. Roughly 70,000 of the batteries were sold at stores, hp.com and hpshopping.com, from August 2007 through March 2008. Battery packs sold separately are also part of the recall.

To see if your batteries are on the recall list, click here.

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.

GIVE YOUR BUDGET A BOOST
I get thousands of e-mail messages a week from listeners and readers. So, I have a pretty good idea of what's on people's minds. And many of you are still very worried about money. That's no surprise, given the state of the economy.

Well, I have something to ease your mind. My Money Center has tons of great advice for improving your financial situation.

• Learn how to find freebies online or sell items on eBay.
• Find out how to start a business or a money-making blog.
• Get a job online; and more!

It's all here! Even if your situation isn't dire, you don't want to miss these tips. After all, who doesn't want a little extra spending money?

MY STIMULUS PLAN: GIVE AWAY OVER $40,000 IN DIGITAL GEAR
"I never win anything!" I've heard that from nearly every winner in our Spring Stimulus Giveaway.

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?
Here's a peek at some of the prizes:

• HP TouchSmart All-in-One PC ($1,499 value)
• Windows Powered Toshiba Satellite laptop ($1,249 value)
• HP Pavilion Entertainment Notebook ($854 value)
• HP MediaSmart Server ($599 value)
• Samsung Cell Phones (up to $349)
• Logitech Indoor Video Security System ($299 value)
• Toshiba Portable DVD Player ($229 value)
• Windows Vista Ultimate ($219 value)
• DXG High-Definition Camcorder ($180 value)
• Kodak Easyshare Digital Camera ($179 value)
• Pure Digital Flip Video Mino ($179 value)
• SPOT Satellite GPS Tracker ($169 value)
• HP 8" Digital Picture Frame ($149 value)
• …and much, much more!

Click here to see all the great prizes at the Spring Stimulus Giveaway site.

Congratulations to our most recent daily winners!

5/8 – Stephen Brown of Lewisville, TX (KRLD 1080 AM) won the Weekly Grand Prize: A PlayStation 2 – Buzz! Mega Quiz Package
5/9 – Jill Edwards of Lynnwood, WA (KTTH 770 AM) won a Pure Digital Flip Mino ($180 value)
5/10 – Norman Dube of Bangor, ME (WVOM 103.9 FM) won Altec Lansing's Moondance Glow ($130 value)
5/11 – Tim Phillips of Frankfort, KY (WVLK 590 AM & WKYW 140 AM) won a Samsung Propel Cell Phone ($250 value)
5/12 – Sue Schofield of Springfield, MO (KWTO 560 AM) won a Lexar Platinum II and SDHC Card Bundle ($190 value)
5/13 – Diane Kreinbring of Tucson, AZ (KNST 790 AM) won a Sony Creative Software Movie and Music Bundle ($200 value)
5/14 – Phil Thomas of Beaver Falls, PA (WPGB 104.7 FM) won a Pure Digital Flip Mino ($180 value)

Note: Your name would look good on this list!

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:
Visit the Spring Stimulus Giveaway page to enter daily. I am giving away great prizes each day of the giveaway. Plus, make sure to enter once a day for your chance to win our weekly grand prize! These prizes will be featured each Friday on the site and winners will be announced on-air each weekend!

Finally, don't forget about our sponsors. Be sure to check out the great prizes on the Spring Stimulus Giveaway page. The sponsors make the giveaway possible. To learn more about the prizes, click those links (hint, hint) to visit the sponsors' sites.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE GIVEWAY
Now that you've entered, why not invite your friends? Just enter their information on my site. I'll send them an invitation. If they win, maybe they'll share with you!

TELL YOUR FACEBOOK, TWITTER, MYSPACE, BLOG READERS AND SITE VISITORS
1. Put a banner on your site! Tell them all about my contest. And all they have to do is click to enter!
2. Click the Share This button. You'll see it at the top of the Enter, Prizes, Winners and Share pages. You'll see a list of sites. Select one. It adds my contest!
3. While you're at it, join me on Facebook and Twitter.

GET A COOL FREEBIE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK
There are plenty of sites that offer free computer software. But, do you trust that these programs will do what you want? And are you sure that they won't infect your machine with malware?

I didn't think so. So make my Download of the Day site your one-stop spot for free software. I've got hundreds of programs in the archives. And, I feature a new one each day. What are you waiting for? Check out my downloads now! You can start with some of my favorites from the past week:

• You have dozens of passwords. You're bound to lose some of them. This will help you get them back.
• A little organization can make your life a lot easier. I have a calendar that you can take with you anywhere.
• The Web video explosion has left some in the dust. Finding videos with subtitles can be difficult.
• Screen savers really aren't necessary anymore. Still, they're nice to watch. Why not use great pictures?

Saturday's Download of the Day—Your cell phone can do a lot more than make calls. And it doesn't have to be a smartphone. I've found you some free, neat programs.

Preview of Sunday's download—Illegally downloading music can get you in trouble. But you can get free music if you know where to look.

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.

THE MOST AMAZING VIDEOS ONLINE
You won't find any of the latest blockbusters on my Video of the Day site. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't watch my video picks! You'll find plenty to love in my fun and inspiring videos. And, unlike the latest Hollywood hits, my videos don't contain sex or violence. They're safe for the whole family!

Here are my favorite videos from the past week:

• A mother's instinct can be a powerful thing. You don't want to mess with mommy. This video is a great example.
• Biking is good for your health. But without a helmet it's risky. Danish police have a new way to get riders into helmets.
• It's fun to take the family bowling. But could this seemingly innocent sport have a dark side? Or, is it just a funny side?
• Some people just act ridiculous when they don't get their Apple fix. So, meet Drake. He wants the iPhone. Now! Now!

Nothing changes your life like having kids. Watching children can bring up every emotion imaginable. These kid videos certainly offer a sampling of that. See more in my Video of the Day archive:

• Sometimes our tragedies turn out to be blessings. The Mooneys found this out firsthand. Their story is really touching.
• Children with developmental disabilities can sometimes be cut off from the world. But sports can change that.
• Saying goodbye to a pet isn't easy. But this goldfish funeral is pretty funny. It feels a little wrong. But I can't help laughing.
• Where does Britain's Got Talent find these people? This little girl doesn't offer much. That is, until she starts singing.

Saturday's video—Is there a key to happiness? One fascinating study may have a few answers. And they may just surprise you. You'll want to see this.

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.

SHARE MY VIDEO PICKS
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: Avoid work-at-home scams
You have to be careful when you look for work online. Some job postings are scams. But they're not always easy to spot. I'll tell you how to do it. Tune into the second 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 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!

• Watching where the kids go online
• How much will a memory card hold?
• Speed up Vista the free way
• Important security tips; and some awesome freebies!

DEALING WITH A HACKED E-MAIL ACCOUNT
Rick wrote in from Mt. Laurel, NJ, where he listens to my daily and weekend show on the podcasts available through Kim's Club. By the way, in that part of our country, WCBS 880 AM broadcasts my daily digital minutes.

Rick recently received an e-mail from his uncle. The e-mail claimed that his uncle was out of the country and needed money. Rick knew the message was a scam; it wasn't even addressed to him by name. He would like to know if it is safe to send his uncle e-mail now. He doesn't want a Russian hacker reading it.

I alerted you to this type of scam awhile back. Unfortunately, it is becoming increasingly common, Rick. These messages arrive via e-mail. Or, you may encounter them on social networking sites. The messages play on your compassion. After all, most of us would help a friend or relative in need. Fortunately, you were wise enough not to fall for the scam.

To send out these messages, scammers hijack someone's account. They then send messages to the people listed in the person's address book. There are various ways to get into someone's account. But your uncle likely fell for a phishing attack.

There is one very important thing to do in a situation like this. You should call the person who owns the account—immediately. It will eliminate any questions about the message's legitimacy. And your uncle can cut off the scammer's access to his account.

It sounds like you haven't contacted your uncle. So, do it immediately. He may not even know that his account was compromised. And the scammers may be collecting his confidential information. You should, of course, contact him via telephone. Otherwise, the scammers— maybe Nigerian, not Russian—can intercept your e-mail.

Of course, your uncle will want to go through his address book. He should notify everyone on the list about the scam. Otherwise, they could become victims. I also recommend that you forward your uncle this tip about recovering from a hacked e-mail account. He should just follow my steps.

Finally, you or your uncle should report the scam. This is easier said than done. But, there's one great place to report online crimes. Learn more about it 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!

HOW MUCH CAN YOU DOWNLOAD EACH MONTH?
Mike in Phoenix catches my national weekend show and daily minutes on KFYI 550 AM. In fact, in Phoenix, my daily digital minutes air during my husband's talk show on KFYI. He's the Nearly Famous Barry Young.

Anyway, Mike says that he recently purchased a cellular laptop card. He's worried that he'll exceed the 5 GB monthly cap. So, he would like to know how to gauge his monthly data usage.

We're used to surfing the Internet freely. Unlimited broadband plans train us not to worry about usage. But things are different with cellular broadband. And most of us have no idea what constitutes 5 GB of Internet traffic.

The good news is that 5 GB should be fine for most people. That assumes you save your heavy downloading for your home connection. Here's a breakdown of what you can do each week without exceeding your cap:

General surfing:                      125 hours per week
E-mail (no attachments):         1000 per week
E-mailing photos:                    125 per week
Watching videos:                    75 minutes per week
Downloading MP3s:                75 per week
Online gaming:                        5 hours per week

I use a cellular card myself. The cards come with access software. I have the access software tell me how much of the data plan I have used whenever I fire it up. This way, I won't get into those expensive roaming charges.  On the Toolbar of the access software, there is usually a Usage button. You can find a lot of connection data there, too.

But, before dipping into my monthly data allowance, I check for Wi-Fi. These days, a hotspot is never far away. I have a great tip that will help you find free Wi-Fi. You won't have to worry so much about your data usage.

Now, if you're not sure about these laptop cellular cards, I've got you covered. Here's a column all about them.

Do you know the difference between using an air card verses a Wi-Fi connection? This tip answers that question.

Need more help making the connection? I have plenty of free help for your broadband woes:

• Improving your broadband speed
• Is your ISP blocking file sharing?
• Test your broadband speed
• Internet options for the boondocks

PROTECT YOUR KIDS WITH PARENTAL CONTROL SOFTWARE
Matt in Tuscumbia, AL, listens to my show on WVNA 1590 AM. He is setting up his XP machine so his kids can use it. Understandably, he wants to limit their surfing. He would like a tool that filters out offensive sites. But he would like the ability to approve certain sites. He would like some help finding the right program.

There are many parental control tools on the market, Matt. And, these programs may work in a number of different ways. So, I understand your confusion. But we can find a solution that will suit your needs.

I often recommend Blue Coat's K9 Web Protection. This is a great free Web filter. It lets you block sites based on category. For example, you can block nudity or alcohol and tobacco. You can also block things like file-sharing and gaming. Unfortunately, though, you can't allow specific sites.

A second option is to use OpenDNS, another free program. It will speed up your Web browsing. It blocks phishing sites. You can also use it to protect yourself from misspelled Web addresses. Additionally, it will filter out offensive sites based on category. But, unlike K9, OpenDNS lets you add exceptions. Learn more about OpenDNS on my site.

Finally, you could create your own approved list. Then, you would ban every other site. This will take a bit of work. I have a great tip that will help you limit the browser to specific sites. Then, you can create home pages for your kids.

One of these solutions should work. If not, try a paid parental control program. You'll need help picking the right one, though. That's exactly what you'll find in my handy buying guide!

Reminder: I have a slew of tips to help be the best parent in today's digital age. I add new tips to the Parental Advice section on my Web site weekly. Click here to check them out now. By the way, every single tip within the Parental Advice section is free.

WELCOME A NEW ADVERTISER
Are you in the tech support business? Ever want to be? Or do you need to hop on a client's computers to check things? If so, you need to check out GoToAssist from Citrix, makers of GoToMyPC.

With GoToAssist, you can instantly view and control customer computers with secure, easy-to-use GoToAssist Express. Try it FREE for 30 days and see how you can:

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• Solve issues faster – and save time
• Reduce travel and support costs
• Give support even when customers are away from their computers

You can try it free for 30 days! Just click here to get started with your free trial now!

STAY UP TO DATE THE EASY WAY
Staying up with the digital news can be tough. But you don't have to worry about that. I check the news every morning. Then, I send it to you in my free News of the Day newsletter, Monday through Friday. So why not sign up now?

Now, you can also get the headlines and watch the latest news videos, too, on my site. Drop by our Daily News page at Komando.com.

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—Choosing a memory card
• How to speed up Vista the easy and free way
• Keep reading! I have more money-saving tips!

PAID ADVERTISEMENT     SAVE 25% – LIMITED TIME OFFER Secure, Protect, Repair & Optimize Your PC! • Award winning technology • Cost-effective solutions • Advanced, intuitive software     • Simple and easy to use • Free online/phone support Click Here to Find Out More!

SAVE MONEY WITH A NETBOOK
Everywhere you look these days, you'll see netbooks. These are much like laptops, only smaller and less powerful. And they can save you a bundle!

Many are discovering that netbooks provide all the computing power they need. And they start at around $300. The combination has made them incredibly popular.

Dell, HP, Asus, MCI and Acer are just a few companies selling netbooks. You won't have as many options as with laptops. But, shop carefully, and you'll find a netbook that suits you just fine.

Do you have a Web site or blog? If so, 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?
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:

• Some freebies and a contest for you to win!
• Speed up Vista?
• And so much more you can use!

Karen in Tulsa, OK, catches my national radio show on KRMG 740 AM. She wrote in to ask about memory cards. She is looking for a new SD card. She will use it in her MP3 player and her camera.

But Karen doesn't know what size memory card she needs. She wants to know how many songs or photos fit on a card.

First off, Karen, don't buy a memory card. Buy two! Sharing a memory card between gadgets isn't convenient.

Choosing a memory card for a music player is relatively easy. One minute of MP3 audio requires about 1 MB of storage. The average song is four minutes long. That means you'll get about 250 songs per 1 GB of storage.

This assumes that you're using the default audio quality. If you use a higher quality, you'll get fewer songs per gigabyte. However, relatively few people use high-quality MP3 files.

Things are more complicated when it comes to photos. That's because there are more variables. Cameras shoot photos at various resolutions. And let's not forget that some people shoot in RAW format.

Now, I'm going to assume that your camera takes 8-megapixel shots. That's an average resolution for digital cameras these days. According to Lexar, the average size of 8-megapixel, high-resolution JPEGs is 2.3 MB. That means a 1 GB card holds about 400 images.

Your camera may have different specifications. In that case, you can calculate card capacity for yourself.

To do this, look at the average file size of your photos. The file size should be in megabytes. So, divide 1,000 by the file size. (There are 1,000 megabytes in a gigabyte.) This will show you how many photos you get per gigabyte.

Memory cards have fallen drastically in price in recent years. You will find 2GB cards for less than $10. So, I would buy a bigger card than you think you need. There's nothing worse than a full memory card!

But, be careful when purchasing SD cards 4GB or larger. That's because there is another SD format, SDHC. Not all gadgets can use SDHC cards. The two card types look identical. Check your manuals or the manufacturers' Web sites. They'll tell you if SDHC cards are supported.

Need more help with memory cards? Don't miss these great tips on my site:

• Get help with a troublesome memory card
• Salvaging a wet memory card
• Recover deleted photos from a memory card

A MESSAGE FROM THE KOMANDO.COM POSTMASTER
Did you move and get a new e-mail 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.

STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:

• Security tips to keep your computer safe
• Can you speed up Vista without adding memory?

PAID ADVERTISEMENT Email Marketing – FREE TRIAL "I know first hand that staying in touch with customers regularly is the key to small business success! That's why I recommend Email Marketing from Constant Contact." —Kim Komando Keep your customers coming back to your business with email marketing from Constant Contact. Start Your FREE Trial Today!

ARMED FORCES DAY Today is Armed Forces Day. Created in 1949, it honors troops in all military branches. During my three-hour weekend show, I'll tell you all about Operation Komando.com. It's my effort to supply our troops with support, care and love from home.

ON YOUR RADIO, ALL ACROSS THE GLOBE
Be sure to tune in to my shows all across America. Or, catch me on the stations on The American Forces Radio Network. Here is a sample of my affiliate list of over 460 affiliates: Chicago (WLS 890 AM); Knoxville, TN (WNOX 100.3 FM); Des Moines, IA (KWQW 98.3 FM); Boston (WBZ 1030 AM); Washington (WTNT 570 AM); Minneapolis (KTLK 100.3 FM); San Antonio (WOAI 1200 AM); Birmingham, AL (WAPI 1070 AM); Toledo, OH (WSPD 1370 AM); Fort Wayne, IN (WOWO 1190 AM); and so many more!

THE BIGGEST LITTLE CITY IN THE WORLD
Reno, NV, is known for its casinos and gaming. It is also close to Lake Tahoe ("The Most Beautiful Drive In America"). The city is home to many golf courses and world class ski resorts.

The River Walk district, ripe with local merchants, celebrates Reno's arts culture and heritage.

While you're in Reno, tune in to my weekend show. KKOH 780 AM airs at 4 p.m. Sundays. And listen for my Digital Minutes in the 8 a.m. hour weekdays!

FIND ME USING OUR HANDY DANDY STATION MAP
Find me in Reno or any other city! Just click here for my locator map. Then, click on the area near you. You'll receive an instant e-mail telling you where to tune in!

DISH THE DIGITAL WHENEVER YOU WANT VIA PODCASTS
Kim's Club members get premium content and can post to my Message Board. As a member, you can also listen on demand with my Kimcasts. You can download my weekend and daily shows! Only $5.95 per month!

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	Convert Your Vinyl LPs to MP3s! • Transfer music to PC or Mac computer • Connects to your home stereo with ease • Software for advanced recording & editing CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS!
	Other Items of Interest Slide and Negative Scanner to PC Snap-Around Flexible Stand For Hand-Helds

KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: Are your kids talking to strangers?
It's one of the first warnings you give your children: Never talk to strangers. But a new trend gives anyone the opportunity to do just that. How does it work? And should your kids be using it? Learn all about it in the third hour of my national weekend radio show. Find me near you now using our radio locator map.

CONTEST: My Spring Stimulus Giveaway
Check out my giveaway now. We have laptops, speaker systems, camcorders and more. Enter every day to win. In fact, you could win something great every single day of the giveaway. So, bookmark the site now! There is over $40,000 in prizes.

CONTEST SITE: Invest in your love
How would you like a romantic trip to Tahiti? Submit a video with your loved one. And you could win! Open to U.S. residents, 21 or older. Deadline: 12/15/09.

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Taster's Choice in an instant
Nescafe is giving away six samples of its flavored instant coffee. Just fill out a short form to get yours. Open to U.S. residents only.

FREEBIE FROM CONSTANT CONTACT: Send your own newsletters
Have your own business? E-mail marketing works to keep your name in front of current customers. Try it free for 90 days. No credit card required. Use promo code Kim to get the free trial.

FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: A fun physics puzzle game
Puzzles and brain twisters make for fun games. Throw in some physics and engineering, and you've got something addictive. This game is a blast.

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:
• Make free long distance calls
• Get more from your money
• Amazing rock sculptures

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:

• Free tools for your mobile phone

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THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: Free tools for your mobile phone
Your cell phone can do a lot more than make calls. And it doesn't have to be a smartphone. I've found you some free, neat programs.

I'll tell you more during the first hour of my national radio show this weekend. Find a station near you by using our map.

Let's keep it going; there's plenty more to cover:
• SECURE COMPUTING: Time to update Mac OS X!

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APPLE ISSUES JUMBO SECURITY UPDATE
On Tuesday, Apple issued a massive security update for Mac OS X. In all, 67 vulnerabilites were patched. Of these, 26 could be used to execute arbitrary code. That means they could be used to hijack a machine.

To get the patches for Leopard or Tiger, run the Mac OS X update service. Leopard users won't see the security patches. That's because they've been rolled into the Mac OS X 10.5.7 update. The patches can also be downloaded from Apple's site.

THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
• Speeding up Vista the free way

I've heard that Windows Vista can use a USB drive as additional memory. Supposedly, you can plug in the drive and it is used like RAM. It seems like this is a great way to add extra memory to your machine without opening it up. Also, flash drives are cheaper than RAM. If I use a flash drive instead to complement system memory, how low can I go with the RAM?
Ron in Chicago listening on WLS 890 AM

It is true that Windows Vista features Ready Boost. This lets you attach a thumb drive via USB to speed up your system. Secure Digital (SD) cards will also work. But it's pretty cumbersome. Just use a thumb drive.

As cool as this sounds, Ready Boost is limited. It's not intended to replace system memory. It is simply a way to enhance the machine's virtual memory. Virtual memory has been around for ages. It's not as good as physical RAM.

You still need an ample amount of RAM. I recommend two gigabytes for Vista.

Feel like getting technical? Ready Boost speeds up Vista's performance by copying the paging file to the thumb drive. The system's paging file is normally placed on the hard drive. When the system RAM becomes full, the overflow is moved to the paging file.

Flash memory reads random data about eight to 10 times faster than hard drives. However, with large chunks of sequential data, hard drives are faster.

Ready Boost recognizes large, sequential read requests. These are directed to the paging file on the hard drive. Other requests are directed to the flash drive. If the flash memory is removed, Vista directs all requests to the hard drive.

For optimal performance, you should up to  three times the system memory with Ready Boost. However, you can't use more than four gigabytes.

At the low end, I've seen differing numbers on Microsoft's site – 256 megabytes and 512 megabytes. Vista requires 512 MB RAM minimum. So I wouldn't use less than 512 megabytes for ReadyBoost.

Your USB version must be 2.0; USB 1.1 won't work. Additionally, the flash memory must have fast random read speeds.

Your old flash memory may work with ReadyBoost. If you buy new flash memory to use with Ready Boost, look for products that specify that they're optimized for Ready Boost. Sometimes, they're labeled "Enhanced for Ready Boost."

Here's how to get started with Ready Boost.

When you insert Ready Boost-capable thumb drive, you'll receive notification from Vista. Just select "Use this device to speed up my computer." You can also adjust the amount of space Ready Boost can use. Go to the Properties dialog box for the USB drive or flash card. You can choose to allocate part of a USB drive's memory to speed up performance and use the remainder to store files.

Ready Boost is included in the following editions of Vista: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate. If your system is running slow, give it a shot!

You may still need to add more RAM. If so, drop by my site and read my Memory Buying Guide.

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!

Kim :)

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	Let Dad Know That He's Your Hero! Two book set, perfect for any father!  1) Dad: His Story, His Words:      Let dad answer questions about      his life, to remember and treasure.  2) Dad: My Hero: Book featuring amazing quotations about fatherhood MAKES A GREAT GIFT FOR DAD!
	Other Items of Interest Download Kim's Photography and Video Books! 'Mom, Her Story' Two Book Set

WHAT A STINKER!
The U.S. mint decided to issue a 50-cent piece. It even enlisted the public in choosing a design. It put the designs on its site to let the public vote. Each design featured a different American patriot. Two designs tied. One featured Nathan Hale; the other, Theodore Roosevelt. So, the mint decided to put one on each side of the coin. That way, when the coin is tossed, you can just call out Teds or Hales!

Speaking of money… Pirate - How much it costs to buy a pie.

And since it's getting warm… These are my summer clothes. Summer paid for, summer not.

And just one more thing:

Do you like puzzles? I had a lot of fun with one that challenges you to find faces in a tree. I have the puzzle posted on my blog.

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!

• Free computer tip Mon-Fri
• Free cool site daily
• Free news links Mon-Fri

Copyright © 2009, The Kim Komando Show. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of The Kim Komando Show is prohibited and strictly enforced. Newsletters may contain links to sites on the Internet owned and operated by third parties. The Kim Komando Show is not responsible for the availability of, or the content located on or through, any such third-party site. Information in this document is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and freedom from infringement. The user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document. We will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of this information, including, but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages.

If you must, unsubscribe details are below. :/

To unsubscribe, use my online form.

You may also unsubscribe by sending a request via postal mail. Please include your name, e-mail address and a printed copy of your Newsletter e-mail. Send to:
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May 9, 2009—Vol. 13, No. 19

		PAID ADVERTISEMENT STOP! BEFORE YOU PURCHASE A NEW PC... "Saw your ad in the Kim Komando newsletter. I just purchased Optimize and want to tell you it works great. My computer is back to normal speed now. I was almost ready to get a new one." —Tom in PA • Boost Internet Speed • Recoup System Resources • Energize System Performance Get Your Free Optimize Scan Now!						PAID ADVERTISEMENT MOST AFFORDABLE ONLINE MEETING SERVICE. "GoToMeeting, brought to you by Citrix is the easiest, most affordable way to hold an online meeting." — Kim Komando For just $49 a month, host as many meetings as you want - no hidden charges or overages. Try GoToMeeting FREE for 30 Days!

A BOUNTY OF TIPS TO MANAGE YOUR DIGITAL LIFE
It's the latest edition of the Kim Komando Show Weekend Newsletter! Improve your digital prowess with great tips, important news and awesome freebies! Each week my national radio shows and newsletters reach tens of millions. I'm honored to have you with us!

CONTENTS -- WHAT'S IN YOUR INBOX THIS WEEK:
- ON THE QT: Download free audiobooks; fun freebies and videos
- DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Easy and fast tips that work for you
- MY COLUMN: 9 free tools to put the fun back in photography
- COOL SITES: More fun stuff you'll like and use
- COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE: 3 ways to get free business cards
- SECURE COMPUTING: Pirated Windows 7 contains Trojan
- YOUR WEEKLY Q&A: What's new in Windows 7?

FIND MY NATIONAL RADIO SHOW 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 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.

Now, I'm sure you have at least one question about something digital. I'm here to help with unbiased advice. All you need do is call me.

HOW TO CALL ME DURING THE SHOW
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.) Tell our call screener Andrew what's on your mind. That's all there is to it!

DOWNLOAD MY SHOWS LISTEN WHEN YOU WANT!
Listen to my shows when and where you want. Wow! 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. Members can listen to my daily and weekend shows!

IF IT'S UNDERLINED, CLICK IT!
When something is underlined in our 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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SUMMER READING: GET FREE AUDIOBOOKS, E-BOOKS
Amazon made news this week when it announced the Kindle DX. This is a new version of its e-book reader. It has a much bigger screen than the standard Kindle. Both versions of the Kindle feature Read-to-Me. If a publisher allows it, the Kindle will read a book aloud.

The Read-to-Me feature is nifty. But the Kindle is expensive. You'll pay $360 for the standard version. The new one is $490. You don't have to spend that kind of money!

Use your computer or your MP3 player. And, head to Komando.com. I have plenty of sites where you can download audiobooks, e-books and more. Nearly everything is free:

• Project Gutenberg audiobooks, videos and pictures
• LearnOutLoud audiobooks and videos
• LibriVox audiobooks
• Open Library e-books
• BooksInMyPhone e-books

Of course, you can also get audiobooks from your local library. Most free audiobooks will be old titles that are in the public domain. At your library, you'll find the latest titles in audiobook format. You can search your library's audiobook collection at WorldCat.

AND THE READERS WRITE…
"Kim, I was recently told by a kfc employee, that those coupons you gave a link to were bogus. She said it was a scam. I could not redeem them for that 2piece meal. I thought you were a reliable source????????????????????????????????? that's the last >thing i thought i would here. just a little disappointed thats
all................................"

That's right, folks, I've been unmasked. I sit around here all day dreaming up scams. That is, when I'm not beating my employees.

Now really, there's no scam here. This promotion is probably the worst thing that ever happened to chickens. According to KFC's president, the response has "just been overwhelming." People were waiting as long as an hour and a half to eat. It was so bad in Greensboro, NC, that the police blocked store entrances.

KFC decided to retool the giveaway. So, go to the KFC store. Fill out a form. Give it to the manager. Or mail it in. KFC will send you a coupon for the two-piece meal. And it will throw in a free Pepsi.

You know Col. Sanders wouldn't scam you. And neither would I. Bon appétit!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ME! AND YOU, TOO, MOMS!
I got an early Mother's Day book from my boy, Ian. He said he couldn't wait.

He actually wrote it himself. Not bad for a 7-year-old. My editorial director, Ed, asked me if he wants a job. He suggested I study Ian's style!

Anyway, I was touched. And I wanted to share it with you.

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 STIMULUS PLAN: GIVE AWAY OVER $40,000 IN DIGITAL GEAR
"I never win anything!" I've heard that from nearly every winner in our Spring Stimulus Giveaway.

WHAT CAN YOU WIN?
Here's a peek at what you could win.

• HP TouchSmart All-in-One PC ($1,499 value)
• Windows Powered Toshiba Satellite laptop ($1,249 value)
• HP Pavilion Entertainment Notebook ($854 value)
• HP MediaSmart Server ($599 value)
• Samsung Cell Phones (up to $349)
• Logitech Indoor Video Security System ($299 value)
• Toshiba Portable DVD Player ($229 value)
• Windows Vista Ultimate ($219 value)
• DXG High-Definition Camcorder ($180 value)
• Kodak Easyshare Digital Camera ($179 value)
• Pure Digital Flip Video Mino ($179 value)
• SPOT Satellite GPS Tracker ($169 value)
• HP 8" Digital Picture Frame ($149 value)
• …and much, much more!

Click here to see all the great prizes at the Spring Stimulus Giveaway site.

Congratulations to our most recent daily winners!

5/1 – Bill Kupper of Pembroke Pines, FL (WIOD 610 AM) won the Weekly Grand Prize: A Software Prize Package ($719 value)
5/2 – Kurt Witzleben of Anchorage, AK (KFQD 750 AM) won Altec Lansing's Moondance Glow ($130 value)
5/3 – Mike Wisehart of Knightstown, IN (WIBC & Podcasts) won a Kodak Easyshare Digital Camera ($180 value)
5/4 – Stephen Albert of Las Vegas (KDWN 720 AM) won the $150 ZAGG Gift Card
5/5 – Kelvin Jones of Madison, MS (WJNT 1180 AM) won the HP 8" Digital Picture Frame ($150 value)
5/6 – Debra Wolfe of Elgin, SC (WVOC 560 AM) won the Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Product Red Version ($219 value)
5/7 – Mike Mueller of Olathe, KS (KMBZ 980 AM) won Flatwire's Speaker Wire/Subwoofer Cable Kit ($399 value)

Note: Your name would look good on this list!

HOW TO ENTER TO WIN:
Visit the Spring Stimulus Giveaway page to enter daily. I am giving away great prizes each day of the giveaway. Plus, make sure to enter once a day for your chance to win our weekly grand prize! These prizes will be featured each Friday on the site and winners will be announced on-air each weekend!

Finally, don't forget about our sponsors. Be sure to check out the great prizes on the Spring Stimulus Giveaway page. The sponsors make the giveaway possible. To learn more about the prizes, click those links (hint, hint) to visit the sponsors' sites.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE GIVEWAY
Now that you've entered, why not invite your friends? Just enter their information on my site. I'll send them an invitation. If they win, maybe they'll share with you!

TELL YOUR FACEBOOK, MYSPACE, BLOG READERS AND WEB SITE VISITORS
1. Put a banner on your site! Tell them all about my contest. And all they have to do is click to enter!

2. Click the Share This button. You'll see it at the top of the Enter, Prizes, Winners and Share pages. You'll see a list of sites. Select one. It adds my contest!

3. While you're at it, join me on Facebook.

STOP SPENDING HARD-EARNED CASH ON SOFTWARE
How would you like to save hundreds of dollars on software? You can! All it takes is three easy steps:

1. Visit my Download of the Day site.
2. Browse through the hundreds of free programs.
3. Download ‘til your heart's content!

I choose a new program to feature daily. So be sure to visit the site regularly. And don't miss my favorites from the past week:

• You may not have the latest smartphone. But your cell phone can do much more than make calls.
• A cluttered hard drive makes it difficult to retrieve data. That equals a slow computer. So, clean it up!
• You can learn a lot about people on the Web. These tools will help you dig for juicy information.
• The economy has made going out to eat difficult. Luckily, the Web has coupons for your favorite restaurants.

Saturday's Download of the Day—Business cards are always useful. And you can get personal business cards for free. Customize them any way you like. Three services make it easy.

Preview of Sunday's download—There's not much worse than forgetting a password. You feel like such a knucklehead. Well, today's download can help.

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.

CHECK OUT MY VIDEO GEMS
There are hundreds of trillions of videos online. OK, I'm exaggerating. But it does seem that there's no end to the videos posted online. Unfortunately, most aren't worthwhile. That's why I started my Video of the Day. These picks are always worth your time!

Here are my favorite videos from the past week:

• We all get down. Today's video should perk you up. It's about a guy with no limbs, except one partial arm. Is he down? Oh, no!
• When you're big, lots of things are easy. But little guys have to struggle with those things. So, friends are important.
• I'm too smart to be fooled by magicians. I know it's just misdirection. In fact, I'm going to figure out this video any minute.
• Special effects make fakes seem real. But could they make real things seem fake? One photographer does just that.

Science may not have been your favorite class. But it can be fascinating. These are my favorite science videos. Check them out. You'll learn something. See more in my Video of the Day archive:

• Do you know what a gravity wave is? It's one of those cool things that drive the weather. See an example in this video.
• Let's learn about the properties of different gases. That sounds fun, right? Actually, it is. Especially when the teacher is a Mythbuster.
• Manipulating computers through thought has always seemed a reach. But as this video shows, it is rapidly becoming a reality.
• OK, physics isn't necessarily a barrel of fun. But every year one award celebrates the wacky side of science.

Saturday's video—Long before high-powered rifles, man hunted with his wits and instinct. And in some places, men still do. This video is fascinating.

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.

SHARE MY VIDEO PICKS
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: Track someone using a cell phone
How'd you like to know where someone is by looking on your cell phone or using Google Maps? You can. And it doesn't require a GPS-capable phone. I'll tell you how to do it. Catch the second hour of The Kim Komando Show this weekend for the details.

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!

• Backing up photos from your camera phone
• Connecting to the Web while touring Europe
• 9 free tools to put the fun back in photography
• Important security tips; and some awesome freebies!

TRANSFERRING PHOTOS FROM YOUR CAMERA PHONE
Tom wrote from Minneapolis, where he catches the show on KTLK 100.3 FM. He recently purchased a camera phone. There's just one problem. He doesn't know how to get the photos off the phone. He doesn't want to lose the photos. So, he'd like some help.

This problem has confounded countless others, Tom. Fortunately, there are several ways to get the photos off. You'll have to do some experimenting, though. Not all methods work with all phones. And providers sometimes disable certain phone features.

First, check to see if your phone accepts a memory card. These days, most do. Put the memory card in the phone. Then, transfer the photos to the card; your manual should tell you how.  Finally, connect the card to your computer with a card reader. Drag and drop photos from the card to the computer.

Failing that, you could use e-mail or text messaging. You'll need a data plan for e-mail. Attach the photos to an e-mail. Send the e-mail to your computer and download the photos that way. For text messaging, your phone must support MMS. Send the photos to a friend to download for you.

There is also Bluetooth. File transfers are easy, if Bluetooth transfer hasn't been disabled. You will need a Bluetooth adapter for your computer. Then, you can transfer the files wirelessly. This process can be tricky. Consult your manual.

Lastly, connect your phone to the computer via cable. You may need to purchase a cable from an electronics store. You'll also need backup software. The free BitPim works with many popular phones. See if your phone is compatible first. If not, purchase backup software for your phone. My buying guide will help you pick the perfect program.

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!

CAN EMPLOYERS MONITOR YOUR E-MAIL ACCOUNT?
Tim in Chicago catches the show on WLS 890 AM. He is concerned about a rumor at work. His company is allegedly monitoring keystrokes. And it is gaining passwords to personal e-mail accounts. Tim wants to know if this is legal. He also wants to know how to prevent keystroke logging.

Tim, companies generally can install keyloggers on their computers. After all, the company owns the machines. And it has the right to watch your activities on company time. In fact, such monitoring is increasingly common.  

Companies often warn in computing policies that machines can be monitored. That offers protection against litigious employees. But even notification isn't required in most states.

Now, things may be different with personal e-mail accounts. Federal law bars employers from monitoring personal phone calls. That's true even if the company phone system is used. This law may also apply to personal e-mail accounts. That's a legal gray area.

And gathering passwords to personal e-mail accounts? Hmmm. You may have a case if the company actually accesses your private account. However, it may be protected if its software takes a screenshot of a message that you open.

If you need a definite answer, talk with an attorney. If you don't have an attorney, you can find one online. My handy column will help.

There are ways to detect and remove keyloggers. However, this is not your computer system. So, I strongly advise against disabling any keyloggers. That's just asking for trouble. Your best bet is to use your computer for work only. Assume that everything you do is under the microscope. It very well could be.

And remember, there are other ways for an employer to spy on you. For example, many employers search social-networking sites. I have more information in my tip.

TIP IN A TIP: Want to see what's online about you? This site is a real gem.

TRANSFERRING MUSIC FROM AN IPOD TO A PC
Mike in Nashville, TN, catches the show on WWTN 99.7 FM. His hard drive crashed a few weeks ago. It contained his music collection. He has a copy of the music on his iPod classic. So, he'd like to know how to recover the music.

With music, I recommend that you keep three copies. One would be on your music player. Then, you should keep a copy on your computer. The third copy should be kept with your backups.

This may seem like overkill. But, there's a good reason. The copy on your player isn't a good backup. It can be difficult to get music off a player. Also, a music player can be lost.

That said, it is relatively easy to get music off the iPod. Basically, you connect it to your computer. Then, you open the iPod in Windows Explorer. This allows you to copy the music back onto your computer.

Well, things are slightly more complicated than that. So, go to my site for the full explanation!

While you're there, be sure to check these great tips:

• Fixing a mess in iTunes
• Managing multiple iPods on one computer
• Moving iTunes music between PCs

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS WITH E-MAIL MARKETING
Brad wrote from Boston, where he listens on WBZ 1030 AM. He is a real estate agent. He wants to promote his listings. Currently, he sends clients individual e-mail messages. But he heard an ad for Constant Contact on my radio show. He wants to know if this can help him.

Constant Contact is a company that helps small business owners keep in touch with clients using e-mail. Anyone in business will tell you it's easier to keep a current customer than find a new one. E-mail marketing is an ideal way to keep your name in front of customers.

Constant Contact would be ideal. You can craft a single message. Templates will get you going. Choose one you like. Then, add your photos and a description. It's that easy.

You don't need to learn any HTML. There's nothing to program. You send your message. That's it!

Constant Contact is also affordable. Unlike other services, you won't pay for the number of messages you send each month. Rather, you select a service based on the size of your mailing list. You can send as many mailings a month as you'd like. Prices start at $15 a month.

Try it free for 90 days. See if you like it. There's no obligation. You don't even need to give them a credit card number. My listeners get a 90-day free trial. Just go to Constant Contact's site, click the radio button at the top right of the home page. You have to use promo code KIM to get the free 90-day trial. Click here to check it out.

One thing you do need to worry about is the CAN-SPAM Act. Constant Contact has tools to help you comply with the law. That should take a weight off your mind.

Need more help with your business? Don't miss these cool tips on my site:

• Freebies for your small business
• Boost your small business with a Web site
• Put slide shows of houses on your site
• Free small business accounting software

STAY UP TO DATE THE EASY WAY
Staying up with the digital news can be tough. But you don't have to worry about that. I check the news every morning. Then, I send it to you in my free News of the Day newsletter, Monday through Friday. So why not sign up now?

Now, you can also get the headlines and watch the latest news videos, too, on my site. Drop by our brand new Daily News page at Komando.com.

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—Accessing the Web in Europe
• Keep reading! I have more money-saving tips!

PAID ADVERTISEMENT     SAVE 25% – LIMITED TIME OFFER Secure, Protect, Repair & Optimize Your PC! • Award winning technology • Cost-effective solutions • Advanced, intuitive software     • Simple and easy to use • Free online/phone support Click Here to Find Out More!

9 FREE TOOLS TO PUT THE FUN BACK IN PHOTOGRAPHY
There are plenty of photography sites online. They provide tips for better pictures. Or, they'll help you edit and share photos. But some just help you have fun.

I've selected some great sites for photo fun. Add special effects to your photos. Then, share the results with your family and friends!

Do you have a Web site or blog? If so, 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 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?
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:

• Some freebies and a contest for you to win!
• What to expect from Windows 7

	The Perfect Pan For Edge-Lovers! • Conducts heat efficiently for even baking • Makes every brownie "the best one" • Non-stick and easy to clean GET YOURS NOW!
	Other Items of Interest Adaptable Canvas Tote Bag Electricity Usage Monitor

Linda in Houston listens to the show on KTRH 740 AM. Her daughter will be traveling to Europe this summer as part of a school program. She would like to access the Internet while in Europe. That way, she can upload photos and send e-mail. Linda would like to know how to do this without breaking the bank.

She'll have several options for accessing the Internet. Some are better than others. So, consider the merits of each before making a decision.

First, she could use an iPhone or iPod touch. Both of these will connect to Wi-Fi networks. She could use them to send and receive e-mail. She can also upload photos taken with an iPhone.

Just remember that she can run up steep roaming charges on an iPhone. Make sure your daughter is not using a cellular connection.

Another option is an Internet café. There's no need to use a laptop or any other gadget. She won't have to worry so much about thieves.

But Internet cafés do pose problems. She would have to pay to use the computers. The keyboards would probably have a different layout. And the operating system most likely would be in a different language.

Of course, the machines are also public. So, they could contain malware to steal passwords. Or, if a card with photos were connected, it could be infected.

The best solution is a personal laptop. But it is one more thing to worry about on the trip.

Of course, an Internet connection will be necessary. That should be easy enough. Hotspots are available in hotels, cafes, libraries and elsewhere.

Some hotspots may charge. This shouldn't be too onerous. But check for free hotspots. I have a download that will help you locate them—even overseas!

Your daughter isn't ready for that trip yet, Linda! She will want to check out these great tips on my site:

• Keep family updated with a travel blog
• Choosing a photo-sharing site
• Protecting a laptop from theft
• I travel with these USB rechargeable batteries.

A MESSAGE FROM THE KOMANDO.COM POSTMASTER
Did you move and get a new e-mail 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.

STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:

• Security tips to keep your computer safe
• Gearing up for Windows 7

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IT'S OUR DAY, LADIES! I hope you have a fabulous Mother's Day! It's wonderful to be recognized, and you deserve it! While you celebrate, tune in to my three-hour weekend show. I'll help keep your digital world in order. And don't forget about those Digital Minutes during the week. By the way, a membership to Kim's Club makes a wonderful Mother's Day gift!

ADDITIONS…
Salida, CO (KVRH 1340 AM) has added the Digital Minutes in the 7 a.m. hour

…AND CHANGES
Denver (KHOW 630 AM) has added the third hour, Sundays at 5 p.m.

MY RADIO "KIDS"
I have so many great affiliates in my Komando Family, including stations like these: Dallas (KRLD 1080 AM); Houston (KTRH 740 AM); Atlanta (WSB 750 AM); Phoenix (KFYI 550 AM); Indianapolis (WIBC 93.1 FM); Albany, NY (WGY 810 AM); Tulsa, OK (KRMG 740 AM/102.3 FM); Birmingham, AL (WAPI 1070 AM); Little Rock, AR (KARN 920 AM/102.9 FM); Jackson, MI (WJNT 1180 AM); Palm Springs, CA ( KPSI 920 AM); Chattanooga, TN (WGOW 1150 AM); Reno, NV (KKOH 780 AM); and so many more!

FOUR SEASONS FUN
"The Windy City" is a great place to visit year round. Navy Pier is the Midwest's top tourist spot. It features a boardwalk, 150-foot Ferris wheel, boat tours, amazing dining and shopping. Millennium Park offers ice skating in the winter. Splash around in its interactive Crown Fountain during summer. Or dine alfresco from spring to fall.

When in town, tune to WLS 890 AM. You can catch my weekend show Saturdays at 7 p.m.

LOCATOR MAP
It is so easy to find a radio station near you that carries my shows! Just give my locator map a quick click. Then, check your inbox for a station near you!

WHAT'S THE BUZZ ON THE BOARDS?
Join the information exchange on my Message Board. Kim's Club members also get special content and my Kimcasts on demand!

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	Make Your Yard Sing with Amazing Grace Wind Chimes! • Hand-tuned to the song "Amazing Grace" • Lifetime tuning guarantee • 1-year warranty • 16 inches in length MAKES AN 'AMAZING' GIFT!
	Other Items of Interest Gear Charging System Cremesicle Candle

KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: Save money on text messaging
Your kids love to text message. Without the right plan, messaging can be hugely expensive. But messaging plans can be very confusing. Let me untangle the plans and fees. Be sure to tune into the third hour of my national Kim Komando Show.

CONTEST SITE: Rock your block
Hershey's wants to throw you and 100 friends a block party with Rascal Flatts. Or take $25,000 instead. Open to U.S. residents, 18 or older. Deadline: 9/30/09.

CONTEST: My Spring Stimulus Giveaway
Check out my giveaway now. We have laptops, speaker systems, camcorders and more. Enter every day to win. In fact, you could win something great every single day of the giveaway. So, bookmark the site now! There is over $40,000 in prizes.

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Evolve your game
Get a free sample of the most advanced golf tees from Evolve Golf. These tees are used by champions the world over. Open to U.S. residents only.

FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: Lay out your dream home
Do you know what your dream home would look like? This program will help you design it. Lay out your rooms just the way you like them.

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:
• Your one-stop nutrition source
• Track your debt the easy way
• Amazing photos from NASA

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:

• 3 ways to get free business cards

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THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: 3 ways to get free business cards
Business cards can be a useful tool for anyone. And you can get personal business cards for free. Customize them any way you like. Three services make it easy.

I'll tell you more during the first hour of my national radio show this weekend. Find a station near you by using our map.

Let's keep it going; there's plenty more to cover:
• SECURE COMPUTING: Watch out for pirated copies of Windows 7

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

PIRATED WINDOWS 7 RC HIDES MALWARE
This past week, Microsoft issued a release candidate of Windows 7. But the software was leaked to the Internet early. It is available through many torrent sites. And users are discovering that these pirated copies contain a Trojan.

THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
• What's new in the upcoming Windows 7?

I've been hearing a lot about Windows 7 lately. All I know is it will replace Vista. I've heard nothing about new features. What can you tell me about it? Will I want to upgrade?
Chris in Tulsa, OK, listening on KRMG 740 AM

Will you want to upgrade to Windows 7? I can't answer that question, Chris. But I can give you some information on Windows 7. And you can decide for yourself.

It's no secret that many avoided Microsoft's much-maligned Vista. Businesses in particular did not want to upgrade to Vista. Vista requires much more powerful machines than XP. Microsoft heard this complaint.

In truth, Windows 7 requirements are about the same as Vista's. It requires a 1GHz processor, 1 gigabyte of RAM and a DirectX 9 memory card with 128MB of memory.

But Windows 7 manages these resources better. Early testers found it runs well even with minimum equipment. And it can be installed on low-power netbooks.

You could encounter compatibility problems with older software and hardware. Windows 7 is based on Vista's code.

Windows 7 will include an XP Mode. This should eliminate most compatibility problems. But XP Mode is only supported by certain chips. They must use Intel's Virtualization Technology.

Windows 7 improves boot times and performs better on multi-core processors. New tools help you fine-tune on-screen type and calibrate your monitor. And User Account Control can be tweaked to be less intrusive.

Most changes improve the way you interact with the computer. Touch screen support is improved, as is handwriting and speech recognition. For example, Microsoft has added multitouch. This allows iPhone-like interaction.

One of the most obvious changes is to the taskbar. Program buttons can be rearranged. Jump lists provide quick access to frequently used files.

Among other nice changes are libraries and HomeGroup. Libraries group specific file types, no matter their location.

HomeGroup  makes file and printer sharing easier. When you join a home network, simply enter the password and select the locations to share. You can even access a user's files if the user is not logged on.

Surprisingly, Microsoft has removed some features from Windows 7. For example, Windows Move Maker and Windows Mail are gone.

Instead, Microsoft will direct users to Windows Live. The Windows Live Essentials download replaces the missing software.

Microsoft has a good reason for unbundling the programs from Windows. It can update the programs more frequently.

Microsoft is planning six versions of Windows 7. Microsoft says consumers only need worry about two versions: Home Premium and Professional.

The Windows 7 release date has not been set. But it should be available by year's end. Also, Microsoft will reportedly launch an upgrade program. You can get a free upgrade to Windows 7. This applies to machines with Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate preinstalled.

The new features in Windows 7 may not be compelling to you. But it may be time to upgrade your old computer. Once Windows 7 debuts, new computers will have it.

It's been nearly eight years since Windows XP was released. At this date, many of those machines are approaching old age. If you're holding out, go ahead and buy a Vista computer. Be sure your version is upgradeable, if you want Windows 7. Vista's bad reputation is undeserved. We've used it since January 2007, with no problems.

Have more questions about Windows? Head over to my site:

• Tweaking Vista's User Account Control feature
• Running XP as a virtual machine in Vista
• Moving data to a new PC the easy way

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!

Kim :)

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Other Items of Interest Creamesicle Candle Gear Charging System

THIS ONE IS JUST TERRIBLE!
Matadors lead dangerous lives. They run the risk of being gored each time they step into the ring. But, surprisingly, matadors are rarely killed while working. Most of them live to a ripe old age. So, when a matador dies young, there is reason for suspicion. In fact, police investigating these deaths are advised to remember the old maxim: always questionable.

Speaking of…

Matador - Someone who simply loves carpets and rugs.

Speaking of…

An old lady answered a knock on the door one day, and found a man carrying a vacuum cleaner. "Good morning," said the man. "If I could take a couple minutes of your time, I would like to demonstrate the very latest in high-powered vacuum cleaners." "Get lost!" said the old lady. "I haven't got any money." She proceeded to close the door. The man wedged his foot in the doorway and pushed the door wide open. "Don't be too hasty!" he said. "Not until you have at least seen my demonstration." And with that, he emptied a bucket of horse manure on her carpet. "If this vacuum cleaner does not remove all traces of this mess from your carpet, Madam, I will personally eat the remainder, he said. "Well," she replied, "I hope you've got a good appetite, because the electricity was cut off this morning."

I heard you laugh!

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!

• Free computer tip Mon-Fri
• Free cool site daily
• Free news links Mon-Fri