Search News by Date

Saturday, May 19, 2007

Kim Komando Show Electronic Newsletter - May 19, 2007


Kim's Club Shop Listen Kim's Columns Cool Sites Tips Message Board

Your e-mail address will never be sold to anyone, ever. I promise!




   



 
I switched my two cocker spaniels' food to Purina ONE. Get a 6 1/2-pound bag of Purina ONE FREE!
Make the switch now



 
Google's Screensaver uses your photos as a screen saver. This slick download is free!
Get it now!



 
This beautiful, quality laptop bag doubles as a purse! No more carrying around two bags!
Great gift! Get yours now!
































































































































 
Need security software? Visit my downloads area, the no. 1 source for freeware online. Period.
Start browsing



 


My weekend show is on WOAI 1200 AM in San Antonio. Find your local affiliate here.
Find me!







































































































 
Pamper yourself or a loved one with a plush, luxury robe. You'll never want to dress again!
Get it now!



 
Teach your kids to surf safely. Have them sign my 10 Commandments for Kids Online.
Free download!














































































  Kim's Club: Free Trial  


































































































 
Like what you see? Invite 8 people right now to try our free newsletters. They'll learn a few things!
Do it now!



 
Kim's Book Library includes six best-selling titles covering everything from computers to cameras!
Get Kim's Book Library!
































































































 
E-mail advertising works. My e-mail newsletters reach millions & are affordable.
Advertise now



 
This hilarious baby 'iPood' shirt pokes fun at every parent's 'favorite' task! Comes in sizes 2T - 6T.
Get yours now!



 

May 19, 2007—Vol. 11, No. 20

Support this free newsletter—please visit our advertisers

PAID ADVERTISEMENT


"My computer was sluggish and the Internet was slow. I tried other applications and even took my PC to a local repair shop. Nothing worked. After running PC Pitstop's Optimize, my PC is running better than it ever has! I am a very satisfied customer!" — Jim, Iowa

Diagnose and optimize your PC.
Run This Free Scan Now!
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Save time and fax headaches.

Don’t take chances when
faxing sensitive information.
Internet fax from MyFax gives
you simple anytime, anywhere
access. MyFax ensures:
• secure, private faxing
• accurate, trackable delivery
• no lost or misrouted faxes
• no eavesdropping!
Test drive MyFax now for free.



YOU LOOK MARVELOUS!
It's the latest edition of The Kim Komando Show Electronic Newsletter! Get the latest scoop on all things digital, plus some great sites! Serving 5 million via e-mail and 10 million via radio every week, it's great to have you with us!

CONTENTS -- WHAT'S IN YOUR INBOX THIS WEEK:
- ON THE QT: Help at the pump; manage your phone data
- DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Easy and fast tips that work for you
- MY COLUMN: Upgrade your image with a new cell phone
- COOL SITES: Komando Kids; and more fun stuff you'll like and use
- COOL FUN FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Make short work of team projects
- SECURE COMPUTING: Nasty download sites waiting for you!
- YOUR WEEKLY Q&A: The differences between Blu-ray and HD DVD

CATCH ME IN ALL 50 STATES THIS WEEKEND
Make an appointment now to join me as we embark upon another fun-filled, jam-packed three-hour stroll through “all things digital.” Coming up on this weekend’s national radio show, I have the most reliable laptop brands, how not to get hit by the latest Web attacks, the answer to whether you can save money buying gray market gear, the latest news and the best callers in the history of talk radio. Since the only guests on my show are callers from across these great United States, we have plenty of time for you. So, give me a jingle, won’t you?

HOW TO CALL THE SHOW THIS WEEKEND
It’s fun and easy! Simply call me during 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 to 10 a.m. The number is, of course, toll-free 1-888-825-5254.

I’M EASY TO TRY FOR FREE
As a Kim’s Club member, listen when and where you want. Listen to my weekend and daily radio shows on your MP3 player. Save the shows on CD. Listen on your computer. Click here for a free 10-day trial! It’s easy! Then, download my latest show, and even past shows you missed!

Back to the top

PAID ADVERTISEMENT



GoToMyPC is the easiest way to work on your office PC from any
Internet connected computer. Just log in and in seconds you can
work on your entire PC from anywhere in the world.

• Check e-mail
• Drag and drop files between PCs
• Work on any document – all in real-time

Try GoToMyPC Free for 45 days.




ON THE QT: COOL THINGS I PASS ALONG JUST FOR YOU

THIS JOB IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART
With students graduating from college and high school, many people are looking for a job. Well, I’ve found the ideal job for the adventurous type. If that sounds like you, stop by YouTube. You’ll see what an average day is like.

So, what is the job? It is maintaining electrical power lines – the ones high up in the air. The workers actually climb onto the wires from a helicopter. And in case you’re wondering, yes, the lines are live! I was fascinated by the video, and I’m sure you will be, too.

I’m sure your friends will get a kick out of this video. So forward this newsletter to them so they can see it for themselves.

ARE GAS PRICES GETTING YOU DOWN?
The price of gas has risen sharply. In most parts of the country, gas is more than $3 per gallon. So, maybe you can use a little help at the pump.

Sites like GasBuddy and GasPriceWatch will help you find the lowest prices in your area. Then visit Fueleconomy.gov for some tips on saving gas. You can’t do anything about the price of gas. But you can be smart about how you use it!

And if you’re thinking about doing some traveling, stop by AAA. It will help you calculate the fuel costs for your trip. The calculations are tailored to your vehicle.

Now, if you know someone who will be driving next weekend for Memorial Day, why don’t you click the forward button on your e-mail right now. Send them this newsletter. Or if you have a blog, post this information there. Just give me a little credit and a link back to Komando.com. Thank you!

PRIVACY AND SECURITY TIP: Guard your Social Security number online
A couple years ago, I discovered my Social Security number online. It was part of a document that was public record. Just this week, I finally got it redacted. Your number could be on a public document, too. That's an invitation to identity theft. I'll give you some tips on getting it removed.  That’s in the second hour of my show. Invite your mom to listen, too!

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

    • Coordinating Outlook calendars
    • Connect two computers to one monitor
    • Important security tips; and some awesome freebies!

Back to the top



Kim Komando's Complete Guide To Computer Security and Privacy

"Kim, Your security book helped me so much! My home network, files, and kids online are now safe! You make it all so easy!" BUY NOW



Other Titles of Interest
The 50 Greatest Secrets of Digital Photography
The 50 Biggest Computer Mistakes




DIGITAL DIGRESSION: Tips That Work for You!

SCHEDULING CONFLICTS? SHARE YOUR OUTLOOK CALENDAR
Ed in Salem, VA, is having scheduling problems. He and his wife keep separate calendars in Outlook. Unfortunately, they’re not good at coordinating them. This causes problems when scheduling their children’s events. Ed would like a way to synchronize their calendars.

Well, Ed, Microsoft does not make it easy to synchronize your Outlook calendar. That is, unless you have an Exchange server. I’ll bet $100 that you don’t have one in your house! They’re intended for business use.

If you have Outlook 2007, there is a feature that allows you to forward a copy of your calendar. It can’t be edited, but your wife could look at your calendar alongside hers. I have a tip on my site that explains how it’s done.

There are also third-party programs designed to let you share Outlook calendars. I haven’t used them, so I can’t recommend any. However, I list some in the aforementioned tip on my site.

Of course, you could also consider using an online calendar. I have a tip on my site that covers a few different shared online calendars for families.

PROTECTING YOUR KIDS FROM VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES ONLINE
Brad in Virginia is worried about his kids playing violent games on the Internet. So he would like to find a way to block violent games.

Well, Brad, I recommend installing parental control software. I have a buying guide on my site that tells you what to look for.

Before purchasing a program, try Blue Coat’s K9. This free program includes a list of objectionable sites. It also lets you add sites on the fly. Blue Coat updates the software with new sites regularly.

K9 works with all Web browsers. It also affects all user accounts on the computer. So, to visit a blocked site, you must turn off K9. Just remember to turn it back on when you’re done!

Also, have your children sign my 10 Commandments for Kids Online. It sets the rules for what they can and can’t do online.

And speaking of games, don’t forget to check out my top 10 family friendly games.

One more thing: Be sure to listen to my show this weekend. I have some research to share about whether video games make kids violent.

GETTING RID OF A BAD CASE OF PORN
John in Denver just purchased a used laptop on eBay. The machine itself is fine. But Windows is sluggish. Maybe that's because the computer is clogged with porn. He would like some help getting the computer cleaned up.

Well, John, the person who sold that computer has no shame! I’ll bet there’s sensitive data on the computer, too. Not too bright.

Fortunately, you should be able to get things running smoothly. I would start with a program like CCleaner. I have a link to this free program on my site. It will clean up temporary files, log files and Web browser caches. It will also clean up the registry. Just be sure to back up the registry first.

There’s also a good chance there’s spyware on the machine. I would download a couple of anti-spyware programs and scan the computer. I recommend Windows Defender, Spybot-Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware. You’ll find download links on my site.

If you continue to have problems with the computer, there’s one final solution. Reformat the hard drive and reinstall Windows. This will wipe out all the nasties that have gotten into Windows.

CAN YOU HELP ME?
I can always use more listeners and readers. Here are a couple ways you can help:


Back to the top



Kim's Club Annual Subscription

"I started downloading Kimcasts a year ago. It's much better than being tied to radio for 3 hours. I just transfer the show to my MP3 player and go off running. Plus, the audio is clear and Kim never pre-empts her Kimcasts with college football!"—Bob Lebzelter, OH.

Become a member of my exclusive club for an entire year! Enjoy the best that I have to offer, including Kimcasts, Web message boards, wallpaper and screen savers, and even my greatly sought-after archives of Tips and Cool Sites. JOIN KIM'S CLUB NOW!




Try it out!
Kim's Club Monthly Subscription




DON'T STOP YET – THERE'S MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW:

    • Rookie Rundown—Two computers, one monitor
    • Security tips to keep your computer and data safe from harm
    • Blu-ray versus HD DVD

Back to the top


PAID ADVERTISEMENT



No strings, no catches. Just FREE protection you can count on! Protect your PC from over 150,000 online threats with PC Tools.

• Staying protected just got easier & cheaper!
• Award-winning Anti-Virus is now completely FREE!
• Protection you can count on! Get FREE Anti-Virus today.
www.pctools.com




THE WEEKLY COLUMN: Upgrade your image with a new cell phone
Your cell phone says a lot about you. So if you're toting a five-year-old phone, it's time for an upgrade.

There are multitudes of cell phones on the market. Knowing which to choose can be daunting. I couldn't begin to review them all in this column. But I have some picks that are sure to please.

The Music Lover

Samsung's UpStage is one of the more unusual phones on the market. One might say it has a split personality.

One side of the phone features phone controls and a small screen. When you're done talking, flip the phone over.

To find out what’s on the other side of the phone, read my entire column. It’s free on my site!

A LITTLE ABOUT ME:
You can read my weekly column in over 100 Gannett newspapers across the country. I write two columns a week for the USAToday Web site. I also host a three-hour weekend radio show. And every weekday, you can hear my Digital Minute. Don’t forget: You can use your iPod or any other MP3 player to listen to my shows. Just sign up for Kim's Club. It's free for 10 days.

STILL TO COME IN THIS ISSUE: Share a monitor

    • Some freebies and a contest for you to win!
    • The lowdown on high-definition DVD

Back to the top


PAID ADVERTISEMENT



"I got a terrible spyware infection. I subscribed to Spy Sweeper
and in minutes, I had my computer back. What an amazing
program!!! I love it." - S.G., Dover, PA

Award-winning Spy Sweeper kills spyware and protects your
privacy. Windows Vista ready. Free live support and updates.
Kim Komando special offer: Two years for the price of one--$29.95.
Get Protected with Spy Sweeper today!



ROOKIE RUNDOWN: Tips to get you newbies up and going!

Dominic in St. Augustine, FL, wrote to ask about monitors. He’s read my column on connecting multiple monitors to the same computer.

But Dominic isn’t interested in adding multiple monitors to his computer. Rather, he’d prefer to use one monitor with two computers. He just bought a large monitor.

This is definitely possible, Dominic. And you won’t even need to unplug the monitor and plug it into the other computer each time!

What you want is a KVM switch. These are relatively inexpensive. I’ve seen them for as little as $20 online. Advanced ones sell for well over $100.

A KVM switch lets you hook your monitor, mouse and keyboard up to two computers. Some even work with your computer speakers. That can save you a lot of space on your desk. You simply press a button or flip a switch to select which computer gets to use the monitor.

You mentioned that you use one of your computers exclusively for video editing. So maybe you have a favorite mouse you like to use for that. No worries. You can still use two keyboards and mice, if you like.

The drawback to KVM switches is they can be difficult to pick out. Why? You need to make sure you get the correct type of connections. It is easy to find ones that use the old-style VGA and PS/2 plugs.

But monitors these days often have digital connections. Your new monitor probably has a DVI connection. Also, it isn’t uncommon to find USB keyboards and mice.

So, finding the right kind of connections can be a headache. This is particularly true if your computers have different types of connections for the monitor. You may need to upgrade one of your video cards to a model with a DVI connection.

HAVE A QUESTION? USE MY SITE'S MESSAGE BOARD
Tap into my site’s Message Board. That’s why it’s there! It’s free to browse and read the messages. But to post, you have to be a member of Kim’s Club. That’s OK, though. Use my 10-day free trial, and download my weekend and daily shows, too!

STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:

    • Security tips to keep your computer safe
    • How do Blu-ray and HD DVD differ?

Back to the top

PAID ADVERTISEMENT



"I've tried numerous programs to resolve sluggish computer performance. I downloaded Registry Mechanic. Now my computer is operating great!"  -- Robert in Pennsylvania

Buy today and get Upgrades and Support FREE for 1 year! Kim readers get $5 off!




QT BONUS: More cool things to share

MANAGE YOUR CELL PHONE DATA THE EASY WAY
Like most people, you probably have a lot of data stored on your phone. That includes photos and phone numbers. You may also have notes and a calendar on your phone. So what would happen if your phone were stolen or lost?

BitPim is a free program that will put your mind at ease. You can use it to back up the data from your cell phone. It will also help you enter phone numbers into the phone book. BitPim works with many popular phones from LG, Samsung, Motorola and others. The site lists compatible phones.

GET MORE PC KNOW-HOW FROM ME
    • Free computer & Internet daily tips you can use
    • New and exciting Internet destinations every day
    • The latest computer and tech news daily

Thanks for giving my other newsletters a try! You'll love 'em! - Kim :)

Back to the top



Tips Book Pak: The Greatest Computer and Internet Tips, Tricks and Secrets

Much more than e-books! These CD-ROMs offer an easy-to-use interactive program so you can read all of the tips, find just what you're looking for using the super 'key word' search and print any or all of the pages with a quick click of the 'Printer Friendly' button! A total of 650 questions and answers contained on three jam-packed CD-ROMs! BUY NOW



Other Titles of Interest
The 50 Greatest Secrets of Digital Photography
The 50 Biggest Computer Mistakes



WEEKEND TREAT
Here’s the real reason everyone looks forward to the weekend…The Kim Komando Show! You get three hours of fresh information on all things digital. Get a little taste of the weekend every day with my Digital Minutes. And catch my Kimcasts any time you want!

THE OTHER "EMERALD CITY"

Too bad Dorothy followed the yellow brick road, because she missed out on the beauty of Seattle. It rains in Seattle around 37 inches a year on average. So just keep the umbrella handy and you can enjoy the astounding number of Arts and Cultural events, festivals, museums, galleries and sporting events the city has to offer.

Seattle is where my affiliate KTTH 770 AM calls home. It airs my show on Saturdays at 1 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Here’s hoping we can get those Digital Minutes on the air as well!

FEEL THE LOVE
My fabulous affiliates bring my show to you every weekend. They’re all great stations, like these: New York (WCBS 880 AM); Houston (KTRH 740 AM); Chicago (WLS 890 AM); Sacramento, CA (KSTE 650 AM); Sarasota, FL (WLSS 930 AM); Bakersfield, CA (KERN 1410 AM); Ft. Wayne, IN (WOWO 1190AM); Shreveport, LA (KEEL 710 AM); Oshkosh, WI (WOSH 1490 AM); Lubbock, TX (KFYO 790 AM); and so many more!

THANKS WBLL!
Bellefontaine, OH (WBLL 1390 AM), added my Digital Minutes in the 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. hours! They also air my show at 11 a.m. Saturdays.

MY MAP IS QUITE HANDY
Looking for an affiliate? Click away!

KIM ON CALL
I know you have a hectic schedule. So join Kim’s Club today, and listen to my Kimcasts any time you catch a break in the action.

Back to the top

STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:

    • Security tips to keep your computer safe
    • Thinking of buying a high-definition DVD player?



MY WEEKLY SELECTION OF UNIQUE & GREAT WEB SITES

KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: Are violent video games harmful?
Video game violence has been an especially controversial topic in recent years. Do violent games incite real-world violence? I'll point you to useful information on both sides of the debate. That’s in the third hour of my show.

CONTEST SITE: Win seats at Daytona International Speedway
Win a trip for two to Florida and VIP treatment with the Valvoline crew at the Pepsi 400 NEXTEL Cup Series race. Open to U.S. residents, 18 or older. Deadline: 6/3/07.

FREE SITE: Maybelline Superstay Silky
Request a free sample of Superstay Silky foundation from Maybelline. Open to U.S. residents, while supplies last.

SO MANY SITES, SO LITTLE TIME
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!

KEEP ON READING: Blu-ray versus HD DVD

    • Security alerts; and then a quick laugh!

Back to the top

PAID ADVERTISEMENT



Webroot® Child Safe® is the most comprehensive and easy-to-use solution available to keep children safe on the Internet.

• Protect your children from Internet threats
• Limit Internet or game-playing time
• Block access to inappropriate sites
• Establish time-of-day access for each child

Keep your children safe with Webroot Child Safe. Komando special: $10 off the regular price!




COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE OF THE WEEK

THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: Make short work of team projects
Collaborative projects can be difficult, even in a single office. It's difficult to get everyone's input and stay on the same page. This program lets you meet over the Internet and edit the same documents together.

Let's keep it going; there's plenty more to cover:

    • SECURE COMPUTING: Watch for malicious Web sites
    • Blu-ray or HD DVD?

Back to the top


SECURE COMPUTING: STUFF TO KEEP YOU SAFE FROM HARM!
Brought to you by my book, Complete Guide to Computer Security & Privacy.

MALICIOUS WEB SITES ARE GROWING RAPIDLY
There is growing concern over malicious Web sites. Computer users have become more cautious about e-mail downloads. So criminals are turning to the Web to spread malware.

Security firm Sophos says 5,000 new malicious Web sites are created daily. And Google says one in 10 Web sites contain drive-by downloads.

For now, the severity of the situation is unclear. Some argue that most people will never encounter these malicious sites. That is, unless they click on links in spam. In next week’s privacy tip, I’ll examine this situation.

THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK

    • The differences between HD DVD and Blu-ray

Back to the top


PAID ADVERTISEMENT

"I read my daily e-mail from Kim Komando and decided to try PC Tools Spyware Doctor. The price was great. After installing, it scanned, found and removed all my spyware problems. I have Spyware Doctor on 3 computers now!" — Paul in Colorado

Spyware Doctor is award-winning spyware and hardware protection. Secure your PC against identity and tracking threats.
Get $5 off instantly today!




KILLER TIP--THE WEEKLY QUESTION SENT IN FROM PEOPLE LIKE YOU!

Kim, I want to buy a high-definition DVD player. I’ve heard that both Blu-ray and HD DVD players have amazing pictures. Can you help me decide between the two? I’m particularly interested in learning the details of each. I understand that movie studios are only releasing movies in one of the two formats.
Ken in Houston listening on KTRH 740 AM

I can understand your confusion. High definition DVD is off to a slow start. That’s because many people are confused. And too many of us remember the VHS and Betamax format war of the early 1980s.

I recently wrote a column that outlines what you should look for in a high-definition DVD player. You might want to start by reading that. It covers many different aspects of the two formats.

As it happens, some studios are releasing movies in both formats. And soon there will be discs that can be played in either Blu-ray or HD DVD players.

But now, let me give you a quick rundown of the differences between the two formats. I’ve put it in a table so you can do a side-by-side comparison.

Some of these details won’t mean anything to some people. However, there are two sections you should look at closely: hardware manufacturers and studios.

The more companies you have supporting a standard, the more choices you’ll have. There will be more movies available and a wider selection of hardware.

That may sound like I favor Blu-ray over HD DVD. So let me clarify. At this point, I think the best option is a hybrid player. Both LG and Samsung make players that work with Blu-ray and HD DVD.

 

Blu-ray

HD DVD

Developed by

Sony

Toshiba

Disc capacity single/dual layer

25GB/50GB

15GB/30GB

Regions

3

Region free

Standard DVD compatibility

Optional

Required

Maximum length (HD/SD)

9 hours/23 hours

5 hours/13 hours

Internet support

Optional

Mandatory

Player manufacturers

Sony
Panasonic
Philips
Pioneer
Samsung
Hitachi
Sharp
LG

Toshiba
RCA
Microsoft

Hardware
& software supporters

Dell
Sony
Lenovo
Acer
Apple
Sun
HP

Microsoft
Intel
HP
Toshiba
Asus

Studios

Columbia Pictures
MGM
Disney
Lionsgate
20th Century Fox
Buena Vista
Sony Pictures
Paramount Pictures
Warner Bros. Pictures

Universal
Paramount Pictures
DreamWorks
Warner Bros. Pictures
New Line Cinema
HBO

Check out my buying guide for product links and pricing information on HD DVD players.

Have a great weekend. Thank you for your support of my show and newsletters! I appreciate it!

Kim :)

CHANGING YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS?
Let us know so you don't miss a single issue. Update your subscription e-mail address now by clicking the link below:
www.komando.com/newsletters/manage-newsletter.aspx

Back to the top


Military Tribute Digital Blanket

My Military Tribute Blanket is a heartfelt gift for anyone. Troops can purchase the blanket for their loved ones or loved ones can purchase a blanket for their favorite soldier! The Military Tribute Blanket is customized with a photo of the soldier. To further customize the blanket we offer the branch of the military’s symbol, name, and rank of the soldier. This is a great way to honor any soldier, past or present.  
BUY NOW



Other Items of Interest
Digital Image Blanket
A Spa Day In A Bag
Bella Leather Tote Bag



BLAME PAUL IN CHINO VALLEY, AZ, FOR THIS ONE!
King Ozymandias of Assyria was running low on cash. His country had been at war with the Hittites for years. But he did have the Star of the Euphrates, the most valuable diamond at the time. So he decided to take it to Croesus the pawnbroker. When he asked for a loan, Croesus said, “I’ll give you 100,000 dinars.” The king quickly objected, “But I paid a million dinars for it. Don’t you know who I am? I’m King Ozymandias!” Croesus was unimpressed. He replied, “When you wish to pawn a star, it makes no difference who you are.”

That was a stinker! See you on the show this weekend!
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

As always, I guarantee your privacy. Your e-mail address will not be sold, leased or given to anyone, ever!




No comments:

Subscribe now

Add to Google Reader or Homepage Add to My AOL Subscribe in NewsGator Online Subscribe in Bloglines