Saturday, November 8, 2008

Kim Komando Show Electronic Newsletter - Nov. 8, 2008


Kim's Club Shop Listen Columns Cool Sites Tips Buying Guide Video of the Day

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




Save Your Old Negatives And Slides Forever!







Digital Circuit Finder








World's Tiniest 8 GB Flash Drive








Pyramid Power Strip







A Keyboard You Can Use in the Dark!







Never Worry About Leaving The Garage Door Open Again!








This Premium USB Turntable is Kim's Pick!








You Are Here Doormat!




Nov. 8, 2008—Vol. 12, No. 45

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DIGITAL TIPS AND TRICKS TO SAVE MONEY & TIME
It's the latest, greatest edition of the official Kim Komando Show Weekend Newsletter! On tap this week, I've got fun sites, money-saving tips and cool freebies! Each week, my national daily and weekend radio shows and newsletters reach millions of people just like you. I'm happy to have you along for the ride! Thank you for your support.

CONTENTS -- WHAT'S IN YOUR INBOX THIS WEEK:
- ON THE QT: Free memory screening; fun videos and freebies
- DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Easy and fast tips that work for you
- MY COLUMN: Buying an LCD HDTV on a budget
- COOL SITES: Komando Kids; and more fun stuff you'll like and use
- COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE: Free restaurant coupons
- SECURE COMPUTING: Adobe issues Reader, Acrobat patches
- YOUR WEEKLY Q&A: Protect yourself with a security camera

Listen to Kim On Air CLICK & FIND MY RADIO SHOW IN YOUR HOMETOWN
With 465 radio stations throughout the United States, where I call home, there's bound to be a station near you that's broadcasting my show this weekend. To find the one closest to you, click here and you'll be magically transported to the Official Komando Radio Map. Then, join me for three fun-filled, jam-packed hours of great talk radio about the Internet, HDTVs, MP3 players, DVRs, marketing tips for your site, digital cameras, camcorders, making money online, using the Internet to save money and a bunch more!

I'd really like you to call me. After all, they call it "talk radio" for a reason. You can join in the fun. I'm sure you have at least one question about something digital. I'm here to help with unbiased advice.

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 to 10 a.m. 2.) Know the phone number. It is, of course, toll-free 1-888-825-5254. 3.) Talk to our call screener Andrew and tell him what's on your mind. That's all there is to it!

NO PREEMPTIONS! DOWNLOAD & LISTEN WHEN YOU WANT!
Listen in crystal clear digital audio on your schedule. It's commercial-free, too! When you download my shows, they can be played on any MP3 player. Or, you can play them on your computer. 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.

SEE SOMETHING UNDERLINED? CLICK & LEARN
When something is underlined in our newsletters, click it. It's a link for you to learn more. So go ahead, click the link. Expand your horizons. You'll be glad you did!

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ON THE QT: Things I pass along just for you!

ARE YOU AT RISK FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?
Few things are as frightening as Alzheimer's disease. This debilitating disease affects many Americans and their families. There is no cure for Alzheimer's. But early detection can improve the quality of life for victims.

Nov. 18 is National Memory Screening Day. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is encouraging people to consult with a health care professional. You'll find free memory screening sites across the country. All you need do is visit the foundation online.

In addition to screening sites, you'll find a wealth of information. You can learn more about Alzheimer's disease and dementia. There are also tips for talking to your doctor about Alzheimer's. And don't forget to read the successful aging tips!

PAY IT FORWARD: Memory screening is important for everyone. So, forward this newsletter to your friends and family. Encourage them to visit a memory-screening site.

FREE SOFTWARE SAVES YOU BIG BUCKS
In this economy, you're probably looking for ways to trim your budget. But there's one area where you don't need to cut back: software. I've scoured the Web for the best free programs.

Each day, I pick one great program to feature as a Download of the Day. It could be a full-featured office suite. Or, maybe it's a security program or a tool to speed up your computer. You'll be surprised by all the awesome free goodies I find for you!

Of course, each program I feature is safe to use. I'll never pick one that harbors spyware, adware or other nasty tricks.

Here are some of my favorite freebies from the past week. Just click on the links below to learn more about the programs. Hurry back, though—I have more money-saving advice for you!

• Cable and satellite aren't the only sources for television. You can get your favorite shows online.
• Putting images online isn't as easy as it sounds. You need a place to host your images. How about a free image host?
• You can find some great products at online stores. Amazon has a new way to explore its content. It's pretty cool.
• Building a stunning Web site isn't easy. Interactive Web applications are the key. You can make them for free.

Want a tip? Bookmark my Downloads page . Just go there, and press Ctrl+D. That will add my downloads section 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.

Saturday's download—Many people are pinching pennies these days. Eating out is often the first activity to be cut. But you can save money eating at your favorite restaurants. Many have special offers.

59 DAYS OF BIG PRIZES!
Sadly, my Giveaway of the Day Sweepstakes ended on Monday. Fifty-nine prizes were awarded in 59 days!

But don't worry, more great and fabulous prizes are coming soon! My 13th Annual Great Giveaway launches in a few short weeks! Stay tuned for more details.

Congratulations to our last few Giveaway of the Day winners:
10/31 - Michael Poole of Charleston, WV (WCHS 580 AM) – Michael is going wireless! He just won a Prize Package from D-Link ($168 value). The package includes two great products—the AirPlus Wireless Pocket Router and Xtreme N Dual Band USB Adapter. Now Michael can connect to the Internet quickly and wirelessly, almost anywhere.

11/1 – Ken Maples of Cayce, SC (WVOC 560 AM) - Ken will never get lost again. He won the NAVIGON 2100 max GPS unit. This $299 GPS device is ultra-thin and stylish with a 4.3-inch touchscreen display and advanced features. He'll have peace of mind, knowing he's always headed in the right direction!

11/2 – Nancy Farris of Cathedral City, CA (KPSI 920 AM) - Nancy has a new way to keep organized and to stay in touch. The Palm Centro smartphone ($150) gives her voice, text, IM, e-mail and the Web. All of this is in a sleek phone that fits into her pocket!

11/3 - Richard Vail of Indianapolis (WIBC 93.1 FM) – Richard will love watching movies with stunning picture quality with his brand new Rotel DVD player ($499.99 value). This player also has two channel analog outputs, composite, S-video, and component outputs, and an optical output for adding additional components.

Congratulations! To see the entire list of winners, visit the Giveaway of the Day Winners Page. And don't forget to keep an eye out for my Great Giveaway.

FAMILY FRIENDLY VIDEO FUN
You never know what you'll find on YouTube. You may get lucky and find a funny or inspiring video. Or, you could click on an obscenity-riddled clip promoting drug use. It's certainly no place for children or the faint of heart.

That's why I started my Video of the Day. I wanted to feature the best videos the Web has to offer. And I wanted to help families avoid offensive videos.

Each day, you'll find one must-watch video. It is sure to delight you!

Don't miss these popular videos from the past week:
• Meet Challenger, a bald eagle. He was raised by humans and can't be released. But he can thrill a stadium full of people.

• Eva Cassidy never achieved fame before her death in 1996. But in recent years, she has sold millions of records in Europe.

• Magicians' should amaze and astound. That is, unless they're not very good. Then they use other talents, like comedy.

• Manipulating computers using only thought has always seemed a reach. But as this video shows, it is rapidly becoming a reality and giving millions of people hope.

Football season is in full swing! So, I've decided to show you a few of my favorite sports clips. Check these out from my Video of the Day archive:

• Imagine taking the field at a major league baseball game. The screaming fans. Your face on the JumboTron. How cool would that be? Well, some Little Leaguers experienced that firsthand. And it was all thanks to kindhearted pranksters.

• Football sure can be exciting. But some plays are more exciting than others. This is the best punt return I've ever seen.

• Good sportsmanship should be a guiding tenet in competitive sports. Sometimes, it seems sorely missing. But it came out in spades at a recent college game.

• Have you heard of the sport called highlining? Me, neither. So watch this video. I wonder if this guy can get insurance.

videoSaturday's video-- Horse dancing is more popular than I realized. This performance is both impressive and touching. The rider doesn't use a saddle or reins.

Sunday's video— Kim Peek may have the most powerful mind in the world. His story is amazing. You'll enjoy finding out what makes him tick.

SHARE MY VIDEOS: Share my videos with your friends or family! Simply click the ShareThis button below the video you like. Click the Send/Email tab to e-mail the video with a personal message. Or click on the Social Web tab. From there you can share the video online. It works with services like Facebook, MySpace, StumbleUpon and more.

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.

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

    • Make money with online surveys
    • Buying an LCD HDTV on a budget
    • Important security tips; and some awesome freebies!

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DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Tips that work for you!

GET PAID FOR YOUR OPINIONS
Ted in Sarasota, FL, tuned in to my show on WLSS 930 AM last weekend. He heard me talking about online surveys. But his reception wasn't very good. He would like me to repeat the information. He's particularly interested in legitimate sites that do surveys.

Times are tough, and everybody is looking to make a little cash. So, I've been getting a lot of questions about making money online. Many people have seen ads for online surveys and want to know the scoop.

A number of companies will pay you to answer questions. The information is used by marketers. The surveys can take a few minutes to complete, or they could take considerably longer. You won't get rich by completing the surveys. But you could earn a little spare cash in your free time. And, at this time of year, who couldn't use a little more money?

Watch out for scammers, though. That's true no matter what you do online. Scammers are opportunists. So, they often target those who want to make money from home. You should be cautious when approaching work-from-home opportunities. Do your research. And whatever you do, don't pay anyone for any opportunity, no matter how appealing.

Fortunately for you, I've done a lot of the work for you. I've found some legitimate survey opportunities. You can also find out more about how the surveys work. Just visit my handy-dandy Money Center. You'll learn about many, many other online money-making opportunities. I've also thrown in money-saving tips for good measure!

DON'T FORGET TO HELP OUT THE TROOPS
Joe wrote in from Richmond, TX, where he catches the show on KTRH 740 AM. He has a number of used DVDs he was going to sell on eBay. But he's changed his mind. He would like to donate them to the troops. He wants to know if anyone will accept the used DVDs. He says that they're in good condition.

Donating your DVDs to the troops is a great idea, Joe. We're just entering the holiday season. Unfortunately, troops stationed overseas will miss out on most of the merriment. So, they will appreciate your kindness now more than ever. I'm sure your DVDs will help them get through Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Don't worry that the DVDs are used. The fact that they are still playable is all that matters. I make a point to send my DVDs to the troops after watching them. I probably won't watch them again. There's no reason why the men and women serving our country shouldn't enjoy them.

So, who will distribute your used DVDs to the troops? I will! Or, rather, Operation Komando will help you get them to the troops. Just visit the Operation Komando page. You'll find an address where you can send care packages.

Currently, Operation Komando is working with Carl Morgan of the Base Command Group. Carl will distribute your DVDs to soldiers stationed throughout Iraq.

I'm sure many others would also like to help out the troops. Not sure what to send? Don't have much spare cash? Don't worry! You'll find lists of most-needed items on the Operation Komando page. There are plenty of small-ticket items, along with more costly items. Thanks for your support!

And don't forget to visit my Support Our Troops page. You'll find many other cool ways to help out our troops overseas!

The end of the year is rapidly approaching! Have you made your annual charitable donations yet? If not, head over to my site. My tip will help you find legitimate charities online.

Of course, you may be forced to reduce your donations this year. In that case, there are other options. For example, you can generate cash for your favorite charity by surfing. No, I'm not joking! Learn more by reading my awesome Cool Site.

Veterans Day is this coming Tuesday. If you know a vet, share my Video of the Day with him or her on Tuesday, Nov. 11 . I picked out a really special one that honors those who served.

GETTING RID OF XP ANTIVIRUS 2008
Mark in Glendale, AZ, catches my show on KFYI 550 AM. He wrote to request help with XP Antivirus 2008. He is getting pop-ups for the program on his machine. He wonders if a pop-up blocker will stop the messages.

You're not alone, Mark. I started getting questions about XP Antivirus 2008 a couple of months ago. And I'm still getting many pleas for help. XP Antivirus is fraudware. It apparently begins with a pop-up message when you're surfing. It offers to do a free scan of your machine. The scan will find hundreds of malware infections. It urges you to buy the full program.

It is possible (or probable, if you're careful) your computer has no malware programs. XP Antivirus uses false positives to trick you. You believe your machine is infected, so you spend $40 on the program. The pop-ups will likely stop once you pay up. But you shouldn't pay a dime. This is extortion.

Fortunately, you can remove XP Antivirus 2008 on your own. But it will take a little time and patience. And FYI, Mark, a pop-up blocker won't help you, at least not now. Pop-up blockers stop ads that pop up in new windows when you surf. A pop-up blocker may have helped you avoid an infection. But it won't do anything for the XP Antivirus pop-ups.

I have easy-to-follow instructions for removing XP Antivirus 2008 on my site. If you've been hit by this program, you won't want to miss them. Once you're done, stop by my Security Center. You'll find free, must-have security software in one convenient place.

XP Antivirus isn't the only fraudware out there. There are probably hundreds of other rogue security programs. So, be wary of offers for free online security scans. That's especially true if the offer arrives via pop-up.

I've also heard from people who are getting Antivirus 2009. It seems to be a variant of Antivirus 2008. The removal methods outlined above work.

Here are some handy tips for removing a couple of other rogue security programs:
Give MalwareAlarm the boot
MonaRonaDona sounds fun, but it isn't!

BONUS TIP: GET FREE SECURITY SOFTWARE HERE
With identity theft on the rise, you know computer security is important. So, if you don't have security software or if your security programs are outdated, take action! I know what you're thinking: Buying a computer security suite is costly. But you don't need to spend a dime. I have links to all the free security software you need. Click here.

SHARE IT: Spread the word. Share the link to my security center with your family, friends, baseball team—everyone! They will thank you for it!

KEEP YOUR PC RUNNING LIKE NEW
Remember when your computer was new? It took mere seconds to greet you with the Windows desktop. Today, it seemingly takes forever to boot up. Visit our Performance Center for free tips and advice. You'll be glad you did!

TELL THE WORLD TO GO KOMANDO
I'm sure that there's someone among your friends and family who would learn a thing or two from our newsletters and national radio shows.
• Tell your family members and friends to check us out. I have a form that makes it easy.
• Link your blog, Facebook, Myspace or site to my site. Instructions and cool artwork await you.

PRIVACY AND SECURITY TIP: Personal locators save lives
Outdoor sports are so much fun. Maybe you go hiking, skiing, flying or boating. All of these sports can also be dangerous. Maybe you drive many desolate roads. You could be stranded or injured. You need a way to contact help. New technology offers help. My national radio show heard in all 50 states is three hours long. I'll be talking about personal locators in the second hour of the Kim Komando Show. You don't want to miss it!

Need to find a radio station near you? Click here to use the official Kim Komando Show Locator Map. It's pretty snazzy.

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

    • Rookie Rundown—Keep my newsletters out of the spam folder
    • Keep reading! I have more money-saving tips!

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THE WEEKLY COLUMN:

BUYING AN LCD HDTV ON A BUDGET
The digital television transition is right around the corner. So, digital, high-definition televisions will top many gift lists this year. But before you buy, make sure you're getting the biggest bang for your buck.

This year, HDTV prices will reach unprecedented lows. A 42-inch set will come in well under $1,000. You may even see 32-inchers for less than $400!

You'll find plasma and DLP sets. But, LCD has become the most popular type of HDTV. Want some helpful tips for buying a budget HDTV? Then don't miss my weekly column. It's free on my site!

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.

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.) Talk to Andrew and tell him what's on your mind. That's all there is to it!

WAIT! THERE'S MORE!
There are other newsletters aside from this one that we send out free of charge. Sign up for all four now, while you're thinking about it. You can do that here.

STILL TO COME IN THIS ISSUE:
    • Some freebies and a contest for you to win!
    • Using an IP camera to monitor your house

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Make Your Yard Sing with Amazing Grace Wind Chimes!

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Other Items of Interest
Gear Charging System
Cremesicle Candle




ROOKIE RUNDOWN: Tips to get you newbies up and going!
Doris in Spokane, WA, catches my show on KQNT 590 AM. She wrote in because my newsletters are being marked as junk e-mail or spam. She would like to know why. Doris also wants to know what she can do.

Kim's Club member Holleydidit left a related note on my Message Board. She's having trouble filtering my newsletters in Outlook. That's because the subject line of my Cool Site of the Day and Tip of the Day recently changed. The subject lines now match the content of the messages.

Let me start with Doris' question. Each e-mail provider uses a different spam filter. I work with many providers to add my newsletters to their approved lists. But some providers slip through the cracks.

You should be able to correct the problem fairly easily. Just access your e-mail through your provider's Webmail page. Open your spam folder, find one of my messages and open it.

You should see a button labeled "Not Spam" or something similar. Click the button. Future messages should appear in your inbox. You will need to repeat this for each newsletter you receive.

You could also add me to your safe sender list, if your provider offers this feature. Setting up a safe sender list will vary from provider to provider. My quick column will help you create an approved list for popular e-mail providers. Consult your provider's help pages for more information.

You'll need to know the return address for each of my newsletters. They are on my site.

Now, Outlook could also be filtering the messages into the Junk e-mail folder. This is easily remedied. Just open the Junk folder and find one of my newsletters. Right-click it and select Junk E-Mail>>Add Sender to Safe Senders List. You'll need to repeat for each newsletter.

Filtering my newsletters is also a good idea. It will help you keep my newsletters organized. You'll also avoid the Junk folder.

Setting up filters in Outlook isn't terribly difficult. But it is detailed. So, read my easy, in-depth tip on setting up e-mail filters on my Web site. Don't use the subject line as the basis of your filters. Rather, set up your filters based on the sender's address.

Speaking of your spam folder, is it getting a little full? Then you'll want a good spam filter. You'll find plenty of good ones on my site. Here are a few you should check out:

BUYING ANY TECH FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
Visit the Komando.com Buying Guide. Here, you can find unbiased advice on buying laptops, computers, 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!

A MESSSAGE 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.

SEE SOMETHING UNDERLINED? CLICK & LEARN
When something is underlined in our newsletters, click it. It's a link for you to learn more. So go ahead, click the link. Expand your horizons. You'll be glad you did!

GET MORE FREE TIPS FROM ME TO YOU
You get this newsletter. Now, sign up for my other three free e-mail newsletters.

• Free computer or digital 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!

STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:
    • Security tips to keep your computer safe
    • See who's driving past your house

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RADIO REWIND: Your guide to all things radio!

START YOUR ENGINES
Our digital age runs at break-neck speed. Stick with me, and you'll stay ahead of the pack! Tune in to my three-hour Weekend show and my daily Digital Minutes. And don't forget about my Kimcasts, available only to Kim's Club members!

race

KEEP UP WITH THESE FOLKS!
My affiliates are in the business of getting accurate information to you fast. I'm proud of them all! Here are just a few of my great stations: Chicago (WLS 890 AM); Dallas (KTRH 1080 AM); Atlanta (WSB 750 AM); Denver (KHOW 630 AM); Norfolk, VA (WTAR 850 AM); New Orleans (WRNO 99.5 FM); Knoxville, TN (WNOX 100.3 FM); Lafayette, LA (KPEL 105.1 FM); Montgomery, AL (WLWI 1440 AM); Anchorage, AK (KFQD 750 AM); South Bend, IN (WSBT 960 AM); Santa Barbara, CA (KTMS 990 AM); Bloomington, IL (WJBC 1230 AM); Texarkana, TX (KTFS 940 AM) and so many more!

THE CITY OF PALMS
McAllen, TX, is located at the southern tip of Texas in the Rio Grande Valley. Its nickname comes from the thousands of Palm trees lining the streets.

Like many warmer climates, McAllen's population nearly doubles from October through March. Retirees descend upon the area from the north. These Winter Texans come to enjoy the tropical climate. Mexican culture, square dancing, golf courses and unique outdoor opportunities are other draws.

kurv

All of my friends can find me in McAllen on KURV 710 AM. My weekend show airs Saturdays at 9 a.m. My Digital Minutes can be heard weekdays in the 5 p.m. hour.

ZOOM TO MY MAP
It's fast and easy! And it's the quickest way to find a radio station airing my shows. So check out my Locator Map!

SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY
Give yourself "me" time. Explore special content, access my Message Boards and Kimcasts on your schedule. All you need do is join Kim's Club right now!

STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:

    • Security tips to keep your computer safe
    • See what's happening at home while you're away

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Studio Quality Photos in A Snap!

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Other Items of Interest
The 50 Greatest Secrets of Digital Photography
High-Quality Photo Blanket

MY WEEKLY SELECTION OF UNIQUE AND GREAT WEB SITES

KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: What are kids doing on their phones?
To kids, cell phones are powerful social tools and fashion statements. But parents know they can be used improperly and even dangerously. How can you tell how your children use their phones? It isn't easy. But I can give you insider tips and secrets. Tune in to the third hour of my national weekend radio show for the scoop.

CONTEST SITE: Action Unleashed
IGN and MyRide are giving away 12 new cars. Three monthly winners will get additional prizes. Open to U.S. residents 18 or older. Deadline: 5/30/09.

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Rev up relief
Prilosec OTC is the official heartburn medication of NASCAR. Get a free sample from Wal-Mart. Open to U.S. residents. Limit one per household.

FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: Add effects to your Webcam
Chatting with a Webcam is a great way to stay in touch. But you can have a lot of fun with them too. Surprise your friends and family with cool special effects.

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:
Find inexpensive gas
Fun kid-friendly videos
Trim your food bills
What's running on your machine?

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COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE OF THE WEEK

THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: Free restaurant coupons
Many people are pinching pennies these days. Eating out is often the first activity to be cut. But you can save money eating at your favorite restaurants. Many offer special offers, coupons and reward clubs. You can still get out on occasion.

This week, we did the work for you. You'll find one-click access to money saving coupons for your favorite restaurants at Komando.com. I'll tell you more about this in the first hour of my three-hour national weekend radio show.

Let's keep it going; there's plenty more to cover:
• SECURE COMPUTING: Time to update Adobe Reader

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Capture Your Family Memories in a Beautiful High-Quality Photo Blanket!

"My parents are difficult to buy gifts for. I ordered one of your digital blankets. The picture was of three generations of my family. It was SPECTACULAR! My mother was speechless. If you knew my mom, you'd know that is a big deal." – Jerry in Las Vegas

SUBMIT YOUR FAVORITE DIGITAL PICTURE!



Other Items of Interest
The Official Kim Komando Show Angel T-Shirt
The Official Kim Komando Show CD Car Visor


SECURE COMPUTING: STUFF TO KEEP YOU SAFE FROM HARM!

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

ADOBE PATCHES FLAWS IN READER, ACROBAT
Odds are, you have some Adobe software running on your computer. This week, Adobe patched eight security flaws in Acrobat and Reader. Versions 8.1.2 and earlier are vulnerable to attack. One of the flaws is five months old. Hackers can use it to execute remote code. Victims would need to open a specially crafted PDF file to be affected.

The best bet for Reader users is to update to version 9. Acrobat users can install the patches easily. Just open the program and click Help>>Check for Updates. Make sure you update your software immediately!

THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
• Monitor your house from afar

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Kim's Favorite Tool Kit
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KILLER TIP--THE WEEKLY QUESTION SENT IN FROM PEOPLE LIKE YOU!

I am being stalked by someone at work. I would like to get proof of this so I can take it to the police. So, I want to set up a video camera to record cars driving past my house. I don't get much traffic—maybe 10 cars a day. Can you offer some advice? The camera should be motion-activated. It also needs to be wireless.
—Betsy in Murfreesboro, TN, listening on WTN 99.7 FM

This sounds like a very bad situation. I can understand why you would want to put an end to it.

There are many security, or IP, cameras on the market. I would start by looking at cameras from D-Link, Linksys and Panasonic. IP cameras start around $100 and go up—way up! I would expect to pay about $200 for one with the features you need.

You'll find both wired and wireless models. Unlike Webcams, security cameras connect directly to your network. You don't need to leave a machine running.

You won't have much trouble finding a motion-sensitive camera. These cameras should send you a photo when they detect movement. Alerts are usually sent via e-mail. Some alert you via text message.

Photos are nice. But I would look for one that sends video clips. That way, you get a better idea of what's happening. For example, you'll know if a car is slowing as it drives past.

In addition to sending alerts, some security cameras record to your hard drive. Obviously, to take advantage of this, you'll need to leave your computer running.

Most security cameras give you remote access. You simply open a Web browser and enter the camera's IP address. You'll be able to see exactly what the camera sees. Some even let you pan and tilt the camera remotely. That's a nice touch.

When you install security cameras, you'll want to make sure they're secure. To join your wireless network, they'll need to use the same encryption type. You should be using WPA2 to secure your network. WEP is ineffective, and WPA has already been cracked.

You should also password protect the camera. Otherwise, strangers can view your camera. You don't want your camera to be used to spy on you!

Don't use the default user name and password, though. These can be guessed easily. Instead, create a unique user name and strong password. My must-read tip will help you create strong passwords.

I assume you'll put the camera on the outside of your house. That means you need to think about the elements. IP cameras are not weatherproof. So, you'll want to buy a weatherproof housing. This will protect it from rain and snow.

You should also think about where you will place the camera. It will need a power outlet in order to work. That could make it difficult to mount the camera.

Security cameras are a great way to watch your house when you're away. You can also use them to keep an eye on the kids.

That said, a security camera may not help you much. Your house is undoubtedly set back from the road. That means the camera might not capture important details.

For example, it may record a white car of a specific make and model. But that doesn't mean it will capture the driver's face or the license plate number. The police will probably need this to positively identify the stalker.

So, before you buy a security camera, talk to the police. Explain your situation; they may be able to help you now. At the least, they should tell you what's needed to make an arrest.

Working with this individual only makes the situation worse for you. The stalker knows when you work. He can also find out information on you from other coworkers. And he could make thinks very uncomfortable at work.

You need to tread carefully. You don't want to anger the stalker; that could prove dangerous. At the same time, your employer may be able to help. That's particularly true if the stalker is harassing you at work. I would sit down with human resources and explain your situation. This could protect you if he tries to jeopardize your job.

For more helpful advice on choosing an IP cam, check my handy buying guide. You can even compare prices on popular models!

Finally, consider what information your stalker can find out about you online. You'll be surprised what personal information can be gleaned online. Fortunately, I have many handy tips that will help you protect your private information:

IF I HELPED YOU, CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME?
Help me find new listeners and readers. Here are a couple ways:

1. Tell your co-workers, employees, team members, fantasy sports buddies, family members and friends to check us out. I have a form that makes it easy.

2. Link your blog, online profile or site to my site. Instructions and cool artwork await you.

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

Kim :)

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Other Items of Interest
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SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU LAUGH

BLAME ROD IN ARIZONA FOR THESE PUNNY ONE-LINERS!

The roundest knight at King Arthur's Round Table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it was just an optical Aleutian.

She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still.

No matter how much you push the envelope, it is still stationery.

Two silk worms had a race, but it ended in a tie.

Time flies like an arrow, but fruit flies like a banana.

A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

Have a great day and I'll see you on the radio!

Give me a call! 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.) Talk to our call screener Andrew and tell him what's on your mind. That's all there is to it!

Kim :)

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