Saturday, November 15, 2008

Kim Komando Show Electronic Newsletter - Nov. 15, 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!




  The My Prayer Box makes a thoughtful gift!






  Edge Brownie Pan






  Exotic Home Fragrance Beads






  iPod Locks






  Ultimate Wine Opener






  A faucet light with fun and function!






  Colorforms






  The smart way to save $100s on electric bills!



 

Nov. 15, 2008—Vol. 12, No. 46

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DOWNLOADS, TIPS AND SECRETS TO GET THINGS DONE
Let's get revved up for the latest edition of the Kim Komando Show Electronic Newsletter! There's plenty in store: helpful tips, fun sites and freebies galore! Each week, my national daily and weekend radio shows and newsletters reach millions of people just like you. It's an honor to have you with us!

CONTENTS -- WHAT'S IN YOUR INBOX THIS WEEK:
- ON THE QT: Track the flu; fun videos and freebies
- DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Easy and fast tips that work for you
- MY COLUMN: Pricey yet practical digital gift ideas
- COOL SITES: Komando Kids; and more fun stuff you'll like and use
- COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE: Make a family Christmas newsletter
- SECURE COMPUTING: Microsoft releases security patches
- YOUR WEEKLY Q&A: Is your Wi-Fi network still safe?

Listen to Kim On Air CLICK & FIND MY RADIO SHOW IN YOUR HOMETOWN
With 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, 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.

HERE'S 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!

NO PREEMPTIONS! DOWNLOAD & 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.

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!

AMERICAN FORCES RADIO & THANKS
Listen all over the world! My shows are broadcast on the American Forces Radio Network. If you know someone in the military, let them know. And if you have served, or are currently serving our country, THANK YOU. With the holiday season right around corner, check our page that spotlights ways that you can thank our troops.

Back to the top

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

IS THERE A FLU OUTBREAK IN YOUR AREA?
Look at Google go! What started as a simple search engine has sprouted in every direction. Now it wants to take on the flu.

Google's new Flu Trends site uses what they are calling "collective intelligence" to predict outbreaks. The intelligence comes from search queries we type into Google,  such as flu symptoms and where we are located. Using this data, Google says it can predict flu outbreaks faster than the Center for Disease Control. Click here to check it out.

Do you need a flu shot? (Attention Mother Komando! This is for you!) I picked a few sites last month for our free Cool Site of the Day newsletters. In case you need a flu shot, click here to find the clinic nearest you.

FORWARD THIS NEWSLETTER: I had the flu last week. Argh! It was horrible. I should have gotten the flu shot. I kept putting it off. Don't let this happen to you or your loved ones. Share this information now while you're thinking about it.

NEWS FLASH: THE ECONOMY ISN'T GETTING ANY BETTER
They just keep coming! Each day I get more e-mail messages from listeners asking for help. Many people are worried about losing their homes and jobs. Others just want to make a little money to buy Christmas presents.

Call me the queen of frugality! Over the years, I've written many tips on saving money. I've also given pointers on finding legitimate work-from-home opportunities.

Now, I've put together a one-stop financial resource for you, my readers. At my Money Center, you'll find plenty of tips on saving money. These tips run the gamut! Learn how to slash printing costs, save on groceries or find cheap gas.

It doesn't stop there. You'll also find a bevy of advice on making money. Learn how to make money on eBay. Or, sell your creative work online for big bucks. There's even help for those in the market for a new job!

You probably know plenty of people who are struggling right now. Do them a favor. Forward this newsletter to them now.

FREE SOFTWARE FOR SMALL BUSINESS FROM MICROSOFT
Kevin in Austin, TX, listening to my national radio show on the great KLBJ 590 AM heard me mention Microsoft's BizSpark program last weekend. He's interested in learning more about it. I'm sure others would like to know more, too.

BizSpark is a Microsoft program for start-ups. Microsoft will provide free software to small businesses through BizSpark. You'll also get help growing your business. The program isn't open to everyone. You must be sponsored by a BizSpark Network Partner. But, Microsoft will help you find a sponsor. Learn more about this great program on my site!

STEP RIGHT UP AND GET YOUR FREE SOFTWARE
Many of us are struggling in today's economy. But there may be a bright side to the financial woes. Most people are saving by trimming expenses.

One area where you can save big bucks is computer software. Don't rush out to the store to buy that photo-editing program. Instead, visit my Download of the Day site. You'll find a free program that offers many of the same features. You can also save on games, office programs, security software and more!

Each day, I feature a free program you're sure to love. And every program has been thoroughly tested and approved by me. So you don't need to worry about viruses or other malware!

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!

• Some scenes don't fit in a camera's viewfinder. But multiple shots aren't as stunning. So, stitch shots together.

• A lot goes on in the background of your computer. Ever want to know what it all is? This program will show you.

• Saving the planet sounds like a lot of work. But this video game makes it fun. You'll also learn about ecology.

• Dictionaries are so last season. One program will replace your dictionary, thesaurus and encyclopedias. Interested?

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—The holidays are the time for connecting with the family. You may have family coming to visit. Not everyone will make it, though. You can include them in the festivities. Send out a family newsletter. Fill them in on the fun.

YOU CAN WIN DURING MY GREAT GIVEAWAY
Cue the fanfare! Open the doors to the secret prize headquarters! The Annual Kim Komando Show Great Giveaway begins next weekend! If you like winning big prizes, you're in luck! I love giving them away!

Next Saturday, Nov.  22, I will launch my 13th Annual Great Giveaway Sweepstakes on national radio and on my Web site!

What can you win? Well, nothing is junk. There are digital cameras, laptops, security cams, Southwest Airlines tickets to anywhere they go, music systems, monitors, headphones, printers and lots more! I will be awarding HUGE prizes on-air and online from great sponsors such as:

    • Microsoft
    • Garmin
    • Sony
    • GE
    • Averatec
    • Wi-Fi Alliance
    • Sonos
    • Logitech
    • Office Depot
    • Epson
    • Adobe
    • Shure
    • Nikon
    • Rosetta Stone
    • Collectorz.com
    • Gifts.com
    • LG
    • DXG
    • Myvu
    • PathFinder Luggage
    • Big Fish Games
    • And more!

Every caller who speaks with me on the air wins a valuable prize. You have to call when I am broadcasting the show live on Saturday mornings, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pacific Time. The number to call is toll-free 1-888-825-5254.

You can also enter to win one of the grand prizes on our Web site. Be sure to tell your family and friends! Mark your calendars now. The Annual Kim Komando Show Great Giveaway begins next Saturday, Nov. 22. Yea!

Check giveaway.komando.com for more details! We're adding new prizes every day!

I DO THE WORK FOR YOU FOR PURE VIDEO FUN
I spend most of my working day online. I'm busy researching your questions and finding great freebies and Web sites. I also see a lot of videos in my travels. Most are boring or raunchy. Occasionally, though, I find the rare gem.

That's why I started my Video of the Day site. I wanted to feature the best videos the Internet has to offer. That way, you have one place where you know you'll find fun, family-friendly videos.

It features one or more videos every day. I'm sure you'll love them just as much as I do!

Don't miss these popular videos from the past week:

• I love success stories. Arnel Pineda was a struggling singer from the Philippines. His story is an amazing one. He's now headlining one of the world's biggest bands, Journey.

• Tuesday was Veterans Day, a day to honor those who have served our great country. This video is a fitting tribute to our armed forces.

• It's only three months away! Will you be ready when all our TVs get digital signals only? This great and funny PSA will give you all the details.

• Winter is coming! Is your home prepared for the season? If not, you better get to work. Here are some tips to help.

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

Do you have big ideas or like to invent new things? Get inspired by these invention videos from my Video of the Day archive. Who knows, the next great invention might be yours!

• Ever wish you could fly, you know, Superman-style? Are you looking to lose a few pounds? Well, why not do both! A guy named Mike has built one geeked-out exercise bike. Check it out.

• Years ago, my dad told me lawnmowers cannot fly. I told him he was wrong. They can fly, and this video proves it. So, there!

• Cars can be pretty humdrum. An engine and four wheels. But this is different. This door slides down and under the car.

• Johnny Chung Lee is a graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University. He has some cool ideas and inventions. Two of them, using the Nintendo Wii remote, have attracted a lot of attention.

videoSaturday's video—Conspiracy theories are always interesting. Some are laughably impossible. Others are spooky. I bet you've never heard one of these theories.

Sunday's video—Fighter jets are amazing vehicles. They push the limits of mechanical endurance. But they may be tougher than you imagine.

WANT TO SHARE MY VIDEOS?
Share my videos with your friends and 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.

PRIVACY AND SECURITY TIP: Prepare your computer for guests
The holidays are coming, and so is your family. You might be prepping your home right now. Well, prep your computer, too. Guests will want to check e-mail and surf the Web. Set up your computer now so that they can use it but not get into your personal private files. Or worse, download garbage that messes up your PC. Don't miss it in the second hour of my show!

My national radio show heard in all 50 states is three hours long. I'll be talking about this important privacy secret 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.

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

    • Tracking a child overseas
    • Pricey yet practical gift ideas for gadget lovers
    • Important security tips; and some awesome freebies!

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DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Tips that work for you!

IF YOU USE FACEBOOK, YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS
David, who listens to me on WWTN 99.7 FM, wrote from Nashville, TN. His Facebook account is being used to send spam. He's received some nasty messages from friends regarding the messages. He's worried about his other Facebook friends. He'd like advice on handling the situation.

Well, David, it sounds like your computer is infected with the Koobface worm. You may have received a message with a link to a YouTube video. When you clicked on the link, you were instructed to upgrade Flash Player. The update was actually a Trojan. That's how you picked up the worm. You didn't remember my three words, "Just don't click."

The worm uses your Facebook account to send spam to other members. But that's not the worst of it. It turns infected machines into zombies. Your computer could be used to attack others or spread spam. The worm also affects MySpace.

First, you need to clean up your machine. You should update your security software. Then, do a full scan of your computer. If you don't have security software, visit my Security Center. You can download all the security tools you need—for free! Follow the instructions for removing infections.

After your machine is cleaned up, change your Facebook password. This should prevent further spam from being sent from your account. Finally, you need to send a message to all of your contacts. Explain the situation. Tell them about me, my show and how I helped you. Then, urge them to scan their machines and change their passwords. Otherwise, you could start seeing spam messages from them!

Feeling overwhelmed by spam? Check out these great time-saving tips:

TIP IN A TIP:
One of the fundamental tools everyone should have is a spam filter. Many Internet service providers already filter e-mail for you. But it's hard to tell how effective they are when you receive dozens or hundreds of junk messages each day.

You can reduce the junk by adding a filter. There are many anti-spam tools online. I've sorted through dozens to find some that you can use with minimal effort. They're all free. So you can try each without spending a dime. Click here to check my list of the top free antispam filtering progams.

KEEPING TABS ON A CHILD OVERSEAS
Laurie in Sacramento, CA, catches my show on KTKZ 1380 AM. Her niece will be traveling to Italy with her sister's ex-husband. Laurie's sister worries that the father will try to kidnap her daughter. So, Laurie is looking for a way to track her niece.

This must be every parent's biggest fear, Laurie. Fortunately, though, there are solutions that may help. First, give your niece a cell phone. It should be GSM, which Italy uses. T-Mobile and AT&T are the major GSM providers here. Either should be able to help you find a phone for Italy.

GSM phones use a SIM card. It provides the information needed to work on a network. You can probably buy a card for Italy in the United States. I have a tip that will help you navigate your options.

CDMA providers—Verizon, Sprint and Alltel—may also have a solution.

Your niece should call or text her mother on a daily basis. She should also call in an emergency. If the girl doesn't stay in contact, you'll know something is amiss.

Now, the phone should have a GPS chip. Your niece will know where she is if she is abducted. Also, the phone can be used in conjunction with tracking software. Your sister will be able to log on to the Internet and see where her daughter is located.

Of course, the father may take the cell phone and use it. That's OK. If the father has the phone, you can track him. Wherever he is, your niece should be, too.

You might also consider a personal locator. These gadgets receive location coordinates via GPS satellites. They also connect to communications satellites. They let you send emergency messages with your coordinate information. Some can even be tracked online via Google Maps. Learn more about these life-saving gadgets in my helpful tip.

LETTING YOUR GAME THROUGH
Shannon wrote from Phoenix, where she tunes in on KFYI 550 AM. Her son likes to play Age of Empires II. He would like to invite others to play with him. However, to play with others, he needs to open Windows communication ports. Shannon would like help with this. She's using the free ZoneAlarm firewall.

Well, Shannon, I don't recommend that you open ports on your computer. Rather, you should add an exception to ZoneAlarm. Once you do that, the firewall will no longer hamper game play. It's a very simple solution.

Start by opening the ZoneAlarm window. Next, click Program Control in the left side of the window. Open the Programs tab. Search through the list of programs until you find Age of Empires.

You'll see two columns: Access and Server. Each contains subcolumns labeled Trusted and Internet. Under Access, you want to allow Trusted and Internet. Under Server, you want to allow Access. Just click the X (or question mark) and select Allow.

You may not see Age of Empires in the program list. In that case, you'll need to add it. Click Add at the bottom of the window. Search to find Age of Empires. By default, the program is located at C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Age of Empires II. The file will be named EMPIRES2.exe or AGE2X.exe. Double-click it. You can then add exceptions for it.

Kids love computer and video games. But you need to set limits. You don't want your kids spending too much time gaming. You also don't want them playing dangerous or offensive games. So, don't miss these tips. They're a must-read for any parent.

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!

NO PREEMPTIONS! DOWNLOAD & 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!

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

    • Rookie Rundown—Who's attacking your machine?
    • Keep reading! I have more money-saving tips!

Back to the top


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THE WEEKLY COLUMN:

PRICEY YET PRACTICAL DIGITAL GIFT IDEAS
This year, you may be trimming your Christmas spending. But there's probably at least one special person on whom you're willing to spend.

So, you want to choose a gift that will be used frequently. Here are some great gift ideas:

BlackBerry Bold

Apple's iPhone is a runaway success. For business users, though, there's just one choice for smartphones: BlackBerry.

The BlackBerry Bold has been called the best BlackBerry ever. It offers BlackBerry's famous push e-mail. It also provides on-the-go editing of Office documents.

To learn more about the BlackBerry Bold and other great gifts, read my entire column. Unlike these gifts, my column isn't pricey. 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!
    • What you should know about the WPA crack

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Other Items of Interest
Rechargeable USB Cell Batteries
All-In-One Emergency Radio




ROOKIE RUNDOWN: Tips to get you newbies up and going!
Philip wrote in from Union City, PA. He downloads the podcasts of my weekend and daily radio shows. He's been getting ZoneAlarm alerts that some incoming transmissions have been blocked.

He wants to know if he can identify who is attacking his machine. The alerts display an IP address.

Let me start with a brief description of IP addresses, Philip. An IP (Internet Protocol) address is used to identify machines on the Internet.

Your IP address is given out as you surf the Internet. For example, you may click a link. Your IP address is sent. That way, Web sites know where to send data.

Police regularly use IP addresses to track and finger criminals. So, it is definitely possible to find out who is behind an IP address.

However, the IP address probably won't help you. Internet service providers assign IP addresses to their customers. These IP addresses frequently change. You would likely need a subpoena to learn who uses an IP address.

Or, the attack could be launched by someone at a public hotspot. You could potentially track the IP address to the hotspot. But I imagine the trail would go dead there.

More likely, the machine trying to attack your computer is a zombie. It was infected by malware. It is now doing the bidding of a criminal in a far-off land. Identifying the machine won't help you identify who is behind the attacks.

Now, say you do find out who is trying to attack your machine. What are you going to do with the information?

You could go to the police. You could also try reporting it to your ISP. But, these types of attacks are common. There simply isn't enough manpower to follow up on each one.

So, my advice is this: Don't worry about it. You have a firewall that is blocking the attacks. So, you're protected. We all want to stop the bad guys. In this case, though, your efforts will likely prove fruitless.

IP addresses are among the most misunderstood things in computerdom. But my enlightening tips will help you sort through the confusion:

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
    • The lowdown on the WPA crack

Back to the top


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RADIO REWIND: Your guide to all things radio!

BREAK THE ICE
During your gatherings this holiday season, start some digital dialogue. Technology is a great conversation starter and an interesting topic in any setting. Don't forget to mention my weekend show, daily Digital Minutes and Kimcasts, too.

polar bear

KNOW THE CHANGES AT THESE STATIONS
Flagstaff, AZ (KVNA 600 AM), Saturdays, 11 a.m. and Sundays, 4 p.m.
Toledo, OH (WSPD 1370 AM), Sundays, noon

BABY, IT'S GETTING COLD OUTSIDE
The average temperature this time of year in Phoenix (KFYI 550 AM) is about 70 degrees. The average in Minneapolis (KTLK 100.3 FM) is 40 degrees. Wailuku, HI (KAOI 1110 AM) averages 84 degrees. And in Fargo, ND (WDAY 970 AM), you can enjoy about 28 degrees. Here is a quick peek at some of my affiliates in all different climates: New York (WCBS 880 AM); Miami (WIOD 610 AM); Houston (KTRH 740 AM); Las Vegas (KDWN 720 AM); Chattanooga, TN (WGOW 1150 AM); Waco, TX (KWTX 1230 AM); Lake Charles, LA (KAOK 1400 AM); Tuscaloosa, AL (WTBC 1230 AM) and Great Falls, MT (KQDI 1450 AM).

GATEWAY TO THE GOLDEN ISLES
Brunswick, GA is within close proximity to St. Simons and Jekyll Islands. That makes the city a gateway to these golden isles. The city has the second largest documented historic structures in Georgia. And the port of Brunswick is among the nation's most productive.

Brunswick Stew is a tomato-based stew with beans, corn, okra, other vegetables and meat.

wgig  

WGIG 1440 AM is my affiliate in Brunswick. It airs my show Saturday at 10 a.m.

OFFICIAL KOMANDO AFFILIATE LOCATOR
Check out my Locator Map. You will be prompted to enter your location and e-mail. Then, we'll send you an e-mail in a jiffy!

IT'S ALWAYS COOL AT KIM'S CLUB
Join Kim's Club. The member benefits are great! You can access audio and premium content. You can also meet friends and talk digital on my Message Board.

STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:

    • Security tips to keep your computer safe
    • Can hackers get on your wireless network?

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Other Items of Interest
Kim's Favorite Tool Kit
Magnetic Multi-Bit Screwdriver

MY WEEKLY SELECTION OF UNIQUE AND GREAT WEB SITES

KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: Set up kid-friendly e-mail
E-mail is a powerful communications tool. It can also get children in trouble. Parents should be able to control and monitor their kids' e-mail. There are a number of ways to do that, both online and off. I'll show you how during the third hour of my show.

CONTEST SITE: Home Theater Sweepstakes
Good Housekeeping is giving away an EPSON HD projector, 100-inch screen and surround sound system. Open to U.S. residents, 18 or older. Deadline 12/31/2008

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Secret Obsession
Calvin Klein is offering samples of its newest fragrance, Secret Obsession. It's a blend of fruits, flowers and woody notes. Just fill out a short form to get yours.

FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: Get creative with your desktop
Are you getting tired of looking at that same old desktop? You can spruce it up with new wallpaper, icons and more. You'll find themes from food to movies to digital art.

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:
Search thousands of job boards
Explore the world, a picture at a time
A fun update to a classic game
Rent, don't buy

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COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE OF THE WEEK

THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: Make a family Christmas newsletter
The holidays are the time for connecting with the family. You may have family coming to visit. Not everyone will make it, though. You can include them in the festivities. Send out a family newsletter. You can fill them in on the fun.

I found freebies that make creating family newsletters fast, fun and easy!

Let's keep it going; there's plenty more to cover:
• SECURE COMPUTING: Time to run Windows Update

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Great Christmas Gift Idea!
Give the Orginal Gifts of Christmas!


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Other Items of Interest
Sensible and Affordabe Holiday Gifts
Jingle Bell Bottle Stopper


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!

MICROSOFT RELEASES MONTHLY SECURITY UPDATES
On Tuesday, Microsoft issued two security patches for Windows. One patch fixes a flaw rated critical. The second patch is rated important for Windows XP, moderate for Vista.

The flaws give hackers new ways to infect a victim's computer with malware. The critical flaw can be exploited by visiting a malicious Web page. An e-mail containing malicious code can also be used to exploit the flaw. Your firewall should protect you from the lesser flaw. Time to run Windows Update!

THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
• Is WPA still safe?

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A Handy 6-Bit Magnetic Screwdriver !

• Kim-recommended as a must-have for anyone
• Practical, lightweight & easy to use
• Pump action changes bits in seconds
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Other Items of Interest
Kim's Favorite Tool Kit
Use Your Tools in Low-Light


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

I read in your News of the Day free e-mail newsletter that WPA has been cracked. I do online banking via my wireless network. I also have a lot of sensitive information stored on my laptop. So, this is very worrying to me. How can I protect my data now that WPA is cracked? Do I have to upgrade all of my equipment?
—Earle in Minneapolis, listening on KTLK 100.3 FM

Before I answer your questions, sit down and take a deep breath. Things really aren't as bad as they may seem.

WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) is a security protocol used in wireless networks. It replaces the ineffective WEP security protocol.

WPA uses Temporal Key Integrity Protocol to encrypt data. It is TKIP that makes WPA susceptible to attack.

TKIP was designed to work with the old WEP protocol. That way, old network gear could be upgraded through firmware and driver updates. The gear would then work on WPA-protected networks.

Last week, researchers reported that they had partially cracked WPA. They read data traveling from a router to a laptop. Data going the opposite way was not cracked.

Criminals haven't figured out how to get WPA's encryption key. That is, without the use of a brute force attack. A brute force attack tries every possible key combination until the correct one is found. Your key should be longer than 22 characters. This makes such an attack very difficult.

This should come as welcome news. It means criminals won't have free reign over your network. So, the data stored on your computers should be safe. It also means that the data sent over your network is safe.

Let me explain how the new attack works. Then I'll tell you what criminals can accomplish with such an attack.

The chances of missing a bit or getting it incorrect are relatively high with Wi-Fi. So an error-detection scheme that totals bits in the transmission is used. These are called checksums, and are appended to data transmissions. If the numbers don't match, the transmission is considered to be garbled. The data packets are rejected.

A checksum helps network cards and access points detect legitimate errors. It can also help reveal data tampering. Unfortunately, the checksum is weak in WEP. Criminals could mess with it. That's what led to WEP's downfall.

TKIP implemented a second layer of protection. It's called Michael. (No, I'm not joking!) Michael produces a better checksum, which is also encrypted. It is used in addition to the checksum used by WEP.

If a card or access point receives two bad Michael checksums in 60 seconds, it shuts down. A new network key is exchanged between the card and access point. Every other machine on the network also receives a new key.

Researchers have discovered a way to get around Michael. Since TKIP is based on WEP, they attacked WEP first. Packets of data were intercepted. A second attack was used to decrypt the individual data packets. This data contained the Michael checksum.

Once the Michael checksum was divined, it could be appended to data packets. Attack data wasn't rejected because the Michael checksum appeared to be good.

Now, it isn't practical to use this attack to steal data. That's because network keys are regularly refreshed. There's not enough time to decipher large amounts of data before a rekeying event.

So, how can criminals use the attack? They can inject up to seven packets of data. This data goes to computers on the network, not the router. Your computer thinks the data came from the router.

Traffic injection can be used to poison your DNS and ARP caches. DNS is used to direct your browser to Web sites. ARP is used to find hardware addresses.

If these caches are poisoned, you can be directed to malicious Web sites. Or, you could be directed to a malicious server. It can also result in a denial-of-service attack.

Now for the kicker. WPA2, the successor to WPA, is also susceptible to the attack. That's because WPA2 users can select TKIP encryption.

However, WPA2 provides another form of encryption—Advanced Encryption Standard. AES is not susceptible to the TKIP attack.

So, what should you do about the attack? Home users shouldn't worry. It is certainly a serious attack. However, it's not a true key crack. Your data can't be deciphered. Nor can criminals use your broadband.

Your computers, router and gadgets may support WPA2. If that's the case, make sure you're using AES encryption. Consult your user's manual if necessary.

As of March 2006, WiFi-certified equipment was required to support WPA2. So, new gear will support AES.

Finally, you may be able to adjust how often your router issues network keys. If so, rekey every two minutes. This should protect your network. Consult your manual for more information.

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

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
Genius Front Pocket Wallet
Hide Valuables in Plain Sight




SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU LAUGH

THIS SOUNDS LIKE A STICKY SITUATION
A deacon was counting the money in the church's collection plate. He soon noticed a strange thing. Many of the bills were sticking together. When he examined the, he saw that there was no sticky residue. They clung together as if they were held by magnets. So, he decided to show them to the minister. But the minister wasn't impressed. In fact, he said, that situation occurred frequently. "These are the tithes that bind," he explained.

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 :)

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!






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Thanks for understanding that we need to prevent the nasties.

Terms of Use

Personal & Educational Use Only This blog consists mainly of FREE newsletters from computer web gurus that I receive. I thought you might like to see them all in one place than try to discover them on your own. A moderate amount of editing may be done to eliminate unrelated repetitious ads or unnecessary text which bloat the post. However I have given the authors full credit and will not remove their site links because you deserve to see where it comes from and they deserve to get credit for what they have written. Your use of this site is simply for educational purposes. For more computer-related help go to: CPEDLEY.COM for free software, advice and tips on low cost products which are very helpful. If you want to contact the editor, please go CPEDLEY.COM and check the Contact page for email address.