Saturday, December 27, 2008

Kim Komando Show Electronic Newsletter - Dec. 27, 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!




  Travel Blanket






  Gear Charger






  Giant Calculator






  Emergency LED Spotlight






  Steady As You Go Walking Stick






  A Keyboard You Can Use in the Dark!






  Make USB, microphone, headphone and speaker ports easy to access!






  Steady a Camera up to 11 Pounds with the Snap-Around Pro Tripod!



 

Dec. 27, 2008—Vol. 12, No. 52

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It's this year's final edition of the Official Kim Komando Show Weekly Newsletter! Help me usher out the old and welcome the new with cool tips, fun freebies and awesome sites. Each week, my national radio show and newsletters reach millions. Here's wishing you the best in 2009!

CONTENTS -- WHAT'S IN YOUR INBOX THIS WEEK:
- ON THE QT: Help for resolutions; fun videos and freebies
- DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Easy and fast tips that work for you
- MY COLUMN: Phishing attacks get personal
- COOL SITES: Komando Kids; and more fun stuff you'll like and use
- COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE: Top downloads of 2008
- SECURE COMPUTING: Watch out for malicious ecards
- YOUR WEEKLY Q&A: Encrypting your data with TrueCrypt

Listen to Kim On Air CLICK & FIND MY NATIONAL 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 hereand 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!

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

WHAT ARE YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS?
Well, Christmas is behind us. It's time to think about the coming year. I'm sure there are many things you'd like to do differently in 2009. Maybe you want to eat better or reduce stress. Or, maybe you want to lose weight like millions of other Americans.

No matter your resolutions for 2009, you'll find help online. The government's Web site has plenty of advice and help for fulfilling your resolutions. And don't forget to visit my Money Center. It will help you take control of your finances in 2009.

I have faith in you! There's nothing you can't do!

YOU COULD BE MY GRAND PRIZE WINNER
The 13th Annual Kim Komando Show Great Giveaway has come to a close. But you may have won one of the amazing Grand Prizes! Be sure to tune in this weekend. I'll announce the big winners. Their names will be posted on the Winners page after the show.

But first, congratulate the final daily winners!

GET A COOL FREEBIE EVERY DAY
No doubt you have some new gadgets in your life thanks to Santa. So, now it's time to think about software. Maybe you need to wipe an old computer or secure a new one. Or maybe you need photo-editing software or music for an iPod.

No matter what software you need, you'll find it at my Download of the Day site. Every program I feature is free. And you won't find a trace of malware! Here are some of my favorite freebies from the past week. Click on the links below to learn more about the free programs. There's still plenty of ground to cover. Hurry back!

Want a tip? Bookmark my Downloads page. Just go there and press Ctrl+D. That will add my downloads to your browser's favorites!

And remember this: If I say a program is free, it's FREE. There are sites on the Internet that sell free programs. There are also many ads on the Internet for similar programs, which aren't free. If somebody tries to charge you for a free program, back up. You've clicked on the wrong thing.

Saturday's download — Consider it your year-end bonus! I've gathered up 20 of the hottest downloads from 2008. I've featured hundreds of programs throughout the year. So, choosing the best wasn't easy. But I'm sure you'll agree that these programs are awesome!

DID YOU MISS ANY OF MY VIDEOS THIS WEEK?
You probably didn't spend much time on the computer this past week. After all, Christmas is a little more important than surfing the Net.

Even though you may not have watched, my Video of the Day continued. As usual, I picked one great video each day. Some were funny, some were inspirational and all were worth watching!
So, catch up with these hot videos from the past week:

• Bobby Darin was a great singer and entertainer. This video features one of his classic songs. Music fans will love this.
• All epic movies have one thing in common, an inspirational speech. But all are really the same.
• The world is changing faster than ever. Technology is driving that change. Learn about the world of today and tomorrow.
• Being snowed in isn't much fun. That is, unless you're Bailey the dog. Watch this, and you'll want to play in the snow.

Traveling is one of the most exciting things you can do. There is so much to see out there. You'll find some strange and fascinating things. Check out the sights in My Video of the Day archive:

• You've never been to a market like this one. This market in India is located right on the railroad tracks!
• People are attracted to strange things. Would you travel to see a cat at a train station? If you lived in Japan, you might.
• How interesting are water lilies? Frogs sit on them. What else is there to know? Actually, they're surprisingly fascinating.
• A fountain is a fountain, right? They look and sound nice. Really, what about them could excite us? Well, this one is exciting!

videoSaturday's video — I know you. You've always wanted to fly like a bird. Well, maybe you can't. But check this out. They don't call it soaring for nothing.

Sunday's video — You wouldn't think that a concert and painting go together. So, you probably haven't seen Michael Israel. You won't soon forget this video.

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.

THE EASY WAY TO SAVE MY VIDEOS
Ever want to save a YouTube or other video that you've found online? You've come to the right place. On my site, all you need do is enter the Web address for the video, click a button and download the video to your Mac or PC.

Again, to download the video, all you need is the video's Web address. Don't know how to find that? Click here for step-by-step instructions.

And to start saving videos you find online, use the free tool on my Web site. It's located at http://www.komando.com/myvideo/

PRIVACY AND SECURITY TIP: Clean up your computer
The year is almost over. Start the next one off on the right foot. Clean out your computer. You can free up precious space and improve your computer's performance. I can give you all the tools you'll need to do it. Catch it in the second hour of my show.

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

    • Blogging for bucks
    • Phishing attacks get personal
    • Important security tips; and some awesome freebies!

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DIGITAL DIGRESSIONS: Tips that work for you!

BLOGS HELP YOU ADVERTISE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Brian catches my show on Seattle's KTTH 770 AM. He was recently laid off from his job. So, he's looking for a way to make some cash. He also wants to show off his knowledge of his chosen field. So, he's planning to launch a blog. He just needs a little help setting things up.

I've been getting a lot of messages from readers who want to set up blogs. Most see blogging as a way to earn some cash. Few realize that a blog can help with a job search. A blog is personal space. Use it to display interests and talents. It can show a potential employer dedication and knowledge.

You can set up your blog in minutes. You'll find links to free services Blogger, WordPress and LiveJournal on my site. These services offer free software and hosting. So, you can get going without spending a dime!

You won't make money just by starting a blog. You'll need to put advertising on your site. This sounds more daunting than it really is. You can sign up with affiliate programs and services like Google AdWords. My handy column will help you monetize your blog.

Once you have your blog and advertising set up, there's one final hurdle. You need to attract readers to the blog. This will be your biggest challenge; there's a lot of competition online. But I have you covered there, too. I have helpful advice for increasing traffic to your site. Don't miss this tip!

Don't head off to create your blog just yet, Brian. You will want to read last week's column, if you haven't already. It has plenty of practical advice for landing your dream job. It will help you and your family prosper in the coming year!

USE A NETWORK CAMERA TO MONITOR A SICK PET
Ellen in Denver tunes in on KHOW 630 AM. She wrote in because she is looking for a Webcam for her laptop. Her dog has canine epilepsy. So, Ellen would like to use the Webcam to watch her. But she needs help setting things set up.

A Webcam will certainly do the trick, Ellen. But it isn't the best solution.

With a Webcam, you must leave your computer running all the time. That isn't convenient. Also, the Webcam will have a limited range. You won't be able to see your dog if she goes into a different room. So, I'd use network cameras.

Network cameras are designed for monitoring your home or business. They attach directly to your home network. You won't need to leave a computer running. And network cameras are easily set up in different rooms. You can see your dog no matter where she is.

Network cameras are more costly than Webcams. But, their features can't be beat. For example, some e-mail or text you when movement is detected. You can access your cameras from any Web browser. And, some even have intercom features. You can scold your dog when she gets on the couch in your absence!

Buying a network camera can be complicated. Fortunately, I've made the buying process easy. My buying guide will help you find the perfect camera!

You may be interested to know that Webcam robots are hitting the market. These are much like network cameras—on wheels. You can steer them around your house from afar. They could be ideal for keeping an eye on pets. That is provided your pets don't frighten easily! WowWee makes the Rovio ($200). iRobot is launching the ConnectR; the price is not yet available.

DON'T FORGET TO SHARE YOUR HOLIDAY PHOTOS
Mark tunes in on KSTE 650 AM in Sacramento, CA. He recently bought a digital camera. He's already taken many photos of his family and friends. Now, he's wondering how to share the photos. He doesn't want to print copies for everyone.

I don't blame you for not wanting to make prints, Mark. That could be very, very costly if you've been snapping a lot of photos. You'd be better off sharing the photos themselves. Let the recipients print the photos they like.

Photo-sharing sites are extremely popular and easy to use. You just upload your photos to the site. You can usually mark them private, if you choose. Then, you share a link with your friends and family. They can browse through the photos. They can then download them for printing. Some sites also offer printing services.

There are many photo-sharing sites. But they're not all created equal. Make sure you find a site that best suits your needs. My handy column will help!

You could also create a digital slide show to share. You arrange the photos and then add effects and transitions. It's really a slick way to share photos. And it's much easier to do than one would expect. I've got a great column that will walk you through creating a slide show. Don't miss it!

Now, you may want to do something fancier for that special someone. Or, you may want a nice album of your photos for posterity. In that case, make a photo book. You can do it directly from your home computer. And the results will be phenomenal. My helpful tip covers your options for creating a hardbound photo book.

It sounds like your computer will be filled with photos in no time. So, do yourself a favor. Make your photos easy to locate. A good photo-organizing program like Picasa will do the trick. You can download it from my site for free. Get it now!

NEW AND IMPROVED BUYING GUIDE
Visit the Komando.com Buying Guide. Here, you can find unbiased advice on buying laptops, desktops, TVs, monitors, scanners, video cards, digital cameras, software, audio, printers, cell phones, networking gear, handhelds, memory cards and, well, let's just say a heck of a lot more! You can scan the categories. Or use the Search banner on the page. We hope you like the improvements at the Buying Guide and use it often!

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 here, check our page that spotlights ways that you can thank our troops.

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—When should you update your GPS maps?
    • Keep reading! I have more money-saving tips!

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Save 25% With Kim's After Christmas Sale!




THE WEEKLY COLUMN:

Phishing attacks get personal
You know to watch for phishing attacks. You're cautious and use a good spam filter. But phishing messages still get through. And these messages are more dangerous than ever.

According to Cisco, almost 200 billion spam messages are sent daily. They have one thing in common. They want your money. Few are legitimate.

Most computer users can spot phishing messages. Unfortunately, cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, too. Targeted phishing attacks account for 0.4 percent of spam messages. That may seem minor. But it's 800 million messages a day.

Do yourself a favor. Find out how you can spot targeted phishing messages. I also have some great advice for protecting yourself. It's all in my weekly column. You can read it for free on my site now!

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!

STILL TO COME IN THIS ISSUE:

    • Some freebies and a contest for you to win!
    • Resolve to encrypt your data in 2009

Back to the top




iCrime is on the rise! iPods are one of the top 5 most stolen gadgets!

Did you know that 25% of all thefts occur from vehicles? How do you protect your iPod?

Protect your iPod from being stolen! The Antii-Theft iPod Lock is a portable locking security case that prevents theft!
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR ANTI-THEFT IPOD LOCK!



Other Items of Interest
Compact Snap-Around Tripod
Digital Camera Travel Tote




ROOKIE RUNDOWN: Tips to get you newbies up and going!
Brent wrote in from Spring Hill, TN, where he catches the show on WWTN 99.7 FM. He has a handy portable GPS unit. But he's concerned about the maps on it.

Brent would like to know how often he should update the maps. He wants to make sure he has the latest and greatest information.

I'm sure plenty of people are driving around with outdated GPS maps. This can get you into a lot of trouble. That's because roads often change. New roads may be built. Two-way streets may become one-way streets. I wouldn't trust outdated maps!

Unfortunately, no GPS unit will ever be 100 percent accurate. To understand why this is, you need to understand how map updates work.

There are two companies that produce most GPS maps, Tele Atlas and NAVTEQ. These companies send out drivers to map the roads.

The drivers focus on roads that have changed. Or, they map new residential areas. But they may also map areas that are deemed inaccurate.

The mapping companies' databases are updated fairly quickly. But this information has to trickle down to you. It could take years for corrections and new additions to hit your GPS unit.

The GPS manufacturers must convert the maps for their hardware. They must also do the programming for calculating different routes. Eventually, the maps are packaged and sold to you, the end user.

Unfortunately, you're at the mercy of GPS manufacturers. You must wait for them to release new maps for your unit. The good news is, most manufacturers issue yearly updates.

So, how often should you update your GPS' maps? I would do it when new maps become available. That's particularly true if you frequently drive to unfamiliar areas. You should also do this if there is a lot of roadwork and development in your area.

Of course, GPS updates can cost hundreds of dollars. So, you may try to get by with less frequent updates. You may be okay if you stick with relatively familiar areas. But I would definitely update before taking a major road trip.

You can check your manufacturer's site for updated maps. You may also see software updates. These are different than maps. You should install software updates when they become available.

You may not want to visit the manufacturer's site regularly. That's okay. Just register your GPS unit. You should be notified as new maps become available.

Mapping services are some of the hottest sites to hit the Net in years. And maps aren't just for finding directions! You can have a lot of fun with mapping sites. Or, you can use them to help you with a variety of things. Explore the world of online maps in these great tips:


A MESSAGE FROM THE KOMANDO.COM POSTMASTER
Did you move and get a new e-mail address? Let us know so you don't miss a single issue of our free newsletters. It's easy. Just use our Change of Address form at the Komando Newsletter Center. Click here to access it now.

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
    • Protect your privacy while surfing the Web

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RADIO REWIND: Your guide to all things radio!

SPEND THE NEW YEAR WITH ME!
Resolution #1: Tune into my three-hour weekend show on your local station every weekend. Resolution #2: Catch my Digital Minutes each weekday for a quick digital fix. Resolution #3: Become a member of Kim's Club. Reap all of the benefits of membership, including audio, premium content and Message Board posting.

New Year

MY RESOLUTION: BRING ALL THINGS DIGITAL TO EVERYONE!
We have a ton of new affiliates starting in 2009! But they're top secret for now! So, keep checking your newsletters for exciting news about new markets. Here are a few of my 462 affiliates you can tune in to now: Chicago (WLS 890 AM); Houston (KTRH 740 AM); Washington (WTNT 570 AM); Miami (WIOD 610 AM); Pittsburgh (WPGB 104.7 FM); Cincinnati (WKRC 550 AM); Kansas City, MO (KMBZ 980 AM); Norfolk, VA (WTAR 850 AM); Honolulu, HI (KHVH 830 AM); El Paso, TX (KTSM 690 AM); Charleston, SC (WSCC 94.5 FM); Fort Wayne, IN (WOWO 1190 AM); Greeley, CO (KFKA 1310 AM); Atlantic City, NJ (WOND 1400 AM) and so many more!

LOVE THEM APPLES
Yakima, WA (pronounced yack-ih-ma) is one of the best apple-producing areas in the world. It's also a great location for growing hops. The unofficial nickname of Yakima is "The Palm Springs of Washington State." The city is named for the Yakama Native American Tribe.

KIT  

The city is also home to my affiliate KIT 1280 AM. It airs my weekend show 9 a.m. Saturdays and Digital Minutes in the noon hour weekdays.

A BIG THANKS
Stations air my shows because loyal listeners like you tune in. This season call your local station and say "Thanks for airing Kim Komando." Program directors really appreciate it and so do I. You can find your local station information by clicking here.

FIND ME

Use my handy locator map and find a station near you. Tell all of your friends to tune in, too. It's a hoppin' good time!

KIM'S CLUB
Kim's Club members can access premium content, audio on demand, Message Board posting and more! Click here for more information.

STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:

    • Security tips to keep your computer safe
    • Get up and going with encryption

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Lock Away Your Worries,
Thoughts and Prayers!


• The "My Prayer Box" is a
   small, yet powerful gift
• A lovely poem displayed inside
• Very attractive wooden box

CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS NOW!



Other Items of Interest
Crosses Tea Light Candle Holder
Gear-Charging System

MY WEEKLY SELECTION OF UNIQUE AND GREAT WEB SITES

KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: How to handle cyberbullying
Everyone has run into a bully at one time or another. But today's children are dealing with a different kind of bullying. Online bullying, or cyberbullying, can be vicious. And it's not easy to stop. I can show you how. Tune in to the third hour of my show.

CONTEST SITE: Connect, Communicate, Cash in!
HTC and AT&T are giving away cellular prizes. Win $15,000 to $25,000 in cash and a handful of HTC FUZE smartphones. Open to U.S. residents, 18 or older. Deadline: 4/5/09

FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Dunkin' at home
Looking for a good cup of coffee? Dunkin' Doughnuts makes some of the best. And you can try the new dark roast right at home. Fill out a short form to get your free sample.

FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: Create HDR photographs
Digital cameras are great. But they lack the dynamic range of traditional film. Luckily, you can fix this. HDR photograghy is the answer. This program makes it simple.

GET A COOL SITE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK
There are plenty of great sites on the Web. But who has time to find them? Every day, I pick one great site and share it with you. Try it for a week and you'll love it!

In case you missed any this past week, here's a list of some of our favorites:
Make traveling less stressful
Fun holiday recipes
Improve your finances in 2009
Sail through voice menus

Back to the top

COOL USEFUL FUN FREEBIE OF THE WEEK

THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: Top downloads of 2008
What do you need to unlock your computer's full potential? You need awesome software, of course. And believe it or not, you can get great programs for free. I've featured hundreds of these on my site. But you can find the top 20 downloads right here.

Let's keep it going; there's plenty more to cover:
• SECURE COMPUTING: Beware malicious ecards

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SECURE COMPUTING: STUFF TO KEEP YOU SAFE FROM HARM!

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MERRY CHRISTMAS! YOUR COMPUTER IS INFECTED!
Security researchers are warning about fake holiday ecards. The cards direct recipients to a site, purportedly to view an electronic greeting. Instead, users' machines can be infected with malware. The malware hijacks machines and turns them into zombies.

This is nothing new. Criminals have been using these tactics for years. For example, last year's Storm Worm was spread via similar means. But, these messages are a particular threat this time of year. So, be vigilant about where you click. If you receive an ecard, confirm that it's legit before opening it.

THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
• TrueCrypt protects your data at home and away

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5-in-1 LifeSaver Emergency Tool!

• Peace of mind for every family member
• Impact-resilient and water-resistant
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GET YOUR PEACE OF MIND!



Other Items of Interest
All-In-One Emergency Radio
Essential Safety Backpack



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

I'm following your advice on encrypting sensitive data. I downloaded the TrueCrypt program that you recommend. Unfortunately, that's as far as I've gotten. What do I do now? Can you help me get up and going with TrueCrypt?
—Mary in Albany, WI, listening on WIBA 1310 AM

Using TrueCrypt isn't difficult, Mary. But you want to make sure you know what you're doing. Otherwise, your data may not be properly protected. Or, you could overwrite important data.

If you don't have TrueCrypt, you'll need to download and install it. Where do you get it? Download it free from my site!

Once you install TrueCrypt, open the program. Click Create Volume and select "Create an encrypted file container." Click Next. Select "Standard TrueCrypt volume" and click Next.

Now you're ready to create your TrueCrypt container. To do this, click Select File. Navigate to the location on your hard drive to save the container. Enter a name for the container.

Do not select an existing file on your hard drive. Nor should you give your container the same name as another file. Otherwise, the original file will be overwritten with a new encrypted container. Click Save and then click Next.

You can select an encryption algorithm, if you choose. I would stick with AES, which is the default. Click Next.

On the next screen, enter a size for your container. Then select kilobytes, megabytes or gigabytes. The size of the container will depend on your needs. You don't want it to be too big if you'll put it on a thumb drive. But it should be big enough to store all of your documents.

You might want to start at 100MB or so. If you find it isn't big enough, that's OK. You can later create a bigger container. Then, move your documents to the new container. Once you've specified a size, click Next.

You're ready to create the password for the container now. Make sure you choose wisely! You don't want to forget it. But you don't want others to be able to guess it. So, before you proceed, check out my handy tip. It will help you create a strong password that is easy to remember.

After you enter your password, type it again to confirm it. Click Next. In the next window, move your mouse cursor randomly. This will help increase the strength of the encryption key. I recommend moving your mouse for about 30 seconds. Then click Format. Click Exit.

Your TrueCrypt container is now ready to use. You'll need to open TrueCrypt and mount your container to access its contents, though. Start by opening TrueCrypt.

Next, click Select File. Navigate to your container, select it and click Open. Then, select a drive letter to use for your container by clicking on it. It doesn't matter what drive letter you choose. Click Mount.

When prompted, enter your password. Click OK. Your container is now ready for use. It will appear as a drive in Windows Explorer. You can open the container in Windows Explorer and drag files to it. You can still access the container if you close TrueCrypt.

To lock the container, you must dismount it when you're done. Otherwise, others can get to the files inside the container. To dismount the volume, open TrueCrypt. Select your container and click Dismount.

You can move your container to a thumb drive if you choose. Just drag and drop it to the thumb drive. Dismount the container in TrueCrypt first, though.

You can use the container with any computer that has TrueCrypt installed. But you may want to add the program to your thumb drive. That way, you can always open your data. That's true even if a machine doesn't have TrueCrypt installed.

To install TrueCrypt on your thumb drive, open TrueCrypt. Click Tools>>Traveler Disk Setup. Click Browse to find your thumb drive. Select it and click OK. Make sure Include TrueCrypt Volume Creation Wizard is selected. Then, click Create.

A folder is created on your Thumb drive. When you open it, you'll see a few files. Among them is the TrueCrypt program. Just double-click it to run TrueCrypt. You'll be able to access your data and create new containers on the go!

Encrypting sensitive data should be one of your New Year's resolutions. What else do you need to do for a safe 2009? Here's a quick, easy-to-follow list:

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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SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU LAUGH

THIS ONE'S A REAL GROANER!
The first violin in the local philharmonic had a friend who played the cello. The friend, who was quite good, wanted to audition for the philharmonic. There was an opening, but auditions were hard to arrange. So he went to the violinist and asked for help. Said his friend, "Don't worry about it. I'll pull some strings."

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

Remember to 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!

Hugs,
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
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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.

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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.