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|   Nov. 29, 2008—Vol. 12, No. 48 Support this free newsletter—Support our advertisers
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. HO! HO! HO! IMPORTANT NOTE: The Kim Komando Show "Annual Great Giveaway" continues this weekend. Details about how to enter and what you can win are a few paragraphs down. I have over $80,000 in great prizes! HERE'S HOW TO CALL ME DURING THE SHOW
 SEND A CHRISTMAS CARD TO A SOLDIER This past week, she forwarded me an interesting e-mail. The message asks recipients to send a Christmas card to A Recovering American Soldier. The e-mail also provides the address for the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I'm sure many of you have seen this message. And, I'm sure many of you would like to brighten Christmas for our soldiers. Unfortunately, the e-mail message isn't accurate. It is true that you can send a Christmas card to wounded soldiers. However, the information provided in the e-mail is incorrect. Cards should be addressed to: Holiday Mail for Heroes Cards sent to the address in the e-mail won't be delivered. So, use the above listed address to send your cards to wounded soldiers! Friends and family may have also received the same message as Dawn. So, forward this newsletter to them now. Make sure they get the address right! And don't forget about Operation Komando! It's a great way to help our troops stationed overseas. Hurry over to my site to learn more! THE EASY WAY TO SAVE MONEY SHOPPING I always use promo codes. For example, my son Ian needed some sweatpants. I bought them online and saved $20 with the code. Getting promotional codes is easy. Several Web sites accumulate and distribute them. To learn more, click here for the scoop.
Here's a peek at our Grand Prizes:
• Photographer's Dream Prize Pack: Are you an avid photographer? You'll love this prize! One lucky winner will be taking pictures with their new Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera! Plus, the winner will be able to edit, print and share photos with the great prizes included! Value: $2,509.96 • Gadgets & Gizmos Prize Pack: Everyone loves gadgets and gizmos. So, we've put together some of our favorites for this grand prize. We're giving away everything from an LG 19-inch W52 LCD Monitor to Garmin's nuvi 255 GPS Navigation System! Value: $1,128.00 • Home Entertainment Bundle: If you like games or movies, you'll love this prize package! It includes an 80GB PlayStation3 Entertainment System, along with four PlayStation3 games, eight Universal Home Entertainment DVD movies, and 10 Big Fish Games computer games. Value: $1,073.82 • GE Security's Simon XT Wireless Security System: Simon XT is a cost-effective wireless security system offering burglary and fire protection. Value: $2,100.00 • Sonos Multi-Room Music System: The Sonos Multi-Room Music System makes it easy to add music to every part of your life and every room in your house. Value: $1,715.00 • The HP TouchSmart IQ506: The HP TouchSmart IQ506 is a touch-enabled PC with a 22" diagonal widescreen. Value: $1,499.99 • Polk Audio SurroundBar 360˚ DVD Theater: Polk Audio's SurroundBar360˚ DVD Theater is the best performing single-speaker surround sound theater system on the market. Value: $1,199.99 • TriGem's Averatec 2575 Series Notebook Computer: The new Averatec 2575 Series notebook is a full-featured machine, combining powerful dual-core processing with infotainment capabilities in an ultraportable, ultra-light form factor. 2 lucky Grand Prize winners will win an Averatec 2575 Series Notebook Computer! Value: $1,099.99 But that's not all! Click here to see all the great prizes at the Annual Giveaway Site. You could win a Sony PlayStation 3, Logitech network music player, Panasonic Blu-ray Disc player, LG 19-inch LCD monitor, Xbox 360 gaming console, Epson all-in-one printer, Garmin GPS, Shure earbuds, Kodak digital camera, Universal Home Entertainment DVD collection, DXG HD camcorder, Adobe photo software, Myvu Crystal media viewer, Microsoft goodies, Sony game or software package, Microsoft's Zune player, SOLO leather rolling laptop case, Total Training 1-year subscription, Gifts.com gift card, Lynda.com online training library, Motorola GPS unit, Logitech QuickCam webcams, Seagate's FreeAgent Go portable storage solution, Genius Touch Speaker System, Omnitech digital photo frame, Audiovox Homebase Message Center, Motorola mobile phone, Pathfinder Luggage CompuBrief, Big Fish Games package, Staples gift card, Rosetta Stone Spanish language software, and more! HOW CAN I WIN?! HOW YOU CAN WIN DURING THE SHOW: HOW YOU CAN WIN ONLINE: DID YOU WIN? Every day, I pick a new winner. Check the winner's page http://giveaway.komando.com/winners.asp and maybe you'll see your name in virtual lights. Be sure to tell 10 friends and family members! And get ready to call in to my show! Finally, don't forget about our sponsors. Be sure to check out the great prizes on the Great Giveaway area. The sponsors make the giveaway possible. So, if you ever want to learn more about any of the prizes, click those links (hint, hint) and you'll land at the sponsor's site. ARE YOU HAVING TROUBLE ENTERING THE GIVEAWAY? Some people are having trouble reading the verification code. Well, want to know a secret? There are a couple of tools to help you out. First, you can hold your mouse over the speaker icon beside the code. The code will appear in the status bar at the bottom of your browser. Most people should find it easier to read. But, maybe the text in the status bar is too small for you. I have that eventuality covered, too! Just turn on your speakers and click the speaker icon. The verification code will be read aloud to you! THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE Each day, you'll find one cool free program. And don't forget that the programs are archived. Just browse through my Downloads section until you find what you need! Here are some of my favorite freebies from the past week. Click on the links below to learn more about the free programs. Hurry back, though—we've still got plenty of ground to cover! • eBay is a great place to buy and sell stuff. But the site has some shortcomings. This program is the solution. 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 — Decorating is half the fun of the holiday season. So, how about sprucing up your computer? I've found two programs that you'll love.TAKE A VIDEO BREAK FROM HOLIDAY PREPARATIONS Don't miss these hot videos from the past week: • Thursday was Thanksgiving. It's a time to gather around the table with family and friends. And then, fight over a drumstick! This Butter Ball commercial will make your mouth water and your arteries harden. • Music is a powerful art. It can make you feel a range of emotions. It covers any topic you can imagine. But can it promote peace? • What can you do with a giant bungee cord and an ATV? Well, make a human slingshot, of course. Watch this adventurous woman take the ride of a lifetime. • Dean Potter is a pioneer in a number of extreme sports. He's best known as a daring rock climber. He isn't crazy. But watching this video may make you wonder. • Every year, salmon journey upstream to their spawning grounds. These salmon are a favorite snack of brown bears. But even fearsome bears have competition. This video is sure to make you laugh.
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. WANT TO SAVE MY VIDEOS? All you need to know is the Web address or URL for the video. If you are not sure how to get the address for the video, click here to read a step-by-step tutorial on how to do it. 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: Stay secure during holiday travel Need to find a radio station near you? Click here to use the official Kim Komando Show Locator Map. With over 450 stations, there's a station near you. STILL TO COME: Useful tips, important news and a few laughs!
• Digital camera specs made easy • Important security tips; and some awesome freebies! Back to the top   CREATING A PASSWORD-PROTECTED WEB SITE Well, Dawn, password-protecting a Web site isn't easy. You can buy software that will password-protect a site. I've never used this software, so I can't comment on it. Fortunately, though, you don't have to spend a dime. I have a detailed tip that will help you protect your site. It's a must read for anyone who wants to give their site a little security. Now, my solution probably isn't ideal for you. First, the passwords are stored unencrypted on the site. The average person won't be able to get to them. But a seasoned hacker might. Second, you still need to create a site. This is easy enough. However, you may want your classmates to add to the site. This will make things really complicated for you. So, I have a better solution. Create a wiki. You're probably familiar with Wikipedia, the most famous wiki. Simply put, a wiki is a Web site designed for collaborating with others. You can let your former classmates edit content on the site. Editing a wiki is easy. I recommend Instiki. You can download this great free program from my site. Installing Instiki isn't too difficult. And you'll find plenty of installation help on Instiki's site. Best of all, you can password-protect your site. So, it should be ideal for your needs. Of course, there is an even easier solution. You can use a site like Drop.io. It works much like a wiki. However, you don't need to do any setting up. And, you won't have to pay for Web site hosting. Drop.io also lets you password protect the information you upload. It's a snap to use. You can learn more about Drop.io in my Cool Site. GIVE VISTA A LITTLE SPEED BOOST I'm sure many people have experienced this, Jan. Vista requires a much more powerful machine than XP. And, Vista is often slow on machines that meet only minimum requirements. That's why it's better to purchase a machine with Vista preinstalled. You do have options, though. First, you could uninstall Vista and go back to XP. I'll bet that you'd rather not do that. I can't say that I blame you. Next, you could upgrade your machine. Without knowing the specifics of your machine, I can't tell you what to upgrade. But more RAM and a better video card are probably in order. Before you try this, there is another option. A couple features in Vista are probably taxing your machine. Disable them, and you'll get a speed boost. It may just get you by until Windows 7 comes out! Start by disabling Aero. This affects the appearance of windows. No big deal. It also disables other features like the Flip 3-D view. You can live without that, too. Right-click your desktop and select Personalize. Click Window Color and Appearance. Click "Open classic appearance properties for more color options." Select Windows Vista Basic. Click OK. Next, disable the Sidebar, if it's open. It's the area that runs down the right side of your desktop. Right-click in the Sidebar and select Close Sidebar. Click OK. Next, click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Windows Sidebar Properties. Deselect "Start Sidebar when Windows starts." Click OK. Also, give ReadyBoost a try. It lets you speed up your system with a flash drive. It's almost like adding more RAM. I have a handy tip that explains it all. If you don't notice an improvement from ReadyBoost, disable it. It uses resources when it's not running. Click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click Administrative Tools and select Services. Right-click ReadyBoost and click Stop. Many people have run into minor problems with Vista. Fortunately, I have plenty of helpful tips on my site that will clear things up:
• Slow startup and UAC • Where did my RAM go? • When Vista won't run peripherals WHICH IS BETTER—THE IPOD TOUCH OR MICROSOFT ZUNE? Well, Andre, neither is better. They're very different players. There are two versions of the Zune. The smaller, flash-based Zune is available with 4, 8 or 16 gigabytes of storage. It is much like Apple's nano. A hard drive-based Zune is available in 80- or 120-GB capacities. It is like Apple's iPod classic. The Zunes play music, videos and pictures. They feature FM tuners for radio listening. There's also Wi-Fi connectivity. This lets you synchronize the player to your computer over your home network. Or, you can share songs with other Zune users. The iPod touch is a flash-based player available in 8-, 16- and 32-GB capacities. It plays music, videos and photos. There isn't an FM tuner, and you can't synchronize it over your Wi-Fi network. But, the touch has many other features that make up for this. First, it doubles as a PDA. There's a calendar and contacts list. You can update them using the on-screen keyboard. The built-in Wi-Fi is also fairly versatile. You can surf the 'Net using the touch's Web browser. You can also add small programs, like games, from the App store. A mapping tool helps you find directions. The touch is Apple's most drool-worthy player, and with good reason. However, there are drawbacks. First, it starts at a pricey $230. And, the glass screen can be broken easily. Finally, the iPod touch can give kids access to porn and other objectionable content. If you go with the touch, you'll want to block access to certain content. My handy tip will help! The Zune and touch will be out of reach for many people. That's thanks to high price tags and a slow economy. So, you might consider a budget MP3 player. My money-saving column highlights some of the best budget MP3 players available. And don't forget the free music! BUYING ANY TECH FOR THE HOLIDAYS? HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE NO PREEMPTIONS! DOWNLOAD & LISTEN WHEN YOU WANT! DON'T STOP YET – THERE'S MORE YOU NEED TO KNOW:
• Keep reading! I have more money-saving tips! Back to the top
 DIGITAL CAMERA SPECS MADE EASY Fortunately, deciphering it is fairly easy. Following are common specifications you'll see on cameras. Some are worth worrying about; others aren't. The first is maximum aperture. Aperture refers to the diameter of the camera's lens opening. Aperture, or f-stop, is expressed as a fraction. For example, f/2.8 represents 1/2.8. Smaller numbers equal larger aperture sizes and faster shutter speeds. More light reaches the sensor. Should you worry about a camera's maximum aperture? And what about things like the image processor and maximum ISO? Find answers to these questions and more in my weekly column. It's free on my site! A LITTLE ABOUT ME: HOW TO CALL ME DURING THE SHOW WAIT! THERE'S MORE!
• What is XOHM? Back to the top 
Before I recommend a program, Clifford, let's talk about ZIP files. A ZIP file is basically a folder that can hold any type of file. But, ZIP files differ from folders in one important aspect. ZIP files are compressed, so they are smaller. This makes it easier to share large files. ZIP programs take extraneous data out of files. Extracting (or unzipping) a ZIP file puts the data back in. Some files like MP3s and JPGs are already compressed. So, zipping these files won't reduce their size much, if at all. I've got a couple of free ZIP programs in my Downloads section. So, you can hurry over and download a program now! And you don't have to worry about viruses or other malware. The programs are 7-Zip and BiGZiP. Both are very good. You may not need to download a ZIP program, though. Windows XP and Vista include ZIP tools. You can zip your files quite easily. In Windows XP, all you need to do is select one or more files. Right-click them and select Send to>>Compressed (zipped) Folder. To extract a ZIP file, double-click it. A wizard will walk you through the extraction process. You follow the same steps to zip files in Vista. However, the extraction process is different. Just right-click on your ZIP file and select Extract All. A wizard will help you. Earlier versions of Windows didn't include a ZIP utility. If you're using Windows ME or 98, protect yourself. My handy tip will make your old machine a little safer. A MESSAGE FROM THE KOMANDO.COM POSTMASTER SEE SOMETHING UNDERLINED? CLICK & LEARN
As always, I guarantee your privacy. Your e-mail address will not be sold, leased or given to anyone, ever! IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO HELP THE TROOPS At Operation Komando, you'll find a list of items you can send to the troops. There are both high-ticket and smaller items. Of course, you'll want your package to arrive in time for the big day. Don't worry. There's still time. My handy shipping schedule will help you out.
• The lowdown on WiMAX Back to the top
LISTEN ON THESE STATIONS; IT'S FREE "The Crossroads of Delmarva"
CHART YOUR LISTENING DOWNLOAD MY DAILY & WEEKEND SHOWS STILL TO COME IN THIS WEEKEND'S EDITION:
• WiMAX is coming! WiMAX is coming!
KIM'S TIPS FOR KOMANDO KIDS: 5 Christmas sites for kids CONTEST SITE: Astronomy sweepstakes CONTEST: The Annual Kim Komando Show Great Giveaway FREEBIE OF THE WEEK: Condition your lips FREEBIE FROM KOMANDO.COM: Add effects to your Webcam GET A COOL SITE EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK In case you missed any this past week, here's a list of some of our favorites: THIS WEEK'S FOCUS: Decorate your desktop for the holidays Let's keep it going; there's plenty more to cover:
BOTNETS ARE COMING BACK ONLINE The Srizbi botnet is one that is coming back online. The Srizbi code generates new domain names from which machines can get new instructions. The spammers can then register the domain names and contact infected machines. Srizbi sends almost 50 percent of the world's spam, by some accounts. Other botnets also appear to be resurfacing. You know what this means. Make sure you have a good spam filter. You should also make sure your other security software is current. You'll find all the free security software you need at my Security Center. I also have links to some effective, free spam filters on my site.THE END IS IN SIGHT, BUT I WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK
 I would hardly call WiMAX revolutionary. But it will change the way many people connect to the Internet. For now, XOHM is only available in Baltimore. Sprint plans to roll it out to more major cities in the near future. Sprint will merge XOHM with Clearwire. Clearwire is currently testing its WiMAX service in the northwest. Several tech bigwigs like Intel and Google will hold a stake in the new company. The new company will be called Clearwire. A number of smaller companies offer WiMAX. However, it is only available in some metropolitan areas. Many people confuse WiMAX with Wi-Fi. The two standards are very different. Both offer wireless Internet. But Wi-Fi requires cable or DSL for Internet connectivity. In comparison, WiMAX offers standalone connectivity. In order to use WiMAX, you need a WiMAX modem. Home modems are similar in size to a cable modem. You connect the WiMAX modem to a power outlet. Then, you connect your computer to the modem. Or, you can connect the modem to your existing Wi-Fi router for sharing. You can also buy WiMAX laptop cards. These are much like cellular laptop cards. They do not rely on Wi-Fi or a wired connection to work. Additionally, WiMAX chips are available in some laptops. A WiMAX chip is optional with Intel's Centrino 2 platform. If you remember, Intel's original Centrino platform integrated Wi-Fi. You can also expect to see WiMAX chips in cell phones. WiMAX has a range of 30 miles. That far surpasses the range of Wi-Fi. WiMAX also offers a relatively fast connection. At 2 to 4 MBps, it is about the same as cable or DSL. But, speeds decrease the further you get from a base station. WiMAX should be competitive with cable and DSL. Currently, XOHM costs $35 a month. Sprint is offering discounts to new subscribers. Most people probably won't see a need to adopt WiMAX. But for some, WiMAX is a godsend. With WiMAX, people in rural areas will find it easier to get broadband. WiMAX will bring broadband to remote areas—no digging required! And, it won't have the same latency problems as satellite connections. WiMAX could also be beneficial to broadband users who travel frequently. You should get a deal when you sign up for home and mobile WiMAX. For example, XOHM currently offers both for $50. You won't need a hotspot or cellular card. Until WiMAX goes mainstream, you'll need to stick with other Internet options. Fortunately, I have plenty of help on my site:
• Find free Wi-Fi on the go • Get online anywhere with a laptop cellular card • Find cellular broadband without the contract • Can your iPhone double as a modem? • Get broadband through your power lines IF I HELPED YOU, CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME? 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 :)
 TALK ABOUT A SURPRISE! Have a great day and I'll see you on the radio! Hugs, GET MORE TIPS FROM ME TO YOU
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I heard something on TV about XOHM. This is supposed to revolutionize Internet access. Unfortunately, it didn't say what XOHM is or how it works. Can you tell me more about it? When will it be available? Should I get it?
It sounds like you heard a marketing pitch! XOHM is Sprint's WiMAX service. WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. 
Copyright © 2008, The Kim Komando Show. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of The Kim Komando Show is prohibited and strictly enforced. Newsletters may contain links to sites on the Internet owned and operated by third parties. The Kim Komando Show is not responsible for the availability of, or the content located on or through, any such third-party site. Information in this document is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and freedom from infringement. The user assumes the entire risk as to the accuracy and the use of this document. We will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of this information, including, but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages. You may also unsubscribe by sending a request via postal mail. Please include your name, e-mail address and a printed copy of your Newsletter e-mail. Send to: |
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