Need more proof that the world is changing? Last week, the president of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, Michael Powell, told the Senate that “the largest subscription video provider in the country today is Netflix.”

If you haven’t paid attention to the entertainment landscape for the last few years, Netflix is an online streaming video service. You pay $8 a month and can watch all the TV shows and movies you want on your computer, mobile gadgets or TV.

It was the first, and not the last, serious challenge to the cable companies’ dominance. Even if cable companies won’t admit it, they’re working hard to stay relevant against growing competition from Netflix, Amazon, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, YouTube and many other online video services.

Millions of consumers have already been lured away from cable with promises of lower prices and the freedom to watch what they want, when they want. I know, because I’m one of them.

Of course, like any big change to new technology, there are challenges to overcome. Here are five things I’ve discovered that will help make your transition easier — or might convince you to wait a bit longer to make the jump.

KNOW WHAT’S AVAILABLE

Watching what you want, when you want is like a dream come true. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to scheduled programming.

Unfortunately, finding ways to watch all your favorite shows and movies is a bit of stumbling block. You might find some are available on Hulu, YouTube or other free TV and free movies sites.

Many will only be available on a paid subscription service, such as Netflix, Amazon or Hulu Plus, which generally cost you $7 to $8 a month. Not every service carries every show, so you could be forced to sign up for multiple services.

Due to licensing restrictions, some shows are only available as paid digital downloads on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. These can cost $1 to $2 per episode, and they might not be available the same time the episodes air. Buying a full season of a show can set you back from $20 to $50, just like a regular DVD box set.

You can see how this starts to add up quickly. If you don’t plan ahead, you might find yourself paying as much as cable to keep up with everything.

You could visit the major streaming sites and look through their catalogs to find out what shows and movies they have. Or you can visit a site like Can I Stream It? It will tell you which online providers have the shows you want to watch.

DON’T MISS OUT ON LIVE TV

While on-demand viewing is nice, some people still want the option to watch live TV. It’s great for news and sports, two things streaming video services still don’t have available.

Luckily, you don’t need a cable subscription to watch either one. You can pick up broadcast TV in full HD with an antenna.

No, I’m not talking about the metal eyesores that used to perch on your roof. Modern HD antennas can be sleek, stylish and mounted indoors.

Major networks are also starting to stream live TV online. ABC is doing a test in New York and Philadelphia right now. ESPN and Disney already offer WatchESPN and Watch Disney.

For now, these services require you log in with proof of a cable or satellite account, but that could change in the future.

WATCH IN COMFORT

When streaming online video first appeared, your only real option was watching it on a computer. That was fine for early adopters, but regular consumers wanted the full living-room experience.

Thanks to smart TVs and streaming video boxes, that’s no longer a problem. Inexpensive gadgets like Roku, Boxee and Apple TV, or any modern video game system, will stream video from all the popular services right to your TV. If you’re buying a new TV, you can find smart TVs with online streaming built right in.

A less expensive option, if you already have the hardware, is to connect your computer right to your TV. Many newer computers have HDMI or DVI outputs that will connect to most new TVs.

Not only can it stream video, you can turn the computer into a digital video recorder for recording live broadcasts. Or use it to browse the Web, display your pictures or anything else you can use a computer to do.

The computer doesn’t have to be a high-end monstrosity either. Personally, I use a Mac mini.

WATCH ON THE GO

Streaming video isn’t just for TVs and computers, however. Maybe you want to watch video on the go with a tablet or smartphone. Because online services are Web-based, it’s no problem, as long as you have a decent Internet connection.

Certain services work best with certain types of mobile gadgets. For example, Amazon will stream video to almost any tablet, but it works best with Amazon’s own Kindle Fire. However, it doesn’t have a smartphone app, while Netflix does.

If you already have a mobile gadget, or are planning to purchase new ones, make sure they play nice with the services you use.

MIX AND MATCH

There’s no rule that says you have to choose just one of the options above. You can stick with cable for now and gradually explore free streaming video services.

Ease your way into it and find out what works and doesn’t work for you. Take advantage of the free trials that the major streaming services offer.

Don’t forget that cable companies want to keep you as a customer. They’re upgrading their services and trying new promotions to make their offerings more attractive.

You can leverage this into discounts and savings. For example, you can often get customer service to drop the monthly rental fee for your cable modem.

Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. To get the podcast, watch the show or find the station nearest you, visit: http://www.komando.com/listen. Email her at techcomments@usatoday.com.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Need more proof that the world is changing? Last week, the president of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, Michael Powell, told the Senate that “the largest subscription video provider in the country today is Netflix.”

If you haven’t paid attention to the entertainment landscape for the last few years, Netflix is an online streaming video service. You pay $8 a month and can watch all the TV shows and movies you want on your computer, mobile gadgets or TV.

It was the first, and not the last, serious challenge to the cable companies’ dominance. Even if cable companies won’t admit it, they’re working hard to stay relevant against growing competition from Netflix, Amazon, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, YouTube and many other online video services.

Millions of consumers have already been lured away from cable with promises of lower prices and the freedom to watch what they want, when they want. I know, because I’m one of them.

Of course, like any big change to new technology, there are challenges to overcome. Here are five things I’ve discovered that will help make your transition easier — or might convince you to wait a bit longer to make the jump.

KNOW WHAT’S AVAILABLE

Watching what you want, when you want is like a dream come true. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to scheduled programming.

Unfortunately, finding ways to watch all your favorite shows and movies is a bit of stumbling block. You might find some are available on Hulu, YouTube or other free TV and free movies sites.

Many will only be available on a paid subscription service, such as Netflix, Amazon or Hulu Plus, which generally cost you $7 to $8 a month. Not every service carries every show, so you could be forced to sign up for multiple services.

Due to licensing restrictions, some shows are only available as paid digital downloads on iTunes, Google Play and Amazon. These can cost $1 to $2 per episode, and they might not be available the same time the episodes air. Buying a full season of a show can set you back from $20 to $50, just like a regular DVD box set.

You can see how this starts to add up quickly. If you don’t plan ahead, you might find yourself paying as much as cable to keep up with everything.

You could visit the major streaming sites and look through their catalogs to find out what shows and movies they have. Or you can visit a site like Can I Stream It? It will tell you which online providers have the shows you want to watch.

DON’T MISS OUT ON LIVE TV

While on-demand viewing is nice, some people still want the option to watch live TV. It’s great for news and sports, two things streaming video services still don’t have available.

Luckily, you don’t need a cable subscription to watch either one. You can pick up broadcast TV in full HD with an antenna.

No, I’m not talking about the metal eyesores that used to perch on your roof. Modern HD antennas can be sleek, stylish and mounted indoors.

Major networks are also starting to stream live TV online. ABC is doing a test in New York and Philadelphia right now. ESPN and Disney already offer WatchESPN and Watch Disney.

For now, these services require you log in with proof of a cable or satellite account, but that could change in the future.

WATCH IN COMFORT

When streaming online video first appeared, your only real option was watching it on a computer. That was fine for early adopters, but regular consumers wanted the full living-room experience.

Thanks to smart TVs and streaming video boxes, that’s no longer a problem. Inexpensive gadgets like Roku, Boxee and Apple TV, or any modern video game system, will stream video from all the popular services right to your TV. If you’re buying a new TV, you can find smart TVs with online streaming built right in.

A less expensive option, if you already have the hardware, is to connect your computer right to your TV. Many newer computers have HDMI or DVI outputs that will connect to most new TVs.

Not only can it stream video, you can turn the computer into a digital video recorder for recording live broadcasts. Or use it to browse the Web, display your pictures or anything else you can use a computer to do.

The computer doesn’t have to be a high-end monstrosity either. Personally, I use a Mac mini.

WATCH ON THE GO

Streaming video isn’t just for TVs and computers, however. Maybe you want to watch video on the go with a tablet or smartphone. Because online services are Web-based, it’s no problem, as long as you have a decent Internet connection.

Certain services work best with certain types of mobile gadgets. For example, Amazon will stream video to almost any tablet, but it works best with Amazon’s own Kindle Fire. However, it doesn’t have a smartphone app, while Netflix does.

If you already have a mobile gadget, or are planning to purchase new ones, make sure they play nice with the services you use.

MIX AND MATCH

There’s no rule that says you have to choose just one of the options above. You can stick with cable for now and gradually explore free streaming video services.

Ease your way into it and find out what works and doesn’t work for you. Take advantage of the free trials that the major streaming services offer.

Don’t forget that cable companies want to keep you as a customer. They’re upgrading their services and trying new promotions to make their offerings more attractive.

You can leverage this into discounts and savings. For example, you can often get customer service to drop the monthly rental fee for your cable modem.

Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. To get the podcast, watch the show or find the station nearest you, visit: http://www.komando.com/listen. Email her at techcomments@usatoday.com.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Save with a refurbished gadget

Q. I don’t want to pay big bucks for a new tablet. Is it OK to buy a refurbished gadget?

A. Sure, as long as you do it the right way. Visit the manufacturer of the gadget you want. Apple, Amazon and many other official retailers have a refurbished store section with low prices. Try to find “factory refurbished” gadgets, since these often come with some form of a warranty and are repaired and tested thoroughly. Be careful shopping for used gadgets. While they can cost less, they are a much riskier buy than a refurbished gadget. Start your search on a site like Worth Monkey. This will give you a fair starting price to look for when you’re shopping.

Completely wipe your mobile data

Q. I’m thinking about selling my smartphone to help pay for a new one. How do I make sure my information is completely erased?

A. The easiest way is with a factory reset. This will delete everything on your phone, so make sure your information is backed up before you start. On an iPhone, go to Settings>>General>>Reset. Tap “Erase All Content and Settings” and then tap the big red button that pops up. For Androids, go to Settings>>Personal>>Backup & Reset. Tap the Factory data reset button. From here, you can delete your gadget’s SD card if you want, too. If you want to wipe a stolen or lost phone remotely, look into apps like Find My iPhone or Carbonite Mobile.

Follow these healthy computer habits

Q. My wrists and forearms start to really hurt after using my computer for a while. My eyes tend to get a little blurry, too. What am I doing to cause this?

A. I’m not a doctor, but instinct tells me that you’re using your computer without taking breaks. I recommend people take frequent breaks when they’re doing computer work, usually about once an hour. BreakTaker is a free program that can remind you when it’s time to step away. You can look into special accessories like vertical mice, keyboards and computer glasses that can help counter bad health effects, as well. Programs like f.lux can adjust your monitor tint and brightness to reduce eye strain.

Turn your smartphone into an alarm clock

Q. I just bought a new smartphone and I wanted to use my old smartphone as an alarm clock. Can you help?
A. This is actually a piece of cake. And it’s a good idea because a disconnected phone won’t bug you with texts and calls all through the night. Grab a charging dock that works with your phone. Then, in the phone’s settings, make the lock-screen clock as big and bold as possible. Next, choose whether to use your phone’s default alarm app or a third-party one. For iPhones, I like iHome+Sleep. Android users can download Alarm Clock Xtreme Free. Both of these have advanced wake features to help you have a more restful sleep. Finally, set an alarm of your choice or use one of your phone’s ringtones.

Set up Google two-step verification

Q. I’ve been told to set up two-step verification on Google to make my account safer. How do I do it?

A. That’s a good call. Two-step verification is a great way to keep hackers and snoops at bay. Log in to your Google account and go to Settings>>Security. You will see the “2-step Verification” setting. Turn it on and add your phone number. Google will send you a verification code via phone call, text or its app every time you log in from a new computer. To authorize new mobile gadgets, you have to use a different code. You can generate that by going to the “Authorizing applications and sites” section of the Security menu. Enter a name for your gadget or app and click “generate password.” You should only have to input the code once per gadget or app.

Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. To get the podcast, watch the show or find the station nearest you, visit: http://www.komando.com/listen. Email her at techcomments@usatoday.com.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Save with a refurbished gadget

Q. I don’t want to pay big bucks for a new tablet. Is it OK to buy a refurbished gadget?

A. Sure, as long as you do it the right way. Visit the manufacturer of the gadget you want. Apple, Amazon and many other official retailers have a refurbished store section with low prices. Try to find “factory refurbished” gadgets, since these often come with some form of a warranty and are repaired and tested thoroughly. Be careful shopping for used gadgets. While they can cost less, they are a much riskier buy than a refurbished gadget. Start your search on a site like Worth Monkey. This will give you a fair starting price to look for when you’re shopping.

Completely wipe your mobile data

Q. I’m thinking about selling my smartphone to help pay for a new one. How do I make sure my information is completely erased?

A. The easiest way is with a factory reset. This will delete everything on your phone, so make sure your information is backed up before you start. On an iPhone, go to Settings>>General>>Reset. Tap “Erase All Content and Settings” and then tap the big red button that pops up. For Androids, go to Settings>>Personal>>Backup & Reset. Tap the Factory data reset button. From here, you can delete your gadget’s SD card if you want, too. If you want to wipe a stolen or lost phone remotely, look into apps like Find My iPhone or Carbonite Mobile.

Follow these healthy computer habits

Q. My wrists and forearms start to really hurt after using my computer for a while. My eyes tend to get a little blurry, too. What am I doing to cause this?

A. I’m not a doctor, but instinct tells me that you’re using your computer without taking breaks. I recommend people take frequent breaks when they’re doing computer work, usually about once an hour. BreakTaker is a free program that can remind you when it’s time to step away. You can look into special accessories like vertical mice, keyboards and computer glasses that can help counter bad health effects, as well. Programs like f.lux can adjust your monitor tint and brightness to reduce eye strain.

Turn your smartphone into an alarm clock

Q. I just bought a new smartphone and I wanted to use my old smartphone as an alarm clock. Can you help?
A. This is actually a piece of cake. And it’s a good idea because a disconnected phone won’t bug you with texts and calls all through the night. Grab a charging dock that works with your phone. Then, in the phone’s settings, make the lock-screen clock as big and bold as possible. Next, choose whether to use your phone’s default alarm app or a third-party one. For iPhones, I like iHome+Sleep. Android users can download Alarm Clock Xtreme Free. Both of these have advanced wake features to help you have a more restful sleep. Finally, set an alarm of your choice or use one of your phone’s ringtones.

Set up Google two-step verification

Q. I’ve been told to set up two-step verification on Google to make my account safer. How do I do it?

A. That’s a good call. Two-step verification is a great way to keep hackers and snoops at bay. Log in to your Google account and go to Settings>>Security. You will see the “2-step Verification” setting. Turn it on and add your phone number. Google will send you a verification code via phone call, text or its app every time you log in from a new computer. To authorize new mobile gadgets, you have to use a different code. You can generate that by going to the “Authorizing applications and sites” section of the Security menu. Enter a name for your gadget or app and click “generate password.” You should only have to input the code once per gadget or app.

Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. To get the podcast, watch the show or find the station nearest you, visit: http://www.komando.com/listen. Email her at techcomments@usatoday.com.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Do you know every Google search you’ve ever performed is stored on the search giant’s servers? And that data is cross-linked to your search data from YouTube, Google Maps and any other Google services you use.

With that mountain of information, Google can tell a lot about you: where you live, your hobbies, age, health problems, religion and more.

Of course, Google uses that data mostly to target you with ads. If you spend 20 minutes doing research on a gadget, for the next few weeks you’ll probably be hounded by ads for that gadget wherever you go online.

Because search sites and other Web services have become so ingrained in our daily digital lives, it isn’t really an option to stop using them.

However, you can keep a lower profile and put a little more distance between your personal data and Google. To start, you can clear out your Google search history.

To see what forgotten secrets lurk in your Google history, go to https://www.google.com/history and sign in with your Google account information. You’ll see a list of everything you’ve ever searched for on Google.

You can browse through your searches and find them by day or Google service. Additionally, Google shows you personalized search trends, which can be interesting to look at.

To remove an unwanted search term, simply select click the checkbox next to it and then click the Remove Items button. You can select as many entries as you want at a time.

Once your information is removed, click the gear icon in the upper right corner of the page and choose Settings. Here you have the option to turn off your Web history. This will stop Google from recording anything else.

There is a catch to all this, of course – your information isn’t really gone. Google will still keep your “deleted” information for audits and other internal uses. However, it won’t use it for targeted ads or to customize your search results.

After your Web history has been disabled for 18 months, the company will partially anonymize the data so you won’t be associated with it.

If you don’t have a Google account, or don’t usually sign in to it, Google still tracks your history. To accomplish this, it uses a cookie stored in your browser.

You can wipe out the information by deleting the cookie, but Google will just start recording new information. Instead, you can opt out of interest-based ads altogether by going to http://www.google.com/settings/ads.

If you’re still concerned about stored information, your best bet might be to avoid using Google Search as much as possible. Alternative search sites DuckDuckGo and IxQuick parallel Google Search in features and performance, but don’t collect any private information about you.

Microsoft’s Bing Maps is a good replacement for Google Maps. Try using the venerable Firefox Web browser instead of Google’s Chrome.

The more you mix and match Web services, the less any one company is able to form a complete picture of you.

Don’t forget that while you’re busy surfing the Internet, your browser is also busy making a list of the sites you visit. Anyone who gets access to your computer can see it.

You can delete some or all of the websites you’ve visited by going to your browser’s options menu. Or you can use a free third-party cleaner program like CCleaner.

If you want to surf the Web without leaving a trace, all modern browsers have private, or incognito, browsing. While in this mode, your browser will ignore cookies and won’t record visited sites to your browser’s history.

Just don’t confuse private browsing with anonymity. Your Internet service provider (and your employer if you’re on a work computer) can still track the sites you’re visiting. Avoiding that tracking requires an entirely different set of steps.

Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. To get the podcast, watch the show or find the station nearest you, visit: http://www.komando.com/listen. Email her at techcomments@usatoday.com.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

You’ve got tech questions, here are answers. Kim Komando helps you make the most of your technology by answering your thorniest tech questions. So if you’re wondering what to buy, how to plug it in, or how to fix it, Kim can help.

Apps to ease the pain at the pump

Q. With summer right around the corner, I know gas prices will start soaring soon. Are there any tech tools that can help me save on gas?

A. I know quite a few. Gas Buddy is a free app that helps you find the cheapest gas near you. To find the cheapest stations anywhere on your commute, use a navigation app like Waze or WHERE. The problem might not be with where you’re gassing up, but with a gas-guzzling car. You don’t have to rush out and buy a hybrid or an alternative-fuel car, though. Instead, use Fuel Log or Gas Cubby to track your car’s fuel mileage and efficiency. Then, use Car Trouble to help you find and fix any underlying maintenance problems.

Is Windows XP dead?

Q. I heard that Windows XP hits something called its “end of life” date next year. What does that mean for my two Windows XP computers? Will they stop working?

A. Fortunately for millions of computer users, that’s not what it means. Windows XP’s end-of-life date — which is April 8, 2014 — means Microsoft is ending official support for the operating system. That means no new security fixes, which is going to leave a lot of computers vulnerable to crafty hackers. That’s why I don’t recommend using an XP computer as your main computer after that date. Switch to Windows 7 or 8 and recycle or repurpose your existing XP computers. You can use them for any activity that doesn’t require them to be online — such as a digital video recorder with a TV tuner and software like Next PVR or MythTV.

Turn your smartphone into a second phone line

Q. I just got a new smartphone, but I want to keep using my old phone. Can I have two lines connected to the same number?

A. Usually you can’t, but that doesn’t mean your old phone can’t still be a phone. You can turn it into a Wi-Fi based home phone with an app like Viber. You pay by the minute for calls that way. If your phone is unlocked, you can slide a prepaid SIM card into to make it a second line, too. This is an easy way to give kids a smartphone while still having control over how much they talk and text. Keep in mind that any phone — even if it doesn’t have service — can dial 911. You might want to keep an older phone with a long battery life in your car in case of an emergency.

Find promo codes online

Q. When I shop online, I seem to miss out on some of the great deals I get through couponing. Is there any way to save the same amount online as I would in-store?

A. Couponing isn’t just for physical stores. You can use promo codes to cash in on similar online savings. Retailers usually pass these out to customers as part of loyalty or email programs, but sites like Current Codes, KeyCode, RetailMeNot and Coupon Cabin collect them and post them online. The last two even have mobile apps that you can use to shop right from your smartphone or tablet. Most retailers don’t mind when their coupon codes get shared on these sites, because it still generates revenue for them. Just make sure you test the promo code before you complete a purchase. Some expire before they’re taken offline.

Sites to help green your thumbs

Q. Since the temperature is finally warming up, I’m going to go try to revive my spring garden. Do you know any sites that can help me?

A. There are dozens of great site for gardeners. Start with GardenGuides. It tells you everything you need to know about plant care, weed removal and more. If you need help finding plants that thrive in your part of the country, take a look at PlantNative. It can help you care for your native plants and even connect you with local nurseries. With sites like Grows On You or MyGarden, you can connect with friends old and new to talk about gardening and share tips. They’re kind of like a Facebook for green thumbs!

Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. To get the podcast, watch the show or find the station nearest you, visit: http://www.komando.com/listen. Email her at techcomments@usatoday.com.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Did you take the plunge on your first smartphone recently? Congratulations! You’re holding a lot of power and possibilities in your fingertips.

Of course, that can be a little overwhelming, too. There are well over 700,000 apps in both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Take a deep breath. You don’t need to dive in all at once. Here’s your starter kit. These 10 apps work with the iPhone and Android smartphones. They won’t cost you a thing, but you’ll use them every day.

As you’re getting to know your new phone, give them a download. You’ll be very glad you did. And if you’re a seasoned smartphone user but haven’t tried these apps, what are you waiting for?

Chrome – One of the most overlooked but vital apps you’ll want to download is a good browser, and Google Chrome is one of the best. Your iPhone didn’t come with it out of the box, and inexplicably, your Android phone probably didn’t either.

This mobile browser is fast, secure and customizable. You can sync it with your desktop Chrome to import all your bookmarks, favorites and passwords. It also has incognito mode for private browsing. You’ll be doing a lot of browsing with your new smartphone so you might as well do it right.

Google Maps – The days of being stranded in an unfamiliar part of town asking for directions are over. Google Maps is your go-to tool for all things geographic.

You can find driving directions, walking directions, public transit maps and more. Or just search for nearby points of interest. Maps collaborates with your phone’s built-in GPS sensors to pinpoint your location.

Facebook – With 1 billion users, Facebook could be called the official social network of humanity, and it’s available as an app for smartphones.

You’ll be able to see your newsfeed, upload photos and videos, and post updates wherever you go. Everything you love about Facebook is available in the mobile app and streamlined for the palm of your hand.

YouTube – Who doesn’t love watching fun and amazing videos online? Your smartphone can do that with both hands tied behind its back – if it had hands. All of YouTube’s 2 billion videos can be seen on YouTube’s official smartphone app. You can even use this app to record, upload, edit and share videos right from your mobile device.

Onavo Extend – All that YouTube watching is going eat up a big chunk of your monthly cellular data plan. Your best bet is to use Wi-Fi when you can, but when you can’t there’s Onavo Extend.

This free app automatically compresses the data you send and receive to get up to five times more data out of your plan. It also monitors usage and gives you reports on which apps are hogging your precious data.

Kindle – You don’t need a Kindle e-reader to read Amazon e-books. Your smartphone can run Amazon’s Kindle app. Now you can read your electronic library on your mobile device.

Download free books or purchase them from right inside the app. You can highlight and make notes and you’ll never lose your place even when switching between devices. That’s because all your e-books are synced to your Amazon account.

Skype – Wait a second, why would you need an app for making phone calls on your phone? Doesn’t it do that already? Well, sort of.

Skype lets you make video calls, which your phone may not be equipped to do out of the box. Plus, you can make video or voice calls for free to other Skype users around the world, over either cellular or Wi-Fi. You can even text for free using Skype instant message.

http://www.komando.com/apps/category.aspx?id=8139

Lookout Mobile Security – With the increased adoption of mobile gadgets in the last few years, hackers are working overtime to write mobile viruses and malicious apps. Most of these are meant to steal the precious data you carry on your smartphone and tablet.

Lookout Mobile Security can help keep your gadgets and information safe. The free version has anti-virus and anti-spyware capability to thwart most attacks. It also backs up your contact data and it can help locate a missing or stolen gadget

Angry Birds Star Wars – Let’s be honest: One of the real reasons you wanted a smartphone was the games! The Angry Birds series is the most popular of them all.

The latest twist on this mobile classic is as fun and addicting as ever. And with dozens of levels and expansions, it will be a while before you get bored.

Flashlight LED HD – Did you know your smartphone can also be used for creative and unconventional purposes? For instance, there are apps that allow you to control the camera’s flash or screen brightness to turn your gadget into a makeshift flashlight.

Flashlight LED HD is one such app, and it’s a trustworthy one – other flashlight apps have been known to steal your data. This app is bright and works well for finding your way in the dark, but be wary. It can drain your battery fast.

Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. To get the podcast, watch the show or find the station nearest you, visit: http://www.komando.com/listen. Email her at techcomments@usatoday.com.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

You’ve got tech questions, here are the answers. Kim Komando helps you make the most of your technology by answering your thorniest tech questions. So if you’re wondering what to buy, how to plug it in, or how to fix it, Kim can help.

Can Facebook videos be a scam?

Q. I tried to watch a video on Facebook, but it didn’t work. It made me install a new driver and then still didn’t play the video. What gives?

A. I doubt that was a real video at all. This is a scam that is common on Facebook. The post looks like a really interesting or scandalous video. When you click it, it asks you to install a driver to watch it. What you actually download is usually a junk file or a virus. When you try to install the “driver,” you share the scam video with all your friends so they’ll be tricked. When you see a video on Facebook, do a search for the video on YouTube or Google. If you can’t find the video, it’s probably a scam. You can also see if the scam has been reported on sites like Facecrooks and Snopes.

Remove a stubborn virus

Q. I have a virus that my regular anti-virus software can’t remove. How can I get rid of it?

A. To start, make sure your anti-virus software is up to date. Without regular updates, your anti-virus can miss the latest threats. Now, start your computer in Safe Mode – you can do this by pressing and holding F8 during startup. Run the scan again to see if the program catches the virus. If it doesn’t, try a scan with another program, like MalwareBytes. If that doesn’t work, you might have to use a last-ditch virus remover like AVG’s Rescue CD. If none of these solutions work, you will need to wipe the hard drive and reinstall Windows.

Will my smartphone work overseas?

Q. I’m taking a trip to Europe and I’d like to bring along my smartphone. How do I know if it will work overseas?

A. Europe typically uses GSM-based cellular networks. In the past, AT&T and T-Mobile were the only major carriers with GSM networks, so if you used Verizon or Sprint, which had CDMA networks, you were out of luck. Now, all four of the big U.S. carriers have “world” or “international” phones that work on both network styles. Talk to your carrier to find out if your phone is an international phone. Your carrier might even offer discounted international rates that save some of the pain of international roaming. If not, KeepGo can rent you a phone designed to work in your destination. If you want to save money, use apps like Skype or Viber over Wi-Fi for cheap or free international calls.

Easily clean unwanted programs off your PC

Q. I just bought a new PC, and it’s already loaded with programs I don’t want. Is there an easy way to remove them?

A. It’s unfortunate that manufacturers pre-load PCs with trial programs you don’t want. This “bloatware” slows down your system from the get-go. You could remove it using Windows’ built-in uninstaller, but a better solution is a program like PC Decrapifier. It can search your system and identify common bloatware, which makes it easier to remove. Just be sure you don’t remove any programs you want.

Preserve your precious home videos

Q. My old VHS home video tapes are starting to fade. How can I preserve them?

A. Even with good storage practices, VHS tapes aren’t going to last forever, especially if you play them often. It’s a good idea to convert them to digital files, which won’t fade. You can find VHS converters online that hook your VCR to your computer to make digital copies. You can store the movie files on your computer, upload them to YouTube or turn them into DVDs. All you need are some blank DVDs, a DVD-RW drive (most computers have these) and a DVD authoring program like DVD Flick. For safety, it’s a good idea to store the video files in multiple places.

Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. To get the podcast, watch the show or find the station nearest you, visit: http://www.komando.com/listen. Email her at techcomments@usatoday.com.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

On a given day, an estimated 144 billion e-mail messages are sent and received around the world. This doesn’t even include spam!

Compare that with an average of 175 million tweets per day, and it’s clear most folks and companies still prefer e-mail when it comes to exchanging messages.

As someone who receives more e-mail than I can count, I’ve had to cook up special strategies for dealing with it. Experts say up to a quarter of a person’s work week is spent dealing with e-mail.

To lighten your load, here are 5 e-mail tricks I use every day. Use these and you’ll shave serious time off of your inbox management.

1. Send less (and better) e-mail

E-mail follows one law you’ve probably heard before: You get what you give. If you’re sending out dozens of messages, you’re going to receive that many back and more. If the e-mail you send isn’t clear, you’ll end up sending more messages to clarify. It all adds up.

Instead, look for other ways to communicate. If a quick text, call or IM can get your message across faster, use that instead. If you’re dealing with a co-worker, taking a trip to their office might be easier and more productive.

With the e-mail you can’t avoid sending out, make it clear and concise. Anticipate questions and answer them before they’re asked. Try to keep it as short as possible, as well. If a list or short sentence will do, don’t stretch things out into paragraphs.

If you’re frequently sending the same message to multiple people, save time with a template you can copy and paste. These can be customized as you go so they don’t look as much like form letters.

2. Filter and Automate

Nearly every e-mail program or service lets you set up some form of automated message filtering. This can be as simple as setting up folders to separate important mail from the clutter. Advanced systems can color code and label e-mail for you based on sender and other rules.

Start by routing messages from important contacts to a folder labeled “Urgent” or something similar. Create a “Read later” folder for routine or subscription messages. You can create as many subfolders and folders as you need, so set up a system that works best for you.

Act on the e-mail you receive, and then either archive or delete the messages. The quicker it is out of your inbox, the better. Remember, your inbox is a delivery system, not a storage system!

If you want even more advanced filtering options, use programs like Outlook or the free Thunderbird. These are a must for anyone with multiple e-mail accounts. They add all sorts of management features that most webmail can’t touch.

3. Use temporary e-mail

I’m sure at some point you’ve made the mistake of giving out your real e-mail address online. Shortly afterward, a flood of e-mail you don’t care about appears in your inbox.

In most cases, you just needed to give it to a site so you can receive a confirmation e-mail proving you are who you say you are. For those situations, it’s better to use a temporary e-mail account. Mailinator is a good site for this. Its e-mail addresses last only for an hour or so and then all the e-mail is erased.

Some people create a second e-mail address. That’s the one they give out to new or questionable sites. Their main e-mail is reserved for friends, family and reputable sites. You should also keep business and personal e-mail accounts separate.

4. When to use BCC

There are many ways to send e-mail to multiple people. Usually, people simply use “To:” or “CC:” and fill in all the e-mail addresses. For most mass mailings, however, “BCC:” is a better option.

Using it means recipients see only their own e-mail address. That’s a plus when they might not know other people on the list, or your e-mail might be forwarded to strangers. You don’t want a spammer getting their hands on a large list of your friends’ names and addresses.

BCC can backfire, though. In an office setting, using BCC on an e-mail makes you the only target for replies. If the e-mail is about a project with a team, include other team members’ addresses in a “To:” field to help you carry the weight.

Whenever you include multiple people in an e-mail — office or personal — make sure each knows why they’re included. Don’t be afraid to explain that in the body of the e-mail.

5. Turn off notifications

One of the biggest e-mail annoyances is notifications. These come from Facebook, Twitter and other social sites.

You might get an e-mail every time someone interacts with your profile. If you’re an avid social networker, these notifications can take over your inbox.

Go into your settings on each site to turn off notifications.

Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. To get the podcast, watch the show or find the station nearest you, visit: http://www.komando.com/listen. E-mail her at techcomments@usatoday.com.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

You’ve got tech questions, here are the answers. Kim Komando helps you make the most of your technology by answering your thorniest tech questions. So if you’re wondering what to buy, how to plug it in, or how to fix it, Kim can help.

Turn your smartphone into a GPS

Q. I just got a new smartphone and I want to do something with the old one other than stick it in a drawer. I use GPS a lot — can I turn the old smartphone into a full-time GPS?

A. Absolutely! This is actually a good idea, since you’re less likely to play with a phone that isn’t your main phone while you’re driving. The only problem is that you need a GPS app that stores its maps offline — since your phone won’t have a data connection. The Google Maps app has this option, but navigation is iffy. NavFree USA can use maps offline and it has navigation features that don’t use your data plan to work, either. After that, all you need is a way to charge and mount your phone in your car, and those cost a fraction of what dedicated GPS units cost.

Save priceless voicemail to your computer

Q. I have an important voicemail that I don’t want to lose. Should I pay for one of those services that can save it to my computer?

A. I wouldn’t. There are plenty of ways to do it for free. For starters, Google Voice can do it automatically if you use the service. If not, I wouldn’t try to set it up now. You might lose your voicemail. Instead, download audio-editing software like Audacity and grab an auxiliary audio cable to plug your phone into your computer. All you have to do now is hit record on your computer and play the voicemail. You can delete any extra audio by highlighting it and tapping delete on your keyboard. Save the result in a .wav file — you can convert it to MP3 with fre:ac if you want to play it on other gadgets.

Simple steps to clean up your desktop

Q. There is no room left on my desktop for new icons. Do you have any tips to help me clean it up?

A. Certainly. First, take stock of your desktop and figure out how many of the icons you actually use. You can delete program icons you don’t use often, and move files you don’t open frequently to your Documents folder. Create new folders on your desktop by right-clicking and choosing New>>Folder. Move similar files into a folder and name it appropriately. You’ll have your files close, but they’ll take up less room. These ideas should go a long way toward cleaning up your desktop. If you need more options, look into desktop customization programs like Nimi Places and Rainmeter or add more desktop space with Desktops.

Do I need a new cable modem?

Q. My computer’s Internet connection is slowing down. Should I buy a new modem?

A. Maybe. First, use Speedtest to test your connection and see if your speeds are really slower than they should be. If they are, and your modem is more than a five years old, a new modem could give you a speed boost. The latest industry standard for modems in DOCSIS 3, and it is required on newer network and for high-speed Internet. Call your service provider and see what it recommends. It might have another explanation for the slowdown. Or it might upgrade you to a new modem. You could also purchase your own supported modem, but I would save that as a last resort.

Boost smartphone battery life

Q. My smartphone’s battery doesn’t make it through the day. Do you have any tips that can help?

A. Sure thing. Start by turning down the screen brightness on your phone. Make it as dark as possible while still seeing it comfortably. You can also make the screen turn off more often, too. When you’re not using them, turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and location services. It helps to turn off most notifications that apps generate, too. If you have home screen widgets you don’t use or live wallpapers, disabling them can add serious battery life as well. If you want specific power-saving recommendations based on how you use your phone, download Carat. It will monitor your battery use and give you ideas on how to get more life out of it.

Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. To get the podcast, watch the show or find the station nearest you, visit: http://www.komando.com/listen. Email her at techcomments@usatoday.com.

Copyright © 2013 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.