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5 ways to block or hide your number when making calls

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How can you block your number while making calls? Kim Komando has the answers.
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Before the onslaught of the pandemic, you probably didn’t use your smartphone to make phone calls very much. Now carriers are reporting surges in calls as we seek more personal connections while following social distancing guidelines.

Did you know that you can also make phone calls using your computer, laptop, or tablet? Tap or click here for the steps, whether you’re using a Windows, Mac, or Chrome system.

Not everyone you call needs or should have your phone number. The choice is up to you.

1. Use *67 to hide your phone number

On a per-call basis, you can’t beat *67 at hiding your number. This trick works for smartphones and landlines. Open your phone’s keypad and dial * – 6 – 7, followed by the number you’re trying to call.

The free process hides your number, which will show up on the other end as “Private” or “Blocked” when reading on caller ID. You will have to dial *67 each time you want your number blocked.

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2. Block your number by default on iOS and Android

If you own an iPhone or Android device, automatically block your number by adjusting one simple setting. Your number will appear private for every call you make.

To block your number on iPhone:

1. Go to Settings, Tap Phone

2. Press Show My Caller ID

3. Use the toggle switch to show or hide your number

Note: Verizon Wireless does not allow this feature, but I’ll show you what you can do about that in the next step.

To block your number on Android:

1. Open the Phone app, and open the Menu

2. Select Settings, then Call settings

3. Click on Additional settings, then Caller ID

4. Choose “Hide number” and your number will be hidden

To reverse this feature on Android, choose “Show number” or “Network default”

You can also use *82 to unblock your number in case your call gets rejected temporarily. Some providers and users will automatically block private numbers, so using this code will help you bypass this filter.

Blocking your number can go a long way in stopping annoying robocalls. Did you notice less in the last month? Tap or click to see why robocalls are going to ramp back up very soon.

3. Ask your carrier to block your number

Not every device has the same process for blocking your phone number, and it’s a pain to block on a per-call basis. That’s where your wireless carrier can help.

If you’re using a different kind of phone (or want the lines on your account private), ask your carrier to block all outgoing calls.

Connect to your carrier by calling 611. Make sure to tell the recording you want to speak to “customer support” or “technical support.” Some carriers’ lines send you to the bill-pay department automatically.

Once your carrier sets you up with a private number, you can still use *82 if you run into call rejection. This step temporarily unblocks your number on a per-call basis.

While you’re on the phone, call your internet provider, too. I’ve got 7 steps to help you save on your monthly internet bill.

4. Skip dialing from your own number and use a burner app

A burner app might be what you need if you’re not keen on mucking around with your phone or carrier settings. These apps use your internet data to make calls, which effectively gives your phone a second number to use.

There are hundreds of burner apps you can download for iOS or Android, but these are my three favorites.

RELATED: Get more out of your iPhone. Tap or click for 10 texting pro tips.

Burner is one of the most popular apps on iOS and Android devices for good reason. You can use the app to route your calls directly to your secondary number, which means you don’t even need to bother hiding it. The app comes with a 7-day free trial and costs $5 per line per month afterward.

Hushed isn’t free, but it’s much cheaper than many competitors. At just $2 per week, you can get 60 texts and 20 call minutes. You can cancel at any time. A $5 monthly unlimited plan is also available, but even on the basic plan lets Hushed users talk to one another for free.

Google Voice lets you choose a new phone number to make voice calls, texts and audio messages for free. All you’ll need to get started is an active Google account.

Unlike the other options, you don’t need to pay a monthly fee with Google Voice. It uses your existing phone minutes and data, but the number that shows will be your Google Voice number.

Tap or click here to get direct links to download a burner app.

5. Take control of your landline, too

Whether you’re on mobile or a landline, there are plenty of useful codes that can help you control your privacy. Here’s a list of some of the most common “star codes” you can use with your touch-tone keypad.

*57 – Trace Call: Traces the number of the last incoming call received. Useful when the call warrants legal action.

*60 – Call Block: Prevents calls from select phone numbers and gives callers a recording that says you’re not accepting calls.

*67 – Caller ID Block: Hides your phone number on Caller ID systems.

*69 – Call Return: Redials the last number that called you.

*70 – Call Waiting: Places your call on hold so you can answer another.

*72 – Call Forwarding: Forward your call to another phone number.

*77 – Anonymous Call Rejection: Blocks calls from private callers.

*80 – Disable Call Block (*60)

*82 – Disable Caller ID Block (*67)

*87 – Disable Anonymous Call Rejection (*77)

Bonus: Know if someone is blocking your number

You dial again, but you’re not getting through. You’re frustrated. Maybe you’re a little anxious. What’s going on? Perhaps the person you’re trying to get in touch with forgot his phone, or the battery is dead, or he’s got it on silent or turned it off for some reason.

Or maybe he blocked your number, either by accident or on purpose. You won’t get any official notice if someone blocks your calls, but you can make an educated guess.

Tap or click here for the signs that someone has blocked your calls and number.

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2020, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

5 great sites to delete online accounts, create ambient music, see if a site is down and more

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Kim Komando has fresh insights on the top websites for a wide range of your needs.
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According to Internet Live Stats, there are about 1.8 billion operational websites. But far too many sites are junk, so we tend only to frequent our favorites. That’s why I highlight 5 bookmark-worthy sites for knowledge, usefulness, or just for fun every week.

The easy way to delete unwanted online accounts

The more online accounts you have, the more at risk you are when hackers come calling. It’s best to keep your digital life buttoned-up. The problem is deleting abandoned accounts can be difficult at best.

Pinterest and Evernote, for example, make it almost impossible to remove your account. Other sites hide their options to delete accounts with links buried deep within the site. JustDelete.Me has done the hard work to put together links to remove your accounts from hundreds of sites.

Tap or click here for a directory of direct links to remove yourself from various websites.

This Harvard test will tell you if you’re tone-deaf

Do the cats yowling on the back-fence sound better than your rendition of “Somewhere over the Rainbow?” Let science be your no-judgment zone. Researchers at Harvard University are studying how our minds interpret what we hear.

The Music Lab’s online tone-deafness quiz accurately tests musical skills in about 10 minutes. Grab a pair of headphones and answer questions about the sounds you hear. First, you’ll decide which sounds are loudest to calibrate your speakers. Then the tough part begins, that is, deciding whether you hear a pitch that is higher or lower than the sound before it.

Tap or click here to learn if there’s any hope for your singing.

Is it down for you or the entire world?

The video conferencing service Zoom recently experienced audio and video issues that left many virtual Sunday church goers without weekly service. While confused users flooded social media to try to fix their computers, phones, or tablets, they could have used this site. There was nothing they could do.

Zoom was experiencing a service outage. If a site you use is experiencing issues, Downdetector will display a live outage map, information on where the outage occurred, the time it happened, and the most reported problems. 

Tap or click here for this smart trick to use when a site or service is down.

See life in numbers

I use this site when it’s someone’s birthday to give the celebrator some fun facts about his or her life so far. It’s always a conversation starter.

Try it for yourself. At Life Stats, enter your date of birth and you instantly see the number of times your heart has beaten, how many days you have spent asleep (it’s a lot!), what a dollar was worth when you were born, and more facts including life expectancy statistics.

Tap or click here to get your life stats.

Try a custom ambient sound maker

We all have preferences when it comes to sound. Would you rather get something done in a bustling coffee shop or a silent room? Do you prefer gentle white noise or complete quiet when sleeping?

A Soft Murmur is beautiful, useful and endlessly customizable. Here’s how it works. Visit the site and choose your background noise of choice from basics like rain, thunder, waves and wind to crickets, birds, fire and coffee shop chatter. Set the level for each sound to create your perfect mix. Maybe it’s a coffee shop and rain (cozy!) or waves, wind and birds for a more calming effect.

Tap or click here to create your perfect background noise.

Cook based on your fridge and pantry

Right now, most of us are stocking up on groceries to avoid going back to the store every few days. This makes it difficult to whip up fun new recipes.

If you’re stuck in a rut, you’re going to love MyFridgeFood. Check off the items in your fridge and pantry, and find recipes based on what you have on-hand.

Take our measly selection: bacon, barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, chicken breast, green peppers, pasta, rice, potatoes and oil. We can turn all that into bacon wrapped barbecue chicken (yum!), easy chicken rice casserole (the kind of comfort food we need right now), crockpot chicken pot pie, or so many other yummy-sounding meals.

Tap or click here to get delicious recipes using what you have at home.

Have a site that you like and want to share? Please tap or click here to tell me about it.

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2020, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

Upgrade home office, assess COVID risks, destroy sent email and more: Tech Q&A

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Whether it’s upgrading your home office or assessing your risk of COVID-19, Kim Komando has all the tech-based solutions.
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Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products, and all things digital.

Sometimes, choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job. This week, I received questions about gathering headlines together, addictive Alexa skills, private search engines, and more. Do you have a question you’d like to ask me?

Tap or click here to email me directly.

Calculate your risk of dying from COVID-19

Q: I see the maps. I hear the statistics. But is there a site that will tell me what my chances are of getting COVID-19?

A: “Getting” coronavirus is hard to predict because you would have to describe your daily activities, work environment, living situation, and so on. But OurRisk.CoV determines (brace yourself) how likely you are to die from COVID-19.

Based on some personal data and medical history, the site will calculate your chances of dying from COVID-19. For most of us, this site is a powerful reminder that COVID-19 is a serious situation. Still, it may also offer relief if your odds of survival are high.

Tap or click to see how likely you are to die if you contract COVID-19.

Self-destructing email

Q: Is it possible to send an email that self-destructs after a person sees it? I’m no James Bond, but I do like martinis!

A: “This message will self-destruct…” It’s one of the most famous refrains in television history, thanks to “Mission: Impossible.” But nowadays, self-destructing messages are more than just a spy-story trope; they exist, thanks to a service called Privnote. This tool is handy when you’re sending confidential information or private correspondence and you need recipients to read your message but not retain a copy in their inbox.

Remember, though, that the message can be forwarded or captured as a screenshot. In most cases, the recipient will read the message and watch it vanish without fanfare. You can set your message to be read for up to 30 days after its transmission. The best part: It’s free!

Tap or click here for sending secure, self-destructing messages.

News junkie ultimate setup

Q: I am a news-aholic! How can I set up my home office computer so I can follow it all at once?

A: I love to stay up to date with headlines and breaking news, and I review dozens of websites every morning. But the real maven is Ben, our News Director at Komando headquarters. He has brilliantly configured his desk, including multiple screens, a well-positioned webcam, and lots of affordable, specialized gadgets to maximize his workflow.

Ben was kind enough to describe his work station with my readers and provide photos, explaining how he organizes and interacts with his space. This desk setup might not work for everybody, but if you need to absorb large amounts of information and set up rapid-fire video conferences at a moment’s notice, you may want to take notes.

Tap or click here for how a news pro configured his home office.

Google alternatives

Q: Google tracks me, and I hate it. What is a search site that I can use instead of Google?

A: You said it. It’s now common knowledge that Google – and other big tech companies – harvest your data, which includes tracking your browsing and even your physical movements. Many people are pursuing other search engines to explore the web privately.

One of my favorites is DuckDuckGo, an independent company based in Pennsylvania. As a company, DuckDuckGo is the polar opposite of Google, but the search engine is quite capable and has nifty features. If you’re looking for a more heavy-duty browser that can even explore the Dark Web, you might consider Tor.

Tap or click here to stop being tracked with these Google alternatives.

Alexa clever uses

Q: I have an Amazon Echo. I don’t use it much anymore. What do you use Alexa for?

A: The Echo made a huge splash a few years ago, and millions were given as Christmas gifts. The Echo is inexpensive and straightforward, but it transformed regular houses into smart homes. Tech-minded users could open garage doors, arm security systems, and dim lights with a simple voice command. This was an impressive feat for a Bluetooth speaker system, but not everybody needed to exercise that level of power.

So for regular people, what is the Echo good for? Alexa can summarize your recent emails, jot down a “to-do” list, and serve as your personal trainer. She’ll even tell you a joke to make you smile.

Tap or click here for Alexa skills you’ll use all the time.

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2020, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters, and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

Your phone in a COVID-19 world; 10 DIY steps to take now

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Take these 10 steps now with your smartphone as the world starts to reopen.
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Lockdowns are loosening, people are returning to public life and back to work. We all know the importance of washing our hands, but tech can help. Tap or click here for the best smart door locks to help prevent spreading germs.

If you are looking for work, there are legitimate opportunities. The worst thing you can do is Google “find a job.” Instead, visit my site where we have listed over 40 different companies that are hiring right now.

You’re probably spending a lot more time than usual on your phone since COVID-19 hit. Take a few minutes now to bring it back to its normal state as you figure out your new normal.

1. Look at your apps

Now that you’re not stuck at home, you may not rely on certain apps for education, entertainment or communication. Remove the ones you don’t need anymore.

How to delete an app on iOS

  • Touch and hold the app. Tap Delete App.

How to delete an app on Android

  • Open the Google Play Store app.
  • Tap Menu, followed by My apps & games.
  • Tap on the app or game. Tap Uninstall.

2. Reduce your cellular data use

You probably spent most of your time connected to Wi-Fi at home. Now that you’ll be out-and-about, you don’t want to accidentally hit your data cap.

iOS

Low data mode stops background syncing and app refreshes:

  • Open Settings, then Cellular, followed by Cellular Data Options.
  • Turn on Low Data Mode.

Android

To enable Data Saver Mode:

  • Open your phone’s Settings app.
  • Tap Network & internet, followed by Data Saver.
  • Turn Data Saver on or off.

RELATED: COVID scams are out of control. Tap or click for 6 ways to keep hackers off your network and computer.

3. Change the way your phone charges

When your charger is nearby, it doesn’t matter if your battery life and energy settings are optimized. But when you’re on the go, you’ll want your phone to charge quickly and last as long as possible.

iOS

  • Open Settings, then Battery and Battery Health, followed by Optimized Battery Charging.
  • Choose the Battery option, followed by Battery Health.
  • Turn on Optimized Battery Charging.

Android

Battery optimization is on by default on most Androids. Here’s how to check for Android 8.0 and higher.

  • Go to Settings > Apps.
  • Tap the three-dot Menu icon, then tap Special access.
  • Tap Optimize battery usage.
  • Tap the Dropdown menu (a small triangle) then tap All.

4. Take a break

Post-lockdown, prepare yourself for a barrage of texts and calls. You can always activate “Do Not Disturb” to avoid feeling overwhelmed. But there will be certain friends, family or coworkers you want to hear from. Here’s how to exclude them from the Do Not Disturb rule.

iOS

To start, create a group of contacts.

  • Sign in to iCloud.com on your computer and open the Contacts app.
  • Tap the + button in the sidebar, then choose New Group.
  • Type a name for the group and hit enter.
  • To add contacts, click All Contacts.
  • Drag one or more contacts from the All Contacts group to a group you’ve created.

Next, you’ll set up that group, or your contacts marked as Favorites, to ignore Do Not Disturb.

  • Open Settings, followed by Do Not Disturb.
  • Turn on Do Not Disturb.
  • Tap Allow Calls From and choose from Everyone, No One, Favorites or a group.

Android

For Android, you’ll also start by setting up a group.

  • Open Contacts, followed by Menu, then Create Label.
  • Type the Label name for your group and tap OK.
  • Tap the Add Person icon on the upper-right corner of the screen.
  • Select a contact you want to add to the group.
  • Repeat for any other contacts you want to add to this group.

Next, select contacts or groups to ignore Do Not Disturb.

For individual contacts, take these steps.

  • Open the Contacts. Select for the person you want to set an exception for.
  • Tap Edit in the upper right corner.
  • Tap Ringtone.
  • Toggle Emergency Bypass to on.
  • Go to the Contact card and tap Edit, followed by Text Tone.
  • Toggle Emergency Bypass to on.

RELATED: Want to learn something new? Tap or click here for 10 helpful iPhone functions or tap or click here for 10 Android tricks and shortcuts.

5. Make sure your camera and mic are off

Many of the apps you used for working from home or entertainment activate your phone’s camera and microphone. Leaving these features enabled means any website or platform can also access them. Here’s a way to protect your privacy.

iOS

  • Open Settings, followed by Advanced.
  • Scroll to find Content Settings in the Advanced menu and click on it.
  • From there, click Microphone or Camera to adjust their permissions.

Android

  • Open Settings. Go to Apps & notifications.
  • Tap Advanced, then Permission Manager.
  • Choose a permission, like camera or mic, to see a list of apps that have access.
  • Hit Allow or Deny to change.

Tip in a Tip:

If you use Zoom, you’re going to wish you knew these keyboard short-cuts before now. Mute and unmute yourself, stop your camera, quickly send an invite, and more. Nice!

6. Be ready if you lose your phone

If you lose your phone and can’t retrace your steps, use Find My Device. This lets you track down your Android or iPhone when it’s out of sight, and you can even remotely wipe your phone if it somehow finds its way into the wrong hands.

Turn on Find My iPhone for iOS

  • Check that you’re signed in to iCloud on your iPhone.
  • Tap Settings.
  • If you see Sign in to your [device], tap it and enter your Apple ID and password.

Turn on Find My Device for Android

  • Open Settings.
  • Tap Security, then Find My Device.
  • If you don’t see Security, tap Security & location or Google, followed by Security.
  • Make sure Find My Device is turned on and toggle it on if it’s off.
  • Note: You may need to download the Google Find My Device app.

7. Look at what you signed up for a during the lockdown

All those streaming services, games, and news subscriptions you signed up for are going to impact your wallet in a big way. Now is the time to whittle them down.

iOS

  • Open Settings and click on the menu with your name, followed by Subscriptions.
  • Tap Cancel Subscription on the subscriptions you want to cancel, or Cancel Free Trial — which is located at the bottom of the screen.

Android

  • Open the Google Play Store app.
  • Tap Menu, followed by Subscriptions.
  • Find the subscriptions you want to cancel and tap Cancel Subscription to close them.

8. Connect to the right networks each time

Your phone automatically joins Wi-Fi networks based on how secure they appear to be. Instead, you can set your device to connect to preferred locations automatically and ask permission for unknown networks.

iOS

  • Open Settings and tap Wi-Fi.
  • Scroll down to Ask to Join Networks.
  • Select Ask from the menu. Known networks will now be automatically joined and prioritized, and your phone will always ask your permission before joining any new or unknown networks.

Android

  • Open Settings, followed by Network & internet. Then, choose Wi-Fi.
  • Tap on the Overflow menu, followed by Advanced Wi-Fi.
  • If this gives you a Wi-Fi Priority option, set your preferred Wi-Fi priority.

9. Silence your emails

Got an email chain with family or coworkers that never stops? End the nonstop alerts by muting certain email threads.

iPhone’s Mail

  • Open the Mail app and find the thread that you want to mute.
  • Swipe the email to the left and hold until the Options menu appears. Use a light touch and don’t swipe all the way to the left of your screen. This will archive the email instead.
  • Tap More, and choose Mute from the pop-up menu.

Gmail on Android

  • Open the Gmail app.
  • Press and hold the email thread you want to mute.
  • Tap the three-dot button (…) on the upper right corner of your screen.
  • Choose Mute.

10. Finally, you’re back on the road

Set Do Not Disturb while you drive. Anyone who contacts you will get pre-written texts that tell them you’re in the car. In addition, your phone’s screen will stay dark, and you will not be notified until you come to a stop.

iPhone

  • Open Settings, then Control Center. Tap Customize Controls.
  • Tap the + next to Do Not Disturb While Driving.

Android

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Press Sound, followed by Do Not Disturb.
  • Select the option to Turn on automatically.
  • Tap Add rule, then choose Driving.

BONUS TIP: Give emergency personnel your stats even if you can’t

With the coronavirus pandemic, we’re certainly living in uncertain times. If an emergency occurs, you may be unable to inform someone of your medication allergies or medical conditions. But your phone can.

Tap or click here to set up your phone so that emergency personnel can see your medical history and medications.

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Showon your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2020, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

12 Google search tricks you’ll wish you knew sooner

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There are the top Google Search tricks, courtesy of Kim Komando.
(Getty Images)

Recently I offered privacy-focused alternatives for the most common Google services from search to mail. Tap or click here for that list.

Still, let’s be honest: I know you use Google. You probably use Netflix, too, but did you know there are lots of free alternatives once you run out of shows to stream? Tap or click for a list of free streaming services worth checking out.

Whether it’s Netflix, Google, Facebook or any other site or service, there are always new tricks to learn. If you never realized you could run two searches simultaneously or convert your screen to Klingon, read on.

Google will grant you access to pretty much all of human knowledge, but even that is only the tip of the iceberg.

1. Try these advanced search features

Everybody knows how to do a regular search on Google. But skilled researchers prefer the advanced search function, which helps you refine your results. You can find websites with specific words, precise phrases, numbers, languages and regions, among other parameters.

During your first search attempt, click or tap Settings just below and to the right of the main text field and look for Advanced Search. You’ll see multiple search fields. There, you can filter your searches in any number of ways.

If you can’t find something on a specific website because their search function is lacking, there’s a field in Google’s Advanced Search where you can search by site or domain. For media, you can search by image size or aspect ratio, color, search by site or even filter results by usage rights.

Google has dozens of hidden gems, including these 10 hidden search features that you’ll want to try.

YOUR SECRET WEAPON: Get my tech tricks, digital advice and security tips to your inbox twice a week. Tap or click here to try The Current, my new ad-free newsletter.

2. Quick and easy search methods

If you don’t need all the filters that come with Advanced Search, you can use several shortcuts for regular searches. For example, if you’re looking for something exact, add quotation marks to the word or phrase (e.g., “The Last Dance”).

Do you need to exclude a word? Place a minus sign (-) in front of the word you don’t want.

Throw a plus sign (+) in front of any word you want to stress as important.

You can also search a site directly by placing site: directly in front of the URL, then follow it with your search term. So it would look like this: site:komando.com “google” You can use the same method to search for related content (related:).

Put @ in front of a word to search social media, or add # in front to search hashtags. Use * in place of an unknown word or as a placeholder. You can even search within a range of numbers like this: 2002..2018.

RELATED: While we’re talking social media, you’re the only one who can control what others learn about you via the web. Tap or click for 10 Facebook settings you really should double-check.

3. Stay up to date, the easy way

Do you want a quick look at today’s weather? Presuming your device knows where you are, Google the word “weather” and you’ll get a detailed daily forecast along with outlooks for the coming days. You can also type “weather in Atlanta,” or any other point on the map, and you’ll receive a detailed meteorological update.

Sure, Google can tell you the forecast, but I rely on a site the pros use to predict storms, plan flights and more. Tap or click to try Windy.

4. Math made simple

Don’t want to hunt for the calculator app? Just type your math problem or equation into the search field to turn Google into a basic calculator. You can also type “calculator” into the search field, and one will materialize.

Google can also convert currency and help you with Geometry problems. Just type “solve” and fill the rest. Google can even chart graphs.

5. The final countdown

This skill is shockingly useful, especially in the kitchen. Just Google “timer” and it’ll bring up a default countdown clock of five minutes; you can quickly change it to your needed duration. Click or tap the upper tab, and it becomes a stopwatch.

6. Find the origins of a word

Many people use Google as a dictionary, typing a word and then “definition” into the search engine. But more than a simple entry, Google also serves up synonyms, antonyms, and (often) the etymology of the word – that is, the word’s origins.

So if you love to know that “night” comes from Old English “neaht,” you could play this lingual game all day.

7. A handy translator

Select the language you need to translate, then search for any word or phrase. Google Translate works for more than 100 languages across the globe. While you can convert the search engine to Klingon, though, there’s still no translation support.

Want to learn another language? Today’s smart AI-powered apps can help. Tap or click for the best options out there.

8. Run two searches at the same time

Most of us have only ever thought to look for one search term at a time; first, we look for “Paris,” then we look for “History of Aviation.”

If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for, Google can combine searches. All you need to do is add your search terms and separate them by “and” or “or.”

Like what you’re reading? Get more info like this delivered to your inbox. Sign-up here on my site.

9. Metronome, anyone?

This one’s geared to musicians. If you need a little help with your music, let Google’s metronome assist. You can determine the beats per minute (BPM) that you prefer, and Google will provide perfectly spaced ticks.

10. Google newspaper archive

Far from the clumsy microfiche of your local library, Google has archived thousands of newspapers as scanned PDFs, many of them dating back to the American Revolution.

You’ll find newspapers from around the world, in a range of languages. Some collections are incomplete, but amateur historians will rejoice at this treasure trove of archived materials.

11. Play games

Did you know there are a few games you can play just using a simple search? Search Pac-Man, and the iconic arcade game will fire up, free for anyone to use.

Other games, like Atari Breakout and Zerg Rush, are also available to play directly through the browser, whenever you need a quick thrill.

12. See retro Google

As you may know, Google was founded (and went live) in the year 1998. To celebrate its origins, developers can show you precisely what the primitive search engine once looked like; type “Google in 1998” and remember those halcyon data of the early internet

BONUS TIP FOR EXTRA KNOW-HOW: Security how-to: Remove saved credit card info your browser

You might find when you pay for something online, your web browser offers to save your credit card information so you can pay faster next time. That can be convenient but also dangerous if other people ever get to your computer.

A smart reader recently noticed that and asked me an excellent question: How can you remove saved credit card information from your browser once it’s in there?

Tap or click for directions on how to do it for all the major browsers.

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch the Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2020, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

Google alternatives, Zoom tricks, free background checks, and more: Tech Q&A

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Zoom tricks, Google alternatives and free background checks are a few things covered in this week’s Tech Q&A.
(Photo Illustration by Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products, and all things digital.

Sometimes, choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job. This week, I received questions about Zoom tricks, private browsing, turning handwritten notes into text documents, and more.

Do you have a question you’d like to ask me?

Tap or click here to email me your digital life questions directly.

Video Call Faux Pas

Q: I’ve heard horror stories of people going to the bathroom and having secret conversations after a video call is over, but they are still being recorded. How do I know for sure that both my camera and microphone are off?

A: The struggle is real, especially now that people have largely replaced face-to-face interactions with video calls and remote conferences. An onboard microphone is designed to pick up pretty much everything, and it isn’t discriminating about the sounds that might embarrass you. As for your webcam, there’s that adage that “the camera doesn’t lie,” which can be a real liability if you forget that it’s on.

For many communication platforms, all you have to do is master the “mute” button. Your best bet, though, is to switch these devices entirely off. This may feel like an extra chore, but at the end of the day, most of us don’t need them operating anyway.

Tap or click here for the steps to make sure both your webcam and microphone are off.

Google Alternatives

Q: Is there a search site that does not track you like Google? I also don’t want to use Chrome for the same reason.

A: Google is infamous for collecting data on its users in countless different ways. Your searches are particularly telling, and Google uses this information to learn more about you and your purchasing habits. I don’t blame anyone for wanting to be as anonymous as possible online.

You can use DuckDuckGo for searching the web; the site won’t track you. Instead of Chrome, there’s Firefox. And there are Google-less options for mail, maps and more too.

Tap or click here for several Google alternatives that won’t track you.

Zoom Tips

Q: I am new to using Zoom. Any tricks to help me out?

A: Millions of people had never heard of Zoom before the quarantine and are now regularly using it. The free software has made so many of our lives easier, connecting us to family and workmates with the click of a link. No registration required. At the same time, once we’ve gotten a handle on Zoom’s essential functions, we may be reluctant to change anything for fear that we’ll get visibly confused during a live meeting.

If you decide to experiment, you’ll find that Zoom offers some excellent customization. A popular example: The ability to change your background, so you don’t have to reveal the inside of your actual home, or you can imagine that you’re somewhere exotic and fun. The Zoom developers know what people want (check out “enter silently”), so the more comfortable you get with the platform, the easier these tricks will be. Test them out in an empty meeting room if you’re worried about doing something silly in front of coworkers.

Tap or click here for five Zoom tricks you need to know.

Digitize Notes

Q: I keep organized by making myself to-do lists. Can these notes be turned into text?

A: This is a godsend for those of us who still like to put pen to paper. Legal pads are still very popular, and you’ll find folks who love their hardback diaries and handwritten letters. Such documents can vanish easily, and there’s no cloud service for a lost Moleskine.

You may also find that carefully jotted notes from a meeting can get tedious to re-enter into a Word document to share with colleagues. Luckily, Google Lens will transcribe your notes into digital form for free. The only caveat is that your penmanship must be neat; even Google’s technology has its limits, and chicken scratch won’t make the cut.

Tap or click here for an easy way to turn handwritten notes into typed text.

Vet Yourself

Q: I lost my job like everyone else. I committed a small crime a long time ago. How can I do a background check on myself to see what a potential employer might find?

A: The easiest way to check on yourself is to run a search in a web browser, but a truly discerning hiring manager may do a more thorough background check. You want to make sure that your social media accounts are clean. Make sure there are no suspicious pictures or contentious posts.

Now, you won’t be able to erase the crime. You should prepare yourself for an uncomfortable question during the interview process. Some of the most obnoxious and data-hungry places on the web are ancestry sites, which will post lots of personal data without your permission. You need to take extra steps to remove it.

Tap or click here for the sites and steps to run a free background check.

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2020, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters, and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

What to do with an old iPad (or iPhone): 10 DIY uses

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What should you do with your old iPhone or iPad? Kim Komando has some great ideas.
(Getty Images)

You can count on death, taxes, and a steady stream of shiny new Apple devices vying for your money. We upgrade even when the old one works perfectly fine. Which poses the question: What to do with the old one?

Your old device contains a lot of personal information. Be sure you thoroughly erase everything before selling it or trading it in for a discount. Tap or click here for the important steps you need to take to be sure all your personal data is off that old device for good.

Instead of getting rid of it, there are lots of other ways to upcycle your Apple tablet or phone – and keep using it on a daily basis. You may not need every app in its arsenal, but that slick screen and slender design can be handy for a variety of tasks.

While I focus on an older iPad, keep in mind your old iPhone can handle much of the same tasks.

1. Make it a car dashcam

With the right brace or holder, you can install your older iPad or iPhone into your car. This can serve as a hub for music and entertainment, and if you position it right, you can use that device as a dashcam.

Dashcam apps constantly record what’s happening outside your car while you’re driving. This evidence is crucial in case of an accident. Most apps are designed for phones, but a tablet usually can use the exact software.

Tap or click here for the best free dashcam apps.

2. Make it a reader

The iPad can access almost any supplier of ebooks, including Kindle, Nook, and Apple’s own Apple Books. The iPad screen is backlit, so it isn’t ideal for extended reading, but the display is incomparable. Just turn down the brightness to make it easier on the eyes.

Best of all, there are thousands of free ebooks available from your local library to NASA. Tap or click here for the links you need to start downloading free ebooks for your tablet, phone, or computer.

3. Turn it into a security cam

With its powerful processor and built-in cameras, an old iPad can keep an eye on your home at all times. You can download the Skype app and set it up to automatically accept incoming video calls so you can check on things while you’re out.

For more sophisticated surveillance, you can find special home security apps. A popular option is Presence, which streams live video to a remote device and sends motion-detection alerts. You can keep an eye on your front door, use it as a nanny cam, or check in on your pets when you’re traveling.

Still getting used to the new iOS 13? You’re not alone. Tap or click here for nine features you’ll use all the time.

4. Use it to stay connected

The iPad was practically designed for video chats. It’s light, with two cameras and a sizable screen. For free calls, you can use the FaceTime app that is already installed, as long as the other person is an Apple user, too. You can also download a video conferencing app like Zoom or Skype.

Like what you’re reading? Try my free Apple-only newsletter. Tap or click here to get it now.

5. See your favorite memories

Within the Photos app, Apple allows you to generate and play slideshows of any photo album, local or on the cloud. To turn an old iPad into a permanent decoration, go to Settings, tap Do Not Disturb and toggle it on. This step will silence any calls or notifications that would otherwise distract from photo-viewing.

Then go back to Settings, tap Display & Brightness, then set Auto-Lock to Never. This will keep your screen continuously on. Finally, go back to Settings, tap Accessibility then Guided Access, which you can toggle on. This allows you to lock your iPad to the photo app.

One thing that will ruin your new slideshow is an album full of annoying duplicates. Tap or click here for an app that helps you clear them out.

6. Control your TV

iPads can be easily used to control other devices across the Apple ecosystem. Controlling your other Apple products, like an Apple TV or your iTunes library, can be done by way of downloading the appropriate app from the App Store. (In this case, the Apple TV app or Apple’s iTunes Remote app.)

Many streaming services like Netflix and Hulu support casting content from your iPad to a streaming device, smart TV, or computer. This makes it easy to start watching something on your iPad and smoothly transition to another screen when needed.

Can’t decide between all the streaming options? Check out this handy streaming TV comparison guide to easily figure out what’s best for you.

7. Organize and play your music

iPads make comprehensive music-streaming hubs. Whether you choose to store your music locally or use a streaming service, iPads can transmit music to various devices over Bluetooth and using AirPlay. If you have a relatively modern speaker system, your iPad can probably stream music to it.

8. Make it your kitchen companion

Leaving an iPad in the kitchen as a dedicated recipe-station is surprisingly useful. Fitness apps like MyFitnessPal or LoseIt allow users to store recipes as well as track the nutritional makeup of their creations. There are endless apps built around the idea of discovering new recipes, like Tasty. Or apps all about cooking simple, healthy meals like Fork Over Knives.

9. Give it to the kids

There are almost a million games available for iPad that children can entertain themselves with. Tap or click here for a list of 10 free classic games available on iOS.

In addition to games, there is a huge number of streaming services available on iPad that offer kid-friendly content. Apple also has a robust set of parental controls to help keep track of how much time your kids are spending on the device, as well as restrict the content they can access.

Tap or click here to learn to set up parental controls.

10. Use it as a second monitor

If you have a Mac and a supported iPad running iPadOS 13 or later, Apple’s Sidecar lets you use the iPad as a second screen. Sidecar can be used wirelessly and can be accessed by clicking the AirPlay icon in the menu bar on your Mac and selecting your iPad.

This will extend your Mac’s screen onto your iPad. By checking the blue rectangle on the AirPlay menu, you can instead mirror your Mac’s screen.

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2020, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

Sick of being tracked? Use these Google alternatives

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Think for a minute about what Google doesn’t know about you. Its search engine dominates the competition and it runs apps and services that know what you’re watching, where you’re going and what you’re interested in online.

Soon, along with Apple, it will even power a coronavirus tracker on your smartphone to tell you if you’ve been in contact with someone who is sick. Tap or click to find out how your location data will be used.

All this data might make you stop and think, “Huh, is there a good alternative?” Solid options exist for all the major software and systems if you know where to look. Tap or click for free alternatives to expensive Photoshop and Microsoft Office.

If you’re tired of being tracked and sharing your entire personal life with one company, switching away from Google is easier than it sounds.

How to search like Google

DuckDuckGo

Unlike Google, DuckDuckGo’s entire gimmick is its lack of user tracking, as well as a company policy of no targeted ads or relevant results based on your search history.

On one hand, this means your results will be less tailored to your specific needs and interests. On the other hand, these organic results may help you find things that the Google algorithm might otherwise bury.

AN EMAIL YOU ACTUALLY WANT TO READ: Get my smart twice-weekly newsletter for free. Tap or click here to try The Current, my new ad-free newsletter.

How to browse like Chrome

The default options for Macs and PCs, Safari and Edge, are solid choices — and use up much less of your computer’s resources than Chrome. If you’re looking for different features, Firefox and Tor are solid contenders.

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox predates Chrome — but this browser is no dinosaur. Firefox’s active developer community frequently releases new updates and add-ons. Firefox automatically blocks third-party cookies by default automatically notifies you if you visit a website that’s been hit by a data breach.

You’ll also find many of the same add-ons that make Chrome so robust. Firefox uses less CPU than Chrome typically does and is capable of loading some websites faster to boot.

It’s a good option that combines security and privacy with speed, but expect a bit of a learning curve with a new layout and buttons. Once you get past that, it’s smooth sailing.

Tor browser

Designed as an “encrypted browser,” Tor uses special coding to keep your browsing habits secret from prying eyes and advertisers. It’s so reliable, in fact, that people living in authoritarian states have used it to break through censorship by installing the browser on USB drives.

Tor automatically runs a feature on every page it visits called “NoScript,” which disables things like ads, banners and autoplay videos. This decreases load time and memory usage significantly, but be warned it can also cause many sites not to load properly.

Tor routes your internet traffic through anonymous servers in different parts of the world, making it difficult for ad trackers, search engines and even governments to know you are and what you’re up to. Just don’t expect every website out there to play nice with your browser.

Looking for other options? Tap or click here to see a full comparison of the most popular browsers.

How to message like Gmail

Gmail keeps track of things like buying habits, which can make switching to a new mail service seem worthwhile. These alternatives are easy to pick up and master and lack many of the privacy drawbacks found in Google’s mail client.

Email getting you down? Tap or click for five inbox hacks, including ways to banish tracking and junk mail.

Mailfence

Mailfence is an encrypted email service with a variety of unique security features. Users have the ability to add digital signatures to their messages, which guarantees that your emails are from you to your recipients.

Mailfence also offers a suite of document tools like G Suite’s Docs and Sheets, along with a calendar and access to third-party mail services so you can create email addresses using your own domain. It’s a great option for small business owners and ordinary users alike.

Protonmail

Protonmail is a popular option for users seeking absolute privacy. The company is based in Switzerland, a nation famous for its privacy standards, and its servers are literally buried underground.

Unlike most email services, Protonmail doesn’t require any personal info to set up your account. If anyone were hypothetically able to compromise your info, they wouldn’t be able to glean any personal information other than what you’re sending in messages.

There’s a limited free version and a more robust paid version, and you can use the service for your website’s domain. The company boasts that even they — the developers — can’t read your emails.

How to watch videos without YouTube

YouTube is another tool Google uses to build a digital ad profile for its users. As good as it would be to move to an alternative, none of the most popular options really match the quality of what YouTube has to offer.

That’s why these alternatives either work hand-in-hand with YouTube itself or have features that provide something YouTube does not.

Hooktube

Designed for faster load times and less impact on your browser, you can use Hooktube to search and browse videos just like you would on YouTube itself without ever visiting the Google-owned site.

You can watch YouTube links that other people send you by simply changing “youtube.com” in the URL to “hooktube.com.”

We’d recommend visiting the site this way most of the time. Hooktube’s “Trending videos” section can sometimes promote questionable content like conspiracy theories and fake news. The metric is based on shares rather than any kind of moderation. Tap or click here to see the most common coronavirus myths debunked.

Vimeo

Vimeo is a longtime competitor to YouTube, and despite never surpassing it, it still holds its own.

It boasts 280 million viewers per month, along with a much lighter server load that makes uploading videos easier. If you have long-form videos or self-made movies you want to share, it’s a perfect place to host them.

Vimeo allows for higher-quality videos than YouTube does, too. Independent filmmakers even use the platform to host movies for online distribution.

How to navigate without Google Maps

Google Maps is so big that many third-party mapping apps actually pull map data from it. That said, if you’re using an alternative that doesn’t share your data with Google, they aren’t going to see your movement and activity.

What you use instead depends on which operating system you use.

Apple Maps

When Apple and Google Maps split up, it was a major controversy. Apple Maps comes standard on every iOS device in the world, and it now has more robust features than ever.

Apple Maps emphasizes user privacy by not tracking your searches beyond your device.

DuckDuckGo actually utilizes Apple Maps for its own mapping program.

You’ll have access to Apple Maps by default if you’re using an iPhone or Mac, but Android and PC users can access Apple Maps via DuckDuckGo.

HERE WeGo

A lightweight and powerful mapping client, HERE WeGo users give it high marks for its commitment to privacy and speed.

This application offers versions for nearly every platform, including iOS, Android, PC and Mac. HERE WeGo loads directions and maps a bit quicker than Google’s option but won’t run quite as fast as Apple Maps on Mac systems.

Google may dominate the web, but it’s far from your only option. You can switch to some of these alternatives and rest easy knowing all your internet and privacy needs are covered.

That said, you should always be aware of what information you choose to share online, no matter how trustworthy the tools you rely on. Google isn’t the only one watching. Tap or click here to see how fake Facebook profiles spy on you.

After all, your data is money. Don’t give companies a chance to cash in.

BONUS TIP FOR EXTRA KNOW-HOW: Easy way to see if someone is stealing your Wi-Fi

Now is not the time to be dealing with slow internet. The problem may stem from the way your system is set up or your old equipment.

Or it might not be your system at all. Slow internet could be the result of someone stealing your Wi-Fi. Fortunately, there are free downloads to help you see who’s accessing your Wi-Fi, whether you’re using Windows or a Mac.

Tap or click here to see who’s on your network.

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch the Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2020, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

Kitchen gadgets, safe sanitizing, COVID news and more: Tech Q&A

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What’s the best kitchen tech? Kim Komando knows.
(Fox News)

Each week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products, and all things digital. Sometimes, choosing the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job. Do you have a question you’d like to ask me?

Tap or click here to email me directly. I’d love to help you.

Instant Pot tech

Q: I am in love with my Instant Pot. Are there any other kitchen techie-type gadgets that you use?

A: Your question is timely, considering how many people are stuck at home and experimenting in their kitchens. There is an astonishing range of high-tech gadgets that will help you master new culinary skills, many of them considered “smart” devices.

One such device helps you with sous vide cooking, a method that requires specific times and temperatures to get precisely right. The Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker is both sophisticated and easy to use, and you won’t believe the results. Other equipment is more analog, such as the gas-powered pizza oven that comfortably fits in your backyard.

Tap or click here for a list of kitchen gadgets you’ll use time and time again.

Accelerate PC

Q: I lost my job and can’t afford a new PC. What steps can I take to speed up my computer?

A: Two tricks for speeding up any computer are (1) scan your hard drive for viruses, and (2) remove files and programs you no longer need. If you don’t have any malware, a sluggish operating system is usually due to too much bulk, especially if there are programs running cumbersome background tasks. But which items are safe to delete?

Cleaning out your Windows PC’s hard drive is more complicated than ever, but thanks to BCUninstaller (you’ll have to guess what BC stands for) you can easily pinpoint expendable files and remove them. Consider this part of your spring cleaning for 2020, perhaps the ideal task for someone under quarantine. The best part: It’s free.

Tap or click here to learn more about BCUninstaller and download it.

Like what you just read? Visit Komando.com for more tech tips and news.

My show’s podcast

Q: I don’t want to talk to my wife when walking. I would like to listen to your radio show instead. Is it also a podcast?

A: You can find my weekly podcast for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. For casual listeners, this will probably suffice. But if you really want to know all the latest news in consumer technology and hear from the likes of anyone from former Microsoft CEO Steve Balmer to a person wondering how to get a job working at home, you will want my national radio show.

My radio show podcast is only available on my website. It’s commercial-free too. You’ll have three month’s worth of shows to dive into. For a limited time, use discount promocode “Kim” during signup to try it free for 30 days.

Tap or click here to get my national radio show podcasts.

Sanitize the remote

Q: You said to clean your TV remote because of COVID-19. What’s the safe way to clean a universal remote so I don’t ruin it? If I do, we’re back to 4 different remotes.

A: The remote can be a dangerous thing to forget because everyone in your household will (literally) get their hands on it. To start, before using a disinfectant cloth remove the batteries. Secondly, one of the most effective tools you can use for those minute nooks and crannies is a cotton swab. Once you have thoroughly cleaned the faceplate of a remote control, a simple wipe down twice a day should be enough to keep your device sanitary.

Tap or click here for my video about safely cleaning your remote.

Best coronavirus maps

Q: There are so many different coronavirus maps online. What’s the best, most comprehensive, and accurate map? I want news and stats.

A: Understand, I am very particular about my sources of information, especially right now. The pandemic has been the perfect opportunity for hucksters and con artists, who want nothing more than to confuse the public and manipulate people with secret agendas. The volume of fake news associated with coronavirus is almost beyond measure.

The Coronavirus News Monitor not only provides detailed maps and statistics but news analysis – including fake news and major trends – from all over the world. The website provides up-to-the-minute indexes for media coverage, levels of panic and the latest verifiable headlines.

Tap or click here for more about the Coronavirus News Monitor.

Copyright 2020, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

Copyright 2020, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.

Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters, and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

10 incredibly useful tech tips you’ll use over and over

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You’ll these top tech tricks from Kim Komando over and over.
(iStock)

Everybody loves a cool trick. No matter how well we know an app or program, there’s almost always some shortcut we never learned. The same goes for hardware: We may use gadgets every day without knowing their helpful quirks.

A great example is Zoom, which millions of Americans have recently discovered for the first time. Tap or click here for 11 of the best Zoom tricks you’ll wish you’d known sooner.

In quarantine, you may spend a lot of time with the tech you already own, especially if you’re working from a home office. Little do you know, you may be doing things “the hard way,” when you could be cutting corners for free.

Speaking of free, tap or click here for 15 tech upgrades you can get for free, including no-cost programs that work like Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Office.

Here are some of my favorite tips, tricks, and shortcuts for popular tech, for a range of popular programs and tools.

1. Put your USB drive in the right way the first time

Plugging in a USB cable the right way feels like a no-brainer. Then why do we get it wrong on the first try so often?

Here’s the secret: Grab any USB cable sitting around your house. See that symbol on one side? It’s not just branding or decoration. That symbol will point up if you’re plugging in horizontally and if you’re plugging a cable vertically, the USB symbol will face you. Now you know.

While you’re streamlining your tech life, tap or click here for seven steps to lower your internet bill.

2. Reopen a closed browser tab

It happens all the time. You have a dozen tabs open in your browser and accidentally close the wrong one. You could open up your browser’s history and reopen the tab from there, or you can do it with a couple of keystrokes.

Hit Ctrl+Shift+T on your PC or Command+Shift+T on your Mac to automatically reopen the tab you just closed.

 3. Share a YouTube video at a precise point

If you see something in a YouTube video that you want to share at a particular point, you can get a link that takes people directly to that moment. Click the Share button below the video. Look for a checkbox below the link. It will automatically display the time at which you currently have the video stopped.

You can stick with this time or choose a different time. Copy the link and share it on your preferred social media or email it to a friend. When someone views the link, the YouTube video will automatically skip right to the point you chose.

Like what you’re reading? Get my free newsletters. Sign up now while you’re thinking about it.

 4. Search using “Site:” to find content like a ninj

A Google search can return millions of results. Cut that down significantly by searching just a single site with Google’s Site: feature. Open Google in your browser and type “site:” and then the website you wish to search. Like this: “site:komando.com” but leave off the quotation marks.

Tip in a tip: You can enter “site:komando.com search term” in your browser’s address bar and no need to go to Google. Again, no quotation marks needed.

 5. Report junk texts and stick it to the scammers

Junk texts are downright annoying. You can block them, but it feels good to take action, too.

Report texts to the GSMA’s Reporting Service with just a few clicks. Forward the message to 7726 (guess what that spells?) or just hit “Report junk” in your messaging app.

6. Use your voice in Google Docs

I bet you already use your phone’s speech-to-text to dictate text messages or even emails, but did you know you can do the same in Google Docs? It’s free and it works surprisingly well.

Open a new document in Google Docs, then enable Voice Typing from the Tools menu. Then start dictating. Voice Typing recognizes commands like “comma,” “period,” and “new paragraph” as well.

7. Download movies on Disney+

Each streaming service has a different policy for downloading video content and watching offline. Netflix was a major holdout until 2016. But Disney+ allowed this option right away. The download icon is located at the bottom of the menu. Using the Disney+ app, you can also download as many titles as your hard drive can hold.

8. Crop a screenshot

Screenshots are common practice, but you often capture more than you need. Revealing too much of your screen in a single image can actually threaten your security. Instead, you can take a screenshot with precise cropping, so that you include only what you want.

On a Mac, press Command + Shift + 5, and a rectangle will emerge, which you can manipulate as much as you want.

On Windows 10, go to Start, enter the Search Bar, and type Snipping Tool. This will give you a similar box that you can drag to any shape over your screen.

9. Search WhatsApp chats

Messages accumulate over time, no matter what platform you use. We want to find that one hilarious quote or a vital street address, but it’s lost in a disjointed sea. WhatsApp may be the most-downloaded app of the decade, but many users are unaware that you can search your messages, just like Google.

For iOS versions, there’s a search bar; for Android, there’s a search icon. Either way, find words unique to a specific conversation to narrow down the exact message you’re looking for.

10. Unsend an email

Did you just send out an email to everyone that was meant for one person? Well, Gmail has the ability to unsend an email by adjusting one setting prior to writing your email. Tap or click here for the exact steps.

This recall of a message will also allow you to modify spelling errors, incorrect recipients, subject line and even append forgotten attachments.

Be sure to adjust the setting to a higher number than the default setting of five seconds. Let’s face it; five seconds isn’t even enough to realize you made an error, let alone hit the unsend button. Thankfully, Gmail settings provide the option of pausing an email delivery up to 30 seconds.

Bonus Tip: How to electronically sign a PDF

PDFs are already starting to replace paper documents in many offices across the country. They’re more flexible, portable and convenient to use — but not everyone knows you can sign a PDF document just like a physical one.

Nearly every PDF-reading application features some way to electronically sign documents and forms. Tap or click here to get the steps on how to do it.

What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.

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Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.