Tech Q&A: 'Pokemon GO' tips, blocking telemarketers

Illustration photo. (REUTERS/Kacper Pempel)

Block annoying telemarketers

Q: I keep getting calls from an unknown number. When I answer, no one is there. How can I stop these annoying calls?

A: Bummer. Your number is probably on a telemarketer's list that uses robotic dialing. Try using a service called Nomorobo. It's free for landlines, VoIP lines and blocks over 271,000 known robocallers. For $4.99 per month, Nomorobo covers your landline and up to three iPhone or Android phones. Also, make sure your phone number is in the Do Not Call Registry. Click here for three things you need to know about the Do Not Call Registry.

Faster searching with Siri

Q: I bought the new Apple TV and wow, there are so many movies and television programs to watch. How can I find a specific television show?

A: The easiest way is to ask Siri. The latest Apple TVs include a remote control that supports voice searches using Siri. To find your favorite shows quickly, tell Siri, "Play [SHOW] season [#] episode [#]." If you don't know the specific season or episode number, you can tell Siri other details, such as, "Play the [SHOW] episode with [GUEST STAR]." Try telling Siri as much as you know, and she'll figure out the rest for you.

Tip in a Tip: You can do more than stream movies and shows with your Apple TV. I got tired of looking at a dark screen when my TV was off. Not anymore! Now I see the International Space Station’s view in real-time, gaze at great art and even watch planes traveling around the world. Click here for these free apps you definitely want to add to your Apple TV.

“Pokémon GO” tips

Q. I keep hearing about “Pokémon GO.” How do you play the game?

A. The first thing you have to do is download the free “Pokémon GO” app. Once you set up your account, a character named Professor Willow welcomes you into the game and walks you through how to catch your first Pokémon: Charmander, Squirtle or Bulbasaur. After that, it’s time to walk around, test your catching abilities, train your Pokémon and engage in gym battles. To help you get up to speed, click here for a training video and other tips.

Using free Wi-Fi the right way

Q: I'm traveling for work next weekend. Is there a way to make the free Wi-Fi signal stronger at the airport?

A. Public Wi-Fi is a gamble when it comes to your privacy. Scammers sometimes create honeypot networks and name them "coffee shop" or "airport" to trick you. If you must use the public Wi-Fi, take these precautions: Avoid websites that require entering a username and password; visit only sites that encrypt your data (websites that begin with the letters “https”) and use a VPN. Click here for the steps you need to take if you ever use public Wi-Fi.

Budget smartphone options

Q: My daughter turns 13 next month and wants a smartphone for her birthday. What do you recommend that won’t break this single mom’s bank account?

A: While she probably wants an iPhone, Huawei is the brand to watch when it comes to budget smartphones. Its Honor 5x has a 5.5-inch IPS LCD screen, a 3000 mAH battery and a 13MP camera that has great features, such as time-lapse and slow motion. The Honor 5x also has 16GB of storage, plus microSD card expansion, and it supports Wi-Fi, LTE and Bluetooth. You can find this phone on Amazon for under $200. If you want more choices, click here to see how the Honor 5x stacks up to other budget smartphones.

Bonus: DIY computer troubleshooting

Q: Kim help! I think my computer has a virus. Is there a way to tell for sure?

A: If you're using Windows 10, start with the System Maintenance Troubleshooter. Open your Control Panel and click on System and Security. From there, click Troubleshoot common computer problems, then System Security, and finally, System Maintenance. From there, you'll be prompted to run a system check on your PC. Troubleshooting a Mac is different. Click here and I'll walk you through how to troubleshoot a Mac that's acting badly with step-by-step instructions and screenshots.

On the Kim Komando Show, America’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.