Tech Q&A: Plugging headphones into an iPhone 7, sending faxes

Apple's new AirPods. (Apple)

iPhone 7 upgrade woes

Q. I love my old wired earbuds. Will I still be able to use my earbuds with the new iPhone 7?

A. The problem is that the iPhone 7 does not have a standard 3.5mm analog audio jack. But all hope is not lost! The iPhone 7 will include a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter in the box, as well as a pair of wired headphones that connect directly to the Lightning port. Belkin has announced a different solution, the Lightning Audio and Charge Rockstar ($40). It has two lightning ports so you can charge and listen simultaneously. Other companies are sure to follow with other connectors. Alternatively, you could pick up a pair of Apple’s wireless AirPods ($159). Click here to learn if it’s worth upgrading to the iPhone 7 and the new Apple Watch, too.

Help organizing large wine collection

Q. I was listening to your national radio show, and a man called who wanted to know how to organize his 4,000 wine bottle collection. After telling him about some great options, you mentioned a site to hire part-time workers. Can you tell me more about that as a way I can earn extra money?

A. It will take a fair amount of time to scan and import information about 4,000 bottles of wine. That’s why I told my caller about TaskRabbit. It lets people post simple jobs online like organizing wine, assembling furniture, home cleaning, grocery shopping or help moving. You can sign up as a "Tasker" and make money completing those tasks. TaskRabbit is moving toward on-demand work. With its new options, tasks can be confirmed in five minutes and completed within 90 minutes. Click here to see if other on-demand jobs might be a fit for you from shipping packages to walking dogs.

Send a fax without a fax machine

Q. I'm buying a house, and my title company needs me to fax several pages. I don't have a fax machine. Help!

A. Signup for FaxZero. You can send up to five free faxes a day, provided the documents are three pages or less. Each document will be sent with a cover page that includes an ad. If you need to send more, FaxZero sends up to 25 pages (plus an optional cover page) for $1.99. You could also use an app like CamScanner that turns your smartphone into a scanner, copier and fax machine. You take a picture of the document and it’s sent to a fax machine. Click here to learn more about sending faxes without a fax machine.

Avoid damage to your screen

Q: I was dusting, and now the screen on my HDTV has streaks. Is there a better way to clean electronics?

A: Don't use sprays or cleaners on a TV screen. Many brands contain ammonia, which can ruin the screen surface. You want to clean a screen with a microfiber cloth. Also, avoid using paper towels because these can cause scratches and nicks. Most dirt and debris will just wipe away, but for more stubborn smudges and fingerprints, lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water. Don't pour the water directly on the screen! You can also mix water in a 1-to-1 ratio with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol for a deeper clean. Click here to learn the best way to clean all of your gadgets.

A better way to say “happy birthday”

Q: My best friend and I have traveled for her birthday ever since college, but I can't make it this year. How can I do something special to make up for it?

A: Use Facebook's birthday video cam to record a video for your friend on her birthday. It's a small gesture, but it goes a long way. In the Facebook app, visit your friend's Facebook page on her birthday. When you add a post to her wall, you'll see an option to record a birthday video. The birthday video cam allows you to record a message up to 15 seconds. Click here for more Facebook tricks only the pros know.

From buying advice to digital life issues, be sure to listen or download the podcasts. Click here to find your local radio station. If you are looking for topics about everything digital that you can listen to on your phone, tablet or computer, click here for my free podcasts.

Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show as she takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle. Visit Komando.com for free podcasts, videos, product reviews, shows, tips, and advice.