File photo. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic)
Stop Facebook apps from bugging you
Q. I installed some game apps on Facebook a long time ago and I've finally had enough of them bugging me with notifications. How do I get rid of them for good?
A. In Facebook, click the down arrow in the upper-right corner and select "Settings." In the left column, choose "Apps." Find an app you no longer want, and click the pencil icon next to it, and then click the "Remove App" button. If you want to keep the app, you can also edit its settings so it doesn't show you notifications. However, be warned that installed apps have continuing access to your personal information, so getting rid of them is also good for privacy. Learn what apps and their developers know about you, and how to stop your friends' apps from getting your information as well.
Save money on Internet
Q. I'd like to drop to a less expensive plan for Internet, but I don't want it to affect my browsing speed. Will it?
A. Any DSL or cable Internet plan can handle basic browsing, Facebook and email without worry. Where you run into problems is video streaming, file downloads or multiple people in the house using the Internet at the same time. In general, you want 1.5 megabits per second for each user doing basic browsing, and 3Mbps for video streaming. Find out how to calculate how much Internet broadband you really need, and two other ways to cut Internet costs.
Find Wi-Fi dead spots
Q. I'm trying to get rid of a Wi-Fi dead spot in the back room, but keep creating new ones. How can I see what's really going on?
A. A free program like HeatMapper for PC or Netspot for Mac can create a visual map of your Wi-Fi network so you can see current dead spots and areas where the signal is weak. That should help you figure out what areas you really need to cover, and obstacles that could be blocking the signal. Once you have your map, learn how to improve your Wi-Fi coverage in the areas you need.
Cut down on spam
Q. I'm tired of my inbox being filled with spam. What can I do to get rid of it?
A. While your email provider might be blocking some spam automatically, you can help by selecting spam email and clicking "Mark as Spam," "Send to Junk Folder," or the equivalent your provider has. That will train it what you don't want to see and should cut down on more future spam. Learn more about training your spam filter and two other more drastic steps you can take for a spam-free future.
High-tech cars coming soon
Q. I love the technology coming out in high-end cars. When do you think I'll get it in an affordable car?
A. You can expect high-end features like autopilot, "driver overrides" that take control before a crash, and remote overrides to stop stolen cars, in most cars by 2020. However, add-ons like heads-up-displays, fingerprint key fobs and dash cams should be available sooner, and you can even find some now. Learn more about car tech you'll see soon that will keep you safe.
Bonus: Get a better night's rest
Q. I use my smartphone right before bed and I think it's making it harder to go to sleep. Any suggestions?
A. Most doctors recommend not staring at a gadget screen for an hour or two before bed. The blue light from an LCD backlight tricks your body into thinking its daytime. However, if you really must use your gadgets, Android users can download apps that shift the screen red at night to keep your body from getting confused. The upcoming iOS 9.3 for Apple is going to have a feature called Night Shift that does the same thing.
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. Kim also posts breaking tech news 24/7 at News.Komando.com.
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