File photo. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)
Dangerous Windows 10 scam
Q. I was going to wait a while to upgrade my computer to Windows 10, but I just got an email from update @ microsoft.com with the upgrade attached. Should I just go ahead and install it now or keep waiting?
A. Stop right there! The email you got is a dangerous scam that's spreading around the Internet. As a rule, never download and run unsolicited email attachments. If you download and run the "upgrade" file, you'll install a ransomware virus that locks every file on your computer. To get the files back, you can pay the hackers who made the virus or jump through a bunch of technical hoops. The real Windows 10 upgrade is handled through the white Windows icon in your taskbar's notification area, not email. Before you install, find out if Windows 10 is right for you and your PC. Already installed Windows 10? Read to the end for a cool secret you don't want to miss.
Is Verizon's new plan cheaper?
Q. I heard that Verizon is dropping two-year contracts. What is that going to do to plan prices?
A. It depends on a few things. The monthly cost for data ($30 for 1 gigabyte, $40 for 2 gigabytes, etc.) and each gadget "line" ($20 per smartphone) is staying roughly the same. Because Verizon no longer offers subsidized phones, your monthly cost should be lower because you're not paying off your phone each month. However, you'll either need to buy a phone upfront, which could cost $300 to $700, or set up monthly financing. If you keep your phone for longer than two years, though, you will see savings. You can also buy used phones online to use with your plan and save that way. Click here for more details on how Verizon's new plans work, and how you could end up paying a lot more if you aren't careful.
Tag, you're NOT it
Q. My friends keep tagging me in photos and status updates on Facebook that I don't want associated with me. What can I do?
A. Ask them to stop. You should also tweak your Facebook settings so you can approve tags before they go live. Click at the top right of any Facebook page and select Settings>>Timeline and Tagging. Under "Who can add things to my Timeline?" make sure "Review posts..." is turned On. Now you can stop things before they go live. Learn more about tweaking your tagging settings and two other important privacy tips.
Taming the Facebook app
Q. Whenever I have the Facebook app open on my iPhone, even if I'm not using it, it seems to kill my battery life. Is there a fix?
A. Facebook uses your phone's location service to help you check in to places, create location-specific posts and find nearby friends. It also drains the battery like crazy. To turn off your Facebook location preferences, you need to open the iPhone Settings. From there, select Privacy>>Location Services>>Facebook. Select "While using the app" to keep it from running in the background or "Never" if you don't use any of Facebook's location features. Learn more settings you'll want to change to get the most from your Facebook app on Apple. And if you use Android, I've got you covered, too.
Better YouTube video sharing
Q. I'm trying to share some YouTube videos with my family, but I only want to send them short segments from long videos. How can I do that?
A. To create a short segment from a YouTube video, you'll need a third-party site like TubeChop. You can quickly load a YouTube video, set the beginning and end points and then create a link to share. It's simple. Of course, if you only need to set a start time for a video, go to the YouTube video and put it at the starting point you want. Then right-click on the video and choose "Get video URL at current time." Copy and share the link it gives you and you're done. Click here for five more amazing YouTube secrets you should try.
Bonus: Bring 'GodMode' to Windows 10
Q. In Windows 7, I was able to create a folder that gave me access to every Windows setting in one place. Is there anything like that in Windows 10?
A. The same trick that worked in Windows 7 and 8 works in Windows 10 as well. Sign in with an administrator account and then create a new folder on your desktop with this name "GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}" (without the quotes). Click on the folder icon to start customizing Windows however you want, including changing font sizes, choosing the options in toolbars and more. Did you like that Windows 10 secret? Here are five more you don't want to miss.
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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