Week of February 27 - March 3

QUESTION

Hi Kim. My friends have been telling me to delete the search history from my Google account before it's too late. I guess Google is changing its privacy policy soon. I don't know how to do that and I'm not even sure I should be concerned. I know you'll give me the straight story, though. Thanks!
-Matt of Rochester, NY, listens to my national radio show on WHAM 1180 AM.

ANSWER

I'd say a little concern is warranted. Google has been thumbing its nose at online privacy lately. The search giant recently admitted bypassing the privacy controls in the Web browsers Safari and Internet Explorer. Google did it to track users' online activity and generate advertising revenue. In case you didn't know, Google records all the search terms you enter. Your search history can reveal a lot about you: your location, hobbies, age, health problems, religion and more.

If you don't want Google recording that information, I can tell you how to turn off Web history and wipe the information that's already there. >>

QUESTION

Hi Kim. I'm looking for a laser printer/copier for heavy home use. My wife likes to make cards and needs a color printer for that. Should we buy a color laser printer or keep our inkjet as a second printer? What are your thoughts? Thanks for your help and time.
-David of Greencastle, PA, listens to my national radio show on WEEO 103.7 FM.

ANSWER

The answer depends on how your wife plans to use your printer. If she's making photo greeting cards and postcards on premium paper stock, you should definitely keep that inkjet printer. Even the best color laser printers struggle to print convincing photos, and you don't want your photos to look sloppy. For non-photo color graphics on standard paper, a color laser printer works fine. However, the unit will cost you more than double what a black-and-white, or monochrome, model will cost.

Laser printer costs are finally in reach for home businesses. But can a color laser printer replace your tried-and-true inkjet? Read on to find out. >>

QUESTION

Hi, Kim. Thanks for explaining technology so well. I have a Mac and am thinking about using iCloud for storage. I also hear you talk about Carbonite for backup. What's the difference between iCloud and Carbonite?
-Joe, from St. Charles, IL, listens to my national radio show on WLS 890 AM.

ANSWER

On the surface, iCloud and Carbonite appear to be similar. They're both cloud services that hold your data. However, there are a couple of big differences between the two. The most basic difference is that they're meant for completely different uses.

Read on to learn more about how Carbonite and iCloud differ and what that means for you. >>

QUESTION

I recently read an article in the paper (yes, I still read a daily newspaper) about a couple of websites that claim to analyze a person's various holdings in financial or brokerage accounts. The sites then recommend changes based on performance, risk tolerances and so forth. What bothers me is their need for my usernames and passwords for "read-only" access. Everything in me says no way, but apparently thousands of people are confident and do as instructed. Of course, these sites maintain that my data is perfectly safe. In a world with rampant identity theft, it seems counterintuitive to willingly disclose this information. I'm sure there are some sites that individuals can trust, but how does one verify that the security they promise is real?
-Walt of Port Angeles, WA, listens to my national radio show on KONP 1450 AM.

ANSWER

Excellent question, Walt! And don't worry about reading a daily newspaper; my weekly column appears in newspapers all across the country. I'm glad someone is reading! Let's talk about your concerns for a bit. Even though it doesn't seem like it, there are actually two questions you brought up, and I'll take them in order. The first question is why an analysis site might need your usernames and passwords for "read-only" access to financial accounts. The answer is that there's no other way for it to access the information it needs.

Continue on to learn more about financial account security. Don't choose a financial service without reading this. >>

QUESTION

I'm really looking forward to buying an iPad 3 when it comes out. If I'm going to buy one, however, I need some extra money, so I thought I'd sell my iPad 2. Where would be a good place to sell it?
-Jake from Los Angeles, CA, listens to my national radio show on KABC 790 AM.

ANSWER

You're not alone in that thought, Jake. People are rushing to unload their iPad 2s in advance of the iPad 3, which is driving down the selling price. So, be aware that you might not make as much as you hope. Still, this is a good time to do it. Once the iPad 3 drops, Apple will probably cut the price on the iPad 2. That will depress the market for used iPads even further.

Read on to find out how to get the best price for your used iPad 2. >>

You Need to Know:

Become a YouTube expert

There's more to YouTube than just uploading video. Become an online video expert with these handy tricks and shortcuts.

Watch it now at TVKim.com! >>

Save money on printer ink and paper

One of the biggest costs associated with computer use is printing.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great ways to save money on ink and paper. >>

As the presidential election season heats up, there is an increasing deluge of news and information. These apps will help you wade through the flood.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>

Keep up to date on all things digital with the Daily News at Komando.com. You'll find easy, fast video news releases, too!
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>

There's no worse feeling in the world than losing track of your child in a crowd. Here's an ingenious way to help you find your child again.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>

It's late Sunday and your child runs out of specialty paper needed for that important homework assignment. This site will save the day.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>

Many people enjoy the RV lifestyle. But would you spend $100,000 or more before learning if it's the life for you? I'll show you a better way to find the answer - online, of course.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>

Turning 100 calls for a celebration. Dana Jackson made her centennial birthday extra-special by marrying Bill Stauss, 87. Like a big slice of wedding cake, this video is a treat!
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>