IM, text and call your friends

AVAILABLE FOR
Different smartphone owners like to connect in different ways. Some prefer texts, others like instant messaging and more still prefer a good, old-fashioned phone call.
No matter how your Facebook friends like to chat, Messenger connects you with them instantly. You can text or IM your Facebook friends from the same app. iOS users can even call their friends using VoIP, too. This feature is coming soon to Androids.
There's mapping and photo features, too. You can see where your friends are and make plans on the go. Then, you can share your adventures with others instantly using a snapshot.
Cost: Free
Links:
play.google.com
Search the Web privately and securely
Google has the search market cornered. That means it can do just about whatever it wants with your search history. This can lead to some shocking gaps in protecting your privacy.
For more private browsing, try Ixquick. It doesn't record any of your private information when you search. That includes your IP address, browser information or search history. This means advertisers and hackers alike have no chance of using it against you.
Not only are you not being tracked using Ixquick, but the search results are more effective and accurate. It takes results from other search engines and implements a star rating system. For example, five stars means that five other search engines agreed on that particular result.
ixquick.com

Safely track your family's location

AVAILABLE FOR
If you're like me, you want what is best for your family. You want to protect them and keep them safe, but you can't keep an eye on them 24/7. This app will help you keep a remote eye on your family.
AirCover Family Locater will track your family members' locations using a smartphone's GPS location. You can easily add family members' devices with the app's Shake Technology. You can then see each member's location on a map.
The app offers an emergency button that sends immediate alerts to your family if you are in trouble. It will also find the nearest hospital, police station, or fire department in case of emergency.
You can create safe regions, and you will be notified if that person leaves or enters that safe region. You can view where your family has been in the last three days.
Cost: Free for a limited time.
Regular price: $3
Links:
play.google.com

4 great apps to tune up your phone
For many people, their smartphones are their world. You can use them for nearly everything. Whether you're shopping, getting directions, checking email, keeping in touch with friends and family, taking photos, or having fun, your smartphone has a lot of valuable and personal information on it.
Here are four apps that will help keep your phone protected, secure and performing up to its ability.
Carbonite Mobile (Free for some features. Backup requires Carbonite subscription; iOS, Android) - No phone is immune to clumsiness. It happens all the time; you drop your phone and it breaks, or you drop it in the toilet. If you use Carbonite Mobile to back up your precious photos and videos, you will have nothing to worry about.
Lookout Mobile Security (Free; iOS, Android) - Keep your phone safe from hackers and viruses with this anti-virus and anti-spyware solution. It also backs up your contact data and can help locate a missing or stolen smartphone.
JiWire (Free; iOS, Android) - Wi-Fi hot spots are a blessing for anyone on the go. You can connect your device to the Internet with little hassle. Boasting more than half a million entries, the JiWire app uses your phone's GPS to find nearby Wi-Fi hotspots, both free and paid. It also gives you directions or the option to call the Wi-Fi location for additional information.
Onavo Extend (Free; iOS, Android) - Apps are arguably the best part of any smartphone. But running too many apps can send you over your cellular data limit - which isn't cheap. Onavo Extend compresses app data so you can get up to five times more use out of your current data plan.

Easily move files to a new computer
Q. I just bought a new Windows 8 computer. I'm looking for a way to move my old files to my new computer but I don't own a portable drive that's big enough. Are there any other ways to do this?
-Isaac, from Eugene, OR, listens to my national radio show on KGAL 1580 AM.
A. I bet you were really excited to buy that brand new Windows 8 computer, Isaac. Now, it's out of the box and you have to set it up. That's not nearly as fun as shopping for it!
That’s why I wrote my guides to setting up your new PC or Mac. They'll walk you through the whole process and can help you fix common problems you might encounter. You might want to pick up my Essential Windows 8 Quick Start guide so you aren't lost in the radical new interface!
As for transferring your files, it's OK that you don't have a portable drive. I know a better way to do it that's much faster. You won't even have to plug any wires or cords into your computer!
If you listen to my show regularly, you probably know that I'm always recommending that my listeners back up their computers. You never know when a computer crash or other disaster will strike.
You also know that my preferred backup service is Carbonite. While Carbonite is one of my advertisers, I've used the service for years and it's saved my files more than once. I wouldn't set up a computer without it.
Carbonite doesn't just want to help you back up your old memories, it wants to help you create new ones. That's why it is sponsoring my latest contest. You could win a trip for 2 to Las Vegas! It's a 3-night stay at the Desert Rose Resort and airfare is included. Enter daily for your chance to win!
Aside from backup, one perk of using Carbonite is that it's easy to transfer your files from one computer to another. It only takes a few clicks.
All you have to do is install and run Carbonite on your old computer. It starts backing up your important files right away.
Once it's finished, you can install Carbonite on your new computer. If you're wondering, it works without a hitch on Windows 8.
Before restoring your files, you will need to install all your programs on the new computer. Do this before using Carbonite to avoid any file conflicts later.
When you log in to Carbonite, you'll see a button that says "Yes, help me restore files now." Click this to launch Carbonite's Restore Wizard.
Next, you'll select your Windows user account. This ensures that your data is saved with the same file organization as it was on your old computer. On the next screen, click "Start Restoring Files." Carbonite will do all of the work - just make sure you leave your computer on.
As I said, easy restoring is just one of Carbonite's many great features. If you back up your computer's files with a portable drive, they can still be wiped out by a fire or theft.
Carbonite stores all your data in a remote server, away from localized disasters. Plus, Carbonite uses a double-encryption method so tough that even top security experts can't crack it.
I really can't say enough about Carbonite's amazing backup service. Click here to try it for yourself. You can start a 15-day free trial right now - no credit card required! If you use promo code "KIM" when you sign up, you'll get two extra months free when you decide to buy.
Don't forget that Carbonite has an app! Not only can you browse all your backed up files remotely, it backs up your mobile gadget's photos and videos at full resolution for free! Click here to download it now.
Now that your new computer has all your old files, it needs programs. Here are some programs you should download first.
A fresh, new computer would be a tasty treat for a nasty virus. Protect your computer with free security software.
No matter how secure Internet Explorer gets, it still helps to have a second browser. Pick a safer browser with these tips.
Installing all of your favorite programs doesn't have to be an all-day affair. Install dozens of great programs for free.
AVAILABLE FOR
Different smartphone owners like to connect in different ways. Some prefer texts, others like instant messaging and more still prefer a good, old-fashioned phone call.
No matter how your Facebook friends like to chat, Messenger connects you with them instantly. You can text or IM your Facebook friends from the same app. iOS users can even call their friends using VoIP, too. This feature is coming soon to Androids.
There's mapping and photo features, too. You can see where your friends are and make plans on the go. Then, you can share your adventures with others instantly using a snapshot.
Cost: Free
Links:
play.google.com
Search the Web privately and securely
Google has the search market cornered. That means it can do just about whatever it wants with your search history. This can lead to some shocking gaps in protecting your privacy.
For more private browsing, try Ixquick. It doesn't record any of your private information when you search. That includes your IP address, browser information or search history. This means advertisers and hackers alike have no chance of using it against you.
Not only are you not being tracked using Ixquick, but the search results are more effective and accurate. It takes results from other search engines and implements a star rating system. For example, five stars means that five other search engines agreed on that particular result.
ixquick.com
Safely track your family's location
AVAILABLE FOR
If you're like me, you want what is best for your family. You want to protect them and keep them safe, but you can't keep an eye on them 24/7. This app will help you keep a remote eye on your family.
AirCover Family Locater will track your family members' locations using a smartphone's GPS location. You can easily add family members' devices with the app's Shake Technology. You can then see each member's location on a map.
The app offers an emergency button that sends immediate alerts to your family if you are in trouble. It will also find the nearest hospital, police station, or fire department in case of emergency.
You can create safe regions, and you will be notified if that person leaves or enters that safe region. You can view where your family has been in the last three days.
Cost: Free for a limited time.
Regular price: $3
Links:
play.google.com
4 great apps to tune up your phone
For many people, their smartphones are their world. You can use them for nearly everything. Whether you're shopping, getting directions, checking email, keeping in touch with friends and family, taking photos, or having fun, your smartphone has a lot of valuable and personal information on it.
Here are four apps that will help keep your phone protected, secure and performing up to its ability.
Carbonite Mobile (Free for some features. Backup requires Carbonite subscription; iOS, Android) - No phone is immune to clumsiness. It happens all the time; you drop your phone and it breaks, or you drop it in the toilet. If you use Carbonite Mobile to back up your precious photos and videos, you will have nothing to worry about.
Lookout Mobile Security (Free; iOS, Android) - Keep your phone safe from hackers and viruses with this anti-virus and anti-spyware solution. It also backs up your contact data and can help locate a missing or stolen smartphone.
JiWire (Free; iOS, Android) - Wi-Fi hot spots are a blessing for anyone on the go. You can connect your device to the Internet with little hassle. Boasting more than half a million entries, the JiWire app uses your phone's GPS to find nearby Wi-Fi hotspots, both free and paid. It also gives you directions or the option to call the Wi-Fi location for additional information.
Onavo Extend (Free; iOS, Android) - Apps are arguably the best part of any smartphone. But running too many apps can send you over your cellular data limit - which isn't cheap. Onavo Extend compresses app data so you can get up to five times more use out of your current data plan.
Easily move files to a new computer
Q. I just bought a new Windows 8 computer. I'm looking for a way to move my old files to my new computer but I don't own a portable drive that's big enough. Are there any other ways to do this?
-Isaac, from Eugene, OR, listens to my national radio show on KGAL 1580 AM.
A. I bet you were really excited to buy that brand new Windows 8 computer, Isaac. Now, it's out of the box and you have to set it up. That's not nearly as fun as shopping for it!
That’s why I wrote my guides to setting up your new PC or Mac. They'll walk you through the whole process and can help you fix common problems you might encounter. You might want to pick up my Essential Windows 8 Quick Start guide so you aren't lost in the radical new interface!
As for transferring your files, it's OK that you don't have a portable drive. I know a better way to do it that's much faster. You won't even have to plug any wires or cords into your computer!
If you listen to my show regularly, you probably know that I'm always recommending that my listeners back up their computers. You never know when a computer crash or other disaster will strike.
You also know that my preferred backup service is Carbonite. While Carbonite is one of my advertisers, I've used the service for years and it's saved my files more than once. I wouldn't set up a computer without it.
Carbonite doesn't just want to help you back up your old memories, it wants to help you create new ones. That's why it is sponsoring my latest contest. You could win a trip for 2 to Las Vegas! It's a 3-night stay at the Desert Rose Resort and airfare is included. Enter daily for your chance to win!
Aside from backup, one perk of using Carbonite is that it's easy to transfer your files from one computer to another. It only takes a few clicks.
All you have to do is install and run Carbonite on your old computer. It starts backing up your important files right away.
Once it's finished, you can install Carbonite on your new computer. If you're wondering, it works without a hitch on Windows 8.
Before restoring your files, you will need to install all your programs on the new computer. Do this before using Carbonite to avoid any file conflicts later.
When you log in to Carbonite, you'll see a button that says "Yes, help me restore files now." Click this to launch Carbonite's Restore Wizard.
Next, you'll select your Windows user account. This ensures that your data is saved with the same file organization as it was on your old computer. On the next screen, click "Start Restoring Files." Carbonite will do all of the work - just make sure you leave your computer on.
As I said, easy restoring is just one of Carbonite's many great features. If you back up your computer's files with a portable drive, they can still be wiped out by a fire or theft.
Carbonite stores all your data in a remote server, away from localized disasters. Plus, Carbonite uses a double-encryption method so tough that even top security experts can't crack it.
I really can't say enough about Carbonite's amazing backup service. Click here to try it for yourself. You can start a 15-day free trial right now - no credit card required! If you use promo code "KIM" when you sign up, you'll get two extra months free when you decide to buy.
Don't forget that Carbonite has an app! Not only can you browse all your backed up files remotely, it backs up your mobile gadget's photos and videos at full resolution for free! Click here to download it now.
Now that your new computer has all your old files, it needs programs. Here are some programs you should download first.
A fresh, new computer would be a tasty treat for a nasty virus. Protect your computer with free security software.
No matter how secure Internet Explorer gets, it still helps to have a second browser. Pick a safer browser with these tips.
Installing all of your favorite programs doesn't have to be an all-day affair. Install dozens of great programs for free.



