Living a Digital Lifestyle Newsletter - April 14, 2009

LIVING A DIGITAL LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Volume 1, Issue 41 April 14, 2009

Today's issue will be tips and articles all courtesy of Kim Komando. You can go to her website here. There will be several links that you can click on for yourself, to take you to different articles. I may include those articles in this newsletter, but then again, I may not. If I don't then you can follow the links yourself. If you happen upon a link that is closed to you, then that means you have to be a Kim's Club member to get access to that information. You can become a member very easily and the information is on the site. (By Kim Komando)

The history of American aviation

These days, it's easy to take air travel for granted. We can easily book a flight across the country or around the world.

Today's airplanes are very safe. Driving a car is more dangerous than flying commercially. And it's a lot faster!

But things haven't always been this way. In its infancy, air travel was a luxury that few could afford. It was also uncomfortable and dangerous.

At America by Air, you can learn more about the history of aviation. Start by checking the online exhibition.

You'll discover all kinds of fun facts here. For example, the government started airmail service to help boost air travel. Then, check out the stories and activities on the  site.

Kids and travel buffs will love this site. Even harried travel warriors will find a new appreciation for air travel!

TO VISIT TODAY'S COOL SITE, GO HERE:
www.nasm.si.edu

Calibrating an HDTV

Q. I heard you mention calibration discs for HDTVs. I have a Polaroid HDTV. But the instruction manual does not mention calibration. And a calibration disc was not included with the set. Where can I find one?
-Steven in Phoenix, listening on KFYI 550 AM

A. I'm sure many readers aren't familiar with HDTV calibration. So, let's cover that before we discuss calibration discs.

There is stiff competition between television manufacturers. They want their sets to stand out in the showroom.

To do this, they make the displays bright. And the colors often have a cool bluish cast.

These settings probably will look horrible in your home. A poorly calibrated HDTV will look worse than an old-school CRT set.

The showroom settings can also lead to increased energy consumption. In hard economic times, it pays to calibrate your HDTV.

Many retailers offer calibration services when you purchase an HDTV. The going rate is about $300. This is competitive with rates from independent calibration services.

Fortunately, though, there are other alternatives.

Believe it or not, you can do this yourself. Click here for more info.

Cut your grocery bills

Would you like to save money on your grocery bill? That's a rhetorical question, of course!

You've probably heard some hints for cutting costs at the grocery store. For example, you should never shop while hungry.

It is also a good idea to make a list before you head to the store. That way, you get exactly what you need, reducing spending.

These are both good ideas. But I can do better. I recommend that you try MyGroceryDeals.com.

This helpful site gathers grocery store circulars. Once you sign up, you can view items that are on sale in your area.

Then, you can construct a shopping list from the sale items. You'll see how much you'll spend, along with your savings.

You can also add other items to your list, even if they're not listed on the site. Then, you can print or e-mail your list. How convenient!

But things get better. You can customize the deals you're shown. For example, you can opt to see deals from certain stores. Or, select the types of food you eat frequently.

You'll also find links to coupon sites and nutrition information!

TO VISIT TODAY'S COOL SITE, GO HERE:
www.mygrocerydeals.com

A bundle of questions

Q. Does leaving your computer on all day use a lot of energy? 2. What are cookies and how do you get rid of them? 3. My task manager always has a lot of programs running. Is that why my computer is so slow? 4. I have Windows XP. I recently switched from dial-up to DSL (a form of broadband). It takes forever to get online. I am with AT&T and don't know what to do.
-Meredith in Grass Valley, CA, listening on KNCO 830 AM

A. Well, that's a bunch of questions. I bet others are interested in this. So let's take them by number.

1. Leaving a computer on. I don't recall ever being asked about electricity usage. Maybe that's because it apparently isn't a big issue. A computer left on all day will use some electricity. But it won't use much, especially compared to other appliances.

You can save on electricity by using sleep or hibernate. Both Windows and Mac offer these (The Mac only has one, called sleep. But it combines the two, if that makes sense.)

Personally, I leave my office computers on all the time. We use them during the day, of course. Backups and updates occur at night. I don't think the cost is significant.

You can save electricity by using a flat-panel monitor, rather than a CRT. And a laptop uses much less electricity than a desktop. With programs like video editing, computational demands require more power. Surfing and word processing use less.

One of the great debates has been whether to leave a computer on. Many argue that turning it off and on wears components. They insist that leaving it on keeps things working longer. Information I found online disputes that.

If you don't use your computer much, turn it off. Or, at the least, I'd turn off the monitor.

Click here to look at cookies, the task manager and pokey machines.

Can you build an iPhone app on a Windows PC?

Q. My dad heard you talk about creating iPhone apps to make money. I have some experience with scripting and am interested. I found the SDK on Apple's site, but I have two problems. I don't own a Mac. Nor do I own an iPhone. Can I create and test my apps on Windows? I am looking for something that is free or inexpensive.
-Joseph-Jonathan in Fort Collins, CO, listening on KFKA 1310

A. Many developers have struck gold with iPhone and iPod touch apps. Create a popular app, and earn hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Apple is offering the SDK (software development kit) for free. This allows you to create and test apps. To get your app accepted, you must join the iPhone Developer Program. You must also join the program to test apps. There is a $100 fee to join.

The SDK does include an iPhone simulator. That means you test your application without an actual iPhone.

The iPhone simulator is handy, but you still need an iPhone. You will want to have a thorough understanding of how the phone works. You will probably also want to check out other developers' apps. You should do this before starting on your app.

Developing an app? You need an iPhone and a Mac. Better click here.

Copyright 2009 WestStar TalkRadio Network. Reprinted with permission. No
further republication or redistribution is permitted without the written
consent of WestStar TalkRadio Network. Visit Kim Komando and sign up for her
free e-mail newsletters at: www.komando.com

That's all for today's edition, folks.

Until next time -

Digitally yours,

Andrea