Q & A: Listen to police and emergency scanners
Q: A few blocks over, police recently swarmed a house late at night. I really wanted to go see what was going on, but didn't want to get in the way. Can listen to my local police scanner on my phone or computer?
A: You could buy a dedicated police scanner and listen in, but that'll set you back at least $100. Instead, grab the free Scanner Radio app for Android and iOS. It lets you hear more than 4,400 live police, fire, weather and other channels from around the world. You can also set alerts so you know when something big is going on in your area, or on a particular channel. If you'd rather listen on your PC or Mac, Broadcastify connects you to live audio feeds in your area based on public safety. Aside from weather alerts, traffic updates, and feeds from your local sheriff's office or highway patrol, there are also feeds for aircraft, rail and marine-related communications.
• Ditch automated telemarketing calls
Q: Kim, I'm so tired of having the phone ring only to pick it up to hear a recorded message. How can I stop this before I take a rolling pin to my phone?
A: There are strict laws in place about who can and can't robocall you. For example, unsolicited recorded telemarketing calls are illegal while appointment reminders from the doctor are fine. If you're getting telemarketing calls, signing up for the Do Not Call registry is a way to weed out most of them. You can also sign up with the site Nomorobo, which automatically screens illegal robocalls so they don't bother you.
• Windows won't update
Q: I like to install Windows updates manually, but I noticed I haven't gotten any update notifications in a while. Am I missing something? I use Windows 8.1.
A: I think I know what the problem is. Earlier this year, Microsoft pushed out a huge update for Windows 8.1 called Windows 8.1 Update 1, which you need to receive security and program updates. To install Update 1, go to Control Panel>>Windows Update. You'll see an entry labeled KB2919355 that's around 900 megabytes. Select that and install it. Just be aware it takes a while. After that's installed, hold on! You should have six months of previous Windows updates waiting for you.
• Should you buy an extended warranty?
Q: I'm buying a new smartphone and I know the salesperson will ask if I want to buy an extended warranty. What should I say?
A: Most manufacturing problems with a gadget show up in the first year. If your gadget makes it through that, it often won't hit wear-and-tear failures until after the extended warranty expires. Even if you have a problem during the extended warranty period, most aren't as comprehensive as you would hope. For instance, it might not cover common types of damage or wear and tear. Check with your credit card provider to see if it offers free extended warranties on electronics purchased with the card. Look at third-party providers like SquareTrade or Protect Your Bubble as those are often less expensive and cover more damages and failures.
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, newsletters and more, visitwww.komando.com. E-mail her at techcomments@usatoday.com.