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Q&A: How to block calls from annoying telemarketers

Kim Komando
Special for USA TODAY
portrait of a businessman talking on a mobile phone [Via MerlinFTP Drop]


Q: I keep getting calls from an unknown number. When I answer, no one is there. How can I stop these annoying calls?

A: Bummer. Your number is probably on a telemarketer's list that uses robotic dialing. Try using a service called Nomorobo. It's free for VoIP landlines and blocks over 271,000 known robocallers. For $4.99 per month, Nomorobo covers your landline and up to three iPhone or Android phones. Also, make sure your phone number is in the Do Not Call Registry.

Faster searching with Siri
Q:
I bought the new Apple TV and wow, there are so many movies and television programs to watch. How can I find a specific television show?

A: The easiest way is to ask Siri. The latest Apple TVs include a remote control that supports voice searches using Siri. To find your favorite shows quickly, use the command with Siri, "Play [SHOW] season [#] episode [#]." If you don't know the specific season or episode number, you can tell Siri other details, such as, "Play the [SHOW] episode with [GUEST STAR]." Try telling Siri as much as you know, and she'll figure out the rest for you.

Pokémon Go tips

Q. I keep hearing about Pokémon Go. How do you play the game?

A. The first thing you have to do is download the free Pokémon Go app. Once you set up your account, Professor Willow welcomes you into the game. He walks you through how to catch your first Pokémon: Charmander, Squirtle or Bulbasaur. After that, it’s time to walk around test your catching abilities, train your Pokémon and engage in gym battles. To help you get up to speed, click here for a training video and other tips.

Using free Wi-Fi the right way
Q: I'm traveling for work next weekend. Is there a way to make the free Wi-Fi signal stronger at the airport?

A. Public Wi-Fi is a gamble when it comes to your privacy. Scammers sometimes create honeypot networks and name them Coffee Shop or Airport to trick you. If you must use the public Wi-Fi, take these precautions: avoid websites that require you to enter a username and password, only visit sites that encrypt your data (websites that begin with the letters H-T-T-P-S) and use a VPN.

Budget smartphone options
Q:
My daughter turns 13 next month and wants a smartphone for her birthday. What do you recommend that won’t break this single mom’s bank account?

A: While she probably wants an iPhone, Huawei is the brand to watch when it comes to budget smartphones. Its Honor 5x has a 5.5-inch IPS LCD screen, 3000 mAH battery, and 13MP camera that has great features such as time-lapse and slow motion. The Honor 5x also has 16GB of storage, plus microSD card expansion, and it supports Wi-Fi, LTE and Bluetooth. You can find this phone on Amazon for under $200. If you want more choices, click here to see how the Honor 5x stacks up to other budget smartphones.

Bonus: DIY computer troubleshooting

Q: I think my computer has a virus. Is there a way to tell for sure?

A: If you're using Windows 10, start with the System Maintenance Troubleshooter. Open your Control Panel and click on System and Security" From there, click Troubleshoot common computer problems, then System Security, and finally, System Maintenance. From there, you'll be prompted to run a system check on your PC. Troubleshooting a Mac is different. Click here and I'll walk you through how to troubleshoot a Mac that's acting badly with step-by-step instructions and screenshots.

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 or send her an email

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