Q and A: Lock your Ex- out of your Facebook profile
Q. I just got out of a really bad relationship and I'm worried my Ex has access to my Facebook account. What should I do?
A. You need to change your password to lock your ex out. In the upper right corner of your profile, click the downward triangle and choose Settings. Then next to Password, click the Edit link. Once that's done, go to the Security section and turn on Login Notifications and Login Approvals. Anyone trying to log in from any computer other than yours will need your phone to make it work, and you'll get a notice when they try. You should also review Trusted Browsers and Where You're Logged In to make sure your ex's computer isn't listed. Delete it if it is.
• Best day to buy airfare online
Q. I'm buying plane tickets to my family's Christmas reunion in sunny California. I heard you say on your national radio show that Tuesday was the cheapest day to buy tickets online. Is that still true?
A. That used to be the common wisdom, but new research shows that the best day to buy is now on a Sunday. You can save up to $60 vs. other days of the week. Of course, the day you travel and the sites you use to buy the tickets online can make a big difference, too.
• Credit card skimming increasing
Q. My credit card number was recently stolen and my bank said a skimmer probably took it. Who is this and how can I avoid this person in the future?
A. A skimmer is not a person, per say. It's a small digital gadget that reads the magnetic information from your credit or debit card. Thieves can install them in ATMs, gas pumps, vending machines or use a handheld unit to steal thousands of cards in no time and make millions of dollars.
• Dumping your landline
Q. I'm thinking of dropping my landline to save money since I mostly use my cellphone now. Is there any good reason you can think of to keep it?
A. There are a few reasons to keep a landline, like your DSL Internet might require it, or you might be in a rural area with spotty cellphone reception. If your landline is bundled as an Internet package, you might find that dropping it actually increases your monthly bill, so be sure to check on that.
• Apps to increase battery life
Q. I'm kind of bummed that my new phone's battery life isn't what I was expecting. Is there anything I can do about it?
A. There are apps you can download that will help you pinpoint where the battery life is going so you can put a stop to it. Take a look at Battery Doctor to start. There are also some general settings you can change on any phone and settings you can tweak on your specific phone model. Granted, this won't double your battery life, but it could mean the difference between the phone dying at work or lasting till bedtime.
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.