Illustration file picture (REUTERS/Kacper Pempel).
Don't fall for this Facebook hoax
Q: I saw a post on Facebook that said all of my posts were about to become public. Has Facebook changed its privacy policy?
A: This is the latest hoax spreading on Facebook. It alleges Facebook's privacy policy has changed so that all your pictures, posts and messages will become public unless you post a status update stating that you do not give Facebook permission to share your content. If you encounter this post, or a similar version in your News Feed, just ignore it. Click here to see images of what this fake post looks like so you'll know how to recognize it.
How to tell if your phone is waterproof
Q: I've heard that the new iPhone 7 is waterproof. Is that true?
A: Not exactly. Apple claims that the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are the first splash-, water- and dust-resistant iPhones, as indicated by their IP67 intrusion rating. The company achieved this rating by sealing water and dust intrusion areas with rubber gaskets and by removing the headphone jack and the mechanical home button. If you were to drop your phone in less than a meter of water (about three feet) and it stayed submerged for less than 30 minutes, it should be OK. But until Apple can manufacture a device with an IP69 rating, it won’t be fully waterproof. Click here to learn more about this rating, and see what it means for all of your devices.
Warning teens about Instagram's "Ugly List"
Q: Kim help! My daughter received a message stating she was on Instagram's ugly list.
A: Instagram users are being tricked into thinking one of their friends has tagged them in a mean-spirited post. The victims get a notification saying they've been tagged in a post called, "Ugly List 2016." Inside the notification is a link, which supposedly takes you to the Ugly List post. But this link is malicious. If you click the link, it will take you to a page that looks like the Instagram login page. You have to enter your username and password before you can see the Ugly List. Of course, the login page is a fake. Once the scammers have your Instagram credentials, they can take over your account. This scam isn’t the only one spreading right now. Click here for four additional scams that smart people are falling for.
Turn your photo albums into fun videos
Q: Hey Kim! Your national radio show teaches me so much, thank you! I was listening, and you told a caller how to turn a photo collection into a video. What was that web tool again?
A. Stupeflix is a free web application that lets you make videos in just a few clicks. Create an account, choose a video style, select photos, music, add text (if you'd like) and you're finished. You can import the pictures that you want to use from your computer or from Dropbox, Facebook or Flickr. Click here for more details on how Stupeflix works, and to see a demo video.
Easy way to promote any event
Q: I'm helping with a fundraiser for my daughter's school. What's the easiest way to get the word out?
A: Create an Event on Facebook. To do this, log into your Facebook account and click "Events" on the left-hand side. At the top of the page, you'll see the Create button. Add the details of your event, including the name, location, date, time and a brief description. You can set the event as Private if you prefer that only certain people see it. Share the event by inviting those you think might be interested. You can also spread the word by distributing fliers. Click here for an easy way to get free templates and themes for Microsoft Office.
From buying advice to digital life issues, be sure to listen or download the podcasts. Click here to find your local radio station. If you are looking for topics about everything digital that you can listen to on your phone, tablet or computer, click here for my free podcasts.
Copyright 2016, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved.
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.
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