Hello, Monday! Miss my national radio show over the weekend? Take me with you as a podcast. Today’s mission: Outsmart greedy tech companies. Read the top tech hack of the day and you’re halfway there.

⌛ Quick privacy tip: Use Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac) to open an incognito or private browsing window in most web browsers. Incognito mode doesn't save your browsing history, cookies or form data. Now, on with the tech know-how! — Kim

I consider it my life’s mission to always have your back. Now, you know tech companies want to learn as much as possible about you, your friends, your fam, where you go, what you do and what you like. All that info adds up to big bucks.

Be smart and switch a couple of default settings in your everyday tech. It’s a quick way to retain a little privacy.

Apple, stop tracking my location

Apple keeps track of where you go and how often you go there. You might see these so-called Significant Locations as calendar events or map direction alerts. You can clear this list.

Alexa, don’t read my mind

You say, “Alexa, good night,” and your smart speaker says, “You left the kitchen light on. Would you like me to turn it off?” This is Hunches in action, and some people hate it. Just say, “Alexa, disable Hunches,” and you’re good to go.

Google, don’t track everywhere I go

Did you know Google may save where you go even when you aren’t using Google Maps? Switching Location History off stops this tracking.

To delete your location history data, click on the Auto-delete option. I picked three months.

Apple, stop bugging me for reviews

Whether you love or hate an app, you can rate and review it — but there should be no pressure or obligation. In-app review prompts are annoying, period.

Windows, quit showing me ads

Microsoft places ads and suggested apps in the Start menu. There are enough ads online without seeing them in your Start menu, too.

✅ Keep the tech know-how train going! Change these bad Windows settings. And, on the happy side, settings every Mac user should know.

Hey, use these links below to share this important tip with your fam and friends.

⚠️ Malware, beware: Google Chrome will soon alert you if you’re about to download any malware extensions. But you can check all your old extensions in the privacy and security settings, too. Try these beta features in version 116 by putting this in Chrome browser’s address bar: chrome://flags

Cash in before it’s too late: If you used Facebook between May 2007 and December 2022 — my bet is you did — you could be eligible for $35. That’s your slice of a $725 million settlement over illegal data sharing. Submit your claim here by Friday, Aug. 25.

🧊 Fire TV freeze out: If your Amazon Fire TV is acting more like an icebox, you're not alone. Thanks to a glitchy update, some screens are stuck displaying nothing but a logo and three dots. Head to your settings, followed by My Fire TV > About > Check for Updates to get the patch.

Got a pic to show off? Share it in crystal-clear HD on WhatsApp. Just hit the plus sign (+), then Photo & Video Library. Tap the image you want to share. Look for the HD option on the top of the screen and you’re set.

Cyberstalkers, rejoice: Pretty soon, blocking users on X (formerly Twitter) will be no more. Elon Musk says the option to block people makes no sense and is going away, except in private messages. Weird move. Follow me on X.

In my no-nonsense, straight-talking podcast, I serve up everything tech in digestible, fun-sized pieces. New to the tech scene? Or maybe you're a pro? Doesn't matter. I’ve got you covered.

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Sharing is caring: Say you run a business and want multiple people to have access to the customer service email. Or someone in your family is sick and needs help managing their messages. They can share their inbox with you. Open Gmail on your computer and click Settings > See all settings > Accounts and Import or Account > Add another account. Enter the email address of your delegate and hit Next Step > Send email to grant access.

💄 Get camera-ready: I’m not naming names, but I’ve seen this enough to say something. If you want to try a fancy, new background, filter or anything else while on a video meeting, try it before you join a meeting with others. How? Make your own meeting to work out all the kinks.

Math counts: Next time you need to do a simple calculation, type it directly into your browser's address bar and hit Enter. It even works for percentages — type “What is 40% of 50?” or whatever numbers you need.

🛣️ Hitting the road? Download a map of where you’re going in case you hit a no-cell service zone. Make sure you’re connected to the internet and not in Incognito mode. Open the Google Maps app and search for your specific destination or city. Tap the name or address > the three dots > select Download offline map > Download.

Dino-mite: That little dino game Google displays when your internet is out is surprisingly fun. You can play it even if your connection is good. Type chrome://dino into the Chrome browser address bar and hit Enter. Use the spacebar to hop over obstacles.

Every day, my team and I work hard for you. We scour the internet, talk to smart folks all around the world, and find those hidden tips and tricks to make your digital life better.

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You not only get this free newsletter, but you'll also get my show as a commercial-free podcast and answers to your tech questions from my team of superstar IT geniuses.

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GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a pro-grade photo editor that looks and works like Adobe Photoshop. Unlike real Photoshop, it doesn’t cost $9.99 a month. It’s the closest thing to Adobe’s software you can get without a subscription. The online instructions are easy to follow if you’ve always wanted to learn how to use Photoshop.

Download for Windows or Mac →

😂 A guy is rolling down the sidewalk in a desk chair with a laptop under one arm and a phone under the other. A portable printer is sitting on his lap. He has a small wastepaper basket on his head and a Swingline stapler in his shirt pocket. A cop spots him and asks, "What do you think you’re doing?" The man replies, "Impersonating an office, sir."

I heard you laugh at that one! Hope you’re closing out this email with a smile on your face. If so, hit that thumbs-up below! See you bright and early with the tech news. (Try it out here if you’re not on the list!) — Kim