Happy Saturday, fellow tech aficionados! Let's kickstart this issue with a tech tip that might give you deja vu — reboot your phone. Regular rebooting clears the RAM, speeds up things, prevents overheating and triggers updates.

⏰ If you’re saying, “But Kim, I already know that!” I get it. I know you do, but most people don’t do it. If this is you, let’s change that. Set a reminder in your calendar app to reboot your phone once a week. Piece of cake.

Listen up! My national radio show is airing all weekend across the USA. With over 420 stations strong, find your closest one using our super-duper station locator map — or listen commercial-free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or in the Komando Community.

Let’s get down to business. Today’s top story is one I’ve gotten so many questions about: How do I block ads? I hope it helps! — Kim

I wanted to get something nice for Barry’s birthday, so I splurged on a gorgeous watch. Well, wouldn’t you know it? Like clockwork, my online ads changed. Suddenly, I was seeing fancy espresso machines, expensive face creams and cashmere sweaters all over social media and the web.

Yep, I ticked the “luxury” box for online advertisers. That’s one relatively harmless example of how your every move makes its way around the web. But there are darker ones, too, I think are important to share.

Say you went through an ugly divorce. Well, anyone can access that same information advertisers scoop up, like your physical location — including your ex. That scares me, and it should scare you, too.

Every click, every visit, every time

It seems like every day, a new company is outed for selling your info to who-knows-who. It’s easy to accept being watched on the web as the “new normal,” but I don’t — and you shouldn’t, either.

Cookies, tracking links, pixels and online markers unique to you (aka “Kim Komando” on this IP address and this device) all add up to an incredibly detailed profile. You can bet every ad you click on, hover over, close out of or even look at for a couple of seconds is part of the calculation.

Lucky for us both, there's an easy solution

Block the ads. And don’t just Google “free ad blocker.” There are too many criminals out there baking malware and other tracking into free products that are supposed to keep you safe.

I knew you’d ask, so I found an option you can trust: Total Adblock. It’s advanced ad-blocking technology for all your devices — Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android.

Total Adblock works to:

• Instantly identify and block ads, including those annoying Facebook and YouTube autoplay ads on your smartphone.
• Automatically clear your browser history, cache and other cookies so advertisers can’t use them to track you. I love that.

✅ Stop the ads on websites you use today. Go to TotalAdblock.com/kim to get all that for a year for just $19. PSA: I don’t get kickbacks if you buy, but your support does help keep this newsletter free.

Grab these Big Spring Sale finds before prices go up again!

• Cardholders for AirTags so you can track your wallet.
• A universal phone mount for your car.
• A two-pack of USB‑C to Lightning chargers (or a two-pack of USB‑C to USB‑C chargers).
• A smoke alarm with a 10-year battery. Great deal!

It’s so taxing: Scammers are using AI to file phony tax returns and steal your refund. Cybercriminals scoop up your details online, beat you to filing, and bam — your money's gone. Outsmart the cons: File ASAP and ignore calls, texts or emails claiming to be from the IRS. The tax agency will only contact you via snail mail.

🍄 Shiitake happens: Don’t rely on AI-powered apps to identify edible mushrooms. A new report finds AI only gets it right about 50% of the time. In other words, you have a 50% chance you’ll die if you eat one. Fun fact: There are over 5,000 species of mushrooms in North America.

Coming soon: A new security standard to protect your home from hackers. The Verified Product Security mark will tell you which smart devices are actually secure — like a badge of honor for IoT devices. You should start seeing this mark on devices later this year. Took ‘em long enough.

Quarter-life crisis: Gen Z’s social media obsession (averaging five hours a day or more) is making them less happy than older generations. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy calls it an early “midlife crisis.” His suggestion? Laws to make social media less addicting. Sure reminds me of the tobacco industry …

✈️ Boeing, Boeing, Boeing! If you’re worried about flying Boeing after its recent door plug disaster, among other problems, a new website could help. Visit Am I Flying on a Boeing? and enter your airline, flight number and date. Voila — now you’ll know for sure.

📺 Streaming services are always changing. Are you subscribed to the right one(s) for you?

You’ve made a will (I hope), but did you include your digital life? Do this now — your family will be glad you did.

Ever had a credit card stolen? Virtual cards are a smart way to protect your wallet.

💰 The tax (scam) man cometh. Know the tricks so you don’t fall for them.

Planning a summer vacation? Here’s when to book your flights to save the most cash.

Reply to this email. Yes, this issue of The Current. I need your help telling Big Tech and email providers that this content is important to you.

I’m hear for you: Well, your ears. Raycon earbuds come with XS to XL tips right in the box so they fit your ears comfortably, no matter their size. Plus, they have great features like a long battery life (32 hours!), iPhone and Android compatibility, and (duh) terrific sound quality. Use my link for 20% off plus free shipping* if you hurry!

Check the stock market: Voice assistants like Apple Siri or Google Assistant can give you stock prices and market data. Try asking, "What's the current price of [company name] stock?" or "How did the NASDAQ do today?" Another one: "What was the percentage change for [company name] stock today?"

✍️ Take note: You’re working on a Windows PC, using an Android phone and you have a MacBook at home. A standard note-taking app won’t cut it. Options like Evernote and Notion sync across whatever device you’re using. Stick with the free version unless you re‑e‑e‑ally want those pro features.

Weekend streams: If you’re not into March Madness, I just finished “Masters of the Air” on Apple TV+ — 10/10. “The Daily Look” is fantastic, too, especially if you’re into fashion. On Hulu, “Shogun” is amazing. Finally, “Dexter” is actually pretty good. It’s streaming on Prime, Paramount+ and Showtime.

Guilt-free screen time for the kids: You can’t trust what Big Tech will play next in its video algorithms. Try the PBS KIDS Video and PBS KIDS Games apps. They’re sure to like watching full episodes of series geared toward preschoolers to elementary schoolers. Free to download, watch and play. Now, shhh!

I know you snickered.

That’s all for today! I’ll leave you with a gem to make your friends and family roll their eyes. What kind of shoes do IT experts wear? Re‑boots, obviously. Wearing mine now!

Online ads aren’t just annoying — all that tracking makes it feel like there’s someone always watching. Sorry, but they are. Total Adblock is the option I trust to stop all the tracking. Folks, $19 for a year is a no‑brainer.

☀️ See you again tomorrow for a warning you need to read to protect your vision. It’s important! Plus, the latest tech goings-on, tips and secrets to make your digital life soar, all here in the best newsletter in the USA! — Kim