By KIM KOMANDO



Q. I’ve heard rumors of layoffs at work. So, I want to start freelancing. That way, I’ll be prepared if I lose my job. I need help finding freelance opportunities online.

A. Freelancing is a lot of work. But it can give you more freedom. You’ll find offers on the big job sites. But a better option is job boards for freelancers. Try Guru.com, FreelanceSwitch, mediabistro.com and elance. You’ll also want to figure out what to charge. FreelanceSwitch has a nice calculator that will help. You can find links to everything you need at Komando.com/news.



Q. I receive e-mail messages that have been forwarded many times. I would like to share some with friends. But I don’t want the e-mail addresses to show. And I’d like to clean up some confusing formatting from the messages.

A. When you forward a message, hide the recipients’ addresses. Put your address in the To field. Then, put the rest in the BCC (blind carbon copy) field. Don’t confuse BCC with the CC (carbon copy) field. Only BCC will hide the recipients’ addresses. Next, you’ll need to remove the e-mail addresses manually. Just highlight them and hit Delete. Use emailSTRIPPER to remove formatting marks. Get it free at Komando.com/news.



Q. Several companies offer online software subscriptions “for up to four computers.” My mother and I live in different cities. We each own a single computer. With funds being tight, sharing subscriptions would be a blessing. Is that possible?

A. Perhaps. Or, that could violate the terms of use. Licensing agreements vary. Review the subscription agreement. It could specify that the same person own the computers. Or, it could require that the computers be in the same household. Or, it may specify that only one person use the subscription. Also, be sure you need the subscription. There may be a free alternative. Find hundreds at Komando.com/news.



Q. How does GIMP stack up against Picasa?

A. They are both free photo programs. But they couldn’t be more different. Picasa catalogs your photos. It scans your hard drive for photos. It groups them together and makes them easier to find. In contrast, GIMP doesn’t offer organizational tools. It’s intended for editing. Of the free photo-editing programs, GIMP is probably the most advanced. The programs complement one another. Get them at Komando.com/news.



Q. A friend posted a Facebook message about Automation Labs. It said to block anyone associated with it. Supposedly, these people are spying on you. Is this a hoax?

A. Yes. It preys on users’ privacy fears. “Automation Labs” has a somewhat scary ring to it. But the company makes software to manage your Farmville farm. Farmville is a popular Facebook game. People associated with the company are on Facebook. And you can look them up. But they can’t access your account. So, blocking them is pointless. Let your friend know she’s been had.



Copyright 2010, WestStar TalkRadio Network. All rights reserved.

Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. To get the podcast or find the station nearest you, visit: http://www.komando.com/listen.