The Kindle app lets you buy and read Kindle e-books on many mobile gadgets (Photo: Amazon).

Q. I enjoy reading and I’ve been thinking about getting a Kindle to read e-books. Here’s the catch: I’m on a strict budget and I already have a smartphone and a computer. Is there any way I can download e-books to the gadgets I already have?

A. Amazon’s Kindle has made e-books incredibly popular, but you do not need a gadget to enjoy your Kindle e-books. The Kindle app lets you buy and read Kindle e-books on many mobile gadgets. If you want to read on your computer, grab the Kindle for PC or Mac Among the handy features for the app and program:.’ll never lose your place, even when switching between gadgets. The Kindle app and transfer programs as annotations and highlighting. Plus, you can browse millions of titles and take advantage of Amazon’s free book samples.

SEARCH SITES THAT PROTECT PRIVACY

Q. I’m really tired of Google collecting information on me to serve targeted ads. I find it creepy and an invasion of privacy. What sites can I use instead of Google thatwill respect my privacy?

A. Google does not have a great track record when it comes to privacy. And aside from the blatant ad targeting, Google filters results for you based on your search history fits. This is called a “filter bubble” and it Means you might miss that one site you need to find. DuckDuckGo and Ixquick Google replacements are solid, and they do not track or target your IP address or search history. So, you do not have to worry about targeted search results or being trapped in a filter bubble. For serious privacy, Blekko lets you encrypt your searches so hackers can not snoop on what you’re trying to find.

KNOW AT A GLANCE HOW SITES USE YOUR INFO

Q. I must admit, I never read sites’ Terms of Service and Privacy Policies. Am I missing anything important there? Is there a Cliff Notes-like service to help sort through the fine print?

A. When you’re using any online service, you do need to make sure you know the ins and outs of the fine print. It tells you, for example, if a site stores your personal information and Whether or not it sells it to advertisers. Still, That finding information in a long legal document type is not easy. Terms or service; Did not Read (TOS; DR) is a site That rates and labels popular websites According To Their Terms of Service and Privacy Policies. It keeps you informed so That You can make the best decisions about what sites you want to use. See who keeps your search information, if you give away any copyright licenses or if there are any loopholes That sneaky services and social sites are taking advantage of.

FIND CHEAP SUMMER airfares

Q. I’m starting to plan my summer vacation, and I know I’m going to be flying. How can I get the best deal on a flight?

A. Try looking for flights at comparison and deal sites like Matrix, Airfare Watchdog , Kayak and Hipmunk. The day of the week you purchase your tickets and the day you fly usefull come into play. Purchase your tickets on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday for the best price, and avoid flying on Fridays and Sundays. The first flight of the day, a red-eye flight or any flight That leaves at lunchtime or dinner will give you the lowest rates. Also, keep an eye on ticket prices even after you buy. Many airlines will refund you the difference if the price drops a certain amount. Use Yapta to help you here. It keeps an eye on your tickets and alerts you when the price drops. You can then put that money toward a better hotel, a few nice dinners or just put it back into your banking account for life after your trip.

LOWER YOUR INTERNET BILL

Q. I feel like my Internet bill is way too high. Is there anything I can do to pay less?

A. It’s important to call your service provider at least once a year to go on what features you are paying for and why. There’s a chance That you could stop paying for a service you do not want, All which could lower your bill Substantially. I Found That once my ISP had signed me up for a cable TV package I did not want. You’ll also want to test your Internet speed with a site like Speedtest. If You Are not getting the speed you were promised, you can negotiate a lower payment Often. Do not be afraid to consider switching providers or technologies. If you have cable, consider going back to DSL. Sure, it’s a slower technology, but for basic Internet surfing, it might be enough – and it will cost less than cable

Kim Komando On the 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, visit www.komando.com . E-mail her at techcomments@usatoday.com

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