KOMANDO Q&A: What's a 'smart' TV?

Q. I'm shopping for a new TV, and I keep hearing about “smart” TVs. What are these and should I buy one?

A. A smart TV is a web-enabled TV that can connect to streaming video services and browse the Web. Some models even play mobile games. However, smart TVs can be more expensive than similar models without Internet access. You'll save by buying a regular HDTV with the same picture quality and hooking it up to your computer. It's easy to do as long as you have the right cord (DVI or HDMI). You could buy a streaming video gadget like the ones made by Roku or Apple, too. These connect to popular streaming services. I'll help you get the right one with my buying guide, www.komando.com/buyguide/index.aspx?id=12314.

Q. I've heard a lot of talk about the 7-inch Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire HD. I think I want a tablet with a bigger screen, though. Which one would you recommend?

A. I'm a big fan of Apple's iPad when it comes to bigger tablets. It has an almost 10-inch screen and is friendly to new users. Plus, it plugs right into iTunes, so it's easy to buy music, movies and games that you'll really love on that big screen.

If you'd like a less expensive large tablet, check out the 8.9-inch version of the Kindle Fire HD, which will be out next month. It uses an Amazon-specific Android build, which combines customization and usability. Plus, there's great entertainment in Amazon's store, too. If you want to go completely customizable, check out the Android-powered ASUS Transformer series. For more tablet buying options, check out my buying guide, www.komando.com/buyguide/index.aspx?id=9704.

Q. I need to change some of my router's settings. I don't know my router's password, though. Is there any way to look it up?

A. If your router still has its default password, it's pretty easy to find. Break out the manual and search for it in there. Most often, it's on a sticker that is on either the back or front manual cover. If you don't have your manual, you may be able to search for it online on a site like ManualsLib, www.komando.com/downloads/category.aspx?id=13354. There's a site called Default Router Passwords, www.komando.com/coolsites/index.aspx?id=13414, that has a bunch, too. If you reset your password and can't remember it, simply press the reset button on the back or bottom of your router. Then you can use the default password for access. Just be sure to change your password again.

Q. Whenever I take photos with my smartphone, they come out blurry when I try to print them. Do you think I need to upgrade to a point-and-shoot?

A. The average smartphone has a decent enough camera for basic use. I don't think you have to change your camera, but how you're using it. It's easy to shake or slightly move a smartphone when you're taking photos. So make sure you keep a steady hand, or brace your arm, and that will reduce the fuzziness and blurriness in many of your future shots. As for your current shots, there are tons of editors that can take much of the blurriness out of your photos so that they look better when you print them. The Perfectly Clear app, www.komando.com/apps/category.aspx?id=13313, can edit them right from your smartphone.

Q. I just joined Twitter, and I'm seeing a ton of pound signs on posts. What are these for? How can I use them?

A. You're seeing hashtags, and for non-Twitter users, they can be confusing. Basically, they're an easy way to organize posts about a certain topic. When you click a hashtag in a post, it will take you to all of the other posts with that same hashtag. For example, the hashtag #2012election would link you to posts that Twitter users have made about the 2012 election. You'll see some Twitter users do this as a joke or an ironic statement, too. They'll hashtag the first part of a joke and then tell the punchline. If you want to join in on the fun, just make a post and type the # followed by the topic with no spaces. Just make sure you know how Twitter users are using the hashtag before you jump in.

Kim Komando hosts the nation's largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. Hear it locally at 94.3 WSC News Radio noon-3 p.m. Sundays. For more information, go to www.komando.com.