Choosing a sound bar for your HDTV

— -- Question: I'm trying to find a sound system to go with my new HDTV. I don't really need surround sound, but I'd like to have good quality sound.

Answer: That sounds like the ideal job for a sound bar. This is a bar that sits above or below your TV and contains multiple speakers. The Sony HT-CT150 ($250) is a good example. Its slender cabinet houses three 50-watt speakers. The system includes a separate wired subwoofer. Three HDMI inputs let you plug in your DVD/Blu-ray player, a gaming console and a streaming video gadget. More-expensive sound bars include more speakers and wireless subwoofers. They have sound-blending technology to create a convincing surround-sound experience. You can spend $1,500 to $2,000 on a high-end sound bar. Visit www.komando.com/news for more on the right sound system.

Q: I was on Facebook and saw something about Timeline. What is that?

A: Timeline is a new Facebook feature that will eventually become the default profile layout. It organizes all your site activity chronologically and makes it easy to view. You can activate it now at www.facebook.com/about/timeline or just wait a few weeks and it will activate automatically. Once you activate it, you have seven days to edit your information before it goes live. That gives you a chance to remove or hide anything from the past you don't want people seeing. All content should keep the same privacy settings as now, but you'll definitely want to double-check.

Q: I'm starting my own online business and I'm looking for things I can sell either on my own site or on eBay. Where's a good place to find products at a discount?

A: I recommend that you visit USA.gov, the government's official site. You'll find all kinds of things to buy from government sales at great prices. Go to www.komando.com/news for more on buying from the government. Take a trip to a trade show or two. Just be aware you'll probably need a TID (Taxpayer ID number) to get in. In fact, most places that sell wholesale require a TID. Be wary of places that claim wholesale prices but don't request a TID. They could really be middlemen. Likewise, be skeptical about drop shippers. With drop shipping, you don't buy merchandise, you simply list it on your site. You buy it from the drop shipper when you have an order, and the drop shipper mails the merchandise to your customer. If you go this route, remember that legitimate businesses won't charge you to sell their products.

Q: I got a new smartphone and moved over all the information from my old smartphone. Before I get rid of my old phone, how can I erase everything?

A: To erase an iPhone 3GS or 4, go to Settings>>General>>Reset. Tap Erase All Content and Settings, then press the big red button that says Erase iPhone. For an Android gadget, press Menu and tap Settings. Select SD & Phone Storage and then tap Factory data reset. Tap Reset Phone. All your information, apps and the SD card will be gone. Some manufacturers modify how Android works on their gadgets, so check your phone's manual or contact the manufacturer's support website for specific instructions.

Q: I'll be using my new Android tablet on my home wireless network and syncing with my PC. How can I make sure the tablet and the PC don't infect each other with viruses?

A: That's one thing you don't have to worry about. Your PC and tablet run totally different operating systems. A virus aimed at one won't work on the other. Of course, that also means you can't just install security software on your PC and expect it to protect your tablet. The biggest threat to a tablet is malicious apps. Download apps only from companies you trust and make sure it's the original app, not a fake. Make sure you have security software installed on both gadgets.

—

Kim Komando hosts the nation's largest talk radio show about consumer electronics, computers and the Internet. To get the podcast, watch the show or find the station nearest you, visit www.komando.com . E-mail her at techcomments@usatoday.com .