How-To
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Updated
PowerSchool’s simple security error was avoidable. You can do better
Keep your sensitive accounts safe with this easy security upgrade.
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Is USB or Thunderbolt better for portable SSDs? The key differences, explained
A look at the various external storage options: Which is fastest, which is most compatible, which is the most affordable and… which one you should buy?
Updated
Streaming Major League Baseball games: A how-to guide
Watching Major League Baseball without a cable subscription can be as difficult as hitting a hard slider. Our cord-cutting guide will help you find the sweet spot.
Tip
Never pay full price for Amazon purchases again with this free site
Don't be misled by "deals" that aren't truly deals. With this nifty site at your disposal, you'll never be swindled on Amazon again.
How-To
I built a maxed-out Raspberry Pi 5 PC with an SSD for under $200. You can, too!
Get started with the new, faster model of the minicomputer.
How-To
I never thought a Microsoft Edge plugin could improve gaming. I was wrong
Better XCloud is a free plugin for Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome that promises to improve the visual quality and performance of games played via Xbox Cloud Gaming. It works!
Updated
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tip: Get 1.5 years of access for dirt cheap
Currently, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $17 per month. But with this trick, you can get it at over 50 percent off for up to two years.
How-To
5 creative ways to use a PC video capture card
Capture cards make it possible to transfer an external video source directly to your computer. Nowadays, they're affordable and easy to use.
How-To
Aargh! Your USB flash drive is stuck in read-only. Here's what to do
There's an easy fix for the most annoying feature of USB flash drives.
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How to keep app volumes consistent in Windows 11
If you watch TV or videos on your computer, volume normalization can help reduce fluctuations in volume.
How-To
Is the TOR network still secure? Key online anonymity tools, explained
Are you really anonymous on the TOR network? A recent case raises doubts. We show you alternatives to TOR and how secure they are.
How-To
How to use Windows 11 Pro to create an encrypted virtual drive
If you need a vault for your data, you don't have to resort to buying additional tools. Windows 11 Pro offers everything you need.
How-To
4 free temporary email services that stop spam dead
If you avoid exposing your regular email address, you reduce the risk of being spammed.
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You can’t change the Roku’s quick shortcuts, but there's a workaround
If you have the right Roku remote, you can program its personal shortcut buttons. Here's how.
How-To
How to turn a USB flash drive into a portable gaming console
Here's how to turn a USB flash drive into a portable game console for next to nothing.
How-To
Using a VPN with Chrome just makes sense. Here’s how to do it
Read how to set up a VPN Chrome extension, which providers are available, and whether free Chrome VPN solutions are secure.
How-To
Bluetooth 6 arrives: Meet its powerful next-gen features
Bluetooth 6.0 is on its way — and brings exciting new features with it. Here's everything you need to know.
How-To
I test TV antennas. Follow these steps to pick the right one
A great TV antenna will open the door to a flood of free television entertainment, including NextGen TV. This guide will help you find the right model for your needs.
Tip
Skype is dying soon. Here's how to migrate to Teams (or pick another app)
Microsoft is ending Skype service in May. Here are a few tips for switching to Teams or choosing an alternative messaging app.
How-To
Are dangerous Chrome extensions hiding on your PC? Here's how to remove them
As recent news reminds us, malicious browser add-ons can start life as legit extensions. Reviewing what you’ve got installed is a smart move.
How-To
Is your USB flash drive trustworthy? These tips will tell you
If you only want to transport data for a short time, you usually use a USB stick. There are significant differences between these small thumb drives that you should be aware of. This will help you avoid trouble and attempts at fraud.
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How to compare two versions of a Microsoft Word document
Microsoft Word allows you to compare two different versions of a document. Here's how to do it.
How-To
How to make Microsoft Windows services work for you
Although they work invisibly under the surface, the services are an important part of Windows. Many of them can be deactivated, but this is usually not advisable.
How-To
How to save your older PC when Windows 10 hits end of life
This fall, Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows 10. Here's how to keep your PC alive when Microsoft stops releasing updates for the operating system.
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How to block all access to your PC's webcam
Webcams are great for video conferencing, but they can also be misused by attackers to spy on the user. This is how you can remedy the situation.
Tip
Should you encrypt your PC's hard drive? The pros and cons explained
Encrypting your system's hard drive is a great way to protect your laptop if it ever gets stolen.
How-To
How to tell if your USB cable is hiding malicious hacker hardware
Here's how to tell if your USB cables contain hidden malicious hardware and are sending your data to hackers.
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How often should you turn off your phone? Here's what the NSA says
How often should you turn off your phone completely? Security experts have answered this question.
Tip
How to use a video as your Windows desktop background
If you're looking to make your desktop background more dynamic, you should try embedding a video with the open source app Lively Wallpaper.
How-To
Use Windows Pro's whitelist tools to keep unwanted apps off your PC
Windows comes with additional virus protection that blocks the installation of programmes. At the same time, it can also prevent unwanted changes.
How-To
This hidden Windows feature protects you from dangerous web malware
There's a lesser-known feature in Windows that will guard you against malware, but only if you turn it on. Here's how.
How-To
Why is my HDMI connection buzzing?
If your monitor or an HDMI connection is humming, you should rule out a fault. Here you can read how to recognize faulty cables or devices and how to eliminate the annoying noise.
How-To
These Windows 11 registry hacks will turn you into a PC pro
Pro users change features and functions quickly and directly in the registry. We show you how, using Microsoft's tools and others.
How-To
4 free AI chatbots you can run directly on your PC
You can bring the super power of AI chatbots like ChatGPT to your PC — completely locally, without an internet connection. Four chatbots that we like for PC.
Tip
6 practical ways to use that USB port on your router
The USB port on the router offers more than you think. You can use it for backups, media sharing, and more.
How-To
How to solve the dreaded Blue Screen of Death on Windows PCs
Windows collects more data than you think during a blue screen. With a special tool, you can display the most important information about a blue screen and eliminate the cause.
How-To
6 easy tweaks that maximize your SSD's performance
Use these tips and tweaks to boost your SSD's speed and wring every last drop of performance out of it.
How-To
Why two SSDs are better than one for your PC
Most Windows PCs come with just one SSD. That may work for most people, but if you're really looking to boost your speed and free up bandwidth, then you should consider using two SSDs instead of one.
How-To
How long does data last on a USB flash drive? It's complicated
You have important data that you need to keep safe. A USB flash drive seems to be the perfect solution. But how long do they last?
How-To
Your Windows PC refuses to start. Now what?
You switch on the PC and Windows does not start. Now you need a second or repair system to analyze the situation, recover data and repair the system.
Tip
How to prevent forced installation of new Outlook on Windows 10 PCs
Microsoft is automatically installing the new Outlook app for all Windows 10 users. You can prevent it with this trick.
How-To
I'm a gaming headset expert. Here's how I judge audio quality
You can determine if a gaming headset is a winner for audio quality with just a few simple steps.
Tip
Want a tidier inbox? Start using email aliases. Here's how
How to set up email aliases for newsletters, receipts, and more.
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Notepad has spell check. Here's how to turn it on or off
Microsoft added spell check to Notepad last year after killing off WordPad.
Tip
How fast can your USB cable move data? Use this formula to find out
You can test your USB cable's actual data transfer speeds with this simple formula.
How-To
A beginner’s guide to using a Chromebook
Chromebooks are becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to Windows-based computers.
Tip
Want YouTube Premium features for free? This app makes it happen
Youtube Premium is too expensive. Here's a free and legal app that gets you those features free of charge.
How-To
Over Elon's antics? How to get started on Bluesky
Tired of the tech giants? Social media platform Bluesky challenges X and Meta by putting users in charge.
How-To