Latest PCs & Components How-To Stories
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How-To
How we built a tiny home theater PC with Intel’s NUC
Intel's "Next Unit of Computing" platform provides everything you need for a competent entertainment PC in an extremely small package.
How-To
The best way to watch Netflix
Darryl asked if he could stream video from Netflix (and presumably other services) through his laptop, and then wirelessly to his HDTV.How-To
Why, how and where to update your Windows 8 drivers
Is your hardware on the fritz after upgrading to Windows 8? Updating your drivers could fix the problem. We tell you how and where to find the most up-to-date drivers for your rig.How-To
One OS, three installation options: What’s the best way to install Windows 8?
You can run Windows 8 in a virtual machine, dual-boot it with your current OS, or install it outright. We explore the pros and cons of each option.Answer Line
Why can’t 32-bit Windows access 4GB of RAM?
32-bit processors and operating systems, in theory, can access up to 4GB of memory. So how come Qasim Zaib's PC, with 4GB installed, only sees 3GB?How-To
How to pick the best desktop display for Windows 8
Windows 8 offers superb support for touch, including full 10-point multitouch gestures. We guide you through choosing the right combination of touch device and monitor.How-To
Retro gaming challenge! Windows 8 versus classic PC games
Windows 8 is great for running today's games, but what about classics from PC's golden age of gaming? The results are mixed.How-To
Build a killer Windows 8 gaming PC for under $1,000
How we assembled an inexpensive gaming rig that delivers solid frame rates and is poised for future upgrades.Hassle-Free PC
Three simple rules for buying a new laptop
How much RAM do you need? How much storage? And how important is the processor, really?How-To
PC security: Your essential software toolbox
Don't fall victim! With these tools, services and tips, you can protect yourself against malware, phishing and theft.Answer Line
Gain access to your PC without the logon password
2godballdaglory asked the Answer Line how he can boot an old PC with a password he no longer remembers.Answer Line
-ROM, -R, +R, +RW? Understanding the optical drive alphabet soup
Nick248 asked the Answer Line forum about optical drives. I figured it was time to go ver the various types of CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, and the drives that read and write to them.How-To
Windows 8 Upgrade Diary: What to expect
One PC power user's account of what you can expect from upgrading to Windows 8.Answer Line
Clean your screen
Billyy asked the Laptops forum for screen-cleaning advice. My instructions also apply to desktop monitors, HDTVs, cell phones, and tablets.How-To
Build a speedy Windows 8 PC for under $500
With the Windows 8 launch just around the corner, you may need a hardware upgrade to prepare for the new OS. We show you how to build a fast, Windows 8-ready system you can be proud of that won’t break the bank.Answer Line
Can I recover some files and securely wipe others on a crashed hard drive?
Zeterjons asked the Utilities forum how to rescue files off of a physically crashed hard drive, while making sure that other files on that hard drive are destroyed beyond rescue.Hassle-Free PC
Learn the secrets of eye-friendly computing
Computer screens can be hard on the eyes. The Vision Council's new 16-page eye-safety guide is here to help.How-To
28 pieces of computing advice that stand the test of time
Here are the best pieces of computing advice we've ever heard. Useful information never goes out of style.How-To
Inside the shadowy underground of Korean monitor sales
If you're looking for a high-res desktop monitor with good image quality, you can buy a brand you've never heard of direct from Korea. But proceed with caution.How-To
How to future-proof your hardware for Windows 8
If you need to buy PC hardware today, you'll do best to purchase gear that sings in harmony with Windows 8–even if you're not planning an imminent upgrade to Microsoft's new OS.Answer Line
What do hard drive-related words like SATA, IDE, and RAID actually mean?
Brainout asked the Hard Drives, NAS Drives, Storage forum to explain some of the words used to describe hard drives and storage.How-To
Supercharge your desktop with Rainmeter widgets
We'll show you how to get the hang of this powerful and customizable (yet initially confusing) widget wonder and help you make your desktop one of a kind.Hassle-Free PC
Learn Gmail keyboard shortcuts with KeyRocket for Chrome
This ingenious browser plug-in teaches you what keys to press as you mouse-click around Gmail.How-To
How to Supercharge Your PC With a RAM Disk
Want the speed of a solid-state drive without the expense? You might be able to set up a virtual hard drive in your PC by creating a RAM disk. Here's how to do it.How-To
How to Use Your Android Tablet as a Secondary Display
Put your tablet to work as a secondary PC display, to get more things done.How-To
Choose the Right Graphics Card: 2012 Edition
GPUs today are more than just gaming accelerators. They speed up a wide range of applications, and this guide helps you pick the best match for your needs.How-To
How to Enhance Your Router With Open-Source Firmware
The stock firmware included on many broadband routers takes advantage of only a fraction of the hardware's capabilities. We explain how to use use powerful open-source firmware to unleash the beast in your router.How-To
How to Choose a New PC Case
We'll show you how to find, buy, and build in a brand-new PC chassis.How-To
How to set up multiple monitors In Windows 8
Many multimonitor enhancements are coming with Windows 8. We show you what they are and how to take advantage of them with Intel, Nvidia, and AMD graphics processors.How-To
Easy Ways to Clear Space on Your Laptop’s Hard Drive
Do you live with a thin-and-light laptop that has a small drive? Or just have a large drive that's filled to overflowing? Here's how to get some breathing room back.How-To
How to Get Started Screencasting
Want to start your own Internet show, share PC tips and tricks with friends, or just show off your gaming skills via video? Here's how to start producing your own screencast.Hassle-Free PC
Bookmark Any Web Page with a Single Keystroke
Want to improve your Web-browsing productivity? Learn the keyboard shortcut for bookmarking the page you're on.How-To
How to Make Your Own Network Cables
We show you how to clean up the rat's nest of cables behind your PC by making custom-length network cables and wiring your own network jacks.How-To
16 PC Mysteries Solved!
Our digital detectives uncover the truth behind some of tech’s most baffling questions.How-To
How to Use a Kindle DX as a PC Display
With a few tools and tricks, you can transform your Kindle DX e-reader into a second screen for your Windows computer.How-To
How to Build a PC for Photographers
The ideal PC for digital photography minimizes workflow hassles while maximizing performance and capacity. Here's what to look for.How-To
How to Turn Your Laptop Into a Typewriter
Eliminate distractions and focus on your writing by turning your laptop into a modern-day typewriter (sort of) using Linux and Dropbox.How-To
How to Get Started With Music on Google Play
We give you all the tips and tricks you need to have Google stream your songs.How-To
How to Replace Your Laptop Keyboard
We walk you through the process of swapping out an old and busted keyboard for a shiny new one–and saving some bucks by doing it yourself.How-To
Tablet Encryption 101
Thinking about encrypting your Apple or Android tablet? The process can be daunting, but here's how to do it.How-To
Turn your old iPad into a dedicated e-reader
Your new iPad needn't relegate your old one to a neglected spot on your nightstand. With minimal effort, you can convert the older one into a dedicated e-reading tablet.How-To
How to Undo RAID: Best Practices
Changing from a RAID 0-array boot drive to a single-drive boot should be easy, I thought, but the operation can be more complicated than may you anticipate. Here's what I learned from the experience.Answer Line
Should I Update My BIOS?
Rohkai asked the Answer Line forum if a PC's BIOS, like an operating system or an antivirus, should be kept up to dateHow-To
How to Eliminate Eyestrain From Your Big, Beautiful PC
Building an amazing desktop computer is easy, but even after you stuff your new system with the latest hardware, hook up your cabling, and make room for your giant monitor, you're not quite done. Make it easy on the eyes with this handy guide.How-To
PC Building Best Practices: Software
In the second part of our PC building best practices series, we outline a number of issues that can arise when you're configuring and installing software on a newly built PC.How-To