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Jon Martindale

Jon Martindale

Computing Coordinator

Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to guides, best-of lists, and explainers to help everyone understand the hottest new hardware and software in desktops, laptops, and on the web.

Jon also writes for Forbes, Lifewire, and Microcenter, has authored two novels, and provided back story and dialogue for a handful of games.

 

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Surface Laptop Go 3 vs. Surface Pro 7+: is it an upgrade?

The Surface Laptop Go 3 is Microsoft's new affordable Surface laptop, but is it better than the still-affordable Surface Pro 7+ for business? Let's find out.
Computing Guides
Surface Laptop Go 3 at Microsoft debut event.

Surface Laptop Go 3 specs: what’s the best configuration?

The Surface Laptop Go 3 is a great little machine, but which one of its configurations should you buy? The higher-end ones are better, but just how much?
Computing Guides
Microsoft showing off new Surface Laptop Studio 2 at its September event.

Surface Laptop Studio 2 specs: which should you buy?

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a 2-in-1 laptop that can do just about anything. Here's the best version of it, and why.
Computing Guides
New Surface Laptop Studio 2 with a Surface Pen.

Can you use the Surface Pen with the Surface Laptop Studio 2?

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is Microsoft's most exciting new Surface laptop, and it works with one of its best accessories: The Surface Pen. Here's how.
Computing Guides
A person's hands resting on a 2019 Dell XPS 13 laptop as it sits on a table.

How to change startup programs

Bothered by programs that start when you boot your computer, or want to add a new one? You need to know how to change startup programs. It's quick and easy.
Computing Guides
The Dell XPS 13 on a table with the Start Menu open.

How to join the Windows Insider program

The Windows Insider program is a great way to get access to Windows features before they're widely available, like Microsoft Copilot. Here's how to sign up.
Computing Guides
A person sitting down and using a laptop.

How to convert an MP4 to an MP3

Video podcasts and music videos can be great, but if you just want the audio, you'll need to learn how to convert an MP4 to an MP3. Just follow these steps.
Computing Guides
Close up of Microsoft Surface Pro 6 keyboard.

The best Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts

Whether you're saving time or just prefer using the keyboard to get things done, here are the best Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts for resizing windows and more.
Computing Guides

The best wireless mouse for 2023: top wireless mice tested and compared

It doesn't matter if you're looking for an ergonomic mouse, a gaming mouse, or a trackball -- our list of the best wireless mice has an option for you.
Computing Products
Ray tracing demonstration in Doom Eternal.

What is ray tracing, and how will it change games?

Nvidia made real-time ray tracing mainstream, and now the RTX 3080 and AMD RX 6800 XT are taking the tech to the next level. Here's what you need to know.
Computing Guides
Microsoft's AI Copilot being used in various Microsoft Office apps.

Microsoft Copilot vs. Google Duet: battle of the next-gen AI smart assistants

Microsoft Copilot and Google Duet are the two bleeding-edge smart AI assistants for their respective services. But which is better? Let's find out.
Computing Guides
A person using a laptop while lounging on a couch.

How to password-protect an Excel file

Sending Excel files containing crucial financial and business data has risks. To add a layer of protection, you should learn to password protect an Excel file.
Computing Guides
The GeForce Beyond stream showing a dual-monitor PC setup.

Best dual-setup monitors for maximizing your productivity

Adding a second monitor can give you a lot more screen space, massively improving productivity by letting you work with more windows at once.
Computing Products
logitech mx vertical 4

Looking for the best ergonomic mouse? Here are some of the top options

Want to ease carpal tunnel or repetitive strain without reducing computer time? It is time to invest in a good ergonomic mouse.
Computing Products
Mac Mini sitting on desk.

The best monitors for the Mac Mini

These are some of the best monitors for the Mac Mini. They help boost productivity and creativity and make watching movies and TV shows far more immersive.
Computing Products
A person using MS Word.

How to delete a page in Word in 3 easy steps

If you need to know how to delete a page in Word, this guide will show you tricks for deleting pages at the end, in the middle, and anywhere else.
Computing Guides
How to zip a file in Windows 10

How to open RAR files

No matter which operating system you use, there are a few ways to gain access to RAR archives. Here's how you can open RAR files on both Windows and macOS.
Computing Guides
Using Windows 11 copilot to summarize a document.

How to use Microsoft Copilot in Teams, Powerpoint, Excel, and more

The Microsoft Copilot AI is now available for Windows early adopters in the Insider program. Here's how to use it.
Computing Guides
The screen of the Surface Pro 9.

Should you buy the Surface Pro 9, or wait for the Surface Pro 10?

The question of whether to buy now or wait for something better is the hard part of upgrading. With the Surface Pro 10 coming, should you wait or buy the Pro 9?
Computing Guides
Heatpaste buildup on a Ryzen 7000 CPU.

What is a CPU? Here’s everything you need to know

What is a CPU? That's not an existential question, but your device would be lost without it. Here's what it does and why picking the right one is so important.
Computing Guides
PDFGear app on a Windows 11 desktop.

My new favorite app is a free PDF editor

PDFGear is a free PDF editor with the ability to sign, merge, and convert. It even has ChatGPT built-in. Here's why it's my new favorite app.
Computing Features
Hand holding up WD Black SSD.

SSD not showing up in Windows? Here are some easy fixes

When your SSD doesn't show up in Windows, it can be particularly annoying. Fortunately, there are number of ways to fix it. Here's how.
Computing Guides
Dell XPS 13 2019 review (9380)

Thunderbolt 4: everything you need to know

Thunderbolt 4 is the latest standard of Thunderbolt, and though it doesn't raise the bar for performance, it improves performance guarantees dramatically.
Computing Guides
A close up of a MacBook Pro and its display.

How to fix a dead pixel on your monitor or smartphone

Whether it's a stuck pixel or a dead one, there are a few tricks you can try. Follow these steps and get your monitor or screen back to pristine condition.
Computing Guides

The best PC cases in 2023

The best computer cases bring all of your components together. Our list of the top PC cases will show of your parts off while keeping them cool and quiet.
Computing Products
A man sits, using a laptop running the Windows 11 operating system.

How to pin a website to the taskbar

The Windows 11 Start Menu and its taskbar are good for programs, but pinning websites is tricky. Learn to access sites via taskbar on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Computing Guides
The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 memory for AMD Ryzen 7000.

DDR5 vs. DDR4 RAM: Is DDR5 worth it?

DDR5 stands as the contemporary RAM standard for modern PCs. However, the question remains: Between DDR5 and DDR4, which one is better?
Computing Guides
Side view of a laptop on a desk.

The best free photo-editing software for 2023

Don't want to pay a monthly subscription for Photoshop? We don't blame you. Check out our list of the best free photo-editing software you can use right now.
Computing Guides
Quake 2 RTX mode.

Ray tracing vs. path tracing — which is the best dynamic lighting technique?

Ray tracing and path tracing are two advanced lighting effects that are making modern games look amazing, but which is better and how do they work?
Computing Guides
Composite image of generative fill and background in photoshop.

PhotoShop Generative Fill is making me good at PhotoShop again

The generative fill feature in Adobe Photoshop is a game changer for Photoshop users looking to save time. It's really impressive. Here's how to use it.
Computing Guides
A hand holding a bunch of Ethernet cable on white background.

How to choose an Ethernet cable

Buying the right Ethernet cable can be a real pain. Our guide clarifies all of the terminologies so you can pick out the best Ethernet cable for your needs.
Computing Guides
ChatGPT app running on an iPhone.

GPT-4.5 news: Everything we know so far about the next-generation language model

ChatGPT's GPT-4 language model is the most advanced one available today, used by all kinds of AI chatbots. But GPT-4.5 is in the works. Here's what we know.
Computing Guides
A close up of a person's hands typing on a laptop.

How to copy and paste

Here's how to copy and paste in just a few quick steps, whether you have a Windows or MacOS machine, prefer using a keyboard, or would rather just use a mouse.
Computing Guides
A laptop screen shows the home page for ChatGPT, OpenAI's artificial intelligence chatbot.

Why ChatGPT custom instructions are such a big deal

Oh ChatGPT, you legendary time-saver you. But you do take a long time to get up to speed. Not with custom instructions though. Here's why they're so awesome.
Computing Guides
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