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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.

 

best laptop brands hp spectre x360 13 2021 1

The best laptop brands for 2024

The best laptops offer high performance, great looks, and solid build quality. When searching, it's smart to start with top brands. These are the best options.
Computing Products
Meta AI on mobile and desktop web interface.

Why Llama 3 is changing everything in the world of AI

Llama 3 isn't just the latest version of Meta's AI -- it's a revolution in capabilities and accessibility. Here's why it could be the big AI of the future.
Computing Features
Acer ROG Strix Review CPU

How to check your CPU temperature

Learning how to check your CPU temperature is a great way to troubleshoot PC problems and make sure you're getting maximum performance from your processor.
Computing Guides
Highlighting VBS is disabled in Windows 11.

How to disable VBS in Windows 11 to improve gaming

Windows 11's security features can cause a drop in gaming performance. If you want to make sure yours isn't impacted, here's how to turn off VBS in Windows 11.
Computing Guides
Samsung T5 SSD review

How to choose an external hard drive

You need to back up your PC or mobile device, but you don't know how to choose an external drive that works best for your needs. We're here to help you decide.
Computing Guides
A person listening to music on headphones.

How to convert FLAC to MP3 on Mac, Windows, and web

Converting FLAC to MP3 is pretty straightforward, but doing so is going to affect the quality of the latter. Here’s a guide on how to go from A to B.
Computing Guides
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D sitting on a motherboard.

How hot is too hot for your CPU?

How hot should your processor be running? If it's working hard, close to 100 degrees isn't the end of the world. Here's how hot it can really run.
Computing Guides
Person using Windows 11 laptop on their lap by the window.

The most common Windows 11 problems and how to fix them

Windows 11 is Microsoft's best and brightest operating system yet, but it still has problems. Here's how to fix some of the most common Windows 11 issues.
Computing Guides
The ChatGPT website on a laptop's screen as the laptop sits on a counter in front of a black background.

How to get GPT-4 for free

GPT-4 is the latest language model from ChatGPT maker, OpenAI, but you have to pay $20 a month for it. Or do you? Here's how to get it for free.
Computing Guides
GPU inside the Dell XPS Desktop 8960.

How to install a graphics card

Replacing a graphics card can be an enthralling and meticulous endeavor. Here’s a guide to help you replace or upgrade a GPU.
Computing Guides
A player stands outside their village with mobs in Minecraft Legends.

How to play Minecraft on a Chromebook

Believe it or not, you’ll be able to play Minecraft on a Chromebook. All you have to do is download and install it. Here’s a guide to help.
Computing Guides
The AMD Ryzen 5 8600G APU installed in a motherboard.

AMD Zen 5: Everything we know about AMD’s next-gen CPUs

AMD's Zen 5 CPUs will debut sometime in the second half of 2024 and they may well bring with them the biggest performance boost in generations.
Computing Guides
A hand holding AMD's Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor.

The best processor for video editing in 2024 across all budgets

These are the best CPUs for video editing, each with high clock speeds, lots of cores, and all the power you need.
Buying Guides Computing
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 laptop, opened with a colorful wallpaper on the screen.

Best 14-inch laptops for 2024: tested and reviewed

Good 14-inch laptops offer a little more display space while still being lightweight and portable. These are the best 14-inch laptops for all sorts of needs.
Computing Products
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
Google Drive in Chrome on a MacBook.

Google Drive vs. Dropbox: which is best in 2024?

Google Drive and Dropbox are two of the best cloud storage services, but which one is best? We compared Google Drive versus Dropbox head to head to find out.
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
OpenAI's website open on a MacBook, showing ChatGPT plugins.

The best ChatGPT plug-ins you can use

ChatGPT no longer uses plug-ins, but now you can use something even better. Custom GPTs.
Computing Guides
CS:GO 2 team posing.

Counter-Strike 2 performance guide: best settings, fps boost, and more

Counter-Strike 2 is here and although some miss the original, it's here to stay. Here's everything you need to know to boost your fps for max performance.
Computing Guides
The new MacBook Pro seen from the side.

Laptop buying guide: what to look for in 2024

If you're unsure about what you need in a laptop, this laptop buying guide can help. In our breakdown, we'll explain specs, pricing, model types, and more.
Computing Guides
Pads on the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

How to stress test your CPU to its limits — and why you should

Stress testing your CPU is a great way to make sure it's running as best it can and that its well cooled. Here's how to do just that.
Computing Guides
Person sitting and using an HP computer with Windows 11.

How to open RAR files on Windows and Mac

Much like zipping, a RAR file compresses several files using WinRAR software. Here’s how to extract RAR docs and media on both Windows and macOS.
Computing Guides
Windows 11's Phone Link on a Dell XPS Laptop.

How to change your IP address on Mac and Windows

Changing your computer’s IP address isn’t complicated, but it involves more than a single step. Here’s how to do change your address in both Windows and MacOS.
Computing Guides
The Lenovo IdeaCenter Gaming 5i Gen 7 gaming PC with a monitor, keyboard, and headset.

How to reset graphics drivers in Windows 11

Are you having issues with your Windows 11 graphics? A simple reset of your drivers could put a pin in this pesky glitch. Here’s how to do it.
Computing Guides

How to safely overclock your Intel or AMD CPU

Knowing how to overclock your CPU is essential for any PC enthusiast. We've gathered step-by-step instructions for AMD and Intel so you can overclock your CPU.
Computing Guides
Intel's 14900K CPU socketed in a motherboard.

What is thermal throttling and how does it affect frame rates?

Thermal throttling is what happens if your PC gets too hot. It slows itself down to prevent permanent damage. Here's how you can prevent both.
Computing Guides
Infinix Zero 30 5G Android phone in gold color with ChatGPT virtual assistant.

GPT-4 vs. GPT-3.5: how much difference is there?

Does one use ChatGPT-4 or GPT-3.5? Both versions of the OpenAI chatbot are great, but what are the differences? Let’s find out!
Computing Guides
A person using an Acer Chromebook 14.

Chromebook vs laptop: Which are the differences?

What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop? Which one is better for you? In this guide, we'll go over the reasons to buy one over the other.
Computing Products
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
Apple iMac with Retina 5K Display review hand on mouse

The best Mac keyboard shortcuts for 2024

Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to improve your efficiency and productivity using a Mac. Here are our favorite Mac keyboard shortcuts and how to use them.
Computing Guides
Gaming PC on a desk.

I keep my PC on the floor, and you can’t convince me otherwise

Should you mount your PC on your desk or put it on the floor? What about hiding it inside a desk cupboard? They all work, but some may work better than others.
Computing Features
Windows 11 set up on a computer.

How to change file associations in Windows 11

If you’re tired of Windows opening files in the wrong apps, changing file associations may fix the problem. Here’s how to do it.
Computing Guides
How to force quit on a mac

How to force quit on a Mac

If an app gets stuck on MacOS, you can always force it to quit so you can get back to what you were doing. Follow these steps to fix the problem in no time.
Computing Guides
A person using MS Word.

How to delete a page in Word (including a blank page)

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
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