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Latest by J. Martindale

Microsoft Surface Studio 2

The best all-in-one computers for 2023

If you want a desktop PC without having to mess around with a separate monitor, an all-in-one PC is for you. Here are the best all-in-one computers you can buy.
LG CX OLED TV

What is chroma subsampling?

Chroma subsampling is a useful compression technique that is used in streaming and UHD Blu-rays, but it may not be worth enabling yourself.
HDR demo on the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8.

What is Display Stream Compression? Everything you need to know about DSC

Display Stream Compression, or DSC, is a powerful compression algorithm that your monitor and TV may already be using without your knowledge.
Windows 11 set up on a computer.

How to use Passkeys in Windows 11

Passkeys are a great way to streamline your login for a range of services, and now you can store them on your PC too. Here's how to use them in Windows 11.
Canon PIXMA TS6420a.

The best cheap printers for 2023

Searching for a budget-friendly printer option? Take a look at our collection of the finest affordable printers currently on the market.
MacOS Sonoma presented at WWDC 2023.

How to download macOS 14 Sonoma

The latest version of Apple’s Mac operating system, macOS 14 Sonoma, has just been fully released. Here’s how to download and install it on your computer.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
Thunderbolt 5 cable plugged into an Aorus laptop.

What is Thunderbolt 5?

Thunderbolt 5 is the next-generation Intel connection standard coming in 2024, with greater bandwidth than anything that's come before.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Using Windows 11 copilot to summarize a document.

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

Microsoft Copilot is available through Microsoft 365 and Windows 11 now. Here's how to use it, and what you can do with the feature.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Intel Core i5-12400F box sitting in front of a gaming PC.

Intel Core i5 vs. i7: Which CPU is right for you in 2023?

Intel offers the Core i5 and i7 ranges for the mainstream market, but which should you choose? Our Intel Core i5 versus i7 guide breaks down the differences.
An alleged superconductive material levitating over a magnet.

Why everyone’s suddenly talking about room temperature superconductors

Room temperature superconductors would change the world, but they've remained in science fiction. Until now. Maybe. Here's why everyone's talking about them.
A person working at a computer with two monitors.

The best dual-monitor wallpapers you can download

This is our list of the best sources for the best dual-monitor wallpapers. They often offer beautiful nature shots, space vistas, and gaming screen grabs.
Dual monitors set up on a desk.

Why I still prefer my dual-monitor setup over using an ultrawide

I love an ultrawide monitor, but I love my dual monitors more. They're old and failing, but they do a good enough job to keep me from upgrading just yet.
A laptop screen shows the home page for ChatGPT, OpenAI's artificial intelligence chatbot.

What is a DAN prompt for ChatGPT?

You can jailbreak ChatGPT with the right prompt. One that sometimes works is called a DAN, or Do Anything Now Prompt. Here's what you need to know to use it.
Li-Fi transmitters pictured.

What is Li-Fi? A faster, more secure wireless internet is just around the corner

Li-Fi technology has the potential to make our wireless networks faster and more secure, but it has its own pros and cons. Here's what you need to know.