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Latest by J. Martindale

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Microsoft Teams Communities features is now available for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family.

How to change your background in Microsoft Teams

In addition to its many video conferencing tools and features, Microsoft Teams will even allow you to change the background of your calls. Here’s how.
bitcoin

The best Bitcoin wallets to hodl, trade, and exchange crypto

Whether you want the convenience of online storage or the security of a hardware wallet, these are the best Bitcoin wallets you can use in 2024.
Faux bitcoin coin on a laptop.

How to buy Bitcoin

In this guide, we teach you how to buy Bitcoin for the first time, from finding the right wallets and exchanges to spending Bitcoin in a smart, efficient way.
Exhaust fan in PC case.

PC airflow guide: How to position your fans for best cooling

The placement, position, and orientation of your PC's cooling fans matters. Here's our guide on the best way to configure your fans for maximum performance.
Reading book on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

How to export a Word document to Kindle

Ever wanted to analyze a Word document on your ebook reader? It's easier than you think. Here's how to export a Word doc to your Kindle.
Side view of a laptop on a desk.

The best free photo-editing software for 2024

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.
Apple AirPods Pro Second Gen charging case with USB-C.

How to connect AirPods to your MacBook

Pairing your AirPods or AirPods Pro to your MacBook is one of the best handshakes your machines will ever make. Here’s how to get yours connected today.

How to use iMessage on Windows

Apple's iMessage chat app might be an Apple exclusive, but that doesn't mean you can't use it on Windows. Here's how to do it.
Alienware OLED monitor OSD settings.

How to use your monitor’s overdrive setting (and why you should)

Your monitor's overdrive setting is almost certainly worth turning on to improve motion clarity. Here's how to do it.
Composite image of generative fill and background in photoshop.

How to Use Generative Fill in Adobe Photoshop

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.
how to use pc monitor as tv wallmountmonitor

How to use a PC monitor as a TV

You can use a TV as a monitor, so why not a monitor as a TV? It's very straightforward to watch TV on your monitor, but there are some unique considerations.
A close up of a person's hands typing on a laptop.

How to copy and paste on Windows, Mac, and Chromebook

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.