Michael Crider
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Michael is a native Texan and a former graphic designer. He's been covering technology in general since 2011. His interests include folk music, football, science fiction, and salsa verde, in no particular order. In his spare time he writes novels and fails to publish them.
How to control your computer from your phone
How to control your computer from your phone
Need to control your computer without a mouse or keyboard, from across the room or the country? These apps and services can help with remote capability.
How to customize File Explorer in Windows 10
How to customize File Explorer in Windows 10
The Windows 10 version of File Explorer has a few new bells and whistles. Here's a handy guide for new users (and Windows veterans) on the new interface.
How long does your laptop last on a charge? Here’s how to find out
How long does your laptop last on a charge? Here’s how to find out
How long does your laptop's battery really last? You won't know unless you monitor its battery life using Windows' built-in tools to keep your device healthy.
Get to the task with Windows 10’s Task View and Aero Snap
Get to the task with Windows 10’s Task View and Aero Snap
Task View and the old Aero Snap are important parts of the user interface in Windows 10. Here's a quick guide on how to get the best out of these features.
Play the latest PC games for less with these awesome Steam Machines
Play the latest PC games for less with these awesome Steam Machines
Valve's SteamOS is making waves in the specialized area of home theater and gaming PCs. Here are our picks for the best hardware on the market right now.
Nintendo should bring these series back as mobile games
Nintendo should bring these series back as mobile games
We think Nintendo should dig into its extensive back catalog and use these lesser-known and dormant series to expand its mobile presence.
Check out these four unusual alternatives to gaming keyboards
Check out these four unusual alternatives to gaming keyboards
Just because you're a PC gamer doesn't mean you have to have a huge (and expensive) gaming keyboard. Here are four alternatives for your off-hand.
How to manage Chrome OS notifications
How to manage Chrome OS notifications
Notifications in Chrome OS are pretty simple, but managing them isn't always obvious. Luckily it's easy to change things with a few clicks.
Apple MacBook vs HP Spectre: Stylish showdown
Apple MacBook vs HP Spectre: Stylish showdown
The Apple MacBook might be the smallest full-featured laptop around, but HP is hot in its heels with the even-thinner Spectre. Which one deserves your cash?
Think the Raspberry Pi is underpowered? Here’s 10 projects that prove you wrong
Think the Raspberry Pi is underpowered? Here’s 10 projects that prove you wrong
The Raspberry Pi is an amazing device. Check out some of our favorite Pi projects out there, whether you want to create a game console or virtual rhino.
Dell XPS 13 vs. HP Spectre: Battle of the lightweight Windows champions
Dell XPS 13 vs. HP Spectre: Battle of the lightweight Windows champions
Dell is still high on the hog with the fantastic XPS 13, but HP is right on its heels. The new Spectre is even thinner and prettier. Which one is best?
Don’t lose your email! Here’s how to export and import your Outlook inbox
Don’t lose your email! Here’s how to export and import your Outlook inbox
If you use Outlook, it's probably an important tool for your job. If you want to keep a local backup of your emails and other files, here's a handy guide.
Asus' Zenbook UX501 is the budget alternative to Apple's MacBook Pro, but is it better?
Asus' Zenbook UX501 is the budget alternative to Apple's MacBook Pro, but is it better?
The 15-inch MacBook Pro is the gold standard for premium laptops, but Asus wants to grab that spot with the ZenBook UX501. Which one wins in a comparison?
Dell XPS 15 vs. Asus Zenbook Pro UX501: Battle of the plus-sized premiums
Dell XPS 15 vs. Asus Zenbook Pro UX501: Battle of the plus-sized premiums
The XPS 15 is the machine to beat in its market segment, but Asus makes a compelling case with its well-rounded ZenBook Pro UX501. Which one has the edge?
Razer Blade Stealth vs. MacBook: Svelte notebook showdown
Razer Blade Stealth vs. MacBook: Svelte notebook showdown
The Blade Stealth and the 2015 MacBook are the shining jewels of their respective product lines, but which one is worth your money? Let's find out.
Two ultrabooks enter, only one leaves: Dell’s XPS 13 vs. Asus Zenbook UX305CA
Two ultrabooks enter, only one leaves: Dell’s XPS 13 vs. Asus Zenbook UX305CA
The XPS 13 and the Zenbook UX305 are both fantastic machines, but for entirely different reasons. Find out why in this comprehensive spec comparison.
Make Windows text easier to read with these simple adjustments
Make Windows text easier to read with these simple adjustments
Windows is a flexible operating system, but it's not always the easiest on the eyes. Here's how to make window and application text larger if need be.
How to use Windows 10 without giving up your privacy
How to use Windows 10 without giving up your privacy
Windows 10 is great, but it takes some serious liberties when it comes to privacy. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your personal info personal.
The future ain’t so fancy! 10 sci-fi movie props that are actually real gadgets
The future ain’t so fancy! 10 sci-fi movie props that are actually real gadgets
Where do they get those wonderful toys? Closer than you think - science fiction prop designers often use let real gadgets stand in for fake ones on screen.