How-To
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How-To
Is your USB flash drive trustworthy? These tips will tell you
If you only want to transport data for a short time, you usually use a USB stick. There are significant differences between these small thumb drives that you should be aware of. This will help you avoid trouble and attempts at fraud.
Tip
How to compare two versions of a Microsoft Word document
Microsoft Word allows you to compare two different versions of a document. Here's how to do it.
How-To
How to make Microsoft Windows services work for you
Although they work invisibly under the surface, the services are an important part of Windows. Many of them can be deactivated, but this is usually not advisable.
How-To
How to save your older PC when Windows 10 hits end of life
This fall, Microsoft is pulling the plug on Windows 10. Here's how to keep your PC alive when Microsoft stops releasing updates for the operating system.
Tip
How to block all access to your PC's webcam
Webcams are great for video conferencing, but they can also be misused by attackers to spy on the user. This is how you can remedy the situation.
Tip
Should you encrypt your PC's hard drive? The pros and cons explained
Encrypting your system's hard drive is a great way to protect your laptop if it ever gets stolen.
How-To
How to tell if your USB cable is hiding malicious hacker hardware
Here's how to tell if your USB cables contain hidden malicious hardware and are sending your data to hackers.
Tip
How often should you turn off your phone? Here's what the NSA says
How often should you turn off your phone completely? Security experts have answered this question.
Tip
How to use a video as your Windows desktop background
If you're looking to make your desktop background more dynamic, you should try embedding a video with the open source app Lively Wallpaper.
How-To
Use Windows Pro's whitelist tools to keep unwanted apps off your PC
Windows comes with additional virus protection that blocks the installation of programmes. At the same time, it can also prevent unwanted changes.
How-To
This hidden Windows feature protects you from dangerous web malware
There's a lesser-known feature in Windows that will guard you against malware, but only if you turn it on. Here's how.
How-To
Why is my HDMI connection buzzing?
If your monitor or an HDMI connection is humming, you should rule out a fault. Here you can read how to recognize faulty cables or devices and how to eliminate the annoying noise.
How-To
These Windows 11 registry hacks will turn you into a PC pro
Pro users change features and functions quickly and directly in the registry. We show you how, using Microsoft's tools and others.
How-To
4 free AI chatbots you can run directly on your PC
You can bring the super power of AI chatbots like ChatGPT to your PC — completely locally, without an internet connection. Four chatbots that we like for PC.
Tip
6 practical ways to use that USB port on your router
The USB port on the router offers more than you think. You can use it for backups, media sharing, and more.
How-To
How to solve the dreaded Blue Screen of Death on Windows PCs
Windows collects more data than you think during a blue screen. With a special tool, you can display the most important information about a blue screen and eliminate the cause.
How-To
6 easy tweaks that maximize your SSD's performance
Use these tips and tweaks to boost your SSD's speed and wring every last drop of performance out of it.
How-To
Why two SSDs are better than one for your PC
Most Windows PCs come with just one SSD. That may work for most people, but if you're really looking to boost your speed and free up bandwidth, then you should consider using two SSDs instead of one.
How-To
How long does data last on a USB flash drive? It's complicated
You have important data that you need to keep safe. A USB flash drive seems to be the perfect solution. But how long do they last?
How-To
Your Windows PC refuses to start. Now what?
You switch on the PC and Windows does not start. Now you need a second or repair system to analyze the situation, recover data and repair the system.
Tip
How to prevent forced installation of new Outlook on Windows 10 PCs
Microsoft is automatically installing the new Outlook app for all Windows 10 users. You can prevent it with this trick.
How-To
I'm a gaming headset expert. Here's how I judge audio quality
You can determine if a gaming headset is a winner for audio quality with just a few simple steps.
Tip
Want a tidier inbox? Start using email aliases
How to set up email aliases for newsletters, receipts, and more.
Tip
Notepad has spell check. Here's how to turn it on or off
Microsoft added spell check to Notepad last year after killing off WordPad.
Tip
How fast can your USB cable move data? Use this formula to find out
You can test your USB cable's actual data transfer speeds with this simple formula.
How-To
A beginner’s guide to using a Chromebook
Chromebooks are becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to Windows-based computers.
Tip
Want YouTube Premium features for free? This app makes it happen
Youtube Premium is too expensive. Here's a free and legal app that gets you those features free of charge.
How-To
Over Elon's antics? How to get started on Bluesky
Tired of the tech giants? Social media platform Bluesky challenges X and Meta by putting users in charge.
How-To
16GB of RAM just doesn't cut it anymore for PC gaming. Here's why
16 GB RAM was long considered the standard for gaming PCs, but is increasingly not enough. nn
Tip
You can get cached search results in Google again. Here's how
Google previously removed the cache feature from its search results, but there's a similar feature elsewhere — if you know where to look.
Tip
Better USB labels are finally coming. Here's what they mean for you
USB devices and cables are getting new labels that more clearly address speed and performance capabilities.
How-To
Ransomware attacks hold your files hostage. These tools can free them
In a ransomware attack, extortionists demand a ransom and threaten to destroy data. Services such as ID Ransomware and No More Ransom help to identify and decrypt encrypted data.
Tip
These tiny security updates make Google Chrome so much better
If you haven’t already tried these upgrades to password and payment management, Google’s asking you to take a look now. It’s worth the time.
How-To
Sick of your gaming laptop's awful battery life? Here's how to extend it
Gaming laptops aren't generally known for having long battery lives. But you don't have to put up with subpar battery life.
How-To
4 exotic phishing scams are on the rise. Here's how to catch them in the act
Phishing attacks are getting more advanced by the day. To help protect yourself against them, we'll provide information about the latest tricks used by these lowly criminals.
How-To
Yes, you can still use floppy disks with Windows 11! Here's how
If you need to, it's entirely possible to read and write to floppy disks with a modern PC or laptop. Here's everything you need to know.
Tip
What does the symbol on a power button mean? How did it come about?
Nearly everyone has seen the universal symbol for power — turning on and off — but not everyone knows why that symbol was chosen.
Updated
Yes, you can take a break from Netflix
Can’t remember why you’re still paying for Netflix? Maybe it’s time for a breather.n
Tip
How to install the Copilot app for Windows 11
Microsoft now offers Copilot as an app that's available in the Microsoft Store.
How-To
How to turn off Copilot in Microsoft 365 and save a quick $30
Microsoft probably just moved you to a version of Microsoft 365 with Copilot included, and charged you $30 more for the privilege. Here's how to switch back to Microsoft 365 (Office) without Copilot.
Tip
Save your money! Most PC gamers don't need a flagship CPU
Flagship CPUs often offer little added value compared to other variants, but usually do not justify the extra cost.
Tip
Your tax return is a ripe target for fraud. Here’s how to protect it
A scammer could file a tax return in your name to steal your refund. But thankfully, you can easily block this kind of scheme.
Tip
How to prevent screen flickering when playing games
If your monitor flickers when playing games, this could be due to the "Variable Refresh Rate" (VRR) function. Here's how to check whether VRR is to blame and how to solve the problem.
How-To
Boost your laptop battery life with Chrome's new performance tools
Google's Chrome browser is notorious for consuming a lot of energy, but there are smart tools that can reduce consumption — and increase your computer's battery life.
How-To
NFL Sunday Ticket: How to cancel auto-renew before you forget
The regular NFL season is over, so now's a good time to cancel your NFL Sunday Ticket subscription before it automatically renews at full price. Here's how.
How-To
Create bootable, customizable USB Windows drives with Rufus
Rufus creates bootable USB sticks for Windows, Linux, and other OS. We'll show you how to use it.
How-To
Newbie's guide to Windows BitLocker: Why you need it and how to set it up
Essential security for your Windows PC's files. Here's everything you need to know to get started and thrive.
How-To
How to check your PC’s CPU temperature
Is your PC's processor too hot? Here's how to monitor your computer's CPU temperature, and lower it if needed.
How-To