Latest Accessories How-To Stories
SEE ACCESSORIES STORIES BY CATEGORY
Hassle-Free PC
Decide Between VGA, DVI, and HDMI for Your Monitor Connection
Actually, it's a pretty easy decision. But it'll probably cost you a few extra bucks.How-To
Geek 101: LCD and Plasma Basics
HDTV and computer monitor technology can be confusing to the uninitiated. We clear the air with this primer.How-To
How to Partition Your PC’s Hard Drive
Disk partitioning–separating your hard drive into multiple independent volumes–can relieve all sorts of computer-related headaches.How-To
How to Fix Anything
PCs, printers, smartphones, cameras, networks–your stuff will inevitably stop working. Here's how to troubleshoot and fix your most common tech issues.Answer Line
Recover Files From a NAS
Frederic Hugues asked about recovering missing files from an NAS driveHow-To
How to Sell Your PC (and Other Gadgets)
Need cash to buy the latest and greatest? Here's how to turn your drawer full of old smartphones, cameras, and other tech toys into some brand-new gear.How-To
How to Mod Your Laptop
Have you ever wanted to liven up your laptop's looks? Here's how to spruce up your portable PC with stickers, paint, fabric, and more.How-To
PCWorld’s Display Cable Guide
Here's how to identify every important cable for use with computer monitors.How-To
How to Fix Your Family’s PC Problems
Are you the first line of tech support for your friends and family? Here's everything you need to troubleshoot for the not so tech-savvy.Answer Line
What’s All This About DVD Regions?
John Gumbs asked the Answer Line forum why you can only change a DVD drive’s region a limited number of timesHow-To
How to Upgrade Your Laptop’s Hard Drive to an SSD
Want to speed up your laptop and lengthen its battery life? Swap the hard disk drive out for a speedy solid-state drive.Hassle-Free PC
Repair Stalled Print Jobs with Stalled Printer Repair
This freebie utility solves one of Windows' most vexing (and longstanding) problems: stuck print jobs.How-To
Printer Buying Guide: Printer Specs You Need to Know
Printer specifications can go on forever. We guide you through them and show you what's important to consider for any printer.How-To
Printer Buying Guide: Shopping Smart
Ready to buy a printer? You can navigate a store or Website with confidence by deciding on what you want before you get there. We’ll help you prepare.How-To
Long Live Your Laptop Battery!
Keep your laptop battery working for years (and for hours between charges).Hassle-Free PC
Easily Switch Between External Displays in Windows 7
One of Windows 7's best-kept secrets is the keyboard shortcut that lets you choose your external-display configuration with just one click.How-To
8 Creative Weekend Printer Projects
Think printers are just for spitting out business reports and family photos? Here are eight exciting ways that you can organize your life, decorate your space, and beat boredom–all with an inkjet printer.Hassle-Free PC
Create the World’s Fastest, Easiest, Cheapest, and Best iPhone Stand
It's perfect in a pinch, and it works with everything: Android phones, iPods, Zunes, you name it.Hassle-Free PC
Disable Your Laptop’s Touchpad While You Type
If you're encountering weird cursor behavior, it's probably the result of accidental touchpad touches. A free utility may help.Answer Line
USB Interferes with Boot
Richard Purdy's PC won't boot when he has a flash drive plugged into itHow-To
Top Tech Support Survival Tips
No one likes talking to tech support. Use our tips to help get your problem fixed–and maybe receive a little something extra, as well.Hassle-Free PC
Make the Most of Your ‘Home’ and ‘End’ Keys
How to stop neglecting two of the handiest shortcut keys on your keyboard.How-To
How to Use Your Console Gamepad With Your PC
Games aren't the same without a gamepad under your thumbs. Play on your PC with your Xbox 360, PS3, or PS2 controller–and other game devices.Hassle-Free PC
Raise Your WIndows IQ: Learn Your Laptop’s Power Settings
Don't fall victim to your PC's unreliable standby mode. Instead, do like bears do, and choose hibernation.Hassle-Free PC
Raise Your Windows IQ: When to Single-Click, When to Double-Click
There's no shame in admitting you don't when to click once or twice. Follow these simple rules and you'll be a click-master in no time.Answer Line
Windows 7’s Built-in Backup
Robert wants to know if Windows 7’s built-in backup program is worth usingAnswer Line
Reasons to Partition
Michael Crandall wants to know if dividing his hard drive into multiple, smaller partitions will improve its speedHow-To
Free Up Hard-Drive Space, Fast
Need to clear some storage space on your hard drive? Here's how to put it through a crash diet and free up a few gigs right now.How-To
Disaster-Proof Your PC: Image Your Drive, Make a Backup Plan
Here's how to prepare for disaster by imaging your hard drive and setting up a data backup system.How-To
How (and Why) to Partition Your Hard Drive
Use Windows' built-in Disk Management tool to make your backups easier, to set up an emergency recovery partition, or even to install another operating system.Answer Line
Restore Data After Motherboard Death
Peter’s motherboard died. How can he retrieve the data on his hard drive?
How-To
Bring Your Middle Mouse Button to Life
That middle button is often ignored, but you can tap its potential for browsing more efficiently, scrolling quickly, and more.Hassle-Free PC
Make the Most of Your Middle Mouse Button, Part 4
There's one last way to get some extra use out of that third button: Click it, hold it, and drag your mouse to scroll up or down on a page. Very handy!How-To
How to Buy a Monitor
Which monitor you need depends on the applications you use, the amount of desk space you have, and how much you want to spend.
How-To
Hardware Tips: New Use for an Old Laptop, and More
Turn a laptop into a second display, force a stubborn disc tray to open, and solve an iPhone sync problem.Digital Focus
Shopping for a Photo Printer
Looking for a good photo printer this holiday season? Follow these four tips for a smart buy.Answer Line
Securely Wipe a Dead Hard Drive
Dwma needs to return a dead hard drive to the manufacturer. Is there a way to first remove sensitive data?Hassle-Free PC
Turn a Spare Laptop Into a Second Monitor
Oldie-but-goodie MaxiVista is back with a new version that supports Windows Vista and Windows 7. It totally rocks.How-To
Speed Up Everything
Is your PC dragging? Does your broadband network creep along at dial-up speeds? Do Web pages take forever to load on your smartphone? Don't wait! These fixes will get you back into the fast lane.Answer Line
When the Backup Drive Gets Full
Rat74136’s external hard drive is full. How does he keep backing up?Answer Line
Why is My Computer Slowing Down?
A41202813 asked the Answer Line forum why his once quick PC is slowing downHassle-Free PC
Should You Use Standby or Hibernate?
Most laptops give you a choice, but which mode works best, and why? Answers coming up.Hassle-Free PC
Are You Neglecting Your Windows Key?
A tap of the Windows key takes you to the Start menu, where–in Vista and 7–you can start typing to dynamically search for apps, files, e-mail, and the like.Hassle-Free PC
Protect Your PC From Sudden Power Outages
You never know when the lights will go out, taking your data–and perhaps even your entire PC–with them. An inexpensive battery-backup can save the day.Hassle-Free PC
Save Printer Ink by Choosing an Ink-Saving Font
Is there such a thing as a "green" font? There is, and it's called, aptly enough, Ecofont. It's free, and it's fabulous.Answer Line