Latest Smart Tech How-To Stories
SEE SMART TECH STORIES BY CATEGORY
How-To
How to enable HDR in Windows 10
Windows 10 supports HDR monitors, but you have to manually turn the feature on to get those luscious visuals. Here's how to do it.
How-To
Fix your laptop’s color and brightness with this hidden Windows app
Fix Windows 10 auto-brightness and color problems with this hidden Intel app.
How-To
How to download all your pictures from Google Photos
With Google's June 1 data cap looming, here's how to download all your pictures from Google Photos with just a few clicks if you're thinking about migrating to another service.
How-To
How to upload your images to Google Photos now to avoid the June 1 data cap
Here's how to upload images to Google Photos from your PC or phone so they won't count against the upcoming data cap.
Updated
Fight Google’s data cap with a simple change to Google Photos
In June, 2021, new photos and movies saved to Google Photos and the cloud will count against the Google One data cap. Exceed it, and you'll be charged for storage or Google will delete your photos.
How-To
Samsung Galaxy S21: The first 10 things to do with your new phone
The Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphones cram in more features than the competition. That means your new phone does a lot of cool things, but good luck finding it all. Here are 10 things to do with your new Galaxy S21.
How-To
How to install a hard drive in your computer
Don't be afraid of cracking open your desktop PC's case. Installing a new hard drive is a basic task anyone can accomplish.
How-To
Chrome can now caption almost any video or audio
Chrome's new Live Caption is an excellent accessibility feature that adds closed captions to almost any video—online or offline.
How-To
How to avoid going over your broadband data cap
Our tips on how to avoid going over your ISP's broadband data cap cover Windows PCs, your phone, game consoles, and streaming devices. Here's how to manage your data on all four.
How-To
How to tell if your password has been stolen
How can you tell if your password has been stolen or compromised as part of a password breach? We'll discuss free and paid services you can use, from websites to your browser or paid password managers.
How-To
8 essential S Pen tips for Galaxy Note 20
Even if you've been using an S Pen for years, you'll want to know where Samsung has added new features and functionality.
How-To
How to speed up your home Internet and Wi-Fi on the cheap
You can speed up your home Internet and Wi-Fi for cheap if you're willing to buy used and do some things yourself. Here's how it worked in my home.
How-To
How to back up your Google Photos library and keep your metadata
If you want to create a full backup of your Google Photos library, you're going to lose all of your metadata. Here's how to keep it intact.
Tip
How to stop website notifications in Chrome
If you never want websites to send you notifications in Chrome, here's how to turn off notification prompts forever.
How-To
How to use a Nintendo Switch Pro controller with a PC
You can do it over Bluetooth or with a wired USB cable.
How-To
How to get free books for your Amazon Kindle
Thousands of free books are waiting to be enjoyed on your Amazon Kindle e-reader. You just have to know where to look.
How-To
How to turn your Kindle on or off: Finding the power button
Find the power button on your Amazon Kindle using our guide, including photos of Amazon Kindle, Kindle Oasis, and Kindle Voyage models.
How-To
Windows 7 is dead: How to stay as safe as possible after the security updates stop
Windows 7 is officially end of life, meaning it will no longer receive security updates. If you're going to keep using it, here's how to stay as safe as possible.
Updated
How to remove your login password from Windows 10
Sure, you can remove your password from your Windows 10 PC, as long as it's in a very safe place. Here's how.
Updated
How to use a Chromebook: 10 must-know tips, tricks, and tools for beginners
Chromebooks are dead-simple to use, but just like any PC a little tweaking makes your experience that much better.
How-To
How to collaborate on Microsoft Office files in G Suite
G Suite lets you edit Docs, Sheets, and Slide files with other collaborators, and you can do the same with Microsoft Office files. Here’s how to get started.
Tip
Galaxy Note 10 tips: 10 things to do first
Just bought a Galaxy Note 10 or Note 10+? Here are 10 features to set up first.
How-To
How to save money and scan your photos digitally using your phone and Google PhotoScan
School photos and wedding photographers now offer you the rights to digital images for an additional fee. But using Google PhotoScan and your smartphone, you may be able to create your own digital images, for free.
Tip
Ask a PC expert: Should you upgrade your Core i7-2600K?
PCWorld CPU guru Gordon Mah Ung explains who should and shouldn't upgrade their workhorse Intel Core i7-2600K processor, and which CPUs to replace it with.
Tip
Ask a PC expert: Why are there so many PC hardware launch supply problems?
PCWorld CPU guru Gordon Mah Ung explains why so many flagship PC hardware launches suffer from supply woes, then digs into whether or not you should preorder parts to avoid the headache.
How-To
How to automatically delete the web activity and location history data in your Google account
Google has launched a new privacy setting that lets you automatically delete your location and web activity data. Here's how to do it.
How-To
What to do when your ethernet won’t connect
A wired connection should be simple plug-and-play, but all too often that's not the case. Here's what to do if your ethernet connection seems dead.
Tip
Galaxy S10 set-up tips: 10 features to check out first
Did you just buy Samsung's latest flagship phone? Here's how to spend your first 30 minutes with the Galaxy S10.
How-To
15 instant improvements to your Samsung Galaxy S10 or Note9
Got a new Samsung Galaxy S10 or Note9? Don't miss these tips.
How-To
How to download books to your Kindle
A step-by-step description of how to download new content to an Amazon Kindle.
Updated
How to build a Raspberry Pi retrogaming emulation console
With these simple, step-by-step instructions for building a Raspberry Pi 3 console loaded with RetroPie software, you'll be playing your favorite classic games in no time.
How-To
How to use Wireless PowerShare on the Galaxy S10 to charge your Galaxy Buds or another phone
The Samsung Galaxy S10 has a new feature called Wireless PowerShare that lets you turn your phone into a Qi charging pad. Here's how to use it.
How-To
Samsung’s One UI: Six tips and tricks for mastering Android 9 on the Galaxy S9 and S10
One Ui is a massive change for Samsung's phones. Here's how to get the most out of it on your Galaxy S9 and S10.
Tip
5 obscure Android features you need to start using
Android is packed with features that are overlooked and under-appreciated. Here are five awesome ones you've probably never even heard of.How-To
How to unblock blocked websites
Governments, schools, and businesses sometimes block websites in an attempt to reduce distractions, conserve bandwidth, or censor content. If you're willing to risk circumventing such limitations, here's how to do it.
How-To
How to buy the best SD card for your camera, phone, tablet
Admit it, you're confused about which secure digital (SD) memory card to buy. We'll help you figure out the best SD/ Micro SD card for your GoPro, DSLR, phone, tablet, or Nintendo Switch.
How-To
How to reset or restart your Kindle
How to reset or restart your Kindle, because everyone needs a fresh start.
How-To
Pixel 3 tips and tricks: Getting the most from your new Google phone
It's time to explore the cool Pixel-exlusive features you don't get on other Android phones.
How-To
How to share KIndle books
There's no need to constantly buy new Kindle books in order to keep on reading. This guide will teach you how to share e-books with your friends and family.
How-To
Google’s Pixel 3 XL notch ‘fix’ is dumb and you should just buy a regular Pixel 3 instead
Google is offering an option to hide the notch on the Pixel 3 XL, but if you hate it that much you should just get a Pixel 3.
How-To
How to listen to audiobooks with an Amazon Kindle
Listening to an audiobook is a great way to enjoy the work of your favorite authors. In this guide, we'll show you how to download and listen to audiobooks and other aural content purchased from Audible with your Amazon Kindle.
How-To
Google Privacy Checkup FAQ: How to limit tracking and still use the apps you love
Here's everything you need to know about the fine line between keeping your Google account private and destroying your favorite apps.
How-To
7 ways to master the new Google News and use it more like Google Reader
The new Google News app and web interface is yet another attempt by Google to replace the hole left behind by the death of Google Reader. Here's how to use it to its full potential.
How-To
How to read a PDF on your Kindle
Amazon's Kindle (or Kindle app) supports not only ebooks, but also PDFs. But reading PDFs on a Kindle requires a little help. Here are several different ways to convert and read PDFs on a Kindle.
Tip
How to turn on Gmail’s Smart Compose and let Google AI write your emails
Gmail's AI-infused Smart Compose is live in experimental form. Here's how to activate it.
Tip
Samsung Galaxy S9: The best tips and tricks
Make your new Galaxy S9 as useful as possible by exercising these software features and options.
Tip
How to send Android SMS messages with Amazon Echo, and why it’s a big deal
Amazon has opened up the ability to send SMS text messages on Echo devices. Here's how to set it up on your Android phone.
How-To
How to fix your Wi-Fi network
Whether your PC isn't connecting to the internet, or your wireless connection is inconsistent, or your device keeps joining the wrong network, we have answers to common Wi-Fi issues.
How-To