Latest Smart Tech How-To Stories
SEE SMART TECH STORIES BY CATEGORY
How-To
Fifth-Generation Wi-Fi Is Coming: Are You Ready for 802.11ac?
We’re on the verge of the biggest change in wireless networking since 2007. Fifth-generation Wi-Fi technology promises to deliver faster-than-cable speed–without the cables.Answer Line
I Can’t Eject This Flash Drive (or External Hard Drive)
When CHIN3927 attempted to remove a USB external drive, Windows' wouldn't provide the Safe to Remove message. The Answer Line forum offered help.How-To
How to choose a server for your small business
Thinking of buying a server for your growing business, but don't know where to start? This guide will explain the basics and help you decide which type fits your needs best.How-To
How to Get Off Google for Good
Get a fresh start with our complete guide to moving your data off Google servers and permanently deleting your Google accounts.How-To
Secure Your Home or Office Wi-Fi
Security holes leave even a password-protected Wi-Fi network vulnerable to hacking. Here’s how to defend yours.How-To
How to Install the Silk Browser on Any Android Device
Amazon's Silk browser precaches popular websites on Amazon servers in an attempt to speed up your Web browsing, and until recently it was exclusive to the Kindle Fire. Here's a guide to hacking it onto your rooted Android smartphone or tablet.How-To
12 Ways to Make Your Online Profile Work for You
Proactively managing your online persona is a must if you're serious about your career.How-To
Google Privacy Checklist: What to Do Before Google’s Privacy Policy Changes on March 1
If you use Gmail, Google Docs, or any other popular G-service, you’re about to surrender a lot more personal information to the Googleplex…unless you take these steps to prevent it.How-To
How to Share an External Drive Between a Mac and a PC
Want to use a single external drive with both a Mac and a Windows PC? Follow our guide to learn how to do it.How-To
How to Locate Your Unprotected Android Device
If you lose your Android smartphone and didn't proactively install a security or remote locator app, you can still find your missing phone by following our handy guide.How-To
How to Change Your Browser’s Default Search Engine
Tired of seeing your browser default to Google or Bing? It takes less than 60 seconds to change your default search engine with this simple guide.How-To
How to Play PC Games on Your HDTV
You can take advantage of your high-powered gaming system to play PC games and classic console games at beautiful resolutions on your HDTV. Here's how to do it.Hassle-Free PC
Add USB Charging Ports to Any AC Outlet
RCA's $20 gizmo adds a pair of powered USB ports to a wall socket, making it easier to charge your favorite devices.Hassle-Free PC
Get 5GB of Extra Dropbox Storage, Free
The catch, if you can call it that, is that you have to use the new Dropbox beta to upload your photos and videos.Hassle-Free PC
Retrieve Your Entire Music Library from Your Google Music Account
The service now lets you download all your tunes, which is great for restoring after a crashed hard drive or other data disaster.How-To
How to Set Up Intel Smart Response SSD Caching Technology
Intel’s Smart Response Technology can significantly accelerate system performance, without your having to spring for an expensive, high-capacity solid-state drive. Here's how to set it up.How-To
How to Stream Super Bowl XLVI
Watch the 2012 Super Bowl online, no matter where you are, with our guide to streaming the Giants vs. Patriots game on your PC, smartphone, or tablet.How-To
Reader Q&A: Troubleshoot DVD Drive, Customize Windows Media Player
Learn how to troubleshoot (and possibly fix) a confused DVD drive and tell Windows Media Player where to get its music.Answer Line
Can My Neighbor and I Share an Internet Connection?
John asked if he and his neighbor could share one Internet access accountHow-To
Quick Windows Networking Fixes
Even in Windows 7, many networking issues aren't easily resolved. Find some help here.How-To
How to Install a CPU Cooler
A properly installed CPU cooler is essential to a stable system. We show you how to install CPU coolers on AMD and Intel processors to maximize cooling performance.Answer Line
Send Google Calendar Alerts to Any Cell Phone
Jonah Langlieb asked how to send Google Calendar notifications to any cell phone.How-To
Use Google Voice for Android to Slash Your Smartphone Bill
Looking to lower your cellular bill? Here's how to use Google Voice and Groove IP to reduce your monthly costs–or even cut cell service altogether.How-To
How to choose a laptop for your small business
Businesses have laptop needs beyond those of the average consumer, including security, warranty, service, and more. Here's what to look for.How-To
How to Buy a Tablet
Tablets are everywhere today–and many more are on the way. We tell you what to consider, before you buy.How-To
How to Stream Digital Media From Your Windows 7 PC
A PC can serve capably as a hub for digital media collections, but sitting at a desk isn't the best way to watch movies. We'll show you how to stream media from a Windows 7 PC to a game console, a set-top box, or even a smartphone.How-To
Solving Tech Mysteries: 3G vs. Wi-Fi, Write Access Denied
Inquiring minds want to know: What's the difference between 3G and Wi-Fi, and can access be restored to a mysteriously write-protected drive?How-To
How to Fix Your Windows 7 Network
Networking your PCs together is easier than ever, but a few common problems still pop up from time to time. Learn how to resolve them now.Hassle-Free PC
Restore Access to a Write-Protected Hard Drive
Is your flash drive, external hard drive, or other drive suddenly refusing to let you write anything to it or delete files? Here's the fix.Tech Audit
How to Get More Out of Ethernet Switches
Ethernet switches can handle more than simple connectivity. These extra capabilities can make your network faster and more secure–and make users happier.How-To
How to Install the Android Market on Your Kindle Fire
Want to try downloading and installing apps on your Kindle Fire aside from the ones that Amazon offers? Follow these steps to add Google's Android Market.How-To
How to forward ports on your router
Your router can sometimes get in the way of your favorite multiplayer games or chat programs by inadvertently shuttering certain network ports. To fix that problem yourself, follow our simple guide to port forwarding.Hassle-Free PC
Recover Lost Form Data in Google Chrome
You no longer have to fear a server glitch or browser crash. With the Lazarus extension, it's a simple matter to restore the text you just typed.How-To
Wireless Networking 101
Setting up and maintaining a home Wi-Fi network can be a daunting task for a PC newbie. These four how-to guides will run you through some of the basics.How-To
Filter YouTube Comments, Google Alerts and Chrome Tips
Learn how to filter out objectionable comments on YouTube, configure Google Alerts, and enable autofill in Chrome.Answer Line
How Safe is WPA2-Secured WiFi?
Darryl Boyett asked if his home WiFi connection, which uses WPA2 protection, is safe enough for online bankingHassle-Free PC
How to Filter YouTube’s Undesirable Comments
Even a seemingly innocent video can be rife with profanity-laden and/or hate-filled comments. Here's how Chrome and Firefox users can block them from innocent eyes.Hassle-Free PC
Use Google Alerts to Keep Tabs on the News You Want
Do you routinely search the Web for the same subjects? Save time: Let Google Alerts bring the results to your inbox or feed reader.How-To
Geek Up Your Bike With Ethernet Cable Handlebar Grips
Show your geek pride and creativity by turning unused Ethernet cables into bicycle handlebar gripsHow-To
How to Make Your Windows PC Boot Faster
Looking to slash your Windows PC's boot time to the bone? We'll show you how we made one system boot 30 percent faster–without any hardware upgrades.How-To
How to Build a Powerhouse PC Worthy of Sandy Bridge Extreme Edition
If you're willing to pay for premium components, it's easier than ever to build a performance PC that can handle games, movies, and heavy-duty audio/video editing with ease. Just follow our expert's step-by-step guide to assembling the ultimate dream machine.Hassle-Free PC
Google Chrome Tip: Enable AutoFill for Fast and Easy Form Completion
If you're a Chrome user, don't overlook this awesome feature, which can save you a ton of time when faced with any online form.How-To
How to Boost Your Smartphone Battery Life
Tired of watching your phone die when you need it the most? Here's a collection of tips and tricks for wringing a little extra juice from your Android, iOS, or Windows Phone 7 smartphone's battery.How-To
How To Lock Down Your Wireless Network
Securing your wireless network is a simple process that costs nothing and could save you from a disastrous network breach down the road.Answer Line
Why You Need a Router
ZyrrahXD asked the Networking forum about the best way to split a home Internet connection between multiple computersHow-To
Beginner’s Guide to Managing Mobile Movies
Are you wondering how to put your movie collection on your brand-new smartphone or tablet for some on-the-go video goodness? Read this collection of how-tos to find out how to rip your DVDs and Blu-ray movies, convert them in HandBrake, and sync your iTunes purchases.How-To
How to Open Up NAT Settings on Your Xbox 360
Having trouble connecting to Xbox Live on your Xbox 360? Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot.How-To