Latest Laptop How-To Stories
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World Beyond Windows
How to squeeze more battery life from your Linux laptop
Linux has a lot of advantages, but long battery life on a laptop isn’t usually one of them. Here's how to fix that.How-To
Five ways to add SSD speed to your laptop without losing storage capacity
Using an SSD and a hard drive together offers both speed and storage space. But most laptops won't let you install two drives.Answer Line
How to diagnose and fix a dead laptop keyboard
You can't write that report with a dead keyboard. A few tests can tell you how to bring it back to life.Hassle-Free PC
3 surprisingly easy PC repairs you should do yourself
You could pay someone to take care of these repairs for you, but you'd be surprised how easy they are with a little patience.How-To
How to customize or silence Chromebook notifications
Tame all those alerts that can slow down your workflow on a Chromebook by learning how this settings menu works.How-To
Tested: 6 tips to extend your Chromebook’s battery life
A few smart settings can help your Chromebook last hours longer off-grid.
How-To
How to replace a broken laptop screen
If your laptop's LCD screen is cracked, black, or otherwise broken, it doesn't mean your notebook's a paperweight. Here's step-by-step instructions on how to replace a broken laptop screen.World Beyond Windows
How to get your Chromebook online from anywhere without killing your mobile data cap
Chromebooks were made to be online, even if Wi-Fi's nowhere to be found. Here's how to get online with a cellular signal without blowing through your data cap.How-To
5 secret Chrome app launcher tips and tricks that speed up everyday tasks
Use the app launcher's impressive capabilities to organize apps, search online, use voice commands, and more.Answer Line
The easy answer to the laptop vs. desktop question: Use a docking station
You can have the power, upgrade options, and ergonomic advantages of a desktop without sacrificing the portability of a laptop.Answer Line
Prepare to take your laptop to another country
Planning a trip overseas with your laptop? These precautions will help with smooth sailing.Answer Line
Recover a stolen laptop, or prepare for the day your laptop is stolen
You may or may not be able to recover your stolen laptop, but the precautions you take beforehand can put the odds in your favor.How-To
5 Chromebook tips and tricks to fine-tune your productivity
Chrome OS has some powerful tweaks and customizations so you can work faster or automate frequent tasks.
World Beyond Windows
5 free tools for editing images on a Chromebook
The native image editor built into Chromebooks is hidden and weak, but Chrome OS doesn't support the powerful desktop image editing software available for Windows. Don't fear! These free tools can help you tweak your pictures.
Answer Line
How to connect your laptop to your HDTV without HDMI
It's easy to connect a laptop to an HDTV–unless your laptop doesn't have the right port.How-To
How to automatically unlock your Chromebook when your Android phone’s nearby
If you have an Android 5.0 Lollipop phone, Smart Lock eliminates the need to re-type your password every time you want to fire up your Chromebook.How-To
The 15 best Chromebook keyboard shortcuts for faster productivity
Chrome has a few of Windows's old reliable tricks, and then it has even more. Learn its tricks and fly through your apps and browser tabs like a pro.Smart Mobile Tricks
How to teach contact names and relationships to Siri and Google Now
Help Google Now and Siri sift through your contacts faster by by assigning special names and relationships to your most important or frequent contactsSmart Mobile Tricks
Shhh! 3 ways to keep your pre-Lollipop Android phone quiet
There's no official silent mode for KitKat and earlier phones, but there are some workarounds and apps you can try.Answer Line
How to extend the life of your laptop battery
The battery in your brand-new laptop may get you through a day's work on the road. But in two years, probably not. Here's how to keep that battery healthy over the long haul.How-To
How to install the Windows 10 Technical Preview on a Mac
Get Microsoft's beta operating system on a virtual drive or right on your hard drive.World Beyond Windows
Run any Android app on your Chromebook with this hack
Google's letting you run four official Android apps on your Chromebook. This hack lets you run ANY Android app on your Chromebook.Answer Line
Have a company laptop? Here’s how to keep your browsing private
Your employer may let you take a company laptop home, but that doesn't mean they're not looking over your shoulder.Hassle-Free PC
Not sure you want to buy a Chromebook this fall? Try out Chrome OS in Windows first
Chromebooks are still a drop in the bucket of PC sales overall, but there's no denying they are growing in popularity. If you're not sure you want to buy in just yet, Google offers a way to test drive Chrome OS in Windows 8.1.Answer Line
Computer shutting down on its own? Maybe it’s time to play it cool.
If your computer has acquired the habit of shutting down when you didn't ask it to, there's a good chance that it's overheated. Here's how to cool it down.How-To
How to troubleshoot your Chromebook’s internet connection
Chromebooks are designed to be online all the time, so it's no fun when you lose your connection.How-To
How Steam in-home streaming can turn your old laptop or Windows tablet into a PC gaming force
If your gaming rig and home network are up to snuff, you can stream Steam games to another PC (including Macs and Linux machines) or Windows tablet and play in other parts of your abode. Here's how to set it up.How-To
Laptop makeover: 5 ways to extend its useful life
You can rebuild it. You have the technology. And if it's acting tired, you have little to lose.How-To
Essential tools for building, repairing, and upgrading PCs (and other electronic devices)
Using the right tools can mean the difference between a satisfyingly successful project and a regrettable disaster.How-To
How to reset the Wi-Fi password at your parents’ house on your holiday travels
Nothing spoils holiday travel quite like getting locked out of the house Wi-Fi. Here's how to help your folks set their networks aright.How-To
Windows 8 buying guide: How to buy the best laptop, desktop, tablet, or hybrid
Windows 8 works on them all. Here's how to buy the best one for you.How-To
Ultrabook Buying Guide 2013: How to find the right Ultrabook
Don't know what specs a laptop has to sport to bear Intel's Ultrabook seal of approval? Don't worry: We'll tell you everything you need to know about this ultra-portable line of laptops.How-To
How to live large on every battery charge
These handy tips will help you wring every watt-minute out of your laptop and other mobile devices.How-To
Keep your laptop safe and secure while you travel
PCs make great travel companions, but you need to treat them right.How-To
Laptop buying guide 2013: How to find the right notebook for you
It’s been a good year for laptops. We can help you find the best one for your needs.How-To
Security to go: Three tips to keep your mobile data safe
It’s not easy keeping your devices secure, and mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and, of course, laptops are no exception. But you can do a few things to improve your mobile security. Here’s a look at three of them.Hassle-Free PC
How to add a third monitor to your laptop
What's better than a two-screen setup? A three-screener, of course. Here's how to work around the video-output limitation.Answer Line
Why you may want a desktop instead of a laptop
Patrick Moore asked the Laptops forum about the advantages of going with a desktop computerHassle-Free PC
My laptop just hit the floor. You won’t believe what happened
Laptop + gravity = disaster, right? Not necessarily. Here's how I learned an important lesson.How-To
Unlock your Surface RT tablet’s hidden superpowers
The Surface RT might seem limited, but smart use of its connectivity and apps can make it an able sidekick for your computing needs.How-To
How to buy a laptop for college
Light. Fast. Not too expensive. Study up on the most important specs for long days at class and long nights at the library.Answer Line
In Android, move a photo to another folder
Once he's snapped a photo with his Android phone, Bob wants to move it to another folderHow-To
Weekend Project! Install the Windows 8.1 preview
If the Fourth of July's heat is too much, why not sit inside and install Windows 8.1 while you kick back with a refreshing beverage?Hassle-Free PC
Tips for hassle-free computing at 33,000 feet
Before you board your next flight, learn how to make the friendly skies at little friendlier to your tech.How-To
Five surefire ways to maximize your laptop’s battery life
Laptops are awesome—until your battery gives up the ghost, instantly killing your productivity. Follow these tips to avoid the problem.Answer Line
Cool down an overheated laptop
Gamersim17's laptop was "getting intensely hot." He turned to the Laptops forum for adviceHassle-Free PC
Even new PCs can have problems
Don't expect a totally hassle-free experience with that new laptop or desktop. Do be prepared for issues to crop up.How-To