Latest Smart Tech How-To Stories
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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.
Answer Line
Troubleshoot a dead Internet connection
Can’t get an Internet connection? Follow these steps to find the problem.How-To
Turn old PC hardware into a home server with FreeNAS
FreeNAS can breathe new life into old hardware and sling files and media to networked devices all around your house.How-To
Have operating system, will travel: How to run virtual machines from a flash drive
Virtual machines are usually restricted to a single box, but Portable VirtualBox lets you install VMs on a flash drive so you can run your PC-in-a-PC on any PC.Hassle-Free PC
Access your PCs from afar with Google’s free, simple Chrome Remote Desktop software
Getting remote access to your PCs has never been easier thanks to a Chrome browser extension from Google.
Answer Line
How to install Ubuntu and keep Windows
There are three ways to have your Ubuntu and keep Windows, too.How-To
Linux to the rescue! How Ubuntu can help a computer in distress
When disaster strikes your Windows PC, an Ubuntu live drive has all the tools you need to save the day.How-To
How to run SteamOS in a virtual machine
See what all the hub-bub behind Valve's gaming-centric operating system is about WITHOUT blowing away all the data already on your hard drive.
Hassle-Free PC
Two tricks to take the hassle out of managing Windows 8 Wi-Fi connections
Managing your Wi-Fi connections may not seem all that important…until it is.
Hassle-Free PC
Three essential tools for solving the worst Wi-Fi headaches
Wi-Fi is great, except when it's not. Here are three tools that will make your wireless life easier.Bugs & Fixes
Bugs & Fixes: Making Synology’s VPN private again
Synology updates its DiskStation Manager OS to solve a little problem with hardcoded passwords.Answer Line
Your IP address: Who can see it and what you can do about it
You need a visible IP address to surf the web, but you can manage some of that visibility to protect your privacy. Here's how.How-To
Bypassing content filters: How to see the web they don’t want you to see
Maybe it's your own digital content, geo-blocked overseas. Maybe it's something you're not supposed to see. These tools could get you to it, but proceed with caution.How-To
3 ways to get a new Windows 7 PC in the Windows 8 era
You can still buy or build a PC with Windows 7, or possibly downgrade from Windows 8. It just takes a little extra legwork.
Bugs & Fixes
Bugs & Fixes: The Moon Worm slinks by Linksys E-series routers
There's no real fix for this malware yet, but you can thwart it by keeping a specific setting disabled.
Bugs & Fixes
Bugs & Fixes: Asus router vulnerability gives Plug and Play a new meaning
Turning on Universal Plug and Play causes any attached storage to be exposed to the Internet. A manual firmware fix is available.How-To
How to find out if someone has been snooping in your Gmail
A hidden feature in Gmail can tell you if someone's been rummaging through your love letters. Here's where to find it.Hassle-Free PC
How to use Google Calendar to keep groups organized
Google Calendar has several ways to keep your friends, family, and coworkers on the same page.
Answer Line
How to keep your neighbors from hijacking your Wi-Fi
Your Internet connection could be slow for many reasons, but you can rule out local Wi-Fi thieves by employing strong passwords and a few other strategies.How-To
How to set up a document scanning system
Here's how to get that perennial resolution to finally stick and make 2014 the year of the paperless office.How-To
The ‘Awww’ factor: Turning old photos into new calendars
It's the gift that fits everyone, especially sentimental types. We take you step-by-step, from digging out the albums to scanning and uploading the images.
Answer Line
How to share Internet service with your neighbors, and why you shouldn’t
Whitney and her neighbors want to get on the same network, and share the same Internet connectionHow-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 digitize holiday photos and videos
Move precious memories online (and create digital backups) with help from a scanner, a video converter, and better-than-basic editing software.How-To
Find the right backup drive for your storage needs
If coming up with a backup strategy is one of your New Year's resolutions, maybe a backup drive should be on your holiday shopping list. We can tell you what to look for.How-To
How to transform any HDTV into a smart TV
Third-party devices can add smart features to an existing set, and some of them are quite cheap.How-To
Why you should buy a refurbished iPad from Apple
When it comes to buying fixed-up older iPads, you have a bevy of options. But really, the Apple refurbished store should be your first and only choice.How-To
How to remotely install apps on your smartphone
You don't need to get up and get your phone to install that app. It's OK. Install it from the comfort of your laptop.Creative Spaces
iPad stylus buying guide: Find the perfect tablet accessory
We've spent months looking at dozens of styluses with all forms, shapes, and nib tips. Here are our top 2013 picks for a great writing, sketching, drawing, or painting stylus.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
Printer buying guide: How to find the best model for your home or office
The best printers today have mobile apps and wireless connectivity, and inkjets are looking as good as lasers. Learn what to look for here.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
Scanner buying guide 2013: Find the right scanner for your needs
Scanners have remained popular peripherals by evolving with the times. Here's how to pick out the best document or desktop scanner this holiday season.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
10 ways to repurpose your old iPad
Want to treat yourself to a new iPad? Go ahead–we've collected a few great ways for you to make use of your old one.
Answer Line
Extend your Wi-Fi network throughout the house
The wireless signal from Aidan's router doesn't reach throughout the house. Here are a few ways to fix the problem.How-To
Ditch your ISP’s modem and change your Internet experience forever
If your ISP allows it, buying and installing your own modem can net you some sweet performance improvements and a cheaper monthly bill.Hassle-Free PC
Block online spoilers with Unspoiler for Google Chrome
This ingenious add-on lets you browse the Web, Facebook, and Twitter without fear of ruining your favorite shows.How-To
How to keep your real name and face out of Google’s ads
Google just updated its terms of service to allow the company to use your real name, face, and comments in ads. Here's how to slam the brakes on it.How-To
5 Wi-Fi security myths you must abandon now
Save yourself and your friends from these outdated or inaccurate security techniques, and learn the current best practices.Answer Line
Connect your PC to your HDTV, and control it from across the room
Peter asked me for the best way to connect a PC to an HDTV, and, once connected, how best to use itHassle-Free PC
How to get an extra 10GB of Google Drive space for free
If you don't already own one, beg, borrow, or steal an Android or iOS device to score the extra storage for your cloud drive.How-To
How to Reset Your Android Phone
Here's how to reset your crashed Android smartphone and restore it to factory default settings.How-To
Build the ultimate Windows 8 home-theater PC for under $500
Forget about Roku, Chromecast, or any other set-top trick: The best way to control your home theater is still with a PC. Here's how to do it for cheap.How-To
How to download streaming media and watch it anywhere, anytime
Go offline with impunity. Try these tools or services to store your favorite TV shows and movies from Amazon Prime, Hulu Plus, and Netflix for later viewing.Hassle-Free PC