Latest Software How-To Stories
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Updated
Windows Sandbox: How to use Microsoft’s simple virtual Windows PC to secure your digital life
Microsoft's Windows Sandbox creates a safe space where you can try suspicious software or sites without risking your 'real' PC. Here's how to use it.
How-To
How to create a PowerPoint presentation for a kiosk or trade show booth
You can compile your PowerPoint presentation to run automatically in a show booth or kiosk, without human intervention, and it's much easier than you’d imagine. Here's how.
How-To
5 Windows display tricks to help you focus
When you're trying to focus on a specific task, the right display settings can make a big difference. Automate dark mode, cut down on blue light, dim secondary displays and more with these tips.
How-To
How to protect yourself from online scams including ransomware and more
Protect yourself from online scams with these tips, including a detailed account of attempts to remove ransomware.
Max Productivity
How to add music to your Google Slides presentation
Google's presentation app doesn't support audio files, but with these workarounds you can still give your slides a soundtrack.
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
How to avoid Internet fraud, scams, phishing and other cybercrime
Internet fraud takes many forms, but they share a common goal: Extracting money or personal data from an unsuspecting user. Here's how to avoid their traps.
How-To
Who owns that shady website? These tools provide the details
Is this site legit? Here's how to use ICANN and other databases to find out. But some honest sites may hide their identities for justifiable reasons.How-To
How to clear cookies from your browser
Clearing cookies from your web browser is simple and easy, and doing so could help protect your private data while you're online.
How-To
How to use audio and video files in PowerPoint
PowerPoint supports a number of common audio and video formats. We'll go through the details and show you how to incorporate audio and video files into your presentation slides.
Updated
How to remove malware from your Windows PC
Has malicious software taken your PC hostage? Our malware-removal guide will help you clean out your PC and restore it to a pristine state.
How-To
How to create, edit, and format images in Excel
Excel provides over 16 dozen geometric shapes that you can size and manipulate to your specific needs, plus hundreds of special effects.
How-To
PowerPoint animation tips & advice
Almost any PowerPoint presentation would benefit from clever animation, and the Internet has an endless supply of animated templates
Updated
How to transform your laptop into a gaming powerhouse with an external graphics card
With a little bit of research and elbow grease (or a Thunderbolt 3 dock), an external graphics card setup lets you upgrade your laptop for a fraction of the cost of a new gaming PC.
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
Create Excel Alerts, then write a macro to email them
Excel can send alerts based on spreadsheet data, but you'll need to write a macro to do it. We'll show you how.
How-To
How Excel creates barcodes
Excel creates most commonly used barcodes, either from free installed fonts, or add-ins for a price. Here's how.
How-To
How to create, filter, and format tables in Excel
Excel tables have many benefits that regular spreadsheets lack. The biggest is the option to use data from multiple tables to create queries and reports.
Updated
How to play DVDs in Windows 10 for free
Windows 10 doesn't play DVDs by default, but this free program can help.
How-To
How Word translates text between languages
Microsoft Word can translate a word, sentence, paragraph, or an entire document into 62 languages with a few clicks. Here's how.
How-To
How to send anonymous emails
How to create an anonymous email account that's not connected to your daily identity.
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.
How-To
Can Excel convert currency? Using the EUROTOOL.XLAM Excel Add-in
Excel can convert currency given the right tools. Here's how to use the Excel Add-In called EUROTOOL.XLAM
How-To
Can Excel show the column headers on every screen? How to freeze panes and split screens
Can Excel show the column headers on every screen? Yes: Here's how to freeze and unfreeze columns and rows.
How-To
Can PowerPoint speak aloud & read the text in my slideshows?
Yes, with the Speak command (aka Text to Speech feature)
How-To
Can Excel track changes? How to add Track Changes to the Ribbon menu
Can Excel track changes? Yes, similarly to how Word does it. Here's how to add Track Changes to the Ribbon menu and use it with your spreadsheets.
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
Can Excel Sort by Color? How to Fill Color and use Sort & Filter’s Custom Sort
Excel can sort by cell color, font color, cell icon, and values. Here's how.
How-To
Surprise, Opera’s free VPN is back! Here’s how to get it on your Android phone
Opera's VPN has returned as a browser feature after the standalone app was shut down last April. Here's how to get it on your phone.
How-To
5 ways to tidy up your Android phone, inspired by Marie Kondo
Marie Kondo's "Tidying Up" show on Netflix inspires us to apply her eye for clearing clutter to our Android phones. Here's what we think she would do with an overstuffed smartphone.
How-To
Excel Stylesheets: Cell Styles and Smart Art, Drawing, Graphics, Picture and Chart Tools
You may have used Excel for years without delving into Styles (or stylesheets). We’re going to cover Cell Styles, and Smart Art, Drawing, Graphics, Picture, and Chart Tools.
How-To
How to rescue your movies and TV shows from Ultraviolet before it shuts down on July 31
Ultraviolet has announced that it will close its digital locker for good on July 31, 2019. Here's how to make sure you don't lose any of your movies.
How-To
How to use Microsoft Word’s Resume Assistant to look for a new job… on LinkedIn
Yes, the Resume Assistant within Microsoft Word will help you polish your resume, but it's more of a portal to LinkedIn's own job network.
How-To
How to secure, protect, and completely lock down your Android phone
Whether you just got a new Android phone or have had one for a while, it's probably not as secure as it could be. Here’s how to lock it down.
Tip
OnePlus 6T tips: The 10 features to check out first
OnePlus may not be a "mainstream" phone manufacturer like Apple, Samsung or Google, but its 6T is filled with innovation. Here are the features to check out first.
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
Use Excel’s DATE, WEEKDAY, IF, and IF/OR to make weekly schedules by task, event and team member
Using Excel as a scheduling tool is a great skill to have under your belt. Learn how to use SUM, DATE, WEEKDAY, IF, Nested IF, and IF/OR functions.
How-To
How to export PDF files from Acrobat to Excel, and Excel to Acrobat
You have just a few choices when working with PDFs and Microsoft Excel. We'll show you how to export PDFs from Excel to Acrobat, and export from Acrobat to Excel.
How-To
How to export PDF files from Acrobat to PowerPoint, and PowerPoint to Acrobat
You have just a few choices when working with PDFs and Microsoft PowerPoint. We'll show you how to export PDFs from PowerPoint to Acrobat, and export from Acrobat to PowerPoint.
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
CrashPlan alternatives: What home users can do, from staying put to exploring other services
CrashPlan is ending its home-user service on October 23, 2018. Options include upgrading to CrashPlan's business tier, or seeking alternative services. We'll walk you through the choices.
Hassle-Free PC
How to erase specific autosuggested URLs from Chrome, Firefox, IE, and Opera
Browser autosuggest features are handy, but when you're typing too fast they can sometimes cause problems. Here's how to fix that.
How-To
How to create and use custom forms in Word
It’s a lot easier to create custom forms in Word than it used to be. This article covers six Content Controls, pre-programmed tools for adding and customizing interactive content in your Word forms, templates, documents, and web pages.
How-To
Excel Add-Ins: How to find and use them
Excel Add-Ins are applications written by independent programmers that provide enhanced capabilities for the primary software. Here's how to install, manage, and choose the best Add-Ins available.
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
2 ways to control Windows 10 automatic updates
Windows 10 auto updates whether you want it to or not…you can stop that behavior, as long as you know the trick.
Tip
OnePlus 6: Tips, tweaks and secrets for the best OnePlus phone ever
It's one of our favorite phones of 2018, and it might be a lot more powerful than you think. Get started with these 10 power-user tips.
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