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Productivity

What does it mean to use technology productively? Which apps and gadgets make your work easier? How to personalize the computers and other gadgets you’re using?

article Windows icons locations. Where are the default icons stored?

Windows icons locations. Where are the default icons stored?

Icons are an important part of Windows, helping us easily find things like the Recycle Bin, This PC, and Network. Did you ever want to change the default icon for a folder or shortcut you’ve created? Or maybe you’re curious about where the default icons (used by Windows for all its apps and features) are stored. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly where
tutorial How to configure and test your microphone in Windows 10

How to configure and test your microphone in Windows 10

If you need to join voice calls or video conferences, or if you want to make recordings or stream content online, you have to set up your microphone. Moreover, to ensure clear, high-quality audio during such activities, you must also test your microphone. Windows 10 lets you control your microphone settings, allowing you to adjust microphone sensitivity and boost volume. In this guide, I’ll
tutorial How to open UEFI (BIOS) from Windows 11 (7 ways)

How to open UEFI (BIOS) from Windows 11 (7 ways)

Do you have a Windows 11 computer or device and don’t know how to access the UEFI or BIOS settings? Are you facing issues with your PC, like booting or hardware configuration problems, that you think can be repaired from there? Are there performance tweaks you’d like to make in the UEFI (BIOS)? Whether you need to enter UEFI/BIOS to troubleshoot your computer or
tutorial How to use BSOD QR codes in Windows

How to use BSOD QR codes in Windows

QR codes have a mixed reputation. Some users and companies find them useful, while others are wary of potential risks. Regardless of your opinion on them, if you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11 and encounter a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), you may notice a QR code. This feature is theoretically designed to help you understand what caused the BSOD and how to
tutorial Shortcuts for the UEFI BIOS & Windows Recovery Environment

Shortcuts for the UEFI BIOS & Windows Recovery Environment

When performing system maintenance, troubleshooting issues, or making hardware configuration changes, you may have to access your computer’s UEFI (BIOS) or the Windows Recovery Environment. Unfortunately, manually navigating through menus can be time-consuming, especially when you want or need to act as fast as possible. The good news is that in both Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can use commands and shortcuts for
tutorial How to use the Windows 10 power slider to save battery or increase performance

How to use the Windows 10 power slider to save battery or increase performance

If you’re using a laptop, tablet, or 2-in-1 device, it’s likely you want to get the most out of its battery, but still have enough performance to handle whatever you’re doing. Fortunately, Windows 10 has a feature especially made for that, called the power slider. It’s found in the taskbar’s battery settings, and it lets you quickly switch between different power modes, depending on
tutorial How to create a file on a Windows computer

How to create a file on a Windows computer

Creating a file is a basic but important task that any computer user should know how to do. Especially as there are several different ways you can create new files in Windows, and most are quite easy and intuitive. Yes, some are visual and involve using only the operating system’s interface or your installed applications. Others rely on using commands that create files from
tutorial How to enable or turn off battery saver in Windows 10

How to enable or turn off battery saver in Windows 10

The battery saver in Windows 10 is a feature designed to help you get the most out of your laptop or tablet’s battery life. It’s especially useful when your device is running low on power, and you don’t have access to a charger or power outlet. By limiting certain background activities and adjusting settings, battery saver helps extend your laptop’s remaining battery life, giving
article AMD vs. INTEL in 2024: Which desktop CPUs are better?

AMD vs. INTEL in 2024: Which desktop CPUs are better?

If you’re shopping for a new desktop processor in late 2024, you’re probably wondering what to choose: AMD or Intel? Is Ryzen better than Intel, or does Intel still make better processors? In the Intel vs. AMD competition, the winner is seldom easy to tell, especially for gaming. Both brands offer a large range of processors, some high-end and powerful, others more budget-friendly. So
article AMD AM5 chipsets explained (X870E, X870, B850, B840 & all the others)

AMD AM5 chipsets explained (X870E, X870, B850, B840 & all the others)

Are you planning to build a PC using an AMD Ryzen processor? Maybe you want to buy one of the processors from the latest Ryzen 9000 series, or maybe you prefer an older Ryzen 8000 or Ryzen 7000 series CPU. No matter which processor you're choosing, you need a motherboard based on the AMD AM5 socket. Nowadays, AM5 includes a generous selection of chipsets
tutorial How to open the same app twice or multiple times on Windows

How to open the same app twice or multiple times on Windows

On Windows, you can open multiple windows of the same program and use them at the same time. This can be helpful when you’re comparing information, moving files between folders, or working with several documents in Microsoft Word or Excel for a project or report. Running more than one window of the same app can make you more productive. If you’d like to learn
review ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi review: Future-proof!

ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi review: Future-proof!

The ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi is a powerful and feature-rich motherboard created for gamers who want the best and the latest. It’s particularly targeted to those who intend to build high-performance systems with AMD Ryzen 7000, 8000, or 9000 series processors. In this review, I’m taking a closer look at the ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi motherboard in order to tell
review AMD Ryzen 9 9950X review: A powerhouse for creators and gamers

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X review: A powerhouse for creators and gamers

Designed for creators, professionals, and gamers looking for top-tier performance, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X is the flagship processor of the Ryzen 9000 series. Based on Zen 5 architecture, it offers 16 cores, 32 threads, and impressive base and boost clock speeds, making it capable of handling demanding workloads. Additionally, its improvements in power efficiency, thermal management, and overall performance make it an option
tutorial How to create dummy files in Windows

How to create dummy files in Windows

While many everyday users might not immediately see the need to create random dummy files of a specific size, tech enthusiasts, software developers, and power users understand how valuable these files can sometimes be. Dummy files are useful for testing purposes, such as identifying bad sectors on a hard drive, measuring network speed, or ensuring that files are securely erased beyond recovery. Whatever your
tutorial How to allow or stop apps from accessing the microphone in Windows

How to allow or stop apps from accessing the microphone in Windows

Are you using a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer and want to manage which apps can access your microphone? If that’s the case, this tutorial is for you. I’ll guide you through accessing your computer’s microphone privacy settings and show you how to allow or block apps from using your mic. Whether you want to ensure certain apps aren’t listening in or need
article What's new in Windows 11 version 24H2 (2024 Update)?

What's new in Windows 11 version 24H2 (2024 Update)?

The latest version of Windows 11, called the 2024 Update or version 24H2, introduces several new features and improvements, including HDR background support, Energy Saver, Sudo for Windows, Rust integration in the Windows kernel, and support for Wi-Fi 7. Microsoft announced that Windows 11 version 24H2 started rolling out to Copilot+ PCs on June 18th, 2024. For other devices, general availability is expected on
tutorial How to use and configure the Narrator, Windows’ screen reader

How to use and configure the Narrator, Windows’ screen reader

The Narrator is a built-in screen reader in Windows 10 and Windows 11, designed to read text on your computer out loud, making it easier for people with visual impairments to interact with their PC. With the Narrator, users can hear on-screen text and control their computer with voice commands and keyboard shortcuts. This guide will walk you through the setup, navigation, and customization
tutorial How to set the default microphone in Windows 11

How to set the default microphone in Windows 11

When you plug in a new microphone on Windows 11, it usually becomes the default one. But if you frequently switch between different sound devices, you might notice that your usual mic for Skype or Discord stops working, or the settings don’t get restored properly. In this guide, I’ll show you a couple of simple ways to check and set the default microphone in
tutorial How to enable or turn off the Narrator in Windows

How to enable or turn off the Narrator in Windows

The Narrator in Windows is a built-in screen reader that reads out text and elements on your screen. It’s a tool that can help visually-impaired people interact with their computers. The Narrator can be activated or deactivated easily, using either a simple keyboard shortcut or a switch inside the Settings app. You can even turn it on while on the sign-in screen if you
tutorial How to read ebooks with the free Kindle app for PC

How to read ebooks with the free Kindle app for PC

If you enjoy reading on your Windows PC but don’t have a Kindle device, you’re in luck! Amazon offers a free Kindle app for PC that allows you to access over a million books from the Kindle Store, including bestsellers and new releases. With the Kindle reader for PC, you can read your favorite ebooks, as well as bookmark pages, highlight text, and add