UP

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?

tutorial 9 ways to open the Microsoft Store in Windows

9 ways to open the Microsoft Store in Windows

Whether you’re looking for a game to play with your friends or a program to help you with your job, Microsoft Store is a great place to download or buy apps for your Windows PC or your Xbox. In this article, we show you nine ways to access Microsoft Store in Windows 11 and Windows 10. Let’s start with the easiest method: 1.
tutorial What is the Local Group Policy Editor, and how do I use it?

What is the Local Group Policy Editor, and how do I use it?

The Local Group Policy Editor is a Windows tool most often used by IT administrators to quickly change settings for computers in a network. However, the Local Group Policy Editor also lets you control many settings related to your computer and the local user accounts. This article explores its functions, layout, and use cases. Read on to find out what the Local Group Policy
tutorial How to tell what Windows I have (11 ways)

How to tell what Windows I have (11 ways)

How do you tell which Windows you have? The answer to this question is not rocket science. It is not even a complicated thing to do. However, it is a question you may have to answer so that you receive technical support with a problem you have. If you have handled Windows devices before, the answer is only a couple of clicks away. On
tutorial How to open the Local Group Policy Editor in Windows

How to open the Local Group Policy Editor in Windows

The Local Group Policy Editor enables a power user to control a large number of settings in Windows. You can control the sign-in and shutdown processes, the features and the apps that users are allowed to access, and you can do so using a simple interface that offers lots of information. The tool itself is rather hidden from view and before using it, you
review Thermaltake A700 TG review: A larger-than-life computer case

Thermaltake A700 TG review: A larger-than-life computer case

We recently found ourselves needing a new computer case that would be larger than average, with great ventilation, and, preferably, a nice design. After a couple of weeks of researching, we stumbled upon a slightly older model from Thermaltake, namely the A700 TG. The company advertises it as having an elegant design, good cooling, and modular interior. We decided to buy one and, after
tutorial How to add or remove desktop icons (shortcuts) in Windows

How to add or remove desktop icons (shortcuts) in Windows

While shortcuts are useful, knowing how to add and how to remove icons from your desktop helps you avoid clutter and keep everything tidy. Showing only one icon by default, Windows 10 and Windows 11 appear to encourage a “clean” desktop, but you can add as many shortcuts as you want, as long as they fit on your screen. This tutorial illustrates how to
tutorial How to open Command Prompt when Windows doesn't boot (3 ways)

How to open Command Prompt when Windows doesn't boot (3 ways)

The Command Prompt is a powerful tool that you can use for various purposes, including troubleshooting and fixing problems with Windows. Starting it is easy if Windows is working correctly, but what do you do when Windows refuses to load? How do you "boot" to Command Prompt (cmd.exe) "from BIOS" to fix the issues that you’re having? Moreover, how do you open CMD in
review Kingston XS2000 portable SSD review: Fast and reliable!

Kingston XS2000 portable SSD review: Fast and reliable!

Nowadays, there are more and more portable solid-state drives coming out on the market. And Kingston is one of the major players in this niche. Recently, they launched a fast model called the XS2000, an external SSD that promises speeds of up to 2000MBps, small size and lightweight, and also IP55 certification against water and dust. Does it manage to offer everything it promises?
tutorial 18 ways to open Settings in Windows 11

18 ways to open Settings in Windows 11

The Windows 11 Settings app is the go-to place if you want to control how your operating system looks and works. While many of the methods to open Settings in Windows 11 are the same as in Windows 10, the app is quite different, offering a more elegant design and a better overview of the available options and menus. Read this guide to find
tutorial 9 ways to open PowerShell in Windows (including as administrator)

9 ways to open PowerShell in Windows (including as administrator)

Many IT professionals use PowerShell to manage Windows computers and devices and to execute administrative tasks of all kinds. Before you can use PowerShell in Windows 11 and Windows 10, you first need to know how to start it. That's why we made a list of all the methods available for starting Windows PowerShell, including running it with admin rights. Read on to learn
article Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 on 12th Gen Intel Core processors

Windows 11 vs. Windows 10 on 12th Gen Intel Core processors

The Intel Core processors from the 12th generation (Alder Lake) are looking like some of the best CPUs released by Intel in the last couple of years. The new architecture brews together powerful performance cores with slower but more efficient cores, promising to deliver top-notch overall performance. However, these processors need the help of the operating system to do that. As such, there should
review ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme review: A truly premium motherboard

ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme review: A truly premium motherboard

Intel recently launched the first 12 generation Core processors and their partners launched new motherboards based on the Z690 chipset too. One of the best is the ASUS ROG Maximus Z690 Extreme, a premium motherboard that comes with an “extreme” amount of features, bundled accessories, and components of the highest quality. Priced at well over 1000 USD, it promises top-notch performance for PC enthusiasts
review Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro review: Powerful mid-ranger

Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro review: Powerful mid-ranger

One of the first manufacturers that released Z690 motherboards to accompany Intel’s Alder Lake processors is Gigabyte. And one of the most interesting models they have in stores right now is the Gigabyte Z690 AORUS Pro, a mid-range option with a lot of features and excellent technical specifications. We’ve tested it for a couple of days, and, in this review, we’re going to tell
review Kingston Fury Beast DDR5-4800 review: Fast and furious!

Kingston Fury Beast DDR5-4800 review: Fast and furious!

With the launch of Intel’s 12th generation of Core processors, the time for DDR5 memory kits has started too. One of the first makers of DDR5 RAM is Kingston and, during the last couple of days, we had the chance to test their Kingston FURY Beast DDR5-4800 32GB (KF548C38) kit. It aims to deliver fast speed, excellent timings, and premium build quality. Find out
review Intel Core 12th Gen i7-12700K review: Back in the game!

Intel Core 12th Gen i7-12700K review: Back in the game!

Intel is finally coming to the market with its new Alder Lake processors, promising better performance and competitive prices, able to match and fight AMD’s rise from the last couple of years. One of the best CPUs they released is the Intel Core i7-12700K. With twelve cores, twenty threads, and a maximum turbo boost speed of 5.0 GHz, it aims to throw its hat
tutorial How to factory reset Windows 11 and remove everything

How to factory reset Windows 11 and remove everything

Do you want to know how to delete everything on Windows 11? Are you looking for the easiest way to wipe Windows 11 to factory settings? If you answered yes, then you’ve come to the right place. In this tutorial, we guide you through all the steps required to remove everything from Windows 11, which is essentially the same as clean installing Windows 11
tutorial How to set the default microphone in Windows 10

How to set the default microphone in Windows 10

In Windows 10, connecting a new microphone usually sets it as the default device for recording. However, if you constantly plug in various sound inputs, you might find that your usual microphone for Skype or Teams calls is not working anymore or that the default recording device is incorrectly set. In this tutorial, we explain how to check and set the default microphone in
review Review LG Gram 16: The champion of the ultralight laptops division

Review LG Gram 16: The champion of the ultralight laptops division

Ultrabooks have been around for a while, and many people love them because they’re lightweight and easy to carry. However, ultraportables usually have an important disadvantage: they’re small. Most ultrabooks come with 13 or 14-inch screens, and for some people, that’s not enough screen estate for productive use. And then comes the LG Gram 16 ultra-light laptop that offers a generous 16-inch screen while