Latest PCs & Components How-To Stories
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How-To
How to Speed Up Your NAS With iSCSI
Want to access your network-attached storage drive a little faster? We explain how to configure and use an iSCSI target on a NAS server with Windows' built-in iSCSI initiator for fast access.Answer Line
Should I Turn Off Automatic Updates?
Westpark asked the Windows forum if it's advisable to turn off Windows' automatic updates.How-To
How to Partition Your Hard Drive to Optimize Performance
We explain how to speed up your PC with an advanced technique known as "short stroking," which involves finding the optimal partition size and the fastest parts of your hard drive's platters.How-To
Motherboard Port Guide: Solving Your Connector Mystery
Numerous connectors and pins live on your motherboard. We take you on a tour of the most commonly used slots, connectors, and pinouts.How-To
PC Tips: Use Sleep Mode to Save Money, Skip ‘Safely Remove’
Learn why using Sleep Mode is a smart idea and why selecting Safely Remove before unplugging a USB drive isn't strictly necessary.Hassle-Free PC
Use Google Voice to Send Text Messages From a Tablet
Like using GV for messaging on the desktop? You'll like its free and easy companion app as well.How-To
How To Make Your PC Distraction-Free
Whether you're weak-willed or a consummate multitasker in need of a little productivity boost, these apps and tips will help you stay focused on the task at hand.How-To
How to Buy a Router
Buying a router may not be at the top of everyone's to-do list, but a new model can mean the difference between enjoying Netflix in HD and seeing a grainy mess of substandard video.How-To
The Greatest PC Mysteries–Solved!
PCWorld's editors band together to solve the greatest PC mysteries! Find out why your PC beeps on startup, what a .dat file is, how USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 differ, and much more!How-To
How to Migrate From BlackBerry to Android
Whether you've persuaded your colleagues to take the plunge with you or are just striking out on your own, we provide a few essential tips for moving from a BlackBerry device to an Android handset.Answer Line
Back Up a Bootable CD or DVD
A41202813 asked the Answer Line forum for the best way to turn a bootable optical disc, like a CD or DVD, into a file that you could burn back into a bootable disc.How-To
Free Tools to Wipe Your Drives Securely
Properly clear off old data from a flash drive, hard-disk drive, solid-state drive, or hybrid hard drive–at no cost.How-To
RAID Made Easy
Wondering what RAID is all about, and whether using it will benefit your business? This primer explains all.How-To
How to Create a Bootable Mac OS X Flash Drive
Creating a bootable thumb drive that will run Lion and fit in your pocket is easy. This simple guide walks you through the necessary steps.Hassle-Free PC
Find Tablet-Friendly Android Apps with Tablified Market
An app that helps you find other apps? That's exactly what Tablified Market does. It's a must-have for owners of newer Android tablets.How-To
Improve Your Laptop’s Battery Life
Every laptop owner wants to maximize the time between battery recharges. Here's how to achieve that goal with a few basic hardware and software tweaks; as a bonus, they may improve your notebook’s performance, too.Answer Line
I Can’t Eject This Flash Drive (or External Hard Drive)
When CHIN3927 attempted to remove a USB external drive, Windows' wouldn't provide the Safe to Remove message. The Answer Line forum offered help.How-To
How to Benchmark Your Browser for HTML 5
Modern Web browsers on both mobile devices and PCs now support HTML 5, including HTML 5 canvas rendering. We show you how to get the most out of your browser with a little testing and tweaking.Answer Line
Can I Spread Wallpaper Across Multiple Monitors?
Roaddogg asked the Answer Line forum how to spread a single photo across two monitors as the desktop background (AKA the wallpaper)How-To
Turn your old iPad into a dedicated kitchen tablet
If you spend a lot of time at the stove, your old iPad could get a new life as a very useful kitchen tool. Here's how to set it up and what to consider when turning your iPad into a dedicated kitchen tablet.How-To
How to Protect Your Laptop
Follow our guide to safeguard your laptop, as well as the data that resides on it.How-To
How to Install a Sealed Liquid Cooler
The new generation of sealed liquid coolers make less noise, take up less space, and are easier to install than air coolers. Here's how to install one yourself.Answer Line
Windows 8: Two Operating Systems Barely on Speaking Terms
Ericuse165 asked people on the Windows forum what they thought of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. I offer my two cents.Answer Line
Will I Be Able to Activate XP after 2014?
Snorg asked the Answer Line forum if Microsoft will activate new Windows XP installations after the company stops supporting the operating systemAnswer Line
How Do I Back Up?
I keep telling readers to back up their hard drives. Starlla Dupert asked me how.BizFeed
Windows 8: Training Required
Windows 8 includes a more drastic graphical interface change than previous versions of Windows. Here are the top questions new users are likely to ask–and how to answer them.How-To
12 Ways to Make Your Online Profile Work for You
Proactively managing your online persona is a must if you're serious about your career.How-To
How to Overclock Your Graphics Card
Overclocking your graphics card will increase performance and potentially stave off an expensive upgrade. We'll show you how to do it.How-To
Multiple Ports on Your PC: What Do They Do for You?
The back of your PC is chock full of connectors and ports–USB isn't the only game in town. Here's a primer on ports.Answer Line
My PC Doesn’t See My Hard Drive
When Wendell tries to boot his PC, an error message announces a disk read error. It's as if his hard drive–with three year's worth of work on it–doesn't exist.Hassle-Free PC
Install an Old Laptop Hard Drive in Your Desktop
You might need an adapter or two, but it is possible to recycle those old platters. The question is, are you better off turning them into an external drive?How-To
How to choose a tablet for your business
Want to use a tablet for work so you can leave your laptop at home, or even replace your primary business computer? Here's what you need to know.
How-To
How to Reset Your Windows Password
Here's our guide to resetting your Windows password if you don't have access to a previously created password-reset disk.
How-To
How to clean your keyboard
Don't let your keyboard fall victim to errant crumbs and stains. Our guide offers some tips on keeping it tidy.How-To
How to Run Android Apps on Your PC
The BlueStacks Android App Player lets you run Android apps on your PC. We explain how to install it, how to transfer apps from your Android smartphone, and how to run them on a Windows system.
How-To
How to partition and format your hard drive in Windows
Whether you're installing a brand-new drive or wiping an old one clean, formatting a drive is a basic maintenance task you should know how to do. Luckily, Windows 7 and 8 make this pretty easy.How-To
How to Play PC Games on Your HDTV
You can take advantage of your high-powered gaming system to play PC games and classic console games at beautiful resolutions on your HDTV. Here's how to do it.How-To
Q&A: Restoring Hidden Icons, Okay to Uninstall Visual C++ Versions?
Answers to tricky questions: What to do when your icons are wiped out by a virus? Should you remove old Visual C++ versions?Answer Line
Best Way to Upgrade Vista to Windows 7
Wlpncp plans to upgrade his wife's PC from Vista to Windows 7. He asked the Laptops forum for advice.How-To
How to Set Up Intel Smart Response SSD Caching Technology
Intel’s Smart Response Technology can significantly accelerate system performance, without your having to spring for an expensive, high-capacity solid-state drive. Here's how to set it up.How-To
Turn a PC Into a DVR, Install Software Without a DVD Drive
Add an OTA tuner to turn your PC into a DVR, install software from a disc without an optical drive.How-To
How to Remove Preinstalled Software From Your New PC
Your new PC most likely came with a whole bunch of preinstalled apps and utilities you'll never use. Here's how to get rid of them.How-To
How to Play Final Fantasy VII in Windows 7
If you happen to own the PC copy of Final Fantasy VII, we can show you how to make it look and play better than ever before.Answer Line
Clean an Overcrowded Hard Drive
Arther needs to make room on his hard disk drive. He asked the Desktops forum for advice.BizFeed
Eight Easy Ways to Green Your Business
Whether you're eyeing a living wall or shopping for greener gadgets, these tips can help your small business save money and breathe easier.How-To
How to Install a CPU Cooler
A properly installed CPU cooler is essential to a stable system. We show you how to install CPU coolers on AMD and Intel processors to maximize cooling performance.Hassle-Free PC
New Computer? Clear Out the Junkware
If your new system came with a bunch of software you don't want, it could be slowing things down. Here's how to get rid of it.How-To
How to Buy a Tablet
Tablets are everywhere today–and many more are on the way. We tell you what to consider, before you buy.
BizFeed
Cell phone driving bans, state by state: Where you break the law
Each country and U.S. state has distinct rules governing the use of a mobile phone while driving. What are the rules where you're traveling? Keep this list for your next trip.How-To