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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 11 system requirements: Can you run it?

Windows 11 system requirements: Can you run it?

Windows 11 introduced much stricter hardware requirements than its predecessor, Windows 10, and those have also increased slightly with recent updates. As of the Windows 11 version 24H2 release (the “2024 Update”), Microsoft adjusted the minimum specs required to run this operating system. In this article, I will show you the Windows 11 minimum requirements (including the changes introduced by version 24H2), detail the
review ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI+ review: A mini PC with an eye-catching E Ink display

ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI+ review: A mini PC with an eye-catching E Ink display

Creating compact computers that offer outstanding performance is a challenging endeavor. The limited space affects how much hardware can be incorporated, the level of noise produced, and overall power consumption. However, ASUS has successfully impressed us with its NUC 14 Pro lineup, providing good performance in small, quiet, and energy-efficient packages. Devices like the new ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI+ also introduce innovative features,
tutorial How to download Google Chrome (32-bit, 64-bit, MSI, PKG/DMG, etc.)

How to download Google Chrome (32-bit, 64-bit, MSI, PKG/DMG, etc.)

If you download Google Chrome from places other than its official website, you might download the wrong version, with bundled extras you might not want. For example, you may have Windows 10 on 64-bit and install Chrome on 32-bit, which won’t deliver you as good performance as the 64-bit version. In case you’re using an older version of Windows, like Windows 7, you probably
review GIGABYTE X870E AORUS MASTER review: Powerful and expensive

GIGABYTE X870E AORUS MASTER review: Powerful and expensive

Building a high-performance PC can be both thrilling and challenging, especially if you’re aiming for the latest hardware innovations. One key component that often determines your system’s capabilities is the motherboard. In this review, the GIGABYTE X870E AORUS MASTER takes center stage, combining the advanced X870E chipset with robust power delivery, an abundance of expansion slots, and next-generation connectivity. If you’re a content creator
tutorial How to zoom in and out of a web page in Windows

How to zoom in and out of a web page in Windows

There are several ways to optimize the web browsing experience on your Windows PC. One effective method is zooming in to make text, images, and icons larger on the web pages you want to read. This can be especially helpful if your eyes are tired or your screen resolution isn’t ideal. However, at some point, you may need to zoom out of a web
article Giveaway winners: Windows 11 All-in-One For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Giveaway winners: Windows 11 All-in-One For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Hi, everyone! I just received the author copies of my latest book, Windows 11 All-in-One For Dummies, 2nd Edition. The book has just launched, and its content is fresh and useful to all Windows 11 users, whether you're an experienced user or a beginner. Since I have more copies than I can fit on my bookshelves, I thought it would be great to share
tutorial Do not disturb in Windows 11: How to turn it on or off

Do not disturb in Windows 11: How to turn it on or off

Whether you’re working, attending a virtual meeting, gaming, or simply trying to focus, constant notifications can distract you and interrupt your workflow. Luckily, Windows 11 provides a built-in Do not disturb mode to help you manage notifications effectively by silencing alerts while still keeping them accessible in the notification center for later review. This guide provides information about Do not disturb in Windows 11,
review AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D review: A powerhouse for creativity and gaming

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D review: A powerhouse for creativity and gaming

The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is the latest high-performance processor from AMD, featuring the company’s cutting-edge 3D V-Cache technology. Designed for content creators, power users, and gamers who demand the best, this CPU aims to push the boundaries of desktop computing. But does it fulfill its promises? Is it really the best processor you can find? In this review, I’ll go through my hands-on experience
tutorial How to open Settings in Windows 11 (17 ways)

How to open Settings in Windows 11 (17 ways)

When you want to change how Windows 11 looks and how your computer or device works, you must use the Settings app. Knowing how to open it is important, and many people prefer the easiest and/or fastest methods that allow them to be more productive, like using a keyboard shortcut, or a command they can run in the app they’re already using (such as
tutorial How to change the mouse and touchpad scroll direction in Windows 10

How to change the mouse and touchpad scroll direction in Windows 10

When you scroll on a Windows 10 laptop or desktop computer, the active window moves up or down by three lines. If you keep rotating the scroll wheel, Windows 10 continues scrolling by three lines in the direction you’re using. However, some people are uncomfortable with the default scroll direction offered by Windows 10 and want to invert it and make it similar to
review ASUS ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi review: Good performance for a bit less money!

ASUS ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi review: Good performance for a bit less money!

Designed for gamers, the ASUS ROG Strix B850-F Gaming WiFi features modern technologies such as PCIe 5.0, support for DDR5 memory, and Wi-Fi 7. At the same time, for a relatively small price, it offers a good-looking design with a splash of RGB and a straightforward, user-friendly layout. In this review, you’ll discover the strengths, weaknesses, and overall experience of using this motherboard in
tutorial How to change the mouse and touchpad scroll direction in Windows 11

How to change the mouse and touchpad scroll direction in Windows 11

By default, a computer mouse scrolls down three lines at a time in Windows 11. Therefore, the active app window goes three lines lower each time you roll the mouse scroll wheel downward. When you use a Windows 11 laptop with a touchpad, scrolling on the touchpad reverses the direction. Dragging down two fingers on the touchpad scrolls the active window upwards. If you
tutorial How to type using your voice in Windows 11

How to type using your voice in Windows 11

Did you know you can type in Windows 11 using your voice and turn your words into text? This feature, called Voice Typing, is available for free in all editions of Windows 11. It works with any app you can use to type text (Word, Notepad, PowerPoint) or any web-based app for text editing, including Google Docs. If you want to try it out,
review ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI review: The future of mini PCs includes AI acceleration

ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI review: The future of mini PCs includes AI acceleration

While Intel stepped back from producing Intel NUCs, ASUS took over the business and continues to innovate in this space, offering powerful and compact solutions for users who need a small PC without sacrificing speed or advanced features. In this review, I’ll be looking at the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI, a mini PC designed to handle both demanding everyday tasks and specialized artificial
tutorial How to restore the default location of user folders in Windows

How to restore the default location of user folders in Windows

Did you move the default user folders (Documents, Downloads, Pictures, etc) somewhere else? Did you change your mind and want them back to their initial location? Have you set up OneDrive, and you noticed that it changed the location of your Documents folder? Do you want to restore the default folder locations for Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, or other user folders? Then you’ve come
article What is Ctrl Alt Delete? What does Ctrl Alt Del do?

What is Ctrl Alt Delete? What does Ctrl Alt Del do?

Most Windows users have heard about Ctrl Alt Delete, or Ctrl + Alt + Del if you prefer. It’s one of the most famous keyboard shortcuts in the world. But what does Ctrl Alt Delete do, exactly? When would you use the Ctrl+Alt+Delete keyboard shortcut? And if you’re on a touchscreen device or using a remote desktop connection, how do you press it? In
news AMD & G42 will build a powerful AI computing center in France

AMD & G42 will build a powerful AI computing center in France

France’s president Emmanuel Macron recently announced a total of 109 billion Euros ($112 billion) in private investments in the artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. Shortly after, G42, a prominent AI technology group from Abu Dhabi, has also shared that it’s setting up a cutting-edge AI computing center in Grenoble, France. The project, announced at the AI Action Summit in Paris, will help French researchers and
review ASUS ZenScreen Duo OLED MQ149CD review: The dual-screen portable monitor

ASUS ZenScreen Duo OLED MQ149CD review: The dual-screen portable monitor

Recently, I have been testing an intriguing device: the ASUS ZenScreen Duo OLED MQ149CD. It’s a portable dual-screen monitor featuring dual 14-inch OLED panels, each with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. Portable and dual-screen? It doesn’t sound plausible, does it? Well, this monitor creates a combined 21-inch workspace, making it an excellent tool for productivity enthusiasts, creatives,