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Productivity

What does it mean to use technology productively? How do you use devices and computers with Windows, Android, or iOS? Which gadgets make your work easier? How to personalize the operating system and the gadgets that you are using?

Simple Questions: What is the Public Folder & How to Use it?

Simple Questions: What is the Public Folder & How to Use it?

The Public folder was first introduced in Windows Vista and it has appeared in every version of Windows since. It is not much of a feature - just a folder with a slightly special setup that can be useful in certain scenarios. To help you understand what the Public folder is, how to use it, and when it is useful to use it, we created
The Microsoft Wedge Touch Mouse Review - Is it Worth Buying?

The Microsoft Wedge Touch Mouse Review - Is it Worth Buying?

I've never been a fan of trackpads. I wanted to find a good mouse to attach to my netbook so I could turn off the trackpad and type in peace. I've been experimenting with Microsoft mice (is the plural of a computer mouse "mice" or "mouses" or what?) and this is the first of a series of articles about the quest for the perfect mouse.
Introducing Windows 8: How to Use the Camera App to Record Videos

Introducing Windows 8: How to Use the Camera App to Record Videos

On the Windows 8 Start screen you will find a small tile named Camera. It is a shortcut to a little Windows 8 app that can be used to record videos or take pictures. Even though its interface is very simplistic, it is not that easy to understand how to set it up and use it to record videos or take pictures. That's why I
What to do When Windows 8 Says Your Genuine Product Key is Not Valid?

What to do When Windows 8 Says Your Genuine Product Key is Not Valid?

If you installed Windows 8 on a computer and you then changed its hardware configuration (e.g. upgraded the processor, memory or other important components), it can happen that Windows 8 no longer accepts the product key bundled with your original installation disc. This happens also when you buy a new computer and you install the Windows 8 edition you purchased and stop using the old
How to Schedule a Virus Scan with Windows 8's Built-In Antivirus

How to Schedule a Virus Scan with Windows 8's Built-In Antivirus

If you've spent any time looking at Windows 8's Defender interface, you've likely noticed that it doesn't include any options for scheduling a scan. While Windows Defender provides most of it's protection in real-time, if you're like us, you'll want a back-up scan occurring regularly. Though the user interface does in fact omit a simple way to schedule a scan, this option exists within the
Introducing Windows 8: The Complete Guide to the Messaging App

Introducing Windows 8: The Complete Guide to the Messaging App

Chatting has become a very large part daily computer usage for many people. Whether messaging on Facebook or with a chat client, you've likely spent a significant amount of time messaging with friends back and forth. Using separate clients to chat with contacts can get annoying, so Windows 8 has taken a step to try and make it easier. The Messaging app allows you to
Introducing Windows 8: How to Manage Your Mail App's Inbox & Messages

Introducing Windows 8: How to Manage Your Mail App's Inbox & Messages

While we've already covered the basics of configuring and using the Windows 8 Mail app in quite a few guides, there's more to it. Once you've got your accounts set up and you're receiving emails you may want to dig into the intricacies of this useful app. At first glance you may think there isn't much more to the Mail app than folders and inboxes.
Introducing Windows 8: How to Configure Mail App Accounts

Introducing Windows 8: How to Configure Mail App Accounts

When adding accounts to the Windows 8 Mail app, most of the account settings are configured automatically. For most providers all you'll need to do is enter your email address and password to get the account configured, synced and functional. While this is preferable to many users, some would rather take a firmer hand with their account configurations. If you fall into this group, read
The Complete Guide to Pinning Everything to the Windows 8 Start Screen

The Complete Guide to Pinning Everything to the Windows 8 Start Screen

The new Start screen is by far the most controversial feature in Windows 8. Personally, I view it as a glorified full-screen app launcher, which makes it easy to start any app you want. But, until you see things my way, you will need to learn how it works, experiment and work with it for a while. To help you become productive, I would like
The Windows 8 Customization Guide for the Traditional PC User

The Windows 8 Customization Guide for the Traditional PC User

Even though Windows 8 is hybrid in nature, it doesn't mean you cannot use iton traditional desktops and laptops. It works just fine and, most times, faster than Windows 7. But Windows 8 does things quite differently from what you may have been used to in previous versions of Windows. You will need to experiment, and you will probably want to do more customization than
How to Use the Action Center in Windows 8 to Keep the PC Running Smooth

How to Use the Action Center in Windows 8 to Keep the PC Running Smooth

In a previous article we talked about Action Center in Windows 8, its general features and improvements and we also covered the Security checks made by it to keep Windows 8 secure. Today we will take a detailed look at the Maintenance role of the tool and all its new elements and features in this area. Which Maintenance Aspects are Monitored by Windows 8?
Reviewing the LifeCam Studio - Microsoft’s Top HD Webcam

Reviewing the LifeCam Studio - Microsoft’s Top HD Webcam

Recently I have found myself in need of an HD webcam. I did a bit of research, found a few models and ended up picking the Microsoft LifeCam Studio due to the unrivaled driver support offered by Microsoft for its devices. But was I wrong to choose this webcam? Does it really deliver HD quality? Does it work well? Let's find out from this review.
The Desktop Tile Missing from the Start Screen? How to Add it Back

The Desktop Tile Missing from the Start Screen? How to Add it Back

It can happen that your Desktop tile is gone missing from the Start screen. Accidents happen and you will want to have it back. Fortunately, Windows 8 makes it easy to add its tile back to the Start screen. Here's how: How to Add the Desktop Tile to the Windows 8 Start Screen The Desktop tile shows your current wallpaper and, by default is
Introducing Windows 8: The Complete Guide on How to Use the People App

Introducing Windows 8: The Complete Guide on How to Use the People App

Most of our web savvy readers likely have more than one contact list. One for each email account, one for each social networking account and maybe even more. While that may seem like an accomplishment in this digital age, isn't it really annoying? If you have ever tried to email a person only to find that their address is stored in a contact list you
How to Sort & Manage Contacts in the Windows 8 People App

How to Sort & Manage Contacts in the Windows 8 People App

After you've added your email and social networking accounts to the People app, you may find that your list of contacts is getting a bit unruly. Even sorted by name and including pictures may not be enough to help you find the person you need quickly. Luckily, the Windows 8 People app has a number of built-in ways to help filter, sort and search through
How to Use the People App to Manage Social Networking Accounts

How to Use the People App to Manage Social Networking Accounts

Essentially, the Windows 8 People app is an all-inclusive contact list. You add your various accounts and the app stores contact information for everyone you know, regardless of whether they're an email contact or a Facebook friend. While that is useful enough on its own, the People app doesn't end there. It's also a window into your social networking life allowing you to view notifications,
Introducing Windows 8: How to Manually Add and Edit Contacts in People

Introducing Windows 8: How to Manually Add and Edit Contacts in People

When working with the Windows 8 People app, your contacts will typically be entered in bulk lists by adding your social networking accounts and email accounts. Their information will all be added automatically, you'll only have to type your usernames and passwords. However, times will arise when you'll need to manually add, alter or combine entries to keep things organized. Perhaps you have a new