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Hardware

Reviews, tutorials and articles about hardware components, laptops, smartphones, computers, and gadgets of all kinds. Learn how to manage your hardware and its settings.

Connect Windows 8.1 Devices With Mini DisplayPorts to HDMI Displays

Surface and Surface Pro tablets from Microsoft do not have an HDMI port and it isn't very obvious how to connect them to an external monitor. The same is true about many other Windows 8.1 devices, including laptops and tablets created by HP, Dell or Lenovo. All these modern devices do have a Mini DisplayPort that you can use for connecting them to all kinds of displays and projectors that

Does ReadyBoost Work? Does It Improve Performance for Slower PCs?

The theory behind ReadyBoost is that it helps speed up older computers with low amounts of RAM memory. However, nobody knows how much of an impact this technology has, so we decided to make our own measurements and learn whether ReadyBoost has a positive impact or not. Read on to learn what we have found: [DC-SUMMARY-BREAK] The PCs Used for the Test Comparison We used three hardware configurations for these

What are ReadyBoost & SuperFetch? How to Use Them in Windows

ReadyBoost is a component of Windows operating systems, that was first available in Windows Vista. Its purpose is to help the SuperFetch service in making your system run smoother, by using a fast USB flash drive that helps reduce number of read and writes to your hard drive. If you would like to learn what SuperFetch and ReadyBoost are and how they work together, don't hesitate to read this article.

Stop Autocorrect & Keyboard Sounds While Typing on a Windows 8.1 Tablet

Are you using a Windows 8.1 tablet like the Surface 2 or a hybrid device with a touch screen? Then, while typing, you might have noticed some issues with the way the touch keyboard works in Windows 8.1. If that's the case for you, then read this guide on how to set up the touch keyboard, so that it works the way you want to. [DC-SUMMARY-BREAK] Go to PC Settings
tutorial Set Windows 8.1 Apps that May Use the Webcam, Microphone & other devices

Set Windows 8.1 Apps that May Use the Webcam, Microphone & other devices

Another useful new feature in Windows 8.1 is that you can set in detail which apps can use devices like the webcam, microphone and others. This tutorial shows how this configuration is performed. As you will see, it is very quick and painless. :) NOTE: The settings detailed detailed in this tutorial apply only to apps from the Windows Store. Desktop applications are

Introducing Windows 8: How to Add or Remove Devices from PC Settings

Did you know that Windows 8 also offers a new way to add and remove devices connected to your computer? On top of the tools that exist in Windows 7 and earlier versions of Windows, now there is also a Devices section in PC Settings that makes it real easy to add and remove devices. In this tutorial you will learn how it works. [DC-SUMMARY-BREAK] How to Open the Devices

The Geek's Way of Managing Printers - The Print Management Console

Have you heard about the Print Management console in Windows 7 and Windows 8? I did but I ignored it blissfully for years. Until recently when, by chance, it stirred up my attention. I began to use it and I loved it. Therefore I decided to share what I have learned with our readers and show a better way to manage your installed printers and drivers. [DC-SUMMARY-BREAK] Where to Find

Dual-Monitor Annoyance: Mouse Pointer Drifting to The Other Screen

Having a dual-monitor configuration gives you a pretty good productivity improvement but introduces a few annoyances you don't have when working on a single monitor. For example, it is more likely for your mouse cursor to slip to the second screen when all you want to do is close the active application window or press the Show Desktop button on the taskbar. How do you fix this? We've got a

How to Stop the Shut Down Procedure from Completing

Does it happen that sometimes, you remember that you need to do one more thing, just as soon as you hit the shut down button? Would you like to find a way to stop the shutdown procedure from completing? Luckily, we have some solutions that can help. Here are the ways you can stop a Windows shut down from completing. [DC-SUMMARY-BREAK] Stop the Shut Down From a Shortcut If you