Guides about Operating Systems
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Windows is an operating system widely used for entertainment, work, school, and gaming. It has a worldwide appeal for offering a user experience tailored to your needs using premade or custom-built computers. At the same time, Windows is synonymous with viruses, malware, and other infections that plague its users daily. And constant Windows updates in the background often go ignored by many, causing more issues in the future. Some of the best Chromebooks on the market can be very appealing, and it's easy to see why some might want to switch to ChromeOS.
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Chromebooks run ChromeOS, a web-focused platform built around Google's cloud apps (Chrome, Gmail, and Docs, just to name a few). The best Chromebooks can do almost everything your regular Windows laptop can, including running Microsoft's productivity suite. The main difference is Windows and MacOS computers can download Microsoft Office (or Microsoft 365, as it's now called) apps, while Chromebook users are limited to Microsoft's web apps.
How to find your Wi-Fi password on your Android phone or tablet
Using a password manager makes this easier
If you're like most people, you probably kept the random password on the bottom of your home router. While that random password is pretty safe, it's probably pretty hard to remember. If you already have your login details on your Android phone or tablet, there's no need dust off and flip over your gateway.
How to turn on predictive back navigation on Android 14
The future of gestures on Android is here. Here's how to use it
Android 14 is full of new features, most found behind the scenes. A couple of years after Google gave us a new look for our favorite smartphones with Material You, the last two upgrades have focused on upgrading elements you might not think about every day. Security, privacy, and speed are three aspects that Android 14 excels at, but Google didn't stop there. A new addition to gestures could change how you think about swiping between apps on your new Pixel 8 Pro, but you need to activate predictive back gestures to see it in action.
How to set up Focus modes on iOS
Apple's Focus modes allow for unprecedented control over distractions. Here's how to use one
Are you feeling a bit distracted these days? Is a new remote work situation or job creating problems with task management? Apple added a productivity feature to iOS and related platforms called Focus. Focus allows you to customize certain modes for work, studying, or other activities to avoid distractions. If you haven't tried it, we recommend incorporating it into your most productive times. Focus is more useful than the usual sleep modes or just leaving messages on read.
How to drag and drop content from app to app on Android 14
Moving content between apps is easy — when you know how to do it
Android 14 is here, and while Google kept its best features exclusive to its Pixel lineup, plenty of new features are coming to your phone soon. While some of this update's best content is hidden behind the scenes, you'll find some crucial new tools perfect for multitasking, especially if you haven't upgraded to one of our favorite foldables. Whether you're rocking a Google Pixel 8 Pro or a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra running the One UI 6 beta, here's how to drag and drop between apps on Android 14.
How to use Google Photos as wallpaper on a Chromebook
It's time to replace your boring old wallpaper
Wallpapers make a surprising difference to your user experience and set the tone of your device. Whether you opt for a picture of your loved ones, an abstract design, your favorite band, or a scenic landscape, your choice of wallpaper can impact your mood. So, if you feel like you've outgrown your old desktop background, it might be time for a wallpaper refresh.
What is firmware?
Firmware helps manage all our electronics. Here's how it works, why it's different from software, and more
Along with the standbys "hardware" and "software," the digital world has long used a third description called "firmware." While firmware has been around for several years, it's not always clear to the average user what it refers to or how it differs from previous definitions for software.
How to set up Moto Gestures
Unlock the full potential of your Motorola phone by setting up Moto Gestures
Over the years, Motorola has consistently prioritized user-friendly features and tools that enhance the user experience. A shining example is Moto Gestures, a unique set of actions that allow users to access built-in features and tools more conveniently. Sometimes, without even touching actual physical buttons.
How to access Chromebook's Clipboard Manager
Quickly access recently copied items on your Chromebook
Chromebooks are quickly becoming a popular alternative to Windows laptops, PCs, and MacBooks. Whether for your home, school, or work, you can buy one of the best Chromebooks that suits your needs at affordable prices.
One of the biggest and most noticeable changes in Android 14 is the ability to customize your lock screen. This lets you make some small but fundamental changes to your lock screen that can improve its usability and aesthetics.
How to change ringtone on an Android phone
You don't need to check your phone when someone else's rings
You might be tired of hearing the same ringtone you've had for years since you last budgeted for a new Android phone. Most people don't realize you can change the default ringtone and assign a custom tune for your listed contacts. It's a handy feature when separating urgent work calls from personal ones. But that involves learning how to experiment with new ringtones while replacing the selected default. This short guide teaches you how to change your ringtone or load any custom tune from your phone's file manager.
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Chromebooks are more than enough to handle most people's computer needs. Even with its firm reliance on the Google Chrome web browser, you can do much more with the Files app and some solid Android apps. You're never stuck within the scope of a web browser. Whether you need to access files on your inbuilt storage or an external drive, this guide explains how to open files on ChromeOS.
5 Android 14 settings you'll want to change immediately
From your lock screen to new gestures, you need to change these five things after upgrading your smartphone
Android 14 is out now, and while a ton of new features are included in the latest version of the OS, we identified a few you should check out first. These will make the most significant difference to your Android 14 experience, which is substantially larger than Android 13.
How to share your location on Android
Your loved ones won't have to worry about where you are anymore
If your friends plan to meet up with you at a new hole-in-the-wall restaurant, they'll appreciate getting help with directions. But some spots can be tucked away at an obscure location, making them hard to find. Or maybe you're parked away from the building and can't find a suitable landmark for reference. While maps can help with navigation, sharing your real-time location is more accurate.
ChromeOS has come a long way from being a glorified web browser to a full-fledged operating system that's packed with great features. Chromebooks come in all shapes and sizes, including some great 2-in-1 laptops, which means there's a Chromebook for everyone. If you're interested in a Chromebook but aren't sure if you want to take the leap and buy one, install ChromeOS on a flash drive and try it on a computer you own.
What is Nearby Unlock and how is it different from Smart Lock?
Learn how the new Nearby Unlock feature differs from Android Smart Lock!!
Modern Android smartphones offer biometric security features, like fingerprint and face unlock, to provide an instantaneous and seamless unlocking experience. However, every once in a while, your smartphone asks you to enter your password, and it can be frustrating.
How to easily install the Android 14 QPR Beta on your Pixel
The Android 14 QPR Beta program is in full swing, here's how to become part of it
The Android 14 Beta Program is over. In its place, Google has already started testing Android 14 QPR1, the upcoming big update to Android 14 that will come to all the best phones in December 2023. It offers a ton of fun and interesting features already, no matter if you have the Pixel 7 Pro or another Google device. If you're curious to give it a try on your Pixel device before it launches, there is an easy way to install the pre-release version of Android 14 QPR 1 on your phone that feels almost like getting a regular system update.
How to sync your OneDrive files on your Chromebook
Google and Microsoft have teamed up to add OneDrive to your Chromebook's Files app
Chromebooks may have a reputation as not offering a full desktop OS. Still, Google's operating system has matured in recent years, with tons of great ChromeOS features and tricks to get the most out of your favorite Chromebook. For a long time, ChromeOS and Microsoft Office didn't get along as well as they could have. While you can easily access your Google Drive in the ChromeOS Files app, the same can't be said about Microsoft OneDrive. That's changing, so let's dive into how you can set up OneDrive to sync with your Chromebook's Files app.
How to manage your camera and mic permissions on your Android phone
Allow or deny app permissions with a few simple taps
Once again you've downloaded a new app on your trusty Android phone, but every time you open that app, it sends notification that states you must turn on camera and microphone permissions in the settings. Essentially, some apps don't function without enabling these (required) permissions. So you're stuck toggling on these permissions anyway. However, thanks to the continuous privacy and security updates from Android OS, you can now at least control how often and when it can be used. Other times, you may prefer to visit the permissions manager to rescind permissions from data-hungry apps. Either way, we recommend learning how to access the permission manager from the Privacy Dashboard. To help get you started, we will teach you how to manage your camera and mic permissions on any dependable Android phone.