Latest Laptops How-To
- 07 February 2013
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How-Tos: How to stop Windows 8 installing updates automatically
If you're running Windows 8 and you went with the recommended settings automatic updates will be switched on. This can be annoying so here's our guide to stopping Windows 8 installing updates automatically.
- 06 February 2013
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How-Tos: Install Windows 8 on a Virtual PC with VirtualBox
Instead of dual-booting two operating systems, why not try running one in a virtual machine? Mike Bedford explains how to run Windows 8 in Windows 7 using the free VirtualBox virtualisation software
- 31 January 2013
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How-Tos: Best things to do to keep a MacBook Pro running fast
Here are some of our best tips on how to keep your MacBook Pro running fast.
- 29 January 2013
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How-Tos: How to use London tube Wi-Fi
Here's everything you need to know about using the Wi-Fi internet at London Underground tube stations.
- 28 December 2012
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How-Tos: Wi-Fi doesn't work after Windows 8 upgrade
One reason for Wi-Fi problems in Windows 8 is lack of up to date software drivers, as our Helproom Editor explains.
- 20 December 2012
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How-Tos: How to clean your laptop's cooling fans
I've written about this subject in years past, but it's so important I feel obligated to repeat myself for those who might have missed it.
- 18 December 2012
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How-Tos: Use a RAM disk to speed up your PC for free
A RAM disk is an order of magnitude faster than a traditional disk drive. We explain how to speed up your web browser and other software for free by using your PC's memory as a disk
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How-Tos: How to fix a crashing PC
If you're struggling with a computer that crashes, it can be tricky to work out what's causing the problem. We show you how to find out what’s gone wrong and fix it - or get it fixed.
- 25 October 2012
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How-Tos: How to watch Microsoft Windows 8 launch live
Microsoft is preparing to launch its latest operating system so here's how to get live coverage of the Windows 8 event.
- 18 October 2012
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Video: How to use touchpad gestures in Windows 8 - Video
You don't need a touchscreen to get the most out of Windows 8. This video shows how a multi-touch trackpad on your laptop can utilise gestures to access a host of convenient shortcuts. Here's how to use touchpad gestures in Windows 8.
- 17 October 2012
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How-Tos: Using CDs and DVDs with a MacBook Air
Reader Steven Lange loves his new MacBook Air except for one little thing. He writes:
- 03 October 2012
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How-Tos: How to make MacBook sleep when lid is closed
When your MacBook is shut it should be in Sleep mode. It should draw almost no power and do next to nothing. But if it remains active with discs spinning and programs running you may have a problem. Here's how to make your MacBook sleep when the lid is closed.
- 27 September 2012
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How-Tos: Rescue data from a laptop with a broken screen
Our Helproom Editor explains how to go about rescuing files and folders from your laptop, if the screen is broken so you cannot see what you are doing.
- 04 September 2012
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How-Tos: How to find which hard drive fits your laptop
Here we give you a few tips and pointers to show you how to find which hard drive fits your laptop.
- 30 August 2012
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How-Tos: How to Replace Your Laptop Hard Drive
If your laptop's hard drive has gone down for the count, or if you want to swap it out in favor of something larger or faster (a solid-state drive can perk up a laptop's performance considerably), I have good news for you: Replacing a hard drive is usually a simple and straightforward procedure; and if things get tricky, our walkthrough will help you do the job safely and efficiently.
- 23 August 2012
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How-Tos: Problems with USB hub charging
Why your USB hub may not be charging your phone or external hard drive, and how you can solve that problem.
- 17 August 2012
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How-Tos: How to Add RAM to Your Laptop
One of the best ways to perk up the performance of an older laptop is by increasing its memory. Most of the time, the process of adding RAM is little harder than changing a light bulb. But not every laptop is easy to upgrade, and some modern thin-and-light units can't be upgraded at all--you have to buy the laptop with as much memory as you expect to need for its lifetime. Here's a primer to upgrading your laptop with additional RAM.
- 07 August 2012
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How-Tos: Laptops for Back-to-School: How to Make the Right Choice
It's back-to-school time, and retailers are inundating everyone with back-to-school specials, ads, email promos, and even direct-mail offers, all promising the best possible computer deal for your student. The problem is that many of these deals focus on some generic student, failing to address the needs or wants of individual students. Sure, the bargains often look attractive, but before you whip out your credit card, you should spend a little time with your student to figure out what they need.
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How-Tos: Zen and the Art of Laptop Maintenance
Keep a motorcycle in good condition, and it will last longer and serve you better. The same goes for computers--especially laptops, which suffer a lot of wear and tear during travel and daily use. To keep your laptop looking shiny and running well as long as possible, you should clean the chassis and perform some basic maintenance periodically. In this guide, you'll discover how to clean your laptop, keep the components tight and secure, evaluate the battery, and tidy up the operating system and hard drive to help increase performance.
- 30 July 2012
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How-Tos: Connect Android phone to Ad Hoc network
Android phones and Android tablets cannot connect to Ad Hoc networks, by default. Our Helproom Editor explains how to use third-party Ad Hoc enablers, as well as how to how to set up your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot and connect your laptop to it.
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Downloads
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HomeBank 4.5
Get your finances back in order with this powerful, but straightforward freebie.
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Run-Command 1.00
An extended version of the Windows Run box
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SynWrite 4.8.740
A compact but powerful source code editor and notepad replacement
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SugarSync for Android 4.0.0
Keep your files synchronized between your computer and iOS devices
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DiffImg 1.5.0
Highlight the differences between two images



