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Browser tip: Set multiple “home” or “start” pages for your web browser

Browser tip: Set multiple “home” or “start” pages for your web browser

by ben patterson | Jun 24, 2014 | apps, desktops, how-tos, laptops, web browsers

Ever wish you could set more than just one home page for your favorite web browser? Well, you can. In fact, you can set any of the four major browsers—Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Safari—to load as many “home” or “start” pages as you like, all in separate...
Mac tip: 6 ways to make the most of the easy-to-forget Sidebar

Mac tip: 6 ways to make the most of the easy-to-forget Sidebar

by ben patterson | Jun 16, 2014 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

Open a folder—any folder—on your Mac, and you’ll see a thick gray column on the left side of the folder window. Meet the Sidebar, a list of shortcuts to “Favorite” file directories (like Applications, Music, and your user folder), “Devices” (like DVDs, iPods, and...
Windows tip: 3 more things the power button can do

Windows tip: 3 more things the power button can do

by ben patterson | Jun 10, 2014 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

Think PC power button on your Windows laptop of desktop only good for completely shutting down your system? Think again. You can set the PC Power button to put your computer into a gentle “sleep” mode, a deeper “hibernation” slumber, or even to do nothing at all....
Mac tip: 8 gotta-try features coming in OS X “Yosemite”

Mac tip: 8 gotta-try features coming in OS X “Yosemite”

by ben patterson | Jun 3, 2014 | apps, desktops, news

From its distraction-free “dark mode” to the (hopefully) hassle-free “Instant Hotspot,” the upcoming “Yosemite” update for iMac and MacBook users boasts a bevy clever, time-saving features. Read on for eight of Yosemite’s most...
Windows tip: 25 gotta-know Windows keyboard shortcuts

Windows tip: 25 gotta-know Windows keyboard shortcuts

by ben patterson | May 29, 2014 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

Want to take a hands-off approach when it comes to your mouse? You can manipulate windows, switch programs, lock your PC, and even navigate the new-fangled Windows 8 “Start” screen using nothing but your keyboard. Read on for 25 keyboard shortcuts that...
Mac tip: 20 of my favorite Mac keyboard shortcuts

Mac tip: 20 of my favorite Mac keyboard shortcuts

by ben patterson | May 21, 2014 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

Sure, I know how to reveal my Mac’s desktop with a simple swipe on my touchpad (courtesy of the Mac’s “Hot Corners” feature). But there’s something undeniably satisfying about doing the same thing by tapping a single key. Indeed, you can...
Windows tip: Tripped up by time zones? Add world clocks to your desktop

Windows tip: Tripped up by time zones? Add world clocks to your desktop

by ben patterson | May 19, 2014 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

So, wait—is Chicago just an hour behind New York, or is it two hours behind? No matter how often I check, I still can’t get it straight. Luckily, help is at hand, all thanks to the humble little clock on your Windows desktop. As it turns out, you can add one or...
Mac tip: Why you should back up your Mac with Time Machine, ASAP

Mac tip: Why you should back up your Mac with Time Machine, ASAP

by ben patterson | May 7, 2014 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

Sarah writes: Hear that whimper? That’s me. I used Clean My Mac to improve performance. I also decided (late at night) to clean up desktop. There was a folder labeled Copy Library iPhoto and decided I didn’t need a copy of iPhoto, so I trashed it. Yep....
Mac tip: 14 handy trackpad gestures you gotta try

Mac tip: 14 handy trackpad gestures you gotta try

by ben patterson | Apr 22, 2014 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

Want an easier way to zoom in on a web page, twirl a snapshot in iPhoto, sneak a peek at the desktop, or look up the definition of a head-scratching word? You can do all that and more with a simple swipe, “pinch,” or tap on your Mac’s trackpad. All 14 of these...
Windows 8 tip: View the taskbar anytime, even in a Windows 8 app

Windows 8 tip: View the taskbar anytime, even in a Windows 8 app

by ben patterson | Apr 10, 2014 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

Yet another barrier between the new Windows 8 “Start” screen and the good-old Windows desktop just melted away, thanks to a just-released Windows update. Until now, the familiar Windows taskbar, which (typically) sits at the bottom of the screen in the...
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