here's the thing
  • how-tos
    • iOS (iPhone & iPad)
    • Android phones
    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Facebook
  • categories
    • Phones
    • Tablets
    • Laptops
    • Social networks
    • Privacy
    • Online security
  • about
    • About us
    • Community policy
    • f.a.q.
  • tech deals
  • ask ben
Select Page
Mac/Windows tip: Tough time with key combos? Try “sticky” keys

Mac/Windows tip: Tough time with key combos? Try “sticky” keys

by ben patterson | Jun 16, 2015 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

Having a hard time maneuvering your fingertips around multi-key combinations like CONTROL + ALT + DELETE (for launching the Windows Task Master) or COMMAND + SHIFT + N (to create a new Mac desktop folder)? Join the club. Luckily, both Windows and Mac systems come with...
Mac/Windows tip: Frozen program? Here’s how to force it to quit

Mac/Windows tip: Frozen program? Here’s how to force it to quit

by ben patterson | Jan 12, 2015 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

Raise your hand if you hate the spinning beach ball! Yep, I’m talking about all those times when your computer mouse turns into a spinning blue disc (on a Windows PC) or a multicolored beach ball (on a Mac), just as the program on your desktop comes to a...
Windows tip: Slow startup? Your startup programs may be to blame

Windows tip: Slow startup? Your startup programs may be to blame

by ben patterson | Dec 1, 2014 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

So, wondering why your new Windows 8 PC is taking so long to start up in the morning? The culprit might be one of your startup programs—that is, programs on your hard drive that launch the moment you hit the power button. The Windows 8 Task Manager has a nifty feature...
Windows tip: Trying to type letters with accent marks? Try this download

Windows tip: Trying to type letters with accent marks? Try this download

by ben patterson | Oct 6, 2014 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

A few weeks ago, I wrote a couple of columns on how to type letters with accent marks. Turns out it’s pretty easy on a Mac, but not so much on a Windows PC. Typing accent marks on an iMac or MacBook is a simple matter of holding down a letter key. But if you...
Mac/Windows tip: Create a “recent files” folder on your desktop

Mac/Windows tip: Create a “recent files” folder on your desktop

by ben patterson | Sep 3, 2014 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

Ansley writes: When I went to my hard drive, there was always an option to open a folder only with items from today or this week. Now it’s gone! I used this a ton to find documents that accidentally saved to the wrong place on my computer. How can I get this folder...
Windows 8 tip: 7 gotta-know keyboard shortcuts

Windows 8 tip: 7 gotta-know keyboard shortcuts

by ben patterson | Aug 13, 2014 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

Even though Windows 8 was designed with touchscreens in mind, there are still plenty of clever ways to zip around the new Windows using nothing but your keyboard. Read on seven of my favorite Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts, including one that’ll help you return to the...
Windows 8 tip: Boost those too-tiny font sizes on your desktop

Windows 8 tip: Boost those too-tiny font sizes on your desktop

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

I’ve already written about the handy Windows magnifier, which lets you zoom in on any itty-bitty thing on your PC’s display. But what if the title bars, icon labels, and other tiny bits of desktop text are constantly making you squint? Yep, there’s a...
Windows tip: How to open a file or folder with a single click

Windows tip: How to open a file or folder with a single click

by ben patterson | Jul 14, 2014 | desktops, how-tos, laptops

Call me lazy, but I often heave a tiny sigh whenever it’s time to double-click a file, folder, or shortcut on my Windows desktop. Indeed, I much prefer clicking the buttons in the toolbar, which spring to life with a single click. So, is it that much harder...
« Older Entries

Subscribe to our free newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive our latest tips and how-tos.

Thank you! Please check your e-mail inbox for an opt-in confirmation.

  • how-tos
  • deals
  • about
  • f.a.q.
  • ask ben
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • RSS
© 2011 - 2019 here's the thing | privacy policy | terms & conditions