Make Tech Easier

Latest Windows 10 and 11 Update Problems and How to Fix Them

Sayak Boral — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 21:25:00 +0000

Windows 10 and Windows 11 have had their share of problems. The operating system had over 1200 security vulnerabilities just in 2022. Microsoft quickly moves in to fix many of these security holes in the system, so it’s essential to stay up to date. Yet, Windows updates can bring their own problems. This guide shows what to do when an update does more harm than good.

Note: if a problem here is marked as “FIXED,” it means Microsoft has rolled out an update that fixes the problem, and the solution is simply to make sure your system is fully updated. If a problem is not yet “FIXED,” then either read that entry for workarounds to that specific problem or scroll down the page for advice on how to roll back updates.

[Partially Fixed] July 11, 2023, Windows 11, Version 22H2, KB5028185

Problems: boot loop issues | failure to install errors with codes 0x80070002, 0x80248007, and 0x8007045b | longer startup times | flickering displays

Microsoft launched the July 2023 cumulative update well ahead of schedule. It’s aimed at bringing security improvements to... Read more

4 Creative Things to Do With an Old Mac

Charlie Fripp — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 19:25:00 +0000

Technology moves at an incredible pace, and it’s often challenging to balance the need for a faster gadget with your budget and the latest in consumer tech. If you have decided to upgrade your Mac, you may be wondering what to do with your old Mac. This guide offers a few options that won’t cost much to repurpose your old MacBook.

Tip: cannot decide which MacBook to get? Discover the key differences between a MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.

1. Use It as a Media Server

One of the best uses for an old laptop, whether a MacBook or Windows device, is to turn it into a media server. Several online options let you do this, but Plex is probably the most well-known.

While there is a paid option, a free Plex account gives you all the functions to set up a fully functioning media server from your old MacBook. Plex is compatible with movies, music, and photos... Read more

13 of the Best Free Notion Templates

Sandy Writtenhouse — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Notion is a free management tool that allows you to organize personal and professional projects efficiently. With distinct pages for individuals, business owners, freelancers, and others, you can get a jumpstart on most any type of task with free and customizable Notion templates.

1. Aesthetic Home Dashboard

The Aesthetic Home Dashboard is a template that compiles various pages for organizing calendar events, to-do lists, daily routines, tarot card databases, and horoscopes, among others.

It features a documentation block with pages for Weekend Plans, Shows and Movies, and Daily Routines, allowing users to stay updated on their queue of movies and keep track of watched movies.

Other notable features include a music playlist that streams directly from Spotify so that you can link your favorite playlist to your dashboard. It also has a to-do list that differentiates completed tasks from unfinished tasks, a wishlist, and a calendar to view upcoming events.

2. Notion Library

The Read more

DTS vs. Dolby Digital: Which Surround Sound Format Is Better?

Charlie Fripp — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 21:25:00 +0000

Surround-sound formats come in many standards. The two most popular, supported by a broad range of high-end audio systems, are DTS and Dolby Digital. The battle of DTS vs. Dolby sound is a hotly debated issue.

Some audiophiles argue that DTS is capable of delivering better sound quality than its counterpart, Dolby Digital. Others argue that Dolby Digital is far more advanced, and so is its sound quality. But which one of these two multi-channel sound formats is superior? Read on to find out.

Tip: learn how to use Dolby Atmos on Windows.

What Is DTS?

Previously known as Digital Theater Systems, DTS specializes in audio compression technology for Hollywood films and videos. The popular home theater audio format was developed in 1993 as a competitor to Dolby Labs in developing surround sound audio technology for movie production.

Image source: Unsplash

Whenever a gadget indicates that it incorporates DTS Digital Surround, the audio... Read more

How to Remove Bing Chat Button from Microsoft Edge and Windows Search

Siddharth Dudeja — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 19:25:00 +0000

Microsoft’s new Bing AI chat feature recently made its way into Microsoft Edge and Windows Search. As expected, not everyone likes this update, but you can disable it. If you don’t want to see the obvious Bing Chat icon every time you open Edge or search for something on Windows, this tutorial shows you how to remove it.

Good to know: want to start using Bing Chat with ChatGPT? We have you covered with this detailed guide.

Remove Bing Chat Button from Microsoft Edge

When the update that brought the Bing AI Chat button on Edge first rolled out, there wasn’t an option to natively disable the button. Fortunately, Microsoft added the option to disable the Bing AI “Discover” button in a recent Microsoft Edge update. Follow these steps to turn off the option:

Launch Microsoft Edge.
Click the three-dot menu icon on the top-right section of the window.
Select the “Settings” option in the pop-up menu.

9 Things to Consider Before Building a Gaming PC

Tanveer Singh — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Whether you plan to put together a gaming PC from scratch or upgrade an older system, you have more choices than ever before. Above all, remember that you’re building a PC for the unique ways you will use it. There are a few essential things you should keep in mind before you start ordering the parts.

Tip: those with a PC running an AMD Ryzen CPU can easily overclock their RAM using AMD Ryzen Master.

1. Budget

How much are you willing to invest in this endeavor? They say that you can never spend too much when building a PC. But fortunately, there’s always a way to maximize value for money with any budget.

Image source: Unsplash

Provided you have set aside at least $700 to $800 for your build, you can put together a decent mid-range 1080p gaming PC that can last you for years to come. Sure, you’ll need to make some tradeoffs, but a somewhat powerful machine is still... Read more

Best Indie Games You May Not Have Played Before

Tanveer Singh — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 05:25:00 +0000

With the rapid advancement of game development tools in recent years, the indie scene has exploded beyond anyone’s expectations. Maybe you’re bored of AAA titles or simply want to explore what the best indie artists have to offer. Either way, we’ve brought you the best indie games to play on PC so you can enjoy and appreciate some remarkable, if lesser-known, works of art.

Tip: if all you want is to get some free games to play on your PC, here are some of the best free games you can play on Windows.

1. Limbo

Limbo is, by far, one of the most unique games I’ve ever played. This black-and-white 2D platformer drops you into a mysterious forest after you’re separated from your sister. You explore the forest and solve increasingly difficult puzzles as you unravel the nature of your predicament. The game urges you to learn the behavior of different enemies and use the environment to solve the obstacles in your way.

6 Fixes for Touch ID Not Working on Mac

Sydney Butler — Sat, 29 Jul 2023 00:25:00 +0000

Have you found yourself in a pinch with Apple’s typically reliable Touch ID? We’ve all been there. Apple’s nifty MacBook fingerprint scanner does a fantastic job until suddenly, it doesn’t. This guide takes a look at six troubleshooting strategies for your Mac’s Touch ID, should it become unreliable or unresponsive.

1. Check Your Fingers

Check your fingertips, and make sure there is no debris on them that would prevent the Touch ID sensor from reading your prints. This could be a cut or other temporary wound, dirt, grime, or any number of things that can get between your whorls, ridges, and the biometric sensor. Make sure you haven’t had your hand in that bag of cheese puffs before attempting to unlock your Mac.

Image source: Unsplash

Tip: have other keys on your keyboard become unresponsive? We have several fixes for the escape key not working on your Mac.

2. Freshen... Read more

How to Disable TCP/IPv6 on Windows

Meenatchi Nagasubramanian — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 21:25:00 +0000

IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is a newer version of the Internet Protocol than IPv4. One of the key differences is the length of the IP addresses. IPv4 uses a 32-bit address and can generate up to 4 billion unique addresses, whereas IPv6 uses a 128-bit address and can generate 340 undecillion unique addresses. However, if IPv6 is causing problems, you can disable it and stick to IPv4 using any of the methods explained in this guide.

Good to know: is Wi-Fi not working on your Windows device? Learn what to do about it.

1. Turn Off IPv6 Using Settings

By default, Windows uses both Internet protocols: IPv6 and IPv4. However, you can disable IPv6 from the Network Adapter settings on your computer.

Click the Start button and the Settings app.

Click “Network & internet” in the left pane, and select “Advanced network settings” at the bottom of the right panel.

Get a Sensyne 10″ Ring Light with Tripod for Under $30

Laura Tucker — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 19:25:00 +0000

Whether you’re a social influencer, film instructional tutorials, or just like to look your best on video conference calls, a ring light can make all the difference. The Sensyne 10″ Ring Light with Tripod is extendable, features LED circle lights, and has a phone holder to leave your hands free to lead instruction or just enjoy a cup of coffee while you chat.

The right light includes a high-sensitivity touch panel with a longer life than what you would have with mechanical buttons. It allows you to adjust the color mode between cool white, warm yellow, and daylight and has 10 brightness levels. The color and brightness options will help all users but will work especially well for makeup tutorials.

The AC/DC adapter improves the brightness of the Sensyne 10″ Ring Light with Tripod by more than 50% over USB models. Extend the spring-loaded phone holder up to 5.3″ wide to fit nearly all smartphones, even if you leave your case... Read more

DeskIn Remote Desktop Review

Megan Glosson — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 17:25:00 +0000

Have you ever tried giving someone directions on how to fix a tech issue over the phone? It’s time-consuming, frustrating, and often leads to more problems than solutions. This is why many companies have started rolling out remote desktop applications: they let you “take over” and show steps on the other person’s screen in real time.

DeskIn Remote Desktop is just one of many options on the market. But does this app that promises to “fill the gap” where other remote desktop environments fail truly deliver? Let’s find out!

This is a sponsored article made possible by DeskIn. The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author, who maintains editorial independence, even when a post is sponsored.

What Is DeskIn Remote Desktop?

DeskIn Remote Desktop is a useful application that lets you manage devices remotely. Once the software is installed on each device you’d like to access, you can use it to perform various functions, such as installing software, transferring files, or shutting the device down. You can also group multiple devices together to... Read more

How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070643

Zainab Falak — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Windows error 0x80070643 is a common issue that users may encounter when attempting to install a new update on their Windows operating system. It typically occurs when installing security updates and is often related to corrupted files and issues with the Security app. This tutorial discusses the different troubleshooting methods to fix this issue for good.

Good to know: learn how to remove bloatware from Windows.

Basic Troubleshooting

Before moving on to the more issue-specific fixes detailed below, try these easy solutions that may solve the error without additional complications:

Run SFC and DISM scans: corruptions, errors and inconsistencies within the system are known to cause issues like the Windows update error. To check whether this is the case, we recommend running the SFC and DISM utilities via Command Prompt.
Update your drivers: when drivers become outdated or corrupt, they may not meet the requirements of security updates or may suffer from compatibility issues that can lead to installation failures. To address driver-related issues, you must update them regularly. You can... Read more

100% CPU Usage in Windows? Here’s How to Fix it

Farhad Pashaei — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:25:00 +0000

We’ve all been there. You turn on your PC, and instead of getting straight to work, you’re faced with horrific slowdown and loud-running fans. Hit Ctrl + Shift + Escape, and you will see that your CPU usage is inexplicably at 100%.

It’s a common problem that’s, luckily, not usually too hard to solve. Here are several fixes for the 100% CPU usage problem in Windows.

Reasons for High CPU Usage in Windows

There are many factors that can cause 100% CPU usage in Windows. You should try to find out the cause first before attempting to fix it.

Here are some of the reasons why your CPU gets overloaded:

Background Processes: Processes that are constantly running in the background can cause many problems. You should monitor hidden processes that are constantly running.
WMI Provider Host: The WMI Provider Host process is an essential part of the Windows operating system that helps organize, monitor, and troubleshoot different aspects of your computer. Sometimes it could malfunction and lead to various complications.
Malware Infection:... Read more

The Optimal CPU Temp for Gaming and How to Cool it Down

Khizer Kaleem — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 05:25:00 +0000

If you’re a frequent gamer, you should keep an eye on your CPU temperature. If left unchecked, excessive overheating can lead to performance issues and potentially damage your hardware. From updating your games to selecting low graphic settings, there are many ways to lower your CPU temperature while gaming. This guide discusses the optimal CPU temperature for gaming and provides practical tips on how to lower the temp.

Good to know: check out our tips on how to optimize gaming performance on Windows.

What Is the Optimal CPU Temp for Gaming?

The optimal CPU temp for gaming refers to the ideal temperature range at which your CPU operates efficiently and without the risk of overheating. As a general guideline, it is recommended to keep the CPU temperature between 65ºC and 80°C (149ºF and 176°F) during gaming sessions. Yet, a temperature that exceeds 80°C (176°F) descends into dangerous territory. In the case of a desktop gaming PC with an advanced cooling system and processor, normal CPU temperatures while gaming can be as low as 50°C (122°F).

8 Tips on How to Make Google Slides Look Good

Princess Angolluan — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:25:00 +0000

Expect your audience to not be very impressed if you have a generic Google Slides presentation. They’re used to seeing similar information online, and this makes it difficult for you to get through to them. Deliver your point effectively by learning how to make Google Slides more pleasing to the eye in this guide.

Tip: already have a great-looking presentation? Learn how to extract images from Google Slides or PowerPoint.

How to Make Google Slides Look Good

While the definition of a “good-looking presentation” is very subjective, there are some benchmarks that you can refer to. The following eight tips can improve the appearance of your Google Slides presentation:

1. Choose the Right Slide Layout

Position your photos and text at optimal locations on a slide so that your audience can read and consume the details you’re presenting without hassle. But where are these “optimal locations”? That’s where slide layouts come into play.

When you add a new slide to a Google Slides presentation, you have an option to choose... Read more

Best Hurricane Tracker Apps for Mobile

David Morelo — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 21:25:00 +0000

Hurricane season is here, and it’s time to ensure that you’re prepared. While stocking up on essentials and creating an evacuation plan is vital, staying informed about the storm’s path is equally important. This is where hurricane tracker apps come in. From real-time notifications to detailed maps, these apps bring the power of meteorological expertise to the palm of your hand. Keep this list handy, as it includes the best hurricane tracker apps for Android and iPhone.

Good to know: if you’re on an Android and facing danger, these are the apps to have in case of an emergency.

1. My Hurricane Tracker & Alerts

Price: Free with ads

Compatibility: iOS | Android

When a hurricane’s brewing, the last thing you want is to navigate a cluttered screen. That’s why our top pick, My Hurricane Tracker & Alerts, sports a clean interface with easy-to-understand tools for monitoring hurricanes, tornados, and more.

You can... Read more

Save 52% on a YOREPEK Travel Backpack, Extra Large, with USB Port

Laura Tucker — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:25:00 +0000

Going back to school and need to carry around too many books and your laptop? Or perhaps you’re planning on taking your laptop and other devices with you during your end-of-the-summer trip. You’ll want the YOREPEK Travel Backpack. This extra-large bag has a USB port, fits a 17″ laptop, and is TSA approved. Buy it now for 52% off, and if you do it soon enough, Prime members can still get it delivered today.

Inside the 18″ x 13.5″ x 6.5″ large capacity bag, there are three spacious sections, with one of them roomy enough for a 17″ laptop. Another one will fit your daily needs, such as a change of clothes, portable charger, etc. The front section has small pockets to hold pens, a stylus, and cords, with a special spot for your keys as well so that these items are always at hand. There are also two side mesh pockets for water bottles and similar items.

The YOREPEK Travel Backpack is TSA approved and can be fully unfolded 90 to... Read more

ALKAID LCD Light Curing Resin 3D Printer Review

Crystal Crowder — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 17:25:00 +0000

Thanks to more affordable 3D printers, you can easily print a wide variety of things right at home. The ALKAID LCD Light Curing Resin 3D Printer is one of the cheapest ways to get into 3D resin printing. Whether you’re a beginner or a hobbyist, it’s a user-friendly machine. I had the pleasure of trying the printer out for myself.

This is a sponsored article and was made possible by Geeetech. The actual contents and opinions are the sole views of the author, who maintains editorial independence even when a post is sponsored.

Overview of Features

The ALKAID LCD Light Curing Resin 3D Printer packs a surprising number of features into their printer for a price that’s just right.

To start, the printer focuses on improving print accuracy. The 6.08 in. 2K black-and-white LCD screen gives you an X/Y direction accuracy of up to 0.051mm. Plus, the Z-axis linear guide further improves accuracy for higher quality prints. It’s also self-aligning... Read more

How to Backup Your GPG Key in Linux with paperkey

Ramces Red — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:25:00 +0000

Paperkey is a command line program for Linux that allows you to export your GPG private key in a human-readable format. It works by removing the redundant parts of a private key and leaving only its critical secret bits.

This article will guide you through the process of installing and setting up paperkey on Ubuntu, and show you how to store your paperkey backup as a QR code and extract it during recovery.

Why Use Paperkey to Backup Your GPG Key

One of the biggest advantages of paperkey is that its format is often smaller than a regular PGP private key block. This makes it easier to manage and store in a variety of formats. For example, a paperkey backup is small enough that you can write it on a piece of paper.

As such, paperkey provides you with the opportunity to remove your PGP private key from any electronic device. While some devices today provide stellar “data at rest” encryption, keeping your data offline is still a reliable way to make your key inaccessible to bad actors.

How to Edit Your Videos Using YouTube Studio

Sayak Boral — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:25:00 +0000

There are plenty of video editors out there, and there are plenty of options you can use for Windows, Mac, or Linux. However, if you want to do a simple edit, they can be overkill. If you’re uploading your video to YouTube, why not use YouTube Studio, the platform’s in-house video editor? It’s sparse on features, but a very good option if you want to do bare-bones editing on a web browser.

Let’s explore how to edit your uploaded videos right inside YouTube using YouTube Studio.

1. Upload Videos to YouTube

To start, access the YouTube website, click on your avatar at the top right, and click “YouTube Studio.”

At the top right, click “Create,” which will open a dropdown menu with various options.