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Jon Martindale

Jon Martindale

Computing Coordinator

Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to guides, best-of lists, and explainers to help everyone understand the hottest new hardware and software in desktops, laptops, and on the web.

Jon also writes for Forbes, Lifewire, and Microcenter, has authored two novels, and provided back story and dialogue for a handful of games.

 

The new MacBook Pro seen from the side.

Laptop buying guide: what to look for in 2024

If you're unsure about what you need in a laptop, this laptop buying guide can help. In our breakdown, we'll explain specs, pricing, model types, and more.
Computing Guides
Pads on the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

How to stress test your CPU to its limits — and why you should

Stress testing your CPU is a great way to make sure it's running as best it can and that its well cooled. Here's how to do just that.
Computing Guides
Person sitting and using an HP computer with Windows 11.

How to open RAR files on Windows and Mac

Much like zipping, a RAR file compresses several files using WinRAR software. Here’s how to extract RAR docs and media on both Windows and macOS.
Computing Guides
Windows 11's Phone Link on a Dell XPS Laptop.

How to change your IP address on Mac and Windows

Changing your computer’s IP address isn’t complicated, but it involves more than a single step. Here’s how to do change your address in both Windows and MacOS.
Computing Guides
The Lenovo IdeaCenter Gaming 5i Gen 7 gaming PC with a monitor, keyboard, and headset.

How to reset graphics drivers in Windows 11

Are you having issues with your Windows 11 graphics? A simple reset of your drivers could put a pin in this pesky glitch. Here’s how to do it.
Computing Guides

How to safely overclock your Intel or AMD CPU

Knowing how to overclock your CPU is essential for any PC enthusiast. We've gathered step-by-step instructions for AMD and Intel so you can overclock your CPU.
Computing Guides
Intel's 14900K CPU socketed in a motherboard.

What is thermal throttling and how does it affect frame rates?

Thermal throttling is what happens if your PC gets too hot. It slows itself down to prevent permanent damage. Here's how you can prevent both.
Computing Guides
Infinix Zero 30 5G Android phone in gold color with ChatGPT virtual assistant.

GPT-4 vs. GPT-3.5: how much difference is there?

Does one use ChatGPT-4 or GPT-3.5? Both versions of the OpenAI chatbot are great, but what are the differences? Let’s find out!
Computing Guides
A person using an Acer Chromebook 14.

Chromebook vs laptop: Which are the differences?

What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop? Which one is better for you? In this guide, we'll go over the reasons to buy one over the other.
Computing Products
The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 memory for AMD Ryzen 7000.

DDR5 vs. DDR4 RAM: Is DDR5 worth it?

DDR5 stands as the contemporary RAM standard for modern PCs. However, the question remains: Between DDR5 and DDR4, which one is better?
Computing Guides
Apple iMac with Retina 5K Display review hand on mouse

The best Mac keyboard shortcuts for 2024

Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to improve your efficiency and productivity using a Mac. Here are our favorite Mac keyboard shortcuts and how to use them.
Computing Guides
Gaming PC on a desk.

I keep my PC on the floor, and you can’t convince me otherwise

Should you mount your PC on your desk or put it on the floor? What about hiding it inside a desk cupboard? They all work, but some may work better than others.
Computing Features
Windows 11 set up on a computer.

How to change file associations in Windows 11

If you’re tired of Windows opening files in the wrong apps, changing file associations may fix the problem. Here’s how to do it.
Computing Guides
How to force quit on a mac

How to force quit on a Mac

If an app gets stuck on MacOS, you can always force it to quit so you can get back to what you were doing. Follow these steps to fix the problem in no time.
Computing Guides
A person using MS Word.

How to delete a page in Word (including a blank page)

If you need to know how to delete a page in Word, this guide will show you tricks for deleting pages at the end, in the middle, and anywhere else.
Computing Guides
The Microsoft Teams Communities features is now available for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family.

How to change your background in Microsoft Teams

In addition to its many video conferencing tools and features, Microsoft Teams will even allow you to change the background of your calls. Here’s how.
Computing Guides
Fortnite man.

Fortnite performance guide: best settings, fps boost, and more

Fortnite is a super fast-paced game and your PC needs to be fast enough to keep ahead of the storm. Here are the best settings to boost Fortnite performance.
Computing Guides
How to clean a laptop screen

How to clean a laptop screen without scratching it

Over time, dirt and dust build up on your display, which can then leave grimy, ugly deposits. Here's how to clean a laptop screen safely for a clearer view.
Computing Guides
bitcoin

The best Bitcoin wallets to hodl, trade, and exchange crypto

Whether you want the convenience of online storage or the security of a hardware wallet, these are the best Bitcoin wallets you can use in 2024.
Computing Guides
Faux bitcoin coin on a laptop.

How to buy Bitcoin

In this guide, we teach you how to buy Bitcoin for the first time, from finding the right wallets and exchanges to spending Bitcoin in a smart, efficient way.
Computing Guides
Exhaust fan in PC case.

PC airflow guide: How to position your fans for best cooling

The placement, position, and orientation of your PC's cooling fans matters. Here's our guide on the best way to configure your fans for maximum performance.
Computing Guides
Reading book on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

How to export a Word document to Kindle

Ever wanted to analyze a Word document on your ebook reader? It's easier than you think. Here's how to export a Word doc to your Kindle.
Computing Guides
Side view of a laptop on a desk.

The best free photo-editing software for 2024

Don't want to pay a monthly subscription for Photoshop? We don't blame you. Check out our list of the best free photo-editing software you can use right now.
Computing Guides
An SSD installed in a PC motherboard.

SSD not showing up in Windows? Here are some easy fixes

Is your new SSD failing to register on your Windows PC? Here’s a few troubleshooting and repair methods you can try.
Computing Guides
Apple AirPods Pro Second Gen charging case with USB-C.

How to connect AirPods to your MacBook

Pairing your AirPods or AirPods Pro to your MacBook is one of the best handshakes your machines will ever make. Here’s how to get yours connected today.
Computing Guides

How to use iMessage on Windows

Apple's iMessage chat app might be an Apple exclusive, but that doesn't mean you can't use it on Windows. Here's how to do it.
Computing Guides
Alienware OLED monitor OSD settings.

How to use your monitor’s overdrive setting (and why you should)

Your monitor's overdrive setting is almost certainly worth turning on to improve motion clarity. Here's how to do it.
Computing Guides
Composite image of generative fill and background in photoshop.

How to Use Generative Fill in Adobe Photoshop

The generative fill feature in Adobe Photoshop is a game changer for Photoshop users looking to save time. It's really impressive. Here's how to use it.
Computing Guides
how to use pc monitor as tv wallmountmonitor

How to use a PC monitor as a TV

You can use a TV as a monitor, so why not a monitor as a TV? It's very straightforward to watch TV on your monitor, but there are some unique considerations.
Computing Guides
A close up of a person's hands typing on a laptop.

How to copy and paste on Windows, Mac, and Chromebook

Here's how to copy and paste in just a few quick steps, whether you have a Windows or macOS machine, prefer using a keyboard, or would rather just use a mouse.
Computing Guides
A close up of a MacBook Pro and its display.

How to fix a dead pixel on your monitor or smartphone

Whether it's a stuck pixel or a dead one, there are a few tricks you can try. Follow these steps and get your monitor or screen back to pristine condition.
Computing Guides
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D installed in a motherboard.

The best motherboard for the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is cheaper than you think

The Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the best gaming CPU out there, so it deserves a great motherboard. But it doesn't need the absolute best. These ones are perfect fits.
Computing Guides
A man sits, using a laptop running the Windows 11 operating system.

How to pin a website to the taskbar in Windows

The Windows Start Menu and its taskbar are good for programs, but pinning websites is tricky. Learn to access sites via taskbar on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Computing Guides
Lunar Lake CPU die.

Everything we know about Lunar Lake, Intel’s big next-generation chips

Intel's Lunar Lake is a mobile-first generation of energy efficient CPUs that may well launch before the end of 2024. Here's what we know so far.
Computing Guides
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