How to Deal With YouTube’s Monetization Changes

If you’re a YouTube vlogger or produce other types of content for the popular video site, you probably know that there has been a big change: It’s now far tougher to make money. For most big YouTubers, these changes won’t make any difference. But you’re not a big YouTuber. Few people are. So, how do these revisions to YouTube’s monetization rules hurt the “little guys,” or as we prefer to call them, “SmallTubers”? pic.twitter.com/EYfUlgew2z — ?Luna? (@lunacatte) January 19, 2018 More importantly, is there anything you can do? Is it the end of your time making videos, or is there...

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The Nintendo Switch Has Now Outsold the Wii U

The Nintendo Switch has already outsold the Wii U. And this is after just 10 months on sale. Having previously learned that the Nintendo Switch is now the fastest-selling games console of all time in the United States we knew it had started, but this statistic is still surprising. Nintendo has released its financials for 2017, and they show that the Switch is doing better than anyone could have imagined. The hardware has been flying off the shelves, and games such as Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe have followed closely behind. Nintendo Switches...

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5 Best Tools for Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is a feature-rich email client, but have you ever wanted a feature it doesn’t have? There are many third-party tools available, both free and paid, that add functionality to Outlook or improve existing functionality. Today we’ll cover five tools for the Microsoft Outlook desktop app for Windows that add some useful functionality or provide quick access to Outlook settings and features. 1. OutlookTools OutlookTools is a free toolkit for Outlook on Windows that provides quick and easy access to Outlook settings and data folders. You can also access some Windows tools in OutlookTools, like the Registry Editor and...

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How to Connect to a MySQL Database With Java

Java provides JDBC (Java DataBase Connectivity) as a part of the Java SDK (Software Development Kit). Using this API, it is very easy to connect to a relational database and perform common operations such as querying, inserting, updating, and deleting records. While the core JDBC API is included in java, connecting to a particular database such as MySQL or SQL Server requires an additional component known as the database driver. This database driver is a software component which translates the core JDBC calls into a format understood by that database. In this article, let us look at the details of...

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The Best Bullet-Based To-Do List Apps

Your bullet-based to-do list can be the ogre that overwhelms you. Or it can be the sprite that nudges you gently. Chronic finishers use them as fuel for productivity, chronic starters play hoops in the trashcan. Then again, you might be someone who doesn’t know where to start when the wizard called “Focus” isn’t around anywhere. May I recommend that you start with the simplest productivity system after the human will? The bullet-based to-do list qualifies. These to-do lists can be anything you want it to be. Make a to-do list a lifelong habit. Just call it an “Opportunities List”...

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Truly Free! 10 Quality Mobile Games That Are Free Without Ads

With our pocket computers these days, it’s easy to get work done anytime. But sometimes you need a break, and that’s when some mobile games come in handy. Most people enjoy video games in some way. While you may not be a hardcore gamer, there are casual games out there too. Games are a great way to take a rest from reality for a while. The only problem is that you have so many options to choose from, and premium games start to add up. If you’re on a budget, then you’re probably in search of high-quality, free mobile games....

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6 Niche Social Networks to Use Instead of Facebook

Social media takes up a massive chunk of the time we spend online, especially on our smartphones. But sometimes, the most popular social networks out there just don’t quite offer what we’re looking for. That’s where these alternative social media networks and apps come in. They’re places where you can meet more like-minded people and post about topics you don’t want to post on Facebook (such as fitness, or habit building). They’re places you can continue to post updates about certain areas of your life without your current friends and family always being notified about them. 1. PumpUp (For Health...

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How to Reset Photoshop’s Appearance Back to Default

One of the more overwhelming aspects about Photoshop for beginners is the sheer number of panels you have open, and how these panels can sometimes disappear. If a panel you’re used to working with has gone missing and you can’t figure out where it went, there’s a simple way to get Photoshop to look exactly how you’re used to. How to Restore Panels in Photoshop If it’s a matter of a missing panel, there’s a very simple fix to this. Let’s say the toolbar on the left has disappeared: just go to the Window option in the menu and make sure that Tools is checked. The...

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How to Use Kodi on Android Devices

Kodi is one of the best ways to enjoy your locally-saved videos, live TV, and even video-on-demand content. The app is available on all major desktop and mobile operating systems, with the exception of iOS. If you want to install Kodi on iOS, you’ll need to use a not-so-simple workaround. What about Android? Using Kodi on your Android device is a two-part process. Firstly, you need to install the app. Secondly, you did you make some tweaks to make it Chromecast compatible. After all, nobody wants to watch Game of Thrones on a five-inch display, right? Let’s take a closer...

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How to Change Your Xbox One Password and Add a Passkey

Need to change the password for your Xbox One? Perhaps you’ve just finished gamesharing on your Xbox and don’t want the other person to have your password, or you’re setting a stronger password to stay safe. On Xbox One, your Xbox Live login is tied to your Microsoft Account. Microsoft doesn’t provide a way to change your password directly from your Xbox One, but it’s still easy to do. Here’s how. How to Change Your Xbox One Password Open a browser and head to the Microsoft Account login page. If you want to do this from your Xbox, open Microsoft Edge...

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How to Protect Windows From Meltdown and Spectre Security Threats

So much for a new year meaning a fresh start. 2017 brought us security vulnerabilities such as WannaCry ransomware and the Equifax hack, but things haven’t got much better at the beginning of 2018. We had only just finished welcoming in the new year when the next security bombshell hit the headlines. And it wasn’t only one flaw, but two. Nicknamed Meltdown and Spectre, the vulnerabilities originate from computer microprocessors. In terms of severity and number of people potentially affected, experts have likened them to 2014’s Heartbleed bug. The bugs can attack all desktop operating systems, but in this article,...

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Facebook Bans All Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Ads

Facebook has banned all ads for cryptocurrency from the social network. Including those for Bitcoin, the granddaddy of cryptocurrencies that has made a handful of people rich beyond their wildest dreams, and the rest of us pondering what could have been if only we’d invested sooner. Investing in cryptocurrency is a risky endeavor, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. This means you should only invest what you can afford to lose. Unfortunately, with Bitcoin making headlines, people are gambling big. And Facebook doesn’t want to be a part of that. Facebook Cleans Out the Crypto Clickbait In the Facebook...

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4 Ways Instagram Is Spying on You Right Now

Instagram is a fantastic way to chart your life and show off your photography skills. If you feel particularly artistic, apply a filter and your memories will be given a sepia hue. But since Facebook’s acquisition of Instagram in 2012, some users have gotten suspicious. While it isn’t a malicious social network, it’s entirely believable that Instagram is spying on you. 1. Timely Tracking A recent addition to the Instagram app is decidedly worrying — particularly because it’s enabled as default. It allows your peers to see when you last used Instagram, including if you’re using it while they’re also...

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Use Three-Finger Drag on Your Mac to Save Time and Clicks

Your Mac can continue to surprise you years after you have been using one. Recently, I discovered many tiny but useful macOS features and now another one has popped up on my radar. It’s the “three-finger drag”. How does it work? Anything you can click and drag on your Mac with a trackpad or mouse, you can drag with three fingers. No clicks involved! You’ll love the three-finger drag if you have a repetitive strain injury like carpal tunnel syndrome. The gesture is also worth adding to your workflow if you work with graphics programs like Adobe Photoshop. You can...

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iPhone Won’t Turn On? Here’s What to Do Next

Many iPhone problems can result in an unresponsive device. The good news is that many of these problems can be solved without having to pay for repairs or a replacement. The key to solving the riddle is diagnosing exactly what’s wrong. So let’s take a look at why your iPhone won’t turn on and what you can do about it. Is It Hot? Symptoms: Heat, obviously. You might also see a message displayed on your screen, but not always. If you’ve ever left your iPhone in the sun on a hot day, then you may have experienced this before. Your device...

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Amazon Has Some Ridiculous Deals on Logitech Accessories Today

If you’re looking for a new mouse, keyboard, headset, webcam, or just about any other Logitech accessory, today is your lucky day! Logitech Accessories on Sale Today, Amazon is going all out with Logitech devices on sale. There’s a little bit of everything, so you’re sure to find something on sale that you need. Keyboards Logitech Wireless Wave Combo MK550 - Curved Comfort, Black (920-002555) Logitech Wireless Wave Combo MK550 - Curved Comfort, Black (920-002555) The Wave Combo MK550 includes the K350 model keyboard and M510 Mouse Buy Now At Amazon $35.99 Logitech Wireless Performance Combo MX800, Backlit Keyboard, Wireless...

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Experts Beg Facebook to Dump Messenger Kids

A group of organizations comprised of child advocates, health experts, and educators is urging Facebook to dump Messenger Kids. They have written a letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg calling on his company to discontinue Messenger Kids and let children enjoy their childhood. In case you missed it, Messenger Kids is a version of Facebook Messenger aimed at children ages between six and 12. Their parents are always in control, choosing who they befriend, and having the ability to see exactly what they’re doing. But it’s still Facebook for children. Campaigning to Kill Messenger Kids As soon as the app...

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10 Black Mirror Episodes That Will Mess With Your Head

This article is purposely free of major spoilers. Black Mirror is an anthology series, meaning each episode is its own self-contained story with its own unique cast, setting, plotlines, and themes. It’s one reason why the show is such a pop culture success; because, as Forrest Gump once said, you never know what you’re gonna get. The other reason why so many tune in to Black Mirror? Because its punchlines are so devastating. Every episode takes a different angle, but the general gist of the show is an exploration of how humans abuse technology and become enslaved to media. It’s...

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No Internet Access but Connected to a Router? Here’s the Fix

You sit down to get some work done on your computer, and that’s when you see it. The dreaded yellow triangle appears over the internet connection icon, annoyingly proclaiming that you have No Internet Access. How do you fix this awful Windows error? We’ll show you the steps you should follow to resolve this problem and get back online. Steps to Fix “No Internet Access” Errors Let’s quickly outline the steps first, then we’ll go into detail on each one: Confirm other devices can’t connect Reboot your PC Reboot your modem and router Run the Windows network troubleshooter Check your...

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3 Ways You Can Run MS-DOS Games and Apps in Linux

MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System, often used interchangeably with “DOS”) is often linked with acute nostalgia. An old word processor, or maybe some DOS game that provided hours of pure, non-internet based entertainment. But what options do we have for igniting that old flame on Linux? Fortunately, quite a few! FreeDOS FreeDOS is a complete, free, DOS-compatible operating system. Any program that works on MS-DOS should also run on FreeDOS. Along with being completely free to download and use, it can also be shared for anyone to enjoy! MS-DOS was last released in 1994 which was nearly a quarter of...

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Find My Android: 4 Ways to Locate Your Phone (If You Plan Ahead First)

If you own an Android phone, and you’ve misplaced it, the chances are pretty good you’ll be able to locate your phone if you’ve planned ahead. If you haven’t planned ahead yet, then this article is for you. You’ll learn about five different ways you can configure your phone and various accounts so that if you ever do misplace it, you’ll be able to find it again with just the click of a button. 1. Find My Device If you have an Android phone, then you most likely have a Google account connected to it. Because of this, Google is...

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How to Watch Live TV on Kodi

The cord-cutting revolution continues to gather pace. Whether you have gone cold turkey and canceled cable entirely or taken a more reserved approach and shaved the cord instead, there’s a good chance that you’re hungry for more live TV. Of course, video-on-demand services such as Netflix and Hulu can fill some of the void, but there’s nothing like being able to flick between different channels and mindlessly watch some footage. If you’re looking to re-introduce live TV into your life, you have a few options. For example, you could try installing some private Roku channels, you could check out some...

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4 Projects That Make Your Raspberry Pi Portable

You love your Raspberry Pi, and you want to take it with you. Or perhaps you have the urge to build a portable project, but don’t have the design skills or patience. Don’t be ashamed. Many Raspberry Pi projects require a lot of planning and various additional components. Trying to build a Pi-based portable gaming device or laptop means trying to emulate the hardware of the originals. You could rely on a DIY project… or you could focus your portable Pi-building energy on existing kits. Several Raspberry Pi kits have been developed that make your little computer portable. Literally, tiny...

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How to Animate Excel Charts in PowerPoint

PowerPoint presentations with lots of data don’t have to be boring. Excel makes it easy to take multiple lines of data and convert them into easy to interpret visual charts. When you pair your data with PowerPoint, you can animate Excel charts to create an engaging presentation. We’ll take you through the process step by step. Watch your data come to life. Creating Your Chart The first step in animating Excel charts is to create your chart with the data that you’ve compiled. If you’re not sure what kind of chart is right for your data, take a look at this guide...

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Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Review: The Toughest Speaker Around

Our verdict of the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom:The Wonderboom is possibly the toughest Bluetooth speaker around. Buy it if you're after an ultra portable yet durable speaker, but think carefully about the features you want if you don't need a bombproof design.1010Way back in 2013 we reviewed the original Ultimate Ears Boom bluetooth speaker, and since then, Ultimate Ears (UE) have continued to innovate and become a dominant force in the Bluetooth speaker market. The Wonderboom is just one of several speakers in the UE range. Marketed as a “virtually indestructible” compact Bluetooth speaker, I put one through its paces to...

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How to Mute Entire Websites in Chrome

You click on a link, expecting to read an article. Five seconds into your reading, here comes an annoying auto-playing video that wakes up your entire house. A familiar scene for many. Auto-playing videos have become standard on many websites. While Chrome has let you mute individual tabs for some time, you’d have to mute new tabs by hand every time you opened one. But now, in the latest version of Chrome, you can mute entire sites without using an extension. How to Mute Entire Websites in Chrome You must have Chrome 64 or later to use this. To update, click the...

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How to Hide the Taskbar on Windows

The taskbar is home to lots of useful links, including the Start menu, pinned apps that you use every day, system icons such as volume and network, and the Action Center. Unfortunately, it also takes up some prime screen real estate. If you’re working on a 32-inch monitor, you probably don’t think much about it, but on a device with a smaller screen (e.g. used when traveling), the taskbar doesn’t need to be visible all the time. Thankfully, it’s possible to hide the taskbar, but the way to do it isn’t immediately apparent. Let’s take a closer look. How to...

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How to Disable Outlook.com’s Link Preview Feature

If you use Outlook.com’s web interface, there are quite a few quirks you have to get used to. Luckily, some of those quirks can be easily fixed, including the way Outlook handles link previews when you compose messages and paste in links. One way around it is to simply type in the link: makeuseof.com. In this case, a link preview won’t be created. Another option is to embed your links into text in your message, but that can be a hassle if all you’re trying to do is share a quick link with contacts. How to Disable Outlook.com’s Link Preview Feature...

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You Can Now Enable 2FA on Reddit

Reddit is finally offering two-factor authentication to all users. The content aggregator/social platform has been testing 2FA for a while, but it has finally flicked the switch. Which means Reddit users have an extra layer of security beyond the standard email/password combination. For the uninitiated, two-factor authentication is a double-lock for your account. So, you enter your password as usual, but then need a secondary code to gain access. Thus, two-factor authentication (2FA) stops hackers from accessing your account by simply entering your password. Reddit Enables 2FA for All A lot of websites now offer 2FA, and Reddit is the...

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7 Reasons Your Smartphone Has Slow Internet Speeds

Smartphones are now well established as the main way most of us connect to the internet. It’s a trend that looks irreversible. And it means getting the fastest possible internet speeds on your mobile devices is more important than ever. But sometimes this doesn’t happen. There might be problems with the way you’ve set up your home router, or with the quirks of public Wi-Fi, or even issues with your carrier. Let’s take a look at the main reasons why you have slow internet on your phone, and how you can fix them. 1. Poor Router Position One of the...

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How to Fix a Disk I/O Error in Windows

How often do you take offline backups of your important files? Once a month? Once a year? I have another question for you. How often do you check that those backups are still working? I decided to do just this recently. And when I connected my external drive to my laptop, up popped an I/O device error. I couldn’t immediately access the drive. My heart sank. Nearly ten years’ worth of photos were lost. But I was sure of a fix — and lo, there is. So, here are five ways to fix an I/O device error, without losing any...

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Google Has Started Selling its Clips Cameras

Google has started selling its adorable little Clips camera. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, the device is already out of stock. The first pre-orders are due to start shipping at the end of February, but there’s no word yet on if and when Google will start taking orders again. Google is becoming a serious contender when it comes to hardware. Its current lineup includes the Pixel 2, the Google Home speaker, the Chromecast, Pixel Buds, and Daydream View (which Plex now supports). And the company is also preparing to unleash Google Clips onto the world. Google Clips Captures Everything...

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5 Dangerous Mobile Apps Your Children Should Not Be Using

You finally acquiesced and agreed to give your kids a smartphone. But you’re still not sure. Is it totally safe for a child to have a phone? Sure, you can keep in touch with your offspring… but is that really why they wanted the phone? Or was that just you? Do your children have another purpose in mind for the expensive iPhone you just shelled out for? Quite possibly. A bunch of apps pose as being ideal for children and young adults but actually turn out to be pretty horrific. We couldn’t possibly cover them all here, but have collected...

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Basic Portrait Retouching in GIMP: All the Tricks You Need

Even the best photographers make edits to their pictures. By spending a little bit of time with image-editing software like GIMP, you can ensure that the finished product is as good as it possibly can be. Here are a few easy techniques that you can use to retouch a portrait. They’ll make sure that your subject is completely happy with how the photo turns out. Getting Started Open up your chosen image in GIMP. Before we do anything else, we’re going to duplicate the original image. Right-click it in the Layers window, and select Duplicate Layer. This ensures that we...

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Retina Display vs. True Tone: What’s the Difference?

What we do on our computers has changed over the decades. No longer are they solely places where we type up documents and produce code. Now we stream movies, play video games, and read digital books. With this change in behavior came an effort to produce and sell better-quality displays. Apple, as the company is known to do, has done a good job marketing these changes in the technology behind our screens. It has coined the term Retina display since the iPhone 4. With the release of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro in 2016, Apple coined a different screen technology: True...

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Forget Plex and Kodi, Try Emby Instead

We have previously spent a lot of time discussing Plex and Kodi, and will continue to do so in the future. After all, these two apps dominate the home theater sector: they let you watch, cast, and manage all of your media. The apps deserve plenty of attention. Kodi and Plex are easy to use and packed with cool tricks. However, there is a third option in the form of Emby. Emby doesn’t boast the same level of recognition as its two big brothers, which is unfair. The app’s developers have spent the last couple of years consistently improving the...

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How to Patent an Idea in 8 Simple Steps

If you’re a maker or a creative person with a lot of innovative technology ideas, at some point you’re likely to find yourself pondering how to patent an idea or a product you’ve created. We’ve previously covered how and why to copyright, which protects intellectual property like writing or photography. We’ve also done fun articles about brand trademarks, which is a design or logo that identifies a product or service (a brand). In this article we’re going to cover the patent process, especially from the perspective of a maker. Keep in mind that this article isn’t intended to provide legal...

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The Easiest Ways to Share Spotify Playlists

Music is a lot more fun when you share it with the world. The only musical experience better than discovering new music is sharing that music with others. Thankfully, in the age of streaming music, sharing is easier than ever. Whether you want to publish your custom playlists to the world or create a fresh mixtape with friends, here’s how you can do it. Sharing Playlists on Spotify Desktop If you primarily use Spotify on your computer, you have several options for sharing playlists. First, make sure you have a playlist to share. If you need to make a new...

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Know These Font and Formatting Rules to Beautify Word Documents?

Microsoft Word is packed with so many features that you can produce pretty much whatever you want with it. But these features don’t always result in the kind of beautiful, high-quality, and professional documents that may be expected of you. It’s one thing to know everything about Microsoft Word, all of its intricacies and quirks and functions — it’s something else entirely to know what makes a great document. This article isn’t about how to use Microsoft Word’s various features. We’re specifically looking at the design aspect of business reports and academic papers, meaning the whats and the whys that...

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How to Create Dreamy Photographs With Free Lensing

Free lensing, also called lens whacking, is a simple technique: you “free” the lens from your camera to create dream-like photos. It is a photography idea even beginners can try with something as simple as a 50mm prime lens. How to Create Dreamy Photos With Free Lensing Photography is all about light. The freestyle nature of detaching your lens from the camera while keeping it close can create interesting effects. The light leaks add a dream-like touch to the photos as some of part of your composition goes out of focus. In some cases, it also gives the appearance of a tilt-shift or a macro shot...

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How to Create Events on Facebook

Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or a big public event for your business, Facebook makes it easier than ever to send out one big blast to let people know they’re invited. How to Create Events on Facebook Click on Events under the Explore section of the left hand sidebar. Click the blue Create Event button. A dropdown menu will appear allowing you to create a private or public event. Make your selection. The following steps will be almost identical regardless of your selection, but you can’t change privacy settings after creating an event. Fill in the form with the...

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The Complete Windows Network Troubleshooting Guide

When you have internet or network issues, it may feel like a regression back to the stone age. Let’s try and understand networks and look at some troubleshooting techniques to bring you back into the world of the living.This guide is available to download as a free PDF. Download The Complete Windows Network Troubleshooting Guide now. Feel free to copy and share this with your friends and family. In this guide: An Introduction to Networks | Network Troubleshooting An Introduction to Networks In this section: Network Diagrams | Internet Protocol Address and Hostname | DHCP | Domain Name System |...

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How to Sync an Xbox One Controller

Bought a new controller and need to sync it to your Xbox One? You’ll also need to do this if you bring your controller to a friend’s Xbox. Whatever the case, it’s not hard to sync your Xbox One controller. We’ll show you how to sync it to each model of the Xbox One, as well as a few tips if it doesn’t work. How to Sync an Xbox One Controller Turn on the Xbox One you want to sync with. Next, turn on your controller by pressing the Xbox button. The Xbox button will flash, indicating that it’s looking...

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Show Your Love for Open Source by Giving to These 7 Organizations

It's easy to love Linux and never show appreciation to the people who make it all happen. But you can change that by making donations to these seven open source organizations.

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5 Essential Settlers of Catan Sites and Apps for Tips, Tricks, Strategy, and More

The Settlers of Catan is among the most popular new board games in the world. Whether you’re a beginner or a fan, a few choice sites and apps can make your next play more fun than you ever thought possible. In case you haven’t played it yet, go buy the tabletop game online. Colloquially called Catan, you need three to six players for the tabletop game. While sites and apps aren’t essential to the experience, they can add more depth to the gameplay for seasoned gamers, or explain the basics to newcomers. 1. Play Catan Online at Catan Universe Catan...

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Nintendo Kills Miitomo, its First Smartphone App

Nintendo is culling Miitomo, its first ever smartphone app. Miitomo was Nintendo’s first foray into mobile gaming beyond its own platforms, and showed the company that there was demand for its games on Android and iOS. However, after just two years Nintendo has decided to pull the plug. In 2015 Nintendo announced its intentions to move beyond its own console and release games for mobile devices. In March 2016 this came to fruition with the release of Miitomo, which is a social platform built around Miis. Unfortunately, Miitomo‘s time is coming to an end. My Miis Need a Wii Miitomo...

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The Best Drag and Drop Apps for iPads Running iOS 11

iOS 11 brought a big change to the iPad. It’s almost like Apple’s tablet has been reborn. The new Dock makes it really easy to switch between apps, while Split View multitasking finally makes sense. But what takes the cake is the addition of drag and drop apps. This seemingly simple feature removes some of the biggest frustrations we had with iPad and takes it closer to being a “real” computer. The ability to quickly and easily transfer data from one app to another is a huge productivity booster. How Drag and Drop Apps Work in iOS 11 Drag and...

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Dirty COW Vulnerability: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Secure

Discovered in late 2016, the Dirty COW is a computer security vulnerability that affects all Linux-based systems. The surprising thing is that this kernel-level flaw has existed in the Linux Kernel since 2007, but was only discovered and exploited in 2016. Today, we’ll see what exactly is this vulnerability, the systems it affects, and how can you protect yourself. What Is Dirty Cow Vulnerability? Dirty COW vulnerability is a type of privilege escalation exploit, which essentially means that it can be used to gain root-user access on any Linux-based system. While security experts claim that such kinds of exploits are...

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The 7 Best RSS Readers in the Windows Store

RSS feeds remain one of the best ways to receive news headlines and exciting articles from your favorite sites. It’s especially true when you’re working on a desktop computer. Yes, you will find plenty of RSS readers for Android and iOS, but the 20-year-old technology really comes into its own when you’re using a full-screen app on a large monitor. If you’re a Windows user, there are two ways to install RSS apps. You can either download an EXE installer or grab something from the Windows Store. Some apps offer both formats; others are unique to the Store. If you’d...

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Forget Nest: Ecobee4 Is the King of the Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat is a perfect first step on the road to creating a smart home. The best feature is the most obvious: the technology will help you save energy along with cold hard cash on lower heating and air conditioning bills. Smart thermostats can even work in tandem with a whole host of other products including lighting, plugs, sensors, and more. Nest blazed onto the scene back in 2011 and helped to define the category with its Nest Learning Thermostat, which provided easy installation, smartphone control, and a simple interface that anyone could use. While Nest continues to refine...

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These Programs Slow Down Your Windows 10 Boot

If you’ve noticed that your Windows 10 system takes longer to boot than it used to, sluggish programs launching on start-up might be the culprit. We’re going to show you how to check what programs are automatically starting and how to disable them. Some programs won’t ask permission to be included on your boot list, while others may have come included with your computer as bloatware. Whatever the case, it’s time to take back control and get your boot blazing fast. Have you found particular programs troublesome when it comes to startup? Let us know in the comments below. Locate...

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