Wednesday, 28 February 2018

Frustrated With Samsung SmartThings? Here Are Your Options

samsung-smartthings-alternatives

Using smart devices around your home should make your life better. Once you spend some time setting them up, they can save you time, energy, and money. Sadly, technology is rarely so simple. Things are always going wrong. And if it takes you longer to fix your smart home device than it would to perform a given task manually, the device quickly starts to lose its allure. If your Samsung SmartThings setup is giving you grief, what are your options? In this article, we’ll offer some common troubleshooting tips and look at alternatives you could use instead. Basic SmartThings Troubleshooting...

Read the full article: Frustrated With Samsung SmartThings? Here Are Your Options



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2F2lx4u
via IFTTT

Confused About Bumble? We Tested Every Mode so You Don’t Have To

bumble-modes

Dozens of perfectly working dating apps out there, yet there still isn’t one to “rule them all”. What should the perfect dating app look like? Is it appearance-centered like Tinder, or fun and light-hearted like Hater? Should it only cater to those looking for romance, or include people who want to make friends as well? It seems like Bumble is on a path to achieve it all. With its many functions and modes, the app caters to people interested in dating, meeting friends, and even networking. We’ve tested every mode of Bumble available to find out what’s good, bad, and...

Read the full article: Confused About Bumble? We Tested Every Mode so You Don’t Have To



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2HU3uzs
via IFTTT

How to Use the LinkedIn Resume Assistant in Microsoft Word

linkedin-extension-word-resume

When was the last time you created or updated your resume using Microsoft Word? If it’s been a while, then you might be missing out on a helpful feature to improve your resume. The LinkedIn Resume Assistant is a handy tool that assists you with that all-important, job-catching document. What Is the LinkedIn Resume Assistant? The LinkedIn Resume Assistant provides you with example resume snippets from other people in your field. This lets you see how they describe and explain their work experience and job skills. If you struggle with the correct resume wording or how to best highlight your...

Read the full article: How to Use the LinkedIn Resume Assistant in Microsoft Word



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2FeEi7Y
via IFTTT

How to Protect Your Most Sensitive Data Information With Tomb

protect-sensitive-data-tomb

Encryption is an essential security practice. While your file system may have encryption enabled, what about shared machines or extremely sensitive information? Fear not, you can keep your secret Justin Bieber music collection in your closet with Tomb. What Is a Tomb? In the Linux sense of the word, a tomb is like a locked folder that can be safely stored within a file system. Another great feature is that the keys that unlock the tomb can be kept separately. For example, you may have your tomb on a shared computer, and your keys on a USB drive. One of...

Read the full article: How to Protect Your Most Sensitive Data Information With Tomb



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2FeDUGV
via IFTTT

6 OneNote Tips Programmers Must Try

onenote-tips-programmers

Microsoft OneNote is an excellent note-taking tool with an extensive set of features. No matter your field, it can help you become more efficient at work too. If you’re a programmer, you might think that OneNote doesn’t have anything to offer you. But you’d be wrong. Here are some of the best tips and tricks for programmers to get more out of OneNote. 1. Keep a Programming Journal OneNote allows you to create as many notebooks as you like, which are great for keeping your work on different thoughts separate. One notebook that every programmer should keep is a journal....

Read the full article: 6 OneNote Tips Programmers Must Try



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2FFookM
via IFTTT

8 Amazing Hardware Projects With Processing and p5.js

amazing-hardware-projects

The DIY electronics world is full of interesting ways to interact between hardware and software. Microcontrollers like the Arduino and single board computers like the Raspberry Pi have completely changed the way hobby electronics and prototyping is approached. They are both so suited to quick development that it can be hard to decide which to use in a project. Now, enter Processing and its newer accomplice p5.js. Both of these languages are designed to make coding more accessible to artists, educators and beginners. If you’ve used the Arduino IDE you might find the layout familiar. In fact the Arduino IDE...

Read the full article: 8 Amazing Hardware Projects With Processing and p5.js



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2F3bDzs
via IFTTT

Xiaomi Huami Amazfit Bip Review: The Best Fitness Tracker You Can Buy for $100

Our verdict of the Xiaomi Huami Amazfit Bip:The Amazfit Bip is a triumph in low-cost wearable design. It's not for everyone – just for those looking to get started with fitness trackers on a budget.810The Xiaomi Huami Amazfit Bip fitness tracking watch offers similar features to $300 wearables – but for under $100. Is there a better wearable for the money? Nope. But can you live with the Amazfit Bip’s shortcomings? Read on to find out what we thought of the Huami Amazfit Bip and to enter our competition to win one for yourself! About Huami Xiaomi – sometimes referred...

Read the full article: Xiaomi Huami Amazfit Bip Review: The Best Fitness Tracker You Can Buy for $100



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2FEvDK6
via IFTTT

How to Hide Trending Topics on Twitter and Facebook

twitter-tips

Logging into your social media account can be pretty exhausting. If you’re a little shell-shocked and want to get away from the divisive discussions, one of the easiest ways is by axing trending topics on both Facebook and Twitter. How to Hide Trending Topics on Twitter Hide Twitter Guff not only makes it easy to hide trends while you’re on Twitter, it also removes suggestions for who to follow. (But you can turn those back on if you want.) Once the extension is installed, just refresh your feed and the trending topics will have disappeared from your Twitter home page. How...

Read the full article: How to Hide Trending Topics on Twitter and Facebook



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2oCYrKz
via IFTTT

How to Run Windows 10 Store Apps at Startup

There’s a great value in having your PC open your favorite programs as soon as you log in. It can make your computer feel faster, saving you from having to click on a half-dozen icons. You probably know how to set normal desktop programs to run at startup, but what about Windows 10 Store apps? Thankfully, it’s easy to set up Store apps to run as soon as you log in. Here’s how to do so. How to Run Windows 10 Store Apps at Startup Open a File Explorer window by clicking on the folder icon on your Taskbar. Click...

Read the full article: How to Run Windows 10 Store Apps at Startup



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2EY6kp5
via IFTTT

You’ll Soon Have 700 Netflix Originals to Choose From

By the end of 2018, Netflix will have 700 original movies and TV shows available to stream. That’s 700 full series or feature-length films available to watch exclusively on Netflix. Which is an astonishing number, and one which actually fills me with dread. Netflix used to be filled with old TV shows and movies that had already aired elsewhere. Then the company started producing its own content, and raising prices to pay for it. Now, Netflix is set to have 700 original movies and TV shows available to watch. More Originals Than Anyone Can Watch This figure of 700 original...

Read the full article: You’ll Soon Have 700 Netflix Originals to Choose From



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2oAZbA8
via IFTTT

The Best Chromebook 2-in-1 Convertible Laptops

best-chromebook-convertible

Now that Chrome OS supports Android apps, you should only buy a Chromebook with a touchscreen. And not just that, make it a 2-in-1 hybrid or convertible. These are your best choices for that. Generally, 2-in-1 laptops come in two types. The first is a hybrid, where the screen detaches from the keyboard to act as a tablet. The second is a convertible, where the screen flips over completely. Unfortunately, hybrid Chromebooks don’t exist yet, so your only choice is a convertible. And in those convertibles, make sure you get a 360-degree hinge for the screen, don’t settle for a...

Read the full article: The Best Chromebook 2-in-1 Convertible Laptops



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2F0FKrx
via IFTTT

The Best Sandbox Tools to Safely Test Windows Programs

sandbox-tools-windows

When testing a new, unknown program, there is one sure way to keep your computer from harm: use a sandbox environment. If the program is unstable, malicious, part of an adware bundle, or even a virus, the sandbox environment is isolated from the rest of your system. That means no interference, no virus, no malware, and so on. And all you have to do is delete the offending article from your system. Sounds great, right? Well, there are a few different sandbox programs available to Windows users. Here are seven of the best in no particular order. 1. Sandboxie Sandboxie...

Read the full article: The Best Sandbox Tools to Safely Test Windows Programs



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2HP6psY
via IFTTT

The ESRB Defends Loot Boxes in Video Games

After months of controversy surrounding loot boxes, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has finally broached the subject. However, the ESRB, which assigns age ratings to video games in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is defending the use of loot boxes. Loot boxes, AKA loot crates, have been a thing for a while now. They’re essentially sealed virtual boxes gamers can open to reveal the goodies inside. Sometimes loot boxes are awarded as prizes, but sometimes gamers have to purchase them. And that’s problematic. The ESRB Weighs In The ESRB has been silent on the issue since the release of...

Read the full article: The ESRB Defends Loot Boxes in Video Games



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2CqYRgJ
via IFTTT

The Hue Dimmer Switch Is Terrible: Here’s How to Improve It

fix-hue-dimmer-issues

Smart lighting is here to stay, and Philips Hue is certainly one of the most popular brands. While we’ve previously covered some of the best apps for Hue lights, you’re not alone in thinking that controlling your lights with your phone is annoying and unnecessary. Fortunately, a solution is at hand in the Hue Dimmer Switch. This neat little unit is a wireless Hue remote, and even attaches magnetically to the included cradle. Today I’ll show you some of the best ways to make it work for you! Philips 473371 Hue Dimmer Switch Smart Remote (Installation-Free, Exclusive for Philips Hue...

Read the full article: The Hue Dimmer Switch Is Terrible: Here’s How to Improve It



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2EVExFM
via IFTTT

Save Money With Some Fantastic Deals Available Today

Today, you can save big on Photoshop Elements, a pair of JBL headphones, a Fire TV Stick, a rugged Bluetooth speaker and much more. Adobe Photoshop Elements 2018 Adobe Photoshop Elements 2018 - No Subscription Required Adobe Photoshop Elements 2018 - No Subscription Required Buy Now At Amazon $59.99 If you don’t want to pay a monthly subscription to get access to the full version of Photoshop, you can get Elements for a big discount today only. There’s no monthly fee for Photoshop Elements, so you can pay once and edit all the images you could possibly want! JBL Everest...

Read the full article: Save Money With Some Fantastic Deals Available Today



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2HR4jsG
via IFTTT

Tuesday, 27 February 2018

New to Mac? 10 Simple macOS Routines You Have to Know

new-mac-user-tips

Switching operating systems can be a hassle. macOS doesn’t work quite like Windows does, and you’ll likely have to adjust to Apple’s quirks before you feel completely at home on the system. The first step to Mac proficiency is being comfortable with the basics, so let’s take a look at a few of them. You can always bookmark this page as a point of reference, just in case you need to brush up in the future. 1. How to Power On, Restart, and Shut Down Your Mac All Mac computers will have an obvious power switch, commonly found on the...

Read the full article: New to Mac? 10 Simple macOS Routines You Have to Know



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2oufLm0
via IFTTT

Ditch the Babysitter: 15 Amazon Alexa Skills for Kids

alexa-for-kids

Amazon Alexa isn’t just for mom and dad anymore. The popular voice-controllable assistant continues to become more popular and expand its reach to more devices—including the Amazon Echo line of speakers. While the number of form factors has grown, so has the number of apps, also known as skills. Echo (2nd Generation) - Charcoal Fabric Echo (2nd Generation) - Charcoal Fabric Buy Now At Amazon $99.99 Currently, there are more than 20,000 skills available, ranging from ordering a pizza to playing a round of Jeopardy! Your kids can even join in on the fun with a whole host of different...

Read the full article: Ditch the Babysitter: 15 Amazon Alexa Skills for Kids



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2oCxqHd
via IFTTT

Hate Everything? This New Dating App Is Perfect for You

hater-dating-app

When it comes to online dating, you’ve probably seen it all—from hookup apps to apps you can use to find new friends, to platforms where you can’t always text your match first. But what about an app that matches you with other people based on what you both hate? In comparison to big sharks in the pool of online dating like Tinder or Bumble, Hater dating app is rather new. And it seems like the app developers have found a new angle: connecting you with people who hate the same things you do. But will it become the perfect recipe...

Read the full article: Hate Everything? This New Dating App Is Perfect for You



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2t3YfKa
via IFTTT

20 Online Shopping Sites With Free International Shipping

free-shipping-sites

The rise of online shopping has made international shipping the conveyor belt of the world. The global marketplace is a button away. You can order a didgeridoo from Australia and it’ll turn up on your doorstep in Iceland within the week. But it’ll probably cost you a fortune. International shipping doesn’t come cheap. Thankfully, there are a few sites that offer free international shipping. All the retailers we’re about to introduce you to offer some form of free international shipping. We’ve organized them into categories to make it easier to browse. Keep reading to find out more. Note: Depending on...

Read the full article: 20 Online Shopping Sites With Free International Shipping



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2BS958K
via IFTTT

Why Your Kids Must Learn How to Code

kids-learn-coding

We often think of learning to code as something done by college students or those looking to learn a new skill later in life. But perhaps the most important group of people who should learn programming is kids. Even if you don’t think your child will aspire to become a professional programmer, there are plenty of reasons they should learn to code. Here are seven great benefits of coding for kids. 1. It Teaches Vital Logic Skills Perhaps the most important aspect of programming from a learning perspective is that it helps kids learn logic and reasoning. The core of...

Read the full article: Why Your Kids Must Learn How to Code



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2F9pSG8
via IFTTT

Here’s What People Are Searching Google for About You

people-search-google-for

You may be a father, mother, boss, or employee. There are people out there searching Google about you. It’s amazing how many life secrets you can learn from a simple Google search. The Google Autocomplete feature reveals it all. What are kids searching for about parents? What do employees want to know about their boss? The clues will help you build better relationships, improve your career, and it could even improve your family life. Ready for some amazing insights into what other people want to know about you? Let’s start. Why Does My Boss Hate Me? As a boss, you...

Read the full article: Here’s What People Are Searching Google for About You



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2FzubIG
via IFTTT

How to See When Paid iOS Apps Become Free

The iOS App Store is great for highlighting new and popular apps, but it doesn’t do a great job of letting you know when apps have dropped in price. Luckily, you can use some third-party apps to keep tabs on daily price drops in the app store. AppShopper The homepage of the AppShopper website is a mixed feed of all the updates from the app store: new apps, whether paid or free, price drops, and app updates. A series of buttons at the top of the screen will allow you filter down to just apps that have dropped in price....

Read the full article: How to See When Paid iOS Apps Become Free



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2BSQd9y
via IFTTT

Twitter Privacy Settings You Need to Change Right Now

how-to-use-twitter

By its nature, Twitter isn’t a very private arena. The entire site is specifically designed to be open. It’s a place where you can offer your thoughts on everything from Trump to the Super Bowl with the entire world. Or at least with the 330 million other users. But just because Twitter is a highly public platform, it doesn’t mean you should take risks “behind the scenes.” The service has a lot of privacy settings that you should tweak. They can make your account more secure, lock down your personal data, and restrict who can contact you. Here are three...

Read the full article: Twitter Privacy Settings You Need to Change Right Now



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2F8e0o0
via IFTTT

A Quick Tip for Repairing Boot Errors in Windows 10

windows-10-wont-boot

When your computer won’t boot, it’s easy to panic. Thankfully, if your booting problem is related to the Master Boot Record, as in the case of “Windows failed to start” messages, it’s not too difficult to fix. The MBR is a region on your computer’s hard drive that holds information about the partitions on the disk. It also contains information about how the computer should load the OS. While MBR is an older scheme that’s being phased out in favor of GPT (GUID Partition Table), many computers still use MBR for backwards compatibility. Here’s how to fix your MBR-related booting...

Read the full article: A Quick Tip for Repairing Boot Errors in Windows 10



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2FyGkh6
via IFTTT

4 New Features for YouTube Live Streamers and Viewers

YouTube has added some new features to YouTube Live, all of which are designed to help creators connect with their audiences. The headline feature is the enabling of live automatic captioning, which should help make YouTube Live streams more accessible. Live streaming is growing in popularity, with Twitch (and its new rules), and others all providing a platform for people to talk to camera. YouTube wants YouTube Live to become the default platform for live streaming, which is why it’s making some improvements… Automatic Live Captioning and More Besides The first new feature is automatic captions for YouTube Live streams....

Read the full article: 4 New Features for YouTube Live Streamers and Viewers



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2EVLEKo
via IFTTT

The Trello Killer: Morph Your Kanban Board Into a To-Do List and Calendar With Zenkit

zenkit-trello-killer

When folks at Toyota invented the “Kanban method,” little did they know it would spread so widely. The simple to-do system of moving “cards” from one column to the next has caught on, and how. Trello is the undisputed king of Kanban apps. But Zenkit might just dethrone the king. Zenkit includes the best features of Trello, and then adds other productivity systems. So not only do you get the Kanban process, but you also get a regular to-do list and a calendar view. And the “table” view is a game-changer for anyone who has a lot on their plate. So...

Read the full article: The Trello Killer: Morph Your Kanban Board Into a To-Do List and Calendar With Zenkit



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2EXn8IS
via IFTTT

Make Your Own DIY Chromecast Replacement With Raspberry Pi

raspberry-pi-stream

You probably already know that you can use your Raspberry Pi as a media center. You can even install Kodi on it for managing media offline and online. But what if you’re happier to leave it running Raspbian as the main operating system? Well, if you have a mobile device you don’t mind using for managing your media, you could use this to cast a video to your TV. Yes: you can use your Raspberry Pi just like a Chromecast. You won’t be able to use the Cast button on Android, but YouTube videos, pictures, audio and images from your...

Read the full article: Make Your Own DIY Chromecast Replacement With Raspberry Pi



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2CLfhMC
via IFTTT

Now You Can Recover Deleted Text Messages on Android

restore-android-messages

Losing data from your phone is heartbreaking. Whether you accidentally delete something or have your phone stolen or damaged, your irreplaceable photos, messages from loved ones, and more could disappear. If you need to recover some text messages from your Android phone, you’re probably desperately looking for the best solution to do so. Here’s what you need to know about recovering deleted texts, and how to back them up to prevent this in the future. How to Recover Deleted Text Messages on Android We’ll start with the bad news: there’s really no reliable way to recover deleted texts on Android...

Read the full article: Now You Can Recover Deleted Text Messages on Android



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2EZyg85
via IFTTT

Getting Started With Scratch on the Raspberry Pi

scratch-raspberry-pi

The Raspberry Pi is a great way to learn both DIY tech and programming on a budget. They are also great cheap computers for kids, with plenty of great learning resources included to help young minds grasp useful concepts for the future. There are many great beginner projects out there which use the Pi’s GPIO (general-purpose input/output) pins. It’s great for coding too, since the Raspbian operating system comes with Python built-in. There is even a version of Minecraft for the Pi which can help you learn both beginner electronics and Python! While this is great for people with some...

Read the full article: Getting Started With Scratch on the Raspberry Pi



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2EYlwym
via IFTTT

The New Nokia 8110 4G Is for Nostalgia Nerds

HMD has taken the wraps off of the new Nokia 8110, a tribute to the famous slider phone from the 1990s. The Nokia 8110 4G isn’t an exact replica, but it’s still a tribute act likely to appeal to nostalgia nerds of a certain age. And hipsters. This time last year, HMD unveiled a new version of the Nokia 3310. This looked and felt like the classic Nokia 3310, but in the end we only scored it a 4/10. Now, one year on, and HMD has unveiled a new version of the Nokia 8110, last seen in The Matrix. How...

Read the full article: The New Nokia 8110 4G Is for Nostalgia Nerds



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2CLmwUz
via IFTTT

Monday, 26 February 2018

Philips Hue Motion Sensor: Everything You Need to Know

philips-hue-motion-detector

If you’re anything like us, you probably have all sorts of lights, gadgets, and other smart home accessories. While there are many Philips Hue alternatives, Philips Hue is still one of the best smart lighting kits around. Whether you’ve connected Hue to Apple Homekit, configured automations, or simply improved Hue, there’s still plenty of upgrades that you can do. Today I’ll be showing you how to configure the Philips Hue motion sensor, and some of the best uses for it. Let’s get started! Setting Up Your Hue Motion Sensor Once you’ve purchased your Hue motion sensor, setting it up is easy. In...

Read the full article: Philips Hue Motion Sensor: Everything You Need to Know



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2sWLroy
via IFTTT

Why Changing DNS Settings Increases Your Internet Speed

change-dns-internet-speed

Over the past two decades, technological developments have dramatically improved internet speeds. Back when dial-up was the standard method to connect to the internet, even waiting for a low-res image to load gave you time to go make a coffee. These days, broadband and fiber connections have created lightning fast networks where even HD media can be loaded in a just a few seconds. That’s not to say there isn’t room for improvement. While network speeds are constrained by our ISPs, there are a number of changes we can make to improve them. These range from Windows tweaks, replacing your...

Read the full article: Why Changing DNS Settings Increases Your Internet Speed



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2FyjUN2
via IFTTT

Everything You Need to Know About Designing Logos in Illustrator

create-logo-illustrator

Logos are everywhere, all around us. Just look at what you’re wearing—chances are you’ve been branded like a Nascar pony without even realizing it. And now it’s your turn to add to the mix, because you’ve been asked to design a logo. Before we go too much further, let’s talk about what exactly you’ve been asked to do. For starters, what, exactly, is a logo? The Elements of a Logo A logomark is a graphical element that represents something about a company and the associate brand. Most logos are made of two elements: the logotype and logomark. The logomark is...

Read the full article: Everything You Need to Know About Designing Logos in Illustrator



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2ESDHJP
via IFTTT

Galaxy S9 and S9+: What to Know About Samsung’s New Flagships

samsung-s9-plus

Samsung announced its latest flagship devices—the Galaxy S9 and S9+—at a global event on February 25 in Barcelona, ahead of Mobile World Congress (MWC). The devices are among the most hotly anticipated for the year, and will be among those to beat by other premium smartphone makers trying to take the top spot. But with so much information floating around, what are the most important aspects to know about the new Galaxy devices? We’ve selected a few of the notable features and major takeaways from Samsung’s event. Here’s all you need to know about the Galaxy S9 and S9+. 1....

Read the full article: Galaxy S9 and S9+: What to Know About Samsung’s New Flagships



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2BOZrUl
via IFTTT

8 Reasons Telegram Is the Only Messaging App You Need

telegram-messenger

When you think of instant messaging apps, one name will pop into your head before all others: WhatsApp. It’s understandable. It was the first messaging app that was widely adopted around the globe. And, despite the privacy concerns associated with owners Facebook, it regularly receives upgrades, improvements, and new features. But WhatsApp has ruled the roost for too long. Today, there are much better alternatives out there. One of the best alternatives is Telegram. But what makes it so unique? In this piece, we’re going to introduce to some of the features that make it the only instant messaging app...

Read the full article: 8 Reasons Telegram Is the Only Messaging App You Need



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2GLsuY6
via IFTTT

Microsoft Office 2019 Is Coming: Everything You Need to Know

office-2019-windows10

The standalone version of Microsoft Office 2019 will be exclusive to Windows 10. While Office 2019 might run on Windows 7 and 8.1, Microsoft is not planning to support it on these versions of its operating system. Moreover, Office 2019 could be the last version of Office available outside of an Office 365 subscription. A lot is happening with Microsoft Office this year. Let us address the changes one question at a time. When Does Microsoft Office 2019 Come Out? We don’t have a Microsoft Office 2019 release date yet. Historically, new Office versions were released anytime from half a...

Read the full article: Microsoft Office 2019 Is Coming: Everything You Need to Know



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2BPHWTY
via IFTTT

Why Programming Languages Can’t Exist Without Functions

programming-functions

One of the most basic building blocks of programming are functions. You can write extremely simple programs without them, but everything beyond “Hello World” demos will likely need to utilize functions eventually. Have you ever wondered why functions are a cornerstone of so many programming languages? Let’s look into the reasons why they’re so vital and what they do for programmers. What Is a Function, Anyway? Simply put, a function in programming is a named group of code that performs a specific task. Depending on the language, you may also hear them called subroutines or procedures. Once you define a...

Read the full article: Why Programming Languages Can’t Exist Without Functions



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2HPfrGy
via IFTTT

5 Excel Autofill Tricks to Build Your Spreadsheets Faster

autofill-excel

Excel autofill features offer the most effective ways to save time while filling out spreadsheets. Most people don’t realize that a lot of the things they do manually can be automated. For example, maybe you want to apply a formula to only every second or third row when you drag down to autofill. Or maybe you want to fill in all of the blanks in a sheet. In this article, we’ll show you how to accomplish five of the most effective automations for autofilling columns. 1. Fill in Every Other Cell Mostly anyone who has used Excel for some time...

Read the full article: 5 Excel Autofill Tricks to Build Your Spreadsheets Faster



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2CmyzME
via IFTTT

How to Add Signatures to Documents Using Preview on Mac

In this digital age, signing documents is increasingly becoming something that you can do online without having to print out a single page. No scanners necessary! Not to be confused with digital signatures which use encryption, electronic signatures are an easy way to add your signature to any documents in PDF format. Mac users don’t have to sign up for any additional services or download any additional software to easily sign documents in seconds—all you need is the native Mac app, Preview. How to Set Up a Signature in Preview Go to Tools > Annotate > Signature > Manage Signatures....

Read the full article: How to Add Signatures to Documents Using Preview on Mac



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2ETQHLg
via IFTTT

3 Surprising Ways Wikipedia Can Help Improve Your Vocabulary

If Wikipedia were printed on paper, you’d need an aircraft hangar to contain it. The English Wikipedia alone is currently equivalent to 2,570 volumes of Encyclopedia Britannica. Wouldn’t it be great if you could use its 3.5 billion words to improve your vocabulary? 3 Ways Wikipedia Can Improve Your Vocabulary Instead of going to Wikipedia every day and rummaging through millions of pages, let’s look at three quick ways to get new words every day. Use IFTTT to get new words. Set up IFTTT with this applet and you will receive a weekly digest of all the new “Word of the day” posts from...

Read the full article: 3 Surprising Ways Wikipedia Can Help Improve Your Vocabulary



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2HOcnuc
via IFTTT

How to Send GIFs in iMessage Chats

The awesome iMessage has tons of cool features for iOS users. Much more than just a basic text chat, iMessage lets you integrate apps and send your friends all kinds of goofy content. Did you know that you can send GIFs right in iMessage? If a picture or emoji won’t communicate your message properly, a GIF could be just the solution. These moving images are perfect for reacting, illustrating, or just messing around. Here’s how to easily send a GIF in your next iMessage conversation. How to Send GIFs in iMessage Chats Open the Messages app on your iPhone. Select...

Read the full article: How to Send GIFs in iMessage Chats



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2BQddWI
via IFTTT

Saturday, 24 February 2018

Smartphones vs. Desktops: Why Is My Phone Slower Than My PC?

Smartphones processing power is always increasing. But they still lag behind their desktop counterparts? Isn't it just the same technology? Let's find out.

Read the full article: Smartphones vs. Desktops: Why Is My Phone Slower Than My PC?



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2sPL2o9
via IFTTT

7 Tips to Fix 100% Disk Usage & Improve Windows Performance

fix-disk-usage-windows

Your computer is hanging. Same old Windows, right? Except you’re using a brand new Windows 8.x or Windows 10 device; you’ve only had it a few days. So just what is going on? Investigating, you discover that your system drive is running at 100%. Surely this can’t be right? Sadly, it is. The latest versions of Windows have a problem with the drives being over worked, which slows down the operating system. This issue affects both hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs). Several fixes are available for this, depending upon what exactly is causing the problem. We’ve also made this...

Read the full article: 7 Tips to Fix 100% Disk Usage & Improve Windows Performance



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2F466vI
via IFTTT

16 Entertaining Google Home Commands You May Not Know About

entertaining-google-home-commands

The most challenging part about using a voice-based speaker is no knowing what it can do. Smart speakers such as the Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Apple HomePod can perform useful tasks just by responding to your voice. These functions can include turning other smart home products on/off, helping you to learn a second language, and much more. Voice-activated speakers can perform a lot of other tasks too, including those less common and, in many cases, purely for fun. But with so many controls and commands to choose from, some awesome features slip through the cracks! Here are a few...

Read the full article: 16 Entertaining Google Home Commands You May Not Know About



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2HHilgc
via IFTTT

The Best Graphics Card for Surviving the Bitcoin Era

best-gpu-bitcoin-era

Bitcoin is volatile. Other cryptocurrencies, like Ethereum, rocket to the moon before chaotically tumbling back to Earth. Unstable prices, the lure of a waiting fortune, and good old FUD contribute to the rise in cryptocurrency mining. Application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) miners led the first crypto-mining boom. Ethereum and Ethereum-based altcoins lead the second. And it is GPUs, not ASIC mining hardware, that is powering the second boom. The regular graphics cards that we use to bring Skyrim and Rocket League into our lives are also powering the booming cryptocurrency market. As such, GPU prices (much like cryptocurrencies) are stratospheric right...

Read the full article: The Best Graphics Card for Surviving the Bitcoin Era



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2BMwgB6
via IFTTT

The New AirPods Could Have Hands-Free Siri

One thing Apple does consistently is deliver new versions of its existing products. Except the Mac mini. Sure, these aren’t always the most innovative upgrades, but they are upgrades nonetheless. And it looks as though a new version of the AirPods is already on the way. New rumors suggest that Apple is currently working on new AirPods. The AirPods may have split opinion at launch — read our review to see what we thought — but they have been a big seller. So much so that Apple gave the AirPods the starring role in its holiday ad. And now, the...

Read the full article: The New AirPods Could Have Hands-Free Siri



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2EM3WBI
via IFTTT

3 Productivity Chrome Extensions That Secretly Help Your Security

chrome-extensions-security

One of the most popular sections on the Google Chrome Store is its Productivity extensions. With so much juggling to do in our lives, anything that speeds up our everyday tasks is welcome. But did you know that some productivity Chrome extensions can be used to boost your security and privacy? Here are just a few that you should consider adding to your browsing experience. 1. Social Fixer for Facebook Love it or hate it, Facebook is the most widely-used social network in the world. It’s pretty rare to find someone who isn’t using it (although younger generations are increasingly...

Read the full article: 3 Productivity Chrome Extensions That Secretly Help Your Security



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2ot3ZaH
via IFTTT

Friday, 23 February 2018

Learn How to Draw People With 11 Tutorials and YouTube Videos

learn-draw-people

Drawing is a great hobby—it’s calm and meditative, it exercises your brain, and it’s something you can continue to perfect over the course of your life. And, of course, you can draw anything you want. We’ve looked at how to draw comics and manga—and now we’ll show you where you can learn how to draw people. The human body is a challenging subject. Not only is it mechanically complicated, even a small error in proportion or balance can make it look very unnatural. We’ll take a look at some of the best articles and YouTube videos that will help you...

Read the full article: Learn How to Draw People With 11 Tutorials and YouTube Videos



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2om3lg2
via IFTTT

How to Listen to Live Radio on a Sonos Speaker

sonos-live-radio

You have thousands of songs saved on your computer, you subscribe to Spotify, Apple Music, or Google Play Music, and you’re always listening to trendy podcasts. What’s missing from your world of audio entertainment? Why, a little bit of live radio, of course. If you own a Sonos system, you can use the official app to access several live radio services. But did you know you can also tune in using a URL? Keep reading, and we’ll show you how to add radio apps to your Sonos, tell you which three apps are the best right now, and explain how...

Read the full article: How to Listen to Live Radio on a Sonos Speaker



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2BM8zJd
via IFTTT

Why Installing Software Slows Down Your PC

software-slows-down-pc

When you buy a new PC, it’s screaming fast. Months later, it feels usable, but nothing impressive. After a year, you’re experiencing noticeable lag. Why? No computer comes with all the software we want pre-installed. That means we have to go out and add all the programs we need. The more we install, the more clutter that our PCs now have to manage. It doesn’t matter if you’re running Windows, macOS, or Linux, installing too many programs will eventually have an impact on your computer’s performance. But if computer’s are designed to run software, why is this the case? Software...

Read the full article: Why Installing Software Slows Down Your PC



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2FrsD3w
via IFTTT

The Snapchat User Revolt Hits Snap’s Share Price

Snapchat is insanely popular, especially amongst teenagers. Unfortunately, Snapchat recently rolled out a redesign that led to users revolting. There’s even a petition calling for Snapchat to reverse the update, and 1.2 million people have signed so far. The Snapchat user revolt is showing no signs of stopping either. In fact, it’s now having a direct impact on Snap’s finances. This is evidenced by the sudden drop in the company’s share price immediately after Kylie Jenner sent a single tweet… Kylie Jenner Impacts Snap’s Share Price Kylie Jenner is, for the uninitiated, one of the Kardashian klan. I only know...

Read the full article: The Snapchat User Revolt Hits Snap’s Share Price



from MakeUseOf http://ift.tt/2CEba4L
via IFTTT