Latest Software How-To Stories
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How-To
How to check the power, current, and voltage of USB ports
To determine the power, current, and voltage of a USB socket, Windows on-board tools, freeware, and test sticks from $10 can be used.
How-To
Getting started with Microsoft 365: Everything you need to know
Microsoft's consumer subscription is a large package with many programs.
How-To
8 advanced Microsoft Word tricks you probably missed
Here are several lesser-known Microsoft Word tips and tricks you might have overlooked or never heard about.
Tip
How to transcribe audio files in Microsoft Word
Word can automatically transcribe spoken texts. This saves time and effort when typing interviews or spoken files.
How-To
The ultimate free digital security guide: Stay safe without spending a dime
Excellent security tools are available to everyone. You don’t have to pay a single cent to protect yourself.
How-To
Quishing and vishing: How to protect yourself from new security threats
Quishing and vishing use modern technologies to obtain your data. Find out how you can protect yourself against these fraud methods.
Tip
Microsoft says you should always ask this one security question to avoid scams
Online and offline threats (including seasonal scams) are on the rise. But you can ward off the danger with four words—and a little outside help.
Tip
How to redact parts of a PDF to remove sensitive information
When you share a PDF document, you might not want all the information it contains to be visible. Here's how to simply redact parts of a PDF.
How-To
Passkeys explained: How to embrace a passwordless future today
Passkeys are increasingly replacing traditional passwords. This makes logging on to the internet much more convenient and secure. You can create your first passkey in just one minute.
How-To
7 once-popular PC programs that are now outdated (and their successors)
What used to be standard is now a case for the recycling center: Many programs that used to be part of the basic equipment of a PC have now been replaced by faster, nicer and better competitors.
How-To
How Linux's insanely customizable desktop works
Anyone who familiarizes themselves more intensively with Linux will, over time, gain an appreciation of the advantages and disadvantages. However, this is the last link in the graphical system.
Tip
Outlook: How to set up breaks between your meetings
By default, Outlook assumes that appointments in the calendar follow each other directly if you enter them one after the other. We will show you how Outlook automatically schedules breaks between consecutive appointments.
Tip
This free, ancient Windows app will watch over your laptop battery
Do you want to know how much battery your laptop has left? Or how long it will take to charge? This old free Windows utility gives you all the information you need about your laptop battery.
How-To
Multiboot vs. virtual PC vs. live DVD: Which is best for multiple OSes?
Do you want to use two or more operating systems on your desktop computer? Then there are three options: a parallel installation, a virtual PC, and booting from a live DVD or USB stick.
Tip
How to take screenshots of complete web pages
To capture the content of an entire web page, you can either take several screenshots and combine them later — or you can use a special screenshot add-on such as Fireshot.
How-To
LocalSend: A free, super fast way to transfer files over Wi-Fi
LocalSend: Fast local file transfers over Wi-Fi with a free, open-source app
Tip
Google's dark web monitoring is actually pretty helpful
I didn’t know the depth of this feature until my family got an early alert about the recent AT&T data leak.
Tip
Should I disconnect my PC from the internet when I have a virus?
It is often recommended to disconnect the internet connection in the event of a virus attack. But is it really sensible or even necessary to disconnect the computer from the internet?
How-To
The fastest way to install your apps on a new PC
Winget, the built-in Windows tool, will install all of your favorite applications in a snap.
Tip
How to fight the new Windows Outlook app and keep Mail…for now
Microsoft is trying to kidnap Mail users and put them into the new Outlook app! Here's how to fight back and resist.
How-To
Why are your Windows Defender antivirus scans slow? Here's how to find out
If the scan of your hard drive with Microsoft Defender seems to take forever, it's worth finding out why.
How-To
Windows Hello can protect your Chrome passwords. Here's how
This quick change to your settings blocks unauthorized use of passwords saved to your Google account.
Tip
Windows: How to only allow software from the Microsoft Store
Programs from the Internet aren't centrally controlled and may contain malicious code. It can be safer to only allow apps from the Microsoft Store on your Windows PC.
How-To
Beyond Chrome: Switch to these 6 obscure browsers for better security
Users demand that their browsers protect them from tracking and other attempts to spy on them on the internet. A new generation of programs now specialize in protecting privacy.
How-To
Fooocus is the easiest way to create AI art on your PC
The simplest and best way to generate AI art on your PC is Fooocus, a free Windows app that uses your laptop's GPU to generate sophisticated art creations. And it's a snap to set up.
How-To
How to save papers, photos, and analog music digitally
If you still have analog media such as records, music cassettes, or paper prints of photos and other valuable documents at home, you can digitize them without much effort and expense. We show you how it's done.
How-To
How to prevent (or survive) a ransomware attack
Whether you're looking to stop a ransomware attack before it happens, or have already been victimized by this particularly nasty malware, we have tips to both thrive and survive.
How-To
Change these 5 Windows settings to improve your data privacy
Would you like to improve data protection in Windows without much effort? Then simply flip five switches in the Windows 10 or 11 settings.
How-To
How to test your VPN speed
Many VPNs claim to have the fastest connection speeds. Here's how to check if your VPN's speeds are truly as fast as claimed.
How-To
Meet Only Office: This free Microsoft Office rival is delightfully robust
Only Office is not only free, the competitor to Microsoft, Libre, and Open Office also works extremely quickly. Versions for all platforms enable teamwork and are easy to use.
How-To
How do I remove malware from my PC?
Removing malware from your PC could be simple – or not. Here's everything you need to know.
How-To
Sick of Outlook? It's the perfect time to try Thunderbird again
Are you looking for a modern and powerful email client? We recommend you take a look at the new Thunderbird with Supernova interface. You will benefit from a refreshed look and a high level of suitability for everyday use.
Tip
Unsure if a link is safe? Use these anti-phishing tools to check
Free services from security software vendors can provide a second opinion on web addresses you’re not sure about. Here's how to use these anti-phishing services.
How-To
How to protect your digital accounts from hackers
Most people today have several user accounts on different websites. Here's how to keep them safe.
How-To
Securing the home network – smart tricks and settings
Keep the hackers away and protect your other gadgets if any device suffers a breach or malware.
How-To
Painting on the PC: The right accessories and best software
Many people paint to relax. But who has the space for dozens of coloring pads, chalks, and pens, let alone easels and canvases? We show you what you need for digital painting and drawing.
Updated
How to get antivirus software for cheap
Upgrading from Windows Defender doesn’t have to cost a lot. Here’s how you can save serious cash on third-party antivirus apps.
Updated
How to use Microsoft's free PC Manager for a digital spring cleaning
Microsoft PC Manager emerged last year, but it's now a full-featured utility app available for download from the Microsoft Store. It promises to clean and boost your PC. Is it useful? Yes!
How-To
How to digitize and declutter your CDs and DVDs
A guide to converting CDs and DVDs to digital formats while selling the discs you no longer need.
How-To
How to get started with Windows’ free ‘new Outlook’ app
The new Outlook is available for Windows and macOS and allows you to manage your emails, contacts, and appointments in a single app in Windows and macOS. The free Outlook is definitely worth a look.
Tip
You should always memorize these two passwords
If you use a password manager, you might believe you need to remember just one password only. But you really should keep at least two in your head.
How-To
Protect and secure your Windows computer: A practical guide
Keep your computers safe with the right settings — and the right attitude.
How-To
The easiest way to run a private AI chatbot on your PC
Here's how to run a local LLM (or AI chatbot) on your PC: try GPT4All, a local LLM that quickly downloads and can run right on your PC's CPU.
How-To
Make your VPN faster: 10 tips and tricks
If you use a VPN, it can slow down the speed of your internet connection. Here are tips on how to avoid this.
How-To
How to switch from Edge to the Chrome or Firefox browser
Microsoft is pushing Edge as the default browser. However, many users prefer to use other browsing software. Switching browsers is easy and can be done in a few simple steps.
How-To
How to delete your personal information from the internet
Would you like to cover your online tracks? We'll show you various methods that will still work in 2024.
How-To
How to check whether your e-mail address is being misused
How to check immediately whether your email address has been leaked on the internet. How to react correctly if you are affected. Update: Over 70 million new, compromised email addresses at haveibeenpwned.
Tip
Canva: The best 5 tips & tricks for beginners
New to Canva? No problem! These five tips and tricks will help you get started quickly.
How-To
The best Linux software for Windows switchers
Missing programs are one of the biggest hurdles when switching to Linux. However, this does not affect every user. Apart from specialised applications, there is also a wide range of software available under Linux.
How-To