Hardware Guides

How to Check the Power Output of USB Ports

Are you worried that your USB ports are either underperforming or out of spec? Does it seem like you are not getting the amount of charge you need from these ports? You can use the built-in capabilities of Windows, a third-party app, or a voltmeter to detect the amount of power available in one of three ways. Using Windows You can check the power capabilities of the USB ports using the device manager in Windows. To find the data in Windows 10: 1. Type Run in the search box in the taskbar. 2. Type devmgmt.msc in the window that opens. 3. Double-click on the Universal… Read more

How to Calibrate Your Monitor to Perfection for Free

Every consumer-grade monitor that you buy has its default picture settings dialed in by the manufacturer to look absolutely terrible in your office. This is because monitor manufacturers know that properly-calibrated displays appear washed out under bright showroom lighting. Getting the best out of your monitor therefore calls for toning down the gaudy default settings to suit milder home lighting conditions. Read on to learn how to optimally calibrate your display with nothing more than your eyes and freely available calibration tools. Related: How to Color Calibrate Your Monitor in Windows 10 (and Why You Might Want To) Dialing in Your Display’s Settings First… Read more

How to Install Firefox in Chromebook

Chromebook runs Chrome OS, which is essentially the Google Chrome browser. When you power on your Chromebook, the Chrome browser will launch automatically so you can surf the Web immediately. What if you are not a fan of Google Chrome? Or perhaps you are paranoid about the data Google is collecting behind your back when you are using its browser. Luckily, there are several ways you can install Firefox on Chromebook. Here is how you can do so. Related: What Is a Chromebook, and How Does It Differ from a Laptop? Install Firefox Android app Every Chromebook comes with support for Android apps, which means… Read more

How to Digitize Audio and Video Cassettes

When was the last time you played an audio or video cassette? There are many who weren’t even born when VCRs or Sony’s iconic Walkman were the rage. In fact, you can find online tutorials that teach you how to play a cassette which is hilarious, if a bit sad. Since these pieces of nostalgia aren’t coming back anytime soon, you might want to digitize those memories. If you have audio cassettes or VHS tapes gathering dust, here is how you can bring them to life. Digitizing Audio Cassettes Audio cassettes consist of an analog music tape whose length gives the total playing time. If… Read more

5 of the Best PC Cases For Desktop PC Builder

Buying the right PC case matters. If you’ve been building your PC and are at the very last step of picking out the perfect case to hold all your hardware together, there are a few things to consider. At the very minimum you want to get the right size for your needs to can accommodate all your hardware and USB devices. Some cases go the extra mile and offer muffled sound, tempered glass panels, spacious innards, lower temperatures and extensive water-cooling support, plus RGB lighting among other extras. The PC case you pick shouldn’t just be a looker, though, but you need a form factor… Read more