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Dec 09, 2023
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This remarkable device works on virtually any surface, scanning the color and instantly matching it to more than 100,000 brand-name paint colors or to sRGB HEX, CMYK, and LAB color codes. You can store your favorite colors in the Nix Paints app and get organized to figure out exactly how to bring those colors into your life for real.
Mashable writes, "The Nix Mini Color Sensor could be an awesome tool to feed your innate perfectionism."
Feed the perfectionist in your life. Now through December 17, you can get the Nix Mini 2 Color-Matching Sensor for 39% off $99 at just $59.97. Order by December 14 for guaranteed arrival by Christmas.
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Dec 08, 2023
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Why you should trust us: Hey, it's in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We've been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who've applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We're also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.
Acer Aspire 3 - Best budget laptop
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Dec 08, 2023
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First up: Jason Banta, AMD's client CPU chief, who spoke to Adam Patrick Murray and myself about the Ryzen 8000 series of mobile chips and how they'll enable local chatbot and AI-powered features. Pay attention to the release of the Ryzen AI Software, which "quantizes" a ChatGPT-esque large language model AI into a format that can be used on a Ryzen CPU. Think of it like image compression for AI — it's pretty cool and a problem that I didn't even know could be solved!
David McAfee, corporate vice president of client channel, then joined Adam to discuss Threadripper, especially the Threadripper 7000 — which is back on client PCs! AMD wants Threadripper to be at the forefront of client development, and McAfee explains how that will happen.
Mahesh Balasub
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Dec 08, 2023
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Many SSDs come in a 2.5-inch form factor and connect to your PC via the same SATA port used by a traditional hard drive. But tiny NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) "gumstick" SSDs that fit in an M.2 connection on a modern motherboard are becoming increasingly common, along with blazing-fast PCIe 4.0 (and now 5.0) solid-state drives for compatible PCs; you'll even find SSDs that sit on a PCIe adapter and slot into your motherboard like a graphics card or sound card. No, picking the perfect SSD isn't as simple as it used to be.
Why you should trust us: It's in our name, PCWorld. Our reviewers have been testing PC hardware for decades. Our storage evaluations are thorough and rigorous, testing the limits of every product — from performance benchmarks to the practicalities of regular use. As PC users ourselves, we know what makes a product stand out. Only the best SSDs make this list. For more about our testing process, scroll to the bottom of this article
See also PCWorld's guide to the best external drives if you're strictly looking for a por
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Dec 08, 2023
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Other posters on the Reddit thread (spotted by Tom's Hardware) immediately suspected that the box was included to add weight to the power supply, going by the ancient received wisdom that if it's heavy then it must be expensive. But others took a closer look at the PSU, which covered the original Chinese brand with an English "Equites" label sticker. Another poster noted that the power supply has no input protection or output protection, no overcurrent protection, and that its actual output was barely half the 500 watts on the label.
A lack of regulatory
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Dec 08, 2023
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The researchers combined the sound of each key with the corresponding letter for the training. They then typed a password into the laptop and had the AI calculate which word was heard based on the sound. The AI recognized the password with an accuracy of 95 percent.
To make the attack realistic, the researchers tested whether this method could also be used to spy on passwords during a video meeting via Zoom or Skype. And indeed, the AI still achieved an accuracy of just under 92 percent for Skype and 93 percent for Zoom.
Password managers such as Keepass enter passwords using a key combination or automatically in log-in fields. This means that the data cannot be intercepted by AI.
IDG
The researchers used a Macbook Pro with an M1 chip and 16-inch screen from 2021 and either an iPhone 13 Mini placed 17 centimeters away or the video conferencing tools Zoom and Skype.
The researchers then converted the audio recordings into images in the form of waveforms and spectrograms and used them to train an image AI. As a defense measure, the researchers recommend that users use the ten-finger system when typing. In this case, the recognition rate of individual keys dropped significantly.
Upper and lower case letters in passwords as well as spec
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Dec 08, 2023
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While Apple's Time Machine provides users with an effective, set-it-and-forget-it recovery system, Microsoft users aren't so lucky. Instead, users are stuck deciding the best way to keep their data safe with a patchwork system of restore points, recovery discs, and file backups. Thankfully, a number of great third-party backup options have cropped up in recent years to help solve the woes of Windows users.
Below you'll find a list of our favorite Windows backup clients. These come with easy-to-use and attractive designs as well as a full range of file and image backup capabilities. We've even included a couple free options that are more than worthwhile. Below our picks you can find more info about what to look for in a Windows backup program.
Also, check out PCWorld's roundup of best external drives for recommendations on reliable storage options—an important component in a comprehensive backup strategy. Alternatively, if you'd prefer to keep your data on the cloud or need the flexibility of data storage for different operating systems, then check out our list of best online backup services.
Updated 12/07/2023: Check out our latest review of
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Dec 08, 2023
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Each year, Microsoft releases a major new build for Windows 11 and Windows 10. Normally, your computer should take care of that itself with automatic updates, but there are several ways to check which version you have if you need to know.
There are several easy ways to check what version of Windows you have, but this is the easiest:
1. Click the Start button and type winver.
2. Launch the programme that appears in the search list.
3. Read the version number.
Foundry
The number has the following meaning:
Windows 11:
23H2 - October Update 2023.
22H2 - September Update 2022.
21H2 - October Update 2021.
Windows 10:
22H2 - October Update 2022.
21H2 - November Update 2021.
get windows 11 pro for cheap in pcworld's software store
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Dec 08, 2023
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Inside the Stealth 14 you get the above-mentioned 13th-gen Core i7 processor and impressive 8GB, 90-watt Nvidia graphics card, plus 16GB of speedy DDR5 memory, a generous 1TB NVMe Gen 4 flash storage drive, and a 1920×1200 fast IPS screen that can handle games at up to 165Hz. Other charms include an anti-ghosting keyboard with per-key RGB lighting, dual USB-C ports (one of which can handle Thunderbolt), and full-sized USB-A and HDMI ports, so you can leave the dongles at home.
The 14-inch laptop slides in just at just 19mm thin, just a hair under .75 inches, and weighs just 3.75 pounds. In order to get so sleek it has to make one crucial sacrifice: the battery. While 72 watt-hours should power through most workdays without issue, it's a fair bit less than most gaming laptops, and if you're getting deep in a Fortnite or Baldur's Gate groove you'll definitely want to plug in. Best Buy isn't saying how long this deal will last, so if you're
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Dec 08, 2023
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Price When Reviewed$179.99 (Standard version, perpetual license)
Best Prices Today: Foxit PDF Editor
Retailer
Price
Foxit Software
$179
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Dec 08, 2023
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Much like Kleenex, Photoshop is frequently used colloquially for the entire product class. So it's no wonder that Photoshop is the benchmark when it comes to image editing.
While Photoshop is an indispensable tool among photo professionals, we can think of a few reasons why Canva might be much better for you.
1. Ease of use
Let's get this straight from the start: When it comes to pure photo editing, Canva can't hold a candle to Photoshop. But Canva is so much more than just a photo editing program, which is why we think it's much more suitable for a large target group.
Canva: The greatest strength is its ease of use
Foundry
Whether for the marketing department in a large company, social media influencers or for private use: C
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Dec 08, 2023
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Price When Reviewed$869
Best Prices Today: Asus Zenbook 14 OLED
Retailer
Price
$869.00
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Dec 08, 2023
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The game-changing Apple Watch band with a built-in MagSafe charger, PowerBand is a clever solution to keeping your Apple Watch powered up constantly. The adjustable nylon weave band is comfortable to wear on any wrist and is integrated with a sleek MagSafe charger. Whenever you need to get a charge, just activate the quick-release mechanism to connect PowerBand to a USB outlet. Before you know it, you'll be powered back up and ready to continue your day.
Charge your Apple Watch anywhere. Right now, you can get PowerBand for $10 off $49 at just $39.99 for a limited time.
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Dec 08, 2023
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This bundle includes 12 courses on Python and more from some of the web's top instructors, including Dr. Chris Mall (4.6/5-star instructor rating) and ZENVA Academy (4.4/5-star rating). It's suitable for absolute beginners, with courses covering the foundations of Python and slowly elevating towards more advanced subject matter. By the end of the courses, you'll work on a variety of hands-on projects, from building a smart security camera to creating machine learning algorithms.
Learn Python this holiday season! Now through December 25, you can get The 2023 Complete Python Certification Boot Camp Bundle for just $19.99.
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Dec 07, 2023
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Apparently not. At AMD's "Advancing AI" presentation, where the company launched the Ryzen 8040 family of AI-enhanced mobile processors, Microsoft's chief Windows executive said that cloud AI and local AI could coexist.
It's not a trivial matter. Microsoft not only supplies licenses for millions of Windows machines, but also sells Microsoft 365 subscriptions to even more — 76 million consumer subscribers, as of the current third calendar quarter of 2023, with commercial growth of 14 percent on top of that. Microsoft also wants to charge users $30 per month for Microsoft 365 Copilot, the AI tool it will use to enhance productivity. That, like most of Microsoft's services, will use the Microsoft Azure cloud, which makes up the bulk of Microsoft's revenue.
AMD, along with its rivals, wants consumers and commercial customers to run AI on the local PC. AMD highlighted applications like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, along with BlackMagic's DaVinci Resolve, that use on-chip AI instead. Microsoft's own Windows Studio Effects tap local AI capabilities to blur backgrounds and filter audio, too. Placing AI functions in the cloud could undercut chipmakers and the value they add.
Fortunately, Pavan Davuluri, the new corporate vice president within Microsoft's Windows and Devices division, alluded to a hybrid strategy of using both local AI as well as the cloud to process AI functions.
Davuluri referred to what he calls a "hybrid engine," where the cloud and local computing work together.
"It's really about seamless c
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Dec 07, 2023
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The data comes from a consumer survey performed by secondary market Ultra and Atomik Research. According to aggregate answers from 2,000 PC gamers, only 36 percent of them will buy a new game at full price, while 32 percent will wait for a sale or a bundle (like the Humble Bundle). A further 32 percent say their games are "obtained for free." We'll just assume that they're all taking advantage of free-to-play titles or the Epic Games Store's weekly PC game giveaways because there's certainly no other, extralegal way to obtain them. Ahem.
Other insights published before the full release of the survey are less helpful. Three-quarters of responders said that PC games are too expensive…but that blanket statement doesn't really factor in that indie games (which the same 75 percent said they buy) are generally far less pricey or that PC games are usually less expensive than console gam
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Dec 07, 2023
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As you'd expect, there's no shortage of gaming headsets out there. No one wants to wade through the myriad options only to settle on one that ends up leaving you disappointed. That's why I've done all the heavy lifting for you, testing a ton of different headsets to find the best.
Why should you trust me? Because I'm a hardcore gamer and tech user like you, which means I'm always on the hunt for better gear to improve my own experience. More than that, I've spent many years weighing the pros and cons of the latest new-release gaming headsets, so you could say I know more than a thing or two about them.
To see the criteria I use to test each product and some helpful buying advice be sure to read on below the picks.
Updated 12/7/2023: To include the Corsair HS80 Max. This premium headset produces warm, natural-sounding mid-tones which are just perfect for capturing the soundscape in most games, and its cool mesh fabric earcups and lightweight plastic design make for a very comfy wear. I also recently reviewed the JLab Nightfall, a budget headset that costs just $39,99. This headset has impressive audio, but I experienced some teething issues with the set's microphone in my preproduction model.
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Dec 07, 2023
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Price When Reviewed$200
OWC's Express 1M2 is the first USB4 SSD to show up on our doorstep. Or our building's gated stoop, if I'm being 100 percent accurate. It's a rather large external SSD that shows off USB4's advantages nicely — i.e. Thunderbolt 4-like performance at a lower price point.
But before I get down to brass tacks, a short primer on what might be a new-to-you technology.
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Dec 07, 2023
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An ongoing support thread on Google Drive Help, spotted by The Register, is full of dozens of replies from users who've found their remote backups empty. The initial complaint comes from a Windows user who says that their Drive files going back to May of this year have suddenly disappeared, apparently from both the local folder and Google's server. Direct help from the support team was unable to restore the files. Over 300 users have clicked the "I have the same question" response.
A reply from a Google employee says that the company is aware of the issue and working on it, stating that it's affecting a "limited subset of Drive for desktop users." Google says that in the meantime you shouldn't delete any of your local files or disconnect your account from within the Drive app.
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Dec 07, 2023
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The Predator Helios has an Intel Core i7-13700HX CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. Given the hardware, this machine should be able to blitz through most titles on the higher graphics presets at 1080p resolution. The 16-inch display also has a resolution of 2560×1600, an aspect ratio of 16:10, and a refresh rate of 165Hz. Gameplay should be nice and smooth, which is important during more intensive matches.
This is a killer deal, so don't miss out. Who knows? Maybe it'll make a great gift for the holidays.
Get the Predator Helios 16 for $1,199.99 at Acer
Laptops
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Dec 07, 2023
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Although Explorer can fulfil all these tasks, it only offers a rather cumbersome way of working. Third-party manufacturers are constantly showing how it can be done better with their tools. This applies, for example, to the large, alternative file managers such as Total Commander or Free Commander, which work with a two-window technique, but also to various smaller tools that supplement the functions of Explorer or replace them with better versions. In this article, we present a selection of these programs.
Copy and move faster with Teracopy
If you set Explorer the task of copying or moving large volumes of data, the program first starts to think. It can take several seconds for the file manager to estimate how large the volume of data is and how much time it will need for the process, information that's usually of no interest to the user.
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Dec 07, 2023
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Price When Reviewed129.99
Best Prices Today: Ugreen Revodok Pro 13-in-1 Triple Display Docking Station
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Dec 07, 2023
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While we feel that our favorite monitor overall is an awesome choice for most people, we also have alternative options for budget shoppers, gamers, and those seeking the best HDR performance. After all, not everyone needs the same features from a monitor. (If you're looking specifically for a 4K monitor or gaming monitor, go check out our separate roundups highlighting your best options for those particular needs, as well.) You can find out more about how we evaluate monitors and what specs matter most below our list of recommendations.
Dell U3223QE - Best monitor overall
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Dec 07, 2023
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The TruGolf Mini uses E6 CONNECT software to give you virtual access to more than 100 golf courses, four driving ranges, 13 chip and putt ranges, 16 mini-games, and 18 play modes. With the TruGolf Mini sensor, the game reproduces accurate swing results, collecting data in real-time to analyze four critical swing characteristics. So, if you shank a shot, you'll really shank a shot!
The kit comes with a weighted swing trainer that mimics the true feel of hitting a golf ball, making your training feel more real. You can practice with skills challenges, hit the range, or have a few friends over to enjoy a cold one and play a full round.
The perfect gift for the golfer in your life does exist, and it's hugely discounted through 11:59 pm PT on December 17. Get the TruGolf Mini Golf Simulator for 56% off $399 at just $172.97 now and order by December 7 to guarantee arrival by the holidays.
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Dec 07, 2023
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This cutting-edge drone is equipped with dual 4K HD cameras to capture beautiful aerial photos and videos in real time. It's easy to fly, even for complete beginners, thanks to a host of features like headless mode, 4-channel movement, one-key take-off and landing, and a 4-way anti-collision system that automatically avoids obstacles in flight. Plus, it has an optical flow sensor that enables precise hovering and positioning so you can get great aerial footage without shaking.
Get a loved one into drone piloting this holiday season! Now through December 17, get the Ninja Dragon Blade K 4K Drone with 4-Way Anti-Collision & Optical Flow for $100 off at just $69.97. Order by December 7 to guarantee delivery by the holidays.
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Dec 06, 2023
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We've also included some helpful answers to common questions about buying a computer at the bottom of this article. If you're considering a laptop instead, be sure to check out our best laptop deals, updated daily.
Note: Tech deals come and go quickly, so it's possible some of these computer discounts will have expired before this article's next update.
Best gaming desktop computer deals
Alienware Aurora R16, Core i7/RTX 4080/16GB RAM/1TB SSD, $2,249.99 (12% off on Dell)
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Dec 06, 2023
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In January, AMD launched the Ryzen 7000 family, of which the Ryzen 7040 included the first use of what AMD then called its XDNA architecture, powering Ryzen AI. (When rival Intel disclosed its Meteor Lake processor this past summer, Intel began referring to the AI accelerator as an NPU, and the name stuck.)
More than 50 laptop models already ship with Ryzen AI, executives said. Now, it's on to AMD's next NPU, Hawk Point, inside the Ryzen 8040. In AMD's case, the XDNA NPU assists the Zen CPU, with the Radeon RDNA architecture of the GPU powering graphics. But all three logic components work harmoniously, contributing to the greater whole.
"We view AI as the single most transformational technology of the last ten years," said Dr. Lisa Su, AMD's chief executive, in kicking off AMD's "Advancing AI" presentation on Wednesday.
Now, the fight is being waged across several fronts. While Microsoft and Google may want AI to be computed in the cloud, all the heavyweight chip companies are making a case for it to be processed locally, on the PC. That means finding applications that can take advantage of the local AI processing capabilities. And that means partnering with software developers to code apps for specific processors. The upshot is that AMD and its rivals must provide software tools to enable those applications to talk to their chips.
Natu
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Dec 06, 2023
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While the 13th-gen Core version of the Nitro V ranges from $699 to $999, Acer's Ryzen 8040 version is priced at $999.99 and up, shipping in March 2024. (Intel will launch its 14th-gen "Meteor Lake" chips at an event in New York City next Thursday, which Acer could support as well.) AMD announced its Ryzen 8000 series at an event in San Jose.
Acer's Nitro 5 (or Nitro V) laptops have typically offered killer value, though the company has been forced to cut corners here and there. Our review of the 2022 version of the Nitro V noted that while the laptop offered a lot on paper, it had an uninspired design and poor battery life (which is fairly typical for a gaming laptop.) The same holds true for the 2023 Nitro V, though its undeniable price-to-performance ratio still earns high marks for budget-minded gamers.
On paper, though, the Nitro V 16 still has our attention. Acer will build the Nitro V around the Ryzen 7 8845HS, a Zen 4 design that taps Ryzen AI for additional capabilities. Acer said that the processor will be matched to third-gen power-management variations, dual fans, and smart battery optimizations, which appears to be Acer's response to our prior battery criticisms.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Microsoft just put AI front-and-center with Windows 11's massive 2023 Update, which added the Windows Copilot AI assistant and awesome AI "Cocreator" features to Paint. Copilot is coming to Windows 10, too. And Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm have been busy integrating AI-boosting "NPUs" (neural processing units) to the PC chips destined to hit the streets next year, aiming to enhance tasks with local AI that runs on your computer's hardware rather than hitting up servers in the cloud.
get windows 11 pro for cheap
Windows 11 Pro
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Dec 06, 2023
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But choosing an external SSD means sorting through a dizzying array of options, and making a poor choice can leave you feeling hard done by. Lucky for you, we've done the testing and can offer some sure-fire recommendations that are guaranteed to help, and not hinder, your gaming setup.
Why you should trust us: We are PCWorld. Our reviewers have been putting computer hardware through its paces for decades. Our external drive evaluations are thorough and rigorous, testing the limits of every product — from performance benchmarks to the practicalities of regular use. As consumers ourselves, we know what makes a product exceptional. For more about our testing process, scroll to the bottom of this article.
Crucial X10 Pro - Best external SSD for gaming
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Dec 06, 2023
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This 23.8-inch monitor has a fast refresh rate of 165Hz, which means visuals should be buttery smooth. It also has a solid port selection as well as AMD FreeSync, which is designed to reduce screen tearing. It even has multiple gaming modes with different color profiles. These profiles are intended to line up with the type of game you're playing, whether it be racing or sports.
The Acer Nitro has a resolution of 1920×1080, a refresh rate of 165Hz, and a response time of 1ms. The response time is quite good, as it's designed to smoothly render dramatic or abrupt transitions in games, reducing the likelihood of visual defects like smearing or ghosting. It also has HDR10 built-in, which improves contrast by producing deeper levels of blacks and whites.
According to reviewers on Amazon, it's a stellar monitor for the price, with an intuitive menu and sturdy stand. And did we mention it's just $99? Insane. Don't miss out!
Get the Acer Nitro for $99.99 at Amazon
Monitors
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Dec 06, 2023
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Best Prices Today: EA Sport WRC
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Dec 06, 2023
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The protocol still used to send emails, smtp, has been around since 1981. The most common protocol for retrieving and managing email, imap, was introduced in 1988. The biggest technical changes since then are the addition of encrypted connections using ssl/tls.
At no time in the early decades of email was privacy and protection of personal data included in the development of the email technology itself. Encryption for those who need to send secrets came fairly early with PGP (1991) and s/mime (1995), but 30 years later it has still not taken hold in the market. Other developments have meant that email today has less privacy protection than ever.
Threats to and from
Email can pose a privacy problem on two completely different fronts, with completely different requirements for protective measures. One is the monitoring of your communication along the path between you and the recipient — that is, an external threat to your emails. But a far greater concern for most people today is the threat that comes from within the email — various techniques to track and spy on you via the technical content of the emails you open.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Price When Reviewed$129.99
Best Prices Today: Atari 2600 Plus
Retailer
Price
Atari
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Dec 06, 2023
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That's because this puzzle actually awards prize money when you finish it. When you complete the puzzle, it makes a big QR code. Scan that code and you'll be taken to a page that will award you your prize money. Prizes range from $1 to $1,000,000, so absolutely everyone is a winner. This puzzle is rated an average of 4.7/5 stars by verified purchasers.
Could you give $1 million this holiday season? Get The 2 Million Dollar Puzzle for $29.99, or save $10 by getting two for $50, or $200 with
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Dec 06, 2023
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This sleek charger has a built-in magnet and metal plate to securely attach to your iPhone 12 or later, keeping it firmly in place while you charge up. It has built-in safeguards against overcharging and is guaranteed to work with the highest speed charging protocols for your phone. Rated 4.3/5 stars by verified purchasers, this charger offers an easy way to get powered up while reducing cable clutter.
Give the gift of wireless charging this year! Now through December 17, you can get the Speedy Mag Wireless Charger for iPhone for 70% off $119 at just $34.97. Order by December 7 for guaranteed arrival by Christmas.
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Dec 05, 2023
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Microsoft plans to add these things to Copilot, which is now the company's catchall term for its large language model chatbots on the web, on Windows, and in Microsoft 365. Of particular interest is the imminent addition of GPT-4 Turbo, notable for two things: an information cutoff of April 2023 as well as the ability to handle 128k of input (or about 300 pages of text.) The feature is currently in testing, Microsoft said.
Still, there is a cutoff — and to solve that problem, Microsoft is launching Deep Search. While Microsoft and ChatGPT have used "plugins" to help dive deeper into specific topics, Deep Search is a more generic version of that. If Copilot isn't sure what you're asking about, it may pop up a small window asking for more detail: For example, what you mean when asking about "points systems in Japan." If Bing isn't sure whether you're asking about loyalty cards or immigration, it will ask, Microsoft explained.
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Dec 05, 2023
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Microsoft's Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. That will still mean, as it usually does, that Microsoft will release no new features after that date.
What it usually also means is that Microsoft won't release any new security patches after a product exits its support window. That typically translates to an end-of-life scenario: Without security updates, your use of Windows 10 or another product is subject to any bugs or vulnerabilities that are discovered. You use it at your own risk, basically.
Microsoft sometimes offers an escape hatch. As it has done previously, businesses will be offered an Extended Security Update — a chance to pay Microsoft for additional bug fixes and patches while it transitions over to Windows 11. What's different is that consumers will now be offered the chance to buy an Extended Security Update, too — the first time that Microsoft has allowed consumers to do this.
"While we strongly recommend moving to Windows 11, we understand there are circumstances that could prevent you from replacing Windows 10 devices before the EOS date. Therefore, Microsoft will offer Extended Security Updates," Microsoft said in a blog post.
"Like the Windows 7 ESU program, your organization will be able to purchase a yearly subscription to security updates. The yearly commitment is renewable for three years. Devices enrolled in ESUs will receive monthly security updat
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Dec 05, 2023
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Why you should trust us: Hey, it's in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We've been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who've applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We're also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.
Razer Blade 14 (2023) - Best gaming laptop
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Dec 05, 2023
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Logitech
The Astro A50 X headset manages this trick by being more than just a headset. Its wireless dock is also an input switch, supporting the latest HDMI 2.1 standard. Plug any two HDMI sources into the charging dock, and it becomes a switch for a single display, supporting up to 4K and 120Hz. You can get more advanced audio features with each input thanks to two additional USB-C ports, on top of the charging input. It's a nifty if somewhat confusing setup — if your gaming PC doesn't have at least one HDMI out, you'll need to fall back on the USB connections and manually switch your monitor's video input. Like some kind of peasant.
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Dec 05, 2023
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I actually reviewed this specific machine last month and awarded it four out of five stars, because it's great. The audio quality is surprisingly punchy, performance is fast and reliable, and it offers a pleasant typing experience. As far as everyday laptops go, it checks off all the right boxes. I really enjoyed this machine and, for under $300, I think you will too.
The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is rocking an Intel Core i3-1215U CPU, Intel UHD graphics, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD storage. Personally, I didn't any notice any lag when jumping from tab to tab and it boots up and shuts down within seconds. The bezels are thicker than I like, but the display is spacious at 15.6-inches and it has a resolution of 1920×1080. In other words, it's a perfectly usable display for day-to-day productivity. It'll last about 13 hours on a single charge, which is a little below average for a Chromebook, but it's still a fantastic day-long result.
This is a phenomenal deal on a Chromebook that's very good, so don't miss out!
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Dec 05, 2023
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A website can use the new feature by adding the code Request-OTR: 1 to the header. But you must first activate OTR in Brave. Enter brave://flags in the URL bar. Now enter the term "OTR" in the search field and select "Enable" from the drop-down menu after "Enable Request-OTR Tab." After restarting the browser, the feature is activated.
If you subsequently call up such a website with Brave, the browser asks whether the website should be opened confidentially. If you click "Yes," a temporary storage area is created for caches, cookies, authorizations, and the like. This storage area is deleted again when you leave the website.
To be able to use this feature, you must update Brave to version 1.53. You can view the current version of your browser via the "About Brave" menu icon. The feature is useful, but the number of web services that offer OTR still seems to be limited, so you might have better results using an Incognito window in Firefox or another browser until Brave's new OTR feature spreads further.
This article was translated from German to English and originally appeared on pcwelt.de.
Personal Software
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Dec 05, 2023
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The culprit appears to be a Windows update that erroneously re-labeled some or all of the hardware printers connected to PCs with incorrect metadata, either directly or over the network, and automatically installed the HP Smart app. (Windows Update can download third-party executables in addition to standard drivers for some partner companies — you may have noticed this when plugging in a new gaming mouse or keyboard.) The issue was reported by Windows users to various Microsoft support systems and
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Dec 05, 2023
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Price When ReviewedFree
Best Prices Today: FreeFileSync 13.1
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Price
FreeFileSync
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Dec 05, 2023
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Labelling PDFs
Labelling is probably the most common way to edit PDFs. Many times when sharing a PDF file with someone else, you may need to draw attention to something by crossing it out with a ‘marker,' adding a comment, or drawing something in the document.
the best pdf editor
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
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Dec 05, 2023
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Price When Reviewed$849.99
Best Prices Today: Acer Nitro V 15
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$849.99
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Dec 05, 2023
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Microsoft Office is the world's most ubiquitous office software for good reason. Both Mac and Windows versions include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Teams — the gold standard business suite that will help anyone unlock their most productive selves. The Windows version also includes Publisher and Access.
Give a practical gift that will go the extra mile this year. Now through 11:59 pm PT on December 10, you can get Microsoft Office for Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac or
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Dec 05, 2023
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Babbel is the world's top-grossing language learning software, with more than ten million users worldwide who have helped propel it to a 4.5/5-star rating on the App Store and a 4.6/5-star rating on the Google Play Store. It was developed by more than 100 expert linguists and uses a practical curriculum and bite-sized classes to help learners become conversational in one of 14 languages in as little as a month.
Give the gift of language! Now through December 17, get a lifetime subscription to Babbel Language Learning for 75% off $599 at just $149.97. This digital gift is available instantly upon purchase, saving you the stress of waiting for shipping.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Reddit user BNSoul measured the performance of their AMD 5800X3D before and after updating Windows 11. "To put it simple [sic], every CPU benchmark shows significantly reduced CPU performance after updating to Windows 11 23H2 from 22H2, even after a fresh/clean install.
"I could add an endless list of benchmark results here but just lets say it's always 23H2 5-8% slower in every single one be it single or multi-thread compared to 22H2," the user added.
The problem, at least in the Reddit thread, appears limited to AMD Ryzen CPUs. But other users have complained with PCs containing Intel 13th-gen CPUs, including on Microsoft's site.
Fortunately, after several days, BNSoul received a response back from Microsoft that apparently solves the problem.
"Received an answer from Microsoft after 3 days," the user wrote in an upd
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Dec 04, 2023
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Unfortunately, the launch comes on the eve of major changes being made to Intel's branding, too, as part of the launch of its "Core Ultra" Meteor Lake chips.
The PDF presentation, discovered by @momomo_us and Neowin, is titled "Core Truths — How the Latest Technology is not always what it seems". "There's a long history of selling half-truths to unsuspecting customers," the presentation reads, next to a man holding a bottle that's labeled "Snake Oil."
The presentation then specifically goes on to call out AMD's Ryzen branding, asking "Can I trust that this is the latest?" "No!" the presentation responds, with an arrow pointing to Intel's own Core i5 branding.
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Dec 04, 2023
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For context, Nvidia is making unbelievably, ridiculously, stupidly huge amounts of money at the moment, providing the hardware backbone for the AI software boom. We're talking almost $15 billion in revenue last quarter, a 400 percent increase over last year. And while Nvidia and other chipmakers are popping champagne, political powers are nervous, trying to make sure that they keep an advantage over their rivals. That's why the United States has begun restricting the sale of certain high-powered processors to China, an embargo that was recently expanded to close some loopholes. Nvidia's AI-focused graphics chips, including the popular H100 and H800 as well as high-end consumer graphics cards like the RTX 4090, have been explicitly banned for export to China for being too powerful for potential AI applications.
US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has been particularly bullish on these restrictions. "The updates are s
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Dec 04, 2023
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The HP Victus has an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS CPU, the aforementioned Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. In other words, you should be able to play most games on their higher graphics presets. The 16.1-inch IPS display has a resolution of 1920×1080, a maximum brightness level of 300 nits, and a refresh rate of 144Hz. It's not the brightest screen around, but it's perfectly suitable for day-to-day productivity and gaming.
This is a fantastic deal, but we don't expect it to last long. Get it now.
Get the HP Victus for $1,049.99 at HP
Laptops
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Dec 04, 2023
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Enter the "USB Cart of Death." It didn't kill people, but endless Windows builds. Using the USB Cart of Death often led to a blue screen on the Windows computer being checked. This meant that the Windows build running on the PC was finished and needed to be improved.
There were 64 USB devices on the USB Cart of Death, the maximum number of USB devices that could be connected to a Windows computer at the time (the figure is now 127). The Windows developers packed every conceivable type of USB device onto the cart (one of those mail trolleys used to collect and deliver the company's mail): keyboards, mice, printers, and even a USB gaming steering wheel, which was then used to steer the trolley. All of these devices were connected to the Windows PC being tested via a single USB cable. The Windows developers used an arsenal of USB hubs to make that possible.
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Dec 04, 2023
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Price When Reviewed249.99
Best Prices Today: Gigabyte GS32QC
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Dec 04, 2023
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Tools such as AMD's Wattman can also be used to set the fan curve manually or according to specific profiles. Check that you have not inadvertently programmed something incorrectly.
IDG
Modern graphics cards often allow you to customize the fan speed, depending on performance and temperature. If you suspect that these settings have been changed, reset them and observe the fan behavior. A lack of power supply can be a reason for stationary fans.
Check that all necessary cables are connected correctly and that your power source is sufficient. However, dust or other particles can also block the fans. You may want to clean them out if that's the case. Next, check whether the fans can be turned manually.
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Dec 04, 2023
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I was never much of a book person, but that's changed as I've tried to divert more time away from social media. Kindle—not just the e-reader, but the mobile apps—are where a lot of that spare screen time has ended up.
As such, I've been digging deeper into the Kindle software to make the most of it, and using it not just for e-books, but as a hub for all kinds of reading. Here's what I've come up with:
Use the app
If you haven't read a book on a smartphone lately, you might be surprised at how pleasant it's become as mobile displays have grown larger and more vibrant.
To that end, the Kindle app on iOS and Android is a great way to read e-books, and you don't need a Kindle e-reader to use it. Any Kindle books you purchase online will automatically sync across devices, as will your reading progress, so you can pick up where you left off on any phone, tablet, or e-reader that's logged into the same Amazon account.
Personalize your pages
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Dec 04, 2023
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And, with this seasonal savings event, you'll receive a $40 Digital Costco Shop Card* when you sign up for a Gold Star Membership ($60). This promotion runs through the end of the year. Your purchase arrives digitally, making this an excellent last-minute option for any holiday you have coming up.
Give a valuable shopping experience
As a Gold Star Member, your giftee can shop a wide selection of products under one roof. They may find grocery items like produce, deli items, take-and-bake meals, freshly baked goods, frozen products, and pantry staples; household goods such as toilet paper and cleaning supplies; clothing and apparel; electronics and appliances; pet food and toys; gift cards; and so much more.
Savings don't stop at physical items. Costco has more than 500 warehouse locations across the US and select locations may offer other perks like Costco Gas Station, Costco Tire Center, Costco
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Dec 03, 2023
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Note that laptop prices can fluctuate and there might be times when the price of one of our picks hovers over $1,000.
Why you should trust us: Hey, it's in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We've been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who've applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We're also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.
For more recommendations on gaming laptops, see our roundup of the best gaming laptops across all prices, or take a look at our roundup of the best laptop deals.
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Dec 03, 2023
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Sam's Club is a leading wholesale club, offering extraordinary value on everyday items from groceries and furniture to clothing and electronics. It also offers unique perks like discounts on hotels, car rentals, live events, movies, and more. With Sam's Club, which is rated an average of 4.8/5 stars by verified purchasers, you'll always be able to find great deals that you wouldn't find at traditional retail, and that's what makes it different.
It's your last chance to get a Sam's Club membership for just $20! Sign up before 11:59 pm PT on December 3 to save 60% off your first year of membership.
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Dec 02, 2023
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Why you should trust us: Hey, it's in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We've been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who've applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We're also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.
Dell XPS 17 (2023) - Best overall
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Dec 02, 2023
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This deal is ideal for English-language speakers who want to broaden their horizons. Users get to customize their approach to Spanish with short, engaging lessons that can be completed on lunch breaks or at the gym during workouts. New words get introduced in multiple ways — for example, learners might pair a word with its corresponding image and then use it to fill in the blank in a short sentence. In this way, the knowledge sticks and gets you ready for actual conversation.
Once you do start talking, you can test your pronunciation against Rosetta Stone's TruAccent speech recognition, a relatively new innovation that can refine your speech and help you sound like a local. Once you have your account, you can save your progress and pick it up again anywhere you can access the internet. It's usability like this that has earned Rosetta Stone multiple awards and accolades from tech sites far and wide, including a PC Mag Editors' Choice Award!
Get a
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Dec 01, 2023
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Microsoft has removed the daily 15-point bonus for using Microsoft Edge, and has reduced the rewards for daily activities to just one or two points (down from five to ten points). On the Xbox, users report that the company is making additional changes to reduce the point opportunities as well, possibly killing the Rewards app altogether.
Microsoft Rewards debuted in 2016 as the evolution of Bing Rewards. Think of it as Microsoft's frequent-flyer system: The more you use Microsoft's services, the more Microsoft will pay you in points, which can be exchanged for real money in the form of Amazon gift cards, food delivery services, and Microsoft Game Pass for PC and Game Pass Ultimate.
What's so great about Microsoft Rewards is the fact that you really didn't have to do anything to earn free stuff: Provided you don't mind using Bing over Google Search, or Microsoft Edge over Chrome, Microsoft will automatically "pay" you for using both services. Historically, you've also received points for using the Xbox, as well as PC Game Pass and the mobile Microsoft apps. Microsoft has also "gamified" rewards for completing specific tasks or "quests," but those have been entirely optional; you could accumulate a few bucks in your Amazon account just by doing everything you do without thinking about it.
Put another way, you used to be able to earn 270 points per
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Dec 01, 2023
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The Commercial Times, Taiwan's largest financial paper, led its report about a recent medical conference by stating that Microsoft's Windows 12 will launch in June 2024. The paper was reporting on comments made by Barry Lam, the founder and chairman of PC contract manufacturer Quanta, and by Junsheng (Jason) Chen, the chairman and chief executive of Acer.
The CT did not directly attribute the Windows date to either executive, though it said that Lam stated that Quanta would be the "first to invest in AI PCs," a new category of PCs that Intel chief executive Pat Gelsinger announced in July.
Though the definition differs slightly between companies, an AI PC is generally assumed to be a PC with a processor (such as Intel's Meteor Lake, AMD's Ryzen AI, and Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite CPU) with on-chip AI capabilities. Intel will bring PC makers together in New York on December 14 to launch AI PCs, which should then be seen more broadly at CES in Las Vegas in January.
Microsoft, of course, ha
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Dec 01, 2023
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There's just one potential fly in the soup. This version of the ROG Ally is running the AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, not the faster, flagship Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU that made the Ally such a splash when it launched earlier this year. So, while the hardware is still newer and faster than the Steam Deck, it's to a lesser degree than you might think and running Windows instead of the Linux-based Steam OS creates a lot of operating overhead. If you want the full-fat Extreme version of the Ally, it's also on sale for $599.99 ($100 off the original price inste
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Dec 01, 2023
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That's completely understandable, but not always accurate. We at PCWorld have tested a ton of USB-C cables and we can say with certainty not all of them are made the same. In fact, we noticed huge performance differences among cables when it comes to both charging and transferring data.
Our hands-on evaluation of numerous cables ranging from the biggest, most-recognizable brand-names to the cheapest of the cheap has revealed some clear winners, which we highlight below.
Our picks are separated into two groups to avoid any confusion: USB-C cables that are best for charging, and those best for both charging and fast data transfer.
For more information you can refer to our guide on how to buy a USB-C cable on Amazon without losing your mind, and you can find out more about how we test cables below our picks.
Best USB-C cable for charging
Belkin BoostCharge 240-watt charging cable
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Dec 01, 2023
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As reported earlier this year, dormant Google accounts and their Gmail, Drive, YouTube, and Photos content start getting the axe on December 1. So, if you haven't used any Google services in the past two years, your account could fall victim to Google's new inactivity policy. The policy does not apply to accounts set up through your work, school, or another organization. Several exceptions also apply to personal accounts like if you have an ongoing subscription, have purchased digital items like books, or have an associated gift card balance.
Not all inactive accounts will get nuked immediately. Instead, the first to be wiped are ones that were created and then never used again, as outlined by Google in its May announcement of its plans. All affected accounts should have received email notifications leading up to the
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Dec 01, 2023
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The HP Victus comes equipped with an Intel Core i5-12500H CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. Given the specs, you should be able to blitz through most games on higher graphics presets. The 15.6-inch display has a resolution of 1920×1080 and a refresh rate of 144Hz. 1080p isn't the highest resolution we've seen on a gaming laptop, but it's perfectly fine for day-to-day productivity and gaming.
This is an absolutely stellar deal, so don't miss out.
Get the HP Victus for $699 at Walmart
Laptops
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Dec 01, 2023
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Price When Reviewed$129.99
Best Prices Today: Glorious Model O 2 Pro 4K/8KHz Edition
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Dec 01, 2023
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Price When ReviewedFree
Best Prices Today: Softland FBackup 9
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Dec 01, 2023
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The new functions are also available after installing the Microsoft Paint app from the App Store. Updating the Paint app usually also works via the Store app in Windows 11 and selecting Library Get updates. If the Paint update can be found in the window, you can install it here.
Microsoft is also constantly expanding the functions of Paint. If you already have the new version, you may receive additional new functions through an update.
However, you shouldn't expect too much from the new Paint. Even in the new version, Paint will certainly not be a comprehensive competitor for other image editing tools. If you want to edit images comprehensively, there is no getting round solutions such as Adobe Photoshop or the open source Gimp.
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Dec 01, 2023
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With 1TB of storage, you'll have space to store around 17,000 songs. And you can connect to other storage services to create a cloud hub. Featuring a duplicate finder, among other things, your encrypted files are accessible on unlimed devices for life.
Invest in the peace of mind that comes with knowing your files are protected and within reach whenever needed.
Get a lifetime subscription to 1TB of Koofr Cloud Storage for the exclusive $119.97 (reg. $810) through December 17 at 11:59 p.m. PT with code KOOFR.
Prices subject to change.
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Nov 30, 2023
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As of today, those users who have signed up for the free version of Evernote will be restricted to a single notebook and just fifty notes at a time, Evernote said in a blog post. The idea, of course, is that users who want more flexibility (and more notes) should sign up for the paid versions instead. Those plans begin at $14.99 per month, though Evernote has discounted the cheapest Personal plan to $10.83 a month at present.
"Evernote Free will continue to be available for users who wish to explore Evernote before subscribing, or who are happy with Free's more basic features," the company said. "When setting the new limits, we considered that the majority of our Free users fall below the threshold of fifty notes and one notebook. As a result, the everyday experience for most Free users will remain unchanged.
"For Free users who have or who want more than fifty notes and one notebook, we recognize that these changes may lead you to reconsider your relationship with Evernote," the company added.
After Bending Spoons acquired Evernote last November, the company laid off 129 people in February, TechCrunch noted. It seems pretty obvious that Evernote is tightening its belt, and asking customers to pay up to offset any financial woes.
Personal Software
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Nov 30, 2023
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As Bleeping Computer notes, this is the sixth time this year that a zero day exploit has been discovered and patched by Google. (So, once every two months — I apologize for the hyperbole.) This one is an integer overflow bug in the Skia 2D graphics library, a common type of exploit that occurs when a program doesn't account
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Nov 30, 2023
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The Lenovo Legion Pro 5i is rocking an Intel Core i7-13700HX CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of SSD storage. Given the hardware, this laptop should fly through most modern games on the High or Ultra graphics preset. The 16-inch display has a resolution of 2560×1600, an aspect ratio of 16:10 (taller screen!), a refresh rate of 240Hz, and a response time of 3ms. In other words, visuals should be buttery smooth. As for connectivity options, you're getting two USB-C, four USB-A, one HDMI, one headphone/microphone input/output, and one RJ45 (Gigabit Ethernet).
This is a very capable gaming machine, especially for $550 off. Get it now.
Get the Lenovo Legion Pro 5i for $1,249 at B&H
Laptops
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Nov 30, 2023
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The option is available both as a toggle deep in the Settings Power menu and in the Quick Settings menu (Win A), for both laptops and desktops. The immediate benefit is obvious for the former, but it's nice to see that desktops aren't left out of the discussion since they're often adding quite a bit to your electricity bill. (Especially if you leave them running all the time — yeah, we see you Kevin, with your friends and family Plex server. Get a NAS already!)
The toggle can be set to apply automatically when your laptop battery drains to a certain point. Note that this feature is separate from Efficiency Mode, which is set on an app-by-app basis. As with all Insider build features, it's not set in stone to come to the general Windows 11 release. But given how useful it might be, I'd guess we'll see this one sooner rather than later.
Windows
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Nov 30, 2023
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Why you should trust us: Hey, it's in our name! PCWorld prides itself on laptop experience and expertise. We've been covering PCs since 1983, and we now review more than 70 laptops every year. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts, who've applied not only performance benchmarks but rigorous usability standards. We're also committed to reviewing PC laptops at every price point to help you find a machine that matches your budget.
If you can manage to stretch your budget a little bit further, check out our best laptops roundup for even more suggestions.
Acer Aspire 3 - Best sub-$500 laptop overall
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Nov 30, 2023
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Price When Reviewed1749.99
Best Prices Today: Asus Vivobook Pro 16X OLED
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Nov 30, 2023
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Google first introduced its "Google Docs Editors" suite in 2006, and Microsoft responded with its own online office suite in 2009. As with Google's competitors, you only need a user account to use it, and the technical requirements are limited to a browser and an internet connection.
Just log in with your browser
On the Online Office homepage, you can select the desired application on the left-hand side or start directly with a new, blank document.
IDG
The central point of contact for the Office programs is the portal www.office.com. There you can log in with your Microsoft account or create a new account. As soon as you have logged in, you can access Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, OneNote, and To do as well as Family Safety, Calendar
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Nov 30, 2023
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We will explain step by step how to proceed. You don't need any additional software for this, the integrated Windows disk management is perfectly adequate. You can also convert a USB stick in the same way and make it ready for use under Windows.
Set up an SSD or HDD in 7 steps
1. First start Disk Management with the key combination Windows X and a click on the corresponding menu item. Alternatively, open the Windows command prompt with Windows R, type diskmgmt.msc and confirm with the Enter key.
2. In the upper part of the user interface, you can recognize existing hard drive partitions with the assigned drive letters in brackets. The most important information is the file system, the total capacity and the free memory. The lower part of the window informs you about the physically available drive devices.
Foundry
3. Windows disk management is structur
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Nov 30, 2023
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Price When Reviewed39.99
Best Prices Today: JLab Nightfall
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JLab
$39.99
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Nov 30, 2023
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This handy device works just like a regular heads-up display you'd find in newer car models. It works via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, giving you access to various apps at your fingertips. You can navigate with Google Maps or Waze, read messages via the built-in speaker, take calls, and tap into a parking assistant backup camera. It's an intuitive way to increase the safety and convenience of your car.
Upgrade your car with this 10? Touchscreen Wireless Bluetooth Car Display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Support, now just $125.99 (reg. $199).
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Nov 29, 2023
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The 2023 edition of the limited-edition top translates the "Bliss" wallpaper into a six-color variant, but preserves the iconic Sonoma, California vista horizon on a partly cloudy day. There are a few little touches to show that this isn't just some clever Etsy buy like a cursor pointing to your kidney, sky blue trim matching the XP default task bar, and a tag in the form of an XP tool tip. Buying the $69.99 sweater supports The Nature Conservancy, though precisely how and to what degree, Microsoft has not enumerated.
Microsoft
If you want one, better get over to the official Xbox store lickety-split. Whatever you think of its sartorial merits, the Windows Ugly Sweater always sells out quickly — at the time of writing I'm seeing only the 2XL size var
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Nov 29, 2023
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The truth is you won't lose much performance going for a cheaper option. In fact, you can get a top-performing mouse that—barring the sensor, which is usually more modest than in premium devices—is virtually identical in build quality and styling and with equally quick buttons.
That's not to say all budget gaming mice are alike. Admittedly, at the lower end of the market there tends to be more variation in the build quality, weight, and button configuration than at the top end, so you'll still want to do your homework before you buy.
Or, you could just peruse our list of best budget gaming mice (below). We've already done the research on your behalf by extensively testing a cohort of mice, sorting the wheat from the chaff, so that what's left is the best of the best. We'll keep updating our chart as we review more mice and find even better products.
For the criteria we use to review budget gaming mice and some useful buying advice, read our postscript explainer below. For even more options, see our complete roundup of the best gaming mice, featuring both wired and wireless picks at various prices points.
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Nov 29, 2023
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The LG Gram comes with an Intel Core i7-1360P CPU, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. That's plenty of juice for office work as well as day-to-day productivity. The 16-inch laptop features a resolution of 2560×1600 and a refresh rate of 60Hz. It's also touch-enabled with a maximum brightness of 350 nits, according to the manufacturer. That's not the brightest screen we've ever seen here at PCWorld, but it should be vibrant enough for everyday use.
This is a fantastic deal. I mean, $600 off is a huge chunk of change. Get it now before it's gone forever.
Get the LG Gram 2-in-1 for $996.99 at B&H
Laptops
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Nov 29, 2023
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The format was based on and is essentially a simplification of postscript, a programming language developed by Adobe 10 years earlier to describe documents for printing in a technology-neutral way. PDF (and postscript) uses code to describe where text, images, and graphic elements should be placed on a page. A rasterizer turns the code into either pixels on a screen or dots in a printout.
PDF files are extremely common and are used for all sorts of things, as an archive format for scanned and digitized documents of various kinds, as a standard format for scientific articles, for digital contracts and to save something for later printing, just to name a few examples.
Acrobat Reader DC.Foundry
Read PDF files
Windows still has no built-in program for viewing and editing PDF files. The default program for opening a PDF in the system is Microsoft Edge, which like most browsers, has a built-in PDF viewer. It works really well for just reading, with the basic features you would expect. For example, you can view the table
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Nov 29, 2023
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However, the Windows search is not always fast enough and often does not deliver the desired results. This can be optimized, but alternative search tools offer better performance, depending on the purpose.
There is also room for optimization in the Windows update. This allows the system and some Microsoft applications to be updated automatically.
For some time now, Microsoft has been offering a tool for the command line that can be used to install and update popular tools and applications. Here we present a program that enables convenient control via a graphical user interface.
1. Use the Windows Explorer search function
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Nov 29, 2023
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OysterVPN has been rated 4.2/5 stars on Trustpilot and is a reliable VPN solution for privacy and streaming. With servers available in 22 countries worldwide, you can bypass geographic restrictions and even connect to dedicated servers for streaming platform access, ensuring you can watch your favorite shows privately. OysterVPN utilizes 256-bit encryption to protect your data, actively blocks known malicious domains, and includes a NAT firewall, DNS leak protection, and an ad blocker.
Enjoy a better, safer browsing experience. Right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to OysterVPN for just $39.99 (reg. $199).
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Nov 29, 2023
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This tool combines an AI writer and an ATS-friendly resume builder in a drag-and-drop layout system that makes creating a fully optimized resume easy. You can rearrange elements of your resume with easy toggle controls and advanced design tools to make your resume stand out from the crowd. You can create custom sections in a few clicks, create multiple resumes for different types of jobs, and use the built-in AI engine to auto-complete sections and data easily.
User Anna Zubchenko writes, "Resume Builder is a perfect tool that can help everyone who is seeking a job to create [a] CV faster, great idea!"
Give yourself an edge this Cyber Monday!
Now through December 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a lifetime subscription to AI Resume Builder for just $29.97 (reg. $468).
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Nov 28, 2023
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Luckily, reverse phone number lookup sites can offer a solution, helping you find out who is calling. Nonetheless, finding free and legitimate sites to use can often be difficult. However, this list should help you choose a reverse phone lookup service that can be relied on to deliver at no charge.
Check out the list below!
Spokeo - Provides highly comprehensive background search results
US Phone Lookup - Has a fast and easy-to-use reverse phone search engine
NumLooker - Provides numerous reverse search options to choose from
CocoFinder - Offers access to multiple reverse lookup features with accurate data
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Nov 28, 2023
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Why you should trust us: It's in our name, PCWorld. We've been reviewing laptops for decades, with exacting standards applied to all facets of the user experience, from performance benchmarks to features to the rigors of daily use. Our experts know their stuff and have curated a comprehensive list of the best laptops for college students, with their particular needs in mind.
After you finish looking over our recommendations, be sure to hit our daily updated roundup of the best laptop deals to try and score your favorite laptops on sale. Or check out our roundup of the best laptops for even more recommendations
Updated 11/22/2023: We've added a bunch of new picks including the Dell XPS 13 Plus as our new pick for best ultraportable and the Acer Swift Edge 16 as the best budget ultraportable. We also made the MSI Thing GF63 our choice for best budget gaming laptop. Read more about these excellent new laptops in our summaries below.
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Nov 28, 2023
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An ongoing support thread on Google Drive Help, spotted by The Register, is full of dozens of replies from users who've found their remote backups empty. The initial complaint comes from a Windows user who says that their Drive files going back to May of this year have suddenly disappeared, apparently from both the local folder and Google's server. Direct help from the support team was unable to restore the files. Over 300 users have clicked the "I have the same question" response.
A reply from a Google employee says that the company is aware of the issue and working on it, stating that it's affecting a "limited subset of Drive for desktop users." Google says that in the meantime you shouldn't delete any of your local files or disconnect your account from within the Drive app. Oh, and you should probably back up those files somewhere else — you know, that th
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Nov 28, 2023
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According to Nvidia's promotional page, buyers of just about any RTX 40-series card will qualify for three free months of Microsoft's PC Game Pass subscription. That includes the RTX 4060, 4060 Ti, 4070, 4070 Ti, 4080, and 4090. Buyers in North America and much of Europe also get three free months of GeForce Now Priority access, which as we've already reported, is a peanut butter-and-chocolate situation now that the two platforms work together. Anyone who buys six months of GeForce Now Ultimate also gets three months of PC Game Pass.
To redeem your freebies, install your new graphics card, install the GeForce Experience app, then go to the Account drop-down menu and click "REDEEM." Most cards from both Nvidia and its OEM partners should qualify, so long as the purchase was fairly recent and from a major retailer.
Graphics Cards
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Nov 28, 2023
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Social media account JuiceHead (via Eurogamer) spotted several negative reviews for Bethesda's tentpole spacefaring RPG with replies made from verified Bethesda developer accounts, explaining why actually, the boring bits the reviewer was complaining about were very good. In response to a review complaining of a generic story and boring gameplay, from someone who'd spent more than three full days playing it, "Bethesda_Kraken" gave a rather boilerplate response:
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Nov 28, 2023
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The Shark Matrix features power suction as well as precision home mapping. The home mapping feature means the vacuum will quickly and accurately map your home, which allows it to avoid obstacles in its path. You can also set it to focus on specific areas. The self-cleaning brushroll gets deep into carpets by pulling up debris, hair, and so on. Finally, you can even control the vacuum with your voice, as it works with Google Assistant or Alexa.
This is a really good deal. If you're looking to keep your humble abode nice and tidy, the Shark Matrix can take a big chunk of chores off your plate.
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Nov 28, 2023
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The feature is supposed to help you save time, but the words predicted by Word rarely make sense and fit into the text. It's often therefore a distraction that hinders writing rather than helping you.
But you can turn off Microsoft Word's text prediction: Click on "File -‘ Options" and in the following window, click "Advanced." Uncheck the box next to "Show text predictions as you type" and confirm your decision by clicking "OK."
Alternatively, you can click on "Text predictions: on" at the bottom of your Microsoft Word window to go directly to the menu specified above.
This article was translated from German to English and originally appeared on pcwelt.de.
Personal Software
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Nov 28, 2023
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For even more notebook options, check out our roundup of the best laptops. We've got can't-miss picks for every use case and budget, putting our thousands of hours of hands-on testing to work for you.
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Dell XPS 13 Laptop, Intel Core i5-1230U CPU/Intel
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Nov 28, 2023
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Price When Reviewed$2,049.99
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Nov 28, 2023
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"Hi, I want to extend my drive C volume, but it does not allow me to extend. The "Extend volume" option is in grey color, so I cannot click it. Please advise."
The following reasons may cause you to be unable to extend the partition:
There is no unallocated space.
The unallocated space is not contiguous with the volume you are trying to extend.
Windows can't extend the partition that is beyond NTFS or RAW format.
Don't worry. EaseUS Software provides a complete guide to resolving the extended volume greyed-out error.
Fix 1. Use EaseUS Partition Master to Extend Volume
To extend a volume, unallocated space must exist, and the unallocated space must be adjacent to the target partition. In addition, the partition style of the target volume must be in NTFS format. The absence of these three conditions will cause the extended volume to turn grey.
The quickest way to resolve this issue is to use a third-party tool - EaseUS Partition Master Free, a one-stop shop to help you break through Windows limitations, create unallocated space, and move unallocated space to a neighboring location.
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