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Brad Moon

Brad Moon
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Editor Computing solutions
I’m a long-time electronics and gadget geek who’s been fortunate enough to enjoy a career that lets me indulge this interest. I have been writing about technology for several decades for a wide range of outlets including Wired, Gizmodo, Lifehacker, MSN, About.com, Kiplinger, and GeekDad. I’m in my 10th year as a senior contributor for Forbes with a focus on reviewing music-related tech, Apple gear, battery power stations and other consumer electronics. My day job is with the Malware Research Center at AI-native cybersecurity pioneer CrowdStrike.

Back to school: the case for choosing a desktop PC

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With the start of school rapidly approaching, the rush is on to make sure students have the gear they need. The biggest purchase for most will be a computer, so you want the right one and making the right choice starts with picking the right form factor. A few days ago, I made the case for choosing a traditional laptop. This time, I’m going to switch hats and make the argument for choosing a desktop PC.

5 best printers to take to your dorm room

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So you’re off to college or university, leaving home and high school behind for the challenge of post-secondary education. Naturally, you’ll be bringing some gear along with you, like your computer and maybe a stereo, game console or a TV. Don’t forget to include a printer in the mix! If you don’t have one already (or if the one you own has seen better days), I’ve put together a list of 5 of the best printers to take to your dorm room.  

Back to school: the case for buying a traditional laptop

A few weeks back I explored the topic of whether a tablet could be as good as a laptop for students. Here’s a hint (as a father whose kids have used both in class): yes, in many cases a tablet can be. However, I also know from experience that there are situations where a laptop just makes more sense. If you’re a student or you have kids in school, here’s the case for buying a traditional laptop over alternatives like a tablet or a desktop PC.

How to get the most from your printer

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A printer is one of the most popular PC accessories, and with good reason. Even in the age of the “paperless office” it seems that we are printing more than ever. Students, in particular, make extensive use of printers, with fall marking the time when home printers fire up to churn out essays, projects and artwork. Whether your printing needs lean toward term papers, family photos or quarterly reports, here’s what you need to know to get the most from your printer.

Google announces new OnHub router

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Wi-Fi has rapidly progressed from being a novelty to something we depend on. With a wave of ‘smart’ technology now flooding our homes, Wi-Fi performance is more critical than ever. The need for reliable speed, bandwidth, coverage, security, compatibility, upgradability and setup that anyone can understand has driven tech giant Google—working with respected industry leader TP-Link—to release its own wireless router. Meet OnHub, the “new router from Google that’s built for all the ways you Wi-Fi.”  

Back to school: must-have PC accessories

Back to school shopping? Don’t forget the high tech supplies. Even if your student already has a computer, there will always be must-have PC accessories that will make this powerful educational tool even better.

Back to school: All-in-One PCs are the ultimate dorm room and entertainment hubs

For many college and university students, their dorm room is their sanctuary. The place they can hang out, do homework or just relax. Actually, the same thing is true of teenagers and their bedrooms. Another thing both these “lairs” share in common is a lack of space. All-in-One computers are perfect for these situations. You get the PC power needed for school, along with a big screen. Choosing an AiO PC means one compact, stylish package can also replace a game console, DVD player, stereo and TV. That’s why I say All-in-One PCs are the ultimate dorm room and entertainment hubs.

Is a tablet as good as a laptop for students?

This is a question many parents are bound to be asking as back to school fever ramps up. I’m in a pretty decent position to weigh in on the question. One of my kids spent the previous school year using a laptop in class; another brought a tablet to school every day. Your mileage is going to vary depending on age and courses, but after a full year of using both high tech options I can say that for many students a tablet is definitely just as good as a laptop—even better in some ways—but you need to make sure it’s properly accessorized to make the most of it.

Back to School: The case for choosing a 2-in-1 laptop

Want to generate some back to school excitement this year? It’s tough to beat a new computer—not just for homework assignments, but also as a portable entertainment hub—and when it comes to PCs, there’s probably no more exciting form factor than a convertible (or 2-in-1) laptop. These computers are thin, lightweight, boast long battery life and the amazing ability to transform from traditional laptop to tablet, and everything in between. Here’s why a convertible/2-in-1 laptop should be at the top of your back to school shopping list.  

Windows 10: Is now the time to replace your aging PC?

Windows 10 is a pretty big deal right now. You can bet that by now, millions of PC users will have downloaded Microsoft’s new operating system and will be playing with the new features like Cortana. But what if your computer is showing its age? Now might be the time to replace it. Upgrade to a new PC and you can be sure your hardware can take full advantage of Windows 10’s new features and if your existing PC is running an older version of Windows, you’ll save a chunk of cash by not having to pay for the upgrade.