Computers, Laptops & Tablets

When we talk students and technology, we often focus on the big stuff like laptops, tablets and smartphones. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned as part of having three kids work their way through elementary school and into high school, it’s that a little piece of inexpensive technology is indispensable: a thumb drive. From “sneaker-netting” assignments between school PCs and home to collaborating on assignments with other students, USB thumb drives are indispensable. Here’s what you need to know.  

With the live videogame streaming scene growing at an unprecedented rate, more and more people want to start broadcasting their own gameplay streams. It doesn’t take too much to get started but if you really want to rise above the pack with a quality stream there are a few tips for your streaming setup that you’ll want to heed. If you make use of the right equipment you can quickly find yourself creating content that really shines and draws in the viewers.

When a PC is fresh out of the box, it’s a thing of beauty. But then you have to set it up, get online, back up your data, worry about someone else stealing your data, keep the software up to date … well let’s face it: ownership is a lot of work. That’s where a Geek Squad Membership comes in. A low monthly fee gets you exclusive access to first class technical support that takes the hard work off your shoulders so you can enjoy actually using your device, plus exclusive benefits.

Whether you know it or not, you’re likely already taking advantage of the benefits of cloud computing. Cloud computing is growing at an amazing rate in both power and pervasiveness. It’s popping up in every day parts of our lives and we’re on the cusp of seeing a dramatic change where everyday tasks and devices are transformed with the power of the cloud to change our lives in surprising ways

No one can dispute the convenience and multifunctional nature of today’s mobile devices. Smartphones, phablets and tablets have all the necessary hardware and a wide range of software features to be able to serve as scanners, presentation remotes and efficient extensions of your desktop or notebook.

Not every stylus is the same, and nor does each one serve the same purpose on the iPad. FiftyThree’s Pencil stylus is like a carpenter’s pencil—thicker, with a rectangular form factor that precludes it from rolling away at any given time. With rubberized tips at both ends, Bluetooth connectivity and a fully-featured app, the Pencil is more an artistic tool than a stylus for basic navigation.

With Windows 10 almost here it’s time to set your mind to getting your PC ready for the big upgrade. I know many people are looking forward to upgrading as soon as possible, and with the update just a matter of days away from public availability there are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you’re ready to take the leap into this new generation of Windows as quickly and as smoothly as possible.  

With so much of your life connected to the online world, it’s time to engage in some digital defensive driving to protect yourself and your information from malicious activity. Time to get cyber safe!

At the end of July, Microsoft will launch its brand new operating system called Windows 10. For many users still hanging on tightly to Windows 7 or XP—or who got stuck with the critically and consumer-panned Windows 8—it’s a free upgrade … but is it worth it? We take a look at the new operating system’s biggest improvements.

July 29. That’s the date circled on many PC owners’ calendars; the day that Windows 10 will finally launch—at least for PCs and laptops. The Start Menu is back, but this latest version of Microsoft’s operating system is a lot more than simply getting a much missed feature back. Millions of Windows Insiders have been putting the software through its paces for months and in only a few weeks, it can be powering your PC. If you aren’t already excited about July 29, I’ve put together a list of the coolest things to look forward to in the new Windows 10. That should help get you in the mood.