PCWorld How-To's and Tips

How to Reset Your Windows Password

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

Here's our guide to resetting your Windows password if you don't have access to a previously created password-reset disk.

How to Set Up a Wireless Router

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

Setting up your new wireless router is simple as long as you have a PC with a wireless network adapter and an active high-speed Internet connection. Here's a quick guide to getting your wireless router running smoothly.

Learn the Basics of Using Pinterest

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:47:00 -0800

Seemingly overnight, Pinterest is the hottest thing since Facebook. Here's how to get started with the service.

How to Unblock Blocked Websites

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

Governments, schools, and businesses sometimes block websites in an attempt to reduce distractions, conserve bandwidth, or censor content. If you're willing to risk circumventing such limitations, here's how to do it.

Use Facebook Timeline to Promote Your Business

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:44:00 -0800

Unearth hidden tricks for using Facebook's new profile layout to build brand recognition and market your company.

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Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:44:00 -0800

How to Clean Your Keyboard

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

Don't let your keyboard fall victim to errant crumbs and stains. Our guide offers some tips on keeping it tidy.

Can I Safely Open a File That Contains "Macros?"

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:19:00 -0800

Ronald Albaitis tried opening a file and got a warning that it contained "macros." He asked me what they are and whether he should be concerned.

How to Run Android Apps on Your PC

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0800

The BlueStacks Android App Player lets you run Android apps on your PC. We explain how to install it, how to transfer apps from your Android smartphone, and how to run them on a Windows system.

Shut Down Windows Without Installing Updates

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:59:00 -0800

If you're in a hurry and don't want your PC to spend the next 10 minutes installing updates, here's a simple bypass.

How to Format Your Hard Drive in Windows

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:59:00 -0800

This option may sometimes be necessary for a drive. Here's the procedure, step by step.

How to Avoid Cloud Customer Support Worst Practices

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:00:00 -0800

Customer support is running by old rules, and customer satisfaction is at risk. Here are two worst-practices issues to avoid in your cloud customer service organization.

When 'Viagra' Comments on Your Blog, and Other Spam Red Flags

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:00:00 -0800

Is a spammer just trying to use your site to boost their own web presence? Here's how to recognize a comment on your blog or website as spam, and how to stem the flow.

Useful Stuff: Plug-In USB Charging Port, Extra Dropbox Storage

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:37:00 -0800

Add a USB charging port to any regular power outlet, be a beta tester for Dropbox and get up to 5GB more free online.

How to Tell if a Link Is Safe Without Clicking on It

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:31:00 -0800

Here's what to do with a link that looks suspicious.

Understanding Web Host Plans: 7 Terms to Know

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:30:00 -0800

If you've just begun researching Web hosting, you have lot of new terms to learn. Here's a look at seven types of hosting services, and what you need to know about each.

How to Play PC Games on Your HDTV

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0800

You can take advantage of your high-powered gaming system to play PC games and classic console games at beautiful resolutions on your HDTV. Here's how to do it.

How to Start a Free Conference Call

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:52:00 -0800

Here's how to set up a conference call with free services FreeConferenceCall, Rondee, and Free Conference Calling.

Add USB Charging Ports to Any AC Outlet

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:22:00 -0800

RCA's $20 gizmo adds a pair of powered USB ports to a wall socket, making it easier to charge your favorite devices.

How to Connect Your iPhone to Your HDTV

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

Want to enjoy your mobile media on a big screen? Here's how to stream your iPhone's photos and videos to your HDTV.

Must-See Digital Photography Websites

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:06:00 -0800

These websites should be considered essential browsing for any fan of digital photography.

How Do I Make Web Mail My Default Email, Part 2

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:46:00 -0800

I offer another approach to integrating Web-based email with Windows.

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Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:46:00 -0800

Pick the Right Workgroup Printer: Six Steps

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0800

Both inkjet and laser printers offer more than placing ink on a page, with features such as wireless connections, built-in scanners, hard drives, and document collators. Here's how to navigate the maze.

How to Log In to Your PC Remotely With TeamViewer

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

TeamViewer is a free app that lets you remotely connect to a PC or Mac. Check out our guide to see how the software works.

How to Record Your PC's Screen for Free With Screenr

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:00:00 -0800

Follow this guide to learn how to create your own screencasts, using free software.

How to Back Up and Restore Data With Windows 7

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

Microsoft includes a full backup and restore utility with Windows 7. Follow this guide to see how it works.

How to Back Up Your Android Phone

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:07:00 -0800

Follow this guide to learn how to safeguard your smartphone's important data.

Get 5GB of Extra Dropbox Storage, Free

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:35:00 -0800

The catch, if you can call it that, is that you have to use the new Dropbox beta to upload your photos and videos.

How to Use Gmail Filters

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

With the help of Gmail filters, you can automatically sort your incoming email.

Was Your Email Account Hacked? PwnedList Can Tell You

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:35:00 -0800

Concerned about your private data in the wake of a big hack? The PwnedList website helps you find out if your online accounts were leaked during a data breach.

How to Take Great Product Photos for Your Online Store

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 -0800

Make your product stand out in the online marketplace with excellent photos. Here are the basics for taking great, professional-looking photos without spending a fortune on equipment.

How to Install Boot Camp and Run Windows on Your Mac

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

With these simple instructions, you can install Boot Camp on your Mac and dual-boot it into Windows.

How Do I Make Web Mail My Default Email, Part 1

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:51:00 -0800

Skicrazer asked the Web Browsing and Email forum what to change so that clicking a mailto link would bring up a Web-based mail account

Root Out Rootkits with Free TDSSKiller

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:42:00 -0800

Can't quite clean the malware from your PC? You might be the victim of a rootkit. Kaspersky's free utility should help.

What Is Deep Packet Inspection?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:33:00 -0800

Though shelved for now, if legislation like SOPA and the PROTECT IP Act ever passes, it may require your ISP to start monitoring your online activity with deep packet inspection software. Make sure you understand how it works, and how you can fight back.

How to Install Windows 7 Without the Disc

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

Here's how to legally download Windows 7 and make your own install disc.

Q&A: Restoring Hidden Icons, Okay to Uninstall Visual C++ Versions?

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:17:00 -0800

Answers to tricky questions: What to do when your icons are wiped out by a virus? Should you remove old Visual C++ versions?

How to Get the Most From Your Netflix Streaming Subscription

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0800

Netflix Unlimited Streaming is still a great deal, and we've uncovered a few tips and tricks to help you take full advantage of your Netflix streaming subscription.

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Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0800

Five Ways to Mix Business and Personal Data on Your Smartphone

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 -0800

Many people use their personal smartphones to do work. Here are five ways to access your work and personal data without carrying two handsets.

Organizing Photos, Fixing Dark Prints, Solving File Format Problems, and More

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:53:00 -0800

Dave answers reader questions about printing, photo management, grainy images, online photo theft, and more.

Five Ways to Protect Your Email at Work

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:51:00 -0800

Hackers can exploit email to hack into your work accounts. But these simple techniques can help protect your email account and company data.

Retrieve Your Entire Music Library from Your Google Music Account

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:43:00 -0800

The service now lets you download all your tunes, which is great for restoring after a crashed hard drive or other data disaster.

Best Way to Upgrade Vista to Windows 7

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:36:00 -0800

Wlpncp plans to upgrade his wife's PC from Vista to Windows 7. He asked the Laptops forum for advice.

Connect Your Tuner-Equipped PC to Your HDTV

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:00:00 -0800

Now that you're pulling down sweet, sweet over-the-air TV shows, let's get your computer hooked up for big-screen viewing.

How to Set Up Intel Smart Response SSD Caching Technology

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:30:00 -0800

Using Intel’s Smart Response Technology is an easy way to enhance the performance of a system, without having to spring for an expensive, high-capacity SSD. We show you how to set it up and what kind of performance you can expect.

How to Stream Super Bowl XLVI

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0800

Watch the 2012 Super Bowl online, no matter where you are, with our guide to streaming the Giants vs. Patriots game on your PC, smartphone, or tablet.

Using Your Camera's Settings: Program Mode, Shutter Speed, and More

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:39:00 -0800

Here's how to get the most from Program mode and use an online digital SLR simulator to learn how shutter speed, aperture, and other settings affect your photos.

Should I Use the 32- or 64-bit Version of Internet Explorer?

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 07:26:00 -0800

DimplesAkaKaren noticed that Windows came with two versions of Internet Explorer. She asked the Answer Line forum which she should use.

Work Faster in Microsoft Excel: 10 Secret Tricks

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0800

Uncover hidden features, new uses for old tools, and handy workarounds to speed up your everyday work in the powerful spreadsheet application.

Use Your Smartphone for Business Presentations

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:32:00 -0800

When you need to impress an audience, smartphones can serve some surprising purposes.

Restore Missing/Hidden Icons Wiped Out by a Virus

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:34:00 -0800

Did an infection seemingly wipe out all your icons, programs, and data? Fear not: They might just be hidden. Here's how to restore them.