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Computing Guides

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Our computing guide section is a great learning resource for your new PC or Mac. Learn how to use that new laptop or Microsoft Office suite so you look like a pro when it comes time to get things done. Our expert editors compare a number of products as well, so you know what to spend your time on, and what to pass up.

Samsung 980 Pro SSD being held in someone's hand.

How long do SSDs really last?

SSDs offer incredibly fast and reliable storage, but at some point, every SSD will die. How long do SSDs last? Let's find out.
Word to JPEG or PDF on a laptop.

How to convert Word into PDF or JPEG

An SSD installed in a PC motherboard.

How to test your SSD for potential problems

a professional woman giving a slideshow presentation

How to use Gemini AI to create presentations in Google Slides

a laptop with a spreadsheet graph displayed

How to use Gemini AI to master Google Sheets

Student typing on a laptop at a desk.

How to use mail merge in Microsoft Word

An SSD installed in a PC motherboard.

SSD buying guide: how to pick the right SSD for your needs in 2024

A Gemini branding image

How to use Gemini AI to write anything in Google Docs

A MidJourney rendering of a student and his robot friend in front of a blackboard.

GPTZero: how to use the ChatGPT detection tool

Microsoft Word purchase page on a MacBook.

How to download Microsoft Word

Expandable RAM as seen on the Framework Laptop.

How to upgrade the RAM on your laptop

RAM installed in slots.

How to check how much RAM you have on Windows and Mac

The G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo DDR5 memory seated on a motherboard.

DDR6 rumors: everything we know about the next-gen RAM

DDR6 is the next generation of memory that's coming down the pipe, and though it's early days, the performance potential of this RAM is exciting.
RAM installed in slots.

How to enable XMP to run your RAM at full speed

You'll be able to run your memory to its full potential with our quick guide on how to enable XMP.
Corsair Dominator Platinum memory installed in a PC.

How long does RAM actually last?

RAM is one of the most crucial components inside your PC, but how long will it last before you need to replace it? We know the answers.

What is RAM? Here’s everything you need to know

RAM, or memory, is one of the most important components of your PC, but what is RAM? We explain what RAM does, how much you need, why it's important, and more.
The Kingston Fury Renegade DDR5 memory modules in white.

How to clear your RAM cache (and why you probably shouldn’t)

Clearing your RAM cache is often touted as a way to improve system performance, but it can actually slow it down. Here's how to do it anyway.
best free ps4 games dauntless to play

The best free PC games

Looking for a high-quality game that won't break the bank? Look no further than this list of the best free-to-play PC games that you can start playing today.
A hand holding AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X.

AMD Zen 5: everything we know about Ryzen 9000 and Ryzen AI 300

AMD's first Zen 5 CPUs are finally here. Here's everything you need to know about Ryzen 9000 and Ryzen AI 300 processors.
The WD Easystore 14TB External USB 3.0 hard drive on a desk next to a monitor and near a plant.

How to share an external hard drive between Mac and Windows

Want to use one external hard drive with both a Mac and Windows computer? We’ll teach you how to properly partition your HDD for each OS type.
An SSD installed in a PC motherboard.

SSD not showing up in Windows? Here are some easy fixes

Is your new SSD failing to register on your Windows PC? Here’s a few troubleshooting and repair methods you can try.
A man holds a Corsair MP600 PRO LPX PS5 SSD next to an open PS5.

What is an SSD? Here’s everything you need to know

Most PCs use exclusively SSDs for just about every kind of storage these days. But what about hard drives? What is an SSD, really?
samsung introduces its own 256gbit 48 layer nand chip solid state drive

The best SSDs for 2024

The best SSDs deliver the fastest read and write speeds on the market in a durable, compact package. Here are the best and why these cards make great upgrades.
A pair of G.Skill Trident Z5 DDR5 RAM modules.

How to test RAM: troubleshooting to find bad RAM

RAM is one of the key components of any computer. If you're diagnosing a problem with your PC, it's a good idea to check your RAM.
The Corsair Dominator Platinum RGB DDR5 memory for AMD Ryzen 7000.

DDR5 vs. DDR4 RAM: Is DDR5 worth it?

DDR5 stands as the contemporary RAM standard for modern PCs. However, the question remains: Between DDR5 and DDR4, which one is better?
A person works on a computer in a home office.

How to free up RAM on Mac and PC

Are your computer tasks taking up a little too much RAM and causing slowdowns or crashes? Expanding your RAM isn't always possible: Here's what to do instead.
Installing RAM sticks in a motherboard.

Does RAM speed matter for PC performance?

Frequency, latency, and memory channels impact the speed of RAM, but should you care how fast your RAM is? The short answer: Yes, but not too much.
The cover art for Minecraft.

How to allocate more RAM to Minecraft

Minecraft Java can run out of memory quickly if you heavily mod the game. Here's how to allocate more to boost performance.
Nothing Phone 2a and ChatGPT voice mode.

ChatGPT Advanced Voice mode: release date, compatibility, and more

OpenAI has finally released its highly anticipated Advanced Voice feature to a select few of its ChatGPT-Plus subscribers, but everybody will have it by fall.
ram prices are increasing until third quarter 2017 corsair vengeance led ddr4 memory

How much RAM do you need for a laptop, gaming PC, or tablet?

How much RAM do you really need? It's a question that plagues many PC buyers, and in this guide, we break it down for tablets, laptops, and desktops.
Curcial Ballistix Max DDR4 5100MHz kit being installed.

How to overclock RAM

When you think of overclocking, you usually think of the CPU, but overclocking your RAM also has benefits. Here are the ways you can overclock RAM on your PC.
A man sits, using a laptop running the Windows 11 operating system.

Here’s how much RAM Windows 11 actually uses

Windows 11 may use more RAM than Windows 10, but how much is it exactly? We'll tell you everything you need to know about Windows 11 RAM usage.
RED Ripjaws RAM.

How to install RAM

Sometimes, all you need to make your PC feel like it's new is a new RAM kit. Here's how to install RAM step by step.
RAM inside the Starforge Navigator.

How to choose the best RAM for your PC in 2024

DDR, DIMM, XMP, CAS ... Confused? No problem -- our RAM buying guide will help you demystify this once and for all so that you can make your PC run great.

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