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Jon Martindale

Jon Martindale

Computing Coordinator

Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to guides, best-of lists, and explainers to help everyone understand the hottest new hardware and software in desktops, laptops, and on the web.

Jon also writes for Forbes, Lifewire, and Microcenter, has authored two novels, and provided back story and dialogue for a handful of games.

 

A person holding a ThinkPad Nano X1 Gen 2 laptop in front of a window.

Still faxing? Here’s how to make it easier by faxing from email

Fax machines might have all-but disappeared, but if you still need to send one now and again, what do you do? Send a fax from your email. Here's how.
Computing Guides

How to get Photoshop for free

Adobe allows limited-time downloads of Photoshop without needing to pay upfront. Here's how to get a full version of Photoshop for free, for a time.
Computing Guides
Logitech G Pro X mechanical gaming keyboard.

Why owning the best PC hardware didn’t make me a better gamer

It turns out that even with one of the fastest gaming PCs ever made, a fast mouse, a faster keyboard, and anti-lag technology, I'm still terrible at shooters.
Computing Features
Spreadsheet on a laptop on a table.

Here’s how to quickly and easily convert a PDF to Excel

Excel gives you tons of options for editing, but what if your file is a PDF? Here's how to convert a PDF into an Excel file with ease. Just follow these steps.
Computing Guides
A LG ultradwide monitor.

These are the best ultrawide monitors you buy in 2023

Here's a look at some of the best ultrawide monitors you can buy right now for gaming, the workplace, video editing, and more.
Computing Products
A woman holding the Samsung 870 Pro NVMe PCIe SSD in her hands.

What is NVMe? Everything you need to know about high-speed storage

NVMe drives are everywhere, from your mom's laptop to your high-end gaming PC. These extremely slim drives are superfast, and now they're super affordable too.
Computing Guides
Microsoft Surface Studio 2

The best all-in-one computers for 2023

If you want a desktop PC without having to mess around with a separate monitor, an all-in-one PC is for you. Here are the best all-in-one computers you can buy.
Computing Products
Fortnite man.

Fortnite performance guide: best settings, fps boost, and more

Fortnite is a super-fast paced game and your PC needs to be fast enough to keep ahead of the storm. Here are the best settings to boost Fortnite performance.
Computing Guides
CS:GO 2 team posing.

Counter-Strike 2 performance guide: best settings, fps boost and more

Counter-Strike 2 is here and although some miss the original, it's here to stay. Here's everything you need to know to boost your fps for max performance.
Computing Guides
LG CX OLED TV

What is chroma subsampling?

Chroma subsampling is a useful compression technique that is used in streaming and UHD Blu-rays, but it may not be worth enabling yourself.
Computing Guides
HDR demo on the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8.

What is Display Stream Compression? Everything you need to know about DSC

Display Stream Compression, or DSC, is a powerful compression algorithm that your monitor and TV may already be using without your knowledge.
Computing Guides
windows 11 taskbar third party app pinning

How to use Passkeys in Windows 11

Passkeys are a great way to streamline your login for a range of services, and now you can store them on your PC too. Here's how to use them in Windows 11.
Computing Guides
Meta Quest 3 sitting on a display table.

Best Meta Quest 3 accessories to make your VR experience even better

The Quest 3 is Meta's latest generation, mainstream mixed reality headset and it's amazing. But you can make it even more so with a few well chosen accessories.
Computing Products
Canon PIXMA TS6420a.

The best cheap printers for 2023

Searching for a budget-friendly printer option? Take a look at our collection of the finest affordable printers currently on the market.
Computing Products
A person using an Acer Chromebook 14.

Chromebook vs laptop: Which is better and what is the difference?

What is the difference between a Chromebook and a laptop? Which one is better for you? In this guide, we'll go over the reasons to buy one over the other.
Computing Products
MacOS Sonoma presented at WWDC 2023.

How to download macOS 14 Sonoma

The latest version of Apple’s Mac operating system, macOS 14 Sonoma, has just been fully released. Here’s how to download and install it on your computer.
Computing Guides
Microsoft Surface Pro 7

Surface Laptop Go 3 vs. Surface Pro 7+: is it an upgrade?

The Surface Laptop Go 3 is Microsoft's new affordable Surface laptop, but is it better than the still-affordable Surface Pro 7+ for business? Let's find out.
Computing Guides
Surface Laptop Go 3 at Microsoft debut event.

Surface Laptop Go 3 specs: what’s the best configuration?

The Surface Laptop Go 3 is a great little machine, but which one of its configurations should you buy? The higher-end ones are better, but just how much?
Computing Guides
Microsoft showing off new Surface Laptop Studio 2 at its September event.

Surface Laptop Studio 2 specs: which should you buy?

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a 2-in-1 laptop that can do just about anything. Here's the best version of it, and why.
Computing Guides
New Surface Laptop Studio 2 with a Surface Pen.

Can you use the Surface Pen with the Surface Laptop Studio 2?

The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is Microsoft's most exciting new Surface laptop, and it works with one of its best accessories: The Surface Pen. Here's how.
Computing Guides
A person's hands resting on a 2019 Dell XPS 13 laptop as it sits on a table.

How to change startup programs

Bothered by programs that start when you boot your computer, or want to add a new one? You need to know how to change startup programs. It's quick and easy.
Computing Guides
The Dell XPS 13 on a table with the Start Menu open.

How to join the Windows Insider program

The Windows Insider program is a great way to get access to Windows features before they're widely available, like Microsoft Copilot. Here's how to sign up.
Computing Guides
A person sitting down and using a laptop.

How to convert an MP4 to an MP3

Video podcasts and music videos can be great, but if you just want the audio, you'll need to learn how to convert an MP4 to an MP3. Just follow these steps.
Computing Guides
Close up of Microsoft Surface Pro 6 keyboard.

The best Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts

Whether you're saving time or just prefer using the keyboard to get things done, here are the best Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts for resizing windows and more.
Computing Guides

The best wireless mouse for 2023: top wireless mice tested and compared

It doesn't matter if you're looking for an ergonomic mouse, a gaming mouse, or a trackball -- our list of the best wireless mice has an option for you.
Computing Products
Thunderbolt 5 cable plugged into an Aorus laptop.

What is Thunderbolt 5?

Thunderbolt 5 is the next-generation Intel connection standard coming in 2024, with greater bandwidth than anything that's come before.
Computing Guides
Ray tracing demonstration in Doom Eternal.

What is ray tracing, and how will it change games?

Nvidia made real-time ray tracing mainstream, and now the RTX 3080 and AMD RX 6800 XT are taking the tech to the next level. Here's what you need to know.
Computing Guides
Microsoft's AI Copilot being used in various Microsoft Office apps.

Microsoft Copilot vs. Google Duet: battle of the next-gen AI smart assistants

Microsoft Copilot and Google Duet are the two bleeding-edge smart AI assistants for their respective services. But which is better? Let's find out.
Computing Guides
A person using a laptop while lounging on a couch.

How to password-protect an Excel file

Sending Excel files containing crucial financial and business data has risks. To add a layer of protection, you should learn to password protect an Excel file.
Computing Guides
The GeForce Beyond stream showing a dual-monitor PC setup.

Best dual-setup monitors for maximizing your productivity

Adding a second monitor can give you a lot more screen space, massively improving productivity by letting you work with more windows at once.
Computing Products
logitech mx vertical 4

Looking for the best ergonomic mouse? Here are some of the top options

Want to ease carpal tunnel or repetitive strain without reducing computer time? It is time to invest in a good ergonomic mouse.
Computing Products
Mac Mini sitting on desk.

The best monitors for the Mac Mini

These are some of the best monitors for the Mac Mini. They help boost productivity and creativity and make watching movies and TV shows far more immersive.
Computing Products
A person using MS Word.

How to delete a page in Word in 3 easy steps

If you need to know how to delete a page in Word, this guide will show you tricks for deleting pages at the end, in the middle, and anywhere else.
Computing Guides
How to zip a file in Windows 10

How to open RAR files

No matter which operating system you use, there are a few ways to gain access to RAR archives. Here's how you can open RAR files on both Windows and macOS.
Computing Guides
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