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Have you explored your laptop? By that, I mean, thoroughly explore it to know the other things that it can do for you? If the answer is no, you’re in for a big surprise because your laptop can do so many other things.

Take a trip off the beaten track to some of the lesser-known features and options available to you—from expanding your screen space, to improving system security.

(Via: https://gizmodo.com/11-things-your-laptop-can-do-that-you-might-not-know-ab-1835899474)

Let’s start. Did you know that your laptop can go dark? Yes, it can. Here’s how.

Dark mode is everywhere these days, pretty much, and Windows and macOS have joined in. Automatic dark-mode-on-a-schedule is arriving later this year in macOS Catalina, but on macOS Mojave you can enable it manually by opening System Preferences from the Apple menu, then choosing General and Dark.

Windows user? Click the settings cog on the Start menu, then select Personalization, Colors, and Dark (under the Choose your default app mode heading). These changes should affect both the operating system and the various apps running on top of it, at least in most cases.

(Via: https://gizmodo.com/11-things-your-laptop-can-do-that-you-might-not-know-ab-1835899474)

For the gamers out there, I’m sure you already that it’s possible to stream games from your console to your laptop. The things is, your parents might not know about it. So, this is an FYI for parents out there who think their kids are always studying on their laptop.

Laptops have been able to stream games from a PS4 or Xbox One on the same wifi network for a long time (way before Google Stadia arrived).

(Via: https://gizmodo.com/11-things-your-laptop-can-do-that-you-might-not-know-ab-1835899474)

Another awesome thing your laptop can do is that it can pin websites to the dock or taskbar.

As well as pinning apps to the dock or taskbar (delete as appropriate), you can also pin websites that you frequently visit for speedy access—a sort of upgrade to the bookmarking system already available in your browser.

Mac users can just drag down a URL from the address bar in Safari to the far right-hand side of the dock. If you’re on Windows, it’s most easily done from Microsoft Edge: Open the program’s menu then choose Pin this page to the taskbar. In the new Edge, it’s under More tools and Pin to taskbar.

(Via: https://gizmodo.com/11-things-your-laptop-can-do-that-you-might-not-know-ab-1835899474)

Did you know that your laptop can also receive messages from your phone? Yes, it can!

This will be second nature if you own a Mac and an iPhone—all you need is the same Apple ID and the Messages app—but it’s also possible to send SMS messages from Android through the Your Phone app that’s part of Windows (search for it from the taskbar). Put the companion app on your Android

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Data loss is something we all fear. Imagine, losing all our important files, photos, and videos. Data loss affects everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are. Whether you’re a business owner, home owner, or an employee, data loss can be detrimental to your health. Yes, just like smoking, it can kill you. especially if you don’t know how to handle it.

Seriously, data loss hurts. The thing is, it’s the last thing anybody thinks about. Do you think about it? You probably don’t until it happens to you. That’s the thing; it can happen to you.

The loss of data is always considered as something that happens to others, such as a situation where one is naturally exempt or sheltered.

(Via: https://demotix.com/loss-and-recovery-of-data-tips-and-good-practices-that-can-be-very-useful/)

There’s just no doubt that the consequences of data loss could be catastrophic.

The problems created from this loss can be huge, very serious and usually synonymous with budgets of large sums of money for recovery.

(Via: https://demotix.com/loss-and-recovery-of-data-tips-and-good-practices-that-can-be-very-useful/)

Can you imagine what data loss can do your business? You probably don’t want to think about it now because it’s such a negative thought. If you don’t have any preventive measures in place, you have to think about it now.

A loss of data can leave a company out of service for several hours, and even days, and sometimes resign itself to never being able to recover certain batches of information.

(Via: https://demotix.com/loss-and-recovery-of-data-tips-and-good-practices-that-can-be-very-useful/)

You can deal with data loss. It won’t be easy but you can deal with it.

When dealing with this type of events, it is important to know that data recovery in general terms is possible.

(Via: https://demotix.com/loss-and-recovery-of-data-tips-and-good-practices-that-can-be-very-useful/)

It’s good to know that data recovery is possible. However, that could take up some of your time as well. What you could do is to minimize data loss. Here’s a helpful practice to help you minimize data loss.

Do you back up your files? Is this a practice you do regularly? if not, then it’s time to instill this practice at home and at work as well.

The information stored in computers, external disks, pen drives, tablets and other devices can be unrecoverable not only because of failures in these digital media but also because of fires, thefts or floods. Therefore, it is very important to have backup copies of all the significant information.

(Via: https://demotix.com/loss-and-recovery-of-data-tips-and-good-practices-that-can-be-very-useful/)

There’s just no way you can back up once and forget about it after. That’s why you have to develop the habit of backing up at least once a day. That’s the only way you can have updated versions of your files.

A single backup is not enough. Having at least three backup copies is important

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Accidental deletion of data is inevitable. It happens. Data can be deleted accidentally either by human error or destructive forces. When accidental deletion of data is caused by destructive forces, you pretty much can’t do anything about it. Unless, of course, your hard drive is still intact. If it is, there’s a huge possibility that you could still get back your data. After all, data can live in your hard drive for a very long time.

That is the reason why permanently deleting data from your hard drive could be a huge challenge as well. Yes, there are times when you just have to do it. These are the times when you no longer need your computer or maybe even your external hard drive and you want to give it away or maybe even sell it. For safety measures, you need to permanently delete data from them. As a matter of fact, you need to do the same thing on all devices that store your personal data.

Making sure that your personal information is safely and securely erased from devices that you are no longer using is a good thing.

(Via: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-securely-erase-the-data-off-your-iphone-or-ipad-android-device-windows-pc-hard-drives-ssds-and-flash-drives/)

In this article you’ll know how to permanently delete data from hard drive. Keep in mind that this is permanent deletion. That means, once you delete, it’s gone. So, say good bye now.

Let’s start with Windows.

Yes, you can wipe a drive using the Windows format command.

Fire up a Command Prompt and type:

Format volume /P:passes

Where volume is the drive letter, and passes is the number of format passes you want to make.

To wipe d drive with 4 passes, use the following:
Format d: /P:4

Under Windows 8 and Windows 10, the wipe passes use random numbers to overwrite data on the disk (on previous versions 0 were used).

You can also wipe the drive that Windows is installed on by booting from a Recovery Drive and choosing the Troubleshoot > Advanced options option to access Command Prompt.

(Via: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-securely-erase-the-data-off-your-iphone-or-ipad-android-device-windows-pc-hard-drives-ssds-and-flash-drives/)

Here’s how you can do it on iOS and your Android devices.

iOS and Android devices both have built-in tools to erase the devices.
• On iOS: Settings > General > Reset and then tap Erase All Content and Settings.
• On Android: Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data reset and then tap Reset phone or Reset device.

You can also securely wipe the devices remotely using Find My iPhone for iOS or the Google Account associated with the Android device.

(Via: https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-securely-erase-the-data-off-your-iphone-or-ipad-android-device-windows-pc-hard-drives-ssds-and-flash-drives/)

This next method is probably the most destructive way to permanently delete data from all your devices. You’ll need to use some tools for this method. …

External hard drives are computer accessories. You can either have them or not. It depends on you. However, doing without them could be a risk you’re taking. Unless you have an online backup service to rely on, you just can’t rely on the internal hard drive of your computer. You need a backup for all your files.

So, chances are, you do have an external hard drive for all your backups. That’s good. Now, the next thing you need to consider is that they fail. While it’s good to them, it’s also good to keep in mind that they’re not exactly 100% foolproof.

So, why do they fail? Read on to see the various reasons why.

Damaged recording surfaces are responsible for 70 per cent of hard disk drive (HDD) failures.

Damage is generally caused by the hard drive experiencing a physical shock; being hit, falling over or being dropped. The shock can result in a head crash or damage to the platters.

(Via: https://blocksandfiles.com/2019/07/12/the-reasons-disk-drives-fail/)

It’s, undoubtedly, convenient to have an external hard drive. You can take them with you anywhere you go. You don’t even have to take your computer with you. All you need is your external hard drive to keep your files. Unfortunately, the portability of an external hard drive is what makes it fail as well.

Who hasn’t dropped an external hard drive? You’ve probably done so several times. You see, it’s that portability that exposes it to danger. Sure, you can be careful but only to a certain extent.

If there’s one thing that’s already been proven is that hard drives fail. A huge part of the reason why they fail is because of damaged recording surfaces brought about by physical shock. So, think about it. Take a good look at your external hard drive. Honestly ask yourself how long it’s going to take until it fails you.

Circuit board failures can also end the life of your ever-reliable external hard drive.

Circuit board failures account for 18 per cent of drive failures and moisture or static electricity is typically to blame.

(Via: https://blocksandfiles.com/2019/07/12/the-reasons-disk-drives-fail/)

Here’s the thing. Your external hard drive is up against circuit board failures even if it just stays in one place. The way you store your external drive can also contribute to its chances of failing you at a time when you least expect it. So, be careful.

Another reason why external hard drives fail is because of its inactivity.

Stiction (friction + sticking) from stuck read/write head armatures is responsible for 11 per cent of the failures. Drives left idle for a long time may be susceptible because the mechanisms do not move. Keep your drive active.

(Via: …

You rely a lot on software. Why shouldn’t you? The various software available in the market these days can make your life a lot easier.

For example, a data recovery software can come in handy when you can’t access files from your computer. Just like any reliant software, this particular software helps recover data from a failed hard drive. One good example of a data recovery software is EaseUs.

EaseUS is a data recovery software that uses a Wizard user interface, to recover the deleted and lost files that were intentionally or accidently deleted. It assists you in recovering your data in an efficient, safe and a quick way. Whether the files were pictures, documents, videos or any other type of file, this data recovery software can recover data from the damaged hard disks, memory cards, recycle bin or any other computer drive.

(Via: https://www.techzone360.com/topics/techzone/articles/2019/07/17/442711-how-recover-deleted-files-with-recover-software.htm)

In case you end up deleting a file, you know you could always get it back with a data recovery software like EaseUs.

EaseUS is a data recovery software that uses a Wizard user interface, to recover the deleted and lost files that were intentionally or accidently deleted. It assists you in recovering your data in an efficient, safe and a quick way. Whether the files were pictures, documents, videos or any other type of file, this data recovery software can recover data from the damaged hard disks, memory cards, recycle bin or any other computer drive.

(Via: https://www.techzone360.com/topics/techzone/articles/2019/07/17/442711-how-recover-deleted-files-with-recover-software.htm)

A data recovery software is easy to use. You don’t need any technical background to use it. Anybody can navigate a data recovery software. As a matter of fact, EaseUs just takes a couple of clicks to use.

It is quite easy to use this data recovery software. You just have to follow a few simple steps to retrieve the data. This data recovery software is the best and has its versions available on both, macIOS and Windows.

(Via: https://www.techzone360.com/topics/techzone/articles/2019/07/17/442711-how-recover-deleted-files-with-recover-software.htm)

Check out how easy it is to use this particular software on Windows.

• Run the EaseUS data recover software installed in your Windows 10.
• Scan the drive from which you want to retrieve the data from, using the EaseUS data recovery software.
• If you have found the files that you want to recover, preview them before proceeding. You can find the file you want, by scanning the deleted files.
• Click recover, to retrieve the deleted data. Save it to any drive that is safe.

(Via: https://www.techzone360.com/topics/techzone/articles/2019/07/17/442711-how-recover-deleted-files-with-recover-software.htm)

Here are the easy steps for you to follow if we have to use this particular data recovery software on macIOS.

    • If you want to recover the lost files from a

…

There’s an abundance of photos these days. Thanks to smartphones, it’s very easy to take photos and send to friends and family. It’s for that reason that computers are filed up with a ton of photos these days. Just take a good look at your Mac. You probably have a ton a as well.

So, what can you do with all these photos? You certainly don’t want to delete them. Most of them are probably memorable souvenirs of the past but what if they’re all scattered in your Mac?

Well, you could organize your photos in a slideshow. That is a creative way to organize them, don’t you think?

Creating a slideshow is also a good way to show off your photos to friends and family. They wouldn’t have to deal with so many photos all at the same time. The best thing about creating a slideshow is that all the photos are saved in just one file.

Luckily for you, it’s easy to create a slideshow on your Mac.

Making a slideshow on a Mac through the Photos app is a simple and quick process. In your slideshow, you’ll be able to customize things like slide transitions and background music.

(Via: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-a-slideshow-on-mac)

Once you have selected all the photos for your slideshow, follow the 6 steps below to create an awesome photo slideshow on your Mac.

1. Go to the Launchpad (the rocket ship icon in your bottom toolbar) and select the Photos app.

2. Select your photos (by clicking on the first one, then press and hold the Command key and click each subsequent photo you want in your slideshow).

3. In the top toolbar, select “File,” then “Create,” then “Slideshow,” and finally “Photos.”

4. Add your slideshow name – this will appear at the beginning of the slideshow, so you may wish to change it from the suggested date-based name Apple will give it – and click “Ok.”

5. You can change the theme (like sliding panels or vintage prints), as well as the accompanying music and slide transitions, by clicking the icons on the right side of the slideshow.

6. When you’re ready, click “Export” to change the saved location of your new slideshow, otherwise you’ll be able to access it through the “My Projects” section of Photos.

If you need to reorder your photos, that’s an easy task: Just click and drag each photo into the position you prefer.

(Via: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-a-slideshow-on-mac)

Below are the steps to follow so that you can play the slideshow.

You can select the theme and music for instant slideshows, but other than that, they aren’t customizable. Here’s how to make an instant slideshow:

1. Open the Photos app

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Got a Mac? Congratulations! It’s good choice. It’s definitely one for the long run. That’s one of the great things about Mac. Now, the question is, do you know how to start it a Safe Mode?

At the moment, you might not see the urgent need to learn how to start your Mac in a Safe Mode. Let alone, know the reason why you should. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to know how.

The main reason as to why you need to know how to start your Mac in a Safe Mode is that you will be able to diagnose possible issues that could arise.

Knowing how to start a Mac computer in Safe Mode can help you figure out, and possibly even fix, certain issues with your Mac computer.

(Via: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-start-mac-in-safe-mode)

When it comes to technology, you always have to factor in possible issues that could arise. Your Mac is not, in any way, spared from any possible issues in the future.

If your Mac is having issues, starting it in Safe Mode can be a way to resolve those issues, or help you figure out what’s going wrong based on how it reacts to the Safe Mode start.

(Via: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-start-mac-in-safe-mode)

Keep in mind that you won’t be able to do certain things on your Mac in case you have to start it in a Safe Mode.

Before you get started, be aware that when you start your Mac in Safe Mode, you won’t be able to do certain things, like:

• Play movies in your DVD player (if you have one).

• Capture video in iMovie.

• Access VoiceOver accessibility options.

• Use file sharing.

Some USB, Firewire, and Thunderbolt devices may also not work, and your internet access may be limited (or even unavailable). If you need to access the systems that aren’t available through Safe Mode, simply restart the computer as you normally would.

(Via: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-start-mac-in-safe-mode)

Nonetheless, starting your Mac in a Safe Mode is pretty easy.

All that aside, starting a Mac in Safe Mode is easily accomplished …

(Via: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-start-mac-in-safe-mode)

Read on to learn how you can start your Mac in a Safe Mode.

1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner and select either “Shut Down” or “Restart.”

2. While your Mac starts or restarts, immediately press and hold the shift key — you should see the Apple logo appear on your screen (if not, it may be a power issue).

3. When you see the login window appear, release the shift key (you may be asked to login twice if your Mac is encrypted with FileVault).

If after going through this process, the issue your Mac was experiencing

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You can’t live without a computer. These days, a computer is an important component of your life. You simply can’t do without it, especially at work.

Computers rank at the top of the most valued pieces of equipment for any business.

Professionals rely on their computer’s hard drives to maintain productivity, store important data, and communicate with customers.

(Via: https://punchng.com/tips-for-maintaining-hard-drives/)

Yes, everybody relies on a hard drive. It’s not just you. So, what happens when a hard drive fails?

According to www.recordnations.com, computer problems interrupt workflow and interfere with employee productivity by shutting down their work day. Not only does this create a backlog in work, it results in loss of profit or even to a loss of potential customers.

There are definitely consequences if a hard drive fails. Businesses have no choice but to implement a few preventative measures to minimize the chances of it happening prematurely. The good news is that businesses can maintain their computer’s health without involving too much time or resources.

(Via: https://punchng.com/tips-for-maintaining-hard-drives/)

Here are a couple of tips that you can follow to maintain your hard drive. As you will notice, these tips aren’t just good for your computer in the workplace for your computer at home as well.

The first easy-to-follow tip is to be careful when installing and downloading a software.

Computers may start acting funny after installing a computer program downloaded from the Internet. Each software installation requires hard drive space, or may contain a virus or malware.

The more programs you install, the less space the computer has. Although your computer uses memory to run programs, it also uses the hard drive to help decrease the load times. If your hard drive is full, it will definitely slow down the computer.

(Via: https://punchng.com/tips-for-maintaining-hard-drives/)

The second easy-to-follow tip is to stick to software that’s work related.

The Information Technology departments often block everyone from downloading software programs for a reason. Downloading software programs from the Internet without scanning them for viruses is a dangerous practice, and it can cripple a business in minutes.

Whether you’re in the office or using your personal computer, be sure to use a reputable anti-virus program and firewall to manage incoming traffic and access to the PC. It’s a good rule of thumb to only install trustworthy programs that will help business operations.

(Via: https://punchng.com/tips-for-maintaining-hard-drives/)

You can also apply that same rule of thumb with your home computer. You need to make sure that the software you’re downloading is trustworthy. Of course, it’s always hard to tell is a software if trustworthy and that’s why you need a strong anti-virus in both your work and home computers.

The third easy-to-follow tip is …