Page 30 - Tech Takes

Remote work and virtual meetings have become the norm in Australia, revolutionising how we connect and collaborate. However, to thrive in this new work landscape, having the right tools is essential. 

The simplest way to shut down your laptop is the default option of accessing the start menu. But there are situations where the laptop stutters because of a malicious file downloaded unknowingly. For example, you may experience laptops freezing when the system fails to respond to user input. Likewise, various hardware malfunctions cause your computer to become unresponsive.

In the land down under, our laptops are more than just devices; they’re our digital lifelines. Whether you’re working from a sunny café in Sydney, presenting in a Melbourne boardroom, or studying at a university in Brisbane, your laptop’s battery is crucial for staying productive. But what happens when you plug in your laptop and it refuses to charge? Don’t worry, mate – we’ve got you covered with this guide tailored for Aussie users.

Why did my laptop battery stop charging?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why your laptop might be giving you the cold shoulder when you try to charge it. While there could be many reasons, we’ll focus on three main culprits that are common in the Australian context:

Power cord issues

From stuffing your charger into a backpack for a trip to the Gold Coast to stretching it across your living room to reach that one awkward power point, your cord can take a beating. The humid coastal climates in many parts of Australia can also accelerate wear

G’day, tech enthusiasts! Just like how a well-oiled machine keeps the Outback running smoothly, your computer’s health needs proper care to ensure peak performance and longevity. While our PCs don’t require much besides a consistent power supply, they’re made up of durable components that can become damaged and lead to various issues if compromised.

G’day, tech-savvy Aussies! If you’ve recently scored a pair of AirPods and want to use them with your Windows laptop, you’re in luck. While these sleek wireless earbuds are designed for optimal use with Apple devices, they work brilliantly with any Bluetooth-enabled gadget – including your HP laptop. Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, or the Outback, we’ve got you covered with this easy guide to connecting your AirPods to your Windows laptop.

Losing yourself in a game is impossible if your screen is blurry or the visuals are dull. A gaming monitor lets you disconnect from reality like no other screen can. You get more visual information and faster response time for that split-second decision-making that modern games demand.

If your Windows PC is acting up or you’re planning to sell it, performing a factory reset can help resolve issues and wipe your personal files. This guide will walk you through the process of factory resetting your Windows 10 or 11 PC, whether you’re using an HP laptop or desktop computer.

Why Perform a Factory Reset?

There are several reasons you might want to reset your PC to its factory settings:

• Resolve persistent performance issues or errors

• Remove malware or unwanted software

• Prepare your computer for sale or donation

• Start fresh with a clean installation of Windows

A factory reset will reinstall Windows and restore the operating system to its default settings.

Whatever your reason, it’s important to back up your important files before proceeding with a reset.

Backing Up Your Data

Before you begin the reset process, make sure to back up all your files, including any important documents, photos, or other data you want to keep. You can use an external hard drive, cloud storage

G’day, tech enthusiasts! Whether you’re a keen gamer, a budding video editor, or simply curious about what’s under the hood of your laptop, knowing how to check your graphics card is a handy skill. In this guide tailored for our Australian mates, we’ll walk you through the easy ways to identify your graphics card and locate its specifications in Windows 10 and 11. Plus, we’ll help you understand what those specs mean and how to choose the right graphics card for your needs. Let’s dive in!