Monthly Archives: January 2023

When was the last time you needed to play a CD or DVD on your computer? While you may not have to do this as often as you once did, it’s also the only way to access certain games, albums, or movies. If the media isn’t available digitally, a disk is your best option. Alternatively, you may have backed up some of your files to a disk at some point and need to access them again.

If your computer has an internal optical drive, then you have nothing to worry about – but what do you do if it doesn't have one? In this guide, we’ll give you the facts on how to play a DVD or CD on a desktop PC or laptop with no disk drive.

Nearly all modern PCs lack disk drives. This is especially true for laptops, which have to make the best use of their space to deliver a truly portable computing experience. Compute

The debate of integrated vs dedicated graphics cards (GPUs) is almost as old as modern PCs, but the argument has definitely changed over the years. In the past, integrated GPUs had a poor reputation related to a lack of power. But advances in technology have helped to close the gap between the two options.

In this guide, we’ll explain the differences between integrated and dedicated graphics cards, and who needs which type of GPU, so you can make the best purchasing decision for your needs.

A GPU allows a computer to render images processed by the CPU. You can get a firm grasp on the GPU’s power when you run graphics-intensive processes, such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering.

HOW GPUS WORK IN GAMING

In particular, video game performance greatly depends on your computer’s GPU.

Today’s computer monitor comes with a variety of port options, all of which have different functions and use cases. And when it comes to buying a new monitor, you’ll want to know exactly which ports are included in your latest device.

But which ports do you actually need? Well, it all depends. If you own a legacy device, you may require certain older style ports in addition to the latest, speediest ones.

To make sense of all things port-related, read on. We’ll help you learn more about the most common ports, which ones you need to connect your favorite monitor, and when you may need them.

HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C™ are the most common types of monitor ports and cables, and you’ll find them on the majority of modern

Finding the best HP laptop for your needs can be a serious challenge. Chances are that it will be your go-to device for work, play, and maybe even school if you’re a student. Yet you face so many choices for display, processors, memory, storage, battery life, and loads of other options. You’ll want to do your research to find the best laptop to buy for both your lifestyle and your budget

How to choose a laptop? Start with this laptop buying guide to explore the best laptops from HP that click with your habits and budget.

Before we get down to business, you’ll want to have a sense of what you’re looking for when you ask yourself “What’s the best laptop for me?” Do you need something lighter you can easily carry around with you? Or do you want a larger model with additional screen real e

When purchasing a new PC, it’s easy to overlook warranty options or decline coverage altogether for one reason or another. Maybe you don’t think you need it because you take great care of your devices, or perhaps you’d rather not tack on additional costs. The thing is, PCs may require repairs for various reasons, often outside your control.

When considering coverage for a new PC, it’s important to first think about your needs. For instance, will you require immediate repairs if something goes awry? Or could you wait a day or two for service? Also think about whether you’re prone to causing damage to or losing your device, and whether you want those covered by your warranty.

With the HP Care Pack system, which is available with any new device from HP, you can choose from flexible options depending on the type of coverage you want. The coverage options also depe

Computers have oh-so-many specs: processing speed, graphics, display, memory, storage - the list goes on. But many computer users forget about one of the most important aspects of the user experience: sound.

In the past, the Thunderbolt and USB standards were entirely separate, leading to confusion and ultimately frustration over ports, plugs, and cables. “Can I use this cable to charge this laptop? What about plugging in my phone?”

Thankfully, with the creation of USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 technology, the two are now largely interchangeable. While there are some key differences between Thunderbolt and USB-C, there’s mostly good news on this front. USB-C cables are now entirely compatible with Thunderbolt ports, and USB-C ports are compatible with Thunderbolt cables.

This makes it easier than ever for computer users to use the best cable they have available. And in many instances, either standard is fine. However, it’s important to understand the differences between Thunderbolt and USB-C so that you can make the right purchasing decision for your needs.<

Your computer’s BIOS, short for Basic Input/Output System, is a critical part of how your hardware operates from its first day of use to the last. BIOS helps manage the various components that add up to a modern computer, providing a stable and consistent way for devices to start up.

When you turn your computer on, your BIOS essentially tests and activates everything it needs to start running. Once it finishes testing components, it sends a signal to your operating system to activate and then hands over responsibility for program operation to the CPU. With modern computers, the term BIOS and UEFI (short for Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) are often used interchangeably to avoid confusion. The systems are comparable in purpose but differ in how they achieve the desired effect.

There are three primary ways to reset your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings. Eac