As PCMag's editor of how to content, I have to cover a wide variety of topics and also make our stories accessible to everyday users. Considering my history as a technical writer, copywriter, and all-around freelancer covering baseball, comics, and more at various outlets, I am used to making myself into an expert.
I believe tech corporations are bad, but you might as well know how to use technology in everyday life. Want more how to content delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the tips and tricks newsletter that I curate twice a week.
My job as how-to guru means I use just about every gadget under the sun, so I can figure out how everything works. I work from a Lenovo ThinkPad running Windows 11, but also have a very large Dell Inspiron 17 3000 and Apple silicon MacBook. I also have a Google Pixel 6a for personal use and use a Galaxy Z Flip 4 for additional Samsung-related testing. For iOS coverage, an iPhone 13 mini works like a charm, though it's already becoming a little long in the tooth.
My desktop situation includes a dual monitor setup with a modest Acer monitor. I also use a Logitech mouse (who can use these ThinkPad trackpads) and a Havit keyboard (my first mechanical keyboard; I love it but my wife hates it!). I'm a recent convert from wired headphones; I have Anker Soundcore Liberty Air wireless earbuds for personal use and have taken to the Sennheiser HD 450BT headphones for work.
Whenever I have a second to myself, I'm probably gaming on my Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or Xbox Series S. I also still have a bunch of classic consoles lying around as well.
Some Switch games can be upgraded into enhanced Switch 2 titles, but the cost structure is pretty confusing. Here's how much you can expect to pay for the upgrade packs to your favorite games.
7 hours, 2 minutesWho will face the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals next week? Here's how to tune in to this week's Thunder vs. Spurs games, even if you don't have a streaming subscription.
11 hours, 37 minutesWant Google's version of Handoff and a revamped Android Auto before everyone else? Here's how to install the latest Android 17 beta on your Pixel phone today.
6 days, 6 hoursAnnoyed by AI summaries taking over your search results page? It's about to get a lot worse. While you can't stop AI overviews entirely, I've uncovered a few ways to make them less obtrusive.
6 days, 7 hoursApple now lets you limit location sharing with your mobile carrier if your device and provider support this service. Here's exactly how to tweak your iPhone settings to optimize your privacy.
6 days, 11 hoursToday's Android phones are built to last, but scrolling and streaming are still battery life killers. Here's how to squeeze as much juice out of your battery as possible.
3 weeks, 6 daysAre you losing hundreds on subscriptions you no longer use? Here's how to track what you're spending each month and how to save the most money.
4 weeks, 1 dayTonight, the Phillies take on the Braves at Truist Park, and the Cubs face off against the Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Check out the full game schedule on Apple TV, plus our tips on how to watch tonight's doubleheader for $0.
1 monthYour earbuds are probably disgusting. Keep them looking and sounding their best with these safe, effective cleaning tips.
1 monthDo you have an old phone gathering dust in a junk drawer? Don't throw it in a landfill. Before you look into recycling, try repurposing it as a security camera, alarm clock, or media player.
1 month, 1 weekDon't pull your hair out when ads interrupt your videos. I've found a few ways to skip or limit them.
1 month, 1 weekRunning out of space on your iOS device? Here's how to figure out what's taking up the most space on your Apple smartphone (and iPad) so you can decide what to delete.
1 month, 2 weeksSkip the endless scroll and get right to what you want to watch with these simple numeric shortcuts that unlock more than 4,000 subcategories you won’t find in the main menu.
1 month, 2 weeksConcerned about someone spying on your smart speaker, video doorbell, or even your fridge? Here's how to prevent hackers from accessing your internet-connected devices.
1 month, 2 weeksThe FCC has everyone worked up about foreign-made routers, but the spec you should actually be concerned about is WPA3. Here's why it's a must-have for any networking setup.
1 month, 4 weeksA simple line of code can help you monitor usage data, capacity history, and life estimates.
2 monthsIn theory, the era of shared streaming passwords is over, but thrifty binge-watchers can try these tricks before forking over cash to Netflix (or Disney+ and HBO Max).
2 monthsGoogle's services are powered by data collection. It can be helpful in some cases and too invasive in others. Here's how to check what you're sharing and adjust the privacy settings on your account.
2 months, 1 weekIf you're looking to boldly go where no streamer has gone before, here's where to watch all the Star Trek TV shows and movies.
2 months, 1 weekAI is nothing without data, which is why X scrapes public posts to train Grok. Here's how to stop Elon's chatbot from scooping up your tweets.
2 months, 2 weeks
