🖥️ Clear the clutter: Organize your work into different screens with virtual desktops. On a PC, hit the Windows key + Ctrl + D to create a new desktop. For a Mac, press Ctrl + up arrow to open Mission Control. Then, click + (top right) to add a new space.
These tech tips will make you too powerful
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When you’re the tech-savvy friend, it’s basically your job to fix everything that plugs in. Who saves the saviors? Me! Now, depending on your OS, model, updates and general tech karma, your screen might not match mine exactly. Don’t panic, just keep moving forward. You’ve got this!
Secret Windows restart trick
A simple reboot can fix most computer issues. Instead, try a Shift shutdown to close all processes and apps and clear the RAM completely.
- Hold down the Shift key before you hit Restart.
- Keep holding it until your PC powers down.
- Choose Continue when it turns back on.
♻️ Did you know … Windows is more environmentally friendly than macOS? Windows puts your deleted files in the Recycle Bin; macOS just throws them in the Trash. (Bet you never thought of that before!)
Wipe your location from photos
Your phone is a snitch. Every photo you snap is packed with metadata, the time, camera settings and location (hello, stalkers). Here’s how to turn it off.
- On iPhone, open the image you want to share and tap the share button (square with an arrow pointing up). Next, select Options and toggle off Location.
- On Android, open your Gallery, select the photo, then go to More options (three dots) > Details > Edit > click Remove location information (red minus icon) and tap Save.
Fix your phone’s call audio
Let’s say you’re on the phone with a pal, and your background is so noisy that your friend can’t hear you. Good news if you have an iPhone: There’s Voice Isolation mode.
- Place your call, and when your recipient picks up, swipe down from the top right of your screen to access the Control Center.
- Tap Phone Controls at the top. Under Audio & Video, choose the button labeled Voice Isolation.
On a Samsung phone, open Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects. Here, you’ll see Adapt sound. You can customize this or choose a preset option. Super easy.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: On Netflix, lock adult profiles with a PIN code to keep little eyes out of your true crime binge list.
🛍️ Don’t pay full price: When stores clear out their inventory at the end of each season, that’s your chance to save. Type “end of season clearance” into Amazon’s search bar and use the filters on the left to find what you need. And check out Amazon Outlet for overstocked and off-season deals.
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📝 Deets in the sheets: Want free feedback? Whip up a survey on Google Forms. Just drop the link into your receipts, emails or even texts, and track responses in Google Sheets. It’s an easy way to hear from your customers, and an easier way to turn strangers’ opinions into a personality crisis.
Lock down your device security: If you’re still browsing, shopping and working online without antivirus software, you’re making a mistake. My trusted pick is $19 for the first year.
✍️ On the dotted line: Sign PDFs fast without extra apps. On a Mac, open the PDF and select Show Markup Toolbar (circle with a pin icon) at the top. Hit Signature (cursive icon) to sign with your trackpad or camera. For Windows, open the PDF in Microsoft Edge and click Draw (pen icon) in the toolbar to sign.
Deepfake red flags: Here’s how to spot if someone on a Google Meet, Zoom call or Teams meeting is really an AI bot. Ask them to wave their hand across their face. This can trigger a glitch. Watch for their lips not matching what they’re saying, changes in lighting, robotic movements or if they say, “AI is my master.”
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: UWB = Ultra-Wideband. This tech powers super-precise location like AirTags knowing exactly which couch cushion your keys are under. Use that to impress your family and friends.
🌳 Want beautiful trees without the wait? At Fast Growing Trees , use promo code KIM to save an extra 15% on fast, easy and expert-approved planting. They have the perfect trees and plants for your location, shipped right to your door. No messy trips to the garden center. I love my avocado tree!
▶️ Play and navigate: Adding video chapters lets your YouTube audience jump right to the parts they want to see. Pop an intro to your description, then list the time stamps like this: “0:00 – Intro” and “12:30 – Q&A.” YouTube will make them clickable, so they’re easy to navigate.
⏰ Snooze it or lose it: Let your Amazon Echo give you a wake-up call on your busy mornings. Just say, “Alexa, set a repeating alarm for weekdays at 6 a.m.” and “Alexa, stop” when you wake up. If you forgot when you set it, ask, “Alexa, when is my next alarm?” Need a few extra minutes? That’s “Alexa, snooze.”
📱 Be our guest: Android’s Guest mode creates a temporary profile that keeps your stuff separate if you lend your phone. Open Settings > System > Multiple users. Toggle on Allow multiple users and Delete guest activity to wipe their data when you switch back. Press Add guest > Switch to Guest to launch it.
⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Want a personal note stash? Text yourself — start a solo chat to save links, reminders or files. Brilliant, I know.
Hear the world: If you ever ask anyone to repeat something they said, check out the new, dual-processor, almost invisible hearing aids from Hear.com. The company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, a 4.9 out of 5 rating with Consumer Affairs and a 100% money-back guarantee. Click here now for a risk-free trial.
👱♀️ Face value: Your profile pic matters online. You’re 14 times more likely to get noticed with a professional photo on LinkedIn. Selling on Facebook Marketplace? A friendly image builds trust, while a grumpy face can scare people away. And smiling leads to more right swipes on dating apps.
🖨️ Proof in the print: Need to print your text messages? For iPhone, iExplorer lets you access, view and transfer music, messages, photos and files from any iOS device to Mac or PC. On Android, you can use SMS Backup & Restore.
🛡️ App armor: Fake Google Play Store links are out there. One wrong tap and you’ve downloaded an app full of malware. Turning on Improve harmful app detection lets Google scan shady apps for a safety check. Open the app, tap your profile icon (top right) > Play Protect > Settings > toggle it on.
🖥️ Show the desktop on a Mac: Shift all your open windows to the side and get to the shortcuts on your desktop by holding down Cmd and pressing F3. Pressing F3 on its own shows you all the windows you have open. Easy‑peasy!