Tech smarts: 5 annoying computer problems, solved

Solving your biggest tech pet peeves might just be one of the best things you can do for productivity.

Keep in mind that these are solutions to everyday annoyances, not massive security or functionality issues. For everything you need to know about maintaining the health of your computer, tap or click here.

1. There’s too much on your screen

PC users can minimize every window but the active one with this helpful shortcut: hit the Windows key and the Home key simultaneously, and you’ll be left with only the window you’re using.

On a Mac, you might consider this solution. You can merge any app’s windows into one single window, giving you more breathing room:

  1. In the app, click on the Window menu.
  2. Select Merge All Windows.

Now, you’ll be able to see your desktop beneath your workflow. Not bad.

2. You accidentally closed a tab

Fret not because this one’s easy. Windows users should press Ctrl + Shift + T to retrieve a tab that was closed by mistake or revisit a recently closed one.

To visit a recently closed tab on a Mac, follow these steps:

  • In the Safari app on your Mac, choose History > Recently Closed.
  • You can also choose History > Reopen Last Closed Tab or History > Reopen Last Closed Window to reopen the last tab or window you closed, or Reopen All Windows from Last Session.

3. Your computer turns on, but there’s no display

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Tech pro tip: Recovering data from an external hard drive

As you upgrade equipment, your files follow you around from one device to another. From phones to computers to tablets, you want your stuff to remain intact. There are a few ways to accomplish this task.

Cloud storage has made it so we can access files from any device at any time. Photos are among the biggest storage hogs and it gets to the point where there are too many for one device. You have a few options to send photos to the cloud. Tap or click here and we’ll help you make your decision.

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🗑️ Bring it back: Don’t panic if you accidentally delete a pic. In the Google Photos app, go to Collections > Trash to see any photos or videos deleted in the last 60 days. In Apple Photos on your iPhone, swipe up, then, under Utilities, tap Recently Deleted. You’ll have 30 days before it’s gone for good, so move quickly!

Free download to recover deleted photos, videos and documents

Sometimes, things seemingly go from bad to worse when you’re dealing with data. It’s easy to mistakenly delete important documents, videos or photos. So, what do you do if you accidentally delete that once in a lifetime moment you captured on video?

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This nasty trick scams victims of ransomware searching for help

Of all the kinds of malware that can affect your personal data and files, ransomware is among the worst. It’s not enough that your files get locked up and hidden from you, but the people behind the attack expect you to pay up if you ever hope to see them again!

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♻️ Hit reset: Get Windows back to a factory-fresh state without losing your personal files. Open Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC. Just make sure you choose the Keep my files option. (You’ve got everything backed up anyway, right?)