Explainer Guides

Confused by a definition or want to learn more about how everyday tech works? You've come to the right page.

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Close up of a housed AMD Ryzen 7800X3D
This is what makes AMD’s X3D processors so good
CPU

Nearly always the top CPU on any list you'll see.

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google willow quantum chip-1.
What is a quantum computer, anyway?

The possibilities are endless, but you won't be playing Crysis.

samsung microsd card in packaging.
I didn't realize this tiny letter on my microSD card was so important

Why are memory cards so confusing?

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usb testing tool connected to laptop.
Your 100W charger is useless if your USB-C cable doesn't have this spec
USB

Not all cables are built the same.

m2 ssd with b+m key close up.
This SSD spec is the one you should never overlook

Don't make the same mistakes as me.

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two usb c lightning ports on laptop.
It looks like USB-C, but this symbol changes everything

Watch out for lightning strikes.

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65w ugreen charger side view.
Now that I know what charger numbers mean, I’ll never grab the wrong one again

All of those mysterious numbers work together to tell you exactly how the charger works—and what it'll work with!

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An M.2 NVMe SSD on a table.
You really shouldn't be defragmenting your SSD

It used to be smart PC maintenance, but it's terrible for your SSD.

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bios on laptop screen.
The BIOS you think you’re using doesn’t exist anymore

It's not called that anymore.

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wifi 7 support on android smartphone.
What's the difference between Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 6 (and how to unlock its extra speed)

We want faster internet, and we want it now.

dns over https on windows 11.
What the heck is DNS over HTTPS and why does everyone keep arguing about it?
DNS

It's not just another confusing acronym to ignore.

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Two mechanical keyboards next to each other
Your worn-out keyboard keys reveal more about you than you think

You don’t need a personality test—your keyboard’s already been running one for years.

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HP Omen Transcend 14 with OLED display
I thought OLED burn-in was a myth — boy, was I wrong

I ignored the burn-in warnings, and now my display has the scars to prove it.

The inside of a custom built computer—showcasing the CPU cooler
I wish I had made this adjustment sooner—my PC is quiet at last

Sometimes, the default settings are way too aggressive!

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ipv6 settings on windows 10.
What the heck happened to IPv6?

We were promised a new beginning.

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person holding sd card with camera in background.
I Never Buy a New Memory Card Without Checking These Features

Buying a new memory card can feel confusing, but there are some easy ways to figure out what you need.

Lifetime VPN plan website shown on monitor
Don't Be Fooled By These 5 Tech Buzzwords—They're Just Marketing Hype

Cut through the confusing language marketers use to trick you and make you spend more than you intend.

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Valorant game running on an OLED monitor mounted on a desk with keyboard and mouse below
OLED Monitors Aren't as Great As You've Been Told: Here's Why

OLED monitors look wonderful, but there are some considerable downsides to owning one.

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Laptop with IP address, location, and shield icons floating above it
Why I Use a Dynamic DNS Instead of a Static IP Address (and How to Set It Up)
DNS

Looking for a way reach your devices outside your local network for free? Try using dynamic DNS!

wifi router showing a red error light
Router vs. Computer DNS Settings: Here's What Was Faster
DNS

Comparing DNS at the router versus PC level led to real improvements in my network’s speed and performance.

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