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Jon Martindale

Jon Martindale

Computing Coordinator

Jon Martindale is the Evergreen Coordinator for Computing, overseeing a team of writers addressing all the latest how to guides, best-of lists, and explainers to help everyone understand the hottest new hardware and software in desktops, laptops, and on the web.

Jon also writes for Forbes, Lifewire, and Microcenter, has authored two novels, and provided back story and dialogue for a handful of games.

 

Person using Windows 11 laptop on their lap by the window.

What is the Antimalware Service Executable, and should you disable it?

The Antimalware Service Executable is an important component in your Windows security. Here's why you should keep it running if you can.
Computing Guides
Lunar Lake CPU die.

Everything we know about Lunar Lake, Intel’s big next-generation chips

Intel's Lunar Lake is a mobile-first generation of energy-efficient CPUs that may well launch before the end of 2024. Here's what we know so far.
Computing Guides
The AMD Ryzen 5 8600G APU installed in a motherboard.

AMD Zen 5: Everything we know about AMD’s next-gen CPUs

AMD's Zen 5 CPUs will debut sometime in the second half of 2024 and they may well bring with them the biggest performance boost in generations.
Computing Guides
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger delivers the Day 1 closing keynote at IAA Mobility

How to watch Intel’s big Computex 2024 keynote tonight

Intel's 2024 Computex keynote is just a few hours away. Here's how to tune in to see all the big announcements.
Computing News
Nvidia CEO Jensen in front of a background.

How to watch Nvidia’s Computex 2024 keynote — and what to expect

Nvidia's Computex 2024 keynote address about AI and the future of computing is just around the corner. Here's how to watch.
Computing Guides
AMD CEO Lisa Su delivering AMD's CES 2023 keynote.

How to watch AMD’s big Computex 2024 keynote — and what to expect

Computex 2024 is right around the corner and AMD is getting out ahead of it with its keynote address. Here's how to watch it.
Computing News
Acer Predator XB3 Gaming Monitor review

The best free PC driver update tools everyone should have

Automatic driver download tools don't have the best reputation, but there are some out there you can use to keep your PC up to date safely. Here are the best.
Computing Guides
A MacBook Air is shown with the Bitdefender for Mac dashboard open.

I tested the most popular free antivirus apps for Mac. Here are the very best

Contrary to popular belief, MacOS is still susceptible to malware. Here are the best free antivirus for Mac so you can stay safe without forking over big bucks.
Computing Guides
Editing images in ChatGPT.

How to edit images with ChatGPT

ChatGPT can make images and edit them based on your feedback and prompts. Here's how to use this chatbot tool to edit your photos and pictures.
Computing Guides
CD in a CD drive on a Macbook Pro.

How to burn a CD in Windows 11

Sometimes you need to use a compact disc for storing or sharing data, and so here's how to burn a CD in Windows 11, for both music and data.
Computing Guides
Installing RAM in a desktop PC.

How to build a PC from scratch: A beginner’s guide

Building a computer might seem intimidating, but DIY PC building can be a lot of fun. And with a little help, anyone can do it. Here's how.
Computing Guides
The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 laptop, opened with a colorful wallpaper on the screen.

Best 14-inch laptops for 2024: tested and reviewed

Good 14-inch laptops offer a little more display space while still being lightweight and portable. These are the best 14-inch laptops for all sorts of needs.
Computing Products
Alienware PC with the screen turned off.

How to fix a computer that turns on, but displays nothing

If your PC turns on, but the display shows nothing, there's a problem that needs fixing. Here are a few different ways to get it working again.
Computing Guides
Custom water cooling inside a gaming PC.

Air cooling vs. liquid cooling: Which is best for your PC in 2024?

Air and liquid cooling are two of the main ways to keep your PC from overheating, but is one method better than the other? Let’s find out!
Computing Guides
A person uses a tablet with an HP laser printer in an office.

How to clear cookies

Have you noticed your computer is running slower than normal? It might be time to clear the cookies from your browsing history. Here’s how.
Computing Guides
OpenAI developer using GPT-4o.

GPT-4o: What the latest ChatGPT update can do and when you can get it

OpenAI's latest ChatGPT model is GPT-4o, and it's a bit of a game changer. Here's what makes it so exciting.
Computing Guides
A broken keyboard with a lego man on it.

How to fix a keyboard that won’t type

If your keyboard won't type, it can be extremely frustrating. Fortunately, the fix is probably straightforward. Here's how to do it.
Computing Guides

How to block a website

Need to learn how to block a particular website from your kids? Here are multiple ways to do so, using both first- and third-party software on Windows and Macs.
Computing Guides
Running around a Manor Lords village in third-person.

Manor Lords performance guide: best settings, recommended specs, and more

Manor Lords is an exciting medieval village management game and the most wish-listed game on Steam. Here's how to make it run its best.
Computing Guides
The Blue Screen of Death seen on a laptop.

Blue Screen of Death: What it means and what to do if you get one

The Blue Screen of Death, or BSOD, is a common Windows error faced by many people over the years. Here's what to do if this appears on your screen.
Computing Guides
A delidded Ryzen 7000 CPU.

Delidding your CPU: What it is and why you should do it

Delidding a CPU can make it run much cooler, helping you quiet down your fans and improve performance. Here's why you should (or shouldn't) do it.
Computing Guides
Simon Cohen wearing the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4.

How to connect Bluetooth headphones to PC

It is fairly easy to connect your Bluetooth headphones to PC. Just follow these steps, and they'll be working in no time.
Computing Guides
Infinix Zero 30 5G Android phone in gold color with ChatGPT virtual assistant.

How to build your own GPT chatbot without coding

As a ChatGPT Plus subscriber, you’ll be able to use OpenAI’s advanced tools to build a custom chatbot all your own. Here’s how.
Computing Guides
best laptop brands hp spectre x360 13 2021 1

The best laptop brands for 2024

The best laptops offer high performance, great looks, and solid build quality. When searching, it's smart to start with top brands. These are the best options.
Computing Products
Meta AI on mobile and desktop web interface.

Why Llama 3 is changing everything in the world of AI

Llama 3 isn't just the latest version of Meta's AI -- it's a revolution in capabilities and accessibility. Here's why it could be the big AI of the future.
Computing Features
Acer ROG Strix Review CPU

How to check your CPU temperature

Learning how to check your CPU temperature is a great way to troubleshoot PC problems and make sure you're getting maximum performance from your processor.
Computing Guides
Highlighting VBS is disabled in Windows 11.

How to disable VBS in Windows 11 to improve gaming

Windows 11's security features can cause a drop in gaming performance. If you want to make sure yours isn't impacted, here's how to turn off VBS in Windows 11.
Computing Guides
Samsung T5 SSD review

How to choose an external hard drive

You need to back up your PC or mobile device, but you don't know how to choose an external drive that works best for your needs. We're here to help you decide.
Computing Guides
A person listening to music on headphones.

How to convert FLAC to MP3 on Mac, Windows, and web

Converting FLAC to MP3 is pretty straightforward, but doing so is going to affect the quality of the latter. Here’s a guide on how to go from A to B.
Computing Guides
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D sitting on a motherboard.

How hot is too hot for your CPU?

How hot should your processor be running? If it's working hard, close to 100 degrees isn't the end of the world. Here's how hot it can really run.
Computing Guides
Person using Windows 11 laptop on their lap by the window.

The most common Windows 11 problems and how to fix them

Windows 11 is Microsoft's best and brightest operating system yet, but it still has problems. Here's how to fix some of the most common Windows 11 issues.
Computing Guides
The ChatGPT website on a laptop's screen as the laptop sits on a counter in front of a black background.

How to get GPT-4 for free

GPT-4 is the latest language model from ChatGPT maker, OpenAI, but you have to pay $20 a month for it. Or do you? Here's how to get it for free.
Computing Guides
GPU inside the Dell XPS Desktop 8960.

How to install a graphics card

Replacing a graphics card can be an enthralling and meticulous endeavor. Here’s a guide to help you replace or upgrade a GPU.
Computing Guides
A player stands outside their village with mobs in Minecraft Legends.

How to play Minecraft on a Chromebook

Believe it or not, you’ll be able to play Minecraft on a Chromebook. All you have to do is download and install it. Here’s a guide to help.
Computing Guides
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