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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.

 

AMD Ryzen processor going into a socket.

The best AMD processors for 2024

The best AMD CPUs are some of the best processors in the world, period. Here are our top AMD chips, whether you're a gamer, worker, or a little bit of both.
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.
The blue screen of death in Windows.

How to fix error irql_not_less_or_equal in Windows

Most Windows users have come across this nasty error at some point in their time with Windows. Here's how to fix it.
The Anker PowerCore III connected to laptop.

What to do when your Windows 11 laptop is plugged in but not charging

If your Windows 11 laptop is plugged in but isn't charging, there are a few fixes. Here's what to try first.
Close up of a person's hands as they type on a laptop's keyboard.

You can restart a laptop with just a keyboard. Here are the two ways

Restarting a laptop with just the keyboard is more than just possible, it's quick and straightforward, too. Here's how do it.
Missing Wi-Fi icon in Windows 11.

What to do if the Wi-Fi option isn’t showing in Windows 11

If your Wi-Fi toggle isn't showing up in Windows 11, there are a few different ways we can fix it, from re-enabling the adapter, to reinstalling the drivers.
Secure Boot setting in an ASUS BIOS.

How to enable secure boot in Windows 11

Secure Boot is a setting that makes sure only official software runs on your PC, and it needs to be enabled for Windows 11 to work. Here's how to enable it.
Gaming PC on a desk.

How I made my PC more sustainable, just in time for summer — and you can too

The summer months are rolling in and turning everyone's gaming room into a sweat box. Here's how to make yours more bearable in summer 2024.
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D installed in a motherboard.

How to fix a red light error on a motherboard

If you've ever built a PC, you know how frustrating that little red light error can be. Here's how to fix it.
Pads on the bottom of the Ryzen 9 7950X.

AMD vs. Intel: a turning point in this fierce rivalry

With AMD's Ryzen 9000 and Intel's Arrow Lake on the way, we need to take a look at where the rivalry between Intel and AMD stands.
The blue screen of death in Windows.

How to fix a system service exception error in Windows

This common error in Windows is an annoying one when it happens, but it can be easy to fix. Here's how to do it.
The RTX 3060 installed in a gaming PC.

These are the best GPU board partners to buy

There are many GPU manufacturers for both AMD and Nvidia, but some are better than others. Here are the best.
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.
should you buy a console style gaming pc computer desk

How to build a budget gaming PC build for under $500

PC gaming doesn't have to be expensive. In this guide, we'll look at some of the best components you can buy to build a decent gaming PC for under $500.

How to hide the taskbar in Windows

If you need to learn how to hide the taskbar in Windows, it's easier than you might think. In just a few clicks, you can make it vanish. Here's how to do it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.