10 Tech Hacks You Need to Know for Your Computer
F@#$ your smartphone. Your computer is cool again.
Image via Complex Original
In the age of tablets and smartphones, your computer is likely collecting dust. Dropped your laptop more than twenty times? Doesn't matter, you're always on your phone anyway. These bulky machines aren't obsolete just yet. They're still more efficient than our new gadgets in many ways. It's too bad we're not in love with them like we were in 1999 because computers still have some tricks up their sleeve.
Can Dave Grohl help you hack into your girlfriend's laptop on your measly iPhone5S? I don't think so. Honestly, our computers and laptops are still really awesome and to explain why, here are 10 Tech Hacks You Need to Know for Your Computer.
Your Computer Case Actually Prevents Overheating
It's common knowledge that keeping a case on your laptop is great for protection but a hazard when it comes to overheating.
WRONG.
While cases protect your laptop from dents and scratches, it also helps it from getting too hot while in use. According to writer Jacob Clifton, "The case around your computer's guts is there to protect it from dirt and fuzz, which is one of the most common causes of overheating. Dust, pet hair, and all the rest of the daily grime are the biggest cause of PC temperature issues, because they interfere with the fans meant to cool your equipment down. If you've ever cracked a case open and looked at the fans inside, you won't have forgotten that grungy sight. Case closed, please."
Well ladies and gentlemen, there you go.
Throw Your Mouse Away
If you have issues with your pesky mouse, we've found a solution. Throw that pain-in-the-ass away and stick to your trusty keyboard.
Here's a list that shows how to use a PC without ever having to use a mouse. Imagine blowing through hundreds of emails without a single click, and leisurely browsing the Internet without getting tangled up in a mouse wire (for those of you still stuck in the 90s).
Access Your Computer From Anywhere
In the fourth installment of "Know Your Network,"LifeHacker blessed readers with an amazing lesson: How to access your home computer from anywhere.
Now when you go on vacation and your annoying brother has to house sit, you can keep an eye on what's going on via webcam. Isn't technology great?
Shortcuts on Shortcuts
Shortcuts will save your life. But did you know there were so many of them?
Here's 200+ shortcuts you can use for both PC and Mac desktops, with an entertaining video clip to go along with it.
Get Tetris
Did you know that your computer is a goldmine full of hidden games? With a tiny bit of coding and step-by-step instructions, you can get old school games like Tetris and Pong straight onto your desktop.
Sounds too good to be true, huh? Well, it's not. Get instructions from tuts+ here and relive the glory days of your childhood.
Dave Grohl Helps You Hack Into Anyone's Macbook
David Grohl is best known as the lead vocalist for The Foo Fighters, but in the tech world, he's known as the greatest hacker alive. Well, a hacker who named his program after Dave Grohl is the greatest hacker alive.
Dave Grohl software allows you to hack into any password-protected computer. The master hacker behind Dave Grohl created a step-by-step tutorial to start the process. Intrigued? Watch the clip above and...
Your Computer Can Talk
It's true. Your computer can talk. But don't get too excited all of you Theodore Twomblys out there, computers don't have feelings—yet.
If you're an Apple owner, try these simple steps to get your computer to talk.
1. Go to Finder and open up your Applications
2. Click Utilities and then open Terminal
3. A new window should open up. Then type "say" and add any words or sentences you want and press enter.
Voilà! Your computer can talk.
Suck it, Siri.
A Clean Desktop Means a Faster Computer
Does your desktop look like a complete and overwhelming mess?
Same.
Unfortunately, desktop clutter can seriously slow down your computer. Fortunately, there's a simple solution.
Well there you have it. A small tech hack can go a long way.
Fix Your MacBook Pro In the Oven
The days of going to the Apple store and waiting in insane lines are over—as long as you have an oven.
Earlier this week, we covered LiveSystem founder Ales Kocjancic's homemade remedy for fixing your MacBook pro. Kocjancic breaks down the ingredients you need to bake your MacBook back to life. So here is the recipe for a home-baked MacBook Pro:
-Freshly broken MacBook
-Lack of AppleCare
-Lack of care
This is seriously one of the most interesting ways to fix a laptop. Up for the challenge (and you're broke?), try it for yourself, here.
Housecleaning Tips For Computer Maintenance
On your journey to conquer each and every life hack, you need to keep your equipment clean. Check out these simple tricks to keep your system running smoothly.
Keep your keyboard clean with Post-Its.
Don't let those egg crates go to waste.
Don't get caught keeping your hot tub cords twisted with your life support...
