Windows gets a bit of a bad rap for being more cluttered than Linux and less refined than something like macOS, but at its core, it's still arguably a good operating system. You can make a solid argument that it's the most powerful platform for productivity, especially when you add third-party tools into the mix. Stock Windows leaves a lot to be desired, but these 5 tools turn Windows into a better productivity OS than anything else out there.

Portable software is nothing new, but a lot of people may never realize it exists. Typically, you just download a program and install it on your PC, and the files are stored and scattered in such a way that makes it very hard to move those files onto a USB drive. Programs tend to be highly dependent on the structure of the Windows file system.

There are lots of different ways to add storage to your devices, but a microSD card is one of the easiest ways to do it. It isn't the fastest, but it is relatively affordable, which makes it the perfect companion piece for devices that can accept it. As you can imagine, there are a ton of different brands to choose from, but we think this one from Samsung is a solid choice, especially thanks to its recent discount on Amazon that drops it down to just $75. For that price, you get a 1TB of data, and read and write speeds that will work with even more demanding products. Looking to upgrade your storage? Get it now before the price goes back up.

Picking the right hardware and drives is quite important when you’re hunting for a Network-Attached Storage server, as you wouldn’t want to spend extra money on better gear if your chosen setup proves inadequate for your needs. However, even a budget-friendly NAS can turn into a powerful data-hoarding workstation once you arm it with the right operating system.

The Raspberry Pi 5 has become the new benchmark for affordable home automation. For years, the Pi line has been the default choice for makers and hobbyists, but the latest model finally delivers performance that competes with dedicated mini PCs. At the same time, it remains inexpensive enough for anyone to start building a smart home hub without financial risk.

Sometimes completing a job is its own reward, and sometimes you need a cat picture instead. If you're someone who's feline-motivated like myself, you may be interested in the idea of getting a new cat picture everything you achieve something. I know I am.

'Tis the season to upgrade to Windows 11, at least for around 40% of the Windows 10 holdouts. While support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, around half the world has still not moved to Windows 11. Granted, the migration will be gradual, but just like me, countless others are switching not by choice but due to one or more factors. In my case, it wasn't Windows 10's security concerns or mere curiosity but a more practical reason that prompted a jump to Windows 11.

Many of us start to panic whenever we see our CPU temperatures creep past 80C, especially while we're gaming, thinking we're just a few degrees away from thermal throttling. We're usually quick to assume that the CPU cooler just isn't good enough, or the thermal paste isn't doing its job. I used to constantly monitor my temperatures with MSI Afterburner, which only made me more anxious. I've even overreacted and tried reseating and reapplying thermal paste a couple of times without realizing that what I was seeing was completely normal CPU behavior.

I don't remember exactly when I started using Notion to organize pretty much every aspect of my life, but what I do know is that I haven't looked back since.

While you can always buy a new monitor to get the latest and greatest features, sometimes you don't need to go that route if all your monitor needs is a small boost. While it's not too common, streaming sticks are a great way to give your monitor new capabilities. Not only are you going to get a more fluid menu system, but you're also going to get an easier way to access different forms of entertainment, like video and streaming apps.

When we build PCs, we usually focus on raw performance, which is why we always try to get the best hardware we can within our budget. But what's just as important are the peripherals and accessories that can directly affect how our PCs feel to use every day. I've seen many people cut corners in this area, saying that spending more on expensive peripherals won't make your PC run any faster.

With Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 now released, comparisons between it and the other big multiplayer shooters of the fall are inevitable. XDA itself has already pitted the new Call of Duty against Battlefield 6, and I'm curious to see if Arc Raiders can maintain its momentum in the wake of a more popular shooter's release.