Tech gear is a perennially popular holiday gift. If you’re the proud owner of a new phone, tablet, or computer — or you provide tech support for family and friends with new devices — we’re here to help.
Check out and share these stories, which can help you get the most out of a new Android device, iPhone, iPad, Chromebook, Mac, or Windows PC.
Android devices
The smart way to switch to a new Android phone
Here’s how to transfer data, apps, contacts, and more from your old Android phone to a new one, along with tips for a smooth transition.
The best Android apps for business in 2024
Our Android expert highlights the standout apps in the categories that matter most to busy professionals: office apps, privacy and security apps, email and texting apps, note-taking apps, apps for team collaboration, apps for organizing your life, and more.
Check out these awesome Android 14 gems
Android 14 may not look like much at first glance, but it packs some spectacular new possibilities for Google Pixel owners — and at least some of those features are now making their way into Samsung’s Android software, too.
13 advanced tips for Android 13
Android 14 may be the hot new flavor these days, but lots of devices are still running Android 13 and waiting for their next update. And it’s not too late to make the most of that Android version.
10 hidden tricks for making the most of Android gestures
Get around your phone faster than ever with these easy-to-miss advanced shortcuts for Android’s current gesture system.
5 wild new ways to make Android widgets more useful
Android widgets can do way more than you realize — if you know how to unleash their hidden potential.
12 Gboard shortcuts that’ll change how you type on Android
Ready to save yourself tons of time and effort? These Gboard tricks for Android are just what the (smartphone) doctor ordered.
15 little-known Google Assistant tricks for Android
Google Assistant can do more than you’d realize, especially on Android. Ready to teach your phone a few new tricks?
13 easy ways to cut back on data use in Android
Trimming back your Android data use can save you or your employer a bundle on your phone bill — and with little downside. So what are you waiting for?
The ultimate guide to Android contacts management
Your Android phone’s contacts are much more than just a glorified Rolodex. Ready for an unexpected productivity upgrade?
How to print and scan with Android
Handle paper documents like a pro with this simple guide to Android printing and scanning.
5 easy ways to make Android more ergonomic
Give your hands a break with these simple yet supremely effective tricks for more optimal ergonomics on Android.
Android security checkup: 16 steps to a safer phone
Android security doesn’t have to be a source of stress. These level-headed steps are all you need to keep the boogeyman at bay.
The ultimate guide to privacy on Android
Take back control and decide exactly how information is used on your Android phone.
How to better separate your work and personal life on Android
With a little creative configuring, you can create totally separate work and personal profiles on any Android phone — and give your brain some actual time off.
iPhone to Android: The ultimate switching guide
Here’s everything you need to successfully switch from an iPhone to a Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or any other Android device.
Android file transfer: How to move data between your phone and computer
Moving files from your Android device to a Windows PC or Mac (and vice versa) doesn’t have to be difficult — or dependent on any cloud services.
How to back up Android devices: The complete guide
Make sure all your important data is always synced and protected with this easy-to-follow Android backup guide.
12 fast fixes for common Android problems
Solve annoying issues and get any phone in tip-top shape with these easy-to-implement, expert-approved solutions.
How to create a complete Microsoft experience on Android
With the right set of software, you can turn any Android device into a Microsoft-centric, PC-syncing machine.
Google Smart Lock: The complete guide
Google Smart Lock can simplify your security and save you time across both Android and ChromeOS. Are you taking advantage of all it has to offer?
Android security: Analysis, advice, and next-level knowledge
Find even more Android security tips and techniques, along with a healthy dose of clear-eyed analysis, at this comprehensive collection of resources.
For even more Android know-how, see 10 Android tips you shouldn’t miss from 2023 and The top Google Pixel tips of 2023. You can keep up with all things Android at our Android Intelligence blog.
iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches
6+ iPhone features you should be using
Apple tweaks the iPhone user experience every year, but how many of those improvements do you actually use?
How to use NameDrop to swap contact details in iOS 17
With more than half of Americans using iPhones, plenty of your colleagues and customers will want to try iOS 17’s NameDrop feature to swap contact details.
6 ways iPadOS 17 makes iPads more productive
Tweaks to Stage Manager, better PDF handling, new Safari tools, interactive Lock Screen widgets, Freeform additions and a much smarter keyboard are the most helpful features in the upcoming release.
How to set up and use Apple’s Focus mode
Also available on iPads and Macs, Focus mode is Apple’s way to keep you productive while filtering out the noise. This is how it works.
iOS Mail alternatives: 5 business-friendly options
The iPhone’s built-in Mail app isn’t the only game in town. These five powerful email apps offer a range of advanced features for business users.
How Apple Watch can help you get work done
Here’s a short collection of Apple Watch tools and how to use them to be more productive.
Why you should use Apple’s Rapid Security Response
A new Apple feature called Rapid Security Response is aimed at bolstering security for iPhone, iPad and Mac users. Here’s what it does and why you should use it.
How to make Spotlight work for you
Are you getting the most out of Spotlight search on your Apple device?
How to use iCloud Keychain to audit your passwords
It’s never a bad time to double-check password and account security. Here’s how.
12+ essential iPad productivity tips
These iPad tips should help you get things done more efficiently.
Essential iPad tips to help you work from home
This extensive collection of tips should help you become more productive when using your iPad to get work done.
10+ Siri tips to help you work at home
If you are following the science of pandemics, you’re still working at home. So how can Apple’s Siri help you get your work done?
How to fix iCloud when it stops working
When iCloud goes wrong, follow this checklist of steps to try to make it better.
Keep up with all things Apple at our Apple Holic blog.
Chromebooks
Chromebook cheat sheet: How to get started
Got a new Chromebook? This guide will help you navigate the ever-expanding world of Chromebook apps and figure out how to make the most of ChromeOS.
50 Chromebook tips for maximum productivity
Supercharge your ChromeOS experience with these time-saving tricks and techniques.
11 smart steps for managing files on a Chromebook
Working in ChromeOS? These are the efficiency-enhancing file tricks you’ve been missing.
11 tips for wicked-fast Chromebook web browsing
Zoom around your browser like nobody’s business with these easy-to-miss ChromeOS maneuvers.
7 hidden tricks for your Chromebook trackpad
You’d never know it, but your Chromebook’s trackpad holds some of the finest time-saving shortcuts ChromeOS has to offer.
The smart worker’s guide to using a Chromebook offline
ChromeOS may be cloud-centric at its core, but you can get plenty accomplished offline on a Chromebook — if you set things up thoughtfully in advance.
3 smart shortcuts for a curiously hidden ChromeOS command
Chromebook owners, take note: These are the shortcuts you’ve been missing.
How to create your own custom Chrome address bar actions
Google’s Chrome Actions feature is pretty good — but follow these tips to make address bar actions great.
A new Chromebook productivity feature worth finding
Give yourself the gift of efficiency with this 20-second ChromeOS upgrade.
10 easy steps to make Chrome faster and more secure
Looking to speed up Chrome? Give us 10 minutes, and we’ll give you a noticeably better browsing experience.
Android apps for Chromebooks: The essentials
Turn your Chromebook into a uniquely versatile modern computing machine with these ChromeOS-enhancing apps.
The best progressive web apps for productivity
These standout PWAs are perfect for the ChromeOS environment. They’ll help you get more done without any of the usual baggage.
Linux apps on Chrome OS: An easy-to-follow guide
Linux apps can expand your Chromebook’s capabilities and open up all sorts of interesting options — but first, you have to know where to begin.
The best Linux apps for Chromebooks
Make your Chromebook even more capable with this carefully selected set of Linux apps for expanding ChromeOS’s potential as a business tool.
8 fast fixes for common ChromeOS problems
Solve your Chromebook woes and keep yourself productive with these easy-to-implement, expert-approved solutions.
The 20-minute Chromebook tune-up
Make your Chromebook faster, smarter, and more pleasant to use with these easy-to-follow annual steps.
22 worthwhile ways to use Google Assistant on a Chromebook
Google Assistant is finally working its way into the fabric of ChromeOS, and it’s bringing with it some interesting new possibilities.
Crank up your Chromebook’s cloud-connecting power
With a few simple tweaks, your Chromebook can become an even more connected part of your cloud-centric setup.
How to turn any website into a custom ChromeOS app
A handy hack for customizing your Chromebook and bringing native app-like experiences to your favorite sites and services.
A time-saving typing tool that works anywhere in Chrome
Reclaim wasted time and watch your efficiency soar with this spectacularly useful cross-platform add-on.
For more about Chromebooks and ChromeOS, see our Chrome OS: Tips, tools, and other Chromebook intelligence page.
Macs
How to migrate to a new Mac
All your files, apps, and settings are on your old computer. Here’s how to move them to your new Macintosh, from either macOS or Windows.
The best way to transfer files to a new Mac
Using a cloud storage service removes the hassle of transferring files to your new computer via utilities or external drives — and it also supports mobile devices.
10 useful Mac tips for busy workers
If you work from home, you’re probably busier than ever these days. These 10 Mac tips should help you get more done faster.
6 less-well-known Mac productivity tips
Anyone who makes intensive use of their Mac probably uses Command-space to get things done. Here are six more tips that can help you be more productive.
30 keyboard shortcuts Mac users need to know
This collection of keyboard shortcuts for macOS can help users get the most from their iMacs, MacBook Pro and MacBook laptops.
10 ways to get more out of your Mac
The Mac is festooned with features, some of which are more obvious than others. This collection should help you get things done on your Mac just a little faster.
12 (additional) desktop tips to get more from your Mac
If you use a Mac to get things done, then you should know that there are ways to navigate the desktop more effectively. This short collection of tips will help.
Use Stacks and Search in macOS to get work done
Here’s how to maintain desktop law and order — and find those frequently wanted items fast.
12 ways to reduce data use on your Mac
If you are working remotely and reaching a data cap or in the field using your phone as a hotspot, you may want to cut data use on your Mac. Here are some ideas on how to do so.
How to boost your productivity with Safari for Mac
This small collection of Safari extensions may give your work or research efficiency a boost.
How to make more effective use of Mail in macOS
While we wait for Apple to innovate an application most Mac users rely on daily, here’s a few tips that should help you use Mail more effectively.
How to make Spotlight work for you
Are you getting the most out of Spotlight search on your Apple device?
How to use Shortcuts in macOS
Shortcuts automations are designed to simplify repetitive tasks; here’s what you need to know to begin to use them.
10+ WFH tips for Mac users
This useful collection of tips will help you automate tasks using scheduling and reminder features Apple included in every Mac.
10 ways your Mac can help you be more productive
Here’s a handful of useful Mac tips to help you get things done from wherever you are.
Why you should use Apple’s Rapid Security Response
A new Apple feature called Rapid Security Response is aimed at bolstering security for iPhone, iPad and Mac users. Here’s what it does and why you should use it.
How to stay as private as possible on the Mac
Privacy means vigilance, so make sure your Mac extra-vigilant on your behalf. Here’s how.
How to use FileVault to protect business data on Macs
If you use Macs for business, you should be familiar with FileVault. Apple’s built-in disk encryption system for macOS can help protect corporate data.
Keep up with all things Apple at our Apple Holic blog.
Windows PCs
How to migrate to a new Windows PC
All your files, apps, and settings are on your old computer. Here’s how to move them to your new Windows PC, from either Windows or macOS.
The best way to transfer files to a new Windows PC
Using a cloud storage service removes the hassle of transferring files to your new computer via utilities or external drives — and it also supports mobile devices.
Windows 11 cheat sheet
Got a new PC that runs Windows 11? Get to know the interface, features, and shortcuts in the new OS.
Windows 11 AI features you can use today
Artificial intelligence isn’t just the future of Windows. Windows 11 is already packed with AI features you can try right now.
Windows annoyances and how to fix them
Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 can be annoying. Let’s do something about that.
New Windows 11 features to try now
Windows 11 just got a lot of new features, and it’s not just about AI taking over your desktop.
The best apps to restore the classic Windows Start menu and taskbar
Take back control of your PC’s Start menu and taskbar, whether you’re running Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Make multitasking a Snap on your Windows PC
Here’s how to put your Windows PC’s ultimate multitasking feature to use — and how to go beyond it for even more power, whether you’re using Windows 11 or Windows 10.
How to use the secret software installer on your Windows PC
Your PC has a big secret: The ultimate upgrade for installing and updating Windows
12 classic but essential (and free!) utilities for Windows 10 and 11
You can get more from Windows 10 by adding these useful tools.
How to protect your privacy in Windows 11
Windows 11 gathers more information than some people would like. Here are several steps you can take to keep that information private. (If you’re still on Windows 10, see “How to protect your privacy in Windows 10.”)
How to share a Windows 10 or 11 PC
Need to share a Windows 10 PC among employees or temporary workers at the office, or with family members at home? No problem — here’s how to do it.
How to replace Edge as the default browser in Windows — and why you shouldn’t
Here’s how to make Chrome, Firefox, or another browser the primary one in Windows 10 or 11. (But are you sure you want to?)
How to keep your apps up to date in Windows 10 and 11
With dozens of applications installed on the typical Windows PC, keeping them all updated seems like a Herculean task. Automated tools can lighten the load considerably.
How to handle Windows 10 and 11 updates
Find out how to defer, pause or stop Windows updates entirely, how to uninstall troublesome updates, and a few other update tricks.
How to protect Windows 10 and 11 PCs from ransomware
Ransomware is running rampant these days, but there are several ways individuals and admins can protect their Windows 10 and 11 PCs. Here’s what to do.
How to make a Windows 10 or 11 image backup
Making a full system image backup preserves not only your files, but Windows and all its settings as well. Here are the best free Windows backup and recovery tools with step-by-step instructions.
Windows troubleshooting tips, tools, and techniques
Microsoft offers numerous useful tools that can help users and admins diagnose problems in Windows 10 and 11. Here’s how to use them for best results.
Keep up with all things Windows at our Windows Intelligence blog.
Copyright © 2023 IDG Communications, Inc.
This story originally appeared on Computerworld
