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Questions tagged [technology]

Hacks related to using technology -- such as computers, phones, televisions, etc. -- safely and effectively.

Hacks related to using or maintaining technology -- such as computers, phones, televisions etc. -- safely and effectively.

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252 questions
19
votes
3 answers

Remove and restore stickers from back of laptop

I have a dozen stickers from hackathons on my laptop that I want to save. I am switching laptops and want to save them and put them on my new laptop. Anyone know a way I can do this? Even removing them and regluing them will work. Thanks :) Some…
Tristan Wiley
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19
votes
10 answers

How can I make sure I get the USB plug in the right way up?

In short, how can I avoid this problem depicted below?
fredley
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18
votes
12 answers

Can I shut off my laptop's keyboard without turning off my computer?

My feral kitty (isn't feral anymore), Shorty, loves to sit in front of my gigantic old beast of a laptop for the heat and to keep an eye on my cursor. But when I'm not looking or want to hear music he'll stealthily cross my keyboard to slap down…
Ferral friend forever
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15
votes
6 answers

How do I put protective screens on, without getting air bubbles?

I am going to put a protective cover on my iPad. What I need to know, is how to put on the cover without air bubbles. I do not own this photo. Credit- galaugadget Things I have already tried: Placing it on slowly This did not help at all
The Idiot Gamer
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12
votes
9 answers

How do I prop up a laptop screen with a broken hinge?

I have a laptop with a broken hinge. The broken hinge is cracked and exhibits no friction whatsoever when opening/closing the lid. For now, the remaining hinge holds the screen in place. My concern is that this will stop working, allowing the screen…
Mooseman
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12
votes
8 answers

Measuring my altitude above sea level accurately

I live in a building which sits very high near the top of a hill. I estimate the ground level of the building to be around 700 feet, I live on the 13th floor, so my altitude is approximately 800 ~ 850 feet. I would like to get an accurate…
kevin
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10
votes
0 answers

Correctly inserting a USB connector on the first try

I don't want to force my USB port (which is rather easy to do, and may set fire to your computer[1]), so I'm rather careful when inserting a USB connector. The procedure often goes something like this: Try to insert, doesn't seem to fit Flip it…
Martin Tournoij
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10
votes
1 answer

How do I make a wobbly keyboard key stable again?

I have a wobbly keyboard key on my old D610, and while the computer is still usable, an arrow key is loose. You have to press it multiple times for it to register. Short of replacing the key, is there a way to make it work again?
QuyNguyen2013
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10
votes
1 answer

How to straighten out an electrical cord without damaging it?

Brand new cords straight out of the package are quite annoying, because they usually come folded up with a twist tie holding it all together. My setup kind of depends on a straight cord so that the cord isn't as noticeable and doesn't look silly…
animuson
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9
votes
8 answers

I lost my equals key. now what?

The equals key is missing from my keyboard. If I need to press it I am currently using a pencil to stick in the hole and push the little internal button. Any ideas how to continue using my keyboard efficiently?
Lorry Laurence mcLarry
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8
votes
2 answers

How to get a stronger radio signal?

I have a headphone and a cellphone that has built-in FM radio, and the headphone acts as the radio antenna. but my problem is the radio stations I listen to are very far from my place, good thing there are some positions where the sound is very…
m0Onfang
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8
votes
4 answers

How to keep laptop on your lap and still be safe?

I have been reading a lot of about how using laptop on one's lap is not safe for health (skin disease, fertility etc.) I am in a situation where I need to be working from a living room sofa, and I need to use my laptop on my lap. What would be safe…
Jake
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6
votes
1 answer

How can I improve my wireless keyboard & mouse reception?

So I have a logitech wireless keyboard/mouse combo that I love the layout of. It's very ergonomic and I would prefer to keep using it. The problem is is that it only comes in wireless, and my pc is setting at just the very edge of it's reliable…
Sidney
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6
votes
7 answers

I keep forgetting to take out my wireless mouse dongle -- how can I make it more conspicuous?

I have a wireless mouse and keyboard combination that uses a USB dongle like this: This is at a desk that I share with other people, so it is important that when I (or others) leave and take my laptop, the dongle stays put. However, it is so small…
LShaver
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5
votes
3 answers

How to prevent plugs from falling out of a wall socket?

Despite carefully securing a plug in an outlet, many times I find that the plug falls out minutes after the fact (it happens all the time with things like phone chargers). I have been careful in making sure that the cord is loose enough so that it…
Kevin Miller
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