Alexander Fox, Author at Make Tech Easier

How to Use launchd to Run Scripts on Schedule in macOS

Launchd is just like Linux’s cron for Mac. In this tutorial we’ll show you how to use launchd to run scripts on schedule in macOS.

What Are the Hidden Files in my Linux Home Directory For?

Do you know that your Home directory in your Linux system contains a lot of hidden files and folders? Here are some of the uses of the hidden files in Linux.

Reclaim Space on Your Mac with MacFly Pro

There are many disk optimization programs for Mac, but MacFly Pro does it better than most. Here’s how to reclaim space on your Mac with MacFly Pro.

macOS Boot Option Cheatsheet

To access some specialized Mac features, you’ll need to hold down one or more keys during startup. Here are some key combos to access the macOS boot option.

What Happens When You Restart Your Computer

Restarting your computer is a common task, but do you know how things work in the background? Here is what happens when you restart your computer.

How to Install Linux Software on a Mac with MacPorts

Linux software is generally not readily available for Mac. With MacPorts you can now install Linux software on Mac from the command line.

How to Reset Your CMOS and Why You Might Need To

There are times when you misconfigure your BIOS and your computer won’t start up. Learn how you can reset CMOS and get things up to its default state.

Do Macs Need Antivirus Software?

While the chances of getting infected on a Mac are much smaller than on Windows, it is still possible. So do Macs need antivirus software? Let’s find out.

How Apple’s New Face ID Works

Apple unveiled the new Face ID in iPhone X, and many people were skeptical about it. Here’s how Apple’s Face ID works and how it prevents others from spoofing you.

What You Need to Know About Android TV

When Google shut down Google TV back in 2014, Android TV quickly replaced the platform. So what is Android TV, why does it exist, and how do you use it?

What Exactly Is Stock Android?

You have heard a lot about “Stock Android,” but what exactly is “Stock Android,” and how is it different from the Android you are using? Let’s find out.

How to Calibrate Your Game Controller in Windows 10

Most game controllers will work right out of the box in Windows, but if it doesn’t, here’s how to calibrate a game controller in Windows 10 and make it work.

Essential Tools for Producing High Quality Podcasts on Linux

Mac and Windows users have plenty of options for podcast production. For Linux users here are some awesome tools for producing high-quality podcasts on Linux.

WebVR Explained and How It Affects You

Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox now both offer out-of-the-box support for WebVR. This article will explain what WebVR is and how it affects you.

Your Guide to Popular Video Container Formats and Codecs

Videos come with a wide variety of extensions, and it can be confusing. Use this guide to get a handle on popular video container formats and compression codecs.

6 of the Best Screenshot Apps for macOS

macOS’s default screenshot function is good, but limited in features. If you need to take a lot of screenshots, here are some of the best screenshot apps for Mac you should check out.

How to Check If a USB Drive Is Bootable or Not in Windows 10

If you have created a bootable USB drive, you can check if the USB drive is bootable without having to reboot your computer. Here’s how you can do so.

What Is Web DRM and How Does It Affect You?

Just recently the standards body for the Web approved a new form of Web-based DRM. What does this Web DRM mean for you, and how will it affect you? Let’s find out.

How to Reduce Fan Noise on Your PC

If you want to reduce fan noise on your PC, check out these specialized hardware and software recommendations here for tips on getting a quieter PC.

What is H.265, and Why Is It Better than H.264?

H.265 is a new video compression standard designed to replace the widely-used H.264 codec. Find out what H.265 is and how it is better than H.264.

How to Use Regular Expressions to Improve Productivity in Your Daily Tasks

It is pretty boring to do the same things everyday. Learn how you can make use of regular expressions in your daily tasks to improve your productivity.

5 of the Best Day One Journal Alternatives for Mac

If you are not willing to pay the expensive subscription fee of Day One, here are some of the best Day One alternatives for Mac you can use for free or a small fee.

How to Create a Windows 10 Backup to a Network Drive

Windows 10 includes some fairly advanced backup features. Here is how you can use the new backup features to create a Windows 10 backup to a network drive.

What’s the Difference Between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12?

Microsoft released DirectX 12 with new features and developments. Find out the differences between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12.

Create Your Own Windows 10 Custom Themes

You can download plenty of Windows 10 themes from the Windows Store, but if you are keen to, here’s how you can create your own Windows 10 custom themes.

Integrated vs. Dedicated Graphics Card: Which to Use and Why

Today, many CPUs come with graphics processing ability. Take a look at integrated vs. dedicated graphics cards and learn which one to use when.

How to Record and Play Back Mouse Activity in macOS

If you have to execute the same mouse action over and over again, you can use software to automate it. Learn how to record mouse activity in macOS.

Beyond Cherry MX: Lesser-Known Mechanical Keyboard Switches

Other than Cherry MX, there are a whole world of niche key switches out there for you to explore. Here are some of the lesser-known mechanical keyboard switches.

How to Increase Productivity and Get More Done with a Gaming Mouse

A gaming mouse is more than just a simple mouse. Here’s a few reasons that a gaming mouse can increase your productivity and quality of life when working on a PC.

What Are the Differences Between Binary, Decimal and Hexadecimal?

While you are familiar with counting from 1 to 10, computers use a different numeral system. Learn the differences between binary, decimal and hexadecimal, and what the point of it all is.

Using Activity Monitor to Easily Troubleshoot Your Mac

Activity Monitor is like Task Manager in Windows. Learn how you can use Activity Monitor to troubleshoot your Mac and reveal important information about your system resources.

3 of the Best Time-Tracking Tools to Make Invoicing Easier

A good time-tracking system makes invoicing easier and improves your productivity. Here are some of the best time-tracking tools you should use to track your time.

Why Do Printers Use CMYK Ink Instead of RGB?

Monitors use RGB to display images, but printers use CMYK. Have you ever wondered why printers use CMYK? Here’s the reason and why it matters.

How to Make Use of Console Messages to Troubleshoot Your Mac

If you’ve just recovered from a system crash, it is best to check the Console for error messages. Learn how to make use of the Console to troubleshoot your Mac.

8 of the Best Windows 10 Apps to Get When Switching from a Mac

If you need to shift from macOS to Windows, here are some of the best Windows 10 apps you can install to recreate the Mac experience in Windows.

Back Up and Manage Your iPhone on Windows 10 with iCareFone

Tensorshare’s iCareFone is designed to take the place of iTunes for backing up and managing your iPhone. It’s also capable of things that iTunes doesn’t do. Let’s check it out!

How Are Hackers Identified and Brought to Justice?

With hacking news aplenty nowadays, one might wonder how hackers are identified. Here are some ways security experts can find the source behind a hack.

The Difference Between MP3, AAC, FLAC and Other Audio Formats

With the “death” of MP3 greatly exaggerated, many folks have been wondering what AAC is about. Here are the differences between MP3 and other audio formats.

How to Remove DRM from Your Music and Movies

DRM is restrictive baggage that keeps consumers from doing what they want with their purchased media. Here’s how to remove DRM from your music and movies.

How to Easily and Quickly Rip DVDs with VLC

If you need a quick solution to turn your DVDs into files, you can do so with VLC. Learn how you can rip DVDs with VLC in a few simple steps.

How to Revert to Previous Builds in Windows 10

After updating Windows, you have 10 days to revert to the last build of Windows 10 installed on your PC. Here are the steps to revert to previous builds in Windows 10.

The Best Alternatives to Wunderlist for Those Looking for a Better To-Do List App

Wunderlist won’t exist for long now that Microsoft has imported many of its features over. Here are the best alternatives to Wunderlist for those looking to switch to a better to-do list app.

How to Back Up and Restore Windows 10 from an Image File

A Windows 10 system image is useful in the event of a system-smashing disaster. Here is how you can back up and restore Windows 10 from a backup system image.

How to Perform Full-Disk Encryption in Windows 10

Looking to encrypt and secure the data in your hard disk? Here is how you can perform a full-disk encryption in Windows 10 to protect your data.

How to Get Apple TV Screen Savers on Your Mac or Windows 10 PC

The Apple TV ships with plenty of beautiful screen savers of the wonders of the world. Learn how you can get Apple TV screen savers on your Mac or Windows PC.

How Does Audio Compression Work, and What Is “Lossless” Audio?

Have you ever wondered about the difference between “lossy” and “lossless” audio and how audio compression works? Let’s find out here.

How to Install zsh and Oh My Zsh in Windows 10

If you’re coming to Windows from macOS or Linux, you might miss the powerful shell. Learn how you can install zsh and Oh My Zsh and get a shell running in Windows 10.

Top 4 Markdown Editors for Google Drive

Even though Google Drive doesn’t support Markdown, there are a few markdown editors for Google Drive that will improve your Drive/Markdown relationship.