About Saikat Basu
Saikat Basu is the Deputy Editor for Internet, Windows, Productivity, and Work & Career. After removing the grime of an MBA and a ten year long marketing career, he dabbled in web development, networking, and SAP. After joining MakeUseOf in 2008, he rose from the ranks and now manages four high-growth sections while stealing time to write. You will also find his contributions in web publications like GuidingTech, GoSkills, OnlineTechTips, and Lifewire.
12 Life-Changing Challenges You Can Try as 30-Day Projects
Personal challenges make us change. How about adopting a more deliberate method by designing your own challenges with 12 self development projects for the New Year? Here are some ideas.
27 Fantastic Learning Websites You Might Have Missed
Many fantastic educational websites that fly under the radar. Thanks to the breadth of knowledge from these twenty seven sites, lifelong learning is a smoother journey.
9 Tips to Learn All About Office 2016
Microsoft Office 2016 is among us. How are you mastering the latest version for the sake of your productivity? We tip you off to the best links for Office learning. Steal a march with these sites.
13+ Reasons You Should Upgrade to Microsoft Office 2016
Microsoft Office 2016 is here and it's time for you to make a decision. The productivity question is -- should you upgrade? We give you the new features and the fresher reasons to help you decide.
The Ultimate 50 Ways to Find New Books to Read
There are some books which we don't want to put down. Thanks to the many tools available today, your next reading adventure can begin instantly. Find what you should read next with this guide.
10 Default Microsoft Word Settings You Can Optimize
A few simple optimization steps can amplify your productivity with Microsoft Word. We give you ten quick and easy settings for your everyday tasks.
8 Things You Can Do in Office That You Never Thought Of
Microsoft Office turns the Pareto Principle on its head: 80% of its users only use 20% of the features. Time to rediscover Microsoft Office features you never considered. We have compiled eight insanely useful productivity tips.
8 Must-Watch Documentaries for Artists & Designers
These eight documentaries on graphic design are a must-watch if you have any interest in the art form. They are not only entertaining but also educational and inspiring.
20 Ways Everyday Life is Easier with Wolfram Alpha
There is something about Wolfram Alpha. It makes complicated computations cool again. Here are 20 ways to put the engine to everyday use.
Create Your Custom PDF Template for Planning Anything
Templates are vital time-saving devices you can use for almost any situation in life. When the special situation comes, can you make your own template? It is easy. We show you how.
10 Simple Microsoft Word Hacks Everyone Can Do
Our knowledge about Microsoft Word is tested every time we get a document to work on. Every little tip learnt along the way helps. How about ten more tricks for your daily productivity?
How to Improve Your Photography Overnight with Lynda.com
Lynda.com is great for online learning. Of the 546 photography courses available, here are some of the best ones for sharpening your skills in just a few hours.
10 Creative Ways to Use PowerPoint for Self-Growth
Think outside the box. Demolish the fact that PowerPoint is just a boring presentation tool. Let's find ten creative uses for it.
10 Essential Microsoft Word Routines You Have to Know
The word "routine" is the very image of boring. Except when it comes to a productivity app like Microsoft Word. Every second saved adds to the comfort of using it for our daily needs.
10 Websites for Finding Free Photoshop Textures
Textures are crucial in everything from graphic design to web design, from poster art to architectural visualizations, from 3D animations to computer games. Here's where you can find some free textures to use!
Teach Yourself Adobe Illustrator for Free
Adobe Illustrator has long been the illustration tool of choice for graphic artists. Ready to bring your designs to life? Here's how you can learn Adobe Illustrator for free.
Where to Find Free Online Cooking & Baking Classes
Where do you go if you want to approach cooking and baking systematically? Most online cooking courses are paid, but these seven are both free and excellent.
How to Improve Your Knowledge & Skills with Crowd Wisdom
You can crowdsource your way to better skills -- by learning with the crowd and benefiting from the mass of interconnected experiences. Here are a few crowdsourcing websites that show us the way.
Change the Way You Learn & Teach with 15 Educational Chrome Extensions
Your school might not be going with Google for Classrooms yet, but you can start your own initiative with the most ubiquitous Google tools of all – Chrome with its ocean of educational apps and extensions.
Photoshop for Photographers: 8 Free Lectures to Get You Started
If you're a photographer, your education doesn't stop at the camera. You need to post-process if you want the best possible results. Here are eight free lectures to get you started.