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Matt Smith

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About Matt Smith

Matthew Smith is a freelance writer living in Portland Oregon. He also writes and edits for Digital Trends.

Latest Articles

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Buy A Cheap IPS Monitor

Computer monitor technology has long had a champion, and it’s called In-Plane Switching, or IPS. This display panel technology has often been praised because it is capable of fixing many issues found in cheaper TN panel monitors. Yet IPS also comes at a price, and as the technology has filtered down to less expensive monitors, some disadvantages have been exaggerated.

How To Manage & Secure Your Internet with Windows' Internet Options

Many computers are owned by a single person, but many others are public or used by a family. It’d be nice to think everyone with access to a computer would follow the rules set up by the organization or family that owns it, but often, someone tries to tread where they shouldn’t. I mean, come on – It’s the Internet!

Skype 2.6 Comes To Android, Adds File Sharing [News]

Are you worried that the 26 different apps that show up when you want to “share” something with your Android device weren’t quite enough? Skype has you covered. They have just released Skype 2.6 for Android, and one of its major features is the ability to send documents, photos and video.

Computing Harmony: Seamlessly Blend Windows and OS X

If you know the right tricks – most of which are simple and free – you can easily manage both the Windows and Mac OS X under the same roof.

The 5 Best Strategy Games For Android [Gaming]

Of all the genres that can be played on a mobile device, strategy is my favorite. Touchscreens often aren’t the best choice for titles that rely on quick reflexes, but in strategy titles where planning is more important than reacting, that’s not a problem. It’s also a bit hard to look mature while tapping away in a game like N.O.V.A. 2.

CPU
5 Reasons Why AMD Processors Are Doomed [Opinion]

Back in late 1999, I built my first computer. It used an AMD Athlon processor clocked at 500 MHz which was quick enough to play most games at the time, and also a better value than what Intel offered. I also liked supporting the underdog. During the early years of Athlon, it seemed as if AMD has a legitimate chance against Intel. Yet, as the years moved forward, the momentum disappeared.

Avant Browser: A Free Internet Explorer Alternative

Alternative browsers are not uncommon, but it’s rare to find one that is supported over a long period of time. Such is the case with Avant browser, an option that’s simultaneously under-the-radar and quite popular. But is it really a good alternative to mainstream options, such as Internet Explorer, which the browser is based on? Let’s take a closer look.

3 Ways to Find Out If an Online Business Is Legitimate

The major players in online retailing are well known. Amazon, Overstock, Newegg and others sell to millions of people, and are regarded as trustworthy. After all, we all use them. But while these large online stores have a wide selection and low prices, they’re not always the best choice. If you’re shopping for certain items, you may need to go elsewhere for the best selection and prices.

The 3 Best First Or Third Person Shooter Games For Android 2.2+

Mobile games are not hard to come by for Android, but the majority fall into the puzzle, tower defense, or scrolling genres. That’s fine, and there are a lot of games that rock. But what if you want to play a first or third-person shooter? The options in this genre are far more limited, most likely because shooters tend to demand more advanced graphics than other games.

4 Creative Ideas To Use When You Build A Computer

Building a computer is no longer a particularly unusual task, nor even the reserve of hardcore geeks. It’s actually a rather simple process that tasks patience more than knowledge. PCI slots, SATA ports and motherboard power connectors are fool-proof - it’s just a matter of what goes where. More experienced computer geeks maybe even find the task (dare I say it!) boring.

What You Need to Know About Android Tablet Security

As tablets become more popular, they’re serving as stand-ins for computers for some users. Although most people still own a PC, tablets are particularly nice for web browsing and online video, making them common couch-side companions. This, however, could introduce some issues. If tablets are being used like computers, they could be exposed to the same threats.

How To Turn Your Browser Into A Music Player

About a decade ago, music was revolutionized by the rise of digital. The conversion is not as far complete as geeks often believe but the door has been opened, and it will not be closed. Now, online music services are opening another door. They abandon digital files entirely, leaving some with the urge to uninstall standalone software and play music online via their browsers.

Hard Drive Prices Begin To Rise Because Of Thailand Flooding [News]

As large as our world is, industries sometimes converge geographically because of local policy, labor prices, and convenience. Such is the case in Thailand, a place that hosts many of the world’s hard disk manufacturing facilities – and a place that’s recently been struck by tragic flooding. Because of the floodwaters, companies like Western Digital have had their supply of products drastically cut.

The 5 Best PC Gaming Peripherals To Improve Your Setup

One of the best benefits of being a PC gamer is the wide variety of choice available in not only games, but also hardware. While console gamers usually can pick from only a few certified peripherals for any particular need, there’s usually a lot of options for PCs. That just leaves you with one problem – wading through the choices to find the best product.

What Exactly Is Phishing & What Techniques Are Scammers Using?

I’ve never been a fan of fishing, myself. This is mostly because of an early expedition where my cousin managed to catch two fish while I caught zip. Similar to real-life fishing, phishing scams aren’t always best when they rely on advanced tactics, but there are many new techniques motivated by social networks. So what exactly is phishing?

Does Saving Energy With Your PC Really Help Your Wallet?

Computers, like all electronics, consume a fair amount of electricity. And while the efficiency of the modern computer hardware has improved relative to older parts, there’s still a lot of energy wasted. Finding ways to save energy with your PC will not only help save the planet. It can also reduce your power bill. But by how much? Let’s have a look at some common energy saving tactics and gauge their impact.

The 4 Best IPS Monitors To Buy This Holiday Season

Monitors are an important part of any computer. Given the widespread availability of cheap TN panel options, it’s easy to take the path of least resistance and purchase whatever looks like a good value. That, however, may not be your best option. A high-quality display using an IPS panel can provide far better image quality and offer improved viewing angles. Ready to take the plunge? Then check out these four options.

The Best External Hard Drives You Should Consider Buying [Gadget Corner]

Ah, the external hard drive. This unsung hero of the gadget world can be found on almost any geek’s desk, usually tucked away behind a monitor or stuffed in a drawer. Yet it’s of great importance, as it’s often used to back up critical data or store a library of music, videos and photos. There are plenty of drives available, but most of us only need one or two, so let’s narrow down the choices.

How To Meter & Manage Computer Bandwidth Usage

Unlimited bandwidth is the dream of every geek, but unfortunately, it’s not always available. Caps are one way for service providers to squeeze extra money out of existing services, so there have been many attempts to introduce them, some of which have stuck. If you’re on a cap, it’s important to know how much bandwidth you’re using.

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