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Finding a great laptop doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. The market for budget-friendly laptops is better than ever, offering capable machines for students, remote workers, and anyone who needs a reliable computer for everyday tasks. Whether you’re browsing the web, writing papers, or streaming your favorite shows, there are excellent options that deliver solid performance without breaking the bank.

What to Look for in a Budget Laptop

When shopping on a budget, it’s all about smart compromises. You’ll want to focus on a few key areas to get the best value. A modern processor like an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 is a good starting point for smooth performance. Aim for at least 8GB of RAM to handle multiple tabs and applications without slowing down. Storage is another key consideration; while 256GB SSDs are common, they are much faster than older hard drives, making your whole experience feel snappier.

Top Picks for Everyday Use

Several models consistently stand out for their balance of price and performance. The Acer Aspire 5 is a perennial favorite, often packing powerful AMD Ryzen processors and a full HD display into a very affordable package. Another fantastic choice is the Lenovo IdeaPad 3, known for its comfortable keyboard and reliable build quality. For those deeply invested in the Google ecosystem, a Chromebook like the Acer Chromebook 314 can be a superb, cost-effective option for web-based tasks.

Maximizing Your Laptop’s Performance

To keep your new budget laptop running smoothly, a few simple habits can make a big difference. Be mindful of how many programs you have open at once, as too many can drain your RAM. Regularly clear out old files and uninstall applications you no longer use. For Chromebook users, most maintenance is handled automatically, which is part of their appeal. Keeping your software updated also ensures you have the latest performance improvements and security patches.

Finding the Right Fit for You

Think about how you’ll use your laptop most often. If portability is your main concern, look for screens in the 11 to 14-inch range. If you’ll be typing for long periods, read reviews about keyboard comfort. For students, battery life is often a top priority. By matching the laptop’s strengths to your specific needs, you can find a machine that feels anything but cheap, providing fantastic value for years to come.

With a little research and a clear idea of your needs, you can confidently find a laptop that handles your daily routine beautifully. The best cheap laptop is the one that reliably does what you need it to do, all while keeping your budget firmly intact.

That little squiggle over the ‘n’ makes all the difference. The letter ñ is not just a stylistic choice; it’s a completely different letter in Spanish and other languages, changing the meaning of words entirely. If you’re trying to type a word like “año” (year) or “niño” (child) on your laptop and end up with “ano,” you know the struggle is real. The good news is that getting that essential ñ to appear is much easier than you might think.

The Simple Keyboard Shortcut for Windows

If you’re using a Windows laptop, you have a powerful tool at your fingertips: the numeric keypad. Make sure your Num Lock is on. Then, hold down the Alt key and type 164 on the numeric keypad. When you release the Alt key, the ñ will magically appear. For a capital Ñ, use Alt + 165. This method is a lifesaver if you only need the character occasionally.

Using the International Keyboard on Windows

For those who type in Spanish frequently, changing your keyboard layout is the most efficient method. You can add the “United States-International” keyboard through your Windows settings. Once activated, typing the ñ becomes intuitive. Simply press the tilde (~) key followed by the ‘n’ key. It’s a quick two-step process that feels very natural after a little practice.

How to Type ñ on a Mac Laptop

Mac users have an even more straightforward path. To get the beloved ñ, all you need to do is hold down the ‘n’ key on your keyboard. A small menu will pop up above the letter. From there, either press the number corresponding to the ñ (usually 1) or simply click on it with your mouse. This method also works for a variety of other accented characters, making it incredibly handy.

The Copy-and-Paste Fallback

Sometimes, you just need the letter right now and don’t want to fiddle with settings. In those moments, feel free to copy an ñ from a reliable source online and paste it where you need it. You can even keep it in a note on your desktop for quick access. While not a long-term solution, it gets the job done in a pinch without any technical steps.

Whether you’re writing an email, finishing a school assignment, or connecting with friends and family, being able to type the ñ correctly is a small but significant skill. With these simple methods, you can ensure your Spanish is always accurate and clear.

Is your laptop starting to feel a little sluggish? When you have too many browser tabs open, does everything slow to a crawl? Before you start shopping for a brand-new machine, consider a simple and often very affordable upgrade: adding more RAM. This can feel like giving your computer a new lease on life, allowing it to handle multitasking with ease.

Think of RAM as your laptop’s short-term memory. It’s the workspace where your computer holds the programs and files you’re actively using. When that space gets full, your laptop has to start using the much slower hard drive as a backup, which causes those frustrating delays. Upgrading your RAM gives your laptop a bigger, more efficient workspace to get things done.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

The first step is always to check if your laptop’s RAM can be upgraded. Some modern laptops have the memory soldered directly onto the motherboard, meaning it can’t be changed. A quick search online for your specific laptop model and “RAM upgrade” will tell you what you’re working with. You’ll also need to find out what type of RAM it uses (like DDR4 or DDR5) and the maximum amount it supports.

Gathering Your Tools and Supplies

Once you’ve confirmed an upgrade is possible, you’ll need the right RAM modules. You can use a system scanner tool on a computer parts retailer’s website, or manually note the specifications from your laptop’s manual. You’ll also need a small Phillips-head screwdriver and an anti-static wrist strap is a good idea to protect the sensitive internal components from any static electricity you might be carrying.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Installation

First, completely shut down your laptop and unplug it from the power source. Remove the battery if it’s removable. Place the laptop on a clean, flat surface. Unscrew and carefully remove the bottom panel to access the internal components. Locate the RAM slots—they usually look like two long, thin sockets.

To remove old RAM, gently push outward on the two small metal clips on the sides of the module. The RAM should pop up at an angle, allowing you to slide it out. To install the new RAM, align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the key in the slot. Firmly press the module down at an angle until the clips snap back into place, securing it. That’s it!

The Final Step: Confirming It Worked

After reassembling your laptop, power it on. To make sure your computer recognizes the new memory, you can check in the system information. On Windows, just type “About your PC” in the start menu, and you should see the new, higher amount of installed RAM listed. It’s a simple change that can make a world of difference, letting you work and play without the slowdowns.

Have you ever wished you could get a little more screen real estate for your desktop PC without buying a whole new monitor? If you have a Microsoft Surface Laptop sitting around, you might be in luck. It seems like a perfect solution: use that beautiful, high-resolution laptop display as a second screen for your main computer.

While it’s not as simple as plugging in a cable, with the right software and setup, you can absolutely extend your desktop’s workspace onto your Surface Laptop. This guide will walk you through the most effective methods to make it happen.

Using Built-in Windows Projection

The easiest way to start is by using a feature already inside Windows. Both your desktop PC and your Surface Laptop need to be running Windows 10 or 11. On your Surface Laptop, go to Settings > System > Projecting to this PC. Here, you can adjust the settings to allow projection and require a PIN for security.

Once that’s set up, on your desktop PC, press the Windows key + P and select “Connect to a wireless display.” Your Surface should appear in the list. After you connect and enter the PIN, your Surface Laptop will act as a second monitor. This method works well for general tasks, though there might be a slight lag, making it less ideal for fast-paced video or gaming.

Exploring Third-Party Software Solutions

For a smoother, more responsive experience, dedicated software is often the best choice. Programs like Spacedesk or Parsec are popular options. These applications create a virtual display driver on your desktop PC and a viewer on your Surface Laptop.

You simply install the server software on your main desktop and the client software on your Surface. As long as both machines are on the same network, the software will find each other and create a nearly seamless second screen. This method often provides much better performance and lower latency, which is great for a wider range of activities.

Getting the Best Performance from Your Setup

No matter which method you choose, a strong network connection is key. For the best results, connect both your desktop and your Surface Laptop to your router with Ethernet cables. If that’s not possible, make sure you have a strong and stable Wi-Fi signal. Closing unnecessary applications on both machines can also free up resources and improve the connection speed, reducing any lag or stuttering you might experience.

With a little configuration, your Surface Laptop can become a very capable second screen, helping you be more productive or simply giving you more digital space to breathe.

Your laptop camera is a powerful tool for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues. Whether it’s for a video call, taking a quick picture, or recording a message, getting it to work should be simple. Sometimes, however, finding the right setting can feel a bit tricky. Let’s walk through the most common and effective ways to get your camera running.

Check Your Physical Camera Switch

Before diving into software settings, take a quick look at your laptop itself. Many modern laptops, especially from brands like Lenovo and Dell, have a physical privacy shutter or a keyboard switch. This is a tiny plastic cover you can slide over the camera lens or a special function key (often labeled with a camera icon) that disables the camera for your safety. Make sure the shutter is open or that the function key is toggled to the ‘on’ position.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts for a Quick Start

The fastest way to turn on your camera is often right on your keyboard. Look for a key with a camera symbol, sometimes located among the F1-F12 keys. To use it, you typically need to hold down the ‘Fn’ (Function) key in the bottom-left corner of your keyboard and then press the camera key. This action often opens the default camera app directly, confirming it’s working.

Adjusting Your Computer’s Privacy Settings

If the physical switch and keyboard shortcut don’t work, your computer’s privacy settings might be the reason. On Windows, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Camera. Ensure that ‘Camera access’ is turned on. Also, check that the specific app you want to use (like Zoom or Microsoft Teams) is permitted to use the camera. On a Mac, you can find similar controls in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Camera.

Opening Your Default Camera Application

To test your camera independently of any other software, open the camera app that came with your computer. In Windows, you can type ‘Camera’ in the search bar next to the Start menu. On a Mac, you can use the ‘Photo Booth’ application. If the camera works here but not in another program, the issue is with that program’s specific settings, not your hardware.

With these simple steps, you should be able to activate your laptop camera and get ready for your next call. A quick check of the physical hardware, a tap of a key, and a glance at your privacy settings are usually all it takes to solve the problem.

That little lens perched above your laptop screen is a gateway to connecting with the world. Whether you’re catching up with family, joining a virtual meeting, or creating content, your built-in webcam is a powerful tool. If you’re feeling a bit unsure about how to get started, you’re in the right place. Using your laptop’s webcam is often much simpler than it seems.

Finding Your Webcam App

Most laptops come with a pre-installed camera application. On a Windows laptop, you can find it by clicking the Start menu and searching for “Camera.” For Mac users, the excellent “Photo Booth” app is your go-to, located in the Applications folder. Opening these apps is the quickest way to see if your webcam is working properly—you should see a live view of yourself right away.

Using Your Webcam in Other Programs

The real magic happens when you use your webcam within other software. When you open an app like Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams, it will ask for permission to access your camera. Once you grant it, you should see a camera icon or a video settings menu. Clicking this typically allows you to select your built-in webcam as the video source. If your video doesn’t appear, the first thing to check is that you haven’t accidentally denied camera access to that specific program in your computer’s privacy settings.

Simple Tips for a Better Picture

A great webcam experience isn’t just about technology; it’s about setup. Position your laptop so that your face is evenly lit, ideally with a window or a lamp in front of you, not behind. Try to raise the laptop so the camera is at or slightly above your eye level—this is a much more flattering angle. And don’t forget to look directly at the camera lens during calls; it creates the feeling of eye contact and makes the conversation feel more personal.

What to Do If Your Webcam Isn’t Working

If your camera isn’t showing any picture, a simple restart of your laptop can often solve the issue. It’s also a good idea to check for any physical privacy shutter or switch that might be covering the lens. On many modern laptops, a tiny LED light next to the camera will glow when it’s active, giving you a clear visual indicator.

With these basics, you’re all set to have clear and confident video calls. Your webcam is a simple yet powerful feature, ready to help you stay connected with colleagues, friends, and family wherever you are.

Have you ever wished you could use your laptop like a desktop computer, with a larger external monitor and a full-size keyboard, but without the distracting glare of the secondary screen? You absolutely can. Running your laptop with the lid closed is a common practice that creates a cleaner, more focused workspace. It’s perfect for home offices, media centers, or any setup where you want to maximize desk space.

This setup isn’t just about aesthetics; it can also help keep your laptop cooler and protect its main screen from dust and potential damage. The good news is that configuring your laptop for this is usually a straightforward process, requiring just a few adjustments in your computer’s settings.

Getting Your Laptop Ready for Closed-Lid Operation

Before you shut the lid, the most important step is to tell your laptop what to do when you do. By default, most laptops are set to sleep or hibernate when you close the lid to save power. You’ll need to change this setting. On Windows, head to the Control Panel and search for “Power Options.” From there, click “Choose what closing the lid does.” You can then set both “On battery” and “Plugged in” to “Do nothing.” For Mac users, navigate to System Preferences (or System Settings), then “Battery” or “Energy Saver,” and adjust the settings for when the power adapter is connected.

The Essential Checklist for a Smooth Setup

To ensure everything works seamlessly, a little preparation goes a long way. First, make sure your laptop is connected to an external power source. Running with the lid closed can drain the battery faster if it’s not set up correctly. Next, connect all your peripherals before you close the lid. This includes your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and any other devices. It’s much easier to troubleshoot connections with the main screen still visible. Finally, consider your laptop’s ventilation. Ensure the vents are not blocked, as a closed lid can trap heat. You might want to use a laptop stand to promote better airflow.

Why a Closed-Lid Setup Makes Sense

Embracing this method offers several nice benefits. It immediately gives you a more minimalist and organized desk by removing the extra screen. This can help reduce visual clutter and improve your focus on the primary task. For those using their laptop as a media server or for long-running tasks, it keeps the primary screen safe from image burn-in or accidental bumps. It also centralizes your workstation around a single, larger display, which can be easier on your eyes and improve your posture.

With just a few simple settings changes, you can transform your laptop into a powerful, space-saving desktop computer. It’s a simple trick that can make a big difference in your daily workflow and the overall tidiness of your workspace.

That little rectangular touchpad on your Dell laptop is a marvel of modern engineering, letting you navigate without a mouse. But sometimes, it can be a bit too sensitive. If you’ve ever found yourself accidentally brushing it while typing, sending your cursor flying across the screen, you know the frustration. The good news is that you have several straightforward ways to temporarily disable it or turn it off completely, giving you back control of your workspace.

The Quick Keyboard Shortcut Method

For most Dell laptops, the fastest way to toggle the touchpad on and off is with a simple keyboard command. Look at the top row of your keyboard, specifically at the F1 through F12 keys. One of them, often the F6 key but sometimes F3 or another, will have a small icon that looks like a touchpad with a line through it. To use it, simply hold down the Fn key (usually near the bottom-left of the keyboard) and press the corresponding function key. You should see a notification pop up on your screen confirming that the touchpad has been enabled or disabled.

Disabling the Touchpad in Windows Settings

If the keyboard shortcut doesn’t work on your model, or you prefer a more permanent software setting, Windows provides a reliable option. Go to your Start Menu and open the Settings app (the gear icon). From there, click on Bluetooth & devices and then select Touchpad. On this menu, you’ll find a simple toggle switch to turn the touchpad on or off. Some Dell laptops with precision touchpads may also offer an additional helpful setting here that allows you to leave the touchpad on but have it automatically disabled when a mouse is connected.

Using the Dell Touchpad Application

Many Dell laptops come with proprietary software that offers advanced control over the touchpad. This application might be called “Dell Touchpad,” “ALPS Pointing Device,” or “Synaptics TouchPad.” You can usually find it by typing “Touchpad” into the Windows search bar next to the Start button. Opening this application will give you a dedicated interface with clear options to enable or disable the device, along with settings for sensitivity and gestures.

Whether you need a quick fix for a long typing session or a permanent solution, one of these methods will help you regain your digital composure. A disabled touchpad can make your laptop experience much more precise and far less frustrating.

Many laptop users dream of boosting their machine’s gaming performance or accelerating creative work, and a graphics card upgrade seems like the perfect solution. If you’re coming from the world of desktop PCs, where swapping a GPU is often straightforward, you might be wondering how to do the same for your laptop. The reality, however, is quite different and it’s important to set the right expectations from the start.

The Hard Truth About Laptop Graphics Cards

For the vast majority of laptops, the graphics processing unit (GPU) is permanently soldered directly onto the main motherboard. Unlike a desktop where you can simply unplug an old card and slot in a new one, most laptops are not designed with this kind of upgradeability in mind. This integrated design is what allows laptops to be so thin and light, but it comes at the cost of user-replaceable parts.

When an Upgrade is Actually Possible

There is one notable exception to this rule: certain high-end gaming or workstation laptops from previous years featured MXM (Mobile PCI Express Module) graphics cards. These are specialized, modular GPUs that can theoretically be swapped. However, finding a compatible and more powerful MXM card is extremely difficult, often more expensive than buying a new laptop, and requires a high level of technical skill to install. For most people, this isn’t a practical path.

A More Realistic Path to Better Graphics

Don’t lose hope just yet. If your laptop has a modern Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port, or a high-speed USB-C port, you have a fantastic alternative: an external graphics card (eGPU). An eGPU enclosure houses a full-sized desktop graphics card. You simply connect it to your laptop with a single cable, giving you a massive boost in graphical power for gaming, video editing, or 3D modeling when you’re at your desk.

Making the Most of Your Current Hardware

Before considering any hardware changes, ensure your current GPU is performing at its best. Always download and install the latest drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website, like NVIDIA or AMD. Keeping your laptop’s cooling vents clean from dust can also prevent thermal throttling, which can significantly slow down your graphics performance during intensive tasks.

While you can’t typically upgrade the graphics card inside your laptop like you can in a desktop, understanding the options available helps you make an informed decision. For most, an eGPU presents a powerful and flexible solution, while for others, maintaining their current system is the most practical approach.

Have you ever wanted to quickly save what’s on your HP laptop screen? Maybe it’s a funny chat, a confirmation number, or a beautiful image you found online. Taking a screenshot is the perfect way to capture that moment, and your Windows 10 HP laptop has several easy ways to do it. You don’t need any special software to get started.

The Quickest Way: Print Screen Key

Look at the top-right of your keyboard for a key labeled PrtScn or Print Screen. Pressing this once captures an image of your entire screen and copies it to your clipboard. It’s like taking a photo, but it’s stored in your computer’s temporary memory. To see it, open an app like Paint or Microsoft Word and press Ctrl + V to paste it. You can then save the file as a JPG or PNG.

Capturing Just One Window

If you only want a picture of the program you’re currently using, there’s a handy shortcut. Click on the window to make sure it’s active. Then, hold down the Alt key and press PrtScn. This captures only that specific window and copies it to your clipboard. Just paste it into another program to save it.

Using the Snipping Tool for More Control

For the most flexibility, the Snipping Tool is your best friend. Type “Snipping Tool” into your Windows search bar and open it. Click New and your screen will fade. You can then click and drag to capture any part of your screen you want—a free-form shape, a rectangle, or a single window. It even lets you draw on the screenshot before saving it directly to your computer.

Instantly Save a Full-Screen Screenshot

When you need a picture of your entire screen saved as a file immediately, use this trick. Simply hold down the Windows logo key and press PrtScn. Your screen will dim briefly, and the screenshot will be automatically saved in the Screenshots folder inside your Pictures library. It’s the fastest method for creating a permanent file without any extra steps.

With these simple methods, you’re ready to capture anything on your HP laptop’s screen. Whether you need speed or precision, one of these techniques will be perfect for your next screenshot.