About Arif Bacchus
I have over seven years of experience covering Microsoft, Surface, Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS news and rumors for sites like Digital Trends and OnMSFT. I also write laptop reviews and how-to guides. I am a Microsoft fan and I have a drawer full of PCs and other devices. You can follow and interact with me on X if you want to chat! I'm always there making new friends!
What was your first computer?
I remember it like it was yesterday. My dad brought home an old Gateway desktop PC from work that his job was throwing away. It was running Windows 95 and had some very outdated specifications for the time. I spent hours playing Solitare and the other built-in games on it.
How long have you been interested in technology?
As long as I have been writing, which is basically since grade school. I have always been fascinated with the gadgets I see my teachers, parents, neighbors, and other people use. I always wanted to write about gadgets, too, and have a deep passion for writing in general.
What tech products or categories are you most passionate about?
I am deeply interested in Microsoft products and Windows and even laptops in general. Like many people, I grew up using Windows, but as the years went on, I grew more attracted to laptops and all the products Microsoft makes.
Latest Articles
How to activate Windows
If you made a change to your PC or find that Windows isn't properly activated, all it takes is a few click to properly activate your OS
Running your desktop PC or a top laptop without activating Windows is not a good idea. You end up seeing an annoying watermark and pop-up messages to activate Windows, and you lose out on some personalized settings as well. Thankfully, activating Windows on your PC doesn't require much time.
How to log in as root in Ubuntu
The root access in Ubuntu gives you full access to edit configuration files and other administrative tasks. Here's how to log in as root.
On many of the most popular Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, it's possible to log into your computer as a "root" user. The root user is one of the highest possible types of accounts you can use on any desktop or laptop that runs Linux. Consider it like the primary administrator. You'll get full administrative privileges on the entire system for editing configuration files and accomplishing other common tasks. It's not turned on by default, though, and will require some extra work. So, we're here to help with a look at how to unlock the root account and log in with it.
How to install Java on Ubuntu
It's super easy to install Java on Ubuntu as long as you're familiar with using a few commands
If you're a programmer, it's likely you'll have to install Java on your desktop or your laptop. After all, it's one of the top programming languages used by developers, and there are many apps, frameworks, and tools that require you to have Java installed on your system. In fact, there are actually three types of Java you can run, all of which have their own advantages. There's the Java Runtime Environment, which is for consumers and lets you run Java apps; the Java Development Kit known as OpenJDK, which is open source and used by developers; and the Oracle Java, which is a licensed version of Java maintained by Oracle, the company that makes Java with additional features like Flight Recorder and Mission Control.
How to remote desktop to Ubuntu
If you need to access your Ubuntu system remotely, you'll have to tweak these few settings.
Remote desktop is quite convenient for desktop users who wish to access their high-end rigs from another device, like a laptop. These days, pretty much every operating system, be it Windows 11 or Linux, lets you set up a remote desktop as long as you have an Internet connection on both systems.
Best gaming microphones in 2024
Whether you want a gaming microphone for chatting with your friends or streaming, there's an option out there for you.
A good-quality gaming microphone is one of the best additions you can make to your at-home gaming setup. Besides pairing up nicely with your top-of-the-line gaming mouse and mechanical keyboard, a mic is a must-have accessory for co-op gamers and streamers. But just like any other peripherals, there are plenty of options for gaming microphones, and it can be tough to choose which one is best for you. So, here are eight of the best gaming microphones you can buy right now.
Samsung Galaxy Book 4: Everything you need to know
Samsung's latest flagship laptops and 2-in-1s feature Intel Core Ultra CPUs and updated displays.
Samsung might be known for its great Android phones, but the company also makes some great laptops that are good enough to compete with the likes of HP and Lenovo. For 2024, the company introduced the Samsung Galaxy Book 4 series, which is now available in the United States. Unlike many other laptops this year, these models aren't breaking new ground in terms of design, and they're mostly straight upgrades from the previous generation.
How to fix 'ChromeOS is Missing or Damaged' on your Chromebook
It's a scary error to see pop up on your Chromebook, but in many cases it's quite easy to fix.
Google's ChromeOS is an intuitively simple interface to navigate, but even the best operating systems experience an occasional hiccup. One particularly concerning issue is the ChromeOS is Missing or Damaged error, but thankfully, it's a relatively easy issue to troubleshoot.
Windows 11 features in preview: Everything you can try right now
Windows 11 is always getting updated with new and experimental features
Windows 11 is constantly evolving, and new updates are released on a monthly basis, with occasional bigger updates every few months. If you don't want to wait for new features to become available to everyone, the Windows Insider Program lets you test all these features weeks and months in advance.
Best apps for students in 2024
If you're looking to improve your studying experience, or simply focus more on schoolwork, we've collected some of the best apps to consider
For students going back to school, purchasing a new laptop, such as a Mac or Chromebook, or a tablet is just the start. These devices will automatically be useful for school due to their built-in offerings, like text editors and browsers. However, you'll need to download a few third-party apps to make the most of a computer, phone, or tablet for learning. We've rounded up some of the best education and learning apps that are available, for students as early in their education as preschool to experienced learners of all ages.
How to create a guest account on Windows 11
If you need to share a Windows 11 PC with someone, you can add a guest account under their name through the Windows 11 settings app
We live in an age where most people have their own laptop, but it's still common for families to share a desktop computer that's used by everyone. Or, even if you have your own laptop, maybe you want to lend it to a friend but don't want them to access all your data. Thankfully, Windows 11 makes this easy by allowing you to create a dedicated account for other users so you don't have to worry about sharing your personal information.
How to enable SSH on Ubuntu
You can use the terminal to install SSH on Ubuntu in just a few simple steps.
Secure Shell (SSH) is a popular network protocol used to remotely log in and share file transfers between your computer (the client) and the service (the server). It works across different operating systems, which means it also will work on Ubuntu Linux. So if you have a great desktop running Ubuntu, or a great Linux laptop and want to use SSH, all you have to do is fire up a Terminal and run a few commands. We'll guide you through the process right here.
How to install VS Code on Ubuntu
You don't need to run Windows to use Microsoft's Visual Studio Code (VS Code). You can install it on Ubuntu in a few steps.
When it comes to app development, you have probably heard of Visual Studio Code. Often called VS Code as shorthand, this is a popular code editor used on Windows and even macOS. If you're on one of the many great laptops that run Ubuntu Linux or an Ubuntu-powered desktop, however, you should be happy to know that you can run VS Code on your system. You can install it as a snap package, as an apt, or even through the Ubuntu Software Center or through a manual download. We will take a look at all three methods for you right here.
How to uninstall Microsoft Edge in Windows 11
Microsoft doesn't make it easy to remove the Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 11, but with a few workarounds, it is possible to rid it from your PC
There are a lot of excellent web browsers you can use in Windows 11, and one of those is Microsoft Edge. Even though Microsoft Edge is powered by the same engine as Google Chrome, and offers plenty of cool features like access to Bing Chat, and even money-saving shopping features, it's also a critical part of Windows itself, powering some components like Widgets, and even Copilot.
How to play The Sims 4 on a Chromebook
It's not possible to play The Sims 4 locally on a Chromebook, but you can stream the game with a reliable internet connection.
The best Chromebooks and ChromeOS tablets are now more useful for gaming. Thanks to Google's partnership with Steam, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and services like Nvidia GeForce now, you can now enjoy games on your Chromebook like never before. Some games you can play locally, like through Steam, but the other services require an internet connection fast and reliable enough for game streaming.
Best Windows on Arm laptops in 2024
Looking to buy an Arm laptop but you're not sure what your options are? We rounded up the best Windows on ARM laptops you can buy right now.
Microsoft and Qualcomm first introduced Windows on Arm back in 2017, but it took some time for Arm devices to catch on. The ability to run Windows on Arm-based processors is a big deal. Arm processors offer always-on connectivity, instant wake, and many of them come with cellular connectivity without adding a premium to the price. The first few Windows on Arm devices all had the same processors, which weren't very good.
Here's how to use ViveTool to force-enable new features in Windows 11
The bleeding edge features are just a few commands away.
If you want to test Windows 11 features in preview, the way to do it is by signing up for the Windows Insider Program. This is the method Microsoft has been using for nearly ten years to test new features ahead of general availability, and it's a fun way to get a glimpse into the future of Windows 11.
Best Steam Deck alternatives in 2024
The Steam Deck is one of the best handheld gaming systems, but if you can't find one, or fancy something different, there are alternatives.
The success of the Nintendo Switch sparked a big interest in gaming handhelds, but it wasn't until Valve launched the Steam Deck back in 2021 that the market for this kind of device truly ballooned in terms of what options you have a available. The Steam Deck is arguably still the best option for on-the-go gaming (if you're not a Nintendo fan), especially with the OLED model now available. But if you don't like the fact that it runs a custom operating system or you don't want to buy from Valve, there are tons of options out there for you nowadays, form bigger and smaller brands alike.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10: Rumors and things we'd like to see
The Galaxy Tab S10 is rumored as Samsung's newest Android tablet, and here's everything we know about it right here.
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra from the mainline Galaxy Tab S9 series that came out last year remains one of the best Android tablets you can buy right now. It may not bring too many changes to the table compared to its predecessor, but even the minor improvements come together to deliver a much improved experience overall. It hasn't been that long since Samsung's Galaxy Tab S9 slates entered the market, but it's time to turn our attention toward what's next for the company.
Best Steam Deck games in 2024
Looking for a game to play on your Steam Deck? Here are the ones that we think you'll love.
A lot of gaming handhelds have shown up on the market over the last couple of years, but Valve's Steam Deck still reigns supreme as one of the best. Both the regular Steam Deck and its new OLED counterpart are great options to consider in 2024, with plenty of amazing games to enjoy. Steam may not be the most powerful handheld out there, but it can run a lot of games very well, including some modern AAA titles. If you are looking for something to play on your Steam Deck and are wondering which one to try, then consider some of our favorite Steam Deck.
Best SSDs for Steam Deck in 2024
If you're the technical type, you can replace the SSD in your Steam Deck with one that's faster or offers more storage for your games.
The Steam Deck is a really impressive system for playing your favorite PC games on the go. So much so that there are many Steam Deck alternatives that you can now buy. One thing that's great about the Steam Deck, though, is that it comes in three configurations to fit various budgets. So, if you opted for a Steam Deck with just 64GB or 256GB storage, and want more storage or faster performance in your games compared to running it off a microSD card, you might want to consider buying a new SSD. Changing the SSD takes a lot of work, but if you need some options, we collected eight of our favorite Steam Deck SSDs for you right here.