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Jon Martindale

Jon Martindale

Former Evergreen writer
Author/Co-Author of 2676 articles

Jon Martindale is a freelance evergreen writer and occasional section coordinator, covering how to guides, best-of lists, and explainers to help everyone understand the hottest new hardware and software in desktops, laptops, and on the web. He's also written articles on how to make your PC more efficient for the summer, and how he fixed his backpain with an annoying pop-up app.

Although Jon covers a wide range of topics at DigitalTrends, his particular focus is on PC components and peripherals, keeping our lists of best power supplies and best ergonomic mice up to date, as well as breaking down how to install the latest graphics cards to boost your gaming performance. He's also written gaming performance guides, and made sure that the crypto traders out there are using the best wallets for their digital tokens.

Alongside DigitalTrends, Jon also writers for Forbes, Lifewire, and Microcenter, has authored two novels, and provided back story and dialogue for a handful of games. He's an amateur game developer, and has made a few game prototypes in his spare time -- with a little help from ChatGPT. Jon's also an avid board gamer, getting in regular games of epic tabletop fare like Twilight Imperium and War of the Ring where he can. He's a father to two kids who recently discovered the joys of Pokémon, and keeps his aging French Bulldog cross busy on regular walks.

 

AMD Ryzen processor going into a socket.

The best AMD processors for 2024

The best AMD CPUs are some of the best processors in the world, period. Here are our top AMD chips, whether you're a gamer, worker, or a little bit of both.
Hisense U7N review

7 best TVs under $1,000: Our top picks from Hisense, TCL, and Samsung

Not every big screen needs to cost an arm and a leg. Here are seven of our favorite TVs that cost less than $1,000.
Dell XPS 15 OLED laptop sitting on a small table.

How to take a screenshot in Windows: all methods explained

Taking screenshots is a great way to share what's on your screen, save a reminder for later, or copy something that can't be downloaded. Here's how to do it.
Fortnite man.

Fortnite Chapter 6 PC performance: best settings, fps boost, and more

Now that Fortnite Chapter 6 is here, it's great time to refresh yourself on the best PC settings to use in Fortnite for the best performance.
corsair i5100 review 09

Corsair Vengeance i5100 review: falling short of its potential

The Corsair i5100 has all the hallmarks of a top-tier gaming PC, but it doesn't quite match the pace of the competition.
how to use terminal windows 11 terminal00

How to use Terminal in Windows 11

The Windows Terminal is a useful tool for tweaking, diagnosing, and exploring your Windows 11 PC. Here's how to use it.

How to partition a hard drive

If you don't want all your files in one place, but only have a single hard drive to work with, never fear -- you can just partition it! Here's how.
Simon Cohen wearing the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4.

How to connect Bluetooth headphones to PC

It is fairly easy to connect your Bluetooth headphones to PC. Just follow these steps, and they'll be working in no time.
Windows 7 desktop.

Ranking all 12 versions of Windows, from worst to best

Microsoft has been making Windows operating systems for almost 40 years, and though they've improved, there have been some wins and duds. We rank them here.
A person's hands resting on a 2019 Dell XPS 13 laptop as it sits on a table.

How to change startup programs

Bothered by programs that start when you boot your computer, or want to add a new one? You need to know how to change startup programs. It's quick and easy.
The Dell XPS 13 on a table with the Start Menu open.

How to join the Windows Insider program

The Windows Insider program is a great way to get access to Windows features before they're widely available, like Microsoft Copilot. Here's how to sign up.
Windows 11 set up on a computer.

How to use Passkeys in Windows 11

Passkeys are a great way to streamline your login for a range of services, and now you can store them on your PC too. Here's how to use them in Windows 11.
Cyberpunk 2077 being played on the Alienware 32 QD-OLED.

How to enable HDR in Windows 11

HDR and Windows 11 go together much better today than they have in the past, but it can still take some tweaking.
A lock surrounded by keys.

How to password protect a folder in Windows and macOS

Everyone has private data on their PC, and one of the best ways to safeguard that is to password protect it. But do you know how to password protect a folder?

How to use cut, copy, and paste keyboard shortcuts in Windows

In need of some convenient Windows keyboard shortcuts? Cut, copy, paste, and undo -- they're four of the easiest and most helpful commands for any application.

How to change your mouse cursor in Windows

The standard Windows mouse cursor only goes so far. If you want your cursor's appearance to be more playful, here's how to change your mouse cursor in Windows.
A man holds a Corsair MP600 PRO LPX PS5 SSD next to an open PS5.

The best SSDs for PS5 that you should buy

Sony's PlayStation 5 offers full support for an additional internal SSD for greater console storage capacity. These are the best solid-state drives for the PS5.
Windows 11 set up on a computer.

How to change your default browser in Windows 11

Windows 11 might want to push you to use Edge, but you probably have another favorite. Whatever it is, here's how to make it the default browser.
A man sits, using a laptop running the Windows 11 operating system.

How to pin a website to the taskbar in Windows

The Windows Start Menu and its taskbar are good for programs, but pinning websites is tricky. Learn to access sites via taskbar on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Call of Duty Black Ops 6.

The best PC settings for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a game that's great to look at, and quite demanding to run on even high-end gaming PCs. Here are the best settings to use.
Person using Windows 11 laptop on their lap by the window.

The most common Windows 11 problems and how to fix them

Windows 11 is Microsoft's best and brightest operating system yet, but it still has problems. Here's how to fix some of the most common Windows 11 issues.
Highlighting VBS is disabled in Windows 11.

How to disable VBS in Windows 11 to improve gaming

Windows 11's security features can cause a drop in gaming performance. If you want to make sure yours isn't impacted, here's how to turn off VBS in Windows 11.
The Blue Screen of Death seen on a laptop.

Blue Screen of Death: What it means and what to do if you get one

The Blue Screen of Death, or BSOD, is a common Windows error faced by many people over the years. Here's what to do if this appears on your screen.
CD in a CD drive on a Macbook Pro.

How to burn a CD in Windows 11

Sometimes you need to use a compact disc for storing or sharing data, and so here's how to burn a CD in Windows 11, for both music and data.
Person using Windows 11 laptop on their lap by the window.

What is the Antimalware Service Executable, and should you disable it?

The Antimalware Service Executable is an important component in your Windows security. Here's why you should keep it running if you can.
Acer Predator XB3 Gaming Monitor review

The best free PC driver update tools everyone should have

Automatic driver download tools don't have the best reputation, but there are some out there you can use to keep your PC up to date safely. Here are the best.
The blue screen of death in Windows.

How to fix a system service exception error in Windows

This common error in Windows is an annoying one when it happens, but it can be easy to fix. Here's how to do it.
Secure Boot setting in an ASUS BIOS.

How to enable secure boot in Windows 11

Secure Boot is a setting that makes sure only official software runs on your PC, and it needs to be enabled for Windows 11 to work. Here's how to enable it.
Missing Wi-Fi icon in Windows 11.

What to do if the Wi-Fi option isn’t showing in Windows 11

If your Wi-Fi toggle isn't showing up in Windows 11, there are a few different ways we can fix it, from re-enabling the adapter, to reinstalling the drivers.
A MacBook Air is shown with the Bitdefender for Mac dashboard open.

I tested the most popular free antivirus apps for Mac. Here are the very best

Your Mac is at risk from malware, so we made a list of the best free antivirus software to protect your personal and financial data from hackers.
The Anker PowerCore III connected to laptop.

What to do when your Windows 11 laptop is plugged in but not charging

If your Windows 11 laptop is plugged in but isn't charging, there are a few fixes. Here's what to try first.
Windows 11 logo on a laptop.

How to recover lost or deleted files on Windows

If you delete a file in Windows and desperately need it back, you're in luck! There are a few ways to recover lost files. Here's how to do it.
An SSD installed in a PC motherboard.

SSD not showing up in Windows? Here are some easy fixes

Is your new SSD failing to register on your Windows PC? Here’s a few troubleshooting and repair methods you can try.
The Lenovo IdeaCenter Gaming 5i Gen 7 gaming PC with a monitor, keyboard, and headset.

How to reset graphics drivers in Windows 11

Are you having issues with your Windows 11 graphics? A simple reset of your drivers could put a pin in this pesky glitch. Here’s how to do it.