10 Tips for Writing Cleaner & Better Code

Without a doubt, programming is tough. It’s one thing to learn languages and study algorithms, but it’s a whole other beast trying to code a complex working application that doesn’t make you want to claw your eyes out. In a way, writing clean code is a lot like drawing, cooking, or photography — it looks easier than it actually is. So why bother? Well, because the benefits are worth it: Problems become easier to solve. Once you start thinking in clean code, your approach to problem-solving changes. Instead of brute forcing solutions, your algorithms and software design become more elegant...

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Act Now and Get 2 Free Months of Hulu (No Commercials!)

Between Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu Plus, I have to admit that I’ve always thought of Hulu Plus as the lesser of the three — but even so, I can’t deny that this offer from Microsoft is quite generous and absolutely worth trying. According to the Windows 10 Experience blog post: Beginning today through July 18, Hulu is offering an exclusive offer for Windows 10 and Xbox customers. If you download the Hulu app onto your Windows 10 device or Xbox and sign up for a new account, you can enjoy a free two-month trial to watch everything on Hulu...

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The Master List of “OK, Google” Commands

Google Now is one of Android’s best features, and every user should be taking advantage of “OK, Google”. From looking up information to sending text messages hands-free to controlling your device, voice commands are incredibly useful and really fun to use. However, the sheer amount of commands you can give to Google Now can be daunting. That’s where the OK-Google.io comes in to help, containing a master list of every command you can give to Google Now, complete with examples. The site breaks down the available commands into categories, so you can quickly find what you’re looking for. Here’s just a...

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How to Create a Shutdown Timer on Your Windows Desktop

Have you ever left your computer on because you had something going in the background? For some of us, this a daily occurrence (heck, a lot of people never turn their computer off), but if you prefer to keep your computer off when you’re not using it, you’re going to love this tip! We’re going to show you how to create a shortcut on your desktop that will allow you set a shutdown timer in just a few clicks. Here’s what you need to know. Right-click on your desktop, select New, followed by Shortcut. The window that opens will ask you for the location...

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Prime Day 2016: Fire TV Stick, Xbox One, Action Cameras, and More! (UK)

The wait is finally over deal-seekers – Prime Day is here and Amazon is offering literally thousands of deals to Prime members across the country. To be able to get in on these discounts you just need to sign up to Amazon Prime (which you can do here) and even the 30 day free trial makes you eligible for today’s offers. Today is also the last day to enter the competition to grab tickets to the former Top Gear presenters’ The Grand Tour studio recording. Entry closes at 23:59 on 12th July – head here to be in with a chance...

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How to Whitelist Email Addresses in Outlook.com

If you’re an Outlook.com user and find yourself frequently missing out on emails from safe senders because they’re ending up in your junk folder, there’s a simple fix for whitelisting trusted contacts. To whitelist, or mark senders as safe ensuring that their emails always end up in your inbox, hit the settings button in the top right-hand corner and select Options. Next, click on the Safe and blocked senders link. This will open up a list of three options, two of which relate to adding users to your safe senders list. You can either whitelist individual email addresses by clicking the Safe...

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The Last 5 Free Apps You Need to Manage All Your Cloud Data

So much of your life is now stored in the cloud. Dropbox and Drive have those important documents, Instagram and Google Photos manage your pictures, and other cloud-connected services are full of your data. These different services make it a problem for the regular user. It’s impossible to quickly find that particular file or photo when you need to, or to make sure whenever a file is updated in work’s Dropbox that it also gets updated in your personal Google Drive. There are five basic activities you’re looking to do, and we’re here to help with the apps you need...

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10 Things To Teach Your Kids Before They Go Online

Unlike in previous generations, kids are growing up with the Internet as part of their lives. As a parent, this opens up a whole new world of challenges. When should you let your kids use the Internet for the first time? At what age is it appropriate for them to hop on? What should you tell them before they do. The infographic below feature 10 critical things all parents should teach their kids about the Internet before their first time online. Will they guarantee that they’re safe and that they don’t do anything dumb? No, but they’ll give them a...

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How to Make a MIDI Controller with an Arduino

As a musician who has amassed a collection of musical instruments and noise boxes, the humble Arduino is the perfect tool to create a custom MIDI controller. Whilst the Raspberry Pi may have taken the crown for Internet of Things (IoT) projects, a simple Arduino Uno (what are the different types of Arduino?) has more than enough power for this project. First time using an Arduino? No worries, we’ve got a complete Arduino beginner’s guide to read through before you tackle this project.  What is MIDI? MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It outlines a standard way for musical devices...

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The Best Siri Alternative for Seniors: Assistant AI

I’m twenty-four. I grew up with the Internet, and I have a computer science degree. I write about technology for a living. Some might use the cringeworthy term “digital native” to describe me, although I certainly wouldn’t. An unfortunate consequence of this is I’m seen as the official on-call technology expert for my extended family. It’s not unheard of for my weekend to be punctuated by someone asking me to set up their new smartphone or “defrag their computer” (Translation: quarantine and remove 15 years of accumulated toxic malware). But with great responsibility comes great power, and this position lets...

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