ComputersNews

Oh no, Intel is moving customer support to AI

If your Intel processor requires a warranty return or support, the first “person” you’ll probably be dealing with at Intel will be an AI. Intel is rolling out “Ask Intel,” an addition to its Intel support site, that runs on Microsoft Copilot rather than on human intervention. Ask Intel will appear as part of support.intel.com, Intel sales executive Boji Tony announced on a LinkedIn post…
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ComputersNews

How fast is your Internet? Windows 11 will (finally) tell you

A handy little utility should be dropping on your Windows PC soon: a built-in speed test, compliments of a small feature update that Microsoft should be rolling out in the next couple of weeks. Microsoft has scheduled a “gradual” rollout of a number of features as part…
ComputersNews

How to check your PC’s CPU temperature

Is your computer’s CPU too hot? If your PC starts spontaneously shutting down, locking up, or acting sluggish during intense tasks, overheating could be the issue, especially when the intense summer heat is scorching. Keeping tabs on your CPU temperatures is crucial when you’re overclocking your PC’s processor, too—you don’t want to accidentally push the performance pedal too far to the…
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ComputersNews

Is Pyrex glass the answer to long-term data storage?

Microsoft just announced a breakthrough in its push to commercialize Project Silica, its effort to etch data into glass as an archival medium: The company has successfully made the etching technique work with the type of glass used in oven doors. Previously, Project Silica…
ComputersNews

Corrupt USB drive? Try these 3 fixes before you wipe it

So you’re dealing with a corrupt USB flash drive. You’ve lost your files; you can’t access them, or when you plug the drive into your PC it’s not even recognized. Understandably you’d be forgiven for pulling your hair out in frustration. But those files need not be…
ComputersNews

The Steam Deck is out of stock, at the worst time. Blame RAM

Even after the cheapest model was retired, the Steam Deck handheld remains the most affordable, flexible way to get your hands (ha) on PC gaming hardware. But not at the moment. All three models of Steam Deck hardware are now showing as out of stock on Valve’s US page. Canada is also out of stock, but models are still available in the UK and EU, according to a quick VPN search. Update, Tuesday…
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ComputersNews

Western Digital is out of hard drives, because AI (of course)

It kind of feels like the last six months of my job has just been telling you about all the different ways the “AI” industry is making life suck. And I’m just a guy who writes about computers! I barely even touch on its environmental impact or mental health issues. But…
ComputersNews

MSI DataMag 40Gbps review: Shiny, magnetic USB4 storage

Magnetically attached SSDs can be handy, especially speedy 40Gbps models such as the MSI DataMag 40Gbps reviewed here. They can be fixed in place on any suitable metallic surface. Alas, that doesn’t include my aluminum Macs, but it does include the router right next to them. Well, the name and intro give away part of the story — the magnetic ring on the back of the unit (see below) and that…
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