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How to turn an old PC into a NAS

If you have an old PC still lying around, you could turn it into a NAS.

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If you have an old PC lying around, you may be wondering what to do with it. You could turn it into a stream PC, you could give it to a family or friend... or you could turn it into a NAS. NAS stands for Network Attached Storage, but it's a little bit of a misnomer for devices like these. It's not just storage, and can actually do a whole lot more as well. I took my old gaming PC and turned it into a NAS, and it was surprisingly easy to do. Even better is that you can do it, too.

A stillframe from Minecraft's YouTube video announcing official availability for Chromebooks. 1
Can I play Minecraft on a Chromebook? Which editions work?

In this article we discuss the available options for playing Minecraft on a Chromebook or other Chrome OS device.

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Mojang's Minecraft is the quintessential example of a game that is greater than the sum of its parts. It's not just about mining and crafting, but about exploring and building a world as you see fit. But before you get to all the creativity, the adventuring, and the friends you'll make along the way (we're serious here), you have to install the game. If you own a Chromebook, here's how to do just that.

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How to install ADB on Windows, macOS, and Linux

A step-by-step guide to get you started with the Android Debug Bridge tool.

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Several features of the Android operating system can be accessed only through paths and methods that are hidden away from the average user. These have generally been done with the help of some command line Android Debug Bridge (ADB) commands, a tool that Google offers for developers to debug various parts of their applications or the system, but which we can use for all kinds of neat and hidden tricks. A prerequisite to these tricks is installing ADB on your computer. So, in this guide, we will show you how to install ADB on Windows, macOS, and Linux in quick and easy-to-follow steps.

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How to dual-boot Windows 11 and Linux on your PC

If you want to use Windows 11 and Linux on the same computer, the best option may be to dual boot. Here's how to set up your PC for it.

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Windows 11 is now widely available to all kinds of PCs, and it packs a lot of improvements from previous releases. There's a new design language that looks a lot prettier, Teams integration, a Widgets panel, and with the update to Windows 11 version 22H2, there are even more upgrades, like new touch gestures, a modernized Task Manager, and so on. But as good as it may be, Windows 11 isn't for everyone. What if you prefer Linux or need it for certain tasks? In this guide, we'll show how you to set up your PC so you can dual-boot into either Linux or Windows 11 whenever you want.

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Can the Mac Studio run Linux? Yes, but not natively

Wondering if you can get Linux running on the new Mac Studio? You can, but it requires some work and you may lose some performance.

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Apple's powerful desktop workstation, the Mac Studio, is very tempting. Thanks to the Apple M1 Ultra processor, the Mac Studio is still the fastest Mac on the market, even competing with the "cheese grater" Mac Pro. Out of the box, the Mac Studio will run macOS Ventura, but what if you want to leverage that power in a different OS? If you're wondering whether you can run Linux on the Mac Studio, we have good and bad news.

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How to back up and restore a Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) distro

Making a backup of your WSL distros is a smart idea and can help you move instances between machines as well. Here's how you do it.

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Taking regular backups of your computer is a smart thing to do. Whether you use Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chrome OS, you can never be too careful. The same applies to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) which runs on top of but is somewhat independent of Windows.

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Can the MacBook Pro 13 (2022) run Linux?

The MacBook Pro 13 is a popular developer laptop, but the transition to Apple Silicon doesn't mean you can't also boot into Linux, too.

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Alongside the all-new MacBook Air, Apple debuted a refresh to the MacBook Pro 13 at WWDC 2022. Unlike the MacBook Air, the newest MacBook Pro 13 didn't receive an updated design, it merely has some juiced-up internals, including the brand-new Apple M2 chip.

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How to setup and install WSL 2 on Windows 10 and 11

To use Linux on your Windows PC first you need to install WSL 2. Here's how to do just that on both Windows 10 and 11 in minutes.

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In case you hadn't heard, Microsoft loves Linux. That phrase draws its skeptics but then we saw Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and started to see the truth in it. WSL 2 allows you to install a Linux environment running a full Linux kernel inside Windows 11, or 10 if you're still using that, with fairly tight integration between the two. The first version of WSL didn't have a kernel and didn't perform nearly as well. WSL is still a virtual machine at heart, but one with deep ties to its Windows host.

A front view of the Lenovo Yoga 7i's display with the Linux logo laid on top of it 1
Can the Lenovo Yoga 7i (2022) run Linux?

The Lenovo Yoga 7i is a fantastic Windows laptop, but what if you prefer using Linux?

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Lenovo makes some fantastic laptops, and the latest Yoga 7i model is no exception. This is a high-end convertible laptop with more of a mainstream focus, and in our review of the Lenovo Yoga 7i, we found that it offers a lot of value. It's one of the best Windows laptops you can buy in this price range, but what if Windows isn't your preferred platform or you just need Linux for specific tasks? If you're a fan of Linux, there are ways you can get it running on the Lenovo Yoga 7i.