NTFS (NT File System) and exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) are common file systems for external drives and flash storage. Understanding their compatibility with Macs is key when choosing a file system for external devices used across Windows PCs and Macs. NTFS is the default file system for modern versions of Windows, while exFAT was introduced by Microsoft to bridge the gap between Mac OS and … Read more
Updating your Windows 10 operating system is an important part of keeping your computer secure and running smoothly. However, some updates have been known to cause issues for some users. In this article, we’ll look at some of the potential problems that can occur when updating Windows 10 and how to avoid or fix them. Why you should keep Windows 10 updated Before looking at what … Read more
What is the F12 Boot Menu? The F12 boot menu allows you to select a boot device at startup (1). It provides options for booting from a hard drive, USB drive, CD/DVD, or network. When you start up your computer, it normally boots from the primary hard drive by default. However, the F12 boot menu gives you a temporary one-time boot menu to pick another startup … Read more
With the rise in popularity of external drives for extra storage and backup, many people find themselves trying to decide between a traditional external hard disk drive (HDD) or a new solid-state drive (SSD). But is a portable SSD really the same thing as a portable hard drive? While they serve similar purposes, there are some key differences that impact performance, durability, and price. Defining HDDs … Read more
A fatal device error on a hard drive indicates a serious issue that prevents the drive from being accessed or used. This error typically means that the hard drive has failed or is failing, often due to mechanical or electronic problems. A fatal device error often renders data on the drive inaccessible and can result in permanent data loss if the drive is not repaired or … Read more
NTFS (NT File System) is the default file system for Windows operating systems. It supports advanced storage features like encryption and disk quotas. However, Macs do not support writing to NTFS drives by default. Macs use HFS+ or APFS formats. These formats allow full read/write support on Mac but cannot be directly written to from Windows. When switching a hard drive from Windows to Mac it … Read more
Deleting all files from your Mac running Monterey can be a useful way to clean up your system and free up storage space. However, it’s important to be cautious when deleting files, as important data can be lost permanently. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the steps to safely delete all files from Monterey. Back Up Your Data First Before deleting anything, it’s crucial to … Read more
Launched in 2015, Apple Music is a streaming music and video service developed by Apple. In addition to offering access to over 90 million songs through streaming, Apple Music also gave users the ability to purchase songs, albums and videos to download and own permanently through the iTunes Store. Unlike streaming, which requires an internet connection and active subscription to access, purchased content could be downloaded … Read more
The “Erase All Content and Settings” option allows you to wipe your MacBook back to factory settings. This erases all user data and restores the device to its original out-of-the-box state. However, there are a few reasons why this option may not be available on your MacBook: Firmware Password Enabled If you have enabled a firmware password on your MacBook, the “Erase All Content and Settings” … Read more
When choosing a hard disk drive (HDD) for gaming, there are a few key factors to consider: capacity, speed, form factor, and budget. The best gaming HDD provides ample storage space for large game files and loads games quickly, while fitting within your PC case and budget. Quick Summary For most gamers, a 1TB or 2TB 7200 RPM HDD from reputable brands like Western Digital or … Read more