Cool Tech Tips for a Cooler Life - www.One Cool Tip .com

Friday, May 3, 2024

Work Break Just Got Fun: Play Games on LinkedIn

Work Break Just Got Fun: Play Games on LinkedIn

Take a break, boost your brainpower, and connect with colleagues in a new way - LinkedIn has quietly rolled out a selection of casual games within its platform.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 3, 2024

Ever feel a pang of guilt sneaking in a few minutes of Wordle or Sudoku during work?

Here's a Cool Tip. Play games on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn, the professional networking platform, has started introducing a selection of lightweight games directly into the experience.

LinkedIn recognizes the importance of short breaks for focus and productivity.

Games can be an icebreaker for networking or deepening existing connections.

Here's how to do it.

Log into LinkedIn
Games can be accessed through various channels:

Games hub - http://linkedin.com/games
Search for games on the LinkedIn Search bar
My Network page
Today’s Games section under LinkedIn News on your homepage (Desktop only)

Select a game to play.
Enjoy!

fig. 1 - LinkedIn - Select Game

fig. 2 - LinkedIn - Crossclimb Game

This new feature is rolling out gradually (check News or "More" section) for both desktop and mobile platforms.

Once available, click the games icon to see options like "Queens," "Inference", and "Crossclimb."

You can play once per day, similar to Wordle.

Queens: Logic Puzzles. Challenges strategic thinking.
Crossclimb: Trivia. Tests general knowledge.
Inference: Word Association. Creative word connections.

These games offer quick diversions that can counterbalance workday seriousness.

And puzzles encourage problem-solving and pattern recognition.

However, as with any distraction, moderation is key.

It's still early, but this feature hints at LinkedIn's desire to make the platform more engaging and multifaceted.

Expect more games, potential leaderboards, and maybe even company-specific custom options.

Who knew your professional network could be this much fun?

Have you tried LinkedIn games yet? Share your experience in the comments!

Let the games begin!

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind OneCoolTip.com, where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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Thursday, May 2, 2024

I like Nerdy Things and I Can Not Lie.

Check out our favorite things. A random listing of the nerdiest things.

https://www.onecooltip.com/p/favorite-things.html

#AirTag #Hue Light Bulbs #FireTV #SurfacePro9 #EchoDot #RingAlarm

Chat with Google's Gemini AI Directly in Chrome

Chat with Google's Gemini AI Directly in Chrome

Unlock a new level of search efficiency and creativity. Learn how to use the new Chrome feature that turns your address bar into a direct line to Google's powerful AI chatbot, Gemini.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 2, 2024

Ever find yourself opening multiple tabs to search for information or get creative input?

Wish your web browser had a built-in AI assistant to streamline your workflow?

Here's a Cool Tip. Chat with Google Gemini directly in Chrome.

Google just added this new Chrome feature - "Chat with Gemini".

"Chat with Gemini" offers a seamless integration that lets you access Google's impressive AI chatbot, Gemini, directly from your Chrome address bar.

Here's how to do it.

Open the Chrome browser.
Type "@" in the Chrome address bar.
Select the "Chat with Gemini" option from the dropdown.
Provide an AI prompt.
Ask Gemini questions, get summaries of complex topics, or even brainstorm ideas.

fig. 1 - Google Chrome - Chat with Gemini

With "Chat with Gemini" there is no more sifting through endless search results.

Gemini gives you concise answers right in your browser.

This new Chrome feature taps into the vast knowledge and capabilities of Google's Gemini AI.

While it's still evolving, "Chat with Gemini" demonstrates the potential for AI to enhance how we search, learn, and create.

Google began rolling out the feature to a wider audience in standard Chrome releases.

Even if you have the current version of Chrome, the feature might not be immediately available to you.

Google often rolls out changes gradually to different regions and users.

Give it a try and see how it transforms your browsing experience!

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Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Three Cool Ways to Empty the Recycle Bin in Windows 11

Three Cool Ways to Empty the Recycle Bin in Windows 11

Declutter Your Digital Space and Reclaim Storage

Learn how to efficiently empty the Recycle Bin in Windows 11, freeing up valuable disk space and ensuring your deleted files are truly gone. Whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user, these step-by-step instructions will help you master this essential task.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 1, 2024

“Have you ever wondered where your deleted files go in Windows 11?

They don’t vanish into thin air!

Here's a Cool Tip. Empty the Recycle Bin in Windows 11.

Welcome to the Recycle Bin—a digital purgatory where your discarded documents, photos, and cat memes await their final fate.

But what if I told you that this seemingly mundane bin holds secrets to decluttering your digital life?

Here's how to empty the Recycle Bin in Windows 11

The Classic Approach: File Explorer

Click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
A File Explorer window opens, revealing the bin’s contents.
Click the “Empty Recycle Bin” button on the Explorer’s command bar.
Poof! Your deleted files are gone.

fig. 1 - Empty Recycle Bin - Open Recycle Bin

Context Menu Magic: Right-Click and Empty

Right-click the Recycle Bin desktop icon.
From the context menu, select “Empty Recycle Bin.”
Confirm your action by clicking “Yes” in the dialog window.

fig. 2 - Empty Recycle Bin - Right Click

Streamlined Settings: The Storage Cleanup Route

Press the Start button and type “Storage settings” in the search utility.
Click the “Storage settings” result.
Under “Temporary files,” deselect other checkboxes if you only want to empty the Recycle Bin.
Select the Recycle Bin checkbox.
Hit “Remove files” and confirm by clicking “Continue.”

fig. 3 - Empty Recycle Bin - Temp Files

Emptying the Recycle Bin frees up storage, preventing it from becoming a digital hoarder’s paradise.

In the grand symphony of Windows 11, emptying the Recycle Bin is a humble yet crucial note.

Embrace the art of decluttering, and let your digital canvas breathe.

Ready to declutter?

Try these methods today!

Remember, a tidy digital space is a happy digital space.

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Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Upgrade Your Google Keep Notes to Full-Featured Documents

Upgrade Your Google Keep Notes to Full-Featured Documents

Unlock the full potential of your Google Keep notes. Learn how to seamlessly transfer them into Google Docs for expanded editing and formatting.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 30, 2024

Do you love Google Keep for its quick note-taking and brainstorming power?

Wish you could easily transform those notes into polished documents?

Here's a Cool Tip. Move them to Google Docs!

Google Keep is a digital sticky note app for quick ideas, to-dos, and reminders, while Google Docs is a full-featured word processing program for creating and editing documents.

Here's how to do it.

In your browser, go to https://keep.google.com.
Click on the note you want to transfer.
Click the three dots icon (More) at the bottom of the note.
Select "Copy to Google Docs" option from the menu.
A new Google Docs tab will automatically open with your converted note, ready for editing and formatting.

fig. 1 - Google Keep to Google Docs

Enjoy the full range of Docs' formatting tools to polish your notes and easily share and collaborate on the document with others.

Transferring notes from Google Keep to Google Docs unlocks new possibilities for organizing and refining your ideas.

Enhance your productivity by harnessing the power of both these tools.

What idea in your Google Keep will you transform into a document today?

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Monday, April 29, 2024

Unlock Excel’s Hidden Power: Boost Performance with “Check Performance”

Unlock Excel’s Hidden Power: Boost Performance with “Check Performance”

Discover how Microsoft Excel’s new “Check Performance” feature can turbocharge your workbooks by removing unnecessary bloat. Say goodbye to sluggish spreadsheets and hello to lightning-fast calculations!

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 29, 2024

Is Your Excel Workbook Feeling Sluggish?

We’ve all been there.

You’re working on a critical spreadsheet, and suddenly,

Excel starts dragging its feet. Cells take forever to recalculate, and opening the workbook feels like waiting for a slow elevator.

Frustrating, right?

Here's a Cool Tip. Use Excel's Check Performance feature.

Microsoft recently introduced the “Check Performance” feature for Windows—a game-changer for anyone who relies on Excel.

What Is “Check Performance”?

“Check Performance” is Excel’s secret weapon against workbook bloat. It identifies and eliminates unnecessary formatted cells, streamlining your file and making it more responsive.

Think of it as a digital detox for your spreadsheets.

Here's how to do it.

Open Excel (make sure you’re using Excel for the Web or Excel for Windows).
Open the workbook that’s been giving you grief.
Select Review> Check Performance.
If your workbook contains size bloat, Excel will kindly notify you with a business bar.
Click on the “Check Performance” button. It’s your ticket to a leaner, meaner workbook.
As you optimize, watch your workbook transform. Those pesky formatted cells vanish, and your file size shrinks.

fig. 1 - Microsoft Excel - Check Performance

fig. 2 - Microsoft Excel - Check Performance Screen

fig. 3 - Microsoft Excel Check Performance - Results

Say goodbye to unnecessarily bloated files with Check Performance.

Remember, “Check Performance” is your secret weapon.

Use it regularly to keep your workbooks in top shape. Say goodbye to sluggishness and hello to productivity.

Ready to boost your Excel workflow?

Try Check Performance now!

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Sunday, April 28, 2024

Unlock Google Search Power with the Asterisk Wildcard

Unlock Google Search Power with the Asterisk Wildcard

Become a search pro! Learn how to use the asterisk (*) as a wildcard in Google searches to find missing words, variations of phrases, and streamline your online research.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 28, 2024

Ever struggled to remember a song lyric, a quote, or the exact wording of something you want to find online?

Wish you could tell Google to fill in the blanks for you?

Here's a Cool Tip. Use the asterisk (*).

What the Asterisk Does in Google Search

The asterisk acts as a placeholder for one or more words within your search query.

Google treats it like a blank space, working hard to find the best matches.

Here's how to do it.

Go to http://www.Google.com .
Place the asterisk where you'd like Google to fill in the blanks.
Combine the asterisk with other words to give Google hints.
Try different asterisk placements for more targeted results.

fig. 1 - * as a Wildcard Placeholder

Use this Cool Tip to recall partially remembered phrases, lyrics, or quotes.

Discover alternative wording or different forms of a phrase and search for topics broadly without focusing on specific keywords.

Here are a few real-life examples:

"To be or not to be * that is the question" (Finds the classic Hamlet quote)
"Computer programming for *" (Finds resources for any programming language)
"* Day Sale" (Finds deals related to various holidays)

The asterisk wildcard is a surprisingly powerful Google search tool.

Add it to your search arsenal to refine your results and discover information you didn't even know you were looking for.

Ready to supercharge your Google searches?

Try the asterisk wildcard now!

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Saturday, April 27, 2024

Never Lose an Appliance Manual Again with This Cool Tip!

Never Lose an Appliance Manual Again with This Cool Tip!

Tired of misplacing product manuals? Learn how to use Manua.ls to download free PDF versions, streamlining home repairs and unlocking the full potential of your devices.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 27, 2024

Have you ever found yourself digging through junk drawers for a lost instruction manual while a half-assembled appliance stares back at you?

Or perhaps you're frustrated trying to decipher cryptic error codes on your new tech gadget?

Here's a Cool Tip. Forget the hassle - it's time to discover the power of Manua.ls.

What is Manua.ls?

Manua.ls is a vast, free online repository of product manuals.

From kitchen blenders to the latest smartphones, chances are they have the instructions you need in a handy PDF format.

fig. 1 - Manua.ls

Here's how to do it.

Go to https://www.manua.ls/
Use their search bar to find your device by model number or brand and product type.
Enter Brand and Type.
Locate the correct manual.
Click to open the PDF version.
Save the PDF onto your computer or mobile device for easy offline access.

fig. 2 - Apple Watch 9 - Manua.ls

So ditch the frantic search through drawers!

With Manua.ls, your manuals are always a few clicks away.

No more digging for crumpled papers.

Okay, there are a couple of downsides.

You might not find a manual for your great-grandma's antique sewing machine, and sometimes you'll need that super-specific model number to locate the right instructions.

The next time your washing machine flashes an error code, turn to Manua.ls to find the manual and troubleshoot the problem yourself - saving time and potential repair costs.

Bookmark this site and ensure you always have the instructions on hand to maximize the lifespan and use of your products.

Enjoy!

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Friday, April 26, 2024

Need a Brain Break? Embrace the Retro Fun of Drench

Need a Brain Break? Embrace the Retro Fun of Drench

Step away from the spreadsheets and rediscover the simple joy of Drench, the addictive color-changing puzzle game that's perfect for a quick mental refresh.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

April 26, 2024

Feeling overwhelmed by tasks and notifications?

Do you crave a quick, satisfying escape from the digital grind?

Here's a Cool Tip. Play Drench.

Rediscover Drench, a beloved classic web game from the era of Flash.

This simple yet addictive puzzle game offers a perfect dose of brain-teasing fun.

Here's how to do it.

Go to Flash by Night: Visit http://www.flashbynight.com/drench/
Your mission is to flood the entire board with a single color.
Click on the colored buttons at the edges of the board to change the starting block and neighboring blocks.
Think carefully! Each click changes a cluster of connected blocks, so plan ahead to conquer the board.

fig. 1 - Play Drench

Drench is easy to learn, hard to master and is a fun game with calming visuals and soundtrack

It's a blast of nostalgia for long-time gamers

Drench is a timeless reminder that sometimes the simplest games deliver the most fun.

The next time you need a mental recharge, give it a try!

It's mix of strategy and satisfying gameplay is the perfect recipe for a refreshing brain break.

Enjoy!

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