Do You Know What Your PC Is Really Capable Of?

Do You Know What Your PC Is Really Capable Of?

Find out exactly what’s running inside your Windows 11 machine, CPU, RAM, GPU, version info quickly and clearly, even if you only have a minute and a shortcut key.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 20, 2025

You wouldn’t buy a car without checking the engine. 

So why run your business, teach a class, or edit a video without knowing what’s inside your PC? 

Whether you're prepping for a software install, diagnosing a slowdown, or just trying to sound smart in a meeting, knowing your system specs is one of those underrated power moves. 

And in Windows 11, it’s surprisingly easy if you know where to look.

Why This Tip Matters

Throwback: Stop Apps from Scrolling in Windows Task Manager with This Cool Tip

Stop Apps from Scrolling in Windows Task Manager with This Cool Tip

To stop the automatic scrolling of apps in the Windows Task Manager, you can hold down the Control key. This allows you to view a static list of processes, which is useful for troubleshooting.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 19, 2025 (Originally published August 19, 2023)

Are you tired of apps scrolling automatically in the Windows Task Manager? 

This can be a frustrating problem, especially if you're trying to troubleshoot a performance issue.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Control Key.

The Windows Task Manager is a system monitor utility that allows you to manage all the processes running on your computer. 

How SmartArt in Microsoft 365 Transforms Your Lists

How SmartArt in Microsoft 365 Transforms Your Lists

If you're using Microsoft 365, you already have access to SmartArt, a simple way to turn plain bullet points into visuals that actually communicate. Here's how to use it in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

August 18, 2025

Have you ever sat through a presentation where slide after slide was just text and bullet points?

It’s a fast way to lose your audience.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Convert Bulleted Lists to SmartArt.

SmartArt is built into Microsoft 365 and lets you turn a list into a visual diagram in seconds. 

No design skills are needed. 

Just pick a layout, paste your list, and you're done. 

Whether you're teaching, presenting, or writing a report, SmartArt helps your message come across more clearly.

How to Customize Google's Top Stories

How to Customize Google's Top Stories

Google Search now lets you pick your preferred sources for the Top Stories section. With a few quick steps, you can make sure the outlets you trust appear first.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 17, 2025

Have you ever searched for news and felt overwhelmed by the random mix of outlets? 

Some you trust, others you don’t, and plenty that just waste your time. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Select Your Preferred Sources for the Top Stories.

You can now tell Search which outlets you prefer, and they’ll appear more prominently in Top Stories. 

It is a small change with a big impact on how you find reliable news.

NotebookLM’s New Video Overviews: Turn Your Research into AI-Narrated Slides

NotebookLM’s New Video Overviews: Turn Your Research into AI-Narrated Slides

Google’s NotebookLM now delivers AI‑generated narrated visual overviews, plus a more flexible Studio panel, streamlining how you digest, tailor, and share knowledge.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

August 16, 2025

What if your dense research notes could talk you through the key points as a slick slideshow?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the New Google NotebookLM Video Overview.

With its new Video Overviews feature, you get visual walkthroughs of your content, complete with figures, quotes, diagrams, and narration. 

It’s like having a mini‑doc ready to absorb, on demand. 

Throwback: How to Build Digital Sand Art

Throwback: How to Build Digital Sand Art

Create mesmerizing digital sand art with This is Sand Art, a playful web and mobile app that lets you layer virtual sand in vibrant colors, just like the classic bottle craft from childhood. Available on desktop browsers and iOS/Android devices for a relaxing, creative escape.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 15, 2025 (Originally published January 20, 2023)

Remember making those multi-colored sand in the bottle crafts when you were young?

Relive the fun of your youth with this Friday Funday Cool Tip: https://thisissand.com/

ThisIsSand allows you to drop multi-colored sand piles to create amazing works of art.

ThisIsSand can be played in a laptop/desktop web browser (thisissand.com) OR with the Thisissand app on iOS (iPhone) or Android devices.

fig. 1 - This is Sand Art

How to Set YouTube’s Sleep Timer

How to Set YouTube’s Sleep Timer

Use YouTube’s built‑in sleep timer on both PCs and mobile phones to pause videos automatically.  This is ideal for winding down, zoning in on productivity, or just not falling asleep to needless autoplay chaos.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

August 14, 2025

Have you ever nodded off to a video, only to wake at 3 a.m. realizing you’re the star of an impromptu all‑night binge? 

Happens to the best of us. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Set a YouTube Timer.

YouTube has a subtle but game‑changing little feature: the sleep timer. 

Not flashy, not front‑and‑center, but it’ll quietly pause playback when you’re ready to call it a night or just reclaim your attention.

🧊 Frozen PC? and More! - OCT Newsletter 8-13-2025

 Frozen PC? and More! - OCT Newsletter 8-13-2025

Normally, the One Cool Tip Newsletter is for subscribers.  

Elevate your tech game with our latest One Cool Tip Newsletter 8-13-25! 

This edition dives into the often-overlooked Emergency Restart feature in Windows, a lifesaver for those frustrating freeze moments. 

Learn how to perform this safe reboot method and keep your files intact. Plus, catch up on hot topics like ChatGPT for federal agencies and the end of AOL dial-up. 

•  Check Hack Scam.
•  ChatGPT for Federal Agencies.
•  AOL Dial-Up is Shutting Down.
•  Windows Emergency Restart.
•  Hidden Files & Folders.
•  Pin to Start Menu.
•  The F2 Key Trick.

Stay informed and empowered! 

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Do you have a Cool Tip or question? Email us at onecooltip.com@gmail.com

Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.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 www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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The Hidden Lifesaver in Windows: How Emergency Restart Can Save Your Day

The Hidden Lifesaver in Windows: How Emergency Restart Can Save Your Day

When your Windows PC locks up and nothing responds, there's a little-known feature that can force a clean reboot without pulling the plug. Here's how to use Emergency Restart and why it matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 13, 2025

Have you ever had your PC Freeze at the Worst Possible Moment?

You’re deep into a project. 

Then, out of nowhere, your system stops responding. 

No mouse movement.  No keyboard input.  Just a frozen screen and rising panic.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Windows Emergency Restart.

X Unveils AI-Powered Video Creation from Text and Images

X Unveils AI-Powered Video Creation from Text and Images

X introduces "Grok Imagine," an AI tool that turns text and images into engaging videos. This new feature simplifies content creation for both individuals and businesses.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 11, 2025

Imagine taking simple text or image and transforming it into a full video, all thanks to AI. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try Grok Imagine.

X (formerly Twitter) recently launched an innovative new tool, "Grok Imagine," that makes it easier than ever to create videos without needing any special skills or complicated software.