Blog
Tests
Guides for testing your keyboard, mouse, screen, sound, network and other hardware, and for fixing what the tests find.
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Tests
Laser printer prints pale vertical bands? What to check
Find out why a laser printer leaves pale vertical bands, print a test pattern to narrow down the cause, and check toner and printer parts safely.
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Tests
How to check if speaker hiss is noticeable
Use a browser noise meter and a repeatable listening check to tell whether speaker hiss is audible at your seat or only up close.
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Tests
Why keyboard layouts change your shortcut keys
Find out why shortcuts change after switching keyboard layouts, test whether keys register, and restore the layout or shortcut your apps expect.
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Tests
How to test MIDI message filtering on a web page
Compare what a MIDI controller sends with what a web page receives, so you can tell whether messages are missing, blocked, or filtered.
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Tests
How to check graphics after installing a new monitor
Check GPU performance, resolution, scale and refresh rate after connecting a monitor, then see whether a change points to settings or hardware.
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Tests
Why accidental touches happen while gripping a phone
Learn why your phone registers touches while you hold it, how to test the edges and case, and which settings or fixes may reduce them.
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Tests
Why some LCD pixels stay dark while others light up
Learn why one LCD pixel stays dark while nearby pixels light up, how to test the panel, and when a dark spot may need repair or replacement.
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Tests
How to identify screen image retention after gaming
Learn how to tell temporary image retention from a stuck pixel or permanent burn-in after gaming, then check your display and choose the next step.
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Tests
Internet works but web apps time out
Find out whether brief connection drops, VPN or browser settings, or one app are causing timeouts, then try the fixes that match the result.
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Tests
How to monitor battery drain during video playback
Measure battery drain during video playback, compare results across sessions, and see whether brightness, streaming, or background apps are using more power.
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Tests
How to compare two paper brands with identical settings
Print the same test page on both papers, keep the printer settings fixed, and compare color, gray steps, text, and line detail fairly.
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Tests
Screen has black borders despite correct resolution
Find out whether black borders come from display scaling, aspect ratio, overscan, or a cable, and what to change on Windows 11 or Mac.