| How to Turn an Old Laptop into a Desktop Posted: 28 Mar 2021 05:00 PM PDT Do you have a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and an old laptop? If so, you can build a compact desktop PC by transforming that old laptop and boosting its utility. This wikiHow teaches you how to use your laptop as a desktop computer. [Edit]Setting Up - Check what type of display connection your laptop supports. Different laptops require a different display cable to connect to a monitor. Check your laptop for the following display ports:[1]
 - HDMI: HDMI is the most common display connection. HDMI cables have a metal plug on both ends that. The plug is about 14mm x 4.5mm with two notches on the bottom corners of the plug.
- Mini-HDMI: Mini-HDMI plugs and ports are the same shape as HDMI plugs and ports, but they are slightly smaller at 10.4mm x 2.4mm. If your laptop has a Mini-HDMI port and your monitor does not, you will need a Mini-HDMI-to-HDMI cable or a Mini-HDMI-to-HDMI adapter with an HDMI cable.
- Micro-HDMI: Micro-HDMI plugs and ports are the same shape as HDMI and mini-HDMI ports and plugs, except they are even smaller at 6.4mm x 2.8mm. If your laptop has a micro-HDMI port and your monitor does not, you will need a micro-HDMI-to-HDMI cable or a Micro-HDMI-to-HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable.
- USB-C: Instead of an HDMI output, many newer laptops have USB-C outputs. USB-C ports are oval-shaped and measure at about 8.4mm x 2.6mm. If your laptop has a USB-C port and your monitor does not, you will need a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable to connect your monitor to your computer.[2]
- Thunderbolt: Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 connections are most commonly found on Macbook Pro and Macbook Air computers. The port has a lightning bolt icon next to it. Thunderbolt 1 & 2 ports are rectangle-shaped with two notches on the bottom corners. Thunderbolt 3 & 4 ports are shaped like a USB-C port and have a lightning bolt next to them. If your Macbook has a Thunderbolt 1 or 2 port and your monitor does not, you will need a thunderbolt-to-HDMI adapter and an HDMI cable to connect your Macbook to your monitor. If your Macbook has a thunderbolt 3 or 4 output, you can connect it to a monitor using a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter.[3][4]
- Mini-Display Port: Mini-display ports are found on older Macbook and Macbook Pro models. Mini-display ports have the same shape as a thunderbolt port, but they are not the same. Mini-display ports have an icon that resembles a rectangle with two lines on both sides next to it. If your Macbook has a mini-display port and your monitor does not, you will need a Mini-display-port-to-HDMI adapter and HDMI cable to connect your Macbook to your monitor.
- DVI: DVI ports are used on older laptops and computers. They are about an inch wide with 24 holes for the 24 pins on the connector. DVI ports are video-only outputs. You will need to connect your computer speakers using a separate audio connection. If your laptop has a DVI port and your monitor does not, you will need a DVI-to-HDMI adapter to connect your computer to your monitor.[5]
- VGA: VGA connections are used on older computer models. A VGA port has 15 holes for the 15 pins on a VGA connector. VGA connections are video-only. You will need a separate audio connection to connect your computer speakers. These are typically used on older, low-resolution monitors. You will need a VGA-to-HDMI adapter to connect a VGA port to a modern computer monitor.
- Gather the supplies. Some of the things you will need to turn your laptop into a desktop computer include the following:
- A laptop and charger.
- A computer monitor.
- A keyboard.
- A mouse.
- A display cable (and adapter if needed).
- A surge protector.
- Consider how long this setup will last. Is it going to be a temporary dock or a long-term setup? If it is a long-term setup, you should take out the battery and just keep it plugged into the wall.
- Choose a location. Good places may include an office or study, a living room, or maybe even a bedroom. Your location should have a desk with enough space to set everything up.
- Plug your laptop into an outlet/surge protector/power strip. A good surge protector can protect your electronic equipment from power surges and lightning strikes. They also provide more outlets to plug more devices into.
- Plug the monitor in. You can plug your computer monitor into a surge protector or electrical wall outlet.
- Connect your keyboard to your computer. If your keyboard connects using a USB, find a free port on your USB on the side or back of your laptop.[Image:Turn an Old Laptop into a Desktop Step 6.jpg|center]]
- Connect your mouse to your computer. If your mouse connects to your computer using a USB connection, connect the USB dongle or cable to a free USB port on the side or back of your laptop. If your mouse connects using Bluetooth, you will need to pair your mouse with your laptop.
- If the notebook has only one USB port, you can obtain a USB "Y" or a USB hub. This converts a single USB port into two or more ports.
- Connect the laptop to your monitor. Use the proper display cable to connect your laptop to your monitor. If you need an adapter to connect the adapter to your laptop. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the monitor and then connect the other end to the adapter.
[Edit]Using a Windows Laptop - Login to your laptop. Press the power button on your laptop to power it on. Then log in with your Windows username and password.
- Go to the display settings. Use the following steps to open the display settings in Windows.
- Click the Windows Start menu.
- Click the Settings/Gear icon.
- Click System.
- Click Display in the menu to the left.
- Click . Most of the time Windows will detect a connected monitor automatically. If it does not, scroll down and click Detect in the Display Settings menu.[6]
- Select "Duplicate" under "Multiple Displays." Use the drop-down menu below "Multiple Displays" to select "Duplicate." This ensures your monitor displays the same thing as your laptop screen.
- Alternatively, you can select Extend to use your monitor as a dual display setup. However, some laptops may not have the processing power for a dual display.
- Open the Control Panel. Use the following steps to open the Control Panel in Windows:
- Click the Windows Start menu.
- Type "Control Panel".
- Click Control Panel in the Windows Start menu.
- Go to the Power Options. Use the following steps to navigate to the Power Options in Control Panel:
- Click Hardware and Sound.
- Click 'Power Options.
- Click . It's in the panel to the left.
- Select "Do nothing" next to "When I close the lid." You can select this option for both "On Battery" and "While Plugged In". This allows you to close your laptop and continue using it with your monitor as the primary display.
[Edit]Using a Mac - Power on your Macbook and log in. Press the power button on your Macbook to power it on and log in using your Mac username and password.
- Click the Apple icon . It's in the upper-left corner. This displays the Apple menu.
- Click . It's the second option in the Apple menu. This displays the System Preferences screen.
- Click . It has an icon that resembles a computer monitor.
- Hold and click . Your Macbook should detect your computer monitor automatically. If it does not, hold the Option (or Alt key) and click Detect Display in the lower-right corner to detect your monitor.
- Drag the slider below "Underscan" to adjust the scaling. If the display on the computer monitor is not scaled correctly to the monitor, drag the slider bar below "Underscan" to adjust the scaling.
- Close your Macbook. Once the display is scaled correctly on your computer monitor, you can close your Macbook and start using your monitor as your primary display.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Sew Hair Extensions to a Clip Posted: 28 Mar 2021 09:00 AM PDT Hair extensions can be a great addition to any hairstyle, but it can be a little confusing and frustrating when they come without wig clips. Thankfully, all you need are wig clips and some basic sewing skills and you can attach the extensions yourself! [Edit]Threading the Needle - Cut off a section of thread that's twice as long as your forearm. Grab some thread that's a pretty close color match to your hair extension. Hold the thread next to your forearm and pull out a long section. Keep pulling on the thread until it's twice as long as your lower arm.[1]
- For instance, if you're working with a blonde hair extension, you'd want to use tan thread instead of black.
- It's always better to have more thread than not enough.
- Slip your thread through the hole in the needle and make a knot at the end. Loop the thread through the eye of the needle, then pull it through. Pull on both ends of the thread so they're about the same length. To secure your thread in place, knot both ends together.[2]
- Essentially, you'll have a large loop tied to your needle.
- You can use a regular sewing needle for this, or you can use a curved needle designed for hair extensions and wigs. Curved weaving needles make it easier to thread the wefts, but they don't always fit through the openings on the wig clips. Sewing needles are a bit more versatile, and are a little more common.[3]
- Pull the needle through the looped thread to create a knot on the weft. Find the left or right edge of your extension and thread your needle through the top of the weft. Pull the needle through the looped thread to create a knot, then tug the thread tight.[4]
- The weft is the top section of the extension where the hair is sewn in place.
- This helps better secure your wig clip to the extension.
- Place your wig clip face-up along the edge of the weft. Check that the rounded portion of the clip is facing upwards so you can attach the extension easily to your natural hair. If your clip is facing the wrong way and forming a "U" shape, you won't be able to attach your hair extension properly.[5]
- Wig clips look like a small, curved wide-toothed comb. They're made of metal and usually have several openings along the top, which help you sew the clip to your hair extension.
- It's best to use wig clips for this, since these are designed to be sewn onto wefts.
[Edit]Attaching the Clip to the Weft - Knot the thread 3 times around the first hole in the wig clip. Loop the thread through the first wig clip hole, then guide the thread through the loop that's attached to your needle. Tighten the thread to form a knot along the wig clip, which helps hold it in place. Create 2 more knots just like this one to attach the clip securely to the hair extension.[6]
- For extra support, you can wrap the thread around your needle 3 times to create an extra secure knot.[7]
- Loop the thread beneath the weft before threading the next wig clip opening. Thread the needle through the front of the weft, pulling the thread out the back. Position the needle beneath the second hole or opening along the top of the wig clip.[8]
- This provides extra support to your hair extension and clip before you start knotting the thread again.
- If your wig clip doesn't have many holes along the top, position your thread about from the corner opening.[9]
- Tie the thread 3 times through the next wig clip hole. Thread the needle through the next opening on your wig clip, going through both the weft and the clip. Pull your thread through the loop attached to your needle to form a knot, then tighten the knot along the base of your wig clip and extension. Repeat this process 2 more times, looping the needle through the weft and clip, then forming a knot with the thread.[10]
- Three knots may seem like overkill, but it helps provide extra security for your hair extension.
- Repeat the looping, threading, and triple knotting process until you reach the last opening. Thread your needle through the weft first, going from front to back. Once you've done this, loop your thread through the next wig clip hole and form a knot. Create 3 total knots to secure your wig clip in place.[11]
- Some wig clips may have more openings than others. If your clip doesn't have any holes going across, sew and knot your thread beneath the top portion of the wig clip. For extra security, do this about 4-5 times.
- Tie a knot 3 times around the last wig clip opening. Loop your thread just through the weft to create a base for your knot. Once you've created this first loop, thread your needle through both the weft and the wig clip. Create 3 knots by threading through the loop attached to your needle.[12]
- Secure a final knot beneath the wig clip. Thread your needle through the front of the weft, pulling it out beneath the wig clip. Pull your needle through the looped thread to create a knot, which you can tighten along the base of the hair extension and clip. Keep in mind that this knot will be beneath the wig clip[13]
- Trim off any excess thread from the extension. Look along the edges of your wig clip and hair extension for any loose threads. Snip off these threads as close to the edge of the extension or wig clip as you can.[14]
- If a small loop forms as you tighten your knot, use the tip of your needle to loosen the knot. Once you've done this, pull along the base of your thread to tighten the loop into the rest of the knot.[15]
- Sewing hair extensions takes longer than you might think! Try to be patient, and keep in mind that you'll get faster the more you practice.[16]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Wefted hair extensions
- Needle
- Thread
- Wig clip
[Edit]References |
| How to Avoid Oil Splatter when Frying Posted: 28 Mar 2021 01:00 AM PDT Fried food may taste delicious, but the oil splatter you experience along the way isn't quite as pleasant. Believe it or not, the dreaded splattering effect typically happens when water droplets from your food touch the hot oil.[1] Not to worry—with the right cookware and some extra precautions, you can say goodbye to oil splatter once and for all! [Edit]General Frying Tips - Dry off your ingredients ahead of time. As water lands in the oil and evaporates, it expands into a bunch of tiny droplets, which leads to the splattering effect we all know and dread. For extra protection, blot your ingredients dry with a paper towel or cloth before you start cooking.[2]
- Place a splatter shield or screen over your cooking surface. Splatter screens are perforated sections of metal that go over your pan as you cook. Vapors from your ingredients can evaporate through the openings on the screen, but the actual oil will stay put within the pan.[3]
- You can find splatter screens at most home goods stores.
- Don't use too much oil when you cook. When deep-frying, fill your frying pot ⅔ of the way full with oil.[4] The same concept applies when you pan-fry—pour in just enough oil to cover the bottom half of your ingredients, instead of filling up the pan.[5]
[Edit]Pan-Frying - Pick a tall, wide frying pan for your foods. Refrain from using shallow pans for your pan-frying recipes. Instead, grab cookware that's big enough to fit your ingredients and also has tall sides going all around the pan. A taller pan is less likely to splatter![6]
- Choose a high-quality stainless steel or cast iron pan. Cheap, stainless steel pans don't always spread heat evenly—this can create hot spots on your pan, which leads to extra splattering. Instead, grab a high-quality stainless steel or cast iron pan, which has decent heat distribution.[7]
- When heated up slowly, cast iron cookware has good heat distribution.[8]
- Add a pinch of salt to the bottom of the pan. After pouring oil into your pan, sprinkle a few pinches of salt on top. The salt helps prevent the oil from spraying around as you cook.[9]
- Salt soaks up some of the moisture in your food, which helps prevent oil splatter. You can also use flour for this![10]
- Place the food gently into the pan. Try not to drop the ingredients—this can lead to extra splatter.[11] While the food is cooking, use tongs or a wire skimmer to flip the food without splattering yourself in the process.[12]
- Cut meat into this slices before frying it. Thinner cuts of meat are less likely to splatter. If you're working with a thicker piece of meat, sear it before frying.[13]
- You can cut the meat into thin strips, or compress it with a mallet.
[Edit]Deep-Frying - Pick out a deep pot to cook your food. Grab a stockpot or deep fryer that's big enough to hold your ingredients. Measure from the very top of the pot—to reduce the risk of splatter, there should be at least of space between the surface of the oil and the brim of the pot.[14]
- Woks are another great option if you'd like to deep fry your ingredients.
- Stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and cast iron are great cookware materials.[15]
- Place your food in mesh frying baskets. Then, deep-fry your ingredients by slowly and carefully submerging the basket in the hot oil. Always put the food in the basket before frying, so no extra oil splatters over the edges.[16]
- Don't drop your food into the pan or fryer. When deep-frying, dip the ingredients into the oil with a slotted spoon or pair of tongs.[17]
- You only need frying baskets when you deep-fry. Pan-frying doesn't need a lot of extra equipment![18]
- Deep-fry your food twice to prevent extra splattering. Set your frying oil to , and let your ingredients fry until they're golden-brown. Then, remove the cooked ingredients and pat them dry with a paper towel. Reheat the oil so it's , and cook the food until it looks nice and crispy.[19]
- Avoid adding extra food to the frying basket. Let your first batch of food cook all the way through. If you add extra ingredients while your original food is still cooking, you could get burned by oil droplets splashing up.[20]
- Wear long sleeves when you plan on frying food.[21]
- Place an upside-down cooking tray on any burners you aren't using—this helps make clean-up a lot easier.[22]
[Edit]Warnings - Don't overheat the oil when you fry! Keep your deep-frying oil between .[23] When pan-frying, set your stovetop to medium or medium-high heat, depending on the recipe's suggestion.[24]
[Edit]References |
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