How-To Geek

Chris Hoffman-

Chris Hoffman

About Chris Hoffman

Chris Hoffman is the former Editor-in-Chief of How-To Geek. Chris has personally written over 2,000 articles that have been read more than one billion times---and that's just here at How-To Geek.

With over a decade of writing experience in the field of technology, Chris has written for a variety of publications including The New York Times, Reader's Digest, IDG's PCWorld, Digital Trends, and MakeUseOf. Beyond the web, his work has appeared in the print edition of The New York Times (September 9, 2019) and in PCWorld's print magazines, specifically in the August 2013 and July 2013 editions, where his story was on the cover. He also wrote the USA's most-saved article of 2021, according to Pocket.

Chris was a PCWorld columnist for two years. He founded PCWorld's "World Beyond Windows" column, which covered the latest developments in open-source operating systems like Linux and Chrome OS. Beyond the column, he wrote about everything from Windows to tech travel tips.

The news he's broken has been covered by outlets like the BBC, The Verge, Slate, Gizmodo, Engadget, TechCrunch, Digital Trends, ZDNet, The Next Web, and Techmeme. Instructional tutorials he's written have been linked to by organizations like The New York Times, Wirecutter, Lifehacker, the BBC, CNET, Ars Technica, and John Gruber's Daring Fireball. His roundups of new features in Windows 10 updates have been called "the most detailed, useful Windows version previews of anyone on the web" and covered by prominent Windows journalists like Paul Thurrott and Mary Jo Foley on TWiT's Windows Weekly. His work has even appeared on the front page of Reddit.

Articles he's written have been used as a source for everything from books like Team Human by Douglas Rushkoff, media theory professor at the City University of New York's Queens College and CNN contributor, to university textbooks and even late-night TV shows like Comedy Central's @midnight with Chris Hardwick.

Starting in 2015, Chris attended the Computer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas for five years running.  At CES 2018, he broke the news about Kodak's "KashMiner" Bitcoin mining scheme with a viral tweet. A wave of negative publicity ensued, with coverage on BuzzFeed News, CNBC, the BBC, and TechCrunch. The company's project was later reportedly shut down by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

In addition to his extensive writing experience, Chris has been interviewed as a technology expert on TV news and radio shows. He gave advice on dark web scans on Miami's NBC 6, discussed Windows XP's demise on WGN-TV's Midday News in Chicago, and shared his CES experiences on WJR-AM's Guy Gordon Show in Detroit.

Chris also ran MakeUseOf's email newsletter for two years. Nearly 400,000 subscribers received the newsletter complete with a handwritten tip every day.

Latest Articles

A laptop running Ubuntu.  1
How to Upgrade to the Latest Version of Ubuntu

Ubuntu version upgrades are pretty painless.

A motherboard visible in a computer case. 1
What Is UEFI, and How Is It Different from BIOS?

BIOS is dead, long live UEFI.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 SIM slot 1
Criminals Can Steal Your Phone Number. Here's How to Stop Them

Your phone number is not as secure as you think.

A Windows 10 default desktop background.  1
How to Get Bing's Daily Photos as Your Wallpaper on Windows 10

They beat the default blue background by a mile.

A Windows 11 taskbar.  1
How to Get the Weather on Your Windows 11 Taskbar

Did you know Windows 11 has a weather widget for its taskbar?

A Windows 11 PC.  1
How to Install Windows 11 on an Unsupported PC

Does Windows 11 say your PC isn't supported? We've got the fixes.

A screen in portrait mode.  1
How to Rotate Your PC's Screen (or Fix a Sideways Screen)

It seems strange at first glance, but a rotated screen can be great for some applications.

Default Apps on Windows 10.  1
A Windows 10 PC.  1
How to Disable Bing in the Windows 10 Start Menu

Tired of those web searches in the Start menu? Here's how to get rid of them.

A Windows 10 desktop PC.  1
How to Access Your Linux (WSL) Files in Windows 10

Windows 10 lets you access your Linux (WSL) files from a special path in File Explorer.

A router.  1
Secure Your Wireless Router: 8 Things You Can Do Right Now

Take a few minutes to audit your own security - it really beats having your network compromised.

An NVMe SSD on a table.  1
How to Encrypt Your Windows System Drive With VeraCrypt

Free encryption for Windows? Why not?

An example of an app that supports end to end encryption is Telegram.  1
What Is End-to-End Encryption, and Why Does It Matter?

The best way to keep your sensitive data safe from prying eyes.

Google Play Store on a Pixel phone. 1
How to Avoid Malware on Android

Android may have a more open platform than Apple, but with that comes the potential for malware.

A laptop.  1
Does Your Computer Have a Virus? Here's How to Check

Think your PC might be infected? Here's how to check if it actually has a virus.

Android phone USB port with arrow 1
How to Use a USB Flash Drive With Your Android Phone or Tablet

Move files and save data from your phone.

iPhone 14 lock screen layering 1
iPhone & iPad
What's the Best Antivirus for iPhone? None!

Your iPhone doesn't need an antivirus. In fact, there's no such thing.

Google Chrome browser open on an iPad. 1
Browser Extensions Are a Privacy Nightmare

Browser extensions are much more dangerous than most people realize.

User Account page in the Control Panel on Windows 10.  1
Why You Shouldn't Disable User Account Control (UAC) in Windows

The one time you do want a popup.

 1
iPhone & iPad
How to Manage App Permissions on iPhone or iPad

The ultimate guide to permissions on iPhone and iPad

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