Computer Tricks and Secrets

Almost everyone has a Facebook account, but very few people actually dive into the complex settings panels to protect their digital footprints. As a developer who understands how web tracking works, I am highly sensitive to how social media platforms collect, aggregate, and monetize user data. Over the years, I have audited my own account settings multiple times. In this guide, I am sharing the five hidden Facebook settings and safeguards I use daily to block background tracking, audit third-party data shares, and protect my profile. 1. Block Background Web Tracking Many users do not realize that Facebook tracks their activity across other websites and apps even when they are logged out. They do this via the Facebook Pixel embedded in millions of sites. To stop this tracking, I isolate my social media session. I use browser containers like Firefox's Facebook Container extension or extensions like Facebook Disconnect . These tools prevent Facebook from correlating my exter...

When I first started diving into Android customization, the appeal of rooting was obvious. I wanted complete control over my hardware: removing carrier-installed bloatware, backing up full system partitions, and running root-only root managers. Back then, many tutorials recommended "one-click" software like OneClickRoot. Having spent years modifying mobile operating systems and flashing ROMs, I want to share my honest experience with automated tools, explain why they are obsolete on modern Android builds, and detail the safest methods to root your device today. What is Android Rooting and Why Do It? By default, Android isolates users from modifying system files to keep the system secure. Rooting is the process of gaining superuser access to the operating system's root directory. For me, the primary benefits have always been: Uninstalling Carrier Bloatware: Deleting heavy system apps that ship pre-installed on retail phones to free up internal storage. Com...

It is hard to believe that a full decade has passed since 2016. Back then, I was keeping detailed design notes on mobile hardware and tracking the transition from Nvidia's GTX 800 series to their desktop-class mobile architectures. Recently, while reorganizing my workshop, I pulled out one of my old gaming laptops from that era. In this retro review, I am taking a nostalgic look back at the top gaming laptops of 2016, checking how their specifications hold up today, and sharing my personal hardware tips for repurposing them in 2026. The Top 3 Beasts of 2016 Looking through the ranks, three specific models defined the premium tier of mobile gaming a decade ago: 1. MSI GT80 2QD Titan If budget was no obstacle, the GT80 Titan was the ultimate dream machine. It was less of a laptop and more of a portable desktop, weighing a massive 9.9 pounds. It featured a fully mechanical keyboard built directly into the base and dual GTX 980M graphics in SLI. In 2026, this machine is a c...

When I started building my first web directories and putting together my personal portfolio at fineanmol.github.io, I quickly realized that launching a site is only half the battle. Getting real people to visit, read your articles, and engage with your work requires a consistent strategy. Over the last few years of managing my own web projects, I have tested countless digital marketing tools. Many of them were complete wastes of time, but a select few became essential parts of my daily routine. In this post, I am sharing the ten tools that have helped me scale my reach, organize my SEO campaigns, and automate repetitive tasks. 1. The Genesis Framework (WordPress Theme Engine) As a developer, I cannot stand bloated code. If a theme takes three seconds just to load basic styling, it is going to hurt your search ranking. That is why I built my main self-hosted sites on the Genesis Framework. It is a highly optimized parent theme for WordPress that handles schema markup natively a...

I absolutely hate throwing away good hardware. Recently, while organizing my desk, I found my old Android smartphone sitting in a drawer. Most manufacturers drop software support after just two or three years, leaving perfectly functional devices running outdated operating systems and vulnerable to security exploits. Instead of letting it become electronic waste, I decided to flash custom firmware to revive it. In this guide, I am sharing how I successfully updated my old phone to Android 14 using LineageOS, the modern successor to the legendary CyanogenMod project. The Evolution from CyanogenMod to LineageOS If you have been in the Android customization scene for a while, you definitely remember CyanogenMod. It was the king of custom ROMs, providing speed and clean features that stock software lacked. When that project shut down, developers rallied to launch LineageOS. Built on the same open-source philosophy, LineageOS provides a clean, bloat-free Android experience. For my ...

Moving to a new city or country is one of the most exciting yet stressful things you can do. As an international student and job seeker, finding a safe, verified place to live was my top priority when I relocated to Europe. After searching through countless sites, I used Uniplaces to book my apartment. Today, I am sharing my honest review of the platform, along with an exclusive code to save you some money! My Personal Experience with Uniplaces When I was looking for housing, I was terrified of online rental scams. What I appreciated most about Uniplaces was their verified listings . They send photographers or staff to verify properties, which gave me immense peace of mind. The booking process was entirely online and secure—Uniplaces holds your money and only releases it to the landlord 24 hours after you move in, ensuring the place is exactly as advertised. That security alone was a lifesaver for me. Why I Recommend Uniplaces Extensive Listings: From shared student ro...

When I was learning web development, my favorite way to practice was by building interactive simulations of popular TV game shows. One of my largest early projects was a full-fledged web simulation of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 3 , the popular Indian version of *Who Wants to Be a Millionaire*, which was famously hosted by Shahrukh Khan at the time. In this post, I am sharing the development details of how I coded this simulation game using pure HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and how you can run it on your own server. Designing the KBC Gameplay Logic To make the simulation feel authentic, I had to replicate the tension and structure of the TV show. The code structure focuses on three core elements: The Question Database: I compiled a structured array of 15 question tiers, grading them from easy (worth ₹1,000) to the ultimate jackpot question (worth ₹2 Crore). The Lifeline Engine: Implementing the logic for the four classic lifelines: 50:50 (removing two wrong answe...