Computers have declined in popularity in recent years. Seemingly overtaken by tablets and even smartphones, they are now collecting dust in homes all over the world. However despite people moving away from computers, they are incredibly useful pieces of tech. After all, if you’re applying for a job, typing up notes, writing an essay or designing something truly spectacular, you’ll put down your tablet and gravitate towards your trusty PC.

But if you’re bored with your PC, there are some fun things you can do to help yourself fall back in love with your Windows computer. And here’s eight of the best.

Appreciate Notepad

Notepad is probably the most underutilized piece of software. Often rebuffed in favor of Word for text documents, Notepad is rarely opened. However it actually does more than you may think. You can use Notepad to create a plethora of cool things, such as personalized logs, continuous messages and harmless viruses.

Make your data safe

Whether you’re working on something top secret, or simply don’t want others peeping into your computer, you can disable your USB ports to stop people taking what’s yours with a few simple tricks. The Microsoft website can help guide you through the process.

Get to know your keyboard

Keyboard shortcuts are not just there to help you out every now and again, you can actually control your whole computer with clever shortcuts. From closing windows in an instant, to saving mid-way through documents and renaming selected files, the keyboard has it all.

Get your computer to say hello

Ever wanted your computer to talk to you? Well now you can. You can use your own computer’s features, along with some VBScript tricks to make your computer welcome you in its own mechanical voice every time you log in. you can also use a variation of this to get your computer to speak everything you type.

Find your computer's gender

Did you know that computers are either make or female? Well by utilizing the simple trick above, you’ll be able to find out whether you have a Mr. or a Mrs.

Lock private folders

This is another great way to protect your privacy. If you have important personal files that you do not want others to see or get hold of, you can hide them in a folder protected with a password.

Get the party started

Most keyboards contain LEDs which indicate whether different locks are activated. With some simple VBScript coding you can create a keyboard disco by making these LEDs flash. Here’s how to do it.

Will you try any of the above? Let us know!