Every day, our Ask Lifehacker column advises you on your technology and life dilemmas, big or small. These are the 10 most popular Ask Lifehacker posts from Lifehacker in 2013.
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Ask LH: What’s The Difference Between Cat5, Cat5e And Cat6 Ethernet Cables?
Dear Lifehacker, I finally took your advice and went completely wired on my home network using a bunch of ethernet cables I had lying around. Some are Cat5 and others are Cat5e. Is there a difference? Is one faster than the other? What should I use?
Ask LH: What Gmail Alternatives Can I Explore?
Dear Lifehacker, With current online privacy concerns, I’m worried about continuing to use Gmail. What are the risks in continuing to give Google so much information about me? And are there any alternatives (aside from not using email at all)?
Ask LH: Where Should I Buy The Kindle Paperwhite?
Dear Lifehacker, Is there anything I should be aware of when buying the Kindle Paperwhite from Dick Smith Electronics (in Australia) rather than from Amazon directly?
Ask LH: Will The NBN Work In My Street Ever Be Completed?
Hey Lifehacker, Three weeks ago NBN cables were laid in our street. With the Coalition election win, does it mean our homes will never be connected to the NBN? Does all NBN work cease as of now, or in suburbs where work has already commenced will it be allowed to proceed to completion?
Ask LH: Can You Recharge A Mobile Battery In The Microwave?
Dear Lifehacker, I’ve just seen this graphic claiming a conspiracy to stop battery recharging in microwaves by Apple. Lots of people are chatting about if this photo is real on Facebook. Any insights?
Ask LH: How Can I Fix Chrome’s New Tab Page?
Dear Lifehacker, The most recent Google Chrome update changes the New Tab page and I don’t like it. It includes a grid of recently and commonly visited websites — I don’t need this as I, like most other people, have my commonly visited websites on my bookmarks bar, and I don’t want my browsing habits shown off if I open a new tab to show something to someone else. How can I get the old New Tab page back?
Ask LH: Was It Fair For The Police To Fine Me?
Dear Lifehacker, I recently visited the local fish and chip shop to get a snack for my kids, but when I got there the shop was closed. I came in, put on the kettle and sat down, then heard a knock at the door. It was the police.
Ask LH: Are Airsoft Guns Illegal In Australia?
Hey Lifehacker, I was wondering: are airsoft guns illegal in Australia? Nerf guns just don’t shoot far enough and don’t look nearly as cool — something about a bendable foamy cylinder to the arm takes the realism out of a firefight. Since I don’t think there is a ‘proper’ Australian retailer for airsoft guns, is it legal to import them?
Ask LH: How Do I Choose The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones?
Dear Lifehacker, I work in a noisy office, and would love some noise-cancelling headphones. What’s the difference between noise cancelling and noise isolation? How do I choose the best ones for me? Should I just buy a pair of Bose QuietComforts, or are there specific ones you’d recommend?
Ask LH: How Does Bitcoin Work And Is It Safe?
Dear Lifehacker, I have seen Bitcoin as a payment option on some websites recently. Can you please explain exactly what it is? And is it safe to use?
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