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Your mouse polling rate plays a significant role in determining how responsive your cursor feels. Whether you’re a gamer, graphic designer, or general user, adjusting your mouse polling rate can optimize performance and provide a smoother experience.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about adjusting the mouse polling rate on Windows and macOS to enhance precision and responsiveness.

What is the Mouse Polling Rate?

The mouse polling rate refers to the frequency at which your mouse reports its position to your computer. It is measured in Hertz (Hz), and a higher polling rate means the mouse sends more updates per second, resulting in lower input lag and smoother cursor movement.

Common Mouse Polling Rates:

  • 125 Hz – Reports position every 8 milliseconds
  • 250 Hz – Reports position every 4 milliseconds
  • 500 Hz – Reports position every 2 milliseconds
  • 1000 Hz – Reports position every 1 millisecond

For competitive gaming or precise tasks, a higher polling rate (500Hz–1000Hz) is recommended. However, a lower polling rate can help conserve battery life on wireless mice.


How to Check Your Mouse Polling Rate

Before adjusting your mouse polling rate, you may want to check its current value.

Method 1: Online Polling Rate Test (PC & Mac)

  1. Visit an online mouse polling rate tester such as https://zowie.benq.com/en/support/mouse-rate-checker.html.
  2. Move your mouse around the screen.
  3. The website will display your mouse’s polling rate in real time.

Method 2: Using Software (Windows Only)

Some gaming mice, like Logitech, Razer, and Corsair, come with their software that shows the polling rate. Open the software and navigate to the mouse settings section.


How to Adjust Mouse Polling Rate on Windows (PC)

If you are using a gaming mouse, adjusting the polling rate is usually done through the manufacturer’s software or physical DPI buttons.

Method 1: Using Mouse Software

Most gaming mice come with dedicated software that allows you to change the polling rate. Here’s how:

For Logitech G Mice (G HUB Software)

  1. Download & Install Logitech G HUB from the official website.
  2. Open the software and select your Logitech mouse.
  3. Navigate to DPI & Polling Rate Settings.
  4. Choose a polling rate: 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, or 1000 Hz.
  5. Click Apply and restart the software if necessary.

For Razer Mice (Razer Synapse Software)

  1. Install Razer Synapse from the official website.
  2. Open the software and select your Razer mouse.
  3. Go to the Performance tab.
  4. Select the desired polling rate (125Hz–1000Hz).
  5. Save and close the software.

For Corsair Mice (iCUE Software)

  1. Download the Corsair iCUE software.
  2. Open the software and locate your mouse.
  3. Navigate to Device Settings.
  4. Adjust the Polling Rate.
  5. Apply the changes.

Method 2: Changing the Polling Rate Using Mouse Buttons

Many gaming mice come with a dedicated polling rate button (usually underneath the mouse). To change the polling rate:

  1. Disconnect the mouse from your PC.
  2. Hold down the polling rate button.
  3. Plug the mouse back in while holding the button.
  4. Release the button when the LED indicator changes or blinks (varies by brand).

Here’s a reference for common mouse brands:

  • Logitech: Hold the DPI button while reconnecting.
  • Razer: Use Razer Synapse software.
  • Zowie: Hold button combinations (Check the manual for details).

Method 3: Using Windows Registry (Advanced Users)

If your mouse doesn’t have dedicated software, you can tweak the polling rate in the Windows registry (risky if done incorrectly).

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\HidUsb\Parameters
    
  3. Locate PollingRate (if it doesn’t exist, create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named PollingRate).
  4. Set the value to:
    • 8 for 125Hz
    • 4 for 250Hz
    • 2 for 500Hz
    • 1 for 1000Hz
  5. Click OK and restart your PC.

How to Adjust the Mouse Polling Rate on a Mac

Unlike Windows, macOS does not offer built-in options to modify the polling rate. However, you can still adjust it using third-party tools.

Method 1: Using USB Overdrive

USB Overdrive is a macOS tool that allows you to adjust polling rates for USB mice.

Steps to Adjust Polling Rate on Mac:

  1. Download USB Overdrive from https://www.usboverdrive.com/.
  2. Install and launch the app.
  3. Select your mouse device.
  4. Look for the Polling Rate option (if supported by your mouse).
  5. Adjust it to 250Hz, 500Hz, or 1000Hz.
  6. Apply the changes and restart your Mac.

Method 2: Using SteerMouse

SteerMouse is another great tool for tweaking mouse settings on macOS.

  1. Download and install SteerMouse from https://plentycom.jp/en/steermouse/.
  2. Open the software and select your mouse.
  3. Adjust the polling rate in the settings.
  4. Apply the changes and test your new settings.

Best Polling Rate for Gaming & Productivity

For FPS & Competitive Gaming:

  • Recommended: 1000Hz for fastest response times.
  • Alternative: 500Hz if experiencing unstable performance.

For Casual Gaming & General Use:

  • Recommended: 500Hz for a balance of speed and stability.
  • Alternative: 250 Hz for power efficiency (especially for wireless mice).

For Graphic Design & Office Work:

  • Recommended: 250Hz–500Hz for smoother cursor movement without excessive CPU usage.

FAQs

1. Does a Higher Polling Rate Make a Difference?

Yes, a higher polling rate reduces input lag and makes mouse movements more responsive, especially in fast-paced games.

2. Can I Change the Polling Rate on a Regular Office Mouse?

Most non-gaming mice do not support polling rate adjustments. You may need a gaming mouse with built-in software or hardware toggles.

3. Will a Higher Polling Rate Use More CPU?

Yes, a 1000Hz polling rate requires more CPU resources than 125Hz, but the difference is negligible on modern systems.

4. Why Is My Mouse Lagging After Changing Polling Rate?

Some USB ports may not support high polling rates. Try using a different USB port or reverting to a lower polling rate.


Conclusion

Adjusting your mouse polling rate can greatly improve performance for gaming, designing, and general use. Whether you’re on Windows or Mac, using the right tools and settings can help you get the best experience from your mouse.

Try out these methods and let us know which one worked best for you! 🚀

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Hardware & Gadgets How-To

How to Download Movies and Transfer Them to a USB Flash Drive

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Downloading movies and transferring them to a USB flash drive is a great way to watch films offline, share them with friends, or store them for later viewing. Whether you’re using a Windows PC or a Mac, this guide will walk you through the process simply and understandably.

Why Download Movies to a USB Flash Drive?

There are several reasons why you might want to download movies and store them on a USB drive:

  • Portability – Take your favorite movies anywhere.
  • Offline Viewing – Watch without an internet connection.
  • Storage Management – Free up space on your computer or phone.
  • Easy Sharing – Give a movie to a friend or family member.
  • Compatibility – Play movies on smart TVs, gaming consoles, or car entertainment systems.

Step 1: Choose a Source to Download Movies

Before transferring a movie to a USB drive, you first need to download it from a legal source. Here are some options:

1. Streaming Services with Offline Downloading

Some streaming platforms allow you to legally download movies:

  • Netflix (requires a subscription and official app)
  • Amazon Prime Video
  • Disney+
  • Hulu (with downloads enabled)

How to Download from Streaming Services:

  1. Open the streaming app.
  2. Find the movie you want to download.
  3. Look for the download icon (usually a downward arrow).
  4. Click it to download the movie for offline viewing.

🔹 Note: Some services store downloaded movies within the app and do not allow direct file transfers.

2. Purchase or Rent Digital Movies

You can buy or rent movies from these platforms:

  • Google Play Movies
  • Apple iTunes
  • Microsoft Movies & TV

Once purchased, you can download the movie file to your computer and transfer it to a USB.

3. Free & Legal Movie Websites

Some websites offer free, public-domain movies that are legal to download:

  • Internet Archive (archive.org)
  • Public Domain Torrents
  • Crackle (with ads)

💡 Tip: Avoid illegal movie download sites, as they may contain viruses and copyrighted content.


Step 2: Download the Movie to Your Computer

Once you have chosen a source, follow these general steps:

For Direct Downloads (Google Play, iTunes, etc.):

  1. Purchase or rent the movie.
  2. Click the download button.
  3. Choose a location on your computer (e.g., Desktop or Downloads folder).
  4. Wait for the download to complete.

For Public Domain Movies:

  1. Visit the website.
  2. Click the download link next to the movie title.
  3. Select a video format (MP4 is recommended for compatibility).
  4. Choose a safe location on your computer.
  5. Click Save and wait for the download to finish.

For YouTube or Other Free Video Platforms (Using Legal Methods):

  1. Use YouTube Premium to download legally.
  2. Open the YouTube app and find the movie.
  3. Tap Download and select your video quality.
  4. The video will be saved in the app for offline viewing (but not as a separate file).

🔹 Important: Be cautious of third-party downloaders as many violate terms of service.


Step 3: Insert and Format the USB Flash Drive (If Needed)

Before transferring the movie, make sure your USB flash drive is properly formatted.

How to Format the USB Drive (Windows)

  1. Insert the USB flash drive into a USB port.
  2. Open File Explorer (Win + E).
  3. Right-click on the USB drive and select Format.
  4. Choose a File System:
    • NTFS (for Windows only, supports large files)
    • exFAT (best for Windows & Mac compatibility)
  5. Click Start and wait for the formatting process to finish.

How to Format the USB Drive (Mac)

  1. Insert the USB drive into a Mac.
  2. Open Disk Utility (Finder > Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility).
  3. Select your USB drive from the left panel.
  4. Click Erase and choose exFAT (for compatibility) or Mac OS Extended.
  5. Click Erase and wait for formatting to complete.

🔹 Note: Formatting erases all data on the USB, so back up important files first.


Step 4: Transfer the Downloaded Movie to the USB Flash Drive

On Windows:

  1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).
  2. Navigate to the folder where the movie is saved.
  3. Right-click on the movie file and select Copy.
  4. Open the USB drive folder in File Explorer.
  5. Right-click and select Paste.
  6. Wait for the file to transfer.

On Mac:

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Locate the downloaded movie file.
  3. Drag and drop the file into the USB drive folder.
  4. Wait for the transfer to complete.

Step 5: Safely Eject the USB Drive

After transferring the movie, safely eject the USB to prevent file corruption.

On Windows:

  1. Click the USB icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner).
  2. Select Eject [USB Drive Name].
  3. Wait for the “Safe to Remove Hardware” message.
  4. Unplug the USB drive.

On Mac:

  1. Right-click the USB drive icon on the desktop.
  2. Click Eject.
  3. Wait for the drive to disappear from Finder.
  4. Unplug the USB drive.

How to Play the Movie from the USB Drive

Once the movie is on the USB, you can watch it on different devices:

  • On another PC or laptop – Insert the USB and double-click the movie file.
  • On a Smart TV – Plug the USB into the TV and access the media menu.
  • On a Gaming Console – Some consoles (PlayStation, Xbox) support USB video playback.
  • On a Car Entertainment System – Some car systems support USB video files (check compatibility).

Final Tips for Downloading and Transferring Movies to USB

✔️ Check File Format – MP4 is the most widely supported format.

✔️ Use a Fast USB Drive – USB 3.0 or higher for quicker transfers.

✔️ Keep Files Organized – Create folders by movie title.

✔️ Make Sure There’s Enough Space. Movies can be 1-5GB in size.

✔️ Avoid Illegal Downloads – Use legal sources to prevent piracy issues.


Conclusion

Downloading movies and transferring them to a USB flash drive is easy and convenient. Whether you want to watch offline, share with friends, or save storage space, following these steps will ensure a smooth experience.

Now, grab some popcorn and enjoy your movies anytime, anywhere! 🍿🎬

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Hardware & Gadgets How-To

How to Control Your iPhone from Your Mac or PC: A Complete Guide

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Controlling your iPhone from your Mac or PC can be incredibly useful, whether you want to manage notifications, send messages, mirror your screen, or troubleshoot your device remotely. Fortunately, Apple and third-party developers offer several tools to make this process seamless.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods to control your iPhone from your Mac or PC, including built-in Apple features and third-party software.

Why Control Your iPhone from a Computer?

There are many reasons why you may want to control your iPhone from your Mac or PC, including:

  • Remote Access: Manage your iPhone even when it’s not physically with you.
  • Screen Mirroring: View your iPhone screen on a larger display for presentations or troubleshooting.
  • File Transfers: Easily move files between devices without needing cables.
  • Keyboard & Mouse Control: Type and navigate your iPhone more efficiently.
  • Notifications & Calls: Manage messages and calls from your computer.

How to Control Your iPhone from a Mac

Apple provides native tools for connecting your iPhone to a Mac and controlling it remotely. Here’s how:

1. Use QuickTime for Screen Mirroring

QuickTime Player, a built-in macOS app, allows you to mirror your iPhone screen to your Mac.

Steps to Mirror iPhone to Mac Using QuickTime:

  1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a Lightning to USB cable.
  2. Open QuickTime Player on your Mac.
  3. Click File > New Movie Recording.
  4. Click the arrow next to the Record button, then select your iPhone as the camera source.
  5. Your iPhone screen will now be displayed on your Mac.

📝 Note: QuickTime does not allow full control of your iPhone, only screen mirroring.

2. Use Universal Control (for macOS Monterey & Later)

Apple introduced Universal Control in macOS Monterey, allowing users to control multiple Apple devices with one keyboard and mouse.

How to Enable Universal Control:

  1. Make sure your Mac and iPhone are using the same Apple ID and are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Displays.
  3. Click Universal Control and enable all options.
  4. Move your Mac’s cursor toward your iPhone’s screen to start controlling it.

📝 Note: Universal Control works best between a Mac and an iPad, but you can still use features like copy-paste between a Mac and an iPhone.

3. Use Sidecar for iPad (Indirect iPhone Control)

If you have an iPad, you can use Sidecar to extend your Mac’s screen and indirectly control your iPhone by mirroring it to your iPad.

Steps to Use Sidecar:

  1. Ensure your Mac and iPad are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Displays.
  3. Click Add Display, then select your iPad.
  4. Now, you can control your Mac on your iPad and indirectly control your iPhone using Mac apps.

How to Control Your iPhone from a PC

Unlike macOS, Windows does not have built-in support for controlling an iPhone. However, you can use third-party apps to achieve this.

1. Use ApowerMirror for Full Control

ApowerMirror is a popular app that allows you to mirror and control your iPhone from a Windows PC.

Steps to Use ApowerMirror:

  1. Download and install ApowerMirror on both your PC and iPhone.
  2. Connect your devices to the same Wi-Fi network.
  3. Open ApowerMirror on your iPhone and PC.
  4. Tap Screen Mirroring on your iPhone and select your PC name.
  5. Your iPhone screen will be mirrored to your PC, and you can control it with a mouse.

2. Use AirDroid for Remote Access

AirDroid is another great tool for remotely accessing your iPhone.

Steps to Use AirDroid:

  1. Install AirDroid on both your iPhone and PC.
  2. Sign in with the same account on both devices.
  3. Open AirDroid Web on your PC.
  4. Select your iPhone from the list.
  5. You can now transfer files, manage notifications, and control some aspects of your iPhone.

3. Use TeamViewer for Remote Support

TeamViewer allows you to remotely assist or troubleshoot an iPhone from a PC.

Steps to Use TeamViewer:

  1. Install TeamViewer QuickSupport on your iPhone.
  2. Install TeamViewer on your PC.
  3. Open the app on your iPhone and provide the ID displayed.
  4. Enter the ID on your PC and request a remote session.
  5. Once approved, you can control certain functions on the iPhone.

📝 Note: iPhones do not allow full remote control via TeamViewer, but you can still view the screen and provide guidance.


Additional Tips for a Smooth Experience

To ensure seamless control of your iPhone from your Mac or PC, follow these tips:

Keep Software Updated – Ensure your iPhone, Mac, or PC is running the latest software.

Use a Stable Internet Connection – A strong Wi-Fi connection improves performance.

Enable Bluetooth & Handoff – For Apple devices, enabling Handoff allows better device continuity.

Use a Wired Connection – USB connections reduce lag compared to wireless solutions.

Check for App Permissions – Some apps require screen recording or accessibility permissions.


FAQs

1. Can I fully control my iPhone from my computer?

Apple does not allow full remote control of an iPhone, but you can mirror the screen and perform certain functions using third-party apps like ApowerMirror or TeamViewer.

2. Can I control my iPhone with my keyboard and mouse?

Yes, Universal Control (Mac) and third-party apps like ApowerMirror (Windows) allow you to interact with your iPhone using a keyboard and mouse.

3. Is it safe to use third-party apps?

Yes, but to avoid security risks, only download apps from official sources like the App Store or developer websites.

4. Do I need to jailbreak my iPhone to control it remotely?

No, all methods mentioned in this guide work without jailbreaking your device.

5. Can I answer calls and messages from my computer?

Yes, if you are using a Mac, you can use Handoff and Continuity to answer calls and reply to messages directly from your computer.


Conclusion

Controlling your iPhone from your Mac or PC is possible through built-in Apple features or third-party software. Whether you need screen mirroring, file transfers, or remote support, there’s a solution available for both Mac and Windows users.

Try out the methods in this guide to find the best one for your needs and enjoy seamless connectivity between your devices!

If you found this guide helpful, share it with others who might need it! 🚀

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Hardware & Gadgets How-To

How to recharge airtime on your Airtel Sim Card

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How to recharge airtime on airtel

Here is the solution for recharging airtime on your Airtel sim card.

However, you know Airtel airtime is now essential for staying connected with friends, relatives, and loved ones to enjoy various network services like voice calls, mobile data, and SMS.

So, this guide will show you easy methods to top up your Airtel airtime.

Method 1: Top-up with USSD and Paper Recharge Card

First of all, visit the nearest Airtel retailer and purchase a recharge card of your desired amount.

You can choose a recharge card from N100 and above.

After purchasing the card, enter the Airtel recharge code on your phone, followed by the 16-digit number found on the card.

The format to use is *311*, the 16-digit number #, and then simply press the call button to complete the process.

Your account will be automatically updated with the purchased amount.

To view your account balance, simply dial *310#.

Method 2: Recharge online from bank or fintech apps

Open your banking app on your device and sign in using your credentials.

Go to the Airtime Recharge section, choose Airtel as your network provider, and enter your Airtel number.

Depending on your app’s layout, you may need to specify the recharge amount either before or after selecting the network.

Once you confirm the transaction, your bank will process the top-up for your Airtel line directly from your account.

Method 3: Recharge with VTU

To recharge Airtel airtime through VTU (Virtual Top Up), simply follow these instructions: Dial 432AIRTELNUMBER*AMOUNT# to quickly transfer airtime between Airtel numbers.

For instance, to send 100 Naira to the number 080X XXX XXXX, you would enter *432080XXXXXXXX100# and hit send.

After sending, wait for a confirmation message indicating that your airtime transfer was successful.

The recipient will then receive a notification confirming the airtime they have received.

Method 4: Top-up from your bank account with *444#

Airtel offers a convenient USSD code for quick recharges directly from your bank account, provided your Airtel number is connected to it.

To recharge, simply dial *444# on your phone. Next, choose the service or product you wish to purchase. Then, select your payment method, either via your bank or debit card.

Input the desired amount and follow the on-screen instructions to finalize the transaction. Remember, this option is available only if your Airtel line is linked to your bank account.

To recharge your Airtel line, head over to the official Airtel website at https://www.airtel.com.ng/prepaid-recharge.

Enter your Airtel number and the desired recharge amount in the provided fields.

Then, simply click the “Buy Airtime” button, choose your payment method, and enter your ATM card details to complete the transaction.

Recharging from an ATM

To recharge your account, head to the closest ATM and insert your ATM card. Choose the “Recharge” option and pick “Airtel” as your network provider.

Input your phone number along with the desired amount, then follow the on-screen instructions to finish the transaction.

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