David Crookes
David Crookes has been writing professionally for close to 30 years and, as well as a great fondness for gaming, space, film, music, history, health and politics, he's largely specialized in technology for much of his career. He particularly focuses on Apple devices, having admired the company's tech since using iMac G3 in 1998. He also developed a fondness for the older Macintosh LC III that he later used in his first job as a newspaper reporter.
Since becoming a freelance writer, he has written for a wide number of publications including the Apple-focussed magazines iCreate and Macworld as well as Micro Mart, Web User, T3, Retro Gamer, MagPi, Computer Shopper, Gadget and 3D Artist. His love of gaming has seen him write for Retro Gamer, GamesTM and Wireframe among others and, despite his love of Apple, he still uses a PC – working for PC Pro and once writing for Total PC Gaming.
One of his joys is helping others to use technology which has led him to writing many “how to” tutorials explaining many ways of getting the most out of various devices. He's become an expert user of the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and Apple TV. He also likes to kick back with a gaming session on an PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X | S while getting his retro fix on an Evercade handheld.
Latest articles by David Crookes
![Apple AirPods Pro 2 head in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eSrm4nqESVfPYkgt48umd4-320-80.jpg)
How to update AirPods firmware
By David Crookes last updated
Learn how to update AirPods firmware to make sure you’re running the latest version
![iPad model and generation](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EoHodFMJMZe9yScxCbdoe6-320-80.jpg)
How to check your iPad model and generation
By David Crookes last updated
Discovering how to check your iPad model and generation lets you work out its age, value and compatibility
![How to see frames per second (FPS) on Xbox Series X|S](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/t4JRZhFdBifwBDfm4AvbRQ-320-80.jpg)
How to see frames per second (FPS) on Xbox Series X|S
By David Crookes published
Discover how well your games are performing when having fun on your Xbox
![How to see frames per second (FPS) on PS5](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tiuGDZDHZEJc4hbjx6F5YG-320-80.jpg)
How to see frames per second (FPS) on PS5
By David Crookes published
Discover how to check frame per second on your PS5 and see how well your games are performing
![Adobe Firefly generated image of making music with AI](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Zuho3pUcsHGDzJkhBhtMZR-320-80.jpg)
How to make music with AI using Suno
By David Crookes published
Anyone can become a rock or pop star in minutes thanks to the AI music platform Suno
![Microsoft Copilot on iOS](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YbP7gdr7nR4t2fkPXYvRmG-320-80.jpg)
How to use Microsoft Copilot on your iPhone — everything you need to know
By David Crookes published
Search the web using natural language and accomplish tasks with ease
![How to get a refund for iTunes or App Store purchases](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kZYj4ggAFVazrBwtKAtgym-320-80.jpg)
How to get a refund for iTunes or App Store purchases
By David Crookes published
Learn how to get a refund for iTunes or App Store purchases if you’ve bought an item in error
![Apple Podcast transcription](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mNDL5qLo5fBW4GcSUzrcVQ-320-80.png)
Apple Podcasts lets you read podcast transcripts in iOS 17.4 — how it works
By David Crookes published
You can now read episode transcripts in Apple Podcasts and even search through the text
![iPhone 15 Pro Max shown in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HpQRk3BGaJ7VCsCkAkEUw8-320-80.jpg)
How to find your number on iPhone
By David Crookes published
Learn how to find your number on iPhone when you simply can’t remember it.
![Apple Watch Series 9](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KuvqyTGQzXcjsvB4mkLEXK-320-80.jpg)
Your Apple Watch has an awesome Walkie-Talkie mode — how to find and use it
By David Crookes published
Learning how to use your Apple Watch Walkie-Talkie mode makes holding conversations easy and fun.
![NYT Connections](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZkWzxALkutg5oaN7JQaWdX-320-80.png)
How to play NYT Connections
By David Crookes published
Connections is the latest game from the New York Times to take the world by storm. So learn how to play NYT Connections and see how you get on
![Xbox Series S and Series X](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oj5BEgv9N4jQQLLwCQn3Jg-320-80.jpg)
How to use AirPods with Xbox Series S|X or Xbox One
By David Crookes published
Discover how to use AirPods with Xbox Series S|X or Xbox One and make the most of Apple’s earbuds
![A child using an iPad mini](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5hxwi8sRexYQB48QoJDuAa-320-80.jpg)
How to set up parental controls on an iPad — everything you need to know
By David Crookes published
Discovering how to set up parental controls on an iPad will give you greater peace of mind
![Teenage girl using iPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UJA4jrqT2X58FVHANmeHXS-320-80.jpeg)
How to set up parental controls on an iPhone — 7 tips you need to know
By David Crookes published
Learn how to set up parental controls on an iPhone and help to keep children safer when using the device
![11 tips for setting up your new Apple Watch](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BBayg9CVqSsPA7EeDBhfVH-320-80.jpg)
11 tips for setting up your new Apple Watch
By David Crookes published
It’s time to look at 11 tips for setting up your new Apple Watch
![Apple iPhone 15 review.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/44pwRYdeb7hBWbT8tWn4bW-320-80.jpg)
New iPhone 15 or 15 Plus? 11 features to try first
By David Crookes published
These 11 tips for setting up/using your new iPhone 15 or 15 Plus will help you appreciate the power of your device
![2023 MacBook Air 15-inch M2 shown open on a surface](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UKegddh4uXyfsMVHtbb3nU-320-80.jpg)
Just got a new Mac? Here are the 11 features to try first
By David Crookes published
If you’re looking to get the most from your computer then check out these 11 tips for setting up your new Mac
![iPhone 15 Pro Max shown in hand](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HpQRk3BGaJ7VCsCkAkEUw8-320-80.jpg)
New iPhone 15 Pro? The 11 features you should try first
By David Crookes published
These 11 tips for setting up/using your new iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will ensure you’re using your device to its fullest.
![iPad 2022 display](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f2h6uS8bZrZzLWjNZzFE5B-320-80.jpg)
New iPad? 11 features you need to try first
By David Crookes published
These 11 tips for setting up your new iPad will ensure you get the most out of your Apple tablet
![An image of an external hard drive with a brushed metal finish, plugged into a MacBook with a black USB cable](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6QvmJ7mxgvoxXnfAV3iZqV-320-80.jpg)
How to format an external hard drive on macOS
By David Crookes published
Enjoy the benefits of extra space by discovering how to format an external hard drive on macOS
![Tom's Guide Awards 2023: Apple TV 4K](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Y5gYUZbmaFVd9G7rFFCzGW-320-80.jpg)
You can now set up a VPN on your Apple TV and view region-locked content — here's how
By David Crookes last updated
Unlock a host of content by learning how to set up a VPN on your Apple TV
![How to zoom out on Mac](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/TuBDexrUnuYdbrbkhM4ofX-320-80.jpg)
How to zoom out on Mac
By David Crookes published
Learn how to zoom out on Mac and make it easier to see what you’re doing
![How to create Apple Music collaborative playlists](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Zwm7AfirtNaKJDuPjFLEJD-320-80.jpg)
Apple Music finally gets collaborative playlists — here's how they work
By David Crookes published
Learning how to create Apple Music collaborative playlists lets you share your love of top tunes