A plain-text editor is an essential tool for programmers because it will have lots of built-in functions that make writing clean code easier, but even non-programmers can make good use of these programs when writing because they lack a word processor's capabilities. In Short Circuits: How do you find a misplaced smart phone? Most people just pick up another phone and call it, but what if you don't have another phone handy? There's a way to call your hiding phone without using a phone. Taking recommendations from those who provide computer support, even for large companies such as Microsoft, is something that needs to be done with care. Let's consider a case in which the recommendations made no sense. In Spare Parts (only on the website): The Consumer Electronics Show was held in Las Vegas this week, so we'll take a look at three trends. First, larger and more powerful Chromebooks. • Next, docking stations that compete with the computer manufacturers' docking stations. • And finally, Wi-Fi routers that are becoming more sophisticated as manufacturers build in improved security.