Author: By J. D. BIERSDORFER

Those lightweight laptops running Google’s Chrome OS operating system can work with certain types of printer models.

Tagging photos with keywords allows you to quickly search for specific images based on what is shown in them.

If you want to browse international sites but cannot understand the text, a number of software interpreters will translate for you.

If you need to electronically sign PDF files, annotation tools built into popular programs let you scrawl your name right on the screen.

If your lightweight laptop comes with only one standard port for plugging in devices, adding a dock or hub allows you to reconnect with your hardware.

Many streaming video providers offer movies and television shows with embedded text descriptions for those who cannot hear the words being spoken.

While it does not back up personal data, Microsoft’s System Restore feature saves a snapshot of your Windows settings for emergencies.

If you have a device running the Chrome OS but prefer Microsoft Office to Google Docs, you don’t have to change your ways much.

You can keep an eye on what people are talking about on Twitter even if you prefer to skip the apps and stick to a flip phone or a web browser.

Apple’s Mail program can send and receive messages from multiple accounts, but you can set a preferred address for sending new messages.