Windows, the common term for Microsoft Windows, is owned and manufactured by Microsoft. It was launched as a graphical OS (operating system) shell on the 20th of November 1985 for MS-DOS. This action was in reaction to the growing attention to GUIs (graphic user interfaces).

As a student, your life can be hectic. Between working at least one job, studying for classes, and trying to have some sort of social life, there are times that you need to find new ways to adapt. With the advances in technology that we see daily, it is paramount that students learn how to use these tools as study aids rather than distractions. Here are five ideas for gadgets that will help you out with your studies.

1. Book Light

This little device only costs about $8-$20 dollars depending on where you purchase it from. Still, it can make reading much better on those nights when you are trying not to disturb anyone sleeping nearby or attempting not to wake up an already sleeping partner. It slips onto the spine of a book and emits a soft light so you can read without hurting your eyes or disturbing others around you.

2. Noise Cancelling Headphones

These headphones can range in price from as low as $30 to as high as $300, but they can be a lifesaver for the student on a budget. Whether you are trying to drown out the sound of people walking in the hallway outside of your room, or you are trying to focus on an assignment, and that pesky roommate won’t stop talking, these headphones will do the trick. They work by canceling out any unwanted noise so that all you hear is what is coming through the headphones.

3. External Hard Drive

This is a great tool for students who have to take a lot of notes in class or who need to save a lot of data for their research. An external hard drive can hold anywhere from 500GB to 8TB of data, making it perfect for storing music, movies, pictures, and of course, files and folders for schoolwork. Prices for these drives start at around $50 and go up from there depending on how much storage space you need.

4. Tablet

A tablet can be a great investment for a student because it serves as both a laptop and a smartphone. They come in different sizes, with the most popular being the 10-inch model, but 7 and 8-inch models are also available. Prices for tablets start at around $50 and go up from there depending on the make and model. This is a great tool for students because it allows them to take notes in class, do research online, and even watch movies or listen to music without carrying around multiple devices.

5. Kitchen Appliances

Ok, so this may not be a gadget per say, but these appliances can be a lifesaver for the student on a tight budget. A blender can be used to make smoothies for breakfast or snacks, a food processor can be used to chop vegetables or make sauces, and a microwave can be used to cook quick meals or heat up leftovers. These appliances can be found for prices between $20 and $50.

These are just a few of the many gadgets that students can use to make their lives easier. Whether you are looking for something to help with your studies or something simply to entertain yourself, there is an option out there for everyone. The key is knowing what you want and researching before spending money on anything. The technology available today makes our lives infinitely easier than they were even ten years ago, so it’s worth taking advantage of these tools that will benefit us both in school and after we graduate.