Blogroll

One AirPod not charging? Try this simple fix

How-To Geek - 58 min 34 sec ago

One of the best features of AirPods is that they charge continuously when placed in their case, as long as the case itself has power. You put the AirPods in the case and forget about them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 underrated open-source dev tools that will supercharge your workflow

How-To Geek - 1 hour 28 min ago

Software development is usually dominated by a handful of commercial tools and the big, established open-source giants. These mainstream options are powerful, sure, but they often completely overshadow a ton of incredibly potent, lesser-known open-source tools that could seriously improve how you work.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why the XLS format needs to disappear from your hard drive forever

How-To Geek - 1 hour 28 min ago

If you're still saving Excel spreadsheets with a three-letter .xls extension, you're lugging around a digital anchor from the era of dial-up. Beyond being a 1990s relic, these legacy files are slow, prone to corruption, and—most dangerously—a preferred backdoor for modern malware. It's time to move to XLSX and never look back.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How I found the perfect Linux OS and stopped distro hopping

How-To Geek - 1 hour 58 min ago

For almost a year, I was jumping from one Linux distro to the next without ever settling on one for more than a week. Here’s how I stopped and found the right distro for me.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Are Ryobi HP (High Performance) tools worth the extra $30?

How-To Geek - 1 hour 58 min ago

Ryobi is one of the most popular tool brands around, particularly with DIYers and homeowners, and for good reason. The brand offers over 300 tools and accessories at affordable prices. The lineup constantly improves, and if you're debating a Ryobi ONE+ tool vs One+ HP, here's what you need to know and why the "HP" model is more expensive.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How I turned my parents’ Android phone into a simple, emergency-ready device

How-To Geek - 2 hours 13 min ago

Does the thought of your parents facing an emergency when you’re not around keep you up at night? Are you worried they won’t be able to use their smartphone when they actually need it? These simple Android tweaks transformed how I care for my aging parents from afar.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This is the best way to install apps on Linux that you aren't using

How-To Geek - 2 hours 28 min ago

As great as Linux can be if you're concerned about security, privacy, and customizability, there are a few things that could be improved. One of the best quality-of-life changes I've made has been switching to Flatpak to install most of my apps.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The "hidden" Microsoft Excel feature I wish I’d started using years ago

How-To Geek - 2 hours 28 min ago

I've used Microsoft Excel since I was a kid because that's when they started teaching Microsoft Office in school to elementary students. I've been aware of the changes, but one that got away from me is arguably one of the best features Excel ever had.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How long can an HDMI cable be?

How-To Geek - 2 hours 43 min ago

HDMI cables are a fact of life, and usually you don't need them to be particularly long. Connecting a console or Blu-ray player to a TV that's right next to it usually means having too much cable rather than too little. However, there are plenty of reasons you'd want a longer cable.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I canceled Gemini for Claude and I'm never going back

How-To Geek - 2 hours 58 min ago

Over the last year, I’ve gone from “AI is useless” to “AI is my employee I couldn’t run my business without.” I started out on ChatGPT, and eventually went to Gemini—but Claude is where I feel the most at home.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Last chance to grab the Fire TV Stick 4K Max for under $40 at Amazon

Mashable - 3 hours 12 min ago

SAVE $20: As of Feb. 19, Amazon has dropped the Fire TV Stick 4K Max down to $39.99. This deal saves you $20 off its list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20   Get Deal

Amazon’s Presidents’ Day sale was filled with great deals, including Amazon's own streaming devices such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. However, this deal isn’t going to last much longer, according to the countdown timer on the store page. So if you’ve been hoping for a 4K streaming upgrade, this is your last chance to save on this high-quality streaming device.

Through the rest of today, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is on sale for $39.99. This is a $20 discount off its usual list price of $59.99. If you've been hoping to enjoy the latest and greatest shows and films on streaming services in crisp 4K quality, this is your chance to upgrade your streaming setup for less.

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No matter what shows or films have your attention right now, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max will make sure you catch every detail thanks to its support for 4K Ultra HD picture quality, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+. Support for WiFi 6E helps provide smooth streaming quality as well, and it even supports Dolby Atmos audio to really help you feel immersed in what you're watching.

On top of that, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max also has 16GB of storage and the Fire TV Ambient Experience. The latter works a bit like Frame TVs by allowing you to show off art or photos when you're not watching something.

Again, this deal only lasts through the rest of today. Act fast to save on the Fire TV Stick 4K Max at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This 27-inch QD-OLED Samsung gaming monitor is at its lowest-ever price on Amazon — save $200

Mashable - 3 hours 15 min ago

TL;DR: The Samsung 27-inch Odyssey QD-OLED G5 gaming monitor is now down to just $349.99 at Amazon. That’s a massive $200 discount off its regular $549.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 27-inch Odyssey QD-OLED G5 Gaming Monitor (G50SF) $349.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $200 Get Deal

You don’t often see OLED gaming monitors drop into midrange pricing territory, which makes this latest Samsung deal especially tempting. As of Feb. 19, the 27-inch Odyssey OLED G5 (the G50SF model) has fallen to $349.99 at Amazon; that is its lowest price to date, as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

Unlike traditional IPS or VA panels, this model uses QD-OLED technology to deliver deeper blacks and punchier colors (even more so than traditional OLED), helping games look more cinematic without sacrificing speed. The QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution keeps visuals sharp at a comfortable 27-inch size, while Pantone validation and HDR10 aim to bring accurate tones and brighter highlights across everything from competitive shooters to open-world adventures. 

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When it comes to PC gaming, the 180Hz refresh rate and an ultra-fast 0.03ms response time target motion to feel incredibly smooth — altogether becoming more immersive and gripping simultaneously. That’s whether you’re tracking targets in Arc Raiders or navigating fast-paced racing games, like the upcoming Forza Horizon 6. G-Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync support are also onboard to help reduce tearing and stutter, while glare-free coating helps keep reflections at bay during longer sessions.

In the event you’re willing to spend more on an even larger QD-OLED display, the 49-inch ultrawide Samsung Odyssey gaming monitor is still on sale at Amazon. As for those from different brands, the 34-inch curved Alienware QD-OLED gaming monitor (AW3423DWF) is also $200 off.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get 3 packs of Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Boosters for a new low price — save $7 at Amazon

Mashable - 3 hours 16 min ago

TL;DR: A three-pack bundle of Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Boosters is down to $24.99 at Amazon, shaving $7 off its usual $31.99 price and saving you $1.70 per pack.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster 3-Pack Lot $24.97 at Amazon
$31.99 Save $7.02 Get Deal

If you’ve been eyeing the Magic: The Gathering’s Final Fantasy crossover set but didn’t want to commit to the larger bundle, this smaller three-pack deal is one of the cheapest ways to jump in right now. As of Feb. 19, MTG’s Final Fantasy three-pack Play Booster lot has dropped on Amazon to $24.97 — a $7.02 cut off its original $31.99 price and a noticeable discount compared to buying the packs individually.

If you’ve never brought any packs for yourself, this expansion blends characters, summons, and story beats from across the long-running Final Fantasy RPG gaming franchise into Magic’s card mechanics, making it a popular pick among both longtime MTG players and collectors who love chasing crossover cards. Play Boosters are built with Limited play in mind, but they’re just as appealing if you’re opening packs purely for the thrill of a big pull.

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Each booster contains 14 cards, typically including a mix of commons, uncommons, and at least one rare or mythic rare, plus a guaranteed Traditional Foil. That balance makes smaller bundles like this a low-risk way to explore the set without diving into a full booster box.

You can still score the six-pack lot of Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Boosters for only $48.69. As for other expansions, preorders on MTG’s new Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box are now selling for only $189.99 at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Chick-fil-A is giving away free chicken biscuits — here’s how to claim yours

Mashable - 3 hours 36 min ago

We feel like it's our civic duty to keep abreast of all the free food and drink giveaways from top retailers. Everyone likes getting something for nothing, but not everyone is aware of just how often these free giveaways go live.

We literally just made some noise about the fact that Dunkin' is giving away limited-edition iced coffee gloves on Feb. 20, but before we could sit down, another giveaway has dropped. So we'll do what we must for the greater good. You can thank us later.

SEE ALSO: How to get the free Lego set for late February: Spend $100 to get the absurdly cute Duck Family

From Feb. 17-28, you can get a free Chick-fil-A chicken biscuit (no purchase necessary). To qualify, simply download the Chick-fil-A app and redeem your free chicken biscuit during breakfast hours while supplies last. The reward will automatically appear under your “Rewards” tab of your app. It's that straightforward. There really is no catch.

The giveaway is included in Chick-fil-A's celebration of the brand's "80-year heritage of quality, service and care," per a press release. Chick-fil-A is also planning to launch retro-inspired packaging plus newly-released Frosted Sodas and Floats and Classic Cups.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Don’t buy a cheap second-hand 3D printer until you’ve read this

How-To Geek - 3 hours 58 min ago

It’s never been easier to get into 3D printing, and the cheapest way in is to buy a second-hand model. There’s no shortage of these on the second-hand market, but what might seem like a bargain could cost you in time, parts, and effort down the line.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Dunkin is giving away limited-edition iced coffee gloves — heres how to get yours for free

Mashable - 4 hours 4 min ago

It feels like only yesterday that Dunkin' announced it would be giving away free iced coffees to customers in the wake of its Super Bowl ad, but the free giveaways just keep coming. We're not complaining. We're greedy for any sort of giveaway, even if we're only getting one half of a set of gloves.

From 10 a.m. on Feb. 20, guests nationwide can score a limited-edition Dunkin’ iced coffee glove with the purchase of any iced beverage. This offer is only available while supplies last at participating Dunkin’ locations, and yes, we are talking about a single glove here. In the words of Dunkin', it's to "keep that sipping hand warm."

SEE ALSO: How to get the free Lego set for late February: Spend $100 to get the absurdly cute Duck Family

Dunkin’ is celebrating the guests who opt for iced coffee no matter the weather. This glove is a badge of honor for those who simply do not care how cold it gets — they're ordering an Original Blend Iced Coffee, Cold Brew, or Iced Dunkalatte all year round.

Does that sound like you? Wrap up warm and order your favorite iced drink to get your hand on this limited-edition Dunkin’ iced coffee glove.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score $50 off Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones at Amazon — buy now for under $100

Mashable - 4 hours 26 min ago

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 19, the Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones have dropped to $99.99 at Amazon. This 33% discount saves you $50 on their list price of $149.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00   Get Deal

Do you want new headphones, but don't want to spend a ton of cash on an expensive pair? The Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones are a pair we consider to be the most well-rounded budget headphones. And they're even on sale right now at Amazon for under $100.

The Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 headphones are down to $99.99. This is a $50 discount off their usual price of $149.99, and it applies to all of the available colors as well. Choose between the white, black, or blue headphones at this price.

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From great sound quality to a solid noise cancelling system and a hefty battery life that can last up to 50 hours in noise cancelling mode, the Space Q45 headphoned are a great investment for long travel periods, a commute, or just hanging out at home. Our roundup of the best budget headphones — where they earned the spot of "most well-rounded budget headphones" — said of their sound quality that "Bass dominates the soundstage in a positive way. Headbangers will salivate over the Space Q45’s boomy and energetic low-end presence."

As for their noise cancellation, the roundup also notes that "Enabling noise cancellation slightly increases bass without compromising other frequencies, and the technology is capable of blocking out 80 percent of external sounds. Ambient listening mode is just as rewarding for keeping tabs on your surroundings."

Keep in mind that the Space Q45 headphones are currently listed as a limited-time deal. So if you're interested in picking them up, act fast to get them for under $100.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I've written HTML for years, and I use these 3 tools on every project

How-To Geek - 4 hours 28 min ago

I’ve been writing HTML since the late ‘90s, and while the web has evolved in a hundred different ways, the core of it really hasn’t. You still open a file, structure your markup, style it with CSS, and refine it until it looks and behaves the way you want. The fundamentals are the same. The tags are more semantic, the layouts are more flexible, and the standards are tighter, but at its heart, HTML is still crafted line by line.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 27-inch Alienware 360Hz gaming monitor has hit a record-low price at Amazon — save $150

Mashable - 4 hours 29 min ago

SAVE $150: The 27-inch Alienware 360Hz gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $499.99, down from the list price of $649.99. That's a 23% discount and the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Alienware 27-inch Alienware 360Hz Gaming Monitor $499.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $150   Get Deal

Welcome to the lingering part of winter. The initial refreshing feel of cold weather and the excuse to stay inside is wearing off, and now we're ready for warmer temps and spring flowers. Unfortunately, that could still be a few weeks away. Instead of sinking into boredom, upgrade your gaming setup and make the last few weeks of winter an epic gaming experience. There's a great deal in store today at Amazon on a gaming monitor with impressive specs.

As of Feb. 19, the 27-inch Alienware 360Hz gaming monitor is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $649.99. That ends up being a savings of $150 thanks to the 23% discount. It's also the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

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When it comes to finding the right gaming monitor, size matters. If you don't have a massive desk or your desk is short on space, it's unlikely you have room for a giant curved monitor. Instead, focus on a model that's a moderate size but comes with impressive specs, like the 27-inch Alienware monitor that has a blazing 360Hz refresh rate.

If you gravitate toward games that require speedy movements and response time, the Alienware comes with specs to match your pace. In addition to the impressive refresh rate, there's the 0.03 GtG response time and the QHD resolution of 2560x1440. The monitor also features 111 pixels per inch. All in all, you'll be in line for a blur and lag-free gaming experience.

Alienware added a stable and performance-driven stand to the 27-inch monitor so you'll be able to tilt, swivel, and adjust the display to fit your preferences.

While the 27-inch Alienware 360Hz gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for a record-low price of $499.99, upgrade your winter gaming experience. And since summer now come with sweltering heat, it'll probably get plenty of use then, too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stephen Colbert bought Punch the monkeys IKEA orangutan

Mashable - 4 hours 32 min ago

In what's probably the saddest and cutest news story of the week, a baby monkey named Punch (Punch-kun), rejected by his mother at Japan's Ichikawa City Zoo, has won the internet's heart by clinging to a stuffed IKEA orangutan for emotional support. As Mashable's Crystal Bell writes, "In the wild, that would have meant certain death. At the zoo, where Punch was raised through hand-rearing, it meant something else: survival, and a substitute for the one thing zookeepers couldn't provide."

Stephen Colbert got the memo on the forlorn mini macaque, unpacking the story during Wednesday night's Late Show.

"After his mom abandoned him — she said she was going out for a pack of bananas, I'm sure she'll be back — Punch struggled to make friends with other monkeys in the exhibit, which is why they gave him the stuffed orangutan, and now he takes it everywhere," Colbert said, explaining that the specific stuffed animal is IKEA's JUNGELSKOG.

"If you think Punch is sympathetic, wait till you see the official pictures of JUNGELSKOG. She looks like she's regretting all of her life choices," said Colbert, and...yeah. "Here's the thing. We looked it up, and the JUNGELSKOG retails for only $19.99 and honestly, we can all use a little comfort right about now. So I bought one. You'll never leave me right, JUNGELSKOG?"

Categories: IT General, Technology
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