IT General

What size 3D printer do you need? The answer is pretty simple

How-To Geek - 2 hours 38 min ago

It took me a while to figure out which 3D printer model was right for me, but it didn’t take long to realize which size I should be getting. That’s because there are only three things you need to consider to answer this question.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The lost era of SCSI tape drives: Why 90s PCs backed up data on audio cassettes

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 23:30

Backing up your data on what looks like a weird VHS sounds wild in 2026, but it was the reality for years. In a lot of offices and studios, doing backups literally meant swapping a little cartridge and hoping for the best.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Walsh Sisters review: Marian Keyes iconic sisters finally have the TV series they deserve

Mashable - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 23:01

It's been three decades since Marian Keyes' first Walsh sisters book was published, and we haven't had a TV series about them. It's bonkers, I know.

Ireland's monarch of contemporary fiction has beloved titles sitting on bookshelves worldwide, with the lives of Rachel, Anna, Claire, Maggie, and Helen Walsh meaning the world to dedicated readers since the '90s. Now, BBC series The Walsh Sisters finally intertwines their stories.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best TV shows of 2025, and where to stream them now

An exquisitely human and heartbreaking adaptation by showrunner Stefanie Preissner (Can't Cope, Won't Cope) and Kefi Chadwick (Rivals), The Walsh Sisters feels truly connected to Keyes' characters while standing on its own two feet. At its heart, Preissner and director Ian FitzGibbon have assembled some of Ireland's best to play Keyes' iconic Walsh sisters: Louisa Harland (Derry Girls) as Anna, Caroline Menton (Oddity) as Rachel, Danielle Galligan (House of Guinness, Shadow and Bone) as Claire, and Máiréad Tyers (Extraordinary, My Lady Jane) as Helen. Preissner herself plays Maggie.

A raw, authentic portrayal of sisterhood, addiction, grief, and mental health, The Walsh Sisters feels well overdue on our screens.

The Walsh Sisters expertly entwines multiple Marian Keyes books. Credit: BBC / Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan Films / James Pierce

At just six episodes, it's impossible for The Walsh Sisters to cover all seven books in Keyes' series, no matter how expertly Preissner weaves several storylines together. At this series' core are Rachel's Holiday and Anybody Out There, books which centre Rachel's road through addiction and Anna's experience with grief, respectively. However, Preissner also pulls events from the books tracing Claire, Maggie, and Helen's lives with finesse, crafting one linear Walsh story.

Set in Dublin, The Walsh Sisters is a deeply human drama that treats life's happenings as monumental, however quiet, sudden, joyous, or mundane they may be. During a London preview screening of The Walsh Sisters, Keyes described how she approached writing the books involving the Walsh sisters:

"I feel, ultimately, we all go through life and terrible things happen to us — the sort of things that are meant to happen to other people. And in a way, that's what all the stories here are about," she said. "There are still people that we love and who love us, and there are still running jokes that will always give us some comfort. That kind of feeling of like, life will hurt us but we will survive it, and there are still things to be grateful and happy for and to love. That's kind of that's all I've ever tried to write."

And it's this all-too-recognisable feeling that The Walsh Sisters really captures.

The Walsh Sisters is a raw, authentic portrayal of sisterhood. Credit: BBC / Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan Films / Enda Bowe

TV shows rarely harness the complicated tempest that is sisterhood with accuracy. Bad Sisters, Freeridge, Fleabag, and Grace and Frankiewhen it comes to representations of sisterhood, these shows brilliantly present the messy confluence of misunderstanding, love, protectiveness, rage, and eye-rolling that make up this particular relationship. As Meera Navlakha wrote of sisterhood in Bridgerton for Mashable: "Sisters are partners in life and all that comes with it, against the rest and despite the noise."

Now, Keyes — she can write sisters. And thankfully, so can Preissner, who channels Keyes' characteristic empathy and charm into the ebbs and flows of the show's sisterly dialogue. Hard truths drop like an anvil, the lowest point of a conversation can be pulled up in an instant with an in-joke. There's a lot of blame, a lot of "this is what you always do." It's absolutely unhealthy arguing, and it's absolutely realistic. And in the hands of this talented cast and their seamless chemistry, The Walsh Sisters shines with sibling complexity, through grief, divorce, addiction, miscarriages, and more of life's shittiest curveballs.

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Fittingly, Preissner is steadfast and level-headed as Maggie, relegated to her role as the "uncomplicated" one, meaning she's left without an outlet for her own struggle with fertility. While not nearly as feral an exploration of motherhood as Nightbitch or Die My Love, The Walsh Sisters presents a rarely seen side of feeling like a "shit mum" through Claire, with Galligan's wonderful performance leaning instead into dry humour. As the youngest of the bunch and the most unfiltered sister, Helen, Tyers balances deadpan delivery with hidden struggles.

They're all under the constant scrutiny of their mother (Carrie Crowley), whose desperation to take up as much family attention as her daughters do brings out some absolute clangers. "I have problems too," she declares, in a situation in which her problems are absolutely not the most serious.

However, the standout performances of the series come from Harland and Menton as Anna and Rachel.

The Walsh Sisters handles addiction and grief with compassion. Credit: BBC / Cuba Pictures and Metropolitan Films / Enda Bowe

With Rachel's Holiday and Anybody Out There forming the core dramatic narratives of the series, Menton and Harland dig deep.

One of the more universal themes of the series is grief, with Harland giving an outstanding performance as Anna as she navigates this surreal terrain. For anyone who has experienced loss, it's relatable to watch Anna meander through bizarre, mundane actions, ponder unanswered questions, and dwell on the "right" way to grieve.

Menton, meanwhile, sees Rachel through her storyline of addiction with grace and vulnerability. We've seen a handful of screen representations of women experiencing alcoholism and drug addiction — Andrea Riseborough in To Leslie, Sandra Bullock in 28 Days, Saoirse Ronan in The Outrun, Anne Hathaway in Rachel Getting Married — each with their own context and complexities. The Walsh Sisters doesn't glamorise Rachel's addiction and recovery, leaning into the raw nature of withdrawal and having realistic conversations around relationships, sobriety, and edited memory. Denial, the need for validation, and control are major factors in Rachel's addiction, and she must face hard truths during her recovery from the people she loves — as well as her roommate, Chaquie (an impeccable Debi Mazar).

However, the series doesn't drag you completely under. One of the most Keyes elements of Preissner's take on The Walsh Sisters is this human ability to pivot from "rock bottom" to levity and practicality in an instant without feeling disingenuous. It's pure, sisterly buoyancy. And though it took 30 years to get here, this Marian Keyes adaptation is the one we (and they) deserve.

The Walsh Sisters is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK, with U.S. details TBC.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Toyota's affordable sports car proves more popular than the Mazda Miata

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 23:00

For decades, the Mazda Miata has been the default answer to one question: what is the world’s most beloved affordable sports car? Its lightweight design, approachable price, and reputation for driving fun made it the undisputed champion of entry-level performance. But recent sales trends suggest that crown may be slipping. Toyota’s own budget-friendly sports coupe is now outselling the Miata, signaling a shift in what buyers want from a modern enthusiast car.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pay once, use forever: MS Office 2024 is on sale for a flat $100

Mashable - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 23:00

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Office 2024 Home & Business for $99.97 (reg. $249.99) through Mar. 1 and unlock Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook with AI features and faster performance.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License $99.97
$249.99 Save $150.02   Get Deal

Free productivity apps can only get you so far — when you need power, polish, and reliability, Microsoft Office delivers. Office 2024 Home & Business, now $99.97 through Mar. 1 for a lifetime license, gives you the tools modern professionals actually use every day.

This version of Office isn’t about bells and whistles — it’s about smarter workflows. You get Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, redesigned with a unified interface that feels cleaner, faster, and more intuitive. Plus, you can use it whether you’re on a PC or a Mac.

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Performance gets a noticeable lift, too. Excel handles large datasets more efficiently, PowerPoint lets you record full presentations with audio and video, and Outlook includes enhanced accessibility tools and improved search. Word introduces Focus Mode and Smart Compose, giving you a writing space that feels distraction-free and intelligently supportive.

Perhaps the biggest win? Offline access and a one-time purchase. Your license is tied to your Microsoft account — not your device — so you get continuous use without subscription fees. You also benefit from Microsoft’s built-in security improvements, including new protections against malicious add-ins.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer navigating multiple clients, or someone who simply prefers dependable offline tools, Office 2024 Home & Business delivers the streamlined experience free apps can’t match.

A modern suite for modern work — without monthly payments.

Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for your Mac or PC while it’s on sale for $99.97 (reg. $249.99) until March 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I’ve spent 20 years in the auto industry—and still made this used-car mistake

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 22:45

I’ve spent 20 years in the automotive industry, from training dealership staff to representing global automakers on the auto show circuit. Since 2015, I’ve written about the latest makes, models, and marvels as a journalist. I should be the last person to get trapped by a bad vehicle purchase, but I once made a rookie mistake that no factory warranty or above-and-beyond service could fix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 5 open-source tools make Windows navigation feel twice as fast

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 22:30

We spend countless hours using computers for fun and for work, and most of the time, we're stuck using the default interface and controls. Here are 5 tools will make using Windows feel easier and faster.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Home Assistant just moved a key feature—here's how to bring it back

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 22:00

The Developer tools feature in Home Assistant is an essential part of the smart home software. You can use the tools to check and update the states of devices, to perform actions, and check your configuration is workable. Unfortunately, this useful feature has disappeared from the Home Assistant sidebar in a recent update, but it's possible to restore it to its original location.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The used luxury sedan that blends BMW performance and Honda reliability

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 21:45

Luxury sedans are often defined by a tradeoff: thrilling performance on one side and long-term reliability on the other. Buyers typically choose between European models that prioritize driving excitement and Japanese brands known for dependability. But one used luxury sedan manages to bridge that gap, offering sporty character inspired by BMW while delivering the kind of reliability more commonly associated with Honda.

Categories: IT General, Technology

One Piece season 2: Everything we know about Netflix's popular live-action show

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 21:30

After a 3-year wait, it is finally time to step aboard the Going Merry again asOne Pieceseason 2 is on the horizon. Despite past controversial Netflix live-action anime adaptations, their retelling of Eiichiro Oda's beloved fantasy manga defied expectations when it released in 2023, turning newcomers like me into dedicated fans and pleasing longtime followers alike. As Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) continues his hunt for the fabled treasure of Gol D. Roger, season 2 will descend into new territories, with season 2 being subtitled "Into the Grand Line."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why your USB flash drive slows to a crawl: The hidden trap of tiny caches and thermal throttling

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 21:00

Even with the existence of cloud storage, cheap USB hard drives, and blazing fast portable SSDs, thumb drives are still a fact of life. You've probably got quite a few laying around your house, and they are still readily available online.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why the Toyota Corolla Cross is the smartest budget SUV

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 20:30

When the Toyota RAV4 hit the U.S. in 1996, it proved you didn’t need a hulking SUV to get real utility. Affordable, practical, and built to last, it quickly carved out a lane that bigger rigs couldn’t block.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I switched to an open-source router and there's no turning back, here's why

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 20:01

Do you remember when you purchased your Wi-Fi router? Probably not. If you're like most people, you likely got it from your ISP some years ago. Here's another question: when was the last time you updated its firmware? Never? Highly likely.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Vinyl records are inferior to digital—you should buy them anyway

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 20:00

Vinyl records aren't the most convenient or accurate music medium out there, and they certainly cost more than a streaming service. Despite their disadvantages, I still buy them, and you should too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop hunting for a Microsoft Publisher replacement: You're already paying for one

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 19:31

Microsoft is killing Publisher in October 2026. But before you start shopping for a replacement, or worse, signing up for another subscription, open PowerPoint.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google resolves glitch serving ads to YouTube Music Premium users

Mashable - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 19:17

YouTube Premium subscribers who were promised an ad-free experience for $13.99 a month were met with jarring mid-playlist advertisements this week, in what appears to be an apparent Google snafu.

The glitch was first flagged by premium users who were listening to YouTube Music on their Google Home and Nest devices, Android Authority reported. On the Google Home subreddit on Feb. 20, users reported ads appearing consistently even after resetting their devices, suggesting the issue was at the account level.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI may sell $300 smart speaker with camera — in 2027

Users also reported experiencing long pauses before songs played, low volume, casting problems, and issues with their YouTube Music algorithm. One user said they had been experiencing issues with home devices playing YouTube Music for the last year, prompting them to cancel their account. "They must've botched a release," wrote another user.

The official Google Nest Community account initially responded to the complaints, saying it was investigating the reports, though it did not mention the ad issue specifically. "We are aware of an issue with playing YouTube Music on some Google Home devices. We're investigating and will provide you an update as soon as we can. Thank you for your patience," the post read.

In a follow-up comment, the Google community account said the issue had since been resolved and asked users to flag any recurring problems.

Google is in the midst of an overhaul of its smart home ecosystem, including new Gemini-powered smart speakers and Nest products like indoor security cameras.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wi-Fi extenders are a waste of money: A budget mesh system is the ultimate fix

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 19:00

Mesh router technology is probably the biggest quality of life upgrade for home networking since the first Wi-Fi router was plopped down in a house. It brings wireless networking technology to our homes that used to be enjoyed exclusively by big businesses with well-staffed IT departments. Now, however, you can just order a mesh Wi-Fi kit online and have it the next day.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pay for your Android apps—here are 6 I'm glad I bought

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 18:45

Most of us don’t want to pay for software, which is how we’ve ended up with intrusive ads and free-to-play addiction traps. But for just a few bucks, your mobile experience can be much, much better. I pay for my Android apps, and here are some I can easily recommend as being worth their price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to find resource-hogging processes using the Linux command line

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 18:30

Every piece of code running inside your Linux computer needs RAM and CPU cycles. A process taking more than its fair share slows down other processes. Here’s how to find the culprits.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Don't set up Nginx Proxy Manager—use this instead for your Homelab

How-To Geek - Sat, 02/21/2026 - 18:30

Are you looking for the best way to open your self-hosted services up to the internet? Whether you’re wanting to host your own website at home or play Minecraft with friends, Cloudflare Tunnels is what you should use—not Nginx Proxy Manager.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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