IT General

Winter is tough on your car. Snow and ice make driving more challenging, cold temperatures can cause starting issues, and, more often than not, frozen doors leave you scrambling to find another way to get to work in the early morning hours.

Own a Kindle Scribe and looking for avenues to use it beyond reading and jotting down notes? Here are eight things you can do with it that go beyond its battle-tested use cases.

Do you still pay for third-party antivirus software like Norton or McAfee? You may be surprised to learn that there’s no real benefit to doing so. Software like this is mostly obsolete today.

In recent weeks, Microsoft has focused on improving Excel's end-to-end efficiency. Whether you're looking to create complex files more efficiently, import data via formulas and clean it in the cloud, get help to fix errors, or send your analysis as PDF reports, these updates are set to transform your February workflow.

Self-hosting is both an entertaining hobby if you like computers, and a reasonable way to save a few dollars if you swap out your subscription services for something you host yourself. It does come with a bit of risk, however, if you put your self-hosted services online so they're accessible from the internet. I was curious about what kind of attacks my server was getting, so I set up a honeypot to see what happened.

Home Assistant can feel intimidating, especially when there are a whole bunch of extra terms that you need to understand. Here’s a cheat sheet so that you can quickly get up to speed.

Adult content creator platform OnlyFans is in talks to sell nearly 60 percent of its business to Architect Capital, a San Francisco-based investment firm, the Wall Street Journal first reported.

The deal would be valued at around $3.5 billion, putting OnlyFans' valuation at $5.5 billion, including debt. The platform brings in almost $1.6 billion in annual net revenue, according to a presentation seen by the Wall Street Journal.

SEE ALSO: What it takes to make six figures a month on OnlyFans, according to Tiffany Wisconsin

The presentation also apparently stated that Architect sees a way to build an infrastructure at OnlyFans to pay "under-banked" creators. For years, some adult creators have claimed to be financially discriminated against and debanked, or have had their accounts closed at financial institutions, due to their work being "high risk."

The firm also believes that OnlyFans has an opportunity to go public in 2028, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Tech firm Fenix International currently owns OnlyFans, with Leonid Radvinsky as the majority owner. In May 2025, the New York Post reported that Radvinsky wanted to sell OnlyFans but was having trouble finding buyers.

The news comes days after the latest class action lawsuit was filed against OnlyFans. The complaint claims that OnlyFans "baits and switches" customers by offering all a creator's content after they pay a subscription, only to be met with upselling behind the paywall.

Linux has a somewhat contradictory reputation. On the one hand, it's known as a rock-solid operating system that never goes wrong and offers countless hours of uptime. On the other hand, it's also known for being easy to break in the wrong hands when you start digging around under the hood.

We tend to think of the M.2 NVMe slots on our computer motherboards as "SSD" slots used only for storage. However, fundamentally, these are just a different form factor for the PCIe slots we plug all sorts of peripherals into. Most of the time these days, an M.2 NVMe slot offers four lanes of PCIe connectivity, which makes it equivalent to a PCIe 4X slot in its full-size form.

When we think "high-tech" we tend to think of devices like smartphones that have a short life cycle. When it comes to home appliances that we don't replace often, it can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the latest washing machines, vacuums, stoves, and other mundane devices are still pretty much the same as they've always been.

Among all automakers today, there is a renewed focus on customer service and the dealership experience. Not unlike many industries, legacy auto manufacturers and their dealer networks face the same headwinds in attracting consumers. They are competing against emerging brands, negative public perceptions, and the background noise of everyday life.

If you don't have $100 (or more) for a standalone Windows license, then you can download any distro of Linux for free right now and have a working computer in just a few minutes. However, the cost of something can be measured in more than just dollar bills, and there are more than a few ways Linux ends up costing you more than a commercial operating system like Windows or macOS.

Paramount+ has released its February lineup, and tucked amongst all the glowing mid-season TV premieres are new shows and movies worth highlighting. Most notably, the month kicks off with the 68th Annual Grammy Awards and features the series finale of Showtime’s frantically thrilling character study Coldwater.

Tired of your laptop crawling with Windows updates? Considering switching to Linux on your laptop but overwhelmed by hundreds of distro options? Well, here are the three best Linux distros for laptops that promise excellent hardware compatibility and user experience.

I adore books, and not just reading them. I mean, I truly adore the physical nature of books. How they smell, how they feel to read, and I like seeing them on a shelf. It's a promise of knowledge or adventure to come. As I write this, I own a few hundred physical books. Enough to take up three or four moderate bookshelves, and a few boxes on top of that.

I'm always excited to try out a new sort of keyboard, so when the "world's first ceramic keyboard" came around, I couldn't resist reviewing it. Unfortunately, the Keychron Q16 HE 8K is an awful keyboard by even basic metrics, let alone as a new and unique build.

TL;DR: You only have until midnight to score serious savings on a Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license — it’s on sale for $9.97 through tonight (Feb. 1) at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $9.97
$199 Save $189.03   Get Deal

Don’t count your old PC out. You would be surprised how revitalizing a new operating system can be. This Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license totally refreshes your device, and right now you can get it for only $9.97. But you need to act fast, this deal only runs through tonight (Feb. 1) at 11:59 p.m. PT.

It’s time to spoil your old PC with a brand new operating system, Windows 11 Pro. This OS was created for the modern professional, so it can help you get a serious productivity boost with all its new features. It doesn’t matter if you’re an entrepreneur, an artist, or a developer — these tools are ready to work for you.

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From a seamless, easy-to-navigate interface to snap layouts, easy redocking, improved voice typing, and a more powerful search experience, Windows 11 Pro can save you time and make your workday a little easier.

Your Windows 11 Pro license includes a Microsoft Office staple, Microsoft Teams, which can help you stay connected to family, friends, and coworkers. It also gives you access to Copilot, your very own AI-powered assistant. With Copilot on your desktop, you can get answers to your questions and even let it take actions like summarizing web pages, opening apps, or changing your settings.

Windows 11 Pro also takes your cybersecurity more seriously, offering features like biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and enhanced antivirus protection so you can rest easier knowing your data stays private. It also includes Azure AD, Windows Sandbox, and BitLocker device encryption.

Get this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license for $9.97 through tonight (Feb. 1) at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get a laptop you can grow with, a 1TB Apple MacBook Pro, on sale now for just $439.99 (reg. $1,999), while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Macbook Pro 2020 (Refurbished) $439.99
$1,999 Save $1,559.01   Get Deal

Looking for a laptop that can keep up with your storage needs? With the amount of data we add every day, it’s no surprise that many of us rely on cloud storage or external hard drives to keep everything organized. This MacBook Pro not only offers the power and performance you expect from Apple’s most deluxe laptop, but it also comes with an impressive 1TB SSD.

Right now, you can get this MacBook Pro for only $439.99 (reg. $1,999), while supplies last.

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Tired of getting the dreaded storage is full notification? It might be time to get a device that can keep up with all your data. This MacBook Pro comes with 1TB of SSD storage, so you can keep your important files right on your computer.

Aside from giving you plenty of space, this MacBook Pro also comes with some top-tier Apple features you’d expect — like a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor that runs at 2GHz and has turbo boost capabilities up to 3.8GHz. Its 13.3-inch screen has a 2560×1600 native resolution, vibrant colors, and Apple’s True Tone Technology, which helps reduce eye strain by adjusting to your lighting conditions.

This model has the Apple Touch Bar, a great addition at the top of the keyboard that serves up quick shortcuts. It’s easy and comfortable to type on with the Apple Magic Keyboard, and the impressive 10-hour battery keeps you from constantly having to charge it.

Curious how you’re saving over $1,500? This model comes with a grade A refurbished status, so it will arrive in near-mint condition, and you’ll enjoy a major discount.

Get a 1TB Apple MacBook Pro for only $439.99 (reg. $1,999).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

The best Peacock streaming deals to watch the Winter Olympics: Peacock Premium yearly subscription $109.99/year (save $21.89) Get Deal Peacock Premium for Students and Young Adults $5.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $6.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal Best for military personnel Peacock Premium for Active Military and Veterans $6.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal Peacock Premium for Teachers $6.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $109.99/year) Get Deal Peacock Premium Free for Walmart+ subscribers Get Deal

The 2026 Winter Olympics are nearly here! This year marks the fourth time Italy has hosted the Winter Games (the last time was Turin in 2006). There will be plenty of fan-favorite sports and even an entirely new one joining the list — snow mountaineering. Here's hoping it sparks another viral moment like the 2024 Summer Olympics' newest sport.

Things officially kick off with the Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium on Feb. 6 (though a few events will begin before that). If you don't want to miss a minute of the action, we've compiled all the essential details you need to know to watch live, including which streaming service you'll need and how to score a deal on it.

Let's go, Team USA!

How to watch the 2026 Olympics with or without cable

No cable? No problem. You'll be able to catch all the action with a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription.

A Peacock subscription gives you access to the full NBC broadcast of the Winter Olympics, including Opening and Closing Ceremonies, plus a livestream of every single sport, competition, and medal ceremony. You'll also get access to always-on Olympics channels, replays, highlights, documentaries, and nonstop commentary. Basically, Peacock is your one-stop shop for everything Olympics.

If you're watching the Olympic Games in the U.S., keep in mind that Eastern time is six hours behind Milan and Cortina. Some broadcasts will be delayed until primetime, depending on the time zone. If you have cable, you'll be able to watch live competitions throughout the day, as well as enhanced showcase events at night on NBC. USA Network and CNBC will also air Olympics coverage.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $10.99 per month Get Deal

A Peacock Premium subscription costs $10.99 per month with ads or $16.99 per month without. There are also a few ways to save some money on a subscription, so keep scrolling for the latest Peacock streaming deals.

When and where are the 2026 Winter Olympics?

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy from Feb. 6 to 22.

Here are some of the major dates to mark on your calendar:

• Feb. 6: Opening ceremony

• Feb. 7: First gold medal events

• Feb. 8: Gold medal, women's Alpine skiing downhill

• Feb. 13: Gold medal, men's figure skating

• Feb. 18: Gold medal, women's Alpine skiing slalom

• Feb. 19: Gold medal, women's figure skating. Gold medal game, women's ice hockey. First gold medals in ski mountaineering.

• Feb. 22: Gold medal game, men's ice hockey. Closing ceremony.

Which sports are in the Winter Olympics?

Nearly 3,000 athletes will be competing across 16 different sports in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Categories range from skiing and snowboarding to figure skating and hockey. Below is a full list — for more information on each individual sport, head over to the official Olympics website.

• Alpine Skiing

• Biathlon

• Bobsleigh

• Cross-Country Skiing

• Curling

• Figure Skating

• Freestyle Skiing

• Ice Hockey

• Luge

• Nordic Combined

• Short Track Speed Skating

• Skeleton

• Ski Jumping

• Ski Mountaineering

• Snowboard

• Speed Skating

The best Peacock streaming dealsBest Peacock deal: Save 17% on an annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $109.99 per year or $169.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the best Peacock deal on any given day is the annual subscription plan. It costs $109.99 (with ads) or $169.99 (ad-free) up front, as opposed to the $131.88 or $203.88 you'll pay if you choose a monthly plan. That ultimately ends up getting you about two months for free — a total savings of $21.89 on the Premium plan or $33.89 with the Premium Plus plan.

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers: free Peacock Premium for eligible accounts Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn More

If you're an Xfinity customer, we highly recommend checking out the eligibility details below before signing up for Peacock — you might be able to score a subscription for free.

Here's a breakdown of who is eligible to get Peacock for free through Xfinity (head to Xfinity.com for more details):

• Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

• NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

• New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock deal for students and young adults: Save $5/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $5.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for young adults $5.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal

Students and young adults can take $5 per month off a Peacock Premium subscription all year long. Just verify your student status via SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to knock the price down to just $5.99 instead of $10.99. After the promo year is up, you'll be charged full price again unless you cancel.

Best for first responders, medical professionals, military, and teachers: Save $4/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $6.99 per month (save $4 per month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $6.99 per month (save $4 per month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Teachers $6.99/month (save $4 per month) Get Deal

First responders, medical professionals, military personnel, and teachers can all secure a Peacock Premium subscription (with ads) for a discounted rate of $6.99 per month. Just verify your professional status via SheerID to retrieve a unique promo code.

Those who continue to meet verification qualifications can renew their subscription at a discounted rate each year — although you may have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code. Rates are also subject to change year to year.

Best for Instacart users: free Peacock Premium for Instacart+ subscribers Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $109.99/year) Get Deal

On top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders, an Instacart+ membership ($99.99 per year) now unlocks a free Peacock Premium subscription ($109.99 per year value). If you're new to Instacart+, you'll even get a free two-week trial to kick things off. Just be sure to cancel before you're charged the full amount.

Best for Walmart shoppers: free Peacock Premium for Walmart+ members Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Walmart+ $98 per year Get Deal

Walmart+ members can now choose Peacock Premium (or Paramount+) as a free perk with their membership. The $98 subscription also gives you access to free shipping at Walmart.com (with no order minimums), fuel discounts, a Scan & Go checkout tool, and early access to deals during Walmart's major shopping events. Since Peacock Premium is a $109.99 value, Walmart+ is already a better deal than paying for Peacock on its own. Plus, you'll get many other perks.

Watch the Olympics in theaters

NBC is bringing the 2026 Winter Olympics to the big screen, so you and your friends can watch the world's greatest athletes go for gold in select theaters. The Opening and Closing ceremonies, as well as NBC’s live daytime coverage, will be available to watch live in theaters across the country. Check out AMC Theatres or Fandango for advance tickets.

Finding unique Valentine's Day gifts for your boyfriend or your husband is no easy feat when most gift guides out there define "unique" with whiskey stones and beard oil. Doomscroll on Google no longer — we've curated a list of 30+ genuinely thoughtful Valentine's Day gift ideas that encapsulate how much he means to you.

This diverse list has romantic gifts, fun gifts that'll speak to his interests, and practical gifts that'll make his life easier. The one overarching theme? All are gifts that prove you've been listening. Based on intel gathered across social media and our own personal lives, here are the best Valentine's Day gift ideas for men in 2026: