IT General

3 reasons a $70 Surface Go is the best tiny Linux laptop money can buy

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 18:00

I've always had a saying. The best Linux laptop is, as a matter of fact, a Windows laptop. Linux laptop projects such as System76 are lovely, but most people are better off just buying a regular Windows laptop and putting Linux on it. To that effect, a second-hand Surface Go might just be the best cheap, tiny Linux laptop you can get. Here's why.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenAI cuts off Cursors AI models, deepening feud with Musk

Mashable - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 17:31

OpenAI said Friday it will wind down its partnership with Cursor, the popular AI coding tool now owned by SpaceX, marking the latest escalation in the long-running dispute between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Elon Musk.

In a company blog post, OpenAI said it notified SpaceX of its intent to end the contract, proposing a shutoff date of Nov. 12, 2026 — the maximum notice window allowed under the agreement.

OpenAI framed the decision as a matter of trust. The company said it could not be confident that SpaceX would use its technology in accordance with OpenAI's terms of service, citing what it described as a pattern of Musk's companies violating contracts. Specifically, OpenAI's post alleged that X breached the terms of its own contract with OpenAI after Musk's acquisition, and noted that Musk had admitted under oath earlier this year that xAI had also violated OpenAI's terms of service.

OpenAI added that its custom agreement with Cursor only gave it a limited window to cancel following a change of ownership, and said it wanted to preserve as much access as possible for developers in the meantime, calling the choice "incredibly tough" given how widely it wants its models used.

SpaceX completed its acquisition of Anysphere, the startup behind Cursor, earlier this month, following a deal announced in June.

Responding on X, Musk wrote that he "couldn't care less," while calling Altman and OpenAI president Greg Brockman "untrustworthy" and repeating his long-standing claim that the pair "stole an open source nonprofit." Michael Truell, Cursor's co-founder and now a SpaceX executive, struck a more conciliatory tone, saying on X that the company was in talks with OpenAI's team to try to resolve the issue.

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Since the announcement, OpenAI competitor Anthropic — which has an ongoing partnership with SpaceX — said it would increase compute support for its Claude models within Cursor.

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This is only the latest chapter in a feud that has simmered for years. Musk sued OpenAI and Altman for $150 billion over the company's shift from its nonprofit roots; a federal jury ruled against him earlier this year, finding he'd filed too late.

The fight has also played out repeatedly on social media, as Mashable has reported. Altman reposted allegations that Musk's companies failed to preserve key documents during discovery, then turned Musk's own catchphrase back on him: "Concerning!" He later said he was "really excited" to depose Musk, calling it "Christmas in April."

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I stopped pretending Excel is a database and switched to this open-source app

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 17:30

I've used Excel for decades, and I'm perfectly comfortable using it for things it wasn't really designed to do. But when my data started behaving like a database, I decided to see what would happen when I used a tool that's actually built for the job: Grist.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This TV setting is the cure for "I need subtitles on everything"

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 16:30

Needing subtitles to follow a conversation on screen feels so normal today. That's because it isn't a hearing problem for most people. It was built for a setup you likely don't have. However, you can increase the volume for just the dialogue; you just have to know what to press.

Categories: IT General, Technology

My 3D printer got so much better after I stopped printing toys (and started printing solutions)

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 16:00

There are many preconceptions about 3D printing, among them the idea that 3D printer owners spend all of their time making fidget toys and other useless bits of plastic. While there’s a grain of truth to this, many outgrow the tchotchkes and move on to printing solutions instead.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These lightweight open-source apps should be built into Windows 11

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 15:30

When we think of powerful apps, we normally think of massive, complex programs like Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Office, but an app doesn’t have to be a heavyweight to pack a lot of power. These three open-source apps I always keep on my computers prove it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

7 popular apps I refuse to install on my Windows PC

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 15:30

I'm fairly selective about what I install on my Windows PC. There are plenty of popular apps I've consciously never installed, and a few I've tried and deliberately got rid of. In every case, though, the reason is the same: I don't see a good enough reason to give them space on my computer.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV online for free

Mashable - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 15:17

TL;DR: Watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026/27 Bundesliga season is now underway, with a full day of German soccer fixtures lined up. On the schedule today is Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV.

Expect Dortmund to make a strong start to the season. They finished second in the league last season and have just lost the German Super Cup final, coming second to league rivals Bayern Munich in both instances. Dortmund will want to prove themselves in this opening Bundesliga game. Hamburger SV are looking to improve on last season's finish in the bottom half of the league, though it was the club's first season back in the Bundesliga after a seven-year absence. Can they do better this time around?

If you're interested in watching Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV?

Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga kicks off at 12.30 p.m. ET on Aug. 29. This fixture takes place at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund.

How to watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV for free

Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Brazil, meaning you can live stream Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

  4. Visit CazéTV

  5. Watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Bundesliga?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on CazéTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Borussia Dortmund vs. Hamburger SV for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This new Google Pixel feature turned my phone into a green screen studio

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 15:00

Google Pixel phones are jam-packed with useful features, and sometimes it's hard to keep track of everything. A prime example is the new Pixel "Screen Reactions" feature in Android 17, the first green screen tool for reaction videos built directly into a phone.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Milwaukee's M12 line proves you don't need big tools for big jobs

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 15:00

For years, if you wanted powerful and capable tools for any job, you needed a big 18V or 20V tool. Or at least that was the assumption. If you still think you need a massive 18V tool for big jobs, think again. Milwaukee's M12 Fuel (12V) ecosystem punches far above its weight class and can handle just about anything, whether that's in the shop or around the house.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch South Africa vs. New Zealand (2nd Test) online for free

Mashable - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 14:59

TL;DR: Watch South Africa vs. New Zealand in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry for free on RugbyPass TV. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour is about to serve up its second Test match, as South Africa host the All Blacks at the Cape Town Stadium.

The All Blacks have already played four South African club teams as part of the tour, and scored a decisive win over South Africa in the first Test, beating the Springboks 16-33. Can South Africa pull a win back this time around? Or will the All Blacks continue their dominance?

If you're interested in watching South Africa vs. New Zealand in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is South Africa vs. New Zealand?

South Africa vs. New Zealand in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry (2nd Test) kicks off at 11:10 a.m. ET on Aug. 29. This fixture takes place at Cape Town Stadium.

How to watch South Africa vs. New Zealand for free

South Africa vs. New Zealand in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry (2nd Test) is available to live stream for free on RugbyPass TV.

This RugbyPass TV livestream is geo-restricted to the U.S., but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can live stream South Africa vs. New Zealand for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream South Africa vs. New Zealand for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

  4. Visit RugbyPass TV

  5. Watch South Africa vs. New Zealand for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch South Africa vs. New Zealand without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus other tour fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RugbyPass TV?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RugbyPass TV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries, including the U.S.

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream South Africa vs. New Zealand for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows 11 looks and runs better when you disable this feature

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 14:30

I'm not going to lie; I was a massive fan of Windows Aero when it debuted with Windows Vista, and I continued to rave about the famous translucent glass UI in Windows 7, which is my favorite version of Windows to this day.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 hands-on hobbies that make a rainy weekend feel well spent

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 14:00

A rainy day means staying warm inside, unless you feel like catching a cold! However, it seems we all have the same hobbies these days when stuck inside. You'll probably end up watching TV, playing video games, or reading a book.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 legendary USB accessories that don't exist anymore

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 13:31

I'm willing to bet that you have dozens of USB-powered gadgets in your house. Be it USB-C or USB-A, we all have masses of random electronics, many of which often lie there for ages, unused. If they disappeared tomorrow, you might not even notice. (Or is that just me?)

Categories: IT General, Technology

Desktop pets are having a renaissance, and they actually make you more productive now

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 13:31

Desktop pets are back, and this time they are not just nostalgic clutter. Between AI coding agents running unattended and a renewed appetite for low-effort personality on our screens, the tiny animated companions from decades past have found genuine, if unexpected, utility.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google forgot what made Nexus special, and Pixel will never get it back

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 12:30

Many of you will remember that before Google had Pixel phones, there was the Nexus series. I was a huge Nexus fan and looked forward to every new release, but when Google killed the line in favor of Pixel, I gradually lost interest. I realize now it's never coming back.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Linux commands with names so short, they're easy to remember forever

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 12:30

Most Linux users learn basic commands like cd, mv, and ls pretty early on. You're going to use them often, but there are other short and useful commands that I like to teach my trainees and students right away. Here are 4 short commands that are not only useful, but they have names so short, you'll remember them forever.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 things I wish I’d done before starting a Home Assistant smart home

How-To Geek - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 12:00

The start of my Home Assistant journey was more of a stumble than a confident stride, and I’m still trying to right some of those wrongs years later. Here are some things I’d recommend that newcomers do right out of the gate.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I test headphones for a living: These are the ones Id actually take with me on a plane

Mashable - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 11:00
What are the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying?

Anyone who's ever forgotten their pair of headphones on a travel day can attest to their utility, but not all noise-cancelling options are made the same. Plus, the pool to choose from is ever-expanding: plenty of headphones, from over-ear headphones to wireless earbuds, offer active noise cancellation.

So which ANC headphones are worth bringing on a plane in 2026? Plenty of budget models to premium options can do the job, but for the purposes of this guide, I've gathered a list of the best headphones for flying by prioritizing the best combination of comfort, portability, noise-cancelling power, battery life, and value. As a baseline, all of our picks feature above average sound quality and a solid build (to withstand any banging around in a carry-on).

SEE ALSO: I’ll never travel without my favorite sleep earbuds again

The final picks for the best headphones to use at 35,000 feet aren't just the most expensive options available. Case in point: The second-generation Bose QuietComfort headphones aren't the most premium option on this list, but they did just earn their spots as one of my favorites on a recent plane trip. Below, you can learn more about them and our other top seven headphones for flying.

How much should I spend on noise-cancelling headphones?

If you want to find the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying, you should be prepared to pay $200 to $450 for most options. Premium headphones offer improved active noise cancellation, customizable settings, and transparency modes that allow you to hear those all-important gate announcements.

Many cheap headphones claim to offer "noise-cancelling" features, but a random pair of $50 over-ear headphones with passive noise cancellation will let a lot of sound through. They'll also struggle to connect and switch between devices easily, or simply feel uncomfortable.

SEE ALSO: What does Airplane Mode do?

At the end of the day, going for that good all-around pair is worth it, because on a flight, ANC on its own won't save the day — otherwise, we'd just direct you to our guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones. For long flights, comfort is also key. It won't matter if your headphones block sound if you only want to wear them for two out of five hours of your flight. And because this is a flying-focused roundup, we did give extra points to headphones with thoughtful design that makes storage easy.

If that $200-plus price range feels totally out of the question, we've included a couple of budget earbuds and headphones in the under-$100 category, but they come with tradeoffs. If you're okay with a mid-range pick, consider buying wireless earbuds with ANC instead of over-ear headphones.

If the cost of a pair of headphones is off-putting, you can always wait for a sale to start. We see headphones from Bose, Sony, and Apple get marked down year-round — if you don't want to keep your eyes peeled yourself, Mashable's deals coverage is a great place to find any noteworthy headphone deals.

SEE ALSO: The best gifts for people who love to travel
Categories: IT General, Technology

Adults Season 2s most foul-mouthed scene is also its biggest romantic gesture

Mashable - Sat, 08/29/2026 - 11:00

In most rom-coms, a romantic gesture looks like running through an airport to make one last declaration of love, or writing a yearning letter every day for a year. In Adults, it looks like saying "cunt" on every man-on-the-street interview show you can find.

SEE ALSO: 'Adults' assembles the Avengers of man-on-the-street creators

The gesture in question comes in Season 2, episode 7, titled "C Alert." In the episode, Anton (Owen Thiele) mistakenly talks to his co-workers the way he talks to his friends, saying "cunt alert!" in a company meeting. He doesn't mean it as an insult, drawing instead on its positive meaning rooted in the queer ballroom scene. That meaning has led to a wider resurgence of the term, including in online spaces, but it's still viewed as unforgivably rude in some places, including Anton's office, which skews older, and likely less queer.

In an effort to help save Anton's job, his housemate and yearning love interest Paul Baker (Jack Innanen) decides to try normalizing saying "cunt" in the workplace by dropping it into as many viral interview shows as he can.

It's a moment Adults co-creator Ben Kronengold describes as an "ugly sweet" step in Anton and Paul Baker's romance. While the pair obviously care about one another, any attempts to be together have stalled due to a house-wide rule forbidding dating within the friend group.

"What we tasked ourselves with in the writers' room was how could they show that care for each other in ways that feel really true to them and specific and platonic?" Kronengold told Mashable.

"It would be easy to have Paul Baker show up in the rain with a bouquet of flowers," added Adults co-creator Rebecca Shaw. "But it feels much more true to our ridiculous housemates that he would instead say the c-word — a word he hates more than anything in the world — on a series of talk shows for the whole world to see because he thinks there's a chance that it could make Anton's life a little easier."

"Paul Baker, thank you." Credit: FX

It's a clear escalation from the pair's prior romantic gestures, like Anton bringing glow sticks to Paul Baker's green card wedding, or Paul Baker waiting on a fancy meal for Anton and his sister Talia (Raven-Symoné). It's also the riskiest, social taboo-wise, even if it comes with sweeter intentions.

"Something that our executive producer Nick Kroll is so masterful at is making edgy, raunchy moments incredibly meaningful and sweet, and on the flip side, making sweet, emotional moments heightened and comedic," Shaw said. "We always try to follow in his footsteps. Never give a pure romantic moment, never give a pure comedic moment."

Paul Baker's reveal of his swear-y side quest does result in one of the most adorable Paul Baker and Anton moments of the season: a very heartfelt "Paul Baker, thank you" from Anton, complete with some seriously yearning eye contact that leaves everyone else in the scene knowing exactly how much the two care for one another.

Of course, there's one last little twist.

"We were really tickled by the idea that Paul Baker did this whole big gesture when, in fact, Anton's job was already saved," said Kronengold.

"Nobody had the heart to tell him," added Shaw.

But hey, it's the thought that counts, right?

Adults Season 2 is now streaming on Hulu.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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