IT General

Smart home lag isn't normal—here's how to fix it

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 16:00

The idea of a modern smart home can sometimes be better than the reality. This generally happens when you treat it as a simple 'plug-and-play' gadget rather than the infrastructure of your home. You might have thought that kind of sluggishness was just part of the deal, but you can fix this by changing the way your devices operate.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This "weird" Ryobi tool solved the most annoying problem in my garage

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 15:45

All the different power tool brands produce a ton of excellent tools, especially Ryobi, which makes a little bit of everything. Every once in a while, you'll stumble onto some weird, obscure item that you never knew you needed. That's exactly what happened to me late last year at Home Depot, and that tool ended up solving one of my biggest workshop woes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 ways to practice Python without following a tutorial

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 15:30

If you're learning python, chances are you started with tutorials–and honestly, there's nothing wrong with that. They give you a solid foundation and help you get familiar with the basics. But at some point, you can get stuck in an endless loop of tutorial hell, this cycle limits real progress without you noticing. I'm now two years in, I've made enough mistakes to know which habits actually make you better. Here are the ones worth your time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I asked ChatGPT which AI was best and it recommended Claude

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 15:15

There's been an online trend of people ditching their ChatGPT subscriptions in the wake of OpenAI's deal with the Department of War. I've used ChatGPT for years and have always been reluctant to change, but it felt like the right time, so I asked ChatGPT which AI was the best for my needs. The answer surprised me.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 myths about CDs we need to leave in the past

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 15:00

As we move further and further away from the heydays of the audio CD, things are getting a little muddled. Perhaps it wouldn't matter so much if physical media like vinyl, CDs, and cassettes were making a niche comeback among certain groups of people.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The one thing I do before (almost) every 3D print

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 14:45

Failed 3D prints can be disheartening, but there are some things you can do to improve your chances of success. Printing with dry filament is a good starter, but even the driest of filaments can come undone if your build plate isn’t prepped correctly.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 plugins that instantly fixed my biggest Calibre complaints

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 14:30

Calibre is a fantastic piece of software for people who love reading books digitally—which is something I started doing last year and plan to continue this year. However, there are some core functions of Calibre that I had to supplement through plugins, so here are the four plugins that fixed my biggest complaints with Calibre.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bridgerton season 5: Everything we know about the popular Netflix TV show

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 14:15

While it feels like ages until we return to the Ton for a new season of Bridgerton, we’re already looking ahead to season 5 of the Netflix series. As one of the returning shows to watch on Netflix this year, people have been fawning over Benedict (Luke Thompson) and Sophie (Yerin Ha), but now that season 4 has concluded, we have to start thinking about what’s next.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to make your Samsung Galaxy to look more like a Pixel device

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 14:00

Are you a Samsung user secretly jealous of the clean Pixel look? Do you find yourself tired of One UI's heavy personality? Well, it turns out you can get surprisingly close to a Pixel software experience while sticking to your trusty Samsung hardware. And the best part is that it’ll only require a couple of apps and a few minutes of tweaking.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A 3-year-old Mustang Mach-E is already $10,000 cheaper than new

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 13:45

Electric vehicles have experienced some of the fastest depreciation rates in the modern auto market, driven by rapid technological advances and shifting consumer demand. Models that once commanded premium prices are now appearing on the used market with surprisingly steep discounts. In some cases, buyers can save thousands of dollars simply by opting for a lightly used example instead of buying new.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenClaw isn't the only Raspberry Pi AI tool—here are 4 others you can try this week

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 13:00

Everyone is excited about OpenClaw and how it's possible to turn one (or more) of your Raspberry Pis into AI agents that can autonomously work even when you're not directing them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This hidden Microsoft Word shortcut handles repetitive edits instantly

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 12:30

Ever tried to apply the same dimensions to 20 different pictures in Microsoft Word? Or delete every third row in a massive table? It's a nightmare of menus and right-clicks. That is—unless you know a single keyboard shortcut that turns repetitive tasks into a one-second tap. Let me introduce you to F4.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to use the MAKEARRAY function in Microsoft Excel

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 12:30

Imagine typing a single formula into cell A1 and watching it create a 100-cell grid without lifting a finger. No dragging, no clutter, no $ locking, and no errors. That's the power of MAKEARRAY. It uses a single, elegant formula to create dynamic, robust datasets in seconds. It's time to let Excel do the heavy lifting!

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why Resident Evil is still the gold standard for video game adaptations 24 years after its release

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 12:00

2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the ResidentEvil franchise, Capcom's classic survival horror video game juggernaut that has broken the containment of consoles and transformed into several movie and television adaptations. These reimaginings, however, have proven to be one of the more controversial corners of the franchise, often critiqued for their handling of the source material and narratives.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 annoying Windows features that you should turn off

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 11:30

While Windows is more than a decent operating system, the recent deluge of AI features no one asked for, coupled with a number of rather annoying features that are enabled by default, can clutter the UI and sour the everyday Windows experience.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I fought my ISP for a decade before fixing these 4 hidden home networking mistakes

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 11:15

I haven't had the best luck with ISPs. In fact, I've been fighting them for over a decade now. But even I know that often, connection issues aren't caused by your internet service provider—they're caused by small mistakes related to your network.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Swap overstimulating kids apps for this educational, non-addictive option

Mashable - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Guilt-free screen time for kids exists thanks to this lifetime subscription to Pok Pok, on sale now for $44.97 with code PLAY through March 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $44.97
$250 Save $205.03   Get Deal

You don’t have to settle for the usual noisy, over-stimulating apps marketed to kiddos. Pok Pok is a Montessori-inspired option that lets you give little ones a safe, calm screen-time experience.

Right now, you can get a lifetime subscription to this guilt-free app for just $44.97 with code PLAY through March 22.

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Whether we like it or not, screens are a part of our lives. That means it’s up to us to introduce screen time to our kids in a safe and thoughtful way, and Pok Pok aims to do just that. This award-winning app provides a non-addictive, calm alternative to the usual children’s options in the app stores.

Pok Pok features a Montessori-based approach — a method that emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and natural development. Kids can navigate this app entirely on their own, while learning STEM concepts, numbers, and language. There are no rules to follow, no levels, objectives, winners, or losers, and it’s all done with hand-drawn animations and low-stimulation, in-house-made, gentle sound effects.

Early childhood experts collaborated with Pok Pok creators to ensure the app was made to enrich and support the child’s development. You can rest easy knowing the app is COPPA-certified and GDPR compliant, so kids won’t be tricked into making purchases.

This lifetime subscription gives you access to both new content and seasonal and cultural updates. It also includes a surprise gift delivered to your home.

Get this lifetime subscription to Pok Pok for only $44.97 with code PLAY now through March 22.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get the newest Office apps for 44% off and with no monthly fees

Mashable - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business is 44% off, giving you the latest Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook with modern productivity features and a one-time purchase.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License $139.97
$249.99 Save $110.02   Get Deal

Some software subscriptions make sense. But productivity software? That’s one area where a lifetime license still feels refreshingly practical.

Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business is currently available for $139.97 (reg. $249.99), giving you the newest version of Microsoft’s productivity suite without committing to a monthly subscription.

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And this version isn’t just a minor update. Office 2024 brings a number of thoughtful improvements designed for modern workflows — whether you’re managing projects, building presentations, or trying to keep your inbox under control.

At the core, you still get the classic apps so many rely on daily: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. But they’ve been refreshed with faster performance, smarter tools, and a cleaner design.

Excel, for example, is built to handle larger datasets more efficiently, making it easier to work with multiple workbooks at once. PowerPoint now allows users to record presentations with narration, video, and live camera feeds, which is particularly useful for remote meetings or online presentations. Outlook also introduces improved accessibility features, helping ensure emails meet formatting and readability standards before sending.

Across the entire suite, Microsoft has refined the interface with Fluent Design, creating a more consistent experience across apps. Collaboration features such as real-time co-authoring, comments, and version history also make it easier to work on shared documents. Office 2024 also introduces AI-powered suggestions to help with writing, formatting, and data insights, so you can create polished documents more efficiently.

And since everything installs directly on your device, you can keep working even when you’re offline. Get a Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business lifetime license for just $139.97 (reg. $249.99).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Adult Friend Finder app: Where to download the AFF app and how secure is it?

Mashable - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 11:00

There isn’t actually an official Adult Friend Finder app, but a lot of the site’s users still access its content on mobile devices. Many of them do so using the site’s mobile version, through either Safari or Google Chrome, but diehard fans of the site have created a workaround to mimic the experience of using an app.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Why doesn’t Adult Friend Finder have an app?

Both Apple and Google strictly police the kinds of content they allow on their respective app stores, and because Adult Friend Finder allows on-site nudity, including in profiles, chat forums, and live broadcasts, they haven’t been granted permission to create an official app for the two most-used mobile platforms.

SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt

Unfortunately, these rules apply even if you don’t have nudity on your profile or have turned on all the filters that restrict the display of adult content when using AFF, so there isn’t even a watered-down version of the app available and likely never will be.

What’s the best alternative?

If you really want to mimic the experience of using an app on your phone, you can simply create a homescreen shortcut to the Adult Friend Finder site. If you have cookies enabled and have already logged in, you can even remain logged in each time, saving you having to re-enter your login credentials.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for discreet and NSFW chats

To create a homescreen shortcut on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to AdultFriendFinder.com in your Safari mobile browser (no third-party browser will work)

  2. Tap the ellipsis icon in the bottom right corner of your Safari app, and then tap the Share icon at the top of the pop-up menu

  3. Scroll towards the bottom of the option list and select "Add to Home Screen"

  4. You will be prompted to assign a name to the icon before you can hit "Add"

For Android users, the steps are slightly different:

  1. Navigate to AdultFriendFinder.com in your Chrome mobile browser (no third-party browser will work)

  2. Tap the menu icon in the upper right corner of your Chrome app, and then tap "Add to Home Screen"

  3. You will be prompted to assign a name to the icon before you can hit "Add"

How secure is this home screen icon approach?

This method of accessing Adult Friend Finder is functionally no different than opening Chrome or Safari first, so it's no less safe than using the actual site, but there are a few things to consider:

  • If you share your phone or tablet with someone else, they will be able to see the AFF icon and possibly even access your account just by clicking on the app

  • If you prefer to keep your Adult Friend Finder use hidden, consider hiding the icon within a sub-folder or within a password-protected folder

  • To ensure your login credentials aren't saved, create the icon itself using your mobile browser's incognito or private browsing function

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on March 15

Mashable - Sun, 03/15/2026 - 05:00

The Moon is almost fully out of view, and if you were hoping to do some Moon gazing tonight, you're out of luck. As we approach the New Moon, there's not a lot we can spot on its surface since only a tiny sliver is lit by the Sun.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Sunday, March 15, the Moon phase is Waning Crescent. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 16% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

Viewing opportunities of the Moon's surface are slim tonight. Without visual aids, you're out of luck fully. However, if you have binoculars or a telescope, there's a chance you'll spot the Grimaldi Basin.

When is the next Full Moon?

In North America, the next Full Moon is predicted to take place on April 1.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to orbit Earth, passing through eight distinct phases along the way. Although we always see the same side of the Moon, the amount illuminated by the Sun shifts as it moves, which is why it can appear full, half-lit, or just a thin sliver at different times in the cycle. These shifting appearances are known as the lunar phases, and there are eight altogether:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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