Technology

7 Linux apps I install on every new PC

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:51

Linux is all about customization, whether you need the most basic, command-line-only operating system, or a fully-fledged desktop ready to throw down with Windows and macOS. These are a few of the best apps you can install on Linux.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This modular Android tablet can easily be upgraded and repaired with a Phillips screwdriver

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:46

Most modern devices aren’t built to last. Sure, they get many years of software updates, but what about the hardware? Batteries eventually stop holding a charge, and storage runs out. Brax is one company trying to solve this problem, and after launching an Android phone, it’s moving on to tablets.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop mounting your TV above the fireplace—it's ruining your viewing experience

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:45

You just got yourself a beautiful new TV, and you want to show it off to everyone who walks into your living room. You’ve also got a gorgeous fireplace, and, understandably, mounting that TV in the sweet spot right over top of it might seem like the perfect place—it’s clean and makes the space look like a showroom. The problem is, showrooms aren’t for watching TV, they’re for selling furniture.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best TV deals in Amazons Spring Sale — score budget QLED TVs at record-low prices

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:43
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale TV deals at a glance: Best 55-inch TV deal Hisense 55-inch Canvas QLED 4K TV $687.99 at Amazon (save $306) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal TCL 65-inch QM8K Mini LED QLED 4K TV $997.97 at Amazon (save $500) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $897.96 at Amazon (save $398) Get Deal

Most of the year's major flagship TVs announced in January are typically out by the end of March, cueing retailers to push deals on last year's TVs even harder. March was further established as one of the best months to buy a TV when Amazon started holding a massive annual spring sale. This year, it's longer than ever: The 2026 Big Spring Sale runs from March 25 through 31. And a ton of TVs are included in the sale.

SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this easy TV specs guide

It's not just Amazon's in-house Fire TVs that see big discounts during the Big Spring Sale — they're hardly the best TVs you can get for the money right now. The most worthwhile Amazon TV deals are from solid budget brands like TCL and Hisense, with a few premium options like Samsung's The Frame thrown in. To find deals on premium 2025 OLEDs, Best Buy tends to have way more options.

We’re tracking the strongest Amazon TV deals throughout the Big Spring Sale, with a rolling list updated as prices change. Every model featured here is at, or lower than, its previous best price based on data from camelcamelcamel, so these are genuinely competitive offers. We’re also watching for fresh discounts across the models we've picked as the best 65-inch TVs you can buy this year.

Best Big Spring Sale TV deal Hisense 75-inch U7 QLED 4K TV $897.96 at Amazon
$1,297.99 Save $400.03   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

One TV that's actually beating its previous record-low sale price is the 2025 75-inch Hisense U7. Currently 31 percent off, it's $103 cheaper than it was just a month ago during Presidents' Day sales.

The 2026 version of the same TV was just unveiled on March 6, so a new price drop on the predecessor model certainly tracks. The 2026 75-inch U7 will cost $1,999.99 — more than $1,000 steeper than the 2025 model's $897.96 sale price. Those are the kind of steals we were talking about. The 65-inch model is also at a new record-low $697.96 if 75 inches is a bit larger than you'd like.

This mini LED model packs a serious punch for the price. Its brightness in SDR and HDR gets consistently great notes across the internet, with glare handling strong enough for most sunlit rooms. You don't always see a 165 Hz refresh rate in budget to mid-range TVs, so the Hisense U7 is a top contender for an XL gaming TV under $1,000.

Deals on 43-inch TVs and underDeals on 50- to 55-inch TVsDeals on 65-inch TVs Deals on 75-inch TVs and up
Categories: IT General, Technology

Netflixs Apex trailer teases Charlize Theron being hunted in the Australian wilderness

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:39

If there's one thing we've learned from Australian survival thrillers, it's that it's never a good idea to venture out solo into the wilderness — and if you do, you definitely want to avoid asking the locals for directions.

A cat-and-mouse survival game plays out in the Netflix trailer above for Apex, which sees Charlize Theron being hunted through the mountains by an impressively creepy Taron Egerton.

From the looks of things we can expect beautiful scenery, rock climbing and kayak-based action sequences, and plenty of shots of Egerton grinning while wielding a crossbow.

Apex is streaming on Netflix from April 24.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:34

Dust off those Amazon gift cards — Amazon’s Big Spring Sale runs from Wednesday, March 25 to March 31 (and some great deals are already available). 

If you previously redeemed a gift card and want to check the remaining balance, we’ve got you covered. We'll also explain how to reload a gift card. Follow the steps below to make sure your Amazon gift cards are ready for those Lightning Deals. Happy shopping!

How to check your Amazon gift card balance on your desktop

Follow these quick steps to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance from your computer browser:

Total Time
  • 2 minutes
What You Need
  • Computer

Step 1: Navigate to Amazon

Open the Amazon website.

Step 2: Accounts & Lists

Click on Accounts & Lists in the top right corner of the screen.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website

Step 3: Select Gift cards

A new menu page will open on the website. Select Gift cards.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website

Step 4: Redeem or reload gift card

Once you click, you'll be able to see the existing balance on your gift card. If you are checking the balance on an unredeemed gift card and wish to redeem it, you can click on Redeem a Gift card. You can also opt to Reload your card in this menu or check your transaction history, which is listed below the gift card balance.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website How to check your Amazon gift card balance in the app

Follow these simple steps to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance from your phone or tablet:

Total Time
  • 2 minutes
What You Need
  • Smartphone

Step 1: Go to Account

Open the app and click on the account icon at the bottom of the landing page (the little person illustration). Then choose Account at the top of the landing page.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 2: Navigate to Payments

Scroll down until you see the Payments section.

Step 3: Manage gift card balance

In the Payments section, click on Manage gift card balance.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 4: Check balance or reload

Use the new menu that opens to check your gift card balance, reload your gift card, or check past activity.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

I finally separated my work and personal life on Windows 11 and it’s a game-changer

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:30

Windows 11 is one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, and that's because it appeals to a wide range of people, both for work usage and personal usage.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best tablet deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026: Score deals on the latest iPad Air

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:29
Best Big Spring Sale Tablet Deals Best tablet deal Apple iPad Air (M4 chip, 128GB, WiFi) $559 (save $40) Get Deal Best Android tablet deal Samsung Galaxy S11 $739.99 (save $120) Get Deal Best kids tablet deal Amazon Fire 7 Kids with six months Amazon Kids+ $59.99 (save $40) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale has arrived. The seasonal sale, which runs March 25 through 31, focuses on seasonal transition items – think cleaning supplies to freshen up your home and camping supples to get outdoors. However, it wouldn't be a sale without tech deals, too.

We've spotted solid savings on tablets, good timing considering Apple just dropped a brand new one. The Apple iPad Air with M4 chip just dropped this month, and it's already on sale. But if iPads aren't your thing don't worry, there are plenty of other tablet deals to shop.

Here are all the best tablet deals to shop during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air (M4 chip, 128GB, WiFi) $559 at Amazon
$599 Save $40   Get Deal

Read our full review of the Apple iPad Air (M4).

Apple's latest iPad drop is the iPad Air with M4 chip. It's one of the retailers speediest, most efficient tablets, scoring 13,176 on the Geekbench 6 test, which puts it ahead of most laptops. When Apple released the new iPad Air, they didn't raise the price, keeping the midrange tablet at $599. However, it already received a price cut at Amazon.

During the Big Spring Sale, get the Apple iPad Air with M4 chip for just $559. While that's only $40 in savings and less than 10% off its list price, it's still a great deal considering it's a brand new tablet.

So while we might like this deal best, if you want some bigger savings, there are plenty more deals to shop.

More iPad deals

iPads

Best Android tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S11 $739.99 at Amazon
$859.99 Save $120   Get Deal

The best Android tablet to compete with Apple's iPad is the Samsung Galaxy S11. It's more expensive than Apple's iPads but it has everything we want in a tablet. Speedy processing for gaming and streaming, gorgeous displays and crystal clear resolution, adjustable app windows, and an included stylus for note taking or drawing. We've previously tested the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, which is a step up from the S11.

During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, get the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 for just $739.99. That saves you $120 off its $859.99 list price for 14% savings.

More Android tablet dealsKids tablet deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Why people are ditching their carriers for MVNOs (and it's not just about price)

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:15

Have you recently considered ditching Verizon or AT&T and switching to an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) like Mint Mobile or Straight Talk? They're a popular carrier option thanks to being cheap, but that's not all you'll get from choosing an MVNO over the big guys.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Refresh your water this spring with a Waterdrop Filter upgrade

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:00

Spring-cleaning usually focuses on what you can see. Closets get reorganized, kitchens get scrubbed, and windows are opened after months of cold weather. But while these visible areas get attention, one everyday essential is often overlooked: the water coming from the kitchen tap.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 5 Linux desktop environments solve problems GNOME won't

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:00

Most people switching to Linux naturally land on GNOME—not because it was their choice, but because it’s the default on most popular distros. I've used Linux for over 10 years and tested every major desktop environment (DE). While GNOME does some things well, it leaves real gaps in workflow flexibility, resource efficiency, and built-in functionality. If you've ever bumped into one of those limitations, these five DEs will be a better fit for your workflow.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your M.2 slot choice is silently killing your PC's speed

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 14:45

You might not know this, but despite the fact that the M.2 slots on your motherboard are all the same PCIe version, some are still better than others.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows File Explorer is broken, so I found a better open-source replacement

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 14:30

The default Windows File Explorer has consistently been a headache, even though it's a core part of the operating system. Microsoft keeps bringing in sleek, rounded modern elements, but the file manager's foundation is still stuck in Windows 95. Since it relies on the single explorer.exe process to handle everything, from browsing files to your taskbar, a simple crash can freeze your whole desktop. You should consider changing your explorer to a powerful, open-source alternative has not only come in to fix these architectural problems but has actually gotten better than the native application in every important way.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon just dropped the Apple iPad Air to its lowest-ever price — save $199 during the spring sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 14:24

As of March 25, the Mashable-tested Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3) is down to $549.99 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Not only is that $199.01 off the list price of $749, but it's also the lowest-price ever for this device, beating the previous record by about fifty bucks.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 11-inch $549.99 at Amazon
$749 Save $199.01   Get Deal

So, if you’ve been looking to add a new iPad to your arsenal of smart devices, now’s the moment to strike. Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, which officially launched today, has delivered a ton of Apple deals. But so far, this is the one that’s really caught our eye — thanks in part to its stunning Liquid Retina Display and our first-hand experience with it.

When Apple released the M1 version of the iPad Air back in 2022, we said that it was too powerful. And that's quadruply true for the new M4 version that was just released a few weeks ago. Honestly, this previous-gen iPad Air is right in the sweet spot, with a relatively affordable price tag and a genuine discount.

We've practically composed poems to this tablet's design in our reviews over the years. The iPad Air is incredibly thin and light, and until it's capable of folding, it's hard to imagine how this tablet could get much sleeker. The only thing it's really missing is the HDR and OLED display of the iPad Pro, which also costs a lot more.

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It’s not all about looks, of course. That stunning display needs power, which comes in the form of Apple’s advanced M3 chip with support for Apple Intelligence (which will be important when the new AI Siri makes its debut later this year).

Other features include Touch ID, an all-day battery, and great tools for graphic designers. And as a lightweight Air model, it’s easy to take in your bag — perfect for commuters or anyone who works on-the-go. The 12MP camera is also perfect for high-quality video calls and general snaps.

Don’t miss the Apple iPad Air 11-inch in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Now reduced to just $549.99, its lowest ever price for savings of $199.01.

Read our full review of the M3 iPad Air.

Categories: IT General, Technology

10 reasons you should enable developer mode on your Android phone (even if you're not a developer)

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 14:00

Since it's hidden from plain sight, many Android phone owners believe that the Developer Options menu is some kind of arcane place where you shouldn't wander uninvited. But the reality is that you can unlock the Developer mode in just a few seconds, and it packs a ton of useful options that can come in handy even for the most casual of users.

Categories: IT General, Technology

20+ fitness tracker deals to shop in the Amazon Big Spring Sale — save on Garmin and Apple

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 13:56
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale fitness tracker deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (save $100) Get Deal Best Garmin deal Garmin vívoactive 5 $174.28 (save $125.71) Get Deal Best Google deal Google Pixel Watch 4 (WiFi, 41mm) $289.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best Nothing deal Nothing CMF Watch 3 Pro $69 (save $30) Get Deal Best Samsung deal Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (Bluetooth, 46mm) $369.99 (save $130) Get Deal

Amazon's third annual Big Spring Sale runs through March 31, and while we saw a few early deals last week, the main event is finally here. Items like Apple products, robot vacuums, and speakers are heavily reduced, with more to follow. Even high-end fitness trackers got the discount treatment, with deals to be found on many brands including Garmin, Google, and of course, Apple Watches. So, if you've been looking for a fitness tracker to assist your routine, now is the perfect time to buy.

The biggest discounts we're seeing right now are on last-gen Garmin watches, but we'll be updating this list as new price drops appear. We're still keeping a close eye on a couple of big names, like Whoop and Oura, to see if they drop their prices now that the sale has started.

Here are all the best fitness tracker deals you can shop at Amazon throughout the Big Spring Sale 2026.

Best fitness tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 5 $174.28 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $125.71   Get Deal Why we like it

While it's since been replaced with the newer vívoactive 6, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is still an excellent choice. It's a perfect all-rounder for someone who wants a fitness tracker with plenty of smartwatch features. It can track everything from long runs and rides to stress, sleep, and body battery, has a bright and responsive AMOLED display, and boasts 11 days of battery power (Apple could literally never). I personally gifted this watch to my boyfriend (he loves it) after snagging an epic Black Friday discount, but it's now even cheaper. At $174.28, it's over 40% off and is down to the lowest price we've ever seen.

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for a solid Apple Watch deal, this $100 price drop on the Series 11 makes it a pretty stellar value. It's been chilling at this price for awhile now, so we're hoping to see the Big Spring Sale drop it down even lower. But even if it doesn't, $299 for the newest Apple Watch ain't bad. It brings significant battery improvements over its predecessor, which alone makes it worth the upgrade. It also has a tougher design with more durable glass that's twice as resistant to scratches, 5G capability for seamless connectivity, and a Sleep Score and hypertension tool for flagging high blood pressure.

More fitness tracker deals

Apple

Garmin

Google / Fitbit

Nothing

Samsung

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sony and Honda have killed their Afeela electric car

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 13:51

It was not meant to be.

Shortly after Honda discontinued several upcoming electric vehicles of its own, Sony and Honda's joint electric vehicle project Afeela has come to an abrupt end.

In a joint statement, the companies said they would "discontinue the development and launch of its first model, AFEELA 1, and its second model," as well as review their business direction together.

While Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), the joint automotive venture between Sony and Honda, has not effectively been killed yet, the statement said the company will "continue to discuss and evaluate the future of SHM," with an announcement coming "at the earliest possible opportunity."

In other words, with no cars on the horizon, SHM is on life support, and it seems unlikely it will ever do much besides be unceremoniously dismantled in the near future.

Unlike Honda's "0 Series" concepts, SHM's Afeela appeared to be quite close to production, with the company showing an upgraded version of Afeela 1 just months ago at CES.

SEE ALSO: Remember those cool Honda 0 Series electric cars? They're not happening.

The sleek, techy Afeela 1 was envisioned as a car that puts entertainment first, with features including PlayStation Remote Play, an AI assistant, and videoconferencing. The starting price was set at $89,000 in the U.S., with the launch intended for late 2026.

The "second model" mentioned in SHM's statement is likely the Afeela 2 SUV, which was supposed to launch further down the line.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why these two SUVs are the last stand for manual transmissions in America

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 13:45

Manual transmissions have steadily disappeared from the American market, pushed aside by automatics that are faster, more efficient, and easier to live with every day. Once common across nearly every segment, the stick shift is now a rarity, especially in SUVs, where convenience and comfort tend to take priority. Yet a small number of models continue to keep the tradition alive.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 uncomfortable truths about Proxmox every homelabber needs to hear

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 13:30

Proxmox is a pretty powerful operating system for your homelab—too powerful, almost. While it’s both powerful and free, there are definitely some nuances to using it properly, so here are five uncomfortable truths that you should hear (and what you should do about them).

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple AirTags are down to a new low price in the Amazon Big Spring Sale — buy the 4-pack for under $60

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 13:25

SAVE OVER $30: As of March 25, the Apple AirTag 4-Pack is down to $59.99 in the Amazon Spring Sale. That's $30.01 off the list price of $99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag 4-Pack $59.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $39.01   Get Deal

Apple fans rejoice because Amazon’s latest sale event, the Big Spring Sale, is knocking down prices here, there, and everywhere.

There are deals for shoppers looking for anything from a MacBook and Apple Watch to something much smaller, like the Apple AirTag. If you’ve never used the AirTag before, it’s a fantastic little gadget that will prevent you from ever using your valuables again. Unlike other Bluetooth trackers, it has the added bonus of syncing with all your Apple tech.

The Apple AirTag four-pack is currently at just $59.99, which according to camelcamelcamel is its lowest-ever price. That gives you a saving of $39.01 — 39% off the list price of $99.

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All you need to do is to attach the AirTag to your valuables — such as slip it in your wallet or purse, or attach it to your keys — and you can track it using the Find My app.

It’s super simple to set up. Just one tap will connect it with your iPhone or iPad. You can also get it to play a little tune to help you track down misplaced items — or just ask Siri for help, of course — and when items are actually lost, put it into lost mode and the broader Find My network will use other Apple devices to locate them. 

As a bonus, you can share your AirTag with up to five people, which allows friends and family to also keep tabs on items for you. 

Find a bargain on the Apple AirTag today, now at just $59.99 — its lowest-ever price.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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