How-To Geek

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We explain technology. Learn more with our articles, reviews, tips, and the best answers to your most pressing tech questions.
Updated: 46 sec ago

Why should I pay for a password manager?

55 sec ago

Are you on the fence about paying for a password manager? Let me help you out: pay for one. I’ve used quite a few password managers over the years, including the one built into my browser. I’ve happily paid for 1Password for nearly a decade, and would have it no other way.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How stats made programming click for me

55 sec ago

Writers and programmers have had a similar experience: staring at a blank screen, the blinking cursor mocking you. I've found a way to get that cursor moving. You might not think that statistics would be a good motivator for programming ideas, but you'd be surprised. You might find your own ways to get your programming ideas flowing.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Affordable and reliable: the only new car still under $20K

15 min 56 sec ago

New car prices have soared over the past decade, with the average transaction now topping $48,000. Budget-friendly options have all but disappeared, as automakers chase bigger profits with crossovers and trucks.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 common mistakes that are quietly killing your laptop's battery

30 min 55 sec ago

The battery inside your laptop is slowly degrading, and there's no way to prevent it from happening. The catch is that some bad habits can expedite the process. If you're practicing one of the following habits, there's a good chance your laptop's battery is degrading faster than it should.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This free, open-source tool can disable internet access for specified apps

1 hour 55 sec ago

Ever wanted to stop a specific app from going online—whether to protect your privacy or block suspicious activity? Me too—and that’s why I use Portmaster, a free, open-source network monitor that lets you see every connection your apps make and blocks anything you don’t trust with a single toggle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best accessory for your Mac is actually a $100 Windows PC

1 hour 15 min ago

Are you a disgruntled Mac user grumbling about how some software is Windows-only? It’s easier than you might think to solve that problem: buy a cheap Windows mini PC.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 ways I use Linux for actual work

1 hour 30 min ago

Do you think Linux is just for homelabs or servers? Worried it can't handle your professional workflow? Well, I've been daily-driving Linux for 10 years, and here are five ways it helps me do real work.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why Building Weird Projects Makes You a Better Developer

2 hours 55 sec ago

Have a project idea in mind, but think it's too niche? I, too, was in your shoes until I finally scrapped that thought and started building whatever wild idea hit me. Many projects later, I've now realized that no matter how laughable an idea may sound, I should consider it. Here's why.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 tech products I’d never buy second-hand

2 hours 30 min ago

Buying used is a great way to save money, whether it’s a car, a piece of furniture, or electronics. I’m constantly browsing Facebook Marketplace for used deals, but there are a few lines I refuse to cross.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 reasons why vibe coding is a terrible idea

3 hours 55 sec ago

Vibe coding promises to do the heavy lifting while you put your feet up. Except it never works out that way, does it? You waste precious time debugging a codebase you don't understand, going around in circles with a mindless AI. I will explain why vibe coding is a terrible idea.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The forgotten Google app that was way ahead of its time

15 hours 30 min ago

Google's product cemetery is littered with both bad and good ideas. Some failed because the execution was poor, others were simply released half-baked, or too soon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

America’s rarest luxury car ever produced

Fri, 11/28/2025 - 23:30

Back in 2003, Cadillac started dropping their high-performance V-Series tech into regular models, and two decades later, V-Series means serious power. Cars like the CT4-V and CT5-V became known for combining class, sportiness, and legendary supercharged engines.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I made my Mac more secure by changing these 5 settings

Fri, 11/28/2025 - 23:00

Unlike Windows, macOS doesn't give me a persistent feeling like I'm being spied on, or my personal data is being sent to who-knows-where, but in the end, that's just a perception. I think Apple is doing a better job when it comes to security and privacy, but there are still a few ways I like to tighten things up when I set up a new Mac.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Everything coming to Prime Video in December 2025

Fri, 11/28/2025 - 22:45

The end is nigh. The end of the year, that is. And as the snow flutters to the ground and the wind gets crispy, Prime Video turns into one of the best reasons for staying in of all the major streaming services. For December, Prime is lining up a fresh new mix of blockbuster movies, buzzy new originals, holiday specials, and seasons of tried and true comfort shows, so you've always got something new to get you through the snow days.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 5 Chromebook tips save me tons of time in Google Docs

Fri, 11/28/2025 - 22:00

If you're a Chromebook user, then it makes the most sense to use Google's productivity suite to its full potential. These lightweight web-focused computers are perfect for school, college, and even work. But if you know a few core tips and tricks about using Google Docs on your Chromebook, you will be even more efficient. That's less time working, and more time pretending to work while you browse the web.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The OnePlus 15 can finally be sold in the U.S.

Fri, 11/28/2025 - 21:48

The wait is finally nearing an end for those of us in the US who have been waiting on the OnePlus 15. After being caught in the aftermath of the recent US government shutdown, the device has received regulatory clearance to enter the American market.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Start your NAS build with this Synology OS alternative, on sale for Black Friday

Fri, 11/28/2025 - 21:37

Unraid has just kicked off its annual Cyber Weekend Sale, offering some serious discounts if you are looking to build or upgrade your home server setup. This is the biggest sale of the season, and it runs now through Cyber Monday, giving you a chance to save up to 25% on perpetual licenses.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 reasons people gave up on Linux (and why it’s time to come back)

Fri, 11/28/2025 - 21:30

Have you tried Linux in the past, but didn’t like the experience? Or are you planning to try Linux but feeling hesitant after hearing about other people’s poor experiences? Here are the five most common reasons why people quit Linux—and five simple ways to address those concerns!

Categories: IT General, Technology

The affordable SUV offering Lexus-level comfort without the price tag

Fri, 11/28/2025 - 21:01

In a sea of midsize SUVs that all follow the same script, the Toyota Crown Signia shows up with its own vibe. It’s not chasing size, speed, or off-road bragging rights—it’s chasing comfort and polish.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I’m not proud of this Home Assistant smart lighting hack, but it works

Fri, 11/28/2025 - 20:30

It’s no secret that smart light switches are better buys than smart light bulbs, but I don’t have any smart switches installed yet. That’s what led me to devise a delightfully devilish hack that still lets me use my existing light switches to turn on my smart bulbs in a pinch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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