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.
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10 Linux commands to know for managing files

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 22:33

Want to start leveling up your terminal skills? The Linux command line has a wealth of flexible commands for file management. Learn how to use the most common ones for your everyday tasks.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget Lexus—this Toyota sedan feels far more upscale

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 22:30

New cars have become so expensive that the gap between mainstream and luxury models barely feels real anymore. A fully-loaded family sedan now comes packed with the kind of comfort, tech, and refinement that used to be reserved for premium badges only.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I ditched my Samsung foldable because Samsung ditched being Samsung

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 21:45

My Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 was unlike anything I had ever used before—a fully capable PC that fit in my pocket, unfolded into a tablet, and became a desktop when connected to a monitor. Unfortunately, Samsung has made a series of decisions that have increasingly put me off from using the phone and inspired me to seek out something else.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I bought a barebones mini PC to reuse an old SSD, and it’s the smartest tech choice I've made all year

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 21:30

A few years ago, I bought a Beelink SEi8 mini PC, and it has turned out to be one of those pieces of hardware I appreciate more over time. It's not my main desktop, and I'm not pretending it's some tiny workstation that can chew through video edits or high-end gaming. Most of the time, it runs as a media PC and lightweight server for things like Plex and a handful of other apps. But that's exactly why I like it. It does the jobs I actually need it to do without taking up much space, making much noise, or feeling like another full-size computer I have to manage.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop settling for an SUV: 5 convertibles that remind you why open-air driving matters

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 21:01

Convertibles may not dominate today’s automotive market, but they still deliver something that SUVs and crossovers simply can’t replicate. In a world where most new vehicles prioritize practicality over personality, a drop-top remains one of the purest ways to enjoy driving. Whether it’s a scenic coastal cruise or a spirited back-road run, few vehicles make summer driving feel as special.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Open-ear earbuds aren't a gimmick, they're the future of comfortable audio

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 20:45

Do you love the convenience of wireless earbuds but hate the intrusive feeling of having silicone tips shoved deep into your ear canals? Or perhaps you avoid wearing them because you can't hear your surroundings. Either way, open-ear earbuds could finally be the solution you've been looking for.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I replaced my Pixel phone's camera app with this open-source alternative

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 20:30

Pixel phones are known for their cameras, but the stock camera app isn’t perfect. The image processing is quite heavy, and there’s little manual control if you want to experiment. I recently started using Open Camera, a free open-source alternative, and I'm now getting even more from my Pixel's camera.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget the Civic and Corolla—This is an enthusiast's perfect daily driver

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 19:45

Compact cars have become smarter, more efficient, and more comfortable than ever before, but many of them have also become a little dull. In the pursuit of fuel economy and everyday practicality, a lot of affordable sedans and hatchbacks have lost the sense of fun that enthusiasts still crave. For drivers who actually enjoy being behind the wheel, finding a compact car with genuine personality has become surprisingly difficult.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your router isn’t just for Wi-Fi—here’s everything else it can do

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 19:30

Are you just using your router for Wi-Fi? Well, it actually does a lot more than that. Here's everything else your Wi-Fi router can do.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 forgotten luxury cruisers that make the absolute best summer road trip cars

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 19:00

Planning a road trip this summer? Despite high gas prices, millions will still hit the road. The real question: what will they be driving?

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 6 free, open-source apps saved me $852 last year

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 18:45

If you've started mentally tallying up your software subscriptions and wincing a little, you're probably overdue for a cleanup. The good news is that the open-source ecosystem has quietly become really good—good enough that some apps outright beat their paid alternatives. Last year, I switched to these six free, open-source apps, and they saved me nearly a grand without forcing me to compromise.

Categories: IT General, Technology

E-Ink has broken free from eReaders, and the options are wild

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 18:30

I adore E-Ink technology and there has never been a more exciting time to be a fan. New devices offering distinct ways to experience this paper-like technology are dropping all the time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 must-see Netflix war movies to watch for Memorial Day

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 18:16

Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start to summer. It serves as a day of remembrance for those brave soldiers who died serving in the United States military. These courageous individuals loved their country so much that they were willing to sacrifice their lives for it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop trusting only hard drives for backups—here's why DVDs belong in your homelab

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 17:55

A DVD drive in your homelab? What madness is this? Well, if you actually stop to think about it, there are many logical reasons why your homelab should include at least one drive capable of reading and writing DVDs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Home Assistant resources everyone should know about (even if you're just getting started)

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 17:45

Home Assistant is a powerful smart home application. The problem is that there are so many incredible integrations, add-ons, and custom components that it can be hard to know where to start. Thankfully, there's a very useful community-maintained resource that can help.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget the family minivan—these 5 EVs are better for summer road trips

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 17:45

Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching, marking the unofficial start of the summer travel season—and the perfect time for an annual family road trip. Despite soaring fuel prices, a recent Hertz survey found that 64 percent of Americans still plan to hit the road this summer. With our nation’s 250th anniversary and Route 66 celebrating its 100th birthday, there are more reasons than ever to embark on a memorable family drive. Now, all that’s left is to choose the perfect car.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Starting fresh with zero apps forced me to face how much I actually need my phone

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 17:32

Everyone can agree that setting up a new phone is a pain. The backup and restore process has considerably improved the experience over the years, but you’re still stuck with signing into a dozen or more apps. Recently, I switched phones and purposely made this process even worse. I’m glad I did.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 exciting new Milwaukee tools I’m still looking forward to in 2026

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 17:15

Who wants a few more capable and versatile power tools? Milwaukee is a fan favorite for its solid collection of tools for homeowners and professionals, not to mention its constantly expanding lineup. And while several new tools have arrived this year, more are on the way that are actually worth waiting for.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your Excel workbook is slower than it should be—these two hidden settings are usually why

Sat, 05/23/2026 - 16:45

Many Excel tutorials give the same advice for speeding up spreadsheets: avoid volatile functions. While that can help, software settings often have a bigger impact on performance. If your spreadsheets lag—even on a high-end PC—you may need to change how Excel handles calculations. These two buried settings can make large workbooks feel dramatically faster.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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