How-To Geek
From Milwaukee to RIDGID: The 5 best shop vacs for any job
Finding the perfect shop vac can be the difference between a quick cleanup and a time-consuming mess, and that's before we even talk about cordless vs corded vacs from all your favorite tool brands. Whether you're a professional contractor or a weekend DIYer, choosing the right one is tough. Here are some of the best-performing models from Milwaukee to RIDGID.
How to boost your Linux skills beyond a beginner level
Do you struggle to understand how to boost your Linux skills? Are you sick of getting stuck in tutorial hell? A lack of inspiration can hold you back for years, but all you need are some ideas and a refined process. I have a guide that combines both how I learned Linux and how I approach difficult subjects, so you can breeze past beginner mode and into graybeard territory.
Japan leads, Germany follows: The best-selling luxury cars in 2026 (so far)
The luxury car market hasn’t had the strongest start to 2026. Slowing demand and shifting buyer priorities have weighed on overall sales, with several established nameplates posting noticeable declines in the first quarter. But even in a cooling market, a handful of models are standing out, delivering strong results while much of the segment struggles to keep pace.
10 essential From episodes to watch on MGM+ before season 4
As fans of the Fromanxiously await season 4, MGM+ and director Jack Bender (Lost) have released a specific list of episodes to rewatch. Each holds key moments and clues capable of shaping the next chapter, revisiting major traumas, story gaps, and moments worthy of deeper explanation.
Home Assistant turned my boring to-do list into the reminder system I actually needed
I've tried a lot of to-do list apps, from Todoist to Things 3, but I've never found one that has really felt like a perfect fit. I decided to try to build my own using Home Assistant.
My old Excel spreadsheets were a mess—here's how I fixed them in just an hour with AI
Every professional who works with data knows that moment of dread when opening an old, complex Excel file. They can quickly become a file of mismatched formats, formulas that are great but overused, and data full of errors. This is a massive time sink. The struggle is real, and it's a direct drain on productivity, forcing you to focus on cleaning data rather than extracting useful insights from it. However, we can finally give the most tedious, technical, and repetitive tasks to AI. I recently applied this new approach, and I am happy not having to do the grunt work. If you try what I'm doing, then you're likely going to love this new method too.
NVIDIA keeps neglecting frame gen on Linux, so I turned to this $7 alternative instead
Gaming on Linux is better today than it ever has been, but that doesn't mean it is perfect. NVIDIA's drivers are notoriously finicky, especially when you want to use more advanced features like DLSS or Frame Generation.
World number one 3D printer brand Bambu Lab has a filament problem
Bambu Lab has taken the 3D printing world by storm with its range of easy-to-use and affordable printers. The filament sold by the company is dependable and available in a wide range of materials and finishes, yet it somehow still manages to be a source of frustration.
R is niche, but it's the language every statistician actually uses
While Python is my primary programming language for statistical analysis, I'm picking the other major language, R, even though it's considered niche. Here are the reasons why.
3 new HBO Max documentaries to stream this weekend (April 17-19)
I write about documentaries on streaming services a lot, and it's no surprise that the lion's share of them are on Netflix these days. But consider this a stern reminder that HBO was the king of compelling, premium documentaries since before Netflix was stuffing DVDs in the mail. From 1996's Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills to the more recent surfing stunner, 100 Foot Wave series (both Emmy winners), you can still find a truckload of excellent docs on HBO Max.
Google Fi's Flexible plan is still a good deal: Here's how I've used it for the past 8 years
Google Fi Wireless—first named “Project Fi”—launched over a decade ago with a single plan. There are now four plans to choose from, but the original pay-for-what-you-use plan has stuck around. It’s still a shockingly good deal in 2026.
5 Proxmox services that turn your PC into a self-hosted powerhouse
If you're thinking about self-hosting multiple services, Proxmox is a great option. Proxmox is a virtualization platform that lets you run multiple isolated services on the same machine using containers or virtual machines. There are plenty of great services that can run in Proxmox.
7 smart home projects that work better on an ESP32 than a Raspberry Pi
The ESP32 is a tiny microcontroller that you can pick up for a few dollars. Thanks to its small footprint and low barrier to entry, it’s perfect for powering a variety of simple smart home projects from super simple “flash and go” sensors to more complex ventures that involve skills like soldering and coding.
How to use Column From Examples in Excel Power Query
We've all been there: struggling with a nested Excel formula that breaks when your data shifts, or using Flash Fill only to find it missed half the rows. I stopped relying on those fragile workarounds and switched to Power Query's Column From Examples for more reliable automation.
Sharge Disk Pro review: One of the most unique portable SSDs ever
When it comes to portable storage, I’ve never seen it done quite as elegantly as the Sharge Disk Pro. This portable NVMe SSD packs a 4-in-1 USB-C hub, MagSafe compatibility—but at what cost?
This open-source smart home system is slowly overtaking Alexa and Google Home
Smart home ecosystems such as Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home can be very frustrating. They're not always compatible with smart home devices, you're limited in what you can do, and they may not be hugely respectful of your privacy. There's a free and open-source alternative that's gaining ground fast.
Infiniti starts QX65 production in Tennessee—here's why it's so important
Infiniti hopes it just marked a major turning point in its U.S. ambitions. The upscale Nissan brand has started assembling its 2027 QX65 luxury SUV at its Smyrna, Tennessee plant, giving it a key role in launching a crucial new model.
This $165K track car does what million-dollar prototypes do
Revolution Race Cars is trying to carve out a new niche in the track-day world with the launch of the HyperSport. Described by the UK-based company as a lightweight track car built for performance and safety, the HyperSport combines the racing character of single-seaters, GTs, and prototypes.
Claude can now bring your design dreams to life
You might not need to do the heavy lifting the next time you have design work on hand. Anthropic has unveiled Claude Design, a "research preview" that uses the Opus AI model (4.7) to craft designs — potentially complete ones, depending on what you need.
3 Oscar-winning Netflix movies to watch this weekend (April 17-19)
Looking for something to watch while you kick back for the weekend? Netflix's diverse catalog has a lot to offer, from multi-season shows to titles that you can finish watching in one weekend. But most importantly, the platform hosts a large collection of Oscar-winning films.


