How-To Geek

Everyone who uses i3—or any Linux window manager—has some version of the same story: excited going in, and confused right after installing it. People on the internet will show you what’s possible with i3, but very few talk about what it actually takes to get there. I pushed through, figured it out, and now I’m sharing the three things I wish I knew before I started.

A local library of music is almost always cheaper than paying for a subscription, which is why home media servers have become so popular. In a weird way, Google Play Music was the first taste of this concept for many people. Despite what you may think, it still lives on today.

Raspberry Pi-based Plex servers look like a DIY-friendly, low-power way to build a compact Plex server. They're readily available, easy to work with, and have fantastic community support. Unfortunately, the builds you see on YouTube and social media only look good because they avoid one of the Raspberry Pi's greatest weaknesses.

Luxury is often associated with premium badges, but the badge itself doesn’t always guarantee the best ownership experience. In the used market especially, some overlooked mainstream models deliver the same refinement, comfort, and road presence as traditional luxury cars, often for far less money. One German liftback proves that stepping outside the usual premium brands can be a surprisingly smart move.

Choosing the right tool for multiple jobs can be tough, especially with so many brands to choose from. Then, once you decide on a brand and start stocking up, you'll realize you forgot something important. Earlier this year, I finally bought a RIDGID 4 Gallon wet/dry shop vac, and not only is it a tool I sorely needed, but it's something everyone should own.

When it comes to the most popular streaming websites, one we can all agree on is Netflix. Sure, the Netflix prices have gone up, and sometimes, you wonder if there are better alternatives out there, but at the end of the day, the platform has a ridiculous amount of content on it that gives you plenty of options.

A couple years ago, I purchased a pair of AR glasses and wore them as a replacement for my computer monitor. I worked in them. I played games with them. I loved them, briefly and passionately, before eventually allowing them to disappear onto a shelf. Despite delivering on their promise, I grew tired of them after only a few months.

For a long time, the standard for digital writing was consistent. Whether you wrote a short memo, an academic paper, or a novel, you probably used the same word processor and typed into a blank white page, and that was usually Microsoft Word, even with hidden features. However, relying on a single app limits you, and there are better apps out there to use. Instead of forcing work into a rigid format, you should use a group of specialized tools where each program serves a specific purpose.

I've owned the same Kindle since 2011, and it's still going strong. While I much prefer reading real books, it's hard to beat the portability that a Kindle can offer; you can take an entire library on vacation, and it only takes up the same space as a slice of bread.

Every mini PC I've ever owned, be it for myself or for reviewing purposes, was mine and mine alone. It's not that I don't like to share: I just didn't see the point when everyone else already has their own hardware. If the person I live with has their own PC, what's the point in sharing a spare, third, portable computer?

When you buy a Samsung Galaxy phone, you're getting a lot more than just an Android phone. You're also getting a device packed with advanced features seamlessly integrated into One UI, Samsung's version of Android. And while there's plenty of overlap, several Samsung Galaxy exclusive features make the experience even better.

There's a good chance that if you own a Raspberry Pi or two, you're probably also the owner of a 3D printer, or know how to get access to one through a local print farm or a friend.

Setting up a NAS is easy—they're usually plug-and-play. Picking out the right one for you can be harder. There are hundreds of models across at least a dozen brands, and they all have different hardware specs. I became a bit obsessed with finding the "ideal" NAS before purchasing one, only to realize that most of the time, the hardware specs don't really matter much at all.

The ESP32 is a hobbyist’s dream that comes in a broad range of configurations. It can be hard to know where to begin, but there are some simple rules you can follow to match the intended use with a classic, C3, C6, S3, or other variants.

If you're building a home media server, you've got a few solid options to pick from. Plex has long been the mainstream giant that most people start with, but over time, the app has shifted away from pure self-hosting. As a result, Jellyfin has quietly become the go-to choice for self-hosting enthusiasts who want more control and no compromises.

Microsoft 365 is a massive suite, and you could spend your afternoon clicking through endless ribbons. On the other hand, you could get your work done in half the time by knowing the most useful keyboard shortcuts. From universal commands to app-specific essentials, here's every Microsoft 365 shortcut you need to keep your hands off the mouse.

DIY ESP32 projects can be a cost-effective way to build your dream smart home, especially if you're looking for something unique that doesn't exist in retail form. Unfortunately, planning and researching a project can be time-consuming and tedious. That is where Velxio comes in.

SSDs are hardly a new product in this day and age, and yet, they're still the subject of many myths that should have died off around a decade ago. And honestly, that's me being generous.

Bluetooth is a fantastic feature on mobile phones, but if you use it to listen to your favorite tunes regularly, you might notice it sometimes sounds dead, tinny, or just plain bad. The culprit might actually be the default codec your phone is using for Bluetooth.

For those who can actually afford the luxury, a NAS can be a great addition to their setup. But in addition to serving storage and network functions, a NAS can also be a great option to breathe some new life into your PC. Here's how.