How-To Geek

Linux has been used as a catch-all term for any free, open-source operating system that prioritizes user control over systems like Windows or macOS. Although many share command-line interfaces and a philosophy of freedom, calling every open-source project a Linux distribution ignores important details about computing history and engineering. There are distinctions you need to understand if you want to appreciate the complexity and variety of open-source software. Just remember, not everything that is an outsider is Linux, even though distros can be very different.

Going into 2026, I had big plans for my PC. But the current state of the market (read: the dumpster fire that it is, rather) made me reconsider. Majorly.

Heated print beds have become a staple feature on most 3D printers, even at the entry level. They help that all-important first layer remain in place, and prevent warping caused by a sudden drop in temperature once filament has been extruded.

Looking back at my old Excel spreadsheets, I can't believe I survived without Power Query. It turns complex automation into something surprisingly user-friendly. If you've avoided it because it looks intimidating, this guide is for you.

Luxury SUVs often promise premium comfort, advanced technology, and refined driving manners, but those benefits usually come with a steep price tag. In 2026, however, the gap between mainstream and luxury models is smaller than ever. Many non-luxury SUVs now offer the same features, materials, and overall driving experience without the added cost of a premium badge.

The original Chromecast turned every dumb TV into a smart TV, and people loved it. Google tried to take that same idea to speakers with the Chromecast Audio, but it was quickly abandoned. So why are people still clamoring for it today?

Even when a Linux desktop appears frozen, most of the time, the operating system is running just fine. The graphical interface is just another program that runs on top of the Linux system, so even if it crashes, you can restore your desktop session. That way you can back up your unsaved work and get back to your desktop without rebooting. Let me show you how to do that.

ESP32 microcontrollers are the powerhouses of DIY smart home projects. You can use them for everything from making a simple smart button to creating your own sensors. I recently bought a $30 ESP32 development board that's completely changed my smart home.

Love them or hate them, compact SUVs have taken over the family car job. The days of stuffing everyone into a sedan are mostly gone, replaced by high-riding crossovers built to handle school runs, groceries, and weekend road trips.

As rumored for months, Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple CEO. He will shift to an executive chair role on September 1st, 2026, when Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering John Ternus will lead the company.

Hyundai has revealed the newest member of its electric family, the IONIQ 3. Unveiled in Milan, the fully electric compact hatch is designed specifically for the European market. While its larger siblings, the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, grabbed headlines for their retro-futurism and streamlined silhouettes, the IONIQ 3 introduces what Hyundai calls the Aero Hatch typology.

What are you in the mood to watch this week? That's always the big question, isn't it? With thousands of movie titles in its library, spanning from small indies to documentaries to big popcorn blockbusters, Paramount+ is a well seemingly without a bottom, especially when you consider its Originals and movies it licenses from other studios.

There's obviously a reason that the question "What do you want to watch tonight?" has become one of the conundrums of our time. The libraries of streaming services have gotten so huge and ever-changing, it's hard to keep up—and Netflix is the biggest of them all. But, sadly, more choice doesn't translate to an easier choice.

FaceTime is a feature that has become almost as well-known as the iPhone itself. Android has simply never had an answer to it—except for the fact that they literally can answer FaceTime calls. This has been possible for five years, and you’re not alone in forgetting about it.

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the 2027 C-Class Electric, claiming this is the "sportiest" C-Class ever made.

The rumors of OnePlus scaling back its operations appear to be gathering momentum. A European business division head released a statement saying that the company is "evaluating its regional roadmap and product strategy." Support, software updates, and other promises are "fully guaranteed," the company leader adds.

Fuel efficiency remains one of the biggest priorities for budget-conscious buyers, but reaching 50 MPG or more often sounds like something reserved for expensive specialty hybrids. In 2026, that’s no longer the case. Several affordable hybrid models now deliver exceptional fuel economy while keeping purchase prices within reach for everyday drivers.

I don't know why, but I'm actively seeking shark movies. Last week, I recommended Thrash as the top Netflix thriller of the week. Is Thrash going to win an Oscar? Absolutely not. It's quite ridiculous, actually, but I had a blast watching sharks terrorize a coastal town. I needed an entertaining movie where I could turn my brain off. Thrash did that for me.

I love a good movie that strikes an inherent chord and leaves a long-lasting impact. The unforgettable ones tend to linger for quite a while, and when a movie does that, you know it’s done its job of inspiring insight, deeper understanding, and different perspectives.

Mesh Wi-Fi systems get recommended like a cure-all, and to be fair, they absolutely have their place. I use one myself because I need to cover both my house and a separate studio, and it's the only setup that makes that seamless. But that's a pretty specific scenario, and it's not how most people actually live or use their network.