How-To Geek

You've heard of the popular smart home automations: automatic lights, security systems, robot vacuums.. But there are plenty of niche gadgets out there that can streamline your setup and create the ultimate smart home dream—think Tony Stark's house.

In celebration of the 4th of July and while summer is in full swing, now is the perfect time to hit Home Depot and grab some new power tools for DIY projects and home repairs. While select DeWALT and Ryobi tools are up to 40% off and battery deals are available, there are a few even better deals you won't want to miss.

Over 16 years ago, Google released the Nexus One, and it's considered one of the most important phones in Android history. I still own mine. And while a lot has changed since it arrived in January 2010, and the latest Pixel 10 Pro XL is better than ever, Google could still learn a thing or two from those older models.

When most people look at an Ethernet cable, their first thought would be that this is how you transport data. However, you've probably seen devices like security cameras or network switches that aren't only sending data over Ethernet, but also receiving power using that one cable.

Despite what some people might think, computers run on electricity and not magic fairy dust. Electricity costs money, and generating it usually has some sort of environmental cost too.

Range has basically become the new way people measure efficiency, mostly because it feels more real-world than MPG. MPG tells you how far a car could go on a gallon, but range shows how far you actually get before stopping for fuel, tank size included.

Milwaukee makes hundreds of tools you'll love, but if you're a new homeowner or simply on a budget, certain affordable tools are a must-buy. If you already own a drill or a few other tools, here are four more Milwaukee tools under $120 worth adding to your collection.

For decades, luxury buyers who prioritized reliability had a simple answer: buy a Lexus. The Japanese brand built its reputation on offering premium vehicles with the durability and low ownership costs that many European rivals struggled to match, making it the default choice for cautious shoppers.

If you’re thinking about switching to Linux, you’re probably comparing distros like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Mint and wondering which one is the best fit. But, with my decade-long experience using and recommending Linux, I think that’s the wrong question to ask. Instead, start by comparing GNOME and KDE Plasma, decide which one fits your workflow better, and then choose any distro built around that desktop environment (DE). That narrows the decision down to just two options.

For years, I clicked through the same apps and routines every morning by hand. Then I found a tool buried in Windows that's been there the whole time, quietly waiting to take over.

Plex has been around since 2008, forking from a macOS XBMC port, which is, of course, today's Kodi. I haven't been on the Plex train since day one, but it has been over a decade at this point, and it was my first go at self-hosting streaming media in my home.

Everyone loves a good deal, especially when the car you’re getting feels a lot nicer and drives better than the price would suggest. With affordable cars getting harder to come by, it’s refreshing when a brand actually puts in the effort to stretch value further.

I’m always trawling websites like MakerWorld and Printables for models to make and talk about. Checking the reviews before downloading can help avoid disappointment and wasted filament, but too many reviewers seem to blame model authors for problems that have nothing to do with the model itself.

You're not wrong that the modern graphical apps on Linux have improved—by a lot. You're also not wrong to wonder why that improvement hasn't pulled more terminal users over to the graphical side. However, the answer isn't necessarily about loyalty or habit. While I can’t speak for everyone, here’s are five reasons why I personally like using command-line interface (CLI) and terminal user interface (TUI) apps over graphical user interface (GUI) apps.

That's it, stick a fork in June, it's done. And while Paramount+ knocked out some solid hits, from Scream 7 and a new season of The Agency to Beavis and Butt-Head to, oh yeah, the UFC at the White House, there are still some solid movies in its formidable library to get you through the month's final week.

Most EVs, like their gasoline counterparts, require owners to return to the dealership for regular maintenance. All legacy automakers selling electric vehicles have service and repair models built around their specific dealer networks, training, and tools. How readily available that service and repair information is to owners, independent shops, and the general public is the subject of an ongoing debate known as Right to Repair.

The biggest user-facing feature in Android 17 is App Bubbles. It’s a brand new way to multitask—well, it’s brand new if you’re a Pixel owner. Samsung has beaten Google to countless ideas over the years, and App Bubbles is just the latest.

The automotive industry is changing at a pace that few could have predicted. Stricter emissions regulations, rising development costs, electrification, and shifting consumer preferences are forcing automakers to make difficult decisions about which models deserve a future and which ones have reached the end of the road.

Right now, half the planet is still glued to their TVs watching the World Cup, screaming at their TVs for ninety minutes at a time (they should take a break for one of these soccer movies instead). Netflix, on the other hand, keeps doing what Netflix does, which is to crank out content. Whether you're now scrolling past Office Romance or waiting for Enola Holmes 3 to arrive (July 1), your hungry scrolling thumb is just waiting to press play on a good movie this week, and that's where we come in.

Are you curious about why someone would ditch all the popular mainstream apps in favor of less familiar options? Is there something to gain by making this transition? Well, currently, my app repertoire primarily consists of open source apps, and here's why I made the switch!