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.
Updated: 25 min 32 sec ago

Don't like your Samsung Galaxy keyboard? Make your own!

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 23:00

Regardless of how we feel about virtual keyboards, many of us type more words on our phones than anywhere else. If you’re frustrated by the keyboard on your Samsung Galaxy phone, not only can you swap it out for an alternative, but you can even create your own!

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why a simple hardware upgrade can permanently lock your encrypted SSD

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 22:30

If you're encrypting your drives, you're already well ahead of the curve when it comes to backing up your files. But there are reasons to be wary of them, too, and they apply especially if you're not used to the idea just yet.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Cybertruck vault upgrade every pro owner has been waiting for

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 22:00

Tesla Cybertruck owners can stop randomly digging through their vaults and start sliding! Unplugged Performance has released a convenient bed storage system for the Cybertruck with sliding drawers to keep all your gear organized and protected. To match the Cybertruck’s exterior look and overall aesthetics, Unplugged Performance designed the system with a high-strength stainless steel frame and heavy-duty latches and clips for the two sliding drawers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This forgotten American supercar was decades ahead of its time

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 21:30

Back in the late ’80s, when American muscle was all about big V-8s and playing it safe, one tiny manufacturer decided to flip the script entirely. They weren’t trying to beat Detroit at its own game—they were rewriting the whole playbook.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your old router is secretly a mesh system: How to unlock its hidden Wi-Fi settings

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 20:30

Dead zones are one of the most frustrating parts of Wi-Fi. Mesh systems fix that by letting your devices switch seamlessly between nodes as you move around your home, but their price tags can easily make you think twice.

Categories: IT General, Technology

On The Inside: This writer's daily driver is a Linux laptop

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 20:05

I think it's no surprise that many of the team here at How-To Geek love Linux. Open-source operating systems that you can play around with and tweak exactly how you want to are a geek's dream, after all.

Categories: IT General, Technology

8 Ubuntu tips and tricks for first-time users

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 20:00

When I’m asked to recommend a Linux distribution for beginners, I always suggest Ubuntu. It’s one of the easiest to master, but there’s still a learning curve for longtime Windows users. Here's what I recommend for first-time Ubuntu users to make the transition much easier.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How the Genesis G70 2.5T outshines most V-6 luxury sedans for less

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 19:30

The luxury sedan segment is crowded with V-6-powered models that promise refinement and power, but few deliver the balance of performance, comfort, and value that today’s buyers really want. The Genesis G70 2.5T upends expectations by offering comparable or better real-world performance than many six-cylinder rivals, yet it does so with a lighter footprint, strong efficiency, and a price that undercuts the competition.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why my portable solar panels are essential, even in the winter

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 19:15

In my house, we rely exclusively on batteries for electricity when our power goes out. Portable solar panels are a vital part of our home survival kit—even in the dead of winter.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Upgrading a motherboard is a nightmare: Why it's the one part you must 'future-proof'

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 19:00

The beauty of desktop PCs is that they're endlessly upgradeable. You can buy a PC today and still use some iteration of it in a decade, with a dozen upgrades along the way. But if there's one part that's really annoying to replace, it's the motherboard—and yet, it's also the component most people try to save money on.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why the blinking "12:00" became the ultimate symbol of '90s tech frustration

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 19:00

In the '90s, lots of appliances had screens. Because they had screens, appliance makers generally thought they might as well add a clock. So devices like VCRs and microwaves would also display the time—if you bothered to set the clock!

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 reasons most people stick with Windows, even though Linux is free

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 18:30

You've probably heard about the recent AI controversies surrounding Windows, and you may have even heard of Linux as an alternative. Linux is a fantastic choice, but it's not for everyone—in fact, it's not for most. If you're an avid Windows user or a Linux enthusiast, I have three crucial reasons most users remain on Windows, even though Linux is entirely free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 hidden 3D printer costs you should know about

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 18:15

Buying a 3D printer is exciting, but it can also be expensive. Not only do you have to shell out for a printer and take some time to learn how to use it, you also have to make peace with the fact that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 Boston-born stars who are still ruling Hollywood in 2026

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 18:00

Boston is not typically thought of as a hotbed for Hollywood entertainment. Los Angeles and New York City are still the top cities to find talent in movies and television. However, you'd be surprised at how many actors and actresses got their start in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, more specifically, Boston.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This is the advanced feature every new Linux user needs to know

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 17:30

If you're just starting out with Linux, it can't be a lot to take in. One of the most important concepts to understand though is that you can prepare for issues by making sure snapshots are configured and running regularly. Here's what you need to know.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Not all M.2 drives are NVMe: Why buying the wrong M.2 drive wastes your motherboard slot

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 17:15

Have you ever wanted to essentially waste your money? And quite a lot of it, too? Then I have the perfect deal for you.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How I use my Raspberry Pi to keep an eye on my network traffic (and why)

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 17:00

Your home router can provide basic network monitoring features, but if you need something more advanced, or if you want to integrate output from a network monitor into other services you're self-hosting, you'll need something more. These are a few network monitoring solutions worth trying.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How I execute terminal commands on my Linux PC from my Android home screen

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 16:45

What if shutting down your Linux PC, launching apps, or locking your screen were as easy as tapping your phone? I did exactly that using a free, open-source app that turns any terminal command into a one-tap Android shortcut.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 essential settings I change on every fresh Ubuntu install

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 16:30

Ubuntu is probably the Linux distro I keep coming back to most frequently. It's also many people's first distro. It's really good, and really customizable. But I'm not fully okay with some of its defaults.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop throwing away your TV boxes

Sun, 02/15/2026 - 16:30

Buying a new TV is an exciting time. You can’t wait to take it out of the box, get all the accessories out, mount it, and throw away the box. Except that last step is something you should seriously reconsider—the box is far more valuable than you might realize.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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