How-To Geek

It doesn't always make the headlines, but the performance improvements we've seen since solid state storage went mainstream have been staggering. Which is a little ironic, since most of the things we do on our computers (even most video games) don't really need faster storage than a SATA III SSD provides. Certainly the only time I really get to enjoy my 7GB/s SSD is when I copy files to and from it.

Terminal commands and FOSS philosophies aside, one of the biggest challenges new Linux folks face is just the sheer number of odd and difficult-to-pronounce names for things. I'll explain a few of them and their interesting origins.

In a world where new cars lose value the moment they leave the lot, sports cars are especially brutal. Even names like Ferrari, Porsche, and the Chevrolet Corvette aren’t immune.

Video podcasts are one of the biggest trends in the media space. While many users still listen to their favorite shows, the presence of video adds another element to the podcast landscape. Think of video podcasts as the new form of late-night talk shows.

Let's agree on something: Compared to Windows Spotlight, Ubuntu's dynamic wallpaper feature is not very good. Fortunately, Linux is very customizable, and if you don't want to, you don't have to stare at the same wallpapers forever, not when you can use these five methods to control your desktop's aesthetic and how often the wallpaper changes automatically.

This week, it’s your last shot at a Valentine’s movie recommendation—you know, in case you’re feeling all nostalgic and whatnot. There’s still time to grab your person and settle in for some "holiday" romance, and you can do that with my recommended 2016 Academy Award winner.

ZorinOS has been getting a lot of hype ever since Microsoft dropped support for Windows 10. Turns out the hype is justified. Linux Mint has been my go-to recommendation for Windows users, but testing ZorinOS changed my opinion.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.