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: 1 hour 15 min ago

This tiny memory card is actually an NVMe SSD (Here is why)

Mon, 01/26/2026 - 16:15

microSD cards are fantastic storage tools, but they’ve never been one to win file transfer speed records—that is, until microSD Express. The latest microSD standard could completely revolutionize portable storage, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop wrestling with Windows 11: 5 reasons Linux is finally the simpler choice

Mon, 01/26/2026 - 15:30

Windows has been my bread and butter for most of my life, starting with Windows 3.1. Over time, it has just become more and more user-friendly, but in the last few years, and particularly since the advent of generative AI, working with Windows feels like wresting with an angry bear on a daily basis.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why your iPhone isn't charging at full speed (and how to fix it)

Mon, 01/26/2026 - 15:00

Unlike Android phones, Apple hasn't qute embraced the ridiculous charging speeds that are possible with modern chargers and batteries, but that doesn't mean you can't get into a situation where your iPhone isn't charging as fast as it should.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I ditched my favorite to-do app for a Linux terminal—here's what surprised me

Mon, 01/26/2026 - 14:30

I learned about TickTick from MKBHD’s 2020 What’s on My Phone video. Since then, it’s been my go-to task manager, and I’ve used it on Linux, Windows, and Android. I like its UI, especially its Windows desktop widget, solid task management features, and well-thought-out notification system.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This SUV offers German levels of performance at Japanese prices

Mon, 01/26/2026 - 14:15

German performance SUVs are often praised for their powerful engines and composed handling, but they also come with correspondingly high price tags. That’s why one Japanese-built SUV is turning heads in 2026 by delivering performance that feels every bit as sharp and capable, yet at pricing that stays closer to mainstream expectations. It’s a rare blend of driving excitement and value that few rivals can match in the current market.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to add and use value tokens in Microsoft Excel

Mon, 01/26/2026 - 13:30

Most Excel sheets are dumb—they contain static text that has no connection to the real world, forcing you to manually update prices and stats by hand. Value tokens change that. These smart pills link your cells directly to live data from the web, turning a boring, stagnant grid into a professional, self-updating dashboard.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 simple Home Assistant questions you were too afraid to ask

Mon, 01/26/2026 - 13:00

So you keep hearing about how Home Assistant is the ultimate smart home platform, but you still feel lost. Here are some burning questions you might need answered before you can take the next step.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 awesome Prime Video movies to watch this week (January 26 - February 1)

Mon, 01/26/2026 - 13:00

Amazon Prime Video is wasting no time ushering in hit flicks. I, for one, appreciate the fresh rotation. This week, we’re closing out January with a wee bit of drama, thrills, and action, and then we’re strolling into February with an easy-going cult classic.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I ditched algorithms by building a start page that only shows what I care about

Mon, 01/26/2026 - 12:30

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and most other major social media sites will feed you content based on how you interact with the site and what the company knows about you. However, I wanted to set up something that was curated to my interests without being algorithmically driven, so I set up my own personal start page.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The new Plex app makes its most underrated feature almost impossible to use

Sun, 01/25/2026 - 23:30

I use Plex almost every day, and I’ve noticed several massive “improvements” over the last year. While I’m happy with most of the changes, one of my favorite features—and very underrated—was on the wrong end of them. Allow me to explain.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop overlooking the biggest smart home device you own

Sun, 01/25/2026 - 22:00

What's the biggest smart home device that you own? For many of us, the answer may come as a surprise, despite the fact that the smart capabilities of this device are explicitly included in its name.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I thought I needed a bigger chainsaw—I was wrong

Sun, 01/25/2026 - 20:30

I love shiny gadgets as much as the next person, but few things bring me as much joy as splitting wood. As someone conditioned to look at specs, I thought a bigger chainsaw would be a better chainsaw for the job, but I’ve since purchased a tiny one, and I’m quite glad I did.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5.1 vs 5.2 Surround sound systems: Is the extra 0.1 better?

Sun, 01/25/2026 - 20:30

If you're looking to upgrade your home theater setup, you've likely encountered the terms 5.1 and 5.2 (or 7.1 and 7.2) being tossed around. So, what's the difference between these two systems, and more importantly, does it actually matter?

Categories: IT General, Technology

The only sporty SUV that’s truly worth $25,000

Sun, 01/25/2026 - 19:30

For most of us, SUVs are just the smart choice for daily driving. They handle everything from school runs and commutes to weekend trips with ease.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This one upgrade fixed the most annoying part about my Raspberry Pi

Sun, 01/25/2026 - 19:00

Raspberry Pis are popular because they're small, don't consume much power, and are extremely versatile. However, the default method of booting one—from the microSD card—is best avoided if possible. Here's how you can do it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 things you should never do on Android

Sun, 01/25/2026 - 18:30

People have been using Android phones for nearly two decades, and some bad habits have been passed down over the years. Even some of the oldest myths persist today. The good news is that it’s really very easy to avoid these mistakes once you know about them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop storing everything on your main SSD: A guide to Hot vs Cold data

Sun, 01/25/2026 - 18:15

Not all of your storage is the same, and you shouldn't treat it as such. There are many advantages to tiering, and organizing said tiering, over just dumping everything on your storage in no particular order.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 uncomfortable truths about smart TVs everyone needs to hear

Sun, 01/25/2026 - 18:00

If you want a good TV, or any TV these days, you're inevitably going to buy a "smart" TV. On paper, a smart TV sounds like an upgrade over a "dumb" model, but in practice, smart TVs have turned out to be of limited value. The list of cons is indeed long, and it's why I disable the smart functions on my own TVs completely.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to install Windows CD-ROM games on Linux

Sun, 01/25/2026 - 17:30

Running old CD-ROM games on modern Windows isn't too hard if you know how to manage Windows' compatibility software. But what if you have a Linux desktop and don't want to leave your old Windows games behind?

Categories: IT General, Technology

I finally ditched Windows search for these 3 free tools, and I’m not going back

Sun, 01/25/2026 - 17:15

Windows' built-in search has never really clicked for me. It’s often slower than I expect, mixes in results I didn’t ask for, and somehow still struggles to surface the exact file or app I’m thinking about. Over the years, I’ve tried to make peace with it, tweaking settings and changing habits, but I always end up feeling like I’m working around search instead of letting it work for me.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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