How-To Geek

It's no secret that Google is the heart and soul of every Android phone that has the Play Store. Even if you manage to delete all Google apps—which isn't easy—Google's background services remain active. I wanted to experience Android without any Google services or apps whatsoever, and it wasn't as bad as I thought.

SUVs have been the default family car for so long that most of us barely question it anymore. They promise space for people and gear, an upright driving position, and the idea that you’re ready for anything—even if most of that “anything” is just groceries and school runs.

Programming requires a varied skill set, from low-level coding to high-level tasks like communication. The following tips have helped me to improve over the course of my programming career.

Google Chrome is preparing to drop support for macOS 12 Monterey, meaning older Mac users will need to upgrade their operating system soon if they want to keep their browser secure. The change is happening when the upcoming Chrome 151 release rolls out.

I'm tired of everything being "AI." AI smartphones, AI fridges, AI tablets, AI vacuum cleaners, and most of all, AI PCs. I've seen enough of those to last me a lifetime.

Apple is finally making a massive move to catch up in the AI race by partnering with Google to power a revamped version of Siri later this year. Under the multi-year deal, Apple will rely on Google's cloud architecture and Gemini lineup to underpin its upcoming foundational AI models.

In a crowded SUV market, shoppers often gravitate toward familiar names and larger crossovers, but one smaller Korean model quietly delivers exceptional reliability that most buyers overlook. While bigger and flashier SUVs grab headlines, this compact contender consistently earns high marks for low maintenance costs, strong dependability ratings, and trouble-free ownership, making it one of the most sensible choices in its class.

I wanted to upgrade the audio quality of the TV in my office, but I didn't want to blow a bunch of money on a soundbar. So, I gathered up some cheap components and threw together a small sound system for less than $25. It's far from perfect, but it gets the job done.

Linux Mint 22.3 'Zena' is now rolling out, and it's another great update for the Ubuntu-based distribution. It includes the Cinnamon 6.6 environment, a new system information tool, and other improvements.

Raspberry Pis are popular among DIYers, tinkerers, and homelabbers, but if you don't ask too much, you can also use them as a fairly capable mini PC as a replacement for a laptop or desktop. Here are 5 apps I use constantly.

One of the first accessories people make or buy for a Raspberry Pi is a case. In fact, online sellers are happy to include one with your purchase, since surely you'll need one. The truth is, most of the time, you don't strictly need a case for your SBC. Going caseless is just fine, and can sometimes be the better choice.

Are you thinking about buying a new external SSD? We all seem to be constantly in need of more storage, but I'd caution against heading straight for a pre-built external SSD.

Excel is the backbone of modern life, powering everything from your personal mortgage calculations to complex corporate budgets. However, a workbook is only as reliable as the person who built it—even seasoned pros make simple mistakes that lead to massive discrepancies. It's time to fix your formulas before they fail you.

Home Assistant is great, but it can suck up time like almost nothing else. Change one small thing, and suddenly you have to edit multiple automations to get things working again. With a little forward planning, however, you can save yourself hours of wasted time.

It always stuns me how easily we slide back into the routine of the new year. But I don't mind, because that routine means I get to queue up some movies to get me through the weeks. And since Paramount+ is on my beat, I've got a few this week that offer a mix of comfort food and something thought-provoking.

Switching to Linux has exposed me to dozens of great apps I never even knew existed before. Here are some of my favorites that improve my productivity and cut out some web apps that I've been stuck with forever.

How are those New Year's resolutions going? Hit the gym yet? Started tucking money away for a rainy day? Stay the course, slugger, and while you're at it, why not queue up a good movie for the treadmill? Netflix has countless flicks at your fingertips, and I've got a few suggestions for you.

I remember when Windows 8 came out, and I started encountering computers running Windows 8. I was intrigued by the new UI right away. I didn't get a chance to try it myself until I got a Dell laptop that shipped with it, and I was delighted with the new operating system. Years later, to my surprise, I found out that a lot of people hated Windows 8 and all the changes it brought. So I decided to go back to it and see for myself.

I genuinely love Windows and have been using it as my daily driver for over a decade. That said, loving Windows doesn’t mean it doesn’t push your patience to the limit. From slow search and nonstop updates to ads at every turn, here are some annoyances that make you sigh and roll your eyes.

Nothing kills an online Excel presentation faster than sensitive data leaks or disorienting navigation. Here's my pre-flight checklist that ensures my interface is clean, my delivery is seamless, and my sensitive data stays out of sight.