How-To Geek

Plex can be a really powerful tool if you use it properly. But it can take a bit of elbow grease to set up initially, and some of the default settings might actually harm your experience. Here's what you need to turn off and why.

3D printing strong objects can prove challenging. Tougher filament types cost more, require hardened nozzles, and benefit from things you might not have, like a chamber heater. So what if you could get improved strength and heat resistance from basic filaments like PLA and PETG?

I’m the type of person who finds any kind of reading a good time. It could be by listening to celebrity-narrated audiobooks or by checking out the latest special editions to buy thanks to BookTok, but often I use my e-reader.

I’ve tried countless utilities to manage my tasks, organize my notes, and keep track of contacts. But there’s something about my workflow—or brain—that just keeps me from sticking with them, and I’m destined to forever be on the lookout for the next tool to try.

On desktop operating systems, you can usually look up exactly which apps and services are currently running on your device. Utilities like htop or Task Manager let you monitor what processes are actually running on the machine, either in the foreground or the background. However, Android (by default) doesn't have anything like this. This is how you can set one up.

If you're a homeowner, DIY enthusiast, or busy on the job, you probably own all sorts of power tools. But do you own more than one drill? Slowing down to swap drill bits is like only owning one pair of shoes. If you're ready to finish jobs faster and work smarter, here's why you should have two, three, or even four drills.

I love to read. Nothing beats a good science fiction paperback or graphic novel. E-books (and comics) were a wonderful, mind-blowing thing when they came out. I loved spending less money, having easier access, and not having to worry about space as much.

Are you a fan of documentaries? Are you also a Paramount+ subscriber? Then you're in the right place if you're looking for a few suggestions for a good doc or docuseries to watch.

Setting up your smart home automations to run on a schedule often seems like the best option, but that's not always the case. When I moved some of these automations to sensor-based triggers, it made my home feel much more natural.

The 2026 Toyota Crown Signia is not a typical SUV or crossover. By combining a unique shooting brake silhouette with the refined ride of a premium sedan, the Crown Signia is an impossible-to-ignore alternative to the average boxy crossover.

The ESP32 is an inexpensive and versatile microcontroller that is normally associated with cheap smart home devices and small DIY gadgets. But this sliver of silicon can do much more than you probably thought, as evidenced by projects that push the board to its limit.

Adobe Acrobat is the standard tool everyone reaches for when they're authoring or editing PDFs. However, I've started using a privacy-first alternative that allows me to do everything I need with PDFs—all without a subscription fee or a login.

Home Assistant works with a huge number of smart home devices, but it doesn't work with everything. If you have smart home tech that you've not been able to connect to Home Assistant in the past, it's worth checking again.

Google is building upon the features of the Linux Terminal app for Android with the newly released beta update, allowing you to change the display resolution of the graphical user interface. Moreover, you now have a ‘Theme’ section in the settings, which allows you to import themes for the Terminal.

Nissan has brought back its well-known Terrano nameplate, but this time it's an off-roader for the electrified era. The company used its presence at Auto China 2026 to unveil a Terrano PHEV Concept that it says appeals to fans of "outdoor adventure" as well as city commuters.

Volkswagen has unveiled its first Golf with a "full" hybrid system, and it might preview what you can expect for U.S. cars, whether or not a new Golf is part of the mix.

System-wide dark mode is an awesome Android feature, but it’s not perfect. One of the big limitations is automation—your options are a rigid schedule or sunrise/sunset. With a simple app, you can make dark mode (and light mode) switch with the lighting around you.

Looking forward to streaming something new while you unwind this weekend? Netflix has a diverse catalog, offering titles across genres, tropes, and languages. But this weekend, there's one collection on the platform you don't want to miss out on.

ThinkPads: Why do they have a cult following? What do they offer that your current laptop doesn't? They're more than mere specs; for some, they're a passion. It's a strange affinity to truly love a brand of laptop, but some swear by it—and I have five reasons.

The arrival of another weekend means another opportunity for some escapism, and what better genre to provide that than science fiction and fantasy? Their advanced CGI capabilities, detailed lore, and ability to explore complex social issues in an allegorical setting are unbeatable at delivering on escapist entertainment, and that’s where we’re headed.