How-To Geek

One of the things I like the most about being a Linux user is the wide variety of perspectives and experiences people have on the OS. Earlier this year, I lost an important work machine to a misbegotten Windows update. So I committed to using Linux Mint and Debian 13 for my daily work tasks. I'd already been using Linux for personal stuff, but that botched update really made me go all in on Linux. Several HTG writers have done something similar. So I asked them what prompted them to make the switch (and what they switched to).

After using a Samsung Galaxy S21 FE for a good while (more than three and a half years, if I remember correctly), I switched to a Pixel 10 Pro in March 2026. So far, I’m mostly enjoying the ride, but the Pixel experience feels limiting in ways that really rub me the wrong way, and it lacks some features I took for granted on my Galaxy and now miss dearly.

If you're looking for affordable yet capable power tools, there are two main options to consider: Ryobi at Home Depot and Kobalt at Lowe's. Both brands constantly release new products for fans, and if you're into the Kobalt ecosystem, we've seen several exciting new tools hit the shelves in recent weeks.

I'm not a programmer, so all I can do is watch the events unfolding in the world of coding. Since the first programmable computers, there probably hasn't been a bigger shake-up in software development than the advent of AI-powered vibe coding. It's a little ironic that programming as a human activity is being threatened (or at the very least transformed) by AI.

Some movies entertain us for a couple of hours, while others stay with us long after the credits roll. Classic movies have a way of telling timeless stories that remain relevant while introducing unforgettable characters, performances, and ideas. Whether they make us laugh, cry, question the world around us, or simply see life from a different perspective, these are the movies that earn their place in cinematic history.

No doubt, Linux gives you plenty of control over your system and trusts you with every action you perform. It rarely asks, "Are you sure?" You simply type a command, press Enter, and it assumes you meant it. That trust is a big part of Linux's power, but it's also why a stable installation can slowly turn into a mess.

If you’re about to buy new hardware just to unlock one extra feature on your PC, hold off — you might already own a gadget that does the same thing without you even realizing it. I’ve been eyeing a webcam, a second monitor, and an MX Master mouse for a while, but I’ve held off because buying all three would be a hefty expense. So I took a step back and wondered if there was another way. And, as it turns out, I managed to save a couple of hundred dollars by repurposing hardware I already owned with the help of free software.

Google Maps can be one of the most power-hungry apps on your phone. GPS, mobile data, graphics rendering, and an active screen run together while you navigate. A few everyday habits push each of them harder than necessary. You’ll notice the impact on long trips, daily commutes, and days spent exploring an unfamiliar destination. Here are five everyday Google Maps habits that quietly drain your phone's battery, and what to do instead.

If you're looking to pick up a new pair of affordable wireless earbuds for your morning commute, something for the gym, or to just escape and listen to music around the house or running errands, you don't have to spend triple digits to secure a pair from a reputable brand. Amazon has JBL's Vibe Buds for just $30 right now, or you can go with the newer Vibe Buds 2 for just $40—either way, you'll save $25. The choice comes down to keeping the price as low as possible, or spending an extra $10 for noise cancellation and more battery life.

Most people, especially casual desktop users, see Linux as a mere alternative to Windows. The idea is that Windows is the more capable OS that can do more, while Linux is the alternative that’s still catching up.

Getting tool advice online is not always a good idea. Half the recommendations come from people who haven't touched the tools they're reviewing, and the other half are buried in comment threads you'd need an hour to sort through. I spoke to Ace Hardware and Home Depot associates to ask what their staff actually recommend to customers just starting out. I looped in my brother, who works in a field I can't talk about because it's government work, and drew on the time I spent landscaping for guys who'd been at it for years. The same four tools kept coming up every time.

Collecting trading cards is an incredibly fun hobby that has transcended time. Every generation has had its own version, from baseball cards to Pokémon. Getting into the hobby can be a little daunting, though, because there's a lot to learn. One of the harder things to learn is which cards have value and how rare they are.

When guests come over, I like to give them the Wi-Fi information so they have a more pleasant visit. However, sharing long passwords is a hassle — and the risk of harmful software unknown to the people coming over makes me wary of sharing my main router credentials.

It's odd to think that a trio of colorful cables can bring back such strong memories. But the red, yellow, and white colors of the composite video standard managed to dominate home entertainment for decades, particularly among movie buffs and gamers.

Modern TVs have mediocre sound because of their slimline designs, so you'll need a quality soundbar, like Sony's HT-S40R, for a more cinematic experience.

By now you’ve probably heard of ArtCraft and developer Brandon Thomas, who created open-source alternatives to seven applications in Adobe's Creative Cloud suite. Thomas said on Hacker News that he was motivated by Adobe’s dark pattern cancellation policy. If you're not familiar, Adobe's annual plans billed monthly can carry an early termination fee, something many customers may not realize when signing up. He also expressed his frustration with existing Linux alternatives, writing, “I'm sick of GIMP, Krita, and Inkscape being the best Linux and open source have to offer.”

Plugging your phone in and seeing something unrecognizable in your status bar is not a particularly fun experience. Often, you charge your phone because your battery is about to run out, or you need it charged so you can use it the next morning. In these scenarios, the last thing you want is to find out there is some sort of problem.

When it comes to Linux desktop environments, three names get all the attention: GNOME, KDE Plasma, and Cinnamon. However, there are dozens of other desktop environments that are just as good, if not better, depending on your specific use case. So, if you’re tired of these mainstream options, here are three overlooked desktop environments worth trying out.

When I bought my Milwaukee M12 tools, I thought they would just be something to hold me over until I eventually got 18V tools. However, after using them for years, I realize that there are simply some jobs that are better suited for 12V tools over 18V tools, and I'm so glad that I bought the M12 kit when I did instead of waiting to just buy 18V tools.

I guess most people don't start out with the idea they're going to build a small data center in their own home. It's usually a more organic process; a Plex server here, a Home Assistant Raspberry Pi there...