How-To Geek

Some people love systemd and can't stop raving about it; others love to hate it and can't stop throwing shade at it. Even though systemd remains divisive, one thing's for sure: since nearly all modern Linux distributions have adopted it as their default init system, learning to use it can pay off big time. Here's a basic overview of how to use four systemd tools that make troubleshooting on Linux a breeze.

It’s a known fact that smartphones have replaced a lot of things. You know the obvious ones: cameras, GPS navigators, MP3 players, etc. However, there are a handful of household tools that your phone can also replace. Let’s put all those fancy sensors to good use.

Fiction and fantasy offer a great escape from life's stresses and mundanities, but documentaries are often full of crazy and fascinating real-life stories that it's hard to believe they're not fiction.

I finally got my hands on a Bambu P2S this week, so I’m going to spend the weekend burning extruding filament like my life depends on it. If that sounds like a good idea, why not join me in building one or more of these rewarding projects?

Sporty cars often force buyers to choose between excitement and everyday usability, but the 2026 Honda Civic Si strikes a rare balance. It brings engaging performance and sharp handling to a package that remains practical, comfortable, and affordable, making it one of the most well-rounded sporty compacts you can buy this year.

You’re probably aware that mirrorless and digital SLR cameras with interchangeable lenses can deliver greatly improved image quality and optical performance compared to smartphones. What might be slightly more surprising are the pint-sized point-and-shoots that can do the same.

You don’t need any specific hobbies to justify a 3D printer, but it certainly helps. Though the act of 3D printing itself can become a hobby of its own, there are many other pastimes that can benefit from a machine that can turn digital files into physical objects.

Are you looking for a Home Assistant project to sink your teeth into this weekend? If you're an F1 fan, or have kids who love wizards, there are some projects you might want to try, and if you're sick of inaccurate weather apps, you could always take things into your own hands.

If you're a fan of the Ryobi 18V ecosystem you likely have a collection of power tools and battery packs. The brand is a popular option thanks to its affordability and constant arrival of new products. And while several new tools are coming in 2026, plenty of other products and accessories are on the way.

Is your tablet PC starting to show its age? Whether you're stuck on Windows 10 or suffering under the bloat of Windows 11, a Linux installation is the best way to give an old tablet PC a new lease on life. So, let's explore some of the best Linux distros for tablet PCs.

You don't have to give up the convenience of Microsoft 365 if you ditch your subscription. There is a free, self-hosted alternative that can run on a Raspberry Pi instead.

For years, I was married to the idea of filling my PC with flashy RGB. I used light strips, ran a glowing graphics card, and later switched to a case with ARGB fans.

Bored this weekend with a Linux computer on hand? There's never a better time to test out a new piece of open source software. I have a few apps I found this week that I think are worth trying, including an image comparison tool, a note organizer, and a power profiler.

Modern Windows, which now effectively means Windows 11, has been tinkering with interfaces, workflows, and how much to show users for decades now. The rough edges are sanded off, making it simple enough for everyone from grandchildren to grandparents, and everyone in between.

Picking a video doorbell that doesn’t rely on the cloud means you can save footage locally and not rely on pricey subscriptions. Pair it with a smart home platform like Home Assistant, and your doorbell will keep working when the internet doesn’t.

Got any weekend plans? When you're done with the chores, why not stake a claim on the couch and settle in for a show or two? If you're a Paramount+ subscriber, I've mined three tried and true series that deliver laughs, grit, and some interstellar action.

RustDesk is a free and open-source alternative to apps like TeamViewer and AnyDesk. It's just as feature-rich and convenient to use. Plus, if you choose to, you can even self-host it on your computer for a faster and more stable connection. Self-hosting this remote viewer also keeps your data and activity private.

If you're looking for a quick, satisfying Netflix binge that you can get into this weekend, or even into next week, I've got three picks that are fast, tense, and practically beg you not to hit "Next Episode."

The default Linux terminal (at least on most distros) looks pretty dull and boring. It's just a blinking cursor on a solid color background. Not a lot of visual appeal there, so you. However, we're on Linux where everything is customizable, including the terminal and the shell. Let's me show you how to do just that.

SATA SSDs may be slow as snails compared to modern NVMe SSDs, but they're still more than enough for most PC owners. If you own one, you should keep it because SATA SSDs are anything but obsolete.