How-To Geek

Syndicate content
We explain technology. Learn more with our articles, reviews, tips, and the best answers to your most pressing tech questions.
Updated: 43 min 1 sec ago

4 Microsoft Copilot Linux alternatives that are just as good (if not better)

Fri, 03/13/2026 - 13:30

As an avid user of AI tools, I was instantly intrigued when I overheard a conversation about AI assistants that Linux users could access and use via a desktop app. The discussion aroused my curiosity because it made me realize that, although I use Copilot on Windows, I don't usually use an AI companion on Linux primarily because, unlike Windows, Linux distributions usually don't have built-in AI companions.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What’s the deal with the "cult" of Prusa 3D printers?

Fri, 03/13/2026 - 13:15

If you’ve ever considered buying a 3D printer, you’ve probably come across Prusa Research and its signature black and orange 3D printers. The brand has a fierce following among enthusiasts thanks to its open-source philosophy and unique manufacturing processes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 standout Paramount+ shows worth binging this weekend (March 13 - 15)

Fri, 03/13/2026 - 13:00

Oh, weekend, weekend, what to watch? If you're a Paramount+ subscriber like me, that's probably a little rhyme you sing to yourself, too. The good news is, the service is actually pretty good when you want something new or new-ish or something that doesn't require a tin of mental prep.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The easiest way to build a local dev toolbox with one file

Fri, 03/13/2026 - 12:30

Every developer I know has been through the same cycle. You start a new project, and you need a database. So you download PostgreSQL or MySQL, go through configuration, and forget the password you set five minutes later. A few months down the line, you start another project that needs a different version of that database, or perhaps it needs Redis, and suddenly your host machine is a graveyard of services you installed once and forgot about.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 4 distros tried to reinvent Linux (but failed)

Fri, 03/13/2026 - 11:30

Linux is an accepted OS in the tech world, but that hasn't stopped Linux developers from trying to shake things up. Sometimes it works, but here are the times it hasn't.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The streaming show everyone's suddenly binging (and why it blew up)

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 23:00

Nothing captures the hearts and attention of an American audience like a good old-fashioned romance. Love Story is the latest obsession sweeping the internet. From executive producer Ryan Murphy and creator Connor Hines comes Love Story, an FX limited series about the tragic relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Chrome on Linux is getting a big upgrade

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 22:23

Google Chrome has been a first-class web browser on Linux for years, but there has been a problem over the years: no Chrome builds for Raspberry Pi boards and other ARM hardware. That’s finally changing.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 Prime Video drama shows to watch this weekend (March 13 - March 15)

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 22:00

This weekend, we’ve set you up with some engrossing drama series to watch on Amazon Prime Video. Each features a well-structured, character-driven narrative in an immersive world of deeply flawed personalities, solid performances, and strong thematic depth. They’re guaranteed to strike a bingeworthy chord of connection.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why you should always use non-printing characters in Microsoft Word

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 21:07

One of the primary issues people face when using Microsoft Word is how the program deals with formatting. At times, it seems the program has a mind of its own! However, many of these frustrations can be solved by displaying non-printing characters.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 excellent free movies to watch this weekend (March 13-15)

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 21:00

This weekend is the Super Bowl for cinema. Sunday marks the 98th Academy Awards, and by all accounts, it should be an unpredictable show. One Battle After Another and Sinners are set to duel it out in 11 different categories, including the night's top prize, Best Picture. Other categories to keep an eye on are Best Actor, featuring Timothée Chalamet versus Michael B. Jordan, and Best Supporting Actress.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Before the USB flash drive: 5 'floppy killers' that lost the retro storage war

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 20:46

The floppy ruled removable storage for decades, but it quickly became too small and spurred on many pretenders to the throne. Yet while many tried to topple the floppy from its throne, it clung on far longer than you'd expect.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This new Toyota SUV is already outselling its older sibling

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 20:30

America’s appetite for SUVs isn’t slowing down, and Toyota is leaning into it with a whole lineup of high-riding family haulers. Among them is a three-row model that’s quietly putting up some impressive numbers in the brand’s early-2026 sales reports.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 Emmy-winning Netflix shows to watch this weekend (March 13-15)

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 20:00

If you're looking to curate your Netflix watch list, what better place to start than with the titles that swept the awards at their peak? From Oscar-winning movies to Emmy-winning shows, the platform has many decorated titles to choose from.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple's new MacBook Neo proves how far mobile chips have come

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 19:30

Apple surprised no one (and surprised us all at the same time) with the MacBook Neo announcement. This low-priced laptop is a showcase of modern tech prowess though, in ways you probably didn’t realize. The MacBook Neo is powered by the same processor in your iPhone 16 Pro.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I install these Linux terminal apps on every system

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 19:02

When I use Linux, I practically live in the terminal. As with any living space, I like to add my own touch when I move into a new place. Here are the apps I install on a new system to make it feel like home.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop getting surprised by dead sensors—how I stay on top of Home Assistant batteries

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 19:00

One of the biggest benefits of Zigbee devices is that many of them are battery-powered, allowing you to place them almost anywhere. The downside is that when the batteries die, so do your sensors, so it's important to keep track of battery levels. Here's how I manage it as a Home Assistant veteran with more devices than I can count.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Oscars 2026: How and when you can watch this year's Academy Awards

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 18:15

For cinema lovers across the world, the most anticipated weekend of the year is finally here. This year's Academy Awards will celebrate the incredible films of 2025 and the talent behind them in a grand ceremony, cherishing filmmaking, acting, production, music, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop drilling giant holes in your walls: Why every homelabber still needs to learn how to crimp RJ45

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 18:00

When I was but a wee young computer nerd, there was a mythical master among us who could make "crossover" Ethernet cables. This cable could connect two computers with no switch or router, and was perfect for two-player LAN gaming.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop paying for cloud storage! Try these alternatives instead

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 17:53

Saving files online was once a novelty. Now this is expected behavior. Yet I personally opt out of using cloud storage. There are other options that don't require me to store my data on someone else's PC.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Harbor Freight's new rolling toolbox will make you rethink Milwaukee Packout

Thu, 03/12/2026 - 17:31

It's no secret that the Milwaukee PACKOUT system is the king of modular rollable storage for all your tools. However, Harbor Freight just released an upgraded version of its budget-friendly alternative, and for only $70, it looks impressively rugged and packed with features.

Categories: IT General, Technology

eXTReMe Tracker