How-To Geek

Linux is such a part of the modern landscape that it's hard to remember a time when it was just starting out. Linux's road to world domination could be bumpy at times. Here's how some early predictions about Linux have held up.

Many DIYers start with one brand of power tools, then eventually switch things up. Like initially buying Milwaukee or DeWALT, then moving to Ryobi's more affordable line. A common solution to having a mix of different tools, battery packs, and chargers is to buy a battery adapter. And while some people use adapters just fine, you probably shouldn't use them on your Milwaukee battery packs, and here's why.

The main alternative to Chrome just got one of its largest overhauls in recent memory. Mozilla has released a redesigned Firefox web browser for desktop and mobile that it says is easier to navigate while bringing back a much-loved feature.

Despite the name, the UGREEN NASync DXP6800 Ultra is not among the most powerful NAS that UGREEN sells (far from it), but it does represent the pinnacle of what most of us might realistically ever need. It’s a great product, but unless you already know UGREEN’s excellent line of more affordable options aren’t capable enough, your money may be better spent on a slightly weaker NAS.

One time when I was on a work trip years ago, I left my camera on a bus and never saw it again. I have since decided that would never happen again, so I 3D printed an invisible AirTag lens cap that simply attaches to my camera so I never have to worry about losing it ever again. Here's how I'm planning to keep my camera secure, and some other options you could consider if you don't want to use a 3D-printed lens cap.

It's hard to keep the idea at bay that we're actually living in a cyberpunk dystopia. After all, we're all living under a small handful of trillion-dollar mega-corporations that seem to have a huge amount of clout, and a very unhealthy interest in knowing absolutely everything we do every day. Worst of all, we didn't even get the cool '80s synthwave aesthetic in this deal.

Fall is the perfect excuse to slow down your pace, stay home, and pick up a show that's easy to settle into. And while cozy TV usually brings comforting romances to mind, it can also mean a coming-of-age story, a close-knit friendship, or even something a little bittersweet.

If you’ve spent any time in hobbyist electronic spaces, you’ve probably come across the term “LoRa” before. Like Wi-Fi and cell networks, LoRa can be used to send and receive data through the air.

This beautiful Linux terminal app will help you ditch the git command line for good. Its responsive layout and keyboard interface help to tackle the challenge of even complex git commands.

While driving, I have always turned to Android Auto as my infotainment ecosystem to get directions, control music, and contact people. It’s a staple in my driving experience, and I personally can’t drive without it.

I bought my Lenovo Legion Y520 in mid-2018, roughly a year after Lenovo released it. At the time, its specs made it a perfectly capable gaming laptop. It was never particularly light or refined, though, and the mediocre speakers and usual gaming-laptop quirks were always part of the package.

We have two Windows gaming laptops in the house, and both of them are hooked up to TVs. For the most part, this works well, but even though the laptops and TVs are all different brands and models, I keep getting stability issues using a direct HDMI connection.

Obsidian is one of my favorite apps. I use it to build Knowledge Bases, write articles, take notes, and learn as much as I can. It's pretty versatile. It works well, but I don't pay for a premium subscription. Instead, I will either email my notes in MD (Markdown) format to myself, transfer them directly from the device via USB, or sync them using Syncthing inside Termux and a special folder on my desktop computer. But that seems like a lot of work to merely sync some files. So, I found two excellent alternatives that let you self-host your syncing without an insane workaround like mine.

Most people don't go out of their way to get Android Auto — it's simply a perk in the vehicle they decided to buy. However, not all of us drive around with big screens built into our dashboards. Thankfully, you can probably add Android Auto to devices you already own.

Overheating tools can really slow you down, and you might be to blame. Let’s take a look at some of the main reasons your brightly-colored bargain of a drill might be running hot and what you can do about it.

I love USB-C, but I also hate USB-C. We're in a weird relationship. But one label is the most frustrating of all — wattage. You see, it's entirely possible to have a USB-C cable that charges your device at 240W, but only moves data at 480Mb/s, so here's what you should look for instead.

You probably won't find many people who chose a Pixel phone for privacy reasons. Reputation aside, Pixel phones actually do have some great privacy features. However, you have to take the good with the bad.

Fall is the perfect time for DIY projects. It's not too hot, but not too cold, and as long as you have the right tool for the job, you'll be able to power through those hard tasks easier than ever. Whether you're new to the Ryobi ecosystem or have been buying for years, here are some of the best tools you'll need to level up your DIY game.

If you took last week's Paramount+ movie recommendations for a spin, you might be interested to know that Tuner and The Get Out are still holding at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, on Paramount+ for U.S. subscribers. But, sitting in the top spot during this last week of September is a ridiculously hilarious gang of idiots who've made a long career out of doing really, really dumb stuff. Jackass: Best and Last is their swan song, and it's my top pick this week.

I've spent the past few weeks using the Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2+ NAS, and it is definitely a different experience than I'm used to. Focusing more on security and enterprise-grade features, this NAS is a great fit for small/medium businesses or enthusiasts, but it might not be the right choice for someone just starting out with homelabbing or self-hosting.