How-To Geek
Don’t pay for Gmail storage, do this instead
I'm approaching the limit of my free Google storage, and Gmail has started prompting me to pay for additional storage to keep using my account. While paying for more storage is a simple solution, it's not the only option.
After 30 years, the original Star Wars theatrical cut is finally returning
For almost fifty years, Star Wars has been a staple of pop culture. It is a franchise that has been able to reinvent itself and create new tales that several generations can enjoy. Despite this expansive, fully fleshed out galaxy that has allowed Star Wars to expand into television, however, the franchise has always returned to the three foundational movies that captured audiences throughout the 1970s and 1980s, now known as the original trilogy.
5 everyday actions that Power Query does better than regular Excel tools
Standard Excel tools can usually get the job done, but they often lack the resilience and flexibility needed for complex data and transformation tasks. Power Query doesn't just perform these tasks faster—it does them better. Here are five actions where you should ditch Excel's ribbon tools for the Power Query Editor.
I found a way to remove Google Messages’ Remix button, but it’s not worth it
If you’ve been using Google Messages recently, you’ve likely noticed the blue button with a banana icon showing up on photos. This is the Nano Banana "Remix" button, and it might be the most annoying way Google is trying to force AI into your daily conversations.
Why I buy used server drives instead of new NVMe sticks
Typically, I discourage buying used drives. In fact, I normally extend that advice to "don't buy anything that's not a brand-new drive." You can't be sure of the conditions the drive is in, and unless you're working with completely disposable data, it's not a good idea in the long term.
5 open source apps that get much better when you go premium
While most open-source apps rely on donations, some also offer paid tiers with meaningful extra benefits. This makes them ideal for folks who want to support great projects while unlocking powerful features. Here are five open-source apps where going premium is genuinely worth every penny.
5 ways Zorin OS makes switching from Windows feel effortless
Ever since Microsoft decided to pull the plug on Windows 10, a lot of people are left with fully functional PCs that don't meet Windows 11 requirements. A lot of these people have been flocking to ZorinOS, so I decided to give it a try. Turns out that popularity is well-earned because, in all my years of daily-driving Linux, I've never seen a better replacement for Windows.
3 Linux Mint power-user features nobody talks about
Ever dismissed Linux Mint as "too beginner-friendly" for your workflow? Wondered why so many users stick with it despite its "simple" reputation? I did the same thing until I discovered three features that completely changed my mind.
Your SSD isn't too small, you are just using it wrong
SSD prices have been rising sharply lately, in part due to global memory shortages and high demand. For many PC users, upgrading storage has become a pricey proposition, which makes now the perfect time to get creative and make the most of the space you already have.
Everyone’s ignoring this used luxury hybrid—but they shouldn’t
Scrolling through used luxury cars, the same names keep popping up. The loud ones, the obvious ones, the brands that’ve spent decades bragging about how premium they are.
The one YouTube Music feature that finally made me cancel Spotify
I’ve paid for Spotify. I’ve paid for Amazon Music. On top of that, I already pay for YouTube Premium, mostly to get rid of ads and keep YouTube usable. For a long time, YouTube Music was just part of the package. I didn’t really think of it as a serious competitor, and I definitely didn’t expect it to replace a service I’d been paying for on purpose.
Obsidian 1.11 is a massive update for desktop, iPhone, and Android
Obsidian, the excellent cross-platform notes app, is rolling out another helpful update. Obsidian 1.11 is now available for desktop and mobile platforms, with new widgets and design updates for mobile platforms, and some smaller changes for the desktop app.
I de-Googled my Android phone and actually liked it
It's no secret that Google is the heart and soul of every Android phone that has the Play Store. Even if you manage to delete all Google apps—which isn't easy—Google's background services remain active. I wanted to experience Android without any Google services or apps whatsoever, and it wasn't as bad as I thought.
These performance wagons are beating SUVs at their own game
SUVs have been the default family car for so long that most of us barely question it anymore. They promise space for people and gear, an upright driving position, and the idea that you’re ready for anything—even if most of that “anything” is just groceries and school runs.
7 programming techniques that quietly make you elite
Programming requires a varied skill set, from low-level coding to high-level tasks like communication. The following tips have helped me to improve over the course of my programming career.
Older Mac computers are about to lose Google Chrome
Google Chrome is preparing to drop support for macOS 12 Monterey, meaning older Mac users will need to upgrade their operating system soon if they want to keep their browser secure. The change is happening when the upcoming Chrome 151 release rolls out.
Even Dell admits that nobody cares about AI PCs
I'm tired of everything being "AI." AI smartphones, AI fridges, AI tablets, AI vacuum cleaners, and most of all, AI PCs. I've seen enough of those to last me a lifetime.
iPhones might finally catch up to Android in this one area
Apple is finally making a massive move to catch up in the AI race by partnering with Google to power a revamped version of Siri later this year. Under the multi-year deal, Apple will rely on Google's cloud architecture and Gemini lineup to underpin its upcoming foundational AI models.
The most reliable Korean SUV you probably aren't considering
In a crowded SUV market, shoppers often gravitate toward familiar names and larger crossovers, but one smaller Korean model quietly delivers exceptional reliability that most buyers overlook. While bigger and flashier SUVs grab headlines, this compact contender consistently earns high marks for low maintenance costs, strong dependability ratings, and trouble-free ownership, making it one of the most sensible choices in its class.
My incredibly cheap alternative to a soundbar
I wanted to upgrade the audio quality of the TV in my office, but I didn't want to blow a bunch of money on a soundbar. So, I gathered up some cheap components and threw together a small sound system for less than $25. It's far from perfect, but it gets the job done.


