How-To Geek

The best things in life are free. At least, that's how the saying goes, but it does seem a little ironic that the most practical, valuable tools on a computer are often created by someone who just wanted to solve a problem that was apparently beneath the notice of massive software developers.

For this weekend on Paramount+ (or into next week, for that matter), if you're looking for something new to watch, or maybe a show you've heard a lot of good things about but have never tried, then the selections below might scratch your binge-watching itch.

Linux has never been more user-friendly, but that doesn't mean there aren't still some things that give newcomers trouble. These are four things that new users should be familiar with before it causes a headache.

This weekend on Netflix, if you're not (or are done) watching Something Very Bad is Going to Happen or Anaconda and are in the market for something unique, chilling, or enlightening, allow me to politely direct your attention to the list below.

Just like there's millions of apps out there for your phone, there are also millions of browser extensions for your browser. And if you're sticking to open-source stuff, it can oftentimes get challenging. Here's some of my favorite open-source extensions I use on a daily basis.

Windows 11 keeps adding features most people never notice, and some of them are far more powerful than they look at first glance. One of the best examples is Sysmon, a deeply capable system monitoring tool. It’s not something you'll stumble across in the Start menu, and there's a good chance you've never even heard of it. But it's there, and it can reveal far more about what your PC is actually doing than most built-in tools.

Fully encrypted email has been available in at least some form for Gmail since the end of 2022, but now it's finally ready for mobile. Google is now offering end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for Gmail on Android devices and iPhones through the official email app.

Buying a vehicle seems to get more expensive each year. On top of the purchase price, you have to factor in gasoline, diesel, or electricity to keep it running. Insurance, registration fees, and depreciation only add to the overall cost. The last thing you need is an expensive repair bill.

Now that the calendar has turned to April, streaming services are rolling out new and returning shows every week. These next two months are always a crowded time for television because the eligibility period for the 2026 Emmys ends on May 31, 2026. The fifth and final season of an HBO Max comedy show will certainly be vying to take home awards this fall.

You might need to thank a self-driving car the next time your city patches a hole in the road. Alphabet's Waymo is launching a pilot program that will share data from its robotaxis to help municipal and state governments identify and fix potholes.

Nearly everyone has an Android phone or iPhone in their pocket—if a company can get a sizable portion of those people to buy its accessory, that’s a lot of potential profit. But just because a product exists, that doesn’t mean you should buy it.

When you've woken up after falling asleep while watching Netflix, and you turn your TV off and go to bed for real, your day may have ended, but your TV still has business to conduct.

The Windows desktop is iconic. Some of the backgrounds, the green rolling hills featured in Windows XP, have even become a bit of a meme. However, I do one thing very differently: I have completely removed all desktop icons from my desktop.

My smart home morning routine has evolved a lot over the years. It used to be triggered at the same time each morning, but life isn't always that predictable. I now use presence sensors to help automate my mornings.

Ryobi tools are a popular option for DIYers and homeowners for several reasons. And while you probably have all sorts of Ryobi tools, one thing a lot of buyers forget about is lighting. If you're looking to upgrade your garage for less, get these affordable Ryobi lights that outperform the rest.

At some point, you've probably been told that switching your DNS server to 8.8.8.8—or some other alternative—might be the cure for your internet problems.

As Microsoft leans harder into the "OS-as-a-Service" model with Windows 11, the philosophical and technical divide between Windows and Linux really only keeps growing more and more.

Elon Musk may have effectively shelved Tesla's plans for an affordable EV in 2024, but the company appears to be rethinking its strategy. Reuters sources claim Tesla is developing a compact electric SUV that would be priced well below the Model 3, which starts at $37,000 for American customers.

Are you ready to dive into some fresh homelab projects this weekend? Today, I’m showcasing a few fun projects for you to try out, like Calibre-Web, ChangeDetection.io, and even a unique authentication experience with Teleport.

New-car prices blasting past $50,000 have made the used market feel like the only sane place left to shop. And tucked between all the forgettable listings is a standout deal you probably wouldn’t expect: the 2020 Porsche Macan Turbo.