How-To Geek

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We explain technology. Learn more with our articles, reviews, tips, and the best answers to your most pressing tech questions.
Updated: 8 min 29 sec ago

Android's face unlock problem: Why only Pixel phones can replace your fingerprint

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 14:45

You may have noticed that you can unlock your Android phone with your face, but things like mobile payments require a PIN or fingerprint. Unlike the iPhone, most Android phones don’t have secure enough face recognition—here are the ones that do.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 ways to quickly install all your Ubuntu apps in one go

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 14:30

The beauty of Linux is that it gives you a minimal base on top of which you can build a customized system exactly how you like. However, that also means going through the painstakingly long process of installing all your apps and packages one at a time. Thankfully, there's a better way—a few actually—that allows you to install everything you need in a single shot.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Claude isn't just for programmers: Here's 7 ways I use it in my everyday life

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 14:15

A lot of people use Claude because it's a powerful coding tool. Claude Opus 4.6 is one of the best coding models currently available, but Claude isn't just useful for programmers. Here's how I use it in my day-to-day life.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 Paramount+ shows you can binge in one sitting

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 14:00

As I've gotten older, I've realized time is one of the most valuable assets. I'm always searching for more time, especially when it comes to streaming. I fall a week behind on television, and my anxiety grows by the second, knowing that if I wait any longer, it will be difficult to catch up. I just want to sit down for an afternoon and finish a show by the time I go to sleep. Luckily, Paramount+ has several shows that can be binged in one sitting.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to use structured references in Microsoft Excel

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 13:30

Excel formulas shouldn't feel like deciphering the Enigma code. If yours are just confusing strings of letters and numbers, you're doing it the hard way. Structured references turn those formulas into readable, resilient instructions that stay synced as your data moves or grows.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I turned my Wi-Fi network into a presence sensor, and it works shockingly well with Home Assistant

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 13:00

Presence detection is one of the most useful features you can use in your smart home. Though there are plenty of modern options for detecting presence in Home Assistant, Wi-Fi can be a reliable old fallback that works a treat in detecting specific devices in your home.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I ditched modern file transfer apps for a 25-year-old FTP client—here's why

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 12:30

Most people, by default, rely on cloud storage for wireless transfers between computers. However, there is a better, faster way to transfer files wirelessly (as long as they're connected to the same local network.) Instead of uploading files to the cloud just to access them on a different device, you can use FileZilla. FileZilla is a free and open-source app that lets you wirelessly drag-and-drop files between devices. It's much faster than the cloud route, especially for large file transfers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bambu Lab P2S review: Almost perfect

Wed, 04/08/2026 - 12:00

The Bambu Lab P1S quickly became the go-to 3D printer for many, and everyone (including me) has been waiting for the P2S to come out. Now that it’s been out for a few months, how does it stack up to its predecessor? I’d say the Bambu Lab P2S is better in almost every way, but a few things hold it back from its true potential as the next 3D printing king.

Categories: IT General, Technology

BMW taps Rimac to give the i7 a super long-range battery

Tue, 04/07/2026 - 23:11

The 2027 BMW i7 might not be a complete Neue Klasse overhaul like the iX3, but it could still represent a technological breakthrough. The German brand is partnering with Croatian supercar maker Rimac, specifically Rimac Technology, to bring its sixth-generation (Gen6) battery technology to the i7's luxury sedan format.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget the Mercedes GLC—this Toyota SUV feels way more luxurious

Tue, 04/07/2026 - 22:45

Toyota is known for reliability, practicality, and long-term value, but some recent models are stepping into luxury territory. These SUVs bring refinement, comfort, and craftsmanship usually reserved for European luxury crossovers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

From All the President's Men to Fast Five: 5 movie anniversaries you need to celebrate this April

Tue, 04/07/2026 - 22:00

April brings forth several key movie anniversaries, the most famous being one from 1976, a legendary year for cinema. 50 years later, this film remains the gold standard in its portrayal of journalism.

Categories: IT General, Technology

8 Apple CarPlay voice commands every driver should know

Tue, 04/07/2026 - 21:31

CarPlay is a useful tool while driving, especially when you want to control music, make a call, or send a quick text without taking your eyes off the road. It's designed to be safer to use, but only if you're taking advantage of voice commands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The iPhone Fold is starting to feel real—here's what we know (Update)

Tue, 04/07/2026 - 21:10

Rumors and leaks usually lead to real products, but that’s not always the case with Apple. Remember the Apple Car? So, when rumors of an iPhone Fold started popping up, people were understandably skeptical. The evidence is getting hard to ignore, though.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Buying a 2026 Mazda CX-5? Here’s what every trim really gets you

Tue, 04/07/2026 - 20:45

The Mazda CX-5 remains one of the most compelling compact SUVs on sale, blending upscale design, sharp driving dynamics, and everyday practicality. But with multiple 2026 trims now offering bigger tech upgrades, more premium interior features, and a wider spread in pricing, figuring out which one actually gives you the most for your money isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Recent updates across the lineup have made those differences more meaningful than ever.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The first Snapdragon X2 laptops arrive in the US—here's what you need to know

Tue, 04/07/2026 - 20:35

After months of teases, laptops based on Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 processors are available in the US — and might be good enough to choose over computers based on AMD, Apple, and Intel chips. ASUS has released the second-generation Zenbook A14 and its first-ever Zenbook A16, both of which are claimed to deliver high performance and lengthy battery life while remaining lightweight.

Categories: IT General, Technology

DC’s most anticipated series is wrapped up in controversy—can Lanterns survive the backlash?

Tue, 04/07/2026 - 20:30

Lanterns is one of the most highly anticipated HBO Max releases of 2026. The series is set to bring the popular Green Lanterns officially to the DCU, although Guy Gardner has already appeared in 2025's Superman.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why I'm learning to code in the age of vibe coding

Tue, 04/07/2026 - 20:28

Vibe coding is the trend now, with many people claiming you don’t need to learn to code anymore because of it. But I’m going the other way, and I'll share with you why.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your NAS has USB ports: 4 practical uses most people miss

Tue, 04/07/2026 - 20:00

Most of the time your NAS is sitting on the shelf, quietly storing whatever files you send to it. However, most NASes can do more than just back up your data, especially if they have free USB ports. These are some helpful ways you can get some extra use out of your NAS.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I ripped the screen off my broken laptop and turned it into the ultimate free homelab

Tue, 04/07/2026 - 19:00

I have an old 11.6" mini laptop that had been gathering dust because it couldn't upgrade to Windows 11. I didn't want to chuck it because I love its compact form factor. So I tried to save it with a lightweight Linux distro, and it worked, kind of. Even with Windows 10, its performance wasn't that great.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The SUV that quietly matches Lexus in owner satisfaction

Tue, 04/07/2026 - 18:30

For a long time, if you wanted a hassle-free, feel-good SUV, luxury brands were the obvious choice. Reliability, comfort, and consistency made them the safe bet—until now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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