How-To Geek

Off-grid mesh networking is something that I've never really thought a whole lot about, but it has gotten much more intriguing to me lately. You can actually do a lot with off-grid mesh networking, way more than just messaging. Here are some projects that you can build with mesh-capable microcontrollers, and the third one definitely is my favorite.

Googlebooks have arrived as the next-generation successor to Chromebooks, with native Android app integration, a bevy of AI features, and a new, supposedly more powerful local file system. Look no further for all the details you need on that last point; here's how to find all your files in Googlebook OS, including everything you've downloaded.

Let’s be honest: I’m bored with Google Maps and Spotify. On my phone, in my car, everywhere.

Most of us have ruined a project by driving a screw half an inch too deep into drywall or snapping the head right off a brass fastener. It is easy to blame a cheap screw or an overeager trigger finger, but most of the time the problem is the collar right behind the chuck that you've been ignoring. I once added a wooden beam to my bed for extra support, and I had to buy a new beam because I didn't realize how important the clutch was. Once you know how that collar works, you'll have a lot more control over your drill, and it could save you a lot of money.

Things are starting to get spookier—the weather, the falling of the leaves, and creepy misty evenings—so the desire to hunker down in your living room with a good, nail-biting thriller is getting stronger. Luckily, Paramount+ has no shortage in that department, and this week there are some intense options for your movie nights.

If file transfers between your PC and NAS feel painfully slow, your first instinct might be to run a speed test to check your internet connection. But even if the test results show much faster speeds than you're getting in practice, your internet connection isn't actually to blame for those painfully slow local transfers.

If I asked you to name a media player, I'm sure VLC would be one of the first to come to mind. There's no doubt VLC has earned its place on just about every desktop, but it isn't the only free media player worth installing. Some alternatives give you more control over playback, others pack in features you might not expect, and a few can even turn your PC into a home theater.

One of my favorite things to do is go to the movies. Don't get me wrong—streaming is extremely convenient, and frankly, there are times I'd rather sit on my couch and watch a movie at home. However, nothing will ever replicate the cinematic experience inside a packed theater on opening night. I'm glad Netflix is allowing its bigger tentpole movies, including The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth and Narnia: The Magician's Nephew, to have legitimate theatrical releases.

Google Maps has many features that go beyond directions for your daily commute. What I love about the navigation app is that it's a gift that keeps giving: its underrated features and settings can completely change how you use it, whether you're a driver, cyclist, or walker.

One of the best things about Linux is that you’re not stuck with a single desktop experience. You can pick something that looks like macOS, Windows, or something that’s completely different and unique. That said, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, and testing every single one to find the perfect fit isn’t practical for everyone. Fortunately, I’ve done the legwork for you. I’ve been using Linux for the past 10 years, and over that time, I’ve tested all the major desktop environments (DEs). Here’s how I’d rank them based on features, performance, and usability.

You bought a Raspberry Pi with a head full of plans about how you'd use it, but it's been languishing in your drawer ever since. If your unused Raspberry Pi is making you feel guilty, then there are some relatively simple projects that you can have up and running before you know it.

I get into my car to drive, not to troubleshoot a touchscreen. But since becoming a mom, I’ve found myself driving a lot more than I used to, from taking my daughter to her classes to driving her to vaccination appointments and running errands in between.

The right power tool, like a Ryobi multi-tool, lets you finally tackle that old dresser you've been meaning to fix up, without having to buy an entire garage full of expensive gear. Pair it with something like a handheld orbital sander, and it'll look brand new in no time. Thanks to The Home Depot, you can pick up this 2-tool set, the Ryobi One+ 18V multi-tool and random orbit sander combo, all for the cost you would normally spend on just one alone.

I recently forwarded TCP port 25565 on my home router, so a few friends could join a Minecraft Java server. I didn't think much of it until my home IP address appeared on Shodan with the server's specific details listed.

There are few things more annoying than being in the middle of a show or a movie and having that spinning buffering icon pop up on your screen to taunt you. This is something that was happening to me quite frequently, and I seriously doubted that it had anything to do with the actual speed of my internet connection.

Music is a proven stress reliever, and everyone should have a Bluetooth speaker, like the Marshall Action III, to enjoy their favorite songs and lift their mood. Many new Bluetooth speakers feature futuristic designs with gaudy lighting, but the Action III takes a different approach with a timeless, retro-inspired look that turns heads.

I do my best to keep my files organized, give them sensible names, and place them in project-specific folders. Even so, sometimes I still mess things up. Somehow, when I want to work on a specific version of a design project, I can only find a flattened PNG. All other iterations? Completely editable and ready to use, except the one I need.

Recently, people have become more cautious about their phone's battery health than about fast charging. For years, my bedtime routine has been to plug my phone in and fall asleep. This way, I stop reaching for my phone frequently at bedtime, which improves my sleep. While my sleep has improved, my Galaxy S25 Ultra's battery life has significantly declined in just a year and a half.

Spooky season is here, and my October watchlist wouldn’t be complete without a few good horror movies. But what I feel like watching depends on the day: sometimes it’s an unsettling horror-mystery, and other times, a bloody slasher with a little humor sprinkled in is more my vibe.

The Arch User Repository promises nearly every Linux app in one place, and it has its advantages. But there's a reason why I stick to official repositories and Flatpak. Here is what improves when compiling software stops being routine.