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: 10 min 50 sec ago

Stop distro-hopping. It won’t fix your Linux problems

Mon, 03/30/2026 - 15:30

It seems like every new Linux user goes through a phase of "distro-hopping," or constantly switching Linux distros. If you've gotten the urge to install a new Linux distro, here are the reasons you might want to stop and think for a bit.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Black phones used to feel premium—now they're just boring

Mon, 03/30/2026 - 15:00

For a very long time, black was the coolest smartphone color you could pick. It felt sleek and premium, almost like a more refined version of the neutral gray tones that Apple helped popularize. But now that it's been done to death, black just no longer stands out the way it used to. That's exactly why, when I was buying my latest phone, I went out of my way to avoid a black model.

Categories: IT General, Technology

7 Home Assistant automations that work better with NFC tags

Mon, 03/30/2026 - 14:45

There are plenty of ways to trigger automations in Home Assistant. Smart buttons can be a useful option, but there are some cases where an NFC tag is the perfect choice.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 ways to reclaim your Excel screen real estate

Mon, 03/30/2026 - 14:30

Excel is a data analyst's friend, but it quickly becomes a foe when you start fighting the app itself for screen space. A clunky ribbon and a disorganized grid can make your workspace feel tiny, but you can take back control and maximize your real estate with these space-saving tips.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 outdoor smart accessories I’m adding to my backyard this spring

Mon, 03/30/2026 - 14:15

Spring has officially arrived, bringing sunnier days and warmer temperatures that make you want to spend more time outside. While you wait for the flowers to fully bloom, it may be a good time to upgrade your backyard with a few key accessories.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your gaming screenshots are killing your SSD's performance

Mon, 03/30/2026 - 14:00

As a huge gamer and a generally nostalgic sort of person, I have thousands upon thousands of screenshots from various games. A breathtaking sunset. An achievement that took me a long time to get. A funny scene or a bit of in-game dialogue.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This hidden Linux feature makes Windows look embarrassing for developers

Mon, 03/30/2026 - 13:30

For years, we have watched Microsoft pour enormous resources into the Windows Subsystem for Linux. It was positioned as the great equalizer, the bridge that would finally make Windows a first-class citizen for those of us who have long preferred Linux.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Some people are linking smart homes with "digital dementia," but I have a trick up my sleeve

Mon, 03/30/2026 - 13:00

You’ve probably heard the phrase “use it or lose it” used in reference to physical and mental skills. The term “digital dementia” is often trotted out to describe how our dependence on technology has impacted our ability to navigate without GPS or find information for ourselves.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 must have Linux Mint desklets

Mon, 03/30/2026 - 12:30

Linux Mint offers a clean and reliable Windows-like desktop experience—but for some users (like me), it can come off as a bit too clean and minimal. Thankfully, we have desklets, Mint’s equivalent to desktop widgets. Here are five of my personal favorite Linux Mint desklets to make the desktop more aesthetic and productive at the same time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Eufy Omni C28 review: A mid-range robot vacuum that performs better than expected

Mon, 03/30/2026 - 12:00

You could spend a lot of money on a robot vacuum and mop combo without trying hard. However, the Eufy Omni C28 offers a mid-range alternative that does most of the same work as the premium models, but at a cheaper cost.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The weirdest smart lighting gadget I never knew I needed

Mon, 03/30/2026 - 00:00

I've used a lot of smart home devices in my time, and I thought I'd seen them all. However, there's one device I bought recently that's been a real game-changer. It's not something I ever thought I needed, but it's had a big impact on my family and me.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Topping off your coolant isn’t enough—5 reasons you need a flush

Sun, 03/29/2026 - 23:32

When we talk about keeping a high-mileage vehicle on the road, oil changes usually get the spotlight. We’re trained to watch the sticker on the windshield or wait for the oil life monitor to light up, but another fluid works just as hard to keep your engine running: your coolant.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Toyota’s hidden hybrid SUV gem you should be paying attention to

Sun, 03/29/2026 - 23:00

Toyota has built a serious reputation for SUVs that deliver. The RAV4 set new standards for compact crossovers, the Land Cruiser dominates off-road adventures, the 4Runner tackles just about anything, and even the Corolla Cross is making a name for itself in everyday driving.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stranger Things returns: Everything coming to Netflix in April

Sun, 03/29/2026 - 22:45

With a new month comes exciting new titles to stream, and Netflix has its April slate locked and loaded. As the weather starts to warm up, you can refresh your spring watch list with returning and new shows, documentaries, stand-up specials, and films.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Japanese hybrid SUV making luxury brands nervous

Sun, 03/29/2026 - 22:30

Luxury cars keep inching further out of reach for most buyers, and it’s not hard to see why. Rising development and distribution costs have pushed new-car prices higher across the board, while luxury brands chase bigger margins with even steeper MSRPs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop buying hard drives based on capacity—check these 4 hidden specs first

Sun, 03/29/2026 - 22:00

I bet you never thought you'd still be buying spinning hard drives in the latter half of the '20s, but mechanical drives are still at the core of our mass storage. These devices are in your NAS, they're in your home media server, and they're plugged into your USB ports to store media and backups.

Categories: IT General, Technology

7 short-lived TV shows that became cult classics

Sun, 03/29/2026 - 21:30

Oftentimes, what makes a good TV show popular isn’t about how long it runs. It’s about the depth of its impact and its ability to embed itself in our brains… and that leads right to cult classic status. Over the years, there have been too many shows canceled way too soon, much to the dismay of loyal fanbases. Here, we’re looking at six short-lived TV shows that achieved cult classic status and that demand a reboot.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Android is tracking your every move—here's exactly what it knows

Sun, 03/29/2026 - 21:00

Your phone is tracking you. There is no doubt about that. But if you have an Android device, I can at least tell you how it's doing that and what kind of information it's gathering. With this information, you can determine if you want to allow this data gathering to continue.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The American SUV beating the RAV4 on tech, value, and versatility

Sun, 03/29/2026 - 20:45

The Toyota RAV4 has been topping U.S. sales charts for years, dominating the compact SUV segment. For most buyers, it’s not just a choice—it’s the choice.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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