How-To Geek

The command line has a reputation problem on Windows. To the average user, it looks intimidating, feels outdated, and often feels like something meant for developers. In reality, a few well-chosen tools can make your experience faster and easier than clicking through menus, installing apps, and managing files.

I converted my home into a smart home over the course of a single year. Placing a bulk order for 50 light switches all at once, because they were on sale, will do that for you. I’ve learned a lot since then—some of which I wish I knew beforehand.

Following the release of version 0.97 earlier in January, Microsoft continues to refine PowerToys with another incremental but meaningful update. PowerToys version 0.98 focuses on improving usability across the board. There’s a redesigned Keyboard Manager, dockable Command Palette, and enhancements to CursorWrap.

Fuel economy remains one of the biggest priorities for SUV buyers, especially as gas prices and daily driving costs continue to fluctuate. Hybrid technology has become the go-to solution, offering significantly improved efficiency without sacrificing the practicality and versatility that make SUVs so popular. In 2026, automakers are pushing the limits even further, with some hybrid SUVs delivering fuel economy figures that rival traditional compact sedans.

Even though Ryobi has manufactured power tools since 1968, the company hit it big with its global launch of the 18V ONE+ platform in 1996, and it's still going strong today. Earlier this year, the company released a new limited-edition Blackout tool for its 30-year anniversary. Ryobi's black drill is super rare, which is why you might see it on Amazon for upwards of $169 from resellers.

Are you looking for some new Docker containers to manage your home network? I've used quite a few over the past several years, and these seven are the ones I can't live without.

Modern Mac computers have a heavily-customized ARM architecture called Apple Silicon, instead of a standard x86 PC platform, and the Asahi Linux project has spent countless hours on porting desktop Linux to that hardware. Now, the flagship Linux distribution based on Asahi’s work has just been updated with some helpful improvements.

So you’ve heard about this wonderful thing called Linux and how it’s an open-source alternative to macOS and Windows. But then someone asks you, “which distro do you want to use?” and everything becomes confusing again. What are they actually talking about, and what kinds of decisions are you going to have to make?

If you've got a good collection of digital video files, you might want to do what everyone seems to be doing these days and set up a system like Plex to self-host that content so you can watch it on your TV.

Android is based on Linux, but that doesn't mean the two are the same. If you want to use desktop Linux apps on your Android phone, you have to jump through a few hoops. Fortunately, it isn't impossible, and it's getting easier by the day.

Affordable SUVs often come with trade-offs, especially when it comes to long-term reliability. Buyers shopping under the $25,000 mark typically expect basic features and modest performance, but not always the kind of durability needed for years of trouble-free ownership. In 2026, however, one compact SUV is challenging that expectation by delivering standout dependability at a budget-friendly price.

So, you're thinking about learning to code? You have probably done a little research and heard the default language pop up – JavaScript. I mean, it's the language of frontends and backends and about everything in between. But this dominance comes with a cost: JavaScript's massive ecosystem, and framework-heavy culture can make it a tough place for beginners to start. Here's why Go is a better alternative.

I've always wanted to be more productive. The more work I can get done in a set amount of time, the more free time I can have. It isn't always easy to stay on task, so I got Home Assistant to help.

The way we use mobile networks has changed drastically since the first person made a call using a cellular radio. A modern mobile connection has to be everything for everyone, which often leads to plans that don’t really fit all needs — even if they look good on paper.

When I started using Linux, the file system was nothing like the folder structures I’d been used to on Windows. I’ll admit that it took me a while to feel comfortable. However, with time, I realized that the more you understand the file system, the more control you have over your computer.

Normally, once you break a laptop's screen, the device is done for. That’s what happened to my old laptop, which quickly ended up gathering dust. Then one day, I realized a simple $5 USB-C hub could bring it back to life with an external display.

There's plenty to love about Samsung's new Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. Out of the box, they have the latest One UI 8.5 update based on Android 16, which is chock-full of exciting new features, controls, and customization options. However, just like One UI 7, some of the changes are quite frustrating. I immediately changed these settings, and you should too.

Arch Linux has always been painted by some persistent and intimidating myths, Arch has memes about it like it being unstable, overly complex, or having an elitist, gatekept community. For ages, people thought it was just for terminal wizards, demanding so much expertise that it actually scared off anyone new and curious. However, the Linux world has really changed, and so has what Arch is actually like. The biggest myths about Arch Linux need to be busted because it isn't that fragile, intimidating beast of legend anymore. It's evolved into one of the most dependable, flexible, and surprisingly accessible operating systems around, as long as you're a bit careful.

So, you want to build an DIY external SSD, and you want it to be fast? Sadly, your only option is NVMe. While NVMe blows the pants off USB transfer rates, it’s still the best option if you want more than 600MB/s transfer speeds—plus you might even have storage lying around that needs to be put to use, making it a more economical option, too.

Families still looking for a roomy three-row SUV with solid efficiency and a reasonable price have a refreshed option in the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. It’s been updated for the new model year as part of a mid-cycle refresh, building on the current generation that launched in 2022.