How-To Geek
The budget-friendly Japanese sedan that blends thrills and efficiency
Stop distro-hopping. It won’t fix your Linux problems
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.
Black phones used to feel premium—now they're just boring
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.
7 Home Assistant automations that work better with NFC tags
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.
6 ways to reclaim your Excel screen real estate
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.
4 outdoor smart accessories I’m adding to my backyard this spring
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.
Your gaming screenshots are killing your SSD's performance
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.
This hidden Linux feature makes Windows look embarrassing for developers
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.
Some people are linking smart homes with "digital dementia," but I have a trick up my sleeve
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.
5 must have Linux Mint desklets
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.
Eufy Omni C28 review: A mid-range robot vacuum that performs better than expected
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.
The weirdest smart lighting gadget I never knew I needed
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.
Topping off your coolant isn’t enough—5 reasons you need a flush
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.
Toyota’s hidden hybrid SUV gem you should be paying attention to
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.
Stranger Things returns: Everything coming to Netflix in April
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.
The Japanese hybrid SUV making luxury brands nervous
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.
Stop buying hard drives based on capacity—check these 4 hidden specs first
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.
7 short-lived TV shows that became cult classics
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.
Android is tracking your every move—here's exactly what it knows
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.
The American SUV beating the RAV4 on tech, value, and versatility
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.


