How-To Geek
How to use the ROWS function in Microsoft Excel
Many Excel users abandon the ROWS function because it feels like a technicality they can skip. However, to build a truly functional workbook, you need formulas that adapt to your data dimensions, and the ROWS function is ideal for this. Here are four ways I use it to make my Excel spreadsheet smarter.
These 5 smartphone features got way better without anyone noticing
I don’t have to tell you that phones are really good now, and you can probably point to the areas where that’s obvious. Cameras, displays, processors, build materials, and so much more. However, phones have improved in sneaky ways, too.
How to make minimalist city maps in seconds using a free Python script
You’ve probably seen those social media adverts for minimalist maps of your city, but did you know you can create your own? While it might seem like a lot of work, this simple Python script takes minutes to set up and is easy to use on pretty much any computer.
8 jq patterns that make JSON work painless
These jq filters handle the jobs you do every day: select, map, reduce, sort, defaults, and formatting. Find out how to use these vital features with explanations and examples.
Nothing Ear (3) review: Decent sound with mediocre microphones
The Nothing Ear (3) has an eye-grabbing design with a pleasant sound and a unique case to boot. Unfortunately, there are two major downsides working against what would otherwise be decent earbuds.
High cost, low passion. What’s holding EV sports cars back
Although they entered the mainstream about 20 years ago, electric vehicles (EVs) have been around for a long time.
A free Kindle feature is about to be put behind a paywall
Kindle eReaders are obviously great for reading books, but that’s not all they can do. One of the coolest lesser-known features is the ability to send web articles to your Kindle. Instapaper is a great way to do this, but starting next month, the app’s "Send to Kindle" feature will no longer be free.
YouTube is breaking ad blockers again
If you have been seeing the infuriating "This content isn't available, try again later" error on YouTube recently, you are certainly not alone. It looks like this widespread issue may be the platform's newest, more aggressive attempt to break ad-blocking extensions.
America’s most efficient minivan now that the Pacifica PHEV is gone
Stellantis just hit the eject button on hybrids in the U.S., pulling every plug-in from its lineup—including the Wrangler 4xe and the Pacifica—in one clean sweep. That move basically wiped out the plug-in minivan conversation overnight.
I built a massive 60TB server, but I trust Google Drive more
While I have a 60TB server sitting next to my desk, I actually keep my backups in the cloud. I know that might sound counterintuitive, but let me explain why I choose cloud-based backups instead of local-first approaches.
3 must-see Prime Video shows to binge this weekend (January 23 - 25)
Time flies when there’s so much good stuff to binge. I mean, can you believe it’s almost the end of January? I can’t. I blinked, and it was here, and that’s largely due to my obsessive binges with some of Amazon Prime Video’s best TV shows. This weekend, I've got some must-see recommendations for you.
Forget gas engines, this drop-in electric replacement is all you need
Do you have any old, outdated gas-powered tools you'd like to give a new lease on life? If so, Makita has a neat new product you'll absolutely love. Makita is launching a 40V max XGT electric motor unit, which is a 25 to 50cc gas engine replacement electric motor you can drop in, bolt on, and go.
Starting a smart home? Please don’t use Google Home
So you’ve decided to take your first steps towards building a smart home. The biggest hurdle ahead of you is deciding which platform you should use, and this likely depends on a few factors, like which ecosystems you’re already familiar with and comfortable using.
Starlink just got rid of its cheapest internet plan
Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, has changed a lot since it launched, including introducing the Starlink Mini alongside more affordable options. However, it looks like one of its best plans, the $10 Roam 10GB, is being discontinued.
This small German SUV surprises with a track record of reliability
German SUVs are often praised for luxury and performance, but reliability isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind, especially for smaller models. That makes this compact German SUV’s track record all the more surprising. Despite its premium badge and spirited driving dynamics, it consistently delivers dependable performance and lower-than-expected maintenance costs, setting it apart in a segment where reliability varies widely.
5 weird ways the Raspberry Pi has revived retro computer hardware
Raspberry Pi devices are popular among retro enthusiasts looking to emulate old computers and consoles, but this usually only goes as far as software. What you might not have considered is that the Raspberry Pi can also play a role in reviving old hardware.
This cheap fan adapter set my PC on fire (Check yours now)
That (probably) familiar connector you see up there is known as a "Molex" connector, and modern power supplies and computer peripherals rarely of ever still have this type of power connector—and for good reason.
Gmail is dropping this long-supported feature
Google is making a significant change to how you manage your email accounts. The company announced it will be ending support for two long-standing features, Gmailify and the traditional POP fetching method, starting this month.
How to prepare for the next big mobile outage
Verizon recently suffered a significant outage that left millions across the US without calls, texts, or internet for an entire day. This was a huge hit, restricting friends’ and families’ ability to communicate and forcing some businesses to shut down for the day. What can you do to protect yourself from the next time a mobile network goes down?
6 wacky things we had to do on old PCs
I've been using computers since before they had hard drives, and over the last thirty-odd years things have advanced at a breakneck speed. These days almost everything works as intended, but that has been very far from the reality for most of my personal computing history. Here's some of the weird stuff I used to do with my computers.


