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: 53 min 47 sec ago

I made a dynamic Excel timeline in 10 minutes (and you can too)

Wed, 12/10/2025 - 12:30

In Microsoft Excel, you can convert your data into many types of charts. However, frustratingly, there's no option for a standard timeline chart. To get over this hurdle, I use a basic line chart to create a dynamic, professional timeline in 10 minutes. Here's how you can too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Build an AI Alert System in Python - Just 10 Minutes to Safety!

Wed, 12/10/2025 - 12:30

Python is one of the most popular languages for developing AI and computer vision projects. With the power of OpenCV and face detection libraries, you can build smart systems that can make decisions and accomplish tasks. Let's build a system that sends an alert upon detecting a face.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 10 review: Excellent for gamers, with some flaws

Wed, 12/10/2025 - 12:00

The Lenovo Legion 9i Gen 10 has a stunning design and delivers immense power and sizable RAM alongside a beautiful 18-inch display. However, a few surprising flaws mean it isn’t quite the slam-dunk gaming laptop I expected.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I never leave the house without this $40 gadget in my pocket

Wed, 12/10/2025 - 06:00

I’ve had dual USB-C/A flash drives for many years—they’re nothing new. However, when I got the PNY Duo Link V3, it changed how I used dual flash drives.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Luxury SUV delivers Lexus-level comfort without the Lexus price

Wed, 12/10/2025 - 00:00

If you're tempted by a Lexus NX but keep wondering if there's something roomier, cheaper, and still just as relaxing, the Toyota Crown Signia is the twist you probably didn’t see coming. It delivers an easygoing kind of luxury that feels more “effortlessly cool” than “trying too hard.”

Categories: IT General, Technology

Update Notepad++ now to fix a dangerous security vulnerability

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 23:10

The popular Notepad++ text editor has been hijacked to spread malware, due to a security vulnerability in the app's update mechanism. If you have the app installed, make sure you have the latest version to stay safe.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 hidden Chromebook features you’re not using (but should)

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 22:30

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking a Chromebook is "simple" and is only suitable for kids at school, not serious work. Yet, ChromeOS has grown into a rather mature operating system, and there are plenty of features that can supercharge your productivity or expand your options hidden under the surface of that user-friendly interface.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The two popular Mazda SUVs that continue to drive strong sales in 2025

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 22:00

Mazda’s sales momentum in 2025 isn’t being driven by new nameplates or radical redesigns, it’s being carried by two of its most established SUVs. Despite a competitive market packed with newer alternatives, these models continue to attract buyers with a mix of premium styling, engaging driving dynamics, and strong value that stands out in the crowded compact and mid-size segments.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This security-focused Linux distro is switching to KDE

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 21:54

The team behind Parrot OS (often shortened to Parrot) has announced the beta release of Parrot 7.0. The update, now in testing, brings several upgrades and improvements to the distribution that emphasizes security, including a switch to KDE Plasma as the default desktop.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ring doorbells can now identify faces

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 21:39

Ring has started rolling out its AI-powered facial recognition feature, Familiar Faces, to video doorbell owners across the United States. This addition means your smart doorbell can now identify your visitors, a major step forward for personalization that also brings significant privacy concerns.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Firefox's local page translation finally arrives on iPhone and iPad

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 20:47

Local page translation is one of the best recent additions to Firefox, but iPhone and iPad owners haven't been able to try it out. That's finally changing with the release of Firefox 146, and Mozilla is throwing in a few other minor improvements.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Don't throw away your old SSD—do this with it instead

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 20:30

If you have an older SSD that you're looking to replace, you're probably wondering what to do with your previous drive. There are many ways to repurpose it, but the one thing you should not do is throw it away.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why 8GB VRAM is finally dead for PC gaming in 2025

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 20:30

As the price of memory continues to skyrocket, and games become more and more demanding, it's fair to ask how much the RAM on your GPU actually matters. What's the right quantity? What about speed and bandwidth? If you're wondering what to decide when it comes to your next GPU's RAM, it's time to have the talk.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Photos takes on CapCut with a big video editor update

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 20:13

Over the last year, the Google Photos app has seen a series of redesigns. The image editor was one of the first things to be refreshed, and now Google has moved on to videos. If you’ve been relying on third-party apps like CapCut for simple video edits, get ready to tap the "Uninstall" button.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why you should forget about Wi-Fi when it comes to smart home security

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 20:00

Wi-Fi cameras are incredibly convenient, but this convenience comes at a cost. Though you can stick them almost anywhere and use solar power or rechargeable batteries to keep them powered, you might find that they let you down when you need them the most.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Interview with the Vampire season 3: Everything we know so far

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 19:00

I don’t know about you guys, but I am thirsty for the upcoming season of Interview with the Vampire, especially after that gorgeously grotesque Shakespearean tragedy that was season two. Season three will shift its focus to Lestat de Lioncourt’s story and will be told through the power of rock music. In honor of the levitating rock-god's perspective, the show has officially been rebranded as The Vampire Lestat, which AMC+ is calling “a sexy pilgrimage across space, time, and trauma.”

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lexus vs. Genesis: which brand builds the most luxurious compact SUV?

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 18:30

The battle for luxury in the compact SUV segment has never been more competitive, and two brands stand at the center of the debate: one known for unmatched reliability and refinement, and another rapidly rising with bold styling and feature-packed value. As these rival automakers push to outdo each other, shoppers are left with a surprisingly close contest, one where luxury, technology, and driving comfort all take on new meaning.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Plex is overhauling custom metadata providers

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 18:24

Plex is now testing a new framework for custom metadata providers, giving you more options for adding titles, cover art, and other information to your movie and TV library. It's now in beta testing with a planned rollout in January.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon is getting a price tracker with automatic ordering

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 18:00

Amazon is rolling out new shopping features for its AI-powered Alexa+ assistant, most notably a price tracker that automatically purchases items when they drop to a specified price. This removes the need to constantly refresh pages waiting for a deal, because it will give you updates on changes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Unlock your Android’s USB-C potential: 5 surprising uses

Tue, 12/09/2025 - 18:00

Your Android phone's USB-C port is incredibly versatile. If you've only been using it to charge your phone to the point where you practically call it a charging port, you'll be surprised by just how many cool gadgets you can plug into it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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