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: 1 hour 33 min ago

Don’t ignore your Samsung Galaxy’s smartest feature

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 18:00

Samsung Galaxy phones are packed with apps and underrated features, and sometimes it's easy to overlook some of the best ones. Instead of constantly using your phone and fumbling through settings, let this amazing feature do all the hard work for you. Smartphones are supposed to be "smart," and this one Samsung feature actually delivers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The most reliable hybrid SUV you can buy in 2026

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 15:30

In a segment where complexity often leads to costly repairs and unpredictable ownership costs, one hybrid SUV stands out in 2026 for its exceptional reliability. While many electrified crossovers still struggle with long-term dependability, this Japanese-built model combines proven engineering with low maintenance needs, making it one of the smartest choices for buyers who want efficiency and peace of mind.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 ways Microsoft made Windows worse in 2025 (and how to undo them)

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 15:00

Windows 11 has been progressively getting worse with every feature update since last year. Here's how I've been doing some damage control to keep it usable.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A cheap iPhone is better than a cheap Android phone

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 14:30

If you’re in the market for an affordable phone, an iPhone is probably not your first thought. There are several reasons why a lower-cost Apple device is better than an entry-level Android phone, so here are the three top reasons you should go team iPhone when saving money.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 5 best Linux terminal-based file managers

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 14:15

Are you curious about terminal file managers but overwhelmed by the options? Wondering which one won’t require memorizing 100 keybindings just to copy a file? Well, here’s my list of the five best Linux terminal-based file managers and how they rank against one another.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why don’t these devices have wireless charging yet?

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 14:00

All it took for me to take wireless charging seriously was a MagSafe charging stand on my desk. Unless I need a fast-charging top-up, this is now how I choose to charge my phone 90% of the time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Japanese car's sales prove that sedans aren't dead in America

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 13:30

In an era dominated by SUVs and crossovers, it’s easy to assume that sedans are a thing of the past, but the sales figures for the Toyota Camry tell a very different story. Even as buyers flock to taller, truck-based vehicles, this enduring Japanese sedan continues to find its footing in the American market, proving there’s still strong demand for traditional four-door cars.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 time-wasting smart home habits you need to break (and what to do instead)

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 13:00

Smart home technology is meant to save you time and effort, and it can definitely do so when used well. However, it's all too easy to fall into habits that can end up wasting time rather than saving it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why I can't quit Excel: 5 desktop features open-source alternatives are missing

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 12:30

I'm a fan of the open-source philosophy, and given the price of Microsoft 365, the push for desktop alternatives to Microsoft Excel is louder than ever. Yet, I can't make the leap. While these local apps look the part, they lack the deep architectural features that make modern data analysis possible on my PC.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Could Geely's big CES announcement make your next EV more affordable?

Wed, 01/14/2026 - 08:00

Geely Holding Group isn't exactly a household name in the American automotive market. You're forgiven if you've never heard of it before reading this, as you're far from alone. However, Geely is the Chinese automotive giant behind some brands you probably have heard of, such as Volvo, Polestar, and Lotus.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 movies that predicted the smart home (and why Back to the Future was wrong)

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 23:30

Long before it was even remotely possible, people have dreamed of a world where your house just takes care of you. Once it became clear that computers would be more than just a fad, the home automation fantasies really started to take hold. So I wondered how close some of the classic depictions came to our present day, or perhaps our very immediate future.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Outgrown your Mazda Miata? These 5 cars are the perfect upgrade

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 23:01

The Mazda Miata is a beloved driver’s car for a reason: lightweight balance, engaging handling, and pure fun behind the wheel. But as great as it is, its small cabin and limited cargo space can eventually feel too tight for drivers who want more comfort, power, or everyday usability. If you’ve reached the point where the Miata feels a bit too compact for daily life, long trips, or just added practicality, it might be time to consider an upgrade.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Home Assistant just cut ties with this smart home brand

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 22:20

Home Assistant just announced a significant shift in its partnership program, formally removing smart home brand HELTUN from the "Works with Home Assistant" certification. The popular open-source home automation platform published a full explanation of the decision.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jellyfin's Roku app has a new coat of paint

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 22:16

Jellyfin is a fantastic open-source media server, but the client applications can be rough around the edges, especially in comparison to Plex's apps. Thankfully, the Roku app for Jellyfin is now getting some helpful improvements.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 things to dumpster dive for your homelab setup

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 22:00

Computer hardware is getting much more expensive, and I'm not just talking about the fancy stuff. Core components like RAM, storage, and power supplies are going up in price due to unprecedented market conditions. Which means even people who are just looking for a basic desktop PC, or who want to host simple services at home are facing big price tags.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop running old enterprise servers: How I cut my homelab power bill by $100

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 21:00

Homelabs are fun and I absolutely love mine. However, it was using way more electricity than it needed, and that was costing me more money every month than I was willing to pay. Here are three ways I lowered my homelab’s impact on my monthly power bill.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Gemini now has one place for all your documents

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 20:36

Google Gemini is rolling out an organizational update to its web interface, adding a dedicated Documents history section inside the My Stuff folder. This should help you keep track of the text-heavy outputs Gemini creates, particularly those generated by the Deep Research and Canvas.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Move over BMW—this Korean luxury SUV is better than an X3

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 20:30

German carmakers have long dominated the luxury SUV scene. The GLC, X3, and Q5 have set the standard, with the Macan adding sporty flair—until the Genesis GV70 showed up and shook things up.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Don’t buy the 2TB iPhone, do this instead

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 20:00

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is an amazing phone, starting at $1,199, but Apple’s storage upgrades are eye-watering. The 2TB model costs $1,999, which is a staggering price for a phone that isn’t an experimental, ultra-high-end device like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wine 11 is here with big improvements for Windows apps on Linux

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 19:14

The development team behind the Wine compatibility layer for Linux has announced the full release of Wine version 11.0, bringing several performance improvements with it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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