How-To Geek

If you remember the early days of mobile phones, you'll clearly recall the big, bulky antennas that formed part of their signature look. It'd be unthinkable for a new iPhone or Pixel to have an external antenna these days, and unnecessary too. So when exactly were they phased out?

I have been using Windows for over a decade, and there are plenty of apps I used during my childhood that have since been discontinued. Here are six such Windows apps I wish were still available today.

In practice, Windows Fast Startup is supposed to be helpful, but after disabling it, a lot of things actually got a little better for my computer. I wish I had turned it off sooner, and for some of you, there are a few reasons you might want to do the same thing.

If your setup is anything like mine, then your NAS is likely also your Plex server. While that might seem like a great idea at first, over time, your NAS just might not have the power to keep up with the demands of Plex streaming and transcoding.

Adobe is changing the game with the recent release of a free version of its flagship video editing app for iPhone users. Not only can you use advanced tools on the desktop app, but you can also build projects from scratch using just your iPhone.

If you have a spare Raspberry Pi sitting around unused, it’s time to put it to work. While you can go all-out and build elaborate contraptions with Pis, here are five lightweight services that you can self-host on your spare (or aging) Pi without spending any extra cash on accessories.

Kindles are great at their primary function, but other than reading books, you can't do much else with them. That USB port at the bottom only supports charging and file transfers, but you can plug a few niche accessories into your Kindle, especially if you own an older model.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit and I shifted to remote learning, I began transforming my home into a smart home. As a college student on a limited budget, I started with Amazon Alexa as my smart home ecosystem.

I’ve become a fan of Galaxy devices, but I know many are put off by what can feel like bloated software. Fortunately, if you find Samsung’s apps and interface to be a bit much, there’s a custom launcher that not only solves this problem, but it's arguably at its best when installed on a Samsung phone!

Spotify has finally joined the ranks of Tidal, Apple Music, and Deezer by offering lossless streaming, as long as you're subscribed to Spotify Premium. The lossless audio streaming feature isn't enabled by default, so here's how to enable it in Spotify's mobile and desktop apps.

The Nissan Kicks has quietly evolved into one of the most compelling budget-friendly crossovers in 2025. Despite its low starting price, the Kicks packs an impressive mix of style, practicality, and technology, qualities that continue to challenge established rivals in the subcompact SUV class.

Do you travel a lot? If so, you know how important packing can be. You must make sure you have everything essential—clothing and toiletries, of course, but also your electronic cables, laptop, and any other necessary items to get through your trip. Even if you're not a big traveler, you know how frustrating it can be to forget something important, especially if you can't buy a replacement at your destination.

HBO Max has just released their November schedule, and it’s packed with new additions and releases. The streamer will see a slew of classic titles included in their library, but the highlights are the new releases in store for you.

The Satechi OntheGo Bluetooth mouse is a minimalist and quiet travel mouse that feels so comfortable, I see no reason to limit its use to travel.

For years, I’d been looking for an app that would let me manage all the fans in my PC case from one place and link case fan speed to the GPU temperature. About five years ago, I found it. Since then, Fan Control has been a staple on my PC. I recommend it to everyone in need of a fan management app.

Windows XP is celebrating its 24th birthday today. Despite its age, the now-ancient operating system is one of the best pieces of software ever made by Microsoft, and the best all-round version of Windows. It defined an era, vaulted home computing to a new level of convenience and reliability, and established norms we take for granted in modern versions of Windows.

Has your mouse been weighing down your aim lately? Mine has, which is why I decided to try cutting its weight in half. Using a 3D-printed frame, I was able to turn my lightweight mouse into something that truly feels like a feather in my hand. Here’s how it went.

If you’re hunting for a used family hauler that maxes out cargo space and fuel efficiency, there’s one body style that should be at the top of your list—and it’s not an SUV. Sure, some drivers love minivans and others don’t, but the modern hybrid minivan leaves today’s SUVs in the dust when it comes to flexibility and space.

I've always liked the idea of a projector, and I've used them plenty of times at work over the years, but the tradeoffs were never worth the increased picture size for me until recently. First I was tempted by a new generation of portable LED projector, but now laser projectors are becoming affordable on a paltry writer's income, and I'm mighty tempted.

If you go check the back of your TV, games console, soundbar, or Blu-ray player, you'll almost certainly see a little port with red light coming from it. That's TOSLINK or "Toshiba Link".