How-To Geek
3 ESP32-based Home Assistant projects to try this weekend (March 13 - 15)
The ESP32 microcontroller is a low-cost system on a chip (SoC) that has become hugely popular in the DIY electronics world. They're cheap, versatile, and thanks to ESPHome, they're relatively easy to use with Home Assistant. Here are three ESP32-based Home Assistant projects you can try this weekend.
7 handy smart home upgrades you can 3D print yourself
A 3D printer unlocks a world of custom smart home upgrades. These range from downloadable tweaks for popular devices right through to bizarre models that you’ll need to design yourself. Here are seven ideas to get you started.
Stop confusing everyone: 4 rules for system diagrams that people actually understand
System diagrams are designed to create shared understanding among developers before writing a single line of code, but they often end up confusing the stakeholders they are meant to inform. Sometimes, this isn't a too much information problem, it's that they contain information, presented in ways that violate how we process visual hierarchies and relationships. In the long run, these poorly built diagrams increase the risk of design flaws. If your team faces this issue, you can fix them with this four rules.
PDFs must die, but what can replace them?
No matter who you are or what sort of things you do in life, there's a pretty good chance you have to deal with PDF files from time to time. This document format has had its day, and it causes numerous problems on modern screens, yet it just doesn't show any signs of going away.
I use flash drives as a backup, even though everybody tells me not to
Most people see USB flash drives as simple tools designed for basic tasks like moving files between computers, flashing new BIOS updates, and installing operating systems. Much to the horror and dismay of my colleagues, I use my flash drives to back up my most important files. While it might not be the best solution, I still refuse to listen.
Why Aqara is the best smart home brand you've never heard of
Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung. These smart home brands get most of the attention, but there's another one out there making cool stuff that, at least here in the US, is easy to overlook.
4 Microsoft Copilot Linux alternatives that are just as good (if not better)
As an avid user of AI tools, I was instantly intrigued when I overheard a conversation about AI assistants that Linux users could access and use via a desktop app. The discussion aroused my curiosity because it made me realize that, although I use Copilot on Windows, I don't usually use an AI companion on Linux primarily because, unlike Windows, Linux distributions usually don't have built-in AI companions.
What’s the deal with the "cult" of Prusa 3D printers?
If you’ve ever considered buying a 3D printer, you’ve probably come across Prusa Research and its signature black and orange 3D printers. The brand has a fierce following among enthusiasts thanks to its open-source philosophy and unique manufacturing processes.
3 standout Paramount+ shows worth binging this weekend (March 13 - 15)
Oh, weekend, weekend, what to watch? If you're a Paramount+ subscriber like me, that's probably a little rhyme you sing to yourself, too. The good news is, the service is actually pretty good when you want something new or new-ish or something that doesn't require a tin of mental prep.
The easiest way to build a local dev toolbox with one file
Every developer I know has been through the same cycle. You start a new project, and you need a database. So you download PostgreSQL or MySQL, go through configuration, and forget the password you set five minutes later. A few months down the line, you start another project that needs a different version of that database, or perhaps it needs Redis, and suddenly your host machine is a graveyard of services you installed once and forgot about.
These 4 distros tried to reinvent Linux (but failed)
Linux is an accepted OS in the tech world, but that hasn't stopped Linux developers from trying to shake things up. Sometimes it works, but here are the times it hasn't.
The streaming show everyone's suddenly binging (and why it blew up)
Nothing captures the hearts and attention of an American audience like a good old-fashioned romance. Love Story is the latest obsession sweeping the internet. From executive producer Ryan Murphy and creator Connor Hines comes Love Story, an FX limited series about the tragic relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.
Google Chrome on Linux is getting a big upgrade
Google Chrome has been a first-class web browser on Linux for years, but there has been a problem over the years: no Chrome builds for Raspberry Pi boards and other ARM hardware. That’s finally changing.
3 Prime Video drama shows to watch this weekend (March 13 - March 15)
This weekend, we’ve set you up with some engrossing drama series to watch on Amazon Prime Video. Each features a well-structured, character-driven narrative in an immersive world of deeply flawed personalities, solid performances, and strong thematic depth. They’re guaranteed to strike a bingeworthy chord of connection.
Why you should always use non-printing characters in Microsoft Word
One of the primary issues people face when using Microsoft Word is how the program deals with formatting. At times, it seems the program has a mind of its own! However, many of these frustrations can be solved by displaying non-printing characters.
3 excellent free movies to watch this weekend (March 13-15)
This weekend is the Super Bowl for cinema. Sunday marks the 98th Academy Awards, and by all accounts, it should be an unpredictable show. One Battle After Another and Sinners are set to duel it out in 11 different categories, including the night's top prize, Best Picture. Other categories to keep an eye on are Best Actor, featuring Timothée Chalamet versus Michael B. Jordan, and Best Supporting Actress.
Before the USB flash drive: 5 'floppy killers' that lost the retro storage war
The floppy ruled removable storage for decades, but it quickly became too small and spurred on many pretenders to the throne. Yet while many tried to topple the floppy from its throne, it clung on far longer than you'd expect.
This new Toyota SUV is already outselling its older sibling
America’s appetite for SUVs isn’t slowing down, and Toyota is leaning into it with a whole lineup of high-riding family haulers. Among them is a three-row model that’s quietly putting up some impressive numbers in the brand’s early-2026 sales reports.
5 Emmy-winning Netflix shows to watch this weekend (March 13-15)
If you're looking to curate your Netflix watch list, what better place to start than with the titles that swept the awards at their peak? From Oscar-winning movies to Emmy-winning shows, the platform has many decorated titles to choose from.
Apple's new MacBook Neo proves how far mobile chips have come
Apple surprised no one (and surprised us all at the same time) with the MacBook Neo announcement. This low-priced laptop is a showcase of modern tech prowess though, in ways you probably didn’t realize. The MacBook Neo is powered by the same processor in your iPhone 16 Pro.


