How-To Geek

If you’ve kept up with recent technology news, you may have noticed that the world’s most popular operating system has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Users are now required to log in with a cloud account, the use of AI is basically a requirement, surveillance data is sent off to unknown servers, and users are forced to accept ever-changing license agreements that invade privacy. Why do we put up with this?

For most people, the story of graphics cards starts with Nvidia and AMD. The reality is quite different.

When it comes to anime, your watch list will always be well-fed. There's a show and trope out there for all your moods and curiosities, whether you're into fast-paced action and adventure or mellow stories that focus on romance or friendship.

If you're trying to get into the terminal app on your Ubuntu computer, why not start with some lighthearted fun? There are some command line Easter eggs that won't do anything but entertain you, and I've gathered some of the best.

Netflix is bidding farewell to a popular TV series in the new year, meaning subscribers don't have much time to watch it. You will have to take advantage of the show's finite availability on the streaming platform. So, whether it's to start the series for the first time or to rewatch favorite episodes, the clock is running out on access to Lost via Netflix.

The year is drawing to an end, which means Apple's 2025 App Store Awards have recognized the best apps for all your Apple devices. The contenders for iPhone's App of the Year were strong, but I was not surprised at which app emerged as the winner.

All the popular power tool brands produce a ton of excellent tools, and that means you have endless options to choose from. And sure, Milwaukee, Ryobi, DeWALT, and others all make many similar items, but Milwaukee also offers some rather obscure items you've probably never seen or heard of. Here are a few that you'll likely want to buy once you're aware of them.

Christmas and nostalgia go hand in hand, and this year I’m overdosing on both with the help of my Raspberry Pi. One thing I remember fondly from childhood is playing Christmas-themed games and demos on my Amiga, so I figured now is the perfect time to relive the classics.

Are you still using gigabit Ethernet as the backbone of your homelab? It’s time to stop. As we get ready to enter 2026, it’s time to leave 1998 in the past and embrace a multi-gig future.

It’s easy to forget that the Android Auto display in your car is literally your phone. So, if you’re out of cell signal range, the maps you need to navigate aren’t going to be very useful. That is, unless you’ve planned ahead—I’ll give you two options.

For most Americans, the idea of owning a $130,000 sedan sounds ridiculous. Even if you could swing it, there are better ways to spend that kind of cash, and waiting for depreciation can feel like a gamble.

USB-C is finally making its way into everything, and I’m in no position to complain. After spending much of my life lamenting the design decisions that went into USB-A, mini USB, and the dreaded micro USB connectors, I for one welcome USB-C ubiquity.

I write about tech every day, which means taking a lot of screenshots. The built-in Windows Snipping tool works for the occasional screenshot, but it doesn't work for my regular workflow. I can't configure the hotkeys, the annotation tools are limited, and there are no tabs or autosave features. If you want something better than the snipping tool, try any of these screenshot tools.

The superhero genre may consist mostly of multiverse mayhem and larger-than-life battles, but there have also been occasions where heroes have embraced the holiday spirit. Sometimes our beloved heroes are dragged into a villain's scheme while their worlds celebrate, while others have focused on their own efforts to take a break with their loved ones during the festive period.

Google recently released its own code editor, Antigravity. Based on Microsoft’s Visual Studio Code, Antigravity brings a lot to the table. I’ve been using it for the past few weeks, and here’s why I think it should be your IDE of choice.

3D-printed gifts can be a real mixed bag. On the one hand, you have the power to craft something truly unique, but on the other, you’re at risk of giving someone another one of those articulated dragon models they never asked for.

Are you wrestling with whether to stick with Windows or switch to Linux? Don't want to lose Windows app compatibility but desperately want Linux’s superior privacy and performance? Well, dual booting allows you to have your cake and eat it too.

For years, like millions of others, I've tolerated Microsoft Word's bizarre formatting, sluggish performance, and chaotic ribbon. Now, I'm done pretending that this dominant, costly software is a good product. The truth is, it's a headache of a program that has failed to truly improve for decades.

What is it that makes using a phone feel so different from using a computer? Part of it is the way we switch between apps—but there’s a hidden feature on your Samsung phone that makes navigating a phone as simple as on any PC.

Hybrid SUVs are supposed to deliver the best of both worlds, but many popular options now come with rising prices and only modest efficiency gains. That’s why this lesser-known hybrid crossover is turning heads. It undercuts one of the segment’s best-selling models while delivering better real-world fuel economy, making it a compelling option for buyers who want to spend less at the pump and at the dealership.