How-To Geek

Syndicate content
We explain technology. Learn more with our articles, reviews, tips, and the best answers to your most pressing tech questions.
Updated: 2 min 40 sec ago

Fake x16 slots and hidden lane sharing: Why your PCIe NVMe adapter is running at half speed

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 14:45

PCIe adapters are the ultimate solution for adding anything from extra M.2 SSDs and SATA drives to 10-Gigabit networking adapters and Wi-Fi cards. While they are the fastest form of expansion on your motherboard, they are not as foolproof as they might look. If you don't match the right adapter to the right slot, you could be severely limiting your hardware's performance.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Fake x16 slots and hidden lane sharing: Why your PCIe NVMe adapter is running at half speed

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 14:45

PCIe adapters are the ultimate solution for adding anything from extra M.2 SSDs and SATA drives to 10-Gigabit networking adapters and Wi-Fi cards. While they are the fastest form of expansion on your motherboard, they are not as foolproof as they might look. If you don't match the right adapter to the right slot, you could be severely limiting your hardware's performance.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why I'm learning to code in Kate instead of VS Code

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 14:30

Recently I decided to get back into programming. I'm not following the convention of getting started in Visual Studio Code, though. Instead, I'm starting from scratch with the Kate advanced text editor.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why I'm learning to code in Kate instead of VS Code

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 14:30

Recently I decided to get back into programming. I'm not following the convention of getting started in Visual Studio Code, though. Instead, I'm starting from scratch with the Kate advanced text editor.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to get over “printer’s block” and get more out of your 3D printer

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 14:15

So you’ve bought a 3D printer, made the usual assortment of fidget toys and Benchy models, and now you’re looking for something else to print. Though some people have trouble leaving their 3D printers idle, others experience “printer’s block” and run out of ideas completely.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to get over “printer’s block” and get more out of your 3D printer

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 14:15

So you’ve bought a 3D printer, made the usual assortment of fidget toys and Benchy models, and now you’re looking for something else to print. Though some people have trouble leaving their 3D printers idle, others experience “printer’s block” and run out of ideas completely.

Categories: IT General, Technology

J.D. Powers' dependability study shows vehicle reliability is in freefall

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 14:00

Modern vehicles are more advanced than ever, packed with large infotainment screens, over-the-air software updates, and increasingly complex driver-assistance systems. While these innovations promise convenience and capability, they may also be creating new reliability challenges. Recent industry data suggests that as cars become more technologically sophisticated, the number of reported problems is beginning to climb.

Categories: IT General, Technology

J.D. Powers' dependability study shows vehicle reliability is in freefall

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 14:00

Modern vehicles are more advanced than ever, packed with large infotainment screens, over-the-air software updates, and increasingly complex driver-assistance systems. While these innovations promise convenience and capability, they may also be creating new reliability challenges. Recent industry data suggests that as cars become more technologically sophisticated, the number of reported problems is beginning to climb.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Passkeys were supposed to replace passwords, but they're failing for the most predictable reason

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 13:30

Passwords are a problem. Not only have they reached a point where a "strong" password is one no human can remember (much less remember dozens of them), but they simply aren't as secure as they need to be. Passkeys combine a public and private cryptographic key pair with local authentication such as a fingerprint or facial scan. The device can prove its identity beyond doubt, and the assumption is that only you can unlock it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Passkeys were supposed to replace passwords, but they're failing for the most predictable reason

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 13:30

Passwords are a problem. Not only have they reached a point where a "strong" password is one no human can remember (much less remember dozens of them), but they simply aren't as secure as they need to be. Passkeys combine a public and private cryptographic key pair with local authentication such as a fingerprint or facial scan. The device can prove its identity beyond doubt, and the assumption is that only you can unlock it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Spend your money on books, not a new Kindle

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 13:00

Feeling the itch to upgrade your eReader? Don't yet have a Kindle and eyeing up a brand new model? Your money is better spent on things to read than the latest and greatest device.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Spend your money on books, not a new Kindle

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 13:00

Feeling the itch to upgrade your eReader? Don't yet have a Kindle and eyeing up a brand new model? Your money is better spent on things to read than the latest and greatest device.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why de-googling my life was a complete waste of my time

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 12:30

Are you thinking about de-googling your life? Worried that Google knows too much about you? Well, I tried it—and here’s why it was a complete waste of my time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why de-googling my life was a complete waste of my time

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 12:30

Are you thinking about de-googling your life? Worried that Google knows too much about you? Well, I tried it—and here’s why it was a complete waste of my time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 things I've learned after a decade of using rooftop solar

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 01:00

I first had solar panels installed on my rooftop nearly a decade ago. I've moved since then and have had them installed on my new home as well. At this point, I'm now familiar with having panels installed and what it's like using them. Here's what I've learned along the way.

Categories: IT General, Technology

All-new 2026 Subaru Outback delivers big SUV capability without the $50K price

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 00:30

The Subaru Outback has been a staple of the brand for three decades, with sales exceeding three million units. Now in its seventh generation, the 2026 model represents the most comprehensive makeover for the Outback yet, characterized by a boxy new exterior design and a more optimized infotainment system that offers faster response times.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 great Plex movies to watch for free this weekend (March 6-8)

Sun, 03/08/2026 - 00:00

Did you know that Plex has free movies on demand? I'm sure many customers use Plex as a personal media server, and rightfully so. It's an effective platform where users essentially create their personal streaming services. For those who love customization, Plex is the server for you.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These tiny SSDs save space without compromising storage—so why aren't they more popular?

Sat, 03/07/2026 - 23:00

You're probably used to seeing M.2 SSDs as little sticks of around 8 centimetres long. But they actually come in many shapes and forms. The smallest of them all, M.2-2230, measures a mere 3 centimetres.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 10 most reliable car brands in 2026, according to Consumer Reports

Sat, 03/07/2026 - 22:30

Reliability remains one of the most important factors for car buyers, especially as vehicle prices continue to climb, and modern cars become increasingly complex. While flashy technology and performance numbers often dominate marketing campaigns, long-term dependability ultimately determines how satisfying, and affordable, a vehicle is to own. According to the latest reliability data, some automakers continue to outperform the rest when it comes to building vehicles that last.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 terrific free movies to watch this weekend (March 6-8)

Sat, 03/07/2026 - 22:00

It's never been more expensive to watch movies than it is today. Depending on where you live, theatrical tickets could cost north of $20. Throw in snacks and drinks, and you're spending over $40 to watch one movie. It's not much better at home thanks to an abundance of streaming services that constantly increase their fees.

Categories: IT General, Technology

eXTReMe Tracker