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 2 min ago

Intel and Samsung in talks to make Apple chips—how will it affect your next PC?

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 18:21

Two of Apple's largest chip rivals may find themselves serving their main competitor. Apple is reportedly in early talks to have Intel and Samsung manufacture the custom processors for its devices, such as Macs and iPhones, in their U.S. factories.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jellyfin still feels worse than Netflix or Spotify, but these 6 plugins close the gap

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 18:15

I've really gotten into self-hosting things lately and exploring different options for fun. As a hobbyist, I find it convenient to host my own stuff and fun to have more control over everything I do. I recently switched from Plex to Jellyfin for my media server, and I'm enjoying learning the ins and outs and quirks of self-hosting my own media.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Gemini in Google Docs lets you set custom instructions that are actually useful

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 18:12

If you regularly use Docs over alternatives like Microsoft Word, Google’s new feature for Gemini in Docs might be one of the most practical upgrades yet. It lets you set custom instructions inside the document, so you don’t have to spend two minutes explaining your preferred tone or format every time you take Gemini’s help to draft content, summarize documents, etc.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget the Toyota RAV4—this Nissan SUV is cheaper and just as practical

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 17:45

The modern SUV market has quietly gotten out of hand. Prices keep climbing, and a lot of what you’re paying for is extra size and badge appeal you don’t really need.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This 41-Year-Old Windows Shortcut Is Still the Fastest Way to Multitask

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 17:30

The modern Windows interface is primarily based around a graphical user interface (GUI) that you interact with using the mouse, but it isn't my preferred way to use my PC. Instead, I mostly use keyboard shortcuts, and at the heart of that approach is Alt+Tab.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Everyone thinks USB killed this 66-year-old PC port (but it secretly runs the modern world)

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 17:00

There was a time when all PCs had at least one serial and one parallel port. Today, you won't find either of these ports on a typical desktop or laptop computer, but just because consumer-facing technology has left the serial port behind, doesn't mean it's anywhere close to dead.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget the Tesla Model Y—This Korean rival outclasses it for less money

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 16:45

The Tesla Model Y has spent years as the default choice for anyone shopping in the EV crossover space. Strong range, quick acceleration, and a well-established charging network have made it the safe bet, even as prices and incentives have shifted around it. But in 2026, the ground beneath it is starting to move.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your Excel setup is slowing down your workbook—here's how to fix it

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 16:31

It's tempting to blame a slow Excel spreadsheet on a weak processor, but the fix usually lives in the formula bar. By removing the hidden bottlenecks inside your formulas and data structure, you can make Excel feel brand new. Here's why your sheets are slow and how to repair them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why the Galaxy S21 Ultra was the last Samsung phone I actually wanted to keep

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 16:15

While these days Samsung is all about 200MP camera sensors, folding screens, and AI-integrated everything, I find myself looking at my S21 Ultra not as an aging relic, but as the last time a phone felt truly complete.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 addictive Netflix miniseries you can binge in a single day

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 16:00

One of my favorite things to do on the weekends is binge a good miniseries. I'm passionate about miniseries, whether they're based on real-life individuals, fictionalized interpretations of true events, book adaptations, or stories that portray both past and contemporary life.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I regret buying an expensive smartwatch: This $40 fitness band does everything I actually need

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 15:45

When smartwatches first hit the scene over a decade ago, they were expensive, often costing a few hundred dollars. While many still do, a range of third-party options now offer similar functionality—especially for fitness and health tracking.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop writing JSON by hand, this is a much easier way to handle config files

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 15:31

JSON is a hugely popular format, used for configuration, API responses, game save data, and much more. But it has its critics, and JSON is not the only option.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The all-SSD PC is dead—here's what actually makes sense in 2026

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 15:00

Just a few months ago, I deemed SATA SSDs all but obsolete. HDDs had their uses, but mostly outside of a PC instead of inside it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I finally set up my old phone as a dedicated dashcam, and it works better than a $200 Garmin

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 14:45

In today’s world, you can never be too cautious when driving and staying aware of your surroundings. While keeping your eyes on the road, you also need to monitor other vehicles in case they suddenly merge or stop.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I tested ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini for months, and the winner surprised me

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 14:30

The landscape of AI is changing faster than anything in tech ever has. As such, the “best” AI tool is constantly changing from one company to another, and back again at dizzying speeds. I’ve stopped caring, and that’s the best thing that I’ve ever done in the world of AI.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 ESP32 projects that work even when the internet is down

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 14:15

ESP32 boards are great for a whole range of projects because they often come with onboard Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This means you can use them for projects that require an internet connection, but there are plenty of ESP32 projects that will work even when the internet is down.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3D movies at home aren't dead—here's how hardcore fans are keeping them alive

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 14:00

I recently went to see the third Avatar film, and, of course, I saw it in 3D, since Jim Cameron’s blue space cats are the pinnacle of 3D filmmaking.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I was ready to quit Windows—until I found these powerful customization tools

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 13:30

Despite the improvements since it was released, Windows 11 still feels a bit rough around the edges—almost unfinished. It has few customization options, and several basic features that you'll find in competing operating systems are missing completely.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 4 simple solar panel tricks give me more power in less time

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 13:01

I love solar panels, but using them isn't as simple as plugging a rechargeable battery into the wall. 400W panels often provide 200 watts of power, and that number can get even lower if you're not using them properly. Fortunately, with the right knowledge, it's easy to give those panels a boost.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 chart types you should never use in Excel (and what to use instead)

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 12:30

Excel makes it easy to turn numbers into visuals, but "easy" doesn't always mean "accurate." Some chart types do more to hide your data than highlight it. If you want your reports to be readable and professional, stop using these confusing layouts right away.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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