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: 23 hours 57 min ago

What Is the EXE Linux Distro, and Should You Use It?

Sat, 05/03/2025 - 19:30

Linux distros can seem boring when you've been using them for a while. Another one? Are you nostalgic for the 1990s and early 2000s? A little-known distro called EXE may be what you're looking for. Is it for you?

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Choose the Right Memory Card for Your Nintendo Switch 2

Sat, 05/03/2025 - 18:30

The Nintendo Switch 2 is almost here, and if you’re jumping in early to play Mario Kart World or next-gen versions of Zelda then you’re probably on the lookout for accessories like a memory card too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How I Self-Host a Synced Password Manager

Sat, 05/03/2025 - 17:30

If you have a password manager, chances are you rely on an online account that tracks and stores all of your passwords. It's convenient, but you can actually keep your passwords stored off the internet while still syncing across devices.

Categories: IT General, Technology

8 Weird Things I’ve Done With Linux Just Because I Could

Sat, 05/03/2025 - 16:31

Most people use Linux to learn, tinker, or build something useful. I’ve used it to do things that range from mildly amusing to downright cursed. These aren’t best practices. They’re not productive. They probably won’t land you a job. But they will remind you why Linux is such a wild and wonderful system.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Communicate with Astronauts Aboard the ISS

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 22:31

Have you ever wanted to ask an astronaut a question, or just talk to one in general? Wouldn't it be cool if you could speak to an astronaut even as they were floating on the ISS in space, looking down on Earth? It's not actually difficult to do just that. All you need is ham radio.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What Does Incognito Mode Do?

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 22:01

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox—Incognito mode is a standard feature in most modern browsers. But what really happens when you start browsing in Incognito mode? Fun fact—it doesn’t make your browsing session completely anonymous, as you might think.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Use AI Function in Google Sheets

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 22:01

Google's AI function brings Gemini-powered language models right into your spreadsheet cells without any add-ons. With it, you can generate fresh text, summarize blocks of data, categorize entries, or even guess sentiments—all by typing a simple formula.

Categories: IT General, Technology

ASUS' New Outdoor Wi-Fi 7 Router Offers Everything but Tri-Band

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 21:58

ASUS is preparing to launch the ZenWiFi BD4 Outdoor, a dual-band mesh Wi-Fi 7 router designed to extend your existing wireless internet system beyond the home. It appears to be a solid option for those who own a large property and are already invested (or are willing to invest) in the ZenWiFi ecosystem.

Categories: IT General, Technology

First Look at Google’s Unfinished DeX-Like Desktop Mode for Android

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 20:14

For years, if you’ve wanted to plug your Android phone into a monitor and get something that felt remotely like a desktop, your only option has essentially been Samsung DeX. It offers a proper multi-window interface, a taskbar, and the ability to use your phone like a PC. Meanwhile, Android’s offering for other devices has been extremely lacking. That appears to be changing.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get Ready for More Tech Price Hikes as ‘De Minimis’ Loophole Closes

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 20:06

I'm sure your news feed has been filled with news about tariffs and how they affect your pocket. Get ready, then, for even more increases, because tariffs just became a lot more wide-reaching.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why I Want Email Read Receipts (and You Might Too)

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 19:00

Most companies know when you open their emails, but you're left in the dark about whether they've read yours. This imbalance in email power dynamics is real, and while many advocate against tracking, I believe we should use trackers ourselves to level the playing field.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Synology NAS Systems Are Getting More Expensive

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 18:44

Synology is raising prices on some of its DiskStation NAS systems. The move is almost certainly another tariff-induced price hike, but the company has not yet confirmed that information. Either way, it’s annoying for anyone looking to get a NAS right now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Toyota’s 2026 Camry: Now With 100% More Sass and Attitude

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 18:27

Toyota’s bringing the Nightshade trim to the 2026 Camry, and it’s more than just a style play. It’s still hybrid-only, which means top-tier fuel economy without sacrificing punch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Acer Nitro V Gaming Laptop Has Has a Huge Discount

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 17:38

Gamers looking for a powerful and budget-friendly machine will want to check out the current 18% discount on the Acer Nitro V gaming laptop. You can get this high-end laptop for $699.99 on Amazon, which is a huge drop from $849.99.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Baseus Recalls 55k Portable Batteries, Citing Fire Risk

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 17:32

Baseus has issued a voluntary recall for its 65W 30,000mAh (BS-30KP365) power bank, citing fire hazard. Approximately 55k of these batteries are impacted by the recall. Customer who show proof of purchase and disposal will receive a replacement power bank for free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Common Passwords You Should Never Use—These Take Less Than a Second to Crack

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 17:30

Your passwords aren't just hanging about on a server waiting to be stolen—there's a whole process that goes on behind the scenes to keep them safe. Just make sure they aren't common—or they'll take mere seconds to crack.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Fast and Affordable: 10 Sports Cars Under $30K Worth Buying

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 17:15

Fast cars don’t have to come with a sky-high price tag or crazy insurance premiums. Whether you're after weekend thrills or a fun daily driver, there are legit options out there that won’t empty your wallet.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Today Only: This 14-inch HP Laptop Is Just $170

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 17:08

HP is offering a great deal on its 14-inch laptop, currently priced at $169.99 on Best Buy, but that's a big drop from its regular price of $219.99. This is a great laptop if you need a PC for basic web browsing and productivity work.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Control Hyphens in Microsoft Word

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 17:00

You might have seen Microsoft Word's Hyphenation tool but have never fully known how to use it. In this guide, I'll explain what hyphens are, show you how to use them in Microsoft Word, cover some less-known hyphenation options, and offer some troubleshooting tips if they're not working as expected.

Categories: IT General, Technology

AT&T Might Give You a Password Manager

Fri, 05/02/2025 - 16:31

AT&T has quietly added new features to its ActiveArmor mobile security app, including a built-in password manager. It's a bit weird to get your password manager from your carrier, but hey, now you can.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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