Blogroll

I finally ditched Windows search for these 3 free tools, and I’m not going back

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 17:15

Windows' built-in search has never really clicked for me. It’s often slower than I expect, mixes in results I didn’t ask for, and somehow still struggles to surface the exact file or app I’m thinking about. Over the years, I’ve tried to make peace with it, tweaking settings and changing habits, but I always end up feeling like I’m working around search instead of letting it work for me.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I absolutely hated how Stranger Things ended, so I coped by watching this Netflix masterpiece

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 17:00

One of the biggest shows available to stream concluded in 2025, with a finale that sparked mixed reactions and criticism. But the reactions were not surprising, nor was the way the finale fell through.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Confidence class gets derailed in SNL sketch

Mashable - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 16:37

In this Saturday Night Live sketch featuring this weekend’s host, Teyana Taylor, the Golden Globe winner plays one of several overly inquisitive students in a confidence class led by Ashley Padilla.

SEE ALSO: 'SNL' Cold Open presents the Trump Awards

Padilla’s character explains she started teaching confidence after bombing a job interview, a seemingly simple confession that immediately sends the class spiraling. What begins as encouragement quickly devolves into an aggressive group interrogation, with Taylor, Mikey Day, Kenan Thompson, and Marcello Hernández fixating on every possible detail.

Naturally, the questions get unhinged fast. What was she wearing? Leather gloves and "nice leather pants." What was the job? Michelle Obama’s speechwriter. The room grows increasingly skeptical, especially after Padilla’s résumé comes into play, which proudly lists skills such as "do voices" and 9 years of experience as a Dolly Parton impersonator.

Asked to do the former, she does a questionable Yoda voice. Then, when asked to do the latter, she refuses as it's too close to the Yoda voice. Amazing stuff.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This hidden Android feature is one you probably forgot existed

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 16:30

Android has evolved by leaps and bounds since the early days, and as a result, dozens of helpful features are hiding all over the place. Whether you're a long-time user or just switched from the iPhone, here's a hidden feature I use daily that most people have forgotten even exists.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How I used QR codes and Google Sheets to organize my home

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 16:30

We all dream of having a perfectly organized home with a place for everything and everything in its place. Achieving that dream is harder than it seems, but I've found a techie solution that's extremely cheap and easy to set up.

Categories: IT General, Technology

SSD prices are skyrocketing: Why I'm going back to external hard drives

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 16:15

The prices for PC storage drives have been on the rise lately, particularly fast NVMe drives, so people are looking for alternative ways to meet their data storage needs without breaking the bank. One storage upgrade that’s a lot cheaper and more appealing than it seems at first glance is the humble external hard drive.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why I keep a "privacy-hardened" Linux distro USB on my keychain

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 16:00

Imagine an operating system that forgets everything you did once you shut down your computer. One that not only erases all traces of your activity, but also protects your privacy online. That's exactly what Tails is meant to be.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save up to 78% on ExpressVPN when you commit to 2 years

Mashable - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 16:00

SAVE UP TO 78%: If you commit to a two-year plan, you can save up to 78% on ExpressVPN and get four extra months for free. It's one of the best VPNs for streaming sports — including the NFL.

ExpressVPN deals: ExpressVPN Basic (2-year subscription + 4 months) $78.18 (save $285.54) Get Deal ExpressVPN Standard (2-year subscription + 4 months) $100.58 (save $291.14) Get Deal ExpressVPN Pro (2-year subscription + 4 months) $167.78 (save $391.94) Get Deal

A VPN hides your real IP address and connects you to a secure server in another location. It may not be the most honest way to watch sports, but it does often make it the cheapest. And as of Jan. 23, one of the best VPNs for streaming is running a winter sale that knocks the price down even further. There's just one catch.

ExpressVPN's winter sale lets you sign up for as low as $2.79 per month (Basic plan), which is 78% off its usual cost of $12.99. The catch is you'll have to commit to a two-year plan to score that price. The Standard tier is down to just $3.59 per month (reg. $13.99) and the Pro tier is down to $5.99 per month (reg. $19.99). As a bonus, when you sign up for two years, you'll get an extra four months for free.

The VPN's new tier pricing structure is a little confusing, but what it boils down to is the longer you commit, the cheaper the monthly price — especially during the sale.

With the NFC and AFC Championship games this weekend, and the Big Game coming in just a few weeks, it's a great time to lock in a VPN subscription. ExpressVPN, a top choice for uninterrupted streaming, essentially lets you watch NFL games for free (including the playoffs) by unblocking international streaming sites like Australia's 7plus from anywhere in the world.

ExpressVPN offers all the stuff you want in a VPN, including ad blocking, malware detection, and password management. But its ability to unlock streaming sites really sets it apart. It's usually a bit pricey compared to other options, but this winter sale knocks it down to a much more wallet-friendly price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

SNL Cold Open presents the Trump Awards

Mashable - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 15:51

James Austin Johnson doing Donald Trump in Saturday Night Live’s cold open. Name a more iconic duo.

Or, depending on who you ask, a more overplayed one. Either way, Johnson’s Trump impression once again kicked off Saturday night with a brand-new fictional awards show: The Trumps.

The premise was exactly what it sounds like. Much like Trump’s being given the Nobel Peace Prize second-hand or FIFA creating an entire award just for him, the Trumps exist solely to celebrate Trump, by Trump, for Trump. Among the evening’s "prestigious" honors were Best Picture and Best Kiss, both of which Trump, unsurprisingly, won himself.

The biggest surprise came with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy, which — based on the title alone — you could probably guess went to Elon Musk (played by the always amazing Mike Myers).

Categories: IT General, Technology

This amazing HBO Max feature helps me discover what's actually worth watching

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 15:30

As a frequent user of HBO Max, I love how easy—effortless, really—it is to explore and discover all the content its library has to offer. One of my favorite features to dive into is the streamer’s unique Discover Our Collections category, which contains a heck of a lot more than just random collections of content. The service also offers a rabbit hole into entertaining experiences and insider information.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This 3-year-old Italian sports sedan now costs less than $25,000

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 15:00

If you’ve always wanted an Italian sports sedan but assumed the price would be out of reach, there’s now a compelling opportunity in the used market. The 2023 Alfa Romeo Giulia, in its non-Quadrifoglio trims, has depreciated enough that well-equipped examples can now be found for less than $25,000. That’s a rare price point for a European performance-leaning sedan with distinct style and engaging dynamics.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop crashing your Python scripts: How to handle massive datasets on any laptop

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 14:30

I started a climate modeling project assuming I'd be dealing with "large" datasets. Then I saw the actual size: 2 terabytes. I wrote a straightforward NumPy script, hit-run, and grabbed a coffee. Bad idea. When I came back, my machine had frozen. I restarted and tried a smaller slice. Same crash. My usual workflow wasn't going to work. After some trial and error, I eventually landed on Zarr, a Python library for chunked array storage. It let me process that entire 2TB dataset on my laptop without any crashes. Here's what I learned:

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop plugging hard drives into your router: It ruins your Wi-Fi speed

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 14:15

The bar for a NAS can be lower than the ultra-expensive hardware it usually requires. Sometimes, it can be as simple as a hard drive or a DAS plugged into a Wi-Fi router via its USB port.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 ways free apps cost you without charging a dime

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 14:00

I use free apps every day, and I write about them constantly. In many cases, they’re genuinely great. Some of the most useful software on my phone and computer doesn’t cost me a cent upfront. But that doesn’t mean it’s actually free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I know Excel experts hate this function, but it’s still my favorite "secret weapon"

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 13:30

Mention the INDIRECT function in an Excel forum and you'll start a fight. It's volatile, meaning it's always awake and recalculating, which can turn a fast spreadsheet into a sluggish mess. But used correctly, it's a power user's secret weapon for building dynamic, reactive dashboards.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This is why smart home power users end up on Home Assistant

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 13:00

Home Assistant is arguably the best choice for anyone looking to start a smart home, but this is especially true for power users. If you want unhindered freedom to decide how your smart home functions and you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, there’s no better choice.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to build a dynamic timeline in Google Sheets

How-To Geek - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 12:30

Google Sheets is hiding a massive productivity feature in plain sight: the timeline builder. It's dynamic, it's colorful, and best of all, it updates itself. So, forget the manual formatting—here's how to build your own visualized project tracker in just five minutes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Valentines Day gifts for her: How to skip the clichés without skipping the romance

Mashable - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 11:05

When shopping for a Valentine's Day gift for the woman in your life, remember that romance doesn't stem from the amount of money you spend (or the number of stems in the bouquet).

The real sparks fly when your gift shows that you pay attention. Think about what type of gift could satisfy her latest obsession, or what type of gift could alleviate her latest pet peeve. Of course, heart-shaped or romantic Valentine's Day gifts are never a bad idea — we're just here to make sure they're not too cliché. Here are our picks for the best Valentine's Day gifts for her in 2026. Thoughtful, practical, whimsical, or appropriately mushy, these unique gift ideas go beyond the classic flowers and jewelry that you've already thought of.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Microsoft Word license gives you classic apps for less than $5 each

Mashable - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Get more done with this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license, now $34.97 (reg. $219.99) until Feb. 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $34.97
$219.99 Save $185.02   Get Deal

From creating a standout resume to building a budget or drafting an invoice, there are some tasks that are just easier on your PC. If you’re looking to make them even easier, a Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license can help. Now you can own eight powerful Microsoft tools for life for just $34.97 (reg. $219.99) through Feb. 22.

Got an endless to-do list piling up? Knock it out with Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows. This lifetime license gives you eight apps that make life a little easier — from finishing work tasks to answering emails — and there are no subscription fees required. You’ll get these eight Microsoft essentials for less than $5 each with this license, including new and familiar favorites.

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Draft documents in Word, manage correspondence in Outlook, put together powerful presentations in PowerPoint, and build budgets in Excel. You can also stay connected to others with Teams, manage large databases with Access, take notes more efficiently with OneNote, and create professional documents in Publisher.

Don’t let the year of this edition give you pause — all the apps have been redesigned to help things work smoothly. There’s a ribbon-based interface so you can access features, tools, and customizations more easily. Just make sure your PC is running Windows 10 or 11 before your purchase, as Windows 7 and 8 won’t support the apps.

Get this Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows lifetime license for only $34.97 (reg. $219.99) now through Feb. 22.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Nuggets vs. Grizzlies online for free

Mashable - Sun, 01/25/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Live stream Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's been an action packed week of NBA action for both the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies, with multiple games played across a number of arenas.

But this Sunday afternoon fixture should favor the Nuggets, who are riding high in the Western Conference while the Grizzles are scrambling in the bottom half. Can the Grizzlies pull off an unexpected win? Or will the Nuggets notch up another victory in what's shaping up to be a solid season?

If you want to watch Nuggets vs. Grizzlies in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Nuggets vs. Grizzlies?

Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA starts at 3.30 p.m. ET on Jan. 25. This game takes place at the FedExForum in Memphis, TN.

How to watch Nuggets vs. Grizzlies for free

Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

  2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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