Blogroll

Not Sure What a Linux Command Will Do to Your System? Ask ChatGPT

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 22:15

You've likely heard you should never run a command or script that you don't fully understand in the Linux terminal (or any command line). Unfortunately, the syntax for command-line apps can be tricky to break down and understand. Here's how ChatGPT can help.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Shoot Portraits on Your iPhone Like a Pro

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 22:00

You dont need a fancy expensive camera to take good photos of people. Focus on a few basic techniques, learn how to use your camera, and take a few chances to get the best shots. Heres how.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The PlayStation Plus Games Catalog Is a Mess

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 21:30

PlayStation Plus is a pretty solid deal, giving subscribers access to new and classic games, plus exclusive discounts and other benefits. But the service has some pretty glaring issues too, mainly with its games catalog which is hampered by poor organization and discoverability.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nobody Likes Doing Chores Until They're in a Video Game

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 21:15

Growing up, taking care of real-world responsibilities and menial tasks often felt like an interruption to my precious playtime. Now that I'm older, my taste for chores in real life has hardly changed but I find myself drawn to virtual busywork in my gaming sessions.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Tell if You've Been Blocked on Threads

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 21:00

Threads, officially known as the text-based social media app created by Instagram to compete with X (formerly Twitter), has quickly become popular since its launch in July 2023. If you're wondering how to check if someone's blocked you on Threads, you're in the right place.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Beef Up Your Windows Security With These Group Policies

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 20:30

Some options to beef up security on your Windows computer aren't available in the Settings app. You can find them in the Group Policy Editor, provided you're using Windows Pro or Enterprise editions. Let's look at several of them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Best Tech Travel Gadgets of 2024

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 20:15

Don't forget to gear up before heading out on that month-long vacation or quick business trip. These devices are the best tech travel companions, from noise-canceling headphones and Bluetooth trackers to plug adapters and travel routers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving For Free in 2024

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 20:04

Thanksgiving doesn't get as much love as Christmas, but one thing a lot of people like to do is watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. These days, it's locked behind a streaming service, but there's still a way to watch it for freethis weekend only.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Downloading Freeware? Remember to Avoid PUPs

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 20:00

If your system has a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP), it likely came from freeware. PUPs can slow down your computer, display intrusive ads, collect data, or make your system exploitable. Luckily, there are ways to avoid them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

James Acasters Hecklers Welcome was created as a form of "immersion therapy"

Mashable - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 19:51

James Acaster opens up about his fears of doing standup comedy again: hecklers, people not laughing and working through his own insecurities.

Hecklers Welcome is now streaming on Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Tell if Your Android Phone Has Malware

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 19:30

As our lives become increasingly dependent on smartphones, security is more important than ever. Android devices are loved for their flexibility and open ecosystem, but that also makes them more prone to malware.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why You May Not Need a Third-Party Firewall on Windows

How-To Geek - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 19:15

Firewalls are your first line of defense against online threats, but is Windows Defender Firewall up to the task alone? Find out when its enoughand when you may need backup.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Find discounted security cameras and video doorbells ahead of Black Friday

Mashable - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 18:55
Best early Black Friday security camera and video doorbell deals Best security camera deal overall Blink Outdoor 4 [Newest Model] $99.99 (save $160) Get Deal Best video doorbell deal overall Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell (AVD1001B) $29.97 (save $100.02) Get Deal

Don't wait for Black Friday! Pre-Black Friday sales are already in full swing, and you can find deals on everything from home goods to home security systems.

Maybe it's because people are becoming more privacy-conscious these days, but everyone seems to be doubling down on surveillance systems for their homes and vehicles. If you haven’t seen that dash cam video of the staged car crash scam, you really should — it's definitely a wake-up call for the need to document everything.

SEE ALSO: I'm a tech editor, and these are the early Black Friday deals threatening my wallet

These gadgets also make great gifts for the security-conscious folks in your life. A couple of years ago, I bought my parents a video doorbell, and they love checking to see if someone’s turning around in their drive and the animals scurrying through their yard whenever they’re out of town. (I named their local raccoon Little King Trashmouth, IYKYK.)

Now, Amazon has deals with top brands like Blink, Arlo, Google Nest, and TP-Link Tapo.

Here are a few to keep an eye on:

Best security camera deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 [Newest Model] $99.99 at Amazon
$259.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re looking for a home security camera that offers great image quality, motion detection, and a budget-friendly price, the Blink Outdoor 4 [Newest Model] is a solid choice.

Right now, you can get this wireless outdoor/indoor home security camera system (it comes with three cameras) for just $99.99 — that’s 62% off the list price and the lowest price we’ve seen on this camera to date.

This home security system lets you see every camera from your phone in 1080p HD live view. It also has night vision and two-way audio to talk to visitors or scare off would-be burglars. It also has a two-year battery life and can be set up in minutes without the help of a professional. With the included 30-day trial of a Blink Subscription, you can record, save, and share your video clips.

Bonus: If you have an Alexa-enabled device, you can use voice commands to access your live camera feed.

More early Black Friday security camera dealsBest video doorbell deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Arlo Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell (AVD1001B) $29.97 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $100.02 Get Deal Why we like it

The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell (AVD1001B) is only $29.97 at Amazon. That’s a 77% discount and a record-low price for this model.

This HD video doorbell is wired, so installation will require existing electrical wiring with a voltage between 16V AC and 24V AC to power it. But for under $30, it’s definitely worth considering as an option over the more expensive smart home gadgets out there.

The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell (AVD1001B) features two-way audio, smart alerts, night vision, and the ability to see visitors from your phone wherever you are. It also works with compatible smart devices like Alexa and Google Assistant.

With more than 19K Amazon reviews and a 4-star average rating, it's a popular choice for shoppers looking for an affordable, feature-packed video doorbell.

More early Black Friday video doorbell deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Matt Gaetz joins Cameo like disgraced congressman before him

Mashable - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 18:11

Matt Gaetz is pulling a George Santos.

The Florida Republican has gone from a sitting member of Congress to selling custom videos on Cameo in about the span of a week.

SEE ALSO: George Santos is now on Cameo as a 'former congressional icon'

On Friday, as first noticed by Semafor political reporter Kadia Goba, Matt Gaetz opened up an official account on Cameo, a website that allows celebrities to sell custom message videos to fans.

When Gaetz opened the account, he priced his videos at $250 before quickly updating the price to $500. As of publishing, Gaetz is now selling Cameo videos for $525.

Matt Gaetz's Cameo page Credit: Mashable screenshot via Cameo

Gaetz has already sold and completed at least two videos, both are viewable on his Cameo profile page.

"I served in Congress. Trump nominated me to be US Attorney General (that didn’t work out). Once I fired the House Speaker," reads Gaetz's profile on Cameo.

The disgraced Congressman to Cameo pipeline

As his profile hints, Gaetz resigned from Congress on Nov. 13, shortly after President-elect Donald Trump announced that he was nominating the Florida Republican to be attorney general.

Gaetz was a controversial pick from the start. The former Congressman was disliked even by members of his own party. As he mentions in his profile, Gaetz played a critical role in ousting former Congressman Kevin McCarthy from his House Speaker role in 2023.

Gaetz also faced another big hurdle: A House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations that Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct with a 17-year-old. Gaetz withdrew from AG consideration around the time CNN published a report about a second sexual misconduct allegation. According to reports, Trump had called Gaetz to let him know that he did not have the votes in Congress to be confirmed as AG as well.

The move to Cameo from Gaetz is reminiscent of another disgraced former Congressman's post-politics plan. Republican George Santos was kicked out of Congress late last year following an array of federal charges, including wire fraud and identity theft.

Shortly after leaving Congress, Santos started a Cameo account where he began selling custom videos for $150. Santos also quickly raised his prices too.

Gaetz move isn't that much of a surprise as Santos' Cameo career has proved to be quite lucrative. In February 2024, it was reported that Santos had sold 1,200 videos on Cameo and had made $400,000 in just a couple of months. That beats what Gaetz and Santos were making as Congressmen, which comes with a salary of $174,000.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Tons of drones are already on sale ahead of Black Friday

Mashable - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 17:42
Best early Black Friday drone deals Best drone deal overall DJI Mini 4K $239 (save $60) Get Deal Best drone deal for kids Holy Stone HS420 Mini Drone $39.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best portable drone deal Potensic ATOM SE $239.99 (save $100) Get Deal

All of November has been “Black Friday” for online retailers. From Target to Walmart to Best Buy, brands have been doing everything to compete against Amazon before the Big Day.

SEE ALSO: What time Black Friday sales start for Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and more

This year, we’re seeing tons of early discounts across almost every product category — including drones, a hot-ticket item for the holidays. As of Nov. 23, you can get up to 52% off drones at select retailers, including DJI, Amazon, and Best Buy.

Drones are usually pretty expensive, so Black Friday is the time to snag one if you want to try aerial photography or just fly something fun around your backyard. They also make great gifts (I bought one for my dad not too long ago for his birthday, and he loves it!).

Here are the best early Black Friday drone deals we could find:

Best drone deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 4K $239.00 at DJI
$299.00 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The DJI Mini 4K is on sale for $239, down from $299 on the DJI website — that’s $60 off. It’s a great entry-level drone for beginners that won’t cost a fortune.

With a CMOS camera, this little drone can shoot 4K video or take photographer-level shots with its QuickShots and Panoramas settings. Its max flight time is 31 minutes, plenty of time to get the shots you want. Plus, it’s super light (under 249 grams), so you don’t have to register it with the FAA. (You can literally hold it in the palm of your hand.)

It also supports 38kph (Level 5) wind resistance and 4000m max takeoff altitude, so you can film or fly in almost any condition.

Best drone deal for kids Opens in a new window Credit: Holy Stone Holy Stone HS420 Mini Drone $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re thinking about gifting your kids their first drone, getting one of those weird, off-brand ones from Amazon may be tempting. But the Holy Stone Drone is currently $39.99, down from $59.99 — a solid choice that will actually hold up.

Holy Stone is one of the best names in the drone industry, and with the Holy Stone HS420 Mini Drone, you get a lot of impressive features like “toss to launch” and “one-key start” for easy flying. This drone can also perform stunts and is outfitted with altitude hold and headless mode for beginner pilots.

It also has two batteries, so your kids can fly twice as long.

Best portable drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Potensic Potensic ATOM SE $239.99 at Potensic
$339.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you want a drone that’s easy to take anywhere, check out the Potensic ATOM SE. Right now, it's on sale for $239.99 (down from $339.99) on the Potensic website. That's a savings of $100.

This drone is super portable. It weighs less than 250 grams and folds up small enough to fit in your jacket pocket. It also comes with a handy carrying case to keep everything organized.

It has a 4K HD camera with electronic image stabilization (EIS) that helps you capture smooth, crisp aerial videos and 12MP photos. You can even shoot in RAW format to edit your photos like a pro. Two batteries provide a total of 62 minutes of flight time, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice.

Other cool features include a return-to-home function, a “follow me” mode, and “points of interest,” where the drone autonomously tracks moving objects or focuses on specific areas of interest during flight.

More early Black Friday drone deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

LinkedIn is shutting down its Audio Events feature

Mashable - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 16:07

Audio Events on LinkedIn will soon be no more.

In an update published this week, LinkedIn announced that it would be combining Audio Events with LinkedIn Live, effectively shutting down the audio-only streaming feature.

SEE ALSO: LinkedIn is using your data to train AI. Here's how to turn it off.

According to the update, LinkedIn users can no longer schedule a new Audio Event as of December 2. Audio Events already scheduled before December 31 can continue as planned. Any Audio Event scheduled after that date must be rescheduled by December 15 as Audio Events will be entirely unavailable after this year.

The end of LinkedIn's Audio Events

LinkedIn launched Audio Events in 2022. The feature was the business professional-oriented social network's answer to Twitter's Spaces feature or the Clubhouse app. Streaming audio-only platforms became quite popular during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clubhouse, for example, was valued at $1 billion at one point. 

However, the audio streaming boom quickly ended as industry trends recalibrated following the end of lockdowns and the release of the COVID-19 vaccines. By 2023, Clubhouse was laying off half of its employees.

LinkedIn's announcement says that the company is simply "unifying" its Audio Events and LinkedIn Live features. However, LinkedIn Live, the platform's live streaming feature, requires that users stream via a third-party service.

LinkedIn Live, the platform's live streaming feature, requires that users utilize a third-party streaming service. With the closure of Audio Events, LinkedIn will also be ending native streaming services on its platform. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

Mini crossword answers for November 23

Mashable - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 15:23

The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for November 23 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Saturday, November 23, 2024:

AcrossWord after Gingerbread or Muffin
  • The answer is MAN.

Used a U-Haul, say
  • The answer is Moved.

Cover in gemstones, as a princess costume
  • The answer is Bejewel.

Journalist Shapiro
  • The answer is Ari.

Helpful blackjack card
  • The answer is Ace.

Approximate shape of this puzzle's grid (if you squint)
  • The answer is Octagon.

Sweet, sticky stuff
  • The answer is Honey.

Home with a trough of slop
  • The answer is Sty.

DownSummery cocktails with muddled mint
  • The answer is Mojitos.

Vermont or Ventnor in Monopoly: Abbr.
  • The answer is Ave.

Like a shop that sells crystals and incense, you might say
  • The answer is New Agey.

Concert tees and CDs
  • The answer is Merch.

Wooden duck, e.g.
  • The answer is Decoy.

Chinese steamed bun
  • The answer is Bao.

Goodman who was a longtime judge on "Dancing With the Stars"
  • The answer is Len.

Critter in a farm that's kept on a shelf
  • The answer is Ant.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 23

Mashable - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 13:52

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for November 23 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 23 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Jam.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There is one reoccurring letter.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter J.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

JELLY.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 23

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 23

Mashable - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 13:52

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for November 23 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yello: Narrative

  • Green: Ooze

  • Blue: Impaled objects

  • Purple: Colors associated with anarchism

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Telling of Events

  • Green: Secreted by Trees

  • Blue: Things on Sticks

  • Purple: Black or Red

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #531 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Telling of Events - ACCOUNT, CHRONICLE, DESCRIPTION, STORY

  • Secreted by Trees - GUM, LATEX, RESIN, SAP

  • Things on Sticks - BALL-IN-CUP, CORN DOG, COTTON SWAB, LOLLIPOP

  • Black or Red - BALANCE SHEET, CHECKERS, LICORICE, ROULETTE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 23

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 2024 Guitar Lessons Training Bundle

Mashable - Sat, 11/23/2024 - 12:00

TL;DR: This lesson package is a great gift for guitar lovers, with courses from beginner to advanced, now for just $14.97 through December 8.

  • Beginner to advanced courses — perfect for players at any stage, whether they’re just starting or looking to master jazz and blues

  • Guided by expert Dan Dresnok, an instructor with over 30 years of experience, specializing in styles like jazz, blues, and rock

  • Fundamentals like reading tablature, playing chords, and soloing included

  • Courses on music theory and songwriting to understand how songs are constructed and how to create original music on guitar

  • Techniques like fingerstyle, sweep picking, and harmonics for a unique playing style

  • Fun practical applications — courses include jam sessions, children’s songs, and Christmas favorites, so they can play along with family and friends

  • Includes 30+ hours of on-demand content accessible 24/7, so they can learn guitar skills anytime, anywhere

For anyone looking to start or advance their guitar journey, lifetime access to this guitar lessons training bundle offers a full spectrum of guitar knowledge for just $14.97.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The 2024 Guitar Lessons Training Bundle $14.97
$480.00 Save $465.03 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology
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