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: 15 min 34 sec ago

SSDs are too expensive to leave empty: Why I fill mine to the limit

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 20:00

Solid State Drives (SSDs) seem to come with so many rules and caveats. Don't make them too hot, don't write too much to them, and don't fill them up all the way,

Categories: IT General, Technology

Firefox Nightly is getting easier to install for Linux Fedora and openSUSE users

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 19:18

Mozilla has officially introduced a dedicated .rpm package for Firefox Nightly, making it simpler for users on RPM-based Linux distributions like Fedora and openSUSE to install and keep the browser updated. Linux users can now test the cutting edge of Firefox development much more easily.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Can’t afford a Bugatti? These LEGO sets are the next best thing

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 19:00

The Bugatti Tourbillon is one of the most beautiful cars in the world. The name, a tribute to a watchmaking innovation from the early 1800s, is fitting. It’s the effects of time that Bugatti understands well. One of the cars that inspired the Tourbillon, the “La Voiture Noire” Type 57 SC Atlantic, was lost to time after the tragic death of young Jean Bugatti in 1939.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What is "dummy" RAM, and why are PC builders using it?

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 18:30

For many people, a desktop PC is more than just a functional device. PC building has become a fine art in some circles, and in the pursuit of the perfect PC build, some enthusiasts have resorted to a mild kind of fakery, in the form of "dummy" RAM.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These affordable compact SUVs define value in 2026

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 17:30

Compact SUVs remain one of the most competitive segments in 2026, and a handful of models are redefining what value really means. With new-car prices continuing to climb, buyers are demanding vehicles that deliver practicality, comfort, and modern tech, all without sacrificing affordability. These standout compact SUVs prove you don’t have to overspend to get a well-rounded package.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Is your SSD slowing down? Try this $8 fix before buying a new one

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 17:15

Times are tough for those of us who want to buy a new SSD. You don't have to aim for the fastest drives available—all SSDs are overpriced right now, and chances are that it'll only get worse. That makes it harder to replace or upgrade your existing drive, which is why it's time to get creative. This inexpensive gadget might be able to help if you're not happy with your current SSD, and even if you are, it can help it live longer.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Want to try Linux? Just install Ubuntu or Fedora

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 17:00

There are many desktop Linux distributions, and just as many opinions about which ones are best for beginners, gaming, low-end hardware, or general productivity. It can be all be overwhelming and confusing, so here's my advice: start with Ubuntu or Fedora.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I abandoned Photoshop for this free alternative on Linux

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 16:30

Photoshop is practically synonymous with photo editing, but it has a few major drawbacks. One of the biggest is the cost, and Adobe's restrictive cancellation features.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This family SUV feels bigger inside than a minivan

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 16:00

For years, the Chevrolet Suburban has been the SUV families turn to when they need real space without giving up power or comfort. The 2026 version leans into that reputation and somehow makes the whole idea of a minivan feel… optional.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What is headless Chrome, and why would anyone want a headless browser?

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 15:30

Google Chrome browser can do so much more than just render websites and run browser extensions. There's a version of Chrome that can automate boring stuff and save you hours of hard work.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I stopped letting these 6 "bloatware" apps slow down my Windows PC

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 15:15

Windows ships with plenty of preinstalled apps. While a few are genuinely helpful, many remain unused. These unused apps still consume storage, clutter the Start menu, and sometimes run in the background, placing unnecessary strain on your system. Here are some apps I’ve barely ever used, if at all.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google killed an essential Keep Notes feature, but it's part of a bigger problem

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 15:00

Google Keep had an awesome feature that made it downright impossible to forget things, but it’s being removed, and there’s no replacement in sight. This isn’t just a one-off situation, though. Google continues to “upgrade” users to worse experiences.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Is Zorin OS Pro worth paying for?

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 14:30

Are you confused about why anyone would pay for Linux when it’s supposed to be free? Wondering if Zorin OS is exploiting newcomers with a paid distro? Well, here’s a quick look at what you’re actually paying for—and why that’s worth the asking price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your smart home needs these outdoor sensors (here’s why)

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 14:00

Most smart home sensors are designed for use inside the house, which is where their presence is most useful. But there’s no reason the data they gather and triggers they enable can’t have utility outside, too. Here are a few all-weather examples of outdoor sensors that you might have overlooked.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You're not going crazy, Duolingo is gaslighting you

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 13:30

For a long time, I thought I was losing my mind. Sometimes, when I open the Duolingo app, the number of Quest Points is lower than I remember having the day before. I was convinced I must be imagining things, but it turns out that this is happening to other people, too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Christian Bale leads a brutal Western: 5 Prime Video movies to watch (Jan 19 - Jan 25)

Mon, 01/19/2026 - 00:30

Another week, another round of must-see movies on Amazon Prime Video. This week, yes, we’re going to laugh a little, but we’re also embarking on some wild, heartfelt, and harrowing adventures.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop manually copying SD cards: Here is the automated NAS workflow

Sun, 01/18/2026 - 23:00

I do a lot of photography and videography, and those files can take up a lot of storage. I used to just store the footage and photos on my laptop’s internal storage, moving it to the NAS only when needed. Now, I just back up the footage to my NAS first and work from there, and that workflow is so much better. Here’s how I automatically back up my SD card to my NAS, and how you can too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why MATE is the best Linux desktop environment for retro computing enthusiasts

Sun, 01/18/2026 - 21:00

Tired of desktop environments (DEs) that keep “improving” things that already worked perfectly? Does your modern Linux desktop feel like it was designed for someone else’s workflow? Well, MATE preserves the old way of using a computer—and here’s why it’s the best DE for retro enthusiasts.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to use an old Android phone as a media server

Sun, 01/18/2026 - 21:00

I recently turned my old Android phone into a media server with a simple setup. It allows me to broadcast any media files saved in my phone’s storage and make them accessible for streaming on any device with a browser.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Blue, Black, or Red? What your USB port colors actually mean

Sun, 01/18/2026 - 20:00

Just when did USB ports become such a complete mess? They're easy to follow on the surface, with two relevant types to pay attention to. But if you look closer, they're all kinds of confusing.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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