How-To Geek

These days, most smartphones have a USB-C port that you only use for one thing: charging. And while we've recently explained that the USB-C port on an iPhone, Galaxy, or Android can do a lot more than that, it can also power all sorts of wild gadgets. Here are five things you probably didn't know you could plug into your phone's USB port.

The automotive industry is staring down a structural threat that mirrors the 2021 semiconductor crisis, but this time the root cause may be more permanent. While the previous shortage was a byproduct of pandemic-era logistics and supply chain hiccups, the "RAMageddon" phenomenon is a result of strategic capacity reallocation.

If you're a fan of Makita's expansive power tool ecosystem or deploy it daily on a jobsite, you likely have a huge collection of tools and battery packs. For those who have all the tools they'll ever need, Makita is set to release several capable new accessories in 2026 that are worth waiting for.

Most of us use our Android phone’s side buttons only to adjust the volume or lock the screen—but that barely scratches the surface of what they can do. With the right setup, those side buttons can launch your digital assistant, activate Emergency SOS, and perform other useful tasks.

Family SUVs have become the default choice for modern households, offering space, versatility, and a commanding driving position. But as prices continue to climb and fuel costs remain a concern, they’re not always the most practical or cost-effective option. In many cases, a well-designed sedan can deliver everything a family needs, while costing less to buy and own.

I am currently building a PC to use, at least in part, as a server—but there are downsides to my chosen path compared to a dedicated NAS. If you find yourself debating which route to go, here are the reasons to buy a NAS instead.

I’m always looking for writing tools that match how I work, not ones that try to dictate a workflow. Microsoft Word still gets the job done, but it tries to be everything at once, and that often makes it feel heavier than it needs to be for everyday writing. And if I can avoid another monthly subscription in the process, that's even better.

While premium brands like Milwaukee or Makita are great for daily professional use, budget-conscious homeowners don't need to spend a fortune to get the job done right. Harbor Freight has evolved over the years and is quickly becoming a go-to destination for DIYers looking for quality gear without breaking the bank.

There’s an epic new Merlin/King Arthur series available in the streaming world, and, if I do say so myself, it’s pretty awesome. Contrary to what you might think, we’re not zeroing in on the Arthur-Guinevere love story. Instead, we’re tracing an origin story, and it’s a must-see for fans of historical fiction and fantasy. The Pendragon Cycle: Rise of the Merlin is a 7-episode historical fiction series based on Stephen R. Lawhead’s line of popular Pendragon Cycle novels.

Linux is all about customization, whether you need the most basic, command-line-only operating system, or a fully-fledged desktop ready to throw down with Windows and macOS. These are a few of the best apps you can install on Linux.

Most modern devices aren’t built to last. Sure, they get many years of software updates, but what about the hardware? Batteries eventually stop holding a charge, and storage runs out. Brax is one company trying to solve this problem, and after launching an Android phone, it’s moving on to tablets.

You just got yourself a beautiful new TV, and you want to show it off to everyone who walks into your living room. You’ve also got a gorgeous fireplace, and, understandably, mounting that TV in the sweet spot right over top of it might seem like the perfect place—it’s clean and makes the space look like a showroom. The problem is, showrooms aren’t for watching TV, they’re for selling furniture.

Windows 11 is one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, and that's because it appeals to a wide range of people, both for work usage and personal usage.

Have you recently considered ditching Verizon or AT&T and switching to an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) like Mint Mobile or Straight Talk? They're a popular carrier option thanks to being cheap, but that's not all you'll get from choosing an MVNO over the big guys.

Spring-cleaning usually focuses on what you can see. Closets get reorganized, kitchens get scrubbed, and windows are opened after months of cold weather. But while these visible areas get attention, one everyday essential is often overlooked: the water coming from the kitchen tap.

Most people switching to Linux naturally land on GNOME—not because it was their choice, but because it’s the default on most popular distros. I've used Linux for over 10 years and tested every major desktop environment (DE). While GNOME does some things well, it leaves real gaps in workflow flexibility, resource efficiency, and built-in functionality. If you've ever bumped into one of those limitations, these five DEs will be a better fit for your workflow.

You might not know this, but despite the fact that the M.2 slots on your motherboard are all the same PCIe version, some are still better than others.

The default Windows File Explorer has consistently been a headache, even though it's a core part of the operating system. Microsoft keeps bringing in sleek, rounded modern elements, but the file manager's foundation is still stuck in Windows 95. Since it relies on the single explorer.exe process to handle everything, from browsing files to your taskbar, a simple crash can freeze your whole desktop. You should consider changing your explorer to a powerful, open-source alternative has not only come in to fix these architectural problems but has actually gotten better than the native application in every important way.

Since it's hidden from plain sight, many Android phone owners believe that the Developer Options menu is some kind of arcane place where you shouldn't wander uninvited. But the reality is that you can unlock the Developer mode in just a few seconds, and it packs a ton of useful options that can come in handy even for the most casual of users.

Manual transmissions have steadily disappeared from the American market, pushed aside by automatics that are faster, more efficient, and easier to live with every day. Once common across nearly every segment, the stick shift is now a rarity, especially in SUVs, where convenience and comfort tend to take priority. Yet a small number of models continue to keep the tradition alive.