Featured Articles - The Best of How-To Geek

Multi-Layer SSDs: What Are SLC, MLC, TLC, QLC, and PLC?

Solid-state drives improve the performance of aging computers and turn newer PCs into speed machines. But, when you shop for one, you’re bombarded with terms, like SLC, SATA III, NVMe, and M.2. What does it all mean? ...

How to Remap the Office Key on Your Keyboard

The Office Key is a new key that you’ll find on Microsoft keyboards. It lets you quickly launch apps like Word, but you can remap it with AutoHotkey to act as an extra modifier key or disable the app shortcuts altogethe...

Anthony Heddings Oct 24th, 2019

What’s the Difference Between Intel Core i3, i5, i7, and X CPUs?

While AMD is making inroads, Intel is by far the number one choice in computer processors. Core processors are great chips for a desktop or laptop, but what’s the difference between Core i3, i5, i7, i9, and X?...

How to Use the less Command on Linux

The less command lets you page through a text file, displaying a screenful of text each time. It seems like one of the simplest Linux commands at first glance, but there’s a lot more to less than meets the eye....

Dave McKay Oct 23rd, 2019

How Safe Are Password Managers?

A password manager stores all your passwords and automatically fills them in your web browser and mobile apps. But is trusting an app with your passwords and storing them all in one place a smart idea?...

How to Troubleshoot Word Startup Problems

Microsoft Office is constantly working to improve its software. Still, there might be times when Word just refuses to start. Here are a few ways you can get Word up and running again.

Marshall Gunnell Oct 22nd, 2019

What Is “Military-Grade Encryption”?

Many companies tout “military-grade encryption” to protect your data. If it’s good enough for the military, it must be the best—right? Well, kind of. “Military-grade encryption” is more of ...

How to Create Automations on an iPhone or iPad

Apple’s Shortcuts app has been integrated directly into iOS 13 and iPadOS 13. After years of consistent improvements, you can now create trigger-free, notification-based automations on your iPhone and iPad....

Khamosh Pathak Oct 21st, 2019

How macOS Catalina’s New Security Features Work

macOS Catalina introduces new security controls. For example, apps are now required to ask your permission before accessing parts of the drive where documents and personal files are kept. Let’s take a look at what&#8217...

Tim Brookes Oct 21st, 2019

Is macOS UNIX? (and What Does That Mean?)

Is macOS UNIX or just Unix? Or is it Unix-like? We answer the never-ending debate and explain standards like POSIX and the SUS along the way.

How to Install a Smart Lock

When you’re setting up a new smarthome, one of the easiest gadgets you can add to your arsenal is a smart lock. It’s not much harder than changing a standard lock on your home. Here’s what to do....

How to Use Multiple Monitors on Your Mac

Want to be more productive on your Mac? Add another monitor, and you’ll spend less time switching between spaces, tabs, and windows. With Catalina, you can even use an iPad as a second monitor with the new “Sideca...

How to Change the Default Shell to Bash on macOS Catalina

With macOS Catalina, Apple is now using Zsh as the default shell. We love Zsh, but the trusty old Bash shell is still included with macOS, and you can quickly switch back to Bash if you prefer.

Chris Hoffman Oct 18th, 2019

How Windows 10’s “Reset This PC” Has Gotten More Powerful

The “Reset This PC” feature has been around since Windows 8, but it’s changed a lot since then. Microsoft keeps making it better and better, and it’s easy to miss all the improvements. Cloud Download i...

Where Are iTunes Features in macOS Catalina?

With macOS Catalina, iTunes is gone once and for all. Music, videos, and podcasts have new apps, and Finder now handles syncing and device backups. Here’s what you need to know in a post-iTunes world....

Tim Brookes Oct 17th, 2019

What’s New in Ubuntu 19.10 “Eoan Ermine,” Available Now

Ubuntu 19.10 “Eoan Ermine” boasts an upgraded Linux kernel along with faster boot times, updated themes, and experimental ZFS file system support. Whether or not you upgrade, Ermine shows what to expect from Ubun...

Spice Up Your Browser’s Homepage with These 10 Random Website Generators

Having the same homepage every time you open your web browser can get boring after a while. Here are ten websites that will deliver a random fun fact, video, or piece of information to you every time you open your browser....

Rob Woodgate Oct 16th, 2019

How to Fix Sound Problems in Windows 10

You launch a PC game or stream a movie, but you don’t hear any sound. On the surface, there’s no apparent reason for the lack of audio. This guide shows you how to fix sound problems in Windows 10....

Kevin Parrish Oct 16th, 2019

How Chrome’s “Tab Freezing” Will Save CPU and Battery

Google is working on a new “Tab Freeze” feature for Chrome, which will pause (freeze) tabs you’re not using. That means lower CPU usage, a faster browser, and longer battery life on a laptop or convertible....

What Is the Gig Economy, and Why Is It So Controversial?

The “gig economy” is a buzzword on the news and in everyday conversation. It refers to the rise in contracted work—or “gigs”—that aren’t traditional jobs. Ridesharing, food delivery, ...

Andrew Heinzman Oct 15th, 2019

The Best Ways to Secure Your SSH Server

Secure your Linux system’s SSH connection to protect your system and data. System administrators and home users alike need to harden and secure internet-facing computers, but SSH can be complicated. Here are ten easy qu...

What Is Leetspeak, and How do You Use It?

The internet’s full of weird words like “1337” and “hax0r.” These are forms of leetspeak, a stylistic way of typing that’s been around since the 80s. But why was leetspeak invented, and how...

Ask Yourself These Questions Before Setting Up a Smarthome

Are you thinking about starting up smarthome? Great! But don’t jump directly in without a plan. That’s how you end up making common smarthome beginner mistakes. Instead, before buying anything, you should ask your...

Is Your Old Router Still Getting Security Updates?

Security researchers from Fortinet recently discovered security holes in some D-Link routers. Many of these routers are still sold online, but D-Link no longer manufactures them and won’t patch them. So how do you tell ...

How to Use the mkfs Command on Linux

You must create a file system before you can use any data storage device connected to a Linux computer. Learn how to use mkfs and other utilities to do just that for all sorts of file systems. We show you how....

Dave McKay Oct 11th, 2019