How-To Geek - DIY

The Best Free DAWs and Music Making Software

Tim Brookes — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 12:00:35 GMT

Many of the best musicians start with good ideas and free software. While we can’t help write your music for you, there is thankfully plenty of free software to go around, including DAWs (digital audio workstations).

Lifetime Plex Pass Is 20% Off Right Now

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:30:32 GMT

In celebration of the educational Plex Pro Week, you can now save 20% on a lifetime Plex Pass membership. This discount brings the price of a lifetime Plex Pass down to just $96—the same amount that a monthly subscriber would pay after 19 weeks. To take advantage of this offer, upgrade to a lifetime Plex Pass membership and use coupon code ITSPROTIME during checkout. Just know that Plex will return to its original pricing after September 22nd. If you're already paying for an annual plan, you'll receive an extra discount based on your remaining balance.

Are Ryobi USB Lithium Power Tools Worth Buying?

Cory Gunther — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 16:00:29 GMT

Home Depot's Ryobi brand of power tools is extremely popular and capable. DIY enthusiasts everywhere take advantage of these tools. The lineup has much to offer, but if you're looking for something more compact, convenient, and affordable, you'll want to check out Ryobi's USB Lithium platform.

Plex's "Search" Function Just Got a Lot Less Frustrating

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 17:51:09 GMT

Ever wanted to find a movie in your media server, but Plex just gives you results from other services? That should come to an end as Plex updates its Search function with several quality-of-life improvements. Going forward, Plex will merge repeat search results (from your server, Discover results, etc), and it will prioritize content in your server. When you need to go on a hunt, Plex's new source picker will help you find items in specific media locations, while the full Search page will provide additional filters for content type and location.

Say Goodbye to Intel NUC as ASUS Takes Over the Mini PC Brand

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 16:02:06 GMT

Earlier this year, Intel announced that it would no longer manufacture NUC mini PCs. But ASUS quickly swooped in to save the day—it secured a non-exclusive license to continue supporting and creating NUC PCs, effectively marking itself as the new operator of the NUC brand. Now, ASUS has listed a pared-down selection of 13th Gen Intel NUC PCs and kits on its website, and it plans to release new ASUS NUC systems in the near future.

How To Upgrade and Install a New Hard Drive or SSD in Your PC

Michael Crider — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 13:00:00 GMT

A hard drive upgrade is one of the easiest ways to improve your PC, whether you're looking for more storage or the speed boost an SSD provides. Here's how to choose and install your new drive.

Stop Using Your Phone as a Flashlight

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Smartphones come with a fairly powerful built-in flashlight that is so convenient and easy to use. But you should stop relying on it (and putting your phone in peril) right now.

Stop Using Your Phone For Sleep Sounds

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:30:00 GMT

Sleep sound apps have millions of downloads in the App Store and Play Store. Whether it's good 'ol white noise or rain sounds, people seem to love sleeping with noise. If you're one of them, it's time for an upgrade.

Dimmable LED Bulbs Keep Burning Out? Do This

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 13:00:00 GMT

If you've outfitted dimmable ceiling lights in your home with LED bulbs only to have the bulbs heave erratically or burn out, there's likely a very simple reason with a very simple solution.

What You Should (and Shouldn't) Unplug or Turn Off When You Go On Vacation

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 07:00:34 GMT

From saving money on your electric bill to protecting sensitive electronics from damage, there are plenty of good reasons to unplug things when you go on vacation. Here's what you should shut down, what you shouldn't, and when.

Tested: Should You Unplug Chargers When You're Not Using Them?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 16:00:00 GMT

How much energy do your smartphone, laptop, and tablet chargers really use? What about laptop and tool chargers? Should you unplug them when you aren't using them to save power and money? We measured exactly how much power a variety of common chargers use---and how much keeping them plugged in will cost you each year.

How to Protect Your Electronics From Power Outages

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 24 May 2023 07:00:20 GMT

Power outages don't just bring the risk of spoiled food or the misery of living without your furnace or AC running, they can also wreak havoc on your electronics. Here's what you need to know about protecting your TVs, game consoles, computers, and more.

Whatever Happened to Those Home Nuclear Reactors?

Sydney Butler — Tue, 09 May 2023 09:00:22 GMT

Years ago, news about Toshiba's 4S small modular reactor (SMR) stirred our imaginations and made us wonder if we'd be powering our homes with personal nuclear power plants. But where are these futuristic energy sources now, and are they still coming?

How to Dispose of or Recycle Old Batteries

Tim Brookes — Sat, 22 Apr 2023 07:00:48 GMT

There are many reasons you should be recycling unwanted batteries. Throwing batteries away can impact the safety of you and others, harm the environment, and is wasteful of metals that can be reused time and time again.

6 Things to Use an Uninterruptible Power Supply for Besides Your PC

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 07:00:16 GMT

When most people think of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), they probably think about a cautious friend who has one to provide backup power to a desktop PC. But a UPS is useful for many more things than just protecting your computer.

6 Useful Websites to Download for Offline Access

Jordan Gloor — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 08:00:00 GMT

You've likely come to rely on the internet to find useful information the moment you need it, but you can't count on always having a reliable connection. That's why it's a great idea to download a copy of the internet's most useful websites so you can access them while off the grid.

How Much Does a Heated Driveway Cost?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 18:30:00 GMT

Clearing snow off your driveway in the winter is an arduous task that, with a bit of pre-planning and a chunk of change, could be a task you never do again. Here's how much it costs to install and operate a heated driveway.

How to Fix Joystick Drift on Xbox, PlayStation and Other Controllers

Tim Brookes — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 08:00:10 GMT

Stick drift is inevitable on most controllers due to the potentiometers used in the thumbsticks wearing out. Replacements can be costly, so why not attempt a repair to save some money and learn a few DIY skills along the way?

4 Reasons Your LED Bulbs Burn Out Prematurely

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 07:00:26 GMT

The allure of LED lights is that they last for tens of thousands of hours. If yours are burning out prematurely, here are some of the likely reasons why.

How to Make Your Phone Useful When There's No Internet

Sydney Butler — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 08:00:46 GMT

When there's no internet, your "smart" phone may not feel so smart, but if you know that you're likely to be somewhere there's no Wi-Fi or cellular service, you can prep your phone to be more than a sleek paperweight.

You Need an "Idea Bucket"

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT

The 2000s ushered in a period of intense interest in productivity methods and strategies. Not all of them stood the test of time, but one certainly did---and if you're not using it, you're missing out.

Have Recessed Lights? Here's How to Avoid LED Bulb Burnouts

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 09:00:34 GMT

Call then can lights, pot lights, recessed lights, or high hats. Whatever you call them, they can eat LED bulbs for lunch if you don't shop carefully. Here's what you need to know.

Get More Out Your Power Strip With This Simple Upgrade

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMT

There's nothing more frustrating than running out of space on a power strip long before you've run out of available power. Here's how to avoid buying a bigger power strip or UPS unit while safely adding more devices.

Does Unplugging Electronics and Appliances Actually Save Money?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 07:00:33 GMT

Unplugging electronic devices and appliances to save money seems like a proposition with an obvious outcome, but it's actually much more nuanced than you might think. Here's the inside scoop on when you will save money---and when you won't.

EcoFlow's New Whole House Battery Is a Tesla Powerwall Alternative

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 10:45:46 GMT

EcoFlow has made a name for itself with robust and user-friendly power stations, and now they've taken that to the next level. Forget powering your laptop during a power outage, EcoFlow's new battery kit can power your house.

Skip the Auto Shop, You Can Decode a Check Engine Light at Home

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 07:00:20 GMT

Sometimes you can't avoid a trip to your mechanic. But with this little device, you can decide whether the trip is necessary or if you can troubleshoot it at home. And if you end up in the shop, you can walk in knowing what's wrong with your car.

Buy One of These Lanterns Before the Next Power Outage

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Whether you're braced for winter storms or summer squalls, you really should buy one of these powerful lanterns before the next power outage comes your way.

The Easiest Snow Blower Is a Leaf Blower

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sun, 18 Dec 2022 16:00:00 GMT

If you live in a snowy climate, you know all too well there is a type and depth of snow that isn't worth firing up the snow blower for and is irritating to shovel. And that's the perfect snow to blast with your leaf blower.

You Need to Replace That Garbage Flashlight in Your Junk Drawer

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 11:00:00 GMT

Right now, there's a good chance you've got a bright yellow or red flashlight in your junk drawer and, well, it's a real piece of crap you can't depend on. No time like the present to replace it with a super bright and reliable new one.

Just Buy a Snow Blower Already

Joe Fedewa — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 13:30:00 GMT

After the first big snow storm hits, the roar of snow blowers fills the winter air. But some people hear different sounds: metal-on-concrete scraping and grunts of regret. That doesn't have to be you this year---buy that snow blower now.

How Much Do Roof De-Icing Kits Cost to Run?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 13:30:00 GMT

Roof de-icing kits allow you to harness the power of electricity to keep snow and ice from building up on your roof, but at what cost? Here's how to estimate how much running a kit on your home will cost you.

Are Electric Snow Melting Mats Worth It?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 16:00:00 GMT

When cold weather arrives, you're bound to see ads all over social media for those snow-melting mats. It's a pretty alluring pitch---you put the mats out, and you never have to shovel your sidewalk or steps again. But do they work, and are they worth it?

How Much Does It Cost to Operate an Electric Snow Blower?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Electric snow blowers are still a little bit pricier than their gasoline counterparts so you might be curious how much they cost to operate over time (and if you'll realize some savings there). Let's take a look.

Can You Really Use a Flamethrower to Clear Snow Off Your Driveway?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 07:00:25 GMT

You may have seen a viral video recently of a man dressed like Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation melting the snow off his driveway with a flamethrower. Where'd he get it, and does it actually work?

Have a Snow Blower? This Tool Will Keep You Out of the ER

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Every year thousands of people in the United States end up in the emergency room with serious injuries due to snow blower accidents. Using this simple tool would prevent most of those visits.

5 Things You Should Have in Your Blackout Emergency Bag

Sydney Butler — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 08:00:31 GMT

Nothing makes you realize how dependent we are on electricity like it suddenly going away when you least expect it. Plenty of great gadgets can help make a blackout easier to get through, but we think a few are essential.

How to Clean Old, Yellowed Plastic on Retro Computers and Game Systems

Whitson Gordon — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:00:00 GMT

Ever notice how your old gadgets have turned an ugly yellow color since you bought them? Old Macs, Commodores, Nintendo systems, and other machines look dreadful 30 years later---but there is a way to brighten them up again.

Why You Should Turn Your Old TV Into a Digital Art Frame

Sydney Butler — Sat, 07 May 2022 05:00:00 GMT

TV technology moves quickly, so you may find yourself with an extra TV set without a real purpose. This is a very first-world problem, but instead of selling off the old set, why not turn it into permanent art?

What Is the Raspberry Pi?

Jeff Butts — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 08:00:21 GMT

If you've been around enough online, you might have heard about something called Raspberry Pi. (No, not the dessert.) So what is Raspberry Pi, and why do you need one? Let's dive in and learn about this inexpensive but insanely capable tiny computer.

How to Build Your Own Artificial Natural Light Window

Joe Fedewa — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 06:40:27 GMT

The sun sets depressingly early during certain times of the year, and this can have a big effect on your mood. What if you could control when the sun rises and sets with a fake natural light window? We'll show you how to tackle this DIY project.

How to Make Your Dumb Window Air Conditioner Smart

Josh Hendrickson — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 06:40:13 GMT

Window A/C units are critical in homes without central air conditioning. But turning every unit on and off is a pain, and smart air conditioners are expensive. With a smart plug, you can make many A/C units smart.

How to Build Your Own Futuristic Smart Mirror

Josh Hendrickson — Sat, 18 May 2019 06:40:44 GMT

A smart mirror can show your calendar, weather, and news like something out of a sci-fi movie. Powered by a Raspberry Pi, you can build your own with some simple tools and hardware.

How to Install a Hue Dimmer Switch Over an Existing Light Switch

Craig Lloyd — Fri, 24 Aug 2018 15:00:00 GMT

When you have Philips Hue lights all across your house, physical light switches become less useful. If you want, you can hide them and use a Hue Dimmer Switch instead.

What Do Those Confusing Light Bulb Codes Mean?

Craig Lloyd — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 15:00:00 GMT

There are so many types of light bulbs available on the market that it's hard to keep track of them all, but each type has its own "code" of sorts that tells you everything you need to to know about it.

What You Should Know Before Buying a Wired Security Camera System

Craig Lloyd — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Wired security camera systems are nice and far more reliable than Wi-Fi cameras, but there are a handful of things you should be aware of before you go out and buy a wired camera system.

How to Make Your Own Philips Hue LightStrips for Cheap

Craig Lloyd — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Smart light options from Philips Hue are pretty expensive, but perhaps nothing is as pricey as the Hue LightStrips. The good news is that you can save quite a bit of cash by putting together some DIY Hue-compatible light strips.

How to Clean Dust Out of Your MacBook

Craig Lloyd — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 15:00:00 GMT

If your MacBook is performing hotter than usual, the cooling fans and other areas might be blocked by dust, and that can prevent them from keeping the whole machine cool. Here's how to clean out your MacBook so you can get back to intensive computer work in no time.

How to Convert Your Favorite Earbuds Into Noise-Isolating Earbuds on the Cheap

Craig Lloyd — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Noise-isolating headphones are great, but if you have a favorite pair of earbuds that you just can't part with, you can turn them into noise-isolating earbuds of sorts that block out outside noise without spending a bunch of money.

How to Install and Set Up Kwikset SmartCode Door Locks

Craig Lloyd — Tue, 29 May 2018 15:00:00 GMT

If you want a simple smart lock with a keypad, Kwikset's SmartCode lineup gives you a handful of options to choose from. Here's how to install and set them up.

Basic Home Maintenance Tasks That Most People Overlook

Craig Lloyd — Thu, 17 May 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Owning a home requires a lot of responsibility, most notably regular maintenance to keep everything working great. However, there are a handful of very basic home maintenance tasks that you might be forgetting about.

How To Replace And Re-Solder A Mechanical Keyboard Switch

Michael Crider — Tue, 01 May 2018 10:24:00 GMT

Mechanical keyboards are generally touchier than their counterparts, and occasionally a switch will falter. Here's how to replace it without ditching the keyboard. It takes some tools and a little know-how, but you can absolutely do it.

Can you Replace the Battery in Your MacBook?

Harry Guinness — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 08:00:00 GMT

The battery is often the first part to really fail in older MacBooks. If this is happening to you, you’ll be glad to hear that you might just be able to replace it yourself.

How To "Silence" Your Noisy Mechanical Keyboard

Michael Crider — Wed, 18 Apr 2018 10:24:00 GMT

Mechanical keyboards are loud. It’s just something you have to deal with if you like the feel of the keys. Or is it? Lately there have been some impressive developments in “silencing” mechanical keyboard mechanisms.

How To Upgrade or Replace Almost Any PC Component

Michael Crider — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 10:24:00 GMT

Upgrading and replacing PC components can be a little tricky, but it's something anyone can learn to do. Let's take a look at how to choose and install those upgrades.

How To Upgrade and Install a New CPU or Motherboard (or Both)

Michael Crider — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 10:24:00 GMT

So you want a new processor. The bad news is, you'll probably need a new motherboard (and maybe RAM) to go along with it. The worse news is that it's a real pain to replace all of that hardware.

Can You Upgrade the RAM in Your Mac?

Harry Guinness — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 08:00:00 GMT

While Macs certainly aren't as easy to upgrade as a typical PC, it's surprisingly simple to upgrade some components like RAM---especially if you've got a Mac desktop or an older laptop. Adding more RAM can breath new life into an old Mac.

How to Adjust the Brightness Range of Your Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switches

Craig Lloyd — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Lutron's Caseta dimmer switches are great, but if you're having some issues with your lights flickering or turning off prematurely, you can adjust the dimming levels to eliminate these issues.

Can You Upgrade the Hard Drive or SSD In Your Mac?

Harry Guinness — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 08:00:00 GMT

Macs have a reputation for being hard to upgrade or repair, but that isn't always true. The hard drive (or SSD) is one component that you often can replace yourself, especially in older Macs. Let's look at how to find out if you can replace yours.

How To Upgrade and Install a New Power Supply for Your PC

Michael Crider — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 10:24:00 GMT

The power supply or "PSU" is the electrical heart of your PC. And if yours has recently stopped beating, or you're upgrading your computer with more powerful components, you need a new one.

How To Upgrade To A New PC Case

Michael Crider — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 10:24:00 GMT

So you've found a sweet new case for your PC, brimming with LEDs and fan cutouts and acrylic windows all over. Now you've just got to get all the guts from your current PC inside of it. Here's how.

How To Upgrade Or Replace Your PC's Wireless Card

Michael Crider — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 10:24:00 GMT

The Wi-Fi adapter in your PC is one of its smallest but most crucial components. If yours has gone out, or you want to upgrade to a newer one, here's how to replace it.

How To Upgrade and Install a New Graphics Card in Your PC

Michael Crider — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 10:24:00 GMT

Upgrading your desktop PC’s graphics card can give your gaming a pretty big boost. It's also a fairly easy thing to do. In fact, the hardest part is choosing the right card right card in the first place.

How to Install and Set Up the Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch Starter Kit

Craig Lloyd — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Smart bulbs aren't the only way to get remote-controlled lights in your house. You can also install smart light switches and use them with any bulbs. Here's how to install and set up the Lutron Caseta Dimmer Switch Starter Kit.

How to Prevent Your HomePod from Creating White Rings on Your Wooden Furniture

Craig Lloyd — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 10:13:29 GMT

Apple's HomePod is an amazing speaker, but it comes at a price. Not just a dollar amount, but also the toll it could take on your finished wooden furniture. If you've discovered white rings appearing on your furniture (or have heard about this phenomenon and want to prevent it), here's what you can do.

Four Creative Ways You Can Mount Your Echo Dot

Craig Lloyd — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 15:00:00 GMT

Amazon's Echo Dot is one of the cheapest ways to get Alexa into your home, but if you have it just sitting on an end table without much fanfare, there are better, creative ways that you can mount it.

What Are “Right to Repair” Laws, and What Do They Mean for You?

Craig Lloyd — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 06:40:00 GMT

Ever wonder why it's so difficult to repair a smartphone, computer, or game console yourself? It's no accident: companies make them that way. But thanks to "Right to Repair" legislation, it could get a lot easier to tinker with your electronic toys.

Should You Repair Your Own Phone or Laptop?

Harry Guinness — Thu, 18 Jan 2018 06:40:00 GMT

While it can be tempting to take a crack at repairing your own laptop, phone, or tablet, there are times to do it...and times to leave it to the pros.

How to Build Your Own Computer, Part Four: Installing Windows and Loading Drivers

Michael Crider — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 10:24:00 GMT

Much like configuring the BIOS, installing a new copy of Windows used to be a bit of a chore, but these days it's been streamlined amazingly well. For most of it, you'll simply follow the on-screen instructions, but feel free to keep this page open if you get stuck.

How to Build Your Own Computer, Part Two: Putting It Together

Michael Crider — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 10:24:00 GMT

So you've selected your parts, double- and triple-checked their compatibility, and waited for economy shipping to bring them all to your door. It's time to get to the fun part: putting them all together.

How to Build Your Own Computer, Part One: Choosing Hardware

Michael Crider — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 06:40:00 GMT

I recently decided to build myself a new desktop computer for my house, and after talking about it with a number of friends, I realized that most people have no idea what goes into building a computer yourself... so this series will explain the basics of building your own custom PC.

How Three-Way Light Switches Work

Craig Lloyd — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 15:00:00 GMT

If there are lights in your house that can be controlled from two different light switches (as opposed to just one), then the light is commonly referred to as a three-way light, and the switches are referred to as three-way light switches. Here's how they work.

How to Install and Set Up the Schlage Connect Smart Lock

Craig Lloyd — Tue, 14 Nov 2017 15:00:00 GMT

The Kwikset Kevo is one of the most popular smart locks on the market, but if you're a stickler for keypads, the Schlage Connect is an option to consider. Here's how to install and set up the Schlage Connect smart lock.

How to Safely Use a Table Saw, the Most Fearsome Power Tool of All

Craig Lloyd — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 15:00:00 GMT

If you've decided to upgrade your power tool game and get a table saw, there are several things you should know before you crank it on and slide your first pieces of wood through.

How to Re-Caulk Areas in Your Bathroom or Kitchen

Craig Lloyd — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 15:00:00 GMT

Caulk is vital in areas like the bathroom and kitchen where water has the opportunity to creep into all sorts of crevices and cause problems. If the caulk in your house is looking a bit aged, here's how to re-caulk it and give it a fresh, new look.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Ring Doorbell

Craig Lloyd — Thu, 14 Sep 2017 15:00:00 GMT

The Ring Doorbell works like any other doorbell, but has a video camera built in that can alert you to motion and button presses. While it's a pretty basic device for the most part, there are definitely some features and tricks that you might not have known about.

The Best (and Worst) PC Parts to Buy Refurbished

Michael Crider — Wed, 24 May 2017 10:24:00 GMT

Part of the appeal of assembling your own desktop PC is saving a lot of money versus the same parts in a pre-built machine. That kind of thrifty attitude can extend to buying refurbished parts...which is where things tend to get a little iffy. Some parts can be had for less with relative safety, and others not so much.