Tech Tips & Tricks That Actually Feel Magical – Decoding the Arcane Arts of Technology (SM)
Linux has evolved into a practical desktop operating system for everyday computing. Here’s why Linux can be an excellent daily driver in 2026—and where it still has limitations.
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I live in a VERY rural area. I need reliable backup power because my utility fails me frequently. Here are my experiences. When the grid drops, the first thing most people want to keep alive isn’t the fridge — it’s their internet, their cameras, and their radios. That changes the math entirely. In a solar … Read more
I have been a ham for a very long time. While ham radio is all about personal choice (and budget), I feel the retail sales side of the industry can easily lead new hams astray. This post consolidates my advice to new hams. If you’re looking for the best HF transceiver for your new General … Read more
I just added this radio to my collection. Are you looking for a serious upgrade from handheld walkie-talkies? The Retevis RA87 GMRS Mobile Radio is a 40-watt designed for long-range communication when cell service fails. Whether you need reliable comms for your overlanding rig, farm, RV, or a home base station, the RA87 delivers near-maximum … Read more
The Baofeng BL-5RHPlus Battery Changed How I Use My GMRS Radio I tested the new 5200mAh BL-5RHPlus and it absolutely crushes the stock battery. Here’s what I found after months of field testing. The Problem I’ve Been Living With I’ve spent years in radio communications, and I’ve worked with everything from commercial equipment to budget … Read more
I wasted $400 on “like new” used tech that died in 30 days. Then I learned the difference between used vs refurbished. Here’s how to safely buy refurbished tech in 2026, where to get real warranties, and 5 red flags that mean walk away.
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I had 3 wifi dead zones in my house. I tested 7 fixes with a wifi analyzer app – from free placement tricks to a $199 mesh system. Here’s what actually gave me full bars everywhere, and why that $25 extender makes it worse.
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I tested 8 home lab servers at the wall for power, noise & Plex. Most beginners waste $400 on loud rack servers that cost $35/mo to run. These mini PCs cost only a few dollars/mo, are silent, and handle Plex 4K + Home Assistant perfectly
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New to ham radio? You don’t need a $97 YouTube course or affiliate links. The American Radio Relay League has everything you need to get your Technician license for free. Here’s the sane path.
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Stay Connected Off-Grid: A Practical Guide to the $8 Baofeng T22 FRS Radio When your Starlink isn’t an option—and you need to communicate anyway. You’ve invested in reliable internet with Starlink, but what happens when you venture beyond your satellite dish range? Whether you’re hiking in a remote canyon, exploring desert backcountry, or stuck without … Read more