I replaced NotebookLM with this free tool that uses my local LLMs
…Rather than forcing me to upload everything on Google’s servers, I can just point it to an OpenAI-compatible endpoint – like my llama-server instances (yeah, I’ve got more than…
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I finally used my motherboard's BIOS flashback button, and it saved a dead build
…With this available as a fallback at any time, you don't need to send your motherboard back to a service center or borrow a compatible CPU from someone you know just…
I gave my NAS actual jobs beyond storage, and it automated half my PC maintenance
…This means that services that are used by multiple users or would benefit from uptime are best served on a computer that is designed to stay online all the time, and that…
I stopped using Google Drive and OneDrive so I could host my own files — and I love it
…I've never been a fan of Google services — not necessarily for any rational reason, but I refused to switch — and she had similar feelings about Microsoft. Paying for two cloud services…
These 4 PC drivers will tank your performance if you skip them
…Network drivers For years, I assumed internet problems were always caused by routers or internet service providers, but eventually, I discovered that outdated network drivers can create surprisingly frustrating connectivity issues. I…
I turned my dusty Chromecast into a $250 smart home hub replacement
…Home Assistant OS Windows, macOS, Linux iOS compatible Yes Android compatible Yes Home Assistant is the best way to connect your smart home systems together. See at Apple App Store See at…
Stop treating the Raspberry Pi 5 as a smart home hub — it's actually built for something bigger
…It’s a good place for lightweight supporting services like MQTT, uptime monitoring, local dashboards, or DNS helpers, as long as you keep the workload sensible. The trick is to group services…
The only reason I still recommend Synology is DSM, but even that's falling behind
…It worked well enough and had a few tricks up its sleeve, guaranteeing compatibility with older, not-so-smart TVs. However, as of 2026, it's been deprecated altogether. If you built…
3 useful sideloaded Android Auto apps I use almost every day
…03 / 8 Compatibility Which of the following smartphone operating systems is compatible with Android Auto? A Android 5.0 and above B Android 6.0 and above C Android 8.0 and…
I stopped dismissing FreeBSD after trying out its modern distros
…However, Linux wasn’t very approachable in the early 2010s, as most flavors didn’t have the same hardware compatibility or QoL services as their modern counterparts. Well, the current FreeBSD situation…