I've started using Obsidian quite a lot, as it's a fantastic note-taking utility with a lot of advanced features, plugins, and community support. I know others who use Notion, and while I've been trying to get to grips with it, there are some things I'd like to keep in both services at all times. That's why I wrote a Python script that allows me to synchronize my to-do list from Obsidian to a Notion database.

There's just something about ASCII art that looks cool, even today. Perhaps it's how it uses hundreds of tiny little symbols to make one picture that makes it so appealing. Well, if you want to make a real impact in your next Zoom video call, this cool webcam feed ASCII converter is definitely one way to do it.

Anyone can use Linux today. Gone are the myths surrounding its steep learning curve (outside of something like Arch) and some excellent distros are available for those who have yet to visit the command-line interface (CLI). If you're considering the switch from Windows or macOS, I've rounded up a few of my favorite beginner-friendly Linux-based operating systems that almost anyone can use. Don't let this list fool you into believing these are basic distros. Once up and running, you'll have the full power (and versatility) of Linux at your fingertips.

Windows isn’t the only operating system you can run on your PC. Provided you have space on your local drive, you can use multiple partitions to run different Linux distros, create storage partitions, and more. With storage so cheap these days, most users have multiple drives for managing operating systems and data on their desktops. However, it is still possible to partition your drive, and there are good reasons to use multiple ones.

You know, I think I like the concept of sticky notes than I do actually using them. I gotta get the pad, fetch a pen that works, scribble down what I want to remember, stick it somewhere, hope it stays, and then throw it away once I'm done. Fortunately, digital sticky notes don't share those same problems, and if you're on the hunt for something to store them all on, this DIY project is for you.

Microsoft has been stepping up its game when it comes to accessibility, and Windows 11 is the most inclusive version yet. It’s easier than ever to find and use accessibility features, especially compared to Windows 10. While these tools were built with specific needs in mind, they’re actually useful for everyone — helping you stay focused, work through long documents, and even control your PC with just your voice.

The video doorbell would join others in Hue’s lineup, like this indoor / outdoor camera.An update to the Philips Hue app this week appears to have leaked a new Hue Secure video doorbell, reports Hueblog. The unannounced product shows up in a section offering instructions for adding devices that you have no QR code for.From the screenshots below, taken in the iOS Hue app by my colleague Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, the Hue Secure doorbell is a straightforward video doorbell — tall, rectangular, and with what looks like a large button inside of an LED circle. As of this writing, the app still shows it on my phone. I could only get so far in the instructions before hitting a wall, but there are details to glean. That includes that it might be a wired device, thanks to mentions of low-voltage errors and a need to “physically install” the camera before setup. It also uses both Bluetooth — for setup, at least — and Wi-Fi.Hueblog writes that the camera isn’t expected to launch until this fall, so it could be a while before pricing or camera specs are available. The best way to set your expectations is probably to look at Hue’s other Secure cameras, such as the floodlight and indoor / outdoor options launched in 2023. They each offer 1080p video, two-way talk, and end-to-end encryption of recordings, as well as smart alerts for people, pets, and vehicles. They also don’t support HomeKit Secure Video, and I wouldn’t expect that to change with this device.

Let’s say you managed to grab a server PC for your home lab and equip it with the best operating system for your experiments. While the system may surpass your expectations in the beginning, you might realize that it doesn’t hit its full potential after using it for a while. Perhaps it lacks enough ports and connections for your USB passthrough needs. Or maybe the system doesn't possess enough horsepower to transcode your favorite 4K movies without running into performance issues.

Gaming mice haven't changed a lot in years, so when I came to know about the Lofree Hypace, an ultralight gaming mouse by Lofree (the company's first, by the way), I was intrigued. The mouse boasted a weight of just 47g, a flagship sensor, and an eye-catching design. Although its looks and specs were the main reasons I wanted to review it, the thing that left a lasting impression on me was its weight.

Notion has so many features built into a sleek interface that some are easy to miss if you don't spend a lot of time on the platform. Whether you're using Notion to stay on top of your life or expanding your app integrations, if you dig deep, you'll find all kinds of functionality.

It's not uncommon for laptops to get overheated after hours of use, especially while gaming or performing high-end tasks like video rendering, graphic editing, and more. However, if your laptop feels like a frying pan just after a few minutes of running, there might be some unusual cause for it.

When it comes to PC building, experience teaches you a lot. The choices you made years ago can seem ludicrous today, irrespective of any budget or availability constraints that might have been at play. You might say it's water under the bridge, as my old PCs and components don't matter anymore, but I still regret a few of them to this day, thinking I could have done so much better, saved more money in the long term, and crafted better-looking rigs.