Ben Stegner
Pittsburgh
Articles by Ben Stegner
How to reduce mobile data usage on your iPhone Original
A few simple tweaks can make a big difference. While "unlimited" mobile internet plans are common, you might have a limited data plan to save money with an MVNO. And there are other times when you need to watch how much data you use, like during international travel or when using a hotspot. When you don't want your iPhone to gobble up data for every little task, you have several options to reduce what your device does on your mobile connection.
How to change your home address on Google Maps Original
Think of the time you'll save. No matter where you navigate with Google Maps, you always return home eventually. Because it's the destination you travel to most, it makes sense to have quick access to your home address to cut down on wasted time. Thankfully, Google Maps has special shortcuts for your home, as well as other frequently visited locations. If you've recently moved or have never set your home address, take a moment to configure it now. You can do so on the web or mobile app.
Why does airplane mode still exist?
You’ve seen airplane mode on your phone hundreds of times, and you’re asked to enable it on every flight. But with modern technology, is this still necessary? Why does airplane mode continue to exist, and does it need to? In fact, airplane mode has a few factors you might not have considered.
Should you buy or rent your router from your internet service provider?
Or should you bring your own? When you sign up for a new internet plan, your ISP will also want you to add its gateway (usually a modem and router combo) to the deal. While this might be included, historically it's been posed as a rental, costing anywhere from $10 to $20 on top of your monthly bill. The company poses the rental as the "easy" option and touts all the benefits of its own hardware. Some ISPs allow you to buy the company's model outright or choose your own equipment instead.
Should You Buy Or Rent Your Router From Your Internet Service Provider?
When you sign up for a new internet plan, your ISP will also want you to add its gateway (usually a modem and router combo) to the deal. While this might be included, historically it's been posed as a rental, costing anywhere from $10 to $20 on top of your monthly bill. The company poses the rental as the "easy" option and touts all the benefits of its own hardware. Some ISPs allow you to buy the company's model outright or choose your own equipment instead.
Here's why it's important to keep your phone apps updated Original
Those update alerts aren’t just there to annoy you. You're likely nagged to update something every day, whether it's an OS, browser, console game or anything else with an internet connection. Apps on your phone might seem like a minor update in the grand scheme, but you shouldn't let them sit forever. Updating apps has lots of benefits, and delaying them for too long can cause problems.
The real reason your keyboard has F1 through F12
Of all the keys on your keyboard, the F1 through F12 keys at the top are likely not your most-used. While they aren’t as useless or frustrating as other keys like Scroll Lock or Insert, their long-standing presence poses a mystery in plain sight. Like many standards in computing, there’s a lot of history involved here. And while the limitations that resulted in creating the F keys aren’t an issue today, these keys still have use if you know how to apply them.
How to improve your router's security in 10 minutes
1 day ago Apple released watchOS 27 on September 14. The features and changes aren't limited to owners of new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 models. If you have an Apple Watch model that supports the latest update, here are 12 features and changes to check out after installation. To do so, open …
How to improve your router's security in 10 minutes Original
Sometimes all it takes is to tweak some default settings. You might not have thought much about configuring your router beyond the initial setup, as long as your Wi-Fi isn't too slow and works properly. But since the router is the gatekeeper between traffic on your network and the entire internet, it's important to keep it as secure as possible. Some default settings aren't the best, and you might have missed tools that strengthen your setup.
Improve your Windows 11 experience by changing these settings Original
Power options, taskbar tweaks and extended clipboards can all make a difference. Windows 11 is usable out of the box, but you'll have a much better time after customizing some settings. Spending some time in the menus disabling annoying behaviors, automating tedious aspects of PC management and enabling practical features is well worth the investment. Some important Windows 11 toggles are buried under layers of menus, while others live in spots you might not think to check otherwise.
Sleep mode vs. shutdown: Which is better to use daily for your MacBook? Original
Your Mac can take a nap in between sessions. macOS offers two main options when you're done using your Mac or MacBook: sleep and shutdown. At a high level, these are self-explanatory, but you might wonder when to use each mode and what exactly is going on during both of them. As with most computing matters, the right option to use depends on the circumstances. Using the "wrong" mode will almost never cause a problem, but it's best to be as efficient as you can.
USB-A vs. USB-C: What's the difference between them?
These two connector types are visually distinct, but looks aren’t their only differences. You likely use USB every day to charge your phone, connect peripherals to your computer and much more. And for everything USB can do, it's only used a handful of connector types since its introduction in the mid-1990s. While these are identifiable from just a look, what each connection is capable of isn't always clear from the outside.
USB-A Vs. USB-C: What's The Difference Between Them?
You likely use USB every day to charge your phone, connect peripherals to your computer and much more. And for everything USB can do, it's only used a handful of connector types since its introduction in the mid-1990s. While these are identifiable from just a look, what each connection is capable of isn't always clear from the outside. USB-C is newer than USB-A, but the older standard is still commonly used today.
7 ways to get free movies and TV channels on your smart TV
IFixit Now iPhone 18 Pro’s clever new camera comes with one big repair catch Cult of Mac - Rajesh Pandey • 59m With the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max now on store shelves, iFixit has put Apple’s latest flagships under the knife. The teardown gives us an up-close look at the new variable aperture camera, the larger cooling system and a possible repair challenge.
7 ways to get free movies and TV channels on your smart TV Original
With how many paid streaming services there are, you'd be forgiven for thinking you have to pay to watch high-quality movies and TV. But thankfully, this isn't the case at all. If you look around a bit, you'll find tons of free streaming options with more than you could ever hope to watch. Most provide two formats: a standard on-demand library to choose from, alongside a channel-surfing experience that mimics the old days of cable.
7 Ways To Get Free Movies And TV Channels On Your Smart TV
With how many paid streaming services there are, you'd be forgiven for thinking you have to pay to watch high-quality movies and TV. But thankfully, this isn't the case at all. If you look around a bit, you'll find tons of free streaming options with more than you could ever hope to watch. Most provide two formats: a standard on-demand library to choose from, alongside a channel-surfing experience that mimics the old days of cable.
The best way to check your PC for malware Original
If you suspect foul play on your PC, these scans will help you confirm it. When you think of a computer infected by malware, you might envision flashing pop-ups all over the screen or other obvious signs. And while these can happen today (like with ransomware), most modern computer attacks are more sinister and subtle. They want to avoid detection so they can capture your sensitive information and otherwise play the long game.
How to get Spotify's best audio quality Original
A few tweaks here and there can make all the difference. Some people complain that the quality of music streaming isn't good enough but then don't realise they can adjust settings to improve their audio output. While your speakers or headphones play a huge part in how you hear music through Spotify, options in the app and on your device are important too. If you've never explored Spotify's audio settings, or it's been a while since you have, take some time to customize them.
How to force quit on your Windows PC Original
When an app gets stuck, there are a number of ways to terminate it. If you're a long-time Mac user moving to Windows, you'll be familiar with the option to force quit apps. When an app is unresponsive and doesn't listen to normal close requests, a force quit does exactly what it says: stop an app no matter what. On Windows, app management works a bit differently. As you might know, clicking the X icon in an app closes its window, though this won't always end the process.
What does background app refresh on iPhone actually do? Original
Apps updating in the background is convenient, but they don’t all need to do that. When you're trying to improve battery life on your iPhone or use less data, one of the first settings you'll probably check is Background App Refresh. It's much easier to know what your active app is doing compared to dozens of apps working in the background, which is why this control exists. But what does this feature actually control, and when should you turn it off?
How to block time-wasting apps on iPhone using Screen Time Original
If you want to stop using your phone so much, Screen Time can help. Everyone knows how easy it is to get sucked into spending time on your phone when you don't intend to. Maybe you're trying to spend less time on a specific app or want to avoid using your phone entirely during certain periods. Either way, a built-in feature of your iPhone called Screen Time can help you regain control of when and how often you use your phone.
External HDD vs. SSD: What are the pros and cons of each drive type? Original
External SSDs are faster, but they aren’t always the better choice. External drives are great for adding more storage to a laptop, since swapping or adding internal laptop drives isn't usually possible today. But they're also a good option for carrying data between locations, creating backup archives or any other data storage needs. And just like when buying an internal drive, you'll have to choose between solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs) when picking up external storage.
What is considered good speed for home internet and how can you test it? Original
The internet speed you need depends on your situation, so it’s vital to measure it accurately. It can be difficult to choose the right home internet speed package. You don't really have to think about speed with mobile plans or figure out equivalent usage for other utilities like electricity. If you don't have enough speed, everyday browsing becomes a hassle, but if you get too much, you're overpaying for no noticeable benefit.
Why are iPhones more expensive than iPads?
You can get an iPad for less than any iPhone, but that doesn’t mean the iPad is a low-cost device. At first thought, you would expect an iPad to cost more than an iPhone due to the size difference. This is the case with other devices like TVs, laptops and smartwatches: a larger model comes with a higher price tag. However, at the time of writing, the lowest-cost iPhone (iPhone 17e) is $599, quite a bit higher than the most affordable iPad (11th generation) at $449.
Why Are iPhones More Expensive Than iPads?
At first thought, you would expect an iPad to cost more than an iPhone due to the size difference. This is the case with other devices like TVs, laptops and smartwatches: a larger model comes with a higher price tag. However, at the time of writing, the lowest-cost iPhone (iPhone 17e) is $599, quite a bit higher than the most affordable iPad (11th generation) at $449. The reason for this is a combination of design, hardware, demand and market segments.
You're probably wasting these keys on your keyboard — here's how to remap them Original
Put those dusty keys to much better use. Most of the keys on your keyboard have an important purpose, but that's not the case for all of them. While the letters, numbers, most symbols and modifier keys like Shift are all vital, when was the last time you intentionally pressed a key like F7 or Scroll Lock? These keys are useless at best, and in some cases hitting the wrong one (like Caps Lock or Insert) can interrupt you and waste time.
10 products Apple is leaving behind in 2026 Original
While Apple usually supports its devices for a long time, nothing can last forever. It's important to know which products the company is no longer selling or supporting, so you can plan when to make the most of an upgrade and avoid getting burned by buying something outdated. Apple "leaving behind" a particular model can refer to a few different changes. The two most common are removing the device from its online storefront, or not offering the latest major OS upgrade for it.
How to see what's taking up space on your Windows PC
Use a methodical approach to see what’s using the most space on your PC and easily clean it up. There's so much competing for the space on your computer that it's easy to lose track of it all. Programs, photos, videos, games, downloads and your other items live alongside system data like temporary files and updates. That's not to mention duplicate files and other junk that serves no purpose. When you need to clean up some space in Windows, it's easy to see what's using the most storage.
How To See What's Taking Up Space On Your Windows PC
There's so much competing for the space on your computer that it's easy to lose track of it all. Programs, photos, videos, games, downloads and your other items live alongside system data like temporary files and updates. That's not to mention duplicate files and other junk that serves no purpose. When you need to clean up some space in Windows, it's easy to see what's using the most storage.
What more can you delete from your iPhone to free up space? Original
There are more storage-wasters hiding on your iPhone than you might think. You're probably familiar with the basic steps to take when your iPhone storage is cluttered. Uninstalling apps you never use and deleting old photos and videos will make the biggest difference, especially if you don't have an iPhone with much room to begin with. But once you've done these, what else can you try to free up space on your phone?
Why you should change what apps open on startup for Windows Original
Running your most-used apps at startup is great, but they can weigh your system down if you’re not careful. The programs that run when you start your Windows PC have a huge effect on not only how long your system takes to get going, but also how many system resources are available for what you're doing. Some are essential to include with startup, but others can wait until you need them.
Why is the GameCube controller so loved by gamers?
9 hours ago Nintendo’s worst-ever console was awkward to use and didn’t even sell a million units. For as many massively successful systems as Nintendo has had (like the Game Boy, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo Switch), the company has also suffered through stumbles. Some of the minor missteps were limited to …
Why is the GameCube controller so loved by gamers?
People still swear by this quirky controller, leading to Nintendo supporting it for 25 years and counting. As the GameCube (GCN) turns 25 this year, there's no better testament to its legacy than the controller. Despite Nintendo experimenting with various input methods in the years since, every one of its ensuing home consoles has officially supported a GameCube pad. And the company has re-released it in new editions multiple times.
Why is the GameCube controller so loved by gamers?
People still swear by this quirky controller, leading to Nintendo supporting it for 25 years and counting. As the GameCube (GCN) turns 25 this year, there's no better testament to its legacy than the controller. Despite Nintendo experimenting with various input methods in the years since, every one of its ensuing home consoles has officially supported a GameCube pad. And the company has re-released it in new editions multiple times.
Not the GameCube, not the Wii U: This was Nintendo's most unsuccessful console Original
Nintendo’s worst-ever console was awkward to use and didn’t even sell a million units. For as many massively successful systems as Nintendo has had (like the Game Boy, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo Switch), the company has also suffered through stumbles. Some of the minor missteps were limited to accessories, such as the clumsy e-Reader, or Nintendo 64DD that never released outside of Japan. But entire consoles have flopped too, which stings much more.
Stop getting bad YouTube recommendations with 4 simple steps Original
YouTube should show you more of what you like. If it doesn’t, you can nudge it back to relevancy. YouTube's absolutely massive wealth of videos means that relying on recommendations is the fastest way to find new content you'll like, unless you want to spend a lot of time searching. Like most other platforms, YouTube's algorithm picks up all kinds of signals from your activity to show you more that you're likely to keep watching.
Is 4K just marketing? Here's where the name really came from Original
4K is a catchier marketing term than 2160p, but the resolution also has this name for a reason. Screen resolutions are one of the many tech terms that go by various names, making it difficult to distinguish them. You might hear 720p, Full HD, and 4K all in the same conversation, for instance. These are three legitimate ways of describing displays, but all use different language that makes them difficult to compare.
How to save money on your phone bill with an MVNO Original
Lower cost doesn't always mean lower quality. Using a popular postpaid plan with one of the three major phone carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon) isn't cheap. Most of them cost at least $50 per month and can get close to $100/month for a single person. You have to join the priciest plans to take advantage of many "on us" phone deals, and they frequently inflate the cost with bundled extras you might not even use. Thankfully, these carriers aren't your only option.
How to stop Siri from interrupting while you're using CarPlay
14 hours ago "He's so scary!" says 16-year-old Skye, recoiling at the mention of the Cat in the Hat. Viral images purporting to show a life-sized version of the Dr Seuss character on the streets after dark have sparked fear and confusion among teenagers. The posts, seen by millions, have convinced some young …
How to stop Siri from interrupting while you're using CarPlay Original
Don’t let Siri become a hassle instead of an assistant; keep it quiet in the car to reduce distractions. Even though CarPlay makes it safer to use your phone's features while driving, it can still become distracting, like when group chat messages pop up and grab your attention. One of the worst forms of this is Siri audibly interrupting what you're doing. Hearing the assistant constantly talk over your music, podcast, or in-car conversation with announcements is annoying and potentially dangerous.
The oldest iPhone model you can trade-in with Apple is older than you'd think Original
Even old Apple devices you haven’t touched in years could still get you some credit towards a new phone. If you've ever bought an iPhone directly from Apple, you've likely seen the option to trade in an older device. By sending the company your previous phone, you get credit towards your purchase. If you don't have plans to use your old phone, this is a good way to reduce the cost of an upgrade. The trade-in value Apple offers varies by how new the device is, as you'd expect.
Before you buy a used GameCube, check for this common issue
Make sure you don’t buy a model that’s incompatible with your games. Buying a GameCube is one of the few official ways to experience the console's library for the first time or relive your childhood favorites. And while the 'Cube has fewer hurdles to using it today than many of its ancestors have, it's not necessarily as simple as plugging and playing. If you're not careful with the model you buy, you could end up not being able to play any games.
Is Nintendo Switch Online still worth it in 2026? Original
The subscription upgrades your experience with online play and a lot of other perks. Prior to the Nintendo Switch, the company's systems offered free online play. But nowadays, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to take advantage of most online modes. To sweeten the deal, you get other goodies in the package. And if you want the best out of the service, Nintendo also offers a second tier called the Expansion Pack.
Before you buy a used GameCube, check for this common issue Original
Make sure you don’t buy a model that’s incompatible with your games. Buying a GameCube is one of the few official ways to experience the console's library for the first time or relive your childhood favorites. And while the 'Cube has fewer hurdles to using it today than many of its ancestors have, it's not necessarily as simple as plugging and playing. If you're not careful with the model you buy, you could end up not being able to play any games.
Passkey vs. password: What's the difference and which is better? Original
Passkeys solve many of the problems with passwords, but they aren’t used everywhere yet. You've likely been prompted to add a passkey to some of your accounts. Passwords are familiar but have many issues, while passkeys offer solid improvements but aren't supported on all sites. Despite being an upgrade from the old standard in many ways, passkeys have their own quirks to understand.
If you're ignoring iPhone focus modes, you're missing out on Apple's best productivity tool Original
Go beyond Do Not Disturb: control what alerts you get and when instead of being overwhelmed with pings all the time. Prior to iOS 15, Do Not Disturb on iPhone was a simple switch that let you silence all calls and notifications. But in 2021, Apple evolved this feature into Focus modes. Instead of one all-or-nothing toggle, you now have several customizable modes to choose what alerts you get in different situations.
How to set up your emergency contacts and medical ID on your iPhone
Technology 3 hours ago How I freed up 20GB of Google Photos storage with 5 simple steps Android Authority - Megan Ellis • 3h Google doesn't make it easy to identify duplicates, but there are some tricks to make clearing space quicker. Follow us on Google DiscoverAdd us as preferred source I have a Google One subscription, so I get more than the standard 15GB of free storage on my Google Account. However, this doesn’t mean … Culture Now Does Apple Still Support iTunes?
How to set up your emergency contacts and medical ID on your iPhone Original
Take time to enable these features today before you need them; they could help save your life in an emergency. Setting up the suite of emergency features on your iPhone isn't the most fun you'll have with the device, but doing so is highly important. In a crisis, these won't be usable if you haven't taken the time to configure them beforehand.
What's the USB trident symbol for? How to know what kind of port you have Original
USB ports and cables have tons of potential capabilities, but making sense of them can be tricky if you don't know where to look. USB is supposed to be a consistent connection. But as the connector and underlying interfaces have evolved over the decades, it's more confusing than ever to know what a given USB port or cable is capable of. Some offer ultra-fast data transfers, while others can power an external display. Older USB ports are still fine for connecting devices that aren't reliant on speed.
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