Ubuntu is winning against Windows as Framework's bestselling laptop
…Related Framework is funding KDE to build Linux laptops you can actually customize Customizable software and hardware? Sounds good to me.
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Free NAS distros beat Synology's price, and the performance gap doesn't justify the markup
…OpenMediaVault, Unraid, and TrueNAS SCALE all offer the means to launch and run your own NAS with custom hardware. TrueNAS is the go-to for ZFS, OMV is great for weaker systems…
I installed Synology's software on a dead NAS and it runs circles around the original
Rich Edmonds Apr 22, 2026, 1:30 PM EDT Richard is the PC Hardware Lead at XDA and has been covering the technology industry for almost two decades. He's been building…
I blocked my devices from bypassing my DNS server with one firewall rule
…Manually setting DNS locally on a device allows for customization and troubleshooting, but it can also leave the door open for hardware to bypass your LAN's DNS screening. Hardcoded DNS is…
I hacked my PS vita into a retro gaming console and Sony has no idea what it gave up
…It’s a shame that Sony abandoned the Vita in 2019, even though it still packs capable hardware. So I decided to turn it into a retro handheld gaming console . I always…
Rainmeter turned my boring Windows desktop into something I actually enjoy looking at every day
…Hardware , and Windows Latest . When not writing anything, he is busy watching new episodes of One Piece or searching for something binge-worthy. Sign in to your XDA account Windows customization has…
Valve already lost me on the Steam Machine, and now I don't even know who it's actually for
…While "semi-custom" doesn't mean AMD produced new silicon for Valve, the tight integration between the hardware and the no-frills SteamOS environment could mean the Steam Machine punches above its…
I turned my dusty Chromecast into a $250 smart home hub replacement
…You've created a customized high-resolution information hub. Hardware only becomes e-waste when you run out of ideas of how to use it, so put your old Chromecast to good…
Your ISP router is the biggest bottleneck in your home network, and you know it
…Often, the router itself supports these features, but the ISP limits which ones you can use by installing custom firmware. This effectively blocks you from using your hardware to the fullest, simply…
Building my own NAS taught me why prebuilt enclosures are holding you back
…Prebuilt NASs have their place, for sure, but it's definitely worth considering the move to custom DIY solutions once you're comfortable with managing everything. Having hardware freedom ensures you have…