“How To” collection
Simplify your digital life with comprehensive step-by-step tutorials and instructional guides for modern technology. Learn how to optimize your software configurations, manage cloud services, and master new devices with these easy-to-follow technical walkthroughs.
HTD Tech Briefs
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August 12, 2026
Why I Built AppAudit: The macOS App Inventory Tool I Needed and Couldn’t Find
A few years ago, I needed a way to inventory the apps on my Mac before migrating to a new one. Nothing existed that actually worked, so I ended up doing it manually with screenshots and a checklist. That experience stuck with me long enough that I eventually built the tool myself. AppAudit scans your Mac for installed apps, surfaces…
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June 2, 2026
I Watched AI Search Engines Erode My Site Traffic for a Year. Here’s What I Built to Fight Back.
For the past year I've been watching HighTechDad traffic decline despite solid SEO and high Domain Authority. AI search engines were consuming my content without sending traffic back. So I built AI Visibility Analyst (AIVA), a service that audits any page against 28 deterministic rules to tell you exactly where you stand with AI visibility. Here's the story behind it.
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January 19, 2026
How to Analyze AI Prompts Before Using Them (Avoid Privacy Risks)
Learn how to analyze AI prompts before using them with two simple methods. Includes a free comprehensive prompt analyzer and real examples. Stop copying prompts blindly and understand what they actually do, privacy concerns, and customization options.
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April 25, 2025
Redfin Featured Me, but my Thoughts on AI and the Tech Side of DIY Didn’t Make the Cut
Learn how DIY projects go beyond drills and duct tape. This follow-up to a recent Redfin feature explores how digital tools like YouTube, Pinterest, and AI can help you tackle home improvements smarter, safer, and more confidently.
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April 29, 2024
How To Check the iCloud Family Storage Details on your Mac or iPhone
This How-To article explains the process for checking the iCloud Family Storage levels and details on either a Mac or iPhone.
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March 17, 2024
How to Fix a Leaking KitchenAid Dishwasher & SAVE $100s with this $10 Fix
This article and video shows how to diagnose and repair a leaking KitchenAid Dishwasher. The part is only $10 and the repair is fairly easy.
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February 24, 2024
How To: Launch multiple instances of QuickTime Player to record several cameras at once
This How-To articles discusses how to launch multiple instances of QuickTime Player so that you can record different video/audio inputs simultaneously. You can use a Terminal command or create an AppleScript application.
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January 28, 2024
Why the SANDMARC Titanium Band is a Must-Have for Apple Watch Ultra Enthusiasts (Review, Video, How-to)
Review of the SANDMARC Titanium Band for Apple Watch Ultra/Ultra 2 - this high-end, elegant, & stylish Titanium Grade 4 watch band bring the Apple Watch to another level!
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September 22, 2022
Warning! This PayPal Phishing Scam is Very Realistic and Comes From PayPal Directly!
This PayPal phishing scam is making its rounds to people currently! This article shows how to identify the phish and what to do.
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September 10, 2022
How To: a “QUIXX” Way to Make your Headlights Bright Again – QUIXX Headlight Restoration Kit Review
Review (and how to) of the QUIXX Headlight Restoration Kit that allows you to clean up and polish your yellowed or opaque headlights to almost a new state.
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June 20, 2022
How To Easily Install and Set Up the Smafan Smart Fan (Trendsetter 48″) – Review & Video
Installation and review of the Smafan smart fan 48" Trendsetter. This how-to includes a video and other tips to integrate this fan with your smart home.
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March 22, 2022
How To Easily Fix “Reset Home Configuration?” Error in Apple Home
Easy steps to fix the Apple Home application if it is showing the "Reset Home Configuration?" popup error.
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