I got a winch! 21 small biz AI tips, the best free AI coding tools, and a rant
Plus, tips and cautions for small businesses adopting AI, North Korea infiltrating IT companies, a text scam warning, and the Star Trek crew with mullets
I’m David Gewirtz. Welcome to this week’s Advanced Geekery newsletter. It’s been an exciting week. Let’s dive in.
Advanced Geekery is published weekly on Substack and LinkedIn. Same content. Choose your favorite delivery method. Back Issues.
My latest video
I’m back with a rant (and some useful tips). Ever unbox a brand-new 3D printer only to find it’s badly broken? You’re not alone. In this episode, I share what really happens behind the scenes when 3D printers arrive dead-on-arrival, and how a simple decision can make or break your warranty.
My articles
Here’s a quick recap of the articles I published in the last week on ZDNET.
The best free AI for coding in 2025 - only 3 make the cut now: I’ve been subjecting AI models to a set of real-world programming tests for over two years. This time, we look solely at the free offerings. There are three worth your attention. The others, well, they need work.
ZDNET Special Feature: How small businesses can work smarter in the age of AI
ZDNET is running an interesting Special Feature, How small businesses can work smarter in the age of AI. As part of that collaborative project, I wrote these articles this week as well:
I run a very small business. Here are 21 simple ways AI saves me time every day: From coding to marketing to YouTube production, here’s how a two-person company harnesses AI to outperform teams ten times their size, all while spending less than their QuickBooks subscription.
How to actually use AI in a small business: 10 lessons from the trenches: It’s not about proving you can use AI. It’s about using it wisely. Let’s cut through the hype with practical tips on how small companies can get real results.
5 must-have cloud tools for small businesses in 2025 (and my top 10 money-saving secrets): Are you overpaying for cloud tools? Here’s what you actually need, and how small changes can save you thousands a year.
I have a winch!
I am unreasonably satisfied with myself. A friend and I spent yesterday installing this little winch in my workshop. It’s intended mostly for lifting the 50 to 100+ pound cartons from 3D printers and other review items. And yes, there will be a video. But for now, feast your eyes on my winch. I have a winch. I really, really do!
Must-watch YouTube
Moving on, let’s queue up some interesting YouTube videos for your entertainment and edification.
How a production studio is using a special moving platform and video walls to make car chases (and other in-vehicle shots) seem much more realistic.
Want to see AI video go down an problematic rabbit hole? This creator asks what would happen if The Avengers got disco fever? No wonder the talent agencies are flipping out.
And because nothing says fun like the Star Trek Next Generation crew with mullets (including a glorious Picard mullet), we also go very deeply questionable with this glam metal power ballad. I couldn’t look away.
Winch of the week
You couldn’t possibly think I would spotlight something other than the winch, did you? Here it is. Did I mention that I have a winch?
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Interesting reads
And now, some good stuff from around the Internet, well worth checking out.
ZDNET’s Lance Whitney has an important article about the ‘Hi, how are you?’ text scam. This is a must-read piece.
You want another scare? This is a deep dive about how thousands of North Korean operatives have secretly infiltrated US and European companies as remote IT workers.
Send in your projects
I’d like to regularly spotlight a reader project or two here. Your project doesn’t have to be a big Kickstarter launch. If you’ve built something cool, it has some pretty pictures, and you’re proud of it, I might be able to share it here.
If you have a photogenic reader project, send an email to me at david@zatz.com with the subject “READER PROJECT,” a few pictures, and a short one-paragraph description. If you have a social media link or a link to the project, include that, too.
Both my EPs are now streaming
Available on all your favorite streaming services.
More clicky
I’ve got a lot happening all over the web. Here are links to my various stuff:
House of the Head: home for my published music
ZATZ Labs: where I host my published software projects
Feel free to dig around, visit, and say hey!
Leave some comments
Substack supports comments, so feel free to leave some. I promise to read them. Just, please, let’s keep our personal politics out of any discussion.
That should do it for this week. This newsletter is really starting to pick up subscribers. Please help it out by sharing links on all your socials.
Have a great week!