PCWorld

With the launch of Refresh 2024, Squarespace has made significant improvements to its web design and content management platform. The update, released at the end of September, marks a new era for the service by offering even greater design flexibility and a smoother workflow for its users. The most tangible change with Refresh 2024 is the increased freedom in how you can customize your website. Squarespace has always been known for its elegant templates and ease of use, but with...

about 2 hours ago

PCWorld

Image: Dell I think we’re rapidly approaching the point where 1080p monitors will be a relic of the past — and as a multi-monitor addict, I’m here for it. If you’re ready to make the upgrade but you’re on a budget, Amazon is selling a 27-inch 1440p IPS monitor by Dell for just $150 today. That’s a hefty $70 discount off its retail price. The Dell S2725DS is a fairly basic design, but its upgraded size, resolution, and IPS panel...

about 7 hours ago

PCWorld

Image: Killscreen The Nintendo GameCube from 2001 had the best controller ever designed, and yes, I will die on this hill. Yet while it’s easy enough to get a new controller with that classic shape and button layout, one modder decided to go the extra mile and fuse the classic look and feel of the GameCube with all the bells and whistles of the PS5’s DualSense pad. The “CubeSense” by custom controller seller Killscreen nails the iconic purple base color...

about 7 hours ago

PCWorld

Image: GoDaddy Ostensibly a blogging platform, WordPress has quietly become one of the foundational pillars of the modern web, used as the basic format for millions of websites run by single users to massive corporations. But that ubiquity has made WordPress an easy target for hackers and scammers. Web hosting and service provider GoDaddy reports that a new infection is spreading quickly across WordPress implementations, loading up plugins that present users with fake Chrome messages that trick visitors into downloading...

about 7 hours ago

PCWorld

Image: HP Unless you’re an avid gamer or creative worker, you don’t really need an absolute rocket of a laptop for everyday use. You can get by with a capable daily driver laptop with a decent configuration that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. I’m talking about a versatile productivity laptop like this 15.6-inch touchscreen HP laptop that’s only $550 at Best Buy right now. For a limited time, you can snag it at a $250 discount (31...

about 8 hours ago

PCWorld

Image: Netflix VPNs aren’t just useful for increasing privacy and security, they can also be the most effective tool at bypassing region locks to access streaming content in different countries. The top VPN providers are now offering features such as streaming optimized servers and stealth VPN protocols to make sure you always have access to your favorite sites. With the right VPN, you don’t need to play a cat-and-mouse game to access location restricted content from your streaming provider. That’s...

about 8 hours ago

PCWorld

Facebook and Instagram have a problem. Well, they have many, many problems, but one of the ones they feel like addressing is “celeb-bait ads and impersonation.” According to a new post from parent company Meta, the way they’re going to try solving this is through the use of facial recognition technology. Again. Woo. In the lengthy post, Meta explains that the biggest impact of these new tools will be an expanded effort to stop scam accounts from impersonating celebrities. If...

about 8 hours ago

PCWorld

Finding the right laptop for your lifestyle can be difficult. Should you go with a 13- or 17-inch display? How much storage and RAM will you need? With so many aspects to consider, you may very well be feeling overwhelmed. Don’t sweat it. Whether you’re looking for ridiculously fast gaming rig, a featherlight 2-in-1, or a straightforward Chromebook, we curated a list of the best laptops available right now. In addition to covering various price points and features, we’ve also...

about 8 hours ago

PCWorld

Image: Anker Whether due to lightning storms or electrical grid issues, power surges can happen — and when they do, the last thing you want is to find that your precious electronic devices have been fried. That’s why you always need a surge protector, and this Anker Surge Protector Power Strip is on sale for $22 on Amazon right now, marking a solid 39 percent discount off its original $36 MSRP. And this isn’t your typical power strip with only...

about 9 hours ago

PCWorld

Image: Beelink A mini PC provides much better bang for your buck compared to laptops as long as you can do without portability. That means you can spend far less to get the same performance. What’s not to love? And right now, you can get this Beelink SER5 Max mini PC for just $349 on Amazon, which is 21 percent off its usual $439 price. That’s a fantastic deal for this monster in a compact package. The Beelink SER5 Max...

about 9 hours ago

PCWorld

Being able to change the image size is useful in many situations, be it to optimize images for the web, to save storage space, or to prepare a photo for printing. However, images often lose quality and then appear distorted or pixelated. In this article, we will show you step-by-step how to reduce the size of your images or enlarge an image without losing quality. Further reading: How to convert images to vector graphics Being able to change the image...

about 10 hours ago

PCWorld

Just a decade ago, few people really knew how damaging a sedentary desk job could be for one’s health. From carpal tunnel to herniated discs to muscle aches everywhere, plus the need to mainline tea or coffee all day, it turns out that being an office worker can be seriously bad for personal wellness — and chronic back pain tends to be the worst of it. Fortunately, unlike in most physical labor jobs that can be literally back-breaking, office workers...

about 12 hours ago

PCWorld

Intel’s new Lunar Lake hardware is a reflection of modern chip design.  It’s tempting to call it a “processor” or “CPU” — old habits die hard, after all — but it’s really a system-on-a-chip (SoC), both in terms of architecture and philosophy. The CPU cores are joined by integrated GPU cores, a neural processing unit (NPU), and even on-chip RAM. Also, unlike past Intel chips, Lunar Lake seems set on striking a balance between the three. That’s keenly felt in...

about 12 hours ago

PCWorld

Qualcomm has attacked Intel for “misleading” claims the company has made in marketing its Lunar Lake processors, with the former citing PCWorld’s own Snapdragon and Core testing as evidence. In a presentation to reporters, Qualcomm cited PCWorld’s video review, “Did Intel Just Save X86?”, as a source for its refutation, including benchmark scores that Qualcomm claimed could only be obtained using samples of Core Ultra Series 200 (Lunar Lake) laptops that were sent to reporters, not sold on the open...

about 13 hours ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Save 28% on Microsoft Office 2024 for Mac and PC through November 3. Have you heard? The latest Microsoft Office suite has finally hit the virtual shelves, but you don’t need to pay the nearly $250 price tag to make it yours. Just shop here and get Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for $179.97 (reg. $249.99) on your PC or Mac—that’s $70 in savings. There are plenty of upgrades in this suite. For starters, your favorite Microsoft apps are...

about 14 hours ago

PCWorld

Image: Qualcomm In the ongoing war of words between Intel and Qualcomm in the low-power PC computing space, Qualcomm has fired a mammoth shot: The company is claiming that its second-generation Snapdragon Oryon CPU core is faster than Intel’s latest Core Ultra chip, Lunar Lake. To be more specific, Qualcomm believes that its second-generation Oryon core, in a smartphone, is faster than a Lunar Lake PC processor. Cristiano Amon, the chief executive of Qualcomm, said that the new Oryon core...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Qualcomm just launched its new Oryon CPUs and the Snapdragon 8 Elite at the Snapdragon Summit in Maui. While these chips might be designed for phones and not PCs, the next-gen Oryon CPU core within those chips could be headed to PCs in a future iteration of the Snapdragon X Elite. Referring to the new CPU as just a “second-generation Oryon CPU core,” Qualcomm isn’t giving it a definitive name — but the company is making a substantive change: adding...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Image: Ring Knowing who’s knocking at your door is always a relief for peace of mind. And while you can know that with a simple peephole, it’s way cooler and more convenient to be able to check in remotely from anywhere using a video doorbell and a mobile app. If you don’t have a video doorbell yet but you’ve been thinking of getting one, now is a good time to make it happen because the new Ring Battery Doorbell is...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Any monitor can be used for PC gaming, but a display built for productivity will likely leave you underwhelmed. Limited contrast, blurry motion, and slow refresh rates still hold basic productivity monitors back in games. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of excellent gaming monitors available at a wide range of price points—and the best of them embrace cutting-edge technology unavailable in any other PC display.  Here are the best gaming monitors of 2023 so far. If you aren’t sold on a...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Image: Asus Portable monitors are a cheat code for boosting on-the-go productivity, giving you a multi-monitor setup you can fit in a laptop bag. And while there are plenty of budget options out there, right now you can get this Asus ZenScreen portable monitor for just $99 on Amazon. That’s a 29 percent discount off its $139 retail price. This monitor isn’t especially amazing, but it packs everything you need to give just about any laptop (or even a phone...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Windows 11’s big annual 2024 update was supposed to be an exciting milestone for the operating system, but it is increasingly edging into debacle territory due to all the issues it’s been causing. Problems stemming from the Windows 11 24H2 update include disappearing mouse cursors, SSD-related crashes, driver-related crashes, undeletable crash files, broken Clipboard History feature, and broken internet connections. Not to mention the update itself takes a long time to install and removes a bunch of features and apps....

1 day ago

PCWorld

Image: Qualcomm/Disney Qualcomm has been making waves in the PC world with its new crop of super-efficient Snapdragon laptops. But if you’re a software developer, odds are that: one, you already have a laptop, and two, you’d like an inexpensive way to check out these new Arm-powered PCs. That’s what Qualcomm’s official dev kit mini PC was meant to be. Unfortunately, if you ordered one and you’ve been patiently waiting for yours to ship, here’s some bad news: It’s canceled....

1 day ago

PCWorld

Image: RHJPhtotos / Shutterstock.com Earlier this year at the BSides Exeter security conference, Microsoft security software engineer Ross Bevington — the company’s self-proclaimed “Head of Deception” — described the exciting process by which Microsoft tricks scammers and prevents phishing attacks. As reported by BleepingComputer, Microsoft uses realistic “honeypot tenants” with access to Azure to attract cyber criminals. The company then collects data about their attack patterns in these virtual honeypots to gain a deeper understanding of how sophisticated phishing operations...

1 day ago

PCWorld

When looking for a top-notch VPN, the two most important things to look for are privacy and speed. While privacy is crucial to a good VPN, speed should not be overlooked. Faster speeds mean quicker file downloads and website load times, a better streaming experience, and just a better all-around experience. To find the fastest VPN, the two most important factors are download and upload speeds. Download speeds are most likely the primary concern because when using the internet, it...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Image: Gigabyte In order to get the most out of your CPU, you need a compatible motherboard with the best parts and settings tuned to take advantage of what your CPU can do. Gigabyte is doing just that with the latest firmware on its X870 and X670 motherboards with AM5 processor sockets. Gigabyte’s new “Turbo Mode” setting allegedly improves gaming performance of the best AMD Ryzen chips by up to 35 percent. That’s the best-case scenario, of course, using the...

1 day ago

PCWorld

It may not be Black Friday, or even some version of Amazon’s Prime Day, but AMD is having a sale anyway: the company is taking up to $50 off its top Ryzen processors, just because. AMD is also confirming that next-gen Ryzen 9000 X3D parts are en route and scheduled for November 7, while providing frustratingly few details about them. AMD isn’t offering any context for its actions, announcing that the discounts are an “early holiday promotion” that will take...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Have your content creation needs met with AI Magicx’s generation tools, now under $100 for life. Are you wondering why your brand is growing as fast as you’d like? It’s probably because you don’t have a recognizable logo. You may think you need to start hiring a team of creatives, but what if we told you that all you need is AI? You may think AI will only generate bad images or awkward content, but AI Magicx is...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Image: Samsung There are impressive discounts, and then there are impressive discounts on impressively huge monitors — like this 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 that’s slashed down by $720 on Amazon. That’s a whopping 40 percent off its original $1,800 MSRP! Samsung’s Odyssey line of gaming monitors are all worthwhile picks for gamers, but this one is top-of-the-line for its OLED panel and its massive 49-inch size with a native 5120×1440 resolution. That’s equivalent to two 2560×1440 screens smooshed together...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Image: one photo / Shutterstock.com Converting images into PDF files is practical if you want to merge several images into one PDF or save a single image professionally. Whether for printing, sending, or archiving — the PDF format is versatile and is particularly suitable for preserving images in high quality. In this article, we will show you how to quickly convert JPG, PNG, and other image formats to PDF. Windows and macOS already offer integrated on-board tools with which you...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Image: Acer Gaming laptops don’t have to cost a fortune, and the Acer Nitro V is perfect proof of that — especially now that it’s available for an amazing $850 at Best Buy, saving you $250 on this RTX-powered machine. This Acer Nitro V laptop runs on an Intel Core i7-13620H processor along with 16GB of DDR5 RAM. That’s enough for snappy performance in complex apps, fast load times for apps and games, and smooth multitasking even with a gazillion...

1 day ago

PCWorld

At a glance Unblocks U.S. streaming services Good speeds Easy-to-use app Small server network Some user data logging Lackluster feature set Monthly plans not available Norton Secure VPN succeeds at the basics of a VPN, but feels a bit undercooked. It does well to unblock U.S. streaming services and the speeds are respectable, but it’s too simple and always seems like it wants to be a part of a whole Norton suite rather than a standalone app. Price When Reviewed...

1 day ago

PCWorld

SSDs are now the norm in computers. With older laptops and desktop PCs, the low capacity of the original SSD is usually the main reason for an upgrade, with the old SSD replaced by one with more space. Further reading: The best SSDs However, the old SSD need not be retired completely — it can still be put to good use as external storage. Think of its repurpose as a means of storage when travelling, or as a fast temporary...

1 day ago

PCWorld

When ChatGPT first landed on the scene, I was terrified. It was lightyears ahead of virtual assistants like Siri, Google, and Alexa, and it seemed like it was going to render my job obsolete — maybe even all jobs. Fortunately, we now know that ChatGPT is really just a glorified chatbot and it’s far from ready to replace real-world workers, let alone take over the world. Some have even swung the opposite direction, claiming these AI chatbots are novelty gimmicks...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Image: Unsplash Whether you’re looking for a productivity desktop, a gaming PC powerhouse, or a stylish all-in-one Windows machine, we’ve got you covered. The team at PCWorld sort through all of the daily computer sales and put together a curated list of the best deals available. But not all deals are really deals, so we only choose those offered by reputable companies and that include great hardware to ensure you get the best value for your money. We’ve also included...

2 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Get 2TB of lifetime cloud storage with FileJump for $89 — secure, easy-to-use, and packed with features to keep your files accessible and safe. If you’re tired of hitting storage limits and dealing with slow downloads, FileJump’s 2TB cloud storage could be your new best friend. This $89 plan lets you store all your files in one place, from documents to media, and access them anytime, anywhere. And with 256-bit AES encryption, your data stays locked down and secure. Managing...

3 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: This license to Microsoft Office 2021 is a one-time purchase that delivers lifetime access to the complete suite, on sale for $54.97 through October 27. Why keep paying for productivity when you can make a one-time investment with Microsoft Office 2021? Unlike subscription-based alternatives, this lifetime license for $54.97 gives you permanent access to all the Office essentials without the headache of monthly fees. Office 2021 packs in all the features you need for both work and personal projects. Here’s what’s included:...

3 days ago

PCWorld

Att köpa en ny router kan vara en bra investering. Har du en router som är fyra år eller äldre är risken stor att den använder en teknik som kallas wifi 5 (eller äldre), och då har du mycket att vinna på att skaffa en ny router med wifi 6 eller 7. De billigaste kostar under 500 kronor, och de kommer att ge dig betydligt bättre hastighet. Men det är inte säkert att det räcker med att köpa en ny...

3 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Get the portable Deeper Connect Air VPN router for just $149.97 (reg. $219). If you’re a traveler, remote worker, or someone who takes online privacy seriously, Deeper Connect Air is about to become your new travel buddy. This VPN travel router provides military-grade encryption and ad-blocking capabilities, ensuring that you can browse the web securely wherever you go. With no recurring fees, you’ll pay just $149.97 once and have access for life. You’ll be able to bypass geo-restrictions and...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Get Microsoft Project Professional 2021 for Windows for just $17.97 (reg. $249) through October 27. Managing multiple projects can be overwhelming, but with Microsoft Project Professional 2021, you’ll have the tools to turn chaos into order. This comprehensive software helps you plan, manage, and execute projects efficiently, whether overseeing a small task or a large team effort. Automated scheduling allows you to create tasks, set dependencies, and auto-populate start and end dates, reducing manual work. Need to...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: PCWorld / Robert Strohmeyer If you’re in the market for an inexpensive laptop for day-to-day tasks, you’re in luck. We’ve got a list of our top picks below. That said, it’s important to be smart about your choices. Although you may need to deal with a couple of minor drawbacks like a dim display or short battery life, it’s still possible to score a sub-$500 laptop with strong performance. Why you should trust us: It’s in our name! PCWorld...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Logitech The Logitech MX Master series is about as good as high-quality mice get, as long as you don’t need a gaming-specific model. Today, Lenovo’s online store is selling the MX Master 2S for just $50 with a coupon code. This model is a few years old, but it’s still rare to see a new version going for less than about $70. It’s a fantastic deal. The MX Master 2S features a sculpted body with premium materials, a super-fast...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Rob Schultz/IDG Switching to a solid-state drive is the best upgrade you can make for your PC. These wondrous devices speed up boot times, improve the responsiveness of your programs and games, and generally make your computer feel fast. But not all solid-state drives are the same. You can spend big to achieve read and write speeds that reach a whole other level, or you can find top-notch SSDs that offer solid performance without breaking the bank. Many SSDs...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Google I watch a lot of YouTube. I don’t watch any ads. And I refuse to pay $14 per month for YouTube Premium on principle. Maybe Google can tempt me onto the straight-and-narrow with a cheaper “Premium Lite” option? YouTube is now testing that very thing, a stripped-down subscription option that omits certain features like video downloads and background listening. Oh, but it still has advertising in YouTube Music, in search results, and on Shorts. Yeah, I’m still gonna...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Activision Online shooters can get contentious, so it’s no surprise that they’re filled with cheaters and regular players whose behaviors get them banned. But some hackers were able to exploit Call of Duty‘s automated anti-cheating system to get innocent players banned, simply by sending them one line of text in a direct message. That’s right, a single message from a stranger would get your account permanently disabled. The Verge reports that hackers who sold cheats for Call of Duty:...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Asus If your fancy PC case is basically going to be just a giant collection of tempered glass panels, I suppose you might as well fill it up with something worth looking at — like screens on your motherboard, screens on your water block, screens on your RAM… How about a screen on your power supply, too? Why the hell not, says Asus, with its latest ROG Thor PSU. To be fair, the “magnetic OLED display” on the massive...

4 days ago

PCWorld

At a Glance Top rated antivirus protectionExpanded protection against malicious websites and remote attacksClean, straightforward interfaceSome PCs may experience a performance hit during heavier workloadsSeveral features are a bit rudimentaryAVG does a superb job of safeguarding your PC. It offers a clean, straightforward interface and additional online protections, while still providing the top-notch antivirus protection it’s known for—and does so without charging as much as the competition. AVG is best known for its excellent free antivirus software—so why pay a...

4 days ago

PCWorld

At a glance Good gaming performance Low price High 144Hz display refresh Design doesn’t scream “gaming PC” Dim display All plastic build Runs older 12th Gen Intel CPU Only one USB-C with 5Gbps limit The 2024 HP Victus 15 is a great budget gaming machine, but it’s not ideal for much else. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today PC gaming is still thriving after the pandemic-era GPU drought and...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Dyson When Katy Perry sings “’cause you’re hot, then you’re cold,” she’s really just saying you need to get yourself a Dyson Hot+Cool. At least, that’s how I like to think of it! Because this device really is quite cool. Right now, you can get this Dyson Hot+Cool for just $315 on Amazon, which is a $155 discount (33% off) on its original $470 MSRP. The Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 is a combination heater and fan that heats up your...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce Even though Microsoft is a heavy investor in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT chose to first release the AI chatbot’s desktop app on macOS before Windows back in May of this year. Now, the wait is over for Windows users. The ChatGPT desktop app is finally available on Windows, but with an important caveat: this is an “early version” for paid subscribers who are part of ChatGPT’s Plus, Team, Enterprise, or Edu plans. Open AI Open AI Open...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: MSI Every now and then, we spot some cool deals on gaming laptops. Today is one of those days, and this deal is for a beast of a machine. Right now, you can get this MSI Katana 15 gaming laptop for $1,300 at Best Buy, which is a respectable $200 off its original MSRP. This MSI Katana 15 runs on a powerful AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU, which is just about ideal for high-performance tasks and gaming. It also...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Most people in the US who have flagship phones with mainstream carriers are on 5G networks. And while 5G tech is noticeably faster than its predecessors, it’s still weak compared to Wi-Fi and fiber internet. That’s why we’re already looking forward to 6G, the next-gen wireless data standard that just set an incredible speed record. According to NewScientist, a recent test conducted by researchers at University College London showed that 6G wireless can transmit data at speeds up to 938...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Whether you work in an office full of people, or you have roommates, or you just don’t want anyone snooping on your computer, it’s a good idea to always lock your PC when you aren’t using it. Now, imagine how awesome it would be if your PC automatically locked itself whenever you stepped away. You wouldn’t have to remember a thing, and it would guarantee privacy and better battery life. The good news is, Windows can already do this. The...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Windows Latest reports that an issue in Windows 11’s big 2024 update is causing system failures and Blue Screens of Death for some users, with the main cause being SSDs by a certain manufacturer. After installing Windows 11 24H2, computers running on certain models of Western Digital SSDs have started crashing. This comes in the wake of several other issues caused by Windows 11 24H2, including driver-related crashes, undeletable update cache files, and dead internet connections. Users have been sharing...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Crucial Itching for more physical storage space? A fast and reliable portable SSD like the Crucial X6 should do the trick just fine. And now’s a great time to jump on one because the 1TB version of the Crucial X6 portable SSD is on sale for $68 at Amazon, which is a good 32 percent off its already budget-friendly $100 MSRP. That’s the best price we’ve seen in months for this thing. The Crucial X6 is a solid pick...

4 days ago

PCWorld

With Windows 11 version 24H2, Microsoft is providing the latest version of the current Microsoft operating system free of charge. Every Windows 11 user can install it directly via the Windows update function. When updating an older version of Windows 11, all data, programs, and settings are retained. Microsoft is switching the Windows kernel from C to the Rust programming language. This is intended to increase security. The update is therefore a complete Windows update again after a long time....

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Turn complex code into easy projects with Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2022, now $29.97.  When you’re working on complex coding projects, having a powerful and reliable tool makes all the difference. Visual Studio Professional 2022 is designed for developers who need to handle large projects and workloads without missing a beat. This 64-bit IDE is built to manage even the biggest projects, with support for multiple languages like .NET, C++, and more, making it a go-to for...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Through October 27, you can get this 1TB Dual USB-C + USB-A High-Speed Flash Drive for $74.97 (reg. $109).  Looking for a storage solution that keeps up with your fast-paced life? The Dual USB-C + USB-A 3.2 High-Speed Flash Drive (1TB) is designed for professionals and content creators who need reliable, efficient file transfers. Whether handling large video files, high-resolution images, or hefty documents, this flash drive gives you lightning-fast read and write speeds (20-30MB/s), so you...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Torrenting, or P2P (peer-to-peer) file sharing, is a convenient way to download large files quickly. But it certainly isn’t without risks. Not only are there security risks involved in downloading files from unknown sources, but there is a privacy risk as well. That’s why it’s imperative that you use a VPN while doing any torrenting or P2P file sharing. A VPN can help keep you safe by keeping your connection private and encrypting your data so that unwanted prying eyes—cybercriminals,...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Microsoft Back in August, Microsoft started testing some new changes to the Microsoft Store that primarily focused on a new Downloads section and a tweaked Library section. Yesterday, Microsoft started testing a new product page experience in the Microsoft Store. Both the August changes and yesterday’s changes are currently only available to Windows Insiders across all Insider Channels, but according to the Windows Insider blog post, these changes “will also start rolling out to non-Insiders soon.” The Microsoft Store’s...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: rawf8 / Shutterstock.com The free Tiny 11 tool has long been known in the Windows tinkering community for its ability to significantly shrink down Windows 11, making it take up significantly less space on the computer. Shrunken-down Windows 11 installations that include the major Windows 11 24H2 update (that’s still rolling out) are now possible. If you don’t have enough space on your hard drive or SSD to install 24H2, you can use Tiny 11 to get it at...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: LG It may seem like most new laptops are adding OLED screens, providing visual improvements in addition to higher refresh rates and resolutions. A new report says that OLED desktop displays are projected to follow suit. Asian analyst firm TrendForce (via TechPowerUp) reports that the OLED display market is expected to soar 181 percent in unit sales in 2024, to an estimated 1.44 million displays, with strong growth expected to continue over the coming years. Granted, that’s still a...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Lenovo Gaming PCs aren’t cheap, and gaming laptops are even, um, not-cheaper. But if you’re patient and willing to cut a few corners, you can occasionally find a great deal. For example, this Lenovo LOQ gaming laptop delivers a one-two punch with an AMD Ryzen processor and Nvidia RTX graphics card, and it’s only $550 at Best Buy. That’s a whopping $250 off its original price. While $550 is an amazing price for a gaming laptop, you have to...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Gordon Mah Ung / IDG Video editing can put a heavy burden on any computer. So, when shopping for a laptop for video editing, you’ll want to make sure you’re loading up with some heavy hardware firepower. While you might not need the absolute top of the line gear, simply buying a gaming laptop and calling it a day is probably not going to cut it. Serious video editors need to take into account a few things, including processor...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Nintendo It’s amazing what you can do with old tech, especially if you combine it with even older software. Take the Nintendo 3DS, for example. Originally released in 2011 with a 268MHz processor, it wasn’t exactly a beast even back then. But one YouTuber managed to get the dual-screen handheld to boot Windows 95 for an entirely different flavor of gaming. (Old Nintendo consoles make popular platforms for modding, thanks to an absolutely massive userbase — over 75 million...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Asus If you’re a laptop worker who often feels restricted by a single laptop screen, you can boost your productivity with a portable monitor. That’s right, you can have a dual-screen setup while on the go! And right now, this gorgeous Asus ZenScreen is on sale for $169 on Amazon, a nice 26 percent discount off its original $229 MSRP. The Asus ZenScreen is a super-slim 15.6-inch IPS monitor with a 1920×1080 resolution and its own foldable smart case....

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, just released a new research report that examined whether the AI chatbot discriminates against users or stereotypes its responses based on users’ names. OpenAI OpenAI OpenAI The company used its own AI model GPT-4o to go through large amounts of ChatGPT conversations and analyze whether the chatbot’s responses contained “harmful stereotypes” based on who it was conversing with. The results were then double-checked by human reviewers. OpenAI OpenAI OpenAI The screenshots above are...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Amazon has unveiled some exciting updates to the Kindle series of e-readers, including the Kindle Colorsoft (the very first Kindle with a color display) as well as updated Kindle Scribe and Kindle Paperwhite models. The regular Kindle also has a new “Matcha” green colorway. Keep reading for more details on Amazon’s updated Kindle line-up and when they’ll be available for pre-order and/or purchase. When purchasing any of the new Kindle devices below, you’ll also receive 3 months of Kindle Unlimited...

5 days ago

PCWorld

“Pig butchering” is an unsavory term for a very specific kind of phishing attack, wherein the scammer targets a wealthy individual with the lure of romance and then takes them for all they’re worth. It’s hardly a new idea — they used to call this kind of thing “fleecing” — but new software tools are making it a lot easier and more effective. A ring of scammers in Hong Kong managed to use live “deepfake” video to steal millions from...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Broadband data caps cost me money every single year and continue to be a source of ongoing anxiety. They’re inequitable, unnecessary, and predatory. That the FCC is finally soliciting public comment and taking aim at data caps is long overdue. We’re barreling towards one of the most consequential elections of our lifetimes, but eliminating broadband data caps is nearly as important. You need to make your voice heard, and I’ll show you how to send comments directly to the FCC....

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Microsoft Microsoft is currently adding AI functions to one application after another. The Edge browser has also received an AI update. However, not every user is happy about this. This is because the AI may transmit user data to Microsoft. For other users, these functions are nothing more than bloatware, i.e. superfluous extras that only waste memory and computing time. However, you can easily deactivate the AI features in Edge. Using the Microsoft Edge flags, you can switch off...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Last month, the leaker known as kopite7kimi — known for his accurate predictions — revealed on X (formerly Twitter) the likely final specifications for Nvidia’s next-gen GeForce RTX 5080 and 5090 GPUs. More recently, Wccftech claims to have picked up details on the RTX 5070. The launch for the new 5000 series has also been scheduled, with Nvidia tipped to unveil the graphics cards in just a few months at CES in January 2025. The first GeForce RTX 5080 and...

5 days ago

PCWorld

If you spend a lot of time sitting in front of your PC or laptop, then you probably have a monitor in front of you. However, very few people pay attention to whether their monitor is actually set up correctly. It doesn’t matter whether you use the monitor for working, gaming, or just browsing. In the long term, an incorrectly adjusted monitor can damage your eyes or cause headaches. Here’s how to avoid the biggest mistakes. Further reading: Best monitors...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Lamicall/Oresoc Listen, I do a lot of yoga… book yoga, that is. You know, when you’re reading your Kindle in bed but you start aching so you twist and turn into various positions, trying to stay comfortable so you can keep devouring that crazy addictive story you just can’t put down? Well, I’m also happy to say that book yoga can become a thing of the past with two nifty Kindle accessories: this gooseneck tablet stand that’s now $22...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Samsung The super-awesome Samsung Galaxy Book4 Edge stands out for many reasons, but perhaps its most notable aspect is that it runs on the highest Snapdragon X Elite chip and qualifies as a Copilot+ PC (meaning it can handle all the cool AI-driven features coming to Windows 11). A cutting-edge laptop like this doesn’t come cheap, but right now you can save big bucks on it: Best Buy is selling it for just $800, which is a jaw-dropping discount...

5 days ago

PCWorld

A new laptop is a big commitment. Even if you opt for one of the best laptops that are highly recommended, you still have to spend some time using it to be sure it’s the right laptop for you. Without actually trying out a laptop, you won’t know if the keyboard feels off in your hands, if the screen is too reflective for your tastes, if it’s too heavy for you to lug around between classes or cafés, or if...

5 days ago

PCWorld

When I first started managing my passwords with Bitwarden a few years ago, I had no intention of ever paying for it. Bitwarden’s generous free tier was the entire reason I switched from LastPass back in early 2021. At the time, LastPass was preparing to cut off free password sync across phones and PCs, making it effectively worthless to me. By comparison, Bitwarden syncs all your passwords across an unlimited number of devices at no charge, which was all I really wanted. I saw...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Logitech Here’s one of the cutest mice you can get: the Logitech Pebble 2, a super compact and portable wireless model that effortlessly fits into your laptop bag and sits comfortably in your hand. And right now you can get the Logitech Pebble 2 mouse for $18 on Amazon, down from its original $30. If you’re the kind of person who likes your gear looking sleek, then you don’t want to miss this deal. The tiny Pebble 2 mouse...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Jon L. Jacobi The 1TB SK Hynix Tube T31 is one of our favorite portable SSDs and it’s on sale right now for $67.49 on Amazon, which is a sizable 25 percent dive down from its normal $89.99 price. It’s as fast as any high-performance portable SSD yet as tiny as a USB flash drive. This is the perfect storage accessory for those times when you want to archive or transfer your photos, videos, and documents. When we reviewed...

6 days ago

PCWorld

This year’s big annual Windows 11 update was supposed to be exciting and positive, given all the cool features and improvements in it. But these past few weeks have shown that it’s been a nightmare for many. After updating to Windows 11 24H2, users have reported all kinds of issues, including dead internet connections, undeletable cache files, driver-related crashes, and disappearing mouse cursors. All of that on top of several features and apps that have been removed. Here’s yet another...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: YouTube Lunar Lake? Arrow Lake? After Intel launched both of those chips, it’s now turning its sights to the next processor on its roadmap: Panther Lake. Intel chief executive Pat Gelsinger showed off what we presume to be a prototype of Intel’s next processor at Lenovo Tech World, where he appeared on stage to — among other things — promote the new, unexpected X86 advisory board collaboration with AMD and its chief executive, Dr. Lisa Su. Lenovo showed off...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Michael Brown/Foundry Tired of your packages being stolen by porch pirates? You can actually do something about it — by getting a Loxx Boxx, which is essentially a smart home locker that securely receives deliveries. And right now, you can get your own Loxx Boxx for just $249 on Amazon. That’s a whopping $100 off its usual retail price. Here’s how it works: When ordering products, you provide an access code to the carrier, who then uses the access...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: mundissima / Shutterstock Microsoft’s big annual Windows 11 update has ended up being a massive headache for numerous users, with new problems constantly cropping up and getting in the way of otherwise useful changes and features. Not only have we seen blue screen crashes related to gaming and Intel drivers and disappearing mouse cursors, but the major Windows 11 24H2 update apparently also creates an enormous cache folder during installation that can’t be deleted. How enormous are we talking?...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Google Google recently released the new Chrome versions 130.0.6723.58/59 for Windows and macOS, and 130.0.6723.58 for Linux. Google is thus closing 17 security vulnerabilities in its browser, none of which appear to have been exploited for attacks to date. Manufacturers of other Chromium-based browsers should follow suit soon. Further reading: I got sick of Chrome’s BS and switched to Vivaldi. Here’s what happened In the Chrome release blog, Daniel Yip lists 13 of the 17 security vulnerabilities that have...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: KTC A 27-inch screen and 1440p resolution seems to be the new sweet spot for monitors, and I’m here for it. Honestly, it’s about time we moved past the 1080p/24-inch baseline. If you’re ready to upgrade, Amazon has one such monitor on sale for just $100 today, which is about $70 less than even the cheapest ones we’ve seen lately. And it comes with a high-quality IPS panel to boot! (It’s originally $160 but knocked down to $110 right...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Microsoft recently released the Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2024, this year’s edition of the company’s annual cybersecurity report. In the 114-page document, Microsoft reveals — among other things — just how much cyber threats have grown over the past year. Cybercriminals have gained access to better resources, including the incorporation of AI tools to bolster their arsenal. They’re now better equipped to create fake images, videos, and audio recordings to trick people, to flood job applications with AI-created “perfect” résumés...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Pixabay, StockSnap Google recently announced a major update for the video platform YouTube, which is intended to appeal to both normal users and content creators. It includes over two dozen new functions aimed at improving the YouTube experience and responding to the wishes of the community. Some of these changes are already starting now while others will be rolled out gradually. These are the most important new features. Further reading: I block every ad on YouTube and I’m not...

6 days ago

PCWorld

It’s 2024 and yet some internet service providers in the US still charge you if you go over an allocated monthly data limit. Why? It’s not as if internet access is a finite physical resource. It doesn’t cost Comcast more to deliver you 1,001 gigabytes versus 999 gigabytes. Well, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is now looking into it, with an eye to possible regulatory action. As of yesterday, the FCC has released a “Notice of Inquiry” (PDF),...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Looking to make that upgrade to a brand-new laptop? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In our never-ending quest to find the best laptops, we’ve scoured the market looking for the top options available from all categories. We’ve then curated from those laptops an even more select list of the very best available right now. All of the picks below have been personally tested and vetted by our experts here at PCWorld. From classic clamshells to versatile 2-in-1’s,...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Microsoft In recent years, users have repeatedly reported that “Windows Security” no longer starts. As Windows virus protection is also included here, this error should be rectified as quickly as possible. Test via Windows logo > All > Windows security whether the tool starts for you. If not, these four steps should help: 1.Restart Windows: The classic troubleshooting method also comes first here. 2. Check for updates: Start the process via Windows logo > Settings > Windows Update >...

6 days ago

PCWorld

If you use a laptop on a daily basis, you’ve probably encountered a testy touchpad at some point. Nothing enrages me more than being unable to use the mouse cursor on the screen. Sure, you can always connect an external mouse when the touchpad is giving you grief, but I recommend trying these six simple fixes first. Sometimes all it takes is wiping down the touchpad down with a moist cloth. Let’s jump right in! Further reading: Do you know...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Only Google Workspace, Google One Premium, or enterprise/education accounts can use Google Meet’s built-in recording. Personal accounts lack this function. Hosts with Premium and permitted participants can record Google Meetings, which notifies all attendees and may have time limits by specific account types. Utilizing online and offline third-party recording tools like EaseUS screen recorder or meeting recording plugins are effective alternatives for capturing Google Meet sessions, especially for free or when built-in recording functionality is unavailable. It is possible to...

6 days ago

PCWorld

If you don’t routinely back up your data and have lost essential files from an external hard drive, external hard drive recovery can be challenging. External hard disk data recovery can be more difficult if you encounter disk corruption or formatting. But don’t worry! This article offers tried and tested methods, and can help you restore data from external hard disks. Applying a professional external hard drive recovery tool like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard will simplify data recovery. Before we...

6 days ago

PCWorld

USB flash drives are portable data storage options that allow users to store and move files between computers and other devices. Unintentional deletions, virus assaults, formatting errors, or system crashes might occasionally result in the loss of valuable data on these devices. Don’t worry if you ever find yourself in a situation like this: USB or pen drive data recovery is not reserved for technicians; ordinary users can also employ methods to restore their data. Read on to learn more...

6 days ago

PCWorld

The big Windows 11 24H2 update has brought all kinds of interesting and useful new features, but it has also removed several apps and features that Microsoft no longer wants to support going forward. One of those removed features is Windows Mixed Reality (WMR), which first launched back in 2017 and was meant to be a platform for virtual reality and augmented reality experiences via WMR-compatible headsets, like the Microsoft HoloLens (which was also recently abandoned). The 24H2 update for...

6 days ago

PCWorld

When my secondary monitor finally gave up the ghost after 15 years, I faced a challenge and opportunity: What to replace it with? Do I buy another cheap secondary display just to give me someplace to stash my Teams and Slack windows? Do I upgrade to something a little bigger to expand my workstation as much as possible? Do I also ditch the main monitor and switch them for an ultrawide? Related: I switched to an ultrawide monitor. Here’s what...

6 days ago

PCWorld

At a glance Attractive, slim design  Excellent keyboard Good performance, especially from the IGP Fantastic speakers Long battery life IPS display can’t match OLED competitors Touchpad is a bit small for the category Performance isn’t greatly improved over earlier Intel Core Ultra laptops The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 Aura Edition is a solid do-it-all laptop. It offers well-rounded performance, long battery life, and attractive design. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Ditch Microsoft 365 for Office Pro 2019, which comes with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more for $24.97.  Whether you’re managing a business or just staying on top of personal projects, having the right tools makes everything easier. Microsoft Office 2019 Professional Plus gives you a full suite of programs to handle all your documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and emails. With lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, you’ve got everything you need to stay...

7 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Matt Smith / Foundry USB-C is the one connection to rule them all—literally, in many cases, thanks to a recent law passed by the European Parliament. Its popularity has made USB-C a common sight on new monitors. A USB-C monitor can easily connect with a wide range of devices, from laptops to smartphones; and some USB-C monitors can even charge a connected device while in use. The details of USB-C can be confusing, however, and pricing for USB-C monitors...

7 days ago

PCWorld

For years, both AMD and Intel have energetically competed against one another in the PC processor market. But there’s a new force to be reckoned with — Arm — and both AMD and Intel are circling the wagons. On Tuesday, both AMD and Intel, along with Linux creator Linus Torvalds, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney, Microsoft, and a number of other companies, announced the X86 Ecosystem Advisory Group. The goal is to allow AMD and Intel to keep competing, while unifying...

7 days ago

PCWorld

Last week, the Internet Archive and its beloved Wayback Machine was taken down by a hacktivist group who unleashed a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack on the site. Along with that, data for over 31 million user accounts were lost in the cyberattack. While the site owners have been working around the clock this past week to restore everything, it’s going to be a while longer before everything is back up and running as it was. For now, though,...

7 days ago