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...

about 3 hours ago

PCWorld

PCWorld executive editor Gordon Mah Ung, a tireless journalist we once described as a founding father of hardcore tech journalism, passed away over the weekend after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Gordon was 58, and leaves behind a loving wife, two children, older sister, and mother. Please consider contributing to a GoFundMe campaign in support of Gordon’s family, which was left with considerable medical bills and financial strain. With more than 25 years’ experience covering computer tech broadly and...

about 4 hours ago

PCWorld

The next generation of Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 8, is currently being developed behind closed doors. This time, the emphasis isn’t on pure speed, but instead on improving the user experience. Wi-Fi 8, known right now as IEEE 802.11bn Ultra High Reliability, still remains years away. Wireless technology is in a constant state of improvement: Each progression in the evolution of Wi-Fi takes several years to discuss, approve, and then deploy. Wi-Fi 7, the “current” standard, hasn’t even been formally ratified quite...

about 4 hours ago

PCWorld

Well, it finally happened. My 2021 Kindle Paperwhite, which I’ve had for years and still use on a nightly basis, started showing its age and slowing down. Not only was it slow to boot up, but it was also slow to respond to my swipes and taps. Fortunately, after doing some research, I was able to speed up my sluggish Kindle with a few simple troubleshooting tricks. So if you’re a voracious reader like me and your e-reader is having...

about 5 hours ago

PCWorld

You may have already experienced it yourself with a new desktop PC or notebook: After the final installation of Windows 11, the desktop is covered in icons — much of which is bloatware. Common culprits are test versions of security suites and virus scanners as well as programs for image editing, photo books, and cloud services. The PC manufacturers (OEMs) aren’t thinking of your interests with the software, but rather filling their own bank account. This is because money is...

about 7 hours ago

PCWorld

It’s been a big year for Google…but then as the de facto leader in online search, browser, and advertising, it’s always a big year for Google. Perhaps the biggest news is undeniably tied to the company’s status as an official and illegal monopoly, according to the US Department of Justice.  While a potentially historic breakup is hanging over Google like the sword of Damocles, we won’t truly know how it ends until next year (at least). In the meantime, let’s...

about 9 hours ago

PCWorld

The titans of the PC industry slugged things out in 2024, jockeying for dominance in the new AI era blossoming before our eyes. It was most evident in laptops: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite chips kicked off Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC era with long life and surprisingly competitive performance, only to be rivaled by Intel’s Macbook-killing Lunar Lake chips months later. AMD, meanwhile, focused on bringing high-octane speed to Copilot+ PCs, zigging for oomph while the others zagged to endurance. With competition...

about 9 hours ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Move files fast and easily with a 1TB Dual Flash Drive that comes with connectors for USB-C and USB-A 3.2, all for $69.97 with free shipping Whether you’re bouncing between work and personal devices or have a whole smart tech entourage, moving files between all your gadgets is a headache. Cloud storage is an option, but it’s an option that requires Wi-Fi, and that’s never going to be quite as reliable as physical data storage. Simplify your file storage...

about 13 hours 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

The year ahead has a lot in store for Linux users. Many of the trends, hardware products, and software developments below comprise a colorful mix that focuses on the use of Linux in particular. We also include other current and future events in hardware and software that will influence or characterize everyday IT life — Linux or otherwise. The upshot is that Linux users will see a lot of change on the horizon. Raspberry Pi Foundation Since the Raspberry Pi...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Ransomware is nasty stuff. This type of malware encrypts files on your PC so that you can’t access them—unless you pay the attacker to unlock the data. In other words, your files are held hostage until you cough up the demanded ransom, unless you’re able to survive the ransomware attack using other means. CBS News recently ran a cautionary segment on the Scattered Spider ransomware group, underscoring just how much damage ransomware can do—so it pays to be prepared. The...

1 day ago

PCWorld

So you’ve got a new computer. Awesome! That humble metal box is the key to a wide world of potential. It can help you with everything from juggling your finances to keeping in touch with your family to blowing off some steam on, uh, Steam. But a new PC isn’t like a new car; you can’t just turn a key and put the pedal to the metal. Okay, maybe you can—but you shouldn’t. Performing just a few simple activities when you...

1 day ago

PCWorld

The best free PC software programs aren’t about the cost (or lack thereof), they’re about a fresh opportunity—collections of code that put the dumb hardware in your computer to smart use, tools that can accomplish anything from balancing your household budget to helping cure cancer. Stocking your PC is an intensely personal task. But some programs are so helpful that we heartily recommend them to everybody. These free PC programs—a mix of must-haves and delightful auxiliary apps—deserve a place on...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Head straight to checkout to save 40% on this tiny keychain pen before they’re sold out. We all carry keychains, but this one is different. It can write underwater. It opens boxes. It can even survive a fire. That’s why it’s becoming one of the most coveted gadgets in our shop, and why you should put one on your keyring. Owning the ForeverPen™ means you’d always have a pen handy—and it wouldn’t take up needless space in...

1 day ago

PCWorld

Need a new monitor for your PC? We’ve combed through scores of options to find the best monitors available. Our picks are the result of hundreds of hours spent testing the latest models from Acer, Asus, BenQ, Dell, LG, Samsung, and other major brands.  While our favorite monitor overall is an awesome choice for most people, we also have alternative options for budget shoppers, gamers, and those seeking the best HDR performance. After all, not everyone’s monitor needs are identical....

2 days ago

PCWorld

My colleague and co-conspirator Gordon Mah Ung passed away this weekend, after a battle with cancer. I’m heartbroken. Gordon is the journalist and the person I want to be when I grow up. But you can read about why in PCWorld’s obituary for Gordon. I’m here to celebrate my friend of 15 years, so instead I want to talk about my favorite Full Nerd episode—which isn’t even a Full Nerd episode at all. Instead, it’s a 2017 episode of CES...

2 days ago

PCWorld

I have been working in the IT industry for over 30 years, for most of this time as an editor at PC-WELT (PCWorld’s German sister publication), specializing in security. I test antivirus software, give tips on how to make Windows more secure, am constantly on the lookout for the best security tools, and monitor the activities of cyber criminals. Over the years, I have acquired a whole range of behaviors and principles that seem completely normal and sensible to me....

2 days ago

PCWorld

Countless cables are used in the home — whether for charging smartphones, transferring data, or connecting audio systems. However, frequent use and regular bending can quickly lead to unsightly kinks or even damage to sensitive areas. Caution is advised in the event of serious damage, such as a broken or exposed cable core: Repairs in such cases should be left to experienced users. For non-experts, replacing the cable is usually the safer option. In other cases, however, anyone can attempt...

2 days ago

PCWorld

Thunderbolt 5. The cutting edge of I/O. All of it — monitors, a Thunderbolt 5 dock, and even a Thunderbolt 5 SSD — was perched on my desk. I was pleased, in the way only tech nerds can be when they have a piece of gear few others do. A few days later, I was more than happy to take it apart and return to a slower and more functional Thunderbolt environment. Because I am simply not sure that the...

2 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Samsung With just a few days left of the year, we found an amazing deal for the Samsung Galaxy Book4 360, which is now $450 off at Best Buy. Instead of paying $1,350, you can get this 2-in-1 laptop for $900. This versatile laptop features an Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB DDR5 RAM, which means you can expect great performance from this device, loading apps and games without issue, allowing you to jump from one app to the...

2 days ago

PCWorld

In this yearly penultimate episode of The Full Nerd, Brad Chacos, Alaina Yee, Adam Patrick Murray, and Will Smith came ready to brawl. Picking the best PC hardware of the year is no easy task, especially in a year that proved momentous for the future of computing. Heck, we couldn’t even agree on a shared of definition of what “best” means – you know it when you see it — but each participant brought his or her own picks for...

2 days ago

PCWorld

Picture this: You receive an audio message from your sister. She says she’s lost her wallet and asks if you can send some cash so she can pay a bill on time. You’re scrolling through social media. A video appears from a celebrity you follow. In it, they ask for contributions toward their latest project.  You receive a video of yourself, showing you in a physically intimate situation. Just a few years ago, these situations would be likely genuine. But...

2 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for $19.97 (reg. $199). Sale ends January 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.  There’s a lot to love about Microsoft’s recently updated operating system. Besides enhanced security features and a more user-friendly interface, it incorporates AI to make it a modern powerhouse. Its new AI assistant, Copilot, uses a custom version of GPT-4 called GPT-4 Turbo to help you automate tasks and processes. It’s like getting the paid version of ChatGPT built into...

3 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to 1minAI while it’s on sale for $29.97 (reg. $234). Sale ends January 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.  Instead of paying for all your AI subscriptions individually, why not put them all under one umbrella you only have to pay for once? 1minAI is a platform that puts top-tier AI models like GPT-4 at your fingertips forever with no monthly payment, and it’s only $29.97 right now (reg. $234).  What do you need...

3 days ago

PCWorld

USB Type-C is the most flexible connection for notebooks and smartphones. The most important of its many capabilities is as a charging socket for battery-powered devices. USB-C should finally make everything simple: One socket, one cable, one power supply for all devices – from computers to smartphones and tablets to headphones and other peripherals. So much for the theory, which always sounds simple with USB. The reality is more confusing. Not every USB-C power supply is suitable for every device....

3 days ago

PCWorld

At a glance Palm vein scanner works incredibly well Robustly engineered and manufactured   Comprehensive event logging   Interior clip design makes for difficult installation No means of backup power in the event of a battery failure Users with palm vein credentials can’t be time restricted Very expensive Despite a problematic installation and a sky-high price, the palm vein scanning tech in this lock makes a strong case for forgetting about buggy fingerprint scanners. Price When Reviewed This value will...

3 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Microsoft Jumping from Windows 11 Home to a Pro license supercharges Windows—useful if you need more advanced features. If you’ve been considering the leap, there’s good news for the holidays. Right now a Windows 11 Pro upgrade license is just $48 through PCWorld’s own software store or 52 percent off the normal price.  This upgrade license will work on an activated copy of Windows 11 Home. It’ll also transform a Windows 10 Home license to Pro, if your PC...

3 days ago

PCWorld

2024 has been a big year for on-device AI in consumer electronics. Both Microsoft and Apple took swings with their respective operating systems, with Microsoft debuting its “Copilot+ PC” branding for AI-capable laptops and Apple releasing Apple Intelligence. These early examples offered mixed results. Some features, like real-time translations and on-device speech-to-text, can be useful. Others, like Microsoft’s Windows Recall, have yet to prove themselves. All of this hype for AI has important implications for the new year. 2025 looks...

3 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Asus It’s the very best season of the year to find amazing deals, and this 27% discount on this 4K Asus TUF monitor is simply perfect. Now available for $399 instead of its usual $549, this is the best price we’ve seen for this monitor. This 28″ Asus monitor has an IPS panel and delivers amazing 4K visuals. Asus promises crisp images, vivid colors, and tons of details. Plus, since it’s an IPS panel, there’s great contrast, too, as...

3 days ago

PCWorld

The days of walling off the outside world to protect your network are quickly going the way of the Dodo. Thanks to the extraordinary growth of remote workforces, the adoption of cloud-based networking, and new cyber threats, the old network security model just no longer works. In this time of ultimate shareability and interconnectedness, threats can come from any angle—including inside your network. Enter the Zero Trust security framework. By trusting none and verifying all, Zero Trust can make any...

3 days ago

PCWorld

I’ve been writing these roundups for seven years running and in that time integrated graphics have gotten a lot more powerful. Just look at the Steam Deck and its many imitators: it’s the most popular gaming PC on the market by far, and it’s running off a laptop chip from several years ago. The upshot is you’ve got more choices than ever for games on a low-power PC. Even so, I’ve picked ten fantastic new PC games that’ll run on...

3 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Save 65% on this refurbished MacBook Pro and pay only $350 instead of $999—only while supplies last. Loyal PC users, hear us out. We know you’re a die-hard fan, but don’t you ever wonder if Mac users are right about MacBooks being better? If you’ve always wanted to switch to Mac but refuse to pay the usual $999+ price tag, you can pick up this refurbished model for only $350. The MacBook has an Intel Core i5...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Babbel gives you access to 14 languages with on-demand lessons for just $129.97—through December 31. The pressure of traditional language classes can be overwhelming for those who dislike speaking English in public. Babbel offers the solution for isolationists with its lifetime subscription, allowing you to learn 14 languages on your terms—no need to show off until you’re ready. Babbel’s lessons are designed for real-life conversations, teaching phrases you’ll actually use. It won’t throw you...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Samsung I couldn’t believe my eyes when I spotted the 8TB Samsung T5 EVO portable SSD for just $400 right now because that’s, by far, the best discount I’ve ever seen for it. (Before that, its best price was $430, so it’s quite the drop ahead of the holidays.) We reviewed the Samsung T5 EVO some time ago and gave it a 4-star rating for its small and rugged body plus its decently fast performance. “The T5 EVO is...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Dominic Bayley / IDG We expect USB-C cables to perform a specific task: transferring either data or files between devices. We give little more thought to the matter, but malicious USB-C cables can do much more than what we expect. These cables hide malicious hardware that can intercept data, eavesdrop on phone calls and messages, or, in the worst cases, take complete control of your PC or cellphone. The first of these appeared in 2008, but back then they...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Amazon It’s getting late for online gift buying, and the holidays are imminent. If you’ve missed those shipping deadlines, you have one last resort – gift cards. Yes, yes, we know, they’re not as personal, but they’re better than being empty-handed when your friend or family member tosses you a gift. And if we’re being fair, sometimes, gift cards are better than actually spending money on something your loved ones may not like, may not need, or may already...

4 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: With our end-of-year sale, you can pay only $119.97 for Microsoft Office 2024 Home for PC or Mac instead of $149.99. If you’ve been putting off upgrading Microsoft Office, consider this your sign. Office 2024 has smarter tools for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, plus AI-powered features to streamline your work—and you can get it for $30 less just in time for the new year. By AI features in Microsoft Office, we mean things that’ll actually help your...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Double your screen space with 20% off this 15.6-inch portable monitor. Working on a tiny, single screen feels like trying to cook in a shoebox. Between endless tab switching and squinting at text, it’s a miracle you get anything done. A lot of people are getting portable monitors, and this one from Glance Pro is a top-tier choice. Unlike cheaper models, this one has a touchscreen display, dual speakers, and an internal battery, so you don’t need...

5 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Learn automation in the Complete Excel, VBA, and Data Science Certification Training Bundle on sale for $44.97 until January 12.  Excel is easy to use, tough to master. There are a lot of auxiliary tools that work with Excel add layers of automation and functionality, and if you want to learn how to use all of them, check out the Complete Excel, VBA, and Data Science Certification Training Bundle while it’s still $44.97 (reg. $429).  This bundle...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Protect 15 devices with a lifetime subscription to FasestVPN, on sale for $32.97 (reg. $600) until December 22.  Online security might seem like a hassle, but staying protected doesn’t have to slow you down. FastestVPN is a reliable cybersecurity tool with more than 900 servers spread across 100 countries, and you don’t have to pay for it every month. Instead, you can get a FastestVPN Pro lifetime subscription for 15 devices for $32.97, but that price won’t...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Adam Patrick Murray There are a ton of laptop deals now that back-to-school season is in full swing. If you’re an engineering student, you’re going to need a machine that can handle resource-intensive coursework. A powerful CPU and loads of memory and storage are an absolute must. Portability is an important factor too, especially if you’re going from class to class. If you’re not sure where to begin your search, don’t sweat it. We’ve assembled a list of laptops...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Credit: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay/Amazon ‘Tis the holiday season and no matter what you celebrate, it’s nice to get your loved ones some gifts. Even better, you can take advantage of the amazing tech deals we find on Amazon this month to get something nice for yourself — you’ve earned it! We know how daunting sifting through Amazon can be, so we did it for you, handpicking the best deals we could find in key tech categories. (There’s a...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Credit: PCWorld/LG/Samsung/AOC/Arzopa You probably started shopping for the holidays a while ago now, but if you’re in need of a monitor upgrade or an extra display for your workstation, now’s the time to grab one — not only because you deserve it, but because there are some hot sales right now. I’ve gone ahead and dug up the best monitor deals going on. Even though Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, you can still snatch some incredible...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Milad Fakurian / Unsplash / Foundry Live TV streaming services are a natural starting point when you’re cutting the cord. These services offer many of the same channels you had with cable or satellite TV, but deliver them over the internet to your smart TV or streaming device. They include cloud-based DVRs so you can record your favorite shows—and skip through the commercials—in many cases, they’re the only way to watch specific pay TV channels. Still, the cost of...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: JBL We just found the perfect way to level up your New Year’s party: this JBL PartyBox Encore Essential speaker is down to $200 on Amazon. That’s a whopping $100 off its original price (was $300). This party speaker is large and in charge, measuring 11.54 inches long, 10.87 inches wide, and 12.87 inches tall. I may or may not have bought one myself for Christmas, and I may or may not have tested it out before wrapping it...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Samsung If you’re getting a new phone this holiday season — or a new tablet, action camera, security camera, dashcam, or anything else that needs a memory card — then this deal’s perfect for you. The 512GB Samsung Pro Plus microSD is half off right now, down to $38 from $76. With up to 180MB/s read speeds and 130MB/s write speeds, you can quickly transfer files between devices in a flash. It’s also fast enough to directly record 4K...

6 days ago

PCWorld

At a glance Great, deep switches for low-profile Funky style Good software support Tiny footprint No wireless Only three maximum game profiles Limited switch choices The Air60 HE is the best low-profile keyboard I’ve ever tried for pure, quality typing, something I wasn’t expecting for a gaming keyboard focused on adjustable actuation. It’s also great for travel, but gamers might not like the lack of per-game profile options. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for...

6 days ago

PCWorld

At a glance Good 10Gbps performance Small form factor Rugged, weatherproof casing On the slow side for 10Gbps Not IP certified Corsair’s Flash Survivor Stealth SSD marries a USB stick with 10Gbps/NVMe speed, then weatherproofs and ruggedizes the whole deal. We like it. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today The Corsair Survivor Stealth might appear to be a ruggedized, weatherprooofed, trail-tested chapstick. In actuality, it’s an armored 10Gbps USB...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: HP We’re always looking for fantastic deals on laptops, and we absolutely love this heavily discounted HP Envy at Best Buy. This RTX-powered laptop is only $1,000 right now, down from its usual $1,500. So, what do you get for your money? An Intel Core i7-13700H CPU and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, which means quickly launching your apps, handling pretty much any task with ease, multitasking numerous apps and browser tabs without a hitch. It’s a great daily driver...

6 days 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...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Having a good gaming PC is only half the battle–you also need a screen that makes the action visible. Many people find it difficult to decide on the right dimensions. Gaming monitors are now available in such huge sizes that you might think that bigger is always better. However, other factors are just as important and large monitors can have disadvantages. We take a closer look at what is important when choosing a size and how you can find the...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: RDNE Stock project In recent years, the focus of crime has shifted. The increased security of our computers has made it harder to spread computer viruses and the absence of cash makes traditional robberies rare. Instead, a criminal’s new weapon is social engineering. Further reading: Quishing and vishing: How to protect yourself from new security threats A person calls you claiming to be a relative, a police officer, a bank official, or someone else you trust. They try to...

6 days ago

PCWorld

With a newly installed Windows PC, only a few system services and programs start. The resource requirements are correspondingly low and the operating system responds quickly. This changes over time, which is mainly due to the additional software installed. Programs and services that start automatically after Windows logon lead to delays. The startup time of the system increases and it takes longer and longer for the desktop to respond to mouse clicks or for a program to start. How noticeable...

6 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Own Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 on your PC for just $32.97 — no subscription needed. If you’re tired of juggling subscriptions for everything from streaming services to software, here’s a way to simplify: Microsoft Office 2019 is available as a lifetime license for just $32.97. No recurring fees, no surprise price hikes — just a one-time payment for tools you can actually own. And if you are ready to take the plunge, skip ahead to checkout...

7 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Edit videos in moments with VideoProc Converter AI, only $29.97 for life if you buy before 11:59 p.m. PT on December 22.  Editing videos is extremely time-consuming. It’s also pretty difficult, and the software usually isn’t cheap. Good thing you don’t have to do it yourself anymore. VideoProc AI is a video enhancement tool that does the hard part for you. Now, AI can turn those grainy old videos into clear memories, and it’s only $29.97 for...

7 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Amazon It’s getting late for online gift buying, and the holidays are almost here. If you’ve missed those shipping deadlines, you have one last resort – gift cards. Yes, yes, we know, they’re not as personal, but they’re better than being empty-handed when your friend or family member tosses you a gift. And if we’re being fair, sometimes, gift cards are better than actually spending money on something your loved ones may not like, may not need, or may...

7 days ago

PCWorld

Image: MargJohnsonVA/Shutterstock.com Legacy machines run more of the world than you might think. Did you know that two Commodore C64s are still in daily use at the Hilligoss Bakery of Brownsburg, Indiana? One user recently posted some photos on X (formerly Twitter) showing two C64s next to each other and being used to check out an order. Granted, the photos are over a decade old, but it’s still shocking to see C64s in real-world use even in 2010. Several of...

7 days ago

PCWorld

It’s easy to think that all USB-C cables are the same, and that any promotional differences are just a way to hike up prices. After all, it’s just a cable, right? This is a common belief, but it’s actually not correct. We’ve tested numerous USB-C cables and we can say with certainty they are not all the same. In fact, we noticed huge performance differences among cables both in regards to charging devices and transferring data. But with so many...

7 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Arzopa A monitor that you can take with you anywhere? Imagine how much more productive you could be as you work on your laptop on the go. But a slim, portable monitor can also be a great addition for your mini PC, your Nintendo Switch, or even your phone. Right now, you can get one at a great price if you snag this Arzopa portable monitor for just over $72, a good 34 percent off its original $110 price...

7 days ago

PCWorld

Image: fizkes/Shutterstock.com As we head towards the end of the year, the Windows 11 24H2 update from October is still causing trouble for users. Microsoft has confirmed two new problems, and according to Neowin, one of them breaks audio output and the other breaks Auto HDR. The audio issue occurs on computers “from one manufacturer” (Microsoft didn’t elaborate further on which manufacturer) with Dirac Audio and the cridspapo.dll, which processes audio for improved clarity and precision. The bug causes Windows...

7 days ago

PCWorld

Chat GPT is not the only AI service in town. Google Gemini is a similar service where you can ask questions and get answers in plain text–no commands required. You can “converse” just as if the AI robot were a real person. If you’re familiar with Chat GPT, you’ll recognize it because the layout is similar. You’re greeted by a stripped-down screen with a text input field at the bottom. This is where you enter your prompts, i.e. questions and...

7 days ago

PCWorld

With a modern platform like Squarespace, there’s no need for web developers or specialized technical knowledge – you can easily build a website on your own, whether you’re a business or an individual looking to boost your online presence. Designing a website takes no more than a day. Filling it with content is also a snap. Thanks to built-in AI and SEO tools, you can streamline the process without any prior knowledge. Here’s everything you need to create a beautiful,...

7 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Samsung I couldn’t believe my eyes when I spotted the 8TB Samsung T5 EVO portable SSD for just $400 right now because that’s, by far, the best discount I’ve ever seen for it. (Before that, its best price was $430, so it’s quite the drop ahead of the holidays.) We reviewed the Samsung T5 EVO some time ago and gave it a 4-star rating for its small and rugged body plus its decently fast performance. “The T5 EVO is...

7 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Acer Many gaming laptops are entirely too expensive, but this particular Acer Nitro V 15 configuration isn’t just well-priced — it’s pretty darn powerful! It’s now available for $800 at Best Buy, so you’ll end up saving $300. With an Intel Core i7-13620H processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, this laptop will breeze through any task you throw its way and multitask numerous apps and browser tabs with ease. The 512GB SSD should also be plenty of space for...

7 days ago

PCWorld

Why does Windows have to nag me all the time? It’s a question many PC users ask themselves. If you’re tired of seeing those little speech bubbles pop up in the bottom right-hand corner (aka Message Suggestions), you can actually switch that feature off–it’s pretty easy to do. Further reading: How to turn off annoying Windows notifications for individual apps IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo In the pop-up window, click on the three dots in the top right corner and select...

7 days ago

PCWorld

I’ve been enjoying the lightning-fast speeds of SSDs (solid state drives) to store and restore data for a while now. For gaming they provide quick loading times, support the latest graphics, and as a bonus they produce less heat than the old-school mechanical drives I used to use. But having lost the data on an old HDD (hard disk drive) when it up and failed on me, I’m now wondering about my SSDs’ lifespans. My desktop gaming rig houses a...

7 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Jared Newman / Foundry If YouTube TV’s forthcoming price hike feels like a breaking point to you, you’re not alone. Over the last week, I’ve heard from a bunch of folks who say the rate hike—from $73 per month to $83 per month, starting January 13, 2025—is the last straw. They’re now seeking alternatives to YouTube TV that will provide comparable channel coverage for less. Unfortunately, that sort of easy escape hatch doesn’t exist. Like every other live TV...

7 days ago

PCWorld

I’m getting tired of my laptop running just six to eight hours before it runs out of juice, so I’ve been extremely tempted these past couple of months to buy a new laptop featuring Qualcomm’s Arm-based Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite processor. I have no doubt that if I swapped my six-hour-lasting x86-based laptop for one that goes for 20+ hours, I could get a lot more done in my day; plus, it would mean I don’t have...

7 days ago

PCWorld

A multi-monitor setup can significantly increase your productivity, as it allows you to multitask with ease. If you’re working with such a setup, you can actually customize things like the refresh rate and resolution within Windows. This is how you do it. To customize the display, right click anywhere on your desktop and select “Display Settings” from the menu. This is where you can adjust the aforementioned refresh rate, resolution, and alignment. First, let’s start with the alignment of your...

7 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: Replace Microsoft 365 with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 for Mac or PC while it’s still $159.97 (reg. $249). Sale ends December 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT.  Software subscriptions are all over the place. They seem cheap at first, but they add up fast, and Microsoft 365 is no different. It’s a good thing that’s not your only way to get apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.  Instead of paying monthly forever, pay once for...

8 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Mattias Inghe The Wall Street Journal reports that US authorities have begun investigating whether routers by manufacturer TP-Link pose a threat to national security and whether a ban should be imposed on them. The US Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Justice have all launched their own investigations into TP-Link, whose ubiquitous routers are among the top sellers on Amazon and have made their way into roughly 65 percent of US homes and small businesses. TP-Link devices are also used...

8 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Acemagic A loaded mini PC is often better than a laptop, providing more power and taking up less space on your desk at a cheaper price point, as long as you don’t need the portability that a laptop offers. Right now, this Acemagic F1A mini PC is available for the amazing price of $413.05 on Amazon for PCWorld readers with our exclusive promo code PCW12018. That’s a 31 percent discount from its $599 MSRP. (There’s an on-page coupon for...

8 days ago

PCWorld

Image: One Artist/Shutterstock.com Rumors have been circulating for some time that Elon Musk wants to create his own email service, one that would be a direct competitor to the world-popular Gmail. Musk has apparently confirmed such plans now, but concrete details about features and appearance are still missing. Musk published a short message on X (formerly Twitter): “That’s exactly what we are going to do.” This was in response to a comment from one user who had written the following:...

8 days ago

PCWorld

A virtual private network (VPN) service can help safeguard your identity, location, and keep your activities online anonymous. There are a few things you’ll want to consider when looking for a VPN. It should be able to keep your internet usage private and secure. Speed is also important—privacy and security are crucial, but not at the expense of crippling your internet speed. If you’re concerned with anonymity, you should also look for a VPN with data collection policies that are...

8 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Sony I finally gave in this year and made sure Santa is bringing me a PlayStation VR2 because I absolutely need to play Beat Saber. And when you see this discounted PS VR2 with Horizon Call of the Mountain, you’re going to want one, too. It’s down from $600 to just $349, a whopping 42 percent discount and the best price we’ve ever seen for it. The PS VR2 is one of the best and most affordable virtual reality...

8 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Anker If you’re still in need of stocking stuffers for your techie friends and family, then here’s something everyone will appreciate: a super-fast Anker Nano USB-C cable, now just $19 on Amazon with Prime. (Don’t have Prime? Sign up for a 30-day free trial and snag this discount anyway!) You can use this cable with pretty much any device, including your laptop, because it can handle up to 240W of ultra-fast charging. Paired with the right wall plug, you...

8 days ago

PCWorld

If you’re an avid gamer, the best way to assess your PC’s gaming performance is to use an FPS counter. An FPS counter allows you to see the number of frames per second your computer is rendering. This is good for identifying performance issues like bottlenecking and low frame rates. Luckily, Steam and Nvidia offer FPS counters that are free to use. Let’s get into it. Further reading: Best gaming laptops 2024: What to look for and highest-rated models To...

8 days ago

PCWorld

Image: NFL Network Football and TV commercials go together like eggs and bacon, but NFL RedZone is — usually, at least — a weekly oasis from the relentless car, beer, and insurance ads. But this past Sunday, the NFL had a little surprise for RedZone streamers.  Instead of seven hours of uninterrupted coverage of NFL teams making their way into scoring position, RedZone viewers found themselves sitting through four “short” commercial breaks, with the ads presented side-by-side with the gridiron...

8 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Microsoft Neowin reports that tech giant Microsoft will be shaking up the user interface of its Microsoft 365 app early next year. In addition, the app will be getting a new icon and a small name change, henceforth to be called “Microsoft 365 Copilot” starting mid-January 2025. The company made the announcement via its Microsoft 365 Message Center, with the following details for the upcoming UI changes: The app will no longer have a top header. Instead, tools like...

8 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Dominic Bayley / IDG We expect USB-C cables to simply perform a specified task, to either transfer data or files between two or more devices and give little more thought to the matter, but malicious USB-C cables can do much more than just that. These cables hide malicious hardware that can intercept data, eavesdrop on phone calls and messages, or in the worst cases, take complete control of your PC or cellphone. The first of these appeared in 2008...

8 days ago

PCWorld

Image: mundissima/Shutterstock.com In September 2018, it came to light that hackers had breached Facebook and gained access to data on over 50 million Facebook accounts. Around 3 million of those affected accounts were based in EU countries. The personal data involved in the hack included: The user’s full name Their email address Their telephone number Their place of residence Their place of work Their date of birth Their religion Their gender Their posts in their timeline The groups they were...

8 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Michael Crider/Foundry When the Nvidia App launched last month, it looked like a universal improvement over GeForce Experience. (Finally, no more login required for driver updates and game optimizations!) Unfortunately, it now appears that this new software has its own problems, with users reporting performance drops of up to 15 percent in games — and testing by Tom’s Hardware shows the issue really does exist. First published on Monday, benchmarks show performance dips that vary based on the game....

8 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Acemagic A loaded mini PC is often better than a laptop, providing more power and taking up less space on your desk at a cheaper price point, as long as you don’t need the portability that a laptop offers. Right now, this Acemagic F1A mini PC is available for the amazing price of $413.05 on Amazon for PCWorld readers with our exclusive promo code PCW12018. That’s a 31 percent discount from its $599 MSRP. (There’s an on-page coupon for...

8 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Shelly Smart home devices compatible with the Matter standard have garnered most of our attention lately, but the compelling features in the latest generation of Z-Wave chips convinced the IoT developer Shelly Group to build no fewer than 11 new products powered by Z-Wave technology. The new collection includes a smart plug, in-wall dimmers, relays, and various sensors aimed at DIYers, installers, and commercial builders. Citing the ability of Z-Wave 800 (aka Z-Wave Long Range or LR) chips to...

8 days ago

PCWorld

When it finally comes time to retire an old laptop, it can feel like saying goodbye to an old friend. Unfortunately, this old friend has all your passwords and personal information in their head… and unless you make them forget, they might expose them to others. Before you sell, recycle, donate, or trash that laptop, you’re going to want to take a few simple steps to wipe all your data and protect yourself. Before we get started, though, I need...

8 days ago

PCWorld

At a glance Attractive design with well-executed RGB-LED accents USB-C with up to 140 watts of Power Delivery Wide color gamut, extremely good color accuracy Excellent motion performance Stand is slightly unstable Modest HDR brightness More expensive than most alternatives The HP Omen Transcend 32 is pricey even for a 32-inch 4K OLED monitor, but makes up for that with great USB-C connectivity and top-tier SDR image quality. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for...

8 days ago

PCWorld

Image: StackCommerce TL;DR: A PDF reader that converts, edits, and translates—get SwifDoo PDF Pro for just $34.99 (reg. $129). Why use three (or more) different apps to handle your PDFs when one can do it all? SwifDoo PDF Pro is your all-in-one solution for editing, converting, and translating PDFs, and it’s available for 72% off—no more switching between apps.For PC’s, only SwifDoo simplifies the process, saving you time and effort. Editing PDFs is often a frustrating experience, but not now....

9 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Rob Schultz / Foundry Black Friday and Cyber Monday may have already come and gone in a flash, but there are still plenty of VPN deals from top providers to be had this holiday season. Whether you’re looking for something that will give you the privacy you need or access location-restricted streaming content, we’ve got you covered with the very best VPN deals currently available. But not all deals are worth it, so we only highlight those offered by...

9 days 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...

9 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,...

9 days ago

PCWorld

At a glance Very compact and inobtrusive Support for hundreds of device brands Works with or without a hub Configuration can be daunting Occasional hub disconnects Stickers cost extra The tiny Flic Button lets you control a near-endless number of smart devices—with or without one of Flic’s hubs. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today If you’re like me—or most TechHive readers—you’ve smartened up as much of your home as...

9 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Epic Games Epic Games Store has officially started its annual winter sale — and as in previous years, Epic will also be giving away several PC games for free during this winter sale. While Epic hasn’t revealed anything about which games are being given away just yet, in total there will be 16 games. And if they’re anything like the games given away before, we’re pretty excited to see what’s in store. In past years, we’ve seen everything from...

9 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Plugable If you’re like me, you probably find your laptop ports to be inadequate. They fill up fast, which is why you need a good docking station that will turn one port into many, expanding your connectivity options. Plugable is one of our favorite brands for docks, and this Plugable Thunderbolt 4 dock is down to $139.95 at Plugable.com, a solid 39 percent off its original $229.95 MSRP. While the listing still shows full price, you get the discount...

9 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...

9 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Mattias Inghe Tech giant Google announced on Friday that it has released the latest version of its ChromeOS operating system (Version M131) to the public. One of the biggest bits of news in this update is a new “Safety Reset” feature, which has been a long time coming. Google Safety Reset allows you to reinstall ChromeOS without losing all the data on your Chromebook. It will reset your network settings, default search engine, and other Chrome-related settings like your...

9 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Norad Every year since 1955, the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) simulates the path of Santa Claus as he leaves the North Pole and delivers gifts to children around the world. For Christmas 2024, NORAD has added an AI chatbot to its tracking site, although its AI capabilities are quite limited in scope, according to an initial test. NORAD Tracks Santa officially started on December 1, but the actual simulation starts at midnight on December 24. Check out...

9 days ago

PCWorld

Image: BigTunaOnline/Shutterstock.com Outlook has been experiencing problems on Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers for days now, probably starting as early as December 2nd. It’s been reported by affected users across various forums and in Microsoft’s Feedback Hub that when users try to log into Outlook, the app issues error code 0x80049dd3. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and claims in the Feedback Hub to have solved the problem. Neowin quotes one Microsoft developer: “This should be resolved now. Thanks for...

9 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Negro Elkha / Shutterstock.com When buying a PC, it’s not just one single component that counts, like the best graphics card or the most powerful CPU. Instead, you need to consider many individual parts when making your decision. One important component that plays a role, especially for demanding applications such as gaming or video editing, is the RAM. It serves as a cache for all of your system’s important data, programs, and more, so that it can be accessed...

9 days ago

PCWorld

Not long ago, Microsoft doubled down on its policy that requires PCs to have TPM 2.0-compatible hardware in order to install Windows 11. On another support page, Microsoft acknowledges the possibility of installing Windows 11 on incompatible devices, which begins with a direct warning against it: “Installing Windows 11 on a device that doesn’t meet Windows 11 minimum system requirements isn’t recommended. If Windows 11 is installed on ineligible hardware, you should be comfortable assuming the risk of running into...

9 days ago

PCWorld

Image: Samsung Is there a better time than the holiday season to splurge a bit? Maybe your birthday. Otherwise, now’s the time to treat yourself to something nice, especially if you can score it at a big discount. Right now, you can get this gorgeous 32-inch Samsung Odyssey G5 gaming monitor for $280 on Amazon. That’s a significant discount of 35 percent off its original $430 price tag! This large monitor features a 32-inch IPS display that delivers a crisp...

9 days ago