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Opinion
I got sick of Chrome's BS and switched to Vivaldi. Here's what happened
After more than a decade I've broken my Google browser habit, on Windows and mobile.
Feature
Is Windows 11's built-in antivirus enough for normal people?
See where Windows Security stands tall and where it falls short for regular, daily use.
News
A hacker just leaked 10 billion passwords. Here’s what to do now
A new compilation of leaked passwords called “RockYou2024” just surfaced on a forum—and it drives up the risk of account takeovers dramatically. Here's how to respond.
News
FreeDOS turns 30 and may soon get full support for Windows 3.x
Want to explore what MS-DOS was like back in the day? You can still do so with FreeDOS.
Feature
Norton 360 antivirus: 5 settings to change first
Make the most of PCWorld’s top-rated antivirus software with these quick tweaks.
Deal
Steam Summer Sale: 11 incredible deals on games worth playing
The Summer Sale is packed with great games. Overwhelmed? Check out these hand-picked winners for frugal PC gamers.
Feature
Best VPN for Indiana, Idaho, and Kansas: Pornhub workarounds
Pornhub will soon add Indiana, Idaho, and Kansas to its list of blocked states following new age verification laws—but a VPN can be a viable workaround. These are the best VPNs to continue viewing the site while protecting your privacy.
Feature
How PCWorld tests cloud backup services
Fom Carbonite to iDrive, PCWorld has tested all the online backup services out there. This is our evaluation process.
Feature
Hands-on: Steam's game recording beta is already incredible
It's only in the beta version of Steam, but this free game recording tool is already well-integrated in the platform.
News
Crypto scammers are double-dipping victims as fake lawyers
Law firms claiming to hunt down crypto scammers are, in fact, just perpetrating one more scam on victims.
Feature
Data breaches are everywhere—but you still need to pay attention to them
There’s one very important reason you shouldn’t tune out the news of data leaks, even though they’re now so common.
Updated
How to get Amazon Prime for free for Prime Day
Prime Day is back in July! If you're not a Prime member already, here's how to become one without paying a cent before the big day.
Opinion
Why are tech companies so willfully bad at privacy?
Some companies been around longer than some of us have been alive, but they refuse to learn from experience—and wonder why we’re hesitant about new tech.
News
Still use Kaspersky antivirus? The US is banning it, so prepare to switch
The US government has decided to bar sales and updates of Kaspersky's antivirus software. If you're a user, you need to switch.
Feature
Got a new Copilot+ PC? Don't rush to install Chrome
We tested performance for top web browsers to find out which one is the most powerful browser for Copilot+ PCs right now.
News
Linux gets its own Windows-style Blue Screen of Death
Linux now has a barebones BSOD that'll eventually provide precise details whenever a "kernel panic" occurs.
News
DOJ sues Adobe for hiding fees when you try to cancel a subscription
The U.S. Department of Justice says that Adobe has harmed consumers by hiding early termination fees inside the convoluted process to cancel its subscription services.
Feature
VPNs and the law: How often does law enforcement actually request VPN logs?
VPNs regularly field requests for data when illegal activity is suspected. But what sorts of activities make up the bulk of those requests, and more importantly, how do the VPN providers respond? Those details are revealed here.
Feature
7 warning signs your computer has been hacked — and what to do
If something seems off with your PC or laptop, there's a chance you've been hacked. Here are the warning signs to look out for.
Deal
The Echo Pop is only $20 right now, cheap enough for every room
Not just practical, this compact smart speaker is surprisingly cute. Add one to every room and access Alexa from anywhere.
Deal
Save 72% on this NordVPN deal and get up to 20GB of free travel data on a Saily eSIM
Stay safe online with a two-year subscription to NordVPN and get up to 20GB of bonus free eSIM data with Saily.
Feature
Beware of these 7 new hacker tricks — and how to protect yourself
Hackers are utilizing AI and video conferencing vulnerabilities to deceive and defraud. You need to watch out for these patterns.
News
Adobe says it won't use your art to train its AI
After some concerning wording in a Terms of Service update, users were worried Adobe is using their content for generative AI training.
Feature
What is masked email? This new spin on an old practice supercharges your security
This additional privacy measure keeps your email address from leaking into public view—which can help better protect your online accounts.
News
Privacy issues with top free Android VPNs puts 2.5 billion users at risk
New study shows that almost all of the popular free VPNs on the Google Play Store have serious privacy concerns.
Deal
The Echo is more than just a speaker — and it's 35% off right now
Amazon's smart speaker can do a lot of cool stuff—play music, automate your home, answer questions—and it's down to a great price.
News
Marvel Midnight Suns is free on Epic right now
The 2022 superhero strategy game from X-COM developer Firaxis is this week's freebie on the Epic Games Store.
Feature
What is ransomware? 7 things you must know before it's too late
Ransomware is on the rise again. Here's what you need to know and why it matters.
Feature
NordVPN: The first 5 settings you need to change
NordVPN comes with tons of great tools and features that, with a little time and guidance, you can use to get the most out of your VPN experience.
Feature
How we test backup software at PCWorld
After a system crash is not the time to find out your backup software failed or doesn't have a key feature you need. This is how we kick the tires to find the backup programs you can trust.
Feature
What are catfishing scams? How to not become a victim yourself
Catfishing is a common and dangerous scam technique. Learn what it is, how it works, what to look for, and how to protect yourself.
News
Huge data leak at Ticketmaster: 560 million account details for sale online
A serious hack of the Ticketmaster website has exposed a large amount of customer data to third parties.
News
Chivalry 2 is the free game of the week on Epic Games Store
Epic Games continues to bring killer free games to our gaming PCs.
Feature
ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN: Clash of the heavyweight titans
We put the two biggest names in the VPN industry against each other to see which is truly worthy of your hard-earned money.
News
Can you bequeath your Steam account? Maybe, but there's a catch
Steam says you can't leave your account in your will. US law says maybe you can. But even if it's technically legal, there's still a problem.
News
Opera adds support for Google’s Gemini AI model
In addition, Opera One users can test two new AI features at no cost.
News
Facebook wants to use your posts to train AI. Here's how to object
Facebook is changing its privacy policy and plans to use posts and images to train its AI. To prevent this, you need to object.
Feature
What's in antivirus software? All the pieces you may need (or not)
Antivirus suites now come with many different features. We break down what you might encounter, so that you can decide if they’re right for you.
News
The Epic Games Store is giving away Farming Simulator 22 for free
Epic Games continues to bring free games to our PCs, with Farming Simulator 22 continuing the Epic Mega Sale giveaways.
Feature
Windows 11’s most-hyped new AI feature could be a privacy nightmare
Microsoft Recall feels like it comes straight from the future—but it has a hidden dark side that's all too familiar.
Feature
5 VPN features you need to start using today
VPNs come with tons of settings and extras nowadays, but these are the most important features everyone should be using.
News
Microsoft Edge will start blocking screenshots on the job
Microsoft Edge for Business will begin blocking the ability to take screenshots of web pages your IT department deems off limits.
Feature
Do you really need a password manager as part of your antivirus software?
Password managers are essential for online security, but you have a lot of options.
News
Microsoft Edge will dub streamed video with AI-translated audio
Microsoft Edge will dub AI-generated and translated audio over streamed video, Microsoft said, in addition to providing captions. One of the named sites? YouTube.
Feature
Do you really need a VPN as part of your antivirus software?
A bundled VPN can offer great value and convenience.
News
38% of webpages from 2013 have disappeared from the Internet
New research from Pew reveals how much of the Internet has become inaccessible.
Updated
Firefox 126 is here: More security, less tracking, and faster Facebook
Firefox version 126.0 focuses on the elimination of a number of security vulnerabilities. The update should also make Facebook load faster.
News
Epic gives away Dragon Age Inquisition to kick off annual Mega sale
In addition to Dragon Age Inquisition, Epic's Mega sale includes tons of AAA games, notably a lot of previous PlayStation exclusives like God of War.
Deal
Exclusive: Upgrade your PC protection with 80% off Norton 360 Deluxe
Right now, you can boost your online security with a deeply affordable price on Norton 360 Deluxe, our favorite antivirus suite.
Feature