Should you ever turn off Windows Security? It's tricky, but here's my rule of thumb

There are some situations where you might want to temporarily disable Windows' built-in security tool. I'll show you how to do it safely.

I'm a shopping editor, and this is the No. 1 reason I prefer Best Buy over Amazon for tech purchases

Jeff Bezos doesn't care about you like the Geek Squad does. Best Buy just price-matched my Cyber Monday purchase in under 5 minutes.

I tested a smart pet door, and it's the smart home gadget I didn't know I needed

Busy dog owners, rejoice.

I compared 5G network signals of Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T on a road trip - here's who wins

Between the three biggest mobile carriers, here's which one delivers the best (and most consistent) network signal.

I tested GPT-5.2 and the AI model's mixed results raise tough questions

Subjected to my battery of 10 text tests and 4 image challenges, OpenAI's latest model barely edged out GPT-5.1. What are Plus subscribers actually paying for?

Opera's Neon AI browser now available for $20/month - packed with these power user features

The tool is built for AI power users and allows access to a handful of frontier models. It also comes with security risks.

AI could finally pay off for businesses in 2026 - thanks to this, experts say

If you've been waiting for AI promises to materialize, 2026 may be your year -- and this unexpected element could be the key.

Your earbuds can translate 70 languages in real-time now, thanks to Gemini

Android users can hear live translations in more than 70 languages, with Gemini preserving the speaker's tone and cadence.

The 8 gifts I'd give to my cool techie friends this holiday season

Give them tech they'll actually use this year.

Save on refurbished iPhones at Back Market - no trade-in required

Back Market is offering discounts of up to $500 on refurbished iPhone models, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max and more. And if you have a qualifying trade-in, you can save even more.

Weaponized AI risk is 'high,' warns OpenAI - here's the plan to stop it

OpenAI is focused on assessing when AI models are sufficiently capable to either help or hinder defenders, and on safeguarding its own models against cybercriminal abuse.

AI is already part of Linux's plumbing - whether developers like it or not

AI is quietly doing some of Linux's dirtiest work, but not everyone is comfortable with it.

The best proxy server services of 2025: Expert recommended

Proxy servers act as intermediaries for online traffic and can be used for various business purposes. We recommend these top proxy services.

The 5 most innovative tech products we tested this year (including a tri-fold surprise)

From AI glasses with digital overlays to robot vacuums that can pick up your leftover laundry, here are ZDNET's Breakthrough Award winners for 2025.

Best travel VPNs 2025: Expert-tested for streaming and avoiding censorship

VPNs shield you from spying and can resolve online blocks you may find in other countries including the UK's new checks. My favorite travel VPNs offer fast speeds, massive server networks, and solid encryption.

The best small business web hosting services of 2025: Expert tested

Looking for a reliable and affordable web hosting package for your growing business? Here are my top picks based on affordability, scalability, and value for money.

The best cheap web hosting services of 2025: Expert tested

Check out our top picks, tested and ranked, for affordable web hosting services in 2025.

Best VPNs for streaming 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

If you want to access your favorite streaming services from different locations, a VPN might help. Check out my favorites for the fastest speeds and most servers.

The best security keys of 2025: Expert tested

Security keys are the ultimate physical security measure for protecting your online accounts. We tested and ranked the best security keys on the market today.

8 HDMI tricks I use to get the best performance from my TV - and most are free

Think your TV setup is fine? These HDMI tricks can unlock performance and sound you didn't know you were missing.

This company's AI success was built on 5 essential steps - see how they work for you

From data foundations to storytelling techniques, here's how to turn your AI projects into valuable production services.

Do you ask AI deep questions at night? 37.5 million Copilot conversations show you're not alone

From work-related conversations on our desktops by day to personal advice on our phones after hours, AI now integrates 'into the full texture of human life,' a Microsoft study finds.

OpenAI user data was breached, but changing your password won't help - here's why

Revealed on Thanksgiving Eve, the incident serves as a reminder that we're all responsible for exploring additional security options.

Should you stop logging in through Google and Facebook? Consider these SSO risks vs. benefits

Relying on consumer SSO creates significant challenges, and passkeys may offer a solution.

One of the most durable power banks I've traveled with is also one of the slimmest

The outdoors can be challenging for power banks, but this one by Nitecore is built to withstand the elements.

You can send live video to 911 from your Android phone in seconds now - here's how

If 911 needs eyes on your situation, they'll send a prompt for you to share live video instantly.

Comcast just killed hidden fees with new contract-free TV plans - starting at $55

The new Xfinity TV plans keep it simple with one up-front pricing. There's not even equipment rental charges.

The best cloud hosting services for 2025: Expert tested

We've tested and ranked the best cloud hosting services available to help you choose the right option for your business or side project.

Oura users report smoking, overheating rings - what we know

Here's what the smart ring brand is doing about it.

The AI leader's new balance: What changes (and what remains) in the age of algorithms

Successful leaders will harness the power of AI while amplifying essential human capabilities. Three experts share essential recommendations that every executive should have on their agenda.

How to use the new Linux terminal on your Android device - it's easy

There's a powerful new feature for Android users: The Linux terminal. It unlocks a whole new level of control.

OpenSUSE vs. Manjaro: Which powerhouse Linux distro is best for you?

Looking for a Linux distribution that delivers more power and control? If you're new to Linux, only one of these may be right for you.

How AMD End-to-End Hardware Turns AI Innovation Into Impact

From PCs to data centers, AMD delivers the compute backbone that turns AI initiatives into business transformations.

Hate creating presentations? I tried Google's new Nano Banana Pro-powered tool, and the results blew me away

Google's Mixboard now includes Nano Banana Pro​ to create presentations from your photos and documents - and it's free. Try it and see what you think.

Ring's 'Familiar Faces' is here: Why privacy experts worry it's mass surveillance in disguise

Ring users in most of the US can now save up to fifty faces in the app, allowing for more personalized notifications. But the convenience probably isn't worth the sacrifice in privacy.

This anti-theft tech bag foiled a pickpocket attempt live - here's how it did it

This bag saved me from potentially losing access to my phone and passport on the last leg of a trip.

Zorin OS vs. AnduinOS: How to pick the right Windows-like Linux distro for you

If you're looking for the best Linux distribution to wean you from Windows, there are two that make a solid case for the task.

How well does ChatGPT know you? This simple prompt can reveal a lot

Most of it was flattery, but there was one bit of advice that I immediately decided to turn into a New Year's resolution.

This Alexa+ update can track deals and buy for you when the price drops - here's how

There's also a new Shopping Essentials hub for lists, orders, and delivery tracking - all just a voice command away.

Finally, a Bluetooth speaker that delivers big sound and cool energy (at a good price)

Seeking a well-priced Bluetooth speaker that fills a room with rich, dynamic sound? This Treblab model I tested gets the job done.

Your Google Photos just got 4 huge video editing upgrades - what's new

The tools are designed to help you edit videos quickly and more easily.

My top 4 browsers after testing nearly every one (spoiler: Chrome fans may be upset)

Ready to try a new browser? I've installed almost every browser over the years, and these are my top picks.

The fix for messy AI agent ecosystems might finally be here - and it's open source

Backed by OpenAI, Anthropic, and others, AAIF aims to standardize AI agents and build an open, interoperable foundation.

This new $75 smart ring helps you remember things you'd likely forget - here's how

Pebble, known for its watches, has opened preorders for its new Pebble Index 01 smart ring.

I replaced my travel video gear with this 360-degree drone within minutes of testing it

Antigravity's A1 drone shoots sharp 360-degree video with easy, beginner-friendly controls.

Shelly's new smart plug is at home with all major automation systems

The Shelly Plug Gen4 works with Matter, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee, is a breeze to set up, and costs just $20.

Inbox full of promo emails? 80% are tracking you, new report warns

Billions of holiday marketing emails have turned inboxes into a de facto surveillance tool, Proton Mail says.

This Kindle nearly replaced my Remarkable tablet with just the display itself - but there's more

Amazon's latest Kindle Scribe Colorsoft features some design improvements while retaining its core capabilities.

Why AI agents failed to take over in 2025 - it's 'a story as old as time,' says Deloitte

This was supposed to be the year of AI agents, but only 11% of organizations are currently actively using them. So, what happened?

Free Photoshop in ChatGPT: How to edit photos with AI, no experience necessary

Adobe has launched free Photoshop, Express, and Acrobat apps inside ChatGPT. Here's how they work.

T-Mobile will give you a free iPhone 17, no trade-in required - here's how to get one

Bring your number over to T-Mobile and get an iPhone 17 on them. We break down the details.

I just ordered Instacart delivery through ChatGPT using a few simple prompts - here's how

It's fast and easy, and it all happens inside ChatGPT, with no Instacart+ required.

Reinventing your career for the AI age? Your technical skill isn't your most valuable asset

The future of work isn't just about exploiting AI. Successful professionals will focus on honing these capabilities.

Gartner urges businesses to 'block all AI browsers' - what's behind the dire warning

Analysts suggest that agentic browsers create an unacceptable risk for CISOs today, with data exposure now a top security concern - but far from the only one.

My favorite Linux search tools make it easier to find your files - no command line needed

Why bother with complicated regular expressions when you can point and click your way to finding the files and folders you need?

Want to save your old computer? Try one of these 9 Linux distros - for free

Here's how to save money, reduce e-waste, and extend the life of your old hardware at the same time.

The two fastest growing AI chatbots now (neither is ChatGPT)

'Different assistants map to different moments,' according to ComScore's latest report on the AI market.

The 7 Linux distros I recommend most for gaming in 2025 - including my favorite

Still think Linux isn't practical for gaming? Think again. Here are the best distros every gamer should try.

How Google's new Pixel Watch update takes aim at Apple Watch

Pixel Watch 4 is getting gestures like double pinch and wrist turn - two features already included on Apple Watches - to dismiss calls, snooze alarms, and select smart replies.

While Google and OpenAI battle for model dominance, Anthropic is quietly winning the enterprise AI race

A survey by venture capital firm Menlo Ventures also finds that agentic AI is still a niche.