There are lots of price search engines that show price histories for products via graphs, which can help you visualize what a product is really worth before you jump on a so-called deal. Why pay full price for something when you don’t have to? And that’s never more true than on Amazon. If you’re a frequent Amazon shopper, you owe it to yourself to always look at a product’s price history before checking out—and you can do that with CamelCamelCamel. CamelCamelCamel is a simple website where you can paste the page URL for an Amazon product into the search bar at the top (or type in a product’s name and select from a list of suggestions). You’ll then get a graph that shows the history of its prices for Amazon, New, and Used listings (i.e., third-party sellers). You can also change the date period to show prices from 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months ago. Joel Lee / Foundry Using this graph, you can see what a true “deal” price is for any given product. And what’s nice is that CamelCamelCamel lets you set price alerts for specific products, so you’ll get notifications when the price of something you want drops below what you’re willing to pay for it. To make things easier on yourself, consider installing the Camelizer browser extension, which offers all the same features but is more convenient to use. All you have to do is visit the relevant Amazon product page and click the extension button. The Camelizer is available for Chrome, Edge, Opera, Firefox, and Safari. Read...

Listen. Being able to keep an eye on your home when you’re away can be a huge weight off your shoulders, especially if you have kids or pets. But who wants to shell out tons of cash for a simple home camera feed? Well, with this awesome deal, you won’t have to. The super-tiny, super-cute Blink Mini 2 is on sale for half price on Amazon, bringing the cost down from its original $40 to just $20. You can literally buy peace of mind for the price of restaurant entree. While I don’t have the Blink Mini 2 myself, I do have a very similar home security cam with nearly identical features: motion detection, two-way audio, and 1080p HD video. I use it to check in on my pets and see if they’re doing anything they shouldn’t be, like climbing over the new couch or chewing on my slippers. Plus, I often miss them when I’m away and love being able to check in whenever I want. But the Blink Mini 2 also has a few features I don’t have, like an LED spotlight. Yes, you read that right. This tiny camera has a built-in LED spotlight that helps put some color into its night-view footage. Also, if you have a Blink Video Doorbell (sold separately), the Mini 2 can also act as a chime for when people ring your doorbell. You can also set up the Mini 2 for outdoor surveillance because it’s weather-resistant, but you’ll need a Blink Weather Resistant Power Adapter (sold separately) for that. With a Blink subscription plan, you can also unlock smart notifications, store footage in the cloud, and share clips with others. Plans start at $3/month ($30/year) for a single device and go up to $10/month ($100/year) for unlimited devices. If you don’t have a home security camera, then the Blink Mini 2 for 50% off on Amazon is one of the best ways to get started. And since you’re here, let me remind you that Amazon’s Spring Sale 2025 is coming soon and ready to hit you with even more great discounts! The Blink Mini 2 is a great first home security camera for $20Buy Now at Amazon Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Thin, light, and luxurious design Haptic touchpad and enjoyable keyboard Excellent 14-inch OLED with refresh rate up to 120Hz Future-looking connectivity including Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 7 Cons Missing TrackPoint will divide ThinkPad fans Not the best performance for your dollar Modest battery life Our Verdict The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 is a sleeker, more luxurious ThinkPad. However, its performance and battery life are mid-pack. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition Retailer Price Lenovo $1239 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition had PC World’s editors scratching their heads upon its reveal at CES 2025. It’s a ThinkPad, but it ditches many of the features that are typical of the ThinkPad brand. There’s no iconic red TrackPoint, no physical buttons on the touchpad, and the overall look and feel is more typical of Lenovo’s recent Yoga Pro laptops.  These changes will make the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition controversial among long-time ThinkPad fans but also make it more approachable for the average laptop shopper. Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14: Specs and features The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition is built with a focus on portability over performance. I received a laptop with an eight-core Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB solid state drive.  CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 226V Memory: 16GB LPDDR5x-8533 Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc Graphics 130V NPU: Intel AI Boost peak 40 TOPs Display: 14-inch 2880×1800 120Hz OLED with VRR and HDR Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD Webcam: 1440p 30fps camera with IR 3D camera for Windows Hello, electronic privacy shutter Connectivity: 2x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C (40Gbps data, DisplayPort, Power Delivery), 1x HDMI 2.1 (up to 4K 60Hz), 1x 3.5mm combo headphone/microphone jack Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Biometrics: Windows Hello facial recognition, fingerprint reader Battery capacity: 55 watt-hours Dimensions: 12.28 x 8.35 x 0.51 inches Weight: 2.74 pounds Operating System: Windows 11 Pro Price: $1,519 retail from Lenovo The ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition is all in on future-proof connectivity. It has two Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. However, it lacks USB-A ports and doesn’t have a physical Ethernet port. It does have a 3.5mm audio port, though. Lenovo lists the model I reviewed at $1,519. The entry-level model downgrades to 256GB of storage and a 1200p OLED display, which lowers the price to $1,239. Upgrades, meanwhile, include up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 268V processor, 32GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage. Checking all the boxes boosts the price up to $2,349.  The ThinkPad X9 14 also puts an emphasis on portability. It measures just .51 inches thick (excluding the rubber feet on the bottom of the laptop) and weighs a mere 2.74 pounds. Neither number is unusual in 2025, as many 14-inch competitors are similar in size and weight, but it still makes for a remarkably light laptop that’s easy to pick up, pack, and carry.  Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14: Design and build quality IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition might be a ThinkPad, but it looks far more like Lenovo’s recent Yoga Pro and Slim Pro laptops. The chassis is built from a grayish-blue aluminum that feels solid and premium in-hand. It also has rounded corners, beveled edges, and a wavy texture across the bottom panel that makes the laptop easier to hold. All of this is heresy for ThinkPad super-fans, who often prefer the boxier, all-black designs of yore. But… I like it. A lot. This didn’t surprise me. PC World has favorably reviewed Lenovo’s premium consumer laptops such as the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i, which we gave an Editor’s Choice award. Indeed, the Yoga Pro 9i is so good it often left me wondering why anyone would want to buy a ThinkPad instead. The Yoga Pro 9i is typically more attractive, slimmer, and provides a much larger touchpad. It’s less expensive than a competitively equipped ThinkPad as well. It seems Lenovo noticed this, too, because the ThinkPad X9 14 feels like a Yoga Pro with the ThinkPad name on it. And, as a result, the ThinkPad X9 14 provides something ThinkPads often fail to deliver: a sense of luxury.  The ThinkPad X9 14 also puts an emphasis on portability. It measures just .51 inches thick (excluding the rubber feet on the bottom of the laptop) and weighs a mere 2.74 pounds. Neither number is unusual in 2025, as many 14-inch competitors are similar in size and weight, but it still makes for a remarkably light laptop that’s easy to pick up, pack, and carry.  Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14: Keyboard, trackpad IDG / Matthew Smith While the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition makes many changes to the ThinkPad formula, the removal of the classic TrackPoint—a red nub found in the middle of most ThinkPad keyboards—is probably the most jarring change. I’m a fan of the TrackPoint, as well, and I won’t sugarcoat it. If you want a TrackPoint, well, this ain’t it, chief. There’s nothing about the ThinkPad X9 14 that will convince TrackPoint loyalists to make the switch to a touchpad. However, as with the laptop’s design, I think offering a ThinkPad without the TrackPoint is a sensible move. I’ve owned a series of ThinkPads over the years and once greatly preferred the TrackPoint. Today, things are different. The responsiveness and size of modern touchpads have improved, and multi-touch gestures are more useful than they once were.  Speaking of which, the ThinkPad X9 14’s touchpad is solid. It measures about 5 inches wide and about 3 inches deep. That’s a good size for a 14-inch laptop and provides space for using Windows’ multi-touch gestures, but it’s not any larger than most competitors.  The touchpad uses haptic feedback to simulate the feel of a physical click when a left or right-click action is executed, and it works great. So much so that I prefer haptic feedback to a real, physical touch action on modern laptops.  What about the keyboard? It’s great. The keyboard provides good key travel and has a spacious layout. Most keys are close to full size and those that are shrunk, like the Backspace and Tab keys, are still large enough that I didn’t have to adjust my muscle memory. A keyboard backlight comes standard and is effective at making the keys readable in dim settings. Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14: Display, audio IDG / Matthew Smith The entry-level Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition is sold with a 14-inch 1920×1200 OLED non-touch screen, but the model I tested (and most configurations sold online) had a 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED touchscreen. The upgraded display also boosts the refresh rate from 60Hz to 120Hz. It’s a beautiful display. 2880×1800 resolution on a 14-inch panel works out to about 243 pixels per inch, which is excellent for a laptop display and provides a razor-sharp look. Color performance and contrast are excellent, too, and combine to deliver a deep, immersive image. While a handful of laptops, like the Dell XPS 14, offer an even sharper 3200×2000 OLED panel, the ThinkPad X9 14’s display is otherwise as good as it gets.  As mentioned, the 2880×1800 panel has a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. It also supports VRR and can handle variable refresh rates between 30 and 120Hz. That makes it possible to use Windows’ dynamic refresh rate feature, which can lower the refresh rate to improve battery life (though this was off by default on the machine I tested). The ThinkPad X9 14’s speakers are decent but not a highlight. They deliver good volume with some low-end in bass heavy content. However, the speakers can become boomy and harsh as the volume is increased past 50 percent of maximum. Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14: Webcam, microphone, biometrics Every Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition has a 1440p webcam (note: Lenovo advertises it as 1080p, but it can in fact record up to 1440p at 30 frames per second). The webcam delivers a sharp, crisp image and deals well with mixed lighting. The microphone array is also crisp and does a great job of reducing background noise. Most competitive laptops also do well here, but the ThinkPad X9 14 is a solid choice if you spend a lot of time on video calls.  Biometric login is supported through both Windows Hello facial recognition via the webcam and fingerprint recognition via a sensor on the power button, which is located on the keyboard. Both prove easy to use but, as is typical, I found facial recognition quicker and more reliable than the fingerprint sensor.  Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14: Connectivity IDG / Matthew Smith The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition makes many changes to the classic ThinkPad formula, and that includes connectivity. It makes no attempt to provide a wide range of ports and instead focuses on the latest, greatest standards. A pair of Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports, each with 40Gbps of data, DisplayPort and Power Delivery, provide the bulk of the physical connectivity. Two ports isn’t a lot, but the ports are extremely versatile and work well with a dock if more connectivity is needed.  Also, the Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C ports are placed on opposite sides of the laptop (one on the left, one on the right), so there’s always a port close at hand no matter where your other devices are located on your desk.  Additional video connectivity comes from the HDMI 2.1 port, which supports 4K at up to 60Hz. The HDMI port is handy for connecting to televisions or projectors. A 3.5mm combo audio jack on the laptop’s right flank rounds out the connectivity.  Wireless connectivity is also forward-looking. The laptop supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, which are the latest version of each respective standard. I expect the laptop’s wireless connectivity will remain relevant for over a decade, as the progress of wireless standards has slowed in recent years.  Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14: Performance The Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition I reviewed had an Intel Core Ultra 5 226V processor. This is the least capable chip available in this laptop (four alternative Intel chips are available as upgrades). It has just eight processor cores, only four of which are performance cores, and comes paired with Intel Arc 130V. The laptop I reviewed also had 16GB of RAM and 512GB of PCIe solid state storage.  IDG / Matthew Smith Our first benchmark, PCMark 10, takes a holistic approach and tests a laptop across multiple simulated real-world workloads, from web conferencing to image editing and much more. The ThinkPad X9 14 falls a bit behind in this test with a score of 6,272. That’s quite a bit less than laptops that have more powerful Intel Core processors or AMD’s Ryzen AI 9.  IDG / Matthew Smith Intel’s Core Ultra 5 226V becomes a bit of a boat anchor in Cinebench R23, a heavily multi-threaded and short-duration test. The CPU’s limited core count (four performance, four efficient cores, for a total of eight) is a disadvantage in this benchmark.  IDG / Matthew Smith Handbrake, a longer duration multi-threaded benchmark that encodes a movie from MP4 to MKV, doesn’t change the story. The ThinkPad X19 14 still lags the pack. However, the margin by which it lags is lower here than in Cinebench R23. IDG / Matthew Smith What about 3D performance? The ThinkPad X9 14 is again at a disadvantage, as the Intel Core Ultra 5 226 relies on Intel Arc 130V graphics. This version of Intel Arc integrated graphics has just seven Xe cores, down from eight with Intel Arc 140V, and the clock speed is lower as well. It’s perhaps no surprise, then, to see the ThinkPad X9 14 lag behind the pack. Overall, the ThinkPad X9 14’s performance doesn’t impress. Of course, some concession should be made for the fact Lenovo sent an entry-level configuration and I expect that upgraded models with more capable Intel Chips like the Intel Core Ultra 7 268V would perform better. Those upgrades aren’t free, however, and this is an area where the ThinkPad X9 14 feels uncompetitive. At any given price, Lenovo offers an alternative model of Yoga Pro that has a better processor, more storage, and more RAM. Asus’ Zenbook 14 and Samsung’s Galaxy Book5 Pro also provide a similar prosumer look-and-feel alongside better performance for the price. Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14: Battery life You might expect the thin-and-light Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition to provide good battery life but, as is often the case with thin laptops, battery capacity becomes an issue. The ThinkPad X9 14 has a 55-watt-hour battery, while most similar laptops have a 65 to 75-watt-hour battery. IDG / Matthew Smith Mediocre battery life is the result. The ThinkPad X9 14 lasted roughly 11 hours and 45 minutes in our standard battery test, which loops a 4K video file of the short film Tears of Steel. That’s not bad but as the graph shows, it’s possible to find better battery life in competitive laptops.  Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14: Conclusion The ThinkPad X9 14 provides a great keyboard and touchpad alongside a premium look and feel that’s more like Lenovo’s excellent Yoga Pro laptops. While the changes won’t tempt long-time ThinkPad fans, they make the laptop more competitive with prosumer laptops, which often deliver better design than laptops focused on productivity and business. Where the ThinkPad X9 14 lags, however, is bang-for-the-buck. Though it’s as attractive as prosumer peers, you’ll still find that your money doesn’t go as far when buying a ThinkPad as it would if you purchased a prosumer laptop.  Even so, the ThinkPad X9 14 is likely to find an audience among business and enterprise buyers who’d prefer a sleeker, more luxurious alternative to a typical 14-inch business thin-and-light. Read...

Identity theft can sound like something straight out of a Hollywood thriller. A mysterious hacker breaking into a bank account or a con artist slipping through airport security with nothing but a forged passport. But in reality, identity theft is far less dramatic and far more common than movies make it seem. Every year, millions of people worldwide find their personal information stolen or misused, often with devastating financial and emotional consequences. To put things into perspective, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission received over a million complaints about identity theft in 2023. These cases, along with other types of fraud, led to financial losses of more than $10 billion, with the median loss per victim being $500. Minimizing the risk of identity theft starts with awareness. Understanding the risks and using identity theft protection tools like NordProtect can save you from major headaches down the road. Prevent identity theft with NordProtect What is identity theft and how does it happen? Identity theft happens when somebody uses your personal information without permission to commit fraud or other crimes. This includes credit card details, your Social Security number, address, or even something as simple as your name. Common ways identity theft happens include: Phishing. Fake emails, calls, or text messages posing as trusted companies to trick you into giving up sensitive information. Sometimes it’s a link to a website that looks trustworthy, just waiting for you to type in your credentials. Data breaches. Hackers breaking into a company’s database and stealing multiple people’s personal information all at once. Social engineering. A manipulation technique where scammers pose as tech support or a friend in distress to steal your passwords or PINs. Card skimming. Criminals attach small devices to ATMs, gas pumps, or payment terminals to steal your credit or debit card information when you swipe. Dumpster diving. People often toss unshredded bills, receipts, or documents containing account numbers or birth dates. Thieves dig through the trash and collect the information. The list definitely doesn’t end here, and with new technologies constantly emerging (such as AI deepfakes), we’re bound to see even more sophisticated identity theft tactics. Consequences of identity theft Despite how simple some of these techniques may sound, the aftermath of identity theft is anything but easy. Here’s what you might face: Financial fallout. A straightforward one. Thieves can empty your bank accounts, max out your credit cards, or open new ones in your name, leaving you with debt you never agreed to. Legal trouble. If a thief uses your identity for crimes like tax fraud or trafficking, you could face a criminal record you didn’t earn. Clearing your name may require court battles and legal fees. Emotional toll. As you can probably imagine, it’s exhausting. Victims often feel violated, helpless, and paranoid, sometimes leading to long-term psychological effects like anxiety or PTSD. Ruined reputation. Identity theft can damage your reputation by linking your name to crimes you didn’t commit. Friends, coworkers, or employers may hear about “your” fraud before you can clear your name, leaving lasting doubt. How identity theft protection service NordProtect helps Taking proactive steps to avoid the devastating consequences of identity theft is key. NordProtect, an identity theft protection tool created by the company behind NordVPN, is designed to keep your personal information safe. NordProtect offers a range of features to help you stay ahead of identity theft and cyber threats. The goal is to keep an eye on your personal information and alert you before anything goes wrong. The quicker you catch it, the less time your personal data spends on the dark web, reducing the chances of it being misused. If hackers try to sell it, acting fast means the buyer won’t have a chance to do anything with it. However, if something does happen, NordProtect won’t leave you to deal with the aftermath alone — it’s got your back with identity theft insurance. Since many victims don’t know where to start, NordProtect also provides expert support to help you recover every step of the way. NordProtect Explore NordProtect 24/7 dark web monitoring NordProtect scans the dark web for any of your personal details — like your email, Social Security number, or other sensitive information. If it detects a leak, you’ll get an instant alert with steps to protect yourself. Credit activity monitoring It monitors your credit file and alerts you to major changes. If someone opens a new account in your name, your credit score fluctuates, or hard inquiries appear, you’ll get a heads-up. Real-time cybersecurity alerts NordProtect keeps you in the loop about data breaches, stolen credentials, and other security risks. With real-time alerts, you can jump into action and secure your accounts before cybercriminals get a chance to exploit your info. Cyber insurance benefits NordProtect offers up to $1 million in financial assistance to help cover identity theft recovery costs, including document replacement, legal fees, and lost wages. It also provides up to $100,000 for expenses related to cyber extortion threats. This also includes expert support, such as access to an identity restoration case manager who’ll guide you through every step of the process. NordProtect pricing Right now, you can get NordProtect for $15.49 per month or save big with the annual plan at just $7.49 per month (billed $89.88 per year). That’s a 50% discount compared to the monthly option, making it the smarter choice for long-term protection. NordProtect is available across the U.S., including U.S. territories and the District of Columbia — except for residents of New York and Washington (for now). Other tips on how to prevent identity theft Besides using an identity theft protection tool, there are other steps you should take to help keep your data safe from identity thieves. Strong online security. Use strong, unique passwords for each account (a password manager can help) and enable two-factor authentication. Monitor your accounts. Regularly review your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity. Freeze or lock your credit if you’re not applying for new accounts. Safeguard your personal information. Shred sensitive documents before tossing them, and think twice before sharing personal details on social media. Secure your devices. Keep your software and antivirus up to date. Use biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) when you can. Only download apps or software from trusted sources. Stay safe online. Stick to secure Wi-Fi networks, avoid clicking on shady links, and be cautious of phishing scams that impersonate legitimate companies to steal your information. Use a VPN. It encrypts your internet connection, which makes it difficult for hackers to access sensitive data like passwords or credit card info. It also masks your IP address, preventing tracking of your online activity. Hackers will have less insight into the websites you visit, adding an extra layer of privacy. Final thoughts Identity theft is a very real and growing threat that affects millions of people every year. While stealing personal information can be easy for criminals, the consequences for victims can be long-lasting and devastating. Investing in identity theft protection tools like NordProtect can help you stay ahead of cyber threats and take action before criminals misuse your personal information. With features like 24/7 dark web and credit activity monitoring, security alerts, and cyber insurance benefits, NordProtect does the heavy lifting for you. It catches threats early so you focus on life instead of fraud. Get NordProtect Today Read...

With so much of our lives now lived online, security is becoming an increasingly important consideration when using a browser. You don’t want third parties watching what you do and tracking where you go, but that’s almost certainly happening already. Thankfully there’s an easy way to combat this intrusive behaviour, by using Surfshark VPN. Not only does it encrypt your online activities and block annoying ads, it also works in the world’s most popular browser via its Chrome extension. So, if you want to beef up your online privacy without the inconvenience that often comes with increased security, Surfshark VPN could be just the thing.  How does Surfshark VPN keep you safe online? When you’re online, especially on a public Wi-Fi network, all the data that travels between your device and the websites you’re accessing is transferred in an unencrypted format. This means that it’s vulnerable to hackers and other snooping techniques which can record the sites you visit and what you do when you’re there.  Surfshark VPN stops this by creating an encrypted tunnel through which your information flows, making it extremely difficult for cybercriminals or third parties to collect your data. There are also advanced features like Dynamic MultiHop, which sends your data through two VPNs for twice the level of encryption, a camouflage mode that makes sure even your Internet Service Provider can’t see which sites you’re visiting, and a cookie pop-up blocker that stops ads and other interruptions while you’re online. Surfshark VPN dramatically increases the security and anonymity of your time on the net, which is perfect if you work remotely, frequently access unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks or just want a bit of privacy when you’re online.  Surfshark Use Surfshark VPN to hide your location and identity Another excellent feature of Surfshark VPN is the ability to disguise your location. This is great if you don’t want anyone to know where you are, plus it can bypass region-locked content filters so you can access websites and other content. For example, say you’re on holiday and want to catch up on your favourite show, but when you go to the streaming service you’re told that the content isn’t available in your current location. You can either wait until you get home or turn on Surfshark VPN, change the server location to your normal country with a single click, and immediately access the site. Easy.  Surfshark VPN doesn’t just let you hide your location, it also has the ability to create alternative identities and emails you can use online to sign up to services or competitions without revealing your regular account. All messages are forwarded to your normal email address, but it’s never revealed to the sender. Then, when you’re finished with that service, just turn off the alternative email and you’ll never hear from them again.  Stay secure while using the Chrome browser Surfshark One of the problems people often come up against when trying to increase the level of security on their system is that it can be inconvenient. Either you have to use a particular browser or jump through other hoops to make sure the protective app is running. With Surfshark VPN this isn’t an issue as it works seamlessly within the Chrome browser via an extension. Simply install it from the Chrome Web store, log into your account, select the VPN server you want and you’re good to go.  The lightning-fast encryption keeps your data hidden, while stopping the slow-downs in performance that can be common with some other VPNs. Surfshark blocks ads, pop-ups and cookies so you can enjoy the internet without the annoyances that seem to get worse each year. There’s also a handy feature that warns you of any reports of data leaks on sites that you use regularly, so you know when it’s time to update your passwords.  So, you can still use your Chrome browser as normal, with the added knowledge that your identity, data and activities are being protected from any unwanted observers.  Start your Surfshark VPN journey with a huge discount There’s never been a better time to try Surfshark VPN, as you can take advantage of the excellent limited-time deal of a 2-year subscription for only $1.69p/m. That’s a massive saving of 86% off the normal price, plus you get an extra three months thrown in for free. Best of all, the service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you’re not risking anything by signing up. If you’re worried about privacy online, but don’t want to move away from the Chrome browser, then Surfshark VPN has you covered. All the freedom and convenience, none of the hassle. Read...

In today’s online age, antivirus software isn’t just a good idea — it’s a necessity. With cyberthreats like malware and viruses lurking online, a strong antivirus acts as your first line of defense. It detects, blocks, and removes harmful software, protecting your devices and data from further harm.  You may have heard about Surfshark VPN — the product that Surfshark is most well-known for. But did you know they also have their own antivirus software, Antivirus? In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what Antivirus offers and why getting it might be a good idea.  Tested and reliable security  When it comes to choosing your antivirus software, it is always good to have one that has been tested and approved by independent organizations. Surfshark Antivirus received a nearly perfect score of 6/6 for protection, 5.5/6 for performance, and 6/6 for usability from AV-test, demonstrating its effectiveness across key areas.  Real-time Protection and Surfshark Cloud Protect  Surfshark Antivirus allows you to protect up to five devices simultaneously. With its Real-time Protection, your devices are continuously shielded from viruses, malware, and spyware. Antivirus actively scans apps and files as you download, install, and use them, promptly alerting you to any potential threats.  A standout feature is Surfshark Cloud Protect, which boosts security by tackling emerging zero-day threats. It works by automatically and anonymously uploading hashes of suspicious, unidentified files for online analysis. The system then checks for the latest security updates, even those not yet released. If the threat is still unidentified, the file is compared against known virus signatures. If a match is found, a new threat entry is created, benefiting all antivirus users.  This ensures that with Surfshark Antivirus, you’re safeguarded against even the latest types of malware and viruses.  Webcam Protection  As personal data becomes increasingly valuable and new privacy risks emerge, making sure your webcam is also protected has never been more crucial. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to your camera, potentially invading your privacy and compromising your security. That’s why having a webcam protection feature in your antivirus software is very important.  Surfshark’s Webcam Protection actively monitors applications attempting to access your camera and blocks any unauthorized attempts. Moreover, it empowers you with full control, allowing you to approve or deny access whenever a new application tries to use your webcam. This ensures that your privacy remains intact and safeguarded when you use your computer.  Web Protection  Web Protection is a great Antivirus feature designed to safeguard you from malware and phishing websites before you download files or enter your information online. It works by examining every URL in your browser and any other program with internet access, identifying which links are safe and which pose a threat. Operating quietly in the background, Web Protection scans all links on your device, including those you might not notice, to prevent malware from infiltrating your system. If it detects a malicious link or software, it automatically blocks it, providing users with enhanced protection against web-based threats.  Customizable scans  Another excellent feature of Surfshark Antivirus is the flexibility to select the scan type that best suits your needs. You have several options:  ? Quick scan: Targets the most vulnerable areas of your device, checking for malware and risks;  ? Full scan: Conducts a comprehensive scan of your entire system, searching for any malware or threats;  ? Drag and drop scan: Allows you to drag specific files or folders for a targeted threat scan.  Additionally, you can set up automatic scans for when you’re away from your device. It’s simple to choose the type of scan you prefer and schedule a specific day and time for the scan to begin.  Antivirus — part of Surfshark One  Surfshark Antivirus is integrated into Surfshark One, a comprehensive online security bundle. This bundle includes a VPN, Antivirus, data leak detector Alert, email masking tool Alternative ID, and a private search engine Search. While it may not cater to those seeking standalone antivirus software, this suite addresses a wide range of online security threats, offering a convenient and effective solution for enhancing your online security.  View Surfshark antivirus Step-by-step guides to using Antivirus and its features  If you’re new to antivirus software and need a straightforward guide to get started, Surfshark has you covered. Visit Surfshark’s Help Center for articles on using Antivirus and its features, complete with helpful screenshots and easy-to-understand instructions.  ? How to use Surfshark Antivirus on Windows ? How to use Surfshark Antivirus on macOS Read...

There are many reasons you might want to “delete yourself” from the internet. From receiving frustrating amounts of spam to protecting yourself from carefully crafted scams fueled by the availability of personal data. But it goes much deeper than that. Having your personal information floating around online leaves you more vulnerable to identity theft, a type of fraud that can lead to criminals opening lines of credit in your name. Stalkers can use location and other data to commit their crimes. Even the seemingly more mundane uses of personal data can be enough to make you want to delete yourself from the internet. You might find loan applications being inexplicably rejected, insurance premiums going up or job searches getting drawn out. Companies checking your credit rating is one thing, but these effects could stem from inaccurate, outdated or irrelevant information being used in decision-making processes that affect you in very real ways. What it means to “delete yourself from the internet” We’re not talking about completely disappearing from the internet. For one, this is very difficult if not impossible to do, even if you were to throw near-unlimited resources at the problem. It’s also probably not something you’d want to do even if you could. There’s a way you can keep making use of all the benefits the internet has to offer—like the unparalleled shopping, communication and information-sharing opportunities—without leaving yourself needlessly vulnerable to all the downsides. The key is getting your personal information under control. You don’t need to delete yourself entirely, it’s often enough to remove your personal information from circulation. “Personal information” includes things like your: Current and past names, and any aliases Current and past addresses Email addresses Phone numbers Educational background Work history Income bracket Licenses Certifications Marital status Sexual orientation Financial information Criminal record Court records And much, much more. Not exactly the kinds of details you’d want shady companies to package and resell behind your back, or put on Google Search so that anyone can buy access to them for as little as a dollar. There are two ways to tackle this problem, and you’ll need to do both to see long-term results: Figure out how you’re putting personal information online and bring it down to a level with which you’re comfortable Put a stop to companies grabbing and publishing or otherwise disseminating what personal data you do end up generating down the line. Just going about your day-to-day business generates personal data that can then be scooped up by companies that know how to monetize it at your expense. Everything from doing some online shopping to selling a house or vehicle leaves traces. Stop any personal information that’s already out there from being spread around We’re starting here because you’ve already got personal information doing the rounds online—pretty much everyone does. So the first thing you’ll need to do is interrupt the flow of what’s already out there. There are a couple of things you can do to make this happen. Stop companies packaging and selling your personal information online and off There are companies—called data brokers—that specialize in collecting, organizing and selling personal information. They get your personal data by scraping the web, purchasing or otherwise acquiring ready-made profiles, or a combination of the two. The most visible data brokers are commonly known as “people finder” or “people search” sites. You can see examples of these sites, and the information they have on you, simply by performing a web search for your full name, address or phone number. These sites will likely show you a free “teaser” of your profile, with the full records being locked behind a paywall. It gets worse: people search sites are just the tip of the data brokerage iceberg. Many data brokers operate in the background, selling personal information to other businesses and organizations rather than putting it on websites aimed at individuals. You won’t find these companies by simply searching for your details, but they’re out there. Hundreds of them. People search sites sell your data to anyone who’s willing to pay for access, including unscrupulous landlords, curious neighbours, nosy coworkers, stalkers, even scammers. Other data brokers will sell your data to: Advertisers Marketers Government agencies Insurance companies Banks Employers And many more. Thanks to state privacy laws like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you can do something about this. To comply with laws like this, data brokers have to have an opt-out procedure in place to give people caught up in their personal-data dragnets a clear way out. You can track down these companies one by one and submit an opt-out request to each one. Some are just a matter of a couple of clicks and take 5 minutes to complete, others can be a real nightmare and can take 45 minutes or more. Add the time it takes to find them in the first place, and you’re looking at hundreds of hours in total. Or, you can sign up for an automated personal information removal service, like Incogni. These services already know where to find some of the most connected brokers and how to submit opt-out requests in line with their requirements—because virtually every one has a different procedure to follow. Incogni makes it easy for anyone to remove their personal information from being searched online. Subscribers get a 30-day moneyl-back guarantee on automated data removal services, including recurring removal from 220+ data broker sites. With flexible plans for just $7.49/month for one person (billed annualyy) or $16.49/month for the family plan, Incogni offers privacy protections against identity theft, scam robocalls, and exposure after breached data. Get Incogni Remove your personal information from Google Search results You’ve seen how a search engine can reveal your personal information to anyone who knows your name, address, email or phone number. With the latest “face-search” technology, they don’t even have to know that much, a surreptitiously taken photo is all it takes. Google Search, with its monopoly over the search market, is likely the first place most people will look. Google won’t always agree to remove links from its search results and, even if it does, it can only remove links from Google Search: it can’t affect the content itself and it can’t stop that content from showing up on other search engines. To have content taken down at the source, you’ll need to contact the relevant webmaster. Here’s a quick rundown of your options on Google Search: Use this form to remove outdated content Use this form to remove harmful or illegal content (as long as it violates Google’s terms of service) Finally, use this form to remove content that contains “select personally identifiable information (PII) or doxxing content.” Stop new personal information from getting out into the wild Stopping data brokers from buying and selling your data and getting Google Search to remove your personal information from its search results can only do so much if you keep allowing new personal information to appear online. “Allowing” might be a bit harsh, given that you might not be aware of how some of your data is getting out there. We’ll get to that. Stop publishing personal information online Social media platforms are careful to use words like “share” when encouraging users to publish content, including personal information. “Sharing” makes it sound like you have some control over who sees what you post. But “publishing” is more accurate: social media posts are public by default. The best advice is as predictable as it is inconvenient: delete your social media accounts to protect your privacy and delete yourself from the internet. Short of doing that, here’s a list of things you can do to limit the damage: Switch from mainstream social media platforms like Facebook and X (Twitter) to decentralized and open-source platforms like Mastodon. Set any social media profiles you decide to keep to private mode, so that only people you know and trust can see your posts. Check and double-check anything you decide to post publicly for personal information, this will become second nature sooner than you might think. Turn location services off on mobile devices before posting, many social media platforms will grab this information from your device, some will append it to your posts. Check photos for anything that could reveal personal information, look out for reflections, documents, screens (that show private information), and unique identifiers like car registration plates. Strip photos of metadata—metadata is text that’s automatically attached to photos and contains a lot of information about the location at which the photo was taken as well as the device on which it was taken. Apply the same level of caution when uploading video and audio recordings. The same holds true for any blogging or vlogging you do, the comments you leave on various platforms, and anything you post on forums. Stop your devices from leaking personal information The above best practices come into play when you’re actively publishing information online, but a lot of personal data leaves your devices when you’d least suspect it. Here are just some examples: Apps and programs Mobile apps and computer programs that have been granted access to location data, device information, microphone and camera inputs, and files (including documents, photos, videos and audio recordings) can leak personal information while you’re not even using them. Such apps and programs might have been set up to “dial home” periodically and upload your data. This might be necessary to support their features, or it might be to harvest data that’s then sold to advertisers in order to generate revenue—free apps are often monetized in this way. Even apps developed with the most honest of intentions and collecting only the bare minimum of data can be hijacked by malicious actors (think: hackers) and have any data they have access to stolen (“breached”). Delete any apps and programs you haven’t used in a while. For particularly data-hungry apps like Facebook, Amazon, and so on, consider using the respective websites instead. Web browsers Browsers are a special category of app or program, mainly because we do so much through a browser. They have access not only to hardware (like cameras and microphones), but also information (in the form of files) and—perhaps most importantly—to users’ behaviour and movements across the web. And no, “incognito” or “private” mode doesn’t do anything to help you here. Diligently research any browser you decide to use. Options like Google’s Chrome are very secure but not private, whereas something like Mozilla’s Firefox is both secure and private. Stick to well-known and trusted browsers, avoid new browsers that don’t have an established track record, and watch out for browsers that had a good reputation in the past but have since changed hands. Browser-based games Games can take a lot of resources to develop and maintain, so you might wonder how so many impressive-looking browser-based games can be offered for free. Often, it’s by collecting and selling or otherwise monetizing personal information. Avoid free online, especially browser-based, games. Be particularly wary of games with development teams from countries like China and Russia. Again, even games produced by the most trustworthy and well-intentioned developers can be breached by third parties. Any stockpile of personal data is going to be a target for hackers and other bad actors. Operating systems This is one that’s more for the technically minded, but it’s worth keeping in mind for everyone. The operating system on your device (whether Windows, macOS, Android or iOS) has access to everything you do on that device. Both Microsoft and Apple harvest personal data from their users, and both have business interests in protecting that data from competitors and bad actors. There are two problems here: Microsoft and/or Apple having vast stores of your personal data is a bad thing in and of itself, and neither company is able to guarantee the security of that data—both have suffered and continue to suffer data breaches. Alternatives exist, mainly in the form of Linux and the BSDs. These operating systems are open-source, meaning that anyone can review their source code to look for security vulnerabilities and privacy threats. As a result of this transparency, and the general absence of corporate interests, these systems are both more secure and more private. The catch is that these operating systems are unfamiliar to most people, and can take some getting used to. Although the Linux operating system in particular has many extremely user-friendly “versions” (called distributions) available, and almost all of them are readily given away, free of charge. Stop your online accounts from leaking personal information We covered how publishing personal information online can jeopardize your privacy, but you don’t have to actively post things yourself for the information to get out there. If you’re active online, and especially if you do a lot of online shopping, you can easily have hundreds of online accounts out there. Many of which you probably only used once, to grab that Black Friday deal, for example. Apart from the fact that you’re effectively trusting dozens if not hundreds of companies to not misuse your data, you’re also trusting that they won’t leave that data unsecured, that they won’t be bought out by less scrupulous companies, and so on. The solution is simple, but it might require some tedious work: delete any accounts you don’t need anymore. If you’ve been using a password manager (like Bitwarden), this shouldn’t be too difficult. Otherwise, search through your emails for keywords like “welcome” and “verification” to ferret out evidence of old accounts. Protect your data with Incogni Read...

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At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Wonderfully faithful to the original Can run custom games from USB HDMI and multiple USB ports Cons No power adapter included Difficult controls for some Games can be difficult Our Verdict The Spectrum faithfully recreates the 80s original with its rubber keys and classic games, delighting older gamers, while younger players may face a steep learning curve due to tricky controls and tough gameplay. However, modern features like save and rewind help mitigate that frustration. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today 1982 saw the arrival of the ZX Spectrum, a British home computer from Sinclair that was both small and cheap. It was made with as few components as possible and connected easily to the TV. Programs ran from compact cassettes, some of you may remember listening to music from these before the advent of CDs. It was possible to program in Basic and play some games. The ZX Spectrum’s competitor was the Commodore 64, a popular machine that Retro Games had already recreated. Nowadays we’ve got The Spectrum, which is ready to take you back to the 80s (but with a modern twist). The Spectrum: Feeling true to the original The Spectrum is incredibly similar to the original. Best of all, Retro Games has managed to recreate the feel of everything from the rubber keys to the gaming experience. However, I wouldn’t recommend playing on a large modern TV, as it just feels wrong. Go for a smaller screen with HDMI instead. The cables that come with it aren’t long enough to sit comfortably with the computer on your lap on the sofa anyway. The press release comes with a thick and comprehensive manual, which is gratifying. It describes all the games, including their controls, as well as explanations of the missions. I was able to navigate more difficult games thanks to this manual. I’m also grateful that The Spectrum has modern features like the ability to save (four slots per game). There’s even a feature that lets you rewind 40 seconds to correct mistakes. Note the faithfully recreated details. The rubber keys give just the right 80s feel and the Basic commands are printed at every key.Ida Blix You get 48 classic games built into the machine, but you can also run your own from USB sticks. The Spectrum supports USB hand controllers (though you may have to program the buttons yourself), but everything can be run directly from the keyboard. I was a little to young to have experienced this machine when it first came around, so the controls were an adventure to master. In the box you’ll find an HDMI cable (provides 720p at 50 or 60 Hz) and a USB cable (power adapter not included). It may look modern with USB-C, but you need to choose a simpler power adapter with 5V and 1A. My modern GAN charger did not work, but an older iPhone charger did. On the back are the home and power buttons along with HDMI and USB for charging and connecting controllers or USB sticks.Ida Blix The Spectrum: Not for everyone As with all retro consoles that are re-launched as a new edition, The Spectrum isn’t for everyone. For new users, there’s a steep learning curve. I don’t have any memories of Sinclair’s wonderful little home computer, but my first gaming memories have the same graphics and feel, so it was a pleasure to take on this experience. For those who had a ZX Spectrum and want to experience it again, The Spectrum is a fun purchase where you get a lot for your money. Specifications: The Spectrum Product: The SpectrumManufacturer: Retro GamesTested: February 2025In the package: Console, HDMI cable, USB cableConnections: 1 USB-C (for power), HDMI, and four ports for hand controllers or USB sticksNumber of games: 48Price: Rating: 4 out of 5 Included games Alien Girl: Skirmish Edition Ant Attack Army Moves Auf Wiedersehen Monty Avalon Bobby Bearing Cosmic Payback Devwill Too Exolon Fairlight Firelord Football Manager 2 Freddy Hardest The Great Escape Head over Heels Highway Encounter The Hobbit Horace Goes Skiing Jack the Nipper Knot in 3D The Lords of Midnight Manic Miner Match Day II Movie Nodes of Yesod Penetrator Phantis (Game Over II) Pheenix Pyracurse Quazatron Robin of the Wood Saboteur! Remastered Shovel Adventure Skool Daze Snake Escape Spellbound Starquake Starstrike II El Stompo Stonkers TCQ Target: Renegade Technician Ted – The Megamix Tenebra Trashman The Way of the Exploding Fist Wheelie Where Time Stood Still Read...