Software
SEE SOFTWARE STORIES BY CATEGORY
Tip
How to quickly insert an electronic signature in Word
You no longer want to sign your Word documents by hand, but want to insert an electronic signature into the document quickly and easily. This is how it works.
How-To
Moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11? What’s different, and how to adapt
Windows 11 isn't as different from Windows 10 as it might seem at first glance. And what you can't get used to, you can often restore.
Deal
Best VPN deals: Protect your privacy for the lowest prices
We've scoured the web to help you find the best deals on VPNs available this March. Currently on discount: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
How-To
Is a hacker logged into your Google account? Here's how to tell
If someone’s lurking within your email, photos, and other files, you can boot them.
Feature
Signal controversy: Why the secure messaging app is all over the news
Here’s why this encrypted messaging app is part of such a stir—and the takeaway for your own communication.
Tip
Use this trick to beat shady 'dynamic pricing' when shopping online
Dynamic pricing algorithms adjust prices individually, often not in the customer's favour. Delete cookies to defend yourself against this.
Reviews
R-Drive Image 7.3 review: A backup favorite gets even better
With added support for S3/S3-compatible online storage services, the rapidly evolving R-Drive Image is maturing with a vengeance.
Tip
Already using random passwords? Great. It’s still not enough
You should definitely use random passwords. But now they’re only just one part of the best way to bolster your online security.
Opinion
Facebook's new 'OG Friends' feed feels so damned sleazy
After serving as a breeding ground for disinformation, Facebook wants to go back to a sanitized "OG" Friends feed. The hypocrisy is astounding.
News
OpenAI releases impressive 4o image generator for free and paid users
The new GPT-4o model produces more accurate and photorealistic results than the previous Dall-E model.
Tip
Malware can lurk in file conversion tools, FBI warns. Try these instead
Watch out for lesser-known document converters, because they might steal your identity—or hold your PC for ransom.
News
Vivaldi and Proton VPN team up to protect your data from Big Tech, for free
Powerful web browser Vivaldi is partnering with privacy-conscious Proton VPN to give users back control over their digital lives.
News
I asked ChatGPT to make an image of a completely full glass of wine. It did
“Create an image of a glass of red wine, filled all the way.” It's a prompt that stumps many AIs, but ChatGPT's updated image-generating engine can do it. (Don't ask for a clock, though.)
Updated
Best VPN services 2025: Top picks for speed, price, privacy, and more
Surfing the web through a virtual private network (VPN) can keep your identity and data safe and secure online. We show you what to look for in a VPN and help you pick the best one for your needs.
News
Microsoft is bringing back a failed app from Windows 8
Microsoft's People app survived throughout Windows 8 and Windows 10, but Microsoft killed it. Now, People and File Search are new Microsoft 365 mini-apps for Windows that Microsoft is testing again.
News
ChatGPT now speaks even more naturally with fewer interruptions
OpenAI has updated ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode feature, promising a more realistic and pleasant conversation experience.
News
This PC security guru fell for a scam. Here are 3 lessons from his mistakes
Even smart, knowledgeable experts can fall for phishing attacks. Here’s what happened, and how you can avoid the same fate.
News
Discord's new PC app is faster, cleaner, with a fresh coat of paint
The revamped Discord desktop app brings a completely new look and exciting new features.
News
Update now! Chrome patches 'high risk' zero-day security flaw on PCs
Google just released a new security update for Chrome on Windows that fixes a vulnerability that's already being exploited by attackers.
Best Picks
Best VPNs for torrenting 2025: Speed, privacy, and security matter
Staying safe while torrenting is essential, and using a VPN like any of these top picks is the best way to do it.
News
Microsoft's new Copilot interface looks a lot like one you already know
If you're used to ChatGPT, you'll probably feel more at home with Copilot going forward.
Opinion
How Nvidia’s CEO got me excited about our 'agentic AI' future
We're heading for a new AI age and it's going to be mind-blowing!
Feature
23andMe is bankrupt. Should you worry about your DNA data?
Genetics testing company 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy—and the possible impact of this move on data privacy has become a big concern.
Feature
I swore ExpressVPN was the best. Then I switched to NordVPN
After many years of using ExpressVPN, I've finally made the switch to NordVPN and I think you should, too.
Updated
Best online backup 2025: iDrive, Backblaze, Livedrive, and more
We review the best cloud backup services so you can find the right solution for keeping a safe, offsite copy of your data should disaster strike.
Tip
Stopped checking Facebook? How to get email alerts for messages and invites
Worried about missing Facebook messages, invites, and more? Set up email alerts and be notified whenever stuff happens on your Facebook account.
News
Heads up! Microsoft is killing OneNote for Windows 10 soon
With Windows 10 coming to an end in October, Microsoft is also ending support for OneNote for Windows 10. You'll start experiencing performance hits as early as June.
News
AI-driven phishing scams exploded last year. The trend continues in 2025
Phishing scams are already hard to spot, but AI is making them more deceptive and more dangerous than ever.
Feature
I’m watching out for personalized scams. You should, too
Most scams cast their nets wide and far. But technology is making the targeting of specific individuals far easier—including everyday people like you and me.
How-To
Is your Windows PC's security firewall good enough? An explainer
Does the Windows firewall protect your computer sufficiently? What contribution does your router make — and who needs additional security software? This article explains.
Feature
Why you should never, ever delete your spam email
Instead of deleting spam emails, you should consider marking them, which teaches the spam filter to better recognize and catch unwanted emails.
Updated
Best Windows backup software 2025: Protect your data!
The best free and paid backup software for your Windows system, disks, and data.
Feature
Google search might be sharing your home address. Here's how to stop it
A curious individual doesn’t need to go to the dark web to find where you live—it takes just a simple Google search. But you can restore your privacy.
How-To
Windows 10 support ends soon. Here’s how to upgrade to Windows 11
It's time to abandon Windows 10. Here's how to install and familiarise yourself with Windows 11.
News
Google is now integrating Gemini AI directly into Chrome
An experimental version of Chrome shows that Gemini AI is getting crammed in, but it's still rough around the edges.
Updated
PowerSchool hackers have your kids' info. These 3 steps can protect you
Data breaches like the PowerSchool hack puts your kids’ names and social security numbers in the hands of bad actors—and increases their fraud risk.
Deal
Spring cleaning your PC is super easy with CCleaner for $10 (75% off)
Get a 1-year license for CCleaner Professional 6 for 75% off at PCWorld's Software Store.
Feature
Intel's AI Playground is the perfect 'everything' app for newbies—with a catch
Intel's AI Playground is one of the best AI apps. It combines AI art, AI editing, and an AI (LLM) chatbot into a single free application. Why is it just for a subset of Intel processors?
Updated
PowerSchool’s simple security error was avoidable. You can do better
Keep your sensitive accounts safe with this easy security upgrade.
Reviews
Proton VPN review: Great paid plan, even better free plan
Proton VPN, from the Proton line of personal security services, is a great standalone paid VPN and its free option has quickly become my favorite.
Feature
I made a 'paranoid PC' to dodge hackers. Its secret? An obscure Windows feature
If you want to optimize your PC for security and privacy, may I suggest building a "Paranoid PC"? It just takes a little-known feature of Windows combined with some other security tools.
Feature
I tried running AI chatbots locally on my laptop — and they kinda suck
While it's possible to run LLMs locally on laptops now, there are still too many obstacles to hurdle. The technology just isn't there yet.
Tip
Never pay full price for Amazon purchases again with this free site
Don't be misled by "deals" that aren't truly deals. With this nifty site at your disposal, you'll never be swindled on Amazon again.
Updated
Best VPN for streaming Netflix 2025: Watch from wherever you are
Netflix doesn't like VPNs, but these services promise not to chill on Netflix compatibility.
Feature
I stopped using Alexa long ago. Here are 6 ways Alexa+ could lure me back
Alexa got so annoying that I stuffed most of my Echo speakers in a box. Could the new AI Alexa change my mind?
Feature
How ChatGPT coached me to email greatness
ChatGPT helps me sound less awkward in professional email exchanges.
News
In wake of scandal, Google clamps down on Chrome shopping extensions
Chrome extensions are no longer allowed to mess with affiliate links or trick users with promises of fake discount coupons.
News
Big March patch fixes dozens of security flaws in Windows and Office
Microsoft fixed 58 security vulnerabilities on Patch Tuesday, including several that are already being exploited in the wild.
Feature
New to Bluesky? Do these 7 things to make the most of it
Heed these tips to make your Bluesky experience that much better for you in the long run.
News