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June Wan/ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways Proton VPN offers both a free and paid VPN service with advanced online security features to prevent cyberthreats, and a network of reliable servers for browsing and streaming. It’s averagely priced compared to other VPN providers, costing $107.76 ($4.49/month) for two years and $59.88 ($4.99/month) for the annual plan. Proton VPN is compatible with a relatively small range of devices, and the free app doesn’t support streaming. Proton VPN is…

Two-thirds (66%) of respondents stated that an unparalleled level of security is the most important feature offered by mainframes, and 35% reported that increased security is an advantage of modernizing the mainframe. The vendors also added a number of other general security services. For example, Kyndryl now integrates services with Microsoft Purview to assess and manage compliance across multi-cloud and hybrid cloud environments. A global team of security experts recommend the most relevant assessments and advise…

Yuichiro Chino/Getty Images I have been a DigitalOcean customer for years. When I first encountered the company back in 2016, it provided a very easy-to-spin-up Linux server with a variety of distros as options. It differentiated itself from web hosting providers by offering infrastructure — rather than software — as a service.  Dillon Erb, DigitalOcean VP Image: Dillon Erb Most web hosting providers give you a control panel to navigate the web hosting experience for…

PM Images/Getty Images Update: As of October 1, 2024, Microsoft has made it more difficult to bypass these compatibility checks, but there are workarounds for most modern PCs. Some older devices, especially those built using AMD processors, might be out of luck, however. I’ve updated the instructions in this post to account for the changes.  On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop delivering security updates to your Windows 10 PC unless you’re willing to pay…

Virgin Media O2 At a time when AI scams are on the rise, one mobile operator is fighting back — with an AI grandma. In a blog post, UK mobile operator Virgin Media O2 introduced “Daisy,” an AI granny whose sole purpose is to answer the phone and keep scammers busy.   Also: AI songs are infiltrating Spotify – here’s why it’s an issue for fans and creators Here’s how Daisy works. If a phone…

Get Windows 11 Pro at a big discount right now. StackSocial Need an operating system upgrade? Windows 11 Pro puts productivity in your hands with features that make everything from hybrid work to streaming entertainment easy, and you can grab the software for a discounted price right now through Stack Social. A lifetime subscription for the software is $18 right now, saving you 90%.  Windows 11 Pro brings an improved user interface and heightened customization…

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET What’s the deal? The AstroAI L4 is available from Amazon for $40, which is 50% off the regular price. ZDNET’s key takeaways The AstroAI L4 is available from Amazon for $80. It’s portable, has an excellent runtime, and is very powerful and easy to use. The supplied hose is a bit on the short side, and there is no way to deflate overinflated tires. I never really knew how much I needed a…

Arrowmax SES Max Electric Mini Power Screwdriver. Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET What’s the deal? The Arrowmax SES Max is available for $70 on Amazon for Prime members, and now there’s a click the coupon to get a additional 10% off. ZDNET’s key takeaways The Arrowmax SES Max is available from Amazon for $80. Ergonomic and well-built, and the motion control feature is close to magic. App features are limited. I’ve tested a lot of electric screwdrivers over…

Score a Microsoft Office license now at a big discount. StackSocial Whether you’re setting up your new laptop or using a machine you’ve had for years, access to Microsoft Office is a necessity for many of us to get things done. Right now, you can buy a lifetime license to the 2019 version of Microsoft Office Professional Plus for either Windows or Mac from Stack Social for $27 — that’s 88% off.  The only major difference between Office…