NETWORKING

Components of a data security plan Many strategies have been developed over the years to complement and extend the importance of data backup. Many of these focus on redundant servers, incident and threat identification and reporting, vulnerability assessments, risk mitigation strategies, user authentication controls and least privilege (no one gets more privilege than they require) principles along with the use of firewalls, intrusion detection systems and VPNs. They also focus on server room physical security,…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Minisforum AI370 EliteMini normally retails for $1,170 It’s a powerful mini PC with plenty of ports, support for an 8K display, and runs cool and quiet You’ll still need to supply your own peripherals, and it’s best purchased while on sale. A coupon is available on Amazon for the Minisforum AI370 EliteMini, slashing the price tag by $234. You can buy the desktop for about $935. I remember when PCs were massive, hulking…

Adam Breeden/ZDNET Amazon’s second annual Big Spring Sale (commonly known as the Amazon Spring Sale or Spring Deal Days in the UK) will return tomorrow, Tuesday, March 25.  Also: The best early Amazon Spring Sale deals live now The last week has already been littered with plenty of early offers at the retailer, but the official Big Spring Sale will extend through Monday, March 31. Earlier this month, Amazon shared that customers can expect savings of…

ZDNET As an iPhone user, I’ve been waiting years for Siri to improve. But if anything, Apple’s beleaguered voice assistant has gotten worse. Whether I’m chatting with Siri when I’m at home, out and about, or behind the wheel via CarPlay, it still often fails to respond correctly. I’ve tried using other assistants, such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Those are helpful when I need in-depth information or analysis. But since Siri is built into…

Sigma BF camera in silver. Sigma Corp. Cameras were long ago overtaken by smartphones, but one class of camera, the “mirrorless,” has seen a surge of interest in the past five years. Since 2019, unit sales of mirrorless cameras have grown by 150%, overtaking their predecessor, the DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera.  An amazing 5.6 million mirrorless cameras were sold last year, two-thirds of the total digital camera market, according to data gathered by the…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Nitecore NB10000 has a lightweight construction that’s ideal for travelers and storage. Robust charger with all the essentials you’d need. It’s rated IPX5 to handle splashes of water I don’t usually worry too much about the weight of power banks, but a multi-day adventure I am planning has got me thinking about every gram I’ll be carrying for the 10 days or so of hiking. I’ll definitely need a power bank,…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Asus Vivobook Pro 15 is a solid machine for graphic design and creative work that won’t break the bank. Its Nvidia GeForce GPU, OLED display, and full-sized keyboard can handle even the toughest of tasks. However, the short battery life and placement of the heat vents may pose some usability issues. I have to be honest: when I first heard about the Asus Vivobook Pro 15, I didn’t think much of it….

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Cuktech 30 is a compact yet powerful power bank that can output a maximum of 300W. It can recharge in under 2.5 hours thanks to 140W USB-C charging At 40,000mAh/144Wh, it’s too big to take on an airplane. Power banks come in all shapes and sizes. Some are small enough to attach to your phone, while others are so big and bulky they come with a handle. Occasionally, you’ll find one…

Kerry Wan/ZDNET After the initial setup, most people rarely engage directly with their smart TV. With wireless connectivity, phone apps, and remote controls, there’s little need to. Tucked next to the essential HDMI ports, a USB 2.0 port — likely sitting unnoticed on the back or side panel — offers more potential than you might expect.   Also: The default TV setting you should turn off ASAP – and why it makes such a big…