BlackJack3D/Getty Images Virtual private networks are no longer just for tech enthusiasts and privacy buffs — they’ve become an essential tool for navigating a more restricted internet. VPNs offer a lifeline to digital freedom and security, from bypassing censorship to securing data from prying eyes.   In the US, legislation in several states has blocked adult websites or placed them behind strict age gates. Regional policies limit access to various types of content, including streaming services and…

Mihaela Rosu/Getty Images On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop delivering security updates to your Windows 10 PC unless you’re willing to pay an exorbitant price to join the Extended Security Updates program.  If you try to upgrade to Windows 11 on a PC that’s more than a few years old, you’ll be told — in no uncertain terms — that your old PC doesn’t qualify because its CPU isn’t on the official list of compatible…

by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Note: This article was originally published in January 2017. It has been updated multiple times since then to reflect the most current information. The most recent update was on January 18, 2025. When Microsoft released Windows 10 in 2015, it offered the new operating system as a free, no-strings-attached upgrade for anyone still running a supported, fully activated previous version of Windows. That offer was only supposed to last for…

Considering that Samsung’s Unpacked invitation reads, “The new Galaxy S series is about to set the bar once again for mobile AI experiences now and into the future,” it’s nearly certain that the S25 lineup will launch at the event.  When Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 8 Elite in October, the company shared that Samsung would be one of the leading manufacturers to adopt the mobile platform. With this event being Samsung’s first release since the Snapdragon 8…

ZDNET’s key takeaways Asus’ ProArt PA27 is on sale at Amazon for $800. This 5K monitor delivers stunning visual quality and color reproduction on par with Apple’s monitors. Power users, however, may be frustrated with the display’s limited array of ports and low refresh rate. more buying choices High-quality 5K monitors have been around for years, but they’re a rare sight on most desks. Although their high resolutions are great for creative work, these displays…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 with the Snapdragon X Plus processor is available now, starting at $749. It’s durable and reliable, runs cool, and features a comfortable keyboard and nice OLED display. However, it might not stand out in a market of similarly-specced devices that are lighter and cheaper. more buying choices We’ve tested many of Lenovo’s newest devices with top-tier hardware over the last few months, but some of the more accessible…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The Vivobook S 15, Asus’ first Copilot+ PC, normally retails for $1,299, but it is currently on sale for $1,099 on Amazon. It is sleek and lightweight with a gorgeous OLED display, great battery life, and snappy performance. However, because of the nature of Windows on ARM laptops, it’s not yet optimized for certain apps and games more buying choices What’s the deal? Amazon is currently selling the Asus Vivobook S 15…

ZDNET’s key takeaways The LG S95TR soundbar with wireless subwoofer is optimized for the company’s OLED TVs with immersive audio features. The LGS95TR may be expensive, but the high-quality audio is easily worth the price. The soundbar has many features, but some of the best ones require a newer LG TV model. more buying choices LG released the S95TR soundbar earlier this year, following much hype, as a high-end complement to its newest OLED TVs. The…