Today, the internet has become like water and electricity, a necessity for everyday life and something we take for granted. Most people never think about routers, network cables, frequency bands, and more as long as everything works. But wireless networks — Wi-Fi — are not flawless and few users have never had problems. Common problems include weak coverage in parts of the home, devices being disconnected and having to be reconnected manually, choppy music and video playback on connected devices, and slower-than-promised speeds on large downloads. By optimizing your router’s settings and placement in your home, you can achieve a more stable and faster Wi-Fi network. Often this is enough, but otherwise there is help from different types of networking equipment. Related: How to choose a new router and get started with important settings Optimal router settings Foundry Different routers offer different levels of customization for Wi-Fi settings, but the vast majority have at least the following settings: Channel width Channel width refers to how much of the available frequencies in a frequency band the communication between router and devices takes up. Narrow channels allow for more channels, which means that several different networks can operate simultaneously in the same location without interfering with each other. But wider channels mean more data can fit per transmission, resulting in a higher overall speed for connected devices — as long as the signal is strong enough. If your router can choose the channel width automatically, this is likely to give you the best results. Some routers can automatically vary the channel width to optimize the network. If you have to choose for yourself, or just want to test whether it can be useful, you can test from the top down — start with 160MHz in the 5GHz band and step down to 80- and 40MHz and see how it affects the experience of devices around the home. If your router supports the 6GHz band, you can probably push a little harder and choose the widest possible channels, but as radio is complicated, it’s always best to test the waters. Foundry Channel – manual or automatic Depending on the channel width, there are different numbers of channels to choose from. For example, with 160MHz channel width there are only three channels, while with 40MHz there are 14 in the 5GHz band. The 2.4GHz band can only use channels of 20- or 40MHz, and the normal one is 20Mz because it can fit three channels without overlap (channels 1, 6, and 11). In houses without interference, 40MHz can work. Normally, it’s best to let the router choose itself as it has a better idea of which channel has the least “noise,” but if you have coverage problems in a particular part of the house and can see that a neighbor in that direction is using the same channel as your router has chosen, you can try a different channel. TP-Link Combined or separate frequency bands Behind the scenes, Wi-Fi over 2.4GHz and 5GHz are completely separate and use different antennas, but normally the router creates a common network name (SSID) to which devices connect. Which frequency band they connect with can either be up to the device itself, chance, or the router (see below). This usually works well, but you may find it useful to choose two separate networks with separate names instead. This can be useful, for example, if you have smart home devices that only support 2.4GHz and are having trouble connecting (which is relatively common). It can also help if you have devices that insist on connecting to the 5GHz band even though the signal is weak due to an obstruction such as a brick wall or some other reason. Lower frequencies penetrate walls better, so the 2.4GHz band is often more reliable at a distance from the router. Band steering On networks that combine multiple frequency bands, devices or routers must choose which band to communicate in. Most routers have a feature called band steering that automates the selection based on various parameters. On newer routers from Asus, you can set how it should choose, but as you can see in the picture below, solid knowledge is required to do a better job than the router, if possible. The Quality of Service (QoS) function balances the network and ensures that no single device takes up all the bandwidth.Foundry If you have a specific problem, such as devices that insist on connecting on the 5GHz band even in parts of your home where the signal is so weak that the internet is slow, you can experiment with the settings. The Small Net Builder website has a good guide to Asus settings. Quality of Service gives all devices a chance Quality of Service, or QoS, is a feature found in many higher-end routers that balances the network so that no single device hogs all the bandwidth. Without QoS, a computer running Bittorrent, for example, with hundreds of active connections, can saturate the connection to the internet service provider on its own. QoS can also be used to prioritize certain types of traffic. Most typical are online games that require very short response times to mitigate lagging. Setting QoS to prioritize games reduces the likelihood that temporary spikes in network activity will cause games to hack. Video calling is also something that can benefit greatly from a QoS service in the router, as it requires both relatively short response times and a steady stream of data. Routers with large processors often do better without QoS than less well-equipped routers. Problems that can be solved with QoS are often due to something called bufferbloat, where the router queues up too many packets and can’t forward them all in a reasonable time. A faster connection won’t help, and incorrect router settings can make it worse. Bufferbloat test results from Waveform.Foundry You can test for yourself how much bufferbloat your router suffers from with tests at dslreport.com or waveform.com. Both give a rating, so you don’t need to understand all the numbers. But in case you’re wondering, it’s all about how much response times degrade when the connection is heavily loaded. Whether you have a lot of bufferbloat or not, you can try enabling QoS if your router has the feature, especially if you experience occasional problems with gaming or video calls. If you can’t find the settings for your particular router, search for “[router model] qos” and you’ll probably get both an answer to whether it has the feature at all and, if so, how to enable it. Change the order of priority in Adaptive QoS.Foundry As an example, take my newly purchased Asus router, which has a feature called Adaptive QoS. Here, I can choose one of five preset profiles that prioritize different things — gaming, streaming, general browsing, distance learning, or remote work. You can also set the prioritization order manually. I should point out, however, that Adaptive QoS is one of several features in Asus routers that require you to authorize security firm Trend Micro to collect data from you. Other router manufacturers may have other similar agreements for certain features. Netspot Map your home and find the radio shadows If you’ve tested out the best Wi-Fi settings on your router but are still having problems with slow internet, or devices occasionally losing connection in remote parts of your home, it might be time to look at upgrading your network. Before splurging on a new, more powerful router or any kind of extension, it’s a good idea to check what the signal strength is actually like in your home. There are a number of programs that can help you with this, such as Netspot. You will need a floor plan of your home and a laptop. Once you have installed the program and launched it, select the Survey tab and create a new project. Here you can upload an image of the floor plan or draw it manually. A calibration function ensures that the distances are correct, and before you start taking measurements, you can choose how large an area each measurement point should cover. I recommend the default setting. Then you simply carry the computer around to different locations in your home and let Netspot measure the signal strength. Click on the floor plan to show where you are at each measurement and on the stop button when you’re done. The results are displayed as a color chart of the floor plan, with warmer colors indicating stronger signals. Areas in blue show parts of the home where the router has difficulty reaching. Measuring many places around your home can give you a good idea of where it might make sense to place an extender, or whether a router with stronger antennas is likely to reach all corners. It can also help you spot poor router placement, and if you move it to a location that should provide better coverage, you can repeat the survey and check whether it actually did. Dmitry Didorov Reduce the load with cable connections If your problems don’t seem to be due to a weak signal, it could be that you are utilising the full capacity of your Wi-Fi network with many connected devices. If you have a large family where everyone watches a lot of streaming services, this can easily happen. An easy way to give the router and the devices that can only connect wirelessly some wiggle room is to connect desktop computers and other fixed devices with an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. Televisions, games consoles, smart home hubs and media players often have a connector for network cables. If your router doesn’t have enough connectors, you can buy a cheap switch from Netgear or TP-Link, for example. A switch also allows devices connected to it to communicate directly with each other without going through the router, which can further reduce the load on it. For example, if you have a media library on a NAS device and stream from it to a TV or computer and both are connected to the switch, it can have a big effect on the speeds of the Wi-Fi network for other connected devices. Sabine Kroschel Get a Wi-Fi booster, repeater, or mesh Sometimes the only solution to Wi-Fi problems is to upgrade your hardware. There are different options depending on what you have today and what the possibilities are for running cables in your home, for example. Wi-Fi amplifier A Wi-Fi repeater extends an existing network by creating its own network with the same name (SSID). Newer models can connect either by cable or wirelessly. The latter is obviously more flexible, but offers slower speeds and longer response times as devices connected to the extension communicate with the router in two stages. TP-Link Repeater Wi-Fi repeater is the name of an older technology that is not as common today, where a radio intercepts the signal from the router and simply sends it out again. It rarely gets much better and I do not recommend it. Linksys Mesh With mesh routers, you place two or more base stations in the home, where one acts as the main unit and is connected to the broadband. They connect to each other wirelessly but do so either smarter or with separate antennas and channels so that that transmission doesn’t clash with the regular network. For those who have Wi-Fi problems with a regular router and want a simple solution, a mesh system with two or three base stations is often the simplest solution, but rarely the cheapest. Use Netspot to find the best placement of base stations, then just sit back and enjoy. Roadlight Some traditional routers now have a built-in mesh function so you can expand your network afterwards with compatible base stations. Asus, for example, has a feature called AI Mesh, while TP-Link calls its equivalent Onemesh. Both of these manufacturers are flexible with what additional devices you use as base stations, such as another regular router, a mesh router, or a dedicated Wi-Fi extender that supports the mesh system. Unlike regular Wi-Fi extenders, all devices in one of these mesh networks must be from the same manufacturer and support the mesh technology in question. One important thing to consider if you’re getting mesh is to position the base stations so that they have the best possible signal to each other. This means that their signals should overlap but not too much, and there should be as few walls as possible in the straight line between two base stations. Related: How to keep your home network secure: Smart tricks and settings Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros OLED touchscreen looks great Nice solid build Long battery life Cons Few ports in odd spots Expensive  Our Verdict If you’re looking for a solid 2-in-1 that gets the job done and you can get behind the idea of efficiency over power, then the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is worth your Consideration. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Sometimes going all in on next-gen tech is a great way to buy future-proof devices that will ultimately last longer as the rest of the world catches up. Other times, going next-gen will hamper you in the long run because the latest technology isn’t quite ready. The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip Next Gen AI PC 14 (fh0047nr) falls more into the latter. It feels great in the hands and the battery life is to die for, but it’s ultimately hampered (on paper!) by the latest processor inside. But not everything is quite what it seems. The HP OminBook Ultra Flip houses an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor, thus making it among the earliest Lunar Lake laptops. While you’ll see some mixed results in the benchmarks, the devil as always is in the details. Further reading: Best laptops 2024: Premium, budget, gaming, 2-in-1s, and more HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Specs What makes this laptop “next-gen” is that aforementioned Lunar Lake processor, and along with new AI features. Here are the specs as tested: Model number: fh0047nr CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V Memory: 32GB LPDDR5X Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc integrated graphics Display: 2880 x 1800 OLED multi-touch display Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe solid state drive Webcam: 9MP 1440P IR AI camera Connectivity 2x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4, USB4 40Gbps), 1x USB Type-C (10Gbps), 1x combo audio jack Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Biometrics: IR Camera, Fingerprint reader Battery capacity: 64 watt-hours Dimensions: 12.35 x 8.51 x 0.59 in Weight: 2.97 pounds MSRP: $1,599.99 (as specced) HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Build quality IDG / Josh Hendrickson I have two stories to tell when it comes to this HP OmniBook, a story of choices that make me happy and another of choices that confuse me. Thankfully, the latter story is a question of taste and preference, so what I don’t like you may love. Let’s start with build quality, which is very good. Sure, this isn’t a fancy metal unibody machine, but that’s fine. The plastics here look good (for plastic) and feel nice. There’s not much (if any) give or wiggle and you get a nice understated look that won’t embarrass you when you travel. Even the hinge is just the right amount of stiff, which earns bonus points since this is a 2-in-1 that folds all the way around. If you’re looking for a solid 2-in-1 that gets the job done and you can get behind the idea of efficiency over power, then the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is worth your consideration. As someone in his 40s who will surely need reading glasses in the next ten years, I honestly appreciate the large print style lettering on the keys. The choice of blue for the combo power button and fingerprint sensor allows for a tiny splash of color and makes that important key easy to spot. The port placement, however, just confuses me. Never mind how few ports you get, we’ll discuss that in a bit, it’s the positioning I don’t like. Instead of just placing all ports on the left and ride side of the machine, HP put two USB-C ports in the back corners as cutouts. At first glance, that actually seems like it might be nice. After all, it’s similar to a power port in the back of a laptop. But similar isn’t the same and this introduces awkwardness, especially if you need to plug your laptop into an outlet that’s off to the side of you or behind you. That leads to your laptop cord doing a strange bendy curve to get where you need and it’ll stick out pretty far since the connector of your cord is coming out the laptop. Thankfully, HP does include a nice braided cable that should stand up to the abuse. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Keyboard, trackpad IDG / Josh Hendrickson I already mentioned that I like this keyboard’s big bold lettering and that praise extends to using the keyboard. With some laptops, things get scrunched around and you almost have to re-learn how to hold your hands to get back up to fast typing speed. That’s not the case here. The buttons are all a good size and other than the usual squashed arrows you find on most laptops these days, everything is just where I expect it. Of course, the cost of a generously sized keyboard is losing a numpad, so keep that in mind if you absolutely need one. Key travel is good enough all things considered and the click noise is soft yet satisfying. As someone who deals with hand issues, I judge a laptop’s keyboard by how long I can type on it before I start feeling pain and I managed hours on this keyboard with no issues. The trackpad is a nice size and, much to my pleasure, perfectly centered with the keyboard. I never accidentally brushed it and jumped up in my document. It detects my swiped and gestures perfectly and clicking technically worked well, though I did wish for more travel. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Speakers, display IDG / Josh Hendrickson You can’t expect much in terms of audio in thin and portable laptops, so I say this in the nicest terms possible. The Ultra Flip’s speakers are just okay. That’s a low bar, but I’ve honestly listened to far worse speakers in similarly designed 2-in-1s. The volume gets more than loud enough, though you’ll wreck the quality of the sound in the process. There’s a hint of thin bass, which is still better than some, and the soundstage exists. I know that doesn’t sound very complimentary, but when I test laptops, I generally expect speakers to be essentially useless and that’s not the case here. Sure, you’ll still be better off with headphones, but if you forget them, it won’t be the end of the world. The display is a pretty big win thanks to the OLED touchscreen tech behind it. Blacks are oh-so inky, which makes watching movies a joy, especially in tablet mode. And it gets a bit brighter than its AMD counterpart, which addressed one of our few complaints with that model. At 500 nits, it’s more than bright enough for indoor use and good enough for outdoor use as long as it’s not too sunny. When I saw that this is a 3K display, I worried that it would lead to wonkiness in font sizing and video playback, but I never noticed any issues. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Webcam, microphone, biometric options IDG / Josh Hendrickson Right in the usual spot, you’ll find a 9MP 1440p IR webcam, which puts it as a higher resolution than most webcams and a huge step up from the old 720p standard. Alas, specs aren’t everything and this webcam is decent at best. That’s not really HP’s fault. Much like speakers, fitting a great webcam into the tiny space a laptop can afford is a fight with physics you just can’t win. Colors are a little on the yellow and red side, giving me a slightly sunburned and sickly look. But it gets the job done and, of course, you get AI features as well both through Windows and HP’s custom options. I do appreciate the hardware shutter switch, especially since it slides so easily you won’t even need a fingernail. And it’s a nice bonus that this is an IR camera that works with Windows Hello. Speaking of biometrics, the power button also doubles as a fingerprint sensor. Both work quickly and consistently, and it’s nice to have options. The microphone isn’t quite as good. It picked up my voice just fine, but it lacked clarity, especially for a laptop at this price point. Between the microphone, the speakers, and the webcam, you have everything you need for a Zoom call. But you’ll probably be better off if you use Bluetooth earbuds that have a decent microphone. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Connectivity IDG / Josh Hendrickson I often complain when a laptop’s only two USB-C ports are on the same side, especially when they’re also the power ports. Thankfully, that’s not a problem here. Even better, two of those USB-C ports, located on the right side, are lightning fast Thunderbolt 4 ports. The third, found on the left corner, is a 10 GBPS port, which is slower but not the slowest. The port selection is limited to USB-C, though. If you need USB-A, Ethernet, HDMI, or an SD reader, you’ll need to buy a dongle. IDG / Josh Hendrickson At least you’re getting a future-proof laptop in terms of connectivity. The Flip 14 houses a Wi-Fi 7 modem and sports Bluetooth 5.4. That’s probably more advanced than anything you have in your home yet, which means over time as you upgrade everything else, your laptop should keep up. I should also mention that HP included a rechargeable Tilt Pen in my review unit, but it’s listed as optional on the website. It works well enough for taking notes, but it’s nothing special or fancy for drawing and the USB-C port is oddly placed. If it came free, I’d call it a good bonus, but I wouldn’t spend the $77 on it. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Performance At this price, the Ultra Flip 15 features an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V (Lunar Lake) processor, 32GBs of RAM, and 1 TB of storage. On paper, that should be enough to keep up with day-to-day tasks and maybe some light gaming. That said, the reality is different and we’re going to talk about that processor a lot because it requires a reset of expectations. IDG / Josh Hendrickson First, we run PCMark 10, which tests overall performance. Out of the gate. The Ultra Flip scores 6,845, which is around the middle of the road. That actually puts it in line with the other Core Ultra 256V in our comparison slate, but behind other laptops like the ThinkBook G5 and the HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (AMD). In truth, it’s a pretty solid score, especially when considering the processor behind the Flip focuses more on efficiency than power, as we’ll see in the upcoming tests. IDG / Josh Hendrickson Next up is Cinebench R23. This test is multi-threaded, so more cores results in a higher score. But the Core Ultra 256V doesn’t have as many cores as the previous generation. Here you have eight cores, divided evenly between performance and efficiency. In everyday use, multi-threading isn’t necessarily the most important metric though, so don’t count out the Ultra Flip yet. IDG / Josh Hendrickson That efficiency versus power point holds true in the Handbrake test as well. This is another heavily multi-threaded benchmark that runs over an extended period. It’s a good test to see how fast throttling and heat comes into play, which appears to be sooner rather than later in the case of the Ultra Flip 14. Score wise, it’s ahead of the Yoga Slim 7I Aura Edition, which has the same processor as our test model. HP didn’t do anything wrong with the hardware here, it’s just a matter of the processor’s efficiency focus. IDG / Josh Hendrickson In our early testing of the new Lunar Lake processors, we discovered a significant improvement in integrated graphics. This shows in the 3DMark test, where the Flip 14 roars past all the competition with an impressive 4,320 score. This also suggests cooling is efficient, as graphical tests tend to produce plenty of heat. It won’t hold up compared to a gaming laptop with a dedicated GPU, but for integrated graphics, it’s impressive. You could easily do some light gaming on this machine. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Battery life IDG / Josh Hendrickson To test battery life, we put laptops in airplane mode and loop a 4K copy of the Tears of Steel film until the device dies. Given the focus on efficiency, at first, I was disappointed the Ultra Flip didn’t do better in comparison testing. But when I dug into the details, I threw away that disappointment. On its own, running for 1,051 minutes (17 and a half hours!) is astounding. It scores significantly ahead of the Yoga Slim that runs the same processor. The Acer TravelMate and the HP OmniBook offer better battery life, but they’re also running lower resolution displays. At the end of the day, 17 hours is great for this test. While looping a video on airplane mode isn’t a perfect analogy to real world use, this HP does hold up to everyday use. It easily got me through an entire day of writing, social networking, watching videos, and more with plenty of room to spare at the end of the day. If I accidentally left the charger at home, I wouldn’t stress about it too much unless I planned to be gone for a week. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Conclusion The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is sturdy, well built, and has epic battery life. The keyboard also offers a comfortable typing experience and the track pad is easy to use. But it also has flaws, some of which are outside of HP’s control. If your everyday laptop tasks demand multi-threading performance, then the latest Intel processor falls short. While that’s by design, it’s still something to consider. I’m also not a fan of the port placement and, more importantly, the few choices you get in that area. The bloatware bugs me, too. At this price, suddenly having McAfee rear its ugly head not only on the laptop itself but in my e-mails since the trial arrived expired leaves a bad taste in my mouth. The push for AI, both from Microsoft and HP, also falls flat. But it’s all a matter of what you want and need. If you’re looking for a solid 2-in-1 that gets the job done and you can get behind the idea of efficiency over power, then the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is worth your consideration. Read...

Updates for newer Windows versions are often downloaded in the background and installed automatically on the next reboot. This is usually a good thing: The system remains up to date, security gaps are closed, or practical new features and functions are added — as was recently the case with Windows 11 24H2. Sometimes, however, this is not a good thing at all: Sometimes the system fails to update, updates are only downloaded incompletely, or are even faulty from the outset. This was the case recently with the Windows update KB5043145. Instead of exciting new features and optimizations, some users only saw the dreaded blue screen of death (BSOD). If there are problems with a Windows update, you should first banish the troublesome “upgrade” from your system. Microsoft often takes care of such problems promptly and the dilemma is solved with the next Windows update (the update to the update, so to speak). Until then, you can continue to use the “old” Windows version without any problems and without taking any particular risks. We present various ways in which you can reset a Windows update in just a few steps. Before resetting: First go through this checklist To rule out basic problems and conflicts, you should go through this checklist in the event of update difficulties: Make sure that there is enough space on the system hard drive for updates. Restart the system to see whether updates can then be installed correctly. Run the Windows update again if necessary. Disconnect external hardware such as drives or storage media that are not required for system operation. Check the Device Manager to see if any conflicts or errors are reported. Make sure that no virus or malware scanners are torpedoing the update. Such programs may need to be temporarily uninstalled. Check whether the Windows service for updates is activated: Click on Start and enter services.msc. Click on the first hit (“Services”) and search for “Windows Update” at the bottom of the list. The startup type must be set to “manual;” this can be adjusted by right-clicking and then selecting “Properties.” If these steps are unsuccessful, you can reset or repair Windows updates as follows. Option 1: Use the Windows system tool for troubleshooting In Windows 11 you will find the troubleshooting tool for Windows Update under “Oher troubleshooters.”Foundry Microsoft is also aware that its own updates sometimes throw a spanner in the works of the operating system. Modern Windows versions therefore come with tools to fix update problems or reset updates. The simplest method is Windows’ own update troubleshooting, which you can access in different ways depending on the operating system. In Windows 11: Go to “Other troubleshooters” via Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot. There you will find the “Run” command next to the “Windows Update” entry, which you can use to start the troubleshooter. A system restart is then recommended. In Windows 10: Go to “Troubleshooting” via Start > Settings > Update & Security. Alternatively, click on Start and type in troubleshooting and select the first entry “Troubleshooting settings.” In both cases, the entry “Additional troubleshooting” is at the bottom, which we now select. On the left-hand side of the subsequent window, you will then find the “Windows Update” field which, when clicked, reveals the option “Run troubleshooter.” Click on it and wait until the system has finished analyzing and, if necessary, correcting the error and then restart. Option 2: Use the system restore point The system restore is somewhat hidden, but can be accessed in just a few steps.Foundry Windows regularly creates restore points (if you do not manually prevent the process), which can be used to restore the system to a previous state. This can help with problems with updates, but also with many other annoyances with the OS, and no data or settings are lost. Users can also set such restore points manually. How to activate a restore point: Tap on Start and enter restore point there. The first hit should now be “Create restore point,” click on the entry. In the window that opens (tab: “System protection”), select the field “System Restore…”(see image). Click on “Next” in the new window. Windows displays a list of available restore points, select the desired entry. Tip: You can use the “Search for affected programs” command to check in advance which components are affected by the restore. Confirm your selection and click on “Next” and “Finish.” You may need to confirm a security notice. The system will now be reset to the configuration of the restore point and restarted. Option 3: Repair with the Reset Windows Update Tool We can use the free “Reset Windows Update Tool” to repair Windows update components.Foundry Some software problems can only be solved with additional software: With the Reset Windows Update Tool, for example. You can download the free open source program as a portable version (archive) from the linked page. After the download: Unzip the tool into a folder of your choice. Start “wureset.exe” with admin rights. (Right-click and the command “Run as administrator”). Select the program language. In the next step, select “Restore Windows Update Components” (usually “2” and ENTER). The process may take several minutes. Updates should then work again. Option 4: Install updates manually yourself The Microsoft update catalog allows us to download Windows updates ourselves and install them manually. Foundry If the automatic Windows update fails due to an update, you can sometimes help manually and download and install the affected update yourself. For example, after resetting to an old restore point, you can also download important updates without having to use the automatic Windows update to get the problematic update on board again, which you actually want to reset. To do this, however, you need to know the identifier (KB number) of an update. Tip: The update IDs of new updates are often displayed under “Windows Update” before they are installed. Simply enter “Check for updates” under Start and select the entry of the same name. If you cannot find the update in question there, you can also look it up under “Show update history” and view all previous updates together with their names. Then visit the Microsoft update catalog and enter the KB identifier in the search field. Download the affected update yourself. Start the update in your download folder. Option 5: Manually reset and restart update services We can reset update services manually in the command prompt.Foundry We can use the command prompt to stop and restart update services. This method cannot be used to reset updates, but you can help the operating system if it fails to update. Proceed as follows: Click on Start and enter cmd. Right-click on the top hit “Command Prompt” to run the prompt as administrator. Then enter these commands one after the other: net stop bitsnet stop wuauservDism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanupsfc /scannownet start bitsnet start wuauserv This will stop and restart the two services BITS (Intelligent Background Transfer Service) and Wuauserv (Windows Update AutoUpdate Service). You can now try to install the problematic update again. If nothing helps: Reinstall the system If all the steps listed here do not lead to the desired success, you can consider reinstalling Windows. As this can result in the loss of many settings and some data, you should only do this as a last resort: For example, if the system no longer works (correctly) after an update and you don’t want to or can’t wait for a fix from Microsoft. Read...

Many people underestimate the work needed to keep smartphones in tip-top shape. These tiny PCs in your pocket require regular maintenance and important updates in order to stay protected against wear and tear as well as attacks. Turning your phone off completely protects it from some hacks Surprisingly, this includes a very basic task that many people never do: switching your phone off completely. According to security experts at the NSA, this alone helps to protect the device from some hacking attacks. It is now not only common to gain access to smartphones via malicious links, but also via so-called zero-click exploits. This involves bypassing the smartphone’s security features step-by-step, starting with a missed call, then the first installed files, which gradually allow access to the system so hackers can tap into your information. This usually goes unnoticed, but can be prevented by completely rebooting the device. So how often should I turn off my phone? The simple answer from security experts as to how often a phone should be turned off completely is: at least once a week. And not just for the protection it provides! In addition to eliminating the security risk, regular reboots also allow the smartphone’s operating system to run all functions smoothly. By the way: To see how long your device has had to go without switching off, you can easily check the system settings. On Android devices, this can usually be found under “Device” and then “Status.” The uptime is displayed there in hours. Further reading: Does fast charging hurt your phone battery? Read...

Nobody loves vacuuming. That’s why robot vacuums have become the darlings of smart home technology, promising to tackle one of our most tedious household chores. But with hundreds of models flooding the market, ranging from basic bumper-car cleaners to AI-powered navigators, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to pick a robot vacuum that actually delivers on its promise of making your life easier. And once you’re ready to decide, browse our favorite robot vacuums and mops of 2024, where you’ll find picks for every budget. A robot vacuum can be a game-changing addition to your home—if you choose the right one. 1. Start with your space Your home’s layout should be your north star when choosing a robot vacuum. A basic model might work fine in a small apartment with an open floor plan. But if you’ve got a larger home with multiple rooms and hallways, you’ll want a vacuum with sophisticated navigation and mapping capabilities. The best robot vacuums use LiDAR or camera-based systems to create detailed maps of your home. Think of it like giving your vacuum a GPS—it knows exactly where it’s been and where it needs to go. These smarter models clean in efficient patterns rather than bouncing around randomly, which means faster, more thorough cleaning and fewer missed spots. Wyze Robot Vacuum: Laser navigation on a budget Pros Includes laser mapping and room customization Three suction levels Budget price Cons Easily gets stuck under low-profile furniture No Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant support No specialty cleaning modes Best Prices Today: $199 at Amazon$274.99 at Wyze Labs 2. Match your vacuum to your floors Your flooring type can make or break a robot vacuum’s performance. Hard floors are generally easier to clean, but if you have deep carpets, you’ll need a model with extra muscle. Look for vacuums with adjustable suction power that can detect surface changes and boost power automatically when moving onto carpets. Pet owners, take note: not all robot vacuums excel in handling fur. Models with rubber brush rolls often outperform traditional bristle brushes at grabbing pet hair without tangling. Some even come with special tangle-resistant designs that prevent you from having to regularly cut away wrapped hair from the brush roll—a common hassle with standard vacuums. Eufy X10 Pro Omni: Great vacuum/mop combo for pet owners Pros Thorough, balanced vacuuming and mopping Excellent obstacle avoidance Requires little hands-on attention from user Cons Large base station Self-cleaning functions are noisy Best Prices Today: $799.99 at Amazon 3. Look for smart features that actually matter While basic app control has become standard across most robot vacuums, the sophistication of smart features varies between models. Basic apps might only offer simple start/stop controls and scheduling. The more advanced models, however, unlock powerful capabilities like room-specific cleaning zones, virtual barriers, and customizable cleaning scenarios. Want your vacuum to run a quick sweep of high-traffic areas twice daily but deep clean the whole house on weekends? The better smart systems can handle these complex routines. Voice control through Alexa or Google Home can be surprisingly useful too. Being able to say “Hey Google, clean the living room” when you spot a mess is more convenient than you might think. 4. Remember, self-emptying bins make life easier One of the biggest innovations in recent years is the self-emptying base station. Instead of requiring you to manually empty the dust bin after every cleaning session, these models automatically dump their contents into a larger bin in their charging base. Many can go weeks or even months between empties, making these robot vacuums truly hands-off. Yes, you’ll pay more for this feature, but if you have a large home, pets, allergies, or just hate dealing with dust, it might be worth the investment. iRobot Roomba Combo J9+: A sophisticated robot vacuum with a self-emptying bin Pros Retractable mop arm keeps carpets dry New Clean Base design blends in with home furnishings Recognizes and prioritizes dirtiest areas Cons Companion app’s maps are basic and many controls are buried in sub-menus Mop pads must be cleaned manually Expensive Best Prices Today: $999 at Amazon 5. Plan for practical needs Consider the vacuum’s height if you want it to clean under furniture. The slimmer the better—some models can slip under beds and couches with just 3 inches of clearance. Noise level matters too, especially if you work from home or plan to run your vacuum at night. The quietest models hover around 50-55 decibels (about as loud as a conversation), while others can sound more like traditional vacuum cleaners. Battery life deserves attention if you have a larger space. Most robots can clean for 60-90 minutes before needing a recharge, but some premium models push past two hours. Better yet, many will automatically recharge and resume cleaning where they left off, which is essential for larger homes. 6. Don’t forget warranty and support options Before making your final decision, take a look at warranty coverage and customer support options. Most robot vacuums come with a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. Some manufacturers allow you to purchase extended warranties. Keep in mind that consumable parts like brushes, filters, and batteries typically aren’t covered under warranty, as they’re expected to wear out with normal use. Customer support quality varies widely between brands. Look for companies that offer multiple support channels (phone, email, chat) and check online reviews specifically mentioning warranty claims and repairs. Some manufacturers maintain active user communities and detailed online resources, which can be invaluable for troubleshooting issues or getting the most from your device. Support response times and quality of help can make a big difference when you’re trying to get your robot vacuum back up and running. 7. Making the smart choice Start by setting your budget. Basic models start around $200, mid-range options with mapping and smart features run $400-600, and premium models with all the bells and whistles can stretch past $1,000. But don’t just buy the most expensive model you can afford. Instead, match the features to your specific needs. Have pets? Prioritize strong suction and specialized brushes. Live in a larger home? Focus on navigation capabilities and battery life. Work from home? Look for quieter models with scheduling features. Dreame X40 Ultra: A hands-off vacuuming and mopping experience Pros Excellent vacuuming and mopping performance Empties its dustbin and sanitizes its mops Accurately detects and avoids obstacles Cons Mop heads tend to get stuck on carpet edges Expensive Best Prices Today: $1,899.99 at Amazon 8. Find your perfect match A robot vacuum can be a game-changing addition to your home—if you choose the right one. Take time to evaluate your needs and match them to the features that matter most. The best robot vacuum isn’t necessarily the most expensive or feature-packed model, but the one that fits seamlessly into your home and lifestyle. Remember: even the most advanced robot vacuum won’t completely replace your traditional vacuum (especially for stairs and detailed cleaning), but it can dramatically reduce how often you need to pull out the big gun. And that’s the true test of any smart home device—not whether it’s perfect, but whether it makes your home life noticeably easier. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Useful “MoonHalo” ambient light, plus ambient light sensor  Lots of USB connectivity  Tack-sharp 32-inch 4K display  Excellent color performance  Cons USB hub lacks features of some competitors, like Thunderbolt or Ethernet  Meager HDR performance  Only a 75Hz refresh rate, no Adaptive Sync  Our Verdict The BenQ RD320U is a great choice for programmers and can also prove itself useful as a do-it-all home office monitor. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: BenQ RD320U Retailer Price $649.99 View Deal BenQ $649.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Do you need a monitor for programming?   Technically, almost any monitor can work and, because of this, monitor makers often fail to market their displays specifically to programmers. However, BenQ is addressing this gap with its latest line of programming monitors. We’ve previously reviewed the BenQ RD280U, which is notable for its distinctive 3:2 aspect ratio. However, the company also offers the more traditional RD320U, a 32-inch 16:9 4K display packed with features tailored to meet the needs of programmers.  BenQ RD320U specs and features  At its core, the BenQ RD320U is a solid 32-inch 4K display. It has an IPS Black panel (which should improve the contrast ratio) and delivers a sharp image at 3840×2160 resolution.  Display size: 32-inch 16:9 widescreen  Native resolution: 3840×2160  Panel type: IPS Black  Refresh rate: Up to 75Hz  Adaptive sync: None  HDR: Yes, VESA DisplayHDR 400 Certified  Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C with 90 watts of Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, 1x USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 upstream, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 downstream, 2x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 downstream, 3.5mm audio-out  VESA mount: 100x100mm  Speakers: 2x 3-watt speakers  Price: $649.99 MSRP  It’s also jam-packed with ports, including a USB-C port with DisplayPort and USB Power Delivery. Though pitched to programmers, the RD320U’s specifications make it a competitor to high-end home office monitors like the Dell Ultrasharp U3223QE and Philips Creator Series 27E2F7901.  Further reading: Best home office monitors BenQ RD320U design   At a glance, the BenQ RD320U’s design is basic. It’s clad in various shades of charcoal black that don’t immediately catch your eye. Take a second look, though, and you’ll notice the details, like the rippled pattern that cascades down the rear of the monitor and the lower display bezel. These add a subtle bit of flair that makes the monitor distinct from its competition.  The star of the show, however, is in fact a moon — or MoonHalo, as BenQ calls it. The MoonHalo is a ring of LED lights centered on the rear of the monitor. It’s like the RGB-LED lights on gaming monitors, but instead meant to provide soft, consistent ambient light. The MoonHalo is always white, but you can adjust the color temperature to match the display. I enjoyed the MoonHalo; it looks nice and I felt it made the display less tiring to view after dark.  The “MoonHalo” on the back of the BenQ RD320U.Matthew Smith / Foundry The monitor ships with an ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, tilt, pivot, and swivel. The stand is attached to a mid-sized, flat base. It’s a bit wider than it needs to be, but since it’s flat, the desk space it occupies remains usable. I’m not a fan of the stand’s cable management, however. The faux-leather strap BenQ provides for the purpose is attractive but can’t hold many cables.  While the included stand is nice, BenQ also provides a 100x100mm VESA mount for use with third-party monitor arms and stands.  BenQ RD320U connectivity and menus   The BenQ RD320U has four video inputs: two HDMI, one DisplayPort, and one USB-C with DisplayPort. To be honest, I’d rather it had two DisplayPort ports than two HDMI, but that’s a nitpick. This is a solid range of video connectivity.   In addition to DisplayPort, the USB-C port also provides up to 90 watts of USB Power Delivery and supports data for connections to multiple downstream USB-A and USB-C ports. Two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port, are located on the monitor’s chin, which makes them easy to access. A KVM switch function is included, too.  A USB-B upstream port provides an alternative way to connect to the monitor’s USB hub, which is useful if your PC lacks USB-C.   The BenQ RD320U’s USB connectivity isn’t as extensive as the Dell Ultrasharp U3223QE, which has more USB ports and provides Ethernet, so those looking for a USB hub should give Dell’s alternative a look. Still, the BenQ’s connectivity is a hair above average, as it delivers several downstream USB ports and places them in convenient locations.   The BenQ RD320U’s on-screen menu.Matthew Smith / Foundry BenQ’s on-screen menus are accessed with a quick, responsive joystick centered on the monitor’s chin. The menu is large, which makes it easier to see and read (though, unfortunately, the menu’s font is still a bit thin). I also found the menus logically arranged and had no issues finding the settings I want. BenQ, like most of its competitors, also provides a Windows software utility (Display Pilot 2) to access and control monitor settings.  The BenQ RD320U’s image quality options are a bit underwhelming. It uses vague presets for gamma and color temperature instead of providing the proper, numerical labels. An sRGB color gamut preset is available, but no preset is available for DCI-P3 or AdobeRGB. I understand this isn’t a “creator” monitor, but its performance is certainly good enough to make these presets useful.  Programmers won’t mind, however, because the RD320U offers several features that come in handy while coding. This includes two preset “Coding Booster” modes that adjust brightness, contrast, and gamma to make code easy to read.   The monitor also has an ambient light sensor that can automatically adjust the monitor’s brightness throughout the day. The ambient light sensor is pitched to programmers as a way to reduce eye strain, but the feature is just as useful for writers, creators, accountants, and anyone else who spends a lot of time in front of a monitor.  Speakers are included, but they’re not great. The pair of bundled 3-watt speakers produce sound with reasonable clarity at low volumes but quickly become overwhelmed as volume is increased. They’re fine for listening to a podcast or playing soft, ambient tones, but speakers or headphones will be necessary for true audio enjoyment.   The BenQ RD320U includes two preset ‘Coding Booster’ modes that adjust brightness, contrast, and gamma to make code easy to read.   BenQ RD320U SDR image quality  The BenQ RD320U is a great example of a monitor that doesn’t necessarily need great image quality to satisfy its intended user. Programmers are staring at code, right? Fortunately, BenQ doesn’t use that as an excuse to deliver half-baked SDR image quality. On the contrary, the BenQ RD320U looks great.   Matthew Smith / Foundry BenQ gets off to a great start in brightness, as the RD320U delivers an excellent 426 nits of peak SDR luminance. That’s a lot, and certainly far more than most programmers will need.   Still, a high level of SDR brightness means the monitor remains usable in a brightly lit room. That’s good news if your office has sunlit windows or you’re coding in a bullpen that looks straight out of The Wolf of Wall Street.  Matthew Smith / Foundry There’s more good news in contrast, as the BenQ RD320U comes close to delivering a contrast ratio of 2000:1. BenQ doesn’t market the monitor as having an “IPS Black” display panel, but this is a level of contrast I’ve only witnessed in IPS panels of that type. It keeps the RD320U competitive with class leaders like the Dell U3223QE and Philips 27E2F7901.  The comparison with BenQ’s RD280U is notable, as well. BenQ’s smaller programming monitor clearly has a different IPS panel that doesn’t match the RD320U in contrast.  While the BenQ RD320U’s contrast is great for its category, shoppers should remember that OLED displays can achieve an effectively infinite contrast ratio, which makes them a better choice for games, movies, and other entertainment.   Matthew Smith / Foundry I was worried the BenQ RD320U might neglect the color gamut and limit itself to a narrower range, but that’s not the case. It covers up to 95 percent of the DCI-P3 gamut and up to 89 percent of DCI-P3. The RD320U looks vibrant and alluring when displaying photos, videos, and games.  With that said, however, the RD320U falls behind the Dell U3223QE and Philips 27E2F7901 in coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut. So, while the RD320U does well enough, it’s not the best choice for content creators who care about DCI-P3.   Matthew Smith / Foundry I was even more surprised by the BenQ RD320U’s color accuracy, which absolutely bakes. Or cooks? What are the kids saying, these days?  Either way, it’s good. Extremely good. Top-5-PCWorld-has-ever-tested good. It’s a bit of a surprise, and I suspect there’s a little bit of random variance at play here; I likely lucked out with an especially good example of the RD320U. Still, BenQ has a history of good color accuracy, and it’s excellent to see the RD320U score well here. Though meant for programming, the RD320U can serve as an entry-level monitor for digital artists and photographers.  The gamma and color temperature tests reported more good news, as the BenQ RD320U hit our target gamma of 2.2 and color temperature of 6500K. Most monitors come close to these targets, but it’s nice to see the RD320U hit both dead-on. This means the monitor does not look overly bright or dark, nor too cool or warm.   With that said, the ideal gamma and color temperature can vary depending on your needs and personal preference. The monitor has options to adjust both — though, as mentioned previously, they’re not well-labeled.   Sharpness is yet another perk. The 32-inch 3840×2160 panel provides a sharpness of 138 pixels per inch (PPI). It’s not quite as sharp as a 27-inch 4K display, which hits 163 PPI, but it’s noticeably superior to any 1440p monitor. This is helpful for programmers, as it helps the monitor display small fonts with a crisp, tack-sharp look.   The BenQ RD320U scores high marks in SDR image quality. It scores well across every metric and has no significant weakness that might place it behind the competition. Alternatives like the Dell U3223QE can match the RD320U, but older monitors like the ThinkVision P32p-32 can’t keep up.  BenQ RD320U HDR image quality  The BenQ RD320U supports HDR and has VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, but it’s not a good pick for HDR movies and games.  Contrast and luminance are issues. While the monitor can peak above 400 nits, that’s not enough to deliver the full oomph of HDR, as most HDR content targets a peak brightness of at least 1,000 nits.   The monitor also lacks a dynamic backlight, which means the monitor’s contrast isn’t comparable to Mini-LED or OLED displays. Placed next to such alternatives, the BenQ RD320U’s HDR image will look flat and washed-out.  This, to be fair, is a typical problem for all mid-range IPS monitors. A productivity and programming display like the BenQ RD320U might support HDR, but it’s not the focus, as nearly all productivity software is designed for SDR. Still, buyers should be aware: This is not the monitor for HDR.  BenQ RD320U motion performance  It’s not the monitor for motion clarity, either.  The BenQ RD320U has a maximum refresh rate of up to 75Hz and doesn’t support Adaptive Sync for smooth frame pacing in PC games. Motion clarity is fine for less hectic games, but it’s an obvious step behind a 144Hz monitor.  Of course, programmers spend most of their time looking at relatively static code, so mediocre motion clarity isn’t a huge deal. Still, I suspect many programmers would like to play some PC games in their downtime. The BenQ RD320U isn’t the best choice for that.   Is the BenQ RD320U worth it?  The BenQ RD320U is a solid 32-inch 4K monitor. Though it’s targeted at programmers, and offers several features they’ll appreciate, it has broader appeal as a home office and productivity monitor. It has a bright, crisp image, an ambient sensor to automatically adjust brightness, and packs a useful USB-C hub.   BenQ faces a lot of competition in this space, such as the Dell U3223QE, which has an equally attractive panel and a wider range of connectivity, including Ethernet. I’d still recommend the Dell U3223QE over the RD320U for general productivity, but it’s a close call, and the discounts available at the time you buy could sway the decision either way. If you’re a programmer, though, the RD320U has an advantage. Read...

Whether you’ve been working from home for years, or you’re new to the game, there are probably several ways in which you can improve your home-office setup for maximum comfort and productivity. We’re talking both hardware and software upgrades here. Things such as a Thunderbolt dock for adding extra ports for external displays and storage, or a monitor arm for total flexibility and improved ergonomics, or a trustworthy VPN and full-featured PDF editing software can all make a world of difference in your overall work satisfaction and success. Here we present our favorite work from home tech of 2024/2025, all of which has been personally tested and approved by PCWorld’s hardware and software experts. Dell Inspiron 14 Plus – Best work-from-home laptop Your home office laptop needs to be reliable; it needs zippy performance and a penchant for productivity; and for optimum flexibility the device should be easy to transport and have exceptional battery life. You get all that with the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus — and you get it for less than $1,000. The Inspiron line is all about business-like practicality, but the Inspiron 14 Plus, while feeling quite durable, features some welcome aesthetic upgrades in the form of its partially aluminum chassis and slender profile. Inside, an Intel Core 7 Ultra 155H, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD make for exceptionally snappy performance. But there’s more to a satisfying work laptop than capable internals. The Inspiron 14 Plus comes correct with an array of suitable accoutrements: a firm and surprisingly quick keyboard with white backlighting, a biometric fingerprint sensor for easy login, and a nice assortment of ports that belie its compact size — headphone jack, microSD card reader, a couple USB-A ports, Thunderbolt 4 port, and full-size HDMI. The screen is also a treat, with a clear 2240×1400 resolution image, comparatively high peak brightness, and an anti-glare coating that can withstand challenging lighting conditions. The icing on the cake is an exceptional battery life lasting just over 17 hours. Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus – Best work-from-home Chromebook Let’s face it, there are many work scenarios in which a full-fledged Windows laptop is overkill. Emails, documents, spreadsheets, and even presentations, are all easily handled using online apps — something a Chromebook can accomplish for a fraction of a Windows laptop’s cost. Of course, some Chromebooks are more capable than others, such as the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus. Among Chromebooks, the Plus designation signifies more robust performance, in this case an Intel Core i3-1315U CPU, Intel UHD graphics, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of SSD. What really sets the Flex 5i Chromebook Plus apart, however, is its attractive styling and impressive build quality. In the words of our reviewer: “This thing looks and feels fancy, real fancy.” The 2-in-1 design lets you use the device as a standard clamshell, in a tent configuration, or as a tablet. Input options include both a backlit chiclet-style keyboard that’s pleasantly springy to use, or touch input via the 1200p crisp and vibrant display. Performance is speedy and satisfying, and the battery, while not stellar, ran for over nine hours on a single charge — enough to last a full day away from an outlet. Read our full Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus review NexiGo HelloCam – Best work-from-home webcam Best Prices Today: $69.99 at Amazon$69.99 at NexiGo There are a couple reasons why we consider the NexiGo HelloCam to be the best work-from-home webcam. For starters, it does what you want a webcam to do: Its 1080p/30fps fixed-focus lens produces a good picture that will have you making a positive impression in your Zoom meetings. The noise-cancelling mics will ensure that you’re being heard loud and clear. But the NexiGo HelloCam offers another perk for home workers: Windows Hello support, which lets you log in to your Windows computer with facial recognition. This is a feature that’s usually relegated to higher-priced webcams. The HelloCam also offers a requisite privacy shutter, here in the form of a physical barrier that shuts when the webcam is not in use. Alternative option: If you don’t need Windows Hello, you can save a little money and get a slight boost in resolution (to 1440p) with the Anker PowerConf C200. Dell U2724DE – Best work-from-home monitor Best Prices Today: $499.99 at B & H Photo There’s no better all-around home office monitor than Dell’s Ultrasharp U2724DE. Image quality is top-notch thanks to the IPS Black panel. Besides boasting an impressive contrast ratio, it also excels at color performance. A 120Hz refresh rate means that it can be pressed into service for after-hours gaming sessions. The stand is fit for purpose with solid construction and all the expected ergonomic adjustments, including 90-degree rotation into portrait mode. But the real show-stopper is the near-universal connectivity that should meet the needs of almost any scenario. Multiple video inputs, support for “daisy-chaining,” 90 watts of power for charging a device connected via USB-C, downstream ports for peripherals, and even a 2.5G RJ45 jack. There’s also a KVM switch and an ambient light sensor for intelligently adjusting screen brightness. Indeed, the U2724DE is no slacker! Read our full Dell U2724DE review Herman Miller Flo – Best work-from-home monitor arm Best Prices Today: $295 at Herman Miller A monitor arm is one of those pieces of gear that turns a conventional home office into a seriously professional setup. That’s particularly true of the Herman Miller Flo, which ticks all the boxes for a premier product. Aesthetically, it’s about as smooth and stylish as a monitor arm can be, capable of blending in with any environment. Setting it up is simple, thanks to a refined design that requires relatively few screws and a VESA mount that can be pre-mounted to a monitor and then clipped into place. The Flo offers a wide range of adjustment including tilt, swivel, and rotation, but more importantly, its operation is smoother than other products, moving into place with only a nudge. It also comes with a 12-year warranty and 24/7 customer support. It’s pricey, but everything about the Flo is top shelf. Anker 555 PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C Hub – Best work-from-home USB-C hub Best Prices Today: $49.99 at Amazon Whether you’re using a laptop or a desktop PC, port accessibility might be lacking. In such cases, the Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub has the answer. Anker’s hub offers a full complement of connectivity for legacy USB devices like mice and keyboards, for both SD and microSD media, for charging USB-C devices at up to 85W, and for running a monitor over HDMI at 60Hz. An Ethernet port is also part of the mix. The hub is well designed, even elegant, with a premium aluminum and polycarbonate exterior that keeps cools in use. It’s got a nice, sturdy heft at 4.5 ounces, and even comes with a carrying pouch. Plugable TBT3-UDZ – Best work-from-home Thunderbolt dock Best Prices Today: $255.41 at Amazon$369 at Newegg There are times when a USB-C hub falls short of your connectivity needs, such as when you want to connect two high-res monitors — scenarios that call for a Thunderbolt dock. The the best of the bunch is Plugable’s TBT3-UDZ. Okay, yes, it uses Thunderbolt 3 rather than Thunderbolt 4, but the capabilities and performance are mostly equivalent (while saving you a few dollars). What impresses us most about the TBT3-UDZ is its flexibility. Whether your two monitors use DisplayPort cables or HDMI, this dock will accommodate them. Two 4K displays can run at 60Hz in tandem. Of course, the TBT3-UDZ has every other kind of port you could want, as well — USB-C, a plethora of USB-A, standard and micro card reader, headphone jack, Ethernet, the whole gamut. It can charge a smartphone and a laptop. We also appreciate the space-saving vertical orientation of the attractive and solid gun-metal chassis, and the ample 30-inch cable that connects the dock to your PC. Read our full Plugable TBT3-UDZ review Logitech MX Keys S Keyboard – Best work-from-home wireless keyboard Best Prices Today: $109.99 at Amazon For anyone who favors a stylish keyboard that works effortlessly with multiple devices, the Logitech MX Keys S is it. Sporting an almost Apple-like clean aesthetic, the MX Keys S is a low-profile board that comes in Graphite, Gray, or Rose colorways. Besides being visually stunning, the full-sized layout is comfortable to type on, with a smooth and sure feel to the keys. The white backlighting automatically adjusts to the ambient lighting conditions. Using either Bluetooth or the bundled proprietary Logi Bolt dongle, the keyboard can be switched among three devices. If you prefer a mechanical, “clicky” keyboard, we recommend the also-very-good Logitech MX Mechanical variant. Read our full Logitech MX Keys S Keyboard review Creative Pebble X Plus – Best work-from-home computer speakers No home office is complete without a good set of computer speakers. For a compact, capable, but affordable solution, we think the best option is the Creative Pebble X Plus. The system consists of two speakers and a subwoofer. It offers Bluetooth, aux, and USB connection to your audio source of choice. A button on one of the satellites lets you switch between devices. The sound output is clear and can easily fill a room. There’s excellent detail in the treble and midrange. Besides providing a significant boost over your laptop’s audio, the Pebble X Plus features RGB for some added visual flare when it’s time to clock off and unwind. Read our full Creative Pebble X Plus review Lexar SL600 Blaze 20Gbps USB SSD – Best work-from-home external SSD Best Prices Today: $129.99 at B & H Photo There are many very fast external SSDs to choose from. But in our tests, the Lexar SL600 Blaze is not only among the fastest, but also competitively priced, making it an obvious recommendation for portable storage. Available in up to 4TB capacity, this USB 3.2 x 2 (Superspeed 20Gbps) not only has the space for even large, multimedia projects, it will be reading and writing that data at a wonderfully brisk pace. While SSDs are known for their durability, the SL600 Blaze’s 5-year warranty just provides extra assurance. Read our full Lexar SL600 Blaze 20Gbps USB SSD review SanDisk Desk Drive 10Gbps USB SSD – Best work-from-home SSD for backups Best Prices Today: $249.99 at Western Digital There is no worse feeling than laboring over a project — be it work-related or personal — only to lose it all because of a drive crash, power outage, mistaken deletion, or some other tragedy. This is why the importance of a solid backup solution cannot be overstated. Laptop users in particular should consider an external drive for backup. And if time is money, an SSD will get ‘er done far faster than an external hard drive. The SanDisk Desk Drive 10Gbps USB SSD is the external backup SSD to beat. Available in 4TB or 8TB capacities, this rugged desktop companion will not only provide that relatively speedy auxillary storage for data redundancy and/or overflow, as an SSD you needn’t worry about its susceptibility to jostles, shocks, or drops, as you would with a mechanical hard drive. Read our full SanDisk Desk Drive 10Gbps USB SSD review R-Drive Image 7.2 – Best work-from-home Windows backup Best Prices Today: $44.95 at R-tools Technology As noted above, there’s no excuse not to prepare for data disaster. We’ve told you what backup drive to use, but what about backup software? R-Drive Image has a legacy of reliability that makes it unmatched in this space. Indeed, in our experience its record is unblemished! Now at version 7.2, R-Drive Image is more full-featured and capable than ever. It offers the range of backup duties: disk and partitions, files and folders, WinPE and Linux boot media creation, the works. You can save your backups locally, to the network, or to your preferred cloud storage. You can even replicate backups across multiple destinations.  The interface is straightforward, and performance is speedy. There’s really no need to consider other options.  Read our full R-Drive Image review EaseUS PDF Editor – Best work-from-home PDF editor Best Prices Today: $49.95 at EaseUS There is no denying that the pinnacle of PDF editing is Adobe’s Acrobat Pro DC. But it’s probably overkill for the needs of most home office-workers, while being relatively expensive. That’s why our recommendation for the best PDF editor for a home office is EaseUS PDF Editor. For just $49.95 a year, or an incredible $79.95 lifetime subscription, you get a full set of PDF editing tools, including a variety of annotation tools for easy collaboration. The app is straightforward, making it possible to jump right in and get started. Add and remove text; add images; change font type, color, and size; add watermarks, background, headers and footers; enable permissions and password protection. It’s all here. The one caveat is that it’s Windows only. For more suggestions, see our roundup of the best PDF editors. Read our full EaseUS PDF Editor review ExpressVPN – Best work-from-home VPN A virtual private network (VPN) is a key component of online privacy, routing all your internet traffic through an anonymized and encrypted funnel. If you want to protect your work (or personal) online activities protected from prying eyes and/or hackers, a VPN is a must. In addition to that, by allowing you to run your internet browsing through servers all across the globe, a VPN can help you access your streaming services when you’re abroad, or bypass other regional restrictions. ExpressVPN is our favorite VPN overall. It’s feature-rich but easy to use; it provides broad device support; it uses diskless servers, so none of your data is ever permanently stored; it undergoes third-party audits for added reassurance about its privacy practices; and it offers some added benefits such as ad- and tracker-blocking and a password manager. Read our full ExpressVPN review Norton 360 Deluxe – Best work-from-home antivirus software For full-coverage antivirus protection at a reasonable price, Norton 360 Deluxe is the total package. You can relax knowing that Norton’s strong online protection has your back with minimal resource overhead. In addition to real-time monitoring against threats online, you can also perform scans of varying scope or complexity at will or on a schedule. Norton has earned very high marks from the major third-party testing outfits. Norton 360 Deluxe also offers lots of extras, such as cloud backup, a password manager, dark web monitoring, and even PC utilities. All those things might be value adds for you, but the core competency of the product — keeping you, your data, and your devices safe from nefarious actors — is why we consider it the best antivirus software overall. Read our full Norton 360 Deluxe review Read...

The gaming platform has previously been criticised for allowing young users to be exposed to harmful content. Read...

TL;DR: Manage your PDFs easily with this SwifDoo lifetime license, now only $34.99 (reg. $129). While PDFs are the universal file type used by countless businesses, they’re not necessarily the easiest to manipulate if you find spelling errors or want to add an annotation for clarity. Fortunately, PDF management is simple when you have SwifDoo PDF Pro. A lifetime license is now available for only $34.99 (reg. $129) while supplies last. Enjoy lifelong access to intuitive, user-friendly PDF tools with SwifDoo PDF Pro. This platform offers editing and annotating features to make contracts, business reports, work proposals, and academic writing more clear by adding text, highlighting passages, and inserting notes. PDF conversion is also seamless with this platform, as you can turn them into Word, Excel, JPG, and CAD (and vice versa) without losing the formatting you selected. In addition, you can add or remove protective PDF watermarks in a single click, secure sensitive PDFs with encryption, and even add digital signatures. Working with PDFs doesn’t have to be a nightmare.  Grab a lifetime license for Swifdoo PDF Pro for just $34.99 while inventory is still available.   SwifDoo PDF Pro: Perpetual Lifetime License for Windows Only $34.99 at PCWorld StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

Skillable has launched new features to enhance virtual lab creation, facilitating easier training development for users worldwide and driving innovation. Read...