Even if you’ve done a great job looking after your devices, chances are you will have a few much-loved USB cables that look worse for wear. Fraying or breaking cables will mostly work when you need them to, which makes it easy to fob them off as a problem to be sorted out later. But there are good reasons why you should pay closer attention. The biggest has to do with safety. Fraying USB cables pose a very small, but albeit still noteworthy, risk of causing electric shock or fire. It’s for that reason most experts will err on the side of caution and recommend you just bite the bullet and throw out worn cables. If that’s not enough to motivate you to let them go, then perhaps this fact will: Fraying USB cables can actually damage your devices. They have been known to partially or fully short circuit, cause fluctuating electrical charges, and their USB connectors can heat up and fry internal componentry. Further reading: The best USB-C cables On that note, a common mistake that people often make is to wiggle the frayed part when they stop charging or transferring. This can get them operational again, but it can also cause wires to short out. Two common consequences are a fried charging port or an overcharged battery. In a worst-case scenario, an overcharged lithium-ion battery will even explode. Another thing you should look out for with USB chargers in particular is the location of the fraying. Fraying at the AC end — that is at the end closest to the wall outlet — is generally considered more dangerous than at the DC end near your device, so take care if you have any cables like that! Can fraying USB cables be repaired? Of course, the internet and especially YouTube, is awash with tips on how to repair fraying cables, and that is an option if you think the risks to you or your devices are slim. If you do decide to repair your cables, it’s best to start at the first signs the cable splits. One of the most common ways to repair a USB cable is with heat-shrink tubing. A pack with hundreds of tube pieces costs as little as $7 on Amazon, only slightly more than a coffee, giving you ample materials to fix your collection of cords. A piece of tubing is typically placed over the fraying wire and then heated so that it shrinks down to be a tight and secure covering. A heat gun will do the shrinking for you, otherwise a hair dryer can also do the job. Just a word of caution, though: There have been a few instances of people melting their USB cable’s connectors in the process, so you’ll want to keep it well clear of the heat source. Prevention is easier than a cure If you’re now thinking, “Oh, heck! Now I have to throw out all my fraying USB cables,” the consolation here is that there are ways to minimize the risk of fraying in any future cables you buy. The number one way to do that is to simply pay a few extra dollars to buy cables that are made from tougher materials — cheaper cables will mostly work just fine, but the lesser-grade cabling tends to wear out quicker. Pexels: Rann Vijay For the strongest and longest-lasting cables, look for ones that are thicker rather than thinner and made from braided nylon or metal rather than plastic. Cables from well-known brands like Belkin, Apple, and Anker are a good first port of call to ensure a quality product. These companies put a lot of time and effort into research and development and often have quality control processes, too. our favorite usb-c charging cable Belkin BoostCharge 240-watt charging cable Best Prices Today: $15.99 at Amazon One such cable that’s a favorite of PCWorld is the Belkin Boost Charge 240-watt charging cable. Not only is it braided, has a beefy overmolding and is tested for 30,000 bends, it also features eMarker chips that can detect if it’s overheating, and signal devices to pause until it cools down. Another good tip is to buy cables that have been reinforced at the joints where they are most prone to breaking. It may not prevent fraying altogether, but it could at least ward it off from happening too quickly. Read...

Microsoft is no stranger to axing Windows apps and features. In the last year alone, we’ve seen the death of iconic WordPad, abandonment of Paint 3D, and deprecation of Windows Mixed Reality. It’s something you just have to get used to with Windows. And today, we can add another gravestone to the list. Microsoft Defender VPN is being discontinued for Windows 11, Windows 10, Android, macOS, and iPhones. The official death date is February 28, 2025, as explained on this support page (spotted by Windows Latest). Microsoft Defender offers additional security features to Windows users who are subscribed to Microsoft 365. VPN is one of those features, making it possible to secure your internet connection. Unlike other VPN services, Microsoft Defender VPN automatically selected a nearby server instead of letting you select one yourself. Microsoft’s VPN also offered extended privacy protection, which could be used for things like recognizing insecure Wi-Fi connections. This is particularly useful if you’re working on a PC or smartphone while travelling and accessing public Wi-Fi. What should you do now? Rumor has it that Microsoft is discontinuing Microsoft Defender VPN due to low usage and demand. In another blog post, though, the company explains that deprecation of features is intended to strengthen the overall functionality of Windows. If you’re currently using Microsoft Defender VPN, you’ll have to manually remove it from Android devices. On PCs, Macs, and iPhones, the app will be removed automatically on 28 February. You should also consider switching to another VPN service sooner than later in order to keep your internet traffic secure, encrypted, and private. Not sure where to go? See our VPN top picks for reputable options. Read...

There are things in this world that you simply wouldn’t expect, like an aircraft carrier with Windows XP, a nuclear weapon control system on floppy discs, or a Commodore 64 as a cash register system in a bakery. While most people replace modern devices after a few years, these technology dinosaurs fight their way through decades–sometimes as faithful helpers, sometimes as potential security risks. Here’s an overview of what are probably the scariest retro technology moments of our time. Further reading: This retro monitor looks like it fell off the OG Enterprise Bitcoin mining with the Commodore 64 A hobbyist has proven that a Commodore 64 can actually mine bitcoins–if you have a lot of time on your hands that is. The 8-bit processor, clocked at 1 MHz, manages just 0.3 hashes per second. By comparison, a graphics card like the RTX 3080 can do 100 million of them. So, if you want to get rich with the C64, you need to be patient and wait about a billion years, to be precise. The legendary Nintendo Game Boy from 1989 can also mine Bitcoins (at least in theory). YouTuber “stacksmashing” has managed to connect the handheld to the internet via a Raspberry Pi Pico and run mining software. However, at 0.8 hashes per second, the Gameboy is barely faster than the C64 and around 125 trillion times slower than a modern ASIC miner. The math is clear. For a single Bitcoin, the Gameboy would have to work longer than the universe exists. Getting rich is out of the question, but it’s still impressive. This car workshop has been using a C64C for 30 years In a workshop in Gdansk, Poland, a Commodore 64C has been running continuously for over 30 years now, helping the mechanics with drive shaft calculations. Not even a flood could stop the computer. The C64C defies time and shows that old technology is sometimes more robust than its modern successors. Only the mechanical fan could capitulate at some point, but until then it will continue to run as if it were still 1986. An American bakery uses the 64 as a POS system A bakery in Indiana has been using the Commodore 64 as a POS system since the 1980s, a literally fitting application for the “bread box,” as the computer is also known in the trade. Modern POS systems often struggle with software updates and occasional failures. The C64, on the other hand, runs reliably and without grumbling, supported by lovingly labelled keys depicting various baked goods. The USA controls nuclear weapons with 8-inch floppy discs Things get even more absurd when it comes to defense. An IBM computer from 1976 still controls the US nuclear force using 8-inch floppy discs as a storage medium. These floppy discs store no less than 80 kilobytes of data, which is less than an average WhatsApp message. Although there are plans to modernize this IT, the fact that nuclear weapons are based on technology from the era of disco music is kind of frightening. Retro flair for the German navy, too The German navy also continues to rely on 8-inch floppy discs to control its systems on its Brandenburg-class frigates. Although these warships, built in the 1990s, have state-of-the-art weapons technology, the data storage could bring tears to the eyes of nostalgic IT fans. There are plans to modernize the systems, but the use of a floppy disk emulator suggests that the old days are not quite over yet. Windows XP on a ship worth billions The British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth impresses with modern technology–apart from the operating system. It runs Windows XP, which has not been supported by Microsoft since 2014. Although the Royal Navy emphasizes that extensive security measures have been taken, at a cost of £3.5 billion you would somehow expect… something else. The situation is similar on the British nuclear submarines Vanguard, Victorious, Vigilant, and Vengeance, which are still running Windows XP for the operation of a system that controls intercontinental missiles. The British government reassures that the systems are not connected to the internet. However, an update is not planned until 2028. Windows 3.1 paralyzes the airport While we’re on the subject of Windows, let’s talk about the 2015 system failure at the Paris-Orly airport. The reason? A computer running Windows 3.1, an operating system from the early 90s, crashed. The “DECOR” software, which provides pilots with weather data, stopped working and take-offs had to be suspended for safety reasons. Perhaps the computer simply wanted to upgrade to Windows 95? Read...

Internet sensation iShowSpeed entered the Royal Rumble, but was quickly speared and sent packing by Bron Breakker. Read...

TL;DR: Get a lifetime AdGuard Family Plan on up to nine devices for just $19.97 with code GUARD20 until February 23. Block ads, protect your privacy, and secure up to nine devices. You open a webpage, and suddenly it’s a battlefield — pop-ups ambush you, videos autoplay at full volume, and you’re ready to quit the internet. If it feels like browsing has become a chore, it’s because it has. Ads aren’t just annoying — they slow down your connection, track your behavior, and even pose security risks. That’s where AdGuard Family Plan steps in. This all-in-one ad blocker and privacy protector doesn’t just hide banners — it completely removes ads from websites, videos, and even apps. Trackers? Gone. Malware sites? Blocked before they can do damage. And if you’ve got kids, AdGuard’s parental controls help filter out inappropriate content. Unlike browser extensions that only work in one app, AdGuard protects your entire device — whether you’re on Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android. Plus, it covers up to nine devices, so your whole household can browse in peace. Please note this deal is only available to new users. For a one-time payment of just $19.97 (reg. $169) with code GUARD20, you can get a lifetime subscription to an AdGuard Family Plan. But hurry — this deal is only available until February 23.   AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription – $39.99 See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

There are always risks when you use the internet, so it’s of utmost importance to take all the proper precautions and make sure your devices are protected, whether your phone, laptop, or otherwise. If you don’t have a reputable security solution yet, here’s an offer you can’t afford to pass by: right now, you can get 15 months of Norton 360 Deluxe on three devices for just $20. That’s a massive 73 percent discount, and you can get it on the PCWorld Store. Norton 360 Deluxe is our overall top pick among all security suites, with our security expert giving it four stars in our review. She mentions strong antivirus performance and widespread protection against online threats as its best features. Plus, it’s pretty simple and straightforward. “Of Norton’s offerings, the Norton 360 Deluxe plan hits an ideal sweet spot of wide protection and affordable pricing.” What do you get for $20? You get a 15-month subscription and full protection for three of your devices. Since Norton works on Android and iOS devices, Mac and Windows computers, you’re well-covered. Norton 360 Deluxe packs all-around protection against malware, dark web monitoring, cloud backup for essential files, parental controls, access to VPN services, a password manager, and more. This is a limited-time deal that ends today, so don’t delay — it’s just $20 for 15 months of Norton 360 Deluxe! Better safe than sorry when it comes to identity theft, malware infections, and dark web leaks. Get 15 months of Norton 360 Deluxe for a whopping 73% offBuy now at PCWorld Store Read...

Having a fast flash drive on hand can save you the pain of transferring files over slow Wi-Fi. In fact, it allows you to bypass the need for an internet connection altogether. It just so happens that one of our favorites — Samsung’s Type-C Flash Drive — is on sale right now, with the 128GB model available for a mere $18 on Amazon. Besides the fact that this modern flash drive is a total steal at this price, this particular model is awesome because, as the name suggests, it has a USB-C connection. That means it’s so easy to back up data from smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, and more. The Samsung Type-C Flash Drive is compact, too, making it easy to throw into a pocket or purse and take with you anywhere. It’s also built with protection against most dangers, including water, dust, shocks, magnets, extreme temperatures, and X-rays. With its 400MB/s read speeds, you can transfer massive files to your thumb drive in no time, including those extra-large 4K videos. Get your very own compact USB-C flash drive for just $18 on Amazon while this deal lasts. If 128GB is too little for you, the 256GB model is also on sale (for just $27, was $35). Samsung`s USB-C flash drive is the best $18 you`ll spend this weekBuy now at Amazon Read...

Perforce Software has unveiled AI Validation, a new feature in its Perfecto platform that revolutionises web and mobile application testing, boosting efficiency and reducing costs. Read...

OpenAI just announced a new update to GPT-4o, bringing several improvements that supposedly make it “a smarter model across the board with more up-to-date knowledge” with a “deeper understanding and analysis of image uploads.” Okay, but what does that mean? Well, one of the biggest gains is that ChatGPT will now be better at solving problems in STEM subjects (i.e., science, technology, engineering, math, and programming). That’s a pretty substantial step forward if you rely on ChatGPT to help you with things like coding and cross-domain problems. GPT-4o has been updated with newer training data, so it can now reference source material up to June 2024. That means ChatGPT should now be able to give you more context around newer and more recent trends, as well as improve the chatbot’s web search results. As for images, ChatGPT is now better at understanding the images you upload. For example, it should be able to give you better design advice and better analyze complex charts and graphs. And one last (weird) cherry on top, ChatGPT will be more “enthusiastic” in its usage of emojis, especially if you use emojis in your own prompts and responses while conversing with it. Further reading: ChatGPT gets over 1 billion messages a day Read...

I confess, even as someone who likes to build big number-crunching desktops, that I like sleek and lightweight laptops even more. That’s why the Asus Zenbook A14 caught my eye at CES 2025. At less than a kilogram in weight and with 30+ hours of quoted battery life, it’s the platonic ideal of a road warrior notebook. And after a slight delay from its announced date, it’s now available to order from the Asus store. The Zenbook A14 (model number UX3407) is so named because the lawyers wouldn’t let them call it the “Zenbook Air” for fear of Apple’s litigious wrath, according to the PR team. But you can see the resemblance if you’ve used a MacBook Air before, with its super-skinny and super-light design. At 2.16 pounds and just 0.63 inches thick at most, it’s self-styled as “the lightest 14-inch Copilot+ PC on the market.” And while every little bit counts in those measurements, it’s the laptop’s understated finish that really drew my eye. The proprietary “Ceraluminum” coating on the entire body, including the keycaps, gives it a slightly stony finish that seems to repel fingerprints. Asus has been using this process for a while on its laptops, but I think this is the first one that’s covered in it so completely. It’s available in gray and beige colors. The laptop is based on a Snapdragon X processor, and combined with its surprisingly roomy 70-watt-hour battery it can last for up to 32 hours on a single charge. That’s Asus’ estimation, though, so expect it to be much less if you’re doing anything except watching video. But even if you chop it in half on the assumption that you’ll be doing lots of intense tasks, it’s not unreasonable based on the size of the battery and the longevity of other Arm-based Snapdragon laptops we’ve seen over the last year or so. Just don’t throw any PC games at it and it should be fine. Other highlights of the Zenbook A14 include a 1200p OLED screen, a full-sized HDMI port (plus two USB-C and one USB-A), and the usual IR webcam for Windows Hello compatibility. The only real downer on the spec list for me is that there’s no option for a touchscreen, though the lack of a digitizer component probably helped shave off a little weight, thickness, and battery life. Michael Crider/Foundry The debut model has 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 1TB of PCIe 4.0 storage, with a launch price of $1,100 on the Asus web store. It’s also listed at Best Buy, showing a shipping date for next week. Considering that an equivalent Surface Laptop retails for $2,000 (albeit with a slightly faster processor and a touchscreen), it seems pretty darn reasonable to me. Asus says that a 16GB/512GB model of the Zenbook A14 will sell for $900, sliding under that crucial four-digit price point, sometime in March. Read...