Explainers - Page 2
Latest Explainers
If You See This Tiny Detail on Your Date's Glasses, Run
Smart glasses with hidden cameras look almost exactly like regular frames, but there's one giveaway you can learn to spot in seconds.
iPhone Duo Screens Are Cracking. Are You Covered? Here's Why You Should Pay For AppleCare+
Apple's basic one-year warranty on new devices should cover the hinge issue that's causing cracked iPhone Duo screens, but you'll need AppleCare+ for any future or accidental damage.
Your TV Is Ruining Every Movie You Watch. Turn Off This Setting Now
The "soap opera effect" makes films look cheap and unnatural. Here's how to find the hidden setting on any TV.
Apple's First Touch-Screen MacBook Pro Starts at $2,899?! Here's the Monthly Cost With Apple Upgrade
If you want the new touch-screen MacBook Pro but can't afford it outright, leasing might be a more attractive option. Here's how much you'll pay monthly with Apple Upgrade.
Don't Want to See Google's AI Overviews? You Can't Turn Them Off, But You Can Do This
Annoyed by AI summaries taking over your search results page? It's only gotten worse. You can't stop AI overviews entirely, but I have a few tricks to make them less obtrusive.
Turned Off Your Antivirus Because It Slowed Your PC? Big Mistake
Modern antivirus apps are built to stay out of your way, and the old performance excuse no longer holds. Here's what changed and which apps have the lightest touch.
Tired of Expensive Phone Upgrades? Your Existing Phone Can Last Longer Than You Think
We all love a new gadget, but rising costs mean the 'new phone every two years' era is out of reach for many. The good news is modern smartphones can usually hang around for longer than you'd expect.
I Know Exactly How to Access the Dark Web. I Still Won't Do It
The dark web is a minefield with no customer support and no second chances. Here's what's lurking down there and how to protect yourself if you go anyway.
Standalone Antivirus or Full Security Suite? How to Choose Without Wasting Money
You know your PC needs antivirus protection, but should you stick with the preinstalled app, or pony up for a feature-rich suite? Here's how to pick the right security without breaking the bank.
You Don’t Need AI to Dumb Down Your Smart TV. Do This Instead
You could run vibe-coded, side-loaded projects on your TV to disable its more intrusive features, but you really don't have to. Here are several easier ways to minimize ads and stop tracking.
Are Googlebooks Right for You? I Tried Every One of Google's Android Laptops
Chromebooks 2.0, these are not. With Googlebooks, Google blends premium designs, Android phone integration, and Gemini AI to create a new laptop class. Here's what you need to know about the systems.
Border Agents Can Search Your Phone, and Wiping It Could Land You in Prison. Do This Instead
Phone searches at the US border are more common than ever. Here's how to protect your privacy before you travel and what to do if CBP asks for your device.
Every Smart TV Platform Compared: Apple TV vs. Fire TV vs. Google TV vs. Roku
Apps, casting, and voice assistants vary more than you'd think. Here's how each major platform stacks up, and which TVs and streamers we recommend for each.
Scam Fatigue Is Real: Our Survey Says 80% of Americans Get Fake Texts or Emails Every Week
And nearly 60% say they were hit by a scam in the past year. Constant vetting is creating a burnout crisis that leaves us vulnerable to sophisticated AI scams. Here’s how to stay vigilant.
Why Caring About Online Privacy Is Destroying Your Sanity (And 6 Steps to Get It Back)
You don't need to live in a bunker or read every cookie policy to protect yourself. Here's how cybersecurity pros beat decision burnout without giving up.
I've Tested Antivirus for 40 Years. Here's Who Should Actually Pay for It (And Who Shouldn't)
Free antivirus tools have come a long way, but after four decades of software testing, I still recommend paying for protection under the right conditions.
Your Current Password Habit Is a Ticking Time Bomb. Here's How to Defuse It
Every reused or weak password puts you at risk. I'm here to show you how to keep your accounts safe from hackers, phishing, and identity theft by using a password manager.
Get Up to $1,200 When You Preorder the iPhone Duo With Apple's Carrier Trade-in Incentives
Anxious to get your hands on the new iPhone Duo? Apple's new carrier trade-in offers go live on Friday. Just make sure you do this to get top dollar for your old device.
How to Get a Free Domain Name for Your Website in 2026
Free domain names come with caveats, but they're valuable options when you're on a tight budget.
ISP Tracking, Public Wi-Fi, and Age Laws: Why You Need a VPN in 2026
From ISPs selling your browsing history to mandatory digital IDs and untrusted public Wi-Fi, your privacy is under attack. Here's how a VPN restores control.
