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Speed up your laptop for free. Laptop form factor guide. 5 tools that integrate cloud storage into File Explorer. Massive AT&T breach. Reviews of the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED and Lexar SL500 USB SSD.

PCWorld

Microsoft’s faster, less annoying Windows 11 is coming into focus • Microsoft promises performance improvements, an upgraded File Explorer, and a calmer take on Widgets in the name of getting more done.

Don’t pay scalper prices for a Steam Controller • The Steam Deck is out of stock and the Steam Machine is MIA. But the Steam Controller doesn’t suffer the same issues. It’ll be back soon. Just wait.

Intel’s new Core Series 3 is its answer to the MacBook Neo • Intel launches the new Core Series 3, which at one time might have been called a Celeron chip.

You don’t need extra antivirus on Windows 11, Microsoft officially says • Microsoft says Defender is enough for most Windows 11 users—no extra AV needed if you keep defaults enabled and update regularly.

The $20 AI subscription era has become untenable • Big changes to GitHub’s Copilot AI subscriptions are a sign of things to come for flat-rate ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini users.

Microsoft PowerToys just made multi-monitor life less miserable • Power Display and Grab and Move really change the way you interact with your Windows PC…and for the better.

Framework’s new Linux laptop is selling faster than its Windows one • According to a promotional post, Framework is selling more Ubuntu than Windows variants of its new premium Laptop 13 Pro.

The Ploopy Bean is a TrackPoint mouse without the point • “Ploopy Bean” is just not a name to sell to your coworkers, either.

AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 tested: AMD made a creator’s dream chip in gamer clothing • AMD’s new top-of-the-line CPU with its nigh-mythical 3D V-cache on both sides of the chip is amazing, but not for PC gaming.

Carbonite: All-you-can-eat online backup • This unlimited online data backup service is easy, elegant, and integrates into Windows Explorer for backup source selection.

KYY Laptop Triple Screen Extender tested: It turned my backpack into a mobile office • You’ll gain a lot of productivity by being able to work across three separate displays, all connected by a single cable.

Norton VPN: Simple, speedy, and better than ever • Major upgrades have transformed this VPN into a worthy option.

Microsoft Auto SR hands on: Windows’ DLSS rival isn’t ready to save handheld gaming • Microsoft was excited to show off its Windows upscaling tech for games. But a little testing shows it probably isn’t worth using, at least for the moment.

Dell XPS 16 (2026): A beautiful laptop with compromises • Aesthetics are still at odds with usability.

The only PC maintenance checklist I don't hate • THIS PRACTICAL PC MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST COVERS DRIVERS, STORAGE, BROWSERS, BACKUPS, PHYSICAL CLEANING, AND MORE.

I rebooted my router and busted Reddit's favorite tech myth • A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE INTERNET BELIEVES REBOOTING YOUR ROUTER CAN IMPROVE ITS PERFORMANCE, JUST LIKE REBOOTING YOUR PC. IS IT TRUE? I PUT IT TO THE TEST.

One simple browser setting can help block shady websites • You have to tweak Chrome, Edge, and Firefox if you want your data to only go through encrypted connections. Here’s how.

This free tool puts all Windows privacy settings in one place • O&O ShutUp10++ gives you one-click control over hidden system privacy settings on your Windows PC.

ChatGPT isn’t a mind reader. Use this prompt for better results • Got a complex task for AI? You’ll get better results by breaking it down first. This prompt will get you started.

Meet the adorable cat that stops your...