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The Best Webcams
by Arriana Vasquez and Melanie Pinola
If you’re unsatisfied with the camera that’s built into your computer—or if it doesn’t have one—the Logitech Brio 505 is your best option for sharp Zoom calls.
You Shouldn’t Still Be Buying Intel-based Macs
by Andrew Cunningham and Wirecutter Staff
Apple announced it is transitioning new Macs from Intel processors to its own Apple silicon. We have advice for when—or if—you should buy a new Mac.
How to Shop for a Used Laptop or Desktop PC
by Kimber Streams and Andrew Cunningham
Major stores and manufacturers sell refurbished, refreshed, and used laptops and desktops that sometimes perform as well as new ones, but for much lower prices.
How to Buy a Mac Desktop
by Dave Gershgorn
Apple makes fantastic laptops, but its desktops are also great options for many people. We’re here to help you figure out which one is right for you.
Apple’s Vision Pro AR/VR Headset: Bold, Innovative, and Ridiculously Expensive
by Dave Gershgorn
The Apple Vision Pro, a $3,500 mixed-reality headset that will go on sale in early 2024, is Apple’s big bet on augmented and virtual reality.
Everything Apple Announced at WWDC 2023: Vision Pro VR Headset, New Macs, and More
by Dave Gershgorn
Apple revealed its long-awaited AR/VR headset, the Apple Vision Pro, at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference.
How to Shop for a Desktop Computer, From Cheap Towers to Gaming PCs
by Kimber Streams
Shopping for an already-built PC, whether for office use or gaming, can be confusing. We’re here to help you figure out the specs to watch for and how much to spend.
How to Organize Desktop Apps
by Ivy Liscomb
If you have a chronically messy desktop, our cleaning tips can help spruce it up.
RIP, Passwords. Here’s What’s Coming Next.
by Thorin Klosowski
Usernames and passwords may soon be going away. Passkeys will replace them.
The Best Trackballs
by Thorin Klosowski
Trackballs aren’t for everyone, but the best models offer a comfortable and customizable alternative to traditional mice.
How I (Mostly) Stopped My Teen From Gaming All Night
by Joel Santo Domingo
Managing your kids’ internet use can be a headache, even when you’re a tech-savvy parent. We found some solutions—sort of.
Simple Online Security: Search for Information Online as Privately as Possible
by Thorin Klosowski
That incognito window isn’t actually keeping your searches secret, but there are other ways to keep things more private.
Apple’s New MacBook Air Is $200 More—and Probably Worth It
by Dave Gershgorn
Apple announced new M2-equipped MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models at its 2022 WWDC keynote presentation.
How a Burner Browser Hides My Most Embarrassing Internet Searches
by Thorin Klosowski
A burner browser is a fast and easy way to keep your embarrassing or sensitive searches out of your browser history and detached from your online accounts.
A KVM Switch Saved My Desk From Cable Clutter
by Haley Perry
If you have a work computer and a personal computer, a KVM switch is key to achieving cable bliss at any desk.
Simple Online Security for Online Dating and Sexting
by Thorin Klosowski
We recommend a few tips to avoid revealing more information than you intend when you’re using dating apps or sexting.
Simple Online Security for Selling or Donating Devices
by Thorin Klosowski
Before you get rid of phones, laptops, or other gadgets, make sure you’re not handing your data to strangers.
Simple Online Security for Borders and Protests
by Thorin Klosowski
If you’re concerned about your privacy being invaded by governments at border crossings or protests, you have a few options to protect your information.
Simple Online Security: If You Think You’ve Been Hacked
by Thorin Klosowski
If you think your accounts or devices have been hacked, there are a lot of resources to help you recover and lock things down.
Simple Online Security: Secure Your Sensitive Data
by Thorin Klosowski
Health and financial data is particularly sensitive, and a few tips will help you keep it more secure online.
Simple Online Security for Social Media Accounts
by Thorin Klosowski
Don’t ignore the privacy and security settings on social media accounts and cloud platforms.
Simple Online Security: Sending Messages and Files Safely
by Thorin Klosowski
Picking the right app and adjusting a few settings can make messaging and sharing files much more secure.
Step 10 to Simple Online Security: Secure Your Wi-Fi
by Thorin Klosowski
Take the time to set secure passwords for your network and router to prevent anyone from accessing your network or devices without your knowledge.
Step 9 to Simple Online Security: Secure Your Web Browser
by Thorin Klosowski
You can block malicious ads and invasive trackers with a few safe, free add-ons for most web browsers.
Step 8 to Simple Online Security: Free Antivirus Software Is Good
by Thorin Klosowski
Confirm that the built-in protections of Windows and MacOS are active, and you probably won’t need to pay for antivirus software.
Step 7 to Simple Online Security: Secure Your Smartphone
by Thorin Klosowski
There are a few steps you can take to secure your phone against malicious attacks and potential hacks. Here’s what you need to know.
Step 6 to Simple Online Security: Backups Are Security Too
by Thorin Klosowski
Backup software is free and included in your OS, but you need to purchase an external storage drive. Here are our tips for backing up your computer.
Step 5 to Simple Online Security: Track or Wipe a Lost Device
by Thorin Klosowski
Losing a phone or laptop stinks, and it can be a security risk if it holds important data. Here’s how to enable “find my device” on a variety of device types.
Step 4 to Simple Online Security: Encrypt Your Computer’s Storage
by Thorin Klosowski
Encrypting your computer’s storage drive is an easy way to safeguard your data. Here’s how to do it on your Windows or Mac computer.
Every Step to Simple Online Security
by Thorin Klosowski
Online security is for everyone. Our simple and affordable tips will show you how to drastically reduce your risks online.
Step 3 to Simple Online Security: Enable Automatic Updates Everywhere
by Thorin Klosowski
All modern operating systems have auto updates enabled by default, but it’s good to double-check that they’re happening. Here’s how.
Step 2 to Simple Online Security: Set Up Two-Factor Authentication
by Thorin Klosowski
Two-factor authentication adds a second layer of protection to your most important online accounts. We don’t recommend disabling 2FA.
Step 1 to Simple Online Security: Always Use Strong Passwords
by Thorin Klosowski
Reusing passwords increases the likelihood of someone else accessing your accounts. Here are some tips for maintaining strong passwords.
The Apple Mac Studio Looks Like a Mini, Performs Like a Pro
by Dave Gershgorn
Apple’s new desktop, the Mac Studio, includes the company’s latest processor and offered impressive performance in our tests.
6 Great Deals on Wirecutter’s Top Picks
by Jordan Thomas
Get the best for less. Here are six deals on Wirecutter-approved top picks.
The Things That Matter From Apple’s Spring 2022 Event
by Signe Brewster and Dave Gershgorn
In March 2022, Apple announced a new iPhone SE (3rd gen) and iPad Air (5th gen), plus a new desktop, the Mac Studio, and a matching monitor, the Studio Display.
A Practical Guide to Securing Your Mac
by Thorin Klosowski
Macs are often seen as more secure than their PC counterparts, but there are still practical steps you can take to make sure your personal info stays safe.
A Practical Guide to Securing Your Windows PC
by Thorin Klosowski
The thought of making your Windows PC as secure as possible might be intimidating, but we’re here to help make it as painless as possible.
How to Use a Microfiber Cloth to Clean (Almost) Every Device in Your Life
by Kimber Streams
The humble microfiber cloth is one of the most essential and underrated cleaning supplies in anyone’s toolkit.
Paying More for Nano-Textured Glass (Probably) Isn’t Worth It
by Ellen Airhart
The technology behind nano-textured glass is impressive, but the steep price of displays means it’s not worth the investment for most people.
How to Securely Wipe Your Computer, Phone, or Tablet
by Thorin Klosowski
Your devices can hold plenty of sensitive data. We’ll help you make sure your laptops, phones, tablets and more are completely clean before you resell them.
Why We Love the Raspberry Pi
by Thorin Klosowski
We love the Raspberry Pi because it's a tiny $35 computer you can use for almost anything, and because it's a fun way to teach yourself more about technology.
The Framework Laptop Could Revolutionize Repairability. We Hope It Does.
by Thorin Klosowski
Framework is promising the kind of upgradable laptop that plenty of people have demanded for years, and so far things look great. Mostly.
How to Back Up Your Computer
by Thorin Klosowski
After hundreds of hours researching the best local storage and online backup services, we’ve put together a guide to backing up your Mac or Windows computer.
A One-Handed Writer’s Search for the Perfect Mechanical Keyboard
by Britt H. Young
The best compact mechanical keyboards share common features, but even the best ones don’t always work well for a writer using a one-handed Dvorak layout.
How to Build Your First Gaming PC With a PC Game
by Haley Perry
In the pursuit of building my first gaming PC, the most invaluable tool for my journey was a video game.
First Look: The New iMac Makes a Statement, but It’s Missing Some Features
by Andrew Cunningham
If you’ve been eyeing the new iMac, here’s our initial impression of the vibrant but pricey Apple release.
Don’t Buy a Desktop PC With One of Intel’s Newest Processors—Here’s Why
by Andrew Cunningham
A new generation of Intel chips is coming soon, but they’re not necessarily better than last year’s, and they may not be right for you. We can help you decide.
A Silicon Chip Shortage May Delay Headphones and Game Consoles, but Don’t Panic
by Lauren Dragan and Andrew Cunningham
The electronics industry is dealing with a silicon chip shortage. Our experts discuss which products this might affect, and for how long.
How to Clean a Laptop
by Thorin Klosowski
It’s easy to forget that your laptop needs to be cleaned. Thankfully, it’s not hard to clean out dust and stray crumbs.
Delete Your Old Accounts (If You Can)
by Thorin Klosowski
Deleting old online accounts can help protect your personal information. We have tips for finding forgotten accounts and figuring out how to get rid of them.