How-To Geek - Is a VPN Worth Paying For?

May 28, 2023

Did You Know?

Most people take great care to not scratch the bottom of their CDs and DVDs, but in reality, it’s the top that you should protect. The actual data on an optical disc is stored in an extremely thin layer of aluminum under the label side and, if scratched, it cannot be polished back to a showroom shine like the plastic bottom layer.

A virtual private network, or VPN for short, allows you to protect your browsing activity by encrypting internet traffic. Unfortunately, VPNs aren’t free nor are they foolproof. So is it worth paying for one? Read More »

Notifications are an essential part of the iPhone and iPad experience, but you may not always be happy with them. There are numerous ways to silence notifications, optimize the Notification Center, and only be alerted when you want to be. Read More »

Billions of people use Google Maps to explore the world and get turn-by-turn navigation directions every month. But its popularity has made it a prime target for scammers. Read More »

Many devices have Wi-Fi capabilities built in nowadays, but not all of them. However, if you need Wi-Fi on a device that doesn’t have it, there is a simple solution—a Wi-Fi adapter. There are plenty of adapters that suit a variety of needs, but if you need something small, D-Link’s AC1300 USB Adapter is perfect.

This Wi-Fi adapter, despite its size, has MU-MIMO and speeds up to 867Mbps on a 5GHz band. For just $22, this adapter is pretty powerful!

The best iPad stands offer flexibility for different sitting positions and viewing angles, changing the way you browse, watch, and type for the better. They come in all shapes and styles, and which one you’ll want will depend on your needs. Read More »

For those power users who like to supercharge their operating system, Microsoft’s open-source PowerToys application. Now, the latest version is adding a couple of new features to the mix. Read More »

AI tools have been making waves. First, it was AI image generators, then came ChatGPT with the ability to generate human-like text conversations. The potential for this technology is incredible, and you can use it right now. Read More »

Handheld gaming PCs are a fantastic innovation, bringing the power and flexibility of PC gaming into a form factor that fits in your hands. But this portability brings a particular challenge: good battery life. The answer? A trusty power bank. Read More »

We’ve finally established that 640K of memory isn’t quite enough for anyone, but the correct amount of RAM remains a hot debate topic. RAM isn’t cheap, but the time may finally be here to move on to 32GB of memory. Read More »

Plex touts itself as a streaming app for everyone, and it’s easy to see why. Contrary to services like Netflix, Plex is completely free, with a subscription geared not towards unlocking more content, but giving you actual features. Now, it’s cheaper than ever to get in on the action. Read More »

Nothing can kill the enjoyment of using a smartwatch faster than constantly having to charge it. Every moment your watch sits on a charger is time you’re not able to enjoy your device. While needing to juice up your watch’s battery is a fact of life, there are ways you can go longer between charges. Read More »