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Best new PC games 2024

By admin January 12, 2024

What are the best new PC games in 2024? Perhaps you’ve just been paid, your bank account is filled with virtual dosh, or you simply want to get caught up with the latest PC games because they’re, well, new and shiny.Stay up to date with the best new PC games around this year so you don’t miss out on the freshest experiences on which to spend your hard earned cash.

What are the best new PC games in 2024?

Perhaps you’ve just been paid, your bank account is filled with virtual dosh, or you simply want to get caught up with the latest PC games because they’re, well, new and shiny.

It’s all well and good starting another daring round of multiplayer game PUBG, taking on a new 100-hour Football Manager save, or embarking on yet another The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim adventure but, as much as we love setting mammoths ablaze, there are plenty of new PC games that will more than supply your gaming fix. You don’t want to be the person who isn’t ‘in the know’ now, do you? Whatever you’re into, this list includes the best PC games from the last few months, including RPG games, that space game, and more.

The best new PC games in 2024 are:

Against the Storm

Against the Storm isn’t the first game to mix roguelike and strategy game mechanics, but its time in early access has enabled Eremite Games to craft something special. In this dark fantasy woodland setting, you are the Queen’s Viceroy as you build the city. Your decisions affect the fate of the humans and other critters that inhabit your town, leading them to prosperity or damnation.

It certainly impresses, as our Against the Storm review mentions that it’s “both simple enough on the surface to draw you in and complex enough to keep you enthralled in its gratifying risk/reward gameplay loop.”

Assassin’s Creed: Nexus

As we express in our Assassin’s Creed Nexus review, this jump to VR for such a massive series was a worrying one, but our fears were allayed as soon as we donned our headset and stepped back into the lives of Ezio, Kassandra, and Connor in three separate story arcs. If you’re a big AC fan, you may want to know if Assassin’s Creed Nexus is canon to the main story.

The campaign takes us through new adventures of these three characters, and some new ones, and provides hours upon hours of engaging gameplay. Check out our how long is Assassin’s Creed Nexus article to find out exactly how long this journey should take you. That said, we didn’t ever feel the need to rush through and we didn’t want it to end, which is handy when you’re playing in VR.

Football Manager 2024

A game about you (the manager) molding a team of players into the best darn sports (football) team the world has ever seen. Perhaps one for football purists only, the Football Manager series has hit new heights this year, with an under-the-radar set of changes and the new ability to continue that old Rotherham save that’s been going for 30 seasons.

Our Football Manager 2024 review goes into the overhauls in detail but with agent improvements, as well as the much-needed increase to positional control. We’ve got some handy guides to help you on your journey, including a list of the best free agents, the best tactics and formations, and where to find the best bargains. If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toe into the world of football management, or if this is your 10th year in the job, it looks like FM24 is the place to be.

Alan Wake 2

Over a decade later, Alan Wake is finally back. Where’s he been all this time? Unfortunately for him, stuck in the Dark Place where we left him. Literally all this time, as Alan Wake 2 kicks off in the present day. The horror novelist is still trying to work out how to get out, but otherwise, nothing much has happened since we last saw him.

As we explain in our glowing Alan Wake 2 review, you start in the role of a new Alan Wake protagonist, an FBI agent exploring a series of murders. We’ll leave you to discover how Saga Anderson’s story fits in with Wake’s as he tries to escape the Dark Place, but you will switch between the two characters during your adventure. If you can’t wait to play Alan Wake 2 but aren’t sure whether you should play Alan Wake first, we’ve got you covered with a Remedy recap.

Ghostrunner 2

If you’re looking for a parkour game to rival Mirror’s Edge, consider it found. Ghostrunner 2 boasts a slick parkour system that allows you to harness breakneck speed and agility without even breaking a sweat. It also seamlessly drops you back into the action whenever you stumble, and includes abilities like bullet time, invincibility, and even lasers to outfox even the toughest of bosses.

As our Ghostrunner 2 review certainly attests, it’s a worthy sequel, declaring it a “surprise GOTY contender” that’s “so much more” than its predecessor – including an all-new hub area and a rogue Ghostrunner faction intent on bending the citizens of Dharma to their will. On that note, Ghostrunner 2’s traversal and combat mechanics are folded into a cyberpunk world dripping in rain, neon, and pure style. Whether it’s parkour, puzzles, or pure aesthetics you’re after, Ghostrunner 2 has all of the above in spades.

Total War: Pharaoh

A war set against the backdrop of the Nile Delta, Total War: Pharaoh sees men attempt to achieve victory over enemy TW Pharaoh leaders, environmental disaster, and the constant threat of outsiders. Our Total War Pharaoh review goes into depth about this compelling strategy game, but if you ever wanted to visit 12th-century Egypt and battle over every grain of sand, you won’t do any better than this.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Our Assassin’s Creed Mirage review highlights the apparent “renewed focus that trims the fat from its predecessors to commemorate the very best bits of the series.” By going back to basics, Mirage’s missions don’t outstay their welcome, and the investigation-based campaign allows you to take your time following leads. Combat eschews the excessive RPG elements of earlier entries, instead opting for a simpler and ironically more engaging block and counter strategies. While there are plenty of collectibles, such as AC Mirage outfits and AC Mirage Lost Books hidden in Baghdad, they aren’t anywhere near as horrendous to try and find – well, except for the AC Mirage Enigmas that is.

Payday 3

In our Payday 3 review, we celebrate the improvements to Payday 3 weapons and other, more refined mechanics in comparison to the previous two games. Payday 3 truly makes you feel like an expert thief, whether you’re new to the series or a returning veteran. With eight Payday 3 heists available at launch and four difficulties to try for each, there’s plenty to keep you busy as you strive to get away with the most cash you can. The biggest downside to the stealth game, meanwhile, is the Payday 3 server issues, thanks to its overwhelming popularity.

Mortal Kombat 1

Our Mortal Kombat 1 review praises the new fighting mechanics, with the refreshing addition of MK1 Kameo characters making for a fast-paced experience that isn’t too complex. With comically gruesome Mortal Kombat 1 Fatalities, the returning Mortal Kombat 1 Brutalities, and a story that’s utterly bonkers from start to finish, fans of the NetherRealm Studios fighting game series will likely have a grand time. Time will tell when it comes to how the MK1 Invasions Mode will keep an active player base during its six-week seasonal offerings, but at least it’s something a bit different from the norm.

Starfield

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking to the stars in your own spaceship, exploring planets, mining resources, and… eating sandwiches, then it doesn’t get much better than Starfield. Our Starfield review talks about the game’s lofty goals – giving you the freedom to do as you please while you slowly orbit a rather intriguing story, the space game takes what Bethesda Game Studios does best and blasts it off into the big black.

If you’ve just started your adventure, we have a Starfield walkthrough here to aid you on your travels and a bunch of the best Starfield builds so you can take on whatever the universe throws at you.

Sea of Stars

If you want to experience a classic JRPG without having to put up with dated mechanics, Sabotage Studios’ Sea of Stars has been inspired by some of the genre’s best, like Chrono Trigger and Super Mario RPG, to relive that era. Our 9/10 Sea of Stars review points out that many developers have tried their hand at recreating the nostalgia those Super NES games elicit, but few have managed to do so convincingly.

Sabotage Studios’ wonderful pixel art assets, combined with the tracks from Chrono Trigger’s primary composer, Yasunori Mitsuda, blend together to create a brilliant turn-based RPG. You can even collect Sea of Stars relics to alter how you play the game, allowing you to customize the experience to your liking. We also have a list of Sea of Stars Rainbow Conch locations if you’re struggling to find all 60 of them on your own.

Armored Core 6

Before the legendary Japanese developer became known for their Souls games, their claim to fame stemmed from the long-running Armored Core series. First released back in 1997, Armored Core lets players live out their mech dreams as they build a giant robot to lay waste to their evil robotic counterparts. After 11 years since the last mainline game, From Software has a brand new audience of fans to pull from. As our 8/10 Armored Core 6 review points out, AC6 isn’t trying to be a Souls game; it’s unequivocally an Armored Core game in every sense of the word.

Armored Core 6’s length should take most players just under 20 hours to complete, but the game has been designed for multiple playthroughs as there are different missions, endings, and mech parts to unlock. Speaking of Armored Core 6 parts, the robot game gives you plenty of options to build radically different mechs. From AC6 weapons like missile launchers and shotguns to Armored Core 6 OS Upgrades that drastically enhance your mech’s abilities, your subsequent playthroughs can be completely different just by picking new parts.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

We don’t often get a new asymmetrical multiplayer that we want to shout about, but The Texas Chain Saw Massacre comes from the horror experts behind the sadly defunct and very missed Friday 13th The Game so you know it’s good. Whether it’s a contender to dethrone DBD as the king of asymmetry remains to be seen due to its single-IP limitations, but, as Gun told us in an exclusive interview, “Having the game set a few months before the original 1974 film allows us to create new characters without being bound too tightly by the entire franchise.

” We think there’s room for both service games to coexist, though. As we explore in our The Texas Chain Saw Massacre review, the unique 4v3 team setup makes for an entirely new and more challenging experience.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre has already found its footing in the genre, with a hugely positive reception as soon as the game was released. New characters are already on their way, as well as new maps, so there’s still plenty of reason to get involved now if you missed out on this terrifying multiplayer game.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Our Baldur’s Gate 3 review backs this as one of the best PC games of the year, thanks to its varied outcomes, interesting (and sometimes annoying) Baldur’s Gate 3 companions, and the fact that you can craft your BG3 experience as you see fit.

Based on Dungeons and Dragons 5e, Baldur’s Gate 3 is accessible for both DnD veterans and novices, and you don’t need to have played a Larian Studios game before this one either – thanks to its immersive RPG experience, making it one of the best RPGs around, you’ll learn everything you need as you go.

The Expanse

If you want a space game with great dialogue, an epic story, and severe consequences, then look no further than The Expanse. As we explore in our The Expanse review, even when you think you’re doing the right thing, it could turn out to be the wrong thing, so no consequence is predictable.

This varied game combines several genres in one, such as puzzling, stealth, and shooting, which perfectly complements the deep and emotional story to give you hours of engrossing gameplay.

Remnant 2

Gunfire Games returns with a follow-up to cult hit Remnant: From the Ashes to bring everything its predecessor did, but better – just check our Remnant 2 review if you don’t believe us. Remnant 2 is a multiversal adventure like no other, blending the RNG of roguelike games with the no-holds-barred punishment of Soulslikes in a third-person shooter.

Weapons scavenged from a variety of distinct worlds are imbued with mods and function as the basis of Remnant 2’s build customization, allowing you to cultivate your firepower until you can take down the toughest and meanest bosses in the multiverse. You can even bring a friend along with you for the ride and uncover the secrets that lie beyond Ward 13’s World Stone. If you’re looking for a co-op experience full of surprises, look no further than Remnant 2.

Oxenfree 2

The world of indie sleeper Oxenfree is expanded in its sequel, as Night School Studio seeks to close the book on the mysteries of the fictional Ellis Island and the lost souls that lie beyond its shores. Like its predecessor, Oxenfree 2 has a few light puzzles and plenty of exploration to scratch that classic adventure game itch, but its main draw is its organic conversation system.

Level-headed hiker Riley is thrown into cahoots with local weirdo Jacob. Instead of reconciling the trials and tribulations of a teenage friend group, Riley and Jacob struggle to reconcile regrets spanning familial relationships and careers against the background of Oxenfree’s ‘80s movie aesthetic. As per our Oxenfree 2 review: “Closing rifts between realities is hard; closing rifts between people is harder.”

Diablo 4

Diablo 4 is the first 10/10 to grace the site in a long while, but in our Diablo 4 review, not much stands in the way of making this pitch-perfect as news editor Lauren says, “Diablo 4 embodies the essence of what makes Diablo so great, taking the best elements of its predecessors and sewing them together to create an ever-changing, ever-evolving chimera that we can’t wait to play for years to come.”

If you don’t need any more convincing, then here are our Diablo 4 tips to get started, including which Diablo 4 class to pick and whether Diablo 4 is coming to Game Pass.

Street Fighter 6

Now, this is a game that welcomes newcomers, if you aren’t familiar with this fighting game, now’s the time to punch in. Our Street Fighter 6 review highlights just how much the game has learned from previous installments and creates an in-depth campaign with a control system that appeals to newbies but challenges fighting game veterans. If you’re thinking of giving it a whirl, here’s our Street Fighter 6 tier list and Street Fighter 6 roster.

System Shock remake

Though not much separates this from the original, the System Shock remake does bring forward the graphics and playability of the game, giving it a slight edge and making it a thoroughly enjoyable FPS game. Though our System Shock remake review touches on the outdated mechanics the remake carries forward, there’s still a lot to love for newcomers to one of the best PC games of all time as you battle cyborgs in a frantic race to stop the destruction of Earth.

The Outlast Trials

If you’re looking for a horror game to play among friends, The Outlast Trials is the perfect co-op experience for a terrifying and disturbing look at the events before the original Outlast games. As you head to a secretive facility with the promise of a brighter future, that quickly fades as you’re forced into mind control experiments and brainwashing.

To flee the facility and return to society, you and up to four friends must compete in a series of trials and challenges involving evading creepy monsters and making morally compromising decisions – all in the name of science.

Age of Wonders 4

If you’re after a strategy game, the new fantasy game Age of Wonders has earned rave reviews, especially our Age of Wonders 4 review: “This is undoubtedly the best 4X game I’ve played in years, delivering top-notch exploration, combat, and diplomacy alongside a rewarding and dynamic customization system.” With improved customization and faction mechanics and compelling exploration, combat, and diplomacy systems, it’s no wonder Age of Wonders 4 has stormed the Steam charts.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Though the Star Wars game got off to a bit of a rocky start, we found a lot to love in our Star Wars Jedi: Survivor review, deepening the Jedi power fantasy and expanding on the world. There are plenty more hours to sink into Survivor than its predecessor due to open-world areas and all-new Jedi Survivor bosses. Get started with our Star Wars Jedi Survivor tips and tricks, all Jedi Survivor lightsaber colors available, and all Cal Kestis cosmetics and outfits.

There you have it, the new PC games you should be playing right now. Now, we’ll admit we were being a little facetious earlier: new PC games aren’t necessarily the cream of the personal computer crop. For that, you should swing by our list of the best old games for the classics, perhaps our favorite free PC games so you can try them without consequence, or even check out our collection of free online games, no download required.

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Best Remote Desktop Software in 2024

By admin January 11, 2024

Best Remote Desktop Software in 2024, Screen sharing windows, more accurately known as Remote desktop software, are tools that allow you to access one pc from another pc remotely.By remote, we mean that users can take the access of a mouse and keyboard of a distant PC just like their own. Remote access is highly beneficial for people sitting at long distances, the IT department of large corporates and many more.

However, to do this, you need specialized software which will connect your PC to the host system. Once you have the required software in place, you can easily connect your client pc with the host pc with proper credentials.

Are you scared about the technical aspect of sharing the screen with another computer? Just download a free screen sharing software to get your job done.

List of the 9 Best Remote Desktop Software for 2024

While many Windows computers come with in-built software, however, there are several best screen sharing software that can do the job in a much better way and also provide additional features.

1. Zoho Assist

Zoho Assist is a blessing to IT departments and works on a cloud-based software platform. It is one of the best ways to connect to end customers within seconds.

It works on an On-demand mechanism and sends email invitations to its user to connect with the host PC. It supports file transfer, video, and voice chat along with solving rebooting issues on the client-side.

Additional features:

• It comes with an easy to use auto-detect tool.

• It also supports the recording of sessions for monitoring purpose.

• It can also club client system based on their location and functions.

It is one of the best troubleshooting tools for IT companies which can solve all kinds of system-related issues. This stunning application comes in both a free and paid version. With the free version, you can connect with up to 5 machines.

With all the features, this tool is undoubtedly worth a try.

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2. TeamViewer 14

This all-round software undeniably deserves a place in the list of best screen sharing software. This comprehensive tool can support multiple devices with a massive number of platforms.

It’s easy to use UI makes it the right choice. It also comes in a free version for home users. You can connect up to 4k desktops, share files, and also supports alternative VPN’s.

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3. Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is one of the easiest and the most straightforward screen sharing application. It works as a chrome extension and is quite easy to install.

You can add multiple users to the host computer using a security pin. The only drawback of this application is that when compared to other players is has a limited number of features to offer.

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4. Remote Desktop Manager

It is a must-have application for SME businesses who are looking for an efficient system to control their computer systems remotely.

It comes with a good range of features and is quite easy to use. Individual users can opt for its limited free edition while large corporates can buy a site license to support all PC.

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5. Remote Utilities for Windows

Another most trusted and reliable option in the category of best screen sharing software is “Remote Utilities for Windows.” It comes with incredible features that can give enough competition to even the paid software.

Users can connect up to 10 PC with this feature-rich tool. It works on 2 platforms, the first one if the Host software that is installed on the Host PC and the Viewer software that need to be installed on the clients pc.

The only downside of this incredible piece of technology is that it can only work on Windows PC.

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6. LogMeIn Pro

LogMeIn is the ultimate choice for large companies which require a powerful and robust screen-sharing technology.

It is specially developed to support large enterprises and comes with a suite of sophisticated and useful tools that can easily manage multiple systems and users.

The only downside is that it does not suit everybody’s pocket. However, as an additional benefit, you get 1TB of cloud storage with its premium subscription.

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7. Remote PC

Personal or business use, Remote PC is suitable for both. It works on Cloud, which makes it a good option for individual users as well as large enterprises.

Several computers can be configured with the host PC, and additional users can also be added with an access key and password.

All the remove connection are highly secure with AES-256 encryption, and use of access credentials adds on to the security level.

A round the clock support team is also available to help users and customers. Individual users can get this stunning tool in $ 51.12 as first-year subscription.

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8. Connectwise Control

This powerful application is effortless to use and comes with an array of features. It works on 2 key options: Access and support.

Support is a Cloud-based service which supports real-time accessing of users machine. It also uses a 2FA mechanism and AES-256 encryption to ensure high-end security.

Users can schedule meetings, give remote prints, and transfer files. Its standard plan costs $35 annually and allows a single user to connect with 3 different system.

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9. VCN Connect

Another well-known name in the list of best screen sharing software is VCN Connect. It is most suited for multinational companies.

Users can easily connect, monitor, support, and collaborate with the user’s devices. Real-time remote access is quite easy with this powerful desktop tool

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What is remote desktop software?

Remote desktop software, also known as remote access software, allows users to access another computer or system remotely in real time and work on it like their local device. It ensures easy, efficient, and secure access to one or many remote desktops.

While the software can also be used for remote support, a remote desktop tool is typically used by employees to access a machine remotely rather than to resolve a technical problem. Though the maintenance functions may not be as extensive as those of remote support solutions, remote desktop tools aid support teams in performing basic maintenance tasks on numerous devices from a single station.

Typical use cases of a remote desktop tool include granting employees access to and managing distant computers anytime, from any device, which gives them the privilege to work from anywhere. Sometimes IT support professionals use remote desktop software to troubleshoot and perform maintenance tasks remotely.

What are the common features of remote desktop software?

The following are some core features of a remote desktop tool that can help users achieve greater flexibility and cost savings through remote work:

• Remote access and control: Remote desktop software provides end users access to and control over other devices not in their physical vicinity. The software facilitates the visibility of a specific window or the entire desktop.

• Multi-monitor support: Many workplaces now opt for multiple monitors at their workstations to help improve productivity. As a result, the remote desktop tool supports the capability to view multiple monitors at a time.

• Multiple operating system (OS) support: Businesses today use Windows, macOS, Linux, or other OS, and sometimes multiple OS within the same company. Remote desktop software has features to handle viewing and functioning on any OS, independent of the OS the end user is connecting from.

• Mobile device access: Remote desktop tools allow administrators to access connected mobile devices and support mobile OS like Android, iOS, and more.

• Data encryption: When a user’s device is being used and managed remotely, it may leave the user feeling vulnerable. The remote desktop tool offers a data encryption feature to secure the connection and protect data.

• File management: Remote desktop software facilitates file sharing and transfers to enable quick and effortless work discussion, collaboration among colleagues, and viewing of relevant documents when working remotely. The shared or transferred files are highly secure as permission to access them is granted only to authenticated user accounts.

• Remote configuration: The software helps configure a remote PC for access so that the end user can take complete control of the device over the internet anytime.

• Chat: The chat functionality of the remote desktop software allows users to send and receive messages between computers.

• Application management: Remote desktop tool centrally manages, configures, and monitors applications on employee devices.

• Session transfer: Access to remote sessions for IT support can be transferred between users using a remote desktop application.

• Session recording: A remote desktop tool provides the ability to record remote sessions at a desired location on the local computer.

• Security: All the data shared across a remote connection is encrypted. It also uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure only authorized users can log in and notify suspicious activities.

• Deployment flexibility: Remote desktop tools can be deployed on the cloud and on-premises, depending on the organization’s requirements.

• Remote printing: Some remote desktop solutions provide remote printing capabilities to help users print documents using a locally plugged or network printer.

• Session usage reporting: Activity log tracking and session analytics is essential for IT managers and chief information officers (CIOs) looking to track, manage, and optimize helpdesk activities.

• Branding: Remote desktop systems may let businesses customize client applications to match their websites.

What are the benefits of remote desktop software?

There are several benefits that a business can reap from a remote desktop tool. Below is a list of advantages that the tool offers:

• Efficiency: Remote desktop tools offer the potential to maintain numerous devices from a single workstation. Users can access the systems they need from wherever they are located.

• Cost savings: Remote desktop tools may require the installation of remote client software on user devices. However, some web-based remote desktop software provides remote access with zero endpoint installation or configuration. Clientless, centrally-managed solutions do not require installation, management, and software maintenance on individual devices, thereby cutting down IT support costs. Additionally, these solutions enable users to work from home with the most reliable and secure connection resulting in reduced overhead expenditure for office space, computing equipment, software, utilities, etc.

• Flexibility: Employers are increasingly promoting flexible and remote work. The ability to work from anywhere, at any time, and on multiple devices increases employee productivity and turnover. These tools enable employees to work remotely with a seamless remote desktop connection to one or many desktops at the workplace.

• Business continuity: Remote desktop platform ensures business continuity in times of crisis, such as pandemic outbreaks, harsh weather, and transportation strikes. It provides access to business applications and data from home, enabling organizations to meet their business objectives.

Who uses remote desktop software?

• Customer support teams: Employees on support teams are most likely to use the remote desktop tool. The software greatly improves the efficiency of most support teams’ day-to-day routines and tasks.

• IT departments: Software and licensing administrators in the IT department can use remote desktop tools for scheduling and running maintenance on devices, regardless of the device’s physical location or the administrator.

• Data archive teams: Teams that do heavy data archive work may also benefit from using a remote desktop tool. Data archives tend to be optimized toward UNIX systems like Linux’s numerous variants, so having a remote Linux build that can be tapped into from a Windows desktop can be incredibly valuable.

• Software engineers: Remote desktop solutions enable developers and engineers to share a single workstation, use integrated development environments (IDEs), access remote servers, and investigate bugs remotely.

• Educational institutions: Teachers, professors, educators, and administrators use remote access solutions for conducting classes and accessing tools and files from remote locations.

• Remote users: Remote employees rely on these solutions to access company files and servers and complete tasks without being in the office.

What are the Alternatives to Remote Desktop Software?

• Remote support software: Remote support and remote desktop tools are so similar that many use the two names interchangeably. There is a slight but notable difference between the two. Remote desktop software focuses more exclusively on access to and control over a remote device. While remote support software does this as well, these solutions offer more expansive features to assist with maintenance and troubleshooting.

• Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) software: Remote desktop and VDI software have similar characteristics but slightly different target functions. A remote desktop tool tends to focus on creating connections to physical devices. In contrast, a VDI tool hones in on entirely virtual desktops associated with servers or even an OS being run within another OS. VDI software allows for centralized hosting and viewership of numerous desktops, whereas remote desktop focuses on the ability to access numerous physical desktops from a single location.

• Screen sharing software: These systems partially match the functionality of remote desktop solutions by allowing users to share screens and demonstrate processes to viewers. Sales, marketing, and support teams use screen sharing tools to provide demos, brainstorm, and resolve technical issues.

Challenges with remote desktop software

Remote desktop tools can come with their own set of challenges.

• Connectivity: Remote desktop usage occurs entirely via the internet, so connectivity issues can end up disrupting the experience. When implementing a remote desktop tool, users must ensure high internet connectivity.

• Hardware dilemmas: Remote desktop software relies partly on the end device’s hardware functioning optimally. If there is an issue with the end device’s hardware, the software may not be able to access the remote device.

• Privacy: The means to take control of other users’ computers remotely does come with a certain degree of privacy risk. In the wrong hands, losing control of one’s computer means compromised data on the computer or an entire network. Companies need to use strong endpoint protection software when implementing remote support software to protect internal devices.

• Operating system compatibility: Some remote desktop systems may not efficiently support different operating systems such as Linux, macOS. or their outdated versions. This Os non-compatibility makes it challenging for remote users to receive timely solutions.

• High-performance tasks: Network speed and bandwidth variation may impact remote desktop tools’ ability to to complete tasks demanding high computational resources, including video rendering, data analysis, and graphic design.

• User experience: Complex remote desktop applications make it difficult for users to log in, establish connections with remote devices, and share files.

How to choose remote desktop software

Organizations buying remote desktop software must consider business-specific needs and the following factors to maximize the return on their investment.

• Device whitelisting and authentication: Choosing a remote desktop platform with device or endpoint authentication is crucial for preventing unauthorized systems from connecting with remote devices and gaining unattended access.

• Two-factor authentication (2FA): Remote desktop solutions with 2FA capabilities verify user identity to protect devices and data from brute-force attacks, social engineering, and phishing.

• Security compliance: Buyers must ensure that the remote access tool of their choice meets different security standards, including General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), System and Organization Controls (SOC 2), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Also, consider choosing solutions that update security protocols regularly.

• Ease of use: Selecting a user-friendly remote desktop tool is essential for ensuring that even non-technical users have a seamless experience while using the system. Moreover, users should be able to install the application without any difficulty.

• File transfer: Remote desktop tools with file sharing features allow users to share presentations, documents, and data, enabling them to send or receive files immediately. Also, consider looking for systems with remote printing, chat, multi-monitor support, and remote wake-on-LAN functionalities.

• Available on mobile devices: Choosing a system that users can access from a phone or tablet helps technical support specialists resolve issues on the go.

• Price and customer support: Consider thoroughly evaluating customer support availability and features against price to find the best solution.

Depending on their organizations’ sizes, needs, and preferences, buyers must try different tools to find the one that best fits their compatibility, security, usability requirements, and budget.

Remote desktop software pricing

Remote desktop software is available in two deployment models: on-premises and cloud. Based on the models, the software can also be purchased as a perpetual license or as annual or monthly subscriptions. Remote desktop tools are priced as a perpetual license for on-premises software, whereas cloud-based solutions are available on a subscription basis. Some remote desktop tools can be downloaded for free private usage and are available as a three-tier license, often business, premium, or corporate.

Remote desktop software pricing varies depending on the number of seats, devices, and features organizations require. Below is a general overview of pricing based on tiers buyers choose.

• Entry-level plans range from $10 to $15 monthly and include basic features. These plans suit individual users and small businesses.

• Mid-range plans can cost businesses up to $35 per month. They provide more features suitable for larger business teams.

• Advanced plans cost around $75 monthly and offer advanced support and user management features. These are ideal for larger enterprises with extensive business requirements.

Implementation of remote desktop software

How is remote desktop software implemented?

There are generally two ways in which a remote desktop software is implemented:

• OS-based implementation: OS-based remote desktop solutions are built directly into the OS. No extra software is required to use OS-based remote desktop solutions as the tools are already installed. For example, some versions of Windows come with built-in remote desktop software.

• Third-party-based implementation: Third-party-based implementation is needed when remote desktop software has to be licensed by the user. Once the buyer has decided on the software that fits their particular needs and installed it, it should be ready for use.

Remote desktop software trends

• Companies will adopt a hybrid workplace model: Companies are now looking at providing the choice of working from the office only for a few days a week. The remote working element in a hybrid workplace is a trend that is expected to grow. Employees within an organization have increasingly started preferring to work from home or anywhere else with flexible working schedules. Employers are also providing the flexibility to do so. Remote desktop and remote support software will be widely used when working remotely, as they provide seamless IT support without letting external factors hinder business processes from running smoothly.

• Organizations will opt for consolidation of remote work tools: Organizations use multiple software solutions such as video conferencing, remote support, and remote desktop to enable effective collaboration across employees, clients, and partners. It is essential to consolidate these tools and provide the organization with better visibility to enhance operational productivity, thereby reducing the need to monitor each device individually. The adoption of centralized solutions is expected to rise, considering it would help companies ensure compliance and tackle software management issues.

• BYOD trends continue gaining popularity: Many organizations encourage employees to use BYOD devices to control capital expenditure costs rising from hardware purchase and maintenance. Employees using their devices often rely on remote desktop solutions to connect with peers or access server files. Remote workers using their devices for office work are more likely to experience cybersecurity threats. Businesses must continue investing in cybersecurity, cloud security, and vulnerability management tools to prevent data leaks and unauthorized access and mitigate remote work tech vulnerability.

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The Best Web Hosting Services for 2024

By admin January 11, 2024

The Best Web Hosting Services for 2024, These top-rated, thoroughly tested web hosting services offer the robust features you need to build attractive, reliable websites for business or personal use.

A business without an online presence seriously jeopardizes its reach and potential profits, because people automatically turn to the internet when searching for products or services. As a result, it’s important that your company has an easy-to-navigate website with strong uptime. It doesn’t need to be fancy; even a simple webpage listing your business hours and contact information gives your venture the air of legitimacy it needs in a cyber-connected world. To do this, you need web hosting to serve as the foundation for your website.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

HostGator Web Hosting

Why We Picked It

HostGator is a fantastic web hosting service with a varied selection, including feature-rich WordPress, VPS, dedicated, and cloud server packages. It also includes useful tools, such as the terrific Web.com website builder. In a nice touch, HostGator lets you select a Windows-based server, something not offered by every web hosting service.

Who It’s For

HostGator is best for small and midsize businesses that want to quickly build a Linux– or Windows-based website, and have room to grow. Its shared hosting packages have unlimited disk space, monthly data transfers, databases, and email addresses across the board.

Bluehost Web Hosting

Best for Building WordPress Sites

Why We Picked It

Bluehost strikes a balance between pricing and features, offering services that appeal to hobbyists and business professionals. Great uptime, WordPress-enhancing tools, e-commerce add-ons, and overall flexibility make Bluehost a web host you can count on for a rock-solid website. Its website builder delivers drag-and-drop simplicity as well, making it all the more appealing.

Who It’s For

A massive portion of the internet is powered by WordPress (more than 40 percent!), so there’s a good chance that you may go that route, too. Fortunately, Bluehost excels at WordPress hosting, offering plans that let you build nearly any website you wish. Plus, Bluehost has custom tools that make building a WordPress site an even easier affair.

The Best Web Hosting Services for 2024

InMotion Web Hosting

Best for a Lengthy Money-Back Guarantee

Why We Picked It

InMotion is a top-tier web hosting provider that delivers reasonably priced shared, dedicated, VPS, and cloud hosting plans. Whether you need WordPress-specific plans or reselling options, InMotion has a well-rounded feature set that appeals to nearly every web hosting need.

Who It’s For

This is the web host that you should check out when comparing features, as the company casts a wide hosting net. The big exception here is Windows servers, as InMotion uses Linux-based servers to host websites. InMotion also offers an excellent, 90-day money-back guarantee for shared hosting plans, which gives you plenty of time to kick the tires.

DreamHost Web Hosting

Best for Cloud Hosting

Why We Picked It

When it comes to delivering dependable, Linux-powered servers, DreamHost ranks as one of the best services that we’ve tested. The company offers valuable website-building tools, as well as excellently priced hosting plans for all of your needs, including shared, VPS, and WordPress-specific servers. DreamHost’s cloud-based servers are also extremely affordable and flexible, earning the host an Editors’ Choice nod for the subcategory.

Who It’s For

With its easy-to-use tools, DreamHost is a great host if you’re new to building websites. It also has fantastic cloud-based hosting with highly competitive rates, and a feature-packed toolset that includes site-building software and unlimited data transfers across the board.

A2 Web Hosting

Best for Stellar Customer Service

Why We Picked It

When shopping for web hosting, a strong foundation makes a good first impression. A2 Hosting offers just that with robust hosting packages, excellent uptime, and superb WordPress plans (for which it is a PCMag co-Editors’ Choice winner). In addition, the company has an incredibly helpful customer service team that quickly addresses your problems or questions.

Who It’s For

If you have WordPress in mind, and don’t mind utilizing Linux-based servers, A2 is a host you should scope out first. Its plans include highly optimized environments specifically designed for WordPress, plus managed options that deliver 24-hour support and supervision.

AccuWeb Hosting

Best for Dedicated Hosting

Why We Picked It

Fantastic web hosting plans and helpful customer service aptly describe AccuWeb’s services. However, the company’s excellent dedicated hosting plans make it stand out in a crowded field. In fact, its dedicated packages are so robust that they earned our Editors’ Choice award. What’s more, AccuWeb has Windows Server options alongside the common Linux OS, so you have an another potential foundation for your website.

Who It’s For

Companies seeking high-powered dedicated hosting. Dedicated plans costs more money than shared, VPS, WordPress, or cloud options, but the steeper price tag comes with storage and data transfer privileges that are second to none. If you’re on the prowl for enterprise-level business hosting, AccuWeb will serve your company well.

Liquid Web Hosting

Best for Managed Hosting

Why We Picked It

There’s serious muscle behind LiquidWeb’s wide range of cloud, dedicated, VPS, WordPress, and reseller server packages. It lacks a low-cost, shared hosting tier, making this web host more appealing to larger businesses rather than smaller ones. Despite that limitation, you can expect white-glove treatment with LiquidWeb’s packages, so your web hosting needs will be handled with exceptional care and attention.

Who It’s For

LiquidWeb offers premium hosting, at a premium price point. The host provides excellent, managed, enterprise-class service, with the muscle to power the website of your dreams. If you want powerful hosting options and impeccable, around-the-clock support, LiquidWeb is a good place to start.

Hostwinds Web Hosting

Best for Reseller and VPS Hosting

Why We Picked It

Shared hosting is a great starting point, but as your traffic and demands grow, so will your hosting needs. VPS is the next step up, and Hostwinds handles VPS hosting extremely well. The versatile web host also has strong reseller hosting plans for people who want to open their own hosting businesses.

Who It’s For

Hostwinds is an appealing hosting choice for a wide range of clients, from mom-and-pop shops to big business, as its services are attractively priced and fairly robust. Give Hostwinds a try if you want to migrate your website to a beefier VPS server, or wish to sell hosting of your own.

WP Engine Web Hosting

Best for WordPress Hosting: WP Engine

Why We Picked it

Many web hosting services offer unique packages to compliment the highly popular CMS, and WP Engine is no different. It delivers valuable and powerful WordPress hosting options, alongside other great plans, cloud-based platform flexibility, and reliable service. For managed WordPress hosting, WP Engine is a strong contender that offers plenty of power.

Who It’s For

If you’re thinking of building a WordPress-powered site, keep WP Engine on your radar. The web host covers most of your WordPress-related bases, provided you don’t mind turning to third-parties for domain registration and emails.

Hostinger Web Hosting

Best for Customized Server Packages

Why We Picked It

Hostinger is a versatile web host that combines excellent uptime, great customer service, and a mix of traditional and cloud-based hosting. The company’s services are fairly customizable, too, letting you create private video game servers for CS: GO or Minecraft.

Who It’s For

Gamers who want to create their own private servers. Of course, Hostinger serves non-gamers, too. The web host constantly adds features to its excellent hosting options, or improves accessibility to make those options easier to use. Check out Hostinger’s customizable packages if you need a web server that requires a specific build.

Ionos Web Hosting

Best for Large-Scale Cloud Hosting

Why We Picked It

When it comes to scale, Ionos by 1&1 is a powerhouse. The web host has many well-rounded packages, including shared, VPS, WordPress, and dedicated servers. However, its cloud hosting plans are particularly feature-rich offerings, making Ionos an Editors’ Choice pick for the subcategory.

Who It’s For

Enterprises looking to open up shop online. Ionos’ cloud-based services are reliable and powerful, and let you easily scale server specs as your company grows.

Buying Guide: The Best Web Hosting Services for 2024

What Is Included With a Web Hosting Service?

Web hosting services offer varying amounts of monthly data transfers, storage, email, and other features. Even how you pay (month-to-month payments vs. annual payments) can be radically different, too, so taking the time to plot exactly what your company needs for online success is essential. Many of these companies also offer reseller hosting services, which let you go into business for yourself, offering hosting to your own customers without requiring you to spin up your own servers.

You should also familiarize yourself with the many web hosting tiers that are available. In your research, you’ll find shared, virtual private server (VPS), dedicated hosting, and WordPress hosting plans. Each tier offers different specs and features that you should take the time to analyze. We’ll break them down below.

What Is Shared Web Hosting?

Shared hosting is web hosting in which the provider houses multiple sites on a single server. For example, Site A shares the same server with Site B, Site C, Site D, and Site E. The upside is that the multiple sites share the server cost, so shared web hosting is generally very inexpensive. It’s cheap web hosting. In fact, you can find an option for less than $10 per month.

You could think of the sites that share your server as your roommates; there’s really not that much separating you from them. Sure, you can close the bedroom door, but they can still cause nightmares for you in the kitchen and the bathroom. In web hosting terms, all the sites share a single server’s resources, so huge traffic spikes on Site A may impact the neighboring sites’ performances. It’s even possible that another site could take down the shared server altogether if it crashed hard enough.

What Is VPS Web Hosting?

VPS hosting is similar to shared hosting in that multiple sites share the same server, but the similarities end there. In housing terms, VPS hosting is like renting your own apartment in a larger building. You’re much more isolated than in the roommate situation mentioned above; it’s still possible that a neighboring apartment could cause annoyance for you, but far less likely. In web hosting terms, Site A’s traffic surge won’t have nearly as much impact on Site B or Site C. As you’d expect, VPS hosting costs more than shared hosting. Expect to pay roughly $20 to $60 per month, depending on the service.

What Is Dedicated Web Hosting?

Dedicated hosting, on the other hand, is both powerful and pricey. It’s reserved for sites that require an incredible amount of server resources.

Unlike shared or VPS hosting, dedicated hosting makes your website the lone tenant on a server. To extend the housing metaphor, having a dedicated server is like owning your own home. This means that your website taps the server’s full power, and pays for the privilege. If you’re looking for a high-powered site—an online mansion for your business—dedicated hosting is the way to go. That said, many dedicated web hosting services task you with handling backend, technical issues, much as homeowners have to manage maintenance that renters generally leave to their landlords.

On the topic of dedicated hosting, many web hosting services also offer managed hosting. This type of hosting sees the web host act as your IT department, handling a server’s maintenance and upkeep. This hosting option is something that you’d typically find with dedicated servers, so it’s a business-centric addition. Naturally, it adds a few bucks to the hosting cost, but nothing that should break the bank if you have the resources for a dedicated server.

What Is WordPress Web Hosting?

WordPress hosting is for people who want to build their sites on the back of the popular WordPress content management system (CMS) from WordPress.org. There are multiple ways to set up shop using this free, open-source blogging and site-building platform.

You gain the most web-building functionality if you create a self-hosted site. This typically involves transferring the free WordPress CMS to the server or signing up for a web host’s optimized WordPress plan. With an optimized plan, the host automatically handles backend stuff, so you don’t have to worry about updating the plug-ins and CMS, and enabling automatic backups. In these instances, the WordPress environment typically comes pre-installed on the server.

You can also host your website on WordPress.com, but that’s different from the kind of hosting mentioned above. WordPress.com uses the same code from WordPress.org, but it hides the server code and handles the hosting for you. In that sense, it resembles entries in our online site builder roundup. It’s a simpler but less flexible and customizable way to approach WordPress hosting. It’s definitely easier, but if you want to tinker and adjust and optimize every aspect of your site, it might not be for you.

Small Business-Friendly Features

When it’s time to set up shop, look for a web host that offers the aforementioned dedicated servers, as well as advanced cloud server platforms (such as Amazon Web Services or Google Cloud), custom server builds should you need them, and 24/7 customer support. Depending on your focus, you may need a web host that can handle pageviews or visitors that rank in the high thousands or millions. Many busy hosting plans offer an onboarding specialist who can help you get started, too.

If you’re planning on selling a product, look for a web host that offers a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate, because it encrypts the data between the customer’s browser and web host to safeguard purchasing information. You’re probably familiar with SSL; it’s the green padlock that appears in your web browser’s address bar as you visit an online financial institution or retail outlet. A few companies toss in an SSL certificate free of charge; others may charge you roughly $100 per year for that extra security layer.

Extra Web Hosting Info

If you’re not sure of the type of hosting your business needs, you might want to start small, with shared web hosting. You can always graduate to a more robust, feature-rich package of, say, VPS hosting or even dedicated hosting in the future. Unfortunately, some hosts don’t offer all hosting types. Consider how much you expect to grow your website, and how soon, before you commit to anything longer than a one-year plan. It’s worth spending the time upfront to make sure that the host you select is able to provide the growth you envision for your site, as switching web hosting providers midstream is not a trivial undertaking.

Once you decide your price range, you need to consider how long you’ll need web hosting. If it’s a short-term project—say, less than a month or two—you can typically receive a refund should you cancel your hosting within 60 days. Some companies offer 30-day money-back guarantees, others offer 90-day money-back guarantees. Once again, it’s beneficial to do your homework.

What Web Hosting Features Do You Need?

Many web hosts offer limited features in their starter packages and then expand the offerings (sometimes tremendously) for higher-tier plans. Read the small print to make sure the plan you are selecting offers what you need. If you need a site builder application to design your website, make sure that the low-cost web host you are picking actually comes with a site builder.

Many of them require you to pay for the builder as a separate add-on. Website builders usually don’t cost a lot of money, but if you can find a web host that includes one for free, that’s money in your pocket. And, if it’s integrated with your hosting service, you’re more likely to have a smooth, supported experience.

You also want a web host with 24/7 customer support—if not by phone, then at least by chat. Forums, knowledge bases, and help tickets are all well and good, but sometimes you just need to communicate with another human to get things ironed out as quickly as possible. That said, not all 24/7 customer support teams are equal. Companies like GoDaddy and Liquid Web boast incredibly knowledgeable and helpful customer support squads—a fact that we confirmed in our in-depth reviews of those web hosting services.

When it comes to server operating systems, Linux is typically the default option. Still, some services offer a choice of Linux or Windows Server hosting. If you have specific server-side applications that require Windows, such as SQL Server or a custom application written in .NET, then you need to make sure your web host has Windows hosting.

But don’t let the idea of a Linux host intimidate you. Nowadays, most web hosts offer a graphical interface or a control panel to simplify server administration and website management. Instead of typing at the command line, you’ll click easily identifiable icons.

Windows hosting is often more expensive than Linux hosting, especially in the dedicated server area. That’s not always the case, but it’s something you should be aware of as you shop around.

What Is Email Hosting?

If you aim to have a web presence, you must have email. It’s a convenient way for potential customers and clients to send you a message, Word document, or other files. Thankfully, most web hosts include email in their hosting plans. Some web hosts offer unlimited email account creation (which is great for future growth), while others offer a finite amount. You, naturally, should want unlimited email.

That said, not all web hosts offer email. WP Engine, for example, does not. In such instances, you must sign up for email accounts from a company other than your web host. GoDaddy, for instance, sells email packages starting at $5.99 per user, per month. That might sound like a hassle, and just one more thing to keep track of, but there are actually some webmasters who feel that separating your email hosting and web hosting services is smart. That way, one provider going offline won’t completely bork your business.

What Is Web Hosting Uptime?

The aforementioned features are valuable to the web hosting experience, but none match the importance of site uptime. If your site is down, clients or customers will be unable to find you or access your products or services.

We’ve added uptime monitoring to our review process, and the results show that most web hosts do an excellent job of keeping sites up and running. Web hosts with uptime issues are heavily penalized during the review process and are unable to qualify for top ratings.

E-Commerce and Marketing

One thing we learned in reviewing the services listed here (and many more) is that even though the packages are similar, they are not identical. Some are more security-focused than others, offering anti-spam and anti-malware tools at every price tier. Others offer a variety of email marketing tools.

While most of the hosts we’ve reviewed have built-in e-commerce, you may want to consider using a more robust, third-party e-commerce platform, such as our Editors’ Choice winners Shopify and Wix Stores.

Finally, if you’re just getting started in the web hosting game, make sure to check out our primers, how to build a website, how to register a domain name, how to get a free domain name, and the best courses for learning how to build a website.

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Best VPN services for 2024

By admin January 10, 2024

Best VPN services for 2024, Looking for the best VPN to ensure your online privacy at an affordable price? In today’s internet-driven world, protecting your personal and financial data from cybercriminals is more important than ever. Identity thieves, hackers, and other digital miscreants cause substantial financial losses to businesses and individuals around the world every year.

The good news is that a reliable VPN is one of the easiest, cheapest, and most effective ways to safeguard your online activities from unwanted network intruders. However, selecting the most suitable VPN for your specific needs and budget can be challenging. Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Our comprehensive guide to the best VPN services covers pricing, features, and all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Best VPN 2024

1. NordVPN

NordVPN

NordVPN isn’t free, but with three different encryption protocols (IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN, and NordLynx), it’s easy to see that this provider values your privacy. The company has also worked hard to build up its server network to include more than 5,200 servers in 60 countries around the world.

One stand-out feature that makes NordVPN a strong contender for the best VPN service out there is split tunneling. If you’re not familiar, split tunneling is the ability to whitelist some activities (such as gaming or streaming) to bypass the VPN and use the regular “clearnet” for better performance.

Best VPN services for 2024

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN’s “#1 Trusted Leader in VPN” claim may be a bit difficult to prove, but the service offers a compelling list of features nonetheless. It also constantly tries to make regular improvements in speed and simultaneous streaming capabilities, and with support for all major platforms (Windows, MacOS, Android, etc.), you won’t need to worry about compatibility. ExpressVPN shows up on a number of best VPN lists, including our list of the best VPN for Linux and the best VPN for Windows, so its relatively high prices seem justified.

The more than 3,000 servers are all well-placed throughout common travel destinations and urban centers. Any package will land you high-speed unlimited bandwidth and 24-hour customer service. With so many features, including bypassing ISP throttling, built-in threat protection, and split tunneling, it’s no wonder this vendor is considered the best VPN by many users — although you should note that ExpressVPN only supports up to five simultaneous connections with a single subscription, which is the lowest number of the services on our list.

3. Surfshark

It may not quite rank as the best VPN, but when it comes to price, Surfshark is hard to beat and is a great option for those looking to protect their privacy while minimizing costs. Surfshark is available for as cheaply as $60 for the two-year plan, and to sweeten the deal even more, that includes an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

Feature-wise, Surfshark is fairly basic. This isn’t necessarily a problem if you don’t need any bells and whistles and just want a solid VPN on the cheap. In fact, the simple, no-nonsense interface, intuitive setup, and simple operation could easily be selling points if you explicitly don’t want to fuss with unnecessary complications. It supports a host of different devices, and it’s one of our top picks for the best Apple TV VPN, too.

4. IPVanish

IPVanish offers all the key features you could need from a VPN at a great price. With regular sales being part of the IPVanish experience, you can commit for a year at a very low cost, enjoying the protection that comes from a choice of more than 2,000 VPN servers across more than 75 different locations.

Besides offering extensive protection whether you’re browsing from home or using a public Wi-Fi hotspot, IPVanish also makes it simpler to avoid Deep Packet Inspection — a method used by ISPs to limit your internet speed at times. The VPN offers unmetered data transfer caps and there’s no limit on how many devices you can use it with so it’s incredibly flexible for high-volume users and larger local networks.

No logs are kept, plus there’s a choice of multiple connection protocols which is useful if you want to get more involved in your VPN settings. 24/7 customer support means the VPN is always on hand to help you out, too. Not that you should need it too often thanks to simple-to-use apps for all major platforms. It’s a great service and it’ll even help you avoid geo-restrictions on many of your favorite streaming apps.

5. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN is a newcomer to the VPN industry, but it comes packed with secure and steadfast features that challenge even the big players. What’s amazing about this VPN is that it has a comprehensive free data plan that is one of the best on the market, and if you decide to upgrade to the faster, premium servers, then it only costs $49 per year or $72 for three years. While the server network may be considerably smaller than its competitors, it is a newer service with much more room to expand.

In terms of security, although the service is young, it didn’t cut any corners when constructing the server security. You can feel comfortable knowing you’re protected behind 256-bit encryption, WireGuard protocols, IPv6 leak protection, and a whole host of other features. Whether you’re browsing the internet casually, conducting important transactions, gaming, or streaming, you’ll find that AtlasVPN’s servers are ideal for you.

6. Hotspot Shield

Speed can be a limiting factor with even the best VPN, and Hotspot Shield — a relatively new player in the virtual private network space — sought to make that problem its main focus. With up to gigabit speeds, we can safely say that Hotspot Shield seems to have succeeded in that endeavor.

The virtual private network was named the fasted VPN in 2019 and 2020 by Speedtest.net, too, so that doesn’t appear to be mere marketing. But Hotspot Shield isn’t a one-trick pony and has more to offer than just fast speeds. Its list of features also includes military-grade encryption and unlimited bandwidth (at gigabit speeds, mind you).

Hotspot Shield is also very simple to set up and use, but we’d like to see a few more customization options, such as control over encryption protocols. This is part of the deal you get with this VPN, though, as Hotspot Shield utilizes its own proprietary “Hydra” encryption protocol which the company claims is what makes it so fast. That’s just the nature of this beast, it seems.

7. PrivadoVPN

With VPNs, it’s all about location, location, location. PrivadoVPN is a Swiss company and is thus free from the laws of the U.S. and the European Union. Switzerland has pretty robust privacy laws, as well. It’s also not a member of the “fourteen eyes surveillance network,” so user traffic isn’t logged and passes through privacy-friendly countries. That means you needn’t worry about your true IP address being revealed.

Interestingly, PrivadoVPN operates one of the smaller server networks of all the providers on our list, measuring in at more than 320 servers spread between 58 physical locations in 47 countries, but that doesn’t preclude it from being a contender for the best VPN of 2023. That’s because it only offers physical server locations not virtual ones because it is not willing to compromise the quality of its service so it can promote a higher number.

If routing around region-based content restrictions and other geographical hassles is your priority, you might be better served with a VPN that has a wider global server spread, such as ExpressVPN. Although, having said that, PrivadoVPN is a fraction of the cost and covers a large chunk of countries, so if the one you’re wanting to virtually jump to is on its list, then we’d recommend taking it for a spin.

PrivadoVPN has it where it counts, though, with several encryption protocols to choose from: OpenVPN, IKEv2, and SOCKS5. The addition of SOCKS5 proxy support is noteworthy, as it allows for fast and seamless peer-to-peer transferring of large files, which is something many VPNs shy away from. This makes PrivadoVPN perhaps the best VPN service for peer-to-peer file transfers if that’s your primary use case for one of these services.

It’s not the cheapest VPN on our list, although that’s offset by the fact that you can use the VPN on up to ten devices simultaneously. There’s also a free app-based package that gives you 10GB of bandwidth per month.

8. CyberGhost

With more than ten million active users and over 7,000 servers spread across the globe, CyberGhost is a giant in the VPN space. It’s also one of the most versatile virtual private networks out there, both in terms of supported devices/platforms as well as what activities it’s useful for.

CyberGhost VPN is compatible with computers, mobile devices, smart TVs, and even gaming consoles, and one great feature of the VPN is that it will automatically connect you to the best server for whatever you’re doing at the moment. That’s a vital consideration for bandwidth-heavy activities like gaming and streaming.

Another feather in the CyberGhost cap is that it supports peer-to-peer file transfers (read: It’s good to go for torrenting, and as we mentioned, it’ll select the best server for it so you get the fastest upload/download times). The interface is great, too, particularly on the computer. It gives you complete control and lots of configuration options including preferred server setups for your most-used programs and apps.

For encryption protocols, CyberGhost supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, wrapping your connection in AES 256-bit encryption to keep your data and IP address hidden. CyberGhost is based in Romania and has a no-logs policy, and while this should keep you safe from certain prying eyes, this hasn’t been independently audited.

If that’s not a deal-breaker, CyberGhost is a strong contender for the best VPN of 2023 (take a look at our NordVPN vs CyberGhost comparison for more information on how it stacks up to the best) if you’re looking for the sweet spot between versatility and price. A limited-time introductory offer lets new subscribers grab their first two years of service for $57, which averages to just over $2 per month.

9. PureVPN

With a name like PureVPN, this virtual private network had better offer some viable protection — and it does. The software’s hallmarks lie in its ability to connect to a mélange of services for different activities, with wide compatibility with various devices and software interfaces.

The service starts at $55 for two years, making PureVPN another one of the best cheap VPNs on our roundup. That subscription includes port forwarding, multiple encryption protocols (PPTP, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, and OpenVPN UDP/TCP), malware blocking, P2P support, and an audited no-log policy. You can also get some premium add-ons like encrypted file transfers and a password manager at extra cost.

As with any good virtual private network service, PureVPN will prevent websites from viewing your personal IP address, thus preventing others from identifying you or your geographic location. And with more than 6,500 servers on six continents, you won’t be at a loss for worldwide connection points to choose from.

Like NordVPN, PureVPN features split tunneling that allows you to whitelist certain activities you don’t need or want to go through the VPN, allowing you to use online services and browse the web through the VPN and on the clearnet simultaneously. PureVPN also offers you a personal IP address for you to use with certain sites and services — a good idea for those that require logins.

10. TunnelBear

Our second-to-last pick isn’t as feature-rich as the others listed on our best VPN of 2023 roundup, but it’s nonetheless worth a mention if you’re looking for another no-frills (read: cheap) virtual private network that doesn’t bog you down with features you don’t need. TunnelBear puts ease of use and newbie-friendliness front and center. If you’re new to VPNs and find all this a bit intimidating, this big bear might be the one for you.

The main appeal of TunnelBear is simplicity and ease of use. You don’t have to fuss around with choosing encryption protocols or any other complicated setup. That’s bad news for advanced users who want more control and customization options, but it’s great for average folks who don’t want or need all that stuff getting in the way. TunnelBear does what it needs to do with good encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logging policy, with the added benefit of full yearly independent audits that the company releases to the public.

That simplicity does, however, bring a couple of bear-sized caveats. Firstly, there’s no free VPN trial or money-back guarantee, which could be a non-starter for many who are new to the VPN game and don’t want to fully commit to a service right away. If this describes you, you’re probably better served with a VPN that has a 30- to 45-day refund period.

12. Kaspersky VPN

For those looking for an affordable VPN option that hides your IP address well and protects you online, then Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection might be for you. You can get a full-year subscription to Kaspersky for only $34 right now, or $7 for a monthly subscription.

What’s perhaps even more enticing is the free data service that Kaspersky VPN provides its customers. If you’re unsure about how VPNs work and want to test one out before you commit to a subscription, then you can utilize the free data service first. While there may be other providers that gift users more megabytes per month, the benefit of using Kaspersky’s VPN is the combination of its free service as well as its cheap monthly price. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee for the premium product if it’s not a fit.

Secure Connection has outperformed nearly all others in independent speed testing, making it a great companion for gaming, streaming, torrenting and downloading. It has recently added support for popular streaming platforms, and you can also now connect your router and other devices directly to the VPN to protect your entire network.

13. AdGuard VPN

Stop for a moment and think about the main reason why you typically use a VPN. Ultimately, it’s for privacy and protection and that’s precisely what AdGuard VPN offers, at an incredibly accessible price. If you want to give the service a try, you’ll get 3GB of fast, protected bandwidth all for the low price of free. From there, it’s $2 per month with the current deal – we’ll explain that in more detail below. AdGuard has 1,000+ servers spread across 53 countries worldwide, including just about anywhere you’d want access to, within U.S. borders and beyond.

Following the “Ninja Code,” AdGuard does not record, collect, or share data with third parties, and they have a no-log policy for users. The service utilizes a proprietary fast and secure protocol, developed in-house, that blends both speed and security so there’s no compromise on your part when you’re browsing. It blocks ads and trackers with the help of a DNS server, and you can set up website exclusions, a sort of whitelist for websites where you don’t want the VPN to be active while browsing.

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Best and Free Netflix Alternatives 2024

By admin January 9, 2024

Best and Free Netflix Alternatives 2024, Are you looking for a replacement of Netflix for an affordable dose of entertainment? If yes, look no further than this article sharing the best platforms to watch truly entertaining movies, shows, and original content for free/at a reasonable price.

From The Tinder Swindler to The Weekend Away, Netflix hosts many originals and other shows to keep you entertained. However, as all good things come for a price (sometimes heavy), Netflix also charges a hefty price for the entertainment it provides. Hence, a huge chunk of binge-watchers has already shifted to the best Netflix alternatives, offering top-notch movies/shows at a much lower price.

You may also read this article to the very end to know the best Netflix alternatives you may consider for your daily dose of entertainment.

Now, let us grab that popcorn bag and get ready to be couch potato as we explore the best alternatives to Netflix in the next section.

Top 12 Netflix Alternatives Available Currently

Below we share a handpicked selection of the best alternatives to Netflix for all binge-watchers out there.

1. Pluto TV

Supported Countries: Australia, US, the UK, Europe, and Canada
Price: Free (with ads)

Let us begin our quest for the best free Netflix alternatives by exploring Pluto TV. If you can bear a few ads (most free streaming services show advertisements as they are their primary source of revenue), you may like Pluto TV for its numerous TV channels and on-demand movies.

Some highly-rated movies are available on Pluto TV, including the Star Trek series, your zorro, Mission Impossibles, and much more.

Apart from a plethora of movies and TV shows, viewers particularly love Pluto TV for its no registration requirements and browser support. However, it may not be available in some regions outside the US.

Pros

• Availability of 250+ channels

• Movies and TV shows in a lot of genres

• Similar UI on both mobile and web

• Completely free alternative to Netflix

Cons

• No search functionality

• Ads may annoy some users

• An account needed for a customized experience

• Live TV stream cannot be saved

What to Watch on Pluto TV

Pluto TV is among the best free apps like Netflix to watch CSI channel, James Bond 007 channel, NFL channel, The Big Short, Wolf of Wall Street, Almost Famous, and a lot of other free shows and channels.

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2. Vudu

Supported Countries: Mexico and The US
Price: Free (with ads), rent and buy option available

Taking the list of the best Netflix substitutes further, let us look at Vudu. Originally a movie rental platform, it offers over 5000 titles free of charge.

Talking about the kind of movies available on Vudu, here you can find timeless classics like Troy, All Is Lost, Transformers, and many other titles. The best thing about this service is that it offers a good collection of family movies and old gems.

However, it may not be a perfect choice if you are only interested in viewing the latest releases, it does not have many of them.

Pros

• Custom playlist creation

• Parental lock

• Simple UI

• Not many ads

Cons

• A free Walmart or Vudu account needed

• Problematic casting from mobile to smart TV

• Limited critically acclaimed movies or original content

What to Watch on Vudu

Vudu is one of the best apps like Netflix but free to watch All is Lost, A Funeral, Fifty Shades of Grey, Night of the Living Dead, Transformers, Grounded for Life, Highlander, The Prestige, and a lot of other interesting shows and movies.

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3. Crackle

Supported Country: Canada, Australia, USA, and 18 Latin American countries

Price: Free (with ads)

Partly a Sony Pictures Television service, Crackle offers a wide selection of movies, series, and original content you can enjoy in your leisure time. Here, you get over 150 full-length movies and 75 shows, including some cult classics.

We truly enjoyed watching Hell’s Kitchen, The Cable Guy, and Bewitched on Crackle (there are many others to choose from if you do not like these). However, a 30-second advertisement before beginning a movie or show may be a turn-off for some viewers.

Pros

• Quality content from Sony

• No registration is needed to stream content

• Mobile app casting to a smart TV

• Only a few ads

Cons

• Slow content loading when cast to a smart TV

• The search tool shows only a few results

• No full HD streams\

• Limited content selection

What to Watch on Crackle

Crackle is a popular alternative to Netflix for shows such as Hell’s Kitchen, The Cable Guy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Starsky & Hutch, Sin City, Train to Busan, and much more.

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4. Vimeo

Supported Country: 150+ countries except China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Thailand, and a few other countries

Price: Free, $7 per month if you choose to subscribe

Here is yet another free replacement for Netflix with lots of original content to keep you hooked to your binge-watching seat. And if you choose to pay for the platform, you get an even better variety of original shows, stand-up comedy, and movies to watch.

However, if you wish to watch more blockbuster kinds of stuff or reside in China/Indonesia (it may be blocked there), you may not be very happy with Vimeo.

Pros

• No ads

• Customizable player

• Ease of use

Cons

• Customer support is not good

• Problematic search

What to Watch on Vimeo

Vimeo is among the best Netflix alternative free sites for its original films, documentaries, and series such as Dark Skull, Kings of Nowhere, N!ai, the Story of a !Kung Woman, and Dadli.

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5. Tubi

Supported Countries: US, Canada, India, Mexico, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand

Price: Free (with ads)

Next, Tubi is here to join the bandwagon of the top Netflix alternatives. Tubi offers a huge selection of movies. Moreover, the content is easily navigable, making your binge-watching sessions even more enjoyable.

However, some of you might miss original shows and dislike ads (you can choose not to watch an ad again if you don’t like it).

Pros

• A great option to search for desired content

• Educational content for preschool-age children and babies

• Mobile app casting to a smart TV

• Simple UI

Cons

• Too small closed captioning text

• Requires setting up an account

• Limited latest and mainstream content

• Interrupting advertisements

What to Watch on Tubi

A lot of content such as Foxcatcher, Duck Dynasty, Kill Bill, The Terminator, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and much more is available on Tubi, making it one of the best free alternatives to Netflix.

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6. Amazon Freevee

Supported Country: UK and the US

Price: Free (with ads)

Do you know about Amazon Prime? It is one of the best streaming services and a fierce Netflix competitor. Amazon Freevee is its free sibling with a lot of movies, shows, and series to choose from. Some of its notable titles include Big Fish, Midsomer Murders, and Starship Troopers.

We believe that you should give Amazon Freevee a fair chance if it is available in your region. And if it is unavailable, this list has many other good Netflix alternatives for you.

Pros

• No subscription is required

• Availability of shows and movies from mainstream studios

• Lots of original content

• Availability on multiple devices

Cons

• Too many ads

• Only a few notable shows

• Small original content menu

What to Watch on Amazon Freevee

Amazon Freevee, i.e., one of the best free Netflix alternatives apps to watch a variety of movies, shows, and original content such as All in the Family, Deal or No Deal, News of the World, Two for the Money, Judy Justice, Moment of Truth, and more.

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7. Plex

Supported Country: 220+ countries

Price: Free (with ads)

Now, comes Plex, another free Netflix alternative for PC with parental controls so your child watches violence-less and age-appropriate content. And for the options available on Plex, well there are many of them.

Plex has a huge library of some really fascinating titles like Zodiac, Jungle Book, Minority Report, and a lot of other movies, shows, and documentaries. However, Plex may not suit your liking if you are not ad-friendly or reside outside the US (content availability is limited for non-US viewers).

Pros

• Well-designed and friendly UI

• Availability of parental controls

• 50,000+ free titles

Cons

• Lack of mainstream shows and movies

• Some users may not like the ads

• Non-availability of original content

What to Watch on Plex

You can find a lot of content to watch on this one of the best free but similar apps to Netflix, such as Wheels on Meals, Minority Report, Jungle Book, and much more.

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8. Roku

Supported Country: Mexico, The US, and UK

Price: Free (with ads)

Launched in 2017, Roku delights you with over 40000 titles. It brings some of the best viewing options like Teen Wolf for free and you can always subscribe to the paid version for more premium content.

Moreover, Roku also comes with music videos, making it different from other apps similar to Netflix. However, you have many other better options on this list if you are someone outside the US.

Pros

• Availability of well-known HBO titles

• You can watch live news

Cons

• Some users may find ads annoying

What to Watch on Roku

Roku channel, i.e., one of the best free but Netflix-like websites, has a lot of movies and shows for you to watch, such as The Crowded Room, Happy Valley, The Neighborhood, Heartland, etc.

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9. Amazon Prime Video

Supported Country: Availability in 200+ countries other than Iran, Mainland China, North Korea, and Syria

Price: $8.99 per month/$14.99/year post 30 days free trial

When the talk is about Netflix alternatives, skipping Amazon Prime Video is not an option. Though not free, you can try it without any charges for 30 days. Post the trial period expired, you need to pay a justifiable fee starting from $14.99 per month (the charges depend upon the plan you choose, but are much lower than Netflix).

Along with a great selection of movies and shows, it also offers many binge-worthy originals like The Wheel of Time, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and a lot more. The cherry on top of the cake is you get all the entertainment without any commercials.

Pros

• 200+ originals

• HDR and 4K streaming

• Availability of offline content download

• Comes bundled with an Amazon Prime subscription

• Rent and buy options available

Cons

• A bit confusing menu

• Latest episodes unavailable immediately after their release

What to Watch on Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video has massive content for you to watch, such as The Boys, The Grand Tour, A Very English Scandal, Borat, The Man In The High Castle, Good Omens, among others.

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10. Hulu

Supported Country: US

Price: 30 days free trial, $6.99 per month after the trial ends

Last but certainly not least, we have Hulu as one of the best alternatives to Netflix. Only available in the United States and Japan, Hulu offers movies and shows from all time ranges and genres. Some of these include The Waterboy and The Gemini Man. There are even a lot of originals to keep you entertained.

However, Hulu may not be the best selection for you if offline viewing and no add-ons in the subscription price are your top priorities.

Pros

• Availability of original content and popular show

• Lets you watch Disney+, live TV, and ESPN+

• Massive content library

• Latest shows available immediately after their release

Cons

• Not-so-great navigation menus

• The base plan has ads

What to Watch on Hulu

There is no end to the content you can watch on Hulu. Some shows and movies that make it one of the best free Netflix alternative apps include Parasite, Palm Springs, Bob’s Burgers, ER, Seinfeld, and The Mindy Project.

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11. YouTube

Supported Country: Available all over the world, except North Korea, China, Sudan, Iran, and Turkmenistan

Price: Free (with ads)

Another best and free Netflix alternative is YouTube. The platform is popular for its huge library of video content online. It has music videos, movies, original TV series, and much more. However, to unlock it all you might need to upgrade to YouTube Premium. Unlock millions of videos, shows, game streams, and a lot of other content on YouTube.

Most of the content is available for Free. However, the live TV channels of various networks including FOX, PBS, ABC, BBC, etc are available but only in the Paid version. Millions of creators post about their daily life, and other content on YouTube as it is the biggest ad supported platform for streaming.

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12. Apple TV+

Supported Country: Available all over the world, except North Korea, China, Sudan, Iran, and Turkmenistan

Price: 7 days free trial and 2 months free on the purchase of a new Apple product, $4.99 per month after the free trial ends.

When compared to Netflix, we think Apple TV+ produces far higher-quality original programming. While Apple TV+ may lack a huge library of films and television episodes at the moment. It does produce original series that often get praise and recognition. Tehran, Severance, Ted Lasso, and many more are among the most-watched series on Apple TV+. Some of the most famous Apple original films are Coda, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Greyhound, The Sky is Everywhere, and The Tragedy of Macbeth.

Apple TV+ has much higher-quality programming than Netflix. Unlike other Apple services, Apple TV+ is accessible on almost all devices. Also, if you have purchased a new Apple product, it is free for the first two months, but you have to redeem it within a year of purchase. Many other streaming devices, including smart TVs, PS4, Xbox One, PCs, and web browsers, are compatible with Apple TV+. Apple TV+ as one of the best alternatives to Netflix in 2024 is our enthusiastic recommendation for everyone looking for a captivating alternative to Netflix.

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Concluding the Best Netflix Alternatives

Through this article, we brought to the fore some of the top alternatives to Netflix with top-class entertainment for free or at a much lesser price. You may select any service from the ones listed above to go on a binge-watching spree.

However, you may write us in the comments section if you think the above list misses out on a great Netflix substitute. And we are always open to suggestions, you may use the comment box to share your views about this article.

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Best Download Managers for Windows 2024

By admin January 9, 2024

Best Download Managers for Windows 2024, There is no debate on the comfort of the best download manager for PC. After all, from fast downloading to allocating the bandwidth and from being able to download as many files as possible to hit the pause or resume whenever you want counts a lot. We have collected 13 best download managers for Windows to make the downloading experience easier, smarter and not to mention, faster.

Top 13 Best Download Managers For Windows 10, 8, 7 in 2024

If you are looking for the options to have a good download manager for Windows PC then you are certainly going to meet the perfect result in this list. Whether the below mentioned tools are free or paid, there is an abundance in the room which includes a variety of smart features and you ask us to name the best part about using these tools, our answer has to be the presence of most important features for download management in all of them.

Here are the best download managers that are amazingly useful:

1. JDownloader 2

Counting on another best download manager for Windows, it is safe to say that JDownloader 2 is worth securing a place in your PC. It is free to use and will keep the irritating ads away. This download manager has the useful features that you can expect for managing the downloads. You can easily start, stop, pause and resume the downloads with this manager alongside the freedom of downloading multiple files. Apart from this, JDownloader 2 supports major hosting websites such as YouTube and features an abundance of over 300 plugins that make this download manager even more worthwhile.

Xtreme Download Manager is one of the most popular download managers for Windows which has reliable and useful features to count on. This software effortlessly catches the links from major video hosting platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo with a huge number of other websites and easily manages the downloads of the video files. It counts as a good download manager which smoothly handles the downloads of all types of files and features integration with popular browsers. It has a built-in scheduler for scheduling the downloads along with bandwidth allocation and it also supports proxy servers. Providing the smart and relaxing functionality, this one makes one of the best download managers for Windows out there.

Pros

• It is compatible with all the major video content platforms.

• You can easily schedule the downloads in this tool.

• It supports the easy downloading of playlists.

Cons

• The user-interface of this software appears to be outdated.

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7. uGet

Another best download manager for Windows is uGet which is an open source and is free to use, keeping the process completely ad-free. It not only allows you the easy pause and resume on the downloading files but provides speedy and multiple downloads. It features a clean and good-looking user interface, making it one of the go-to download managers for many. This amazing software supports batch downloading and has a clipboard feature where you get the prompts asking if you wish to download the file.

Apart from these cool features, this software is integrated with popular browsers such as Chrome, FireFox and many more. If there is anything which makes uGet more convincing and attractive to the eyes, it has to be the color schemes that it features along with the night mode feature. There is no reason to not try this ad-free and one of the coolest download managers.

Pros

• It features integration with popular browsing platforms

• It features dark mode and color schemes.

• It supports file queuing and batch downloads.

Cons

• It has a complicated installation.

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8. Internet Download Accelerator

If you are not satisfied with your search for the best download manager for Windows then perhaps it is time to pick Internet Download Accelerator. It is a useful tool to use as it offers the incredible solutions to the disturbances that you come across every now and then. It allows you to enjoy steadfast download speed and offers an easy management of the files that you download. This one is a good download manager which features integration with all the popular browsing platforms and the most important feature to extract from this tool is ability to resume the broken downloads.

Pros

• It is compatible with all the popular browsers.

• You can easily resume the broken downloads in this software.

• The downloads are easy to organise in this tool.

Cons

• This download manager one does not process multi threaded downloads like other ones in the list.

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9. Free Rapid Downloader

Manage the downloads with one amazing download manager for Windows – Free Rapid Downloader. It is undeniably a useful software which provides all the significant functions. It supports integration with YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms that serve file-sharing features. Besides, Free Rapid Downloader supports downloads via proxy and also supports video/photos streaming. This software also supports clipboard monitoring and it makes a good download manager for downloading the files from file-sharing platforms.

Pros

• It supports integration with popular video and file-sharing websites.

• This tool supports clipboard monitoring.

• It allows you to stream videos and pictures.

Cons

• This tool is a bit slower than the others in the list while parsing the links.

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10. Downthemall

Next download manager software on the list is Downthemall. This is a very easy-to-use extension which offers various capabilities to your browser. The extension has complete integration with Mozilla Firefox, if you are a Firefox user then you can definitely try this. Using this download manager you can easily download images, videos, and other files easily.

Pros

• Download speed is increased by 400% using Downthemall.

• The software offers complete integration with Firefox.

• The process to download any files through the web is very simple. All you need to do is right-click and select the download option.

• You can pause and resume download at any point of time.

Cons

• The software is only compatible with Chrome, Opera, and Mozilla Firefox.

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11. GetGo Download Manager

GetGo Download Manager is another great download manager on the list. This browser extension works great when it comes to downloading files. The extension is integrated with a web video downloader which makes the process of downloading easy. This extension is compatible with Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. Now let’s take a look at its pros and cons.

Pros

• The extension has a multi-threader download engine.

• You can easily schedule the download as per requirements.

• It offers a feature using which you can pause and resume the download irrespective of the reason.

• Offers great speed for downloading

Cons

• Only available for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox

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12. iDownload Manager

Last and definitely not the least, iDownload Manager has to be in the list of best download managers for Windows. It has a satisfaction of useful features and is just one click away to be installed on your PC. First thing first, this software allows you to get the fast download speed and lets you easily pause and resume the downloads. iDownload Manager helps you with convenient management of the downloads and provides bandwidth allocation which eliminates the hassle of organising the files in future. Besides, there is no disappointment in using a free download manager which has the most important features and costs less time in zero dime.

Pros

• iDownload Manager features support for all the major browsers.

• This tool welcomes batch downloading.

• It allows fast download speed and supports allocations of bandwidth.

• You can easily start, stop and pause the downloading files and provide an easygoing organisation of downloads.

Cons

• Comparatively, the download speed of this one may fail to attract you if you have already tried your hands on other download managers.

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13. Orbit Downloader

Downloading large files is a breeze using Orbit Downloader, however the useless junkware it comes with makes it hardly worth it. This package tries to install almost six distinct apps and toolbars. Ads for other applications that you may not be interested in are even included in the software itself. There isn’t enough of an improvement in functionality to warrant downloading this.

Countless unnecessary applications are installed alongside this software throughout the installation process. A few of them will still inadvertently begin installing themselves mid-download, regardless of whether you disable them altogether. Once they are all downloaded, Orbit Downloader will assist you in downloading further files. Compared to using your browser alone, downloads are somewhat quicker, which is great for slower connections.

Pros

• It does not contain any malware.

• Supports web browsers like Maxthon, Firefox, Opera, IE, etc.

• Feature called GetIt, which allows you to download videos from any website.

• Very easy-to-use

• Intuitive interface

Cons

• Bulk download support is not as good as other web browsers.

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Get Faster And Enhanced Downloading Experience With Top Download Managers

You can now enjoy less waiting and say goodbye to the frustrating times that come out of those automatic pauses and annoyingly slow speeds. Your Windows definitely needs a download manager (if it isn’t already there) to do the work of utility and fetch you the quality of downloads from browsers. You can also download the files from YouTube, Vimeo etc. and sometimes, that is all you need. So, this list was to prevail the relief of better download management but it is never too much or too late to know your favourite download manager for Windows. Tell us freely in the comment section until we compose another perfect list of the best ones.

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Survelliance

Best outdoor security cameras 2024

By admin January 8, 2024

Best outdoor security cameras 2024, If you’re shopping for the best outdoor security cameras of 2024, you’ll want to find something that’s weatherproof, captures high-quality footage, and works well at night. It’s also important to consider your budget and ongoing subscriptions that may be required to access premium features such as cloud saving and person detection.

Regardless of your budget, there’s an outdoor security camera that’ll fit your needs. From premium products crafted by Ring to budget-friendly options like those from Wyze, there are dozens of well-reviewed models that are perfect for protecting your home.

In fact, some of the best outdoor security cameras also double as floodlights, allowing you to light up your yard. Others are wireless for easy installation, while a handful require wired connections (though this allows for continuous monitoring).

Below, you’ll find a list of the best outdoor security cameras of 2024. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but each one caters to a specific audience and budget, so take a closer look at each to figure out which is best for your home.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

Arlo Pro 4

Best outdoor security camera

The Arlo Pro 3 was our pick for the best outdoor security camera for some time, but after testing the Arlo Pro 4, it brings a couple of new additions that help it earn our top pick. Just like its predecessor, it packs 2K video resolution and a wide 160-degree viewing angle. Also included are a weatherproof camera with color night vision, a built-in LED spotlight, and a built-in siren that can alert you to danger.

What makes this model superior is the fact that it no longer is tethered to a hub in order to talk with your home’s Wi-Fi network. You won’t need it this time, which certainly streamlines the setup process. And best of all, not only does it perform as exquisitely as the Arlo Pro 3 when it comes to safeguarding your home, but it now boasts a lower starting cost of $200 for a single camera, whereas the Arlo Pro 3 started at $500 for a 2K camera system.

The Arlo Pro 4 includes a three-month free trial of Arlo Smart, which gives you access to advanced features like 30 days of recording history, activity zones, enhanced 911 calling, and advanced detection features.

Best outdoor security cameras 2024

.Arlo

Arlo Pro 5S 2K

Best premium outdoor security camera

Pros

• Captures 2K footage

• Low Power mode extends battery life

• Impressive 160-degree field of view

Cons

• Expensive

• Very similar to the more-affordable Arlo Pro 4

The Arlo Pro 5S 2K doesn’t cut any corners. Featuring a camera that captures 2K video, a wide field of view, sleek design, and color night vision, few products can match its performance. Unfortunately, all those features come at a price, as the Arlo Pro 5S 2K clocks in at $250.

That makes it one of the most expensive security cameras on this list, but if money is no object, it deserves a closer look. Not only does it offer every feature found on our beloved Arlo Pro 4, but it also features Dual-Band Wi-Fi for simplified installation, SecureLink Connectivity that allows it to stay protected during power outages, and a Low Power Mode that offers a 30% boost to battery life.

But beyond those features, it’s eerily similar to its cheaper sibling. Still, if you need an outdoor security camera that’s as cutting-edge as possible, you can’t do better than the Arlo Pro 5S.

Wyze Cam v3

Best budget outdoor security camera

Night vision is a vital feature for every outdoor security cam — you don’t want the darkness to hide any detail, especially if something like a break-in happens. While our top cam picks include various kinds of night vision, Wyze’s indoor/outdoor cam is particularly notable thanks to its Starlight Sensor, which can record night-time video in full color for users.

This wired cam includes all the other smart features that make Wyze’s cams a great pick, including a motion and sound sensor for alerts, detection zones, sensitivity settings that you can tweak for best results, and two-way audio for communication. It’s also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant and is friendly with IFTTT if you’d like to set up complex routines based on the alerts the cam gives you.

The Wyze Cam v3 also has one of the best free video storage options around, with a 14-day cloud storage option for video clips at zero cost. There’s also an SD card slot for local storage if you prefer that method. While it’s an indoor/outdoor cam, you don’t need to worry: All the outdoor IP65 resistances are included for all types of weather.

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro

Best wireless outdoor security cam

Amazon’s update to the Ring Spotlight Cam is an excellent option for those who don’t want a full floodlight camera, but would still like lots of illumination for their porch, patio, or driveway. The surprisingly bright LED lights on either side of the cam can be set to light up along with the motion detection features.

There’s a little bit of everything packed into the Spotlight Cam Pro’s design, including basics like 1080p video, night vision, and two-way audio. But Ring also has some extras, like a siren you can sound, advanced 3D motion detection, and a “Bird’s Eye” view option that gives you a model for where a subject may have gone. We also like that it’s battery-powered with an option to plug into an outlet.

As with all Ring cams, you will really want a Ring Protect plan to enable video storage and video sharing, but otherwise, this is the most comprehensive wireless security cam we’ve seen to date.

Blink Wired Floodlight Camera

Best floodlight camera

Blink makes plenty of great outdoor cameras, but few are as great as the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera. As one of the newest members of the Blink family, the Wired Floodlight Camera offers heaps of functionality despite its budget-friendly price of $99.

In case the name didn’t give it away, the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera isn’t just an outdoor camera – it’s also a floodlight. And a bright one at that, capable of producing 2,600 lumens of LED light. You’ll also benefit from motion detection, a wired connection that offers a constant power supply, and color night vision. Its design is a bit bulkier than others on this list, but that’s largely due to the massive floodlights that loom over the camera.

Anyone in the market for an outdoor camera that’s both affordable and powerful (and comes with shockingly bright floodlights) should give strong consideration to Blink’s new product. But if you’re looking for something with a more streamlined design, consider looking back at the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro mentioned above.

.Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

Ring Stick Up Cam Pro

Best indoor and outdoor security camera

Pros

• Easy installation process

• 1080p video with HDR support

• Can also double as an indoor cam

Cons

• Expensive

• No privacy shutter

It’s a bit expensive, but you’re getting a lot of value out of this investment. The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro is designed to work both indoors and outside – giving it plenty of versatility. Along with its weatherproofing, the camera offers HDR video and films in 1080p, supports two-way audio, and is easy to install thanks to its wire-free setup.

One minor sticking point is its lack of a built-in privacy shutter. That might be an issue if you’re using it indoors, though you can quickly toggle alerts off and disarm the camera from the Ring smartphone app. But if you have it installed outside, you likely won’t miss the feature. You’ll also want to spring for a monthly Ring subscription to unlock additional features such as cloud saves and smart alerts.

Beyond those minor quirks, there’s not much to dislike about this powerful outdoor camera. Homes with other Ring products already installed will love how easy it is to sync the device with the rest of their smart home, and Ring newcomers will enjoy its high-quality images, simple setup, and generous 155-degree viewing angle.

Ring Stick Up Cam Pro

Best indoor and outdoor security camera

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I place outdoor security cameras?

FBI crime data indicates that most (around 55%) home intruders try to get into homes through either the front or back door. So, you may want to have your security camera scoping out your doors. It’s also a good idea to cover other entry points, like back windows, that are hidden away where someone could break in without being seen.

Where exactly to mount your outdoor cameras, however, depends on your property and your individual needs. You may have a shed in the back that contains expensive lawn equipment, for instance, and you might want to place more focus on that area. Perhaps your neighborhood has experienced a few break-ins recently, and the intruders typically enter through the garage, so you want to cover your garage area.

How many security cameras do I need?

Typically, having at least two outdoor cameras is ideal, not including your video doorbell. If you have a video doorbell to watch your porch, combined with an outdoor security camera covering the front and back areas of your home, this should be sufficient. However, if you have a large property, live in an area where there’s a lot of property crime, or if you have vehicles or valuables stored on your property, you may want to add in an extra camera or two.

Can you use an indoor security camera outdoors?

No. An indoor camera does not have the necessary protection from the elements, so it won’t hold up outside. Some cameras are rated for indoor or outdoor use, and you can use those cameras outside. If you want to point your indoor camera out a window to watch the outdoors, you technically can do so. However, the camera’s features probably won’t work as well, and you’re better off just buying a cheap outdoor camera.

Can outdoor security cameras be used indoors?

Yes, although it’s not usually recommended because the cameras designed for outdoor use may not work optimally indoors. Again, you can opt for a camera that’s rated for both indoors and outdoors, like a dome camera.

Do all outdoor security cameras have two-way audio?

The short answer is no. Many wired outdoor cameras feature two-way audio, which allows you to speak back and forth with someone through the camera via an app on your phone, but not all outdoor cameras have this feature.

If two-way audio is something you’re interested in, consider doing research on which cameras have it, and of the ones that do, read up on which are better. Not all two-way audio is created equal — some companies do it well, while others do not. Keep in mind that cameras with two-way audio might cost a bit more than those that don’t feature the technology.

How well does night vision work on an outdoor security camera?

Night vision on cameras typically uses infrared light to illuminate dark images at night. Essentially, cameras with night vision use this technology to backlight images to help you see what’s happening in the field of view. Most outdoor security cameras feature night vision, but the quality varies from model to model.

If you’re looking for superior night vision, go for the Arlo camera listed above, or research night vision quality before making a purchase.

How well do outdoor security cameras detect motion?

Motion sensitivity in outdoor security cameras varies widely, but generally, the technology works well regardless of the model you choose. Most cameras, even inexpensive ones, do an excellent job of detecting motion, and, if the camera is connected to an app, it will send a motion alert to your phone. Most people find that motion settings on cameras are too sensitive, meaning that things like rain, bugs, or even bright sunlight can trigger an alert.

If you’re concerned about motion alerts, consider buying a camera that not only sends you motion alerts so you can monitor what’s happening on your property but also allows you to adjust the motion sensitivity so that small things aren’t triggering it all the time.

Can outdoor security cameras survive severe weather?

Most outdoor cameras have a rating of IP65 or higher, which means they are waterproof and can withstand someone spraying a hose on them. That usually (but not always) means that a camera with that rating can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -40 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit or similar.

Cameras vary slightly in terms of survival in extreme weather, but anything with a rating of IP65 or higher will be fine for most climates. If you live in an extremely hot or extremely cold climate, you might want to consider a camera with a rating of IP66 or higher.

Do I have to pay for storage for an outdoor camera?

This depends a lot on the brand and the model. Generally, if a security cam has a memory card slot, you can use native storage without paying anything — it’s just a little trickier to manage. If you want video footage to be uploaded to the cloud for easier viewing and saving, you’ll often have to pay for it. Brands like Arlo and Ring only allow for free livestreaming video and require a plan if you want to save video for any length of time. Google is one of the best options here because its Nest cam offers a certain amount of free online storage without needing a subscription.

Is an outdoor security camera ever illegal?

It can be, although privacy laws haven’t entirely caught up with home security cams yet. Generally speaking, you can’t point a camera where people have the expectation of privacy. Pointing a cam at your porch and the street in front? Totally fine, it’s considered a public area. Pointing a camera so that it captures footage of your neighbor’s backyard or looks into their windows? Illegal, and you could get successfully sued for it.

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Best Free Antivirus for Windows 2024

By admin January 6, 2024

Best Free Antivirus for Windows 2024, I tested heaps of free antiviruses against thousands of Windows malware files, both old and new. I didn’t only look at each antivirus’s malware protection capabilities, but also its reputation for safeguarding user privacy, its ability to integrate with recent versions of Windows, and its user interface.

But it’s important to keep in mind that every free antivirus has limitations. That’s why I always recommend investing a little bit into premium antivirus software that includes protection against all types of malware — with extra features like a virtual private network (VPN), dark web monitoring, and a password manager (Norton 360 has all of these features, is ranked as the best antivirus software for 2024, and is very affordable).

That said, it’s better to use the best free antivirus than no antivirus at all! I found several good free antivirus programs that offer improvements over Windows’s built-in protections, as well as features that aren’t included in Windows Defender at all.

1. Norton — Best Overall Windows Antivirus in 2024

Norton is my favorite Windows antivirus on the market — and while it doesn’t currently have a free plan, it offers a risk-free 60-day money-back guarantee, which gives you 2 months to try it out and see if it’s right for you. It has an advanced malware engine, a wide range of additional features, and affordable plans that cover up to 5 devices across all operating systems.

Norton provides perfect malware detection against all known and emerging cyber threats. In all of our tests, it was able to identify every malware sample, from simple ones like viruses to sophisticated threats like spyware. It also has excellent phishing protection, a smart firewall with tons of customization options, and online banking and shopping protection.

2. Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows — Lightweight With Advanced Malware & Web Protections

Bitdefender Antivirus Free for Windows is one of the best free antiviruses out there — its malware scanner scored a 100% detection rate during my tests. Moreover, Bitdefender uses a cloud-based scanner, which means most of the detection and analysis doesn’t take place on your PC, reducing its system impact. I didn’t notice any slowdowns on my computer even during full system scans.

Bitdefender also provides excellent anti-phishing protection. During testing, it blocked many fake websites that had evaded detection from the built-in protections on the Chrome and Firefox browsers, as well as the anti-phishing tools of other antiviruses. Out of all the brands on this list, only Bitdefender and Norton had perfect anti-phishing results.

One downside of the free version of Bitdefender is its lack of extra features. It offers some of the most effective malware, web, and real-time protections on the market, but that’s about it. Bitdefender’s premium plans are where you’ll find all of the extra features, including multi-layer ransomware protection, online banking protection, a VPN, device optimization tools, a password manager, parental controls, and much more.

Best Free Antivirus for Windows 2024

3. Panda Free Antivirus for Windows — Good Virus Protection With Decent Extras

Panda Free Antivirus for Windows is lightweight, secure, and easy to use — during my tests, Panda’s antivirus scanner detected significantly more adware, spyware, and ransomware files than Windows Defender. Panda’s real-time protection also performed really well, blocking most of the malware files I tried downloading to my PC.

One reason Panda is a good choice for Windows users is its Rescue Kit, which allows you to download a bootable version of Panda to a USB drive and then use the USB drive to clean an infected PC and get it up and running again. Very few antiviruses offer this feature, and I’m very happy that Panda includes it in its free version!

The Free plan also includes dark web scanning, and while it only scans your email address, I was happy to see that it sends you an alert when there is a new breach (and you don’t have to check manually for breaches like you do with some competitors).

Additionally, I like that Panda has a gaming mode in its free antivirus — whenever you’re playing a game or watching a video in full screen, Panda automatically suspends notifications. That said, I prefer Norton for gaming, as it doesn’t cause any slowdown, allowing for smooth and uninterrupted gaming.

Panda’s free antivirus also comes with a secure (but limited) VPN. It provides fast connection speeds, but it only lets you connect to 1 server and has a data limit of 150 MB per day — this is a big improvement over Avira’s 500 MB per month, but it’s still not nearly enough data for streaming or file sharing. If you’re interested in unlimited streaming or torrenting, you’ll need a better VPN (check out our list of the best antiviruses with VPNs here).

4. TotalAV Free Antivirus — Most Intuitive Free Antivirus

TotalAV Free Antivirus provides excellent virus and phishing protection — during my tests, TotalAV’s cloud-based malware scanner detected and removed more malware samples than most antivirus programs, successfully identifying even very tricky ransomware and cryptojacking files.

TotalAV’s phishing protection is also very good. It uses a huge blacklist to identify known phishing sites as well as an AI-powered phishing detection system to detect new threats. In my testing, the anti-phishing tool scored a near-perfect detection rate, stopping me from entering more malicious sites than Chrome’s native phishing tool. Out of all the antiviruses on this list, only Norton and Bitdefender blocked more risky sites than TotalAV.

TotalAV is also the most intuitive free Windows antivirus on this list, with easy-to-use and easy-to-understand features and functions inside a minimalistic, well-designed dashboard. I had no problems navigating TotalAV’s dashboard, and I found it very simple to access and use all of the provided tools. If you’ve never used an antivirus before, TotalAV may just be your best option.

That said, TotalAV’s free Windows plan lacks vital features. The biggest drawback of TotalAV Free Antivirus is that it doesn’t have real-time protection, meaning you won’t get notified if a malicious file attempts to make changes to your PC in real time.

5. Malwarebytes Free — Minimalistic Virus Scanner

Malwarebytes Free is a good choice for users looking for a simple antivirus that they can install and forget about. Its virus scanner uses a virus database as well as heuristics to catch all types of malware. It performed pretty well in my tests, detecting around 90% of the malware files I hid on my PC. However, it did miss a few well-hidden files that competitors like Norton and Bitdefender detected.

Apart from the scanner, you also get a browser extension that protects against a wide range of threats, including malware, ads and trackers, scams, and PUPs. One of the things I like the most about this extension is that all of the protections are turned on by default, so there’s nothing for you to do (but you can easily turn off one or all of the protections).

Malwarebytes’s browser extension blocked most risky sites I tried to visit, scoring a 90% phishing detection rate. However, the extension wasn’t as accurate at blocking ads — I visited dozens of sites filled with ads, and Malwarebytes blocked only around a third of them.

Malwarebytes performs the basic function of detecting and removing malware efficiently — however, its free version lacks real-time protection, a crucial component for preventing malware intrusion in the first place. What’s more, features like Wi-Fi protection, a firewall, system tune-up tools, and a password manager aren’t available even in the premium plans. If you just need the basics, Malwarebytes is fine, but it’s pretty barebones compared to top competitors like Norton and Bitdefender.

For real-time protection, you can upgrade to Malwarebytes Premium, which provides coverage for up to 5 devices and starts at TRY1,200 / year. Malwarebytes Premium + Privacy also adds a decent VPN for TRY840 / year. Both of Malwarebytes’s premium plans are covered by a generous 60-day money-back guarantee. Additionally, Malwarebytes Free includes a 14-day free trial of Malwarebytes Premium, allowing you to test the paid features without any risk.

6. Avast One Essential — Effective Antivirus With Nice Privacy Tools

Avast One Essential is fairly comprehensive for a free Windows antivirus. It’s actually one of two free antiviruses offered by Avast — the other, Avast Free Antivirus, is basically identical to AVG’s free antivirus. Avast One Essential comes from the company’s newest product line and offers more free features, including a VPN and PC speedup tools. I found it easy to use and was pleased to see that it detected 100% of the malware samples I tested it on.

I like that it encourages users to review their overall online security via the Privacy Advisor. After I ran my first scan, the app automatically suggested I review my privacy settings on various websites and provided links and clear instructions on how to do so.

Avast One Essential comes with a built-in VPN, but it isn’t ideal. You can’t change servers on the free version, and the provider doesn’t have a no-logs policy. Still, it’s nice that it operates within the same app as the antivirus and lets you use up to 5 GB of data each week (which is more than the other free VPNs on this list).

There’s also a powerful firewall that monitors inbound and outbound traffic and blocks malicious connections. Other security features include effective web protections (it blocked almost every malicious site I visited) and Network Inspector, a tool that scans for vulnerabilities in your Wi-Fi connection. I did find the interface a bit cluttered though, and somewhat less intuitive than competitors like TotalAV.

7. Avira Free Security for Windows — Advanced Cloud-Based Malware Scanner With System Cleanup

Avira Free Security for Windows has a solid anti-malware engine and operates fully in the cloud. This makes Avira fast, lightweight, and easy on system resources. During my testing, Avira’s anti-malware engine detected all of the malware files I previously downloaded to my computer, and I liked that I was able to run CPU-intensive programs during scans with almost zero slowdown.

Avira is also user-friendly — its display is very easy to navigate with all features clearly listed. It comes with many excellent extra features too. These include:

• Safe Shopping browser extension.

• Privacy & performance optimizer.

• VPN (500 MB monthly limit).

• Password manager.

• Game booster.

• File shredder.

The Safe Shopping browser extension is really good — it blocks suspicious phishing sites, web trackers, and unwanted advertisements, and you can download it for Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and Edge. The extension also automatically recommends links to better deals when shopping online. I was actually able to find a lot of good deals, but it didn’t work 100% of the time (still pretty good though!).

I’m also a fan of Avira’s privacy and performance optimization tools — they cleaned out my cookies and junk files, and also fixed hidden privacy settings that were leaking personal information on the web. But unfortunately, Avira’s best optimization tools are locked behind a paywall.

8. Kaspersky Free — Good Range of Free Features

There’s currently no reason to suggest that Kaspersky poses a threat to home users. You can read more about our decision to keep Kaspersky on this list here.

Kaspersky Free is good at detecting and removing malware — like Norton and Bitdefender, it caught 100% of the malware samples on my PC when I tested it. And unlike TotalAV, Kaspersky’s free plan comes with real-time protection, which also performed well in my tests.

I really like Kaspersky’s display, which makes it easy to access various security scans and settings. Everything is clearly labeled, well-organized, and complemented by helpful tips.

It also comes with a few extras — including:

• VPN (300 MB daily limit).

• Password manager (5 entries limit).

• Data breach monitoring (only 1 account).

• Basic system cleanup tools.

• Virtual keyboard.

Kaspersky’s free VPN automatically connects to the closest server and offers 300 MB of data per day. While this is more daily data than Panda, it’s still not enough for streaming or other data-heavy tasks. And Kaspersky’s free password manager only saves a total of 5 entries — this includes both logins and sensitive documents (like credit cards or passport details). Norton‘s password manager is also free, but it allows you to store an unlimited number of passwords on an unlimited number of devices.

9. AVG AntiVirus Free — Solid Malware Scanner With File Protections

AVG offers a decent free antivirus that’s easy to use and has some nice features. It’s basically identical to Avast Free Antivirus — they’re owned by the same company and feature more or less the same underlying technology. It’s pretty distinct from Avast One Essential, though.

The virus scanner works well — it detected 100% of the malware samples on my PC. What’s more, you can run 5 types of scan. The Deep Scan worked quite well, but the quick-running Smart Scan missed a few items in my test. You can also scan specific folders and external devices or run a boot scan. There’s an option to run a performance scan to tune up your PC, but you can’t do anything with it on the free version.

AVG comes with several features that, though standard, will help protect your files. The File Shield successfully issued a warning when I tried to open up a malware-infected file. I then used the quarantine tool to prevent the files from doing any damage to the rest of my machine.

You get added protection from Behavior Shield, a tool that scans for malware that isn’t listed in databases. It actively scans apps for suspicious activity. If any is found, the program is automatically blocked.

10. ZoneAlarm — Effective Malware Scanner With a Free Firewall

ZoneAlarm offers a free and effective antivirus solution complete with a firewall. It’s easy enough to use and has good customer support options, even if you don’t have a premium subscription. It also comes with real-time protection and automatic updates, which is pretty cool. However, it’s Windows-only on all but the most expensive plan, and it lacks extra features like a VPN, optimization tools, and a password manager.

During my tests, ZoneAlarm detected all of the malicious files I downloaded onto my PC. The scan took about an hour and provided a report about the threats it neutralized — however it wasn’t nearly as detailed as I’d like it to be. The scan also slowed down my PC quite substantially. If you have an older device, you’re probably better off with a cloud-based tool like Bitdefender.

That said, the inclusion of a firewall on the free app is ZoneAlarm’s best feature. It offers inbound and outbound protection, ensuring your network remains safe from hackers and other threats. It worked well when I simulated a network attack. The free firewall is included with the antivirus and is also available as a standalone product.

Yes, You Already Have a Free Antivirus on Your PC, but It Isn’t Good Enough

Your Windows computer already comes with Windows Defender (some newer Windows 10 and 11 computers call it “Windows Security” or “Microsoft Defender”) — which, as we saw in our full review, is a decent free antivirus. But the problem with Windows Defender is that it’s rarely updated, it doesn’t include additional internet security protections, and it frequently has vulnerabilities that don’t get fixed (sometimes for several years!).

Plus, Windows Defender consistently ranks below the top antivirus scanners in our independent lab testing. That’s why I always recommend keeping your PC as safe as possible with third-party antivirus software.

All the free antiviruses listed here are better than Windows Defender. The free downloads on this list are from top-notch cybersecurity companies that are offering their premium antivirus protection for free. These are some of the top antivirus and anti-malware engines in the world — and our independent lab tests have confirmed that these antivirus engines are much stronger, faster, and better than Microsoft’s Windows Defender.

Some of the free programs on my list feature extra cybersecurity protections. Avira Free Security for Windows is particularly generous with its free offerings, but even Avira’s free plan has some annoying limitations that don’t exist on its paid plans.

In general, cybersecurity companies try to entice you with their free products, but they’re ultimately looking to convert you into a paying customer. If you’re looking for the best protection for all of your devices, you’ll need to pay for premium antivirus software. Unfortunately, there’s no way around this. However, if you’re just looking for a simple free malware scanner with a couple of decent web protections that can improve on Microsoft’s Defender, then any of the products on this list will be good enough for you.

Free Antivirus vs. Paid Antivirus

Free antiviruses like Bitdefender and Panda are pretty good, and they offer decent protection. But free antivirus software doesn’t come with all of the extra features needed for complete online protection — you’ll need a premium antivirus to stay 100% safe.

Premium antiviruses are way better, as they come with all of the internet security protections you need to stay as safe as possible online. And I’m not just talking about anti-malware protection here — extras like a VPN (to ensure you’re anonymous online), a password manager (to protect your sensitive data, including financial information), and parental controls (to make sure your child is protected on the internet) all contribute to complete cybersecurity protection.

Together with a malware scanner, these tools are crucial to building a good online defense against hackers, scammers, and predators — it’s incredibly difficult to achieve the same level of security only using free antivirus software.

Top antiviruses like Norton even offer up to $1 million in insurance coverage for cases of identity theft (US customers only), making it worth the relatively low yearly cost of a paid subscription.

What’s more, paid antiviruses also include better customer support, so you know you can get help removing malware, accessing a feature, or solving any other issue with your antivirus at all times. Free antiviruses, on the other hand, don’t include live chat and phone support, so the only way to get assistance is to read a knowledge base, post a question on a forum, or send a ticket.

Overall, if you want complete online protection, consider a paid antivirus (most of which are low cost, especially with our promotional coupons and discounts). You can read more about paid antiviruses for different operating systems here.

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Best Data Recovery Software in 2024

By admin January 6, 2024

Best Data Recovery Software in 2024, You don’t want to be caught off guard when you lose an important file. Instead, you want to have reliable data recovery software already installed on your system, and this article is here to help you pick the best solution for you.

Our Data Recovery Software Selection Criteria

Here are some of the critical aspects that delineate top data recovery software from the competition.

• Performance & Versatility: A common issue with a lot of these recovery apps is that the rescue tools support very limited file types. A recovery app becomes resourceful when it supports the restoration of a wide range of file types; so, you can confidently restore deleted photos, videos, music files, and other more specific file types, such as XLS, DOC, or PDF files. Another unpleasant realization is that most of your programs do not support the recovery of files from external storage devices such as external HDD, memory cards or USB flash drives. This is quite inconvenient as the major chunk of data loss these days occur on external or portable storage devices. We favored versatile data recovery software with high performance, supporting various file types, file systems, and recovery from external storage devices, while maintaining a high recovery rate.

• Scanning Speed: Time is something nobody has enough of these days. You can’t expect users to spend the whole day waiting for the scanning and recovering processes to finally get their hands on something urgent. Good-performing data recovery software generally has options for high-speed scanning. And some even come with customized scanning while targeting a specific file for recovery. We preferred data recovery software with fast scanning speeds, offering high-speed and customizable scans for targeted file recovery, thus saving time and increasing efficiency.

• File Preview & Recovery Chances: Another important feature is to preview files that have already been identified. Also, the recovered files need to be in their original quality. Reliable data recovery applications also display the recovery chances of each file. We gave preference to data recovery software with file previews, original quality preservation, and displayed recovery chances for informed decision-making.

• User-Friendly UI: There’s no use in having the world’s best data recovery app if it can only be operated by the team behind it. A simple interface and ease of use are essential to any app. A lot of recovery programs feature flashy icons and supposedly high-tech features that are rather useless. The end-user often only needs a well-defined interface that delivers the goods, period. We prioritized user-friendly data recovery software with a simple interface, removing flashy elements, for easy end-user operation.

Now that you know what makes an awesome recovery program, let’s move on to the ranking.

Top 10 Best Data Recovery Software

1. Disk Drill Data Recovery (Windows & Mac)

Disk Drill is one the best data recovery software for Windows and Mac because of its ability to effortlessly recover lost or deleted data from all internal and external storage devices, regardless of their file system.

✅

Pros:

• Supports hundreds of file formats

• Powerful recovery capabilities

• Lost partition search

• Data protection and backup features

• Intuitive user interface

• Recovers up to 500 MB of data for free (Windows)

• Ability to mount scan results as a folder

❗️

Cons:

• No phone support

• Average scan speed

• Limited support for Linux file systems

Download Disk Drill

User Experience

Developed by the data recovery experts at CleverFiles, Disk Drill is the best choice for professional and casual home users alike, providing an exceptionally polished experience and best-in-class data recovery results. The latest version of the software can recover data in more than 400 file formats from a variety of storage devices and file systems using its advanced scanning algorithms.

Data recovery with Disk Drill is an intuitive process that doesn’t require any expert knowledge. You can filter scan results to find a specific file and preview it before recovery directly inside Disk Drill. If you need to shut down your computer, you can simply pause the scan and resume it later.

The free version of Disk Drill can recover up to 500 MB of data (on Windows), and it provides enhanced data protection with its Recovery Vault and Drive backup features (which makes Disk Drill a backup and recovery tool at the same time). Both of these features are just as easy to use as the data recovery portion of Disk Drill because they share the same polished user interface. Another important aspect of Disk Drill is its ability to recover data with original file names and folder structure.

Users who would like to enjoy unlimited data recovery can upgrade to Disk Drill PRO for just $89.00 and activate it on up to 3 computers. Lifetime upgrades can be purchased for $29 to reliably recover data even on future versions of Windows and macOS.

On top of that, when you buy Disk Drill you actually get two for one. For example, your purchase of Disk Drill PRO for Windows automatically gets you a version for macOS.

Despite the word PRO in its name, the paid version of Disk Drill is just as easy to use as the free one, so even inexperienced home users with no expert knowledge shouldn’t feel intimidated by it.

🔗

If you’re interested in using Disk Drill, check out our full review to learn about its features and performance. We also conducted an analysis of its safety and security, which you can find on our website.

Versions / Licensing:

• Disk Drill Basic: Free

• Disk Drill Pro: $89

• Disk Drill Enterprise: $499

System requirements: Windows 7 SP1+, 44 MB of storage space / Mac OS X 10.8.5+, 22 MB of storage space

Supported languages: English, Arabic, German, Spanish, French, Turkish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Dutch, Polish, Brazilian, Portuguese, European Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Chinese, Hindi

Supported file systems: NTFS, NTFS5, FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, exFAT, EXT3/EXT4, HFS, HFS+, APFS

2. R-Studio (Windows, Mac, and Linux)

This comprehensive data recovery software solution is geared toward more experienced users who are able to appreciate its extensive options and powerful features.

✅

Pros:

• Advanced features for data recovery professionals

• Available as a bootable ISO image

• Disk sanitization feature

❗️

Cons:

• Not suitable for non-technical users

• Doesn’t display results during scan

• Can preview only a few file formats

Download R-Studio

User Experience

Whereas most data recovery products on the market target regular home users, R-Studio is intended primarily for professionals who already understand the ins and outs of data recovery. It provides support for all commonly used file systems and partition layout schemes and handles even damaged or deleted partitions.

Instead of guiding users through the recovery process step by step, R-Studio gives them the freedom to start multiple data recovery jobs at the same time in separate tabs. Recovered files can be sorted by their extensions, creation time, modification time, access time, and other parameters. You can preview many supported file types or view files using the built-in hex editor to assess their integrity or perform partial recovery.

When buying R-Studio, make sure you get the right version. The least expensive version of R-Studio ($49.99) can recover data only from the FAT, exFAT, and Ext2/3/4 file systems. To also recover data from NTFS, ReFS, HFS+, APFS, HFS, and UFS, you need to purchase the $79.99 version.

System requirements: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/2000 or Windows Server 2019/2016/2012/2008/2003 / Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard or newer / Any kernel 2.6+ Linux distribution capable of installing .rpm or .deb packages

Supported languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Portuguese, Traditional and Simplified Chinese, and Japanese

Supported file systems: NTFS/ReFS, FAT/exFAT, Ext2/Ext3/Ext4, HFS+/APFS/ HFS/UFS

3. PhotoRec (Windows, Mac, and Linux)

PhotoRec has powerful file recovery capabilities and support for a wide range of platforms. Whether it’s a digital camera or a traditional hard drive, PhotoRec has you covered as long as you’re able to figure out how to use it.

✅

Pros:

• Compatible with all major operating systems

• Recovers about 300 file families

• Support for many file systems

❗️

Cons:

• Intimidating for beginners

• All files are automatically recovered during scan

• Unable to restore file names and folder structure

Download PhotoRec

User Experience

Judging by its name, you might think that PhotoRec can recover only image file formats, but that’s not the case at all. In reality, this open-source data recovery software can recover more than 480 file extensions (about 300 file families) from hard drives, memory cards, CD-ROMs, USB flash drives, and other storage devices.

PhotoRec is known for scaring inexperienced users away with its text-only user interface, but we found the data recovery process to be reasonably self-explanatory. Sure, beginners could benefit from even more handholding, but that’s what the official documentation is intended for.

In terms of performance, PhotoRec can measure up to many paid data recovery software applications. It uses a non-destructive data recovery method, which prevents it from writing to the same storage device the user is about to recover from. In certain cases, PhotoRec can successfully recover even fragmented files scattered all over the place.

Versions / Licensing: Free and open-source

System requirements: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Windows Server 2016/2012/2008/2003 / Any recent version of macOS / Linux kernel 2.6.18 or later

Supported languages: English, Catalan, Chinese, Czech, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish

Supported file systems: FAT, NTFS, exFAT, ext2/ext3/ext4 filesystem, HFS

4. Recuva (Windows)

Recuva is a small freeware program you can use to recover pictures, music, documents, videos, or any other types of files on your hard drive, memory cards, floppy disks, iPod or MP3 player, or USB sticks.

✅

Pros:

• Low price

• Free version available

• Preview screen

❗️

Cons:

• Can’t recover as many files as high-priced rivals

• The interface is rather outdated

• Limited support of restoring the original folder trees and file names

Download Recuva

User Experience

We like Recuva for its low cost, its clear interface, and its ease of use, but it only recovered two-thirds of the deleted files on my test drive, and that kind of performance may not be good enough in a crisis. The reason why Recuva performs poorly compared with the top 3 listed in this article is simple: it doesn’t support many file formats.

The lackluster file format support may not matter to you if all you want to do is recover files saved in a format that is supported by Recuva. What will matter to you, in either case, is the tool’s usability, which is rather good thanks to its clean interface design and integrated preview screen.

It’s clear, however, that Recuva’s user interface comes from the Windows XP era (Recuva was released during the transition period from Windows XP to Windows Vista). The latest major Rucuva update (v1.53) was released in 2016, and the software has received only minor improvements since then. Fortunately, it still works fine on all recent versions of Windows.

Versions / Licensing:

• Recuva Free: $0

• Recuva Pro: $19.95

System requirements: Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista, and XP

Supported languages: Albanian, Arabic, Armenian, Azeri (Latin), Bosnian, Brazilian Portuguese (Portugues do Brasil), Bulgarian, Catalan (Catala), Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Croatian, Czech (Ceský), Danish, Dutch (Nederlands), English, Estonian, Finnish (Suomi), French (Français), Georgian, German (Deutsch), Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian (Magyar), Italian (Italiano), Japanese, Lithuanian (Lietuviu), Norwegian, Polish (Polski), Romanian (Romana), Russian, Serbian (Cyrillic), Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish (Espanol), Swedish (Svenska), Turkish (Türkçe), Ukrainian, Vietnamese.

Supported file systems: FAT, exFAT, and NTFS

5. Data Rescue (Windows & Mac)

Simplicity is what Data Rescue is all about, but its steep price makes it prohibitively expensive for most home users, the demographic that would ironically most appreciate its clean and simple user interface.

✅

Pros:

• Clean and simple interface

• Can duplicate a potentially failing drive onto a healthy drive

• Automatically determines a set of RAID configurations

❗️

Cons:

• Unnecessarily complicated multi-step recovery process

• Expensive

Download Data Rescue 6

User Experience

Data Rescue is a somewhat confusing data recovery software application because its clean and simple user interface (the main screen features just three large buttons with colorful icons and detailed descriptions) suggests that its target are regular home users, but its steep price tag and website tell a completely different story.

A single license (which can be used by one user on an unlimited number of systems) costs $399.00 a year. That’s more than twice as much compared with what most other competing data recovery software applications charge for a lifetime license.

If you can afford to pay such a large amount of money for Data Rescue, you can look forward to fast scan and recovery speeds, improved RAID recovery, and additional disk tools for byte-to-byte disk copies and secure file deletion.

Versions / Licensing:

• Data Rescue 6 Demo: Free

• Data Rescue 6 Standard: starts at $19 (pay for the files you want to recover)

• Data Rescue 6 Pro: $399 per year

System requirements: Windows 7 or later or macOS 10.12 or later, secondary storage location, internet connection

Supported languages: English

Supported file systems: FAT, FAT32, exFAT, ext2, ext3, HFS+, APFS, and NTFS

6. Wondershare Recoverit (Windows & Mac)

One of the best data recovery programs in its price range, Wondershare works flawlessly with a wide range of storage devices, including camcorders, hard drives, memory sticks, and USB flash drives.

✅

Pros:

• Supports many file formats

• Sleek design and great usability

• Compatible with Windows and Mac files systems

❗️

Cons:

• Can recover only up to 100 MB of data

• Preview feature limited to a handful of file formats

• Many duplicates in scan results

Download Wondershare Recoverit

User Experience

The company behind this data recovery software has been around for many years, and it has successfully earned the trust of millions of home users and many large companies. Recoverit is its flagship data recovery product, and it boasts support for over 1,000 file formats and all commonly used file systems, including NTFS, FAT, HFS+, and APFS.

Just like all other software applications from Wondershare, Recoverit is really easy to use, and we had to go through just three simple steps to recover our files. During the last step, we were able to preview recovered files before retrieving them with a single click.

The only problem is that the free version of Wondershare Recoverit can recover only up to 100 MB of data. That’s not much considering that a single high-resolution picture taken with a modern smartphone can easily have around 5 MB.

Versions / Licensing:

• Wondershare Recoverit Essential: $59.95 a year

• Wondershare Recoverit Standard: $69.95 a year

• Wondershare Recoverit Advanced: $79.95 a year

System requirements: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP (either 32-bit or 64-bit) or Windows Server 2016, 2012, 2008, 2003 / macOS 10.9- 10.15

Supported languages: English, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, Dutch, Korean

Supported file systems: NTFS, FAT32, FAT16, exFAT, APFS, encrypted APFS, HFS+, encrypted HFS, HFSX

7. DiskGenius (Windows)

DiskGenius is an all-in-one data recovery and partition management solution aimed at professional and home users alike. You can use it to solve many unpleasant disk problems and try it for free before spending money on one of the two paid versions.

✅

Pros:

• Combines data recovery and partition management

• Is able to virtualize Windows into a VMware virtual machine

• Disk cloning functionality

• 30-day money-back guarantee

• Free version available

❗️

Cons:

• Doesn’t have the most intuitive user interface

• Jack of all trades but master of none

Download DiskGenius

User Experience

Partition and data loss issues often go hand-in-hand, which is why the people behind DiskGenius decided to create an all-in-one data recovery and partition management solution that lets you recover lost data from deletion, formatting, RAW drive, partition loss, OS crash, and many other data loss situations.

While the user interface of DiskGenius is nothing to write home about, the actual data recovery process is simple and boils down to just three steps. First, you select a partition or drive, then you scan for lost data, and, finally, you preview all listed files and select those that you want to get back.

DiskGenius comes with several extra features that even several times more expensive products don’t include, such as the ability to recover data directly from VMware, Virtual Box, or Microsoft Virtual PC images. It also includes a hex editor that facilitates the analysis of raw disk data, but it’s unlikely that regular users would ever take advantage of this feature.

System requirements: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10, Small Business Server 2011/2003/2008, Windows home server 2011, and Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016 (both 32bit and 64bit)

Supported languages: English, Japanese

Supported file systems: NTFS, FAT32, FAT16, exFAT, EXT2, EXT3, and EXT4

8. Stellar Data Recovery (Windows & Mac)

Stellar Data Recovery is a professional-grade data recovery software for Windows and Mac that can deal with completely crashed and unbootable systems that many lesser applications of its kind would deem unrecoverable.

✅

Pros:

• Support for a wide range of storage devices

• Easy to use

• Useful preview feature

❗️

Cons:

• Relatively expensive

• Slow scan and recovery speed

• Glitchy store device selection

Download Stellar Data Recovery

User Experience

Previously known as Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery, this data recovery software supports NTFS, exFAT, and FAT (FAT16/FAT32) formatted hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, memory cards (including SD cards, MicroSD cards, CF cards, etc.), and other commonly used storage devices.

You can choose from two different versions intended for professional usage: Professional ($79.99 for one year or $99 for a lifetime license) and Premium ($99.99 for one year or $149 for a lifetime license). The former version is slightly cheaper because it doesn’t include any video or photo recovery capabilities.

Except for the missing recovery features, the two versions are identical and equally easy to use. Recovered files can be sorted according to their type or displayed in a tree view, which is useful for locating a specific folder.

System requirements: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista & XP / macOS Catalina 10.15, Mojave 10.14, High Sierra 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8 & 10.7

Supported languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish

Supported file systems: NTFS, exFAT, FAT(FAT16/FAT32), HFS, HFS+, ext2, ext3, ext4

9. TestDisk (Windows, Mac, and Linux)

Designed to recover lost partitions and make non-booting disks bootable again, TestDisk is an excellent solution to many desperate data loss scenarios, but its text-only user interface puts it out of the reach of many users.

✅

Pros:

• Capable of recovering many different filesystems and partition schemes

• Broad operating system support

• Free and open source

❗️

Cons:

• Lacks an intuitive graphical user interface – command-line only

• Repairs damaged partitions and file systems but not files

Download TestDisk

User Experience

If you’ve accidentally and permanently deleted an important file, and you desperately want to get it back, TestDisk isn’t the right choice. This open-source data recovery application doesn’t focus on individual files but entire file systems and partitions. It can fix partition tables, repair boot sectors, and do many other things to restore access to lost files.

It’s true that TestDisk can undelete files from FAT, exFAT, NTFS, and xt2/ext3/ext4 file systems, but this functionality is tucked away inside the advanced menu, where most regular users never go. Besides, recovering individual files with TestDisk is extremely cumbersome because you can’t preview files before recovery.

But despite its shortcomings, such as the lack of an intuitive graphical user interface, TestDisk remains one of the best data recovery software solutions for Windows, Mac, Linux, and several other operating systems.

Versions / Licensing: Free and open-source

System requirements: Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Windows Server 2016/2012/2008/2003 / Any recent version of macOS / Linux kernel 2.6.18 or later

Supported languages: English, Catalan, Chinese, Czech, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish

Supported file systems: FAT, exFAT, NTFS, and xt2/ext3/ext4

10. EaseUS Data Recovery (Windows & Mac)

EaseUS has managed to garner a great deal of positive feedback across a wide spectrum of users, and our experience with its data recovery features has been similarly positive, which is why it deserves a place on this list.

✅

Pros:

• Reliable data recovery performance

• Lets users sort and filter deleted files

• Makes data recovery accessible to anyone

❗️

Cons:

• Includes unrecoverable files alongside recoverable files

• Previews only files that are smaller than 100 MB

• Doesn’t accurately display remaining scan time

Download EaseUS Data Recovery

User Experience

EaseUS Data Recovery is a tried and tested data recovery software for Windows and Mac. Its developers have successfully made the complicated process of data recovery simple and accessible to anyone. There are no menus with multiple layers and options that require a lengthy manual to decipher what they mean.

When you begin data recovery with this software application, you’re first asked to select a location to scan, such as your hard drive or USB flash drive. You can also select a specific folder, including the Recycle Bin. Then, you simply click the Scan button and wait for EaseUS Data Recovery to find your files.

If your budget is tight, you can purchase EaseUS Data Recovery for just one month. However, we recommend you get a lifetime license for $149.95 to enjoy unlimited free upgrades.

System requirements: Windows 2000 or newer / macOS 10.15 ~ 10.9

Supported languages: English, German, Japanese, French, Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Swedish, Danish, Korean, Russian, Norwegian, Polish, Hungarian, Arabic, Turkish, Indonesian

Supported file systems: FAT (FAT12, FAT16, FAT32), exFAT, NTFS, NTFS5, ext2/ext3, HFS+, ReFS

Honorable Mentions

Are you still hungry for more data recovery software? Then take a look at our selection of try-worthy applications that didn’t make it into the top 10.

• Windows File Recovery: Developed by Microsoft for its Windows operating system, Windows File Recovery, is a command-line tool capable of recovering permanently deleted files that are no longer present in the Recycle Bin. We just wish it delivered better recovery results and came with an optional graphical user interface.

• MiniTool Power Data Recovery: If you can live with an outdated user interface and a limited set of features, then the free version of MiniTool Power Data Recovery deserves a download from you since it works well in all kinds of data loss situations.

• Undelete 360: Last updated in 2017 for Windows 7, Undelete 360 is an outdated data recovery application that has yet to become obsolete. You can use it to recover all Windows-supported storage devices with a few simple clicks, and it even lets you preview files before recovery.

• Wise Data Recovery: If you want to recover data from an older version of Windows, then Wise Data Recovery is a solid choice. Just keep in mind that you may experience serious issues when using it on Windows 10 and newer.

• SysTools Data Recovery Software: The long list of features and the highly technical language the official website of this data recovery software uses to describe them should be enough to tell you that this isn’t the most user-friendly software in the world.

• Remo Data Recovery Software: Because of how dependable Remo Data Recovery Software is, it has received many positive reviews from professional reviewers and real users alike. We just with the Windows application was more polished.

• Zero Assumption Recovery: Also referred to as ZAR Data Recovery, this Windows software supports Windows FAT, NTFS, Linux ext/2/3/4, and XFS file systems, and you can download it free of charge from its official website.

• TogetherShare Data Recovery Pro: You can try the full version of TogetherShare Data Recovery Pro without risking anything thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee. The last version of the software even supports Windows 11.

• Lazesoft Windows Data Recovery: What’s great about Lazesoft Windows Data Recovery is the free price tag. What’s not so great is its terribly outdated user interface and limited file system and file format support.

• iBoysoft Data Recovery: iBoysoft Data Recovery doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking in terms of features, design, and performance, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you’re looking for an instantly recognizable alternative to established data recovery solutions, then this software is worth looking into.

• GetDataBack Pro: Developed by Runtime Software, GetDataBack Pro excels in the HDD data recovery department but could use improvements in terms of being a more well-rounded and user-friendly program. Despite not being as popular as other data recovery software, it is a suitable choice for intermediate and expert PC users looking for a powerful recovery tool.

• Ontrack EasyRecovery: As a rebranded version of Stellar Data Recovery, Ontrack EasyRecovery offers similar performance, and its free version allows you to recover up to 1 GB of data without paying. Although not among the best data recovery apps, it supports all major file types and is cross-platform, making it a versatile option that’s worth trying. The biggest downside is its expensive annual subscription, which can be a deal-breaker for some users.

• DMDE: Featuring an expansive set of features aimed towards professional users, DMDE stands out for its broad operating system support, even dating back to Windows 98. But despite its technical prowess, DMDE’s complexity can be overwhelming for beginners, with an unintuitive scanning process and complex scanning results.

• AnyRecover Data Recovery: By striking a balance between user-friendliness and data recovery capabilities, AnyRecover Data Recovery positions itself as an attractive alternative to the leading data recovery software applications. If only it didn’t fall short in recovering data from some file systems during deep scans and offered more extra features, it could have made it into our top 10 list.

• Tenorshare 4DDiG: This app’s user-friendly interface makes data recovery a breeze, so it’s a solid choice for regular home users who find complicated software intimidating. Just know that Tenorshare’s ease of use outweighs its data recovery capabilities, especially when it comes to recovering files with their original names intact.

• Cisdem Data Recovery: Though it’s a clone of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Cisdem deserves the attention of anyone seeking a well-rounded data recovery solution. With fast scan times, a user-friendly interface, and excellent support for various file formats, it makes for an accessible tool for users at all levels of tech-savvy. However, its lifetime license is quite pricey, costing $149.95, and the monthly subscription ($69.95/month) can quickly end up being even more expensive.

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Internet

Best Free and Public DNS Servers 2024

By admin January 6, 2024

Best Free and Public DNS Servers 2024, Use 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 for Google‘s DNS service. Here are more options from other companies, Every month, I update this page with the best public DNS servers you can use for free. As of January, my top picks include Google, Control D, Quad9, OpenDNS, Cloudflare, CleanBrowsing, Alternate DNS, and AdGuard DNS.

Here’s a quick reference if you already know what you’re doing, but I get into these services a lot more later in this article:

The Top Free Public DNS Servers
Provider	Primary DNS	Secondary DNS
Google	8.8.8.8	8.8.4.4
Control D	76.76.2.0	76.76.10.0
Quad9	9.9.9.9	149.112.112.112
OpenDNS Home	208.67.222.222	208.67.220.220
Cloudflare	1.1.1.1	1.0.0.1
CleanBrowsing	185.228.168.9	185.228.169.9
Alternate DNS	76.76.19.19	76.223.122.150
AdGuard DNS	94.140.14.14	94.140.15.15

Those are just my top choices. A list of additional free DNS servers can be found in the table near the bottom of the page.

What Are DNS Servers?

DNS servers translate the friendly domain name you enter into a browser (like lifewire.com) into the public IP address that’s needed for your device to actually communicate with that site.

Your ISP automatically assigns DNS servers when your smartphone or router connects to the internet, but you don’t have to use those. For a lot of reasons, you might want to try alternative ones (more on this a bit further down the page), but privacy and speed are two big wins you could see from switching.

Primary DNS servers are sometimes called preferred DNS servers and secondary DNS servers sometimes alternate DNS servers. Primary and secondary DNS servers can be “mixed and matched” from different providers to protect you if the primary provider has problems.

Best Free & Public DNS Servers

Below are more details on the best free DNS servers you can use instead of the ones assigned to your device automatically.

DNS servers are referred to as all sorts of names, like DNS server addresses, internet DNS servers, internet servers, DNS IP addresses, etc., but they all mean the same thing.

Google: 8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4

Google Public DNS promises three core benefits: a faster browsing experience, improved security, and accurate results without redirects. It’s what I use on my devices.

• Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8

• Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4

There are also IPv6 versions:

• Primary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8888

• Secondary DNS: 2001:4860:4860::8844

Google can achieve fast speeds with its public DNS servers because they’re hosted in data centers all around the world, meaning that when you attempt to access a web page using the IP addresses above, you’re directed to a server that’s nearest to you. In addition to traditional DNS over UDP/TCP, Google provides DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and TLS (DoT).

As you can see above, IPv6 IP addresses use colons. If you’re not sure which one to use for Google’s servers or any of the others on this page, stick with IPv4.

Control D: 76.76.2.0 & 76.76.10.0

Control D is unique in that it has several DNS servers to pick from, each categorized by theme. The “Uncensored” resolver proxies the commonly blocked websites in most countries to bypass IP blocking of various news websites. Others can be used to stop malicious websites, block ads and trackers, or block social networks or adult content. The basic option, “Unfiltered,” provides DNS query privacy and security:

• Primary DNS: 76.76.2.0

• Secondary DNS: 76.76.10.0

IPv6 is supported, too:

• Primary DNS: 2606:1a40::

• Secondary DNS: 2606:1a40:1::

Something unique about Control D that I love to see is the custom configurations. For example, I could join trackers and ads, malware, phishing, and government sites to make a custom filter to block all of that content. Premium filters are available for a low cost that can block things like crypto exchanges and VPNs. Control D also supports DoH and DoT.

Quad9: 9.9.9.9 & 149.112.112.112

Quad9 has free public DNS servers that protect your computer and other devices from cyber threats by immediately and automatically blocking access to unsafe websites. One thing I appreciated while researching this company is that it works without storing your personal data; their website clearly states that when you use Quad9, “no data containing your IP address is ever logged.”

• Primary DNS: 9.9.9.9

• Secondary DNS: 149.112.112.112

There are also Quad 9 IPv6 DNS servers:

• Primary DNS: 2620:fe::fe

• Secondary DNS: 2620:fe::9

Quad9 doesn’t filter content—only domains that are phishing or contain malware will be blocked. There’s also has an unsecured IPv4 public DNS (i.e., no malware blocking) at 9.9.9.10 (2620:fe::10 for IPv6). Quad9 also supports DoH.

OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 & 208.67.220.220

OpenDNS claims 100 percent reliability and uptime (since 2006!), and is used by tens of millions of users around the world. They offer two sets of free public DNS servers, one of which is just for parental controls with dozens of filtering options.

• Primary DNS: 208.67.222.222

• Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.220

IPv6 addresses are also available:

• Primary DNS: 2620:119:35::35

• Secondary DNS: 2620:119:53::53

The servers above are for OpenDNS Home, which you can make a user account for to set up custom settings like to block or redirect websites. I did this for years (coupled with a DDNS service) and was very pleased with how it worked.

For DNS servers that block adult content, you can use OpenDNS FamilyShield: 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123. Those two also support DNS over HTTPS. A premium DNS offering is available, too, called OpenDNS VIP.

Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 & 1.0.0.1

Cloudflare built 1.1.1.1 to be the “internet’s fastest DNS directory” (here’s how DNSPerf ranks them). I like them for the privacy commitment—they will never log your IP address, never sell your data, and never use your data to target ads.

• Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1

• Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1

They also have IPv6 public DNS servers:

• Primary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1111

• Secondary DNS: 2606:4700:4700::1001

There are setup directions for all your devices through the link above. Another way to use it is through the 1.1.1.1 app, which provides quick DNS setup on mobile and desktop devices; it also doubles as a VPN. 1.1.1.1 for Families can block malware (1.1.1.2) or malware and adult content (1.1.1.3). It supports DNS over HTTPS and TLS as well.

CleanBrowsing: 185.228.168.9 & 185.228.169.9

CleanBrowsing has three free public DNS server options: a security filter, adult filter, and family filter. These are the DNS servers for the security filter, the most basic of the three that updates hourly to block malware and phishing sites:

• Primary DNS: 185.228.168.9

• Secondary DNS: 185.228.169.9

IPv6 is also supported:

• Primary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:1::2

• Secondary DNS: 2a0d:2a00:2::2

The adult filter (185.228.168.10) prevents access to adult domains, and the family filter (185.228.168.168) blocks proxies, VPNs, and mixed adult content. They both also block the same domains supported by the security filter. For more features, subscribe to a CleanBrowsing’s premium plans. This service supports DoH and DoT as well.

Alternate DNS: 76.76.19.19 & 76.223.122.150

Alternate DNS is a free public DNS service that blocks ads before they reach your network. It works pretty well in my experience, but it’s not 100 percent perfect.

• Primary DNS: 76.76.19.19

• Secondary DNS: 76.223.122.150

Alternate DNS has IPv6 DNS servers, too:

• Primary DNS: 2602:fcbc::ad

• Secondary DNS: 2602:fcbc:2::ad

You can sign up with Alternate DNS for free, but there’s also a Family Premium DNS option that blocks adult content.

AdGuard DNS: 94.140.14.14 & 94.140.15.15

AdGuard DNS has two sets of DNS servers that block ads in games, videos, apps, and web pages. I used these “Default” servers for several months to block ads and trackers, and I was pleased with its performance, despite ads slipping through at times:

• Primary DNS: 94.140.14.14

• Secondary DNS: 94.140.15.15

IPv6 is supported, too:

• Primary DNS: 2a10:50c0::ad1:ff

• Secondary DNS: 2a10:50c0::ad2:ff

There are also “Family protection” servers (94.140.14.15 and 2a10:50c0::bad1:ff) that block adult content, plus everything included in the “Default” servers. Non-filtering servers are available if you’re not interested in blocking anything: 94.140.14.140 and 2a10:50c0::1:ff. These servers are also available as DNS over HTTPS, TLS, and QUIC, as well as DNSCrypt. Compared to paid AdGuard DNS plans, free users have zero customer support and limits monthly requests, device access, rules, and servers.

Why Use Different DNS Servers?

One reason you might want to change the DNS servers assigned by your ISP is if you suspect there’s a problem with the ones you’re using now. An easy way to test for a DNS server issue is by typing a website’s IP address into the browser. If you can reach the website with the IP address, but not the name, then the DNS server is likely having issues.

Another reason to change DNS servers is if you’re looking for better performing service. Many people complain that their ISP-maintained DNS servers are sluggish and contribute to a slower overall browsing experience. If your existing DNS servers are really bad, you might find that you can even double your internet speed by just changing these servers.

Other common reasons to use DNS servers from a third party is to prevent logging of your web activity so that you can have a more private browsing experience, and to circumvent the blocking of certain websites. Know, however, that not all DNS servers avoid traffic logging. If that’s what you’re interested in, make sure you read through the FAQs on the DNS provider’s site to make sure it’s going to do (or not do) what you’re after.

If, on the other hand, you want to use the DNS servers that your specific ISP, like Verizon, AT&T, Comcast/XFINITY, etc., has determined is best, then don’t manually set DNS server addresses at all—just let them auto assign.

Finally, in case there was any confusion, free DNS servers do not give you free internet access. You still need an ISP for access—DNS servers just translate between IP addresses and domain names so that you can access websites with a human-readable name (like lifewire.com) instead of a difficult-to-remember IP address.

Additional DNS Servers

Here are several more public DNS servers:

More Free DNS Servers
Provider	Primary DNS	Secondary DNS
Comodo Secure DNS	8.26.56.26	8.20.247.20
CenturyLink (Level3)	205.171.3.65	205.171.2.65
CIRA Canadian Shield	149.112.121.10	149.112.122.10
OpenNIC	138.197.140.189	162.243.19.47
Dyn	216.146.35.35	216.146.36.36
Yandex DNS	77.88.8.8	77.88.8.1
Hurricane Electric	74.82.42.42	.
DNS for Family	94.130.180.225	78.47.64.161
FlashStart	185.236.104.104	185.236.105.105
Freenom World	80.80.80.80	80.80.81.81

Some of these providers have several DNS servers. Visit the link above and select a server that’s geographically nearby for the optimal performance, or one that has the features you’re interested in.

FAQ

• How do I change my DNS server?

You can specify a DNS server in the settings for your router. Specific instructions will differ depending on the model, but generally, you’ll log in to the hardware by entering http://192.168.1.1 and then enter one of the addresses above into the DNS settings.

• How do I fix a DNS server that isn’t responding?

Your computer may fail to connect to a DNS for several reasons. To fix a faulty DNS connection, check your ISP’s connection status and your antivirus software, and run any network troubleshooting software your computer has. If none of this works, restart or reset your modem and router.

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