Watch the best plays from week ten in the NFL, featuring an amazing catch by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. Read...

Robot vacuums hold an undeniable allure: the promise to handle your floor cleaning while you kick back and relax. While premium models can cost well over $1,000, budget-friendly options starting under $200 make automated cleaning seem within reach for almost any budget. But are these wallet-friendly bots actually worth it, or are you better off saving up for a premium model? Read on for my advice, and be sure to browse our top robot vacuum and mop picks once you’re ready to shop. Lower-cost robot vacuums will deliver basic cleaning capabilities, but your user experience may leave something to be desired. Why budget robots are so tempting Even if you’re not working with a tight budget, it’s hard to resist scoring a robot vacuum for the price of a standard upright. Budget models promise the same hands-free cleaning experience as their pricier cousins, often with similar-looking features and capabilities. And for basic cleaning needs, they can get the job done. But before you click “buy” on that suspiciously cheap robot vacuum, it’s important to consider what you’re really getting and what you might be giving up. What budget bots actually deliver Lower-cost robot vacuums will deliver basic cleaning capabilities, but your user experience may leave something to be desired. These models typically come with reduced suction power and “bump-and-run” navigation systems, meaning they head in one direction until they hit an obstacle, then change course at random. While they can handle routine light cleaning, they can miss spots and get confused around furniture, especially in cluttered rooms. They may also lack the advanced app features of higher priced models. Eufy’s RoboVac 11s, for example, can be had for under $300, if you’re OK with simple navigation and controlling it with a physical remote. Eufy RoboVac 11s: Very affordable, but not so smart Pros Simple to set up and use Multiple cleaning modes Budget-friendly price Cons Can’t customize scheduling for different days Not compatible with digital assistants such as Alexa Can’t be connected to your Wi-Fi network Best Prices Today: $229.99 at Amazon There’s a similar trade-off with popular 2-in-1 vacuum and mop combinations. Budget models might offer both functions, but they typically lack the sophisticated features that make premium robots truly effective, such as self-cleaning mop heads or dual water tanks. These models may require frequent manual cleaning and refilling, cutting into their promised convenience. The Vactidy Nimble T8, for instance, can vacuum and mop your home without fancy interactive maps or a space-hogging, self-cleaning base station. But you’ll need to remove and wash its mop pad after each cleaning, among other issues. Vactidy Nimble T8: Budget mopping, but hands-on maintenance Pros Impressive vacuuming performance Very affordable Small footprint Cons Mop pad must be washed manually Frequently bumps into obstacles Returns to dock to recharge its battery after just minutes of operation Best Prices Today: $254.38 at Amazon$499 at Vactidy For pet owners, the limitations of budget models become even more apparent. While premium robots boast self-emptying bases, anti-tangle brushes, and powerful suction designed specifically for pet hair, budget models often get overwhelmed. That automated cleaning dream can quickly turn into a daily ritual of untangling fur from brushes, unclogging inlets, and frequent emptying of tiny dust bins. The hidden cost That bargain bot might end up costing more than you expect. Without advanced features like those mentioned above, you’re signing up for more hands-on maintenance. Parts like brush rolls, filters, and side brushes will need regular replacement regardless of price point, but budget models often come with fewer spare parts included. And while longevity varies by brand and usage, cheaper components may show wear more quickly. When cheap makes sense That said, budget robot vacuums aren’t automatically a bad choice. If you live in a small apartment with minimal furniture and no pets, a basic model might be exactly what you need. These scenarios play to the strengths of simpler robots: smaller spaces mean less navigation complexity, and lighter cleaning needs don’t demand premium features. Wyze Robot Vacuum: Top-shelf features at a budget price Pros Includes laser mapping and room customization Three suction levels Budget price Cons Easily gets stuck under low-profile furniture No Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant support No specialty cleaning modes Best Prices Today: $199 at Amazon$274.99 at Wyze Labs But if you’re dealing with multiple rooms, varied floor types, or fur-shedding pets, you might want to think twice before choosing the cheapest option. Smart alternatives to consider If you’re not sold on entry-level models, you’ve got several savvy ways to upgrade without maxing out your budget. Last year’s premium models often go on sale when new versions launch, offering high-end features at mid-range prices. Certified refurbished units from reputable brands can be another money-saving strategy; you’ll get thoroughly tested devices with warranty coverage for significantly less than new models. If you’re willing to wait and save, mid-range robots offer a sweet spot of features and reliability. These models typically include the most useful premium features, like improved navigation and stronger suction, without the cutting-edge extras that drive up flagship prices. Brands like iRobot and Roborock have carved out strong reputations in this space. iRobot Roomba Combo J9+: Last year`s model for a steep discount Pros Retractable mop arm keeps carpets dry New Clean Base design blends in with home furnishings Recognizes and prioritizes dirtiest areas Cons Companion app’s maps are basic and many controls are buried in sub-menus Mop pads must be cleaned manually Best Prices Today: $999 at Amazon Making the right call for your home Budget robot vacuums can work but only if your expectations and needs align with their capabilities. Before making your decision, consider your specific situation: How large is your space? Do you have pets? How much maintenance are you willing to do? What’s the total cost of ownership, including replacement parts and potential early replacement? Sometimes, spending a bit more upfront can save both money and headache in the long run. The best robot vacuum isn’t necessarily the cheapest—it’s the one that actually meets your needs and continues to handle your cleaning demands day in and day out. Read...

Making the switch from the office to working from home has become the new normal, but some users might feel like their setup is not as well-appointed or productive as at the office. It’s time to change that. With the proper equipment and gear, you can turn your boring-old home setup into a workstation powerhouse — ensuring you’ll never need to return to the office again. At PCWorld, we’ve had to adjust to remote work just like the rest of the world. Our staff has spent countless hours testing and reviewing hardware, which means we’ve been lucky enough to find the best gear and accessories available. Below you’ll find our favorite work-from-home essentials. Look sharp during Zoom meetings: Logitech C920e Business Webcam Logitech Working from home means you’ll have video meetings. Lots of them. And those low-quality webcams that ship with most laptops won’t show your brightest side. So opt for a new webcam with high-quality resolution such as the Logitech C920e Business Webcam. It captures 1080p HD resolutions, a 78-degree field of view, and comes with great perks such as autofocus and light correction. Get the Logitech C920e Business Webcam for $69.00 at Amazon Bring stability and comfort with a laptop stand: Lamicall Adjustable Laptop Stand Lamicall A good laptop stand will do wonders for your comfort and health. Not only can a stand keep you in a good ergonomic position, but it will keep your laptop safe and secure on your desk. Plus, a stand makes using a mouse and keyboard with your laptop a lot easier. You don’t need to drop a ton of money on anything expensive, either. A solid lightweight aluminum stand such as the well-liked Lamicall Adjustable Laptop stand will do just fine. It’ll support almost any laptop, from 10 inches up to 17.3 inches. It allows you to adjust both tilt and height and comes with ventilation holes to help dissipate heat from your laptop. Get the Lamicall Adjustable Laptop Stand for $35.99 at Amazon Store your important files for easy on-the-go access: Crucial X9 Pro SSD IDG Sure you might work at home, but you might need something to transport your work files for those occasional trips into the office or just a quick and convenient way to take your data on the go. External drives are a great way to store and back up your files, and their ever-decreasing size means you can now conveniently transport mass amounts of storage anywhere you go. The Crucial X9 Pro SSD is small enough to fit in your pocket, but capable enough to be your main external drive. It’s also one of the most affordable SSDs on the market and comes with up to 4TB of storage capacity. Plus, the 10Gbps transfer speeds are lightning fast for an external drive. It also comes with USB-C connectivity and includes a Type-C-to-Type-A adapter cable so you’ll have no issue connecting it to whichever computer you’re connecting to. Get the Crucial X9 Pro 1TB USB SSD for $84.99 on amazon Block out background noise to help you focus: Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones Wyze Labs While products from the likes of Bose and Sony are great, they are also incredibly expensive. Enter Wyze Labs. The company has created a good pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones for a surprisingly affordable price. While the audio quality might not be able to compete with the more expensive brands, the noise-cancelling is still top-notch. If you’re looking to block out background noise at your home office or while working in a busy café, these headphones will do the trick just fine. Get the Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones for $53.99 at Amazon Get every answer with a smart display: Google Nest Hub Google Marrying Google’s ever-helpful voice assistant to a 7-inch touchscreen, the Nest Hub smart display is much more than a device to control your music playlist or play ambient white noise (though both use cases can make working from home more pleasant). You can also use the Nest Hub to run fact-checks (“When did Musk become the CEO of Twitter?”); get direct spellings of words that elude spellcheck; verify the dates of important trade shows and other events; set workday alarms and reminders; and pretty much search everything on Google hands-free, receiving both audio and video results on a separate, independent display. Once you start exploring the work-from-home benefits of a smart display, you’ll never stop. Get the Google Nest Hub Smart Display for $99.99 at BestBuy Protect your devices with a surge protector: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip TP-Link Many people take for granted the vulnerability of their electronic devices to power spikes. Unfortunately, after your equipment gets fried is the worst time to realize your mistake. By purchasing a surge protector, you’re only paying a little amount of money to help ensure the safety of your much more expensive electronics. The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip goes above and beyond a normal everyday surge protector by offering six outlets that can all be controlled and scheduled individually with a mobile app or voice commands, and three USB charging ports. The scheduling system is robust and allows for ultimate flexibility in choosing when to power your devices on and off automatically for any kind of routine or travel need. Get the TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip at Amazon for $44.99 Create a full-on workstation: Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core Docking Station Belkin Your ultraportable laptop may be perfect for commuting to and from the office, but when you’re working from home you want a dedicated workstation with the ability to connect all of your peripherals. A Thunderbolt dock will help you expand your laptop’s capabilities and allow you to connect to a larger monitor and a full-sized keyboard. You’ll increase your productivity and your body will thank you for the ergonomic upgrade. We’ve tested a ton of Thunderbolt docks and the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core is our favorite budget-friendly option. It gives you the reliable Thunderbolt 3 standard, HDMI and a DisplayPort 1.4 ports, all in a package that is easy to travel with and won’t take up much room on your desk. Get the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Core for $69.99 at Walmart Or opt for a less expensive USB-C hub: UGREEN Revodok USB-C Hub Hiearcool If you don’t want to drop the cash on a Thunderbolt dock, you should at least consider getting a USB-C hub. Modern laptops tend to lack all of the ports you need to connect peripherals and that’s where a USB-C hub comes in. They are cheap and they allow you to significantly expand your port options. We recommend the UGREEN Revodok USB-C Hub as it gives you a variety of USB-A as well as USB-C ports and microSD and HDMI slots, all for under $20. Get the UGREEN Revodok USB-C Hub for $15.99 at Amazon Don’t skimp on your screen: Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE Matt Smith Working from home is all about productivity, and one of the best pieces of hardware to boost productivity is a great monitor. The Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE is an extremely versatile monitor with a sharp IPS Black panel and enhanced 120Hz refresh rate. It sports excellent image quality, a wide color gamut, and outstanding connectivity options. There are a ton of great monitors out there, but the Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE has an excellent mix of features for anyone who has wants a premium experience without the premium price. Get the Dell Ultrasharp U2724DE for $489.99 at Dell Upgrade that new screen’s ergonomics: Ergotron LX Premium Monitor Arm Matt Smith/Foundry A good monitor arm is one of the best upgrades you can make to your home office setup. It’ll open up way more options to move and position your display around your desk and it frees up precious desktop space as well. The Ergotron LX Premium Monitor Arm is our favorite monitor arm for a reason. It’s sturdy, practical, and can pair with almost any monitor around. The LX Premium is designated as an “entry-level” model, but it comes with specs that you’d expect from something much more expensive. It can support monitors up to 25 pounds and comes with 75 degrees of tilt, plus 360 degrees of rotation and pan. Get the Ergotron LX Premium Monitor Arm for $209.00 at amazon Consider ergonomics: Logitech Lift & Keychron Q8 keyboard Foundry If you’re working from home all day, you need to be comfortable and a standard mouse and keyboard just won’t cut it. Focusing on ergonomics, the Logitech Lift mouse and Keychron Q8 keyboard were built to help keep your hands and wrists in a more comfortable and less injury-prone position. Michael Crider/IDG The Lift mouse can be purchased for either left or right hands and comes in a variety of colors. It’s also wireless, which helps you minimize desktop clutter. The Keychron Q8 keyboard is a bit pricey, but gives you the satisfying feel and dependability of a mechanical keyboard while the curved design allows your wrists to rest in a more natural and comfortable position while typing. Get the Logitech Lift Mouse for $69.99 at Amazon Get the Keychron Q8 Keyboard for $199.00 at Keychron Go wireless: Logitech MK540 Advanced Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo If you don’t want to spend big on a mouse and keyboard, you can find a more affordable alternative in the Logitech MK540 Advanced Wireless Keyboard and Mouse combo. Coming in at an affordable $50, the keyboard is surprisingly snappy and has a pleasant tactile experience without too much noise. The mouse provides smooth and reliable use and has a few programmable gestures you can set for your convenience. Both are wireless, so you can do away with all of those annoying cables cluttering your desktop. Get the Logitech MK540 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for $49.95 at Amazon Backup software is a must: iDrive Online Cloud Backup Many people neglect to consider backup when working from home, but if your IT department isn’t covering you and your data, it’s something that needs to be addressed. Luckily there are relatively inexpensive services such as iDrive Online Cloud Backup that make it simple to do. iDrive is comprehensive and versatile and allows you to set up and use the backup service without any fuss. It’s a one-stop shop to help keep your valuable data safe and secure. Get iDrive for $79.50 at iDrive So is a robust PDF editor: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC PDFs are a staple of any modern digital workplace, but they aren’t always the easiest to edit. There are a ton of great PDF editors out there, but Adobe Acrobat Pro DC has been, and continues to be, the reigning champ. There is no other software that combines the same features for creating, editing, reviewing, and securing your PDF documents. Plus, the subscription-based format means that you’ll always have access to the latest version and won’t need to continually buy new software every year. Get Adobe Acrobat Pro DC for $19.99 per month at Adobe Ease eye-strain: BenQ ScreenBar BenQ ScreenBar BenQ To save space on your desk and reduce eye-strain there is no better option than a screenbar — a USB-powered desk lamp that attaches to the top of your monitor. When BenQ debuted its ScreenBar it had us wondering why no one had thought of this extremely practical solution before. It’ll save you desk space and keep you from going cross-eyed from squinting through the reflections on your monitor all day. Admittedly, it’s a bit pricey, but your eyes will thank you in the long run. Get the BenQ ScreenBar for $109.00 at Amazon The conventional desk lamp option: IKEA Forså If you don’t want to shell out the money for a screenbar or it just isn’t your style, then the tried-and-true desk lamp can be a great alternative. At just over $30, the IKEA Forså provides form and function to help keep your desk looking chic and well lit.  It comes with excellent adjustability, a cool old-school chrome design, and a straightforward on/off switch to keep things dead-simple. Get the Ikea Forså Desk Lamp for $34.99 at IKEA Keep upright: Jarvis Bamboo Standing desk When working from home you have a tendency to stay seated for long periods of time even more so than working in an office. And no matter how comfy that fancy ergonomic office chair is, sitting in it all day isn’t ideal. The best way to keep your body happy while working at a desk is to switch to an electric height-adjustable standing desk.  The Jarvis Bamboo Standing desk not only looks nice with its clean bamboo top, but it’s practical too. It comes with an impressive height adjustment range, solid stability (even when maxed out), a great warranty, and decent customization options — it ticks all the boxes for things you want in the perfect standing desk. Get the Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk for $744 at HermanMiller Set the mood: Lutron Diva Smart Dimmer Michael Brown/Foundry A smart light switch isn’t an obvious necessity, until you have one. Being able to control the lighting system in your home office via voice controls, motion detection, or your smartphone is a simple luxury that can pay dividends — both in your mood and in your energy bill. The Lutron Diva Smart Dimmer is built to work with the Lutron Caséta ecosystem, but it also provides broad compatibility with different smart products and systems such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and many others. It also has a minimalist design that doesn’t draw attention to itself. Get the Lutron Diva Smart Dimmer for $69.95 at Home Depot Stay warm: Vornado VH200 Heater In those cold months of winter you need a way to keep warm and comfortable while you work at home. A space heater such as the Vornado VH200 Heater is a great way to keep your energy bill down while still warming a specific area. The Vornado is small enough that it won’t take up too much room in your office, but powerful enough that it can heat an entire room by itself. It’s also extremely quiet, meaning you can focus on your work without being distracted by an overly noisy fan. Get the Vornado VH200 Heater for $68.00 at Walmart Say no to cables: Anker 633 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand Anker A clean desktop can help you stay productive and focused while working at home. One of the best ways to reduce your cord clutter is to switch to a wireless phone charger. It’s also one of the most convenient and hassle-free ways to charge your mobile devices. Right now there’s no better wireless charger than the Anker 633 Magnetic Wireless Charging stand. This 10,000mAh battery provides some of the fastest Android charging we’ve ever tested, it has a clean, minimalist look, and the magnetic stand keeps your phone securely upright, making checking notifications a breeze. Get the Anker 633 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand for $54.99 at Amazon Get some computer speakers: Creative Pebble Creative A full, booming 7.1 surround-sound speaker setup might be great for watching movies and playing games, but for work you don’t need anything nearly as fancy. If you’re working at home you just want something that will produce clear audio during meetings or while listening to some background LoFi beats to help keep you focused. Save yourself some money and go with the Creative Pebble speakers, which for only $40 produce deep and rich audio that you would expect from something two or three times the price. Plus they don’t take up much space and look really good on a desktop. Get the Creative Pebble Speakers for $34.84 at Amazon Do-it-all productivity: Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 Lenovo You need a laptop while working at home and there are none more suited to the task than the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6. It sports great performance thanks to its Snapdragon X Elite X1E-78-100 CPU, Qualcomm Adreno integrated graphics, and 32GB of RAM. It will not only easily tackle any word processing and spreadsheet work you throw at it, but it can also handle web-browsing while you’re on your “lunch break.” It has a 1920×1200 display with a glare-blocking matte finish, which is ideal for viewing in any environment, and a comfortable keyboard for marathon typing or coding sessions. Get the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 for $1,181.40 at Lenovo Back to basics: Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus IDG / Ashley Biancuzzo If you want something a little more portable (or affordable) than a full-fledged productivity machine like the Lenovo ThinkPad, then look no further than the Lenovo Flex 5i—we’re big fans of Lenovo laptops here, can you tell? This Chromebook has fast performance and a versatile 2-in-1 form factor. Meaning you can either use it as a regular laptop or flip the screen around and use it like a tablet. It’s also portable enough to take to the coffee shop when you need a change of scenery. So long as you don’t require Windows while working, the Flex 5i is a great everyday option. Get the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus for $499.00 at BestBuy Read...

Ready to bring your PC into the future? With Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, now only $17.97, you’re not just upgrading your operating system—you’re getting a whole new toolkit for productivity, gaming, and secure, seamless performance. Windows 11 Pro’s Copilot AI transforms how you interact with your computer. Ask Copilot to change settings, summarize content, open the right app, or even help with writing and code suggestions, all with a few keystrokes. It’s a game-changer for students, professionals, and multitaskers who want an OS that works as hard as they do. Built for more than just productivity, Windows 11 Pro enhances gaming with DirectX 12 Ultimate, delivering incredibly detailed graphics and smoother play, letting you maximize your hardware. Security is a top priority with Windows 11 Pro, which provides advanced measures like biometric login, TPM 2.0, and Smart App Control to keep your data safe. Plus, with features like Hyper-V and BitLocker, professionals can take advantage of added control over their workspace. However, before upgrading, make sure your PC meets Windows 11 requirements, as not all systems are compatible. Don’t miss the chance to grab Microsoft Windows 11 Pro for only $17.97 (reg. $199) when you order through November 21.   Microsoft Windows 11 Pro – $17.97 Get It Here StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

The Princess of Wales` appearance at the Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph features on several of Monday`s front pages. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Excellent sound quality for voices High sampling rate and bit depth for recording Wide compatibility More versatile light control Cons New multi-control not so intuitive Large in dimensions Our Verdict HyperX’s QuadCast 2 microphone offers fun personalization options as well as high quality sound. What more could you ask for? Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: HyperX QuadCast 2 Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal $159.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket HyperX started out as Kingston’s brand of gaming computer RAM and, like so many other component manufacturers, has since expanded its product offering into all sorts of gaming hardware. In 2018, they released the QuadCast USB microphone. With its iconic look, featuring vibration-dampening wire suspension, and red diode-glowing large puff covers, it’s a popular choice among Twitch streamers. Not only is it stylish, but it provides high sound quality for a good price. You don’t need any audio expertise to make it sound good. Since then, Kingston has sold HyperX to HP and they’ve continued to regularly pump out streaming products. I question the quality of some of these products, though, which is why I was a little worried when HyperX released the QuadCast 2 this summer, a direct sequel to the now classic microphone. Will HyperX deliver an equally good or better mic? Let’s find out. Further reading: Why I won’t spend a fortune on a gaming microphone Standard bracket for free mounting.Mattias Inghe HyperX QuadCast 2: High quality sound Fortunately, the QuadCast 2 is a high quality product that offers a number of technical upgrades. It’s still a condenser mic with three 14mm elements that allow you to switch between four sound pickup techniques, omnidirectional, forward kidney, bi-directional forward, and back (or sideways!). However, HyperX has fine-tuned the technology, increasing the sensitivity of the microphone while lowering the level of noise it generates. The original QuadCast produced great sound, but QuadCast 2 produces even clearer sound. I got my hands on an old QuadCast and I tested the sound recording in the same environment and the difference is actually noticeable. So, what does this mean? It means it sounds damn good. Voices have a warm, natural tone and there’s plenty of detail in the high frequencies. Finally, USB-C. The mini-USB that the predecessor had was already mossy then.Mattias Inghe The sampling rate has gone up from 48 KHz to 96 KHz and the bit depth is 24 bits, an improvement over the previous 16. It doesn’t make much difference when you just push it out directly in a compressed live stream, but if you want to use the mic to record sound and manipulate it afterwards, you have more room to do so without loss of quality. The QuadCast 2 sounds damn good. Voices have a warm, natural tone and there’s plenty of detail in the high frequencies. HyperX QuadCast 2: Free hanging for less interference The design of the QuadCast 2 is recognizable from its predecessor. It’s still a black cylinder with a red LED light behind the grille and puff guard in the top half, with the entire top as a large and extra-sensitive touch button for mute control. The stand with the microphone attached to elasticated wires all around is pretty much the same style as before, but with slightly different mounts that are said to be easier to unhook when needed. The new button is more versatile than before, but is less convenient as a volume control.Mattias Inghe The laces are black now instead of red, which takes away some of its iconic look and it’s completely flat at the ends. Where the QuadCast had a control knob at the bottom for the microphone gain level, the QuadCast 2 instead has a small knob on the front. It controls the volume of headphones, something that was missing in its predecessor. I’m not entirely fond of this little knob, as it emits a loud(ish) sound when turned. It’s not possible to discreetly change the volume during recording. The dial also has a click function, where a quick press switches between controlling the headphone and microphone. A long press is used to cycle between audio recording profiles. It’s more cumbersome than the knob on the back of the QuadCast. That said, you now get a light ring on the top of the mic that indicates which way it’s listening–I appreciate that. HyperX Quadcast 2: Small practical improvements Connection to the computer is via USB-C instead of the mini-USB that the original QuadCast came with. The five Watts of power is good enough, so it should work to connect anywhere. You’re also getting a USB-C to USB-A adapter for the three meter USB-C to USB-C cable. You can manage it from the Windows program Ngenuity instead.Mattias Inghe The microphone is easier to detach from the round table base. The stand mount also allows you to easily mount it on a microphone arm instead, an ideal set-up for streamers. The light is dimmable (and thus switchable) and can be controlled with HyperX’s Ngenuity app for Windows. You also get digital volume control and a digital high-pass filter. You can adjust this if you have too much background noise, but for the most part I’d probably avoid it. You can plug it in and run it on a Mac, a PlayStation 4, or PlayStation 5. That’s what HyperX lists as compatible devices, but it’s only a USB audio device by default, so it’ll work on a Chromebook, a Steam Deck, an Android mobile phone with USB audio support, and the Nintendo Switch. However, not with Xbox, as they insist on not supporting standard USB microphones. That’s not HyperX’s fault, it’s just Microsoft being stubborn. Here you also set diode effects. For example, you can make it light up in sync with detected sound.Mattias Inghe HyperX QuadCast 2: Conclusion The QuadCast 2 offers excellent sound quality, nice dampening capabilities, wide compatibility, and versatility of use. It’s a great device for streaming gameplay, recording a podcast, or sounding professional in a video meeting. Of course, there’s better gear for music studios and streaming studios. XLR mics are designed to fit into an analogue mixing desk, after all. But if you’re looking for a good microphone with nice features, the QuadCast 2 is definitely worth it. HyperX QuadCast 2: Specifications Product name: HyperX QuadCast 2Tested: October 2024Manufacturer: HyperX Connection: USB-C 2.0, 3.5 mm analogue headphoneMicrophone technology: CondenserSampling rate: 96 KHzBit depth: 24Microphone modes: Directional, omnidirectional, stereo, bidirectionalSystem requirements: Windows10 or newer, Mac OS, PS4, PS5, Switch, etcSize (incl. stand): 11 x 12 x 23.8 cmWeight (incl. stand): 1.71 poundsPrice: $149.99 Rating: 5 out of 5 Read...

Today, the internet has become like water and electricity, a necessity for everyday life and something we take for granted. Most people never think about routers, network cables, frequency bands, and more as long as everything works. But wireless networks — Wi-Fi — are not flawless and few users have never had problems. Common problems include weak coverage in parts of the home, devices being disconnected and having to be reconnected manually, choppy music and video playback on connected devices, and slower-than-promised speeds on large downloads. By optimizing your router’s settings and placement in your home, you can achieve a more stable and faster Wi-Fi network. Often this is enough, but otherwise there is help from different types of networking equipment. Related: How to choose a new router and get started with important settings Optimal router settings Foundry Different routers offer different levels of customization for Wi-Fi settings, but the vast majority have at least the following settings: Channel width Channel width refers to how much of the available frequencies in a frequency band the communication between router and devices takes up. Narrow channels allow for more channels, which means that several different networks can operate simultaneously in the same location without interfering with each other. But wider channels mean more data can fit per transmission, resulting in a higher overall speed for connected devices — as long as the signal is strong enough. If your router can choose the channel width automatically, this is likely to give you the best results. Some routers can automatically vary the channel width to optimize the network. If you have to choose for yourself, or just want to test whether it can be useful, you can test from the top down — start with 160MHz in the 5GHz band and step down to 80- and 40MHz and see how it affects the experience of devices around the home. If your router supports the 6GHz band, you can probably push a little harder and choose the widest possible channels, but as radio is complicated, it’s always best to test the waters. Foundry Channel – manual or automatic Depending on the channel width, there are different numbers of channels to choose from. For example, with 160MHz channel width there are only three channels, while with 40MHz there are 14 in the 5GHz band. The 2.4GHz band can only use channels of 20- or 40MHz, and the normal one is 20Mz because it can fit three channels without overlap (channels 1, 6, and 11). In houses without interference, 40MHz can work. Normally, it’s best to let the router choose itself as it has a better idea of which channel has the least “noise,” but if you have coverage problems in a particular part of the house and can see that a neighbor in that direction is using the same channel as your router has chosen, you can try a different channel. TP-Link Combined or separate frequency bands Behind the scenes, Wi-Fi over 2.4GHz and 5GHz are completely separate and use different antennas, but normally the router creates a common network name (SSID) to which devices connect. Which frequency band they connect with can either be up to the device itself, chance, or the router (see below). This usually works well, but you may find it useful to choose two separate networks with separate names instead. This can be useful, for example, if you have smart home devices that only support 2.4GHz and are having trouble connecting (which is relatively common). It can also help if you have devices that insist on connecting to the 5GHz band even though the signal is weak due to an obstruction such as a brick wall or some other reason. Lower frequencies penetrate walls better, so the 2.4GHz band is often more reliable at a distance from the router. Band steering On networks that combine multiple frequency bands, devices or routers must choose which band to communicate in. Most routers have a feature called band steering that automates the selection based on various parameters. On newer routers from Asus, you can set how it should choose, but as you can see in the picture below, solid knowledge is required to do a better job than the router, if possible. The Quality of Service (QoS) function balances the network and ensures that no single device takes up all the bandwidth.Foundry If you have a specific problem, such as devices that insist on connecting on the 5GHz band even in parts of your home where the signal is so weak that the internet is slow, you can experiment with the settings. The Small Net Builder website has a good guide to Asus settings. Quality of Service gives all devices a chance Quality of Service, or QoS, is a feature found in many higher-end routers that balances the network so that no single device hogs all the bandwidth. Without QoS, a computer running Bittorrent, for example, with hundreds of active connections, can saturate the connection to the internet service provider on its own. QoS can also be used to prioritize certain types of traffic. Most typical are online games that require very short response times to mitigate lagging. Setting QoS to prioritize games reduces the likelihood that temporary spikes in network activity will cause games to hack. Video calling is also something that can benefit greatly from a QoS service in the router, as it requires both relatively short response times and a steady stream of data. Routers with large processors often do better without QoS than less well-equipped routers. Problems that can be solved with QoS are often due to something called bufferbloat, where the router queues up too many packets and can’t forward them all in a reasonable time. A faster connection won’t help, and incorrect router settings can make it worse. Bufferbloat test results from Waveform.Foundry You can test for yourself how much bufferbloat your router suffers from with tests at dslreport.com or waveform.com. Both give a rating, so you don’t need to understand all the numbers. But in case you’re wondering, it’s all about how much response times degrade when the connection is heavily loaded. Whether you have a lot of bufferbloat or not, you can try enabling QoS if your router has the feature, especially if you experience occasional problems with gaming or video calls. If you can’t find the settings for your particular router, search for “[router model] qos” and you’ll probably get both an answer to whether it has the feature at all and, if so, how to enable it. Change the order of priority in Adaptive QoS.Foundry As an example, take my newly purchased Asus router, which has a feature called Adaptive QoS. Here, I can choose one of five preset profiles that prioritize different things — gaming, streaming, general browsing, distance learning, or remote work. You can also set the prioritization order manually. I should point out, however, that Adaptive QoS is one of several features in Asus routers that require you to authorize security firm Trend Micro to collect data from you. Other router manufacturers may have other similar agreements for certain features. Netspot Map your home and find the radio shadows If you’ve tested out the best Wi-Fi settings on your router but are still having problems with slow internet, or devices occasionally losing connection in remote parts of your home, it might be time to look at upgrading your network. Before splurging on a new, more powerful router or any kind of extension, it’s a good idea to check what the signal strength is actually like in your home. There are a number of programs that can help you with this, such as Netspot. You will need a floor plan of your home and a laptop. Once you have installed the program and launched it, select the Survey tab and create a new project. Here you can upload an image of the floor plan or draw it manually. A calibration function ensures that the distances are correct, and before you start taking measurements, you can choose how large an area each measurement point should cover. I recommend the default setting. Then you simply carry the computer around to different locations in your home and let Netspot measure the signal strength. Click on the floor plan to show where you are at each measurement and on the stop button when you’re done. The results are displayed as a color chart of the floor plan, with warmer colors indicating stronger signals. Areas in blue show parts of the home where the router has difficulty reaching. Measuring many places around your home can give you a good idea of where it might make sense to place an extender, or whether a router with stronger antennas is likely to reach all corners. It can also help you spot poor router placement, and if you move it to a location that should provide better coverage, you can repeat the survey and check whether it actually did. Dmitry Didorov Reduce the load with cable connections If your problems don’t seem to be due to a weak signal, it could be that you are utilising the full capacity of your Wi-Fi network with many connected devices. If you have a large family where everyone watches a lot of streaming services, this can easily happen. An easy way to give the router and the devices that can only connect wirelessly some wiggle room is to connect desktop computers and other fixed devices with an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi. Televisions, games consoles, smart home hubs and media players often have a connector for network cables. If your router doesn’t have enough connectors, you can buy a cheap switch from Netgear or TP-Link, for example. A switch also allows devices connected to it to communicate directly with each other without going through the router, which can further reduce the load on it. For example, if you have a media library on a NAS device and stream from it to a TV or computer and both are connected to the switch, it can have a big effect on the speeds of the Wi-Fi network for other connected devices. Sabine Kroschel Get a Wi-Fi booster, repeater, or mesh Sometimes the only solution to Wi-Fi problems is to upgrade your hardware. There are different options depending on what you have today and what the possibilities are for running cables in your home, for example. Wi-Fi amplifier A Wi-Fi repeater extends an existing network by creating its own network with the same name (SSID). Newer models can connect either by cable or wirelessly. The latter is obviously more flexible, but offers slower speeds and longer response times as devices connected to the extension communicate with the router in two stages. TP-Link Repeater Wi-Fi repeater is the name of an older technology that is not as common today, where a radio intercepts the signal from the router and simply sends it out again. It rarely gets much better and I do not recommend it. Linksys Mesh With mesh routers, you place two or more base stations in the home, where one acts as the main unit and is connected to the broadband. They connect to each other wirelessly but do so either smarter or with separate antennas and channels so that that transmission doesn’t clash with the regular network. For those who have Wi-Fi problems with a regular router and want a simple solution, a mesh system with two or three base stations is often the simplest solution, but rarely the cheapest. Use Netspot to find the best placement of base stations, then just sit back and enjoy. Roadlight Some traditional routers now have a built-in mesh function so you can expand your network afterwards with compatible base stations. Asus, for example, has a feature called AI Mesh, while TP-Link calls its equivalent Onemesh. Both of these manufacturers are flexible with what additional devices you use as base stations, such as another regular router, a mesh router, or a dedicated Wi-Fi extender that supports the mesh system. Unlike regular Wi-Fi extenders, all devices in one of these mesh networks must be from the same manufacturer and support the mesh technology in question. One important thing to consider if you’re getting mesh is to position the base stations so that they have the best possible signal to each other. This means that their signals should overlap but not too much, and there should be as few walls as possible in the straight line between two base stations. Related: How to keep your home network secure: Smart tricks and settings Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros OLED touchscreen looks great Nice solid build Long battery life Cons Few ports in odd spots Expensive  Our Verdict If you’re looking for a solid 2-in-1 that gets the job done and you can get behind the idea of efficiency over power, then the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is worth your Consideration. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Sometimes going all in on next-gen tech is a great way to buy future-proof devices that will ultimately last longer as the rest of the world catches up. Other times, going next-gen will hamper you in the long run because the latest technology isn’t quite ready. The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip Next Gen AI PC 14 (fh0047nr) falls more into the latter. It feels great in the hands and the battery life is to die for, but it’s ultimately hampered (on paper!) by the latest processor inside. But not everything is quite what it seems. The HP OminBook Ultra Flip houses an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V processor, thus making it among the earliest Lunar Lake laptops. While you’ll see some mixed results in the benchmarks, the devil as always is in the details. Further reading: Best laptops 2024: Premium, budget, gaming, 2-in-1s, and more HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Specs What makes this laptop “next-gen” is that aforementioned Lunar Lake processor, and along with new AI features. Here are the specs as tested: Model number: fh0047nr CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 256V Memory: 32GB LPDDR5X Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc integrated graphics Display: 2880 x 1800 OLED multi-touch display Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe solid state drive Webcam: 9MP 1440P IR AI camera Connectivity 2x USB Type-C (Thunderbolt 4, USB4 40Gbps), 1x USB Type-C (10Gbps), 1x combo audio jack Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Biometrics: IR Camera, Fingerprint reader Battery capacity: 64 watt-hours Dimensions: 12.35 x 8.51 x 0.59 in Weight: 2.97 pounds MSRP: $1,599.99 (as specced) HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Build quality IDG / Josh Hendrickson I have two stories to tell when it comes to this HP OmniBook, a story of choices that make me happy and another of choices that confuse me. Thankfully, the latter story is a question of taste and preference, so what I don’t like you may love. Let’s start with build quality, which is very good. Sure, this isn’t a fancy metal unibody machine, but that’s fine. The plastics here look good (for plastic) and feel nice. There’s not much (if any) give or wiggle and you get a nice understated look that won’t embarrass you when you travel. Even the hinge is just the right amount of stiff, which earns bonus points since this is a 2-in-1 that folds all the way around. If you’re looking for a solid 2-in-1 that gets the job done and you can get behind the idea of efficiency over power, then the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is worth your consideration. As someone in his 40s who will surely need reading glasses in the next ten years, I honestly appreciate the large print style lettering on the keys. The choice of blue for the combo power button and fingerprint sensor allows for a tiny splash of color and makes that important key easy to spot. The port placement, however, just confuses me. Never mind how few ports you get, we’ll discuss that in a bit, it’s the positioning I don’t like. Instead of just placing all ports on the left and ride side of the machine, HP put two USB-C ports in the back corners as cutouts. At first glance, that actually seems like it might be nice. After all, it’s similar to a power port in the back of a laptop. But similar isn’t the same and this introduces awkwardness, especially if you need to plug your laptop into an outlet that’s off to the side of you or behind you. That leads to your laptop cord doing a strange bendy curve to get where you need and it’ll stick out pretty far since the connector of your cord is coming out the laptop. Thankfully, HP does include a nice braided cable that should stand up to the abuse. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Keyboard, trackpad IDG / Josh Hendrickson I already mentioned that I like this keyboard’s big bold lettering and that praise extends to using the keyboard. With some laptops, things get scrunched around and you almost have to re-learn how to hold your hands to get back up to fast typing speed. That’s not the case here. The buttons are all a good size and other than the usual squashed arrows you find on most laptops these days, everything is just where I expect it. Of course, the cost of a generously sized keyboard is losing a numpad, so keep that in mind if you absolutely need one. Key travel is good enough all things considered and the click noise is soft yet satisfying. As someone who deals with hand issues, I judge a laptop’s keyboard by how long I can type on it before I start feeling pain and I managed hours on this keyboard with no issues. The trackpad is a nice size and, much to my pleasure, perfectly centered with the keyboard. I never accidentally brushed it and jumped up in my document. It detects my swiped and gestures perfectly and clicking technically worked well, though I did wish for more travel. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Speakers, display IDG / Josh Hendrickson You can’t expect much in terms of audio in thin and portable laptops, so I say this in the nicest terms possible. The Ultra Flip’s speakers are just okay. That’s a low bar, but I’ve honestly listened to far worse speakers in similarly designed 2-in-1s. The volume gets more than loud enough, though you’ll wreck the quality of the sound in the process. There’s a hint of thin bass, which is still better than some, and the soundstage exists. I know that doesn’t sound very complimentary, but when I test laptops, I generally expect speakers to be essentially useless and that’s not the case here. Sure, you’ll still be better off with headphones, but if you forget them, it won’t be the end of the world. The display is a pretty big win thanks to the OLED touchscreen tech behind it. Blacks are oh-so inky, which makes watching movies a joy, especially in tablet mode. And it gets a bit brighter than its AMD counterpart, which addressed one of our few complaints with that model. At 500 nits, it’s more than bright enough for indoor use and good enough for outdoor use as long as it’s not too sunny. When I saw that this is a 3K display, I worried that it would lead to wonkiness in font sizing and video playback, but I never noticed any issues. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Webcam, microphone, biometric options IDG / Josh Hendrickson Right in the usual spot, you’ll find a 9MP 1440p IR webcam, which puts it as a higher resolution than most webcams and a huge step up from the old 720p standard. Alas, specs aren’t everything and this webcam is decent at best. That’s not really HP’s fault. Much like speakers, fitting a great webcam into the tiny space a laptop can afford is a fight with physics you just can’t win. Colors are a little on the yellow and red side, giving me a slightly sunburned and sickly look. But it gets the job done and, of course, you get AI features as well both through Windows and HP’s custom options. I do appreciate the hardware shutter switch, especially since it slides so easily you won’t even need a fingernail. And it’s a nice bonus that this is an IR camera that works with Windows Hello. Speaking of biometrics, the power button also doubles as a fingerprint sensor. Both work quickly and consistently, and it’s nice to have options. The microphone isn’t quite as good. It picked up my voice just fine, but it lacked clarity, especially for a laptop at this price point. Between the microphone, the speakers, and the webcam, you have everything you need for a Zoom call. But you’ll probably be better off if you use Bluetooth earbuds that have a decent microphone. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Connectivity IDG / Josh Hendrickson I often complain when a laptop’s only two USB-C ports are on the same side, especially when they’re also the power ports. Thankfully, that’s not a problem here. Even better, two of those USB-C ports, located on the right side, are lightning fast Thunderbolt 4 ports. The third, found on the left corner, is a 10 GBPS port, which is slower but not the slowest. The port selection is limited to USB-C, though. If you need USB-A, Ethernet, HDMI, or an SD reader, you’ll need to buy a dongle. IDG / Josh Hendrickson At least you’re getting a future-proof laptop in terms of connectivity. The Flip 14 houses a Wi-Fi 7 modem and sports Bluetooth 5.4. That’s probably more advanced than anything you have in your home yet, which means over time as you upgrade everything else, your laptop should keep up. I should also mention that HP included a rechargeable Tilt Pen in my review unit, but it’s listed as optional on the website. It works well enough for taking notes, but it’s nothing special or fancy for drawing and the USB-C port is oddly placed. If it came free, I’d call it a good bonus, but I wouldn’t spend the $77 on it. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Performance At this price, the Ultra Flip 15 features an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V (Lunar Lake) processor, 32GBs of RAM, and 1 TB of storage. On paper, that should be enough to keep up with day-to-day tasks and maybe some light gaming. That said, the reality is different and we’re going to talk about that processor a lot because it requires a reset of expectations. IDG / Josh Hendrickson First, we run PCMark 10, which tests overall performance. Out of the gate. The Ultra Flip scores 6,845, which is around the middle of the road. That actually puts it in line with the other Core Ultra 256V in our comparison slate, but behind other laptops like the ThinkBook G5 and the HP OmniBook Ultra 14 (AMD). In truth, it’s a pretty solid score, especially when considering the processor behind the Flip focuses more on efficiency than power, as we’ll see in the upcoming tests. IDG / Josh Hendrickson Next up is Cinebench R23. This test is multi-threaded, so more cores results in a higher score. But the Core Ultra 256V doesn’t have as many cores as the previous generation. Here you have eight cores, divided evenly between performance and efficiency. In everyday use, multi-threading isn’t necessarily the most important metric though, so don’t count out the Ultra Flip yet. IDG / Josh Hendrickson That efficiency versus power point holds true in the Handbrake test as well. This is another heavily multi-threaded benchmark that runs over an extended period. It’s a good test to see how fast throttling and heat comes into play, which appears to be sooner rather than later in the case of the Ultra Flip 14. Score wise, it’s ahead of the Yoga Slim 7I Aura Edition, which has the same processor as our test model. HP didn’t do anything wrong with the hardware here, it’s just a matter of the processor’s efficiency focus. IDG / Josh Hendrickson In our early testing of the new Lunar Lake processors, we discovered a significant improvement in integrated graphics. This shows in the 3DMark test, where the Flip 14 roars past all the competition with an impressive 4,320 score. This also suggests cooling is efficient, as graphical tests tend to produce plenty of heat. It won’t hold up compared to a gaming laptop with a dedicated GPU, but for integrated graphics, it’s impressive. You could easily do some light gaming on this machine. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Battery life IDG / Josh Hendrickson To test battery life, we put laptops in airplane mode and loop a 4K copy of the Tears of Steel film until the device dies. Given the focus on efficiency, at first, I was disappointed the Ultra Flip didn’t do better in comparison testing. But when I dug into the details, I threw away that disappointment. On its own, running for 1,051 minutes (17 and a half hours!) is astounding. It scores significantly ahead of the Yoga Slim that runs the same processor. The Acer TravelMate and the HP OmniBook offer better battery life, but they’re also running lower resolution displays. At the end of the day, 17 hours is great for this test. While looping a video on airplane mode isn’t a perfect analogy to real world use, this HP does hold up to everyday use. It easily got me through an entire day of writing, social networking, watching videos, and more with plenty of room to spare at the end of the day. If I accidentally left the charger at home, I wouldn’t stress about it too much unless I planned to be gone for a week. HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14: Conclusion The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is sturdy, well built, and has epic battery life. The keyboard also offers a comfortable typing experience and the track pad is easy to use. But it also has flaws, some of which are outside of HP’s control. If your everyday laptop tasks demand multi-threading performance, then the latest Intel processor falls short. While that’s by design, it’s still something to consider. I’m also not a fan of the port placement and, more importantly, the few choices you get in that area. The bloatware bugs me, too. At this price, suddenly having McAfee rear its ugly head not only on the laptop itself but in my e-mails since the trial arrived expired leaves a bad taste in my mouth. The push for AI, both from Microsoft and HP, also falls flat. But it’s all a matter of what you want and need. If you’re looking for a solid 2-in-1 that gets the job done and you can get behind the idea of efficiency over power, then the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 is worth your consideration. Read...

Updates for newer Windows versions are often downloaded in the background and installed automatically on the next reboot. This is usually a good thing: The system remains up to date, security gaps are closed, or practical new features and functions are added — as was recently the case with Windows 11 24H2. Sometimes, however, this is not a good thing at all: Sometimes the system fails to update, updates are only downloaded incompletely, or are even faulty from the outset. This was the case recently with the Windows update KB5043145. Instead of exciting new features and optimizations, some users only saw the dreaded blue screen of death (BSOD). If there are problems with a Windows update, you should first banish the troublesome “upgrade” from your system. Microsoft often takes care of such problems promptly and the dilemma is solved with the next Windows update (the update to the update, so to speak). Until then, you can continue to use the “old” Windows version without any problems and without taking any particular risks. We present various ways in which you can reset a Windows update in just a few steps. Before resetting: First go through this checklist To rule out basic problems and conflicts, you should go through this checklist in the event of update difficulties: Make sure that there is enough space on the system hard drive for updates. Restart the system to see whether updates can then be installed correctly. Run the Windows update again if necessary. Disconnect external hardware such as drives or storage media that are not required for system operation. Check the Device Manager to see if any conflicts or errors are reported. Make sure that no virus or malware scanners are torpedoing the update. Such programs may need to be temporarily uninstalled. Check whether the Windows service for updates is activated: Click on Start and enter services.msc. Click on the first hit (“Services”) and search for “Windows Update” at the bottom of the list. The startup type must be set to “manual;” this can be adjusted by right-clicking and then selecting “Properties.” If these steps are unsuccessful, you can reset or repair Windows updates as follows. Option 1: Use the Windows system tool for troubleshooting In Windows 11 you will find the troubleshooting tool for Windows Update under “Oher troubleshooters.”Foundry Microsoft is also aware that its own updates sometimes throw a spanner in the works of the operating system. Modern Windows versions therefore come with tools to fix update problems or reset updates. The simplest method is Windows’ own update troubleshooting, which you can access in different ways depending on the operating system. In Windows 11: Go to “Other troubleshooters” via Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot. There you will find the “Run” command next to the “Windows Update” entry, which you can use to start the troubleshooter. A system restart is then recommended. In Windows 10: Go to “Troubleshooting” via Start > Settings > Update & Security. Alternatively, click on Start and type in troubleshooting and select the first entry “Troubleshooting settings.” In both cases, the entry “Additional troubleshooting” is at the bottom, which we now select. On the left-hand side of the subsequent window, you will then find the “Windows Update” field which, when clicked, reveals the option “Run troubleshooter.” Click on it and wait until the system has finished analyzing and, if necessary, correcting the error and then restart. Option 2: Use the system restore point The system restore is somewhat hidden, but can be accessed in just a few steps.Foundry Windows regularly creates restore points (if you do not manually prevent the process), which can be used to restore the system to a previous state. This can help with problems with updates, but also with many other annoyances with the OS, and no data or settings are lost. Users can also set such restore points manually. How to activate a restore point: Tap on Start and enter restore point there. The first hit should now be “Create restore point,” click on the entry. In the window that opens (tab: “System protection”), select the field “System Restore…”(see image). Click on “Next” in the new window. Windows displays a list of available restore points, select the desired entry. Tip: You can use the “Search for affected programs” command to check in advance which components are affected by the restore. Confirm your selection and click on “Next” and “Finish.” You may need to confirm a security notice. The system will now be reset to the configuration of the restore point and restarted. Option 3: Repair with the Reset Windows Update Tool We can use the free “Reset Windows Update Tool” to repair Windows update components.Foundry Some software problems can only be solved with additional software: With the Reset Windows Update Tool, for example. You can download the free open source program as a portable version (archive) from the linked page. After the download: Unzip the tool into a folder of your choice. Start “wureset.exe” with admin rights. (Right-click and the command “Run as administrator”). Select the program language. In the next step, select “Restore Windows Update Components” (usually “2” and ENTER). The process may take several minutes. Updates should then work again. Option 4: Install updates manually yourself The Microsoft update catalog allows us to download Windows updates ourselves and install them manually. Foundry If the automatic Windows update fails due to an update, you can sometimes help manually and download and install the affected update yourself. For example, after resetting to an old restore point, you can also download important updates without having to use the automatic Windows update to get the problematic update on board again, which you actually want to reset. To do this, however, you need to know the identifier (KB number) of an update. Tip: The update IDs of new updates are often displayed under “Windows Update” before they are installed. Simply enter “Check for updates” under Start and select the entry of the same name. If you cannot find the update in question there, you can also look it up under “Show update history” and view all previous updates together with their names. Then visit the Microsoft update catalog and enter the KB identifier in the search field. Download the affected update yourself. Start the update in your download folder. Option 5: Manually reset and restart update services We can reset update services manually in the command prompt.Foundry We can use the command prompt to stop and restart update services. This method cannot be used to reset updates, but you can help the operating system if it fails to update. Proceed as follows: Click on Start and enter cmd. Right-click on the top hit “Command Prompt” to run the prompt as administrator. Then enter these commands one after the other: net stop bitsnet stop wuauservDism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanupsfc /scannownet start bitsnet start wuauserv This will stop and restart the two services BITS (Intelligent Background Transfer Service) and Wuauserv (Windows Update AutoUpdate Service). You can now try to install the problematic update again. If nothing helps: Reinstall the system If all the steps listed here do not lead to the desired success, you can consider reinstalling Windows. As this can result in the loss of many settings and some data, you should only do this as a last resort: For example, if the system no longer works (correctly) after an update and you don’t want to or can’t wait for a fix from Microsoft. Read...

Many people underestimate the work needed to keep smartphones in tip-top shape. These tiny PCs in your pocket require regular maintenance and important updates in order to stay protected against wear and tear as well as attacks. Turning your phone off completely protects it from some hacks Surprisingly, this includes a very basic task that many people never do: switching your phone off completely. According to security experts at the NSA, this alone helps to protect the device from some hacking attacks. It is now not only common to gain access to smartphones via malicious links, but also via so-called zero-click exploits. This involves bypassing the smartphone’s security features step-by-step, starting with a missed call, then the first installed files, which gradually allow access to the system so hackers can tap into your information. This usually goes unnoticed, but can be prevented by completely rebooting the device. So how often should I turn off my phone? The simple answer from security experts as to how often a phone should be turned off completely is: at least once a week. And not just for the protection it provides! In addition to eliminating the security risk, regular reboots also allow the smartphone’s operating system to run all functions smoothly. By the way: To see how long your device has had to go without switching off, you can easily check the system settings. On Android devices, this can usually be found under “Device” and then “Status.” The uptime is displayed there in hours. Further reading: Does fast charging hurt your phone battery? Read...