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J Studios/Getty Images The idea behind anonymous browsing is simple: It masks your IP address and location to make it appear that you are located in a different region. This can be beneficial because it prevents third parties from discovering your personal information and identity. You might think that Incognito (or Private) mode is the […] More
ZDNETThose of you who use classic Outlook may have noticed the program acting more temperamental than usual. There’s a reason for that. In a recent support article, Microsoft acknowledged that Outlook may crash when you start a new email or when you reply to or forward an existing email.The crash only affects classic OutlookThe problem affects only classic Outlook, meaning the version that comes with Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365, and not the new Outlook that the software giant has been pushing in Windows. The glitch is also specific to Outlook version 2412, Build 18324.20168. Also: How to encrypt any email – in Outlook, Gmail, and other popular servicesTo see which version you’re running, select the File menu in Outlook and click Office Account. The description next to the About Outlook icon indicates the version.How to see if it’s affecting youIf Outlook is crashing on you, Microsoft also suggests checking Event Viewer to confirm the issue. To do that, go to Windows Administrative Tools in Windows 10 and Windows Tools in Windows 11 and open Event Viewer. Check the Application Log for crash Event 1000 or Event 1001 with the following details:Faulting application name: OUTLOOK.EXE, version: 16.0.18324.20168, time stamp: 0x677828daFaulting module name: OUTLOOK.EXE, version: 16.0.18324.20168, time stamp: 0x677828daException code: 0xc0000005Fault offset: 0x0000000001a7c02aFaulting process id: 0x0xFD0Faulting application start time: 0x0x1DB65D0FD0B9857Faulting application path: C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficerootOffice16OUTLOOK.EXEFaulting module path: C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficerootOffice16OUTLOOK.EXEAlso: Microsoft to force new Outlook app in Windows 10 with no way to block itMicrosoft promises a fix for the bug with Version 2501, Build 18429.20000, expected to be released Jan. 28, 2025. To apply the fix at that time, select File, click Office Account, select the icon for Update Options, and choose Update Now. More
ZDNETAn Apple AirTag can help you keep track of your most important items like keys, wallets, remotes, and even bicycles. However, bad actors can misuse AirTags to track people without their consent, casting a shadow on their use.Apple has made significant changes to how AirTags can be used. The company now provides clear disclosures to AirTag owners, reiterating that these trackers are only for tracking belongings and never for unwanted tracking of others. Both iOS and Android devices now alert their users when an unknown Bluetooth tracker is found moving with them, as well.Also: The best AirTag walletsIn this guide, I’ll explain how to identify unwanted trackers, whether it’s an Apple AirTag or another Bluetooth tracking device. You’ll learn how to receive alerts, locate the trackers, and disable them, with helpful tips for both iOS and Android users.How to tell if an AirTag is tracking youWhat you’ll need: To get help locating an unwanted AirTag, you’ll need an iPhone or an Android phone. I discuss in detail below what it looks like on an iPhone when an AirTag tracks you, but this guide has information for Android users, too. If you suspect someone is tracking your movements without your permission using an AirTag or Bluetooth tracking device, your iOS or Android phone should automatically alert you. But be sure to contact law enforcement if you feel you are in any danger.[embedded content] More
BlackJack3D/Getty Images Virtual private networks are no longer just for tech enthusiasts and privacy buffs — they’ve become an essential tool for navigating a more restricted internet. VPNs offer a lifeline to digital freedom and security, from bypassing censorship to securing data from prying eyes. In the US, legislation in several states has blocked […] More
A password manager is a valuable tool for families that share devices and subscriptions requiring logins, such as Wi‑Fi credentials, streaming service passwords, and smart home codes. It also allows you to help family members, such as kids or aging parents, improve digital security habits and ensure their sensitive information is kept safe.Also: The best password managers: Expert testedSome password managers for families have greater integration between user accounts — through shared vaults or multiple permission levels managed by an admin — while others simply bundle personal accounts under one subscription. All users also have individual logins and private vaults that aren’t visible to anyone else on the family plan.What is the best password manager for families right now? At ZDNET, we tested the best password managers for families to determine which ones make it most straightforward to share logins and files, while allowing each user to keep their data private. 1Password More
Screenshot by Alison DeNisco Rayome/ZDNETBitwarden is an open-source password manager that has all the features you need (and some you had no idea you needed). But, like many software titles, you’re probably not using it to its fullest potential. There are features you might not know about and ways you can use the app to better serve you.Also: Bitwarden review: Our favorite free password manager with low-cost premium features, tooI’ve been working with Bitwarden for years and have found it to be an absolute must to help keep my credentials stored safely and my passwords strong. Over the years, I’ve found a few things that have helped make it even better.Let me share some of those tips with you.1. Use the random password generatorBitwarden has a built-in random password generator that you should use every time you create a new account or change your password on an existing account. Bitwarden’s random password generator allows you to choose between a password or a passphrase, as well as decide the strength of the password, the length, and the minimum amount of numbers or special characters required. Also: 7 essential password rules to follow, according to security expertsI’ve had Bitwarden set to create twenty-one-character passwords with a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters for a few years now, and it has served me well. The reason why you should use this feature is because creating truly strong passwords isn’t as simple and/or quick as you might think. This feature ensures your passwords are much stronger than what you are currently using. More
Do not fall easily to the allure of “free” in the VPN world. There’s usually a catch because providers often explore other ways to make money from you. They may hide crucial features behind a paywall, or worse, they may sell your data for a profit.Also: The best VPN services: Expert testedYou can test the best VPNs for free with a trial or a money-back guarantee. But if you want a 100% free VPN to use for the long term, there is a handful of secure options you can choose from. The VPN provider’s reputation is important to ensure free apps don’t compromise your security once installed on your device, and so the only free services we can recommend are usually backed by their paying subscribers. What is the best VPN for free right now?We’ve extensively tested every major VPN on the market, including some free VPN offerings. Our pick for the best free VPN is Proton VPN More
Microsoft/ZDNETWindows 10 isn’t the only Microsoft product that is due to lose support this coming October. In a blog post published Wednesday, the software giant said Microsoft 365 apps (aka Office) will no longer be supported in Windows 10 after Oct. 14, 2025. To continue using Microsoft 365 or Office, the company urges users to upgrade to Windows 11.Support cutoff The support cutoff doesn’t mean that Microsoft 365 will suddenly stop working or vanish from your PC. Just as with Windows 10, you’ll be able to continue to use the software, but you may hit a couple of bumps in the road.First, using Microsoft 365 on an older and unsupported OS such as Windows 10 may trigger performance and reliability issues over time, the company says in a support document. Microsoft doesn’t specify the specific issues you may encounter, but there’s a second area of concern. Since Windows 10 will no longer receive bug fixes, security patches and other updates after Oct. 14, Microsoft 365 and Office will be more vulnerable to bugs and security threats.Also: Microsoft to force new Outlook app in Windows 10 with no way to block itThe warnings from Microsoft apply to the subscription version of Microsoft 365 and the one-time purchase non-subscription flavors of Office, such as Office Home & Student, Office Home & Business and Office Professional Plus. The specific versions of Office include Office 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2024.Microsoft has long been pushing Windows 10 users to jump ship to Windows 11. Naturally, Microsoft and its PC maker partners would like you to buy a brand new PC with the latest OS, but if you still have a usable and reliable computer, upgrading is a cheaper option, but it’s not that simple. More
