Information Technology

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNETChoosing the right laptop can feel overwhelming — even for someone like me who’s lived and breathed laptops for years. You get all these options, configurations, and feature lists that it’s impossible not to know up from down. So, to make things easier for you, I’ll be breaking down laptops and their essentials using three broad usage categories: school, work, and gaming.Also: Finally, a $699 Windows laptop that I wouldn’t mind putting my MacBook Air away forMost laptops fall into one of these buckets, and while there is some crossover regarding hardware, each type is designed with a specific purpose in mind. Below, I walk through what defines each category, highlighting key features to look out for and providing example products along the way.Keep in mind, this advice is based on my own experience and expertise. Ultimately, the best laptop is the one that fits your needs best.How to pick a laptop for school More

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Baseus Inspire XP1 earbuds <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Baseus Inspire XP1 earbuds are on sale on Amazon for $104. These earbuds’ seal allows them to fit like a glove, so they seal better than most, maximizing audio quality. The app is pretty minimal. –> Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. I cannot […] More

MicroStockHub/iStock/Getty Images Plus Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google.  ZDNET’s key takeaways There’s growing concern that AI is a bubble about to burst. Smart digital leaders take a tactical approach to use cases. They get executive buy-in by focusing on strategic priorities. With MIT recently reporting that just 5% of AI projects deliver […] More

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Kerry Wan/ZDNETUsually, whenever a new feature comes out for Windows, Microsoft advertises it widely in a blog post to let everyone know. Or if they don’t, people discover the feature soon after an update. However, a helpful feature sometimes slips through the cracks, only to be unearthed years later.Also: Windows 10’s final update is a big one – with a record 173 bug fixesThat was my reaction when I found this obscure Emergency Restart method for Windows 11 after stumbling across a post on the Sysadmin subreddit. Reddit user ‘-Steets-‘ shared the information in 2022, although other commenters claim the method was present on Windows XP, which came out over 20 years ago.To access Emergency Restart, press the CTRL + ALT + DEL keys on your Windows PC — a pretty normal action. However, this time, hold down the CTRL key and click the power button in the bottom-right corner of the screen. More

Adam Breeden/ZDNETWant to follow my work? Add ZDNET as a trusted source on Google.ZDNET’s key takeawaysIf you need a security boost on Android, add this hidden feature.Sensors Off makes it easy to shut off the camera, mic, and GPS.This feature is available for all modern Android phones.When using your Android phone, have you ever had a moment when you thought, “I could seriously use some more privacy and security?” I have. Often. You might think a VPN is enough for better security, but what if I told you that the sensors on your phone could lead to security issues? Would you still think that VPN is sufficient? Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025Your phone sensors include the camera, microphone, and GPS, each of which can be used against you. Granted, it would require the installation of malicious software to do so, but it is possible. At the same time, when visiting websites on your phone, if those sites have permission to use any of those sensors, your privacy and security could be at stake.That’s why I’ve enabled this hidden feature on my Pixel 9 Pro. This feature is a Quick Settings tile that you can add, which, with a single tap, disables all three sensors. Prior to doing anything that needs heightened security, tap that tile and you’re good to go. When you’re done, tap the tile again, and the sensors are back on.Enable developer optionsThe first step is to enable developer options on your phone. Don’t worry, the feature is built in; it’s just hidden from view.  More