Services and Software

All the news and tips you need to get the most out of the services, apps and software you use every day.

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Hulu Black Friday savings: Get a year's worth of streaming for just $12

Catch up on all your favorite shows in 2022 -- but you need to act by Nov. 29.

by Shelby Brown

Yes, you can really get Microsoft Office with Word, Excel and PowerPoint for free

Yes, you can really get Microsoft Office with Word, Excel and PowerPoint for free

We'll show you how to use every tool in Microsoft 365 without spending a dime. But, there are some caveats.

by Alison DeNisco Rayome

Don't wait to install Windows 11. Download it now with this workaround

Microsoft's new OS is rolling out in phases, but the Windows 11 Installation Assistant can help you get the upgrade today.

Gift card scams are growing, and we're all paying the price

Every year, scammers trick Americans into handing over millions of dollars in gift card payments. Retailers aren't doing much about it.

Encanto isn't streaming on Disney Plus yet (and neither is Marvel's Eternals)

Encanto, the Disney animated musical that just hit cinemas, isn't available on Disney Plus -- but it's coming sooner than most movies would.

Our Top Picks

Best antivirus software for 2021

by Alison DeNisco Rayome

Best VPN service of 2021

by Rae Hodge

Best live TV streaming service for cord-cutters

by Ty Pendlebury

Best password manager to use for 2021

by Clifford Colby

Best dating sites for 2021

by Rebecca Fleenor

Best music streaming service for 2021

Spotify, Apple Music and more: What's the best music app for you?

by Ty Pendlebury

Best streaming service of 2021: Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Hulu, ESPN Plus and more

by Alison DeNisco Rayome

Forget Black Friday and gift a TV streaming service subscription instead

by Shelby Brown

Best photo books to give as gifts this holiday season

by Shelby Brown

Best website builder for 2021

by Joe Van Brussel

Best iPhone VPN of 2021

by Rae Hodge

Best iPad games for 2021

iPad games we recommend that are actually fun to play

by Shelby Brown

The best VR games for escaping to other worlds

by Scott Stein

Learn cybersecurity skills with these 5 online courses

by Shelby Brown

Quarantine sucks. These services make it easier to get stuff done and stay sane

by Alison DeNisco Rayome

Latest

9 great reads from CNET this week: Gift cards, Amazon reviews, Oculus Quest 2 and more

We look into why con artists want you to buy them gift cards, how Amazon deals with fake reviews, what parents need to know about VR and their kids, and then some.

by Jon Skillings

Holiday gift ideas you can send instantly, no shipping required

These gifts won't go out of stock, even with supply chain shortages.

by Shelby Brown

Best photo books to give as gifts this holiday season

Here are the top photo-book services for turning your photo albums into the perfect gift or keepsake.

by Shelby Brown

Best antivirus software for 2021

Antivirus software provides needed malware protection for your Windows PC -- and free software may not be enough. Here's what's worth paying extra for.

by Alison DeNisco Rayome

Sling TV Black Friday deal: Buy one month, get one month free

Now's the time to try out Sling TV, but you've only got a couple days to grab the savings.

by Shelby Brown

Hulu Black Friday savings: Get a year's worth of streaming for just $12

Catch up on all your favorite shows in 2022 -- but you need to act by Nov. 29.

by Shelby Brown

This Black Friday Philo deal is perfect for Hallmark movie fans

New Philo subscriber? You'll pay only $5 for the first month.

by Shelby Brown

Lego Star Wars: Castaways online multiplayer available on Apple Arcade

The new adventure game combines the best of Star Wars and Lego. You can download and play today.

by Shelby Brown

Forget Black Friday and gift a TV streaming service subscription instead

There's a streaming service for almost every interest, and a subscription makes a great gift.

by Shelby Brown

6 easy ways to host a virtual watch party with your friends and family

It's easier than ever to watch a movie with a group of people who can't meet in person.

by Zachary McAuliffe

Gift card scams are growing, and we're all paying the price

Every year, scammers trick Americans into handing over millions of dollars in gift card payments. Retailers aren't doing much about it.

by Ian Sherr

Pinterest settles lawsuit alleging racial and gender discrimination

It'll also spend $50 million on reforms based on the discrimination allegations.

by Sean Keane

Yes, you can really get Microsoft Office with Word, Excel and PowerPoint for free

We'll show you how to use every tool in Microsoft 365 without spending a dime. But, there are some caveats.

by Alison DeNisco Rayome

Disney Plus GroupWatch lets you enjoy your favorite movies remotely with friends. Here's how

The feature makes it easy to remotely stream Disney, Star Wars and Marvel movies with friends and family.

by Alison DeNisco Rayome

Find the best VPN with these 3 rules of thumb

Only VPNs that have these features will be worth your time.

by Rae Hodge

Best iPhone VPN of 2021

These are the best virtual private networks for maximizing your privacy on Apple's iPhones.

by Rae Hodge

Best Android VPN 2021

These are the best virtual private networks for protecting your privacy on your Android mobile device.

by Rae Hodge

Instagram CEO to testify before Congress for the first time

The social network has faced allegations that it worsens mental health issues for young people.

by Queenie Wong

Fastest VPN 2021

Three top VPNs battle it out to see which takes the privacy and speed crown.

by Rae Hodge

Best cheap VPN 2021

Online privacy while working from home doesn't have to cost a fortune. Protect your online life with a cheap VPN service.

by Rae Hodge