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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These two newest Google Maps features help you explore. Here's where to find them

Plus, we'll tell you how to use five other Google Maps tips to help you navigate.

by Clifford Colby

You're likely being tracked by Google. Turn off these settings to stop it

Google stores your location and data history when you use any of its apps. We'll show you how to turn off tracking for good.

by Kelsey Fogarty

Hacks, ransomware and data privacy dominated cybersecurity in 2021

Be careful out there.

Windows 11: Here's how to download Microsoft's latest OS on your device

Whether you just bought a new laptop or you want to update an older device, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant can help you skip the line for Microsoft's new operating system.

Get Microsoft Office with Word, Excel and PowerPoint for free. Yep, that's $0

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

Our Top Picks

Best antivirus software for 2021

by Alison DeNisco Rayome

Best VPN service of 2021

by Rae Hodge

Best music streaming service for 2021

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

by Ty Pendlebury

Best live TV streaming service for cord-cutters

by Ty Pendlebury

Best dating sites for 2021

by Rebecca Fleenor

Best password manager to use for 2021

by Clifford Colby

21 browser extensions and apps that'll save you money this holiday season

by Alison DeNisco Rayome

Best photo books to give as gifts this holiday season

by Shelby Brown

Best website builder for 2021

by Joe Van Brussel

Best Mac VPN 2021

by Rae Hodge

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

by Alison DeNisco Rayome

Best VPS hosting for 2021

by Alison DeNisco Rayome

Best VPN service for Amazon Fire TV Stick in 2021

by Rae Hodge

The best web hosting for 2021

by Alison DeNisco Rayome

Best VPN for Windows

by Rae Hodge

Latest

Kamala Harris and other VIPs are right to be concerned about Bluetooth security

It doesn't happen often, but Bluetooth connections do get hacked.

by Bree Fowler

DuckDuckGo: How to use the private search engine on your phone and computer

If you're looking for an easy way to gain more privacy in your online searches, try DuckDuckGo. Here's how to set up the privacy-focused search engine on your phone or computer.

by Shelby Brown

Spoiler alert: Google says Squid Game was the most trending TV show in 2021

Google's 2021 year in search marks Squid Game, Shang-Chi, Alec Baldwin and Birria tacos as top trending queries.

by Brian Bennett

Twitter tests new process for reporting harmful content

The approach aims to refocus on what users experienced rather than which rule may have been broken.

by Steven Musil

AWS outage throws a wrench in Amazon warehouse operations, takes down websites

Karaoke, anyone?

by Laura Hautala

Canceling Netflix? Don't forget to do this

Canceling your Netflix subscription isn't hard, but there are some details you should know about first.

by Jason Cipriani

These two newest Google Maps features help you explore. Here's where to find them

Plus, we'll tell you how to use five other Google Maps tips to help you navigate.

by Clifford Colby

Twitter acquires, shuts down Slack rival Quill

Twitter aims to leverage the deal to improve its own direct-messaging functionality.

by Attila Tomaschek

Get a month of Paramount Plus for free

This is a great deal for new Paramount Plus subscribers.

by Robin Mosley

Microsoft seizes multiple websites from Chinese hacking group

The hacking group was targeting organizations in 29 countries, including the US.

by Attila Tomaschek

GOP Rep. Devin Nunes to leave Congress to run Trump's media company

The California Republican has been one of the former president's most ardent supporters.

by Steven Musil

Duolingo chose 'I am mentally exhausted' as phrase of the year, and we couldn't agree more

TikTok and pop culture are among the top reasons people are learning a new language.

by Zachary McAuliffe

Zyro website builder: Save 72% on premium plans during their holiday event

Zyro is offering deep discounts on its website plans, meaning you can get online now for under $4 a month -- plus get a free domain and 3 months free with any annual plan.

by Adrian Marlow

Better.com's CEO lays off hundreds of employees over Zoom

The mass layoff came just days after the startup received a $750 million cash infusion.

by Steven Musil

The best VPN sales and deals right now

Prices like this make it the perfect time to sign up for a virtual private network.

by Tuong Nguyen

Make your WhatsApp messages disappear by default

You can now turn on disappearing messages by default and pick whether you want a message to fade after one, seven or 90 days.

by Alexandra Garrett

DoorDash launches a new 'ultrafast' grocery delivery service

The service in NYC, which promises deliveries in 15 minutes or less, will rely on employees rather than independent contractors.

by Macy Meyer

Windows 11: Try these multitasking features to help boost your productivity

Microsoft's latest operating system has snap layouts and multiple virtual desktops to help you work smarter, not harder.

by Shelby Brown

Best website builder for 2021

Whether you’re a small business owner, artist, photographer, writer or consultant, there's a website builder out there for you -- even if you don't know how to code.

by Joe Van Brussel

Best live TV streaming service for cord-cutters

Are you ready to cut cable but want to keep live sports, news and originals? YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV and Sling TV could be services for you.

by Ty Pendlebury