by Dale Meredith | Feb 3, 2026 | Geek Speak, Tech Living, Trending
Is Now The Time to Move From Windows to Linux After KB5074109?
2 weeks ago, my PC started acting like a moody toaster. I didn’t think it would turn into a whole operating system crisis. Then the Windows 11 update KB5074109 landed (released January 13, 2026), and suddenly “normal computer stuff” became a rotating cast of boot failures, apps freezing, and sleep mode doing its best impression of a coma.
I’m not new to troubleshooting, but even I hit that point where you stare at the screen and think, why is the thing I pay time and attention to the one demanding more of both? If you’re tired of Windows on Windows 10 or 11, you’re not alone, and if you’ve been side-eyeing a switch from Windows to Linux, that’s not a weird impulse anymore in 2026. It’s a reasonable question.
I’m focusing on Nobara and Pop!_OS because they’re friendly Linux distributions for normal humans but serious enough for gamers and power users who want to embrace open-source software. And if you want the messy, real timeline, receipts, and all, my full journey is in this shared chat: my Linux switch journal. Here, I’m going to summarize the key steps and lessons without assuming you speak fluent terminal.
What KB5074109 Broke, And Why It’s Making Me Rethink My Relationship with Windows
An update gone wrong can turn a normal work setup into a recovery-mode afternoon, created with AI.
KB5074109 wasn’t “just another Patch Tuesday” for a lot of people. The problem wasn’t only that things broke; it was that the breakage hit basics: booting, stability, and everyday apps. Microsoft did ship out-of-band fixes after the fact for some symptoms (more on that below), but the main damage was trust. When an update can brick the start of your day, you stop treating system updates like routine maintenance and start treating them like Russian roulette with your calendar.
From what I’ve seen in reports and user threads, KB5074109 issues have been persistent on certain Windows 11 builds and configurations, often in environments where a prior update had already left the system in a fragile state. If you want a quick, readable overview of the boot failures tied to this update, NotebookCheck’s summary is a solid starting point: KB5074109 boot failure reports.
Here’s the thing that matters for families and for work: forced updates plus a big blast radius equals risk. When a patch can take out email, cloud files, or booting, the cost isn’t “tech annoyance.” It’s missed school assignments, missed meetings, and a weekend eaten by recovery screens.
The Real-World Problems People Faced After Installing It
The stories were painfully consistent and, honestly, too relatable.
Some people hit boot failures with black screens and errors like “UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME.” That’s not a “reboot and try again” kind of day. That’s a “find another computer and start making a recovery USB” kind of day.
Others ran into Outlook problems, especially with POP and PST files. A common flavor was Outlook freezing or crashing when dealing with mail storage, and it got worse when cloud storage entered the chat. Picture this: Outlook locks up while saving an attachment to OneDrive, and now your “quick email” becomes a troubleshooting session. Windows Latest tracked a pile of these symptoms in one place, including Outlook and freeze issues: KB5074109 reported problems.
Then there were the oddball-but-real issues: Notepad or Snipping Tool refusing to launch, sleep mode failing (S3 sleep issues on some older systems), restart loops, Task Manager acting weird, and even reports of hardware compatibility problems with legacy drivers (like older modem drivers) breaking.
And yes, I saw reports of NVIDIA users hitting black screens. If that’s your world, Pureinfotech documented a set of symptoms and workarounds worth skimming: NVIDIA black screen fix notes.
What I Learned: It’s Not Just One Bad Patch, It’s The Lack of Control
Even when Microsoft fixes a chunk of it, the core lesson sticks: with this proprietary software, I don’t control the timing, and I don’t control the risk. That’s the part that wears people down.
Sure, there are mitigation steps. Uninstall the update, use System Restore, boot into Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), roll back, pause updates, and repeat. Microsoft’s own user threads show how common “black screen after update” has become as a category of pain: Microsoft Q&A on KB5074109 black screens.
But ask a non-tech parent to do that while the family laptop won’t boot, and you’ll see why this is stressful. It’s not that people can’t learn (even if Windows errors feel more daunting than typing commands in a Linux terminal); it’s that they shouldn’t have to learn disaster recovery because they clicked “Restart now.”
This whole mess also re-lit the privacy conversation for me. When you’re already frustrated, it’s hard to ignore how much telemetry and account tie-in is baked into the experience. I wrote more about that angle here: Microsoft update privacy concerns.
How I’m Deciding If Linux Is Right for Me (And How You Can Decide Too)
My goal isn’t to “switch operating systems.” My goal is to stop wasting time on chaos I didn’t choose. So I built a simple decision framework I can actually live with, and you can steal it.
First, I’m getting honest about what I truly need, versus what I’m just used to. If the only reason I keep Windows is muscle memory, that’s not a good reason. If the reason is a must-have app for work, that’s a very good reason.
Second, I’m measuring my tolerance for troubleshooting. Linux in 2026 is dramatically easier than it used to be, but it’s still not magical. If you want something that behaves like a locked-down appliance, you can test a Linux distribution in VirtualBox first, but you’ll still need a little curiosity.
Third, I’m looking at hardware support like it’s a deal negotiation, especially since the hardware requirements for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sleep/wake, GPU drivers, multi-monitor setups, and printers are where “perfect on paper” becomes “why is this button greyed out?”
Finally, I’m weighing security and privacy goals. Not in a tinfoil hat way. In a “who’s in charge of my device” way.
My Deal Breakers: Apps, Files, And Workflows I Can’t Lose
I started with an inventory. Not a fancy spreadsheet, just a real list of what I open every week. You can quickly get one by using this command line command from a PowerShell prompt:
Get-ItemProperty HKLM:\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall* | Select-Object DisplayName, Publisher | Format-Table -AutoSize > installed_apps.txt.
I also did a hardware inventory by using the following prompts:
Get-ComputerInfo | Select-Object CsManufacturer, CsModel, OsArchitecture, CsProcessors, CsTotalPhysicalMemory | Out-File hardware_basic.txt
Get-WmiObject Win32_VideoController | Select-Object Name, DriverVersion, VideoModeDescription | Out-File hardware_gpu.txt
Get-NetAdapter | Select-Object Name, InterfaceDescription, Status | Out-File hardware_network.txt
Get-WmiObject Win32_SoundDevice | Select-Object Name, Manufacturer | Out-File hardware_audio.txt
I then fed all of the text files that these commands created into Claude (you could use ChatGPT if you want), which told me which drivers or apps would be an issue.
For many people, the big rocks are Microsoft Office and Outlook. If your life lives inside Outlook desktop with PST/OST files, you need to test carefully. The Office web apps in Microsoft 365 help a lot, and LibreOffice provides a solid local alternative for managing documents. Many work portals are browser-first now, which makes switching easier than it was a few years ago.
I also checked my “adulting apps”: password manager, VPN, backup tool, printer/scanner utilities, and anything tied to school or work identity logins. On the password side, I’m a fan of keeping it simple and consistent across devices, and a password manager is non-negotiable for me. If you need a push on that, here’s why I treat it as basic hygiene: why a password manager is essential.
The file format question matters too. DOCX is usually fine. Photos are usually fine. PST files can be… spicy. CloudSync services, like OneDrive or Dropbox, also change the risk. If your plan is “I’ll move later,” you’ll end up moving during a crisis. Testing is the calm way.
Gaming and Creator Stuff: Where Linux Is Great Now, And Where It Still Hurts
Linuxux gaming is legit now, mostly because Steam’s Proton makes a lot of Windows games run well. But I’m not going to sugarcoat the pain points.
Anti-cheat can still block some titles, and certain launchers can be stubborn. VR support can be hit or miss depending on your hardware and the games you play. Streaming setups can be great (OBS is strong on Linux), but you’ll want to validate capture devices, audio routing, and GPU encoding.
My rule is simple: test your top 5 games and your top 3 creator tools before you commit. If you don’t test, you’re not “switching,” you’re gambling.
Security, Privacy, And Family Use: The Quiet Reasons Linux Is Getting Popular
Linux doesn’t make you invincible. You still need updates, strong passwords, and backups. You can still install something sketchy and ruin your day.
But Linux does change the default relationship. I get more control over when updates happen, what gets installed, and how noisy the system is. Less nagging. Fewer ads baked into the OS experience. Fewer “helpful suggestions” that feel like sales.
For families, that control can be a relief. A kid just needs a stable machine for school, video, and maybe Minecraft. A parent needs an email and a browser that doesn’t implode after an update. Linux can do that.
A home setup where Linux can serve both work and play without constant interruptions, created with AI.
Also, if you’re migrating partly for security, don’t forget the basics still matter across any OS: secure browsing, safe downloads, and encrypted connections when you’re on public Wi-Fi. If you want my practical take, here are the advantages of VPN for privacy.
Nobara vs Pop!_OS: How I’m Starting My Journey
Two popular Linux choices side-by-side, one tuned for gaming and one tuned for daily work, created with AI.
I’m treating Nobara and Pop!_OS like two different vehicles. One is a sporty hatchback that’s fun right away. The other is a reliable SUV that starts every morning and doesn’t make my life exciting.
Both are free. Both can be tested from a USB drive without installing. Both are modern enough that you don’t need to be a Linux historian to use them.
The biggest difference, in plain English, is this: Nobara tries to get you gaming faster out of the box, Pop!_OS tries to be a calm, clean daily system that still plays games. Much of this comes down to their desktop environment choices, which affect the visual and functional feel of the system.
Why I’m Looking at Nobara First
Nobarara is Fedora-based and tuned for gaming and streaming. The whole pitch is “less setup, more playing.” That means codecs and tweaks are commonly included, so you aren’t hunting for basic stuff after installation. It often pairs this with KDE Plasma for a gaming-centric interface that suits tinkerers.
The tradeoff is speed. Faster-moving updates can mean you get newer features sooner, but you might also see more surprises than you’d want on a machine you rely on for work deadlines.
If you’re the type who updates drivers on day one and enjoys tinkering, Nobara makes a lot of sense. If your main goal is “I want Steam and my controller to work today,” it’s appealing. For users with older hardware seeking efficiency, options like Xfce exist across Linux distros, but Nobara shines on modern gaming rigs.
If you want the official voice behind the project, their documentation is worth a skim before you commit: Nobara new user guidelines.
Why Pop!_OS Feels Like The Safer Daily Driver
Pop!_OS is Ubuntu-based and built by System76, and it feels like it was designed by people who want your computer to stop bothering you. The UI is clean, the workflow is friendly with its GNOME base, and it’s especially popular on laptops because it tends to behave well with power management and everyday hardware. Users can easily find and install apps via the Software Manager.
Pop!_OS also offers an NVIDIA-friendly path, which matters if you’ve ever been trapped in driver drama. I’m not promising perfection, but I like stacking the odds in my favor. Those seeking a classic Windows-like feel might look to Linux Mint and its Cinnamon desktop instead.
My personal bias is simple: I want my main machine boring and reliable. I don’t want to “babysit” it. So Pop!_OS is my front-runner for the system I use for writing, admin tasks, browsers, and normal life, with gaming as a bonus.
My Low-Risk Migration Plan: Try Linux Without Nuking Your Windows Life
Testing Linux from a USB drive before installing helps keep the process calm and reversible, created with AI.
If Linux curiosity feels like standing at the edge of a pool, my plan is the shallow end first. No drama, no “wipe the drive and pray,” and no weekend-long rebuild unless I’m sure.
I’m also assuming something important: if Windows just burned you with a bad update, your risk tolerance is low. That’s normal. So my migration plan is designed to keep Windows intact until Linux proves itself in my real routine.
There are a couple of gotchas to keep in mind as you plan. Device encryption and BitLocker can complicate resizing partitions. Secure Boot in your UEFI firmware can block some setups depending on BIOS settings. None of this is a deal-breaker, it just means you should go slow and read the prompts instead of clicking through on autopilot.
Step 1: Test Drive on a USB and Check Your Hardware Basics
A live USB is exactly what it sounds like: you boot Linux from a bootable USB drive and try it without installing. It’s the closest thing to a risk-free test. Download the ISO file for your chosen distro, then use Rufus to create the bootable USB drive.
In my first 15 minutes, I check the stuff that ruins daily life if it doesn’t work: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, audio, mic, webcam, trackpad gestures, sleep and wake, external monitor, and basic printing.
If you game, add GPU sanity checks. Make sure the refresh rate is right, make sure the resolution isn’t weird, and make sure performance isn’t obviously broken. I’m not benchmarking; I’m just looking for red flags.
Step 2: Dual Boot vs Full Install, And Why I’m Not Rushing It
Dual boot means you keep Windows and install Linux alongside it. When you start the PC, you choose which one to run. It’s a safety net, and it’s great for testing during the installation process.
The downside is complexity. You’re managing partitions, boot menus, and two operating systems that both think they deserve the front seat. If you’re not careful, you can make recovery harder, not easier.
A full install is simpler once you’re ready. One system, one update flow, one set of backups. Clean and calm.
My personal rule: I keep Windows until I’ve had two normal weeks on Linux. Not “two exciting weeks.” Two boring weeks where I can work, browse, game a bit, and sleep with the laptop without surprises.
Step 3: Rebuild My Daily Apps the Linux Way (Without Fighting the OS)
The fastest way to hate Linux is trying to treat it exactly like Windows. The better approach is to use the package manager, install trusted packages, and stop hunting random installers on the web.
My realistic app stack looks like this: Office web for certain tasks, LibreOffice for local docs, Thunderbird if I want a desktop mail client, Steam for games, and OBS for recording and streaming.
This is also where I tighten my “don’t download sketchy stuff” rule. Linux malware exists, and bad habits are still bad habits. If you need a reminder of how ugly random downloads can get, especially in the “free software” corners of the internet, here’s my warning label: dangers of using pirated software.
Backups matter more than any OS choice. I want at least one external drive backup plus cloud sync for the stuff that changes often. If an update breaks something, I want the fix to be “restore and move on,” not “rebuild my life from memory.”
Conclusion
KB5074109 didn’t make Windows perfect; it just made Windows feel less predictable than I’m willing to accept. If you’re frustrated with update chaos or privacy nags, or you’ve got older hardware that still deserves a second life, Linux is worth serious consideration right now. If you’re a gamer who’s willing to test your favorites first, or you want more control over your own device, it’s an especially good time to experiment.
If you have must-have Windows-only apps, a locked-down work laptop, or zero bandwidth for troubleshooting, waiting is the smart move. My recommendation is simple: read my Linux switch journal if you’re ready to switch from Windows to Linux, then try a live USB test of your preferred Linux distribution (like Linux Mint for beginners who might find the other options too complex) this weekend and decide based on evidence, not hype.
by Dale Meredith | Jan 22, 2026 | Geek Speak, Trending
Microsoft has been pushing harder to connect Windows and Microsoft 365 to its cloud storage services. The latest Windows 11 setup makes that extra obvious, because OneDrive Backup can switch on by default during a clean install, which is why many want to turn off OneDrive backup in Windows 11 right away.
That surprise from the Out of the Box Experience has led to a lot of angry posts online. I get it. If you expect your files in the usual folders and they suddenly aren’t there, it feels like something got taken.
The good news is this: your files usually aren’t gone. They’ve been moved, then synced to OneDrive. And Microsoft quietly improved the “turn it off” process, so getting your files back into local folders is less painful than it used to be.
Where My Files Went (And Why It Looks Worse Than It Is)
When I’m saving locally, my default folders live under my user profile, like:
c:Usersyour_nameDocuments folder
With OneDrive Backup on, the “real” working folders shift to something like:
C:\Users\your_name\OneDrive\Documents
The files still exist on the PC, and the sync process uploads them to OneDrive online. That’s the whole point of the backup.
The confusion comes from what Windows leaves behind. The original Local folders can still appear in File Explorer, but they may be empty. So I click Documents out of habit, and it looks like everything vanished.
It didn’t. The folder target changed.
Why Microsoft Is Doing This (The Helpful Reason And The Annoying One)
There’s a practical upside in Windows 11. Files that only live on a laptop are easy to lose. Theft happens. Drives fail. Ransomware hits. Cloud backup can save people from a bad day turning into a disaster.
There’s also the part that makes people roll their eyes. Pushing files into OneDrive pushes people toward paid storage. If you only get 5GB free, it doesn’t take long to hit the limit with cloud-only files.
From a security angle, this is where the debate gets real. Privacy matters, and so does choice. Some people don’t want personal data tied to their Microsoft account, leaving their device, and that’s valid.
I’ll say it plainly because it’s the heart of the frustration: Control and trust are the core issues. If I don’t want cloud backup, I should be able to say no, and I should be able to undo it without a scavenger hunt.
How OneDrive Backup Works Now When I Turn It Off
Microsoft changed something important recently. In the past, if I disabled OneDrive Backup, Windows would stop syncing and backing up, but my files often stayed stuck in the OneDrive folder. That meant I had to manually move everything back into my local profile folders.
Now, when I turn off OneDrive Backup in OneDrive settings, Windows can offer an option to move files back to local folders as part of the process. It’s still not as clear as it should be, but it’s better.
What follows assumes I’m on Windows 11 (newer releases), signed in with a personal Microsoft account, and OneDrive Backup is currently enabled.
How I Undo OneDrive Backup And Put Files Back In Local Folders
Step 1: Open The Backup Settings
I look for the OneDrive icon in the Taskbar‘s Notification area, right-click the OneDrive icon, then select Help and Settings and the Settings menu. From there, I go to the Sync and backup area and open Manage backup.
I can also open File Explorer, find my OneDrive (Personal) entry in the left pane, right-click it, go to OneDrive, then Settings, and open Manage backup from the Sync and backup section.
On some Windows 11 builds, I get there via Settings> Accounts> Windows Backup, then a button like Manage sync settings.
Either way, I end up on the Manage backup screen showing the folders that are being backed up. I pause here and check which folders are marked as backed up before changing anything.
Step 2: Turn Off Backup For Each Folder
In the manage backup screen, I use the toggle switch to turn off backup for the Documents folder first (then the Pictures folder, then the Desktop folder, if they’re on). Windows will prompt me with choices.
I pick the option that stops backup and lets me choose where files should live, then I choose Only on my PC.
I repeat that for each folder until they all show as not backed up.
One weird behavior I’ve seen is that a folder can flip back to “Ready to back up,” and the switch turns itself back on. If that happens, I close out instead of saving changes, because saving can re-enable backup.
Step 3: Check My Local User Folders
Next, I open File Explorer and type %userprofile% in the address bar. That brings me to my local profile folders.
I open Documents, Pictures, and Desktop and confirm my files are actually there. This matters because I don’t want to delete anything until I know the local copies look right.
Step 4, Confirm The OneDrive Versions Are Empty (Or Move Anything Left Behind)
I open a second File Explorer window and type %userprofile%OneDrive. I also quickly check the Account tab to verify connectivity.
I look inside the OneDrive versions of Documents, Pictures, and Desktop. If those folders are empty, great.
If I still see files there, I manually move them back. I copy them out of the OneDrive folder and paste them into the matching local folder under %userprofile%.
After I confirm everything is back where I want it, I can delete the now-empty duplicate folders inside OneDrive.
How to Stop The “Start Backup” Prompts In File Explorer
Even after I decide I don’t want OneDrive Backup, Windows may keep nudging me with the Start backup message. In File Explorer, I might see a Start backup button when I’m viewing folders like Documents, Pictures, Desktop, Music, or Videos.
I don’t click it!
If I want the nag to go away, I right-click that Start backup button and choose Stop backup from the menu. I may need to do it in each folder where Windows shows the prompt.
How I Turn Off Microsoft 365 Saving New Files To The Cloud
If I’m using a Microsoft 365 build that defaults new Word files to OneDrive, I change it in the app settings.
Inside Word, I go to Options, then I open the Save section. There’s a checkbox like “Create new files in the cloud automatically.” I cleared that checkbox.
Once I do, the option to save to a local location becomes available, and I set my default save location to local folders.
My Bottom Line
OneDrive Backup doesn’t usually delete your files, but the folder move is easy to miss, and that’s what causes the panic. If you want local storage only, you can turn off OneDrive backup in Windows 11 and, in newer Windows 11 versions, but some Windows update in the future might also move your files back for you. 😉
For those who want to completely avoid the service, advanced options include using “Unlink this PC” as a secondary method of disconnection or “Uninstall OneDrive” as a permanent solution. Professional users needing strict control can turn to the “Group Policy Editor” to “Prevent the usage of OneDrive,” while a quick “Stop backup” provides final advice for immediate relief.
by Dale Meredith | Mar 28, 2023 | Geek Speak, Trending
Are you interested in a career in cybersecurity? Then you may have heard of the CEH certification. This certification is highly sought after by professionals in the field, and for good reason.
In 2005, the US Department of Defense issued a directive requiring anyone who handles US government IT to have baseline IT certifications, including ethical hacking. This is one of the reasons why cybersecurity professionals pursue the CEH certification. It’s not only an industry standard, but it’s also internationally recognized and valid in IT industries across the world.
Having a CEH certification on your résumé is a valuable asset.
It demonstrates that you understand how hackers think, and with the recent rise in hacking incidents, professionals with this certification are in high demand.
So, who should consider obtaining a CEH certification? If you’re a cybersecurity officer in your company, a penetration tester, an internal or external auditor, a security professional, a standard administrator or consultant site administrator, or even just a tech-savvy home user who wants to know how secure their environment is, then this certification may be right for you.
But what does it take to become a CEH? There are standards to maintain, including skills, values, and ethics from the International Council of E-Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) Code of Ethics. You can find more information about these requirements at https://www.eccouncil.org/code-of-ethics. Some of the critical requirements include privacy, disclosure, area of expertise, unauthorized usage, authorization, project management, knowledge sharing, confidence, legal limits, and underground communities.
Let’s look at each of them in detail.
Privacy: Ethical hackers have access to sensitive information like social security numbers, customer databases, and intellectual property. It is their responsibility to protect this information and not use, steal, modify, change, or destroy it.
Disclosure: Ethical hackers may come across unsettling or uncomfortable information or content, but their duty is to report it to authorities or concerned people. They must disclose everything they discover, regardless of how grave or discomforting it may be.
Area of expertise: Ethical hackers should be honest about their level of knowledge, skill sets, and limitations. They should not misrepresent themselves and should ask for an expert’s help if they lack the necessary experience or training.
Unauthorized usage: Ethical hackers should avoid using illegal or unethically obtained software and hardware. They should also not accept bribes or join in for personal gain if they uncover evidence of unauthorized usage in a company.
Authorization: Ethical hackers must use resources, data, and information in authorized ways. They should let the company know how they intend to use the data and ensure they get consent where necessary.
Disclosure: Ethical hackers should verify with or notify the hardware manufacturer when they discover an issue in hardware or software before going public. If the manufacturer does nothing, they should blow the whistle to save users and share the solution if possible.
Project management: Ethical hackers need to have great management skills to be efficient and manage their projects effectively. They should set clear goals, have a reasonable project timeline, and communicate effectively.
Knowledge sharing: Ethical hackers commit to learning, keeping up with new developments, and creating public awareness by teaching or giving free lectures, spreading information on social media platforms, and enlightening the people they know about securing hardware and software.
Confidence: Ethical hackers should always present themselves in a professional, honest, and competent manner, even when competing with someone else for a project. They should be experienced with any software, tricks, or tools they utilize against a network and not fix issues outside the scope of their project.
Legal limits: Ethical hackers should only accept approved, authorized, and legal projects and follow the code of ethics in making decisions.
Underground communities: Ethical hackers should not engage in black-hat activities or associate with communities of black-hat hackers. They should not aid or help black-hat hackers advance their mission and only engage them to learn what’s new, what they know, what they do, and how they think.
by Staff | Jun 6, 2022 | Device Protection, Reviews, Trending
Want to secure your online presence from malicious activities but don’t know what tool you should use to achieve your security on your Android device? Then you have come to the right place 😉 We’re going to break down all the essential information about the best VPNs that can be used to secure your Android device.
Virtual Private Network is an effective security tool that safeguards your online activities on your devices like your Android phone or tablet. VPN helps you get peace of mind and free web browsing securely and privately. You can also hide your identity and location from advertisers and online trackers through a VPN. I’m a big fan of having a VPN for your desktop and laptop, but equally as big of a fan when it comes to mobile devices as well.
Many VPNs are available on the market today. When I started diving in to do more research, I was amazed at how far VPNs for smartphones have really evolved just in the last year alone. Because of that, it is crucial to make a proper and informed decision based on this list that contains the best VPNs for Android in 2022. Luckily, I was able to come to a conclusion on some of the best VPNs for your Android.
What Is A Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
A virtual private network or VPN is a network encryption tool that provides security and privacy to your web browsing. Without VPN, any observer can easily monitor and check your web traffic. VPN helps to hide your identity and location from all online observers.
VPN encrypts all web traffic by sending it to a secure server operated by the company. The crucial thing is that VPN hides the IP address of your Android phone, which keeps away the active snoopers. All these encryption functions are to protect your online activities.
Additionally, some VPNs also provide antivirus support to your android. This feature is not available in all types of VPNs, but those who offer it, ensure you enjoy robust protection from malware attacks.
Why does Your Android Need a VPN?
A VPN has a vital role in Android smartphones because they access and use the internet and cellular internet which can be compromised if not used properly. VPNs help secure your phone’s identity and location to prevent harmful threats.
Best Android VPNs in 2022
The list of the best android VPNs updates every day based on features, services, and ranking. As previously notes, VPNs for smartphones is a growing market, so we wanted to key in on those VPNs that have stood out most recently. The following are the top five Android VPNs today:
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the best and most reliable brands in the VPN market. The main thing that makes it a unique and trusted brand is its design. The App has a user-friendliness interface and is easy to use, just like their desktop VPN. It offers the following features to its users:
- It offers a 30-days free trial to new users
- You can connect six devices with this application. If you have a family of Android users, that’s a nice bonus.
- It has 5300 plus servers. This is an important feature of VPNs.
- NordVPN has about 94 countries included in its server list.
- The paid version starts at $3.49 per month
>>Get NordVPN Here<<
ExpressVPN
The VPN I personally use is ExpressVPN. It is also considered one of the top and best virtual private networks for your Android. ExpressVPN is super reliable, very fast, and easy to use the VPN tool in the market. And just like its NordVPN competitor, it has a great user interface for desktop and mobile. ExpressVPN offers the following services:
- It also offers a 30-day free trial period
- ExpressVPN has 60 plus server locations and 3000 plus servers. Not as robust as NordVPN, but still impressive.
- You can use the App on five devices at a time
- The paid version starts from $8.35 per month
>>Get ExpressVPN Here<<
Surfshark VPN
SurfsharkVPN is one of the cheapest and most comfortable VPNs today and quickly becoming a favorite of mine. Surfshark VPN does not leave behind when it comes to features. Surfshark is the only VPN that does not put a barricade on the connected devices.
- It offers a free trial for 30 days
- It has 65 plus server locations and 3200 plus servers
- It does not limit connected devices
- Includes a kill switch, CleanWeb, end-to-end encryption, Bypasser (so you can still do online banking), and a strict no-logs policy.
- The paid version starts from just $2.49 per month
>>Get Surfshark VPN Here<<
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is also considered one of the best VPNs that provide widespread online privacy and is the only option on the list of the free tier. ProtonVPN may not be the best choice if you are looking for a low price and unlimited access to devices.
- It has only 1669 servers and 63 locations. Not nearly the number we see with its competitors.
- It does not offer a free trial BUT has a Free Tier.
- You can use it on ten devices at a time. You don’t get unlimited device use, but this feature is definitely a nice bonus.
- The paid version starts from $8 per month
>>Get ProtonVPN Here<<
IPVanish VPN
This is the Android VPN that is for beginners due to its understandable interface and unique design. If you are looking for precision-tuning, then IPVanish is your Android VPN. It can generate visual graphs of internet activity.
- It is a customizable VPN
- It has over 75 server locations and 1600 plus servers
- It is a free version of the VPN
>>Get IPVanish Here<<
How Do I Know If I Need A VPN For My Android Device?
If you’re like most people, you probably use your Android device for a variety of tasks every day. Most people are spending close to 3 hours a day on their smartphones. From checking email and browsing the web to streaming video and sharing photos, your phone is always with you, always providing a constant connection to the outside world. But think about that for a moment, this means ALL of your Android activities are being tracked by your carrier, websites, apps, and even the government. If you’re concerned about your privacy, then you may be wondering if you need a VPN for your Android device.
Remember what a VPN does: it’s a tool that encrypts all of your internet traffic, making it impossible for anyone to snoop on your activities. I love that. It’s like the invisibility cloak Harry Potter wears, but for your Android phone. When you use a VPN, all of your data is routed through an overseas server, making it appear as though you’re located in another country or city. As mentioned above, this has a number of benefits, including bypassing censorship and accessing geo-restricted content. But perhaps the most important benefit is that it keeps your information safe and secure from prying eyes (be it government, hackers, or businesses).
But do you really need a VPN for your Android device? If you’re concerned about privacy or security, then the answer is probably yes. A VPN will encrypt all of your internet traffic and keep your information safe from hackers, government surveillance, and a list of other places keen on collecting your information. But if you’re really not that concerned about your data being hacked or used for marketing or business material, then you probably don’t need one.
by Staff | Mar 30, 2022 | Device Protection, Reviews, Trending
There are numerous methods to strengthen the security of our home network and one of those ways is through a bit of nifty gadget called Firewalla Red. Once connected to your network, it offers us a ton of information on what happens in it: what mobile devices, laptops, smart gadgets, and others connected to the network do. If you’re a casual internet goer and want some basic protection for your network, Firewalla Red is great.
Firewalla Red is an all-in-one solution to the difficulties we face with network security with all the many devices. Firewalla Red does an optimal job at securing all of your digital stuff by connecting to your router. It can safeguard your family from cyber risks, prevent advertisements, regulate kids’ internet usage, and even protect you when you are out on public WiFi. We’re going to walk you through what we found with this small, yet effective firewall hardware.
Incredibly Easy Installation
The app can be easily installed on your mobile device. All you need is your WiFi router and a power source, the app on your mobile device, and a barcode scanner. To get started, simply scan the barcode on the box and connect to your WiFi. You can manage and monitor your device from anywhere on the globe, thanks to this functionality. Both iPhone and Android versions are available.
Compatibility
100 Mbits is the limit for IPS functionality. Depending on your router, this gadget works well with most routers and not as well with others. For router compatibility, you can check out the website to make sure yours is on the list before getting the device. For configuration, depending on the router you may have to log in to the router to perform a handful of configurations. Overall, there should be many compatibility issues with Firewalla products. We’ve heard from users that they run into issues when using Firewalla with Google Mesh Wifi, but it took us maybe an extra 4-5 minutes of setup to overcome that small hurdle.
DISCOVER: Why Firewalla Purple Might Be The Best Device For Your Home Network
What About Firewalla Red’s Protection
It’s hard to imagine, you get this much protection in a small device. Your Firewalla Red home and wireless internet of things devices all are protected by its unique intrusion prevention system (IDS and IPS) against threats, including viruses, malware, hacking, phishing, cyberattacks, unwanted data theft when using public WiFi, and a slew of other protections.
Filtering Of Content and Blocking Functionality
You don’t have to unplug the power cord from the dusty old router anymore to get your kids to stop using your network. No more wondering what devices are accessing what content. You can check out what any device is doing on your network straight from your Smartphone. Want to block all access, or block off just gaming or social networks? Done with a click. As the primary account and keeper of the network, you can easily keep online activities on your network cyber-healthy and safe by enabling Family Protect, which screens out adult content and blocks malicious content. It’s a set it and forget it feature we love.
Ability to Activate Protection
With Firewalla Red, you can get a deep knowledge of your network and cloud-based behavior with an analytics engine that identifies and blocks problems as they arise. As a result of continuous monitoring, you will have complete visibility into all IoT devices within your network and will be able to monitor comprehensive network flows, bandwidth analysis, and internet troubleshooting. Nothing is bulletproof in the world of cyber security, but we can have safe online surfing and free from hacking the internet with Firewalla Red.
Once Firewalla Red is linked, you will receive the first alert messages, which indicates each of the devices it discovers connected to the network. These notifications are configured by default. Some people get annoyed with over notifications of apps and devices. I am one of those people who hate getting unnecessary notifications. But if those notifications are purposeful and lead to value, that’s all that matters. You can customize in the app AND on your smartphone device just how frequent and aggressive you want those notifications.
BUY: Don’t Have A Firewalla Red Yet? What Are You Waiting For?
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Quad-Core computing power
- Keeping your gadgets safe from cyber attacks and cyber threats
- Advanced information for your network
- Keeping confidential company information safe
- Filtering content dynamically
- Client-server VPN functionality is incorporated right into the operating system.
- Services are free of charge every month. No monthly fees is fantastic!
- 30-day return policy and a one-year warranty
Cons
- Unless you have a router that is compatible with it, do not purchase it. Be sure to check first! One you’ll want to look at is that some routers (although not officially supported) can still be used, but it requires a geek in the home. Using DHCP Mode. I did when I ran my Blue with my Synology Router and was able to get it to work. But again…you’ll need a geek in the home.
- Creating a VPN server can be complicated for most people, but there is a vast Firewalla community to help if you are confused
- 100 Mbps speeds may seem slow for internet super users. If this is an issue for you, upgrade your expectations with Firewalla Purple.
- Alerts can be a nuisance until you learn how to fine-tune them to your preference.
So…Should You Get Firewalla Red?
Despite having a few cons, Firewalla Red is a fantastic product that we highly recommend! You can secure your home networks with this stylish, comfortable, and practical solution. Many folks will breathe a sigh of relief knowing they can have a simple home network security option like Firewalla Red. The Firewalla app allows you to share data, hide your IP address, and secure your network, all from the convenience of your mobile device (making it very accessible). Custom settings give you more control over the security of your home wireless networks while also providing you with greater transparency into the choices you’ve made.
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Firewalla Purple Review
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by Staff | Mar 25, 2022 | Tech Living, Trending
You’re addicted to your phone and we have the science to prove it! Not really…but sort of. We all know we’re a little too reliant on our phones. We’ve become accustomed to using them for everything, from checking the time to ordering takeout. Many of us don’t think we’re addicted to our phones, but that’s not what the science says. Some of you right now are probably thinking, ‘I’m not addicted, I can stop anytime I want to!’ But can you really, though?. In fact, did you know that science says you’re even more addicted to your phone than you realize? We recently read a study and the science says it might be worse than you think…
What Does Science Say About Our Phone Addictions?
We recently stumbled across a study commissioned by HMD Global about smartphones and our emotional responses to not having them. What we read was really shocking. On the surface level after reading the findings, I thought, ‘No way this is true”, but when I truly asked myself if I could go one day without my phone, I can kind of understand why some might have a response like those mentioned in a study of smartphone users. Here are some of the shocking highlights that I just found fascinating from this study of 2,000 smartphone users:
- 3 in 10 claims they never leave their house without their phone (I have to believe it’s more)
- Most people are completely dependent on their smartphones for help
- 13% admit they can’t make it to work without a phone giving them directions! This one makes me laugh
- Nearly 30% admit they are completely reliant on their phones for directions. Again, I think this is higher.
- More than half believe running out of battery is a “nightmare scenario”.
- One in eight people admits that a dying battery gives them anxiety.
Before you read on, revisit those highlights
Tips To Save Your Smartphone Battery Life
We all know how frustrating it is when our smartphone battery dies at the most inopportune time. And as this science suggests, it is causing anxiety in individuals. We don’t want that. Perhaps you are spending too much time on your phone and that’s the chief reason why the battery is dying. But…we still feel an obligation to help you so you don’t feel anxiety because of technology. To help you avoid that situation, here are some tips on how to save your battery life. There are really simple tips that won’t take a ton of time or know-how to accomplish.
Turn Off Location Services When You Don’t Need Them
In all seriousness, why is it important that Candy Crush knows my location? In most Apple and Android phones, finding your location settings and disabling them by each app is really easy.
Dim Your Screen Brightness As Low As Possible
This is one most people don’t like to do, but it can save you quite a bit of time on your battery. Most people at first don’t like the dimmed screen but give it a try for a few hours and you won’t even know the difference. If you do notice a difference, then increase the brightness just a little bit. You’ll be surprised at how used to the dimmed brightness you’ll become accustomed to after a while.
Feel The Vibrations! Not Really…Turn Them Off
Despite what Mark Mark says about good vibrations, they’re not good for your battery life. Unless you absolutely have to have them, I’d highly suggest saving a ton of battery life by turning them off. Disable vibrations and sounds when you don’t need them. Ever since I invested in a smartwatch I rarely have any sounds, vibrations, or notifications set on my phone. It all comes through my smartwatch. Even if you don’t have a smartwatch, disable the vibrations and opt-in for a less intrusive ringtone for calls and texts.
Uninstall Apps You’re Not Using
Depending on what app it is, you can save some much-needed battery life by uninstalling apps you don’t need, especially if those apps are tracking your location. What happens when you uninstall these pesky apps you don’t use? It results not only in improved battery life, but you’ll get better performance from your phone because you’ll have fewer processes being executed.
Update Your Phone’s Software When New Versions Are Released
One of the most important features smartphone makers are astutely aware of is battery life. There has been numerous consumer research and market research performed exhaustively on this topic of battery life and it is a high priority for users and phone manufacturers. They are always trying to tackle the battery life conundrum through hardware and software. Your smartphone’s software is one area they constantly are trying to improve, not only for user experience but for battery life as well. Updating your software is great for security purposes, but it’s also great for your battery life.
Invest In A Good Pair Of Headphones
I am shocked by how many people make phone calls, watch movies, listen to music, and a list of other things and use their smartphone’s internal speakers. It’s estimated that you lose about twice the power when using your phone’s speakers as opposed to headphones. You’ll drain your phone’s battery faster using those speakers.
DISCOVER: How To Setup Screen Time For Your iPhone
Signs You’re Addicted To Your Smartphone
This is a real issue. And it’s tough to balance between the feelings of “Am I addicted?” versus “I use my phone a lot for business and functioning in life.” So it’s not necessarily how much we check our phones and use them all day as much as how we feel towards the technology and our devices. For example, I just checked my usage stats on my smartphone and last week I averaged 94 pickups a day! But I’m a busy guy and the phone is a major part of my work life. On the flip side, if my teen is picking up his phone 100+ times a day, then that’s a different situation.
If you’re constantly checking your phone, even when you’re not expecting a call or text, then you might be addicted to your device. Another telltale sign is if you find yourself using your phone more often than you’d like to admit. If you can’t go a few hours without looking at your screen, then it’s time to take a break and reassess your relationship with your phone. Here are some really important questions to ask yourself. Take a moment to read each one and spend a moment of two really analyzing your emotions as it relates to each question. I’d highly recommend asking the same questions with your family and talking about everyone’s responses:
- Can you go more than a few hours without checking your phone?
- Do you feel anxious or antsy if you’re not using your phone for more than a half-hour?
- Do you spend more time on your phone than you intended to?
- Are you constantly interrupted by notifications from your phone?
- Do phone notifications and time spent cause problems in your personal or professional life?
There are a few ways to cut back on your phone usage. One is to set specific times for when you’ll allow yourself to use it. For example, only allowing yourself to check social media during certain times of the day or week. Another way is to delete apps that you find yourself using too much. So to recap on the signs of phone addiction (in our “You might be a red-neck” voice):
- You might be addicted to your phone if…you can’t go a few hours without checking it.
- You might be addicted to your phone if…you feel anxious when you’re not around it.
- You might be addicted to your phone if…you spend more time on your phone than you do talking to people.
- You might be addicted to your phone if…it’s more important to check your notifications than it is to live your life!
- You might be addicted to your phone if…your phone is a cause for relationship issues in your professional and personal life
How To Build Healthy Habits With Technology
It can be tough to break bad habits and build good ones, but it’s not impossible. Stay positive! Stay determined and diligent. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Practice Technology Mindfulness
Seriously, this works. I’ve talked with a handful of psychologists who says just the act of being aware of what we are doing can help. Be mindful of your technology usage. Pay attention to when and how often you’re using your devices, and try to make conscious decisions about whether or not you really need to use them.
Create Limitations And Stick To Them
Set limits for yourself. Decide how much time you’re going to spend on your devices each day (or week), and stick to it. There are a lot of apps and Apple’s screen time has this functionality built-in where you can track how much time spent on an app and set limitations.
Create Healthy Alternatives
If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media or watching videos, try substituting those activities with something healthier, like reading, walking, or talking with friends and family members.
Develop Healthy Tech Habits Can Be Hard, But…
Developing healthy habits with technology can be tricky. Sart by taking a look at some simple tips to help us save battery life on our devices (to lessen our anxiety) and be more mindful of our screen time. Once we have those down, we can begin to think about how we want to use technology in our lives. For example, maybe you decide that you want to keep your phone out of the bedroom so you can focus on getting a good night’s sleep or take breaks from social media every hour instead of checking it compulsively throughout the day. Maybe only use apps to help you stay focused for the next week or so. For some, you might need to put on more extreme measures like personal app tracking and management. There are plenty of great apps that block websites or limit your social media use during certain times of the day. Whatever changes you make, just remember that it takes time and practice to form new habits – Rome wasn’t built in a day! And even more important, don’t let technology and your phones get in the way of human interaction. Connect with people in person whenever possible!
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