ExpressVPN Archives

Winsage

March 24, 2025

Google Drive for Windows on Arm PCs is now widely available

Google has launched its Google Drive app for Arm-compatible Windows PCs powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, now available as a general release after being in beta. The Arm64 version offers the same functionalities as the traditional app and is exclusively available for Windows 11, requiring Microsoft WebView 2. Beta testers will receive an upgrade prompt, while new users can download the app from Google’s website. This release aligns with the increasing support for Arm64 architecture in applications, including Google Chrome, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN. Microsoft is also working on updates to improve software and gaming experiences through its Prism emulator.

Tech Optimizer

March 19, 2025

TotalAV vs Surfshark VPN: Features Comparison Guide

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence and may earn revenue through affiliate links. TotalAV is an antivirus solution with basic VPN functionality, while Surfshark specializes in VPN services. TotalAV: - Overall Rating: 2.8/5 - Pricing: 3.7/5 - Features: 2.7/5 - Usability: 3.7/5 - Security: 2/5 - Customer Support: 2.1/5 - Offers essential antivirus protection and basic VPN features, but lacks the capabilities of a dedicated VPN service. Surfshark: - Overall Rating: 4.5/5 - Pricing: 4.8/5 - Features: 4.3/5 - Usability: 5/5 - Security: 4.5/5 - Customer Support: 3.7/5 - Provides advanced features like multihop connections and IP address rotation, with positive customer feedback despite some support challenges. Pricing Comparison: - TotalAV: Premium plan for the first year; renews at a higher rate. - Surfshark: Starter plan at .49/month billed annually. Feature Comparison: - TotalAV includes a kill switch and split tunneling; lacks rotating IP addresses and multi-hop VPN. - Surfshark includes all features of TotalAV plus advanced capabilities. Usability: - TotalAV supports Windows, Mac, iOS, Android; lacks extensive user documentation. - Surfshark supports multiple operating systems and offers training resources. Security: - TotalAV's encryption and audit policies are unclear. - Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption and has undergone multiple independent audits. Customer Support: - TotalAV offers email support; lacks live chat and community forums. - Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat and email support, along with an official Reddit community. Alternatives: - NordVPN starts at .99/month and includes essential and advanced features. - ExpressVPN offers comprehensive features at .32/month. Evaluation Methodology: The comparison was based on pricing, features, usability, security, and customer support.

Tech Optimizer

February 11, 2025

Essential tips to protect your computer from malware

Malware includes various types of malicious software such as viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Email attachments and links are common methods for malware distribution, with cybercriminals often disguising malicious files as legitimate communications. Regular software updates are essential for protecting against security vulnerabilities. Pirated software frequently contains malware and poses risks to computer security. Installing antivirus and antimalware software is crucial for defense against attacks, with recommendations for programs like Windows Defender and Malwarebytes. Encrypting sensitive data can prevent unauthorized access, and maintaining cloud backups is vital for data recovery in case of ransomware attacks. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is recommended when accessing the internet on public networks to protect personal information. Users should monitor their devices for suspicious activity, such as system slowdowns or unexpected pop-ups, and conduct malware scans if symptoms arise.

TrendTechie

February 5, 2025

The Best VPN for uTorrent in 2025

uTorrent is a popular platform for peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, known for its user-friendly interface and efficient performance. However, downloading torrents can expose users' IP addresses, making them vulnerable to monitoring by ISPs, hackers, and copyright enforcement agencies. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect users by concealing their IP addresses, encrypting internet traffic, and preventing ISP throttling. The best VPNs for uTorrent in 2025 include: 1. **NordVPN**: Offers high-speed P2P servers, robust privacy features, and a user-friendly interface. It has over 6,800 servers in 111 countries, dedicated P2P servers, and advanced security measures including AES-256 encryption. 2. **ExpressVPN**: Features a network optimized for torrenting, with over 3,000 servers in 105 countries. It provides strong privacy protections and consistently high download speeds. 3. **Private Internet Access (PIA)**: Known for its affordability and a massive server network that supports P2P traffic on all servers. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections and employs strong security measures. Free VPNs are generally discouraged for torrenting due to limitations such as slow speeds, weak security features, and potential data logging. Proton VPN is an exception but lacks P2P support on its free plan. Using a VPN with uTorrent helps protect identity, bypass ISP throttling, avoid legal troubles, prevent malware, and access restricted content. To use uTorrent with a VPN like NordVPN, users should download and install the VPN, connect to a P2P-optimized server, and then launch uTorrent to begin downloading securely.

Winsage

December 28, 2024

I’ve been a Windows on Arm user for years — Snapdragon X Elite has changed everything

The author has been using Arm-based computers, specifically an M1 Mac Mini and a Qualcomm Snapdragon-powered Windows two-in-one PC, and has found Apple's silicon consistently impressive while Microsoft's offerings have lagged. In April 2024, Microsoft introduced the Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chipsets, enhancing the compatibility layer for applications on Windows on Arm through a new emulator called Prism, which matches the efficiency of Apple's Rosetta 2. Testing the Honor MagicBook 14 Art, powered by the Snapdragon X Elite, revealed significant improvements, including native support for previously struggling applications like Google Drive and ExpressVPN. The MagicBook features a 12-core Snapdragon X Elite, offering seamless application launch and multitasking without the random freezes seen in earlier models. Its thermal performance is commendable, achieving around ten hours of usage in "Balanced" mode. The device also includes a Neural Processing Unit for enhanced AI capabilities. Compatibility advancements allow mainstream applications to run natively, and upcoming Windows updates promise to expand this further. The MagicBook 14 Art is priced at approximately ,750, featuring 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a detachable webcam for privacy. Despite the progress, the market for Snapdragon X computers remains niche, and Qualcomm's disputes with Arm could impact future sales.

Tech Optimizer

November 28, 2024

I’m a privacy expert, here’s 5 things I’d buy to stay safe over Black Friday

As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers can enhance their online security while benefiting from discounts. Black Friday is a key time for purchasing cybersecurity tools to protect against data breaches, malware, and identity theft. 1. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts internet connections, protects user anonymity, and allows access to geo-restricted content. Leading VPN providers are offering discounts this Black Friday. 2. Antivirus software is essential for protection against malware and data breaches. Brands like Norton, Avast, and McAfee are offering reduced prices on their antivirus solutions this Black Friday. 3. A password manager helps users securely store and generate unique passwords, reducing the risk of credential-stuffing attacks. Many VPN services include password managers in their packages. 4. Identity theft and financial fraud are rising, with the FTC reporting over 550,000 cases of identity theft in the first half of 2024. Many antivirus providers now offer identity protection and credit monitoring, with discounts available during Black Friday. 5. Data removal services help individuals reclaim their privacy by requesting the deletion of personal information compiled by data brokers. Many antivirus and VPN providers offer these services, with Black Friday discounts available.

Winsage

November 5, 2024

Proton VPN now supports Windows on Arm natively

Proton VPN has announced native support for Windows on Arm devices, aligning with other applications like Vegas Pro and ExpressVPN. The service will mirror the features of its x64 version, including a kill switch, Secure Core, port forwarding, and modern NAT. The recent improvements in the Prism emulator with Windows 11 version 24H2 have enhanced emulation speed, prompting Proton VPN to adapt to this architecture. The company anticipates an increase in Windows on Arm devices and believes that the availability of popular applications will broaden its user base. Proton VPN is a VPN solution focused on user privacy and security, offering various plan options.

Winsage

October 19, 2024

Qualcomm cancels its miniature Windows on Arm PC

Qualcomm has canceled its Snapdragon Dev Kit, a compact Windows on Arm PC originally set for release in June, citing that it "has not met our usual standards of excellence." Customers will receive full refunds for their orders. The launch faced multiple challenges, and Qualcomm has not provided specific reasons for the delays. Some developers received units before the announcement, with one noting performance comparable to Apple's M3 Pro but lacking Linux support and having peculiar resale restrictions. A missing HDMI port was identified as a potential issue, with suggestions that it may have caused production delays and failed FCC compliance testing. The dev kit was intended to help developers adapt applications for Windows on Arm, with notable successes in native Arm64 applications. The cancellation raises concerns about Qualcomm's strategy for desktop PCs as it approaches its upcoming Snapdragon summit.

TrendTechie

September 28, 2024

10 Best Torrent Clients to Download Torrents Faster (2024)

Torrent clients are specialized software applications that facilitate the downloading of torrent files through a peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network. The legality of using torrent clients depends on the content being downloaded; downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal. Safety concerns include the risk of malware and legal ramifications. Using a VPN, such as ExpressVPN, while torrenting can protect against cyber threats and maintain privacy. The best torrent clients for 2024 include: 1. **qBittorrent** - Free, ad-free, lightweight, and cross-platform. 2. **µTorrent** - Popular for Windows, lightweight but has ads in recent versions. 3. **Deluge** - Lightweight, open-source, and customizable with plugins. 4. **BitTorrent Client** - User-friendly for beginners but has ads in the free version. 5. **WebTorrent** - Browser-based, no ads, supports streaming. 6. **Vuze** - User-friendly with minimal ads, but can be complex for beginners. 7. **Tixati** - Lightweight, ad-free, includes a chat feature. 8. **BiglyBT** - Open-source, ad-free, supports anonymous downloads. 9. **BitLord** - Simple interface, allows downloading and streaming simultaneously. 10. **Transmission** - Open-source, optimized for macOS and Linux, ad-free. Honorable mentions include BitComet, Bitport.io, Folx, Zbigz, and 5kplayer.

Tech Optimizer

September 27, 2024

McAfee Total Protection Essential review

McAfee Total Protection Essential offers antivirus and browsing protection for up to five devices, includes a password manager, and provides comprehensive data breach monitoring for email addresses, phone numbers, credit cards, and bank accounts. It features a scam detector in its mobile app and provides a full and unlimited VPN service. In malware tests, McAfee achieved an 88% success rate, which is lower than competitors like Avira, Avast, and Bitdefender. The Safe Connect VPN has decent coverage across 48 countries but sometimes struggles with connection issues and slower speeds compared to competitors. True Key, McAfee's password manager, allows secure storage of logins but lacks advanced features. The dark web monitoring feature can track up to ten email addresses and phone numbers, surpassing many competitors. The advanced firewall primarily monitors outgoing connections and relies on the Windows Firewall for incoming threats. The File Shredder securely deletes documents, but occasionally fails, and the Tracker Remover deletes cookies and browser history but lacks configurability and speed.