My writing journey started in 2012 and has taken me through various niches, but my main focus has always been on tech. I contributed to several growing PC hardware and software sites, focusing on gaming, peripherals, and privacy.
As the amount of information we put out on the internet has grown, so have the threats and the tools we use to combat them. With VPNs gaining traction in the late 2010s as a tool for the public instead of just an option for business security, I found myself reviewing countless options in this continuously changing landscape.
This led to my role before PCMag over at WizCase, where I honed my knowledge of VPNs and privacy tools and eventually oversaw all of the content produced. I led a talented team of fellow writers and editors to evaluate VPNs, password managers, antivirus, and parental controls.
I love small-form-factor PCs. My current ITX build uses an ASRock B650i motherboard, 32GB of RAM, a Ryzen 5 7600X, and an EVGA 3060 Ti, all nestled within the beautiful LZX-8 case by Lazer3D.
I have that connected to an MSI 34-inch ultrawide as my primary monitor. My second monitor is an older Acer 24-inch that only houses Discord and YouTube Music. Since I spend most of my time writing, I value a good keyboard. I use a Neo65 with Gazzew U4T Silent Bobas. My mouse is a Logitech MX Master 3S. For audio, I have a set of Edifier R1280Ts, or I’ll wear my trusty Sennheiser HD 6XXs.
For work, I use a Lenovo P14s connected to everything mentioned above. If I'm taking personal work or studying on the go, I use a sticker-bombed Framework 13 powered by a Ryzen 5 7640U. Specifically for drafting fiction, I built a writing ‘cyberdeck’ that connects to my Neo 65 for a Raspbian-powered writing setup with minimal distractions. Regarding mobile devices, I’ve been on the Pixel train since the first one launched, and I am currently using a Pixel 9 Pro.
Outside of computing, I always carry a few key pieces of tech on my person. I have a Kindle Scribe that I use for note-taking and reading the latest speculative fiction. For music, I carry a Walkman NW-A55 with a pair of Rose Technics QuietSea IEMs. I do some light gaming on my re-shelled PSP 3000 running Infinity 2.0 CFW. When I'm not at the computer, you’ll usually find me lugging around my Pentax K1000 with a couple of rolls of Ektar 100 on standby.
VPNs are useful for streaming geo-restricted content, but Netflix does its best to block subscribers who use them. These are the top VPNs that are currently effective for watching Netflix in the US.
4 hours, 30 minutesWhile a good VPN will protect your online privacy, it almost certainly won't make your internet connection quicker. But if speed is of the essence, these are the fastest VPNs we've tested.
6 hours, 19 minutesThe upcoming Flipper One has me excited, but the Flipper Zero is a powerful learning tool for hacking, and it's available now. Here's how I got started with mine—and how you can get the most out of yours.
5 days, 8 hoursIf you're short on cash, you can still get a VPN to improve your online privacy. Here's everything you get (and don't get) with the top free VPNs we've tested.
6 days, 7 hoursNeed a VPN for Canada? Whether you're looking to stream Canadian TV shows or trying to avoid local censorship, these are the top VPNs we've tested.
1 weekGot an older Kindle? Don't throw it away or rush to upgrade—I'll show you how to keep it alive and safeguard your books after the May 20 cutoff date.
2 weeksPornhub continues to block user access in most US states that require ID verification, and even in some countries as well. Here's how you can use a VPN to view Pornhub and protect your privacy at the same time.
2 weeks, 6 daysUsing a VPN, or virtual private network, is one of the best ways to protect your online privacy. We review dozens every year, and these are the top VPNs we've tested.
3 weeks, 2 daysWe've carefully evaluated the leading VPNs that provide real free trials, so you can test-drive their speed, privacy features, streaming capabilities, and more—without spending a dime.
3 weeks, 3 daysYou may not know it, but your ISP is likely harvesting your data and selling it to advertisers. A VPN can help protect your privacy and secure your data.
4 weeksNo, taping over your webcam isn't going to cut it. From VPNs to tracker blockers, here's how to stay safe online while watching porn.
1 monthFast network speeds are crucial for online gaming, but security is important, too. The top VPNs we've tested for gaming can protect your privacy without significantly impacting your latency.
1 monthIt may look like a cute little dolphin-themed toy, but the Flipper Zero is a surprisingly powerful learning tool for hacking. Here's how I got started with mine—and how you can get the most out of yours.
1 monthFrom full access to the Netflix catalog to streaming-optimized servers and multi-device support, these top-rated VPNs prove they can handle the streaming crackdown.
1 month, 1 weekApple's security focus is commendable, but it cannot completely eliminate all privacy threats. Based on our latest testing of the top services, these are the top VPNs for protecting your Mac.
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