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Operating system support: Debian, Ubuntu, CentOS, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, CloudLinux, Virtuozzo Linux, Windows.

Portability to different platforms

Plesk has been around for a long time and is supported by many hosts. You also have the option to migrate to cPanel should you decide that Plesk isn’t for you. Plesk also supports a wide array of Linux and Windows operating systems, so you have a lot of options for installing it on various server setups.

Plesk has a straightforward and fair pricing model - you pay for how many websites you use. This makes it great for average web hosters who need the flexibility of Plesk and don’t plan on hosting tons of websites. It is also a good choice for web agencies who plan on hosting websites on behalf of their clients and want predictable pricing. If you plan on hosting lots of websites all for your own use, then cPanel or sPanel offer cheaper plans.

Ease of use

Plesk has the most cohesive user interface of all the admin panels, combining the server-side administration into the same user interface as the website management interface. This has benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, it’s nice to have the server management presented in a manner that is friendly to non-technical users, but at the same time, it feels a little frustrating to use if you are technical. There’s considerably less of the underlying technical details exposed to users, which is great if you’re worried about breaking things, but if you’re a tinkerer, then you might prefer the more raw experience that cPanel provides. Plesk not only works great on mobiles but even provides a dedicated mobile app so you can manage your websites on the go.

Support Web server support

It supports a wide array of different web servers and languages. Apache is installed by default, with the option to install Nginx as a reverse proxy, which gives you the best of both worlds. Litespeed is supported, but there’s no support for the free alternative, OpenLitespeed, so expect additional costs.

Database support

Microsoft SQL, MySQL, and PostgreSQL are all supported, making Plesk a great choice for those who need more powerful database options.

Language support

Support programming languages include PHP, Javascript/Node, Perl, Ruby, Python, .NET. There’s even docker support via an official extension, which means effortless support for virtually any language and setup.

Backups

Plesk offers a pretty standard array of backup options with good support for remote backup providers. FTP, Amazon S3, Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive are all supported.

Extensions and apps

Plesk has the most impressive extensibility out of any of the admin panels we’ve tried. Along with the usual one-click installers such as Softacolous, you can also install extensions to manage your social media, page speed, harden your WordPress installations - it really does have it all. There’s even a pretty powerful site builder included, meaning you can build your website with zero coding knowledge.

Security

Not only does Plesk come with the usual security software, but it also goes the extra mile to make them more user-friendly. We particularly like how user-friendly the web application firewall is, providing an extra layer of security against malicious requests without overly complicating it. Plesk includes both VirusTotal and Imunify for virus scans with an option for paid upgrades. Kernelcare and other paid security hardening services are available.

Final verdict

Plesk is truly leading the way with the admin panel. It has remained fresh and up-to-date, offering a lot of the latest and greatest software. Everything is easy to use and packaged in a way that isn’t intimidating to non-technical users. It would be nice to see better out-of-the-box performance optimisation, something that sPanel really excels at, but Plesk offers a more broad set of capabilities. It does an incredible job of being both extremely powerful and customisable, without being overwhelming for non-technical users. The bottom line is that if you want an admin panel that does everything and packages it up nicely into a very user-friendly package, then it might be worth splashing a bit more on Plesk.

• JetKVM is a tiny KVM over IP product for full remote control of any computer
• It raised over $4 million in crowdfunding from more than 30,000 backers
• Device includes USB-C, Ethernet, HDMI Mini and RJ11 extension for add-ons

Plenty of crowdfunded campaigns fail to draw enough pledges to turn a project into reality, but that isn’t the case with JetKVM, a $69 next-generation open source KVM over IP device that can control any computer remotely.

It was successfully funded on Kickstarter on December 3, 2024, smashing its $50,000 goal with a whopping $4,370,767 in pledges from an impressive 31,598 backers.

Although the campaign has now ended, you can still become a late backer, and the good news is, you shouldn’t have long to wait to receive the product, as JetKVM is expected to begin shipping in April 2025.

Rare RJ11 extension port

The small hardware device gives you full remote access to a computer’s screen, keyboard, and mouse, just like a physical KVM switch, but over the internet.

It connects to the target machine’s HDMI port to capture video, and to a USB port to emulate input devices. Once set up, you can control the machine from anywhere using a web browser. This is especially useful for headless systems, unresponsive machines, or remote BIOS access.

The device runs a Linux system based on Buildroot, powered by a RockChip RV1106G3 (ARM Cortex-A7, 1.0GHz) with built-in H.264 and H.265 encoding. It includes 256MB of DDR3L RAM, 16GB of eMMC storage, Ethernet, USB-C, HDMI Mini, and a unique RJ11 extension port.

The creators say JetKVM streams 1080p video at 60FPS with 30–60ms latency. Remote access is handled via JetKVM Cloud using WebRTC for encrypted peer-to-peer connections. A 1.69-inch touchscreen shows status and local controls, and the software, written in Go, is fully open source and modifiable via SSH.

Power can be supplied via USB-C, RJ11, or pin header. The RJ11 port, which we're big fans of, supports hardware extensions like sensors, ATX power control, or serial console access.

Even though JetKVM has been successfully financed, and then some, we’d be remiss if we didn’t offer our customary crowdfunding warning: delays happen, features can change, and delivery isn’t always guaranteed, so please bear that in mind.

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It still comes down to money.

Although most abortions remain illegal in Alabama, the decision allows doctors and advocacy groups to tell patients about abortion options in other states, and help with travel and other costs

(Image credit: Butch Dill)

In June 2024, the Biden administration announced that the download, update, licensing and resale of Kaspersky software would be banned from July 20 2024.

The justification was that because Kaspersky is headquartered in Moscow, the Russian government could force the company to hand over access to its systems and disrupt all of the computers it is installed on.

Kaspersky has frequently denied having any connection to the Russian government, but the US has determined that that simply isn't good enough.

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What does it mean for me?

Kaspersky has been a household name for antivirus in the US, with a pre-ban market share of around 35%.

After the ban Kaspersky offloaded its customers the Pango Group, which promptly installed UltraAV as a replacement service which caused quite a stir.

If you were using Kaspersky antivirus, you will have been asked if you wanted to switch to UltraAV. However, none of the major antivirus testing labs have released any scores for UltraAV, and customer feedback and online postings suggest that the software is less than ideal.

Those who chose to forgo the UltraAV update will have been left to continue using Kaspersky - and if that includes you - your device is at serious risk.

Am I at risk if I keep using Kaspersky?

Yes. The ban prohibited new updates for the Kaspersky software, meaning that the software won't be able to protect against any new malware or threats that have emerged since the ban in June 2024.

Antivirus providers release frequent updates to their software to keep your device protected from existing malware, as well as '0-day' exploits or fresh vulnerabilities that are being actively exploited. Without these updates, devices can succumb to infection and attacks that other devices would be protected against.

As an additional point of concern, if you used Kaspersky on a Windows device it is likely that Windows Defender Antivirus was put into passive mode, preventing it from offering its full level of protection. If you were using Kaspersky, or still are, I would highly recommend checking to see if your Windows Defender Antivirus is still in passive mode, and switch it to active.

What should I do?

First things first, check to see if your device manufacturers default antivirus is updated and turned on.

Now that you have some level of protection, have a think about if you consider default protection enough.

For many devices, the default antivirus program will offer a fairly decent level of protection against malware, but will lack a lot of the other security tools that have almost become a necessity in the digital world.

Take a look at my comprehensive guide to the best antivirus, and have a look through the features you think would be best for you.

Many services include a VPN to help encrypt your internet traffic at is heads from your device to its destination, preventing crooks from intercepting it in transit.

Others will have a parental control app that will help you block adult content from being viewed on your children's devices, as well as setting screen-time limits to help them focus on their homework or chores.

Password managers are also a very handy tool to help keep your online accounts secure. If you don't use an authenticator app, you account is only as secure as your password. Antivirus alone won't stop a hacker from guessing your username and password.

Do I need to bother with antivirus in 2025?

As a security expert, my answer is 100% yes. I've seen first hand how quickly new threats and vulnerabilities can emerge, and the damage they can have not only on devices but also livelihoods.

If an attacker gains access to your computer files, they can potentially steal sensitive files and data that can help them commit identity theft or credit fraud. Even if you don't want to splash out on a premium service, you can always turn to the best free antivirus to provide a good level of protection to all your devices.

• Read more: How to choose the best antivirus for you

The Trump Administration is reportedly changing rules to the $42.5 billion BEAD Program to favor Elon Musk’s Starlink.

The global tariffs Trump announced this week include remote territories like Heard and McDonald Islands in the Indian Ocean that don't actually have human populations. Here's what to know about them.

(Image credit: Matt Curnock)

D&D can be played entirely in the theater of the mind, but why do that when you can have a load of gear to make it even better?

Operating system support: AlmaLinux, CloudLinux, Rocky Linux and Ubuntu

Portability to different platforms

cPanel is probably one of the most popular admin panels, so it’s no surprise that it’s supported by many hosts. They also include migration tools to migrate between servers and even from a Plesk control panel. Since cPanel is so popular, most alternative admin panels have a migrato,r meaning that if you decide cPanel isn’t for you, you can still easily switch to other admin panels such as Plex or sPanel.

Instead of charging by website, cPanel offers unlimited websites and chargers based on the number of users you have. If you’re planning on hosting a lot of websites, but all for your own use, then it can make it slightly cheaper, although not as cheap as SPanel. However, if you plan on hosting just a few websites or having lots of user accounts, then it will be more expensive than the alternatives. Reselling is available for their plans starting at 46.99/mo, making it slightly cheaper than Plesk for reselling.

Ease of use

cPanel’s ease of use is a mixed bag. It has areas that can be a little daunting for new users, but once you’re familiar with it, it becomes pretty easy to work out where things are. There’s no mobile-specific app, but that’s not required since the web version works well on mobile. The server admin part of cPanel is a lot more daunting than the individual website management section, and the server admin part definitely feels like it would be daunting to non-technical users - although it is nice to have the additional flexibility you get from exposing the raw, technical, internals. The beauty of cPanel’s popularity is that there are plenty of tutorials and videos you can watch if you’re not quite sure how to do something.

Support Web server support

Nginx is supported via free plugins and some command line dabbling, but we’d expect to see a server as popular as Nginx to be supported out of the box. Lightspeed is available but that is a commercial application and requires an eye-watering $25/month license. It would be nice to see support for the free alternative OpenLightSpeed, which is available in sPanel. Overall, cPanel doesn’t offer the breadth of web server support that Plesk does, and it doesn’t provide the performance-optimized web server support that sPanel offers. It does offer clustering, meaning you can join multiple servers together and split the load between them, but that’s quite an advanced feature and not something the vast majority of users will need.

Database support

Supports both MySQL/MariaDB out of the box. Postgres is supported but involves running a command line script, which, again, isn’t ideal for less-technical users - although once it’s installed, then the user interface has very good support for it.

Language support

Supports PHP, Java, and Ruby out of the box, with support for more if you’re willing to install and manage them yourself. We’d expect a mature admin panel such as cPanel to support many more languages.

Backups

Supports offsite backups. Has a good selection of remote backup providers: S3, BackBlaze, FTP, Google Drive, Rsync and WebDAV.

Extensions and apps

Supports Softaculous. It also has a number of paid extensions but nothing that isn’t supported by Plesk. It is very extensible if you’re willing to dabble with the command line, and there’s lots of documentation provided on how to tweak things, but really, an admin panel as mature and expensive as cPanel should have more click-and-play extensions to justify its cost.

Security

Clam AV virus scanner, which is a good virus scanner, with support for more advanced ones such as ImunifyAV (at a cost). 2 factor auth, which is good. Automatic updates are an additional $3/month. This includes ModSecurity as a web application firewall, which I personally trust over an AI solution.

Final verdict

Hosting has changed a lot in the last decade, with new performance-focused web servers, advanced databases and powerful new languages becoming increasingly popular. Unfortunately, cPanel has done little to keep up with these advances, supporting pretty much the same setup it has for the last decade or more. Whilst there is plenty of documentation covering how to install these newer alternatives, it’s really something that cPanel should be supporting out of the box by now. Given the increase in pricing cPanel has seen over the years, it costs just as much as considerably better alternatives such as Plesk. cPanel is historically a very popular and well-known admin panel, so it will be familiar to a lot of seasoned hosters and, despite its shortcomings, its familiarity is often enough to make it people’s go-to admin panel. The bottom line is: unless you already feel most comfortable in cPanel or you plan on reselling, there’s no real reason to choose it over sPanel or Plesk.

• Nintendo confirms that the Switch 2 features Nvidia DLSS and ray-tracing
• It didn't share which games will support the tech
• Nvidia has also revealed that the Switch 2 is powered by a custom Nvidia processor

Nintendo has confirmed that the Switch 2 will feature Nvidia DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and ray tracing.

During a roundtable Q&A in New York following the big Nintendo Switch 2 Direct yesterday (via IGN), Nintendo revealed that the new console will utilize the technology, but refrained from sharing which version and which Switch 2 games will support it.

"We use DLSS upscaling technology and that's something that we need to use as we develop games," said Takuhiro Dohta, senior director of the Programming Management Group Entertainment Planning & Development Department, at Nintendo’s Entertainment Planning & Development Division.

"And when it comes to the hardware, it is able to output to a TV at a max of 4K. Whether the software developer is going to use that as a native resolution or get it to upscale is something that the software developer can choose. I think it opens up a lot of options for the software developer to choose from."

When asked about the Switch 2's GPU, Dohta did confirm that it allows ray tracing but was cagey on the details, saying, "As with DLSS, I believe this provides yet another option for the software developer to use and a tool for them."

Although Nintendo wasn't able to share any details on the GPU itself, Nvidia has since released a blog post confirming that the Switch 2 is powered by a custom Nvidia processor featuring an NVIDIA GPU, along with dedicated RT Cores and Tensor Cores for "stunning visuals and AI-driven enhancements."

Thanks to the new tech, this allows the Switch 2 to run in 4K in docked mode and 120 frames per second (fps), which we learned yesterday when the specs were revealed.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025, and will cost $449.99 / £395.99, with preorders scheduled to open on April 8.

TechRadar Gaming attended an exclusive hands-on preview and spent four hours testing out the Nintendo Switch 2.

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• Apple has patented a new exercise-tracking prediction method
• It says the technology can capture body motion data and determine what exercise you are doing
• It could also count how many reps you've done, possibly paving the way for improved workout tracking or online class participation

While we've been hearing that Apple is preparing a pretty significant Health app upgrade for 2025, the company has also patented a new type of exercise tracking technology that could power improved workouts on many of the best iPhones in the future.

A new Apple patent published April 3 and seen by TechRadar, dubbed 'exercise tracking prediction method,' reveals Apple is exploring new technology for workout tracking. It pertains to "predicting and counting repetitions of physical activity" using captured image data of a body in motion.

Apple's patent aims to overcome some of the limitations of predicting and tracking the activity of a person in real-time.

To that effect, Apple's technology can take image capture data and predict what activity you're performing while it is in progress and potentially provide feedback on it.

That could be done using a camera on any type of electronic device, including a phone, tablet, computer, or even a wearable like an Apple Watch (which is tipped to get a camera one day). There are heavy shades of Peloton Guide here, but it looks like Apple is trying to take the tech one step further with more precise tracking.

Apple exploring this technology could point to a number of implementations and upgrades for users, notably around using Apple devices to track workouts in real-time or when participating in a more collective version of an online Apple Fitness Plus class.

Apple explores workout detection

(Image credit: Future)

The best Apple Watches, Apple's Health app, and devices like the iPhone excel in certain health and wellness tracking implementations; however, one obvious missing feature is driving workouts using rep counting and tracking.

Even the Amazfit Active 2, a $99 smartwatch we rate as one of the best cheap smartwatches on the market, has a built-in rep tracker for strength and conditioning workouts,

If Apple could crack workout and rep tracking, it would be a big boost to the company's health and wellness ambitions, and using its device cameras could be a key to gaining the upper hand.

Powerful features like LiDAR would be much more accurate than accelerometers when it comes to tracking form and reps in a workout participant, giving Apple potentially unparalleled accuracy in this regard.

(Image credit: Apple / USPTO)

Given how generally cumbersome and often antisocial filming in the gym can be, it seems like this sort of technology would lend itself more readily to use in the home.

I can definitely imagine a service like Apple Fitness+ leaning on workout tracking data to give users more clinical insight into their progress, tracking reps on screen in real-time during a workout.

While not mentioned here, there's also no reason to think this technology couldn't be developed further to deliver feedback and pointers on form and posture, too.

At this point, the technology is only an idea on paper. If Apple ever releases a feature like this, it will likely be a year or two away from consumers. So don't expect an Apple Watch Ultra 3 with a camera that can track your workouts.

More immediately, we know that Apple is planning a big blood pressure monitoring upgrade for the aforementioned Ultra 3 and the Apple Watch Series 11, both of which are expected later this year.

Latterly, rumors point to a new Health app overhaul, replete with an AI agent designed to replicate your Doctor, arriving as early as 2026.

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• Tuta Mail filed a DMA complaint against Apple on April 2, 2025, for failing to enable Tuta among the default mail apps on iOS
• The encrypted email provider issued the complaint after allegedly waiting for months for a response from the Big Tech firm
• The complaint was withdrawn less than 24 hours later as Apple finally got in touch with Tuta's developers

Tuta Mail, an encrypted email service, filed a complaint against Apple on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The action has been withdrawn, however, after less than 24 hours.

The German secure email provider decided to file a formal complaint against Apple for failing to enable its service among the default mail apps on iOS as required by the Digital Market Act. Tuta did so after allegedly waiting for months for a response to its request.

Yet, "after a journalist contacted Apple on the issue, Apple got in touch with us in a matter of hours," wrote Tuta's CEO Matthias Pfau on April 3 in an official announcement. "For this reason, we will withdraw the complaint to the EU, and Apple does not have to fear any consequences."

Why did Tuta issue the complaint?

The Digital Market Act, which came into force last year, has introduced new obligations for Big Tech companies to prevent them from abusing their dominant position in the market.

For Apple, this means, among other things, giving everyone using an iPhone or iPad the choice of picking a third-party service as their default email application.

To enable their users to do this, the app's developers need to follow the company's guidelines and submit a formal request. Tuta Mail was said to have done so on January 14, 2025, but there was no response.

The team tried to get in touch with Apple via emails and X posts throughout March without much success.

Apple launched alternative default mail apps with the iOS 14 release in 2020, four years before the DMA rules went into force. Apple's biggest competitors, Gmail and the popular encrypted service ProtonMail, are among the developers that have been successfully enabled as default mail apps since then.

Dear @Apple @tim_cook We'd like our users to be able to choose Tuta Mail as the default mail app on #iOSWe've contacted Apple devs as requested two months ago, sent a reminder, but so far - silence.Could you please connect us with the right people?#DefaultMailApp #AppleMarch 18, 2025

On April 2, Tuta then decided to file a formal DMA complaint against Apple for, as Pfau put it, "abusing its gatekeeping position against us."

Less than 24 hours later, Tuta confirmed to TechRadar that Apple finally got in contact with the team "after a Reuters journalist wanted to get to the bottom of the matter with Apple," Tuta's Press Officer Hanna Bozakov told us.

Nonetheless, this was enough for Tuta to decide to withdraw its complaint against the Big Tech giant.

"The main problem here is that Apple will get away with this behavior. We withdraw the complaint because it's pointless to keep it up, but next time, Apple can act in exactly the same way," said Bozakov.

"We would like to see large technology companies use their market power responsibly, behave correctly and fairly and not only take action when threatened with bad publicity."

Apple's response

TechRadar approached Apple for comment, and the company told us that Tuta's request was incomplete as it was missing the "mailto." This is a URL scheme that's needed for the correct function of default mail apps in iOS.

Apple also told TechRadar that the company reached out to Tuta's developers as quickly as possible to help them resolve the issue.

Bozakov confirmed the mistake but said the team was informed only today (April 3) about this. "I'm pretty certain we would still be waiting for a response had the journalist not contacted them," she added.

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• Kaspersky uncovers counterfeit Android smartphones preloaded with Triada malware
• The researchers speculate the supply chain might have been compromised
• More than $270,000 in crypto has already been stolen

Counterfeit versions of popular Android smartphones are being sold with malware pre-installed, experts have revealed.

Cybersecurity researchers Kaspersky have warned users about buying heavily discounted Android smartphones from shady online stores after it observed at least 2,600 victims, located mostly in Russia, who received their brand-new smartphones carrying the Triada Trojan.

“The new version of the malware is found in the firmware of infected Android devices,” reads the machine-translated announcement. “It is located in system framework, meaning a copy of Triada makes its way into every process on your smartphone.”

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Targeting journalists

The malware was said to have a wide range of functionalities and can give the attacker “almost unlimited possibilities” for controlling the compromised devices.

Among other things, Triada can steal user accounts in messengers and social networks, stealthily send messages on behalf of the victim, steal cryptocurrencies, monitor the victim’s browser activities, replace links, swap numbers during calls, monitor and intercept SMS messages, download and run apps, and block network connections.

Dmitry Kalinin, cybersecurity expert at Kaspersky Lab, said Triada remains “one of the most sophisticated and dangerous threats to Android,” but added that the researchers don’t really know how the devices got infected.

“It’s possible that one of the stages in the supply chain is compromised,” he said, “so the stores selling the devices may not even suspect that they’re selling Triada-infected devices.”

These thousands of victims have already suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses, the researchers concluded.

Kaspersky claims around $270,000 in cryptocurrency was already siphoned out, suggesting that the number could be even greater since some of the transactions were made in difficult-to-trace Monero.

The best way to avoid this risk is to only buy smartphones from authorized sellers. Alternatively, users could reflash their device using a clean system image from Google.

Via BleepingComputer

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Windows 10 end of life is rapidly approaching, with updates ceasing on October 14 2025, and many are starting to make the switch to Windows 11.

But questions still remain. Do I really need to use the best antivirus with Windows 11?

Is Windows Defender good enough? Can I trust it to protect me from hackers especially when Windows is the most widely used operating system in the world? Let's find out.

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Should I upgrade?

In short, yes. Once Windows 10 reaches its end of life it will stop receiving critical updates such as new security patches that stop known vulnerabilities from being taken advantage of.

Considering Windows has a considerable market share for PC operating systems, it is a very lucrative target that cybercriminals are constantly trying to hit.

Let me put it this way - one of the main reasons the WannaCry ransomware attack in 2017 was so devastating was because many organizations were using Windows operating systems that were well past their end of life.

Even though Microsoft had released a patch that could have prevented the WannaCry ransomware from infecting their devices, some had chosen to turn off updates or were using outdated systems.

Additionally, if we follow the trend of Windows 10 which was released in 2015, Windows 11 will likely also receive updates for at least the next 10 years, making it a worthy update for those who haven't made the switch already. What's more, if you are already running Windows 10, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free!

I understand that there are some purists out there who insist on using the operating system they are most familiar with - and I can sympathize.

I miss Windows Vista. But aesthetics aren't everything, and its never too late to learn something new.

How big of a target am I?

It's easy to think that you are not a target when it comes to this big digital world we all live in, but there are hundreds of ways a hacker might see value in targeting you.

For example, they could be looking to add your computer to a global botnet that they use to launch attacks on businesses without you even knowing.

Or they could be looking to steal your social media accounts to use in disinformation campaigns, or they just want to disrupt as many people as possible with their latest malware.

The Malwarebytes' State of Malware report places ransomware as the biggest threat in 2024 and attacks have grown 13% year-over-year.

In 2025 this trend is likely to continue, boosted by the increase of AI agents to distribute malware and help write phishing emails that are more convincing and harder to spot.

While cybercriminals have turned to targeting big companies with bigger budgets in order to make a living, small fries such as you and I are still viable targets for smaller, less advanced cybercriminal groups.

Lets not also forget that a cybercriminal could be looking to steal your identity, or commit credit fraud in your name using data they can steal from your computer. Some groups just want to cause disruption and make a name for themselves by hitting anyone and everyone.

Windows Defender Antivirus: is it enough?

Windows Defender Antivirus comes pre-installed as standard with Windows 11.

In numerous tests, Windows Defender Antivirus does a pretty good job of protecting against new malware threats including those distributed through the web and via email.

In AV-TEST's February 2025 testing, it managed to detect 100% of 0-day threats and widespread/prevalent threats discovered in the last 4 weeks. Not bad.

But, Windows Defender Antivirus is a very simple, barebones solution. Yes, it protect against malware, but it doesn't offer additional security features such as a VPN or dedicated parental controls.

So when people say "Windows Defender Antivirus is enough", what they mean is it is enough for malware-based threats, not everything else that could put your device or those who use it at risk.

For example, if you don't use a VPN while using a web browser, your internet traffic is likely unencrypted, meaning that anyone could intercept it and see what your are doing, or pull potentially sensitive information from your traffic.

Windows Defender Antivirus' feature set is gradually catching up to the features offered by many of the best antivirus providers, but it will likely always be one step behind in its offerings as a free service.

Is antivirus for Windows 11 worth it?

As a security expert who is constantly writing about new attack vectors, data theft, and service outages, it would seem that using a premium antivirus service is probably a good choice for a number of reasons.

Firstly, Windows Defender Antivirus only protects against your Windows machine, and doesn't offer any protection for the rest of your devices.

Many antivirus services offer compatibility across Apple, Android, Chromebook, Windows, and Linux, allowing you to protect all of your household devices under one umbrella.

But computer security doesn't just start and end with antivirus, as every single online account you use is also a potential target for a hacker.

That's why many services offer password managers as an included tool, providing you with passwords that would take billions of years to crack, autofill capabilities to help you log in faster, and in some cases an authenticator app to keep your accounts super secure.

And best of all, you don't even have to spend a penny to increase your protection. There are tons of great free antivirus apps that you can install on your Windows 11 device, and as an added bonus Windows Defender Antivirus can be put into passive mode to work alongside another third-party antivirus solution.

• Read more: How to choose the best antivirus for you

• It's the world's first sub-250g 'bi-copter' drone
• Created by ZZR, the makers of our favorite selfie drone, the HoverAir X1 Pro
• Promise of faster acceleration, unmatched agility and quieter flight

Following a soft reveal on the V-Copter website last month, Zero Zero Robotics has fully unveiled its V-Copter Falcon Mini drone on the product's crowd funding page.

It's the world's first sub-250g bi-copter drone – a radically different design to the best quad-copter DJI drones, and the supposed upside is faster acceleration, unmatched agility, plus quieter and longer flight.

We covered the V-Copter Falcon Mini after it appeared on the V-Copter website – it follows the beefier Falcon that largely flew under the radar, but weighs in under 250g which means it's more accessible to more people – and now we know the full specs and pricing.

The tantalizing $299 list price (around £270 / AU$550) sees the Falcon Mini rival DJI's Mini 4K and Mini 3 drones, plus the recent Potensic Atom 2, and if it delivers its promises, the 4K bi-copter offering could be the best pick for people wanting extended flight fun.

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(Image credit: Zero Zero Robotics) Could the V-Copter Falcon Mini disrupt the drone market?

Most of the best consumer drones are quad copters, but the Falcon Mini features just half the propellers, which sit in a v-shape above the drone's body.

This bi-copter design and propeller positioning enables a range of motion – the twin rotors can work independently, tilting in opposite directions for sharp turns and precise maneuvers, hence the 'unmatched agility'.

Another benefit of such a design is that the rotors can tilt downwards to optimize airflow and thrust for fast and powerful acceleration, within miliseconds of the drone being engaged. A Reverse Flight Kit debuts too, unleashing flight skills and tricks such as upside down flight and a 'reverse one foot spin' – file those under flight fun, rather than for aerial shots.

Flight stability is supposedly top drawer too, thanks to real-time flight adjustments and a 0.01 rotor angle precision. Together with a three-axis gimbal-stabilized camera, users should enjoy smooth 4K video footage, with 2.7K vertical video also possible.

The product is now available for backers on the V-Copter Falcon Mini crowdfunding page, with a limited number of early backers able to bag the drone for $199 (around £180 / AU$350), or for the full $299 price.

As always back at your own risk. However, we would say that Zero Zero Robotics' recent history is assuring – its recent HoverAir X1 Pro 'selfie' drone was put through crowd funding, and today is the best of its kind.

In fact, ZZR is doing drones differently; first was a selfie drone that DJI responded to with its recent Neo, now a bi-copter mini drone. For us, the competition ZZR is posing DJI, and more so its innovation, is most welcome.

The Falcon Mini is a drone we're really looking forward to testing – and of course, we'll share our experiences. Watch this space!

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Fierce London rivals face off at Stamford Bridge.

Here's a handful of advice you should remember before starting Compulsion Games' new adventure.

In a year packed with big-budget blockbusters and standout indie gems, South of Midnight carves out its own space by delivering the polish of a AAA title while embracing the bold, stylized vision often found in smaller-budget games. Since being acquired by Microsoft Game Studios some years ago, Montreal-based developer Compulsion Games has refined its knack for high-concept mid-tiered AA release through a mythic adventure of the American South. Simply put, there are games released at twice the price point of South of Midnight ($39.99) that don’t provide this well-rounded experience.

Review info

Platform reviewed: Xbox Series X
Available on: Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
Release date: April 8, 2025

Players step into the role of Hazel, a young woman caught in the middle of a magical conspiracy as she searches for her mother following a hurricane while uncovering her family’s legacy. A captivating story filled with rich characters alongside fascinating world-building, South of Midnight stands out thanks to vivid stop-motion-inspired visuals, outstanding music, and heartfelt voice acting stand out in presentation alone. Most importantly, the Game Pass exclusive feels authentic and honest about its point of view.

Thankfully, there’s also an incredibly solid game beneath the audio/visual package and a charming story. South of Midnight doesn’t radically innovate in the gameplay department, nor does it even try to. What matters most in the action adventure is the execution which is led by tight controls during traversal and combat.

Across the 10-15 hours of the single-player game, players will guide Hazel through the Southern town of Prospero as she searches for her mother. Earlier on in the story, our heroine learns of her destiny as a Weaver, magical individuals who battle evil creatures called Haints with enchanted crochet hooks. As Hazel embarks on her hero’s journey, she’ll also find her way by learning about the past of many past and present residents of Prospero besides her own family history. Along the way, she'll befriend a talking catfish(who also serves as the narrator), fight her mother’s bartending ex-boyfriend, who transforms into a monstrous flying creature, understand the mysterious disappearance of a pleasure boat in a swampland occupied by a giant mermaid looking for her lost son and much more.

(Image credit: Compulsion Games) Tight Combat and traversal

During exploration, controlling Hazel is fairly simple with the left stick used for movement, the left stick used for camera control, A button for jump. As the story goes along, there are layers added to that through double jumps, dashes, wall-running, and the like. Like many of its inspirations like Prince of Persia or Uncharted, there’s plenty of climbing, wall shimming, and balancing as well. All of these feel fantastic when used, even if the core mechanics aren’t necessarily new. However, the way it's used to push the story keeps things moving along without getting boring. For example, the early moments of Hazel learning about her powers in the earlier chapters (there are 14 chapters in total) is through the last Weaver who helped Black slaves escape captivity.

Once the third chapter comes along, this is where the main gameplay loop comes into play where players collect spirits in blue glass bottles that relate to a local legend within a specific location. This is done through combat sections that have players enter an arena and fight the Haints. Destroying the dark creatures wreaking havoc on the land of Prospero is a fluid, accessible, and visually rewarding experience. Using those magical crochet hooks, players attack and initiate combo-based attacks via the X button and dodge with the B button which if done at the right time can turn into a parry. Later on, players can also manipulate enemies using trigger and bumper inputs to push and pull them, adding depth to encounters. Many of those powers have cooldown moments in order to avoid exploitation while also serving as a tool for fairly simple puzzles.

Once enemies are weakened, purifying them with the Y button finishes them off while also restoring a bit of health. A lock-on system enhances targeting precision too by clicking on the left thumb stick. Defeating all enemies in a combat scenario transforms thorn-covered corrupted areas into vibrant, flower-filled landscapes—an eye-catching reward that enhances the game’s visual appeal. Combat is relatively simple and doesn’t necessarily get complex until the narrative’s midway point where Hazel can face six or seven enemies at once. During the later combat scenarios, it does get a bit difficult for the camera to keep up with Hazel which can lead to some light moments of frustration. Even in death, checkpoints are generous with a really silly respawn animation.

(Image credit: Compulsion Games)

The stand-out moments of combat does come in the form of big boss fights that will challenge players' understanding of Hazel’s powers with some offering some light puzzle elements. One surprising boss battle even features a clever twist during its conclusion and defines the real antagonist of South of Midnight even if that character is fairly obvious during the first couple of chapters. That final confrontation with the antagonist definitely goes left into a finale that does somewhat come off as anti-climactic yet well-meaning.

Following combat, players also begin to learn more about the mystery of a particular area they’re trying to get through such as how a boy transformed into a tree or how a mysterious giant spider got attached to several missing children among others. After Hazel collects enough spirits for the bottle and begins to discover the mystery of a particular area, this leads to a chase sequence from a mysterious creature as she makes her way to the bottle tree.

The flow of the game usually consists of traversal looking for spirit bottles and other collectibles later down the line, combat scenarios, and the big chase sequence after all the required spirits are collected. Though the game is incredibly linear, players can get a guide on where to go next with the press of a button. Interestingly enough, there are some beaten paths where players can upgrade an incredibly light combat skill tree or enhance their life bar.

A nice switch-up roughly halfway through the game comes in the form of an overwhelmingly cute stuffed crochet doll named “Crouton.” The cuddly individual serves as a companion one can control during exploration by hitting the right bumper. Crouton can also be thrown into other areas to explore where it can be controlled directly by the player. It can also get through spaces Hazel is too large to crawl through to activate different switches and can even be used in combat. When fighting the Haints, Hazel can use the doll to possess enemies to attack others. This later addition does a better job of keeping combat and traversal somewhat fresh.

(Image credit: Compulsion Games) Art and audio that doesn’t miss

With an incredibly cool story and lore alongside solid gameplay, holding all of those elements together is the presentation. Visually, South of Midnight is one of the best-looking games of the year so far when it comes to art direction. The first introductory stop-motion animation before the start screen sets a fantastic tone that transitions well into the real-time gameplay and cut scenes.

The game embraces a distinctive stop-motion aesthetic, enhanced by rich art direction and clever technical choices. Its animation style features intentional frame skips, giving it a handcrafted, cinematic feel reminiscent of Coraline, The Nightmare Before Christmas the Spider-Verse films. This unique approach blends artistic flair with modern performance, running smoothly at a consistent 60 frames per second. Other more technical highlights of the visuals include great lighting, texture work without any noticeable pop-in, and shadow work. The result is a game that looks like a beautifully animated film coming to life, setting it apart visually from a lot of games released this year.

South of Midnight’s audio is just as captivating as its visuals, delivering a rich, immersive soundscape that elevates the entire experience. The soundtrack, already praised for its deep-fried charm, consistently maintains a high standard of quality from start to finish. Drawing from American roots genres like blues, jazz, and country, the music is layered with a sweeping orchestral touch that adds emotional depth.

Best bit

The mid-game introduction of Hazel’s absurdly cute enchanted crochet doll and companion named “Crouton.” adds new warmth to the story while cleverly elevating gameplay.

This sonic blend is the result of recordings done in both Nashville and London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios, merging Southern soul with cinematic grandeur to create a sound that’s both grounded and transcendent. That doesn’t even count moments during gameplay and most boss fights where music features lyrics that move the narrative along in a major way. Then there’s fantastic voice acting that truly brings these characters to life. In addition to the magnificent script writing, every single character from lead to supporting cast is perfectly cast including Adriyan Rae as Hazel. The Southern accents can get really thick too.

South of Midnight is a rare gem that seamlessly blends imaginative storytelling, satisfying gameplay, and top-tier presentation. Compulsion Games delivers a title that feels as if it punches above its weight, offering a visually stunning, emotionally rich journey through a myth-laced Southern gothic world. From the moment Hazel begins her search for her mother to the last climactic battles against haunting enemies both big and small, the game constantly surprises with its heart rooted in deep respect for American Southern culture. While it may not reinvent the wheel, South of Midnight executes its vision with precision and flair, proving that a thoughtfully crafted experience can rival—and even surpass—many of its higher-priced contemporaries.

(Image credit: Compulsion Games) Should you play South of Midnight? Play it if...

You need an affordable action adventure with a rich narrative that won’t take up too much of your time
South of Midnight delivers a focused single-player experience that keeps things concise, offering an engaging story with several standout moments along the way.

You love magnificent visuals and audio components that are truly unique
The stop-motion-inspired visuals and striking art direction are definite highlights, but it’s the blues-infused orchestral soundtrack, complete with lyrical moments that echo the story, that truly steals the show.

You like solid platforming and combat
Though the mechanics themselves don’t reinvent the wheel, the controls are tight and feel great regardless of traversal or combat.

Don't play it if...

You want something a bit more challenging and explorative outside of the linear path
There are some light exploration moments for players who want extra experience points to spend on additional combat skills or health and lore extras, but South of Midnight is a linear experience.

You need a game that offers up something fresh
Players familiar with the traversal and combat of many 2000s decade of action adventures and the like know exactly what to expect; for better or worse.

Accessibility

South of Midnight offers a robust suite of accessibility features. Players can expect customizable menu narration, detailed subtitle and caption options, and adjustable fonts to support those with audio or visual needs. This even extends to removing the animation frame skip in favor of smoother animation. While the game is relatively approachable on its default difficulty, it also includes a variety of gameplay tweaks designed to accommodate players with different disabilities. Some of these include help from in-game navigation and combat tweaks to exploration help.

(Image credit: Compulsion Games) How I reviewed South of Midnight

I played a finished build of South of Midnight on Xbox Series X and my playtime lasted nearly 15 hours. After completing the game on normal difficulty, I spent additional time exploring its harder modes and diving into the rich lore woven throughout the experience.

The game was played on a Gigabyte M32UC 4K monitor with an Xbox Wireless Controller. Sound came through FiiO FT1 Pro Open-Back Planar Headphones.

First reviewed April 2025

Emma Frost and Ultron are joining the Rivals roster.

• Nintendo has released a list of over 120 Switch games that have "start up" and "compatibility issues" on the Switch 2
• Each game is currently "being investigated"
• The only game that is confirmed to not work is Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit

The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially been revealed, and although the console might be backward compatible, we've now learned that a ton of original Switch games will have compatibility issues.

Following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct yesterday, the company published two lists containing 122 games that won't run properly on the Switch 2. The first is for games with "start up issues," while the second lists games that start up but have some "in-game compatibility issues".

There are no details regarding the specific issues each game has, but Nintendo notes that they are "being investigated".

Games that have start up issues include the likes of Fortnite, which is also getting a Switch 2 port, Fall Guys, Warframe, and Rocket League, while titles like Alan Wake Remastered, Alien Isolation, and Overcooked! All You Can Eat have compatibility problems.

"The Nintendo Switch 2 system's hardware is different from Nintendo Switch, and some Nintendo Switch games may not be supported on or fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2," the company explains.

The only game that we know for certain cannot be played on the Switch 2 is the Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kit, which makes sense, considering it was specifically designed for the original Switch.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will launch on June 5, 2025, and will cost $449.99 / £395.99, with preorders scheduled to open on April 8.

TechRadar Gaming attended an exclusive hands-on preview and spent four hours testing out the Nintendo Switch 2.

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