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Alan Truly

Alan Truly

Computing Writer

Alan is a Computing Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

Avast One Gold is open on a PC monitor.

Avast One Gold review: the easy-to-use antivirus software

I reviewed Avast One's free and paid antivirus software plans to find out how much more you get when you subscribe.
best VPN services

The 10 best VPN services for 2024, reviewed by experts

It's scary knowing your data might not be private. VPNs help shield your online activities. To help you pick the right one, these are the best VPN services.
AVG Ultimate is open a PC monitor.

AVG antivirus review: a problematic paid tier

AVG is one of the most popular antivirus apps with free and paid versions, so I tested the top tier to see how much value AVG Ultimate adds.
A laptop opened to the ChatGPT website.

GPT-4: everything you need to know about ChatGPT’s standard AI model

ChatGPT-4o has officially arrived and now includes the ability to interact with images and longer text.
Alan Truly wears a Meta Quest 3 while laying down with a Meta AI prompt overlaid.

AI just came to VR in a big way

Meta just announced a huge AI update for the Meta Quest 3, Quest Pro, and Quest 2.
The McAfee and Norton websites are open in a split-view on a PC monitor.

As a reviewer, here’s why I recommend Norton over McAfee for most people

Norton and McAfee are the two leading antivirus software solutions with decades of experience, but which offers the best protection and most value?
McAfee antivirus software is shown on a PC monitor.

I reviewed the McAfee+ Premium bundle for antivirus protection. Is it worth it?

I researched and tested McAfee antivirus to check its malware protection, VPN quality, and customer service to find out if it offers good value.
The Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw has good photo print quality on glossy paper.

Best color laser printers for 2024: tested and reviewed

Color laser printers are a smart choice for home offices and small businesses, but which should you buy? Here are our top picks for every budget.
Mark Zuckerberg wearing a prototype VR headset.

The future of the Meta Quest headsets just leaked out

New reports suggest Meta is working on three mixed-reality headsets and considering a multibillion-dollar investment for smart glasses.
Alan Truly wears Viture Pro smart glasses while working with an iPhone and Bluetooth keyboard.

These smart glasses turned my iPhone into a legitimate spatial computer

Check out how I used Viture Pro smart glasses as a unique solution for pocket-sized spatial computing with my iPhone and a Bluetooth keyboard.
Disk Drill Pro is open on a PC monitor with various drives resting on a desk in front.

Disk Drill Pro review: premium data recovery without a subscription

I review Disk Drill Pro, an app that helps recover lost files from your HDD, SSD, and external drives at a great price.
A photo shows Wise Data Recovery Pro open on a PC monitor.

Wise Data Recovery Pro review: Is it worth it?

Wise Data Recovery is a nice free option for file restoration, so I tested the low-cost pro version to find out if it's worth the cost.
Apple Vision Pro

The Vision Pro still has a chance at success

A new report predicts that Vision Pro units sold could double in 2025.
Brother's HL-L3280CDW is compact and attractive.

This Brother printer is great, but here’s why you shouldn’t buy it

Brother's HL-L3280CDW color laser printer has a nice price, so I tested the quality, performance, and long-term value to see if it's right for you.
The RoboForm start page is shown on a PC monitor.

RoboForm review: a password manager that keeps things simple

I review RoboForm, a low-cost password manager that claims 24/7 priority support and unlimited logins for all your devices.
A person plays Demeo on the Meta Quest 3.

The Quest 3 has never been cheaper

Meta's offering a Quest 3 for just $25 monthly, and you also get games, so we checked out whether "Play now, pay later" really is a good deal.
Lifting a stack of documents from the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e's paper tray.

The best all-in-one printers you can buy in 2024

Since working from home is the new norm, having a printer on hand has gone from nice to necessity so you can print, scan, or fax as needed.
Keeper and 1Password websites appear in a split-screen view on a PC monitor.

This is the one password manager I recommend using over 1Password

This head-to-head comparison of Keeper and 1Password reveals which password manager has the best login sharing and most value.
The Keeper password manager app is open on a Windows PC.

Keeper password manager review: share logins with precision and ease

I review Keeper's Personal and Family plans, affordable password management with robust security and lots of sharing features.
An enhanced version of the Quest 3S leaked image reveals a possible design.

Quest 3S: Here’s what we know about Meta’s next VR headset

With the popular Quest 2 running low and out of stock, Meta is nearing the release of a new budget VR headset. Here's what we know about the Quest 3S.
A person wearing the Ray-Ban Meta smartglasses, taking a photo.

Zuckerberg says holographic AR glasses are coming

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared his thoughts and Meta's plans for future smart glasses, AR holographic, and neural interfaces.
hard drives ssds disks whats best fit disk

The best free data recovery software we recommend using

We compare the top free data recovery software for your PC and Mac to help you pick which is best to help restore your lost files.
A photo shows EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro and Stellar Data Recovery Premium side-by-side on a PC monitor.

This data recovery service has the best free and paid tiers I’ve reviewed

I compare premium data recovery pricing, features, ease of use, and customer service for Stellar and EaseUS to find out which is best for you.
A photo shows Stellar Data Recovery Premium and Recuva Professional side-by-side on a PC monitor

I used two popular data recovery services to see which saved my files

I compare Stellar Data Recovery and Recuva Professional, two of the most popular data recovery software solutions to find out which is best for you.
Stellar Data Recovery Premium appears on a PC monitor.

Stellar Data Recovery Premium review: Great support isn’t always enough

I reviewed Stellar Data Recovery's three subscription plans and a free version to find out which is best and offers the most value.
A photo of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro and Recuva Professional side-by-sdie on a PC monitor.

I tested two of the best data recovery services. Here’s which to use

This hands-on comparison of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro and Recuva Professional reveals which is the best file restoration app for you.
Brother's HL-L3295CDW is a compact color laser printer.

Brother HL-L3295CDW review: a low-cost, scalable color laser printer

I reviewed Brother's HL-L3295CDW color laser printer to find out if it's the right choice for your home office or small business.
Recuva Professional data recovery app shown on a PC monitor

Recuva Professional review: a $25 data recovery app that works

I review one of the cheapest data recovery apps available to find out if it works well and is easy to use on SSDs, HDDs, and more.
The Ease US Data Recovery Wizard Pro app appears on a PC monitor.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro review: a low-cost way to restore files

I review EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro, software that helps restore lost files for every type of storage to test its ease-of-use and value.
Xreal Air 2 Ultra with Beam Pro lets you use your hands to interact with virtual content

Xreal’s new device enables Vision Pro features on smart glasses

Xreal's new Beam Pro works with Air and Air 2 smart glasses, replacing your phone while adding spatial video recording and more.
A rose gold MacBook Air has Disk Utility open with a red warning symbol and an external drive connected.

The best data recovery software for your Mac or MacBook

Our guide to the best data recovery apps for the Mac can help you restore any files missing after a storage failure or drive error.
A man adjusts an Apple Vision Pro headset over his eyes.

The Vision Pro just got one of its most anticipated features

In visionOS 2, Apple enabled WebXR in the Vision Pro's Safari browser, expanding the number of immersive games you can play.
A person uses a Logitech MX Ink to scuplt in 3D with a Meta Quest 3

The Meta Quest just got an awesome new VR accessory

Learn more about Logitech's new stylus that works in VR and lets you draw, paint, and sculpt in 3D with your Meta Quest 3 headset.
A side-by-side comparison of Dashlane and 1Password pricing appears on a PC monitor.

Why 1Password continues to beat its biggest rivals

I went hands-on with two top password managers to find out which has the security and features you need at a price you'll like.