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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.

Meta Quest 3S components can be seen in this graphic view.

Why you should buy the Quest 3S instead of the Quest 3

Meta's new Quest 3S is a great mixed reality headset that's good enough to challenge the more expensive Quest 3. So which is best for you?
Computing Guides
I can use my hands instead of controllers in many games and apps.

Meta Quest 3S review: the perfect introduction to VR gaming

I reviewed Meta's Quest 3S, a budget VR headset with mixed reality and AI, to test its quality and value as an upgrade or a first headset.
Gaming Computing
Mullvad VPN is open on a PC monitor.

Mullvad VPN review: total anonymity for an affordable price

I reviewed Mullvad, a unique VPN with consistently low prices to find out if its speed, features, and reliability are worth the cost.
Computing Reviews
With the Viture Pro Dock, my wife and I can watch videos together while wearing smart glasses.

Viture solved the biggest problem with smart glasses

Pocketable smart glasses can provide a huge virtual screen for movies and games but, one big problem remains — sharing. Until now, that is.
Computing Features
Microsoft Defender and Edge Security settings are open on a PC monitor.

Microsoft Defender review: Is Windows default antivirus safe enough?

I reviewed Microsoft Defender to find out how well the free antivirus software included with Windows protects your computer and your personal data.
Computing Reviews
My two monitor PC sits unused while I use the Xreal Air 2 and Beam Pro with Bluetooth accessories.

Xreal vs. Apple Vision Pro: Why I chose Air 2 and Beam Pro

Xreal's Air 2 and Beam Pro are put to the test as a low-cost alternative to Apple's Vision Pro for spatial computing and 3D photos and videos.
Computing Features
Surfshark VPN on Mac protecting user data.

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.
Computing Best Ofs
Canon's imageClass MF753Cdw has a quick, full-duplex ADF.

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

Since working from home is the new norm for many people, having a printer on hand has gone from nice to necessity so you can print, scan, or fax as needed.
Computing Best Ofs
Half-Life Alyx looked crisp in a tethered connection to Vive Focus Vision.

I reviewed HTC’s new Vive Focus Vision, a lossless VR headset built for PC gaming

I reviewed HTC's Vive Focus Vision, a lossless PCVR headset with eye-tracking and standalone capability.
Gaming Computing
PrivadoVPN is running with the settings window open on a PC monitor.

PrivadoVPN review: the new budget VPN you can use for free

I reviewed PrivadoVPN to see if this newcomer can compete with leading VPNs while keeping subscription costs to a minimum.
Computing Reviews
Canon's Pixma TR7020a is a low-cost, compact all-in-one printer with an ADF.

Canon Pixma TR7020a review: a budget all-in-one with an ADF

I reviewed Canon's Pixma TR7020a, an all-in-one home office printer, to find out if there's good quality, performance, and features at this bargain price.
Computing Reviews
The Surfshark extension is running in the Edge browser on a PC monitor.

Surfshark review: a fast streaming VPN for all your devices

I reviewed Surfshark, a fast, affordable streaming VPN with unlimited device support, great privacy protection, and an optional antivirus plan.
Computing Reviews
Meta announced new AI features for Ray-Ban Smart Glasses.

Meta just unveiled a huge update to its Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

Meta's popular Ray-Ban Smart Glasses are getting new AI abilities that let it handle live translation, remind you where you parked, and more.
Computing News
Meta announced the Quest 3s at Connect 2024.

The Meta Quest 3S is official, making mixed-reality even more affordable

Learn more about Meta's new Quest 3S, a budget-priced mixed-reality headset with many of the best features of the $500 Quest 3.
Computing News
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.
Computing Best Ofs
A PC monitor shows NordVPN and Proton VPN pricing in a split-screen.

I compared two of the most popular VPNs to see which is worth it

NordVPN and Proton VPN go head-to-head in my hands-on comparison to find out which privacy and video stream unblocking solution is best for you.
Computing Guides
Windscribe VPN's cramped but well-designed Windows app is open on a PC monitor.

Windscribe review: build your own plan with this unique VPN

I tested Windscribe, a VPN with a free service, low-cost plans, and a malware blocker. I explored its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value.
Computing Reviews
HTC Vive Focus Vision is designed for location-based VR and PC VR gaming.

The Vive Focus Vision is a premium VR headset that’s actually made for gamers

HTC Vive just announced a new VR headset called Focus Vision that includes eye-tracking for visually lossless PC VR.
Computing News
The CyberGhost VPN app is open and showing servers on a PC monitor.

CyberGhost review: a fast streaming VPN with some inconsistencies

I reviewed CyberGhost, a popular streaming VPN, to find out how quick it really is and whether it's worth subscribing.
Computing Reviews
A PC monitor shows NordPass and Proton Pass websites in a split-view.

NordPass vs. Proton Pass: best free and low-cost password manager

I went hands-on with NordPass and Proton Pass, two of the best password managers, comparing features and costs to help you make the right choice.
Computing Guides
Alan compares draft, standard, and high-quality photos from Epson's EcoTank ET-8500.

The best photo printers you can buy in 2024

The best photo printers deliver high-quality photo prints at home, in the office, or on the go. Here are some of our favorite photo printers.
Photography Guides
Surfshark VPN on Mac protecting user data.

The best free VPNs for 2024

We tried the best free VPNs that protect your personal data from hackers and advertisers at no cost and without cutting speed or features.
Computing Best Ofs
A PC monitor shows ExpressVPN's browser extension in use while testing its speed.

ExpressVPN review: a premium VPN for fast streaming

I tested ExpressVPN's speed, value, and ease-of-use to find out if this well-rated global video streaming solution is worth the premium price.
Computing Reviews
An upscaled image of the Meta Quest 3S from the Quest Link app.

Meta just accidentally revealed its next VR headset

Check out Meta's leak of an official image of the Quest 3S, which gives confirmation of a budget version of the popular Quest 3 mixed reality headset.
Computing News
Alan Truly wears Viture Pro smart glasses.

I want to be completely done with monitors — for good

Here's why I can't wait to get rid of all my monitors and replace them with a lightweight headset or pair of display glasses.
Computing Features
Brother's MFC-L3720CDW is a big, sturdy color laser printer.

Brother MFC-L3720CDW review: a sturdy, but limited color laser printer

I reviewed the affordable Brother MFC-L3720CDW to find out if it offers enough quality, speed, and features at that low price.
Computing Reviews
McAfee and Avast antivirus pricing appears in a split-view on a PC monitor.

McAfee+ vs. Avast One: Which lost-cost antivirus app is best?

I went hands-on with McAfee and Avast antivirus software to find out which offers the best malware protection, value, and ease of use.
Computing Guides
TorGuard's browser extension is open on a BBC website displayed on a PC monitor.

TorGuard review: a fast, cheap VPN that makes some trade-offs

I reviewed TorGuard, one of the cheapest VPNs, to find out just how good and this bargain-priced privacy solution can be.
Computing Reviews
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Pro and Disk Drill Pro prices appear on a PC monitor.

After reviewing two data recovery services, I know which one I’d use next time

EaseUS and Disk Drill data recovery apps go head-to-head to find out which free and paid version restores more files at the best price.
Computing Guides
The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is a compact, minimalist printer.

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw review: small, fast and awkward

Find out the pros and cons of HP's new Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw in this hands-on review that uncovers some issues and suggests alternatives.
Computing Reviews
The browser extension for Hotspot Shield's free version appears on a PC monitor.

I just learned why the fastest VPN isn’t always the best option

Hotspot Shield is one of the fastest VPNs available, so I reviewed it to test the features, quality, privacy, and customer support.
Computing Reviews
Bitwarden and Proton Pass pricing appears in a split-screen on a PC monitor.

I tested two open-source password managers, and one is clearly better

We compare the top two best open-source password managers, both free and paid plans, to find out which is the best choice for you.
Computing Guides
The Proton VPN Plus app on a PC monitor is connected via two servers.

Proton VPN review: a scientific approach to security

Proton VPN was created by CERN scientists, and I reviewed the free and paid versions to check which is best and how Proton compares to other top VPNs.
Computing Reviews
A Meta Quest 3 sits on a wooden floor in moody backlighting.

The Quest 3 just got its ‘most requested feature’

Meta just expanded the Quest 3's capabilities with a way to see your console or phone screen in VR using a free app.
Computing News
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