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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.

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
A NordVPN speed test is open on a PC monitor.

You’ve heard of NordVPN, but is it actually any good?

NordVPN is a popular solution to keep your location and privacy secure, so I went hands-on to test its speed, quality, and ease-of use.
Computing Reviews
Avira Prime antivirus is shown on a PC monitor.

I tried a new antivirus software, but it was more expensive than it was worth

I reviewed Avira antivirus software and compared the free, basic, and advanced protection plans to find out which is best for you.
Computing Reviews
A MidJourney rendering of a student and his robot friend in front of a blackboard.

GPTZero: how to use the ChatGPT detection tool

ChatGPT and AI text is a plagiarism problem at schools, but GPTZero is here to help detect if a document has been written by a human or a machine.
Computing Guides
hp color laserjet pro 4201dw review s is an attractive printer

Don’t call it boring — this printer was an absolute joy to use

I reviewed HP's Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw to find out if this affordable color laser printer has good quality and long-term value.
Computing Reviews
A side view of a person typing on a laptop.

The best VPNs for school

The best VPN for school is the one that works, and we found several fast VPNs that obfuscate traffic to break through network restrictions.
Computing
The Proton Pass Plus web app is open on a PC monitor.

Proton Pass review: a privacy-first, open-source password manager

I reviewed Proton Pass, an open-source password manager with free and low-cost paid tiers that puts privacy first.
Computing Reviews
The NordPass extension is open in a browser on a PC monitor.

NordPass review: a free password manager with premium support

I reviewed NordPass, the password manager from the makers of the popular NordVPN, to check its quality and value on multiple devices.
Computing Reviews
Mark has ALS but can use the Vision Pro via Synchron's Stentrode.

The Apple Vision Pro can now be controlled only by your mind

The Vision Pro's look-and-pinch interface connected to a brain-computer interface lets a person with ALS operate Apple's spatial computer, hands-free.
Computing News
HP's Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw is compact for all-in-one.

HP’s latest Color LaserJet Pro printer works great, but costs too much

I reviewed HP's Color LaserJet Pro MFP 3301fdw, testing performance and value of this fast printer that uses vibrant and ecofriendly TerraJet toner.
Computing Reviews
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.
Computing Reviews
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.
Computing Best Ofs
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.
Computing Reviews
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.
Computing Guides
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.
Computing News
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?
Computing Guides
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.
Computing Reviews
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
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.
Computing News
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.
Computing Features
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.
Computing Reviews
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.
Computing Reviews
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.
Computing News
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.
Computing Reviews
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.
Computing Reviews
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.
Computing News
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.
Computing Best Ofs
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.
Computing Guides
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.
Computing Reviews
An enhanced version of the Quest 3S leaked image reveals a possible design.

Meta Quest 3S rumors: everything we know so far

Rumors around Meta's next VR headset, the Quest 3S, have been buzzing.
Computing Guides
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.
Computing News
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.
Computing Best Ofs
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.
Computing Guides
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