Brian Nadel
Brian Nadel is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in technology reporting and reviewing. He works out of the suburban New York City area and has covered topics from nuclear power plants and Wi-Fi routers to cars and tablets. The former editor-in-chief of Mobile Computing and Communications, Nadel is the recipient of the TransPacific Writing Award.
Latest articles by Brian Nadel
AVG AntiVirus Free review
By Brian Nadel published
AVG AntiVirus Free is beaten in features by its more glamorous sibling Avast Free Antivirus and beaten in malware protection by everything else.
Windows Defender review
By Brian Nadel published
Windows Defender isn't the absolute best antivirus software, but it's easily good enough to be your main malware defense.
Wi-Fi extenders vs powerline adapters: Everything you need to know
By Brian Nadel published
Powerline adapters and Wi-Fi extenders let you stretch your network farther and help eliminate dead spots, but use very different technology
How to use the Galaxy S20 Ultra's Space Zoom feature
By Brian Nadel published
Space Zoom can let you zoom in 100x when taking photos with the Galaxy S20 Ultra. Here's how to use this feature.
How to make a Hyperlapse video on the Galaxy S20
By Brian Nadel published
Using the Galaxy S20's Hyperlapse mode, you can capture time-lapse video — even in the dark. Here's how to access the feature.
How to add a fingerprint scan to the Galaxy S20
By Brian Nadel published
To unlock your Galaxy S20, you'll need to use a fingerprint. Here's how to add your fingerprint to Samsung's phones.
How to set up your Wi-Fi extender for the best signal
By Brian Nadel published
Here are some tips on where to place your Wi-Fi extender to boost your Wi-Fi network's reach.
The best OBD 2 scanners
By Brian Nadel published
The best OBD 2 scanners can not only show what's going on inside your car, but turn off the 'check-engine' light and avoid costly repairs. These are the best you can buy right now.
Samsung Galaxy S20: 12 features to enable on your new phone
By Brian Nadel published
Getting a Galaxy S20? Here are the features you’ll want to set up right away to get started with Samsung’s phone.
Malwarebytes Free review
By Brian Nadel published
Malwarebytes Free doesn't replace antivirus software, but it works alongside it to keep your system clean.
Ethernet cables: Everything you need to know
By Brian Nadel published
There's more to networking than Wi-Fi, but all those cables get confusing. We sort through the cables, explaining everything from Cat 1 to Cat 8, and all things in between.
Linksys Max-Stream MR8300 review
By Brian Nadel published
The Linksys Max-Stream MR8300 Review keeps things easy with simple set up, automatic network optimization and optional mesh compatibility.
Turn an Orbi Satellite into a Wi-Fi Extender
By Brian Nadel published
Use an old Orbi device to bring Wi-Fi signal to your whole home.
Chromebook vs. Windows 10: Which Is Best for You?
By Brian Nadel published
Looking for a new laptop? Here's how Windows 10 notebooks stack up against Chromebooks.
Getting Started with the Galaxy Note 10: 15 Features to Explore and Enable
By Brian Nadel published
Here’s how to make the most of you Galaxy Note 10, with the settings you should adjust first.
Netgear Nighthawk XR700 Router Review: Pro Gaming Performance
By Brian Nadel published
Netgear's Nighthawk XR700 Pro Gaming Router — with data-sharing tools, a firewall, blazing speeds and some of the best networking software available — is worth the hefty price.
Elegiant LV-WR09 Wi-Fi Extender Review: Save Your Money
By Brian Nadel published
PSA: Do not buy this $20 Wi-Fi extender.
Speedify Free VPN Review
By Brian Nadel published
Speedify is amazingly fast, but gives you only 5GB of free data monthly.
Opera Browser VPN Review
By Brian Nadel published
Opera's browser VPN has abysmal network performance. We can't recommend it even though it's completely free.
Asus Blue Cave Dual-Band Router Review: Stunning Looks, Long-Range Performance
By Brian Nadel published
With excellent security to help keep your family’s digital lives intact, Asus’ Blue Cave delivers superior performance at a distance, but its short-range capacity is lacking. Its look and design are like nothing else on this planet.
Asus RT-AC86U Gaming Router Review: Strong Performance for Big Houses
By Brian Nadel published
Asus's RT-AC86U router may not be the top performer at short range but it more than makes up for that where it counts: at long distances.
A Port-Forwarding Primer
By Brian Nadel published
What port forwarding is, how it can help your home network and how to do it yourself.
I Replaced My Laptop with the Galaxy Note 9, and This Is What Happened
By Brian Nadel published
With Samsung's DeX, all you need to do is plug your Note 9 into a monitor using an HDMI cable to have a portable PC. But can it replace a laptop when you travel?