Technology

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Friday, July 18 (game #768).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #769) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• TACK
• TAP
• RAP
• SNAP
• LEO
• BRAD
• SPIKE
• DON
• NAIL
• WELL
• MIC
• PASS
• SPRING
• RAIN
• PUNT
• PIN

NYT Connections today (game #769) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: Where the stuff of life comes from
• GREEN: Pigskin possibilities
• BLUE: Hold things together
• PURPLE: How an animated animal collective begin

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #769) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER
• GREEN: THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH A FOOTBALL
• BLUE: SHARP FASTENERS
• PURPLE: STARTS OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #769) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #769, are…

• YELLOW: SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER RAIN, SPRING, TAP, WELL
• GREEN: THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH A FOOTBALL PASS, PUNT, SNAP, SPIKE
• BLUE: SHARP FASTENERS BRAD, NAIL, PIN, TACK
• PURPLE: STARTS OF TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES DON, LEO, MIC, RAP

• My rating: Hard
• My score: Fail

I was at a distinct disadvantage today, knowing nothing about football (of the American kind) or Mutant Ninja Turtles, but that wasn’t the reason why I crashed out.

Like many, I am sure, seeing BRAD and LEO beside each other on the board immediately made me think of Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio so I spent ages trying to find a group that was something to do with Once Upon A Time in Hollywood – wasting a mistake on a wild guess.

My next three mistakes came before I’d even got a single group correct. Thinking that I was looking for a group of things you could hammer, I selected NAIL, PIN, TACK and SPIKE.

After getting one away I tried SNAP instead of spike and then, possessed by another ‘one away’, SPRING. Ah well, you can’t win them all. Or hammer them all.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Friday, July 18 game #768)

• YELLOW: SEQUENCE RUN, SERIES, STREAK, STRING
• GREEN: PICK UP ON CATCH, NOTE, SEE, SPOT
• BLUE: YOGA BACKBENDS BRIDGE, COBRA, COW, WHEEL
• PURPLE: ELECTRIC -___ BLANKET, EEL, GUITAR, SLIDE

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Friday, July 18 (game #1271).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1272) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1272) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 3.

Quordle today (game #1272) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1272) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1272) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• E

• C

• T

• S

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1272) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1272, are…

• EARLY
• CLICK
• TRITE
• SPREE

I changed one of my start words today – “would” instead of “could” – and came close to ending my winning streak.

I’m not sure whether the two are connected, but when it came down to my final guess I used the letter C and it resulted in a last-ditch correct guess. 

That’ll teach me to experiment!

Daily Sequence today (game #1272) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1272, are…

• SENSE
• STAND
• BIRTH
• COAST

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1271, Friday, 18 July: CINCH, FOYER, FUDGE, TAFFY
• Quordle #1270, Thursday, 17 July: CRESS, TABOO, POWER, HATER
• Quordle #1269, Wednesday, 16 July: UNCLE, NADIR, REMIT, BROOM
• Quordle #1268, Tuesday, 15 July: VILLA, FLECK, TIGER, CRANE
• Quordle #1267, Monday, 14 July: SURGE, PIZZA, PAPER, POPPY
• Quordle #1266, Sunday, 13 July: KAYAK, DECRY, RUDDY, HATER
• Quordle #1265, Saturday, 12 July: WREAK, NANNY, CLASP, STAIN
• Quordle #1264, Friday, 11 July: LAPEL, DRAIN, FROND, GROSS
• Quordle #1263, Thursday, 10 July: CROSS, WHEEL, UNDID, PENCE
• Quordle #1262, Wednesday, 9 July: SHIRE, SIXTH, SINGE, IMAGE
• Quordle #1261, Tuesday, 8 July: PLIED, PRANK, GAWKY, OXIDE
• Quordle #1260, Monday, 7 July: DROLL, TRUCE, TWIRL, SINCE
• Quordle #1259, Sunday, 6 July: AMPLY, SPAWN, EXTOL, RIDGE
• Quordle #1258, Saturday, 5 July: HAVEN, SNAKE, DREAM, TORUS
• Quordle #1257, Friday, 4 July: FAVOR, SKUNK, GAWKY, FLUFF
• Quordle #1256, Thursday, 3 July: DANCE, EYING, GLAZE, EGRET
• Quordle #1255, Wednesday, 2 July: INANE, SCOUR, ELITE, ULCER
• Quordle #1254, Tuesday, 1 July: REBAR, YEARN, FORTH, CROWD
• Quordle #1253, Monday, 30 June: INGOT, INFER, TAPIR, CLUED

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Friday, July 18 (game #1271).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1272) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1272) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 3.

Quordle today (game #1272) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1272) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1272) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• E

• C

• T

• S

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1272) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1272, are…

• EARLY
• CLICK
• TRITE
• SPREE

I changed one of my start words today – “would” instead of “could” – and came close to ending my winning streak.

I’m not sure whether the two are connected, but when it came down to my final guess I used the letter C and it resulted in a last-ditch correct guess. 

That’ll teach me to experiment!

Daily Sequence today (game #1272) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1272, are…

• SENSE
• STAND
• BIRTH
• COAST

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1271, Friday, 18 July: CINCH, FOYER, FUDGE, TAFFY
• Quordle #1270, Thursday, 17 July: CRESS, TABOO, POWER, HATER
• Quordle #1269, Wednesday, 16 July: UNCLE, NADIR, REMIT, BROOM
• Quordle #1268, Tuesday, 15 July: VILLA, FLECK, TIGER, CRANE
• Quordle #1267, Monday, 14 July: SURGE, PIZZA, PAPER, POPPY
• Quordle #1266, Sunday, 13 July: KAYAK, DECRY, RUDDY, HATER
• Quordle #1265, Saturday, 12 July: WREAK, NANNY, CLASP, STAIN
• Quordle #1264, Friday, 11 July: LAPEL, DRAIN, FROND, GROSS
• Quordle #1263, Thursday, 10 July: CROSS, WHEEL, UNDID, PENCE
• Quordle #1262, Wednesday, 9 July: SHIRE, SIXTH, SINGE, IMAGE
• Quordle #1261, Tuesday, 8 July: PLIED, PRANK, GAWKY, OXIDE
• Quordle #1260, Monday, 7 July: DROLL, TRUCE, TWIRL, SINCE
• Quordle #1259, Sunday, 6 July: AMPLY, SPAWN, EXTOL, RIDGE
• Quordle #1258, Saturday, 5 July: HAVEN, SNAKE, DREAM, TORUS
• Quordle #1257, Friday, 4 July: FAVOR, SKUNK, GAWKY, FLUFF
• Quordle #1256, Thursday, 3 July: DANCE, EYING, GLAZE, EGRET
• Quordle #1255, Wednesday, 2 July: INANE, SCOUR, ELITE, ULCER
• Quordle #1254, Tuesday, 1 July: REBAR, YEARN, FORTH, CROWD
• Quordle #1253, Monday, 30 June: INGOT, INFER, TAPIR, CLUED

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Hulu is gearing up to release its new wave of titles for August, and buried among those are 104 new movies as well as 68 new TV shows.

Now that we're creeping up to August, that means we're getting even closer to the release of the highly anticipated Alien: Earth on August 12 – the first TV show developed for the franchise and one we've been very excited to watch since it was announced back in 2020. It's been a long time coming, but there's still time to get through some of Hulu's other new arrivals before Alien: Earth arrives.

As usual, the first day of Hulu's monthly list will be packed with a slew of new and exciting blockbusters, and there's quite a focus on movies with a comedy touch, starting with action-comedy Kick-Ass (2010), and not forgetting one of my ultimate comfort comedy-dramas The Devil Wears Prada (2006).

Everything new on Hulu in August 2025

Arriving on August 1

Foundation Forward season 1 (TV show)
Kids Diana Show: Greatest Playtime Adventures season 1 (TV show)
Floribama Shore seasons 1-2 (TV show)
Survivor seasons 23-24 (TV show)
Undercover Boss seasons 7 and 11 (TV show)
10 Things I Hate About You (movie)
28 Days (movie)
28 Days En Espanol (movie)
A Simple Favor (movie)
The Beach (movie)
Black Knight (movie)
The Brothers McMullen (movie)
Click (movie)
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Coyote Ugly (movie)
Date Night (movie)
Devil in a Blue Dress (movie)
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The Devil Wears Prada (movie)
The Diary of a Teenage Girl (movie)
The Diary Of A Teenage Girl En Espanol (movie)
Did You Hear About The Morgans? (movie)
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District 9 (movie)
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Equity (movie)
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Evil Dead (movie)
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The Exorcism of Emily Rose (movie)
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Father Of The Bride (movie)
Father Of The Bride Part II (movie)
Forrest Gump (movie)
Forrest Gump En Espanol (movie)
The Full Monty (movie)
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy (movie)
Ice Age (movie)
Ice Age 2: The Meltdown (movie)
Ice Age: Continental Drift (movie)
Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs (movie)
Ice Age: The Great Egg-scapade (movie)
It's Complicated (movie)
Kick-Ass (movie)
Old School (movie)
Old School En Espanol (movie)
One Hour Photo (movie)
The Other Woman (movie)
Night Shift (movie)
Practical Magic (movie)
Pretty Woman (movie)
The Proposal (movie)
Raising Arizona (movie)
Ready Or Not (movie)
Resident Evil: Extinction (movie)
Resident Evil: Extinction En Espanol (movie)
Rio (movie)
Robots (movie)
Scarface (movie)
The Sessions (movie)
Simply Irresistible (movie)
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Super 8 (movie)
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Take Shelter (movie)
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Taken (movie)
Thank You For Smoking (movie)
Thirteen (movie)
Under The Tuscan Sun (movie)
Weekend At Bernie's (movie)
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Alone: The Beast season 1 (TV show)
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Body Cam seasons 8-9 (TV show)
Evil Lives Here season 16 (TV show)
Mary J. Blige's Family Affair (movie)
Vanished in Death Valley (movie)
The Marksman (movie)
Searching for a Serial Killer: The Regina Smith Story (movie)
Terror Comes Knocking: The Marcela Borges Story (movie)
William Tell (movie)

Arriving on August 4

King of the Hill season 14 (TV show)

Arriving on August 5

Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge (TV show)
Bob Trevino Likes It (movie)

Arriving on August 7

Ted Bundy: Dialogue with the Devil (TV show)
Find My Country House season 2 (TV show)
Fixer Upper season 6 (TV show)
The Flip Off season 1 (TV show)
Why the Heck Did I Buy This House? seasons 1-2 (TV show)
Zombie House Flipping season 6 (TV show)
The Monkey (movie)

Arriving on August 8

Ralph Barbosa: Planet Bosa (TV show)
FX's Necaxa (TV show)
Journey to Bethlehem (movie)
Journey to Bethlehem En Espanol (movie)
Shanghai Knights (movie)
Shanghai Noon (movie)

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American Picker season 26 (TV show)
The Challenge seasons 13 and 19 (TV show)
Expedition Unknown seasons 7-8 (TV show)
Moonshiners season 14 (TV show)
Take My Tumor season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on August 10

The Lost City (movie)

Arriving on August 11

Copshop (movie)

Arriving on August 12

FX's Alien: Earth (TV show)
Sharp Corner (movie)

Arriving on August 14

The Dangers in My Heart seasons 1-2 (TV show)
Mysteries Unearthed with Danny Trejo season 1 (TV show)
Road Wars season 4 (TV show)
Hollywood Demons season 1 (TV show)
Little Boy Lost: An ID Mystery season 1 (TV show)
See No Evil season 7 (TV show)
Tales From Oak Island season 1 (TV show)
The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd season 2 (TV show)
Bringing Down The House (movie)
Cheaper By The Dozen (movie)
Like Mike (movie)
Stuck On You (movie)

Arriving on August 15

Blippi's Ultimate Playdate part 2 season 1 (TV show)
Stand Up To Cancer 2025: Livestream (TV show)
YAIBA: Samurai Legend season 1 (TV show)
YAIBA: Samurai Legend (Spanish) season 1 (TV show)
The Host (movie)
It Feeds (movie)
John Wick (movie)
John Wick 2 (movie)
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (movie)
John Wick: Chapter 4 (movie)
Killer Elite (movie)
LOL Live with Devon Walker (TV show)
LOL Live with Sydnee Washington (TV show)

Arriving on August 16

Interrogation Raw season 3 (TV show)
Cold Case Files: Murder in the Bayou season 1 (TV show)
The Curious Case of…: season 1 (TV show)
My Evil Sister season 1 (TV show)
See No Evil seasons 5-6 (TV show)
Waco: Madman or Messiah season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on August 17

Thanksgiving (movie)

Arriving on August 19

Stalking Samantha: 13 Years of Terror (TV show)
High Country season 1 (TV show)
Levels (movie)

Arriving on August 20

The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox (TV show)

Arriving on August 21

Alone season 4 (TV show)
Call of the Night season 1 (TV show)
Farming Life In Another World season 1 (TV show)
Naked and Afraid seasons 9 and 11 (TV show)
Naked and Afraid XL season 4 (TV show)
Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing season 3 (TV show)
Oshi No Ko season 2 (TV show)
The Bayou (movie)
Money Monster (movie)
Money Monster En Espanol (movie)

Arriving on August 22

Eenie Meanie (movie)

Arriving on August 23

Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives seasons 3-4 (TV show)
Expedition Files season 1 (TV show)
Restaurant: Impossible season 2 (TV show)
The Great Food Truck Race season 15 (TV show)
Worst Cooks in America season 28 (TV show)

Arriving on August 24

Total Drama Island: Reloaded season 2 (TV show)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (movie)

Arriving on August 25

Yu-Gi-Oh! Go Rush!! season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on August 26

Ruby Red Handed: Stealing America's Most Famous Pair of Shoes (TV show)
Little Bites (movie)

Arriving on August 27

Love Thy Nader season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on August 28

Bewitched (TV show)
Customer Wars season 3 (TV show)
Storage Wars season 12 (TV show)
Thomas Jefferson season 1 (TV show)
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Hell of a Summer (movie)
Sisu (movie)
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Hulu is gearing up to release its new wave of titles for August, and buried among those are 104 new movies as well as 68 new TV shows.

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Survivor seasons 23-24 (TV show)
Undercover Boss seasons 7 and 11 (TV show)
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28 Days (movie)
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Father Of The Bride (movie)
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Forrest Gump (movie)
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The Full Monty (movie)
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy (movie)
Ice Age (movie)
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Ice Age: Continental Drift (movie)
Ice Age: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs (movie)
Ice Age: The Great Egg-scapade (movie)
It's Complicated (movie)
Kick-Ass (movie)
Old School (movie)
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One Hour Photo (movie)
The Other Woman (movie)
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Practical Magic (movie)
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The Proposal (movie)
Raising Arizona (movie)
Ready Or Not (movie)
Resident Evil: Extinction (movie)
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Rio (movie)
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Scarface (movie)
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Simply Irresistible (movie)
Stay (movie)
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Thank You For Smoking (movie)
Thirteen (movie)
Under The Tuscan Sun (movie)
Weekend At Bernie's (movie)
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Alone: The Beast season 1 (TV show)
Alone: The Skills Challenge season 1 (TV show)
Body Cam seasons 8-9 (TV show)
Evil Lives Here season 16 (TV show)
Mary J. Blige's Family Affair (movie)
Vanished in Death Valley (movie)
The Marksman (movie)
Searching for a Serial Killer: The Regina Smith Story (movie)
Terror Comes Knocking: The Marcela Borges Story (movie)
William Tell (movie)

Arriving on August 4

King of the Hill season 14 (TV show)

Arriving on August 5

Capturing Their Killer: The Girls on the High Bridge (TV show)
Bob Trevino Likes It (movie)

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Ted Bundy: Dialogue with the Devil (TV show)
Find My Country House season 2 (TV show)
Fixer Upper season 6 (TV show)
The Flip Off season 1 (TV show)
Why the Heck Did I Buy This House? seasons 1-2 (TV show)
Zombie House Flipping season 6 (TV show)
The Monkey (movie)

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Ralph Barbosa: Planet Bosa (TV show)
FX's Necaxa (TV show)
Journey to Bethlehem (movie)
Journey to Bethlehem En Espanol (movie)
Shanghai Knights (movie)
Shanghai Noon (movie)

Arriving on August 9

American Picker season 26 (TV show)
The Challenge seasons 13 and 19 (TV show)
Expedition Unknown seasons 7-8 (TV show)
Moonshiners season 14 (TV show)
Take My Tumor season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on August 10

The Lost City (movie)

Arriving on August 11

Copshop (movie)

Arriving on August 12

FX's Alien: Earth (TV show)
Sharp Corner (movie)

Arriving on August 14

The Dangers in My Heart seasons 1-2 (TV show)
Mysteries Unearthed with Danny Trejo season 1 (TV show)
Road Wars season 4 (TV show)
Hollywood Demons season 1 (TV show)
Little Boy Lost: An ID Mystery season 1 (TV show)
See No Evil season 7 (TV show)
Tales From Oak Island season 1 (TV show)
The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd season 2 (TV show)
Bringing Down The House (movie)
Cheaper By The Dozen (movie)
Like Mike (movie)
Stuck On You (movie)

Arriving on August 15

Blippi's Ultimate Playdate part 2 season 1 (TV show)
Stand Up To Cancer 2025: Livestream (TV show)
YAIBA: Samurai Legend season 1 (TV show)
YAIBA: Samurai Legend (Spanish) season 1 (TV show)
The Host (movie)
It Feeds (movie)
John Wick (movie)
John Wick 2 (movie)
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (movie)
John Wick: Chapter 4 (movie)
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LOL Live with Devon Walker (TV show)
LOL Live with Sydnee Washington (TV show)

Arriving on August 16

Interrogation Raw season 3 (TV show)
Cold Case Files: Murder in the Bayou season 1 (TV show)
The Curious Case of…: season 1 (TV show)
My Evil Sister season 1 (TV show)
See No Evil seasons 5-6 (TV show)
Waco: Madman or Messiah season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on August 17

Thanksgiving (movie)

Arriving on August 19

Stalking Samantha: 13 Years of Terror (TV show)
High Country season 1 (TV show)
Levels (movie)

Arriving on August 20

The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox (TV show)

Arriving on August 21

Alone season 4 (TV show)
Call of the Night season 1 (TV show)
Farming Life In Another World season 1 (TV show)
Naked and Afraid seasons 9 and 11 (TV show)
Naked and Afraid XL season 4 (TV show)
Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing season 3 (TV show)
Oshi No Ko season 2 (TV show)
The Bayou (movie)
Money Monster (movie)
Money Monster En Espanol (movie)

Arriving on August 22

Eenie Meanie (movie)

Arriving on August 23

Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives seasons 3-4 (TV show)
Expedition Files season 1 (TV show)
Restaurant: Impossible season 2 (TV show)
The Great Food Truck Race season 15 (TV show)
Worst Cooks in America season 28 (TV show)

Arriving on August 24

Total Drama Island: Reloaded season 2 (TV show)
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (movie)

Arriving on August 25

Yu-Gi-Oh! Go Rush!! season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on August 26

Ruby Red Handed: Stealing America's Most Famous Pair of Shoes (TV show)
Little Bites (movie)

Arriving on August 27

Love Thy Nader season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on August 28

Bewitched (TV show)
Customer Wars season 3 (TV show)
Storage Wars season 12 (TV show)
Thomas Jefferson season 1 (TV show)
Imported (documentary)

Arriving on August 29

Hell of a Summer (movie)
Sisu (movie)
Trail of Vengeance (movie)

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• Netflix's co-CEO Ted Sarandos announced the use of generative AI in an original production for the first time
• The Eternaut, an Argentine sci-fi show, used generative artificial intelligence to create VFX of a building collapsing
• The company says it is "thrilled with the results"

Netflix used AI-generated visual effects for the first time in a TV show or movie this year, and co-CEO Ted Sarandos is pretty pleased with the result.

Speaking to investors on Thursday (July 18), Sarandos revealed Argentinian sci-fi show, The Eternaut, is the first Netflix production to use AI to generate a VFX (visual effects) sequence.

He said: "The creators were thrilled with the result. We were thrilled with the result," he said. "And more importantly, the audience was thrilled with the result. So, I think these tools are helping creators expand the possibilities of storytelling on screen, and that is endlessly exciting."

The scene in question shows a building collapse in Buenos Aires after coming into contact with toxic snowfall, and according to Sarandos, given the budget of the show, the scale of the effects needed to pull off the scene wouldn't have been possible without the use of AI.

In fact, Sarandos even confirmed that using AI was not only a cost-saver, but incredibly efficient too. "That VFX sequence was completed 10 times faster than it could have been completed with visual, traditional VFX tools and workflows," he said.

Considering just how happy Netflix's head honcho and the creators behind The Eternaut are with the results, the Argentinian-made TV series could be the pioneer in AI-generated Netflix effects, opening up opportunities for other productions to follow suit.

Just the beginning

Hollywood's disdain towards AI couldn't be more evident. After all, the technology was a huge point of contention in the Hollywood actors' and writers' strikes that plagued the entertainment industry in 2023.

Now, two years on, we're starting to see AI find its feet in the world of TV and movie production, and despite the negative connotations of the word, it might end up being a good thing for creators working on a smaller budget.

Sarandos said: "This is real people doing real work with better tools. Our creators are already seeing the benefits in production through pre-visualisation and shot planning work, and certainly visual effects. I think these tools are helping creators expand the possibilities of storytelling on screen, and that is endlessly exciting.”

Netflix reported a successful quarter, with over $11 billion in revenue, up nearly 20% compared to the previous year. I might be skeptical, but I'd expect this trial of using AI to generate scenes could spawn into a bigger beast if the profit margins are high enough to ride out any backlash.

Using AI monitored by the creators of a show for a scene is one thing, but at what point does it cross the line? And when it does, will companies like Netflix scale back or go full steam ahead, implementing AI into all the best TV shows and movies?

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• Netflix's co-CEO Ted Sarandos announced the use of generative AI in an original production for the first time
• The Eternaut, an Argentine sci-fi show, used generative artificial intelligence to create VFX of a building collapsing
• The company says it is "thrilled with the results"

Netflix used AI-generated visual effects for the first time in a TV show or movie this year, and co-CEO Ted Sarandos is pretty pleased with the result.

Speaking to investors on Thursday (July 18), Sarandos revealed Argentinian sci-fi show, The Eternaut, is the first Netflix production to use AI to generate a VFX (visual effects) sequence.

He said: "The creators were thrilled with the result. We were thrilled with the result," he said. "And more importantly, the audience was thrilled with the result. So, I think these tools are helping creators expand the possibilities of storytelling on screen, and that is endlessly exciting."

The scene in question shows a building collapse in Buenos Aires after coming into contact with toxic snowfall, and according to Sarandos, given the budget of the show, the scale of the effects needed to pull off the scene wouldn't have been possible without the use of AI.

In fact, Sarandos even confirmed that using AI was not only a cost-saver, but incredibly efficient too. "That VFX sequence was completed 10 times faster than it could have been completed with visual, traditional VFX tools and workflows," he said.

Considering just how happy Netflix's head honcho and the creators behind The Eternaut are with the results, the Argentinian-made TV series could be the pioneer in AI-generated Netflix effects, opening up opportunities for other productions to follow suit.

Just the beginning

Hollywood's disdain towards AI couldn't be more evident. After all, the technology was a huge point of contention in the Hollywood actors' and writers' strikes that plagued the entertainment industry in 2023.

Now, two years on, we're starting to see AI find its feet in the world of TV and movie production, and despite the negative connotations of the word, it might end up being a good thing for creators working on a smaller budget.

Sarandos said: "This is real people doing real work with better tools. Our creators are already seeing the benefits in production through pre-visualisation and shot planning work, and certainly visual effects. I think these tools are helping creators expand the possibilities of storytelling on screen, and that is endlessly exciting.”

Netflix reported a successful quarter, with over $11 billion in revenue, up nearly 20% compared to the previous year. I might be skeptical, but I'd expect this trial of using AI to generate scenes could spawn into a bigger beast if the profit margins are high enough to ride out any backlash.

Using AI monitored by the creators of a show for a scene is one thing, but at what point does it cross the line? And when it does, will companies like Netflix scale back or go full steam ahead, implementing AI into all the best TV shows and movies?

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• Foundation's Jared Harris has reacted to a big decision that Hari Seldon makes
• Season 3 episode 2 is defined by a key change to his and Gaal's relationship
• Harris admits he "wanted to see that relationship move on"

Foundation actor Jared Harris has opened up on the huge yet "satisfying" decision that Hari Seldon makes in season 3's second episode.

Speaking to TechRadar, Harris admitted that the crucial choice that one of his characters makes in Foundation season 3 episode 2, aka 'Shadows in the Math', needed to happen so Hari and Gaal could "move on" from the teacher-student dynamic that's defined them since the Apple TV Original's first-ever entry.

Full spoilers immediately follow for this season's second chapter. Turn back if you haven't watched it yet.

You're looking a bit old now, Hari (Image credit: Apple TV+)

'Shadows in the Math' sees Hari renege on Gaal's plan for the pair to enter and exit cryosleep for a few weeks every year to prepare the Ignis-based Second Foundation's population for The Mule's arrival.

A few years into this plan, the duo realize they're running out of time to provide the Mentalics – humans who possess psychic and telepathic abilities – with the necessary tools to defeat Foundation season 3's primary villain. It's at this point that Hari reveals he'll stop entering cryosleep to accelerate the Mentalics' understanding of psychohistory and ensure they're ready for the battle to come.

However, despite promising to continue waking Gaal annually, Hari leaves her in cryosleep for the next 146 years. When Gaal is finally woken once more, 152 years have passed since Foundation season 2 ended and, while Second Foundation is far more prepared than it would've been to try and stop The Mule, Hari is now a frail, old man.

Before they part ways, Hari shows all of the Prime Radiant's secrets to Gaal (Image credit: Apple TV+)

After a heartfelt reunion, Hari once again makes a promise to Gaal: this time, he'll still be around to see her next day. However, later that night, he's greeted by Kalle, aka the individual who previously resurrected Hari via mysterious means on a planet called Oona's World in Foundation season 2 episode 3. Remember, in Foundation season 1 episode 2, Hari was murdered by his adopted son Raych, which we learn was part of Hari's grand plan later on in the Apple TV+ show's sophomore season.

Long story short, Kalle tells Hari that his race has been run. Somewhat reluctant to depart but also accepting his fate, Hari steps through a portal to Oona's World with Kalle and isn't seen again.

The insinuation, of course, is that Hari has died for a second time. Harris' time on one of the best Apple TV+ shows isn't over, though – indeed, he also plays Doctor Seldon, a digital version of Hari's consciousness that permanently exists in The Vault.

Nevertheless, Harris explained why 'Shadows in the Math' was the right time for Hari to step aside and let Gaal takes the reins, though he stopped short of saying if we'd ever see Hari in future installments.

A post shared by Apple TV (@appletv)

A photo posted by on

"There wasn't a discussion [about Hari seemingly dying again]," Harris told me. "I felt like they [Foundation's writing team] didn't know what to do with Hari and Gaal's relationship and it was becoming a tired, regurgitation of similar things from past seasons.

"Personally, I wanted to see that relationship move on," Harris continued. "One of the changes made to that episode was that it [Hari walking away] was a decision that he and Gaal made together, rather than one he made in secret that would blindside her.

"As a consumer of this show, I also felt more satisfied that Gaal's storyline was no longer defined by her relationship with my character. She's fully inhabiting her story – and this is her story because, from the very beginning, she's the narrator of this show. So, it's important that Hari moves on from this, and Gaal discovers her own agency and isn't held back by anyone else."

Hari and Gaal's relationship... was becoming a tired, regurgitation of similar things from past seasons

Jared Harris, Foundation actor

That's not to say that, if this is the end of the line for Hari Seldon, Harris won't miss portraying this version of the character.

"I found that version [Hari] far more interesting to play because he's human," Harris added. "The other [Doctor Seldon] is this digitized consciousness that allows for some cheats in the storytelling, because he knows everything, so it wasn't interesting to play.

"But, what is interesting about Doctor Seldon, and this is something the writers adjusted after I spoke to them during season two, is that Doctor Seldon discovers his consciousness has been edited. That's a fairly significant thing for him, because he always believed he was writing his own story and knew everything, but he's actually just a pawn in someone else's game. That creates an existential crisis that's been fascinating to explore."

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• 'We're the last to find out': Foundation stars don't know if it'll return for season 4

• Foundation's Jared Harris has reacted to a big decision that Hari Seldon makes
• Season 3 episode 2 is defined by a key change to his and Gaal's relationship
• Harris admits he "wanted to see that relationship move on"

Foundation actor Jared Harris has opened up on the huge yet "satisfying" decision that Hari Seldon makes in season 3's second episode.

Speaking to TechRadar, Harris admitted that the crucial choice that one of his characters makes in Foundation season 3 episode 2, aka 'Shadows in the Math', needed to happen so Hari and Gaal could "move on" from the teacher-student dynamic that's defined them since the Apple TV Original's first-ever entry.

Full spoilers immediately follow for this season's second chapter. Turn back if you haven't watched it yet.

You're looking a bit old now, Hari (Image credit: Apple TV+)

'Shadows in the Math' sees Hari renege on Gaal's plan for the pair to enter and exit cryosleep for a few weeks every year to prepare the Ignis-based Second Foundation's population for The Mule's arrival.

A few years into this plan, the duo realize they're running out of time to provide the Mentalics – humans who possess psychic and telepathic abilities – with the necessary tools to defeat Foundation season 3's primary villain. It's at this point that Hari reveals he'll stop entering cryosleep to accelerate the Mentalics' understanding of psychohistory and ensure they're ready for the battle to come.

However, despite promising to continue waking Gaal annually, Hari leaves her in cryosleep for the next 146 years. When Gaal is finally woken once more, 152 years have passed since Foundation season 2 ended and, while Second Foundation is far more prepared than it would've been to try and stop The Mule, Hari is now a frail, old man.

Before they part ways, Hari shows all of the Prime Radiant's secrets to Gaal (Image credit: Apple TV+)

After a heartfelt reunion, Hari once again makes a promise to Gaal: this time, he'll still be around to see her next day. However, later that night, he's greeted by Kalle, aka the individual who previously resurrected Hari via mysterious means on a planet called Oona's World in Foundation season 2 episode 3. Remember, in Foundation season 1 episode 2, Hari was murdered by his adopted son Raych, which we learn was part of Hari's grand plan later on in the Apple TV+ show's sophomore season.

Long story short, Kalle tells Hari that his race has been run. Somewhat reluctant to depart but also accepting his fate, Hari steps through a portal to Oona's World with Kalle and isn't seen again.

The insinuation, of course, is that Hari has died for a second time. Harris' time on one of the best Apple TV+ shows isn't over, though – indeed, he also plays Doctor Seldon, a digital version of Hari's consciousness that permanently exists in The Vault.

Nevertheless, Harris explained why 'Shadows in the Math' was the right time for Hari to step aside and let Gaal takes the reins, though he stopped short of saying if we'd ever see Hari in future installments.

A post shared by Apple TV (@appletv)

A photo posted by on

"There wasn't a discussion [about Hari seemingly dying again]," Harris told me. "I felt like they [Foundation's writing team] didn't know what to do with Hari and Gaal's relationship and it was becoming a tired, regurgitation of similar things from past seasons.

"Personally, I wanted to see that relationship move on," Harris continued. "One of the changes made to that episode was that it [Hari walking away] was a decision that he and Gaal made together, rather than one he made in secret that would blindside her.

"As a consumer of this show, I also felt more satisfied that Gaal's storyline was no longer defined by her relationship with my character. She's fully inhabiting her story – and this is her story because, from the very beginning, she's the narrator of this show. So, it's important that Hari moves on from this, and Gaal discovers her own agency and isn't held back by anyone else."

Hari and Gaal's relationship... was becoming a tired, regurgitation of similar things from past seasons

Jared Harris, Foundation actor

That's not to say that, if this is the end of the line for Hari Seldon, Harris won't miss portraying this version of the character.

"I found that version [Hari] far more interesting to play because he's human," Harris added. "The other [Doctor Seldon] is this digitized consciousness that allows for some cheats in the storytelling, because he knows everything, so it wasn't interesting to play.

"But, what is interesting about Doctor Seldon, and this is something the writers adjusted after I spoke to them during season two, is that Doctor Seldon discovers his consciousness has been edited. That's a fairly significant thing for him, because he always believed he was writing his own story and knew everything, but he's actually just a pawn in someone else's game. That creates an existential crisis that's been fascinating to explore."

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• Exchange Server and Skype for Business support extended on October 14, 2025
• One final ESU will then be available for just six months
• Customers are being urged to upgrade ASAP to stay safe

Microsoft has confirmed a series of welcome updates which will see older versions of its Exchange Server and Skype for Business retain support for a little longer, to give customers time to continue to migrate to newer options.

Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, and Skype for Business 2015 and 2019, will both lose support on October 14, 2025 – the same day that Windows 10 also loses support – but a new Extended Security Update (ESU) will be offered in its place.

Unlike operating system ESUs, Exchange and Skype will only be available with a one-time, six-month ESU program covering critical and important rated security updates, but it's still a welcome move for those in need of some extra time.

Microsoft offers a six-month ESU on Exchange and Skype

The ESU period will run from October 14, 2025, to April 14, 2026, with no further extensions possible.

Customers can contact Microsoft from August 1 to get pricing and purchase details, as ESUs will not be available via Windows Update or public downloads – just to those who have enrolled in the program.

"This ESU is not an 'extension of the support lifecycle'," Microsoft added. "This ESU is a way for customers who might not be able to finalize their migrations to Exchange SE before October 14, 2025." Redmond made the same comments for Skype in another post.

As such, the company is urging customers to complete migrations to Exchange Subscription Edition (SE) or Skype for Business SE ahead of the end of support.

It's unclear how many users remain on older, soon-to-be-unsupported versions of Exchange of Skype, but if the Windows 11 migration is anything to go by, it could be a lot. It was only in June 2025 that the number of Windows 10 and Windows 11 installations reached near-parity – before then, the number of people running Windows 10 was far higher.

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• Exchange Server and Skype for Business support extended on October 14, 2025
• One final ESU will then be available for just six months
• Customers are being urged to upgrade ASAP to stay safe

Microsoft has confirmed a series of welcome updates which will see older versions of its Exchange Server and Skype for Business retain support for a little longer, to give customers time to continue to migrate to newer options.

Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, and Skype for Business 2015 and 2019, will both lose support on October 14, 2025 – the same day that Windows 10 also loses support – but a new Extended Security Update (ESU) will be offered in its place.

Unlike operating system ESUs, Exchange and Skype will only be available with a one-time, six-month ESU program covering critical and important rated security updates, but it's still a welcome move for those in need of some extra time.

Microsoft offers a six-month ESU on Exchange and Skype

The ESU period will run from October 14, 2025, to April 14, 2026, with no further extensions possible.

Customers can contact Microsoft from August 1 to get pricing and purchase details, as ESUs will not be available via Windows Update or public downloads – just to those who have enrolled in the program.

"This ESU is not an 'extension of the support lifecycle'," Microsoft added. "This ESU is a way for customers who might not be able to finalize their migrations to Exchange SE before October 14, 2025." Redmond made the same comments for Skype in another post.

As such, the company is urging customers to complete migrations to Exchange Subscription Edition (SE) or Skype for Business SE ahead of the end of support.

It's unclear how many users remain on older, soon-to-be-unsupported versions of Exchange of Skype, but if the Windows 11 migration is anything to go by, it could be a lot. It was only in June 2025 that the number of Windows 10 and Windows 11 installations reached near-parity – before then, the number of people running Windows 10 was far higher.

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Ensuring that your network and your computer are safe from cybercriminals is of paramount importance. To do this, the two most often used tools are the best antivirus software and a firewall.

While they work great in combination, both have different roles and functionalities, often leading users to ponder which one is more important or whether both are needed. There are numerous technical definitions for both terms, but in a nutshell, a firewall represents a software and hardware-based system that tracks incoming and outgoing network activity on a machine.

Conversely, an antivirus is a software product that removes threats from our system or recovers it from viruses.

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What is a firewall?

Think of a firewall as a security barrier that stands between your computer (or network) and the wide expanses of the internet. It keeps an eye on all incoming and outgoing traffic, blocks unwanted traffic, as well as malicious attacks.

Average users usually see a firewall in the form of a software program, however, there are hardware-based firewalls, which are more often seen in corporate surroundings and less among average home users.

Firewalls operate on a set of rules that help them determine which packets (traffic) are allowed to pass through and which will be blocked. Here is a quick list of features you should look for in a good firewall:

1. Packet filtering - Traffic is filtered based on IP addresses, protocols, and ports
2. Intrusion prevention system (IPS) - Offers real-time protection
3. Deep packet inspection (DPI) - Each packet is analyzed for potential threats
4. VPN support
5. URL filtering
6. Ease of use
7. Cloud integration
8. Reputation

Firewall: the types of firewall

There are numerous types of firewalls, all used to protect networks. While for most users, a software firewall is usually enough, there are more complex variants that are usually found in enterprises or small businesses that need higher levels of protection.

1. Packet filtering - each packet (in and out) is checked against a predetermined set of rules; if a packet meets the rules, it is allowed to pass through, otherwise it is blocked
2. Stateful - all connections that pass through it are logged
3. Application-level gateway - an intermediary between a client and a server, inspecting traffic based on application-specific rules
4. Hardware - a physical device installed between a network and the internet
5. Software - installed on the user’s machine, the most common form of firewall, used both in the home and business

Firewall: Limitations

Firewalls are not perfect solutions and can only do a few things, so here is a quick list of their limitations:

• Cannot prevent internal attacks
• Cannot identify authorized attacks
• Can slow down a system significantly if not optimized properly
• Cannot defend a system if you download a virus

What is antivirus?

Antivirus is a software solution that focuses on preventing malicious software (malware) from being executed on your PC.

When talking about what an antivirus protects against, you will usually hear these terms: viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. An antivirus usually detects viruses via scans, either real-time ones or ones triggered by the user.

When detected, viruses are either deleted or quarantined. Real-time protection ensures that threats are quarantined before they can do any real damage.

Here is a quick list of features you should look for in a good antivirus:

1. Strong threat detection validated by independent testing labs
2. Real-time protection
3. Performance - doesn’t slow down your PC and has minimal effect on your laptop battery duration
4. Constant updates
5. Ease of use
6. Reputation
7. Packaged features - newer variants come packaged with a VPN, password managers, etc.

Antivirus: Types of antivirus

Similar to firewalls, there are different types of antivirus’ as well. While most users just one an antivirus installed on their PC to stay protected, it is important to distinguish which types are out there, to be able to choose the best one for your needs.

1. Malware signature - the antivirus compares patterns in programs that match those in malware; if found, programs are flagged and quarantined
2. Heuristic - monitors unusual behavior in apps, and if noticed, the apps are scanned for malware
3. Monitoring - the system is monitored for malware, any change in file size, or unusual file creation triggers the removal of potentially infected files
4. Machine learning (ML) - a newer type of antivirus, using AI to learn patterns used by malware and virus programs

Antivirus: Limitation

Like firewalls, antivirus solutions are not perfect, no matter how reputable or advertised it is. Here is a quick list of its limitations:

• Antivirus cannot be run on read-only files
• Supports only the Common Interface File System (CIFS)
• No new virus or malware will be spotted unless updated
• Files that are being read and written simultaneously cannot be protected by an antivirus software

Note that cybercriminals are constantly developing new malware and viruses.

Cybersecurity experts are trying to keep up, so there are times when new viruses are causing havoc and no new virus definitions are available, so you need to rely on common sense and other methods of staying safe.

Antivirus vs firewall: how do they differ?

Firewall

Antivirus

Can be implemented as both a software and hardware solution

Implemented as a software-only solution

Firewall deals with external threats

Antivirus deals with external and internal threats

Firewalls allow for counterattacks (IP spoofing, routing attacks, etc.)

There are no counterattacks via an antivirus (not counting virus removal)

Firewalls monitor and filter

Antivirus scans files and software

Firewalls check incoming packets for threats

Antivirus checks threats from software and executables

Firewalls, in theory, protect you from any type of threat

Antivirus protects you from viruses

A firewall's source code is more complex compared to an antivirus

An antivirus's source code is more complex compared to a firewall's

In essence, the differences between the two focus on three main areas:

• Focus - antivirus focuses on internal threats (virus, malware); firewall focuses on external threats through traffic management
• Location - an antivirus is installed locally on a PC; a firewall can be installed on a PC or at the network level
• Method - an antivirus scans for malicious code; a firewall creates a barrier to block access

Firewall vs antivirus: Similarities

While there are differences between the two, due to constant evolution of both of these tools, they’re increasingly becoming similar since companies now bundle their antivirus solutions with a firewall, VPN, password manager, etc. Here is a quick list of the similarities between the two:

• Goal - both have the goal of protecting you from threats, filtering malicious agents, and protecting data
• Adaptation - firewalls can be adapted via the help of rules, while antiviruses can be customized with the help of lists, alerts, and scheduled activity
• Cloud native - with the recent evolution of both tools, we can safely say that both are equally cloud native
• Integral - they work well together, and both are considered essential tools for a proper cybersecurity strategy

Example: Windows Defender Antivirus

A larger portion of users are on Windows machines, and by default, they get a firewall and virus protection included in their OS called Windows Defender Antivirus (WDA). Since it's “free” and comes included, they may rightfully ask if WDA is enough to stay protected in 2025. If you’re a more advanced user who can spot phishing sites and emails easily, then we would say, yes, WDA is more than enough for your needs.

Independent antivirus testing laboratories gave WDA the highest grades across all of their tests that focus on protection, performance, and usability. The tests used over 11,000 malware files, and WDA flagged each one correctly, and overall did not throw out any false positives. European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research (EICAR) also tested WDA and gave it a 2 out of 3, failing it in the area of phishing protection.

(Image credit: Future / Sead Fadilpašić)

WDA also comes with a built-in firewall, which is among the better options that you have on Windows machines. From the Firewall & network protection page, you can perform simple actions pertaining to your built-in firewall, but you can also access the advanced firewall configuration settings.

It comes well-adjusted out of the box, and in conjunction with the SmartScreen filter, it will prevent you from venturing too far into the dangerous waters of the internet. If you understand exploit prevention technologies that are abbreviated under CFG, DEP, and ASLR, you can configure them under the advanced settings; if you don’t know what these mean, then we would recommend leaving everything at default and not touching anything.

Finally, WDA comes with parental controls, and if you pay for a Microsoft 365 subscription, you get access to additional security features from Microsoft. It’s by no means perfect, but for the average user, it offers a great starting point.

Firewall vs antivirus: Do I need both?

The answer to this question will, first of all, depend on the machine you’re using. If you’re on a Mac, the answer would be no; if you’re running a Linux machine, the answer is a bit more complicated. Finally, if you’re on Windows, then the answer is probably yes.

As you can see from the short overview of WDA, even Microsoft thinks you need both, as it comes built into the Windows OS itself.

We would recommend getting a robust antivirus solution to complement WDA’s firewall component, as for most users, the firewall from Microsoft is good enough to keep most, if not all, threats at bay.

If you’re considering what to get for a small or medium-sized business, then a recommendation would go more towards a bundled solution from one of the premium providers in the market. Such bundled solutions usually come with both antivirus and firewall, but also add a VPN, a password manager, and much more.

Firewall vs antivirus: Best practices

Considering that most users could fall under the umbrella term of “average users”, fine-tuning your firewall and antivirus settings can help you stay protected in more challenging situations. Here is a quick list of what you should do to keep your system running smoothly.

Firewall best practices:

• Default settings - if you’re relying on WDA, leave everything at default; it's a great starting point
• Update - regularly update your system
• Sift through the logs - watch for any suspicious activity
• Advanced settings - block specific traffic (advertising, malicious links, etc.), but be cautious since adding your own rules can break features

Antivirus best practices:

• Update - keep your antivirus software updated at all times, new threats are emerging by the hour, so never turn off automatic updates for your antivirus
• Regular scans - run or schedule regular scans to ensure no malware is residing on your system
• Be mindful - watch your actions, check links, and don’t open suspicious emails

To all of these, we would also add that you should use strong passwords that will be unique for all of your accounts. Education about safe computing practices and potential threats is always welcome, and if you’re worried or using your home PC for gig work, a hybrid approach of software and hardware firewalls should be considered to stay on the safe side.

Firewall vs antivirus: Conclusion

Whether a firewall or an antivirus is right for you is typically no longer a decision that needs to be pondered, mostly because they have distinct roles.

Firewalls act as barriers, shielding networks from external threats. They check data, enforce rules, and prevent access. On the other hand, an antivirus detects and removes malicious content from a system. It is worth also noting that firewalls have now evolved to a stage (next generation firewalls) where they often have antivirus functionalities. Though this does not mean that it replaces dedicated antivirus functionality.

Ideally, you would use both for a layered approach, but the notion of choosing between the two is becoming less plausible due to the complementary nature of security architecture and modern offerings targeting the security niche.

So, which is right for you? Both would be the answer, since they serve different functions.

If you’re on a Windows machine, you can save some money by using WDA and layering a free or paid antivirus that fits your budget and needs.

For a more comprehensive approach, layering a hardware firewall and a bundled antivirus premium offering would ensure you stay safe while performing almost any activity on your computer.

Ensuring that your network and your computer are safe from cybercriminals is of paramount importance. To do this, the two most often used tools are the best antivirus software and a firewall.

While they work great in combination, both have different roles and functionalities, often leading users to ponder which one is more important or whether both are needed. There are numerous technical definitions for both terms, but in a nutshell, a firewall represents a software and hardware-based system that tracks incoming and outgoing network activity on a machine.

Conversely, an antivirus is a software product that removes threats from our system or recovers it from viruses.

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What is a firewall?

Think of a firewall as a security barrier that stands between your computer (or network) and the wide expanses of the internet. It keeps an eye on all incoming and outgoing traffic, blocks unwanted traffic, as well as malicious attacks.

Average users usually see a firewall in the form of a software program, however, there are hardware-based firewalls, which are more often seen in corporate surroundings and less among average home users.

Firewalls operate on a set of rules that help them determine which packets (traffic) are allowed to pass through and which will be blocked. Here is a quick list of features you should look for in a good firewall:

1. Packet filtering - Traffic is filtered based on IP addresses, protocols, and ports
2. Intrusion prevention system (IPS) - Offers real-time protection
3. Deep packet inspection (DPI) - Each packet is analyzed for potential threats
4. VPN support
5. URL filtering
6. Ease of use
7. Cloud integration
8. Reputation

Firewall: the types of firewall

There are numerous types of firewalls, all used to protect networks. While for most users, a software firewall is usually enough, there are more complex variants that are usually found in enterprises or small businesses that need higher levels of protection.

1. Packet filtering - each packet (in and out) is checked against a predetermined set of rules; if a packet meets the rules, it is allowed to pass through, otherwise it is blocked
2. Stateful - all connections that pass through it are logged
3. Application-level gateway - an intermediary between a client and a server, inspecting traffic based on application-specific rules
4. Hardware - a physical device installed between a network and the internet
5. Software - installed on the user’s machine, the most common form of firewall, used both in the home and business

Firewall: Limitations

Firewalls are not perfect solutions and can only do a few things, so here is a quick list of their limitations:

• Cannot prevent internal attacks
• Cannot identify authorized attacks
• Can slow down a system significantly if not optimized properly
• Cannot defend a system if you download a virus

What is antivirus?

Antivirus is a software solution that focuses on preventing malicious software (malware) from being executed on your PC.

When talking about what an antivirus protects against, you will usually hear these terms: viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. An antivirus usually detects viruses via scans, either real-time ones or ones triggered by the user.

When detected, viruses are either deleted or quarantined. Real-time protection ensures that threats are quarantined before they can do any real damage.

Here is a quick list of features you should look for in a good antivirus:

1. Strong threat detection validated by independent testing labs
2. Real-time protection
3. Performance - doesn’t slow down your PC and has minimal effect on your laptop battery duration
4. Constant updates
5. Ease of use
6. Reputation
7. Packaged features - newer variants come packaged with a VPN, password managers, etc.

Antivirus: Types of antivirus

Similar to firewalls, there are different types of antivirus’ as well. While most users just one an antivirus installed on their PC to stay protected, it is important to distinguish which types are out there, to be able to choose the best one for your needs.

1. Malware signature - the antivirus compares patterns in programs that match those in malware; if found, programs are flagged and quarantined
2. Heuristic - monitors unusual behavior in apps, and if noticed, the apps are scanned for malware
3. Monitoring - the system is monitored for malware, any change in file size, or unusual file creation triggers the removal of potentially infected files
4. Machine learning (ML) - a newer type of antivirus, using AI to learn patterns used by malware and virus programs

Antivirus: Limitation

Like firewalls, antivirus solutions are not perfect, no matter how reputable or advertised it is. Here is a quick list of its limitations:

• Antivirus cannot be run on read-only files
• Supports only the Common Interface File System (CIFS)
• No new virus or malware will be spotted unless updated
• Files that are being read and written simultaneously cannot be protected by an antivirus software

Note that cybercriminals are constantly developing new malware and viruses.

Cybersecurity experts are trying to keep up, so there are times when new viruses are causing havoc and no new virus definitions are available, so you need to rely on common sense and other methods of staying safe.

Antivirus vs firewall: how do they differ?

Firewall

Antivirus

Can be implemented as both a software and hardware solution

Implemented as a software-only solution

Firewall deals with external threats

Antivirus deals with external and internal threats

Firewalls allow for counterattacks (IP spoofing, routing attacks, etc.)

There are no counterattacks via an antivirus (not counting virus removal)

Firewalls monitor and filter

Antivirus scans files and software

Firewalls check incoming packets for threats

Antivirus checks threats from software and executables

Firewalls, in theory, protect you from any type of threat

Antivirus protects you from viruses

A firewall's source code is more complex compared to an antivirus

An antivirus's source code is more complex compared to a firewall's

In essence, the differences between the two focus on three main areas:

• Focus - antivirus focuses on internal threats (virus, malware); firewall focuses on external threats through traffic management
• Location - an antivirus is installed locally on a PC; a firewall can be installed on a PC or at the network level
• Method - an antivirus scans for malicious code; a firewall creates a barrier to block access

Firewall vs antivirus: Similarities

While there are differences between the two, due to constant evolution of both of these tools, they’re increasingly becoming similar since companies now bundle their antivirus solutions with a firewall, VPN, password manager, etc. Here is a quick list of the similarities between the two:

• Goal - both have the goal of protecting you from threats, filtering malicious agents, and protecting data
• Adaptation - firewalls can be adapted via the help of rules, while antiviruses can be customized with the help of lists, alerts, and scheduled activity
• Cloud native - with the recent evolution of both tools, we can safely say that both are equally cloud native
• Integral - they work well together, and both are considered essential tools for a proper cybersecurity strategy

Example: Windows Defender Antivirus

A larger portion of users are on Windows machines, and by default, they get a firewall and virus protection included in their OS called Windows Defender Antivirus (WDA). Since it's “free” and comes included, they may rightfully ask if WDA is enough to stay protected in 2025. If you’re a more advanced user who can spot phishing sites and emails easily, then we would say, yes, WDA is more than enough for your needs.

Independent antivirus testing laboratories gave WDA the highest grades across all of their tests that focus on protection, performance, and usability. The tests used over 11,000 malware files, and WDA flagged each one correctly, and overall did not throw out any false positives. European Institute for Computer Antivirus Research (EICAR) also tested WDA and gave it a 2 out of 3, failing it in the area of phishing protection.

(Image credit: Future / Sead Fadilpašić)

WDA also comes with a built-in firewall, which is among the better options that you have on Windows machines. From the Firewall & network protection page, you can perform simple actions pertaining to your built-in firewall, but you can also access the advanced firewall configuration settings.

It comes well-adjusted out of the box, and in conjunction with the SmartScreen filter, it will prevent you from venturing too far into the dangerous waters of the internet. If you understand exploit prevention technologies that are abbreviated under CFG, DEP, and ASLR, you can configure them under the advanced settings; if you don’t know what these mean, then we would recommend leaving everything at default and not touching anything.

Finally, WDA comes with parental controls, and if you pay for a Microsoft 365 subscription, you get access to additional security features from Microsoft. It’s by no means perfect, but for the average user, it offers a great starting point.

Firewall vs antivirus: Do I need both?

The answer to this question will, first of all, depend on the machine you’re using. If you’re on a Mac, the answer would be no; if you’re running a Linux machine, the answer is a bit more complicated. Finally, if you’re on Windows, then the answer is probably yes.

As you can see from the short overview of WDA, even Microsoft thinks you need both, as it comes built into the Windows OS itself.

We would recommend getting a robust antivirus solution to complement WDA’s firewall component, as for most users, the firewall from Microsoft is good enough to keep most, if not all, threats at bay.

If you’re considering what to get for a small or medium-sized business, then a recommendation would go more towards a bundled solution from one of the premium providers in the market. Such bundled solutions usually come with both antivirus and firewall, but also add a VPN, a password manager, and much more.

Firewall vs antivirus: Best practices

Considering that most users could fall under the umbrella term of “average users”, fine-tuning your firewall and antivirus settings can help you stay protected in more challenging situations. Here is a quick list of what you should do to keep your system running smoothly.

Firewall best practices:

• Default settings - if you’re relying on WDA, leave everything at default; it's a great starting point
• Update - regularly update your system
• Sift through the logs - watch for any suspicious activity
• Advanced settings - block specific traffic (advertising, malicious links, etc.), but be cautious since adding your own rules can break features

Antivirus best practices:

• Update - keep your antivirus software updated at all times, new threats are emerging by the hour, so never turn off automatic updates for your antivirus
• Regular scans - run or schedule regular scans to ensure no malware is residing on your system
• Be mindful - watch your actions, check links, and don’t open suspicious emails

To all of these, we would also add that you should use strong passwords that will be unique for all of your accounts. Education about safe computing practices and potential threats is always welcome, and if you’re worried or using your home PC for gig work, a hybrid approach of software and hardware firewalls should be considered to stay on the safe side.

Firewall vs antivirus: Conclusion

Whether a firewall or an antivirus is right for you is typically no longer a decision that needs to be pondered, mostly because they have distinct roles.

Firewalls act as barriers, shielding networks from external threats. They check data, enforce rules, and prevent access. On the other hand, an antivirus detects and removes malicious content from a system. It is worth also noting that firewalls have now evolved to a stage (next generation firewalls) where they often have antivirus functionalities. Though this does not mean that it replaces dedicated antivirus functionality.

Ideally, you would use both for a layered approach, but the notion of choosing between the two is becoming less plausible due to the complementary nature of security architecture and modern offerings targeting the security niche.

So, which is right for you? Both would be the answer, since they serve different functions.

If you’re on a Windows machine, you can save some money by using WDA and layering a free or paid antivirus that fits your budget and needs.

For a more comprehensive approach, layering a hardware firewall and a bundled antivirus premium offering would ensure you stay safe while performing almost any activity on your computer.

Plugging the new glasses into Viture's mobile dock has given me a super-vivid, bright mobile display. But you may want to wait for the Beast.

It’s difficult to be shocked by entertainment news anymore, but waking up to Stephen Colbert’s announcement that his late night talk show was being canceled had me unable to go back to sleep in the middle of the night. The Paramount and CBS show has been on the air for 33 years, and while CBS has cited “financial reasons” for the decision, the internet is convinced there are alleged political undertones that might have fuelled the final fire.

Speculation aside, what we know for certain is that we’re about to lose one of the greatest TV shows of all time, due to be drawn to a close in May 2026. As more and more networks and streaming services are being impacted by production costs, AI and a general lack of profit, the cancelation is another sorry reminder that the industry feels like it’s on a downward spiral it can’t properly control.

But does it all have to be bad news? The more I had time to think about it, the more I remembered what Netflix said in the last few weeks about its plans to expand unscripted content. If The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is leaving a gap in the talk show market that audiences don’t want it to, the time is perfect for Netflix to fill up the space it already wants to.

Could Netflix take the ultimate unscripted inspiration The Late Show with Stephen Colbert?

Stephen Colbert on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. (Image credit: CBS)

In my mind, there’s two moves Netflix could potentially make in the aftermath of the cancelation news. The first is the likeliest scenario: the streamer creates its own ‘rival’ show that exists on a permanently weekly basis. It’s already experimented with Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney, though it was pre-recorded on a 12-week order. Reviews were generally favourable, and the TV show supposedly had a two-season order before its debut, so surely the best way to upscale what you’ve already started is to go the whole hog with a weekly live late show.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, we know this is exactly the direction Netflix wants to head in. An increase in celebrity interviews seems likely, while a pilot with The Daily Beast is reportedly being developed, leaning into “buzzy, non-political” events rather than fully-fledged news programming. It’s probable that a Netflix late night talk show would shy away from the political content that network shows typically branch out into, and that’s got equal chance of being a help or a hindrance.

The second move Netflix could make is to offer Colbert a brand-new show of his own on the platform. It’s a slum dunk choice in many respects, with audience demand and sympathy for Colbert now sky high. Netflix would quite literally be the hero of the hour, generating positive PR, natural intrigue and potentially a few new subscribers for good measure. The traditional structure for a TV talk show could also be ditched, meaning something much more creative could open us up to new ways of being entertained. Who doesn’t want that?

No decisions have been made as of yet, but if Netflix makes any announcements about their unscripted plans in the not-too distant future, I won’t be surprised. Late night talk shows are in desperate need of a comeback (or at the very least, a refresh), and Colbert could now be an unexpected vehicle for change.

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It’s difficult to be shocked by entertainment news anymore, but waking up to Stephen Colbert’s announcement that his late night talk show was being canceled had me unable to go back to sleep in the middle of the night. The Paramount and CBS show has been on the air for 33 years, and while CBS has cited “financial reasons” for the decision, the internet is convinced there are alleged political undertones that might have fuelled the final fire.

Speculation aside, what we know for certain is that we’re about to lose one of the greatest TV shows of all time, due to be drawn to a close in May 2026. As more and more networks and streaming services are being impacted by production costs, AI and a general lack of profit, the cancelation is another sorry reminder that the industry feels like it’s on a downward spiral it can’t properly control.

But does it all have to be bad news? The more I had time to think about it, the more I remembered what Netflix said in the last few weeks about its plans to expand unscripted content. If The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is leaving a gap in the talk show market that audiences don’t want it to, the time is perfect for Netflix to fill up the space it already wants to.

Could Netflix take the ultimate unscripted inspiration The Late Show with Stephen Colbert?

Stephen Colbert on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. (Image credit: CBS)

In my mind, there’s two moves Netflix could potentially make in the aftermath of the cancelation news. The first is the likeliest scenario: the streamer creates its own ‘rival’ show that exists on a permanently weekly basis. It’s already experimented with Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney, though it was pre-recorded on a 12-week order. Reviews were generally favourable, and the TV show supposedly had a two-season order before its debut, so surely the best way to upscale what you’ve already started is to go the whole hog with a weekly live late show.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, we know this is exactly the direction Netflix wants to head in. An increase in celebrity interviews seems likely, while a pilot with The Daily Beast is reportedly being developed, leaning into “buzzy, non-political” events rather than fully-fledged news programming. It’s probable that a Netflix late night talk show would shy away from the political content that network shows typically branch out into, and that’s got equal chance of being a help or a hindrance.

The second move Netflix could make is to offer Colbert a brand-new show of his own on the platform. It’s a slum dunk choice in many respects, with audience demand and sympathy for Colbert now sky high. Netflix would quite literally be the hero of the hour, generating positive PR, natural intrigue and potentially a few new subscribers for good measure. The traditional structure for a TV talk show could also be ditched, meaning something much more creative could open us up to new ways of being entertained. Who doesn’t want that?

No decisions have been made as of yet, but if Netflix makes any announcements about their unscripted plans in the not-too distant future, I won’t be surprised. Late night talk shows are in desperate need of a comeback (or at the very least, a refresh), and Colbert could now be an unexpected vehicle for change.

You might also like

• Netflix confirms Assassin's Creed live-action TV show is in the works, and I'm praying it doesn't silently kill the popular video game series
• Stranger Things season 5: everything we know so far about the hit Netflix show's final entry
• Squid Game: The Challenge season 3 is a win for Netflix, but one unhinged game from the K-drama can’t be replicated

Though the industry is trending upward when it comes to game prices, these titles break the mold.

Review: Samsung's latest book-style foldable balances form and function by giving the cameras a boost and stretching the displays. The compromises are minimal, but that $2,000 price tag certainly isn't.