Hungary fans fought with police in the opening minutes of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against England at Wembley. Some of their supporters, totalling almost 1,000, booed as England players took the knee before kick-off. A Metropolitan Police statement said: "Officers entered the stand to arrest a spectator for a racially aggravated public order offence in relation to comments directed towards a steward. "As officers made the arrest, minor disorder broke out." The game ended 1-1 with John Stones levelling for England after Roland Sallai's penalty for Hungary. The Football Association said it would investigate and report the incident to Fifa. England boss Gareth Southgate was unaware of the severity of the incidents at the time. "I'm only hearing this as I'm doing the interviews," he told BBC Radio 5 Live after the game. "I was aware of a disturbance. It sounds like it was not acceptable but I haven't seen the detail." Hungary fans - many in the black T-shirts of the country's ultras - clashed with stewards soon after the game started and police arrived, hitting supporters with batons. Many then climbed over a barrier in response and hit security personnel - with police driven back into the concourse. There was trouble too when the sides met in Budapest with Hungary ordered to play two matches behind closed doors by Fifa following the racism English players experienced. John Murray, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, said: "There are about 1,000 Hungary fans in that section. There was black netting over the seats either side to keep it isolated from England supporters. "We were told before that they were all Hungary fans based in the UK who have taken the tickets. As soon as the match began there were really disturbing scenes. "There were people in hi-vis jackets and fighting going on in the stands. There were punches being thrown. It was quite aggressive. "Lot of the supporters involved were wearing black. There was trouble for most of the first half an hour or so and then things seemed to settle down." A smoke bomb was also released after Sallai's penalty gave Hungary a 24th-minute lead. Fewer than 1,000 tickets were sold to Hungary fans for this game, the reverse fixture of last month's meeting at Puskas Arena. Racist abuse was aimed at England players in that qualifier while Southgate's side were also pelted with objects in the second half and a flare was thrown on the pitch by Hungarian fans. Fifa opened disciplinary proceedings after England's 4-0 win. Despite Uefa ordering Hungary to play three home games behind closed doors after their supporters' discriminatory behaviour at Euro 2020, fans were allowed in for the World Cup tie as it came under Fifa's jurisdiction. Football's world governing body then ordered Hungary to play two matches behind closed doors - one suspended for two years - and fined the Hungarian Football Federation £158,400. There was also trouble at Wembley when England lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final on 11 July. England fans fought with stewards and police as they attempted to break through gates before the match. Afterwards, riot police could be seen breaking through crowds outside the stadium as people departed. Beer bottles were thrown amid chants against Italy and the Met Police said there had been 45 arrests at the final, with 19 officers injured "while they confronted volatile crowds". Uefa opened disciplinary proceedings against the FA over the events.

Brooklyn Nets say point guard Kyrie Irving will not play for the team until he is eligible to become "a full participant" under New York City Covid-19 vaccine rules. Irving is unvaccinated but regulations state all athletes who play or practice in the city have to be vaccinated. The 29-year-old can play in away games but Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks has ruled that out as an option. "We respect his individual right to choose," Marks said. "Currently the choice restricts his ability to be a full-time member of the team, and we will not permit any member of our team to participate with part-time availability." Marks added: "Given the evolving nature of the situation and after thorough deliberation, we have decided Kyrie Irving will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant." Irving is a seven-time All-Star who played in 54 regular-season games for the Nets last season. The NBA said recently that any player who chooses not to comply with local vaccination mandates will not be paid for the games they miss.

Despite opposition from Phil Mickelson, organisers of professional and elite amateur golf competitions are to be given the right to limit the length of golf clubs from next year. Any club, other than a putter, can be a maximum 48 inches in length, but this would be limited to 46 inches if organisations such as the PGA and European Tours use the option of a new "model local rule" being introduced by the R&A and United States Golf Association. Mickelson, 51, used a driver that was listed as 47.9 inches long when he won the US PGA Championship at Kiawah Island in May. He branded the proposed rule change as "pathetic" in a tweet two months ago. Another American star, Bryson DeChambeau, shelved plans to experiment with using a longer shaft on his driver in a bid to generate more length with his tee shots. The move is part of the R&A and USGA's "distance insights" project aimed at limiting the distances golf balls travel in the modern game. At the recent Ryder Cup, DeChambeau smashed a drive 417 yards to leave a 72-yard second shot at the par-five fifth hole at Whistling Straits. The 2020 US Open champion, 28, then finished seventh at the Professional Long Drivers Championship in Las Vegas. He has used a 45.5-inch driver on tour but used a 48-inch version at the long driving competition. Listen: The Sports Desk - Does golf need to rein in the big hitters? How DeChambeau bulked up to 'challenge the norm' It will be up to the main tours and organisers of leading amateur events to choose whether to introduce the new regulation. "We believe this is the right thing for the game at this time," said R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers. "It will provide tournament organisers with the flexibility to choose for themselves within the framework of the rules." The change was initially considered in 2016, two years after research began into the impact that clubs longer than 48 inches had on distance. "Word is USGA is soon rolling back driver length to 46 inches," Mickelson tweeted in August. "This is pathetic. First it promotes a shorter more violent swing [injury prone], doesn't allow for length of arc to create speed, and during our first golf boom in 40 years, our amateur [governing] body keeps trying to make it less fun." The six-time major winner later added: "What data was there to say the driver length should be capped at 48 inches? What data suggests it should go to 46 inches? We're addressing the wrong problem and we're misreading the data yet again." DeChambeau flattered and welcomes proposed rule changes R&A proposals set to restrict DeChambeau's quest to hit ball further Announcing the rule change, Slumbers said: "We have taken time to consult fully with the golf industry, including players, the main professional tours and equipment manufacturers, and have considered their feedback carefully. "We are working hard to maintain an open, collaborative and considered dialogue with these key stakeholders as we continue to evolve the equipment standards rules to ensure they reflect the modern game." Mike Whan, chief executive officer of the USGA, said: "Admittedly, this is not the 'answer' to the overall distance debate/issue but rather a simple option for competitive events. "It's important to note that it is not a 'Rule of Golf,' and as such, it is not mandated for the average, recreational golfer. Rather, this is an available tool for those running competitive events."

Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford have changed how black footballers are viewed, says Ian Wright. England forwards Rashford and Sterling received MBEs for services to children and equality respectively. Wright praised them but added that they can't fight the racism battle alone. "It's people like Marcus Rashford, he changed the course of how people write about black players, and Raheem Sterling - that's power," said the former Arsenal and England striker. "They're not only magnificent footballers, they've got social conscience and they've got massive platforms where when they say something, people listen, and that's what happens nowadays," he told the Press Association. "And what you see is everybody comes together when this happens now and this is how things change. Things are moving, not as quickly as they should be, but they are moving. "Things only change when white people get involved. If it was down to black people, we would still be (constantly) being racially abused. We can't change it alone." Manchester United's Rashford has campaigned to end child food poverty in the UK, with his work for the provision of free school meals in England during holidays and other support to low-income families prompting major changes in government policy. Manchester City's Sterling has spoken about the racial abuse he has had to face, on and off the pitch, and campaigned for racial equality. Match of the Day pundit Wright, 57, wants to see greater black representation but points out the impact of "white allies", and cited Rangers boss Steven Gerrard and Burnley captain Ben Mee, who have both spoken out on racism. "We still need black people to get into certain offices high up to make change - and that's still not happening because if it was we wouldn't be going through certain things that we're going through now," Wright continued. "But at the same time, people like Steven Gerrard and Ben Mee and white allies who speak up and speak up passionately about the wrongs of racism and inequality is how things change, how things move. "That's how people change what they feel, that's how you make them think, their conscience." As part of Black History Month, Wright has produced a short film with son and former Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, 39, and grandson D'Margio, 20, who plays for Stoke City, celebrating three generations of footballing excellence. "To have three generations playing football is amazing, I'm very proud of that, I'm very proud of them," Wright added. "(But) one of the things I think about all the time is the racism side of it. Three generations, are we all going to have it?"

James Gunn says Dave Bautista defended a stand-in at the filming wrap party for Guardians of the Galaxy. The writer and director's vision of the MCU's Guardians of the Galaxy films brought the obscure team to the forefront of the MCU. Bautista starred alongside Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Vin Diesel, and Gunn's brother Sean in the original film and its sequel. The film propelled the cast to stardom and solidified the galactic arm of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Former wrestler Bautista stars as Drax the Destroyer in Gunn's popular MCU series, while the director's younger brother Sean Gunn has a comparatively smaller role, portraying the well-intentioned Ravager Kraglin Obfonteri. The next installment of the franchise, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, is expected to begin principal photography soon after Gunn's time away from the MCU, working on The Suicide Squad and its upcoming spin-off TV series Peacemaker. Once filming is finished, most productions throw a wrap party to celebrate, inviting all the cast and crew to party hard after completing principal photography. While a wrap party is still a ways off for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3, Gunn recently remembered an incident at the first film's party. Related: The Suicide Squad Actors Could Appear In GotG 3, Says James Gunn On Twitter, Gunn described how the wrap party for the first film turned violent after a crew member's unacceptable behavior. According to Gunn, the offending crew member became physical with Sean Gunn, and upon seeing this, Bautista reacted and sent the crew member flying "ACROSS THE ROOM!" In a subsequent tweet, Gunn added more detail, recalling how the crew member instigated the incident by picking up a stand-in inappropriately and aggressively, with Sean Gunn stepping in to protect her. Read James Gunn's full description of the events below: Gunn's description of the wrap party certainly makes for shocking reading. While some won't be surprised to hear an account of inappropriate and sexist behavior during the production of a high-profile Hollywood film, Disney's MCU properties have largely managed to avoid this type of negative press. Unlike some recent DCEU films, the cast and production team of MCU films most often describe filming and production as mostly or entirely positive. Gunn's comments, therefore, raise some awkward questions for Disney, asking whether these types of incidents occur less frequently on MCU productions or if Disney is just more adept at making sure they aren't talked about when they do happen. What's also unclear is whether or not the event has had any deserved repercussions on the career of the crew member in question. While the incident described by Gunn should have never occurred in the first place, it's positive to hear of big-name cast members stepping in to unequivocally call out inappropriate behavior and defend other members of the filming team. The intervention shouldn't have been necessary, and the crew member should have been able to manage their own behavior, whether in the presence of two of the Guardians of the Galaxy or not.

Spider-Man: No Way Home star, Zendaya has revealed that she once went to see Andrew Garfield's The Amazing Spider-Man on a first date. The Emmy winner has had a busy year so far after voicing Lola Bunny in the Space Jam sequel and starring alongside John David Washington in Malcolm and Marie, and it looks set to continue as she will appear in Denis Villeneuve's upcoming adaptation of Dune when it hits theatres in a few weeks. The star is also set to reprise her role as MJ in Spider-Man: No Way Home later this year, alongside a slew of exciting additions to the cast, including Alfred Molina who will return to his role from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2 as Doc Ock. Zendaya stars alongside Tom Holland's Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the latest iteration of the classic web-slinging hero. Audiences have certainly become well-acquainted with the story of Peter Parker over the years, with Holland's Parker being the third live-action adaption of the character, following in the footsteps of Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, who both previously starred on the big screen as the superhero. Garfield appeared as Peter Parker in both The Amazing Spider-Man 1 & 2, released in 2012 and 2014 respectively, alongside Emma Stone as Gwen Stacey and Sally Field as Aunt May. RELATED: What Does Venom’s Future Mean For Tom Holland’s Spider-Man? Now, Zendaya has revealed that she actually went to see The Amazing Spider-Man on a first date when she was younger. Speaking to InStyle, the star was asked if she ever thought she would be a part of the Spider-Man franchise, to which she responded "definitely not." The star then divulged that she saw the Andrew Garfield movie in theatres, on a date when she was 16 years old. Check out Zendaya's full quote below. No, definitely not. I had no idea that was coming. I actually went to see Spider-Man on my first date when I was 16. The version with Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. While Zendaya didn't share what she thought of the movie, there is often a lot of debate surrounding which of the three iterations takes the top spot when it comes to telling the story of Spider-Man, and Garfield's two films often rank considerably lower than both Maguire and Holland's appearances. Garfield himself even recently revealed that he thinks Holland is the perfect Peter Parker and that he prefers to see the films from a fan perspective, rather than donning the iconic suit. Zendaya had a considerably larger role within Spider-Man: Far From Home than she did in Spider-Man: Homecoming and fans are certainly hoping to see even more of MJ in this upcoming release. With rumors swirling of a possible appearance from Garfield's Parker in Spider-Man: No Way Home, this potential crossover could be a true full-circle moment for the star. Whether Zendaya and Garfield cross paths in the MCU remains to be seen, but all will be revealed when Spider-Man: No Way Home releases later this year.

No Time To Die's stunt coordinator reveals the torrid conditions the crew had to endure during the filming of the opening action sequence in the film. The 25th entry in the Bond franchise went through several delays initially due to Danny Boyle's departure from the director's chair in 2018 and subsequent delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the film was finally released in cinema halls worldwide and in U.S. theaters on October 8th with positive reviews including a certified fresh Rotten Tomatoes score of 84%. Daniel Craig returns for his swan song as the charismatic 007 agent, James Bond, and he is joined by recurring actors Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Jeffrey Wright, Naomie Harris, Lea Seydoux and Christoph Waltz. The film, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga (True Detective, Maniac), also features newcomers to the franchise. Lashana Lynch, Ana De Armas and Rami Malek, who plays Bond's nemesis Lyutsifer Safin. The plot revolves around Bond, who is forced to come out of retirement from his retreat in Jamaica to help an old friend find a kidnapped scientist, which leads Bond on yet another fateful mission. RELATED:Every Location In No Time To Die Explained No Time To Die stunt coordinator, Lee Morrison, recently sat down with Variety to discuss the difficulty in shooting the stunts for the film, particularly the jaw-dropping motorcycle sequence that takes place in the early scenes of the film at Matera, Italy. The scene in question shows Craig's Bond rushing back to Madeleine Swann (Seydoux), who is at the hotel, after members from the evil organization Spectre try to kill him. The sequence involves him driving a motorcycle on the cobblestone streets of the small Italian town, and he eventually leads the bike up a steep platform on the side of a building and jumps over a wall onto a crowded street. Morrison mentioned that the roads were "the worst I’ve ever shot on," labelling the surface as "ancient." He also discussed how they found a workaround to the rough conditions, which can be read below: "It was Daniel driving for a certain amount of sequence but the surface in Matera, Italy is the worst I’ve ever shot on. The stone is ancient so we thought it would be bad to shoot in winter, so we shot there during the summer. I put road burners on the road, but we found it to be really dry and the surface was worst. The polished sandstone was treacherous and slippery. We also had to get permission to shoot on the footpaths and stairs so we could ride at high speed." Morrison, who was also Craig's stunt double in some of the previous Bond films, stated that the motorcycle jump scene "took three days to shoot," and cited the impact of wind and rain on the surface as massive factors while filming the stunt. He worked very closely with Fukunaga and Craig on creating the set piece and stressed the importance of making the scene "story-driven" and not just "do action for the sake of action." It is worth noting that the scene is also reminiscent of another thrilling motorcycle sequence from The Bourne Ultimatum (which Morrison also worked on), where Matt Damon's Jason Bourne rides a bike under similar conditions through and across the narrow streets of Tangier in Morocco, so it's quite clear where Morrison got his inspiration from. Practical adrenaline-fueled stunts have become a staple of the Bond franchise in the post-Pierce Brosnan era, and having worked in the stunt department on all four of Daniel Craig's previous 007 films right from 2006's Casino Royale to No Time To Die, Morrison has established himself as one of the best in the business when it comes to designing stunts. The fact that he has constantly worked on the iconic film series for each of the last five Bond entries is a testament to his love for the craft and his level of expertise. Audiences can finally treat themselves to some of the brilliantly choreographed stunts in Craig's well-deserved sendoff now that No Time To Die is out in theaters.

Scream 4 star, Marley Shelton, recalled her first interaction with Wes Craven, discussing the spooky experience she had in a call with the director. Shelton starred in the 2011 sequel in the long-running slasher horror series, which Craven directed. Shelton played Deputy Judy Hicks, who works under original film survivor Dwight "Dewey" Riley, portrayed by David Arquette and had then become the sheriff of the town of Woodsboro. Shelton joined the franchise in Scream 4 as Judy Hicks, a young deputy in Woodsboro who idolized Dewey following the events of previous films, Judy is drawn into the events of the film when a new wave of Ghostface Killer-esque murders begin in Woodsboro on the 15th anniversary of the original massacre. Judy joins Dewey, Sidney (Neve Campbell), and Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) to track down the new culprit and put an end to the terror. Shelton will return in 2022's Scream, as seen in recently released trailers for the fifth installment, but has also opened up about her first days as part of the series. RELATED:Scream 2022 Trailer Breakdown: 21 Story Reveals & Easter Eggs When speaking to Bloody Disgusting about her return to the franchise, Shelton recalled the first interaction she ever had with Craven. Shelton stated she was a fan of the franchise and was humbled to be working on the film. She remembered that the first day she joined the project, she was jet-lagged following a flight from Europe. Shelton received a call saying "Hello, Marley," with the voice sounding ghostly to her and scaring her, with Shelton then comparing the call to Ghostface's in the film series. Ultimately, it was Craven just checking up on her, and Shelton praised Craven as cool and brilliant, with an interesting philosophy on horror. Check out Shelton's full response below: "I was such a huge fan of his going into it that I was just incredibly humbled and excited to get to work with him. I remember the first day I got there, I had been traveling from Europe, and I was jet-lagged. I was in the hotel room, it was dark, and I got this phone call. I answered my phone, and the voice was, ‘Hello, Marley.’ It honestly sounded like a ghost. It was Wes Craven calling just to check in and see how I was doing. But it sounded like Ghostface to me, and I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh. I have Ghostface on the line.’ It just felt so real. Like life imitating art. Anyway. He was the coolest. He’s so brilliant and personable. He has such a philosophy about the value of horror films. Psychologically, for audiences, he really believes that they’re a cathartic healthy thing for our psyche. It was just awesome to participate in his vision, of course. I was a huge fan of the Scream franchise, so I just felt honored.” Craven stated that Scream's 5 installments would happen following Scream 4's release, with the director committed to direct the fifth and sixth installment depending on the fourth film's performance. The project remained in production hell for many years following the release of Scream 4 due to multiple issues, starting with the fourth film underperforming by The Weinstein Company's expectations. Despite executives pushing for a sequel, the project remained in limbo for many years, with screenwriter Kevin Williamson leaving the project, The Weinstein Company closing in the wake of revelations regarding Harvey Weinstein, and the unfortunate passing of Craven in 2015. The franchise would be revived by Spyglass Media Group, with Williamson serving as an executive producer, and Campbell, Cox, Arquette, and Shelton returning to reprise their roles for 2022's Scream. Shelton's story is a good example of both what made Scream a unique film at the time, and why Craven is a beloved figure in horror history. With the film celebrating its 25th anniversary, Scream has become widely beloved for its satirical takes on the at-the-time long-overplayed and cliched slasher genre, bringing new life into the genre with smart characters aware of the conventions audiences had come to expect, who would comment on many moments of the film. It is a series built on fan appreciation for the genre by one of its pioneers, so Shelton's story of going from a fan to starring in Scream 4 and working alongside Craven feels like a fitting behind-the-scenes story of a dream come true.

Eternals star Kumail Nanjiani recently explained why he is jealous of his character in the upcoming MCU film. Nanjiani, known for his roles in Silicon Valley and The Big Sick (2017), was brought onto Marvel’s Eternals by director Chloé Zhao in December 2019. As a result of being brought into a massive project like a Marvel film, where it is difficult to find a leading man without a set of washboard abs, Nanjiani made the personal decision to transform himself to fit the part of a 7,000-year-old protector of Earth. With the legacy of other Marvel transformations of comedic actors such as Chris Pratt, Nanjiani bulked up to fit the role, and as a result, initial reactions to Nanjiani’s drastic shift from relatable nerd to superhuman was well-received. His new appearance even garnered love from Hugh Jackman of X-Men after Nanjiani recreated a photoshoot as Wolverine. Yet, the popular opinion shifted, and criticism about Nanjiani’s transformation suggested he may have gotten too muscular for the role. RELATED:Eternal’ Origin Changes Open The Door For MCU Greek Gods In an interview with Vulture, Nanjiani reflects on his fitness journey and how the lifestyle he’s adapted to has changed how he views himself, particularly in comparison to his character, Kingo. As an insecure teenager, he found his confidence in making people laugh, but still felt he fell short when it came to his appearance. When he accepted the Eternals role, he saw the chance to get the ideal body he always wanted, and in doing so, would become the person he always wanted to be. However, in achieving the physical goal of becoming Kingo, he realized that what is admirable about Kingo are intangible characteristics like confidence, self-assurance, joy, and being free of body-image issues rather than only his physique. Read Nanjiani’s comment below: “Kingo really is a better version of me. He doesn’t have the inner saboteur, which literally just makes me jealous of a character I play. Weird feeling.” In the upcoming film, Nanjiani’s character Kingo is a Bollywood star which offers a strange meta moment between the actor and the character. Nanjiani realizes the potential impact of his choices on others and is open and honest about his journey while offering advice to those who find his journey inspirational. He states that Kingo is aspirational because he seems to have both a good body and a good mind, something that is harder to develop and maintain in a world dominated by constant criticism. Nanjiani’s frank discussion about his public transformation and private struggles with insecurities reinforces the long-held notion that nobody is perfect. There is often a twisted desire that celebrities are above self-doubt or insecurity, and that they do not feel the criticism about them that is published daily. The reality, though, is that they may be dealing with the same vulnerabilities as many of their audiences. Even in becoming a superhero, Nanjiani still struggles with issues he assumed would disappear with the right body. Despite the criticism, the Eternals star has continued to keep his fitness regimen and pursue what makes him feel good in his own body.

Nicole Holofcener, co-writer and producer of The Last Duel, discusses the film's feminist perspective and how she tackled the story's controversial subject matter. The film, directed by Ridley Scott and based on a 2004 book of the same name, tells the story of the last judicially recognized duel ever fought in France. The duel comes about after Marguerite (Jodie Comer) alleges that, while her husband Jean (Matt Damon) was away, Jacques (Adam Driver) raped her. The film explores each of the three main characters' unique points of view on the allegation that precipitated the titular "last duel" with the promise that, should Marguerite's husband lose the duel, she will be burned alive for spreading misinformation. Holofcener is best known for her writing and directing work on smaller films, including Enough Said, Friends With Money, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, and Please Give. Outside of film, Holofcener is also experienced in TV directing, having directed episodes of Orange Is The New Black, Inside Amy Schumer, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Parks and Recreation. The screenplay for The Last Duel was co-written by Ben Affleck, who also stars in the film, and Damon. RELATED:Every Upcoming Adam Driver Movie In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Holofcener addresses the initial backlash to the announcement of The Last Duel and explains that, although the film was always written with a feminist perspective in mind, the production went to great lengths to ensure the heavy subject matter was dealt with appropriately. After the controversy started, the production worked with #MeToo groups and the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media to iron out some of the film's "tricky parts." Ultimately, Holofcener says, the film is about Marguerite and her struggles. Read Holofcener's full comment below: "It’s a really sensitive time. I think people didn’t know the angle we were going to be coming from with this movie—that it actually is a very feminist movie. We immediately engaged some #MeToo groups and Geena Davis’s group to advise us, to listen to us. We listened to them; they saw screenings; they pointed out some tricky parts. We addressed them. We really wanted to get it right. We don’t want controversy. We just want people to watch this wonderful movie and be moved by it and be excited by it. It’s a huge sword-fight movie, but it does have, in the end, a really important story about this woman that we wanted to tell." While some of the film's marketing may focus more on the medieval warfare aspects of the story, Holofcener's comments clarify that Marguerite's unique perspective and the allegations she makes are at the center of The Last Duel. Since the film deals with sensitive subject matter, engaging with #MeToo groups and the Geena Davis Institute seems like the right move. The Geena Davis Institute, a non-profit research organization, has completed several significant studies that analyze how women are portrayed in movies and TV, down to how many lines of dialogue and how much screen time they have compared to their male counterparts, with the ultimate goal of creating equal representation for women in media. Early reviews for The Last Duel have been mostly positive thus far, suggesting the film's feminist perspective and the work that went into ensuring that weighty issues like rape and systemic misogyny are dealt with appropriately have paid off. While some audiences criticize films for heavy-handed messaging or overt social commentary taking precedence over pure entertainment, perhaps The Last Duel is proof that the two values are not mutually exclusive. The film has not yet been officially released and has thus not been exposed to the general movie-going public. Still, it will be interesting to see where The Last Duel falls in Ridley Scott's legendary filmography and whether or not audiences will respond to the film's unique feminist perspective.

Nicole Holofcener, co-writer and producer of The Last Duel, discusses the film's feminist perspective and how she tackled the story's controversial subject matter. The film, directed by Ridley Scott and based on a 2004 book of the same name, tells the story of the last judicially recognized duel ever fought in France. The duel comes about after Marguerite (Jodie Comer) alleges that, while her husband Jean (Matt Damon) was away, Jacques (Adam Driver) raped her. The film explores each of the three main characters' unique points of view on the allegation that precipitated the titular "last duel" with the promise that, should Marguerite's husband lose the duel, she will be burned alive for spreading misinformation. Holofcener is best known for her writing and directing work on smaller films, including Enough Said, Friends With Money, Can You Ever Forgive Me?, and Please Give. Outside of film, Holofcener is also experienced in TV directing, having directed episodes of Orange Is The New Black, Inside Amy Schumer, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Parks and Recreation. The screenplay for The Last Duel was co-written by Ben Affleck, who also stars in the film, and Damon. RELATED:Every Upcoming Adam Driver Movie In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Holofcener addresses the initial backlash to the announcement of The Last Duel and explains that, although the film was always written with a feminist perspective in mind, the production went to great lengths to ensure the heavy subject matter was dealt with appropriately. After the controversy started, the production worked with #MeToo groups and the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media to iron out some of the film's "tricky parts." Ultimately, Holofcener says, the film is about Marguerite and her struggles. Read Holofcener's full comment below: "It’s a really sensitive time. I think people didn’t know the angle we were going to be coming from with this movie—that it actually is a very feminist movie. We immediately engaged some #MeToo groups and Geena Davis’s group to advise us, to listen to us. We listened to them; they saw screenings; they pointed out some tricky parts. We addressed them. We really wanted to get it right. We don’t want controversy. We just want people to watch this wonderful movie and be moved by it and be excited by it. It’s a huge sword-fight movie, but it does have, in the end, a really important story about this woman that we wanted to tell." While some of the film's marketing may focus more on the medieval warfare aspects of the story, Holofcener's comments clarify that Marguerite's unique perspective and the allegations she makes are at the center of The Last Duel. Since the film deals with sensitive subject matter, engaging with #MeToo groups and the Geena Davis Institute seems like the right move. The Geena Davis Institute, a non-profit research organization, has completed several significant studies that analyze how women are portrayed in movies and TV, down to how many lines of dialogue and how much screen time they have compared to their male counterparts, with the ultimate goal of creating equal representation for women in media. Early reviews for The Last Duel have been mostly positive thus far, suggesting the film's feminist perspective and the work that went into ensuring that weighty issues like rape and systemic misogyny are dealt with appropriately have paid off. While some audiences criticize films for heavy-handed messaging or overt social commentary taking precedence over pure entertainment, perhaps The Last Duel is proof that the two values are not mutually exclusive. The film has not yet been officially released and has thus not been exposed to the general movie-going public. Still, it will be interesting to see where The Last Duel falls in Ridley Scott's legendary filmography and whether or not audiences will respond to the film's unique feminist perspective.

Scream star Matthew Lillard believes that horror icon Wes Craven was miserable making the Scream sequels. Lillard appeared in the first film in the series as Stu, one of the movie’s two Ghostface killers, alongside Skeet Ulrich’s Billy Loomis. The Scream series is set to return to cinemas when the fifth installment hits theaters in January. Scream redefined the horror genre when it debuted back in 1996. The Scream franchise’s original film played a major role not only in launching careers of actors like Neve Campbell and Matthew Lillard, but it also helped revitalize Wes Craven’s career and the slasher genre as a whole. A near-perfect dissection of slasher tropes, Scream’s success saw the release of three sequels, all of which pushed the franchise in new directions and provided commentary on the horror genre and Hollywood as a whole. Craven served as one of the guiding creative forces behind the series until his death in 2015, and the franchise will soon transfer to the hands of Ready or Not co-directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett for 2022’s Scream. RELATED:Every Horror Movie Still To Come In 2021 Looking back on his time working with Wes Craven, Matthew Lillard thinks the director felt increasingly hamstrung by the pressure associated with the sequels. In a recent interview with Bloody Disgusting, the actor noted that Craven seemed the most at-ease while working on Scream due to the lack of pressure against the film and that each passing sequel brought new challenges to add more iconography to the genre. Lillard said: I think that [Craven] loved [Scream]. I believe that he enjoyed that. There was no pressure on that movie to be something special. It ended up being something iconic, but at the moment, there wasn’t the pressure. I think the other three movies, certainly four now, must’ve felt [pressure] during the production, which is interesting. Right? I mean, he went from sort of this carefree moment to, by the end, I think he was miserable. I don’t think it was a secret. He was really miserable by the time he did four, in terms of the pressure to produce an iconic film. At the time of Scream’s release, Wes Craven had arguably entered a somewhat fallow period in his career. Twelve years removed from the creation of Freddy Krueger and almost twenty years from the debut of The Hills Have Eyes, Craven arguably had far fewer expectations on him while making Scream than any other time in his career. Matthew Lillard appeared as Stu in Scream, but also had uncredited cameo roles in Scream 2 and Scream 3, and clearly seems to think that the pressure of the Scream sequels impacted Craven. For all of the pressure that Wes Craven may or may not have felt during his time working on the Scream franchise, it’s worth remembering that he was largely successful in his endeavors. Though many fans do agree that the quality of the Scream films varies from movie to movie, the franchise has generally maintained a level of consistency not often seen in long-running horror franchises. That means Scream remains, pound for pound, one of the strongest and most consistent slasher franchises — with much of that success rooted in Wes Craven’s continued stewardship of the series and commitment to subversion. Now, with the 2022 iteration of Scream on the way, it’s a matter of waiting to see if the franchise can keep that trend alive.

X-Men comics writer Chris Claremont opens up about changes he would make to X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix to fix the poorly received films. The sixth mainline installment in Fox's X-Men franchise acted as a sequel to 2014's X-Men: Days of Future Past, in which the worlds of the prequel and present day films were bridged together. The 2016 film would return the story to the past in 1983 as the ancient mutant En Sabah Nur, better known as Apocalypse, would accidentally be revived and enact plans to wipe out modern civilization. Dark Phoenix would serve as a follow-up to X-Men: Apocalypse, with Sophie Turner's Jean Grey fully transforming into the titular being after it was first hinted at in the 2016 film. Hitting theaters in 2019, Dark Phoenix would serve as the seventh and final mainline installment in the X-Men franchise following the Disney-Fox merger as well as the worst-received entry. It would also become the second-lowest grossing installment behind the pandemic-era-released The New Mutants, only bringing in $252 million against a $200 million budget and losing the studio an estimated $133 million, effectively killing all sequel plans. RELATED: Every Marvel Movie That Isn't Part Of The MCU While attending this year's New York Comic-Con (via AIPT Comics), Claremont opened up about his ideas for changing X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix to fix the films. The writer stated he would start by going back to X-Men: Days of Future Past to introduce Jean and Scott's daughter Rachel Summers, who would be portrayed by Sophie Turner, and would subsequently keep Apocalypse set in the present day with Patrick Stewart continuing the role of Charles Xavier and James McAvoy instead appearing as Charles' mental image. Famke Janssen's Jean would have nightmares of the Phoenix after having seen Logan's mind from the future in Days of Future Past, though the Phoenix flames would instead possess Rachel, leading to Apocalypse setting his sights on possessing Rachel's body. Rachel would unleash the power of the Phoenix to destroy Apocalypse, though without any proper control it would also consume a star off in the galaxy, killing millions of beings, as happened in Claremont's iconic comic story. Dark Phoenix would see Rachel traumatized and under Jean's training, though wouldn't have much time to recover as the alien Shi'ar race would arrive seeking revenge for those killed in X-Men: Apocalypse. This would all culminate in a drastic event known as the Winchester Incident, a mysterious tragedy alluded to in Logan in which Xavier's debilitating health resulted in the death of hundreds, including the X-Men. Claremont's ideas for how to fix the final X-Men mainline installments would have put the franchise back on a comics-accurate path as well as a more linear one audiences could follow easier. Setting the films in the present day rather than the past would have allowed for fewer plot holes than those created by the final products, namely the drastic age differences between the actors in Dark Phoenix and those of the original X-Men set just a decade later. Claremont's path would also offer a better path of character development for Phoenix and a subversion of expectations for comic book fans by focusing on Rachel rather than Jean. The only flaw some fans will see in Claremont's more linear plan for X-Men: Apocalypse and Dark Phoenix is the ripple effect it would cause for other films in the franchise. Though it appears as if Logan would still eventually come to be in the franchise, Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool films would not be able to get away with the confusing timeline jokes in the same vein as they were, given the film largely existed outside any crystal clear one. With the X-Men property now in the hands of Marvel Studios, only time will tell if or how the Disney-owned studio elects to tackle Claremont's iconic storyline or address Fox's timelines as a third Deadpool film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is in the works with Reynolds returning.

The Many Saints of Newark's final shot was added much later during reshoots, according to the film's cinematographer, Kramer Morgenthau. Written by the original series creator David Chase and helmed by frequent director Alan Taylor, The Sopranos prequel film was released in theaters and on HBO Max on the first of the month. Though it underperformed at the box office, which is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Many Saints of Newark was huge streaming success that also resulted in a record-breaking spike in viewership for the series that inspired it. Set decades before The Sopranos, Many Saints follows a young Tony Soprano (Michael Gandolfini) and his mobster mentor, Dickie Moltisanti (Alessandro Nivola). The prequel film also brings back Livia (Vera Farmiga), Johnny Boy (Jon Bernthal), Junior (Corey Stoll), Paulie (Billy Magnussen), and Silvio (John Magaro), all characters who were introduced in The Sopranos and now played by younger actors. Frequent mob movie star, Ray Liotta, turns heads in a dual role as Hollywood Dick and Sally Moltisanti, along with Leslie Odom Jr. as Harold McBrayer, the film's primary antagonist. RELATED:Many Saints Of Newark: Dickie's Uncle Sal Isn't Real - Theory Explained Now, in an exclusive from SlashFilm, cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau reveals that The Many Saints of Newark's final shot was actually added much later during reshoots. Morgenthau explains that the final scene was originally shot on location at a real funeral home, but then almost a year later, they decided to add the pinky swear, which was then filmed on a sound stage against a green screen. Read Morgenthau's explanation below: It was added almost a year later. Due to global pandemics and things like that, it was much, much later. The conversations about the mood and the lighting were established already in the first shoot, so we're rebuilding it for the reshoot. And it's a funeral home and it had a very Gordon Willis Godfather-y minimalist single source vibe. Once Alan saw what I was doing, that was end of conversation. It was build an atmosphere where it's a mob funeral in New Jersey in 1967. Go press that button and build that, come on. Make it happen. It was just instinctual, and it was a location, a real funeral home that we shot at originally. And then, the pinky rebuild was against green screen on a sound stage. Since Dickie's murder was mentioned numerous times throughout The Sopranos, it wasn't surprising that fans got to see it unfold in Many Saints, though the manner in which it happened certainly was. The film's final scene takes place at his funeral ,and as Tony is viewing his body, he imagines Dickie raising his hand up for one last pinky swear, a callback to an earlier moment which takes on greater significance as his place in the DiMeo crime family is solidified. It would be difficult to know this final shot was filmed entirely in front of a green screen just by looking at it, a testament to Taylor, Morgenthau, and the VFX team's work. It would also be difficult to imagine the ending if the pinky swear wasn't added later on, as it acts as a brilliant bookend to The Many Saints of Newark. Furthermore, it also leaves the door open for a Many Saints sequel if Chase decides to go that route, though he is very protective of The Sopranos property.

You’re not allowed to use easy-to-remember passwords like your birthday or your dog’s name. You’re not allowed to use short, simple passwords. Even if you memorize a tough, warty password like $6k9iwb3&IBwxMpa, you’re not allowed to use it for more than one website. Frustrated yet? Save your sanity—engage the services of a password manager. With the help of such a utility, creating and memorizing a different strong password for every website is a snap. Proper, full-scale password managers work on all your devices, be they desktops, laptops, smartphones, or tablets. They generate unguessable passwords like hoIlH&H#@GxKDNcT, remember them for you, and automatically use those saved passwords to log in to your secure sites. But there's a problem. Almost every password manager relies on a master password to lock up all those saved passwords. The master password must be totally uncrackable, because anyone with access to it can unlock all your secure sites. But it also must be totally memorable, not like the gibberish that comes from a random password generator. If you forget the master password, nobody can help you. On the plus side, this also means a dishonest employee can't break into your password store, and the NSA can't force the company to turn over your data. Let's assume you've done everything right, security-wise. You've installed an antivirus or security suite. A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, wraps your network traffic in protective encryption. And you've enlisted a password manager to deal with your plethora of passwords. You’re still stuck with remembering one insanely secure master password to lock down that password manager. Here are some tips on selecting a password that's both memorable and unguessable. Our Top Password Manager Picks Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault Review 4.5 Outstanding Check Price Dashlane Review 4.0 Excellent Check Price LastPass Review 4.0 Excellent Check Price SEE ALL (4 ITEMS) Make It Poetic Everybody has a favorite poem or song that they'll never forget. It might be from Shakespeare, or Pussy Riot, or the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band. Whatever the stanza or verse, you can turn it into a password. Here's how. Start by writing down the first letter of each syllable, using capital letters for stressed syllables and keeping any punctuation. Let's try this line from Romeo and Juliet: "But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?" From that, you'd get bS,wLtYdWdB? You could add A2S2 for Act 2, Scene 2, if that's something you'll never forget. Or 1597 for the year of publication. If the passage doesn't have a strong meter, you can just take the first letter of each word, using the existing punctuation and capitalization. Starting with the quote "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. - Oscar Wilde", you could come up with By;eeiat.-OW. Adding a memorable number rounds out the password, perhaps 1854 (his birthdate) or 1900 (his death). Your poetic password will be completely different from these examples, of course. You'll start with your own meaningful song or quotation and convert it to a unique password that nobody else could guess. Use a Passphrase Password pundits always advise including all four types of characters: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, digits, and symbols. The reasoning is that by expanding the pool of characters, you vastly expand the time required to crack the password. But sheer length also serves to make cracking harder, and one way to achieve a long, memorable password is to use a passphrase. Snarky, smart webcomic XKCD took aim at wacky password schemes that suggest starting with a common word, replacing some of the letters with similar-looking numbers, and tacking on a few extra characters. That can leave you wondering. Was it Tr0ub4dor&3, or Tr0ub4dor3&? Or maybe Tr0m30ne&3? A passphrase like correct horse battery staple is significantly more difficult to crack, due to its length, but also much easier to remember. Not all password managers permit spaces in the master password. No problem! Just pick a character like the hyphen or equals sign to separate the words. Pro tip—don’t use a character that requires pressing the shift key. Pick words that don't naturally go together, then invent a mnemonic story or image to link them. What would you picture for "roar-blonde-bargain-versions?" 0 seconds of 3 minutes, 17 secondsVolume 0% 00:00 03:17 If you have trouble coming up with unrelated words for your passphrase, there are many online passphrase generators, including the aptly named CorrectHorseBatteryStaple.net. You may quite reasonably worry about using a passphrase generated by someone else's algorithm. In that case, you could generate multiple passphrases and clip out a word from each. Longer Passwords Are Better Passwords Long-time PC maven Steve Gibson suggests that the secret to long, strong passwords is padding. If an attacker can't crack your password using a dictionary attack or other simple means, the only recourse is a brute-force scan of all possible passwords. And every added character makes that attack massively more difficult. Gibson's website offers a Search Space Calculator that analyzes any password you enter based on the character types used and the length. The calculator delivers an estimate of how long a brute-force attack would take to crack a given password. It's not a password strength meter, but rather a cracking-time meter, and it's instructive to see how the cracking time goes up when you lengthen the password. 0 seconds of 3 minutes, 29 secondsVolume 0% 00:00 03:29 I don't try to watch people enter their passwords, but I've noticed quite a few that, based on hand motions, appear to end in three exclamation points. That's not the padding I'd suggest. First, it requires the shift key. Second, it's too predictable. I wouldn't be surprised if password cracking toolkits already included "!!!" in their dictionaries. Instead, pick two close-at-hand keys and alternate, adding something like vcvcvcvc. Or choose three characters, like lkjlkjlkjlkj. Gibson's calculator says that it would take over 45 years for a "massive cracking array" to crack bS,wLtYdWdB? (the Romeo and Juliet password from my earlier example). Adding vcvcvcvc raises that to more than a quadrillion centuries. Long, Strong, and Memorable Once you've invested in a password manager and converted all your logins to use strong, unique passwords, the only password you’re still stuck with remembering is the one that opens the password manager itself. That master password unlocks everything else, so you really need to spend some time coming up with a master that you can remember easily, but that would be impossible for someone else to guess, or crack. Work up a password based on a poem, song, or famous quote. Or create a passphrase, linking unrelated words with a memorable image or story. Then add some easy-to-type padding. You'll wind up with a master password that's both memorable and uncrackable.

The 2014 Heartbleed bug exposed millions of internet logins to scammers thanks to one itty-bitty piece of code, and our security nightmares have only gotten worse in the years since. What's the average internet user to do? Well, you should definitely change your passwords regularly. They’re a pretty laughable method of authentication and can be scooped up pretty easily by a variety of methods. What you really need is a second way to verify yourself. That's why many internet services, a number of which have felt the pinch of being hacked or breached, offer two-factor authentication. It's sometimes called 2FA, or used interchangeably with the terms "two-step" and "verification" depending on the marketing. As PCMag's lead security analyst Neil J. Rubenking puts it, "there are three generally recognized factors for authentication: something you know (such as a password), something you have (such as a hardware token or cell phone), and something you are (such as your fingerprint). Two-factor means the system is using two of these options." Biometric scanners for fingerprints and retinas or faces are on the upswing thanks to innovations such as Apple's Face ID and Windows Hello. But in most cases, the extra authentication is simply a numeric code; a few digits sent to your phone, which can only be used once. You can get that code via text message or a specialized smartphone app called an "authenticator." Once linked to your accounts, the app displays a constantly rotating set of codes to utilize whenever needed—it doesn't even require an internet connection. There are several including some from big names like Microsoft and Google with aps for both major mobile platforms. Those two are pretty basic. Others such as Twilio Authy, Duo Mobile, and LastPass Authenticator all do the same thing, essentially, some with password management and other features. Conversely, the majority of popular password managers (like LastPass) all offer 2FA authentication by default. For more details, read The Best Authenticator Apps for 2021. The codes provided by authenticator apps sync across your accounts, so you can scan a QR code on a phone and get your six-digit access code on your browser, if supported. Be aware that setting up 2FA can actually break access within some older services. In such cases, you must rely on app passwords—a password you generate on the main website to use with a specific app (such as Xbox Live). You'll see app passwords as an option with Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Yahoo, Evernote, and others—all of which either are used as third-party logins or have functions you can access from within other services. The need for app passwords is, thankfully, dwindling with the passage of time. Remember this as you panic over how hard this all sounds: being secure isn't easy. The bad guys count on you being lax in protecting yourself. Implementing 2FA will mean it takes a little longer to log in each time on a new device, but it's worth it in the long run to avoid serious theft, be it of your identity, data, or money. The following is not an exhaustive list of services with 2FA ability, but we cover the major services everyone tends to use, and walk you through the setup. Activate 2FA on all of these and you'll be more secure than ever. Amazon Two-Step Verification Amazon added 2FA support late in 2015 and it's pretty important to turn on, as Amazon has its fingers in many pies, like Comixology, Audible.com, and sites that use Amazon for payments—all tied to your credit card. Open up Amazon.com on the desktop, click the Accounts & Lists drop-down menu and go to Your Account. Click on Login & Security. On the next page, click Edit next to Two-Step Verification (2SV) Settings. The preferred method is an authentication app (scan the QR code); phone number(s) are the backup method. A nice option with Amazon is the ability to tell the service to skip the codes on select devices (or on multiple browsers on the same device)—say a PC to which you and you alone have access. If that option doesn't work later, come back to the Advanced Security page and click Require codes on all devices. Apple Two-Factor Authentication Your Apple ID is a big part of your life if you're an iOS or Mac user. It's important for not just access, but also storage via iCloud; purchases like movies, books, and apps; and memberships like Apple Music and Apple TV+. To activate two-factor Authentication, go to the Manage Your Apple ID page and sign in. Look for Security > Two-Factor Authentication and click "Get Started..." You are then furnished with steps on how to set up 2FA for Apple using either iOS or macOS. You can't do it via a browser on another operating system anymore. On iOS you go to Settings > [your name at the top] > Password & Security > Turn on Two-Factor Authentication. On macOS go to > System Preferences > iCloud, sign in, click Account Details > Security > Turn on Two-Factor Authentication. You'll have to answer two of your three pre-set security questions and re-confirm your credit card on the account to get into the setup. Then you have to enter a valid phone number to get a text or phone call (even if it's the number already on the phone you're using for setup). If it is the same phone, the six-digit code will be entered automatically when it arrives, or just type it in. After that, signing into any thing with the Apple ID should generate a code on the device used for setup. Apple also supports app-specific passwords. Note that once Apple 2FA is activated for two weeks, you can't turn it off. "Certain features in the latest versions of iOS and macOS require this extra level of security, which is designed to protect your information," Apple says. Dashlane Two-Factor Authentication A password manager favorite, Dashlane also supports 2FA. You have to turn it on via the desktop using the software for Windows or macOS, and you'll need a separate authenticator app on your smartphone to scan the QR code. In the desktop program, click Tools > Preferences > Security tab. Then open the Two-Factor Authentication tab. Click Two-Factor Authentication to toggle it on. You get a prompt to download Google Auth, Duo Mobile, or Authy. You then get the standard QR code to scan. If you have an external U2F security key, Dashlane also supports that. You can also get 2FA support for other password managers like RoboForm Everywhere and Keeper Password Manager & Vault. Dropbox Two-Step Verification Dropbox on the desktop website has a tab called Security. It's where you go to check how many current sessions are logged in and devices are using the account, to change the password, and, of course, turn on two-step verification. Toggle it to on, enter a password, and you'll be asked if you want to get security codes via SMS text message or via a mobile authenticator app. If you choose text, enter a phone number and receive a code immediately. You also get to enter a backup number, plus receive a 16-digit number you should save somewhere safe; it will allow you to deactivate two-step verification if needed. If you choose the authenticator app, you'll see a QR code on-screen to scan. Other options include the use of a USB or NFC security key, if you've got one. Dropbox provides excellent instructions. Facebook Two-Factor Authentication Facebook is the last place you want to lose control of an account; its version of two-factor authentication will help prevent that. On the desktop you access it by going to Settings > Security and Login. Under Two-Factor Authentication, click Edit on the right. On the next screen, select how you'd like to receive your second form of authentication: a text message, authenticator app, or physical security key. If you select an authenticator app (which might be the best option when it comes to Facebook), Facebook will produce a QR code on the desktop screen. Open your authenticator app on your smartphone, select add, and hold your smartphone up to the computer screen to capture the code. The next time you sign into Facebook and it requests your six-digit code, open the authenticator app to retrieve it. For apps that don't work with two-factor authentication when you log in with your Facebook credentials, Facebook offers App Passwords, a one-time password to access your Facebook account via any third-party app or service. If you log out of that app or service and need to go back in, you'll have to generate a new, unique app password. This is necessary for older devices. Get them via Settings > Security and Logins > App passwords. The above options require you to have access to your phone, of course. But when you activate 2FA, you can get a list of 10 recovery codes to download and use at any time, even if you don't have your phone. Get them in the 2FA settings area and save them somewhere safe. Facebook also supports the Universal 2nd Factor (U2F) of a hardware security key, something you plug into or put near your computer to get access. Google 2-Step Verification With access to your credit card (for shopping on Google Play), important messages and documents, your smart home devices, and even your videos on YouTube—essentially your whole life—a Google account has to be well-protected. Thankfully, the company has been working on 2FA systems since 2010. Google calls its system 2-Step Verification. It's all about identifying you via phone. When you enter a password to access your Google account for almost any service, if 2-Step Verification is on, there are multiple options to get that second step. First among them now: the Google Prompt. You simply add your smartphone to your account, make sure the Google search app is on the phone, and at login, you can go to the phone and simply acknowledge with a tap that you are the one signing in. Easy. If that doesn't work, you'll need to enter an extra code. That code is sent to your phone via SMS text, a voice call, or by using an authenticator app. On your personal account, opt to register your computer so you don't have to enter a code during every sign-in. If you have a G Suite account for business, opt to only receive a code every 30 days. Google Authenticator—or any authenticator app—can generate the verification code for you, even if your smartphone is not connected to the internet. You must sign up for 2-Step Verification before you can use it. The app will scan a QR code on the desktop screen to give you access, then generate a time-based or counter-based code for you to type in. It replaces getting the code via text, voice calls, or email. Once you've set up Google 2-Step Verification, access it again by visiting your Google account security settings. There you can select the phone numbers that can receive codes, switch to using an authenticator app, and access 10 unused codes that can be printed to take with you for emergencies (such as if your phone dies and you can't get to the authenticator app.) This is also where you generate app-specific passwords. People with particularly high-risk jobs should consider using Google's Advanced Protection Program. Instagram Two-Factor Authentication Facebook-owned Instagram has offered two-factor authentication since 2016. To turn it on, go to your profile and tap the hamburger menu on the top-right. Tap Settings > Security > Two-Factor Authentication. There you can choose how you'd like to get your authentication code. Option one: turn on Text Message and add your phone number (include the country code, because Instagram is everywhere). You'll get a confirmation code via SMS text message. Enter it. Option two: turn on Authentication App. The app will walk you through the steps to set it up (since you can't exactly scan a QR code from your mobile phone while using the app on your mobile phone.) The app also offers a list of five recovery codes for use in the future to turn off 2FA or get access via other devices. It even offers to take a screenshot of them to add to your camera roll; you can always re-access them in the app as well. Intuit TurboTax, Turbo, and Mint.com Worried about SIRF? That's Stolen Identity Refund Fraud, something the IRS fights so your tax refunds go to you, not scammers and crooks. Help yourself by turning on 2FA if you use e-filing software/services. Intuit TurboTax is a PCMag Editors' Choice for tax preparation software. Once you've signed in via the desktop browser click Intuit Account > Sign in & Security and click the link next to Two-Step verification. If you've already entered a phone number, it should appear here so you can verify by text or voice call. Click Turn On. Once that's on, the option to Turn on Authenticator App appears. Get to the QR code to scan, or use a manual entry code if needed. Once you enter it in the authenticator app, put the 6-digit verification code back into TurboTax and you're set. The phone number remains in the system for fallback. This login also works for Intuit Turbo, the company's one-stop financial snapshot service, and for personal finance tracker Mint. LastPass Multifactor Authentication LogMeIn's LastPass is one of PCMag's regular picks for Best Password Manager. But could a password manager be even more secure? Of course it could, if you haven't yet turned on 2FA. As befits a heavy-duty security option, LastPass touts its support for a slew of authentication apps, including Google Authenticator, Authy, and Duo, as well as its own free LastPass Authenticator. It works with third-party hardware like smart cards or USB drives. LastPass has separate instructions available for all of them; some only work with the premium version of LastPass. Codes via SMS text are not an option. In keeping with other services that use authenticator apps, here's what you do: Log in to LastPass on a desktop browser, and click Account Settings on the left. Select the Multifactor Options tab. Scroll to the Google Authenticator option (even if you're using another authenticator app). You'll get the usual QR code to scan into the app with your smartphone. LinkedIn Two-Step Verification Business social network LinkedIn makes it easy to set up verification, either by SMS texts or authentication app. Go to the Me menu > Settings & Privacy > Account > Two-step verification to activate it or deactivate. You'll immediately get a six-digit code you have to enter to verify you're you. You only get one phone number (no backup). You can also go here to get recovery codes that let you access the account even if you don't have access to your phone. Microsoft Two-Step Verification Microsoft has tied together most its services under one umbrella. Outlook.com, OneDrive, Xbox Live, Skype, an Office 365 Home subscription, and much more can all use the same account. Naturally, it should get some extra protection. Sign into your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com/profile. In the top navigation, click Security; on the next page, click More security options. Two-step Verification is the second option. Microsoft will suggest you get app passwords as needed for older service or devices (like Xbox 360); go in later to generate one as needed. Enter the Set up an identity verification app section. Microsoft makes its own authentication app (iOS, Android), which it will push you to install. It also works with other standard authenticator apps, like Google Authenticator and Authy—but to use them, you must pick "other" during the setup. Scan the QR code displayed. You can skip the authenticator. If you do, Microsoft will still try to get you to use an app, but it does provide a link to a 7-digit verification code via text or email. If you choose text, it has to go to a phone you've pre-registered, and even then, Microsoft will make you re-enter the last four digits of the phone number as confirmation. As you continue the setup, Microsoft provides a recovery code for you to write down and keep safe, a 25-digit whopper (like the kind it uses on everything from software registrations to Xbox giveaways). Microsoft also supports Trusted Devices, which is hardware that doesn't require you to enter any codes—you'll see a checkbox to mark a device (like a Windows 10 PC) as trusted when you log into it. Go back to security settings to revoke trusted devices all at once if you lose one. Microsoft automatically removes any trusted device you haven't logged into in two months; just trust it again on the next login. PayPal 2-Step Verification As a service dedicated to making payments, it's best that PayPal be as secure as possible. Log in, click your name in the upper-right to access your Profile Settings > Login and security. Click "Set up" next to 2-step verification. Select whether you want to receive a text message or code via an authenticator app or using a security key. With that set up, PayPal will give you the option to add a backup to your account, such as a different number or authenticator app, for when you can't reach your phone. Reddit Two-Factor Authentication On a desktop, log in and go to User Settings. Find the tab Safety & Privacy; select enable under Use two-factor authentication. Follow the steps to set up a third-party authentication app—such apps are the only way to get a Reddit 6-digit verification code. Reddit will also supply some backup codes to save for the few times your smartphone isn't available. Make sure you register an email with Reddit; it's the only way to reset your account if necessary.

Just about every website you visit wants you to create an account, whether it’s for high-security financial transactions or goofy animal games. You can’t get away with just using the same password for all of them, because then a breach at any one site would risk them all. And you can’t easily memorize a different password for every site. The only sensible solution is to install a password manager and use it to both store and improve your passwords. Every time you replace a too-simple password with a long, strong, random one, you improve your overall security. But where do you get those long, strong, random passwords? Almost every password manager includes a password generator component, so you don't have to come up with those random passwords yourself. (But if you want a do-it-yourself solution, we'll show you how to build your own random password generator). However, not all password generators are created equal. When you know how they work, you can choose the one that's best for you, and use the one you have intelligently. Password Generators—Random or Not? When you throw a pair of dice, you get a truly random result. Nobody can predict whether you'll get snake eyes, boxcars, or a lucky seven. But in the computer realm, physical randomizers like dice aren't available. Yes, there are a few random number sources based on radioactive decay, but you won't find these in the average consumer-side password manager. Password managers and other computer programs use what's called a pseudo-random algorithm. This algorithm starts with a number called a seed. The algorithm processes the seed and gets a new number with no traceable connection to the old, and the new number becomes the next seed. The original seed never turns up again until every other number has come up. If the seed was a 32-bit integer, that means the algorithm would run through 4,294,967,295 other numbers before a repeat. This is fine for everyday use, and fine for most people's password generation needs. However, it's theoretically possible for a skilled hacker to determine the pseudo-random algorithm used. Given that information and the seed, the hacker could conceivably replicate the sequence of random numbers (though it would be difficult). That sort of directed hacking is extraordinarily unlikely, except in a dedicated nation-state attack, or corporate espionage. If you're the subject of such an attack, your security suite probably can't protect you. Fortunately, you're almost certainly not the target for this kind of cyberespionage. Even so, a few password managers actively work to eliminate even the remote possibility of such a focused attack. By incorporating your own mouse movements or random characters into the random algorithm, they obtain a truly random result. Among those that offer this real-world randomization are AceBIT Password Depot, KeePass, and Steganos Password Manager. The screenshot above shows Password Depot's matrix-style randomizer; yes, the characters drop as you move your mouse. Do you really need to add real-world randomization? Probably not. But if it makes you happy, go for it! Password Managers Reduce Randomness Of course, password generators don't literally return random numbers. Rather, they return a string of characters, using random numbers to choose from the available character sets. You should always enable use of all available character sets, unless you're generating a password for a website that, say, doesn't allow special characters. The pool of available characters includes 26 uppercase letters, 26 lowercase letters, and 10 digits. It also includes a collection of special characters that may vary from product to product. For simplicity, let's say there are 18 special characters available. That makes a nice round total of 80 characters to choose from. In a totally random password, there are 80 possibilities for every character. If you choose an eight-character password, the number of possibilities is 80 to the eighth power, or 1,677,721,600,000,000—more than a quadrillion. That's tough slogging for a brute-force cracking attack, and brute-force guessing is really the only way to crack a truly random password. Our Top Password Manager Picks Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault Review 4.5 Outstanding Check Price Dashlane Review 4.0 Excellent Check Price LastPass Review 4.0 Excellent Check Price SEE ALL (4 ITEMS) Of course, a totally random generator will eventually produce "aaaaaaaa" and "Covfefe!" and "12345678," since these are just as likely as any other sequence of eight characters. Some password generators actively filter their output to avoid such passwords. That's fine, but if a hacker knows about those filters, it actually reduces the number of possibilities and makes brute-force cracking easier. Here's an extreme example. There are 40,960,000 possible four-character passwords, drawing from a collection of 80 characters. But some password generators force selection of at least one from each type of character, and that shaves down the possibilities drastically. There are still 80 possibilities for the first character. Suppose it's an uppercase letter; the pool for the second character is 54 (80 minus the 26 uppercase characters). Further suppose the second character is a lowercase letter. For the third character, only digits and special characters remain, for 28 choices. And if the third character is punctuation, the last must be a digit, 10 choices. Our 40 million possibilities dwindle to 1,209,600. Using all character sets is a necessity for many websites. To avoid letting that requirement shrink your password pool, set the password length high. When the password is long enough, the effect of forcing all character types becomes negligible. Other limits that password managers apply reduce the pool of possible passwords unnecessarily. For example, RememBear Premium specifies the precise number of characters from each of the four-character set, which drastically reduces the pool. By default, it requires two capital letters, two digits, 14 lowercase letters, and no symbols, for a total of 18 characters. This results in a password pool that's hundreds of millions of times smaller than if it simply required one or more of each character type. Here again, you can offset this problem by setting a higher password length. LastPass and several others default to avoiding ambiguous character pairs like the digit 0 and the letter O. When you don't have to remember the password, this isn't necessary; turn off this option. Likewise, don't choose the option to generate a pronounceable password like "bogafewazepa". That option is only important if it's a password you must remember. Applying this option not only limits you to lowercase characters, it rejects the vast number of possibilities that the password generator deems to be unpronounceable.

Regular readers of PCMag know that we strongly advise using a complex and unique password for every website, and that the only way to do this is with the help of a password manager. Loading that tool with all your passwords is a good start, but the job doesn't stop there. You're not fully protected until you replace every weak and reused password with a unique password that nobody could guess, and that not even you could remember. A brute-force password cracking attack might well hit on a password like Rover, but it will fail when the password is something like ApiDiS57IhY1M#t%qIEg. Where Do You Get Your Passwords? The question is where do you get those random passwords? Just about every password manager comes with its own random password generator, some of which are better than others. In most cases, though, the program uses what's called a pseudo-random algorithm. In theory, a hacker who knows the algorithm and has access to one of your generated passwords could replicate all subsequent generated passwords (though it would be quite difficult). If you're paranoid enough, you might want to create your own random password generator. We can help you build it using Microsoft Excel. Some security tasks are undeniably beyond the do-it-yourself realm, true. You're not going to construct your own virtual private network, or VPN, for example. But building this little project doesn't require advanced knowledge, just the ability to follow instructions. It doesn't use macros or fancy stuff, just ordinary Excel functions. Note that this project necessarily relies on Excel's pseudo-random algorithm. The difference here is that the bad guys can study the password generator embedded in any publicly available password manager, while they have no access to your home-built one. Our Top Password Manager Picks Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault Review 4.5 Outstanding Check Price Dashlane Review 4.0 Excellent Check Price LastPass Review 4.0 Excellent Check Price SEE ALL (4 ITEMS) Create the Password Generator Scaffold First, let's create the scaffold that will frame our password generator, meaning the labels and static components. Please put things in exactly the cells I describe, so the formulas will work. Once you have it working, you can tweak it to make it totally your own. In cell B1, enter "Random Password Generator", or whatever title you wish for your project. Starting in cell B3 and going down, enter the labels "Length", "Uppercase letters", "Lowercase letters", "Digits", and "Special characters". Skip cell B8, enter "Press F9 to Regenerate" in B9, and "PASSWORD" in B10. It should look like the image below. In cell C3, enter 16, or your preferred default password length. Enter "Yes" in the next four cells below it. Now enter the whole uppercase alphabet in cell D4, and the whole lowercase alphabet in D5. Enter the 10 digits in D6 and whatever special characters you want to use in D7. Pro tip: Put the 0 last, not first, in the list of digits, or Excel will eliminate it. The completed scaffold should look something like this: Add the Formulas That Generate Passwords To start, we need to build a string of text that includes all the characters we've chosen to use. The formula to do that looks a little complicated, but really, it's just long. Enter this formula in cell D8: =IF(C4="Yes",D4,"") &IF(C5="Yes",D5,"") &IF(C6="Yes",D6,"") &IF(C7="Yes",D7,"") The & operator glues together strings of text. What this formula says is, for each of the four character sets, if the adjacent cell contains Yes, include the character set. But if that cell contains anything but Yes (regardless of upper or lower case), don't include it. Try it now; change some of the Yes cells to No, or Nay, or Frog. The string of available characters changes to match what you did. Next comes the formula to generate a random password. In cell C10, start with this preliminary version: =MID(D8,RANDBETWEEN(1,LEN(D8)),1) I'll break that one down from the inside out. The LEN function returns the length of whatever value you pass it, in this case the length of the string of available characters. Calling RANDBETWEEN not surprisingly returns a random number between the two numbers you give it, in this case one and the length. And the MID function returns a chunk of the input string starting at the first number you pass it and going on for the number of characters you specify, in this case just one. So, this formula returns one random character from the available set of characters. Pressing F9 tells Excel to recalculate all functions; try it a few times and watch the random character change. 0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0% 00:00 00:00 Of course, that's just one character, not a whole password. The next step is a bit toilsome, but not actually difficult. Click in the function bar to edit that last entry, append a & character to the end, highlight all of it except the equal sign, and press Ctrl+C to copy it to the clipboard. Let's say we want a maximum password length of 40 characters. So, press Ctrl+V 39 times. Delete the final ampersand, press Enter, and you're done. Well, you're almost done. As written, this password generator always creates 40-character passwords. We need to trim down its output to the specified length. Save your work at this point, because you'll be editing that mile-long formula; you wouldn't want to delete it by accident! Select the formula that generates the password and click in the formula bar just after the equals sign. Pro tip: Pressing Ctrl+Alt+U at this point enlarges the formula bar. Type LEFT followed by an open parenthesis. Scroll to the very end of the formula and type a comma, C3, and a close parenthesis. Bravo! The formula now trims the password to the length you chose. Fine-Tuning the Password Generator The password generator is totally functional at this point. If you're happy with it as is, great: You've done it! But if you're interested, you can improve its appearance and functionality in several ways. For starters, right-click the D at the top of column D and choose Hide from the menu. Now you don't have to see the character set lists and in-between calculations. Typically, you want to set upper and lower limits for length in a password generator. In addition, if you enter anything but a number in the Length field the formula fails. We can fix that. Click cell C3, which defines the length, click Data in the ribbon, and select Data Validation. If you don't see the Data Validation label, stretch your spreadsheet wider. In the resulting popup, click the pulldown under Allow and choose Whole number. Uncheck the Ignore blank box, and set the Minimum to 8 and the Maximum to 40. When it looks like the screenshot here, click the next tab, Input Message. As the Input Message, type "Enter a length from 8 to 40". Copy that text to the clipboard and past it into the Error message field of the Error Alert tab, then click OK. Now when you click the Length cell you get a prompt to enter the correct length, and if you make a mistake, you get an informative error message. RECOMMENDED BY OUR EDITORS How to Use a Random Password Generator Ready for one final tweak? Enter "Yes" in cell E1 and "No" just below it. Click in cell C4, the cell just to the right of the label Uppercase letters. Once again click Data in the ribbon and select Data Validation. Choose List from the drop-down, un-check Ignore blank, click in the Source box, and highlight cells E1 and E2. On the Input Message tab, enter "Yes or No" as the message. On the Error Alert page, enter "Yes or No" as the error message. Click OK to finish. Copy this cell to the three cells below it. That's it! Now those four cells only accept Yes or No as values. Better still, each has now acquired a dropdown list letting you choose one of those values. Oh, now that you've finished, right click the big E at the top of column E and choose Hide, so you don't see the cells that feed into the data validation system. At this point you may want to get creative and add formatting to make your password generator look less industrial. Choose fonts that you like, add color, adjust things until it looks great to you. Finally, let's lock it down, so you don't accidentally destroy a formula by entering data in the wrong cell. Highlight cells C3 to C7 (that's the length cell plus the four yes/no cells), right-click, and choose Format Cells. Click the Protection tab and un-check the checkbox called Locked, then click OK. Click Review in the ribbon and click Protect Sheet. Just click OK to accept the settings in the resulting dialog; you're not trying to password protect the sheet, merely to protect it against fumblefingers. Save the glorious result! Make a Password Generator in Google Sheets I'm an Excel whiz, and have been since before Google Sheets existed. Maybe even since before Google existed! But I know that many folks swear by Google Sheets, so I fired it up to make sure it supports this project. I followed my own instructions to build the password generator in Sheets, and found everything worked jim-dandy, right up to the formula that displays one random character. Everything worked, but pressing F9 failed to refresh with a new random character. Consulting Google, I found that to force a refresh you must press F5, thereby updating the whole page, or change the value of any cell. It's awkward but do-able. I changed the prompt to say "Press F5 to regenerate". Rather than recreate the gigantic formula that performs full password generation, I copied it from my Excel worksheet. Hallelujah! It worked! I won't go into detail here, but I managed to recreate the data validation rules and hide the unwanted columns too. If you're using Sheets rather than Excel, this project can still work for you. You Did It! Whether you accepted the bare-bones version or went on to apply the fancy tweaks, you now have a password generator that you wrote yourself. True, Excel does use a pseudo-random number generator, but you can add your own randomness by tapping F9 repeatedly before accepting the generated passwor

When you're watching TV with friends, your TV's speakers (or better yet, a soundbar) let everyone hear what's going on. When you're watching TV on your own, you don't need to share that audio with everyone around you. In fact, you probably don't want to disturb your significant other, roommates, kids, or neighbors if you're the only one watching TV late at night, or if you're using your TV as a second monitor while working from home. You can mute the speakers and rely on closed captions if you really want to be silent, but we have a better solution: Use headphones. Headphones let you listen to anything you want without bothering anyone around you. You probably use them mostly for listening to music or podcasts, or even watching videos on your phone or computer, but they aren't limited to mobile devices or PCs. There are several ways to connect your headphones to your TV to enjoy the combined benefits of private audio and a big screen. Here are the ways you can use your favorite headphones or earphones with your TV. Direct Wired Connection 3.5mm cable This is the most direct and obvious way to use your headphones with your TV. It's also the least convenient. If your TV has a 3.5mm headphone jack, just plug your wired headphones into it. If your TV doesn't have a 3.5mm jack, but has RCA stereo outputs, get an RCA-to-3.5mm adapter and use your headphones that way. The obvious problem here is that you need a really long wire to listen a comfortable distance away from your TV. And even if you have that wire, you're then physically tethered to your TV. You have to be careful not to pull the cable or trip over it, and it just isn't very pleasant to work with. We don't really recommend this method unless your TV is a small screen right near you, and even then it probably isn't the best way to do it. Amazon Fire TV: Bluetooth Amazon Fire TV If you have an Amazon Fire TV media streamer (such as the Fire TV Cube or Fire TV Stick), or a TV that uses Amazon's Fire TV platform, you have a wireless option built in: Bluetooth. Fire TV can connect directly to Bluetooth devices like game controllers, keyboards, and headphones. This means you can simply pair your favorite Bluetooth headphones (or a dedicated second pair, if you want to keep some TV-only headphones nearby) with your Fire TV device just like it's a smartphone. From the home screen, go into the Settings menu and select Controllers & Bluetooth Devices. Choose Other Devices, then Add New Device. Put your Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode and select them when they appear on the screen. Your Fire TV will now stream audio to your headphones when they're connected. Android TV/Google TV: Bluetooth Google TV Just like with Fire TV (which itself is based on Android), Android TV and Google TV devices can pair with Bluetooth devices. This means you can use your Bluetooth headphones with any Android TV-powered Hisense or Sony model, or an Nvidia Shield TV or TiVo Stream 4K media streamer. It's very similar to pairing Bluetooth headphones to a Fire TV device. Google TV, Android TV's replacement, also supports Bluetooth pairing, so you can easily connect Bluetooth headphones to a Chromecast With Google TV or any Google TV-powered model like the Sony A90J. The process is the same for both Android TV and Google TV. From the home screen, go to the Settings menu and select Remote & Accessories. Choose Add Accessory and put your Bluetooth headphones into pairing mode. Select the headphones in the menu when they appear. Your headphones are now paired with your Android/Google TV device. Roku TV: Smartphone App Roku TV Roku media streamers and Roku TVs like the Hisense R8F series and TCL 6-Series don't have Bluetooth, but they still let you listen wirelessly to whatever you're watching. Roku's answer is called Private Listening, a feature that streams audio to a connected smartphone or tablet through the Roku app. Install the Roku app (available on Android and iOS) on your mobile device and set it up to work with your Roku streamer or TV. Once the app is connected, plug headphones into your phone or tablet to automatically redirect audio directly through the headphone jack. Some Roku devices, like the Roku Ultra and Roku Streambar Pro, don't even need the Roku app to work (the same is true if you have a Roku Voice Remote Pro). If your Roku remote has a headphone jack on the side, it can offer Private Listening without your smartphone. Just plug your headphones (or the earphones included with the Roku Ultra) into the jack and listen to whatever you're watching, privately. Other Smart TV Platforms LG webOS Your TV might have Bluetooth even if it isn't one of the three most common platforms. LG's webOS and Samsung's Tizen OS both support Bluetooth headphones and headsets. Click on the links for instructions for each TV platform. You're most likely to get Bluetooth on higher-end TV models here; they might not be available on older or lower-end TVs. Bluetooth Transmitter Bluetooth transmitters If your TV or media streamer doesn't support Bluetooth or audio streaming through an app, you need to get some form of transmitter for wireless listening. Bluetooth transmitters are inexpensive (generally around $20 to $50) devices you plug into the back of your TV to wirelessly stream audio to a nearby paired Bluetooth audio device. There are many, many Bluetooth transmitters available on Amazon, but not all are suitable for TVs. Cheaper transmitters only connect through 3.5mm jacks, which are present on some TVs but aren't the best connection available. Look for a transmitter with an optical audio (TOSLink or SPDIF) input; optical outputs are the most common audio outputs on TVs, and provide excellent, stable audio quality thanks to their digital connection. While we haven't tested many of these transmitters, they're very common to find online for a low price. The TaoTronics Bluetooth 5.0 transmitter is one of the most well-reviewed devices of its category on Amazon, and supports both 3.5mm and optical audio (though we can't directly comment on its quality without having tested it). Wireless TV Headphones Makemate BKM2000 If you don't already have preferred headphones to use when watching TV, or don't want to deal with Bluetooth pairing, you can always get an all-in-one solution in the form of wireless headphones. You just need to make sure they aren't Bluetooth headphones. The vast majority of "wireless headphones" are Bluetooth, and that's fine for most users. If you want to get headphones specifically for use with a TV, though, you want a non-Bluetooth set with a dedicated transmitter. We haven't tested many of these headphones, but some of the most well-reviewed models on Amazon include the Avantree HT4189 and Makemate BKM2000. Of course, you won't be listening to your TV with headphones on all the time. So when you put them down, check out our guide on how to set up your speakers to get the best sound for your home theater experience. And for the ultimate home theater experience, make sure to read up on our five simple tweaks to get the best picture for your TV.

If your Windows 10 machine is acting up, running Microsoft's Refresh Windows tool or uninstalling a recent update might do the trick. You can even run your own diagnostic tests to make sure your hard disc is healthy. But if your PC is sluggish or you're getting worrying error messages, it might be time to back up your files and reset your PC to its factory settings. The steps below will (hopefully) get your computer running smoothly again. Recovery Settings Click the Start menu and select the gear icon in the lower left to open up the Settings window. You can also select the Settings app from the app list. Under Settings, click Update & Security > Recovery, then select Get started under Reset this PC. Will You Save or Remove Your Files? At this point, you have two options: You can either keep your personal files and only remove downloaded apps and settings, or you can wipe everything and start from scratch. Both choices will also give you additional settings to change. If you are resetting Windows in order to roll back an issue, try Keep my files first. If you plan to get rid of the computer, Remove everything is the way to go. PCMag-Recommended Windows Accessories Microsoft 365 Personal Review 4.5 Outstanding $99.99 at Dell See It Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard Review 4.0 Excellent $49.99 at Amazon See It Microsoft Precision Mouse Review 3.5 Good $67.99 at Amazon See It SEE ALL (8 ITEMS) How Will You Reinstall Windows? You will then be asked how you want to reinstall Windows; Cloud download or Local reinstall. The cloud option, added in the May 2020 update, pulls Windows installation files from Microsoft's servers, instead of asking your computer to gather necessary files from local storage. While Windows gives you the choice, the cloud download option is meant to be a faster and more reliable option over using local files that may end up being corrupted. It's also a more convenient alternative to booting from a USB stick. Additional Settings When you choose Keep my files, apps and settings will default to what they were when the PC was brand new, but your personal files will be saved. Any preinstalled apps will also be returned, but you can prevent this from happening by clicking Change settings at the Additional Settings screen and switching it off. If you want to delete everything, click Remove everything, and Windows will simply erase all your files. This is the default option, and it is the quickest way to remove your personal files. However, you can also choose to clean the drive completely by clicking Change settings at the Additional Settings screen and toggling the Clean data? option to Yes. While this will take several hours to complete, it's the more secure option. Microsoft recommends wiping the drive completely if you're looking to get rid of your PC, which will make it much harder to recover deleted files. RECOMMENDED BY OUR EDITORS How to Factory Reset a Mac How to Delay Windows 10 Updates How to Enable Dark Mode in Windows 10 Reset Your Computer Once you make all your decisions, click Next, and Windows will generate a screen that summarizes all the decisions you have made. If you selected Keep my files, you can look at a list of apps that will be removed with the reset. Finally, click Reset to actually commit. Your computer will restart, and after several minutes, it will boot back up again. If you are getting rid of the computer, your work is done now. Otherwise, you can sign back into Windows 10 to make sure that whatever you selected to be removed has been wiped from the machine. If you backed up your files using an online backup service or Recovery Drive, they can now be restored to the machine.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, meditation apps are always an option. But if you have an Alexa-enabled device, you can also turn it into a sleep aid. Place your Alexa device near the bed and turn to skills that will play soothing sounds, offer guided sleep meditations, play restful music, or tell you a bedtime story. Open the Alexa app on your mobile device. Tap the More icon in the lower right and select Skills & Games from the sidebar. Tap the search icon in the upper right and search for “sleep” to find a host of sleep-inducing skills. Now let’s look at some specific skills to assist you in your quest for a good night’s slumber. Sleep Sounds by Sleep Jar Sleep Sounds offers a host of different sounds designed to lull you to sleep. Choose from a vast array, including rain, a train, crickets, wind, a shower, wind chimes, a whale, a waterfall, a lake, and seagulls. (A full list is on Amazon.com and the Sleep Sounds website; get it sent to your Alexa app by saying "Alexa, ask Sleep Sounds for a list.") To hear a specific sound, say “Alexa, ask Sleep Sounds for [name of sound],” such as “Alexa, ask Sleep Sounds for ocean waves” or “Alexa, ask Sleep Sounds for fireplace.” Alexa then plays your chosen sound. The skill does try to sell you a premium subscription, but if you can get past the marketing pitch, you’ll find a lot of soothing sounds here. Relaxing Sounds Similar to Sleep Sounds, Relaxing Sounds will play a variety of sounds, such as ocean waves, a babbling brook, a rainforest, frogs, pink noise, windy trees, rain on a tent, dripping water, a blizzard, an owl, cicadas, and loons. To learn all the sounds, check the skill’s Alexa page or say “Alexa, ask Relaxing Sounds for a list.” To hear a specific sound, say “Alexa, ask Relaxing Sounds for [name of sound],” such as “Alexa, ask Relaxing sounds for windy leaves” or “Alexa, ask Relaxing sounds for a boat ride.” You can also say “Alexa, ask Relaxing Sounds for a random sound,” to let the skill pick a sound. Sweet Dreams: Sounds & Meditations for Sleep Sweet Dreams is a skill that will play either sounds or short meditations. For a sound, say “Alexa, ask Sweet Dreams to play [name of sound].” You can hear rain, surf, a stream, a forest, a canyon, a desert, or a brook. For a short meditation, say “Alexa, ask Sweet Dreams to play [name of meditation].” Here, you can opt for meditations such as “Falling Asleep,” “Soften and Relax,” “Breathing in Waves,” and “Review the Day.” Each meditation runs for a certain number of minutes and provides guided steps for deep breathing and other actions designed to calm your mind and body. sleep w/ me The sleep w/ me guided sleep meditation offers just one meditation, but it’s a soothing one, complete with a comforting voice that takes you through deep breathing. Say “Alexa, play Sleep meditation.” The 18-minute meditation starts off by prompting you to lie down and listen to the sound of the person’s voice. After asking you to take three deep breaths, the voice gently helps you relax in your quest for sleep. Guided Sleep Meditation: Ultimate Deep Relaxation With the Guided Sleep Meditation skill, a calming voice helps you combat insomnia by providing a soothing and reassuring meditation. Say “Alexa, open Guided Sleep Meditation” to begin, and the skill will end on its own so you don’t need to manually turn it off or set a timer. Sleep by Nature Made The Sleep by Nature Made skill offers two types of routines to help you fall asleep. Say “Alexa, open Sleep by Nature Made.” The narrator asks whether you would like a visualization or nature sounds. Make your choice, and the audio starts up. If you opt for visualization, the nature sounds automatically follow and last for 60 minutes. Yoga Nidra For Sleep Yoga Nidra is designed more for relaxation than sleep. However, the Yoga Nidra for Sleep skill can help calm your mind and body to put you in a restful state before sleep. Say “Alexa, open Yoga Nidra Meditation.” A voice starts off by asking you to inhale and exhale while counting backwards. The meditation continues for 20 minutes, after which time you hopefully will feel more relaxed and restful. RECOMMENDED BY OUR EDITORS The Best Sleep Tech for Catching Your ZZZs How to Stop Blue Light From Disturbing Your Sleep How Technology Can Help (and Hurt) Your Sleep Relaxing Sounds: Spa Music You can listen to restful music before going to sleep with the Relaxing Sounds skill. Say: “Alexa, play spa music.” Alexa immediately starts playing soothing music designed to help you relax. Simply let the music play as you fall asleep. Sleep Music by Urban Yogi Sleep Music by Urban Yogi is another skill that aims to help you drift off to sleep by serving up relaxing music, sounds, and meditations. Say “Alexa, start Sleep Music.” Alexa plays restful music and sounds to clear your mind and relax your body in your quest for sleep. Sleep Stories Whether you’re an adult trying to fall asleep or you have a child struggling to drift off, sometimes a good bedtime story can help. With the Sleep Stories skill, a male or female voice tells you a story designed to help you drift off. Say “Alexa, play Sleep Stories,” and the voice starts narrating a random story. If you don’t like the current story, just say “Alexa, ask Sleep Stories to play next story” and a new story starts playing.

anding on a single standard to rule them all is an elusive aim in the realm of personal technology. At best, you end up in a format war, and one faction emerges victorious for a few years until an entirely new technology takes it out. VHS ate Betamax, then was ousted by DVD, which faded in the face of Blu-ray (a standard that itself knocked off its chief rival, HD DVD), now facing its own mortality at the hands of online streaming services. But USB-C is different—and perhaps it's even as truly universal as its acronym (Universal Serial Bus) suggests. USB Type-C ports are now found on all manner of devices, from simple external hard drives to high-end laptops and the latest smartphones. While every USB-C port looks the same, not every one offers the same capabilities. USB-C may now be ubiquitous, but it doesn't serve the same functions everywhere. Not by a long shot. Here's a guide to everything USB-C can do, and which of its features you should look for when buying your next USB-C device. 0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0% 00:00 00:00 What Is USB-C? USB-C is an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power on a single cable. The USB-C connector was developed by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF), the group of companies that has developed, certified, and shepherded the USB standard over the years. The USB-IF counts more than 700 companies in its membership, among them Apple, Dell, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and Samsung. This broad acceptance by the big dogs is important, because it's part of why USB-C has been so readily accepted by PC manufacturers. Contrast this with the earlier Apple-promoted (and developed) Lightning and MagSafe connectors, which had limited acceptance beyond Apple products, and became obsolete thanks in no small part to USB-C. Is USB-C Like Micro USB? The USB-C connector looks similar to a micro USB connector at first glance, though it's more oval in shape and slightly thicker to accommodate its best feature: flippability. Like Lightning and MagSafe, the USB-C connector has no up or down orientation. Line up the connector properly, and you never have to flip it over to plug it in; the "right way" is always up. The standard cables also have the same connector on both ends, so you don't have to figure out which end goes where. That has not been the case with all the USB cables we've been using for the past 20 years. Most of the time, you have different connectors at each end. USB-C and USB 3.2: The Numbers Beneath the Port Where USB-C gets tricky is in the numbers that get attached to the ports. The most common speed that USB-C connectors are rated for is 10Gbps. (That 10Gbps is theoretically twice as fast as original USB 3.0.) USB-C ports that support this peak speed are called "USB 3.2 Gen 1x2." The minor wrinkle is that USB ports with 10Gbps speeds can also exist in the original, larger shape (the USB Type-A rectangles we all know), and are dubbed "USB 3.2 Gen 2x1." With the exception of some desktops, though, it's more common to see 10Gbps-speed USB ports with Type-C physical connectors. Note: Some older USB-C ports support just 5Gbps maximum speeds, so it's important to look for a "USB 3.2 Gen 1x2" or "10Gbps" designation to verify that a given USB-C port supports 10Gbps transfers. That said, all of these ports are backward-compatible, just at the speed of the slowest element. Confused yet? Further complicating matters: The number scheme around USB 3 has been in flux since 2019, which has made references to these ports something of a swamp. Until last year, many USB-C ports carried the USB 3.1 label ("USB 3.2" was not yet a thing) in Gen 1 and Gen 2 flavors, and some spec sheets continue to reference the older name, along with SuperSpeed branding. In a confusing twist, the USB-IF decided to eliminate the use of "USB 3.1" in favor of these various flavors of USB 3.2, as outlined below in this handy decoder chart... The USB 3.2, USB 3.1, and SuperSpeed designations you see above on each line are equivalent, just differing in name. If you see a USB 3.1 label, it's best to inquire about the maximum transfer speeds of the port directly with the device manufacturer or reseller. As you can see above, some USB-C ports use the USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 specification, with maximum speeds of 20GBps. The USB-IF decided on "2x2" because this standard doubles the data lanes within a USB-C cable to achieve the 20Gbps transfer speed. These ports have not been widely available, though PC builders and upgraders can find them on some high-end desktop motherboards. They will likely go by the wayside as 2021 progresses, in favor of another emerging flavor of USB-C ports, supporting USB4 (more about which in a moment). Underlying Support: The Many Roles of USB-C You might think of your old USB Type-A port simply as a data port for connecting drives or peripherals like mice. But USB-C, depending on the specific port's implementation, can do much more. One of USB-C's most useful skills, when designed thus, is delivering enough power to charge the host device, such as laptop or smartphone. In fact, many lightweight laptops that have USB-C ports use them in place of a traditional barrel-style connector as the only option for attaching an AC adapter. USB-C's support for sending simultaneous video signals and power means that you might be able to connect to and power a native DisplayPort, MHL, or HDMI device, or connect to almost anything else, assuming you have the proper adapter and cables. (See below for more on adapters.) The USB-C spec even factors in audio transmissions over the interface, but so far it has not replaced the 3.5mm headphone jack on computers to the same degree as it has on phones and tablets. Make sure to check the specs on any PC you're thinking of buying, because not all USB-C ports are alike. So far, every one we've seen supports both data transfers and connected-device power delivery over USB-C (though not necessarily charging of the host device). But while the USB-C standard supports connecting DisplayPort and/or HDMI displays with an adapter (via the DisplayPort-over-USB protocol), not every PC maker has connected the ports to every system's graphics hardware. Some USB-C ports on a system may support video-out connectivity, while others may not; or none may. Looking at the details is important. Thunderbolt 3 and 4: Layering Even More Speed on USB-C Perhaps the most useful protocol that a USB-C port can support is Thunderbolt 3, or the emerging Thunderbolt 4. Either one adds support for up to 40Gbps of throughput, alongside reduced power consumption and the ability to move as much as 100 watts of power over the interface. A USB-C port with support for Thunderbolt 3 or 4 means that a single cable is all you need to push power and transfer a large amount of information (up to and including video data for two 60Hz 4K displays) to and from even a complex device like a computer, something many laptop manufacturers have been quick to take advantage of. Some models of Apple's MacBook Pro boast four Thunderbolt 3 connectors, which is as many as we've seen to date, and it gives you more expansion potential than you ever had with earlier versions of USB. Now, like with DisplayPort over USB-C, not every USB-C port you see necessarily has Thunderbolt 3 or 4 support. Check a device's spec sheet or documentation for the Thunderbolt details to be sure. Some devices may have more than one USB-C port, with only some supporting a Thunderbolt spec. That Thunderbolt uncertainty will change with the USB4 standard. USB4 ports, which have just started showing up on scattered laptops here in early 2021, support Thunderbolt 3 speeds by default, while remaining backward-compatible with USB 3. They make use of the same physical connector shape of USB-C. RECOMMENDED BY OUR EDITORS What Is USB4? How the New Interface Boosts Speeds, Supports Screens, and More What Is Thunderbolt 4? Why This New Interface Will Matter in PCs in 2021 Thunderbolt 3 vs. USB-C: What's the Difference? Then there's Thunderbolt 4, which we've seen in some PCs of late, as well. It doesn’t offer any major improvements over Thunderbolt 3 for most users, and the two protocols appear similar at first blush. Both use the USB Type-C physical connector and offer a maximum throughput of 40Gbps, so speed's not the issue here. And both offer at least 15 watts and up to 100 watts of charging power. The way in which Thunderbolt 4 evolves Thunderbolt is by doubling the minimum video and data requirements of Thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt 4 will support sending a video signal to two 4K displays, or to one 8K display, while Thunderbolt 3 is required to support only a single 4K display. Also, while Thunderbolt 3 systems have to support only a 16Gbps data rate via PCI Express, Thunderbolt 4 will double that requirement to 32Gbps. This may benefit users who regularly transfer gigantic video or data files from storage drives to their PC for editing. Adapters and Cables USB-C is electrically compatible with older USB 3.0 ports. But because of the new shape of port, adapters or cables with appropriate plugs are indeed required if you want to connect anything that doesn't have the USB-C oval shape. Sometimes a new laptop will come with these; in other cases, you may have to purchase them separately. Apple, for instance, sells a variety of USB cables and adapters for connecting USB-C to other technologies such as Lightning or Ethernet. You can also find a variety of these for PCs if you browse online retailers. Some even support older or more esoteric protocols, to ensure a device you have from years ago will work on today's hardware. It's easy to find USB-C-to-DVI adapters, for example, but we've also come across some that split to two RS-232 serial connections.

Mobile devices have bigger screens than ever before, but sometimes your iPhone or iPad display is still just too small for streaming video or watching the game. Fortunately, it's easy enough to connect your Apple device to any modern TV for a true big-screen experience. Connect With Apple AirPlay The easiest way to connect wirelessly is with Apple's AirPlay feature, which comes built into your mobile device's operating system. It allows you to mirror or cast content from your iPhone or iPad to your AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV, Apple TV, or certain Roku devices. To use AirPlay, make sure your streaming device or smart TV is connected to the same home Wi-Fi network as your iPhone or iPad. Open the Control Center on your device by swiping down from the top right of the screen. Tap AirPlay Mirroring and select the appropriate destination. Whatever is on your mobile device's screen will be mirrored onto your TV's screen. You can also send individual pictures and videos to your television by selecting the Share icon inside the Photos app. Tap AirPlay from the pop-up menu and choose a destination. And AirPlay works with third-party apps to stream media—including music, podcasts, movies, TV shows, and more—from your favorite streaming services to the television. The Chromecast is different from other media streaming devices in that it uses Google's Cast protocol over AirPlay. While your iPhone or iPad can't be mirrored on the TV screen with a Chromecast like with an Apple TV, streaming media can be cast from your device to the TV directly from an app. If you're frequently sending media from your phone to your TV, simplify the process by going to Settings > General > AirPlay & Handoff on your mobile device. Tap Automatically AirPlay to TVs and set to Automatic. If you pick Ask, you'll see a prompt before media is sent to the TV. If you care more about security, you can require an AirPlay code before your device will connect with an Apple TV. One warning regarding this method, though: in very crowded Wi-Fi environments, AirPlay video might break up or stutter. It should work fine in most homes, but if you have a problem, a cable might be your best choice. Connect With a Cable VGA adapter (left), Digital AV adapter (right) You can connect your iPhone or iPad to your TV with a cable if you have the right kind of adapter. You will need an HDMI or VGA cable that can connect from the adapter to the compatible plug in the back of the TV. Any one will do, so buy the least expensive one. If you don't know which cable is right for your TV, our guide should be able to help you. Once you decide on a cable, pick the right kind of adapter for your mobile device. Apple makes a Lightning Digital AV Adapter to connect with your TV's HDMI port, and a Lightning to VGA Adapter to plug into VGA-compatible peripherals. Amazon also sells many third-party Lightning-to-HDMI cables, which are cheaper than options from Apple, but be warned: they won't work if they lack High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP), which prevents pirates from capturing high-def digital content. Image: Getty Connect your iPhone or iPad to the adapter via the Lightning port, then connect the adapter to the cable. Hook the cable into the back of the television. You should then be able to switch the TV's input to the corresponding port with the cable to view your device's screen. When playing television or films from iTunes or a streaming service like Netflix, the adapter will max out at 1080p, even if you're trying to watch something in 4K or higher. Also be aware that certain games and services do not work with dongles, and anything sent from your device to the TV will be delayed by a few seconds, making it less ideal for gaming. The adapter does not require power to work, but you may want to keep your device charged if you plan to use it for a prolonged period of time. The adapter has a Lightning port that can be used to connect your iPhone or iPad to a charging cable while you watch media. RECOMMENDED BY OUR EDITORS How to Connect a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to a PC How to Download Video From Your Favorite Streaming Service How to Use Your Big-Screen TV for Online Learning (and Fun) Connect With a DLNA App If you have an internet-enabled TV, it probably supports DLNA, a generic form of media streaming available on many different manufacturers' products. With the right app, you can stream unprotected music and video files—in other words, home movies, personal recordings, and anything not protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) on your iPhone or iPad. Media purchased through the iTunes Store won't work with these apps. However, when it comes to DLNA, you're not limited to your iOS device. Some apps will look at media stored on other devices, like your PC, and act as a go-between to set up streaming from PC to TV, for example. Devices you can stream to include TVs, game consoles, and PCs. You don't have to convert any videos or install special codecs to make it work. If your TV doesn't show up when trying to use an app, you may need to activate its DLNA function. Go to the TV's internet connection menu and look for an option to stream from a PC or home server. That's DLNA. MCPlayer HD from Arkuda Digital is available for $4.99; a free lite version limits you to playing five videos per folder. The free UPNP/DLNA Streamer for TV from iStreamer allows you to share media files and stream to a smart TV. DIY Media Streaming There are more DIY ways to connect your iPhone or iPad to your TV. For instance, you can get an Android-powered TV stick, plug it into the back of your TV, and install the Kodi media server app. The stick will play unprotected music and video from the built-in apps on your device by using the AirPlay button, but it won't support screen mirroring or protected video streaming.

You can record your iPhone screen with the built-in Screen Recording tool, but what if you want to view the device’s screen on your computer? The iPhone’s screen-mirroring ability allows you to cast your phone's screen to your laptop or desktop PC over Wi-Fi. It’s an easy process, as long as you know where to look. How to Mirror Your iPhone Screen to a Windows PC While Windows users can mirror an Android phone with the Your Phone app, iPhone users need to download a third-party tool to cast their phone. There are plenty of tools that offer this functionality, but for simple free casting, check out LonelyScreen. It's a barebones app that does one thing: tricks your iPhone into thinking your PC is an Apple TV. Install and launch LonelyScreen, then click the "LonelyScreen" title along the bottom to change the name of your AirPlay server (I used "Whitson's Laptop"). From your iPhone, open the Control Center and tap the Screen Mirroring button. If you don’t see such a button, you may need to add it from the iPhone's Settings. Once you tap the Screen Mirroring button, select your LonelyScreen laptop from the list, and your iPhone screen will appear on your PC right away. If you don't see it, check out LonelyScreen's troubleshooting page—it can occasionally be a bit finicky. From there, you can maximize the window for a closer look, and click the arrow in the bottom-right to bring up a Record button that lets you capture video clips. Note that LonelyScreen says it's a free trial, but you can click the nag screen away at any time—it doesn't seem to be a limited trial in our testing (though the nag screen may re-appear occasionally as you use it). If you need more features, a paid app like Reflector ($17.99) or AirServer ($19.99) may offer more configuration options for your video recording and screen mirroring. But for quick and dirty mirroring, LonelyScreen should work well for most people. How to Mirror Your iPhone Screen to a MacBook Mac users have it easy because this functionality is built right into your MacBook in the form of the QuickTime video player. There's only one catch: you have to plug your iPhone in over USB. Grab your Lightning cable and plug your iPhone into your Mac. If you haven't done this in a while, you may need to tap the "Trust" prompt that appears on your iPhone before continuing. Once connected, open Launchpad and select QuickTime Player. Once the app is launched, head to File > New Movie Recording. You should see a new window appear. RECOMMENDED BY OUR EDITORS How to Connect Your iPhone or iPad to Your TV How to Use AirPlay to Stream Content to an Apple TV How to Use Your iPad as a Second Monitor on Any Computer Click the down arrow next to the Record button in the movie window, and you should see your iPhone appear in the drop-down under Camera. If it doesn't appear, try disconnecting your iPhone and reconnecting—it should show up afterward. Select your phone from the list, and its screen will appear on your Mac. You can use this for demonstration purposes, or click the Record button to capture a video of your iPhone screen. If you want to mirror your iPhone wirelessly, you can use the instructions above for Windows PCs—LonelyScreen, Reflector, and AirServer are all available for macOS as well.

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