Q: 😅 Can my kids turn off the parental controls?

It depends on the parental controls you choose . Kids are increasingly tech-savvy, and some parental control features are easy to get around. You should look for parental controls that ask for your login credentials in order to switch off any blocks. Some services, like McAfee’s Safe Family, send a notification to the parent device if changes are made, or rules are breached. There are apps that even the most sophisticated parental controls can’t access, like WhatsApp and Snapchat. These apps encrypt messages, preventing monitoring by a third-party parental control service. However, an antivirus with parental controls like Norton 360 allows you to block the software’s download. This way, you don’t have to worry about your kids using these secret messaging apps.

Q: 🤓 Does antivirus software affect gaming performance?

Yes, every antivirus will have some type of impact. This is because virus scans are notorious for their high CPU usage, which can result in lag. However, top antivirus brands will offset the slowdown with dedicated Game Modes and performance optimization tools. For example, BullGuard actually improved my PC’s speed and gaming experience! Antivirus programs that don’t have a “Game Mode” can display intrusive, annoying pop-up notifications while you’re playing in full-screen. Obviously, this isn’t ideal when you’re in the middle of an intense gaming session!

Q: 😎 What's the best antivirus for gaming?

Based on my tests, the best antivirus option for PC gaming is BullGuard . It provides exceptional protection and boosts your PC for smooth, high-performance gaming. BullGuard boosts your CPU’s performance while you game, giving you more responsive gameplay with less lag. BullGuard also has specific game profiles that automatically adjust settings for optimal performance, depending on which game you’re playing. Best of all, to play as much as you want and make sure the service is right for you. Getting your money back is easy — I spoke to a customer representative on the live chat option and had my refund in less than a week.

Question 1

😅 Can my kids turn off the parental controls?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the parental controls you choose. Kids are increasingly tech-savvy, and some parental control features are easy to get around. You should look for parental controls that ask for your login credentials in order to switch off any blocks. Some services, like McAfee’s Safe Family, send a notification to the parent device if changes are made, or rules are breached. There are apps that even the most sophisticated parental controls can’t access, like WhatsApp and Snapchat. These apps encrypt messages, preventing monitoring by a third-party parental control service. However, an antivirus with parental controls like Norton 360 allows you to block the software’s download. This way, you don’t have to worry about your kids using these secret messaging apps.

Question 2

🤔 Why should I use an antivirus with parental controls?

Accepted Answer

There are many solid parental control apps on the market, but they won’t protect your kids from malware. A top-quality antivirus with parental controls provides comprehensive, layered protection for your children and for your network. Your children are safe from online predators, the dangers of too much screen time, and malware posing as flashy pop-up ads and phishing sites. Using an antivirus with built-in free parental controls will keep your entire cybersecurity suite in one place. Not only is this more convenient for controlling malware protection and parental settings, it’s also more cost-effective than subscribing to multiple services.

Question 3

🤑 What’s the best cheap antivirus with parental controls?

Accepted Answer

The best value antivirus with free parental controls included is Norton 360’s Deluxe plan. Our comparison table gives a quick look on why Norton offers the best value. For the first year, the plan provides exceptional malware coverage, parental controls, plus a host of added extras like a VPN, firewall, password manager, and dark web monitoring. When Norton 360 renews the price does go up, but even with the increase, it’s still better value than antivirus packages from TotalAV and McAfee. The cheapest option is BullGuard’s Premium Protection plan, which also raises its price after the first year but not as much. However, some of BullGuard’s parental control features are a bit outdated, and the interface can be confusing to navigate. For ease of use and overall protection and value, I’d recommend Norton 360 — and you can .

Question 4

🤔 What is spyware?

Accepted Answer

Spyware is a type of malware that specifically spies on your activity when you’re using your devices. It can record your keystrokes, find your personal information, and steal your financial details to pass on to the spyware author — all without you even knowing it’s on your device. Unless spyware is blocked by high-quality anti-spyware software like Norton 360, it can operate silently on your device for weeks or months, undetected. It’s installed on your device without your consent, usually bundled with software you wanted to download (like file-sharing programs) — though sometimes you can trigger a download by visiting a suspicious website. Spyware can generally be defined as one of the 4 following types:

Keyloggers — This spyware captures every letter you type on your keyboard, including data like account passwords, credit card information, and emails.
Infostealers — Infostealer spyware scans the infected device and finds information like usernames and passwords, browsing history, and even personal media files like photos and videos.
Password stealers — Similar to infostealers, a password stealer is specifically designed to find passwords for both local (like your PC) and online accounts.
Banking Trojans — Highly sophisticated, banking Trojans locate and store information processed by online banking systems.

Question 5

🤓 What does anti-spyware software do?

Accepted Answer

Anti-spyware software detects and removes spyware from your devices. These days, it’s most commonly found as part of an antivirus package like Norton 360 or TotalAV. This software has anti-spyware features like real-time malware protection, password managers, and cloud storage to protect you. However, there are also some very effective standalone anti-spyware software plans from providers like SUPERAntiSpyware. This software is dedicated exclusively to monitoring and protecting devices from spyware like keyloggers, Trojans, and password stealers. To protect you from spyware, anti-spyware software can:

Encrypt your keystrokes to confuse keylogging spyware
Scan for and remove spyware already present on your devices
Block you from visiting websites hosting spyware
Securely store and encrypt your sensitive files
Stop unwanted access to your webcam and microphone
Check social media, forums, and the dark web for signs your data has been stolen

Question 6

🙃 Are anti-spyware and antivirus software the same thing?

Accepted Answer

No, anti-spyware and antivirus software aren’t the same because spyware and viruses are different kinds of malware. This is why it’s important to have comprehensive malware protection from a service like Norton 360 since only protecting your device from one kind of malware leaves you open to attack from others. However, some antivirus programs don’t offer spyware protection as standard and leave your devices vulnerable. Anti-spyware typically focuses on spyware — like infostealers and banking Trojans — while also blocking some other kinds of malware. Antivirus software blocks viruses, like resident and overwrite viruses, which behave differently to spyware. Commonly, antivirus software packages include antivirus and anti-spyware software and offer protection from other kinds of malware like ransomware and adware.

Question 7

😉 Can I remove spyware from my device by myself?

Accepted Answer

The best way to remove spyware from an infected device is by using a reputable antivirus package with anti-spyware features. The goal of spyware is to remain undetected on your device for as long as possible. If you don’t know where to look for spyware, it could steal your data for weeks or even months before you realize there’s a problem. As such, you may not even know you have a spyware infection unless you’ve downloaded and installed an antivirus plan like Norton 360. There are ways to remove spyware manually, but it’s risky. If you delete or uninstall the wrong file or item, you could shut down your device or further compromise it. Manual spyware deletion is best left to the professionals — a service like Norton 360 has agents available to help remove spyware and other malware from infected devices.

Question 8

🤓 Does antivirus software affect gaming performance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, every antivirus will have some type of impact. This is because virus scans are notorious for their high CPU usage, which can result in lag. However, top antivirus brands will offset the slowdown with dedicated Game Modes and performance optimization tools. For example, BullGuard actually improved my PC’s speed and gaming experience! Antivirus programs that don’t have a “Game Mode” can display intrusive, annoying pop-up notifications while you’re playing in full-screen. Obviously, this isn’t ideal when you’re in the middle of an intense gaming session!

Question 9

😎 What's the best antivirus for gaming?

Accepted Answer

Based on my tests, the best antivirus option for PC gaming is BullGuard. It provides exceptional protection and boosts your PC for smooth, high-performance gaming. BullGuard boosts your CPU’s performance while you game, giving you more responsive gameplay with less lag. BullGuard also has specific game profiles that automatically adjust settings for optimal performance, depending on which game you’re playing. Best of all, to play as much as you want and make sure the service is right for you. Getting your money back is easy — I spoke to a customer representative on the live chat option and had my refund in less than a week.

Question 10

🙃 Can I use a free antivirus for gaming?

Accepted Answer

I wouldn’t recommend using a free antivirus for gaming, as most don’t have a dedicated Game Mode. This means you could get pop-up notifications while you play or experience in-game lag due to CPU-intensive virus scans and software updates. If you’re willing to sacrifice some speed and get the occasional notification, Avira isn’t too bad for a free antivirus program. It has robust security that will protect your PC during gameplay, although it won’t be as smooth or unobtrusive as the best antivirus options for gaming.

Question 11

🤔 Do gamers use antivirus?

Accepted Answer

Many gamers don’t use antivirus, but they should. High-quality antivirus services with Game Modes and Game Boosters are specifically designed for malware protection without sacrificing high-performance gaming. The issue is that many antivirus packages lack this functionality and the last thing you want in the middle of your game is a pop-up notification blocking your view! When you connect to the internet to game without antivirus protection, you put your device at risk of malware and other threats. There are hacked mods for games you could download accidentally or malware that detects when you’re in full-screen mode before it attacks your PC. This makes gamers a prime target for hackers, as they’re expecting you not to have antivirus protection switched on. The best way to protect your PC while gaming is with an antivirus that has a dedicated “Game Mode,” like . This way, you can play without interruption and keep your device secure.

Question 12

🤔 Which DNS server should I use for PS4, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to choosing the best DNS server for gaming, there are several options that provide fast speeds and security. I recommend Cloudflare as it has excellent speeds that are great for lag-free gaming. With 100% uptime, you’ll always be able to access the service. Its vast global network means you should have a good connection no matter where you’re located. Plus its high-quality security measures will keep your data and devices protected while you game.

Question 13

😐 Are DNS servers safe?

Accepted Answer

I tested the top 18 public DNS servers for {{YEAR}} and all of them are safe. However, you do need to be careful. While some DNS servers can improve your privacy, not all DNS servers will block ads, trackers, or harmful websites. I recommend using a private DNS server with a VPN that offers encrypted protection, like NordVPN. It has a CyberSec feature that blocks unwanted ads and secures you against malware and phishing attempts. The VPN allows you to get the fast speeds and the internet freedom you want, without putting your devices at risk.

Question 14

🤓 What’s a DNS and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A DNS is a Domain Name System and it acts as a directory for the internet. For example, you know that this website is www.wizcase.com, but your browser only sees the Internet Protocol (IP) address. When you type a URL into your browser, the DNS translates the URL into an IP address for your browser. The DNS directory is a global network stored on servers around the world. These servers connect with each other when a DNS request is made (i.e. when you type a URL into the browser and hit “Enter”). By communicating with each other, your DNS request is met with the right data response and you get to access the website you want — and the whole process happens in milliseconds. If you’re privacy-conscious, I suggest connecting to a no-logs VPN to hide your DNS requests. This ensures your IP address and identity will remain anonymous from the DNS provider.

Question 15

🤑 Can I use a free VPN to connect to Norway?

Accepted Answer

Technically yes — but I don’t recommend it:

Even with reliable free VPNs (there aren’t many), you’ll be limited by slow speeds that cause frequent lag as they will be overloaded with too many users on not enough servers.
Free VPNs don’t have the resources and technology to get around content blocks. This means you won’t be able to watch local channels like NRK and TV2. Global streaming platforms such as Netflix US and HBO Max are also likely to be blocked.
Worst of all, many free VPNs log and sell your data to the highest bidder to make a profit. To make sure your personal information is secure, I recommend that you .

Luckily, you can avoid these risks and try all 5 VPNs on this list for free for up to 30 days with their money-back guarantees.

Question 16

🤓 Which devices work with VPNs in Norway?

Accepted Answer

All of the VPNs on this list are compatible with macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Firefox, and Chrome. However, NordVPN is compatible with many other operating systems and device types as well. You can use it with Blackberry, Windows phones, and even on routers to protect all devices on your home network at once. Its online installation guides make it easy to set up no matter what kind of device you use. With more servers in Norway than any other VPN, you get the most reliable connections.

Question 17

🙃 What should I do if my VPN won’t connect to Norway?

Accepted Answer

Don’t panic — it often takes less than a couple minutes to get your VPN to work. Here are 3 easy things you can try:

Reboot your VPN. On a computer, you can do this by right-clicking on the icon and selecting “quit”. Then log in and try connecting again. On a mobile device, simply close the VPN app entirely and restart.
Try a different server. When many people use the same server at once, it will get really slow. You can easily bypass this issue by switching to a different server. NordVPN has over 50 servers in Norway, so you have lots of options that will have a working connection.
Contact customer support. In the unlikely event that neither of these steps work, you can ask customer support for help. NordVPN‘s live chat feature is available 24/7 and the support team is super responsive and helpful.

Question 18

😎 What else can I do with a VPN in Norway?

Accepted Answer

Here’s what you can do while connected to a server in Norway:

Watch global content from Norway by unblocking channels like NRK, TV2, and Viasport. You can also stream popular series and newly released movies on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and more.
Access your Norwegian online banking from anywhere while keeping all of your information secure.
Safely use P2P servers to download torrents without being tracked by your ISP or the government.
Encrypt your data to keep you completely anonymous (and safe from hackers, governments, and other interested parties) while browsing the web.

Question 19

😎 Can I watch the Grand Prix on all of my devices?

Accepted Answer

Yes! All of the streaming services showing the Italian Grand Prix are available on multiple devices - and so are the recommended VPNs on this list! The best way to stream the races is with your browser or chosen streaming service’s app on your mobile device. If you want to watch the races on the big screen, you can use the Kodi app on your Smart TV or Fire Stick. To stream the F1 with Kodi, you’ll still need to use a VPN - add-ons like ESPN that are streaming the races are only available in the US.

Question 20

🤩 Can I livestream the Italian Grand Prix through Formula 1?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Formula 1 offers fans a chance to livestream every race of the Italian Grand Prix through its F1 TV Pro subscription package. This on-demand, livestreaming package isn’t available worldwide (countries like Australia, Brazil, and the UK can’t purchase it locally) so you’ll need a VPN to change your virtual location and watch the races while connected. You get access to the driver’s onboard cameras and team radio too for an extra special race experience. You’ll also get unlimited access to race replays, highlights, and F1’s race archive! If you sign up in the US, you can get an annual or monthly subscription - I’ve found these were the best value options, especially if you want to stream more than the Italian Grand Prix.

Question 21

😃 Will there be more rounds added to the official calendar this year?

Accepted Answer

Hopefully! F1 announced the first races of 2020 and has plans to expand the race calendar after putting the season on hold. The revised calendar allows everyone involved in the races to work in a safe environment. F1 officials are hoping to announce a full calendar of events with about 18 races total. These initial races are likely to be closed events, meaning that fans won’t be able to attend in person - which is why it’s even more important that you get a reliable VPN that can stream all the F1 action from where you are!

Question 22

😎 What devices does NordLynx work with?

Accepted Answer

NordLynx is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It isn’t available on NordVPN apps for routers, Smart TVs, games consoles (like PlayStation and Xbox), or Amazon Fire devices.

Question 23

😅 Will NordLynx slow my connection speed?

Accepted Answer

Not noticeably — my speed tests showed that NordLynx’s impact on connection speed will be very minimal. Whenever you connect to a VPN, you risk having your speeds slowed because of the added layer of encryption. However, my tests showed that NordLynx is the VPN protocol that will slow your speeds the least. Other factors that can influence a speed drop while using a VPN include how close the server is to your physical location, how many users are connected to the same server, and your original internet speed.

Here’s a tip: If your connection is extremely slow while connected to a VPN server using NordLynx, you can try these troubleshooting options:
Restart your router and device
Change to a server closer to your location
Switch to a server with a lower user load
Close any file-sharing programs open on your device
Contact NordVPN’s 24/7 live chat to get in immediate touch with an agent

Question 24

🤓 Why does my WiFi status show “NordLynx — no internet access”?

Accepted Answer

When you use NordLynx, NordVPN installs some virtual network components so that it works when you’re connected to the VPN servers. If you hover over your WiFi status and it reads “NordLynx — no internet access” it’s because the components are available but not connected to the internet — and they shouldn’t be if you’re not connected to NordVPN. When you see this, you’ll still be able to connect to the internet. Some users have also reported a different issue, which is that their internet connection attempts to route through NordLynx (and subsequently can’t connect at all). If this happens, I recommend disconnecting from your router and restarting it. Make sure that your NordVPN app is up-to-date as well.

Question 25

Can I disable NordLynx?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can disable NordLynx from being automatically chosen as your VPN protocol by editing your NordVPN app settings. Here is a quick step-by-step guide to disabling the protocol:

Open “Settings” in the NordVPN app.
In the “Auto-connect” menu, make sure “Always when the app launches” is turned OFF.
“Auto-connect on WiFi” should be OFF.
“Choose a VPN protocol and server automatically” should be OFF.
In “VPN Protocol” choose “OpenVPN UDP Recommended”.
Click “Trust this network” next to your local WiFi network.

Once you’ve adjusted these settings, NordLynx won’t be activated unless you enable it again in the “VPN Protocol” settings.

Question 26

🤑 Can I use a free VPN to unblock video games?

Accepted Answer

There are some decent free VPNs available — but I recommend against using them for downloading region-locked games. Free VPNs limit your data usage. If you want to download a larger game, you may not be able to if it exceeds the data allowance. Free services also offer fewer server locations. This means you may have difficulty finding the right server to bypass geoblocks. Plus, server crowding may cause slow speeds. Aside from poor performance, free VPNs compromise your safety. Many gamers simply want to download a particular game a few months early — but using a free service to do so could come at a serious price. Free VPNs may install malware on your device, sell your private data, or even expose you to cybercrimes like fraud. To me, saving a few dollars with a free service isn’t worth it because of these security risks. If you want a free way to download a certain game, I recommend you . This refund policy gives you more than enough time to shop around for the cheapest price, download, and play the game you want. When I tested this guarantee, NordVPN returned my money in less than a week!

Question 27

😅 Will my console or account be blocked if I use a VPN?

Accepted Answer

Most platforms won’t block your console or account — but Steam bans users if they discover you’re using a VPN. Steam has a notoriously strict VPN policy included in the Subscriber Agreement. They warn:

“You agree that you will not use IP proxying or other methods to disguise the place of your residence, whether to circumvent geographical restrictions on game content, to purchase at pricing not applicable to your geography, or for any other purpose. If you do this, Valve may terminate your access to your Account.”

This is why you shouldn’t take any chances with a free or low-quality VPN. Only the best services like NordVPN have the advanced technology necessary to prevent your VPN use from being detected. Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo all allow users to access global game stores and change their console region. Your accounts or consoles won’t be blocked for using a VPN.

Question 28

🙃 Can I get region-locked games for free?

Accepted Answer

No, not 100% free — but I have a trick to help you save money when you use a VPN to purchase region-locked games. For region-locked or censored games that require an internet connection for live play, this trick won’t work (like online Nintendo Switch games in China). But since most games don’t restrict play based on your IP address, you can use NordVPN’s money-back guarantee to purchase the content you want. Afterwards, simply cancel your subscription and get your money back in a few days. The only reason I would recommend against this method is if you plan to play a game that requires an internet connection in a censorship-heavy country. That’s because internet surveillance in countries (like India) has led to gamers being jailed. In those cases, I recommend you always use a VPN to prevent prying eyes from spying on your gaming and online activity.

Question 29

🤓 Will a VPN slow down my gaming?

Accepted Answer

It depends — the best VPNs can actually improve your ping. That's because connecting through a VPN gives your traffic a more direct route to the server. This minimizes packet (information) loss as compared to when you connect through your ISP. By improving your ping time, you’ll experience less lag and enjoy a smoother gaming experience. However, poor quality VPNs can seriously slow down your gaming. Server crowding and poor technology may slow down your ping and cause lag. If you find that connecting to a VPN server slows your gaming speed, there are a few things you can try to improve your speed. For example, you can try changing to a different server, restarting your router or computer (depending on where your VPN is active), or restarting your console.

Question 30

😎 What else can a VPN do for gamers?

Accepted Answer

VPNs can also secure your gaming by protecting you from DDoS attacks and surveillance. In DDOS attacks, hackers find your IP address, overload your server, and shut it down so that they can beat you in online gaming. This is increasingly common in P2P gaming. A VPN protects you from DDoS attacks by masking your IP address through encryption — if hackers can’t find your server, they can’t execute the attack. I recommend you . In some censorship-heavy countries, gamers have limited access to content and may be punished for playing banned games. The good news is you can use a VPN to stay hidden from government surveillance.

Kate Hawkins

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10 Best Anti-Spyware Software in 2021 (Removal & Protection)

5 Best Antivirus Software for PC Gaming in 2021 (+ Game Mode!)

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5 Best VPNs for Streaming & Security in Norway (Updated Servers)

How to Watch the 2021 Italian Grand Prix From Anywhere

What is NordLynx? Here’s Everything You Need to Know (2021)

Tails: What Is It and can I Use It as a VPN? (2021)

How to Download Region-Locked Games from Anywhere 2021

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