IT General

TL;DR: Live stream Djokovic vs. Basavareddy in the 2025 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The first Grand Slam of the season is here, with the top players from around the world ready to battle it out for the trophy at Melbourne Park. The first round of the Australian Open has thrown together some really interesting matchups, including Djokovic vs. Basavareddy.

Novak Djokovic is going for the record of 25 Grand Slam titles, but the American wildcard Nishesh Basavareddy stands in his way.

If you want to watch Djokovic vs. Basavareddy in the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Djokovic vs. Basavareddy for free

The 2025 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now, including Djokovic vs. Basavareddy.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 Australian Open by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Djokovic vs. Basavareddy without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Djokovic vs. Basavareddy in the 2025 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Blue Origin's inaugural New Glenn mission is finally ready to launch, with the (theoretically) reusable rocket set to embark on its maiden flight from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station within hours. Though the launch had been delayed by several days due to unfavourable weather, it seems conditions are right to find out what New Glenn can do at last.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk responds to Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin defense with a petty tweet

New Glenn is Blue Origin's first orbital rocket, and has been in development for over a decade. The company's previous spacecrafts such as the New Shepard have stuck closer the Kármán line, a boundary about 62 miles (100km) above Earth which some have adopted as the beginning of space. In contrast, New Glenn will aim to blast past that barrier, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 12,000 miles (19,300km).

As such, New Glenn is significantly larger than New Shepard, standing over 320 feet (98m) tall compared to the latter's 63 feet (19m).

Credit: Blue Origin

New Glenn won't be carrying any human passengers on its maiden voyage. Instead, the New Glenn-1 mission's goal is to see if it can actually reach orbit safely, as well as test out technology for Blue Origin's proposed Blue Ring spacecraft platform. It also aims to begin the certification process to enable New Glenn to carry military payloads to space. This would enable Blue Origin to enter military contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, providing some more competition for Space X.

Of course, Blue Origin is hoping to land New Glenn's booster intact as well, with a landing pad currently at the ready in the Atlantic Ocean.

The mission's three-hour launch window will open Monday at 1 a.m. EST / Sunday 10 p.m. PST, with the webcast live now. Watch Blue Origin's New Glenn launch on Blue Orgin's YouTube channel here:

TL;DR: SwiftScan VIP gives you high-quality mobile scanning and document tools for life — all for £34.41 with promo code FESTIVE30.

Opens in a new window Credit: SwiftScan SwiftScan VIP: Lifetime Subscriptionwith £34.41 at Mashable Shop
£163.86 Save £129.45 Use promo code FESTIVE30 Get Deal

Keeping track of papers doesn’t have to feel like a never-ending battle. With SwiftScan VIP, you can ditch the clutter and digitise your documents quickly and easily.

Whether you’re a student scanning notes, a professional managing files, or a small business owner juggling receipts, this app makes organising your paperwork simple — and you’ll never need to pay for it again with this lifetime subscription, on sale for £34.41 (reg. £163.86) with code FESTIVE30.

SwiftScan transforms your phone into a high-powered scanner that creates crystal-clear, professional-quality scans. From receipts and contracts to IDs and class notes, it handles all kinds of documents effortlessly. Need to tweak the results? The built-in editing tools let you crop, adjust, and clean up your scans so they look sharp and polished every time.

Once scanned, your files are ready to be stored, shared, or sent wherever you need them. SwiftScan integrates seamlessly with popular cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud, keeping your documents organised and accessible across all your devices.

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Streamline your workflow, clear the paper clutter, and keep your important documents in check for good with a lifetime subscription to SwiftScan VIP for £34.41 (reg. £163.86) with coupon code FESTIVE30 at the Mashable Shop.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

You can watch NHL games for free every Monday night this season. Sounds too good to be true? Prime Video proves otherwise — you can stream the Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks at no cost to you.

The Flames are having an average season in the Pacific Division. The Blackhawks have struggled this season. They've been at the bottom of the Central Division. Based on their records, it seems like the Flames have a better chance of taking the win.

If you want to watch the Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks for free from anywhere in the world, here is how you can do it.

When is Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks?

Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks takes place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Jan 13. This fixture will be played at the United Center in Chicago.

How to watch Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks for free

Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks is available to live stream on Prime Video in Canada, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this game. Fans in Canada can watch Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks (plus more Monday Night Hockey fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the NHL for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in Canada

5. Watch Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the NHL without actually spending anything. This is obviously only a short-term solution, but this gives you enough time to watch select NHL fixtures before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free live streams from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the NHL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NHL, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, saving you 49% on list price. This deal includes a bonus of three months of coverage, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream the Calgary Flames vs. Chicago Blackhawks for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams on Sling TV or FuboTV.

The NFL Wild Card Round ends with the Minnesota Vikings playing the Los Angeles Rams. The Vikings sit right below the Detroit Lions in the NFC North at 14-3, placing them second in their division. The Rams sit atop the NFC West with a record of 10-7.

The Vikings lost to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 5 with a final score of 9-31. On the same day, the Rams lost 30-25 to the Seattle Seahawks. Based on their records, the Rams seem to have a better chance of taking the win on Monday.

When is Vikings vs. Rams?

Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams takes place at 8 p.m. ET on Jan. 13.

Joe Buck is expected to do the play-by-play. Troy Aikman will be in the booth with him and Lisa Salters is the sideline reporter for the game.

Best streaming services for Vikings vs. Rams

Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams will be aired locally in California. It may be available in some other markets, but NFL games are subject to local blackouts.

If you do not have a cable package in those markets, you have options. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Vikings vs. Rams on local networks.

Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get Deal

Sling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.

Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.

For in-market games: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get Deal

FuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period. 

FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network. 

Again, Vikings vs. Rams is subject to local blackouts. It is available nationally on Prime Video.

How to watch Vikings vs. Rams from anywhere in the world

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Vikings vs. Rams from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Vikings vs. Rams from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for January 13 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 13, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A popular outerwear choice in fantasy stories.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no repeating letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

CLOAK.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 13

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for January 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for January 13 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Hole foods

These words are popular with schmear.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words are different types of a breakfast food with a hole in the center.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Bagels.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for January 13

• Blueberry

• Everything

• Plain

• Raisin

• Sesame

• Garlic

• Bagels

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for January 13 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Educate

• Green: Stocking up

• Blue: Traffic controller

• Purple: Same second name

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Teach

• Green: Cache

• Blue: Driving instructor directives

• Purple: ____ worm

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #582 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Teach: COACH, GUIDE, SCHOOL, TRAIN

• Cache: BANK, POOL, RESERVE,STORE

• Driving instructor directives: BRAKE, PARK, SIGNAL, TURN

• ____ worm: BOOK, EARTH, GLOW, INCH

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for January 13

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Playing Wordle, too? Here are the hints and answers for today's Wordle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Buying a new mechanical keyboard is exciting, but with all the different features out there, it's easy to get overwhelmed. One of the most important factors to consider is the plate mounting style. Recently, the gasket mount has garnered significant attention among enthusiasts.

My work PC is an old potato, and Chrome makes its fans cry whenever I open a lot of tabs. I always thought it was just my aging computer’s fault, until I switched to Firefox and found out it was Chrome all along.

Microsoft Forms is useful for creating straightforward quizzes, surveys, and tests, and its self-explanatory interface makes it a popular tool. However, you might not be using it to its full potential! In this article, I'll share some tools and tricks you should use to get the most out of this versatile program.

Google continues to improve Keep, its note-taking app, with small updates and tweaks to its features. Keep isn't exactly high-profile, but it's come a long way in a decade, and there are signs that Google is taking it more seriously than ever.

Since its launch, the new Outlook app hasn't gone down too well. Many How-To Geek readers feel it lacks many features that made its predecessor, classic Outlook, their go-to email client.

I wore an Apple Watch all day, every day, for over six years. I would always put it on right when I woke up, and only take it off before bed. I recently stopped wearing my Apple Watch at home, and it's been a very enlightening and freeing experience.

Low FPS in games often results from a poor internet connection or your system configuration. However, certain Windows settings, such as Hyper-V, can also prevent your computer from delivering the best FPS in games. Here are those Windows settings and how you can disable them to boost FPS in games.

In 2010, Microsoft added yet another technical term—Power Query—to Excel's long list of jargon, but it's not as complex as it sounds. In fact, once you get started, it's not too steep a learning curve, providing you have at least a beginner's-level understanding of Microsoft Excel.

VPNs promise security, but are they enough? From encrypted tunnels to protection against hackers, here’s the truth about what they can—and can’t—do.

Finding ways to help from afar in the wake of natural disasters, like the Los Angeles fires, isn't always straightforward.

Despite the best of intentions, people can sometimes do more harm than good by overwhelming local organizations with unneeded donations or inadvertently detract from relief efforts by making uninformed decisions about how to best donate or volunteer.

And then there are the scams. The chaotic aftermath of disasters is a prime environment for scammers to set up fraudulent funding campaigns or otherwise exploit the situation for nefarious purposes, siphoning off needed donations from well-meaning people.

If you're looking for ways to help victims and recovery efforts of the LA fires, here's a handy guide for how to find reliable resources. We've also provided some best practices for navigating the situation online.

SEE ALSO: How to check the air quality near you amid the Los Angeles wildfires Find out where to donate

Considered one of the most devastating fires in Los Angeles history, there's an overwhelming number of people who need help, and subsequently, a glut of information about their needs, leading to confusion about how to help.

If you're trying to sift through this mountain of information for things you can do, start by researching verified and trustworthy organizations that are working on the ground so that the money or goods you donate goes to the right places. Look to local and federal government and established non-profit sites that provide vetted resources.

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and the official California website have regular updates on what's needed and where to donate. For monetary donations, the LAFD lists its foundation for providing firefighting equipment and supplies, the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund, the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army as options. The LAFD has also linked LAworks.com which supports local Los Angeles non-profits for volunteer opportunities and resources.

California's official website, CA.gov also has a list of vetted organizations to donate money and volunteer opportunities through the Office of the Governor's California Volunteers department.

The Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALAN), a hub for mutual aid efforts and resources, has a regularly updated database of local organizations and information on what they're requesting and volunteer needs.

If you're looking to directly help individuals and families that have been displaced by the fires, GoFundMe has a dedicated section of fundraising campaigns that have been verified by the site's Trust and Safety team.

The Pasadena Humane Society is no longer accepting pet supply donations, but they are still in need of monetary donations, which can be made here.

Find out how to best donate and what these organizations need

While doing your research, look carefully and frequently at what organizations do and don't need. The LAFD urges people not to drop off donations at fire stations and shelters, because it "impacts the critical operations of these frontline responders." Similarly, the City of Pasadena announced on X that it is "overwhelmed with the amount [of food and other basic supplies] and we are no longer accepting additional donations."

Tweet may have been deleted

Organizations will often specify what items are needed. Secondhand clothes or used/opened packages of food and toiletries might not always be welcome. MALAN, the LA-based mutual aid network, has been providing real-time, detailed information on what each donation drive needs and whether they're accepting volunteers.

On that note, there's an impulse to show up on an organization's doorstep ready to pitch in. However, training volunteers often requires time and effort which could be better spent elsewhere during an ongoing disaster like the LA fires. So double check with their sites and social media accounts for updated information on how to best volunteer your time or resources. Sometimes the most-needed resource is simply money.

Share trusted information

With emotions running high and social media doing what it always does, misinformation thrives during crises like the LA fires.

When firefighting efforts in the Pacific Palisades ran out of water, rumors that it was due to broken fire hydrants prompted the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to set the record straight. The fire hydrants weren't broken, it was because of "unprecedented and extreme water demand to fight the wildfire without aerial support."

Viral satellite images of the burning Altadena don't actually depict fire, it's infrared imaging showing heat maps of the blaze. So while the devastation is real, that's not what the fire looked like to the naked eye.

Meanwhile, fact-checking sites like Snopes and Politifact have been busy debunking false looting claims, misleading claims about budget cuts, and finger-pointing from politicians.

Now is an especially good time read social media with extra scrutiny, and think carefully before reposting or sharing something online. Ask yourself whether a post seems like rage-bait, about the original source of the information, and whether you have enough context of the news you're reading.

A good strategy for quickly evaluating online information you might want to share is the SIFT method, which was developed by digital literacy expert Mike Caulfield. SIFT is an acronym that stands for 1. Stop, 2. Investigate the source, 3. Find better coverage, and 4. Trace claims, quotes, and media to the original context.

At the very least, be careful about what information you believe, and re-share, from your social media feeds.

Beware of scams

Scammers prey on people during times like these by exploiting their emotional investment and capitalizing on the situation's urgency and seriousness. Aside from luring people to donate through fake fundraising campaigns, scammers also go on the offensive, targeting people through phishing calls, texts, emails and direct messages on social media.

Through social engineering, they might not even directly ask for money, but tease sensitive information from you, like contact information and passwords, under the guise of needing help or offering help on your behalf. If you're donating outside of official channels, like sending money through Venmo or shipping supplies to someone, it's best to go through trusted networks of people you know or people who can vouch for them.

If you think someone is trying to scam you, the Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau have some tips. Find out specific information about the charity that you can research and verify and don't give them any money or personal information until you've verified the organization.

Scammers will often emphasize the urgency of the situation and try and get you to donate immediately. But legitimate charities will have websites with secure donating portals, so if it's a real organization you can always look it up and donate later.

Portable TVs offer a nice binge-watching experience on long road trips and airplane rides, making it easy to stream content from any of your favorite streaming apps and keep yourself and others entertained.

TL;DR: Leave recurring costs behind and get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 for Windows for just £49.14 (reg. £180.25). Hurry, because this Mashable Shop discount ends 12 January.

With this limited-time offer from the Mashable Shop, you can get an unlimited device license for Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2021 for Windows with a one-time purchase. Once it's set up on your device, the license will never expire. That means no recurring payments or sneaky subscription fees.

Here's what's included with your purchase:

• Lifetime access to essential Office apps: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams (free version only), OneNote, Publisher, and Access for all your work and personal projects

• Access these productivity tools without recurring subscription fees

• Fully compatible with Windows 10 and 11, ensuring smooth functionality on modern PCs

• Perfect for business, school, or home use, offering all the apps needed to create, edit, and share documents, presentations, and spreadsheets

• Delivered digitally for quick and easy setup with instant access to your license key

Take advantage of this limited-time price drop on a lifetime license to the complete Microsoft Office Pro Plus 2021 suite on sale for £49.14 (reg. £180.25).

Remember: This deal ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on 12 January.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: SmartTrainingLab Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License £49.14 at the Mashable Shop
£180.25 Save £131.11 Get Deal