European VPN Providers 2026: The Best Options for Privacy, Performance & Everyday Use

Online tracking, data leaks, and insecure public Wi-Fi have become part of everyday internet use. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps protect your connection by encrypting your traffic, hiding your IP address, and improving security when browsing on the go.

If you care about European standards such as transparency, data protection culture, and clearly identifiable companies, European VPN providers are often an attractive choice. Many users prefer VPNs based in Europe not because Europe is automatically “better,” but because the regulatory environment and consumer expectations tend to be more predictable and privacy-focused than in some offshore jurisdictions.

Below is a practical overview of well-known European VPN providers, with a focus on Proton VPN (Switzerland), Mullvad (Sweden), and Surfshark (Netherlands), plus a few additional European alternatives.

1) Proton VPN: Swiss Privacy Ecosystem with a Strong European Focus

Proton VPN

Proton VPN, based in Switzerland, is often seen as a premium European VPN. It combines polished apps, a strong reputation, and a clear privacy-first philosophy. Recently, Proton has also started distributing parts of its infrastructure across Europe, including locations such as Germany and Norway, which is appealing to users who value European server and infrastructure diversity.

Best suited for

  • Users who want a well-established VPN with a strong privacy reputation
  • Those who prefer European infrastructure and long-term stability
  • People looking for a broader privacy-focused product ecosystem

2) Mullvad VPN: Swedish Minimalism and Maximum Privacy

Mullvad is a Sweden-based VPN that has built a strong reputation for radical simplicity and data minimization. Instead of traditional accounts, users receive a randomly generated account number, allowing them to use the service with minimal personal information.

Best suited for

  • Users who prioritize anonymity and minimal data collection
  • Those who prefer a no-nonsense, technically solid VPN
  • People who want privacy without marketing extras or upselling

3) Surfshark: Netherlands-Based VPN for Everyday Use

Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands and is a popular European option for users who want an easy-to-use VPN with many features. It is especially attractive for households and multi-device users thanks to its convenient apps and broad compatibility.

Best suited for

  • Users who want a VPN that “just works” across many devices
  • Those interested in streaming, travel, and general everyday protection
  • People who want an EU-based company without extreme technical complexity

4) Other European VPN Providers Worth Mentioning

In addition to the providers above, several other European VPN services may be a good fit depending on your needs:

  • F-Secure VPN (Finland): a solid choice for users who want simple, reliable protection, especially on public Wi-Fi.
  • Goose VPN (Netherlands): a user-friendly option often chosen for basic multi-device use.

How to Choose the Right European VPN

The “best” VPN depends on how you plan to use it. When comparing European VPN providers, consider the following factors:

  • Privacy and transparency: clear company information, understandable policies, and ideally independent audits.
  • Performance: good European server coverage and modern protocols such as WireGuard.
  • Ease of use: reliable apps, kill switch, DNS leak protection, and simple setup.
  • Use case: travel, streaming, remote work, or public Wi-Fi security.

Check If You Are Using a VPN

If you want to quickly check whether a VPN is currently active, you can use this tool: VPN Detection Test. These tools are not perfect, but they can give a rough indication.

You can also explore their guide to IP-hiding services. Regardless of the provider, always enable important features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

Summary

Our top European VPN picks include:

  • Proton VPN (Switzerland): a strong all-rounder with an expanding European infrastructure
  • Mullvad (Sweden): excellent for anonymity and minimal data collection
  • Surfshark (Netherlands): a feature-rich, user-friendly VPN for everyday use

More European VPN providers can be found in this overview. Detect if you’re using a VPN here.

Conclusion

European VPN providers are a strong choice for users who value transparency, clear jurisdiction, and a privacy-focused mindset. Proton VPN stands out as a versatile premium option, Mullvad appeals to users who want maximum anonymity, and Surfshark offers a comfortable, feature-rich experience for everyday use. Choose the provider that best matches your needs—and don’t forget to enable essential security features.

Fix macOS Sierra Install Error: “No Bag Entry”

If you are trying to install or reinstall macOS Sierra and keep running into the “No bag entry” error, you are not alone. This issue most commonly appears when starting a reinstall from the macOS Utilities or Recovery environment. While the message looks serious, it is usually easy to fix.

Contents

  • What causes the “No bag entry” error?
  • Solution 1: Sync the system time with Apple’s servers
  • Solution 2: Manually set the system date
  • Fixing install errors in macOS Recovery
  • Conclusion

What causes the “No bag entry” error?

In most cases, this error is related to an incorrect system date or a failed verification between the installer and Apple’s servers. Common reasons include:

  • The Mac’s date and time are incorrect
  • The installer cannot authenticate with Apple due to a time mismatch
  • Temporary network issues or problems on Apple’s side

Correcting the system date and time usually resolves the issue.

Before you start: Open Terminal from the Utilities menu and make sure your Mac is connected to the internet.

Solution 1: Sync time using Apple’s NTP server

The easiest method is to synchronize your Mac’s clock with Apple’s Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers. This does not work in every situation, but it is a good first step.

Steps

  1. Check your internet connection
    Connect to Wi-Fi using the menu in the top-right corner of the macOS Utilities screen, or ensure your Ethernet cable is plugged in.
  2. Open Terminal
    From the menu bar, choose Utilities → Terminal.
  3. Run the sync command
    ntpdate -u time.apple.com
    This command updates your Mac’s clock using Apple’s time server.
  4. Close Terminal and retry the installation
    If the error persists, continue with the next solution.

Solution 2: Manually set the system date

If automatic time syncing fails, setting the date manually is usually reliable.

Steps

  1. Ensure internet access
  2. Open Terminal
    Go to Utilities → Terminal.
  3. Set the date manually
    Example command:
    date -u 0311102625
    This sets the system time to March 11, 2025, at 10:26 UTC. Adjust the values as needed.

Date format explained:

  • MM – Month
  • DD – Day
  • hhmm – Hour and minute
  • YY – Year

Fixing install errors in macOS Recovery

When reinstalling macOS from the Recovery partition, you may instead see the message:

“An error occurred while preparing the installation. Try running this application again.”

This often happens if the Mac has not been used for a long time and the system date has reset—sometimes as far back as 2001.

Check the current system date

In macOS Recovery, open Terminal and run:

date

The output shows the date currently set on the system. If it is incorrect, you will need to update it.

Set the correct date using UTC

Use the following command structure:

date -u MMDDhhmmYY

All values must be two digits and should be entered using UTC time to avoid timezone issues.

Example:
December 29, 2025 at 09:30 local time equals 08:30 UTC. The correct command would be:

date -u 1229083025

After running the command, verify the change by entering date again. Once the time is correct, quit Terminal and retry the macOS installation.

For additional background, you can read the original guide here:
Changing system date from Terminal – OS X Recovery

Conclusion

The “No bag entry” error and related installation failures are usually caused by an incorrect system date. Start by syncing the time with Apple’s servers. If that does not work, manually set the date using Terminal—especially when working from macOS Recovery.

Once the system clock is correct, macOS Sierra should install without further issues.

If this guide helped you—or if you found another solution—feel free to share your experience in the comments.

Proton Deals and Coupons 2026: Our Codes & Tips

Proton, the Swiss privacy-focused technology company, is rolling out some of the most impressive Black Friday deals of the year. With discounts of up to 75% on Proton VPN and 60% on the rest of its privacy suite, this is an excellent opportunity to switch to secure, encrypted alternatives to Google and Microsoft. Below, we break down the available deals and explain who they’re best suited for.

Proton Black Friday Deals – Overview

During Black Friday, Proton offers significant discounts across its full range of privacy-first tools. Here’s a quick overview of the most important deals:

All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try everything risk-free.

Proton Discount

Proton VPN: The Biggest Black Friday Discount (75%)

Proton VPN is the standout deal this Black Friday, offering an impressive 75% discount on the 2-year Plus plan. This lowers the price to just €2.49 per month (billed as €59.76 for 24 months), and you also receive 6 extra months free.

The 1-year Plus plan is also discounted by 60%, bringing the price down to €3.99 per month.

What’s included with Proton VPN Plus?

  • 15,800+ servers in 126 countries for global access
  • Secure Core routing for an extra privacy layer via Switzerland
  • NetShield ad & malware blocker
  • VPN Accelerator for faster connections (up to 400%)
  • Up to 10 simultaneous devices
  • P2P & torrent support
  • Streaming-optimized servers (Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer)
  • Tor over VPN for advanced anonymity
  • Open-source & independently audited

Why choose Proton VPN? Unlike many competitors, Proton VPN operates under a proven no-logs policy that has held up in court. Based in Switzerland, Proton benefits from some of the strongest privacy laws in the world—outside EU and US surveillance jurisdictions.

View Proton VPN Black Friday Deal →

Proton Mail: Encrypted Email (60% Off)

Proton Mail is the world’s most widely used encrypted email service and is now available with a 60% Black Friday discount on Mail Plus plans. Thanks to end-to-end encryption, even Proton itself cannot read your emails.

Mail Plus highlights

  • Up to 15 email addresses
  • Support for 3 custom domains
  • 500 GB total storage (Mail + Drive)
  • Advanced filters and labels
  • Hide-my-email aliases
  • Encrypted Proton Calendar
  • Priority customer support

Ideal for: freelancers, small businesses, journalists, and anyone who wants a Gmail alternative without ads, tracking, or AI scanning.

Proton Drive: Encrypted Cloud Storage (60% Off)

Proton Drive is also discounted by 60%. The Drive Plus plan includes 200 GB of fully encrypted storage—ideal for documents, backups, and photos.

Key features

  • End-to-end encryption for all files
  • Automatic photo backups
  • Password-protected file sharing
  • File version history
  • Cross-platform support

Important: Unlike Google Drive or Dropbox, Proton Drive does not scan or use your data for AI training. Only you can access your files.

Proton Unlimited: Best Overall Value (50% Off)

For most users, the Proton Unlimited plan offers the best value. With 50% off, you get every premium Proton service in one bundle.

  • Proton VPN Plus
  • Proton Mail Plus
  • Proton Drive (500 GB)
  • Proton Calendar
  • Proton Pass

Black Friday price: approximately €4.99 per month with annual billing (regularly €9.99/month).

Best for: anyone planning to use more than one Proton service. You get the full privacy ecosystem for less than the normal cost of the VPN alone.

Conclusion: Is Proton’s Black Friday Deal Worth It?

Absolutely. Proton’s Black Friday deals rank among the strongest privacy offers of the year. With up to 75% off Proton VPN and 60% off the rest of the suite, now is the ideal moment to move away from Big Tech and take control of your digital privacy.


View all Proton Black Friday deals →

Proton Black Friday Deals 2026

Looking to ditch Big Tech and embrace privacy? Proton, the renowned Swiss privacy company, has rolled out some exceptional Black Friday promotions for 2025. You can save as much as 75% on their VPN service and 60% on their other privacy-focused products. If you’ve been considering secure alternatives to Gmail, Google Drive, or standard VPN providers, now’s the time to make the switch.

What’s On Offer This Black Friday

Proton has slashed prices across their entire privacy ecosystem. Here’s a breakdown of the current promotions:

  • Proton VPN: Save up to 75% (prices start at $2.49/month with 2-year commitment)
  • Proton Mail: 60% reduction on Mail Plus subscriptions
  • Proton Drive: 60% discount on encrypted storage
  • Proton Pass: 60% off their password management solution
  • Proton Unlimited: Half price on the all-inclusive bundle (VPN, Mail, Drive, Calendar, Pass)

All subscriptions come with a 30-day refund policy, so you can try everything without commitment.

Proton VPN: The Standout Deal at 75% Off

Proton VPN steals the spotlight with a massive 75% price cut on their 2-year Plus subscription. That works out to just $2.49 monthly ($59.76 total for two years), and they’re throwing in 6 extra months at no charge.

Prefer a shorter commitment? The annual Plus plan comes with a 60% discount at $3.99 monthly.

Everything You Get with VPN Plus

  • Over 15,800 servers spanning 126 nations – One of the largest global networks available
  • Secure Core technology – Routes your connection through Swiss servers for extra protection
  • NetShield protection – Eliminates advertisements, tracking scripts, and malicious content
  • VPN Accelerator technology – Boosts speeds by up to 400%
  • Connect 10 devices simultaneously – Cover your entire tech ecosystem
  • Torrent-friendly servers – Dedicated P2P-optimized connections
  • Streaming compatibility – Unlocks Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more
  • Tor integration – Access the Tor network through VPN for maximum anonymity
  • Fully transparent codebase – Open-source apps with third-party security audits

What sets Proton VPN apart? Their zero-logs commitment isn’t just marketing – it’s been validated in actual legal proceedings. Operating from Switzerland means they’re beyond the reach of US and EU surveillance programs, protected by robust Swiss privacy legislation.

Check Out the Proton VPN Offer >

Proton Mail: Private Email at 60% Off

Proton Mail is available at 60% off during this sale period. As the leading encrypted email provider globally, it uses end-to-end encryption that prevents even Proton’s own team from accessing your messages.

What Mail Plus Offers:

  • 15 email addresses maximum – Manage multiple identities from one account
  • Support for 3 personal domains – Send emails from your own domain
  • 500 GB of space – Combined storage for emails and files
  • Powerful organization tools – Custom filters and labeling system
  • Disposable email aliases – Protect your real address when signing up for services
  • Encrypted calendar access – Proton Calendar comes bundled
  • Premium customer service – Expedited support responses

Ideal for: Independent professionals, small business owners, and privacy-minded individuals. Think of it as Gmail without the advertising, data harvesting, or AI reading your private correspondence.

Proton Drive: Secure File Storage at 60% Off

Proton Drive joins the sale with a 60% reduction. The Drive Plus tier gives you 200 GB of encrypted storage – room for roughly 50,000 photographs.

Notable Features:

  • Client-side encryption – Files are encrypted on your device before upload
  • Seamless photo backup – Automatically sync your camera roll securely
  • Secure link sharing – Add password protection to shared files
  • File versioning – Recover older versions when needed
  • Multi-device synchronization – Access your files anywhere

Key difference: Unlike mainstream cloud providers like Google Drive or Dropbox, Proton Drive never uses your content for machine learning purposes, and their team physically cannot access or scan your stored files.

Proton Pass: Password Security at 60% Off

Proton Pass, their newer password management tool, is also 60% off. It stands as a solid alternative to established players like 1Password and Bitwarden.

What Proton Pass Delivers:

  • No password limits – Save every credential securely
  • Integrated two-factor authentication – Eliminates the need for separate authenticator apps
  • Email alias generation – Create disposable addresses right from the password manager
  • Vault organization – Group passwords logically
  • Breach detection – Notifications when your credentials appear in data leaks
  • Universal compatibility – Extensions and apps for every major platform

Proton Unlimited: Everything in One Package at 50% Off

For maximum value, consider the Proton Unlimited subscription at 50% off. This comprehensive package includes premium access to everything:

  • Full Proton VPN Plus (10 device connections)
  • Complete Proton Mail Plus (15 addresses, 3 domains)
  • Proton Drive with 500 GB capacity
  • Proton Calendar with full encryption
  • Proton Pass premium features

Sale pricing: Around $4.99 monthly on yearly billing (regular price is $9.99/month).

Best suited for: Anyone interested in more than one Proton product. The Unlimited bundle delivers the entire privacy toolkit for less than the standalone VPN’s normal cost.

What Makes Proton Different?

Several factors set Proton apart from typical tech companies:

1. Protected by Swiss Law

Switzerland hosts Proton’s headquarters, giving them access to exceptional privacy protections. They operate independently of EU and US legal frameworks and their associated surveillance requirements. Court cases have repeatedly demonstrated that Proton literally cannot hand over user data because they don’t retain it.

2. Transparent and Verified

Every Proton application has its source code publicly available for inspection. Independent cybersecurity firms conduct regular audits of their systems. This represents genuine accountability – not just promises, but verifiable security practices.

3. Proven Zero-Logs Approach

Plenty of VPN companies advertise no-logs policies, but few have faced real-world validation. Proton VPN has nothing to provide authorities even when compelled – the data simply doesn’t exist.

4. Scientific Origins

CERN researchers and engineers established Proton – the same organization responsible for the Large Hadron Collider. Their emphasis is on engineering excellence and scientific rigor rather than flashy marketing.

Who Benefits Most from These Offers?

These Black Friday promotions are especially attractive for:

  • Privacy advocates seeking alternatives to Google, Microsoft, and similar data-collecting giants
  • Self-employed professionals and small companies requiring confidential client communications
  • Reporters and human rights workers needing enhanced security measures
  • Budget-conscious students wanting comprehensive privacy protection
  • Households looking to secure multiple family devices
  • Distributed workforces requiring encrypted cross-border collaboration
  • Frequent travelers concerned about public WiFi security

Getting Started with the Deals

Activating your Proton discount is simple:

  1. Head to the Proton Black Friday landing page
  2. Pick the subscription that matches your requirements
  3. Discounts apply automatically during checkout
  4. Opt for annual or longer billing for maximum savings
  5. Complete registration and payment (cryptocurrency accepted for added privacy)

Good to know: These promotions work for both newcomers and current subscribers. Existing customers can upgrade or extend their subscription at the promotional rate.

Common Questions Answered

When do these promotions expire?

Proton’s Black Friday promotions generally extend through Cyber Monday and sometimes beyond. Reports suggest availability through early January 2026. Still, acting promptly is recommended – certain offers might end sooner if they hit capacity limits.

What’s the renewal price?

Once your initial subscription period ends, it renews at standard pricing unless cancelled. The Black Friday rate applies only to your first billing cycle.

Is cryptocurrency payment available?

Absolutely – Proton accepts Bitcoin for those wanting maximum payment privacy. Just be mindful of cryptocurrency’s environmental considerations.

Can I stream with Proton VPN?

Definitely. Proton VPN successfully unblocks Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and numerous other platforms through their streaming-optimized server infrastructure.

How difficult is switching from Google?

Proton provides migration utilities for transferring content from Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive. The process is fairly straightforward, though duration varies based on your data volume.

How Proton Stacks Up Against Alternatives

Wondering how Proton measures against other options?

Proton VPN versus NordVPN

NordVPN runs comparable promotions (around 74% savings). The core distinction: Proton offers superior privacy credentials thanks to Swiss jurisdiction and their mission-driven structure, while NordVPN edges ahead slightly on raw speed and server count. For privacy purists, Proton leads; for general performance, both deliver comparable experiences.

Proton Mail versus Gmail

Gmail costs nothing but mines your messages for advertising and AI development. Proton Mail’s encryption makes your content unreadable to anyone but you – no ads, no data monetization. The user experience feels familiar and polished; daily usage feels nearly identical.

Proton Drive versus Google Drive/Dropbox

Mainstream cloud services can theoretically view your files and may use them for AI training purposes. Proton Drive’s zero-knowledge architecture means only you can decrypt your content. The tradeoff: slightly less storage per dollar, but genuine file privacy.

Final Verdict: Should You Take Advantage?

Proton’s 2025 Black Friday sale represents one of the year’s premier privacy deals. With 75% savings on Proton VPN and 60% off their other services, there’s never been a better opportunity to transition away from data-hungry alternatives.

Top Recommendations:

  1. Proton VPN (75% savings) – Optimal choice for VPN-only users
  2. Proton Unlimited (50% savings) – Best overall value for multi-service users
  3. Proton Mail (60% savings) – Perfect for those focused solely on secure email

The 30-day satisfaction guarantee eliminates any risk. Keep in mind: pricing like this won’t come around again until next November.

Posted byCrewPosted inUncategorized

Lookup DUNS Number For Free

Whether you’re looking to partner with a new company, apply for a grant, or register your organization with Apple, you might find yourself needing a DUNS number. But how can you check if your business already has one? And how do you find the DUNS number for another company?

This blog post will guide you through the process of looking up a DUNS number—for your own organization as well as for other businesses.

What Exactly is a DUNS Number?

In short, a DUNS number is a unique, 9-digit global business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet. It’s used to reliably identify businesses, particularly on an international scale.

How to Look Up a DUNS Number

1. Finding Your Own DUNS Number

If you want to find out if your organization already has a DUNS number, here’s how you can do it:

Via Dun & Bradstreet:

  • Look for an option like “Find your DUNS number” or use this direct link: https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/lookup.html – sometimes this can also be done for free.
  • Enter your company details, such as:
    • Company Name
    • City/Location
    • Country
  • You’ll be shown if a DUNS number already exists. If so, you can have it sent to your business email address.

Tip: Use the official company name as registered with your local business registry (e.g., Chamber of Commerce).

No Results?

If no DUNS number is found, you can usually apply for one directly on their site. This is typically free and takes a few business days.

2. Finding Another Company’s DUNS Number

Want to find the DUNS number for a supplier, client, or partner? You can also do this through Dun & Bradstreet:

  • Go to the international D&B Directory: https://www.dnb.com
  • Enter the company’s name and location details.
  • You should then see basic information, and potentially the DUNS number.

Please note: For some detailed information, you may need to create a (free) account or request a paid report.

3. Via Apple Developer (for Developers)

If you’re trying to create an Apple Developer account for an organization, Apple also provides a way to look up your DUNS number:

  • Go to the Apple Developer DUNS Lookup
  • Enter your company information.
  • Apple will let you know if a DUNS number exists or guide you through the application process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is every company automatically registered with D&B?

Not always. Many larger or older companies are already listed, but smaller or newly established businesses may need to register manually.

Is looking up a DUNS number free?

Sometimes it is. D&B may charge a fee if you require detailed company reports (such as creditworthiness). However, using a tool like this one often allows us to find it for free.

In Summary

Finding a DUNS number isn’t complicated, but you need to know where to look. Whether you’re searching for your own number or another company’s, it’s straightforward with the right tools. If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry—applying is usually free and quick.

Mail Providers From Europe & EU: Swiss, German, etc.

Always verify whether the listed providers store data within the EU and comply with GDPR regulations.

In today’s digital landscape, email communication plays a crucial role in both personal and professional settings. While mainstream American email services like Gmail and Hotmail are widely used, concerns about data privacy are growing. Thankfully, Europe offers a variety of secure and privacy-focused email providers that comply with the stringent General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This article highlights GDPR-compliant European email services that serve as excellent alternatives to Gmail and Hotmail, ensuring enhanced security and data protection.

1. ProtonMail: Swiss-based Secure Email

ProtonMail is a Swiss-based email provider known for its commitment to end-to-end encryption. Its zero-access encryption ensures that only the recipient can read the emails, offering top-tier privacy.

Data Privacy

Operating under strict Swiss privacy laws, ProtonMail ensures user data is stored securely on Swiss servers, benefiting from strong data protection policies.

Key Features

  • End-to-end Encryption: Guarantees that only the recipient can access your emails.
  • Zero-access Encryption: ProtonMail’s servers cannot read your emails, enhancing security.
  • Anonymous Sign-up: Register without sharing personal information.

2. Tutanota: User-friendly and Secure

Tutanota is a German-based email service that prioritizes security and ease of use. Its built-in encryption ensures seamless protection.

GDPR and Data Privacy

As a German service, Tutanota complies with GDPR, placing high importance on data security and user privacy.

Key Features

  • End-to-end Encryption: Protects emails, contacts, and calendar entries.
  • Two-factor Authentication (2FA): Enhances account security.
  • Open-source Code: Ensures transparency and trustworthiness.

3. Mailbox.org: Privacy and Collaboration

Mailbox.org is a German email provider that offers robust privacy along with collaboration tools like cloud storage and calendars.

GDPR and Data Privacy

Mailbox.org asserts full compliance with GDPR, ensuring user data remains protected under German privacy laws.

Key Features

  • Integrated Collaboration: Includes cloud storage and document editing.
  • German-based Servers: Ensures compliance with strict privacy laws.
  • Eco-friendly: Powered by 100% renewable energy.

4. Runbox: Norway’s Secure Email Provider

Runbox is a Norwegian email service focused on security and data protection.

GDPR and Data Privacy

Runbox adheres to GDPR and Norwegian privacy regulations, safeguarding personal data.

Key Features

  • Norwegian Data Centers: Provides strong legal privacy protections.
  • Custom Domains: Personalize your email address.
  • Secure Access: Available via web, mobile, and email clients.

5. Mailfence: Belgium’s Privacy-first Email

Mailfence is a Belgian email service that prioritizes security and encrypted communication.

Key Features

  • End-to-end Encryption: Ensures full privacy.
  • Digital Signatures: Authenticate documents securely.
  • Collaboration Tools: Includes encrypted storage and contacts.

Conclusion

For those prioritizing privacy, European email providers like ProtonMail, Tutanota, Mailbox.org, Runbox, and Mailfence offer secure alternatives to mainstream services. By choosing GDPR-compliant platforms, users gain greater control over their data. View more here.

Alternative Search Engines to Google: Eco-Friendly and Privacy-Focused Options

Are you concerned about your privacy when using search engines like Google? Or maybe you’re looking for ways to reduce your carbon footprint and support environmental initiatives? Luckily, there are several alternative search engines available that prioritize privacy and eco-friendliness.

Here are three of the top alternative search engines to Google:

Ecosia

Ecosia is a search engine that plants trees with its ad revenue. This means that every time you use Ecosia to search the web, you’re also contributing to reforestation efforts around the world. To date, Ecosia has planted over 140 million trees and counting.

Ecosia also prioritizes user privacy, with encryption technology that protects your search history and personal information. Plus, they never sell your data to advertisers or third-party companies.

OceanHero

OceanHero is a search engine that helps clean up the ocean by using its ad revenue to remove plastic waste from the ocean. Every search you make on OceanHero helps to fund the removal of plastic from the ocean and prevent it from entering our food chain.

OceanHero is also privacy-focused, with no tracking, profiling, or personalization of search results. They use a secure connection and never store your search history or any personal data.

DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo is a popular search engine known for its strong privacy policy. They don’t track your searches, store your personal information, or sell your data to advertisers. This means that you can search the web without being bombarded with targeted ads or having your data used for other purposes.

DuckDuckGo also has a “bangs” feature, which allows you to quickly search specific websites by typing in a command followed by your search query. For example, you can search Amazon by typing “!a” followed by your search term.

Bonus: Make a Positive Impact with TreeClicks

If you want to make a positive impact while still using Google or any of the above alternative search engines, you can also install the TreeClicks extension or app. TreeClicks plants trees for free when you shop online at over 30,000 webshops, and it won’t cost you a thing.

By using eco-friendly and privacy-focused search engines like Ecosia, OceanHero, and DuckDuckGo, and supporting initiatives like TreeClicks, you can make a difference and contribute to a better world.

Tips for a successful IT strategy

Many companies are not really concerned with an IT-strategy. That’s strange. They appear to have a lack of knowledge on IT and its necessity. A recent study by MyCademy shows that 29% of Dutch companies won’t exist anymore within three years if they don’t invest in IT. The reality is, though, that in many cases a non-IT person is responsible for the company’s IT-strategy.

So how can you, as a non-IT person, build a successful IT strategy?

These tips below will help you. It will give you the necessary tools to build up a successful IT strategy for your company.

Are you not an IT person, but you are responsible for the IT strategy of your department or company? Don’t worry. The right online information will help you on your way.

it strategy

Tip 1 IT strategy: set goals

The trick is to write down the company’s goals and to align the IT goals with the company’s goals. IT does not stand on its own, but is part of a larger unit, the company.

Or in other words: How can IT contribute to the company’s goals?

Construct a plan in which you write down both the company’s goals and the IT contributions to achieve these goals. Try to construct measurable goals for the IT department, to actually have expectations and ways to measure results.

When you finished this, you’re able to map the steps you need to take to achieve these goals.

Tip 2 IT strategy: Define the process

An important characteristic of IT is that your co-workers use IT to work efficiently, easy and quickly. However, what does this actually mean within your company?

  • What do your co-workers expect from efficient, easy and quick work processes?
  • What do they need?
  • How can their work processes be improved?
  • How can their productivity be improved?

Tip: Walk around the company and ask your co-workers directly what they expect from IT and how the IT processes can be improved to make them more productive.

Take the resulting list back to IT and design the work space that focusses on these points and tips.

Please do note that the online workspace holds an important place in more productivity and efficiency in today’s companies. For example, possibilities in the Cloud or Chrome extensions.

Go sit down with your IT team and produce the best possible workspace that meets the requirements, wishes and necessities of the co-workers. An IT strategy provides the right solutions and a well functioning, safe and efficient work environment. More then ever, these are essential characteristics in company’s. Think about online efficiency, using the right tools to improve communications between workers and with clients and using technical solutions to have better results. This is all related to IT.

define process strategy

Tip 3 IT strategy: Include IT in company plans

IT and the company’s management can actually complement each other. Did you realize that? They should be working closely together. However, IT is often not included in business plans at all. Somewhere along the way an IT strategy is included in the company’s strategy.

Often, IT is not recognised by management for its full potential. It is more often seen as a burden. Only when IT and management work together from the start, both can complement each other. So yes, management can profit from IT solutions. And so yes, the company overall can grow much faster when using IT in its own advantage.

So the trick is to involve IT into the company’s strategy, plans, problems and solutions. In our age, IT can give solutions and propose improvements.

Tip 4 IT strategy: What does IT need to do?

Ok, as a non-IT-er it might be difficult to keep up your game and to see the opportunities of IT within the company’s strategy. Avoid having to guess or make assumptions. Ask a specialized IT professional for his/her point of view.

Ask about the most recent developments in software, hardware of devices that answer problems or opportunities within your company.

  • What are the advantages?
  • To what extent does it contribute to the company’s goals?
  • Does it comply with legislation and regulation?
  • It solves problems noted by your co-workers?
  • Does it fit within the company’s business strategy?

A lot of questions. Point is: if you don’t know it, someone else will be able to help you with it. You can’t have all the knowledge in the world. Asking others to share their knowledge is actually pretty smart.

company strategy

Tip 5 IT strategy: The future of IT

Technology and IT are constantly evolving. We all know that. Constantly new devices, software and solutions are introduced. As a non-IT IT manager: how do you keep up with all these developments?

Be on top of your game. Don’t sit back thinking you have it under control. Today’s solution is obsolete by tomorrow. The goal of the IT department is not to spend all day solving problems of your co-workers. It is to improve productivity by always applying the newest IT solutions to the company’s business processes. So stay up to date, stay informed, read and visit IT events.

So don’t focus on today’s IT in your IT strategy, but rather on future IT solutions. What IT solutions might be introduced in a year, or 2 years, or 5 years? That’s something you can work towards.

Remember tip 4: If you don’t know the future of IT within your company, then ask others who can help you with it. The worst thing you can do, is staying behind. This means: if others are already using IT solutions, you shouldn’t copy them but rather apply the newest, most recent solution. Never stay behind, because technology, software and IT are always evolving. And this goes in a deadly pace.  

Tip 6 IT strategy: Roundtable discussion

IT is not the boring department in the company. Stay on top of your game, also within the company. Ask you co-working, include them in the IT strategy. But also take part in roundtable discussion and events outside the office. So in fact you need to be the social IT person you never expected to be.

Good luck, enjoy!

Tips for a more sustainable ICT for your company

A sustainable ICT should be something obvious in every company. However, many companies are still struggling with their sustainability goals. This is actually strange, cause having a sustainable ICT for your company is really easy. Just follow the tips below.

Tips sustainable ICT company

How to make your company more environmental friendly? Many companies struggle with this. At home we seem to be perfectly able to adjust ourselves to sustainable solutions or alternatives. However, at work we seem to find it harder to fully practise sustainable alternatives.

Our answer: Start with ICT! But don’t worry. These easy tips below will help you out. We start with the most polluting department of most companies: the ICT department. ICT is a big energy consumer and a ruthless user of resources. That goes completely against our sustainability goals. So we need to make some simple changes in our ICT departments.

Don’t be afraid. We can have our cake and eat it too. Having a more sustainable ICT department doesn’t mean it has to negatively affect its work results.

ICT as cost saving

Additionally, several sustainable ICT tips happen to also be cost saving measurements. Therefor they fit in every company’s longing for profit and ways to save costs.

Tech companies seem to be the most progressive into finding ways to be more environmental friendly, or at least less environmental unfriendly. They seem to be very able to use their knowledge and experience into making their business more sustainable. How do they do it?

sustainable ict

Tips sustainable ICT

We will give you some easy tips.

1: Paperless business operations

Although our lives are more digitalized then ever before, the paperless office is still not widely applied.  This is a bit strange. Offices have kilometres of documents, files, paperwork, memo’s and hand-outs. Everything is printed, shared and saved on paper. But sharing it digitally sounds way more efficient and convenient.

We are always digitally accessible, either by smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. Therefor we always have a possibility to open a file on a screen.     

Files printed on paper aren’t better than digital files. Digitally you can also add remarks, highlight, make changes, etc. Paperwork simply doesn’t have any advantage anymore. Check out our tips for handy Chrome extensions.

Actually, the digital world has made paperwork obsolete. Digital files can be shared, saved and archived way better than paper files. Documents can be easily shared, accessed and adjusted digitally by using cloud storage solutions.

This makes the office in fact way more efficient. Paperwork can become chaotic and cluttered.

  • What is the most recent version?
  • Did you receive the memo?
  • I have been searching for 20 minutes, but can’t find the file on my desk.
  • I can’t read your writing.

Not to mention the huge pile of unused paperwork.

These things just work way better and more efficiently when uploaded, shared and saved digitally.

Challenge: Calculate how much kilo of paper is being used in your office on a monthly basis, and how much is being spend on paper. Also calculate how much kilo of paper ends up in the garbage on a monthly basis, as we assume you recycle paper separately. This challenge will give you a good picture of the shocking positive results of going paperless.

Interested in more simple solutions? Check out our blog on the best Chrome extensions that make your online activities more easy and sustainable.

2: Have sustainable suppliers

As a company you can demand certain requirements from your suppliers. Remember that the level of sustainability of your suppliers and partners have an effect on the company’s reputation.

An example. In 2011 Apple got in trouble when environmental activists stated the new Chinese supplier dumped waste illegally, polluting nature. Ever since, Apple has encouraged its suppliers and partners to be more environmental friendly and to responsibly use raw materials and resources.

This is definitely an important issue to consider. Do only look at your own production process, but also ensure the sustainability of your partners and suppliers.

refurbished ict

3: Recycle

Recycling is one of the ground rules of a sustainable lifestyle, and also fits perfectly in a more sustainable ICT.

At the office we don’t seem to recycle as much as at home. At the office we throw away things effortlessly when they are not usable anymore. This is a strange habit.

For example, office pens. They are being thrown away when empty. How many pens are being used in your office on a monthly basis? Look for a way to not throw away a pen, but refill it.

Also ICT objects are being thrown away to easily when they do not meet our high standards anymore. It is ok to renew and prefer technological advanced stuff. However, in a more sustainable ICT department you could choose to sell or donate these items to be reused as second hand items.

As an ICT department: look into the possibilities to purchase refurbished products. Refurbished ICT items might still have a great quality, be cheaper and are way more environmental friendly.

And also in a more simpler way, recycling can be easily applied in the company. Like for example recycle bins spread throughout the office or toilet paper made from recycled paper.

As you can see: different options for recycling to have a more sustainable ICT and a more sustainable company.

4: Revise your energy consumption

In most companies, the ICT department has one of the highest energy consumptions. How sustainable is this energy consumption?

Trying to save energy is a great way to save money. This can be done with simple steps.

  • Replace old, high energy consuming devices.
  • Add devices with a low energy consumption rate, preferable A+++.
  • Switch of lights when there is no one there.
  • Switch to LED lights.
  • Switch of computers and machines when not in use.  

Additionally, of course: Use green energy. It’s quite easy to switch towards a green energy supplier. Or to install solar panels on the roof, to directly profit from green energy from the sun.

Green host

5: Change to a green host

You are thinking about efforts towards a more sustainable ICT department. However, many hosting companies have already made improvements towards a more sustainable production process.

Hosting companies are often data centres that digitally storage all the data of companies. These data centres happen to produce fumes that are all but good for the environment. They are actually more polluting than we assume. Switching towards a paperless company includes demanding more data storage. Try to limit the effect of more data storage on the environment by contracting an environmental friendly host, like, for example, Capgemini.

Read more about environmental friendly data centres.

Best free cloud storage for consumers

In this blog article we give the best free cloud storage for consumers and companies.

Saving data in the cloud becomes more and more important in private and professional life. We rely on data storage, but additionally prefer to access data on multiple devices, and between multiple people. The cloud therefor answers a need of both consumers and companies.

However, the cloud is essentially the infrastructure of an external company. Amazon, Google, Dropbox and Apple, among others, offer extended cloud services. Cloud services are also referred to as online storage.

And we all use them happily. The advantages of using a cloud are great:

  • Access your files from multiple devices
  • No storage space used on your device
  • Safe storage, as (external) hard disks can break.

Actually, using a cloud storage is part of a more sustainable ICT in your company.

Which free cloud service are you going to use today?

Cloud
pCloud

Best free cloud storage

The list below offers the best free cloud storage services. Most cloud services offer a free service, with certain limitations. You have an option to buy an extension for more cloud storage space.

Best free cloud storage: Google Drive

Google Drive is definitely the best cloud storage service, with wide options in its free service. Google Drive offers different Apps in which multiple persons can work at the same time.

  • 15gb free space
  • Use of tools in G Suite
  • Backup options
  • Work on the same file with multiple persons at the same time.

Every Google user can use the benefits of Google Drive. This is a complete digital software solution, that integrates email, online storage, working on files online, Google Forms, Google Photos, contacts, agenda and more. And an additional advantage: the online environment is a shared space of all Google services.

In Google Drive you get 15gb free storage space. This makes Google one of de most generous storage infrastructures. You can use Apps to easily access your Google Drive account on both iOS as Android devices. Different Google services also synchronize files and documents between different devices. And additionally, users can use an online office tool, to make documents that automatically synchronize and can be shared within the same online environment.

Second best free cloud storage: pCloud

Really handy, with a great online interface.

  • Easy sharing with others
  • Apps for both desktops and mobile devices
  • Many options for free storage
  • Max 10GB free storage

Did you ever hear of pCloud before? Probably not. However, pCloud is a great cloud storage, and free. You are given10gb to store your data, with a bandwidth of 50gb per month to download.

Note: You can upgrade to 500gb for $4,99 per month and to 2tb for €9,99 per month. pCloud also offers annual and even lifetime plans, which are more affordable on a longer period of time.

The free 10gb can be expanded to a total of 20gb free online cloud storage. However, to profit from this free offer you need to complete a few offers for 4gb and additionally you can get 1gb per referral.

The pCloud Apps are very well designed and easy to use, both on desktops and on mobile devices. The result is a great and easy-to-use interface.

pCloud offers great sharing options and doesn’t have a limit on file size. This allows you to easily share files with friends and colleagues, including people who don’t use pCloud themselves.

pCloud is definitely worth a look. Especially if you’re looking for a cloud service that isn’t offered by one of the large software and technology enterprises in the world.

Third free cloud storage: Microsoft OneDrive

A great online storage solution, especially for Windows users.

  • Good integration with Microsoft software
  • Edit files online
  • 5gb of free online cloud storage (this is not so much compared to the above cloud services)
  • Free online cloud storage: 5gb

We must admit: OneDrive cloud storage is a little bit disappointing due to the very limited cloud storage capacity, especially coming from a big company like Microsoft. It’s only 5gb, and not a bit more for free. However, extending the cloud storage to 50gb is relatively affordable. With an office 365 subscription you can get 1tb of cloud storage. But these days, who wants and office subscription?

Let’s be reasonable. Google Drive is great for Google users, iCloud great for Apple users, and OneDrive is great for Microsoft Office users, and combines well with other Microsoft products, like outlook. OneDrive also integrates really well with other external services, like for example AutoCAD.

Sharing files through OneDrive is easy, also with people that don’t use OneDrive.

free cloud storage
OneDrive

Fourth free cloud storage: Dropbox

Supports third party Apps. Another well-known player in cloud services.

  • Supports other platforms
  • Great features and possibilities
  • Only 2gb storage at first, but possibilities to further extend this
  • Free cloud storage: 2gb

Dropbox is another well known cloud service, with a great interface and easy to use. Dropbox is quite popular, while it has only 2gb of free storage capacity. However, there are different options to get free extra cloud storage space. For example, by inviting friends you’ll get 500mb free storage space per referral, and up to a stunning 16gb. You’ll receive 250mb free cloud storage space when completing the Dropbox starting guide. And additionally 1gb per mighty answer that you contribute to the Dropbox forum. So: plenty of options for additional free cloud storage

Once you start delving into all the possibilities Dropbox has to offer, you’ll be happily surprised. For example, Dropbox Paper allows you to work together on a file in the cloud environment. Photos can be backed-up automatically in Dropbox. You can request other users to upload a file on your Dropbox. And Dropbox Rewind allows you to restore files until a specific date.

Dropbox can be used on different devices, like Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android and even Kindle. This makes Dropbox a great third party cloud service. And lastly, Dropbox can also be used in the browser, without downloading an App.

cloud services

Fifth free cloud storage: MediaFire

Cloud storage service with great experience.

  • Up to 50gb free cloud storage
  • Great sharing options
  • Free accounts have adds
  • Free storage: 10gb

You might not have heard from MediaFire, but they exist for over a decade. This is pretty long for a technological company. They have gained a lot of experience, which they have used in improving MediaFire as a cloud storage. You’ll receive initially 10gb of free cloud storage, but this can be extended to 50gb. How? For example, by referrals and following the social media accounts of MediaFire.

MediaFire can be used through the browser of an App. The interface is easy, with great options for sharing, storing and synchronising.