
Darien Graham-Smith
Darien began his IT career in the 1990s as a systems engineer, later becoming an IT project manager. His formative experiences included upgrading a major multinational from token-ring networking to Ethernet, and migrating a travelling sales force from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95.
He subsequently spent some years acting as a one-man IT department for a small publishing company, before moving into journalism himself. He is now a regular contributor to IT Pro, specialising in networking and security, and serves as associate editor of PC Pro magazine with particular responsibility for business reviews and features.
You can email Darien at darien@pcpro.co.uk, or follow him on Twitter at @dariengs.
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Best cloud databases
Best Find the right storage solution with the best cloud databases
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Can you use an SSD in a NAS?
In-depth A quick guide on how to use an SSD in a NAS drive, and whether it's a good idea
By Darien Graham-Smith Last updated
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What is a bare metal server?
In-depth Anyone looking to precisely tune hardware to suit specific workloads should consider bare metal
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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How to change the DNS address in Windows 10 and 11
How To Switching to a different DNS can offer faster performance and tighter security – here is how
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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How to check your SQL Server version
In-depth If you're building a new database application, you'll want to know which version of SQL Server you're using
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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What is an FTP server?
Explainer ITPro's guide to everything you need to know about the global standard for sending and receiving digital data – FTP servers
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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How to configure Hyper-V on Windows 10 and 11
How-to From setup and configuration to the most useful features and settings, here is everything you need for Hyper-V on both Windows 10 and 11
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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Zoom review: Easy video conferencing, plus plenty of clever features and add-ons
Reviews With integrated calendaring and messaging, a smart AI Companion, and a huge library of extensions, Zoom has much to offer businesses of all sizes
By Darien Graham-Smith Last updated
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Best business antivirus
Best To help you find the ideal antivirus platform for your company, we analyzed some of the best business antivirus platforms of today
By Darien Graham-Smith Last updated
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Cisco WebEx review: A powerful high-end videoconferencing solution with useful AI features
Reviews Wide-ranging platform support and numerous advanced features make Webex a strong choice for companies that place a high value on communications
By Darien Graham-Smith Last updated
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Google Meet review
Reviews A simple but fully functional service that comes with a low price and neat integration with Google Workspace
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security review
Reviews With a broad range of security functions, Bitdefender Ultimate Small Business Security is a strong choice for small teams
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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Eset Protect antivirus review
Reviews An impressive security suite with extensive management options and reliable all-round protection
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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Avast Business Security review: Strong, affordable protection for smaller businesses
Reviews With an excellent antivirus engine and easy management, Avast Business Security is a great solution for SMBs wanting to shore up and centralize their protection
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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Best rackmount NAS: Find the rack storage solution that’s right for you
Best Seeking out the best rackmount NAS for your business can unlock a range of long-term benefits - here are six of the best options available
By Darien Graham-Smith Last updated
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D-Link DMS-1100-10TP network switch review: A very affordable way to deliver a speed boost
Reviews This 2.5GbE PoE+ switch is ideal for smaller businesses on a budget
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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What is Bluetooth and how does it work? Everything you need to know
In-depth We examine how the different Bluetooth standards compare, and how users can get the most from their Bluetooth devices
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What's the difference between ARM and x86?
In-depth Apple, AMD, and Intel take significantly different approaches to building CPUs, with varied processor designs carrying significant implications for performance
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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Chrome vs Firefox vs Microsoft Edge
Vs Firefox vs Edge vs Chrome - discover which comes out on top in the ultimate battle to crown the very best browser
By Darien Graham-Smith Last updated
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Netgear Nighthawk RAXE300 review
Reviews The Nighthawk RAXE300 is not quite as powerful as its top-of-the-range sibling, but still a hugely fast and versatile Wi-Fi 6E router
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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Netgear Orbi RBK863S review: A fine mesh three years ago
Reviews A decent Wi-Fi 6 mesh, but the only thing that's exceptional about this Orbi system is the price
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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Linksys Hydra Pro 6E review: An overpriced and middling router
Reviews Strong hardware specs sadly don't translate to real-world performance, on either Wi-Fi 6 or 6E
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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Why Ethernet will always beat Wi-Fi
In-depth Although Wi-Fi has some advantages, if you’re looking for a fast, reliable network, there’s still nothing better than good old-fashioned cables
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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Mercusys Halo H80X review: Without question the best-value mesh around
Reviews This unfancy Wi-Fi 6 mesh provides all the performance and coverage you're likely to need at an excellent price
By Darien Graham-Smith Published
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