Philip Bates
Senior Author
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261articles
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238Features
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19Lists
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5Guides
About Philip Bates
Philip was the Security Editor for MUO, and has worked here since 2014. He’s been a freelance writer since 2012, having achieved a Distinction in Professional Writing.
He's worked with Windows PCs since the 1990s, but is an avid iPhone user. He thinks Brave is much better than Chrome, the Nintendo Switch is the best console, and AI used in creative pursuits is appalling.
Philip has written, proofed, and edited numerous books -- including 100 Objects of Dr Who and Timeslides -- and written for publications like the Sherlock Holmes Magazine, HeroCollector, and The British Comedy Guide. He's the editor of The Doctor Who Companion.
Latest
I Use These 7 Tips to Make Sure My Packages Are Delivered Securely
Package thefts are on the rise, so how do you make sure couriers deliver your online purchases safely to your home?
5 Ways Scammers Use Celebrities to Trick You
Celebrity culture dominates online and offline news, and many people are obsessed—which is why scammers use them to steal money.
Outlook Will No Longer Sign You Out: Here's Why This Is Good For Security
Microsoft's email service will keep you signed in until you manually log out—but that's going to be great for your security.
Why Charging Your Phone Overnight Is Bad
Charging your smartphone overnight can damage the battery and shorten its lifespan, but there are some simple ways to prevent issues.
I Smashed My 2024 Goodreads Challenge: Here's How to Beat Yours in 2025
Want to read more in 2025? Here's how Goodreads can help you beat your goal for this year.
Why I’ll Never Buy Another Laptop After Owning a Desktop for 10 Years
I use my desktop PC every day and have done for a decade or more, and I'll never go back to using a laptop instead.
Don't Fall for Gift Card Scams: Here's How I Spot Them
Think you've won a free gift card? It's likely a scam.
Here Are 3 Black Friday Scams Already Trying to Catch You Out
The number of scams online increases a huge amount during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Here are a few you need to watch out for.
How to Spot Black Friday Scams
Worried about being caught out by cybercriminals this holiday season? Here are a few scams you should watch out for while buying presents.
I Won't Buy These 7 Tech Products on Amazon
I buy books, games, and entertainment on Amazon but refuse to buy these tech items online. Here's why.
Is Your iPhone Volume Way Too Low? How to Fix It
Is your iPhone volume not working? Here's how to fix iPhone volume problems.
7 Reasons I Avoid Social Media Trends and Challenges
Social media trends range from money-wasting fads to dangerous challenges.
X's Grok AI Uses Your Posts for Training: Here's How to Opt Out Now
X's artificial intelligence harvests any data you submit on the platform by default. Here's how to stop it.
Here's How I Get the Best Value From Music Streaming Services
Paid-for music streaming platforms can be costly, but worth it. Here's how I get the best out of my Spotify Premium subscription.
The Dark Web Isn't Illegal, But You Should Watch Out for These 7 Things
Criminal activities can be found via darknets, but is it actually illegal to go on the dark web?
Why It's Time for Apple to Ditch Annual iPhone Launches
Annual iPhone releases lack the excitement they once had.
What Is Doxing, and Do You Need to Worry About It?
Most people have already been doxed in some way, but this technique, often with malicious intent, can ruin lives. Here's what you need to know.
Your Disney+ Subscription Is Worth the Money: 10 Reasons Why
Thinking about leaving Disney+? There are so many reasons you should stick around.
Think You Could Never Fall Victim to Cybercrime? Think Again
A shocking survey found that most people don't think they're targeted by hackers and scammers. But those people are very wrong.
These Are the 7 Reasons Physical Media Is Better Than Streaming
Streaming isn't all it's cracked up to be. And with DVD and Blu-ray sales on the rise, audiences are beginning to appreciate physical media more...