Computeractive is the UK’s best-selling computer magazine and your friendly guide to PCs, gadgets and the web! It includes regular news updates, project ideas, help and advice on popular reader queries, articles on anti-virus software, features on consumer rights, and a whole lot more to help you get the very best out of your computer. Get PC advice in plain English today – get Computeractive!
Computeractive
From the Editor
THIS ISSUE IN NUMBERS
HOW TO USE SNIPCA URLs
Old PCs won’t be able to run Windows 11 updates
Amazon axes Dolby features from cheapest package
BBC stops you downloading from iPlayer to computer
Sky raises TV and broadband prices by 6.7% and Virgin by 8.8%
IN BRIEF
TOMORROW’S WORLD
IN BRIEF
THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!
Watch more than 100 new channels on Virgin Stream
Shell Energy broadband customers move to TalkTalk
Fake USB sticks are becoming more common say experts
New Ring doorbell uses radar to spot intruders
IN BRIEF
Is it safe to use Microsoft’s new PC Manager tool? • It aims to speed up your computer, but might actually make it slower
Protect your tech • Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools
New tools • NordVPN’s link checker www.snipca.com/49201
ScamWatch • Readers warn readers
Letters • Tell us what’s on your mind
Consumeractive • We stand up for your legal rights
Family Tree • If your ancestors learnt a trade, they might have been recorded in documents. Judith Batchelor explains how to…
Best Free Software • Robert Irvine recommends new programs that won’t cost you a thing
What should I download? • We advise you which software and apps to use
Named & Shamed • Keumars Afifi-Sabet puts the boot into tech villains, jargon-spouting companies and misbehaving software
HP Pavilion Plus 14 OLED
Acemagic S1
Canon Pixma TS8750
D-Link Eagle Pro AI R32
RedMagic 9 Pro
Synology BeeDrive
Lexar Play microSDXC 1TB
Pure Woodland
Buy It • Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award
Computeractive 2023 Back Issue CD & USB Stick • Both the CD and Stick contain all 26 issues from 2023
Download free audiobooks and play them anywhere • 14 pages of easy-to-follow workshops and expert tips
Extract and organise files more quickly
Readers’ Tips
Browser Tips
Phone and Tablet Tips
Make Windows Better
Make Office Better
Embed your Facebook page on your site
Microsoft Instant Games • Play as you browse without having to download to your PC
DON’T BUY A NEW TV • Streaming devices let you enjoy endless entertainment without having to pay a fortune for a new TV. Robert Irvine reveals the best models to buy and how to make them even better
SUBSCRIBE TODAY and enjoy great savings!
FIND EVERY PHOTO OF YOURSELF ONLINE • Worried that someone has posted pictures of you on the web without your knowledge? Robert Irvine explains how to locate unauthorised images and demand they’re taken down
What NOT to store in Password Managers • There are plenty of items that are too risky to save alongside your passwords. Nik Rawlinson reveals what you should keep safe elsewhere
Problems Solved • Our experts solve all your tech problems
Reader Support • Having a problem with our recommended software or expert tips? Email editor@computeractive.co.uk and we’ll do our best to help
Jargon Buster
Transcribe his voicemail messages