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
Update to Windows 11 24H2 to get ultra-fast Wi-Fi 7
Microsoft delays Recall tool after massive security backlash
Beware fake errors asking you to run PowerShell
IN BRIEF
TOMORROW’S WORLD
IN BRIEF
THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!
UK man sues Apple for not wiping messages to prostitutes
Men arrested for using illegal phone mast to send spam
YouTube ‘injects’ adverts to make it impossible to block them
Man jailed for selling hacked TV boxes
IN BRIEF
Will the UK follow the US and ban Kaspersky? • President Biden has prohibited sales due to a “national security risk”
Protect your tech • Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools
Letters • Tell us what’s on your mind
Consumeractive • We stand up for your legal rights
Grow Your Family Tree • Over 90,000 people (mostly women) gave time to support soldiers during WW1 Follow Judith Batchelor’s advice 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
Acer Aspire S32-1856 • Every inch a star
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook Plus • Hinges on price
Dell 27 USB-C Hub Monitor • Have some inputs
HP OfficeJet Pro 8135e • Fit for a print
Samsung Galaxy A35 • Snap judgment
Soundcore Boom 2 • Never hear the end
1More PistonBuds Pro Q30 • Cheap and earful
Kobo Clara BW • A new chapter
Buy It • Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award
Computeractive 2023 Back Issue CD & USB Stick
HOW TO… Clean your devices without damaging them • What you need: Isopropanol alcohol; canned air; cotton buds; interdental sticks; soft cloth Time required: 30 minutes
Set up a free firewall on your Android phone • What you need: GlassWire, Android phone or tablet, or Chromebook Time required: 15 minutes
Readers’ Tips
Browser Tips
Phone and Tablet Tips
Make Windows Better
Make Office Better
Create an animated online flyer
Mouse jigglers • Over a dozen US workers have been fired for faking their PC activity
BEST FREE TV, MUSIC & RADIO DOWNLOADS • The Internet Archive offers an enormous choice of free entertainment, but browsing its collections can be a chore. Robert Irvine reveals the best video and audio you can download to your PC
SAVE 35% SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Stop using these Weather Apps • Get more accurate forecasts by switching to a more reliable weather service. Robert Irvine suggests which apps to ditch – and what you should use instead
What not to say to chatbots • Chatbots are everywhere these days, but that doesn’t mean you should trust them unreservedly. Daniel Booth explains how you can preserve your privacy
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
Get free mobile data from an eSIM