Computeractive

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

Turn on ‘Secure Boot’ before Windows security deadline

WINDOWS TO STOP UPDATING OLD PRINTERS

Humax’s Freely box arrives but you can only record Freeview

‘Dangerous’ to ask AI chatbots for medical advice

TOMORROW’S WORLD

IN BRIEF

Microsoft to scale back Copilot features to ‘fix Windows’

Google to ‘phase out’ ChromeOS from 2034

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

YouTube stops phone users’ free access to background music

McDonald’s tells customers to stop using ‘bigmac’ as password

Have ISPs just promised to end unexpected price rises? • They claim you’ll always know what you’ll be paying, but doubts remain

Protect your tech • Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools

New tools • WhatsApp’s ‘Strict account settings’

ScamWatch • Readers warn readers

Letters • Tell us what’s on your mind

Jailing viewers will stop illegal streaming – but it won’t happen

PayPal refunds 365 payment after Microsoft refused

Consumeractive • We stand up for your legal rights

BenQ replaced faulty charger the next day

Grow Your Family Tree • If your ancestors helped to keep London safe, follow Richard Holt’s advice to…

Best Free Software • Robert Irvine recommends new programs that won’t cost you a thing

SHOULD I PAY FOR…? • Choose the right version of software

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 software trying to trick you

Geekom A9 Max • Power tool

Amazon Kindle Scribe Colorsoft • Divine write

Asus V16-V3607 • Gaming the system

Honor Magic 8 Lite • Cutting it fine

Ray tracing

TP-Link RE220BE • Band aid

How do I keep security system running in an outage? • We solve your buying dilemmas

Arlo Essential 3 2K Indoor Security Camera • Settings aside

OnePlus Watch Lite • Well timed

Manhattan Aero 4K • Freely available

Speakers imitating huge headphones?

Buy It • Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

Win 1 of 2 FRITZ!Box 7690 Wi-Fi 7 routers

Computeractive 2025 Back Issue CD & USB Stick • Both the CD and Stick contain all 27 issues from 2025

HOW TO… • Control a PC remotely for free with HopToDesk by Nik Rawlinson

Switch to the browser that’s banned AI

Readers’ Tips

Browser Tips • Secret settings and the best extensions

AI Tips • Clever new tools and tweaks

What you should install this fortnight

Phone and Tablet Tips

Free digital content from libraries

Make Windows Better • Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better • Top tips for the best office programs

Use your phone as a PC microphone • Run a club or society? Here’s how your tech can make it easier

LibreOffice vs Microsoft • David takes on Goliath armed with file formats instead of slingshots

GET FREE FOREVER! ONLINE STORAGE • Don’t pay to back up and sync your files to expensive ‘cloud’ services. Robert Irvine explains how we unlocked over 200GB of online storage for free – and how you can...