From the Editor

I think most people view AI as they

When will you have to bin your Freeview aerial?

The BBC wants you to stream instead, but many problems remain

Letters

Tell us what’s on your mind

Apple is cynically calling the Government’s bluff

Apple is behaving recklessly by turning off its

Consumeractive

We stand up for your legal rights

Add events to ancestors’ timelines

Family Tree

SOFTWARE WARNING!

HP’s 15-minute ‘on hold’ delay for callers

Keep you r files encrypted

Lots of messaging apps use end-to-end encryption, but online storage services aren’t as secure. Robert Irvine explains what’s changed and how to protect your files

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

Use Windows Recall privately

Intrigued by Microsoft’s controversial new AI tool for Copilot+ PCs, Robert Irvine tries to…

Microsoft breaks button that brings back old Outlook

The top stories in the world of technology

Easily draw straight lines in Snipping Tool

Y ou’ll soon be able to draw straight

You’ll like this…

Microsoft has released the first major update for

Apple launches fastest-ever iPad Air without price rise

A pple has released the fastest ever iPad

BBC iPlayer finally comes to Google’s TV Streamer

G oogle has finally added BBC iPlayer to

CHECK YOU’VE GOT RIGHT PART AT iFIXIT

Repair website iFixit ( www. ifixit.com ) has

MORE BRITS USING W11 FOR FIRST TIME

For the first time more people in the

TOMORROW’S WORLD

Scientists at Baltimore’s Johns Hopkins University have built

LISTEN TO PODCASTS WITHOUT AN ACCOUNT

You can now listen to podcasts on Pocket

GOOGLE REMOVES MALICIOUS MONEY APP

Google has removed a malicious app offering financial

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD! B

These devices are fluent in ‘gibberlink’, the language

Apple takes legal action against Govt for backdoor order

A pple is taking legal action in an

BT to keep its name to please older customers

B T has scrapped plans to replace its

Check if your email is among 284 million new hacked accounts

Y ou can check whether your password is

BT tells small firms to ditch the landline

B T has urged the 22 per cent

BELKIN’S NEW CHARGER HAS 11 PORTS

Belkin has launched a charger with 11 ports

THUNDERBIRD SWITCHES TO MONTHLY UPDATES

Mozilla will now update the email client Thunderbird

COREL LAUNCHES ONLINE DESIGN TOOL

Corel has released a new online graphic-design tool

PayPal scam emails from Docusign

Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools

New tools

Check password ‘bits’ in KeePass

BP ‘Car Emergency Kit’

I was minding my own business online a

Firefox 136

Robert Irvine recommends new programs that won’t cost you a thing

Microsoft PowerToys 0.89

www.snipca.com/54179 What you need: Windows 10 or

Hasleo Backup Suite 5.2

www.snipca.com/53669 What you need: Windows 7, 8.1,

SIW Home

Choose the right version of software

What should I download?

We advise you which software and apps to use

Beelink S13

New products tested by our experts

Asus Zenbook A14

LAPTOP | £1,100 from Asus www.snipca.com/54030

BenQ GW2486TC

MONITOR | £150 from BenQ www.snipca.com/54042

Amazon Echo Show 15

SMART SCREEN | £299 from Amazon www.snipca.com/54151

FiiO JM21

DIGITAL MUSIC PLAYER ❘ £179 from Peter Tyson www.snipca.com/54124

Anker Laptop Power Bank

LAPTOP CHARGER | £70 from Amazon www.snipca.com/54067

Panasonic RB-M600

HEADPHONES | £80 from Amazon www.snipca.com/54070

Amazfit Active 2

SMARTWATCH | £100 from Amazfit www.snipca.com/54088

Buy It

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

Win 1 of 3…

Majority Bard 2.1 Internet Radio Music Systems

HOW TO... Access files stored on old floppy disks

What you need: External floppy drive Time required:

Navigate your PC more quickly using TaskbarPlus

What you need: TaskbarPlus Time required: 30 minutes

Readers’ Tips

Handy hints and tips from your fellow readers

Browser Tips

Secret settings and the best extensions

Phone and Tablet Tips

Brilliant things to do on your device

Make Windows Better

Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better

Top tips for the best office programs

Pick competition winners at random

Run a club or society? Here's how your tech can make it easier

Majorana 1

What’s All the

YOUR COMPLETE AI GUIDE

Don’t waste time and money on rubbish and overpriced AI. Robert Irvine reveals 20 superb tools you must use, and 20 to avoid, to make the most of the new technology

Send messages to yourself

Need to jot down a note, set a reminder, or save something important? Jonathan Parkyn explains why your messaging app is the best tool for the job

Why can’t I add a search engine to Chrome?

Our experts solve all your tech problems

Why can’t I safely eject my Samsung SSD?

Q I have a problem that’s plagued me

How do I connect my mini PC to my monitor?

Q It seems most mini PCs connect to

How do I switch on a mini PC that’s mounted to the back of my monitor?

This Allcam mount can elevate an attached mini

Can I connect my old Bose PC speakers to anew TV set? 1

Q I have some Bose speakers that are

Should I delete empty folders from my laptop?

Q I’m a regular reader and often use

How do I save my old emails to my PC’s hard drive?

Q I’ve been a Computeractive reader for several

Why isn’t Windows 11 compatible with my supported processor?

Q My PC runs Windows 10 Home. Microsoft

Which Tor security level should I choose?

Q A ‘Security Level’ section in Tor’s settings

M.2 and MVMe?

Q I’m not exactly a computer novice, having

Why won’t my tablet connect to hotel’s Wi-Fi?

Q I have a Moto G82 5G phone,