WELCOME

From the Editor

Letters

Tell us what’s on your mind

Consumeractive

We stand up for your legal rights

Best Free Software

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

Named & Shamed

Keumars Afifi-Sabet puts the boot into tech villains, jargon-spouting companies and software trying to trick you

How can I enable my TPM chip?

Q My desktop PC is an Acer Aspire

Do I need to ditch my TP-Link router?

Q I have one of the TP-Link routers

How do I rip my collection of CDs and DVDs?

Q I have a collection of about 100

What’s this message when upgrading VirtualBox?

Q After reading about VirtualBox ( www.virtualbox.org )

How can I get a driver without internet access?

Q I recently purchased an Epson ET-2830 printer,

Can I watch Freeview or Freesat on my Samsung TV set?

Q I recently purchased a Samsung S90D TV

i7, Core 7 and Core Ultra 7 processors?

Q My HP all-in-one desktop PC, bought in

Where do I plug my phone into a new router?

Q Do faster routers have a dedicated telephone

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

Browse the web using AI

Now Perplexity has made its new Comet browser available for free, Robert Irvine tries to…

ChatGPT’s browser has arrived, but only on Macs

The top stories in the world of technology

You’ll like this…

NordVPN is making a VPN for Amazon’s new

File Explorer blocks previews of web downloads

F ile Explorer in Windows 11 no longer

Thousands switch to Linux distro as Windows 10 support ends

A Linux distro that’s been designed to look

No more Android Auto updates on old phones and tablets

G oogle will soon stop supporting Android Auto

APPLE LAUNCHES ‘FASTEST EVER’ IPAD

Apple has launched a new version of its

TOMORROW’S WORLD

We don’t expect much from robots – just

META AXES MESSENGER WINDOWS APP

Meta will remove the Facebook Messenger app for

VIRGIN SENDS HUB 5 TO CUSTOMERS

Virgin Media has begun sending its Hub 5

HACKERS STEAL LNER EMAIL ADDRESSES

Train operator LNER has emailed customers whose names

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

Credit Michigan Lottery Connect David and Tammy Carvey

Three accused of child abuse after BT engineer crossed wires

P olice wrongly accused three people of child

YouTube adds transparent icons and reply threads to videos 2

G oogle has redesigned its YouTube video player

Retro channel Talking Pictures coming to Freely in 2026

N ostalgia TV channel Talking Pictures will come

Google lets you hide sponsored results – but you need to see them first

G oogle will soon let you hide adverts

TURN KOBO E-READERS BY REMOTE CONTROL

Kobo has released a remote control for its

OPENREACH AXES COPPER IN 94 AREAS

Openreach has named the next 94 areas where

WAYBACK MACHINE HITS ONE TRILLION PAGES

The Internet Archive has now saved one trillion

How did Amazon’s bug cause the internet to collapse?

A massive technical fault brought the web to a standstill

Sharp rise in Winter Fuel Payment scams

Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools

Search Battle of Jutland crew lists

If your ancestors fought in World War 1’s largest naval battle, follow Richard Holt’s advice to…

What should I download?

We advise you which software and apps to use

GMKtec NucBox M6 Ultra

New products tested by our experts

Medion Erazer Bandit P20

All guns blazing

Raspberry Pi 500+

Blows the budget

Fairphone 6

Right to repair

LiDAR

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPECS

Nothing Ear (3)

Nil paid

What’s the best 16in laptop for my requirements?

We solve your buying dilemmas

Keychron B36

Flip the switch

Edifier ES20

Sounds amazing

LaCie Rugged SSD4

Tough choice

A toilet bowl smart camera?

What is it? The Dekoda from US firm

Buy It

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

HOW TO...Upload your photos to share publicly

What you need: Images to share Time required:

Use webmail to record your notes and reminders

What you need: Gmail or other webmail account

Readers’ Tips

Handy hints and tips from your fellow readers

Browser Tips

Secret settings and the best extensions

AI Tips

Clever new tools and tweaks

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

In The Club

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

What’s All the Fuss About...

Gold in your PC There’s a fortune in

BIN YOUR SIM CARD

Physical SIM cards are fiddly to insert, restrictive to use and susceptible to theft. Robert Irvine explains why switching your phone to an eSIM is easier,cheaper and smarter

Stop Meta spying on you

Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp have introduced new ways to collect your personal data. Robert Irvine explains how to protect your privacy from Meta’s snooping

Play games on your TV (without a console)

Think you need an expensive console to play games on your telly? Think again. Jonathan Parkyn explains why your phone, laptop or streaming stick could be all you need

Problems Solved

Our experts solve all your tech problems