WELCOME From the Editor

I’ve just stuffed all my external drives into

AI video doorbells

Tell visitors on your doorstep to ‘please come in’ or ‘please get lost’

Why You MUST Buy... EXTERNAL DRIVES

Portable storage has never been faster, smaller or cheaper. Robert Irvine reveals the best things you can do with an external HDD, SSD and USB stick, and the best devices to buy

Don’t lose your phone number

If you let your phone company recycle your number, you could find yourself exposed to hidden security risks. Jonathan Parkyn explains how – and what you must do to stay safe

STOP GOOGLE MAPS spying on you

Want to find your way around without being followed? Robert Irvine explains how to either make Google Maps less nosy or switch to a more private mapping service

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

128-bit encryption An extremely secure method of

Recreate lost photos using AI

Wondering how well AI tools can replicate accidentally deleted pictures, Robert Irvine tries to…

Google adds live BBC to Chromecast but not Streamer

The top stories in the world of technology

Ditch Chrome for our browser to block adverts, Brave urges

Brave has reminded users that it won’t stop

WINDOWS USERS FACE 600M DAILY ATTACKS

Microsoft says cyberattacks on Windows users have

Police arrest man for selling illegal Fire TV Sticks

Police have arrested a man suspected of running

VODAFONE DOUBLES PAYG PHONE DEALS

Vodafone is doubling the cost of its Pay

TOMORROW’S WORLD

You’d expect a four-legged robot to do the

BBC AXES CLICK TECH SHOW AFTER 25 YEARS

The BBC has axed its technology show

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

Meta, which owns Facebook and WhatsApp, has fired

Amazon launches its first colour Kindle – but it’s not cheap

Amazon has launched its first colour Kindle, 17

Government considers adopting EU law on universal chargers

The Government is considering whether to adopt the

VIRGIN STREAM RENAMED FLEX & ADDS £5 FEE

Virgin Media has renamed its Stream TV service

Sky Q and Freesat to survive until at least 2029

Sky will continue to offer its satellite-based TV

Google brings adverts to AI Overview’s search results

Google is now showing adverts in its AI

GOOGLE SHOWS CHEAP, ‘INCONVENIENT’ FLIGHTS

Google has added a new ‘Cheapest’ option

COPPER LINES AXED IN 79 NEW LOCATIONS

Phone exchanges in Airdrie, Chesterfield, Jarrow and Wrexham

Will UK civil servants be replaced by Microsoft’s AI?

Its new Government deal will reduce the “drudgery” of work

‘Claim your Winter Fuel Payment’ texts

Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools

Letters

Tell us what’s on your mind

Can I remove an Openreach pole house seller installed?

We stand up for your legal rights

Virgin refuses refund for reader who was in hospital

Virgin Media has refused to refund reader Adrian

Have I been scammed buying insurance online?

Q I’m going on holiday to Gibraltar

How can I get Shell to unblock my bank cards?

Q My wife and I are having problems

Why won’t DelM8 app refund unwanted renewal?

Q I’ve just noticed that £40 has

Motorway sent Amazon vouchers for me and daughters

After selling my car through Motorway ( https://motorway

Search records of public entertainers

Whether your ancestors worked in the circus, theatre or music hall, follow Judith Batchelor’s advice to…

WinDirStat 2.0.3

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

IrfanView 4.7

www.irfanview.com What you need: Windows 7,

Files 3.7.11

www.snipca.com/52551 What you need: Windows 10

SHOULD I PAY FOR…?

Choose the right version of software

What should I download?

We advise you which software and apps to use

SOFTWARE WARNING!

SafeAuth’s ‘Microsoft Authenticator’ lookalike

GMKtec NUCbox G5

Little wonder

Acer Swift 14 AI

Mint chip

Arzopa Z1RC

Let’s be upstanding

UFS

What does it do? UFS (Universal Flash Storage)

Motorola Edge 50 Neo

A zoom with a view

Logitech Pop Icon Keys

Switch gears

Which graphics card should I buy for video editing?

We solve your buying dilemmas

Apple AirPods 4

Cut through the noise

Creative Sound Blaster GS3

Light music

On Sale Weds 20 Nov

Asus ExpertBook P5 Business-like laptop with one of

Reolink Atlas PT Ultra

Sun screen

A keyboard with a screen?

What is it? The Maxfree K3 (www. snipca.com/52532

Buy It

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

Win 1 of 3… Majority Oakington audio players

Winner of a Recommended award in Issue 675

HOW TO... Switch from Google to Proton

What you need: Google account; Proton account

Open file templates with a single click in PowerToys

What you need: Windows PowerToys Time required:

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

BEST NEW APPS

What you should install this fortnight

BEST APPS FOR...

Accessing medical services

Make Windows Better

Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better

Top tips for the best office programs

Turn a PowerPoint presentation into a video

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