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From the Editor

If I was feeling clever I would’ve asked

HOW TO USE SNIPCA URLS

We use snipcas to turn long URLs that

Has Microsoft already abandoned Windows 12?

Its priority now is forcing millions of Windows 10 users to upgrade

‘Upgrade your landline’ BT scammers

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Letters

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Consumeractive

We stand up for your legal rights

Research 1974 county boundary changes

As you dive into your family tree it’s vital you know where to look for records. Daniel Booth explains why you need 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 software trying to trick you

HDMI 2.2

Faster refresh rates at higher resolutions are coming – eventually

Don't upgrade to Windows 11 24H2

Microsoft’s latest Windows update is causing all manner of problems. Robert Irvine explains how to fix them and how to get 24H2’s best new tools without installing it

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

Remove bloatware from his PC

Tired of Microsoft junk slowing his system, Robert Irvine uses a revived clean-up tool to…

Microsoft forces 24H2 on to PCs despite countless bugs

The top stories in the world of technology

Sites with sexual content must have age checks by July

A ll websites where sexually explicit content can

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Google is using AI to stop website pop-ups

But not this…

Over 500 victims lost £370,000 in Booking.com scams

Linux body funds Chromium research, in blow to Firefox

T he Linux Foundation has formed a group

Netflix overtakes BBC One for first time

N etflix was the most-watched TV service between

WATCH ‘AI PARKINSON’ CELEB INTERVIEWS

Sir Michael Parkinson has been revived as a

FACEBOOK AXES ‘BIASED’ FACT-CHECKERS

Facebook has stopped using teams of fact-checkers in

TOMORROW’S WORLD

This is Mi-Mo, a six-legged walking table lamp

VLC MEDIA PLAYER ADDS LIVE SUBTITLES

You’ll soon be able to get live subtitles

TALKTALK SCRAPS NOW TV DISCOUNTS

TalkTalk no longer lets new customers add Now

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

Are you Facebook friends with Liv – a

Court rejects man’s claim to recover £598m Bitcoin hard drive

A judge has dismissed a man’s attempt to

UK broadband use rose by 10.5% in 2024

B roadband usage across the UK surged by

Apple users could get £1.5bn in compensation as trial begins

A pple faces paying British consumers over one

Amazon planning UK broadband satellite to take on Musk’s Starlink

A mazon is planning to launch a satellite

AMAZON TO DELIVER ON FOOT

Amazon will start delivering at local delivery centres.

FIX DEVICES WHEREVER YOU ARE

You can now buy a smaller and more

O2 STARTS AXING ITS 3G PHONE SERVICE

O2 will start switching off its 3G services

CHARGE YOUR PHONE IN SWIPPITT ‘TOASTER’

A new device dubbed a ‘phone toaster’ replaces

GMKtec NucBox G6

New products tested by our experts

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus 15.6in 5

Command system

Chuwi Hi10 X1

LAPTOP-TABLET | £183 from Chuwi www.snipca.com/53435

POLED

What is it? POLED is a type

Canon i-Sensys LBP243dw

PRINTER | £163 from Printerland www.snipca.com/53462

Blink Outdoor

SECURITY CAMERA | £90 from Amazon www.snipca.com/53451

What’s the best device for monitoring heart rate?

We solve your buying dilemmas

Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K

MOUSE ❘ £159 from Amazon www.snipca.com/53447

Ugreen Nexode Pro 65W Ultra-Slim

CHARGING BLOCK ❘ £46 from Amazon www.snipca.com/53448

Two clip-on laptop screens?

What is it? Chinese firm Jsaux has

Raspberry Pi 500

PC/KEYBOARD | £85 from The Pi Hut www.snipca.com/53479

On Sale Weds 12 Feb

GMKtec NucBox M5 Plus An older AMD

Buy It

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

Win 1 of 4…Anker MagGo Power Banks

Winner of a Recommended award in Issue 699

HOW TO... Use a text expander to save yourself a lot of typing

What you need: Beeftext Time required: 60 minutes

Stop spam by creating an AdGuard email alias

What you need: AdGuard Mail Time required: 30

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

In The Club

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

WHY YOU MUST USE ChatGPT

Forget gimmicky and overpriced AI, and try the brilliant free tool that will genuinely improve your life. Robert Irvine explains everything you need to know about ChatGPT

Wipe data from your old phones

Whether you’re giving a phone to a friend or trading it in, it’s vital you erase all your personal information – and that requires more than a factory reset. Daniel Booth explains what you must do