Best Free Software

From the Editor

When I was writing this issue’s Cover Feature

Check for broadband roadworks near your home

T hinkbroadband has added details of roadworks being

Pure adds internet stations to retro radios

B ritish digital radio manufacturer Pure has released

You’ll like this…

Google Messages is making it easier to block

But not this…

One in four Brits have lost money in

Apple’s case against Govt ‘snooping’ to be held in public

A judge has ruled that Apple’s legal action

Edge-blocking tool returns with first update since 2023

A program that stops Microsoft forcing you to

SHARE PROTON DRIVE FILES VIA LINKS

Proton Drive now lets you create links for

TOMORROW’S WORLD

This robot will be delivering items in Barnsley

UPDATE WINRAR TO FIX SECURITY FLAW

WinRAR users should update their software now after

DOUBLE-TAP TO TURN KINDLE PAGES

Amazon has released a firmware update (5.18.1) that

NETFLIX ADDS FULL SUBTITLE LANGUAGES

Netflix has added the “full list of available

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

It’s not as bad as ChatGPT wrongly accusing

Copilot will remember your name, interests and past chats

M icrosoft’s AI tool Copilot will soon be

Phone use in bed linked to sleep loss

P eople who stare at phone screens in

eBay sellers threaten to leave after courier options axed

E Bay sellers are threatening to boycott the

Google permanently wipes Timeline data going back years

G oogle has admitted it permanently wiped Maps

SUPERDRUG CUTS MOBILE PRICES UNTIL 20 MAY

Superdrug Mobile, an MVNO on Three’s network, has

THUNDERBIRD TO LAUNCH EMAIL SERVICE

Thunderbird has announced plans to launch an email

NHS SOFTWARE FIRM FINED £3M FOR HACK

The UK’s data watchdog has fined NHS software

Can you still install Windows without a Microsoft account?

It has removed a popular workaround, but there remain tricks to try

Protect your tech

Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools

Letters

Tell us what’s on your mind

Can a website reserve free delivery for ‘guests’?

LEAD CASE Q I saw a coffee machine I

Why is TalkTalk saying I owe £71?

Q TalkTalk keeps demanding I pay £70.98, even

Lidl gets lamp fixed after coupon confusion

We can finally close Jenny Beady’s case against

Can a retailer resell returned goods as ‘new’?

Q I seem to have the same problem as

Must I give a poor service the chance to put things right?

Q If I buy a faulty product, I know

Amazon issued fast refund when phone didn’t arrive

On 1 March I ordered a Samsung phone

Search courts martial and desertion records

If your British Army ancestors were tried for an offence, follow Richard Holt’s advice to…

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

Send club certificates using Mail Merge

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

Green Screen of Death

Microsoft no longer wants you to feel blue when your PC fails

WINDOWS 11 The 18 Things It Does Much Better Than Windows 10

With support for Windows 10 ending soon, it’s time you became a Windows 11 expert. Daniel Booth reveals the best new features you must use

What to do before and after

Jonathan Parkyn explains the preventative measures you need to take in case your phone is stolen – and how to respond if it happens

File formats that will soon DIE

Some of the formats you save files in may not be around for much longer. Robert Irvine reveals nine formats at risk of becoming obsolete – and what to use instead

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

128bit A type of computing or encryption system

Create higher-quality AI images

Easy when you Know How

Wired2Fire HAL 9000 Compact PC

DESKTOP PC | £1,924 from Wired2Fire www.snipca.com/54359

Asus Vivobook 16 Flip

LAPTOP | £1,300 from Asus www.snipca.com/54366

GMKtec AD-GP1 External GPU Docking Station

EXTERNAL GRAPHICS HARDWARE | £360 from GMKtec www.snipca.com/54378

Honor Pad V9

TABLET | £400 from Honor www.snipca.com/54419

Dual SIM phones

What are they? A SIM is a

Apple iPhone 16e

SMARTPHONE | £599 from Apple www.snipca.com/54407

Liangstar Laptop Cooling Pad

COOLING PAD | £24 from Amazon www.snipca.com/54389

Huawei FreeArc

EARBUDS | £100 from Amazon www.snipca.com/54390

Sky Glass Gen 2

SMART TV | From £29 a month from Sky www.snipca.com/54430

An audio streamer for old speakers?

What is it? Swedish company Atonemo has

Buy It

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

Win 1 of 2…

Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo video bird feeders

HOW TO...Switch from Skype and master Teams

What you need: Skype account; Microsoft Teams Time

Find faces in photos and put them in groups

What you need : digiKam 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

Make Windows Better

Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better

Top tips for the best office programs