From the Editor

You know a company is serious about privacy

Why has Microsoft made it harder to fix your PC?

It’ll wipe your system restore points sooner than before

Protect your tech

Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools

Letters

Tell us what’s on your mind

Consumeractive

We stand up for your legal rights

Search Ancestry’s nursing registers

If your ancestor followed in Florence Nightingale’s footsteps, read Richard Holt’s advice to…

Best Free Software

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

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!

Apple’s spammy F1 offer drives iPhone users mad

KEUMARS’ VILLAIN OF THE FORTNIGHT

23andMe

PNG

It’s taken 22 years, but JPEG’s biggest rival has finally been updated

Ditch Google for Proton

Google tools may be free and easy to use, but they also compromise your privacy. Robert Irvine explains why you should switch to Proton’s safer and better alternatives

Extend Windows 10’s life by turning on Windows Backup

The top stories in the world of technology

Patient dies after Russian attack on NHS blood supplies

O ne patient died as a result of

Anker recalls power banks over fire risk

A nker has recalled five power banks sold

21 NEW AREAS GET FIBRE BROADBAND

Openreach has named the next 21 areas to

AMAZON CLOSES FREEVEE TV SERVICE

Amazon will close Freevee in August. Opening the

TOMORROW’S WORLD

This laptop has E Ink’s new touchpad, which

PLUSNET SCRAPS FREE EMAIL & WEBSPACE

Plusnet is scrapping its free email and webspace,

Amazon’s Ring cameras show AI text summaries of events

A mazon’s Ring cameras and doorbells now offer

Check phone signals in your area on new Ofcom map

O fcom has launched a new map that

CLASSIC UK FILMS COME TO VIRGIN

Virgin TV customers can now watch the channel

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

If you’re single and have stopped swiping on

UK’s biggest porn site to introduce age-verification checks

P ornhub, the UK’s most popular pornography site,

Use a Brother printer? Change its password now!

B rother has urged customers to change their

PHONE BLACKSPOTS ON TRAINS ‘FIXED BY 2028’

Network Rail has pledged to eliminate phone blackspots

UPDATE WINRAR TO FIX SECURITY FLAW

WinRAR users should update the software to version 7.12

GET MORE DATA WITH VODAFONE BASICS

Vodafone has increased how much 4G data you get

Bosgame M4

Chip off the new block

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13in

Better emulate than never

OnePlus Pad 3

Touching greatness

Acer Predator Connect W6x

Net gains

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPECS

Touchscreens

Crucial X10 2TB

Less isn’t more

Contour Design Unimouse

Right angle

Roku Streaming Stick

Cheap thrillsCheap thrills

A Chromebook with AI?

What is it? The Lenovo Chromebook 14

On Sale Weds 30 July

Acer Spin 312 Chromebook This back-to-basics device is

Buy It

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

Win 1 of 2…

Acer Predator Connect T7 Wi-Fi 7 routers

HOW TO...

Switch from Pocket to save and read web articles

Record your PC screen for free

What you need: Camtasia Online Time required: One

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

What you should install this fortnight

Snapseed Free iOS www.snipca.com/55289 The

Phone and Tablet Tips

ANDROID & iOS Add songs and collages

Playing music offline

Musicolet Free Android www.snipca.com/55294 Musicolet is an

Show only recently connected Bluetooth devices

Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better

Top tips for the best office programs

Manage membership fees with Excel’s Name Manager

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

Hack your car’s USB port

You already use it to charge your phone, but your car’s USB port can do so much more. Jonathan Parkyn explains how to unlock its full potential

Avoid scams using AI

When you’re unsure whether an email or text message is genuine, ask AI to check it for you. Robert Irvine tests the best free AI tools for detecting scams

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

1080p High-definition video: 1920x1080 pixels. 2FA See ‘Two-factor

Find his mobile-signal sweet spot

Tired of getting an unreliable phone connection indoors, Robert Irvine tries to…