Computeractive

Computeractive is the UK’s best-selling computer magazine and your friendly guide to PCs, gadgets and the web! It includes regular news updates, project ideas, help and advice on popular reader queries, articles on anti-virus software, features on consumer rights, and a whole lot more to help you get the very best out of your computer. Get PC advice in plain English today – get Computeractive!

Computeractive

From the Editor

Microsoft U-turns on W10 support, but UK misses out • The top stories in the world of technology

WHAT WE THINK

Pay £2.99 a month to remove Facebook adverts

Openreach to test 8.5Gbps broadband in 2026

TOMORROW’S WORLD

IN BRIEF

ChatGPT tricked into solving image CAPTCHAs

Channel 4 becomes first broadcaster to stream Freely-only shows

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

Openreach’s new telecare-switching system goes live

ChatGPT to block sexual content for under-18s

Will the EU finally kill off cookie-consent pop-ups? • Officials want to eliminate one of the internet’s biggest annoyances

Protect your tech • Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools

New tools • ExpressVPN’s new free VPN

ScamWatch • Readers warn readers

Letters • Tell us what’s on your mind

I’ll eat my Freeview aerial if viewers fall below 7 million

Virgin cuts bill by £33 after repeated problems

Consumeractive • We stand up for your legal rights

Geekom sent newer model after mini PC died

Grow Your Family Tree • If your ancestors often travelled outside the UK, follow 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

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

Conor Brian Fitzpatrick

PCSpecialist Defiance II • Power hungry

Apple iPhone 17 • Just refine

Acer Aspire 14 AI 2025 • Steals the show

Netgear Orbi 370 • Seventh heaven

Haptic feedback

TP-Link Tapo Smart HomeBase H500 • Hub gear

What’s the best cheap security camera? • We solve your buying dilemmas

Edifier ES300 • Makes some noise

JLab Go Pods ANC • Squash racket

reMarkable Paper Pro Move • Noteworthy

1980s-style speakers and headphones?

Buy It • Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

Win 1 of 2 CHERRY XTRFY MX 8.3 TKL Wireless keyboards

Computeractive 2024 Back Issue CD & USB Stick • Both the CD and Stick contain all 26 issues from 2024

HOW TO… • Generate free images using LibreOffice’s AI

Install Windows 11 without the junk

Readers’ Tips

Browser Tips • Secret settings and the best extensions

AI Tips • Clever new tools and tweaks

What you should install this fortnight

Phone and Tablet Tips • Brilliant things to do on your device

Alternative Android launchers

Make Windows Better • Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better • Top tips for the best office programs

Send documents for members to sign digitally • Run a club or society? Here’s how your tech can make it easier

Video wallpapers • Microsoft is reviving a desktop tool last seen in Windows Vista

Ditch Your PASSWORD MANAGER • Don’t trust your browser to store your login data – switch to a safer and smarter password manager. Robert Irvine tests 20 and recommends the best...