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

DuckDuckGo’s browser blocks YouTube ads by default

iPlayer might add Channel 4 to create ‘UK streaming service’

Run Windows Movie Maker from 2006 on your modern PC

TOMORROW’S WORLD

IN BRIEF

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

Microsoft removes ‘clutter’ from Windows Search

Ofcom wants to fine sites that allow scam adverts

Virgin fined £28m for making it hard for customers to cancel

Rogue landlord used AI to fake photo of smoke detector

Should you keep your phone in the fridge during heatwaves? • Online videos encourage it, creating work for repair shops

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

New tools • Block ClickFix scams in Opera browser

ScamWatch • Readers warn readers

Letters • Tell us what’s on your mind

Sky increases reader’s Piggybank allowance to 50GB

Consumeractive • We stand up for your legal rights

Cambridge Audio replaced earbuds with new model

Grow Your Family Tree • If your ancestors joined a local voluntary force, 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 behaving badly

WHAT ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT?

Taiwo Lawal-Owonifari

HP OmniBook 3 16 • Superb, all day long

Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 Gen 10 • Feel the quality

GMKtec NUCBox K17 • Ports result

D-Link G572 • Remote possibilities

Lightweight laptops

Ezviz EP4 • Private eye

Can you recommend a larger laptop for around £600?

Amazfit Active 3 Premium • Worn to run

Logitech Mobi Fold • Bends the rules

Google Home Speaker • Speaks for itself

A tiny e-paper typewriter?

On Sale Weds 12 Aug

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

ON SALE NOW! • Computeractive 2025 Back Issue CD & USB Stick

HOW TO… Create the ultimate Internet Archive playlist

Make the 29 most important changes to Windows

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

Phone and Tablet Tips

VPN Tips • Privacy and streaming tricks

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

Project Aion • Microsoft has a new OS it wants you to use for a very long time

FREEVIEW IS DOOMED BUT SHOULD YOU SWITCH TO FREELY? • The Government wants us to ditch our aerials and switch to internet TV. Robert Irvine explains the pros and cons of moving your viewing to Freely

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SOFTWARE WE’LL NEVER PAY FOR AGAIN • Some programs are worth spending money on, but...