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

Brits warned not to install money-stealing free VPN

Stop AI chatbots getting married, says US lawmaker

Windows 7 use rockets as people abandon Windows 10

Microsoft to stop you installing Windows with local accounts

TOMORROW’S WORLD

IN BRIEF

Amazon launches cheapest 4K Fire Stick, but RAM is lower

Photo-hosting site Imgur blocks Brits amid data-watchdog fines

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

First recordable Freely box goes on sale – or does it?

Virgin increases annual price rise, but adds Netflix for free

Will ChatGPT’s operating system replace Windows? • It has launched apps for tasks you perform on PCs and in browsers

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

New tools • Proton Mail’s offline mode

ScamWatch • Readers warn readers

Letters • Tell us what’s on your mind

I’m calling Microsoft’s bluff over Windows 10

Currys accepts responsibility and fixes laptop for free

Consumeractive • We stand up for your legal rights

Proton offered me two months free for VPN fault

Grow Your Family Tree • A new tool uses OCR to extract text from lengthy documents – and it’s completely free. Richard Holt explains how 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

Kwabena Edusei and his dating fraudsters

Apple iPhone Air • Light fantastic

Gigabyte Gaming A16 • Play time

Lenovo Chromebook 14 • Breaking Windows?

Geekom Mini IT12 2025 • Bargain chip

Microphones

Xiaomi 15T Pro • Specs savers

What’s the best tablet for watching the news in my pub? • We solve your buying dilemmas

Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 • Listen up

LG Xboom Grab • Sounds AI-mazing

Eufy Smart Display E10 • Home care

A solar-powered keyboard?

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

Win 1 of 2 Netgear Orbi 370 two-pack units

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

HOW TO… • Manage your bookmarks better with Raindrop

Block ads and fingerprint tracking

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

Monitoring your device’s battery

Make Windows Better • Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better • Top tips for the best office programs

Plan club events with Google Keep • Run a club or society? Here’s how your tech can make it easier

Sideloading • Google is tightening its rules on installing apps from outside the Play Store

FREE AT LAST! • Prices seem to be rising everywhere and the golden age of online freebies has passed, but if you look...