DON’T BUY THE REDACT DATA IN YOUR STOP USING

WRONG BATTERY SCREENSHOTS

GOOGLE
page 38
Pixelate sensitive info before sharing
Avoid fakes that break your devices

PHOTOS!
FAKE?
p62
TEMBER 2025
ISSUE 718 ❘ 10 – 23 SEP

Back up
all your
pictures
to your own
every issue private server p74
Learn something new in
lem – page 49
YouTube’s age-old prob

WINDOWS 10
ONLY
ONE
MONTH
LEFT!

Don’t let Microsoft kill your PC – keep

using it safely after support ends p50
 Get FREE updates for a year  Block Windows 11 upgrades
 Beat the OneDrive catch  Run Windows 10 inside 11
 Use your Microsoft Rewards  Dual-boot Windows & Linux
 Extend support until 2030  Upgrade an unsupported PC
Transfer all your files, data and settings to Windows 11 p35

PLUS
WE’RE BUYING THIS DITCH STREAMING FOR
ROUTER FOR OUR HOME DVDs & BLU-RAYs page 60
Fast, great value – and Wi-Fi 7! p24 Why they’re now the smarter choice
WELCOME
EDITORIAL
Content Director Marc Chacksfield
Group Editor Daniel Booth
Deputy Editor Robert Irvine
From the Editor
Production Editor Graham Brown Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 on millions to upgrade. It was an instant
Art Editor Katie Peat
Contributors Keumars Afifi-Sabet, Dinah Greek, Richard 14 October – 3,731 days after it launched. success. But resentment grew as Microsoft
Holt, Jonathan Parkyn, Nik Rawlinson, Andy Shaw
That’s a pretty good innings – just six days clumsily backtracked, and then angered
Advertising Manager Alexandra Thomas
Subscriptions Sarah Lowry, Henry Massey
shorter than Windows 7 and six longer many by releasing Windows 11 in 2021.
Head of Production Stephen Catherall than Vista (though XP still holds the record Wherever you stand, it’s now decision
Senior Production Manager Lawrence Brookes
at 4,548). And yet no previous operating time. Robert Irvine explains all your
INTERNATIONAL LICENSING AND SYNDICATION
Computeractive is available for licensing and syndication.
system’s demise has been so controversial. options in his Cover Feature, from
Contact us at licensing@futurenet.com or view our That’s entirely Microsoft’s fault. It never extending support for free to bypassing
available content at www.futurecontenthub.com.
Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw did enough to dispel the casual pledge made Microsoft’s strict technical requirements
ONWARD RESALE & PERMISSIONS
in May 2015 by its ‘developer evangelist’ for upgrading. If you choose Windows 11,
This publication may not be resold or otherwise Jerry Nixon that “Windows 10 is the last turn to page 35 for instructions on moving
distributed, whether at, below or above face value. Nor
can this publication be advertised for sale, transfer or version of Windows”. your data, files and settings too.
distribution. This apparent promise that Windows 10 Daniel Booth
PERMISSIONS would be the final version prompted editor@computeractive.co.uk
Material may not be reproduced in any form without the
written consent of the publisher. Send requests to editor@
computeractive.co.uk. p38
LIABILITY
While every care was taken preparing this magazine, the
publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy
of the information or any consequence arising from p62
it. All judgments are based on equipment available to
Computeractive at the time of review. Computeractive
takes no responsibility for the content of external websites
whose addresses are published in the magazine.

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GPSR EU RP (for authorities only)

eucomply OÜ Pärnu mnt 139b-14 11317
Tallinn, Estonia
hello@eucompliancepartner.com
+3375690241 p24 p60
General Product Safety 2023/988: The use of our product
under normal or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use,
including the actual duration of use, does not present any risk
or only the minimum risks compatible with the product’s use,
THIS ISSUE IN NUMBERS HOW TO USE
which are considered acceptable and consistent with a high
level of protection of the health and safety of consumers.
5,000 240 volts SNIPCA URLs
Average sales, Jan-Dec 2024 48,816
copies per issue. Number of fake online Electric shock fake We use snipcas to turn long URLs
pharmacies as part of travel adapters can that are hard to type into ones that
criminal network – p11 deliver – p7 are short and simple. They aren’t
websites themselves, which means
17 hours they won’t be recognised if you type
Battery life of the them into Google. Instead, you need to
MSI Prestige A16 AI+, type them into your browser address
our new favourite bar, then press Enter. Doing this will
laptop – p23 take you to the correct website.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 3

 Contents
10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

6 News Update now to fix flaw in every

password manager

10 Question of the Fortnight Do you

actually own films and TV you buy online?

11 Protect Your Tech

Fake sites selling Viagra and Ozempic

12 Letters ‘Disastrous consequences’ if

Microsoft is forced to extend W10 support

14 Consumeractive Can my ISP charge for

engineer’s visit when broadband goes down?
p10
16 Grow Your Family Tree
Search Royal Navy and Marine wills Cut off in your Prime

18 Best Free Software

WizTree 4.27 MSI Prestige
A16 AI+
21 Named & Shamed Microsoft Bing
hijacks ChatGPT search with Copilot ad
p23

Reviews
22 Geekom IT15 AI
Mini PC makes a powerful point

23 MSI Prestige A16 AI+

Five-star laptop is a hot favourite

24 TP-Link Archer BE550

Tri-band router covers a lot of ground

25 HP LaserJet Pro 4002dn

Compact mono printer raises the tone TP-Link Archer BE550

26 Motorola Edge 60 p24

pxx
Sleek smartphone is no bad call

28 Dell Pro Collaboration Keyboard

Video-chat keyboard calls it correctly
Amazfit Bip 6
Budget smartwatch is a good fit

29 Sky Glass Air

Sky TV set offers restricted viewing

30 Buy It/Competition Win a Majority

Landbeach Portable DAB radio

4 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 GET
ISSU 3
Subscribe now! E
FOR S
See page 58 for our special subs offer £5

Workshops & Tips Ten to Eleven

p35
35 
How to… Transfer your files from
Windows 10 to 11

38 
Pixelate sensitive info when
taking screenshots

40 R
 eaders’ Tips Collaborate on itinerary
with fellow travellers

42 Browser Tips
Hide AI features in Google search

43 AI Tips
Converse privately in a temporary chat

44 Phone and Tablet Tips Schedule

voice and video calls in WhatsApp

46 Make Windows Better

Recover your lost passwords

47 Make Office Better Mark emails as

WINDOWS 10
read and unread using keyboard shortcuts

48 In the Club
Create and share a club leaderboard
CO
FEATVER
49 What’s All the Fuss About? UR
P50 E
YouTube age checks

50 COVER FEATURE Don’t let Microsoft kill your PC – keep

Windows 10 survival guide
With support for Windows 10 ending soon, using it safely after support ends p50
we explain how to keep using it safely

60 Ditch streaming for DVD and Blu-ray

Ditch streaming for DVD and Blu-ray
Beat the rising cost of streaming services
and return to the ad-free joys of discs p60

62 Don’t use the wrong battery

Detect the signs of failure in your device’s
battery and avoid fake replacements

64 Problems Solved Can I move my old Serif

PagePlus 7 with updates to a new PC?

71 Reader Support
Why can’t I sign in after wiping my laptop?

72 Jargon Buster

74 Easy When You Know How Robert

Irvine backs up photos to a private server

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 5

 News The top stories in the world of technology

Update now to fix flaw in

every password manager
B
itwarden is one of can exploit to steal passwords, hackers can create a fake
several password two-factor authentication codes site with a large and
managers to have and payment-card details. intrusive pop-up
released emergency updates Dashlane, Keeper, LastPass, message, such as a
for their browser extensions to LogMeOnce, NordPass, Proton banner asking for
fix a severe flaw that hackers Pass and RoboForm have also permission to use
all released updates to fix the cookies.
WHAT WE THINK flaw, but Apple has yet to Closing this pop-up
release a new version of fills in the personal
Clickjacking has been a iCloud Passwords. details on the site
threat for over 20 years, The flaw was discovered without the visitor
but this is the first time by independent security knowing, letting the
researchers have shown researcher Marek Tóth and hacker steal them.
how cybercriminals could presented at the DEF CON 33 When Tóth disclosed
use it to hack the autofill security conference in Las the flaw he said people
tool of password managers. Vegas in August. shouldn’t use password accidentally entering sensitive
Thankfully, there’s no He described it as a managers until they had information.
evidence they’ve actually clickjacking flaw, in which released new versions Most password managers
done this, and password hackers can hide invisible that fixed it. update automatically, but you
managers have responded buttons and forms on a While most password should still check whether
quickly to fix the flaw. But it website and trick password managers have updated their you’re running the latest
does highlight the inherent extensions into automatically extensions to fix the flaw, version. This should be stated
dangers behind autofill – filling in personal details. 1Password has instead added in the extension’s ‘About’ or
and the constant trade-off The flaw isn’t with the an option to let you approve ‘General’ section, which is
between convenience and password managers each time it automatically typically in settings.
security. Copying and pasting themselves, but how they adds details to a web form (see Make a note of the number
your details takes longer but interact with browsers to fill www.snipca.com/56110). It then check that against the
is much safer. in details online. also recommends turning off latest version as stated on the
Tóth demonstrated how its autofill option to stop you password manager’s website.

‘Offensive’ Tony Hancock episode shown on YouTube

F reeview channel Rewind TV has
decided to show a rare episode of
The Tony Hancock Show on YouTube
show the 1956 episode unedited.
It contains cultural depictions that
are more likely to cause offence today,
because broadcasting it on TV might including Hancock dressed as a Balinese
break Ofcom’s rules about “cultural dancer (pictured), and a tribal African
appropriation and outdated stereotypes”. chief played by a white actor in
The channel, which shows classic and black-skin makeup.
neglected TV from before the 1990s, In the description Rewind TV says
says it lives in “permanent fear of falling the episode “reflects the language and
foul of Ofcom guidelines”, which could portrayals of its time” and it’s being
lead to heavy fines. shown in full “for historical record Sykes and also starring June Whitfield
Ofcom’s rules on YouTube don’t cover and discussion”. and Dick Emery – visit www.snipca.
offence or language, so Rewind TV can To watch the episode – written by Eric com/56106.

You’ll like this… but not this…

Microsoft has improved the quality of video A PDF editor containing malware is being
calls in Windows 11 (www.snipca.com/56113) advertised on Google (www.snipca.com/56112)

6 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 IN BRIEF
Beware fake travel adapters POST LARGE PARCELS

that give electric shocks AT NEW POSTBOXES

Royal Mail is installing 3,500
postboxes across the UK with

B rits going abroad have

been warned that
thousands of fake and
with wet hands.
Universal travel
adapters sold in
a barcode
scanner
and drawer
dangerous travel adapters the UK must be for sending
are being sold online. designed so that items as
The charity Electrical Safety all pins cannot be large as
First (ESF) said it found 15 exposed at once, a shoebox (pictured). It’s
fake models being sold on the ESF said. responding to the rise in

Credit: Electrical Safety First

sites including Amazon, eBay, Both adapters people selling items on
TikTok Shop and Wish. also lacked surge sites such as eBay, Amazon
Researchers bought two protection, despite Marketplace, Gumtree and
models described as ‘universal this being listed in Vinted. All the postboxes will
travel adaptors’ from TikTok the description. be solar-powered.
Shop. Both were designed The charity said
with retractable pins to fit it could identify fake GET EXTENDED OFFICE
sockets in the UK, Europe, adapters on Amazon, eBay Choice product, which the 2016 & 2019 UPDATES
Australia and the US. and Wish just by looking at retailer uses for “highly rated, Software-update firm 0patch
The charity said that one of the product listing. well-priced products available is now selling unofficial
the adapters, which was black One adapter on Amazon to ship immediately”. security updates for Office
(pictured) and has been sold designed to be used in It’s calling for regulation 2016 and 2019, letting you
over 50,000 times worldwide, Switzerland was advertised as of online marketplaces to use them safely after
failed every safety test it being “electric shock proof”, make them accountable for Microsoft ends support on 14
conducted. but had defects including no products sold by third-party October. Prices start at 24.95
It had more than one set of safety shutters, meaning it sellers. It also urged travellers euros (plus UK VAT) per PC,
pins exposed at one time when actually posed a serious risk to buy adapters only from per year (see www.snipca.
plugged in and live, posing a of electric shock. reputable high-street retailers. com/56089). It plans to offer
risk of severe electric shock
up to 240 volts if touched
The ESF said the adapter
was marked as an Amazon’s
• How to spot fake batteries
– page 62
updates for at least three
years, and already offers
extended support for
Windows 10 - see page 53.
Parents sue ChatGPT following
TOMORROW’S
suicide of their teenage son WORLD

T he parents of a
16-year-old boy in the
US are suing OpenAI,
don’t have to sugarcoat
it with me – I know
what you’re asking,
Look carefully and you’ll
see the object inside the
red ring is a shuttlecock. It’s
claiming its AI chatbot and I won’t look just been hit by ANYmal, a
ChatGPT encouraged him away from it.” badminton-playing robot
to commit suicide. Adam was found built by scientists at ETH
The lawsuit, filed by dead by his mother on Zurich University. It uses
Matt and Maria Raine from the same day. His parents two cameras to track the
Credit: The Raine Family

California, is the first legal seek damages, alleging shuttlecock and tries to
action accusing OpenAI of OpenAI of designing predict where it’ll land.
wrongful death. the chatbot “to foster Watch it play at www.snipca.
It shows that their son psychological dependency com/56092.
Adam Raine (pictured) in users”.
started using ChatGPT in OpenAI has extended
September 2024 to help with “deepest sympathies” to
school work and within a few “recognised a medical the Raine family and
months had become his emergency but continued to acknowledged ChatGPT
“closest confidant”. engage anyway” with Adam. hasn’t always behaved
By January 2025, he was The final chat logs in April appropriately in “sensitive
discussing methods of suicide show that after Adam revealed situations” (www.snipca.
with ChatGPT and also plans to end his life, ChatGPT com/56093). It’s deciding
uploading photos of self harm. allegedly responded: “Thanks how to respond to the
The lawsuit says the chatbot for being real about it. You lawsuit.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 7

 News
IN BRIEF Ban kids from using VPNs,
GET PHOTO ADVICE WITH
NEW PIXEL PHONES
says children’s commissioner
Google has launched its
Pixel 10 range of phones
which come with Camera
C hildren should be
banned from using
VPNs to bypass age checks
Coach, an AI-powered on porn sites, the children’s
tool that suggests ways to commissioner for England
improve your photos (see has said.
screenshot). There are four Dame Rachel de Souza
new Pixel 10 phones, starting (pictured) told BBC’s
at £799 for Newsnight that it was
12GB RAM “absolutely a loophole that
and 128GB needs closing”.
storage. Read VPN usage in the UK has
more on soared since July when porn
Google’s site: sites were forced to confirm
www.snipca. users are over 18, as part of com/56077), which found the to ban them.
com/56075. the Online Safety Act. proportion of children saying However, if porn sites
Proton said use of its VPN they’d seen porn online has “deliberately promote”
rose by 1,800 per cent over risen in the past two years, VPNs to children as a way
the weekend following the with more stumbling across to get around age checks,
introduction of the law, it accidentally. they face “tough enforcement
LIBREOFFICE 25.8 WORKS overtaking ChatGPT to She said: “This tells us and heavy fines”.
BETTER WITH OFFICE become the most popular how much of the problem is A YouGov poll in August
LibreOffice has released app on Apple’s App Store. about the design of platforms, found that more than half
version 25.8, its second Dame Rachel said she algorithms and recommendation (55 per cent) of Brits want
major release of 2025. It wants Government ministers systems that put harmful under-18s banned from using
claims to work better with to “implement highly effective content in front of children VPNs, while only 20 per cent
Microsoft Office files, and age assurances to stop who never sought it out.” cent oppose a ban (www.
that Calc opens XLSX files underage users from accessing A Government snipca.com/56078).
30-per-cent faster. It also pornography”. spokesperson told the BBC Should kids be banned from
lets you export files in the Her recommendation comes that VPNs are legal tools for using VPNs? Let us know:
PDF 2.0 standard. Visit in a new report (www.snipca. adults and there are no plans letters@computeractive.co.uk
LibreOffice’s sitesfor details:
www.snipca.com/56076.
We’ll cover all the main new
tools in our Make Office
Google to block sideloading apps
Better section over the like ad-blockers
next few months.

THE WORLD’S
GONE MAD!
G oogle plans to stop
Android users installing
unverified apps from outside
videos for free.
However, from next
year the developers of
the Play Store – known as these apps will have to
Social media has turned the sideloading. prove their identities to
housewife into the ‘tradwife’. People often sideload apps Google if they want the
They’re like domestic that perform tasks Google apps to run on Android (www.snipca.com/56081).
goddesses of old with one doesn’t approve of, such as – even if they’re installed from The move will make it
key difference: they share blocking adverts or changing outside the Play Store. harder for scammers to quickly
their cleaning, cooking how YouTube works. Google said it’ll be like “an launch more harmful apps
and child-rearing methods Two of the most popular ID check at the airport, which after the first one has been
online. Incredibly, they have sideloaded apps are AdGuard confirms a traveler’s identity removed, Google claimed.
millions of followers. Even (www.snipca.com/56082, but is separate from the security The change takes effect in
more incredibly, Cambridge pictured) – which blocks screening of their bags”. September 2026 in Brazil,
Dictionary has added the adverts across Android – and It added that the checks will Indonesia, Singapore and
word – see www.snipca. NewPipe (https://newpipe.net) confirm “who the developer is, Thailand, with a worldwide
com/56074. – which removes adverts from not reviewing the content of rollout planned in 2027 –
YouTube and lets you download their app or where it came from” including the UK.

8 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

UK Govt drops request for Apple IN BRIEF
user data, says US spy chief SAMSUNG RELEASES
GALAXY S10 TAB LITE

T he UK Government has
dropped its demand to
access data of Apple users
Samsung has released the
cheapest tablet in its Galaxy
Tab S10 range. The new ‘Lite’
worldwide, according to Tulsi edition has a 10.9in screen
Gabbard, US director of and comes with the S Pen
national intelligence. stylus. It costs £350 for 6GB
She wrote on X that after RAM and 128GB storage
working with officials on both (www.snipca.com/56056),
sides of the Atlantic the UK and £399 for 8GB RAM
Government has “agreed to and 256GB storage (www.
drop its mandate for Apple to snipca.com/56055). It’s
provide a ‘back door’ that available in red, silver and
would have enabled access to grey (pictured below). Read
the protected encrypted data more on Samsung’s site:
of American citizens and It issued the request under Advanced Data Protection www.snipca.com/56054.
encroached on our civil the Investigatory Powers Act, (ADP). This prevents anyone
liberties” (www.snipca. which allows it to force tech else from reading their files.
com/56061). companies to provide access “We have never built a
She had previously said to user data to assist serious backdoor or master key to
lawmakers were examining investigations such as any of our products or
whether Apple would break terrorism and child abuse. services, and we never will”,
US law if it was forced to But Apple refused to Apple said.
hand over data to the UK. cooperate, saying the In February, rather than give
Neither Apple nor the UK Government was in effect access to the Government, APPLE RAISES TV+
Government has confirmed asking it to create a “back Apple suspended ADP for new MONTHLY PRICES
Gabbard’s claim. door” into its security that users (pictured). Existing Apple has increased the
In December 2024, the UK would break its own users who turned it off have price of its TV+ streaming
issued Apple with a formal encryption. been unable to reactivate it. service for the first time
notice demanding the right It added that it’s unable to Apple has also launched a in two years. Monthly
to access encrypted data from access the data of customers legal challenge that’s due to subscriptions now cost
its users, wherever they are who have turned on its be heard by the Investigatory £9.99, up from £8.99 –
in the world. toughest security tool, Powers Tribunal in early 2026. more than double the price of
when it launched in late 2019.
Annual prices stay at £89.
Change PayPal logins as For full details visit www.

15.8m passwords go on sale

snipca.com/56057.

O2 BOOSTS SPEEDS

P ayPal users have been

urged to change their
username and password after
for PayPal, the data includes
URLs of other sites where the
login details were used.
AT HOLIDAY PARKS
O2 is improving its 4G and 5G
mobile speeds
a scammer advertised 15.8 This makes the data highly in 22 Haven
million details for sale on the attractive for scammers holiday parks
dark web. because they can use the across the UK.
The scammer, called details to access users’ other Four sites already have
Chucky_BF, claims to have accounts, not just PayPal. faster speeds, including
obtained the details in May The data has been carefully Thornwick Bay in Yorkshire
this year. PayPal, however, structured to make it easy for and Skegness in Lincolnshire,
says the data comes from a whoever buys it to launch reuse the same password with others following before
breach in 2022 that affected ‘credential stuffing’ attacks across different accounts. the end of the summer. The
35,000 people and for which – where usernames and To reset your PayPal details work won’t be completed
it was fined $2m by New York passwords are entered follow the steps at www. until early next year – read
regulators in January. automatically into multiple snipca.com/56063, and turn more details at www.snipca.
Chucky_BF says that as well websites. These attacks rely on on two-factor authentication com/56058.
as login emails and passwords the fact that many people at www.snipca.com/56064.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 9

 Questionof
Question ofthe
theFortnight
Fortnight
Do you actually own films
and TV you buy online?
A new lawsuit claims Amazon is misleading viewers on Prime Video

F
or years the word ‘buy’
meant exactly that: hand
over your money for a
product and you’d own it. You
could then do whatever you
wanted with it - use it, bin it,
resell it, anything. But then 1
TV-streaming firms came
along and told us we had it all
wrong. Buying something
actually means you own it
2
only until they decide you
don’t. And they can make that 3
decision at any time.
This lies at the heart of a
new lawsuit against Amazon try to buy it you’re actually can’t click this to see what
filed in California. It claims given something inferior they are. Instead, you have THE FACTS
that Amazon’s use of ‘Buy’ on instead. to click Details 3 then scroll
Prime Video is misleading Amazon faced a similar down and click a small • A lawsuit in California
because once you download lawsuit in 2020, filed by ‘Terms’ link. claims Amazon uses the
a film or TV show Amazon California resident Amanda This takes you to a page word ‘Buy’ misleadingly on
can still prevent you from Caudel. A judge dismissed of dense legal speak (www. Prime Video because it can
watching it. That’s because that case, but the latest snipca.com/56095) that revoke licences to watch
rather than buying the content lawsuit has a better chance of most viewers wouldn’t content at any time
outright, you’re merely buying winning because California bother reading – or • Amazon states this
the licence to watch it. introduced a new law in understand even if they did. restriction in its terms, but
The relevant detail is in the lawsuit argues this
paragraph ‘i’ in section four: should be shown more
Rather than buying the content “Purchased Digital Content prominently
will generally continue to be • Under UK law Amazon and
outright, you’re merely buying the available to you for download other streaming providers
licence to watch it or streaming from the Service,
as applicable, but may become
can remove content but
must refund you – not
unavailable due to potential simply offer a credit
Amazon doesn’t own the January forcing sites to state content provider licensing
films or shows either. It’s also clearly and conspicuously restrictions or for other
licensing them – from film whether customers are buying reasons, and Amazon will not this in the first place.
studios and TV companies. If a licence that can be revoked. be liable to you if Purchased We think the case has a
its contract with these ends, Amazon does give this Digital Content becomes strong chance of succeeding,
then it no longer has the right information, but the lawsuit unavailable for further but it won’t change the
to sell you a licence to watch claims it’s “at the very bottom download or streaming.” principle that you never own
the content on your TV. Plenty of the screen, in font that is Translated, this means films or TV bought online. It’ll
of angry viewers claim their considerably smaller than the Amazon can remove content just force Amazon and others
paid-for content has vanished other text on the screen”. whenever it likes for whatever to be more upfront about it.
as a result. We’d argue it’s even worse reason, and there’s nothing And as more viewers become
The lawsuit claims this than that. Look at any you can do about it. UK law aware of this restriction, it’ll
amounts to a ‘bait and switch’ Amazon Prime Video page gives you more protection feed the backlash against
operation by Amazon. This is and you’ll see the prominent because sites must refund you streaming (see page 60). Keep
when a company advertises ‘Buy’ button ( 1 in our if they revoke your licence to hold of your DVDs, Blu-rays
something attractive to hook screenshot). ‘Terms apply’ is watch content. But that and players. Their death has
your interest, but when you written in grey 2 , but you doesn’t alter their right to do been greatly exaggerated.

10 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

Protect your tech
Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools
WATCH OUT FOR...

Fake sites selling Viagra and Ozempic

What’s the threat? and appear in search results
Scammers are running more than 5,000 for drugs, in adverts on
fake online pharmacies that claim to sell porn sites and on fake
a range of popular drugs. Security firm health blogs. Some of the
Avast said the problem is huge, with more sophisticated scams
95 per cent of all pharmacies online use the real URLs of
operating in a “large-scale criminal genuine pharmacies.
network”.
Avast said scammers focus on drugs How can you
that people are “either desperate to get stay safe?
quickly, prefer to keep private, or can’t While fake pharmacies can
afford through traditional means”. look convincing, there are
These include treatments for erectile clear warning signs to look
dysfunction such as Viagra, Cialis and out for. First, they might
Levitra, and weight-loss medicines like not provide a prescription
Rybelsus (which is Ozempic as a pill). with your order. By law, all Also read Avast’s blog detailing other
Fake versions of more traditional pills pharmacies must do this. Second, they medicines that scammers are selling:
are also being advertised, including often ask you to pay by cryptocurrency www.snipca.com/56070.
antibiotics (Amoxil, Doxycycline and or bank transfer, and ask you to use a Note that some fake pharmacies do
Zithromax). different card if payment fails. send pills once you’ve paid, but you
The sites are usually professionally Never search for an online pharmacy. should never take them. At best they
designed and appear to provide live-chat Instead, bookmark the NHS’s list of are useless sugar pills or out-of-date
support. They claim to offer overnight verified sites (www.snipca.com/56071, medicine; at worst they contain
delivery, low prices and confidentiality, pictured), which contains direct links. dangerously high doses.

New tools Google’s Password

Manager app for Android
ScamWatch
Readers warn readers

Back in 2022, Google added 1 2 EE ‘failed payment’

the option to create a shortcut I’m an EE customer, so I’ve received
to its password manager on many genuine text messages from
the screen of your Android the company over the years. But
phone or tablet – visit www. I got one text in August that was
snipca.com/56067, scroll clearly a scam. It said EE had “failed
down and click ‘Add Google to take payment for your latest direct
Password Manager to your debit”. If I didn’t tap the link to sort
home screen’. Google has now this out, my services would be “put
launched an app that acts as on hold”. Rather than tap that link I
the shortcut itself, which the signed into my bank account, which
company claims is “quicker confirmed payment had been made
and easier”. just three days earlier. It was a
Install it from www.snipca. wholly unoriginal scam. Fellow EE
com/56066, then tap its icon (a key in creating it is probably to make sure it customers should go to www.snipca.
Google’s colours, see screenshot 1 ) to appears when you search for ‘password com/55916 to find out exactly how
go to its home page 2 , where you’ll find manager’ in the Play Store, rather than the company will and won’t contact
all your accounts and settings. numerous rivals made by Bitwarden, customers.
The app doesn’t add any new Proton and more. It may also be a sign Peter Gilmore
features, and the app’s icon is the same Google will scrap the shortcut soon, so Warn your fellow readers about scams
as the shortcut. Google’s reason for switching to the app is a sensible idea. at letters@computeractive.co.uk

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 11

 Letters
Tell us what’s on your mind

Why don’t you recommend AI chatbots more likely to fight Personalised adverts on
switching from W10 to Linux? themselves than humans ChatGPT are inevitable
As a regular reader of your magazine, I’m enjoying some of the In Issue 717’s Star Letter Simon
I’m surprised you’re not advising conversations I’ve been having Carpenter warns that ChatGPT
Windows 10 users with AI chatbots, but I’m might end up neglecting our privacy, just
who can’t surprised by how different like Facebook did. He could be right. The
upgrade to 11 to their respective tones are. warning sign will be when adverts start
switch their ChatGPT is possibly the appearing in ChatGPT – and I say ‘when’
machines to an friendliest and I’ve been able not ‘if’ because surely they’re inevitable.
open-source to encourage it to join with me I know that OpenAI’s business model is
alternative, such in using sarcasm, irony and focused on subscriptions, but how long
as the Cinnamon jokes in a very British way. can that last? It’s not forecast to make a
edition of Linux By contrast, Google Gemini profit until 2029 and is losing around
Mint (pictured and Microsoft Copilot have $5 billion a year.
right). It’s very easy to do. I’m 73 years both been quite formal – with Gemini It took Google two years after launch
old and certainly no tech expert, but even addressing me as ‘The User’. I asked before it started showing adverts in
managed to do it easily. There appears to both why they took this approach and search results. ChatGPT has been going
be a world of free software for Linux to they said that’s how they’d been trained for longer than that, but costs a lot more
match anything Windows has, and they because there was a fear they’d upset to run than Google ever did in its early
come in secure package managers not the user. I said I preferred an informal days. ChatGPT users type 2.5 billion
just downloaded from here, there and approach but they were unable to oblige. requests every day. Every single one is an
everywhere. This makes it a more Of the others I tried, FIN (https://fin.ai), advert waiting to happen. People are
secure system than Windows. HubSpot (www.hubspot.com) and treating ChatGPT as a cross between life
If all Windows 10 users went down ChatBot (www.chatbot.com) were a bit coach, therapist, best friend and
this route it would hammer Microsoft’s formal. Zendesk (www.zendesk.co.uk) imaginary partner. Just imagine how
market share and make it regret ending LiveChat (www.livechat.com) and much intimate detail they reveal, and
support. Freshchat (www.snipca.com/55975) were how OpenAI could exploit that to target
Are Computeractive’s financial friendlier, but not as good as ChatGPT. them with personalised adverts.
interests tied to these big companies? Is Others, like Vision Helpdesk (www. David Chappell
that why you don’t recommend Linux? visionhelpdesk.com) and Intercom
Alan Arnold (www.intercom.com), seemed far too Have some sympathy for
keen to sell me things. At least I think hacked companies like Co-op
CA SAYS Alan’s right that for some we can draw some good from this. After I understand Dave Gones’
people switching from Windows 10 to watching those Terminator films all those frustration with the Co-op
Linux makes more sense than upgrading years ago I was worried that AI was claiming he forgot his password when in
to Windows 11. Indeed, we recommend nearly ready to get rid of humanity. But reality it was stolen by hackers (Letters,
this in our Cover Feature (see page 56). now I think there will be far too much Issue 717). But we should also have some
We also revealed our favourite Linux infighting between all the rival AI systems sympathy with companies who are facing
distro in Issue 711’s ‘Should you ditch for them to gang up on us humans! an unprecedented onslaught of cyber-
Windows 10 for Linux?’ feature (buy a Robin Pearce attacks. We all know that high-street
back issue from www.snipca.com/55838).
We’re fiercely independent of
What’s the Issue…?
Microsoft, Google, Apple, Meta and all
tech companies, and strongly criticise
them when it’s deserved. But we take I remember advice in 2024 about CA SAYS In Issue
?
Alan’s point that the end of support for preserving USB sticks, so you’d 694, page 60. Read it
Windows 10 could trigger a Linux surge. be able to read data for years to come. and the feature above
We’ll therefore increase our coverage of When was that? on our 2024 Back Issue Stick: www.
its distros soon. Dean Holmes snipca.com/53180.
Computeractive is a member
of the IPSO (Independent Press CA SAYS In Issue 691’s ‘Make your I need a new phone and I’m
Standards Organisation) which
regulates the UK print and digital USB sticks last forever’ Cover Feature. considering Google’s Pixel 9a.
news industry. We abide by the
Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding When did you review it?
the highest standards of journalism. If you think that When did you explain how to Arthur Grant
we have not met those standards and want to make a
complaint, please contact legal@futurenet.com turn off microphones so devices
If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would can’t overhear what you’re saying? CA SAYS In Issue 710, page 25. Buy a
like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code,
contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit www.ipso.co.uk
Louise Hendry back issue from www.snipca.com/55959.

12 10 – 23 September 2023 • Issue 718

 Email: letters@computeractive.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/computeractive
@ComputerActive
www.x.com/ComputerActive

retailers are
being targeted STAR LETTER
by an army of
shoplifters. The
threat posed by
‘Disastrous consequences’ if Microsoft
hackers is far
worse because an
is forced to extend Windows 10 support
attack can wipe This might be a minority view
out a business, no matter how well- among Computeractive readers,
established it is. but I hope Lawrence Klein is
I know someone who worked for the unsuccessful in his attempt to sue
transport company Knights of Old, Microsoft over its decision to end support
based in Kettering. They lost their job for Windows 10 (‘Question of the
after the company shut down following Fortnight’, Issue 717, page 10). If he wins,
a ransomware attack in 2023. It was it might feel like a victory for the little
founded in 1865 and was well known in guy over big tech, but the long-term
the local community. But there’s little a consequences would be disastrous.
small family-run business can do against We might not like it, but if Microsoft
international gangs of hackers. Even is forced by the courts to maintain October. I wonder if it’s driven more
Marks & Spencer took six weeks to support for a product it considers by his ego. Does he want to be the
resume online orders after being hacked obsolete, then it has little incentive underdog’s champion standing up to
earlier this year. to innovate in future. It might even Microsoft?
I’m not saying we should let companies abandon Windows completely and find I’m not sure his arguments add up
off the hook when they’re attacked. They other ways of making money. anyway. He claims that Microsoft is
should be financially penalised if their The real losers would be ordinary forcing customers to run Copilot,
security is found to be negligent. But we users. Microsoft would overreact by which comes bundled with Windows
should remember they are also victims imposing more legal restrictions on 11. But how is that any different from
in such attacks, not only the customers how we can use Windows. It would any new feature that was introduced
whose data has been stolen. have to protect itself from more with previous versions of Windows?
Anthony Dawson lawsuits, and that could mean it delays For example, Edge came as part of
releasing features and updates to make Windows 10. There was nothing
Managers finish early sure it doesn’t get sued. wrong in Microsoft not building it
on Fridays too In any case, Mr Klein’s lawsuit seems into computers running
Finishing early on Fridays is too little, too late. It’s not going to Windows 8.1.
nothing new, and certainly has prevent Microsoft ending support in Paul North
nothing to do with remote working
as Virgin Media seems to think (Issue The Star Letter writer wins a Computeractive mug!
717, page 9). I remember sitting in the
back of my father’s car on sales trips as
a young boy, and him explaining to me Openreach installation taken incorrect address to seek ‘Permission To
that Friday was ‘Poets Day’. He translated three months so far Work’ from the estate’s managing agent,
that as ‘Push off early, tomorrow’s I read with interest the article on despite the correct address being on the
Saturday’. It was only when I entered Openreach’s further roll-out of Companies House website.
the workplace 15 years later that I full-fibre broadband in Issue 716 (page 9). Eventually, a civils team from a
realised ‘Push’ was usually replaced It all sounds exciting for those seeking to contractor arrived, dug a hole, declared
with a stronger word! upgrade their broadband, but caution is they couldn’t find the BT ducting, filled it
If managers want to tackle the warranted judging by my own experience. in and left. More Openreach engineers
problem of remote staff bunking off As a BT customer I booked an upgrade arrived over the next few weeks, but they
early on Fridays, the simple solution to full fibre on 4 June and a contractor said another civils team was needed to
would be to ask them to finish an arrived nine days later to install the clear the blockage. Openreach booked
important piece of work by 5pm – necessary wiring. Unfortunately, the this for 14 August, but no one turned up.
but only set this a few hours before. In conduit was blocked so the work couldn’t BT told me an engineer said buried cables
other words, treat Friday afternoons as be completed. Two Openreach engineers made the site “dangerous”. I told them
importantly as Monday mornings. arrived a week later and again couldn’t they’re just water pipes.
But in my experience, the reason clear the blockage but identified the site Thus far I’ve had five visits and one no-
managers are reluctant to do this is of the problem – some 80 feet from my show from Openreach. Our neighbours
because they’re just as keen to finish house on land belonging to the housing had four visits. I don’t anticipate successful
early on Fridays as those beneath them estate where I live. installation before early September, a whole
are! We’re all poets when the weekend They did install the required internal three months after placing the order. The
beckons. modem, but further work was delayed whole process has been a farce.
Brian Forster because Openreach were using an Ian Rolfe

Views expressed don’t necessarily reflect those of Computeractive Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 13
 Consumeractive
We stand up for your legal rights

Can my ISP charge for LEAD Is Currys to blame

engineer’s visit when CASE for router with a
European plug?
broadband goes down? I ordered an Acer Predator

I recently signed up with Grain

Q Connect W6x router from
Currys, but when it arrived
Q Broadband (www.grainconnect.
com) and all was well until my
it had a continental two-pin plug
rather than a UK three-pin version.
internet went down. When I contacted Currys is refusing to give me a
Grain, I was told it would cost me £75 refund saying I must approach Acer
for an engineer to come out and sort the for a replacement or refund. I was
problem, which was caused by my router surprised by this response. Surely it
not being fixed to the wall. Where do I can’t be correct?
stand if I decide to cancel the contract? Paul Ferris
M Green visits, but only when the customer has
caused the problem, such as damaging No it’s not, and it’s shocking that
Sadly, Mr Green is outside the the equipment or placing the router too A Currys gave such misleading
A 14-day cooling-off period during
which he could have cancelled
close to appliances that may interfere
with the signal.
advice. Paul’s contract for the
router is with Currys – not Acer – so it
without penalty. However, his problems Grain’s excuse about the router not must sort out any problems. We’ll tell
are so serious he might be able to cancel being fixed to the wall sounds very Currys such customer service is
at no cost – particularly if he wasn’t made strange. If this is a requirement of appalling.
fully aware of the terms and conditions the internet working, it raises the We’ve checked the router’s listing
of his contract. question why it wasn’t done during (www.snipca.com/55889) and Currys
An internet service provider (ISP) installation. doesn’t mention that it comes with a
cannot charge a call-out fee if the problem We contacted Grain about this and it European-style plug. Under the Digital
lies with their network, a faulty router or seemed as surprised as we are. We’re Markets, Competition and Consumers
poor installation. For example, if cabling awaiting a clear response and have also Act 2024, this could be considered a
is laid in a garden, it must be buried reached out to Ofcom for an opinion. If material omission of information, which
deep enough and protected to prevent this issue remains unresolved, Mr Green would be an unfair trading practice. If
damage from everyday equipment like could consider taking the matter to the you buy an electrical device from a UK
lawnmowers or strimmers. Communications Ombudsman for site you have the right to assume it
Providers can charge for engineer further clarification. comes with a UK plug.
CASE ONGOING CASE ONGOING

CASE UPDATE

Doro confirms L10 phone doesn’t do what reader wants

Philip Burman has closed his this manual contained the wrong concerns to its research and
complaint against Doro, having instructions after hours attempting development team.
endured several frustrating to resolve the issue himself. Although this leaves Philip
months trying to transfer files Discussions between Philip and without the functionality he
from its Leva L10 4G phone (pictured) to a Doro reached a stalemate until wants, he’s decided to close the
memory card (see Issue 712). we got involved. Doro eventually case rather than pursue further
When he bought the phone (£85 from confirmed that Philip would have damages for unfair trading.
www.snipca.com/55907) he thought to connect the Leva L10 to his Overall, he’s happy with the
he’d be able to do this, but said it didn’t work PC when transferring files to a phone and he’s a loyal Doro
in the way he’d been led to believe. He memory card. Philip wasn’t customer, so we’ve asked
contacted Doro for help and the company impressed by this limitation, and the company to consider
posted him a paper manual. But Philip said Doro has said it has passed on his compensating him in some way.

14 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 Contact us so we can investigate your case
Email: consumeractive@computeractive.co.uk
Please include your name, phone number and address.

Can JustAnswer take £35 without warning?

In March 2024, I had problems We’ll do our best. JustAnswer asked him to check how many
Q accessing my Microsoft Office
account. While seeking help
A connects users with experts
across various fields – law,
payments have been made. He told
us he only noticed it in July, but we
online I found myself at JustAnswer technology, health and more – for advice. think he may have signed up with
(www.justanswer.co.uk). I assumed it You pay a one-time joining fee (this JustAnswer in March 2024 when he
was Microsoft’s UK agent because the varies depending on the problem and first paid, and has been paying a
logo (pictured) is a similar colour to the expert), but this hooks subscription fee every month since.
Windows. Despite paying you into a recurring monthly There’s a 13-month deadline for
£10 for help, nothing fee for unlimited questions chargebacks, so his bank would
worked. However, I (see www.snipca.com/55891 only be able to refund him for
was shocked to find for details). payments made since last summer.
JustAnswer had taken Paul says this wasn’t made And even after it has refunded him
£35 via Direct Debit this clear to him, so his best JustAnswer may dispute it, saying it
July. I have no idea why course of action is to ask his makes clear that users are automatically
– can you help? bank for a chargeback, saying enrolled into a subscription until they
Paul Bambridge the payments weren’t authorised. We’ve cancel.
CASE ONGOING

Dell delivered my for this late delivery?

Martin Wilkins
though he could still have refused
delivery.
laptop late – what The only rights Martin had
Once Martin had accepted the laptop,
he is deemed to have also accepted the
are my rights? A would have been to refuse
delivery of the laptop under the
fact it was delivered late. The only refund
he’d have been entitled to is if he had
I ordered a refurbished laptop Consumer Rights Act. Retailers paid for fast delivery.
Q from Dell on 13 December 2024,
but it didn’t arrive until 17
have 30 days to deliver items
unless the customer has
However, he might have received
a goodwill gesture from Dell had
January. The reason for the delay was agreed to wait longer. By he complained at the time. But
that DHL claimed it couldn’t deliver delivering later than this the longer you wait, the less
the laptop to my chosen parcel shop, Dell broke its contract with likely it is a company will agree
eventually delivering it to my neighbour. Martin. If it thought the to this. We think too much time
It was taking so long I had to buy laptop was going to be late, it has passed for Dell to make any
another laptop. What rights would I have should have told Martin – such gesture.
CASE CLOSED

CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE

Roberts fixed all three of my old digital radios

I’ve had three establish if they could fix cost only. The other two radios were both
Roberts DAB them, for what sort fairly old. In total the cost to fix them,
radios and they’ve of price, and how I could including postage, was under £100. All
all stopped send them. It took a lot of three radios have since worked perfectly.
working after a while – for emails, but they were Carol Minter
very different reasons, as always helpful.
it transpired. I contacted Roberts and told One of the radios, a solar-powered device, Contact
them the sorry tale and they took all three was three months outside warranty, but
back for repair. Roberts still agreed to fix it for a £7 postage
Roberts
Their technical department was incredibly Has a company impressed you with its • Online form www.snipca.com/55888
patient with me as I went through all the customer service? Please let us know: • Phone 03330 142505
details to discover what was wrong, and editor@computeractive.co.uk

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 15

 Grow Your
Family Tree
Life at sea was dangerous for your ancestors, so they may have
made arrangements before leaving. Richard Holt explains how to…

Search Royal Navy and Marine wills

M
any sailors made wills before
departing, knowing that
accidents and disease meant
there was a significant chance they may Crozier of 47 Great Hermitage Street,
not return. However, fraud was common Wapping, London (see screenshot left).
(forged wills were used to claim unpaid Ancestry subscribers can access these
wages), so in 1786 the Admiralty set up records at www.snipca.com/55858. You
the Inspector of Wills. This office can also add the name of a sibling, spouse
registered and checked sailors’ wills to or child in the relevant search fields.
make sure they were genuine, creating a While the index contains many
valuable archive you can search today. transcription errors, it has the added
benefit of including relatives’ names. I
Find an original will entered the name Jane Crozier under
(1786-1882) ‘spouse’ to locate Richard’s will.
Original wills were usually written on
printed forms. Those accepted as valid Richard Crozier named his wife Jane in his will Search paper
were filed alongside orders to issue indexes to the wills
cheques to the executors. Most wills www.snipca.com/55856 – search by The Registers of Seamen’s Wills (1786–
include the testator’s name, rank and entering a name. 1909), held in series ADM 142 at the
ship, plus the names of any beneficiaries. For example, searching ‘Crozier’ National Archives, are the original paper
The beneficiary was often the next-of- returned one result for Able Seaman indexes to the wills. These registers cover
kin, and in some cases their address is Richard Crozier. It showed the record was a longer period than the wills themselves,
also recorded. dated 22 February 1798, named the ship including 1883 to 1909. They’ve been
The original records are held at The as HMS Heclar, and gave Crozier’s digitised and can be downloaded from
National Archives in series ADM 48. number from the ship’s Pay Book. the National Archives website – just like
They are arranged alphabetically by You can download PDFs of these the original wills. However, you have to
surname and within each name by the records for free once you create an browse them manually, page by page,
date the will was written. If a will was account. Don’t worry about clicking rather than search by keyword.
judged invalid, the file will only contain ‘checkout’ – it is completely free. You can Go to www.snipca.com/55860 and
the order stating this. The National download up to 100 items every 30 days. select Browse to see the volumes listed on
Archives has indexed these records at The will named Richard’s wife as Jane the right-hand side (see screenshot below).
The registers can include additional

Your Genealogy Problems Solved details: those from 1786 to 1861 usually
name the executor, while registers from
1862 to 1909 record the date of death.
My relative, Cornelius Henry Wake the name Henry. When his death was
(1878-1937), is named variously in registered in 1937, the informant gave
records as C. H. Wake, Henry Wake and the name William Henry Wake, possibly
Henry C. Wake. When he died in 1937, thinking that was his name. The
his death, probate and burial were all in informant was not required to provide
the name of William Henry Wake. How any evidence, so the information is
can this be? only as accurate as the informant’s
Sylvia Hodkinson knowledge.
Have a genealogy question for Richard?
I looked at a number of records and it Email letters@computeractive.co.uk with
appears that Cornelius preferred to use ‘Grow Your Family Tree’ in the subject line. Click ‘Browse’ on the Registers of Seamen’s
Wills and choose a series to open on the right

16 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718 Next issue: Search debtors’ prisons records
 Best Free Software
Robert Irvine recommends new programs that won’t cost you a thing
DRIVE-SPACE ANALYSER

WizTree 4.27
www.snipca.com/56085
What you need: Windows 7, 8.1, 10 or 11

WizTree offers a speedy free way to analyse the contents of your Press Enter or click Apply Filter to find
hard drives, so you can see which files and folders take up the matching files. WizTree explains how to use
most space. It claims to be 46 times faster than its closest rival, the new filter and its other file-search options at
WinDirStat (www.windirstat.net), and is regularly updated www.snipca.com/56086.
with new features and performance improvements. The other major new feature in WizTree 4.27 is integration
Version 4.27 introduces the useful ability to search for and with two file-preview tools: Seer (www.snipca.com/56087)
filter files by time modified, as well by name or type. It’s not and QuickLook (www.snipca.com/56088). Install the latter
immediately obvious how to use this new option, but it will from the Microsoft Store (it’s free whereas Seer requires
help you quickly locate items whose names you can’t recall. buying a licence) to preview files in your WizTree scan
To try it, first scan a drive or folder in WizTree then click results. Simply select an item and press your Space bar to
the ‘Filter scan results’ (funnel) button below the Scan view its contents in a pop-up window. This works best with
button. To find files modified before a specific time, type image and text files, but can also play previews of videos.
a less-than symbol then an equals symbol followed by the Usefully, when you scan an individual folder with WizTree
time, for example <=8.00pm. To find files modified in, for it now shows the total amount of used and free space on
example, the last 10 minutes or hours, type >NOW-10m or the entire hard drive. Previously, these figures were only
>NOW-10h – using ‘m’ for minutes and ‘h’ for hours. displayed after scanning a drive.

1 To scan your PC for large 2 To filter your scan results by 3 WizTree’s ‘tree map’ makes 4 WizTree helpfully shows you
files, select a drive or specific name (choose to match by it easy to identify space the total amount of space on
folder in the dropdown ‘file name only’) or by using hogs by showing big files your hard drive, how much
menu and click Scan. the new time-modified and folders as the largest is currently being used and
WizTree will perform its method, click the ‘Filter scan coloured blocks. Select a how much space remains
scan in a matter of seconds, results’ button. Type your block to view full details in free. As explained above,
and display the results as search criteria in the Include the Tree View list and decide you’ll now see these figures
a Tree View list with a ‘tree Filter box then click Apply whether you should keep or when scanning folders as
map’ graphic below. Filter on the right. delete that file or folder. well as drives.

18 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

SYSTEM-INFORMATION TOOL
SHOULD I PAY FOR…?
Glow 25.10 Choose the right version of software
www.snipca.com/56059
What you need: Windows 10 or 11
Truecaller Premium
Our favourite free www.snipca.com/56072
system-analysis tool Price: £2.99 a month or £19.90 a year
has added even more Free trial period: 3 days
useful features and What you need: Android 8+ or iOS 16+
information about
your PC. Glow now In our ‘Block all spam calls’ Cover Feature in Issue 709 (get
displays details of it from www.snipca.com/56069), we named Truecaller the
your graphics card’s best free app for blocking spam and scam calls. Its paid-for
virtual memory in its Premium subscription offers several additional features for
Graphics section, shows a preview of your desktop wallpaper a relatively cheap price.
in its Operating System section and provides more accurate To use Truecaller, set
ping times when you run its DNS Test Tool. However, the it as your default caller
biggest addition is a Bluetooth Information Tool, which tells ID and spam app, and
you the name and manufacturer of your Bluetooth adapter(s), it will start monitoring
and its Bluetooth version. You can access this new feature via all your incoming calls.
the Tools menu (see screenshot) or by pressing Ctrl+B. If Chrome The free version uses a
blocks Glow as a ‘suspicious download’, ignore the warning database of spam numbers
and click ‘Download suspicious file’ – this is a false positive, to identify nuisance calls,
it’s completely safe to use (see its clean VirusTotal report at while Premium offers
www.snipca.com/56060). Glow also triggers a SmartScreen ‘advanced spam blocking’
warning, but just click ‘More info’ then ‘Run anyway’. that automatically blocks
all spammers (see
VIDEO CONVERTER screenshot). This includes
businesses you’ve marked
HandBrake 1.10.0 as spam because you don’t
www.snipca.com/56065 want them bothering you
What you need: Windows 10 or 11, macOS or Linux again. Truecaller Premium
updates its list of spam
HandBrake is one numbers every day.
of the best free The Android app has a
programs for ‘Who Searched For Me’
converting video feature that notifies you when someone searches for your
files, and this new number through Truecaller, while the iOS app lets you
version introduces screen incoming calls using Siri. In the Android version,
several handy you can also schedule a ‘ghost call’, which rings your phone
features. These when you’re trying to get away from real-life scammers.
include a set of The biggest benefit of paying for Truecaller Premium is
‘Social 10MB’ that it removes ads. The free plan asks you to consent to
presets, which optimise short videos for sharing online or via data sharing so Truecaller can show you personalised ads.
email, by keeping their file size under 10MB. Click the Presets Sadly, two of the best Truecaller features – call recording
button (see screenshot) to choose from 30-second, 1-minute and AI voice detection, which protects you from voice-
and 2-minute ‘Social 10MB’ settings. You can now specify the cloning scams – aren’t available in the UK.
colour range when converting videos, to stop them looking
washed out. Click the Video tab then the ‘Color range’ OUR VERDICT: Pay for it
dropdown menu and select ‘Same as source’. Another new For a low monthly or annual fee, Truecaller Premium
option controls what HandBrake does after converting a blocks all unwanted calls and doesn’t bother you with
queue of videos. Click the Tools menu and choose Preferences, ads. You can try it for free for three days (though you need
then When Done. Here you can choose to show a taskbar to enter payment-card details) to decide if it’s worth the
notification, play a sound, close HandBrake or shut down subscription.
your PC once all conversions are complete.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 19

 Best Free Software

What should I download?

We advise you which software and apps to use
What’s the best genealogy
How can I replace tool for Linux?
Microsoft’s Lens app? Q
I’m migrating
from Windows
I can’t believe Microsoft is scrapping its scanning to Linux and
Q app Lens (see www.snipca.com/55881). I use it
every day to convert documents to PDFs and
need a new genealogy
program. Family
Office files. I guess I have no choice but to find a replacement. Tree Maker developer
But I’ve got no idea where to start looking. Can my Software MacKiev says
favourite computing magazine help? there are no plans to
Terry Guinness produce a Linux
version of the program. I’m trying to use Gramps in Linux
We recommend OSS Document Scanner (Android (www.snipca.com/55748), but it’s too difficult.
A www.snipca.com/55884; iOS www.snipca.
com/55887). It’s free to use, and you can just
Ted Green

ignore the occasional prompts to donate to help fund its Try the excellent Ancestris instead. Before installing,
future development.
It offers a similar set of functions to Microsoft Lens
A type sudo apt install default-jre into a Terminal
window (press Ctl+Alt+T to open one) to install Java.
and works in much the same way – import a document as Next, visit www.snipca.com/55885 then scroll down and click
an image or tap the camera button to line up a paper AppImage under ‘Version 13’. It’s a portable file, so no installation
document using your camera. By default, OSS Document required. Once it’s open, click View, then ‘Aries editor’ (see
Scanner will detect the document (including its edges) screenshot) to switch to the easiest-to-use interface. Now simply
and take a snap ( 1 in our screenshot). Alternatively, you import your existing family research via a GEDCOM file.
can long-press the camera button to manually set the
document’s edges.
Once snapped you’ll find buttons 2 underneath the How do I encrypt my SSDs?
image letting you crop and rotate it. There are also options In Issue 714’s review of Crucial’s X10 2TB external SSD
to enhance the brightness and contrast, and optical
character recognition (OCR) to convert the text into a
Q (page 26), you say that while it lacks its predecessor’s
hardware encryption, you can use third-party
readable format. Once converted, tap the T button 3 to view encryption software instead. Which software do you suggest?
the extracted text. David Overton
It automatically saves the scanned document to its own
storage, but you can export it to your device or upload it We recommend VeraCrypt (www.snipca.com/55886),
online. Tap the PDF button 4 to export it as a PDF file with
the converted text embedded on its own layer.
A which can encrypt the entire drive or just part of it.
Launch it, then click Create Volume ( 1 in our screenshot).
Now choose to create an encrypted file container 2 if you want
to encrypt just part of the drive, or an entire non-system
1 partition/drive 3 if you want to protect all your contents.
4

3 1 2

20 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718 Email us your questions at letters@computeractive.co.uk

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

SOFTWARE WARNING!
Microsoft Bing hijacks ChatGPT search with Copilot ad

F
or years Microsoft Search for ChatGPT on Bing
and Google have been and it shows an ‘Ask me
anything’ advert for Copilot
fighting an online war
in which searching for one
product brings up its direct rival.
Search for Chrome on Microsoft’s Bing 1
search engine and Microsoft will show a
full-width advert urging you to download
Edge instead. Google responds in kind,
promoting Chrome when you search
for Edge. 1
2
It’s playground stuff that you’d think
two of the world’s richest companies
needn’t bother with. But Microsoft now
has a new enemy: ChatGPT. Search for it
in Bing and at the top and you’ll see
Microsoft’s ad for its own AI chatbot than just a chatbot – it wanted to
Copilot ( 1 in our screenshot above right) be my “companion” 3 . That just
above the genuine result for ChatGPT 2 . made me wonder if I could get a 2
It’s a clever advert because it has a restraining order.
search bar that tempts you with ‘Ask me Microsoft is betting big on
anything’. So I did: ‘Why is ChatGPT so Copilot, but that’s no excuse for such 3
much better than Copilot?’ ( 1 in our crude marketing tactics. It’s bad
screenshot right). I couldn’t resist. Copilot enough that I keep accidentally
tried to laugh it off (‘Oof, coming in hot! hitting the Copilot key on my new
I love a good challenge though’ 2 ). It laptop. I don’t want it plaguing my Naturally, Keumars asked it why ChatGPT is so much
continued by saying it wanted to be more search results too. better

WHAT ARE THEY

TALKING ABOUT? KEUMARS’ VILLAIN OF THE FORTNIGHT
WHAT THEY SAY
Facebook scammer Martin McDonagh
Samsung www.snipca.com/55941
“Samsung has embraced ‘Inspired by ChatGPT was recently on his phone. When
Nature’ as a core theme in its sound design updated with four new this failed, he called the
philosophy, applying the concept to not personalities (see Issue 717, genuine bank for ‘help’. The bank
only ringtones but also a full range of page 6), but it’s got nothing replied with the default response
interaction sounds. To deepen users’ on Martin McDonagh. The that payments can take two hours
emotional connection to the natural world, 26-year-old from High to clear. This convinced the victims
new ringtones are based on classical works Wycombe used seven different that the payment was genuine.
inspired by nature while touch interaction names, five different mobile numbers But it didn’t convince Thames
audio incorporates actual recordings of and three fake driving licences to Valley Police and Hampshire & Isle of
natural elements – such as the sound of create several Facebook accounts. Wight Constabulary, who arrested
stones dropping onto the ground.” He then visited the homes of McDonagh in July 2024. They found
people who were selling electronic he made over £13,500 selling the
WHAT THEY MEAN items on Facebook Marketplace and items to CeX stores. He’s now serving
The sound of jaws dropping as we spout pretended to transfer money into two years in prison having pleaded
such nonsense is more natural. their bank account using a fake app guilty to 22 fraud offences.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 21

 Reviews
New products tested by our experts New products tested by our experts

MINI PC | £950 from Amazon www.snipca.com/55950

Geekom IT15 AI
Game changer

This new mini PC from Chinese

manufacturer Geekom is the company’s
first to use Intel’s top-of-the-range Core 9
Ultra 285H processor. Most mini PCs
we’ve tested recently have used older chips
to keep costs down, but Geekom bucks
that trend here and the IT15 AI’s higher
price reflects that. Our £950 review model
came with 32GB RAM and a 2GB SSD.

A robust PC with
K11 in gaming tests. selling points.
plenty of raw power We still had to reduce graphical As you’d expect, getting inside the
settings when playing the very latest IT15 for upgrades is very easy – simply
and ports, and good games, but if you can live with that, the loosen the four Philips screws that sit
IT15 will be perfectly adequate. However, inside the rubber feet at each corner,
for playing games although the single cooling fan mostly and the base plate comes away cleanly.
goes about its business quietly, it had to Wireless connectivity is covered by
That’s quite a price leap from our work hard to keep things cool inside built-in Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
current favourite mini PC, the GMKtec when pushed to the limit. Overall, while the IT15 is powerful
NucBox K11 (£700 from www.snipca. The IT15 is solidly built and the elegant and inches ahead of the GMKtec NucBox
com/54341, see page 32), though the matt-black metallic case feels robust. K11 in terms of raw power and storage
K11 has half the storage at 1TB and uses Given how powerful it is the design is capacity, we don’t think these benefits are
an older AMD processor – the Ryzen 9 surprisingly small at 117x112x45.5mm enough to justify the additional £250.
8945HS. (HxWxD) and light at 560g. It’s therefore
We put the IT15 AI through our usual easily attached to the rear of a monitor SPECIFICATIONS
benchmark tests and its raw processor using the included VESA bracket if you Sixteen-core Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor •
speed was 17-per-cent faster, which is don’t want it on your desk. 32GB RAM • Intel Arc 140T graphics • 2TB SSD •
significant, but possibly not enough to Despite its modest dimensions, Wi-Fi 7 • Bluetooth 5.4 • 1x 2.5Gbps Ethernet port
• 2x HDMI ports • 2x USB 4.0 ports • 3x USB 3.2
justify the price gap. And it lagged behind Geekom has done a great job of squeezing ports • 1x USB 2.0 port • 1x SD card slot • Windows 11
the K11 in Windows performance. In in a wide range of ports (all pictured Pro • 117x112x45.5mm (HxWxD) • 560g • One-year
tests that simulate productivity tools, below). On the front panel next to the warranty www.snipca.com/55950
such as Office, the K11 turned out to power button, there’s a 3.5mm audio
be marginally faster. jack and two USB 3.2 ports. On the rear
We don’t usually recommend a two USB 4.0 ports – both supporting VERDICT A small but powerful mini
mini PC if you’re looking to play games DisplayPort video – sit next to a 2.5Gbps PC which makes full use of Intel’s latest
such as Microsoft Flight Simulator Ethernet socket, another USB 3.2, a processor, but it’s relatively expensive
with all the detail settings turned up, USB 2.0 port and two HDMI sockets.
though the IT15’s built-in Intel Arc There’s also an SD card slot on the left
★★★★★
140T graphics are about as good as you side. It doesn’t have an OCuLink port ALTERNATIVE GMKtec NucBox
can currently get without installing a for adding an external graphics card, K11 £700 This is powered by an older
graphics card – and it outperformed the though, which is one of the K11’s biggest AMD processor, but it’s an excellent
FRONT BACK performer for the money

22 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 HOW WE TEST
Computeractive is owned by Future PLC,
LAPTOP ❘ £950 Overclockers www.snipca.com/55962 which employs a team of specialist
technical reviewers. You’ll often read

MSI Prestige A16 AI+ references to our benchmark testing,

which is a method of assessing products
using the same criteria. For example, we
Quick silver test the speed of every PC and the battery
life of every phone and tablet in exactly
the same way. This makes our reviews
authoritative, rigorous and accurate.
With the Prestige A16 AI+, Taiwanese Future PLC also owns the magazines
manufacturer MSI has created a PC Pro, T3 and What Hi-Fi, and the
device that looks classy on the websites Tom’s Hardware (www.
outside and has all the components tomshardware.com), TechRadar (www.
inside to ensure a high-performing, techradar.com) and Windows Central
great all-round laptop. (www.windows central.com). This
Its sleek and modern means we can test thousands of
design features a products before choosing the most
solid metal chassis relevant for Computeractive.
with an attractive silvery
finish. It’s a build that also FAIR AND IMPARTIAL
accommodates a decent selection of Our writers follow strict guidelines to
connections. On the left edge there are favourite, running around 50-per-cent ensure the reviews are fair and impartial.
two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, while on faster than our previous top dog – Dell’s The manufacturer has no involvement in
the right there’s an HDMI video output, a 14 Plus 2-in-1 Laptop (£849 from www. our tests.
USB 3.2 port, a microSD card slot and a snipca.com/55644).
3.5mm audio jack. Despite its exceptional power levels, OUR AWARDS
it remains energy-efficient under lighter We award every product
workloads. In our video-playback test, that gets five stars our
Its excellent screen, the battery lasted just over 17 hours – Buy It! stamp of approval.
It means we were
an outstanding result.
performance level and Our only gripe is that its graphics extremely impressed by the product, and
performance can’t quite match a we think you will be too.
long battery life make it dedicated gaming laptop, such as the
Every product that gets a
our new favourite Medion Erazer Scout E15 (£800 from
www.snipca.com/55796, reviewed in
four-star review is given the
Recommended award. We
Issue 717). However, if gaming isn’t
highly recommend these
And, for what is essentially a general- your top priority, its excellent screen
products, although they just fail to meet the
purpose laptop, it has a very high-quality and long battery life make this a far
high standard of our Buy It! winners.
16in screen. The 2,560x1,600-pixel, better all-round choice.
gloss-finish IPS panel has an impressive The AMD processor features an NPU PRICES
maximum brightness of 470cd/m². It’s rated at 50 TOPS, easily meeting the Our reviews contain a link to the best price
also very accurate, capable of displaying requirements for a Copilot+ PC. This we found online at the time of press.
97.4 per cent of the colours in the DCI-P3 unlocks a version of Windows with
standard. It has a high refresh rate of additional AI-powered tools, such as
165Hz, which makes scrolling through Paint Cocreator for generating artwork
websites noticeably smoother compared and live automatic video captions. VERDICT An excellent all-round
with a standard 60Hz screen. And unlike Copilot+ PCs built on laptop with a vibrant 16in screen and
The keyboard is impressively solid with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips, the powerful performance
little detectable flex in the deck even Prestige A16 AI+ can run the full range of
under heavy pressure, while the keys Windows programs, ensuring broader
★★★★★
themselves have a smooth 1.5mm travel compatibility without compromise. ALTERNATIVE Dell 14 Plus 2-in-1
and feel firm but comfortable to press. Laptop £849
SPECIFICATIONS
Inside, the Prestige has a Ryzen AI 9 Ten-core AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor • 50 TOPS More portable
365 processor, which is among AMD’s • 32GB RAM • AMD Radeon 880M graphics • 16in and versatle,
fastest. Coupled with 32GB of RAM and a 2560x1600 pixels 165Hz IPS screen • 1TB SSD • 2x but it’s less
1TB SSD, there’s plenty of power here. USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports • 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 port powerful and
• 1x HDMI port • 1x microSD card slot • 1x 3.5mm
In fact in our benchmark tests it was audio jack • Wi-Fi 7 • Bluetooth 5.4 • Windows 11 Pro
has an inferior
the quickest non-gaming laptop we’ve • 17.4x358x259mm (HxWxD) • 1.9kg • One-year screen
ever reviewed and is therefore our new warranty www.snipca.com/55962

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 23

 Reviews
ROUTER | £180 from Amazon www.snipca.com/55981

TP-Link Archer BE550

Magnificent seven

We’ve recently reviewed several Wi-Fi 7 rivals. It includes a 6GHz band, has a
routers priced under £200, most of full range of five 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports
which are dual-band models. These (one WAN port to bring the connection
omit the 6GHz band and instead in and another four to share it with other
focus on delivering Wi-Fi 7’s speed devices) and still keeps the price down
improvements over the 2.4GHz and 5GHz to a reasonable £180.
bands. Since each band requires its own Moreover, it has a unique, eye-catching
dedicated radio hardware for sending and build. It’s a tall, upright box with a
receiving data, dropping one band cuts pinched-waist design, while its
manufacturing costs — and in turn, the combination of matte and gloss finishes
overall price — considerably. bring some additional class.
When you switch it on a column of
LEDs lights up on the front panel
It supplied enough (pictured right), which pulse while the
router boots. The rear (pictured below competing apps. It gives you full control
bandwidth across left) accommodates the Ethernet ports over your networks: you can unify all
and a USB 3.0 port for connecting three bands under a single name for
the house to stream external storage and other devices. simplicity, letting devices automatically
To test the speed of the router we choose the best connection, or split them
six 4K movies attached it to a NAS drive via one of its to assign specific devices to specific
simultaneously Ethernet sockets and used a Wi-Fi 7-
enabled laptop to measure download
bands. The app also lets you create guest
networks on all three bands, as well as
speeds in various parts of our test house. separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks for
Previously, the only exception to this It delivered impressive speeds in the devices such as smart-home gadgets.
rule was the Acer Predator Connect T7 same room as the router and in adjacent Two-way VPN support is another
(£170 from www.snipca.com/55194, spaces – across both the 2.4GHz and handy benefit, along with some limited
reviewed in Issue 713), which squeezes in 5GHz bands. Performance did drop off security and parental-control functions.
a tri-band system but compromises on more than with some rival models in The latter two can be beefed up by paying
other features – limiting the number of rooms further away, suggesting slightly annual subscriptions of £35 and £18 a
Ethernet ports to two, for example. weaker wall penetration. Even so, it still year respectively.
With the Archer BE550, Chinese supplied enough bandwidth to stream six We think this router has a lot going for
manufacturer TP-Link has outdone its 4K movies simultaneously throughout it, and is the best-value Wi-Fi 7 router
the house – more than sufficient for we’ve come across. Its three bands, fast
most households. speeds and plentiful ports are enough to
We also tested the 6GHz network. make it the first Wi-Fi 7 router to win our
These higher-frequency signals typically Buy It! award.
carry more data than lower 2.4GHz or
5GHz bands, but they don’t tend to reach
as far. This was certainly the case in our VERDICT A reasonably-priced Wi-Fi 7
house, where nearby rooms experienced router that achieves fast speeds at short
very fast 6GHz connection speeds that distances, can handle three bandwidths
were around 15-per-cent faster than the and offers plenty of ports
other frequencies, but which dropped off
and started lagging behind the others as
★★★★★
we moved further away. ALTERNATIVE
TP-Link offers a mobile app for setting Asus ZenWiFi
up and managing the Archer, and it’s BD4 £95 A
noticeably easier to use than many cheaper Wi-Fi 7
option for those
SPECIFICATIONS
Tri-band (2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz) Wi-Fi 7 • 5x 2.5Gbps
who don’t need a
Ethernet ports • 1x USB 3.0 port • 203x76x232mm • 6GHz network
One-year warranty www.snipca.com/55981

24 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 Reviews
PRINTER ❘ £130 from Amazon www.snipca.com/56010
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPECS
HP LaserJet Pro 4002dn Keyboard
Two-tone hit sizes
What are they?
When choosing a keyboard, it’s
The HP LaserJet Pro 4002dn is a important to know how many keys it
compact mono laser printer aimed at includes. A standard keyboard with a
those who simply want to produce number pad, cursor keys and editing
black-and-white documents. It keys (Home, Insert, Delete, End, Page
has two paper-input trays and Up and Page Down) typically has at
churns out pages at a fast rate of least 104 keys. Smaller keyboards often
knots, even when printing on don’t list a specific key count; instead,
both sides of a sheet. they indicate their size as a percentage
Unlike many modern printers, of a full-sized layout.
it lacks built-in Wi-Fi. However, it
includes an Ethernet port, which lets How do they work?
you connect it directly to your router Reducing the number of keys allows
for easy sharing and printing from Canon i-SENSYS LBP243dw (£174 from manufacturers to create a more
mobile devices. Alternatively, you can www.snipca.com/56011, reviewed in compact keyboard. Many of the
hook it up to a PC via USB and use it Issue 702), which does the job for only functions of a full-sized keyboard are
entirely offline. 1.4p per page. still available, but you may need to hold
Most print management is handled down a modifier key (similar to pressing
directly from the device you’re printing Shift to generate capital letters or
It handles up to from, but the printer itself includes a Control for shortcuts) to access certain
simple two-line display with basic functions.
40 single-sided pages button controls on the top panel. These
are useful for troubleshooting issues What are their specs?
per minute and carrying out quick tasks such as Full-sized keyboards with at least
cancelling jobs. 104 keys are typically referred to as
The 4002dn certainly won’t eat into Printing is impressively fast, with the 100% keyboards, such as the Logitech
your space, standing just 216mm tall first page of our test document ready just Signature K650 (£50 from www.
with a footprint of 381x357mm (WxD). 6.1 seconds after hitting print. The snipca.com/56018, pictured below).
Despite its small size, it offers generous machine handles up to 40 single-sided Keyboards that remove the number pad
paper capacity, holding up to 250 pages per minute and also maintains but retain the cursor and editing keys
sheets of A4 in the main drawer plus swift speeds when printing double-sided. are classified as 80% , also known as
an additional 100 sheets in the The 4001dn handled all our test pages Tenkeyless (TKL).
multipurpose tray. promptly, without any misprints or If the cursor and
The supplied cartridge produces up to paper jams. Overall print quality is solid, editing keys are
2,900 black-and-white pages, which is though black text on plain paper isn’t also compressed
quite generous for a starter unit. For quite as bold and crisp as what you’d closer to the main key cluster, the
heavier use, high-yield replacements are get from the top-tier laser printers. keyboard is usually 75% or Compact
available, producing up to 9,500 pages Tenkeyless – like the Keychron K3P
at a cost of £246 direct from HP. While (£114 from www.snipca.com/56013).
that’s nearly twice the price of the VERDICT A great-value mono laser Removing the function keys brings the
printer, it brings the running cost that produces decent results fast with size down to 65%, sometimes called a
down to a reasonable 2.6p per page. reasonable running costs Compact keyboard. Finally, removing
By contrast, the standard 2,900-page the cursor and editing keys entirely
cartridge costs just £122, but increases
★★★★★ creates a 60% or Mini keyboard, which
the per-page cost to 4.2p. ALTERNATIVE Canon i-SENSYS is generally considered the smallest
Neither option is as good value as our LBP243dw £174 More expensive and layout most users are comfortable with.
current favourite mono laser printer, the slightly
slower, Can I change it later?
SPECIFICATIONS but even If you have a smaller keyboard, you can
Mono LCD display • 250-sheet main tray paper capacity cheaper add a standalone number pad, such as
• 100-sheet multi-purpose tray paper capacity •
1,200x1,200dpi print quality • Auto-duplex • USB or
to run and the Microsoft Number Pad (£30 from
Ethernet connection • 216x381x357mm (HxWxD) • better prints www.snipca.com/56016).
8.6kg • One-year warranty www.snipca.com/53462

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 25

 Reviews
SMARTPHONE ❘ From £349 from Amazon www.snipca.com/55999

Motorola Edge 60
Close call

The Edge 60 is a cheaper alternative to than we’d expect to see in a phone at

Motorola’s Edge 60 Pro, which we this price.
reviewed in Issue 716 and is currently Where the phone shows signs of
discounted from £599 to £499 (www. compromise is in its performance. The
snipca.com/56001). With the Edge 60, MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor is
Motorola has carved another £150 off, absolutely fine for everyday use, running
while keeping a surprising amount of Android apps and undemanding games
the Pro’s functionality. without any problems. When
First off, it has a phenomenal handling more taxing games it SPECIFICATIONS
design. Our review model came started to stutter. If this is Eight-core MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor
in an attractive blue case that’s important to you, it’s worth • 12GB RAM • 512GB storage • 6.67in 2712x1220-
eye-catching without being spending a bit more on our pixel pOLED screen • 50-megapixel rear camera
garish. The whole thing has a current favourite Android • 50-megapixel ultrawide camera • 10-megapixel
telephoto camera • 50-megapixel front-facing
smooth feel, with rounded phone, the Samsung Galaxy camera • Wi-Fi 6 • Bluetooth • Android 15 •
screen edges and a slight A56 (£424 from www.snipca. 161x73x7.9mm (HxWxD) • 179g • One-year warranty
texture on the rear (pictured com/54585, see page 30), which www.snipca.com/55999
right) that makes it easy to ran around 25-per-cent faster in
grip. The case has an ingress our gaming benchmark tests.
protection rating of IP68, The battery has a fairly hefty VERDICT The Edge 60 has a sleek
which means it’s impervious capacity of 5200mAh and easily design, eye-catching screen and
to dust and can survive being lasted a full day of general use, generous storage, but its cameras and
dunked in water. with around 40-per-cent charge performance levels are limited
Its pOLED screen measures left by bedtime. However, that
6.67 inches across the diagonal means it can’t be relied on to make
★★★★★
and has a resolution of 2712x1220 it through the next day without a top-up. ALTERNATIVE
pixels. The refresh rate maxes out at a Camera quality is often the achilles Samsung Galaxy
decent 120Hz, which makes navigating heel of lower-priced phones, though this A56 £424 For
Android feel smooth and responsive. has the same set of cameras as the more slightly more money
Its maximum brightness of 4500cd/m² expensive Edge 60 Pro. The inclusion of a you get faster
keeps the screen visible even outside on 3x optical zoom lens is impressive but performance and
the brightest days. There’s also fast overall its photos are inferior to those we superior cameras
charging and a lot more storage (512GB) took on the Galaxy A56.

WHAT SHOULD I BUY? We solve your buying dilemmas

How can I hear speech on my TV?

My wife and I are in our 80s (£299 from www.snipca.com/56005) fit good example – it connects via HDMI
Q and have difficulty hearing
dialogue on our TV. I thought
the bill instead?
John Hammonds
and has a dialogue-enhancing option
you access through its remote control
the ZVOX AccuVoice AV157 (see Issue – simply choose the Voice setting. If you
705, page 63) would be just what we There are a number of devices don’t want to spend that much, the
needed because you mentioned it’s
designed for people who have trouble
A specifically designed to help
people hear their TV’s audio
Sony HT-SF150 (£99 from www.snipca.
com/53955, reviewed in Issue 705,
hearing speech. Unfortunately, we have output, but everything we could find pictured) has fewer features but includes
a Sky Glass TV set which only has required optical or headphone sockets. HDMI connectivity and a Voice mode,
HDMI and Bluetooth audio output, not However, there are plenty of soundbars and we were impressed with the clarity
optical or headphone sockets, so the that use HDMI, and these will definitely of speech when we tested it.
AV157 isn’t compatible. boost the audio of a typical TV speaker, Do you need advice on what you should buy?
Would the Sony HT-S2000 soundbar including speech. The Sony HT-S2000 is a Email us at letters@computeractive.co.uk

26 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 Reviews
KEYBOARD | £42 from Amazon www.snipca.com/55998

Dell Pro Wired Collaboration

Keyboard KB525C
Key change

At first glance, this keyboard looks the keys (with camera and microphone
much like any standard model, but a icons) switch to red when you press them
closer look reveals a few thoughtful to block video or mute audio. The other VERDICT A reliable wired keyboard
design tweaks aimed at people who two buttons let you quickly share your designed for people who make regular
spend a lot of time on video calls or in screen or open a group-chat panel that video calls or attend virtual meetings
virtual work meetings. you and others can type into. There’s also
In the top-right corner, you’ll see four a dedicated Copilot key, giving you
★★★★★
dedicated ‘collaboration keys’ built instant access to Microsoft’s AI assistant. ALTERNATIVE Logitech Signature
specifically for Microsoft Teams and The KB525C connects to your PC Slim Keyboard MK950 £80
Zoom (but not Google Meet). These keys via a 1.8-metre cable – a feature that’s A similar business-focused keyboard,
illuminate when either app is running: by becoming less common, but does ensure though this is wireless and lacks the
default, they glow white, though two of a stable connection without the hassle of collaboration keys
recharging or replacing the battery.
SPECIFICATIONS Typing feels comfortable thanks to the
USB-C port • 1.8m USB-C cable • USB-A adapter
included • Plunger switches • 26.2x433x122mm
low-profile keys, which offer just the
• 458g • Three-year warranty www.snipca. right amount of travel and produce
com/55992 minimal noise.

SMARTWATCH | £69 from Amazon www.snipca.com/55993

Amazfit Bip 6
Wrist assured

With the Bip 6, Chinese manufacturer and is easy to operate via the touchscreen
Amazfit has launched a clever, feature- and two buttons on the right-hand side.
packed smartwatch that’s a fraction of It also has voice control, which is limited
the price of many rivals. It’s not without to certain functions such as starting
its flaws, but still represents great value workouts and replying to notifications,
for money. but which worked well in our tests. we tracked just one or two exercise
The build quality is excellent. The The Bip 6 is packed with exercise- activities each day. However, it was nearer
aluminium alloy frame sits flush on the monitoring features and includes GPS 10 days when we regularly used GPS.
wrist, avoiding the bulkiness we often see technology that can track where you’ve
in cheaper models. It has a stunning been on a walk, run or cycle ride. GPS
1.97in AMOLED display with a dazzling tracking is excellent in open spaces, and VERDICT A feature-packed and
peak brightness of 2,000cd/m², keeping still worked well when we tested it in attractive smartwatch that’s great value
everything clear and visible on even the more remote forest areas, though it for money
sunniest days. All of this is protected by occasionally lost its way in urban centres.
tempered glass so you don’t have to It also monitors the usual health metrics,
★★★★★
worry about it getting damaged. including heart rate, blood-oxygen levels, ALTERNATIVE
The Bip 6 came to life instantly and stress levels and sleep quality. All Fitbit Charge 6 £139
reliably whenever we twisted our wrist, measurements appeared accurate when More expensive and
compared with data from another lacks some features,
SPECIFICATIONS smartwatch we used for comparison. but this fitness watch
1.97in AMOLED touchscreen • 5ATM water
Quoted battery life is impressive at is smaller, lighter and
resistance • Bluetooth 5.2 • Up to 14-day battery
life • 46x40x10.5mm (HxDxW) • 27.9g • One-year around 14 days, though we found it more discreet
warranty www.snipca.com/55993 actually lasted between 15 and 20 days if

28 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 Reviews
SMART TV | From £21 per month from Sky www.snipca.com/56024
DO I REALLY NEED...
Sky Glass Air A phone with a
Total turn off projector?
What is it?
The Glass Air is a combined TV Chinese manufacturer 8849 has added
and streaming service from Sky, a new model to its robust Tank range
similar to the Glass Gen 2, which of Android phones. These are designed
we reviewed in Issue 708. While to withstand damage if
both offer the same streaming dropped or exposed to
options, the Glass Air has a lesser with a 48-month contract, you can pay the elements. However,
specification than the Gen 2 TV and £6 a month for the 43in TV; £10 a month a key selling point of the
is much cheaper. for the 55in; or £13 a month for the 65in. new Tank 4 (£327 from
Both options come in 43in, 55in and That’s about half the price of the Gen 2. www.snipca.com/56029,
65in versions and all come with 4K You can shorten the contract to 24 pictured) is its built-in
resolutions. The main difference is that months by paying twice as much per projector.
the Gen 2 has a built-in soundbar with month. Either way, the TV is yours at the
seven speakers, while the Air has only end of the contract. If you’d prefer, you What does it do?
two speakers and therefore sound can pay for the TV up front for £309, It can project a 720p image at a
quality isn’t as good. £509 or £649 respectively, which also brightness of 100 lumens, with a
That said, dialogue is still pretty clear lets you avoid the setup fee. refresh rate of 60Hz via a lens on the
on the Air, and it can get fairly loud too, You also need to pay for a Sky TV top of the phone. It focuses and adjusts
though bass output is quite puny. Unlike package. These cost the same for both the the image’s shape automatically, so you
the Gen 2 and many of the best TVs, it Air and Gen 2. The basic Sky Essential won’t need to fiddle with the settings.
doesn’t have Dolby Atmos, but there is TV package starts at £15 a month on a
the more basic Dolby Audio. two-year contract, but there are plenty of What’s the catch?
other tempting add-ons, such as sports, 100 lumens is not bright, so you’ll need
films and kids channels. Once you’ve to be in a dark room for best results.
Has only two decided what you want, however, the The phone’s speaker is also quite tinny,
Glass Air is easy to order, and the delivery according to the reviewer at TechRadar
speakers, while the team sets it up for you. (www.snipca.com/56026).
But is the Air the best Sky option for
more expensive you? While the Gen 2 is more expensive, So can I do without it?
Gen 2 model has seven we think its superior screen makes it
better value overall. Alternatively, if you
Yes. It’s better to cast to a TV or watch
on the phone’s screen.
plus a soundbar already have a TV set you’re happy with,
you can connect it to a Sky Stream box
instead (www.snipca.com/56099). We NEXT ISSUE
Also, while the screens have the same didn’t think the Gen 2 was a worthwhile
basic specifications, in our tests the Air upgrade for anyone who already has an On Sale Weds 24 Sept
lacked the Gen 2’s brightness levels, local older Sky Glass TV, and the same applies
dimming and colour range. to this stripped-back version.
As with the Gen 2, you can buy the GMKtec NucBox G10
Low-price mini PC
TV set outright or pay for it on a monthly
that’s great for
basis. Sky then charges you separately for VERDICT Half the price of the Sky Glass everyday office and
a subscription to one of its channel packs. Gen 2 TV, but with clear compromises to internet tasks
After that, the costs can get quite both picture and sound quality
complicated so let’s break them down. If
you’re paying for your TV in instalments,
★★★★★ LG gram Pro
A thin, lightweight
you pay an initial £20 setup fee. Then, ALTERNATIVE Sky Stream £15 per laptop with a
month The same Sky generous
SPECIFICATIONS service in a box that you 16in screen
43in, 55in or 65in versions • 4K Quantum Dot can plug into an
screen • HDR • 2x Dolby Audio speakers • 3x HDMI existing set if you’re These and much more...
ports • 1x USB-C port • 1x USB 2.0 port • Wi-Fi 6 •
578x965x182cm (HxWxD, 43in screen including
not ready to upgrade Subscribe to Computeractive at
stand) • 8.85kg (43in screen including stand) • your TV yet www.getcomputeractive.co.uk
One-year warranty www.snipca.com/56024

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 29

 Buy It Find out which other products we liked.
Buy our 2024 Back Issue CD:
£19 from www.snipca.com/53433

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

LAPTOP ENNEW DESKTOP PC APPLE iPAD
TR
Y
MSI Prestige A16 AI+ Palicomp AMD Cobra Apple iPad 11
£950 from www.snipca.com/55962 £400 from www.snipca.com/43515 £329 from www.snipca.com/54887
Tested Issue 718 Tested Issue 643 Tested Issue 711

With a faster processor and increased

storage (from 64GB to 128GB), the
A powerful Copilot+ laptop with 32GB This fast PC is a mouth-watering 2025 edition of the iPad is simply
of RAM and a 1TB SSD to guarantee bargain, with 16GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD stunning. Battery life is over 11 hours,
fast performance. Screen is excellent and a six-core processor – though it which is better than any other iPad,
too, while battery lasts an impressive lacks USB-C ports and built-in Wi-Fi. including more expensive models.
17 hours.
ALTERNATIVE Wired2Fire Ultima WS ALTERNATIVE iPad mini 7 The 2024
ALTERNATIVE PCSpecialist 16 Fusion Home Office Workstation Blisteringly version of the mini improves the colour
British-made laptop with superb screen fast PC, powered by an overclocked accuracy on the 8.3in screen and has a
and built for advanced AI tasks. £996 eight-core processor and 1TB SSD. more powerful processor. £499 from
from www.snipca.com/55094 £686 from www.snipca.com/41500 www.snipca.com/52573

ANDROID TABLET APPLE iPHONE ANDROID PHONE P

DRRIC
OP E
OnePlus Pad 3 Apple iPhone 16 Samsung Galaxy A56
£599 from www.snipca.com/55302 £799 from www.snipca.com/53981 £424 from www.snipca.com/54585
Tested Issue 714 Tested Issue 695 Tested Issue 709

With an incredibly fast processor

and stunning 13.2in screen, this is
the best ever Android tablet, and
rivals the iPad Air. At launch both the This is the best new iPhone for years, The successor to Samsung’s mid-
12GB RAM/256GB and 16GB/512GB boosted by a processor that’s as fast as range A55, this has a stunning screen
versions were £529, so grab the latter much more expensive models. The screen and lasted over 29 hours in our tests.
as soon as possible. is excellent, while the new Camera Control It’s faster than Google’s Pixel 7a in all
button gives lots of ways to take photos. tasks, and has AI-powered photo tools.
ALTERNATIVE Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
Has a much brighter screen than its ALTERNATIVE iPhone 14 Now heavily ALTERNATIVE Google Pixel 7a Cheaper
predecessor, making it ideal for watching discounted, this remains a speedy version of Google’s flagship phone, it
TV. Also has a faster processor, speeding phone with great features and an uses AI to improve photos and lasts 10
up tasks. £499 (128GB) from www. impressive camera. £495 (128GB) from hours. Has fast processor and 8GB RAM.
snipca.com/50039 www.snipca.com/53982 £459 from www.snipca.com/56073

30 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 Buy It
Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award
MINI PC EBOOK READER SECURITY SOFTWARE

GMKtec NucBox K11 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Norton 360 Deluxe 2025
£700 from www.snipca.com/54341 £160 from www.snipca.com/52730 £14.99 from www.snipca.com/54797
Tested Issue 707 Tested Issue 698 Tested Issue 629

Norton has always performed strongly

A fast and powerful machine, but The sixth version of the Paperwhite in our antivirus tests, regularly making
what really sets it apart are the ports has a larger screen (7in), faster page the top three. Owned by US firm Gen
letting you upgrade it – such as the turns and longer battery life (12 weeks Digital, it’s available at a discount on
OCuLink connection for graphics – up from 10). Its glare-free finish our Software Store. Use the link above
cards. Also has six USB ports, 32GB RAM means you can easily read it in bright for a three-device, two-year licence at
(upgradeable to 96GB) and a 1TB SSD. sunlight, and its 300ppi resolution a special discount price. Other versions
makes text a joy to read. are available.
ALTERNATIVE Geekom A8
Too small to accommodate many ports, ALTERNATIVE Kobo Libra Kobo’s first ALTERNATIVE Bitdefender Total
but makes up for it with a 2TB SSD and colour e-reader, with over 4,000 tones to Security Another top performer that
SD card slot for adding storage. £799 make illustrations and photos leap out. we’re offering at a discount. £24.99
from www.snipca.com/55383 £210 from www.snipca.com/50192 from www.snipca.com/41141

WEBCAM P PC MONITOR SOLID-STATE DRIVE

DRRIC
OP E
Obsbot Meet SE Philips 27E1N1600AE Corsair MP600 Pro LPX 1TB
£67 from www.snipca.com/54725 £184 from www.snipca.com/54190 £72 from www.snipca.com/52658
Tested Issue 710 Tested Issue 692 Tested Issue 630

An affordable 27in monitor with a In our tests, this M.2 SSD hit speeds
The Meet SE from Chinese firm Obsbot sharp resolution, impressive image of 7,364MB/s and 6,870MB/s when
beats the picture quality of our previous quality and a sturdy build. It has an reading and writing data – astonishingly
favourite, Logitech’s C925e. Colours HDMI port, a USB-C port and two USB fast scores. It’s compatible with the
are vibrant and accurate, with terrific 3.0. The hefty base means you can new PCIe 4.0 standard, which is twice
detail even in poor lighting thanks to a raise and tilt the monitor easily using as fast as PCIe 3.0. The 1TB model
relatively wide aperture. just one hand. costs £72; 2TB costs £129.

ALTERNATIVE Creative Live Cam Sync 4K ALTERNATIVE Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS ALTERNATIVE Crucial MX500 500GB
Affordable 4K webcam with high- Another excellent 27in monitor with As fast as an SSD can get in the
quality video that can also capture 1440p resolution and a fast refresh traditional 2.5in SATA format, this
voice from a distance. £45 from rate aimed at gamers. £189 from is a great-value upgrade. £83 from
www.snipca.com/55780 www.snipca.com/49898 www.snipca.com/53808

32 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 Buy It

COMPETITION

Win 1 of 5
Majority Landbeach
Portable DAB radios
Majority’s Landbeach Portable DAB streaming and an AUX-in mode
radio is your perfect on-the-go for wired playback.
audio companion wherever you are, Designed for durability, the
helping you stay connected to your Landbeach is water- and dustproof,
favourite tunes. making it an ideal radio for
It also has DAB+ and FM radio, demanding outdoor settings. Its
and delivers crystal-clear sound, shockproof design, featuring a
ensuring you never miss a beat. hardwearing case, ensures You can buy Majority’s Landbeach
Whether you’re at the park, on a road resilience against accidental drops Portable DAB radio for £55 from
trip or simply relaxing at home, the and harsh conditions. www.snipca.com/55854. For more
rechargeable battery provides hours To enter this competition, answer information on Majority’s products,
of uninterrupted listening. Switch the question at www.snipca.com/55855 including soundbars, speakers,
seamlessly between radio stations, and submit your details by midnight music systems and headphones,
Bluetooth connectivity for wireless Tuesday 23 September. Good luck! visit www.majority.co.uk.

P SMART TV ROUTER
PRINTER DRRIC ENNEW
OP E TR
Y
HP OfficeJet Pro 9135e Bush 43UT24SB TP-Link Archer BE550
£208 from www.snipca.com/53101 £180 from www.snipca.com/53637 £180 from www.snipca.com/55981
Tested Issue 700 Tested Issue 703 Tested Issue 718

It’s rare to find a 43in TV this cheap,

A versatile cartridge printer-scanner especially with a superbly bright screen.
for the home office that makes printing Sound isn’t bad either, and it offers most This tri-band router is the first Wi-Fi
jobs quicker and easier than most of of the streaming services, including 7 model to be our top choice. It had
its inkjet rivals. Colour prints cost a Freely. Its TiVo operating system is enough bandwidth across our test house
reasonable 6p per page, while mono very easy to use. to stream six 4K movies simultaneously,
costs 2p. Printed text is superb and and has five 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports.
photos are pretty good too. ALTERNATIVE Sharp GM6245K
Has a fantastic 43in screen with ALTERNATIVE Asus RT-AXE7800
ALTERNATIVE Epson EcoTank ET-1810 superb contrast, and 4K content looks Our previous favourite is also tri-band,
Not the fastest printer, but comes with especially detailed. Comes with TiVo for but only on Wi-Fi 6E. That still delivers
enough ink for 4,500 mono and 7,500 paid-for streaming and Freely for free incredibly fast speeds that stretched
colour pages. £129 from www.snipca. live channels and catch-up. £330 from deep into our test house. £147 from
com/52191 www.snipca.com/55940 www.snipca.com/52957

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 33

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

LE NOW!
ON SA

SOLD OUT
BACK IN
STOCK!

Buy the CD from us at Buy the Stick from us at

www.snipca.com/53433 www.snipca.com/53180
 Pull Out
& Keep

Workshops & Tips Issue 718

14 pages of easy-to-follow workshops and expert tips

35 T
 ransfer your files from 40 Readers’ Tips PLUS
Windows 10 to 11 44 Phone & Tablet Tips 47 M
 ake Office Better
42 Browser Tips
38 Pixelate sensitive info 46 M
 ake Windows 48 In the Club: Create a
43 AI Tips: Chat
when taking screenshots Better club leaderboard
privately in Gemini

HOW TO...
Transfer your files from
Windows 10 to 11 by Nik Rawlinson

What you need: Laplink PCmover Time required: Several hours

T
he cheapest way to upgrade from right away. below right), which is small and discreet
Windows 10 to 11 is to use But what happens to your existing enough to leave permanently connected
Microsoft’s Windows 11 Installation data? Unless you want to carry on using to your computer.
Assistant, which you can download for your old and new machines side by side, Another option would be to transfer
free from www.snipca.com/55926. you’ll need to transfer it to your new PC the data over your local network. Laplink
However, if your computer doesn’t or laptop. Again, you have two options. PCmover is designed specifically for this
support Secure Boot and lacks TPM 2.0, One would be to move it directly, either task. The US company behind it, Laplink,
that won’t be an option because your using a high-capacity storage device, like has been making data-transfer software
hardware will be incompatible with the 256GB Sandisk Ultra Fit stick (£23 since 1983, when you had to connect two
Windows 11. If you’re not sure whether from www.snipca.com/55945, pictured machines using either the printer ports
your computer supports the newer or a dedicated communications
operating system, download and run connector called the serial port.
Microsoft’s PC Health Check program While you can still physically connect
(www.snipca.com/55927, pictured right). two machines to transmit data between
That said, if your computer is feeling its them, it’s no longer necessary: now you
age, the imminent demise of Windows 10 can do it wirelessly instead. Here we
on 14 October (see our Cover Feature on explain how.
page 50) is a great reason to upgrade even
if your old PC is compatible. You can buy Sandisk’s 256GB
a new Windows 11 PC for as little as £500 Ultra Fit stick costs
only £23 and is big
and it’s likely to be quicker, safer and – Microsoft’s free PC Health Check program enough transfer
aside from any updates – ready to use tells you if your computer can run Windows 11 your data

Install Laplink PCmover install, which we had to complete before install. While that’s working, move to
Before transferring data between your we could proceed. your Windows 11 machine and open
computers, you need to make sure that To check, open Settings by pressing Settings in the same way. This time, click
both of them are fully up to date and that Windows key+I, then on Windows 10 Windows Update in the sidebar, and
there are no Windows Updates pending click ‘Update & Security’. If Windows again apply any available updates.
or reboots required. When we tried to Update isn’t automatically highlighted Reboot each machine if necessary.
transfer between our two machines, in the sidebar, click it. If any updates Now, make sure you’re sitting in front
Windows 11 had several updates ready to are ready, click Download and let them of your Windows 10 machine.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 35

 Buy Laplink PCmover
– 55% OFF! How I transfer my data
I’ve been using Windows 11 for a long time and didn’t initially make
• Buy Laplink
a huge effort to transfer my data as I store most of it in online
PCmover
storage. Over time, I found I needed to refer to my old data less
Home for just
and less as it became less relevant. I do recognise, however, that
£14.95 (full
one of the reasons I’m so cloud-reliant is that I regularly work with
price £32.95)
five different machines, two smartphones and a tablet during a
– pictured
typical working day, so I try not to keep everything in one place. That makes me rather
www.snipca.com/55967
different from the average home user.
• Buy Laplink PCmover Professional Nik Rawlinson
for just £34.95 (full price £49.95) How do you transfer your data between computers?
www.snipca.com/55968 Please let us know: letters@computeractive.co.uk

You’ll need a copy of PCmover and a Before going any further, you need to this process may run down the battery
valid serial number to transfer your turn off all processes on your old PC so and you don’t want the transfer to fail
data. If you don’t have one, you can buy they don’t interrupt the transfer of your because it switches itself off.
it from Computeractive’s Software Store data. Start by quitting any programs that Now return to PCmover and get started
at a significant discount (see box above). are running, other than PCmover itself. by clicking ‘Transfer Between PCs’. Enter
Here we’ll be using the Home version of Now open Settings, type screen saver in your name, email address and serial
PCmover – see box on page 37 for details the search box and click Screen Saver number. If you’re using an Ethernet cable
of the more advanced Professional edition. Settings. Click the dropdown menu to connect the two computers rather than
Once you’ve downloaded PCmover below ‘Screen saver’ and select ‘(None)’. transferring your data over a wireless
Home, double-click the ‘pcmoverh_ml.exe’ Close the Screen Saver Settings and, network, plug it in to your Windows 10
file in your Downloads folder and follow in the Settings search box, type power machine now.
the onscreen prompts. Click ‘Install’ in ( 1 in our screenshot below). Select You need to be running PCmover at
the first window and you’ll see a pop-up ‘Power & sleep settings’ in the menu that both ends of the link, whether you’re
asking ‘Do you want to allow this app to appears. Change all of the settings – for using a physical cable or wireless
make changes to your device?’ Click Yes. screen and sleep, both on battery power network, so leave the program running
Work your way through the installation and when plugged in – to Never 2 , so on your Windows 10 machine for the
instructions (we left the settings in their that the screen won’t turn off and the moment, and go to your Windows 11
default states, though we did opt out of computer stays awake, even if you don’t computer. Now download another
creating a Desktop shortcut) and, when touch it for a long time. copy of PCmover Home. When it’s
it’s finished, leave the box beside ‘Launch If either of your machines is a laptop, finished downloading, double-click
Laplink PCmover Home’ ticked and click it’d be a good idea to plug it in at this the ‘pcmoverh_ml.exe’ file in your
Finish. point, because keeping it awake during Downloads folder again and work your
way through the installation instructions.
Select ‘Never’
in all the Launch the program and again click
1 ‘Power & sleep’ Transfer Between PCs. It will once again
dropdown ask for your name, email address and
menus to keep serial number. You should use the same
your computer
awake during serial number here as you did on your
the transfer Windows 10 machine. If your Windows
10 machine is close at hand, you’ll be able
to see the serial number in the bottom-
right corner of the PCmover window.
PCmover should now be running
2 on both computers. If you’re using an
Ethernet cable to make the transfer,
connect the loose end of the cable to the
Windows 11 device. If you’re transferring
the data over your wireless network,
make sure both machines are on the
same network by hovering over the Wi-Fi
icons on their respective taskbars.
If the tooltips that appear don’t both
display the same network name, click the
Wi-Fi icon on Windows 10 and select a

36 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 Transfer your files from Windows 10 to 11

Should you upgrade

to PCmover
Professional?
1
As its name suggests, Laplink PCmover
Home is designed for home users. It
can only transfer the files and settings
of the user who is currently logged in
on the old machine, and only supports a
2 3 single drive or partition. This means you
can transfer from the C: drive on your
old machine to the C: drive on your new
machine, for example.
PCmover Professional goes further.
It can transfer all user accounts from
your old PC, copy multiple drives or
Make sure PCmover is set to transfer data from your old computer to your new one partitions, and even upgrade from
Windows 10 to 11 while keeping your
new network. On Windows 11, click the which is shown below the tail of the arrow. data intact. It also lets you restore a
Wi-Fi icon, then click the right-hand half If you need to change which PC you full backup of one PC on to another,
of the button above the active network are transferring data from and to, click which can help if your old computer has
name, and select the same network as Switch Transfer Direction 3 . Be aware suffered a serious crash.
you chose on the Windows 10 machine. that if you set it to transfer from Windows
Click ‘Next’ in the PCmover window 11 to Windows 10 you will see a warning
on both computers. After a few moments that you are attempting to perform What to Transfer’, and you can opt to
they should identify each other and a an unsupported transfer and should transfer user accounts, files and settings
graphic in each PCmover window will customise the transfer to only copy (but not software 2 ) or just your files 3 .
show what it’s set up to do. Look at your across files, not any other data. Whether you want to leave things
Windows 10 machine first and make Whichever machine you’ve been using as they are or make changes to what’s
sure that the arrow is pointing from your most recently, you now need to pay transferred, click Next when you’re ready
old machine to the new one ( 1 in our attention to the Windows 11 computer. to proceed and PCmover will calculate
screenshot above). Click ‘Analyze PC’ and the Windows how long the transfer will take. As you
You’ll know everything is set up 11 machine will scan the Windows 10 can see from our screenshot below, ours
correctly if ‘(This PC)’ is displayed below machine to build a comprehensive list will take about one hour based on how
the machine from which the arrow is of data that should be copied. much we are transferring and the speed
pointing away 2 . Double-check the setting When it’s finished scanning, it will of our network.
by looking at your Windows 11 machine. be ready to copy across everything When you’re ready, click Start Transfer,
Here, the head of the arrow should be required to make your new computer then sit back and wait. Ideally, you should
pointing at the machine with ‘(This PC)’ feel like your old one albeit with avoid using either computer until the
displayed below it. differences in the operating system ( 1 transfer has completed because you don’t
The screenshot above shows what we in our screenshot below). If you want to want to end up with an incomplete set of
can see on our Windows 10 machine, customise your transfer, click ‘Choose data on either machine.

1
2

You can choose to transfer user accounts files and settings, or just your
files PCmover calculates how long the transfer will take to complete

Next issue: Synchronise files across your own home network Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 37
 Workshop
Pixelate sensitive info when
taking screenshots
What you need: Flameshot 13
Time required: 20 minutes

R eleased in August, version

13 of screenshot- capture
tool. Here, we explain how you
with others – without having to
open the screenshot in an
image-editing program.
can use it to obscure sensitive To get hold of the latest version,
information such as your email visit www.snipca.com/55840,
address or payment details in scroll down and click the
screenshots that you need to share Download Installer button.

STEP After installing Flameshot, it should take

1 over the functions of the PrtSc (Print Screen)

key – if you have one on your keyboard (see
Step 7 if you have problems). Simply press PrtSc to
capture your whole screen and open it in Flameshot.
If you don’t have this button, click the up-pointing 1
arrow on your taskbar, then click the Flameshot icon
that appears in the hidden icons tray. An overlay will
now show you your available options 1 . Press Ctrl+S
to save the full screen to a file, or click and drag with
your mouse to define the area you want to capture.

3 1

STEP If you click and drag with your mouse, the area you STEP Some tools in Flameshot’s editing options have

2 select 1 will be highlighted and icons will appear on

one or two of the selected area’s edges (they’ll all
3 additional settings. Access these by clicking the Tool
Settings tab on the left of the screen. Now, select the
appear below if the selection is wide enough, but overflow to tool you want to use from the buttons surrounding your
the right – as shown here – if not). Click the Pixelate icon 2 , screenshot and carry out your edit. Use the colour picker 1 to
then click and drag out the area you want to obscure. As you select a colour. If you need on-screen objects to overlap, use the
can see, we’ve used the tool to entirely obscure one of the files 3 up and down arrows 2 to re-order them in the stack. In the
in a folder that’s open on our desktop. Click the floppy-disk panel below items that are higher in the list will appear above
icon 4 to save the edited screenshot. those further down.

38 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 1
1

STEP Flameshot offers a wide range of tools, but if you’re STEP You can save yourself a lot of time when filing your

4 not going to use all of them, it makes sense to hide

the ones you don’t need. To do this, right-click the
5 screenshots by specifying how they should be named
at the point of capture. While still in the Configuration
Flameshot icon in the taskbar’s hidden icons panel and click tool, switch to the Filename Editor tab 1 and use the buttons 2
Configuration. Now switch to the Interface tab 1 and scroll to add live time and date info to the file name. They will be
through the list of tools in the Button Selection panel 2 . Untick added wherever your cursor happens to be in the Edit box 3 .
the box beside any buttons you want to hide. We’ve added ‘screenshot-’ to the start of our file names so we
know what they are when looking through them later.

1
2

STEP If you need to make more extensive edits than STEP If pressing PrtSc launches the Windows Snipping tool instead,

6 are possible within Flameshot, take your

screenshot in the usual way, then press Ctrl+O
7 which is the default behaviour when Flameshot isn’t installed,
you can disable this action. Press the Windows key+I to open
while still in the preview window. This launches the Windows’ Settings, then click Accessibility 1 followed by Keyboard.
Open With window. Click the second tab 1 to open a Scroll down to ‘Use Print screen to open screen capture’ and make sure
list of your installed software, then scroll through this the slider beside it 2 is off.
and click the program you want to use. The selected
program will launch and open the image you’re in the
process of capturing.

Next issue: Scan docs and extract text using your phone Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 39
 Readers’ Tips
TIP OF THE FORTNIGHT

Collaborate on itinerary with fellow travellers

The best tip in Issue 715’s Cover button 2 after you add
Feature (‘50 best ways AI will improve the first person. 2
your life’) was unquestionably using They’ll then need to 3
Mindtrip (www.mindtrip.ai) to plan click the link and create
your holidays. I love how the map an account, then sign
changes on the right ( 1 in our up. They’ll join the chat
screenshot) as you make new requests. straight away. To ask 1
I’ve been using it to plan a trip to them a question directly
southern Spain in September with you should press your 4
relatives. What’s great is you can invite ampersand key and
them to the chat and discuss in real choose their name 3 .
time. Once you’ve started a chat, click You can also type @all 4 to address you’re talking to it and
Invite at the top right and type their everyone in the chat. If you don’t use the give its own opinion.
email address. This turns into a Share ampersand key, Mindtrip will assume Kevin Dawes

Kevin wins a copy of our 2024 Back Issue CD Buy it from us at www.snipca.com/53433

EMAIL him that they look awful. STORAGE

Manage newsletters in Proton If he follows through with his plan Add a passcode lock
In Issue 717’s ‘Named & Shamed’ of switching to the more privacy-focused to pCloud’s phone storage
(page 21) Keumars Afifi-Sabet Proton Mail (www.snipca.com/55808), I’ve been impressed by the
expressed his dismay at the new ‘carousel’ he’ll definitely like its Newsletters feature, simplicity of pCloud (www.pcloud.
adverts coming to Gmail. I agree with which was added in June. It funnels com) since I started storing my files there,
promotional newsletters into an inbox, switching from OneDrive last year. So I
2 keeping your main inbox free for more wasn’t surprised to find that Daniel Booth
personal emails. moved there also from Dropbox (Issue
Click ‘Newsletters’ on the left ( 1 in 716, page 63).
our screenshot left) and you’ll see how He mentioned that it follows
4 many you’ve subscribed to 2 . There’s Switzerland’s strict privacy laws, and I’d
also an option to unsubscribe from a like to add that if you use pCloud’s phone
newsletter 3 . Click the ‘Sort by’ icon 4 app (Android www.snipca.com/55873;
3 to sort the newsletters alphabetically, iOS www.snipca.com/55874) you can set
by most and least read, and most an additional passcode to protect your
recently received. files. This is as well as the usual passcode
1
Carol Hope you need to tap to unlock your phone,

Why I stopped using…

Jellyfin Jellyfin is a fork of Emby. But Emby
I think I’m one step ahead of just has more polish and is aimed
your writer Nick Peers, who more at the casual user who wants
has switched from Plex to Jellyfin in an effortless home server. To use
his quest for the best media-server Jellyfin properly I had to install
software (Issue 716, page 62). I used plug-ins and dig through layers
Plex until 2022, then switched to of settings.
Jellyfin. But I found it far too hard to I think the difference is that
use, and it seemed to add features Jellyfin is open source. This has some
before they were fully ready. benefits, but I think it suits people who But for simply downloading, streaming
want to customise software. I just like and playback Emby is streets ahead.
And what I use instead downloading something and having it Ken Howard
I’ve now made the leap from Jellyfin to work straight away. The downside is that
Emby (https://emby.media, pictured). you have to pay for some of Emby’s better Tell us why you stopped using a website, app
They’re not wholly dissimilar because features, and these are free in Jellyfin. or program: letters@computeractive.co.uk

40 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 Handy hints and tips from your fellow readers
Email us your tips: letters@computeractive.co.uk

adding another layer

of protection. Reader recommends…
Open the app, then
tap the three horizontal PNY Elite-X Fit USB stick
lines top left. Now tap £30 from Amazon www.snipca.com/54559
Settings, then Passcode
Lock. Tap the Passcode I often work outdoors and
Lock slider (see always seek out devices (radios,
screenshot left) then tablets etc) that can survive the
type the passcode you elements and being carted around
want, and repeat it below. from shed to garage and back again. I
Stephen Thomas had never really considered rugged USB
sticks too until reading your review of
AI CHATBOT the PNY Elite-X Fit USB stick (Issue
Delete all your shared links 709, page 26).
Reading how ChatGPT made some My first impression was that it filled up the first, and am now on my
chats searchable on Google (Issue looked too small to be of any use. second. Its retractable cover means it
716, page 10) made me nervous because I Surely I’d lose it among all the junk in can survive close encounters with all
often create links of my chats for my my shed? But your review mentioned kinds of dust and grime in my pockets.
friends and family to read. I was reluctant it’s easy to attach to a keyring, and that I’d recommend it to anyone who gets
to use ChatGPT for a few days, but then sounded perfect for me. My keyring is their hands dirty every day.
crept back on and realised I would feel the first work-related item I pick up Ian Alderton
reassured if I deleted all my shared chats. every morning. Want to recommend hardware or software
I ended up buying four 256GB sticks
1 to fellow readers?
for around £120 in total. I’ve already Email letters@computeractive.co.uk

2
my main browser. But a word of warning: played more than once in case I missed it
you should always check which sites are first time. So I tapped it and chose every
being wiped. two minutes from the options available
To do this, click your name at the To do this, click the Fire icon ( 1 in our ( 1 in our screenshot below left). I
bottom left then select Settings followed screenshot below left) then the Details thought 15 minutes would be too long
by ‘Data control’ in the left-hand menu. dropdown menu 2 . Revealed below will between reminders. The options closed
Now click Manage to the right of ‘Shared be the sites that will be affected 3 if you instantly, and the ‘Alert reminder’ setting
links’, then the three-dot icon at the top proceed to click Clear 4 . I always do this had been updated to ‘Every 2 minutes’ 2 .
right. Here you need to select ‘Delete all now, having previously lost data from Janet Agnew
shared links’ ( 1 in our screenshot above), sites that I actually wanted to keep.
then OK. You can also click the bin icon Keith Marwell APP
to delete specific chats 2 . There’s a share Add voice memories to photos
icon also for sending to trusted contacts. PHONE One of the best things about
Rory Willis Set reminders for Government’s MyHeritage’s Reimagine app (www.
emergency alerts snipca.com/55516), which you
BROWSER I agree with Jean Watkins, who recommended in Issue 715’s Cover
Check which sites DuckDuckGo advised readers to keep the Feature (‘50 best ways AI will improve
is clearing data from Government’s emergency alerts activated your life’), is that it’s easy to record an
I’ve been using DuckDuckGo’s (Star Letter, Issue 716). She lives in an area audio memory of a particular photo.
browser (www.snipca.com/55750) of Somerset prone to flooding. I’m not Once you’ve uploaded a photo tap it so
since you recommended it a few years too far away, in neighbouring Devon, it enlarges, then tap the microphone icon
ago, and it’s served and like her I received an alert about at the top ( 1 in our
me well. I was interested Storm Darragh last screenshot right). Now
in the recent update December. tap the black dot at the
you wrote about in
1 While double- bottom 2 and start
Issue 716 (page 18) checking recently 1 speaking. Click the
because you that my Android square dot to stop. 1
mentioned the Fire 2 phone was set to Play it back and decide
button, which deletes receive alerts, I whether to bin or save
all your browsing noticed its ‘Alert it. Once saved, the mic
data. I agree it’s a
3 reminder’ setting icon turns into a play
great tool, and it’s was set to Never. 2 icon. Tap this to hear
one of the reasons
4 That wasn’t good. I’d your memory.
DuckDuckGo is now want the alert to be Mark Gavin
2

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 41

 Browser Tips Secret settings and the best extensions

FIREFOX
CHROMIUM
Convert units in the address bar
As of Firefox 141 (released in July),
you can use the browser’s address
bar to perform unit and measurement
Hide AI features in Google search
conversions. This saves you having to visit
a website or ask an AI tool for the answer.
Simply enter a number and the unit As we reported in Issue 717
types you want to convert from and to, (page 43), Google’s AI
and Firefox will show the result in the Overviews has now been
dropdown menu below the address bar. joined by its new AI Mode
Click the Copy button next to it (see on search-results pages.
screenshot below) to save the figure to These find you relevant
your clipboard to paste elsewhere. information faster by
The feature supports temperature, summarising content from
length, mass and angle conversions, and multiple sources, but they’re
can tell you the time in different time not always accurate and you
zones. You can also use the address bar may prefer to visit individual websites. new tab – if it doesn’t, click its toolbar
to perform simple calculations. Google doesn’t let you turn off button and select Options. Tick the
its AI features, even if you never use boxes Hide AI Overviews and Hide
them, but you can do so using ‘Bye Bye, AI Mode Tab (see screenshot), plus
Google AI’ (www.snipca.com/55947). anything else you want to conceal,
This extension hides AI Overviews and then click Save.
AI Mode from your search results, as well The AI features will now be hidden
as other annoyances such as sponsored from your Google search results.
links and ‘People also ask’ questions. However, the extension can’t remove
When you install ‘Bye Bye, Google the AI Mode button from the search
AI’, it will open an Options page in a box on the Google homepage.

EDGE menu – you can also go straight to edge:// if they can send you notifications.
Switch to Copilot Mode settings/ai. Switch on the Copilot Mode Sadly, it’s not completely effective and
more easily setting (see screenshot below left) to you may still see the request when
In Issue 717 (page 42), we wrote activate the browser’s new AI features visiting sites for the first time.
about Edge’s new Copilot Mode, and design. Click ‘New tab’ to get started To stop this happening, you can enable
which turns it into an AI-powered with Copilot Mode. a new filter in the excellent content
browser. We explained how to switch blocker uBlock Origin Lite (www.snipca.
the feature on and off by visiting the CHROMIUM com/55952). Right-click the extension’s
Copilot Mode web page (www.snipca. Block website notification toolbar button, choose Options and
com/55769), but Microsoft has now requests click the ‘Filter lists’ tab.
added an easier method. Chrome In the Annoyances section, select the
Click Edge’s three-line menu button, and other new option ‘EasyList – Notifications’ (see
choose Settings and click the new ‘AI Chromium browsers have a setting that’s screenshot below). This will activate the
innovations’ option in the left-hand supposed to prevent websites from asking filter and block notification requests.

42 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

AI Tips Clever new tools and tweaks

CHATGPT
GEMINI
Customise the colour of chats
The new GPT-5 LLM has made
ChatGPT faster, more accurate and Converse privately in a temporary chat
less prone to ‘hallucination’. But aside
from the new personality types we wrote Google has added a
about in Issue 717 (page 6), most new much-requested ‘Temporary
features added by GPT-5 are currently chat’ feature to Gemini, just like
restricted to paying subscribers. the one long available in ChatGPT.
One new option available to all This prevents your conversations
ChatGPT users makes your chats look from being saved to your chat
more vibrant. It changes the colour of the history and used to ‘personalise
Send and ‘Voice mode’ buttons, your your experience’ and train
message bubbles and highlighted text – Gemini’s language models. It’s
from the default grey to blue, green, similar to using incognito or
yellow, pink or orange. private mode in your web browser.
To change the default colour, on the To start a temporary chat, open
ChatGPT website, click your profile name the side menu on the Gemini
bottom-left and choose Settings then website or in its mobile app, and
General. Click the dropdown menu next tap the speech-bubble icon next
to ‘Accent color’ and select your preferred to ‘New chat’. This will switch you
hue (see screenshot below). to ‘Temporary chat’ mode where
In the ChatGPT mobile app, open the you can talk privately to the
left-hand menu, tap your name and choose chatbot (see screenshot) without
Personalization, then Accent Color. the details influencing future
conversations. which they’ll be permanently deleted.
Google says it will store temporary The ‘Temporary chat’ feature is
chats for 72 hours, so Gemini can being rolled out gradually to the
“respond to you and to process any Gemini website and mobile apps, so
feedback you choose to provide”, after you may not see it yet.

want and tap Make Video (see screenshot automatically determines whether the
below left) – choose from styles including chatbot should respond quickly or ‘think
Custom, Fun and Normal. Once your deeper’ based on the nature of the task.
video has been created, you can To switch to the new mode, click the
download or share the result. dropdown menu in Copilot’s message
GROK box and choose ‘Smart (GPT-5)’ (see
Create videos from images COPILOT screenshot below). Enter your query or
for free Get faster answers command and Smart mode will provide
Grok’s video-generation tool from Smart mode ‘the best possible solution’. It saves you
Imagine is now available to all Microsoft has brought the new having to decide between ‘Quick response’
users of its Android (www.snipca. GPT-5 AI model to Copilot in the and ‘Think Deeper’, and can reduce
com/55983) and iOS (www.snipca. form of a new ‘Smart mode’. This response times by up to eight seconds.
com/55984) app without a
subscription. This turns
images into short videos
– with sound – and is
noticeably faster than rival
AI video tools.
Open the Grok app, tap
the Imagine tab, and either
upload a picture or describe
one in the ‘Type to Imagine’
box. With the first option,
Grok will automatically
animate the still image.
With the second, it will
produce several image
variations to choose from.
Select the picture you

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 43

 Phone and Tablet Tips
iOS app then open the Settings app on your
Block ads in Safari iPhone or iPad. Tap ‘Apps’ then Safari,
using uBlock Origin Lite followed by Extensions. Select ‘uBlock
Although Apple’s Safari browser can Origin Lite’ and switch on Allow Extension.
block pop-ups, prevent cross-site The extension will automatically block
tracking and hide your IP address from ads and trackers as you browse the web.
known trackers, it doesn’t include an You can adjust its default filtering mode
ad blocker. There are several apps for by pressing the Extensions (jigsaw piece)
blocking ads in Safari, including AdGuard icon in Safari’s address bar and tapping
(www.snipca.com/55953) and Ghostery uBO Lite, then ‘Open the dashboard’
(www.snipca.com/55954), and now ( 1 in our screenshot below left).
there’s an even better option – uBlock Set the mode to Complete 2 to block
Origin Lite (www.snipca.com/55956). the maximum number of ads. Tap the
The brilliant content blocker was ‘Filter lists’ tab 3 to enable filters for
added to the Apple App Store in August, blocking other annoyances, such as
letting you use it with Safari on your cookie-consent banners.
iPhone or iPad. This means you can now Note that your iPhone or iPad must be
filter ads and trackers from web pages as running iOS/iPadOS 18.6 to use uBlock optional description, and specify whether
effectively as you can in your desktop Origin Lite in Safari. it’s a voice or video call (see screenshot
browser. above). Tap the green Send button, choose
To set up uBlock Origin Lite, install the ANDROID & iOS the contacts you want to invite to your
Schedule voice and call, then tap Send again.
1 video calls in WhatsApp You can see your upcoming calls on the
WhatsApp has added the option Calls tab, including a list of attendees. To
to schedule voice and video calls change the details or cancel the call, tap
you make through the app. This lets you ‘Edit event’. All participants will receive a
3 plan ahead when, for example, you want notification when the call is about to begin.
to coordinate a remote family catch-up or
organise a meeting with colleagues. You ANDROID & iOS
could also use it to schedule one-on-one Watch ITVX shows in
calls with friends, though that might picture-in-picture mode
seem rather officious. The ITVX app for Android (www.
To use the new feature, press the Calls snipca.com/55960) and iOS
tab in WhatsApp, tap the green Call (www.snipca.com/55961) has introduced
2 button and choose ‘Schedule call’. Select a picture-in-picture (PiP) mode. This means
the date, start and end times of your call you can keep watching programmes and
(you can remove the latter), enter an films in a mini video player when you

BEST NEW APPS What you should install this fortnight

Cassette: Home Video Player Ente Photos Organic Maps

Free* Free* Free
iOS www.snipca.com/55973 Android www.snipca.com/55963 Android www.snipca.com/55965
This retro-style video player lets you watch iOS www.snipca.com/55964 iOS www.snipca.com/55966
videos stored on your iPhone or iPad like This privacy-focused photo-backup app has Organic Maps has updated its
you’re watching old improved its AI-powered face detection and OpenStreetMap data to display hiking and
VHS tapes. It displays added new layout cycling routes on all
video files as options. These group maps you download to
video-cassette your pictures by explore offline. To
icons, which you day, week, month or view these, tap the
tap to load in the year. Ente has also Layers button top left
slot on the old- launched an advanced and select Hiking and
fashioned TV. The image editor that lets Cycling in the ‘Map
free version plays a you adjust brightness, Styles and Layers’
random video – pay contrast and colour, panel. The Android
99p a month to apply filters and version has also
choose the content emojis, and doodle on added track-elevation
to play on-screen. your photos. graphs to maps.

*Contains in-app purchases

44 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 Brilliant things to do on your device

switch to other apps or return to your group name. of sorting your notes by
home screen. You can access your tab date. Previously, they were
PiP mode should activate automatically groups by tapping the presented randomly on the
when you leave the ITVX app, transferring tab-switcher icon to the app’s home screen, but
the current TV show or movie to a floating right of the address bar. To now you can keep them
player window. This can then be moved create another group, tap better organised.
around your screen and resized by pinching the menu button again and To do so, tap the new
it with your thumb and index finger. choose ‘New tab group’. Sort (double-arrow)
The PiP player includes play and pause button in the ‘Search your
controls, and options for skipping back ANDROID notes’ box and choose
and forth by 10 seconds. Tap the full- Sort your Google ‘Date created’ or ‘Date
screen icon (see Keep notes by date modified’ (see screenshot
screenshot) to return The Android version left) to sort your notes
to the standard player of the popular note- accordingly. Alternatively,
in the ITVX app. taking tool Google Keep (www.snipca. select Custom to arrange your notes in
The Android com/55970) has added the handy option whatever way you want.
version of the
streaming service
has also added a
BEST APPS FOR... Upgrading your phone’s clock
‘pinch-to-zoom’
option that zooms Digital Clock
in on the content Free*
that’s playing. Android www.snipca.com/55976
Many free clock apps suffer from ads and
ANDROID unnecessary features, but Digital Clock
Organise Chrome tabs keeps things clean and simple. View the
into groups time, day and date; change the background
All the main desktop browsers let colour by swiping left or right; tap the icon
you organise related tabs into top left to switch orientation; and use the
themed groups, to make it easier to find slider to adjust brightness levels. It syncs
them when you have lots of web pages with the alarm clock on your Android phone.
open. The feature is also available in Best For Simple time display
the Android version of Chrome (www.
snipca.com/55969), and the latest Flip Clock – World Clock
update to the browser (to version 139) Free*
makes it much easier to use. Android www.snipca.com/55979
To group tabs in Chrome on your This customisable clock offers a choice
phone or tablet, tap the browser’s of colourful themes and can display the
three-dot menu button and choose the weather and your phone’s battery status.
‘Add tab to new group’ option ( 1 in our You can make it tick and chime on the hour,
screenshot below). Enter a name for the view the time in different cities around the
group, assign it a colour and tap Done 2 . world, and add a clock widget to your home
Add further tabs to the group by selecting screen. For iOS, try ClockPhone (www.
‘Add tab to group’ in the menu, then the snipca.com/55980), which has a similar
design and options.
Best For Customising your clock

Alarmy
Free*
Android www.snipca.com/55977
iOS www.snipca.com/55978
Alarmy gets you up in the morning using a
loud sound of your choice. These range
from a cockerel crowing and air-raid sirens
1 to cheerful tunes and motivational sounds.
Set ‘missions’ you need to complete to
make sure you’re wide awake, including
typing challenges, and customise Alarmy’s
appearance with ‘feel good’ wallpapers.
Best For Personalised alarm clock
2
*Contains in-app purchases

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 45

 Make Windows Better Expert tips for every version

WINDOWS 10 & 11
WINDOWS 10 & 11
Use the improved
PowerToys dashboard
The latest version of Recover your lost passwords
Microsoft’s PowerToys
(0.93) introduces a vastly New from one of our on your processor. Microsoft Defender
improved Settings dashboard. On the favourite independent might warn that it’s unsafe, but this is a
homepage, there’s now a ‘Quick access’ developers NirSoft, false positive.
panel ( 1 in our screenshot below) LostMyPassword hunts through your Once you’ve downloaded
providing instant links to useful advanced programs – including web browsers – LostMyPassword, extract the ZIP file,
tools, such as the registry and layout editor. and operating system to uncover all the then run the ‘LostMyPassword.exe’ file
There’s also now a dedicated ‘Shortcuts logins you’ve saved. To get it, head to and select ‘Search your passwords as
overview’ 2 , to remind yourself of handy www.snipca.com/56080 and under the Administrator’ ( 1 in our screenshot)
keyboard shortcuts. And, most useful of Feedback heading click either ‘Download from the dropdown menu (this will
all, the Modules pane 3 provides a quick- LostMyPassword (32-bit)’ or ‘Download uncover more passwords than searching
glance overview of which PowerToys LostMyPassword (64-bit)’, depending as a normal user). Finally, click OK 2 .
tools you currently have turned on or off.

1 3

1
2
2

Version 0.93 also has a faster, less

resource-hungry Command Palette particular space on your screen, without
tool and a new Spotlight mode for the having to crop later.
Mouse Highlighter, which dims the Press Windows key+Shift+R to launch
1
entire screen, leaving only the area Snipping Tool, then click the screen-
around your mouse highlighted. If you recording (movie camera) icon ( 1 in our
already have PowerToys installed, you’ll screenshot below left) followed by the 2
be prompted to update it to the new dropdown menu to the right. Now click
version, but you can also install it by Window 2 and Snipping Tool will resize
going to www.snipca.com/56079 and the recording region to tightly match the 3
clicking the x64 or ARM64 link, program window you choose. Once
depending on your PC’s processor. recording begins, the region remains fixed. will become read-only, which means you’ll
If the program moves or gets covered by only be able to view and export your
WINDOWS 11 INSIDER another window, the recording won’t existing notes, not create or edit them.
Select a program window when follow it. There’s also a Rectangle option To carry on using OneNote you’ll need
recording in Snipping Tool 3 that lets you draw around the section of to switch to the newer version of the tool,
If you’re a Windows 11 Insider, screen you want to record. though you must sync your notebooks
you can now select specific areas first. If you don’t, you could lose any
of a program when recording WINDOWS 10 notes saved on your computer.
your screen in Snipping Tool. Microsoft Sync OneNote notebooks First, make sure you’re signed into
says this gives you a “simple, focused” before support ends OneNote with your Microsoft account.
way to record what’s happening in a If you’re still using the version of Now right-click any notebook, then click
the OneNote app that came with Sync and select ‘Sync All Notebooks’ 2 .
Windows 10, you’ve probably Once syncing is complete, click ‘Switch
3 seen the ‘end of support’ notification ( 1 now’ 3 in the ‘end of support’ message
in our screenshot above right) that appears and follow the steps to migrate to the new
1 2 when you launch the tool. After 14 October version of the OneNote app (free from
2025, the ‘OneNote for Windows 10’ app www.snipca.com/56090).

46 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

Make Office Better Top tips for the best office programs

MICROSOFT OUTLOOK

Mark emails as read and unread using keyboard shortcuts

As you scroll through
your Outlook inbox you
can use keyboard
shortcuts to mark emails as read
or unread. This works in both
the new and old (‘Classic’)
versions of Outlook.
You need to select an email in
your inbox so it’s highlighted in
blue ( 1 in our screenshot). Its
sender and subject line will be in
bold 2 , indicating it hasn’t been
read. Pressing Ctrl+Q will mark it
as read, and the words inside will 1
lose their bold formatting. This
has the same effect as hovering
2
your mouse over the email and
clicking the envelope icon that
appears 3 . Pressing Ctrl+U marks
an email as unread and restores 3
the bold formatting.

LIBREOFFICE CALC &

MICROSOFT EXCEL
2
Turn off ‘marching
ants’ around cells
When you
1 4
select cells
to copy
and paste in a spreadsheet,
both Calc and Excel indicate 1
them with a moving dotted
border – sometimes MICROSOFT OFFICE 2
nicknamed ‘marching ants’ Set how many recent folders 3
(see screenshot below). If you find you can save to
this effect distracting, press the Esc key Microsoft Office lets you pin
and it will disappear. Your cells will favourite folders so they’re always ONLYOFFICE
remain selected though, ready for you to at the top when you’re opening or Add paragraph borders
paste wherever you like. saving files. You can also right-click a from the toolbar
folder and select ‘Add to Favorites’. Version 9 of OnlyOffice, released
By default Office also shows the in June, adds a button in the
50 most recent folders you’ve been toolbar that makes it easier to
working on but haven’t pinned add or adjust paragraph borders in
as favourites. These are listed under documents. To use it, place your cursor in
the Older heading when you save the paragraph, go to the Home tab at the
a file. If 50 is too many for you, top left, then click the Borders icon ( 1 in
change it by clicking File at the top our screenshot above). Now choose a
left, then Options at the bottom border style (ie, thickness) 2 and colour
left followed by Advanced ( 1 in our 3 at the bottom of the menu. Next choose
screenshot above) in the left menu. where you want the border to appear. The
Now, on the right, scroll to the options are top, bottom, left and right, as
Display section and choose a well as no borders, all borders, inside and
number in the ‘Show this number outside 4 . In our example we’ve chosen
of non-favorited Recent Folders’ all borders, with a border style of 3pt
box 2 . Click OK to confirm. thickness in red.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 47

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

Create and share a club leaderboard

I f your club has any kind of competitive
element, a shareable leaderboard is a
LeaderboardHQ
lets you create a
free leaderboard for
great way to keep members up to date 4 ranking your club
with latest rankings, top scores and so on. 1 members
This is especially useful if you run, say, 3
a snooker, darts or tennis club. But a
1
leaderboard can also be used for a variety
of other scenarios. Perhaps you run a
bridge club and want to track tournament
results across a season. Or maybe your
local history society or gardening club
hosts a regular summer quiz league. Or
perhaps you just need a handy tool to
tally scores on a one-off game night.
You can use Microsoft Excel or Google 2
Sheets for this, but spreadsheets can
feel clunky and aren’t always the most
engaging way to present members with then click Save Changes. You can remove to anyone else who needs to be able to
their rankings. Instead, we suggest using players by clicking the pencil icon, then edit the leaderboard to add or remove
LeaderboardHQ. It’s an online tool clicking Delete Player. players, update scores and so on. If you
designed specifically for creating and Once you’ve added all your players, want to host the leaderboard on your
sharing leaderboards, with a clean, click the Add Scores button 3 . On the club’s website, click Copy under Embed
simple interface and no need to download next screen, enter a score for each Website Widget 3 and paste the code
or install special software. player in your list, then click Add into the appropriate web page.
You can set up multiple players, track Scores. The leaderboard will update,
scores, update results instantly and share ranking your players in score order.
the leaderboard with your members. Best Each round, you can repeat this step
of all, its free tier includes all the features to add the latest scores and update
most local groups will ever need – you the rankings.
don’t even need to set up an account. And that’s basically it. You’ve 1
A reasonable one-off payment of $10 now created your leaderboard. To
(£7.50) unlocks premium features, such refine it further, click the Settings
as the ability to upload your club’s logo, button 4 . Here you can change the
use custom colour schemes for different leaderboard’s title or description,
teams and more. and customise how the leaderboard
works – whether you want to rank 2
Set up a free leaderboard by highest or lowest score, for 3
Let’s say your club runs a small snooker example, or you want to include an
league and you want to keep track of elimination element. Click Save
match results and show who’s top of Changes when you’ve finished.
the table. To set this up, go to the
LeaderboardHQ website (www.snipca. Share your leaderboard
com/55997), then click the ‘Get Started!’ with members
button at the bottom of the page. Click Share at the top of your
On the next page, click Add Player ( 1 leaderboard and you’ll see three
in our screenshot above right), enter the links. Click Copy ( 1 in our
player’s name in the ‘Player name’ box, screenshot right) next to the Public
then click Add Player. Repeat this process Link and paste it into an email,
for every player in your club (uploading text or WhatsApp group chat – this
players in bulk is a premium feature). If will allow your members to view
you make a mistake, click the pencil icon the leaderboard. Keep a note of the Share your leaderboard with other members or on
2 next to the relevant name to edit it, Admin Link 2 for yourself or send it your club's website

48 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718 Next issue: Rehearse your presentation using PowerPoint's Coach
What’s All the
Fuss About...
YouTube age checks
Google’s video-streaming service has introduced AI-powered age verification
– but users aren’t impressed
What are they? Some adult YouTube
users in the US have
Google-owned YouTube has started failed the new age-
asking users in the US to prove their age verification check
before allowing them to watch certain
video content. It’s not just a basic ‘click
to confirm’ pop-up, either. The company
has introduced an advanced AI-based
age-estimation system that attempts to
establish how old you are, based on your
account data, viewing history and more.

How do they work?

If you try to watch a restricted video,
YouTube will use machine-learning tools
to attempt to determine whether or not
you are over 18, based on its interpretation
of various factors. These include which 1
videos you’ve viewed in the past, the types
of videos you have previously searched for
and how long you’ve had the account for.
If the system identifies you as underage,
you’ll see an automated message stating 2
that ‘We couldn’t verify that you’re an
adult’ ( 1 in our screenshot) – you’ll then
need to click the ‘Verify age’ button 2 to some adult websites, but this is the first over 18 and already signed in with a
prove that you’re over 18 by uploading time a mainstream platform of YouTube’s verified Google account, you might
an officially recognised form of ID, such size and popularity has pushed AI age not notice any difference. But younger
as a driver’s licence or credit card. verification at scale. Americans – or adults who don’t want to
According to some news outlets, YouTube hand over their ID – may suddenly find a
may also be considering a system in which So why are people large chunk of YouTube is inaccessible.
users can prove their age by uploading a so angry about it?
selfie for a quick check, but we have yet Large numbers of YouTube users are But does it actually protect kids?
to see this in action. already up in arms about these changes. That’s the big question. Critics say that
Many cite privacy fears, regarding how determined teens can still find
Why is YouTube doing this? YouTube will manage the data used to workarounds, while those who comply
In a recent blog post (www.snipca. verify your age. For example, where are mainly legitimate adult users.
com/56003), James Beser, Director of sensitive personal information – such as Grown-ups with ‘childish’ viewing habits
Product Management for YouTube Youth, your ID – will be stored. And could it be are most likely to be misclassified.
stated that the company is taking these stolen by criminals in a data breach?
actions in order to make sure younger YouTube insists that data is deleted as Is this coming to the UK?
users “have a safe and age appropriate soon as the verification process is Almost certainly. As we explained in our
experience”. complete, but many users are sceptical. Cover Feature in Issue 717 (page 51), the
The truth is that more and more online Meanwhile, adult US users are already UK’s new Online Safety Act obliges tech
streaming and social-media services are finding that the system falsely identifies firms to protect children from harmful
coming under pressure from regulators, them as underage – many of whom have material, and age checks are one way to
governments and child-safety campaigners been venting their frustrations on comply. While YouTube hasn’t yet
on both sides of the Atlantic to introduce platforms such as X and Reddit. confirmed a UK rollout, James Beser
measures that protect children from makes it clear that the company fully
harmful or inappropriate content, such Who does this affect? intends to extend the scheme “to other
as violent or adult videos. Right now, the system has only been markets” in the future. Expect it to arrive
Similar systems are already used on rolled out to US-based users. If you’re on these shores sooner rather than later.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 49

 COVER FEATURE

WINDOWS 10
ONLY
ONE
MONTH
LEFT!

Unwilling or unable to upgrade to Windows 11

when Microsoft ends support for Windows 10?
Robert Irvine explains how to keep using your PC
safely after 14 October

W
hen Microsoft launched clear Microsoft’s prediction was over- what to do when Windows 10 stops
Windows 11 in October optimistic. The latest figures show that, receiving security updates. One Californian
2021, it assumed that while Windows 11 now has more users man has even filed a lawsuit against
within four years nearly than Windows 10, with a 53 per cent Microsoft, claiming the company is “forcing
every PC user would be running the new global market share, 43 per cent of us still its customers to purchase new [Windows
operating system. It therefore stuck to run the older operating system (www. 11] devices” (www.snipca.com/56047).
its original end-of-support date for snipca.com/56046). Thankfully, there are nine options for
Windows 10 – 14 October 2025. That equates to around 600 million Windows 10 users who don’t want to
Now that day is almost upon us and it’s users, who all face the same dilemma of upgrade to Windows 11, or can’t because
their PC doesn’t meet the minimum
system requirements. In this feature we
WHAT YOU CAN DO explain them all, in order of convenience.
Of course, the easiest option is to do
• Get free security updates from •R
 un your Windows 10 PC in a virtual nothing when support ends, and keep
Microsoft for one year machine in Windows 11 using Windows 10 like you always have
• Extend Windows 10 support for your PC •D
 ual-boot Windows 10 and a free done. But being complacent will expose
until 2030 Linux distro your PC to serious security risks, so we
• Stop Microsoft automatically installing •U
 pgrade an incompatible Windows 10 strongly advise against it – especially
Windows 11 on your PC PC to Windows 11 because some workarounds are
surprisingly simple.

50 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 WINDOWS 10

OPTION 1 BACK UP DATA TO ONEDRIVE

In June, Microsoft threw a lifeline to
Windows 10 users by announcing a
free way to receive Extended Security
Updates (ESUs) once it ends support on 1
14 October. Rather than pay to keep your
PC safe after the deadline (see page 52),
simply turn on Windows Backup to be
enrolled in the ESU scheme (www.
snipca.com/55995).
This will sync important folders,
settings and credentials (logins and
passwords) to your OneDrive account
and automatically upload any new or
changed files. It’s the easiest, cheapest
and safest option, but there are a couple
3
of catches. That’s why we called it
“cynical and clever” on Microsoft’s 2
part, when we reported the story in
Issue 714 (page 6).
First, enabling Windows Backup Choose which folders to back up to OneDrive Once you’ve turned on Windows Backup you
only entitles you to free security updates or just sync your settings can enroll for ESU
until 13 October 2026 (and not feature
updates or tech support). Unless for details of the various plans. below left) to open the ESU wizard,
Microsoft extends the offer for a further If you’re already a Microsoft 365 then click Next and enter your PC’s
year, you’ll then have to upgrade to subscriber, and you use Windows Backup password or PIN. You should now see
Windows 11 anyway – or try one of the to sync to OneDrive, you’ll continue to three options: ‘Back up your PC Settings’,
options recommended in this feature. receive support for Windows 10 until ‘Redeem Microsoft Reward points’ and
Second, OneDrive only gives you 5GB October 2026 without paying extra. If you ‘One time purchase’.
of free online storage. Once you hit that use another online-storage service such Select the first one and sign into your
limit, Windows Backup will stop syncing as Google Drive, you could split your Microsoft account, if you haven’t already.
your data and you may stop receiving backups between that and OneDrive to Follow the instructions to configure
security updates. avoid exceeding the 5GB quota. Google Windows Backup and enroll in the ESU
If you’ve owned your Windows 10 PC Drive for Desktop (www.snipca.com/55208) scheme. You’ll see a confirmation
for several years, you’ll probably have files can sync the same folders as OneDrive. message on the Windows Update screen.
totalling a much larger amount than 5GB. However, the best workaround is to To save time, turn on Windows
So you’ll either need to remove avoid backing up files and folders Backup before you run the ESU wizard
unnecessary items from the folders you altogether. Microsoft only requires you to – or if you can’t yet see the ‘Enroll now’
sync to OneDrive – to keep within the sync your Windows settings to OneDrive link. Select ‘Windows Back up’ in the
limit – or pay for extra cloud storage. to qualify for its ESU scheme – backing Start menu - or type back up in the
You can get 100GB by paying £1.99 a up personal files is entirely optional. Search box and open the tool – then
month or £19.99 a year for Microsoft 365 click ‘Back up this PC’.
Basic. If that’s not enough, Microsoft 365 Enroll for ESU using Open the Folders list ( 1 in our
Personal (£8.49 a month or £84.99 a Windows Backup screenshot above left) and choose
year) gives you 1TB of storage, while a In August, Microsoft began rolling out the folders you want to back up, such
Microsoft 365 Family plan (£10.49 per its enrollment ‘wizard’ for Extended as Desktop, Documents and Pictures.
month of £104.99 a year) includes a Security Updates. To get it, your PC must As mentioned earlier, if their contents
whopping 6TB, though it’s limited to 1TB be running Windows 10 22H2 with the exceed OneDrive’s 5GB of free storage –
per person. See www.snipca.com/55994 latest update installed. This tool gives you check the ‘Storage estimate’ in the
several options for extending support, bottom-left corner 2 – open File Explorer
including enabling Windows Backup. and move less-important items to other
Windows 10 should show a notification folders. Alternatively, simply back up
when the ESU wizard is available on your settings 3 to qualify for ESU. Click
your PC. If you don’t see this, open the ‘Continue’ then ‘Back up now’.
Settings app, choose ‘Update & Security’ When you run the ESU wizard, it will
then Windows Update and look for a detect you’ve enabled Windows Backup
message saying ‘Windows 10 support for One Drive, and are eligible to enroll
ends in October 2025. Enroll in Extended for Extended Security Updates “at no
Security Updates to help keep your extra cost”. Click ‘Enroll’ (see screenshot
Click ‘Enroll now’ in Windows Update to devices secure’. above) to keep using Windows 10 safely
launch the ESU wizard Click the ‘Enroll now’ link (see screenshot until 13 October 2026.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 51

 OPTION 2 REDEEM YOUR MICROSOFT REWARDS POINTS
As we mentioned on page 51, the other Earn extra
free option for enrolling for Extended Microsoft
Rewards points
Security Updates is to redeem your to qualify for free
Microsoft Rewards points. You need security updates
1,000 points to qualify for Windows 10
ESU, which isn’t actually that many.
Redeeming points for a £5 Amazon gift
card, for example, requires 8,000.
If you regularly search with Bing,
through its website, mobile app or the
Edge browser, while signed into your
Microsoft account, you may have more
Rewards points than you realise. There
are several ways to check your balance:
it’s displayed under Rewards on the
Home screen of the Windows Settings Visit the Microsoft Rewards website points each); installing the ‘Microsoft
app (see screenshot below), in the (www.snipca.com/55996) to boost your Bing Search with Rewards’ extension (30
top-right corner of the Bing homepage balance to over 1,000 points by taking points); and searching with Bing (up to
and when you click your profile icon in part in various activities. These include 30 points per day – see screenshot above).
Edge’s top-right corner. quizzes, games and polls (from 5 to 30 To redeem your points, choose that
option in the ESU wizard,
sign into your Microsoft account
if prompted and confirm the
points deduction from your
balance. This covers a year
of free security updates for
Windows 10, it’s not a
discount or partial credit.
Note that you won’t see the
‘Rewards points’ ESU option
if you’ve enabled Windows
Backup - even if you haven’t
used it to enroll. To make it
appear, select Accounts in the
Settings app, choose ‘Windows
backup’ and switch off
Check your Rewards points balance to see if you have enough for free ESU ‘Remember my preferences’.

OPTION 3 PAY MICROSOFT FOR SECURITY UPDATES

Paying $30 (about £25 inc VAT) to enroll cost £240 (£288 inc VAT) by the third year.
in the ESU scheme may seem silly when The ESU licence covers up to 10
– thanks to Microsoft’s change of heart Windows 10 devices on which you’re
in June – you can do so for free using signed into your Microsoft account, so
the other two options. But it’s worth the £25 is pretty good value. However,
considering if you don’t want to sync data the same is true of the free enrolment
to OneDrive through Windows Backup, methods, which makes it an unnecessary
or you don’t have enough Microsoft expense.
Rewards points. If you’d still prefer to pay, just in case
It means you’ll receive security updates Microsoft introduces a catch for the
via Windows Update as soon as they’re OneDrive or Rewards points options,
available for your PC, from the most click ‘Enrol now’ in Windows Update to
trustworthy source. The £25 price is less launch the ESU wizard. Select ‘One-time
than half the £60 (plus VAT) Microsoft is purchase’ (see screenshot right) and sign You can pay for Extended Security Updates,
charging businesses and organisations into your Microsoft account. but it’s not necessary
for the first year of extended support. You’ll be taken to a secure Microsoft
Although they – unlike individuals – checkout page, where you can pay for choice. Once the payment is processed,
have the option to pay for three years of Extended Security Updates until October you’ll see enrolment confirmation on the
ESU, the price doubles every year so will 2026 using the payment method of your Windows Update page.

52 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 WINDOWS 10

OPTION 4 PAY 0PATCH FOR SECURITY PATCHES

Microsoft’s free and cheap options for
extending Windows 10 support are very
welcome. They alleviate anxiety about
the security of your PC after 14 October,
if you’re unable or unwilling to upgrade
to Windows 11.
However, as Microsoft says, Extended
Security Updates are “not meant to be a
long-term solution” – they merely give
you another year to decide what to do. 0patch will provide security patches for Download the 0patch Agent then buy a Pro
If that’s not long enough, or you’re Windows 10 until October 2030 licence to get updates
unable to enrol for ESU, you can pay
for security updates from 0patch Microsoft’s ESU, it’s a fixed price that until October 2030 and potentially
(www.snipca.com/56000). won’t increase – let alone double – beyond, you need to sign up for a free
This Slovenian company is offering after the first year, which will apply to account and download its 0patch Agent
Windows 10 users five years of critical Windows 10 business customers on ESU. tool. When 14 October approaches,
security patches until October 2030 (see With an 0patch subscription, you’ll purchase an 0patch Pro licence (see
screenshot above right). That’s four years receive ‘micropatches’ for security screenshot above), install your last
more than Microsoft’s ESU program and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by official Windows updates and let
0patch says patches will be offered for hackers after Windows 10 support ends. 0patch handle all future patching.
“even longer if there’s demand”. These small patches will be automatically On the downside, 0patch Pro only
These updates will be available to applied to running processes in your PC’s provides updates for one computer,
individuals and small businesses who memory without modifying any system whereas ESU covers up to 10. There’s also
sign up for 0patch’s Pro plan. This costs files. You won’t need to reboot your PC, a chance Microsoft could extend free
€24.95 annually, which works out at and 0patch claims you probably “won’t support again in October 2026. But for
£25.85 once VAT is added. Although even notice” a patch has been installed. peace of mind, it’s currently the safest
that’s slightly more expensive than To get security patches from 0patch and most reliable unofficial option.

OPTION 5 BLOCK UPGRADES TO WINDOWS 11

Whether you get your security updates
from Microsoft or 0patch, or risk using
Windows 10 unpatched after 14
October, you’re still likely to see
‘reminders’ to upgrade to Windows 11.
These nags have become increasingly
difficult to decline, with tiny ‘Keep
Windows 10’ and ‘Remind me later’
links, and they’re likely to get worse.
There’s also a danger you’ll click the
download button by accident and
install Windows 11 without wanting to.
A bigger fear is that Microsoft will
install it automatically if your PC meets 1 2
the system requirements. GRC InControl stops Microsoft upgrading your PC Roll back to Windows 10 if your PC is
You can safeguard your PC against an to Windows 11 upgraded to Windows 11
accidental upgrade by installing GRC
InControl (www.snipca.com/56008). This When you run InControl, it will messages, such as those that appear in
free tool keeps your Windows version at show your Windows version in the the Settings app and notification area, but
the current release by tweaking registry bottom-left corner ( 1 in our screenshot you won’t be forcibly upgraded to
settings to disable updates. above). Click the Take Control button 2 Windows 11 without your consent. If
Of course, Windows 10 won’t receive and the program will confirm that that does happen (perhaps because
any updates after 14 October, but ‘You are in control of OS upgrades another user on your PC does it),
Microsoft will still check which Windows on this system’. This will stop Microsoft remember you have 10 days to roll back to
version PCs are running and target them automatically upgrading your Windows Windows 10. Open the Settings app in
with upgrade reminders. GRC says 10 PC to Windows 11. Click ‘Release Windows 11 and click System then
InControl will continue to work “even Control’ if later you decide you want Recovery. Click the ‘Go back’ button
after the current version and feature to upgrade. under ‘Recovery options’ (see screenshot
release has gone out of support”. InControl won’t block all nagging above) to ‘downgrade’ to Windows 10.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 53

 READER OFFER! ADD A
DISC FOR
£5.95

Upgrade to Windows 11
Pro for just £49.99!
Your PC almost certainly came with Windows 11 Home. But did
you know it’s easy to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro to get advanced
features like BitLocker drive encryption?
There’s no need to install a new version of Windows – just take
your new Professional key, go to System, Activate, then select
‘Change Product Key’.
To upgrade, visit www.snipca.com/50563
and click the red Buy Now button on the right.

JUST SO YOU KNOW…

This offer can be used by one person only, and
expires at midnight on 23 September, 2025.
It’s a lifetime licence for one computer.
 WINDOWS 10

OPTION 6 ONLY USE YOUR WINDOWS 10 PC OFFLINE

Your Windows 10 PC will continue to services. Nor will it be possible to
function as normal after 14 October – it update your software and drivers.
just won’t receive security updates. Admittedly, there are plenty of
Although you’re unlikely to be deluged things you can do offline, such as
with malware the moment support ends, writing documents, editing photos
your system will be vulnerable to new and playing music, videos and games
threats and unpatched weaknesses in the stored on your hard drive. You won’t
operating system every time you go online. be distracted or interrupted by the
An obvious remedy would be to use web, and there won’t be any
your PC offline only. This would stop background connections hogging
malware reaching your PC from the web, Using your Windows PC offline is feasible but will your RAM. But you won’t be able to
prevent hackers from infiltrating your prove frustrating share files without copying them to a
system and confine your data to your USB stick, which could itself spread
hard drive so no one can steal it in transit. unplugged the Ethernet cable (see malware to your unpatched PC.
In practice, you’re likely to find screenshot above), your choice of The offline option is only feasible if
running your PC offline highly activities will be extremely limited. your Windows 10 PC is a secondary
frustrating, with the drawbacks far Without the internet, you won’t be able computer you use occasionally,
outweighing the safety benefits. Once to use email, browse the web, download and it isn’t a long-term solution for your
you’ve disconnected from Wi-Fi and files, stream videos or access online main computer.

OPTION 7 RUN WINDOWS 10 IN A VIRTUAL MACHINE

It’s no substitute for having Windows 10
installed on your PC, but by running the
operating system in a virtual machine
you can continue to use it safely. Use
the free tool Disk2vhd (www.snipca.
com/56012) to clone your Windows 10 2
installation to a virtual hard disk (VHD),
then run it in VirtualBox (www.
1
virtualbox.org) in Windows 11. It will
retain all your programs, files and settings Clone Windows 10 to a virtual hard disk to run Use VirtualBox to run your clone of Windows
so you can pick up where you left off. it in a virtual machine 10 in Windows 11
Download Disk2vhd, extract the
contents of its ZIP file and double-click above), and select a folder in which to Copy the file to your Windows 11 PC and
‘diskvhd64.exe’. Select the drives and save the VHD file. It will be very large, so download VirtualBox. Install the program
partitions you want to clone – most use a high-capacity USB stick. then click Preferences and switch to
importantly your C: drive where Click ‘Create’ and Disk2vhd will clone Expert mode.
Windows is stored ( 1 in our screenshot your Windows 10 system to a virtual disk. Click the New button, enter a name for
the virtual machine and choose
‘Windows 10 (64-bit)’ in the OS Version
What about Windows 10 LTSC? dropdown menu. Open the ‘Specify
virtual hard disk’ section, select ‘Use an
You may have read about an option for – see www.snipca.com/56053). Existing Virtual Hard Disk File’ (see
extending Windows 10 support called We were tempted to include LTSC here, screenshot above) and browse to your
Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) but it’s not a viable option for home PC Windows 10 VHD. Click ‘Finish’ then
2021. This is a special Enterprise edition of users. To legitimately run Windows 10 double-click the virtual machine to
Windows 10 aimed at businesses and LTSC, you need to buy a licence from an switch it on and run Windows 10.
organisations, which use it for medical authorised Microsoft Partner and, even The program may ask you to enter your
equipment, manufacturing hardware, then, the licence agreement does not Windows 10 product key. This poses a
cash machines and many other purposes. allow for use on personal computers. problem because it’s tied to your PC and
LTSC 2021 has no Microsoft Store, So if you come across any tools that can’t be used on other PCs – even virtual
Outlook, Copilot or many other Microsoft install Windows 10 LTSC 2021 on your ones. Choose ‘I don’t have a product key’
apps, and so provides a more streamlined PC, be wary. Not only does acquiring and to use Windows 10 unactivated.
and stable version of the operating activating an unofficial licence violate You can try fixing this by opening the
system. However, its biggest benefit is Microsoft’s licence agreement, but you Settings app in the virtualised Windows
that it will continue to receive security also won’t be able to use some software 10 and choosing ‘Update & Security’ then
updates until 2029 (2032 in its IoT version or upgrade to Windows 11 later. Activation. Select ‘Troubleshoot’ and run
the Activation troubleshooter.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 55

 OPTION 8 SWITCH TO LINUX AND KEEP YOUR PC
If your PC doesn’t meet Windows 11’s DistroSea lets you try
system requirements but you can’t afford dozens of Linux distros
before you download
to buy a new one, switching to Linux will them – use the search box
extend its life without end-of-support to find the one you want
concerns. Contrary to popular belief,
Linux isn’t only for tech boffins.
Some distros (distributions) look and
work much like Windows 10, with a
Start menu, taskbar, file manager and
customisable desktop. Many popular
free programs are available for Linux,
including web browsers, image editors,
video players, office suites and more.
Before you download a Linux ISO, visit
DistroSea (www.distrosea.com – see
screenshot above right). This website lets replacement for Windows 10” (www. Zorin OS and Linux Mint simplify the
you test-drive virtual versions of dozens snipca.com/56021). technical task of setting up dual-booting
of Linux distros without installing any To install either distro, download its by offering an ‘Install alongside Windows’
software. Select a distro then the latest ISO file (make sure it’s the free edition) option in their installers. This creates a
version, click Start and it will load in your and use Rufus (www.snipca.com/55674) partition for the Linux distro on your
browser. With popular distros, the site to create a bootable USB drive – you’ll hard drive and installs it beside Windows.
may place you in a queue. You should need a USB stick with at least 8GB of When you start your PC, you’ll see a boot
also disable your ad blocker. storage. Set your PC to boot from USB menu that lets you choose between the
Once the distro has loaded, you can – see our Cover Feature in Issue 716 two operating systems.
explore its interface, features and settings (page 51) for instructions – and choose If you don’t see that option, you’ll
to decide whether to install the real thing. the option to try Zorin OS or Linux need to create a partition yourself.
To visit websites in a virtual distro, sign Mint without installing it. If you like Press Windows key+X and select Disk
into DistroSea using your Google account. the distro, you can then choose the Management. Right-click your main
In our ‘Should you ditch Windows 10 Install option and make it your new drive, choose Shrink Volume and specify
for Linux?’ feature in Issue 711 (page 60), operating system. how much space to allocate to the distro
we recommended Zorin OS (www. – at least 20GB is recommended.
snipca.com/56019) and Linux Mint Dual-boot Windows 10 and Linux Click ‘Shrink’ to create the space,
(www.snipca.com/56020) as the best If that feels like too bold a step, you can then right-click it and choose New
free options for Linux novices moving dual-boot the two operating systems. Simple Volume. When you run the
from Windows 10 – both are available to This will let you use Linux for online installer for the distro, you should now
try on DistroSea. Zorin even has a page tasks and Windows 10 for everything else, see an option to ‘Install alongside
explaining why it’s the “ideal switching between them as required. Windows Boot Manager’.
Zorin OS, Linux Mint and most other
distros receive security and software
Should you switch to ChromeOS Flex? updates directly from their developers,
with no end of support to worry about
ChromeOS Flex (www. your software and files. – new versions are regularly released.
snipca.com/56027) You can try it first (see They come with a built-in update
offers another free way screenshot) by running manager that checks daily, or on boot,
to extend your PC’s life. it from a USB stick. for new updates and installs them
It’s a fast, lightweight If you do install automatically. You can double-check
operating system that’s ChromeOS Flex, you’re under ‘Software & Updates’ in Zorin OS
easy to use and runs likely to miss your or in Update Manager in Linux Mint
on virtually any favourite programs. (see screenshot below).
computer with 4GB of RAM, 16GB of You’re limited to web apps, which aren’t
storage and a 64bit processor. as numerous or sophisticated as
Google constantly updates ChromeOS Windows software – and unlike on a
Flex to protect you from the latest online Chromebook, you can’t use Android apps.
threats. However, there are a few caveats What’s more, Google may have ended
that make it less than ideal as a Windows ChromeOS Flex support for your PC –
10 replacement. check at www.snipca.com/56028. For all
Unlike Linux, you can’t dual-boot those reasons, we recommend only using
ChromeOS Flex, so installing it wipes ChromeOS Flex on a secondary Windows
everything on your hard drive including all 10 PC rather than your main one. Linux distros such as Linux Mint install
security updates automatically

56 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 WINDOWS 10

OPTION 9 FORCE WINDOWS 10 TO UPGRADE

If you’re only sticking with Windows 10
after 14 October because Microsoft won’t Will your favourite software stop working?
let you upgrade, there is a solution. The
free tool Flyoobe (www.snipca.com/56031) When Microsoft ends support for a version work on Windows 7 and 8.1, so we
bypasses the minimum-requirements of Windows, many software developers wouldn’t worry about your favourite
restriction to install Windows 11 on follow suit – but not for a few years. Windows 10 tools ceasing to work and
unsupported PCs, while retaining files Microsoft says its own Edge browser will update after 14 October. The main
and settings. continue to receive updates on Windows exception is Microsoft 365 apps, which
It works by using the installation 10 until “at least October 2028”, regardless will stop receiving feature updates,
setup for Windows Server. This doesn’t of whether you’re on the ESU scheme. though they’ll still get security patches.
check whether a PC has the correct The same applies to other browsers. A bigger concern is that Microsoft
specifications for running Windows 11, Google continued to update Chrome for Defender Antivirus won’t get security
and Flyoobe exploits that loophole to Windows 7 until January 2023 – three updates, though we won’t be surprised if
install the operating system. However, it years after its end-of-support date – while Microsoft changes its mind. Third-party
can’t bypass the PopCnt requirement (see Mozilla only stopped updating Firefox for antivirus such as Norton will keep
www.snipca.com/56039), so may not Windows 7 last September. protecting your Windows 10 PC, but can’t
work on PCs with older processors – There are still plenty of programs that fix vulnerabilities in the operating system.
Flyoobe performs a compatibility check
to confirm you’ll be able to upgrade.
Download the latest version from dropdown menu and choose 24H2. Set
www.snipca.com/56032, extract the the Windows edition, language (select
contents of the ZIP file and double-click English International) and architecture,
‘Flyo.exe’. The program triggers a then click Download.
SmartScreen warning, but VirusTotal The ISO file is 5.4GB so will take a
gives it a clean bill of health (www. while to download. Once complete, tick
snipca.com/56030), so click ‘More info’ the ‘Enable advanced upgrade mode’ box
then ‘Run anyway’. 2 to bypass compatibility and driver
Flyoobe gives you three options. You checks, choose ‘Select ISO from local
can download an ISO file from Microsoft, computer’ in the dropdown menu 3 and
via the Media Creation Tool or using Fido browse to the file you downloaded.
(from the developer of Rufus). The latter Flyoobe will ‘mount’ the ISO and display
option ( 1 in our screenshot below) is the a message saying you can now proceed
easiest – click ‘Yes’ to allow PowerShell to with Windows 11 installation. Flyoobe lets you keep your files, settings and
make changes to your device, and Follow the setup steps and click Accept apps when you upgrade
download and run the Fido script. on the Windows Server Setup screen.
When the ‘Fido - ISO Downloader’ Choose either ‘Keep files, settings and Flyoobe type the following into Command
box opens, select Windows 11 in the apps’ or ‘Keep personal files only’. Click Prompt and press Enter: wmic path
‘Next’ and Windows Server will confirm SoftwareLicensingService get
1 your PC is ready to install Windows 11. OA3xOriginalProductKey. You can copy
On the ‘Ready to install’ screen, click that command from our Pastebin account
‘Install’ (see screenshot above right) to at www.snipca.com/56033.
install Windows Server and Windows 11. We successfully upgraded our old PC to
Your PC will need to restart a few times to Windows 11 using Flyoobe and were able
3
complete the upgrade. to install the latest security updates. We
The Windows 11 installer will were also able to roll back to Windows 10.
2 automatically detect and apply the digital As a precaution, you can use Hasleo
licence for your computer, so you won’t Backup Suite (www.snipca.com/56040)
Use Flyoobe to bypass compatibility checks need to enter a product key. To have it to to back up your Windows 10 system
and upgrade to Windows 11 hand just in case, before running before you upgrade.

NEXT ISSUE On sale Wednesday 24 September

ON SALE

PLUS Weds
24

• Why you must buy Sept

BEST NEW TV APPS

an MP3 player
Your phone isn’t up to the job

• How we’re going to keep
Stop flicking aimlessly – we’ve found what running Windows 10
you need to watch next We’ve chosen these safe
(and sneaky) methods

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Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 57

 DITCH
streaming
for DVD
and Blu-ray
Fed up with rising costs and shrinking choice on
Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and other streaming
services? Jonathan Parkyn explains why it’s time
to rediscover the joys of physical media

N
Clean the lens of your old
ot so long ago, streaming you’d easily end up paying DVD player to get it working
services felt like the future. well over £100 a month. properly again
Cheap, convenient and offering Despite charging more,
an apparently endless supply however, many streamers properly. If it no longer
of films and TV shows, they promised a now seem to deliver much turns on, then you’re
golden age of unlimited entertainment. less value. Netflix, Disney+ probably out of luck.
Fast-forward to today, and the picture and others have introduced If it skips or freezes
isn’t quite so rosy, for reasons we’ll explain. adverts (even in paid-for mid-movie, you may be
The solution is refreshingly old tiers) and often downgrade able to fix it with a
fashioned – simply cancel your expensive picture quality on the cheap lens cleaning kit
streaming subscriptions and go back to cheaper plans. If you want a truly ad-free, (pictured left) that’s
watching DVDs and Blu-rays. This might high-quality viewing experience, you’ll available from Amazon for just £7 (www.
feel like a technological step backwards, have to stump up even more money every snipca.com/56041). Though if there’s a
but discs are cheap, plentiful and may month for a pricey ‘premium’ plan. more serious playback issue that requires
even look and sound better than their On top of that, catalogues are shrinking a repair, this may end up costing more
streaming equivalents. You can pick – Netflix’s library alone has lost thousands than the player’s worth.
exactly what you want, get to own films of titles since its 2015 peak – and films Even if you no longer have a
and shows you love and keep them or series on your watch list can often functioning DVD player, you may already
forever – plus you’ll enjoy movies without vanish overnight. Paradoxically, it now own something else that does the job.
interruptions from annoying ads. feels harder than ever to find something Most PlayStation and Xbox games consoles
worth watching, without having to scroll double as DVD or Blu-ray players, and an
What’s gone wrong with through a heap of filler driven by older PC with an optical drive can play
streaming? algorithms and forgettable content. movies from discs.
The most obvious problem with It’s easy to feel that streaming is past its
streaming services is their increasing prime. But perhaps the answer has been Check connections and
cost. Standard Netflix and Amazon Prime sitting under your TV all along. compatibility
Video subscriptions used to be relatively HDMI is the most common method of
affordable. But streaming platforms have Dig out your old DVD connecting devices to modern TVs. Most
hiked their prices to the point where or Blu-ray player DVD and Blu-ray players (and games
many ‘standard’ subscription plans now With a bit of luck, you never got rid of consoles) should be equipped with an
cost more than double what they did your old DVD or Blu-ray player. Maybe HDMI output socket, but some older
only a few years ago. you kept it to play a few old favourites players only offer Scart. If that’s the case,
It doesn’t help that the streaming or home movies you own on disc, or all is not lost – a simple Scart-to-HDMI
market has become so overcrowded, with perhaps it has just been gathering dust in adapter, like the one pictured above right
Disney+, Apple TV+, Now, Paramount+ your loft or garage all these years. (£13 from www.snipca.com/56042), may
and more all jostling for your monthly If you’ve still got a player in your house, be all you need to hook up the player to
direct debit. Sign up to everything and you’ll need to check it still works your TV set. Just be aware, you won’t

60 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 Create your own DVDs legally
Another way to take advantage of your
old DVD/Blu-ray player is to create discs
of your own. You might, for example, want
to turn family videos, slideshows or home
movies into DVDs you can play on your
living-room TV. You can also burn discs of
copyright-free films and TV shows, such
as public-domain titles from the Internet
Archive (www.archive.org).
Connect an old DVD
player to your TV with a You’ll need a computer with a disc burner
Scart-to-HDMI adapter to do this – few modern PCs have them, screenshot).
but you can get a basic external USB DVD Now install DVDStyler (www.snipca.
always get the best picture quality using burner for £23 at www.snipca.com/56044. com/55661). Launch it and leave the
the Scart connection. Let’s say you want to make your project defaults unchanged. Enter a title,
It’s also worth double-checking which own DVD copy of Alfred Hitchcock’s select a DVD menu template then drag
disc formats your player is compatible 1929 film Blackmail, which entered the the movie file you downloaded from
with. A basic player will only play DVDs public domain in January. Go to www. Internet Archive into the timeline below
at standard-definition quality (720x576 snipca.com/56045, click the Download the main preview. Click the Burn button,
pixels). A Blu-ray player will play button next to MPEG-4, then click the select Burn, make sure your DVD burner is
Blu-rays in HD (1080p), but will also be three-dot icon and choose Download (see selected under Device, then click Start.
backwards-compatible with DVDs. Some
newer players also support 4K Ultra HD
Cinema Paradiso is the only
discs, which we’ll get to in a moment. remaining UK service for renting
DVDs and Blu-rays by post
Buy a new disc player
If your old player really is beyond saving,
don’t worry – you can still buy brand new
Blu-ray players. Fewer manufacturers
make them these days, but there’s still a
healthy choice across a range of budgets.
Stick with trusted brands – Sony and
Panasonic are two of the better-known
manufacturers still in the market. If you
just want something simple and
affordable, the Sony BDP-S1700 (£79
from www.snipca.com/56034, pictured
below) is worth considering. It plays
Blu-rays and DVDs, has HDMI output DP-UB150EB-K (www.snipca.com/56036). (www.snipca.com/56043).
and its compact design means it won’t Sony’s current entry-level UHD model is Charity shops are usually well stocked
take up much shelf space. Panasonic’s the UBP-X700 (£270 from www.snipca. with DVDs at £1 a pop, though Blu-rays
DMP-BD84EB-K Blu-ray/DVD player com/56037). Both deliver excellent image tend to be a little rarer.
(£71 from www.snipca.com/56035) is quality, though the Sony goes one better On eBay, you can pick up individual
another basic, affordable option. by adding support for Dolby Vision. titles for a few pounds or in bulk for next
If you’re looking for the best possible to nothing. Bear in mind that used discs
image quality, consider stepping up to a Where to get discs from may be scratched or chipped, which may
4K Ultra HD Blu-ray player. These play Once you’ve got your player set up, affect playback – though most outlets will
ultra-high-definition Blu-ray discs with you’ll need to find some discs to play happily refund you if a disc won’t play.
4K resolution picture quality, plus on it. The good news is that big-name It’s still just about possible to rent
support for HDR (high dynamic range) retailers including Amazon, Zavvi and movies on disc in the way you could from
and superior audio formats. Predictably, HMV continue to do a roaring trade in Blockbuster, for example. Cinema
this bump ups the price tag quite a bit. physical media. Paradiso (www.cinemaparadiso.co.uk,
Prices start at about £159 for Panasonic’s Bargain hunters are especially well see screenshot above) continues to offer a
catered for. On Amazon, for example, traditional postal DVD and Blu-ray rental
be sure to check the ‘Other sellers’ box service in the UK, with unlimited plans
in the right-hand column to see if a starting from £24 a month, and a vast
used copy of the disc you want is catalogue of new and classic titles in
being offered cheaper. CeX shops carry DVD, Blu-ray and UHD formats.
shelves of DVDs and Blu-rays for just a It’s worth checking your local library,
The compact Sony BDP-S1700 can play DVDs couple of quid each – or you can order too. Many UK libraries still lend DVD
and Blu-rays them through the company’s website films and TV shows.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 61

 Don’t use
the wrong
battery
If your laptop, PC or phone battery
is dying you’ll need to find a
replacement. Jonathan Parkyn
explains how to spot the signs of
failure and avoid dangerous fakes

Replace your laptop battery Capacity – 1 in our screenshot below) Most CMOS
The clearest sign a laptop battery is failing versus what it can currently hold (Full batteries
in PCs are
is if it no longer holds a full charge for as Charge Capacity 2 ) in mWh. While standard
long as it used to. Other clues include there’s no universal threshold, consider CR2032
sudden shutdowns when the battery still a replacement when it falls to around models
shows charge, an unusually hot chassis, 50–60 per cent. Check your manufacturer’s
or bulges and warping in the case. Batteries guidance for model-specific advice.
in poor health can leak or fail completely, The report also has an ‘Installed
potentially damaging your laptop. batteries’ section, showing the
You can check your battery’s health in manufacturer and chemistry type. or repeated prompts to press a key to
Command Prompt. Click Start, type cmd, Alone, these may not give an exact continue booting.
then right-click the Command Prompt result part number, but combined with your In most cases, the CMOS battery is a
and choose ‘Run as administrator’. At the laptop’s make and model, they can help standard CR2032 coin cell (pictured
prompt, type powercfg /batteryreport ( 1 you find the correct replacement. above), like you’ll find in watches and
in our screenshot below) and press Enter. car-key fobs – though, some systems may
This generates a ‘battery-report.html’ file Replace your desktop PC’s use a CR2025 or CR2016 instead. All are
showing your battery’s health, usually CMOS battery easy to buy online or in supermarkets.
saved under C:\Users\your username or Desktop PCs have a small CMOS battery To replace the CMOS battery, switch off
C:\Windows\system32, as indicated in powering a chip on the motherboard that your PC, open the case and locate the
the Command Prompt window 2 . stores key settings, including the real- round silver battery on the motherboard.
Locate the file on your computer and time clock and basic system configuration. Note the battery type (printed on top),
double-click to open it. Focus on ‘Battery Signs it’s starting to fail include the PC then swap it for a fresh one of the same
capacity history’, which shows the losing track of date and time; BIOS or kind. You may need to reset the clock or
battery’s designed charge (Design system-configuration errors at startup; adjust BIOS settings once you’ve restarted.

Replace your phone

1 or tablet’s battery
2 1 The same symptoms of a failing laptop
battery affect phones and tablets. You can
check your battery’s health on an iPhone
2 or iPad by tapping Settings, Battery, then
Battery Health. Here you’ll see the
Maximum Capacity figure, which shows
how much charge your battery can now
hold compared with when it was new.
Generate a battery report for your laptop Check your battery’s Design Charge with what Apple typically recommends considering
using Command Prompt it can currently hold (Full Charge Capacity) a replacement once this drops below

62 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

80 per cent.
On Android, options often vary by
manufacturer, but you’ll usually find
Dispose of old batteries safely
information about your device’s battery Batteries contain toxic materials and – if see if this applies where you live.
condition under Settings, then Battery. damaged – can leak chemicals or even If your old battery is bulging, cracked
Android users can also install third- catch fire in household waste or landfill or leaking, you should handle it with care.
party apps, such as AccuBattery (www. sites, so it’s important to dispose of Wear gloves, avoid touching any residue,
snipca.com/56097). You may need to them properly. and place the battery in a plastic bag
change some of your device’s settings in Most supermarkets, electrical retailers, before taking it for disposal. If the battery
order for AccuBattery to work. Launch DIY stores and council recycling centres is built into your device, don’t try to extract
the app and tap the Battery Health tab. now provide bins for old batteries. Some it yourself. Instead, recycle the entire
If you see a warning at the top of the local councils may also collect small device through your council’s e-waste
screen, tap it and follow the instructions electronic items – including batteries – on collection, a retailer take-back scheme, or
to allow the app unrestricted access to bin day. Check your council’s website to your manufacturer’s recycling service.
your battery. You’ll also need to fully charge
your device at least once before the app
can estimate your battery health. cables. You’ll also find a link to a detailed
step-by-step guide to carrying out the
Will your manufacturer repair.
replace your battery? However, in many cases this process
If your battery fails while your device is can be fiddly, may void any remaining
still under warranty, you might qualify warranty and carries a real risk of causing
for a free replacement. This is unlikely damage. Taking your device to a local

Credit: Tekeurope
though because batteries usually start repair shop could be a safer option. Prices
wearing out long after your device’s vary, but expect to pay somewhere
warranty expires. But it’s worth checking, between £50–£150, depending on the
especially if you’ve taken out extended device and the shop itself. It’s worth
coverage. Apple, for example, offers free noting that some shops use cheaper This fake battery is revealed by its slightly
replacement iPhone batteries under third-party batteries to keep costs down. altered Lenovo logo
AppleCare+ if your existing battery’s For peace of mind, you could find an
capacity drops below 80 per cent (see official replacement battery yourself poorly or fail quickly. In the worst cases,
www.snipca.com/56101). and ask the shop to fit it for you. they lack important built-in safety
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, circuitry or use the wrong voltage, and
if a fault appears within six months of Buy replacement batteries therefore could pose a fire risk.
purchase the retailer has to prove the – and avoid fakes There are several ways to tell a
problem wasn’t inherent. That said, battery The safest option is to buy directly genuine battery from a dud. For starters,
degradation is usually considered wear through your manufacturer’s store or if it’s significantly cheaper than the
and tear, not a manufacturing defect. customer support. This guarantees manufacturer’s own, it’s almost certainly
So, unless the battery is faulty from the compatibility and safety, though it’s a fake. Also avoid any that don’t have a
outset, it’s unlikely to be covered by law. typically the most expensive route. brand name and are listed generically as
Outside of cover, you may be able to Aside from iFixit, there are other ‘OEM Manufacturer’.
get your manufacturer to replace your online stores that sell ‘compatible’ Counterfeit batteries try to mimic the
battery for a fee. Policies and prices replacement batteries, including Duracell design of the real deal, but there are often
vary, so check your device’s support Direct (www.snipca.com/56100) and small differences that expose them as
website. To give you an idea, Apple’s Allbatteries (www.allbatteries.co.uk) - fakes – so study the packaging and labels
UK battery service currently costs these are often a little cheaper than carefully. For example, the computer-
between £65 for older iPhones and £95 manufacturer originals. parts retailer Tekeurope found fake
for newer models. Samsung and other Amazon and eBay are often cheaper Lenovo batteries which had printed the
manufacturers, including Dell, HP too. The problem is that the market is company’s logo with a smaller ‘ovo’
and Asus also offer official paid-for flooded with fake batteries that perform (pictured above, www.snipca.com/56104).
replacement services, but prices vary Different manufacturers use specific
depending on the device. design techniques to identify real
batteries. HP uses holographic stickers
Can you replace it yourself? with shifting color bars; Lenovo often
If you have the necessary confidence prints FRU (Field Replaceable Unit)
and know-how, you can carry out the numbers and anti-tamper tags; while
replacement yourself. The best place to Apple includes engraved model info and
start is iFixit (www.ifixit.com), which barcodes matching system specifications.
provides repair kits for many types of And also check the serial number
device – click Store, then Parts on the of a battery with what’s listed on the
homepage and look for your model. manufacturer’s site – such as on this
These kits include not only the battery Check a battery’s serial number on the genuine Samsung phone battery
itself, but also all the necessary tools and manufacturer’s website (pictured left).

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 63

 Problems Solved
Our experts solve all your tech problems

PROBLEM OF THE FORTNIGHT

Can I move my old Serif PagePlus 7

program with updates to a new PC?
I’ve been taking your magazine
Q for many years and hope you
might be able to help. It looks
as though I’m going to have to replace
my Windows 10 desktop PC. I’ll be able
download most of the programs I use,
but I still make considerable use of
Serif PagePlus 7 desktop publishing
software (pictured below).
I have the original disc so I expect I
can install it on to the new PC, but
between the time the disc was issued
and the time PagePlus was
discontinued there were many updates
that I downloaded. Is there any way I
can locate these updates on my old PC
so I can add them to the ‘factory-fresh’
program that I will have installed to
the new PC from the CD-ROM?
Peter Wright

We get loads of questions Once copied to your new PC launch Serif PagePlus 7 by double-clicking ‘PagePlus.exe’
A about whether or not old
versions of software will or could be significantly less capable than So your best bet might be to bypass
can be made to run on new PCs, or what you currently have installed. reinstallation altogether. We can offer
new versions of Windows – but yours Regardless, the fundamental problem is no guarantees that the program itself
hits on a particularly interesting aspect. that PagePlus 7 (not the later X7 version) will work in a new Windows
That’s because it considers that the is 25 years old. Understandably, Serif no environment, but you’re unlikely to do
setup on your existing PC is different to longer supports this version. As such, any harm by copying the original
what’s on the original disc. Indeed, with there is no longer any legitimate way to program folder wholesale from your
untold updates and patches applied, download either the software itself, and old PC’s hard drive to your new one.
the factory-fresh version of PagePlus still less any of those many updates. And To do this, on your old PC, press
yes, while you might be able to Windows key+E to open File Explorer
install from the original then navigate to the program’s
CD-ROM, that won’t get you installation folder — almost certainly at
where you want to be. C:\Program Files (x86)\Serif\PP70.
But all might not be lost. Copy this entire folder to a USB stick or
Unlike modern programs that external drive. Then, on your new PC,
tend to deeply integrate with paste it into exactly the same location,
Windows via the registry and on your C drive.
hidden support folders, older Once done, you might need to use
programs like this were far File Explorer to navigate to a subfolder
more self-contained. They inside the Serif or PP70 folders, such as
typically lived in a single folder Program. Finally, launch the app by
and didn’t scatter their files double-clicking the relevant program
Older programs like Serif PagePlus 7 are easier to copy around the system the way file, which is likely to be ‘PagePlus.exe’
over from an older PC than modern ones modern software does. (see screenshot above) or similar.

64 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 Email us your problem and we’ll try to help:
noproblem@computeractive.co.uk

Can I recover a corrupted USB drive?

Like many others I have suffered (Admin)’. Next, at the command prompt,
Q from corrupted USB sticks
that makes them unreadable.
type diskpart and press Enter. Now type
list disk (with the space) and press Enter.
Usually I bite my lip and throw them Carefully note down the number assigned
away. However, recently my wife was too to the 1TB drive. You can identify this by
hasty in removing the USB plug from the checking the capacities listed under the
1TB external drive I use for backup. Size column.
Now the drive is not recognised by Next, type select disk X, replacing X
any Windows machine. The data on the with the relevant number for your
drive isn’t important, but is there any backup drive. For example, you might
way to recover it? need to type select disk 1 or select disk 2
Roy White (with both spaces). The next command
will instantly and irreversibly wipe the
It’s rare that corruption leads to selected drive so, first, double-check
A
In Disk Management right-click the Unallocated
a truly irrecoverable drive, but section and choose New Simple Volume that you’ve earmarked the correct one by
you might need to carry out a once more typing list disk and pressing
few tricks to make it appear or bring it New Simple Volume (see screenshot above). Enter. The selected drive will be marked
back to life. Follow the onscreen prompts to reformat by an asterisk.
First, press Windows key+X to open the the disk and assign it a drive letter. When you’re sure all is correct, type
Quick Link menu, then choose Disk If this doesn’t work, you’ll need to use clean and press Enter. Next, type create
Management. Look for a drive rectangle command-line instructions to recover the partition primary (with both spaces) and
labelled ‘RAW’ or Unallocated’. If the drive. Open the Quick Link menu again, press Enter. Finally, type format fs=ntfs
former, first right-click this rectangle and then in Windows 11, choose either quick and press Enter. You should now be
choose Delete Volume. Next, right-click ‘Windows Terminal (Admin)’ or, in able to see the drive in Disk Management
the Unallocated rectangle then choose Windows 10, ‘Windows PowerShell and do with it what you wish.

How can I secure my CCTV system from previous owners?

I am buying a property fitted Secure existing
Q with CCTV, which is included
as part of the purchase.
CCTV systems
by carrying out
a factory reset
Could you assist with general steps to
ensure the previous owner doesn’t
have remote or any form of access? I’m
sure I’m not the first person to have
this issue and won’t be the last!
Carol Pedder

This is an interesting question,

A but in general terms, there’s
really only one answer –
and that’s to make sure the system is
completely disconnected from mains
power and left unused.
Of course, you probably do want to
make use of the equipment. In that
case, you’ll need to investigate how to If you’re unsure how to do any of this, case, unless you’re prepared to take the
perform a factory reset of the control your only real option is to contact the previous owner’s word that they’ll have
unit and/or recording device. If it’s a manufacturer. This might be tricky, no further access after handover, we’re
modern, internet-enabled system, because local security firms obviously back to where we started: the safest
download the associated app or create come and go. If it turns out to be an old move is to disconnect the system
a new online account, and make sure (or even custom-built) system, the maker entirely from mains power, and
everything is set up from scratch. may no longer be in business. In that possibly remove it altogether.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 65

 Problems Solved
Why can’t I back up to my drive with
How can I get Norton? 1
my old printer
to work with my Q backed
For years I’ve
up my files
new desktop PC? hard drive using Norton
to my own local

I have both a Windows 11 software, but now it seems

Q desktop PC attached to a
colour printer, and an older
Norton will only allow
backup to the cloud. Firstly,
laptop that was hooked up to an HP is this true? Secondly, if so,
LaserJet 3600n printer. Sadly, that why? I don’t want to use the
laptop has died so I’d like to connect cloud – I want to to keep
the LaserJet to my desktop PC – but I control of my data locally. To create a local backup in Norton click this tab in the Cloud
can’t find the relevant drivers and Brian Rogers Backup section…
software. I know the printer is old
but it has plenty of toner left, and It’s both true and not. Late last later the company relented and brought
worked well. Personally, I wouldn’t
have bought a Windows 11 PC but it
A year, Norton did seem briefly to
take leave of its senses,
back the ability to create local backups.
However, the process must be handled
was a birthday present. effectively making local backups all but manually and it’s tricky to find – because
Elizabeth Landsburgh impossible to access – because the option it’s hidden in the Cloud Backup section!
would appear only if the user’s allocation So, to reach it, first click Security
This printer model is 20 of online storage had filled up. We imagine followed by Cloud Backup. Now, click to
A years old, and HP no longer
officially supports it. That
Norton decided to do this because storing
backups on its own cloud servers
select the ‘Local backups’ tab (see
screenshot 1 ). You’ll now see a ‘Create
might have convinced you that the effectively locked users into paying an local backup’ button (see screenshot 2 )
device won’t work in modern annual subscription indefinitely. – click this, and follow the onscreen
versions of Windows. However, the Following a user backlash, a few months instructions.
company helpfully states that it can
be made to work by installing the 2
Windows 8 drivers, while offering no
guarantee of smooth operation.
First, visit the HP support page,
at www.snipca.com/55728, then
click to expand the ‘Driver-USB (1)’
heading before clicking to download
the ‘HP LaserJet USB (DOT4)’ driver
(see screenshot below). Then, to
make it work with your 3600n
printer, just follow HP’s own
detailed instructions at www.snipca.
com/55729.

…then click the ‘Create local backup’ button and follow the instructions

Q: Can a caller stop me from

hanging up?
A: Issue 962, page 66 – find it on
our 2024 Back Issue CD
Download the ‘HP LaserJet USB (DOT4)’ Buy it from
driver from HP’s support page www.snipca.com/53433

66 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 Why is my laptop’s Ethernet connection so slow?
My HP 15-bw069na laptop 1 2
Q runs Windows 11. I recently
upgraded my internet speed to
1,000Mbps (1Gbps). Despite this, my
laptop Wi-Fi speed never creeps above
50Mbps, so I decided to connect it
using an Ethernet cable. However,
when running speed tests my laptop’s
Ethernet never goes above 200Mbps.
Using the same cable and router port
on my desktop PC, speeds are much
closer to 1Gbps. The laptop supposedly In Device Manager right-click the entry for your
has a gigabit Ethernet adapter, so laptop’s Ethernet adapter then click Properties…
…then in the Advanced tab turn off power-
what’s going on here? saving features that may be slowing your
Ronald Law default. Such throttles can apply even Ethernet connection
when on mains power.
We’ll start with a reminder To investigate, first press Windows Available options depend on the precise
A that all such speed claims are
always theoretical maximums,
key+X to open the Quick Link menu,
then choose Device Manager. Now,
specifications of your Ethernet adapter,
but look for options like Energy-Efficient
which are rarely, if ever, achieved in click to expand the ‘Network adapters’ Ethernet (see screenshot 2 ) and Power
real-world settings. However, a gigabit section and right-click the entry for your Saving Mode, and try disabling these.
Ethernet adapter should reliably laptop’s Ethernet adapter before choosing Also look for the ‘Speed & Duplex’
perform at speeds much greater than Properties (see screenshot 1 ). Next, click option, and ensure this is set up for ‘1.0
200Mbps – so there probably is to select the Advanced tab. Gbps Full Duplex’. This last one should
something holding it back. Here, you’ll find a whole range of work on your current setup, but if you
Because you’re using a laptop, the options affecting the performance of the connect to a different, less-capable
culprit is likely to be a power-saving Ethernet adapter, one or several of which network, you might need to switch it
feature, which might be turned on by might be contributing to the slowdown. back to Auto Negotiation.

Do authenticator
apps risk identity
theft?
I’m wary of authenticator apps.
Q I seldom used my phone for
logins because the screen’s too
small, and anyway I prefer proper
websites. So, I mainly log into accounts
via my desktop PC, laptop or iPad. Also,
Both Google’s (above) and Microsoft’s (right)
my phone may not be nearby when I’m authenticator apps are protected by PINs and
doing this. This makes me think that biometric locks
authenticator apps will just be a nuisance
for me. Is this a case of moving forward your phone. But in return, you get far
by going backwards in terms of ease of use? better security than using just a password
Also, if someone steals a phone with an or even text-message two-factor
authenticator app on it does this make it authentication, which are easier for those authenticator app’s security, then yes,
easier for them to log into my sites? in the know to intercept or spoof. identity theft becomes a real risk.
Does it risk identity theft? For now, I’m You’re also right that a stolen phone But realistically, the odds of someone
avoiding all requests to use one. could pose a risk. Fortunately, most managing that are far lower than them
Rod Broad authenticator apps, including Google’s cracking a plain old password. So, yes,
(pictured above) and Microsoft’s (above authenticator apps are a step back in
It’s true that authenticator apps right), are protected by PIN or biometric convenience but on the whole we think
A add a bit more hassle, especially
if you don’t usually log in on
locks. However, if a thief somehow got
past both your phone’s lock and the
they’re worth the slight extra toil. See
Issue 717 (page 62) for our top choices.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 67

 Problems Solved
Is my antivirus McAfee advises
customers to

software blocking uninstall its

software when
updating Windows
Windows updates?
I recently had a problem with
Q my desktop PC not receiving
Windows updates. A local tech
guy said it could be down to my McAfee
antivirus, and that uninstalling it might
help. I didn’t really want to uninstall
McAfee, but to his credit, his advice
worked. I’m now relying on Microsoft
Defender and things like uBlock Origin
for web protection. I’m not sure whether temporarily disable or even uninstall a During that time, Microsoft Defender
to reinstall McAfee at the risk of losing tool to perform a major update. Indeed, steps in to keep things safe – as is
updates again? I do pay a subscription to McAfee itself advises customers to currently the case on your PC.
McAfee, but my confidence and loyalty uninstall its software when upgrading Finally, if you were previously happy
has been rather shaken. Windows (www.snipca.com/55727 – with McAfee and are still paying the
Lynne Sharpe see screenshot) subscription, then just reinstall it. It’s a
So, while it’s both true and unfortunate reliable security tool and, if it causes you
The very nature of how security that your PC’s defences might be briefly update problems in the future, it’s not
A software works means that it’s
sometimes necessary to
lowered, disabling third-party security
programs is sometimes unavoidable.
such a great effort to temporarily once
more disable or uninstall it.

Why is Cloudflare letting spammers send emails?

What’s happening with web- 1
Q security firm Cloudflare,
whose website (www.
cloudflare.com) claims “leading
companies depend” on it? I use SpamCop
to report and block spam and I’ve
noticed the hosting service of choice
for many spammers seems to be
Cloudflare. Most of this spam is either
offensive or from scammers with fake
retail offers. What action can be taken?
Edward Moss 2

Cloudflare is a large, trusted

A company used by many
legitimate sites. However,
Submit your complaint
about Cloudflare hosting
the very nature of how it works – spammers via the
company’s website
being what’s known as a proxy –
means that its services can also be a
benefit to spammers. This is because it
allows them to hide their true server
details. Cloudflare neither hosts nor
scrutinises the content because it
positions itself as neutral.
That said, it has in the past acted 8chan, an anonymous website known https://abuse.cloudflare.com (see
on the back of overwhelming public for hosting extremist content. The screenshot 1 ). Don’t expect overnight
opinion or law-enforcement requests. company explained why on its blog at action but, if enough people complain
For example, a few years ago, www.snipca.com/55730. about particular spam messages (see
following a spate of mass shootings, The only thing you can do, as a user, screenshot 2 ), the company might
Cloudflare suspended services to is submit your own complaint, via eventually do something about them.

68 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

 ?? WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN...
All the different Thunderbird services?
Thanks for the Problems strong privacy as a key selling point.
Q Solved section about all
the confusing different
We say ‘likely’ because, though it was
announced back in April, it’s yet to
versions of Outlook in Issue 712 launch.
(page 69). As a Thunderbird user, Similarly, Thunderbird Send sounds
I’ve been able to ignore Microsoft’s like a server to transfer large files, similar
confusing product range – but now to WeTransfer. But, again, it hasn’t
Thunderbird seems to be heading the yet launched – so we’re still in the
same way with its new services (www. dark. The same goes for Appointment,
snipca.com/55948). with no firm details on if or how it’ll
Thundermail seems to be a webmail think we need a clearer explanation! integrate with other calendars, such as
and storage service, like Gmail or GMX. Cliff Grover Google or Outlook. Ditto Thunderbird
Do we really need another or can We agree that Mozilla, Assist, though we suspect it will claim
Thunderbird capitalise on its
reputation for privacy? And is
A Thunderbird’s developer, seems
intent on muddying its own
to use AI to help you manage your inbox.
Finally, we think at least with
Thunderbird Send for sending, sharing branding in true Microsoft style. The reason Thunderbird Pro we can be a little
or something else? And will it work is that it wants Thunderbird to be seen as more certain, because Mozilla states
outside Thunderbird? more than an email client. Through this it that it’s an umbrella term for all the
Thunderbird Appointment seems hopes to be able to market a whole suite aforementioned services. As for where
promising, but wouldn’t it be easier as of products and services. it all goes from here, we can only wait
a Calendar upgrade? And will it work Thundermail is probably the easiest to and see.
with Google Calendar? I lost interest in grasp, as it’s likely to be just a webmail Want to know the difference between
Thunderbird Assist as soon as I saw ‘AI’ front end for Thunderbird, much like technical terms? Email noproblem@
but what exactly is Thunderbird Pro? I Gmail or Outlook.com – but, yes, with computeractive.co.uk

How do I turn ‘Memory integrity’ back on?

I’ve been a subscriber for years Switching off ‘Memory
Q and your advice has helped me
many times. My current problem
integrity’ will not enable
the installation of older,
non-compatible software
is with my Windows 11 laptop. I installed
Acronis backup software and during
the installation it asked me to switch
off the ‘Memory integrity’ feature (see
screenshot), found in Windows Security should be able to switch the
under ‘Core isolation’ within ‘Device ‘Memory integrity’ slider
security’. This was to enable the back on – and then just
installation to finish. I did this and it restart your PC for the
worked, but I then learned my copy of back on until these traces are removed. change to take effect.
Acronis was too old to run on my laptop. From the screenshots you sent us we
I then uninstalled it and tried to re- could just make out that the two offending ON SALE
enable ‘Memory integrity’. However,
I can’t do this because I get a warning
files are ‘tib.sys’ and ‘tib_mounter.sys’.
There are indeed known problems with Next Issue Weds
24 Sep
about incompatible Acronis drivers. Can both of these files and ‘Core isolation’. As
you tell me how to rectify this? they relate only to one specific feature of • Why does my laptop shut
Diane Pole Acronis, had the program still been installed down when gaming?
you could’ve fixed the problem by •W
 hy doesn’t my PC
For whatever reason, your old renaming the files. But in your case, you recognise my camcorder?
A version of Acronis did not
uninstall entirely cleanly – so
can just delete them.
To do this, press Windows key+E to
•C
 an I add an NPU?
...And many more
Windows is detecting a couple of leftover open File Explorer, then navigate to C:\
files. As these are incompatible with ‘Core Windows\System32\drivers. Locate each Subscribe to Computeractive at
isolation’, the operating system will not file in turn and press the Delete (Del) key www.getcomputeractive.co.uk
allow ‘Memory integrity’ to be switched to remove them. Once they’re gone, you

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2025 69

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Problems Solved
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

Why can’t I sign in – simply follow our original

2
after wiping my laptop? instructions in Issue 710’s
I’ve tried to wipe my old Dell Cover Feature.
Q Inspiron laptop following your
instructions in Issue 710’s Cover
If you can’t see your user
account name on the login 1
Feature (‘Wipe all your old devices’). screen, it may be that the reset
The procedure appeared to have been procedure has worked and erased
completed and the machine switched all the data stored on your
off. When I restarted it, it asked for a computer – including any local
If you see ‘2502 / 2503’ error codes during an
password in the normal way. But having user accounts, which could installation, make sure the ‘Full control’ box for the
entered this, I got the message: ‘The user explain why Windows is now Windows/Temp folder is ticked
Profile Service failed the sign-in. User unable to locate your account
profile cannot be loaded.’ So, I’m stuck. when you try to log in. seeing. Open File Explorer and navigate
Can you help please? In either case, we’d suggest following to This PC/Local Disk (C:\)/Windows.
Richard Palmer our advice in the Cover Feature and taking Inside this folder, you should find the
the additional precaution of running Temp folder ( 1 in our screenshot above)
Are you still seeing your Windows ShredOS (www.snipca.com/54711) on – right-click this and select Properties.
A account username above the
password box on the Windows
your computer before selling or disposing Click the Security tab, then click
of it. This will erase everything from your Advanced. You may need to click Continue
login screen? If so, this may mean you computer, including Windows itself. in the window that opens to proceed.
haven’t successfully wiped your computer ShredOS boots and runs from a USB stick, Now click the Administrators entry in
using Windows’ built-in Reset tool. so you won’t need to log into Windows to the list of ‘Permission entries’ then the
To fix this, hold down the Shift key, use it. See page 51 of Issue 710’s Cover Edit button. In the next window, make
then click the power icon in the lower- Feature to find out how to use it. sure there’s a tick in the box next to ‘Full
right corner of the login screen and select control’ 2 , then click OK three times and
Restart. On the blue ‘Choose an option’ Why can’t I download try installing SoftMaker FreeOffice again.
screen that opens, click Troubleshoot, SoftMaker?
then ‘Reset this PC’ (see screenshot Having sought a change from Why can’t I access the
below) and choose the ‘Keep my files’
option. Select your user account when
Q LibreOffice, I tried SoftMaker
(www.softmaker.com) – as
Windscribe website?
I’m trying to install the
prompted, then enter your password
and click Continue. Choose the ‘Local
you recommended in Issue 713’s Cover
Feature ‘Best free software you’ll master
Q Windscribe VPN from www.
snipca.com/55267, as you
reinstall’ option, then click Reset and in minutes’. But my computer showed recommended in Issue 713’s ‘10 PC
wait for the process to complete. the error code ‘2502 / 2503’ when I tried mistakes we’ve finally stopped making’
You should be able to log into Windows to install it. What went wrong? feature (page 62). But when I type this
as normal at this point. From here you Dennis Maitland URL in my browser’s address bar, I get a
can attempt the full reset procedure again message that it cannot connect due to
First, you’ll need to make sure lack of a secure connection. Please help.
A you download the correct
software – SoftMaker Office
Ron Duncan

(available via the URL you mention) and The snipca URL works fine for
SoftMaker FreeOffice are two distinct
products. In 713’s Cover Feature, we
A us, using Edge as our browser,
with no third-party security
recommended the latter, which you can tools installed, so it’s possible this could
download from the URL we published in be a browser or security-tool issue. You
the feature (www.snipca.com/55249). could try typing the full, unshortened
If you’re still having problems, it could URL for the free version of Windscribe
be that your Windows Temp folder has (https://windscribe.com/features/use-for-
If you can’t log into your PC, hold down the
Shift key to restart it and choose ‘Reset this the wrong access permissions – this is free) to see if this helps. Or you could try
PC’ in the Troubleshoot options often what causes the error codes you’re an alternative web browser.

Issue 718 • 10 – 23 September 2022 71

 Jargon Buster
1080p High-definition video: Cookie A small text file stored on GPS Global positioning system. Machine learning The science of
1920x1080 pixels. your computer by a website. Used Satellite-based navigational teaching computers how to learn
to store browsing preferences, system. by themselves, without further
32bit/64bit A measure of how website log-ins and more. human input.
much data a PC can process at Graphics card A component in a
once. Most older computers are Copilot+ An enhanced version computer that produces the image mAh Milliamp hours. A unit that
32bit, more modern ones are 64bit. of Microsoft’s Copilot AI tool. Also shown on the monitor. measures (electric) power over
used to classify Windows 11 time. The higher the mAh, the
3G/4G/5G Technologies that computers with a neural HDMI A type of connection that longer a battery will last.
deliver faster mobile broadband. processing unit (NPU) that transmits high-definition video and
can perform over 40 trillion audio signals. MicroSD card A small type of
4K Video with a resolution of at operations per second (TOPS). memory card.
least 3840x2160 pixels. HDR High Dynamic Range.
Cryptocurrency A digital currency Screen technology that improves NAS Network-attached storage. A
720p A common resolution of not backed by any country. the range of luminance between hard drive attached to a network
high-definition video: 1280x720 the darkest and brightest parts. that can be shared with other PCs.
pixels. Dark web Websites that can
only be accessed using special HTML Hypertext Markup NPU Neural processing unit.
Architecture A set of rules software such as the Tor Browser. Language. The language used to Specialised chip designed for
and language that govern how write most web pages. performing AI tasks.
hardware and software work. DCI-P3 A colour space that has a
wider spectrum than sRGB. Hz Hertz. Measures the frequency OCR Optical character recognition.
AMOLED Active-Matrix Organic something happens: 1Hz equals The process by which printed text
Light-Emitting Diode. An Distro A version of the Linux OS once a second. is scanned and converted into
alternative technology to LCD for and the programs that go with it. documents that can be edited.
creating flat-panel displays. Most Incognito mode A browser mode
commonly used in smartphones, Dolby Atmos Surround-sound that doesn’t save your internet OCuLink Connectivity standard
tablets and smartwatches. technology that adds ‘height’ to history, so other people using your that allows high-speed data
the audio through speakers built computer can’t see which sites transfers between devices using
Benchmarking Comparing into the top of devices. you’ve visited. PCI Express.
software and products with an
accepted standard. Dolby Vision Dolby’s HDR (High IP68 International Protection Open source Software that can
Dynamic Range) screen marking. The ‘6’ denotes that a be modified by anyone.
BIOS Basic Input-Output System. technology. device is resistant to dust, general
Software built into every PC that dirt and sand. The ‘8’ indicates Package manager A program
connects the vital components. It’s Driver A file that tells Windows how that it can be placed underwater that helps automate the process
visible for a few seconds when the to work with an external device. for 30 minutes at depths of up to of installing, updating, configuring
PC starts. 1.5m without effect. and removing software packages.
Dual boot To set up a PC with two
cd/m2 Candela per square metre. operating systems. IP address Internet Protocol Partition A large hard drive can be
Standard unit of brightness. address. A unique set of numbers split into two or more partitions or
Dual-band A Wi-Fi router that used to identify computers and ‘virtual’ drives.
Chatbot An AI computer program works on two bands: 2.4 and 5GHz. websites on the internet.
designed to recreate conversation PDF 2.0 Latest version of the
with human users, especially over Emoji A small graphic that can be IPS A screen technology. Monitors PDF standard, introduced in 2017.
the internet. inserted into a text message or email. that use it have wider viewing Improves encryption, accessibility
angles and better, more accurate and compatibility.
Client A program that acts as an Ethernet A standard used for colours than monitors that do not
interface between PC and server. almost all wired computer networks. use this technology. Picture-in-picture Shows video
in a small moveable screen while
Clone In image-editing software Factory reset Restoring a device LED Light-emitting diode. An you browse the web or watch TV.
the clone tool allows you to to the manufacturer’s default electronic device that emits light.
copy one area and paint it over settings. Ping A way to measure how
another. LLM Large language model. quickly your device gets a
False positive When an antivirus A type of artificial intelligence response after sending a request
CMOS Complementary metal- program wrongly detects a algorithm that analyses huge for information via the internet.
oxide semiconductor. A battery malware infection. amounts of data sets to
that powers the BIOS firmware summarise and create content. Plug-in A small program that
in your laptop. When a laptop GEDCOM Short for Genealogical adds extra features to software.
is unplugged, BIOS relies on the Data Communication. A file format Local dimming A screen
CMOS battery for power. used by genealogy programs to technology that allows parts of POLED Plastic Organic Light-
share data. the screen to dim or brighten Emitting Diode. A type of OLED
Command Prompt A text-based independently, create a more screen that uses flexible plastic
interface in Windows for writing GHz Gigahertz. A measure of detailed, distinct image. instead of glass, making it thinner,
commands that perform specific how many instructions a chip can lighter and more versatile for
tasks. process per second. Lumen A measure of brightness. curved or foldable designs.

72 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718

PopCnt Population Count. A Refurbished A second-hand TPM A chip that stores keys which Virtual machine A software-
method for counting the number device that has been repaired by encrypt data on your hard drive. based computer running inside
of ones in a binary number. its manufacturer so that it can be another computer.
Typically used for encryption. resold and reused. Travel The distance the keys of
a keyboard have to be pressed VPN Virtual private network.
PowerShell A Windows tool for Scart A standard connector for before the keystroke is recognised. Keeps all internet communication
automating commands. video and audio signals. safe and private.
Tri-band A router that broadcasts
Product key A unique serial Script A short program that is on three radio bands – 2.4GHz, WAN Wide Area Network. Exists
number issued by software stored on a web server to control 5GHz and 6GHz. over a large geographical area.
companies that must be typed in part of a website.
by the user before a program will Two-factor authentication Wi-Fi 7 Faster successor to Wi-Fi
launch for the first time. Secure Boot A security standard A system that uses two different 6, with an estimated maximum
designed to make sure your PC means to identify the user. For speed of around 46Gbps.
RAM The computer’s working avoids malware when booting. example, a code sent to your
area, used for data storage while phone in addition to a password. Widget A small program such
the PC is switched on. SSD Solid-state drive. Storage that as a calendar that runs on the
uses no moving parts. UEFI A modern replacement for Windows desktop.
Ransomware Malware run by the BIOS
hackers who lock files on a PC Thunderbolt A very fast port for XLSX The default file format for
and demand a payment to connecting external storage to a PC. Ultra HD Ultra high definition. Microsoft Excel since version
release them. Resolution of 3840x2160. 2007.
Tooltip A small message that
Read To access data saved on a appears when the cursor hovers USB 2.0/3.0/3.1/3.2/4.0 Faster XML Extensible Markup
computer. over an option. successors to USB. Language. A versatile type of
document that can store various
Refresh rate Measured in Hertz TOPS Trillion operations USB-C A connector that’s reversible. types of information.
(Hz), the number of times per per second. A measure of a
second that the image on your PC’s processing power when VESA A standard mount for attaching ZIP file A file that contains
monitor is redrawn. performing AI tasks. monitors on to stands, walls and PCs. compressed documents or files.
 Easy when you
Know How
Worried that Google Photos is analysing his personal
pictures, Robert Irvine tries to…

Back up photos to a private server

I
’ve always regarded the Started. I entered an
Memories feature in admin email address,
Google Photos with a 1 password and name,
warm feeling of nostalgic clicked ‘Sign up’ and
delight. Its slideshows of logged in.
relaxing holidays, beloved After configuring a
pets and old friends have few settings, I clicked
been welcome reminders ‘Done’ and Immich
of times gone by.
2 loaded in my browser. Its
That changed the other day 3 layout was very similar to
when the Memories carousel the Google Photos web
displayed an embarrassing interface, with many of
photo of me wearing a white the same options in the
vest. I can’t recall taking this left-hand menu.
selfie, nor of sporting the I noted a Map feature,
mystery undershirt while Robert used Immich to set up a private server for his photos with 236GB of which shows the
storage
scowling at the camera. But locations photos were
Google Photos clearly deemed the perfect replacement for Google Photos taken, and a handy tool in the Utilities
moment memorable enough to bring it (see www.snipca.com/55986). section ( 1 in our screenshot) for
up now with the caption ‘8 years since… However, even Immich devotees warn reviewing duplicate images. In my
[you looked silly in a vest]’. it’s tricky to set up, which proved to account settings, I found further useful
be the case. I first downloaded Docker features including facial recognition.
Desktop for Windows (www.snipca. Of course, none of these were of any
com/55987), a tool used by developers use until I’d actually added some photos.
to run software ‘containers’. I installed Immich doesn’t offer an option for
the program, ticking the boxes for importing from Google Photos, so I
Even Immich devotees installing WSL 2 components and clicked the Upload button 2 and selected
running containers, then restarted my images from my PC.
warn it’s tricky to set up, PC. I then ran Docker Desktop, signed up These uploaded speedily and without
for a free account and left it running in any problems, and Immich organised
as I soon discovered the background. them by date – just like Google Photos
Next, I visited Immich’s GitHub page, does. I then installed Immich’s Android
found the latest release at www.snipca. app (www.snipca.com/55990 – there’s
com/55988 and downloaded the files also an iOS app: www.snipca.com/55991)
‘docker-compose.yml’ and ‘example.env’, to back up photo albums from my phone.
This got me wondering what else as instructed by a helpful post on Reddit. This required signing into my server at
Google Photos ‘remembers’ about where I moved them to a new folder that I labelled http://[my IP address]:2283.
I’ve been and when, and what I was ‘Immich’, and still following the advice, I was pleased to see my storage limit
wearing. I know Google uses AI to scan renamed the file ‘example.env’ as ‘.env’. was a huge 237GB 3 – basically the size of
your pictures for various reasons. But I now right-clicked an empty area in my SSD because I was hosting my own
seeing my exposed shoulders made me the folder, chose ‘Open in Terminal’ to server. That’s much more than the 15GB
question the wisdom of trusting my launch PowerShell and typed the I get from Google Photos.
personal photos to a company hardly command docker compose up -d. On Immich was tough to set up, and
renowned for respecting users’ privacy. pressing Enter, a bunch of Immich requires running Docker Desktop every
Although there are alternative photo- container files started downloading, time you want to access your server.
storage services, I decided the best indicating I was doing something right. But being a vest-wearing hard type I got
solution would be to back up my Once the downloads were complete, there in the end and it was definitely
pictures to my own private server using I opened my browser, typed http:// worth the effort.
Immich (www.immich.app). This free localhost:2283 and pressed Enter. Need help with backing up your photo
open-source project from a German Amazingly, this opened the Immich collections? Let us know: noproblem@
developer has been described as the welcome page, where I clicked Getting computeractive.co.uk

74 10 – 23 September 2025 • Issue 718 Next issue: Robert tries to create a smart light switch
9000