Computeractive

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

Computeractive

From the Editor

Don’t download Spotify files warn experts after huge hack • The top stories in the world of technology

File Explorer ditches duplicate checks for faster searches

Illegal TV streamers get email warnings of prosecution

Google to let you change your Gmail address

TOMORROW’S WORLD

IN BRIEF

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

Amazon lets authors remove DRM for ebooks

YouTube removes channels showing fake AI film trailers

Soaring memory costs restrict mid-range laptops to 8GB RAM

Ofcom to investigate BT and Three over nationwide outages

Is your smart TV spying on you? • They take screenshots of what you watch twice every second

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

New tools • NordVPN detects dodgy links in emails

ScamWatch • Readers warn readers

Letters • Tell us what’s on your mind

2026 will be the year of refurbished PCs

Sky finally upgrades reader stuck on 20Mbps

Consumeractive • We stand up for your legal rights

Cartridge King replaced my cartridges within 48 hours

Grow Your Family Tree • If you’ve hit a brick wall, seek the assistance of 300,000 fellow genealogists. Richard Holt explains how to…

Best Free Software • Robert Irvine recommends new programs that won’t cost you a thing

SHOULD I PAY FOR…? • Choose the right version of software

What should I download? • We advise you which software and apps to use

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

SocialPharma

Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini x Gen 10 • Flat out

TP-Link Archer GE400 • Dual disappointment

OnePlus Pad Go 2 • Good 2 Go

TerraMaster F2-425 • Call for backup

DIMMs

Acer Predator XB273K V5 • Screen play

What’s the best refurbished phone for under £100? • We solve your buying dilemmas

Google Nest Cam Indoor (Wired) • AI eye

Tribit PocketGo • Hear we go

TCL 50C6KS-UK • Watch it!

A Commodore 64 in 2026?

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

Win 1 of 4 Pure Classic Aura Bluetooth speakers

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

HOW TO… Stop squinting at your phone

Navigate your PC faster than Windows Start menu

Readers’ Tips • Handy hints and tips from your fellow readers

Browser Tips • Secret settings and the best extensions

AI Tips • Clever new tools and tweaks

What you should install this fortnight

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

Accessing the Internet Archive

Make Windows Better • Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better • Top tips for the best office programs

Turn slides into videos with Google Vids • Run a club or society? Here’s how your tech can make it easier

5D memory crystal • New storage outlives SSDs, USBs, M-DISCs and probably humans too

AMAZING FREE APPS… • Beat Amazon and Google’s restrictions by sideloading apps from outside their official...