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WHY WE’VE UPDATED
OUR PDF SOFTWARE RECORD
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New version adds superb tools p18
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8 OCT 2024
ISSUE 693 ❘ 25 SEPT –

TV SHOWS
Do it NOW
before R

every issue
you get
Learn something new in
Queasy listening – page
21 blocked p62

WINDOWS
is
10
We explain your SEVEN main options
— but which is right for you?
1. Upgrade to Windows 11 now p50
2. Upgrade to Windows 11 later
3. Buy a brand-new computer
4. Buy a refurbished computer
5. Ditch Windows for ChromeOS
6. Ditch Windows for Linux
7. Or... KEEP USING WINDOWS 10!

PLUS DUMP CHROME FOR THIS

PLAY MP3s THROUGH p35 AMAZING NEW BROWSER
YOUR CAR’S BLUETOOTH It might be even better than Brave p38
WELCOME
EDITORIAL
Content Director Marc Chacksfield
Group Editor Daniel Booth
From the Editor
Deputy Editor Robert Irvine
Production Editor Graham Brown Former Microsoft developer Jerry Nixon confident they’d never need to switch
Art Editor Katie Peat has a lot to answer for. During a tech again – and certainly not to Windows 11.
Contributors Keumars Afifi-Sabet, Judith Batchelor, Dinah
Greek, Jonathan Parkyn, Nik Rawlinson, Andy Shaw conference in May 2015 he called Windows That, in short, is why Windows 10 is
ADVERTISING
10 the “last version” of the operating still running on around 800 million
Advertising Manager Alexandra Thomas system. His casual remark was widely computers, despite support ending in just
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION reported as a shift in Microsoft’s strategy over 12 months. A lot of users now need to
Subscriptions Sheri Taubes towards Windows as a continuously decide what to do. They should start by
PRODUCTION updated service, rather than a one-off reading Robert Irvine’s suggestions in our
Head of Production Stephen Catherall download. Cover Feature. The first six explain how to
Senior Production Manager Lawrence Brookes
The problem is that while Microsoft move on, while the seventh reveals how to
INTERNATIONAL LICENSING AND SYNDICATION
acknowledged this change, it never keep Windows 10 alive for even longer.
Computeractive is available for licensing and syndication.
To find out more contact us at licensing@futurenet.com or officially said Windows 10 would be the What are your plans? Let us know.
view our available content at www.futurecontenthub.com. final version. But the damage had been Daniel Booth
Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw
done. Millions of people upgraded to it editor@computeractive.co.uk
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Computeractive at the time of review. Computeractive
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THIS ISSUE IN NUMBERS HOW TO USE
Distributed by Marketforce
74% SNIPCA URLs
Average sales, Jan-Dec 2023 52,670
copies per issue. Point at which Windows updates always We use snipcas to turn long URLs
pause for one reader - p65 that are hard to type into ones that
are short and simple. They aren’t
£25 140MB/s websites themselves, which means
How much Speed of the they won’t be recognised if you type
you ‘owe’ in Netgear’s them into Google. Instead, you need to
new unpaid Nighthawk type them into your browser address
parking fine RS300 Wi-Fi 7 bar, then press Enter. Doing this will
scam - p11 router - p26 take you to the correct website.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 3

 Contents
25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

6 News Govt asks ISPs to offer ‘up to’

8-hour battery backup

10 Question of the Fortnight

Will it finally be easier to switch broadband?

11 Protect Your Tech

‘Unpaid parking fine’ texts

12 Letters Why Microsoft might ‘blink’ and

extend Windows 10 support

14 Consumeractive How ‘late’ does a

missed appointment have to be?
p10
16 Grow Your Family Tree
Search Household Cavalry records Take the easy way out

18 Best Free Software

PDFgear 2.1.8 Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5
21 Named & Shamed Marketing firm CMG p22
claims to listen to your phone’s mic

Reviews
22 Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5
Customised all-in-one PC has got it made

23 MSI Cubi NUC 1M

Basic mini PC uses chip off an old block

24 PCSpecialist 14 Lafité AI AMD

14in laptop is a picture of health

25 Samsung Smart Monitor M8

TV-PC monitor offers double vision PCSpecialist
14 Lafité AI AMD
26 Netgear Nighthawk RS300 pxx
Wi-Fi 7 router covers all your bases p24

28 HP 325 FHD
Budget webcam takes a dim view
Ultimea Poseidon D50
Soundbar system has you surrounded

29 Ruark Audio R1S Smart Radio

Digital radio is a real station master

30 Buy It/Competition Win a Ugreen

Revodok Pro 313 docking station

4 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 SAVE
Subscribe now! 35%
See page 58 for our special subs offer

Workshops & Tips Tyre tracks

p35
35 
How to… Set up a music system
in your car

38 
Use Arc’s ‘spaces’ tool to
improve your browsing

40 R
 eaders’ Tips Use Ordnance Survey’s
new Locate Me tool

42 Browser Tips
Chat with Google Gemini in a side panel

44 Phone and Tablet Tips

Reply to emails instantly in Gmail

46 Make Windows Better

Change colours of map in Weather app

47 Make Office Better

Delete all formatting from Word pages

48 In the Club
WINDOWS 10
is
Create an event in WhatsApp Communities

49 What’s All the Fuss About?

Bluetooth 6.0 We explain your CO
FEATVER
UR
50 COVER FEATURE SEVEN main options P50 E
Windows 10 is doomed!
With time running out on the operating — but which is right
system, we outline your best options for a
safer, smoother post-W10 future for you?
60 Protect your home with a smart lock
Keep burglars at bay with keyless tech
that’s convenient, affordable and secure
Protect your home with a
Smart lock
62 Record and save TV shows
Streaming is all well and good, but we
explain why recording TV and films to
watch when you want puts you in control

64 Problems Solved
How do I monitor my network traffic?

71 Reader Support
Did Brave update stop Shields working?
p60
72 Jargon Buster
Lose your
74 Easy When You Know How Robert keys
Irvine converts risky files into safe PDFs

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 5

 News The top stories in the world of technology

Govt asks ISPs to offer

‘up to’ 8-hour battery backup
T
he Government has landlines continue working actual talk time. The more you
called on internet during power cuts because talk on the line, the quicker
providers to offer they can be remotely powered the battery will run out.
backup batteries that last for from the telephone exchange. By contrast, Virgin Media
“up to” eight hours, to help However, electricity can’t offers an Emergency Backup
users stay online during pass through the fibre cables Line battery for up to eight
power cuts once their used by new digital phones, hours on standby, and one-
landlines are replaced by so they need an alternative hour talk time.
digital phones. source of power if there’s In a letter to the bosses of
The current copper an outage. major providers, telecoms providers offer around four
Most internet providers minister Sir Chris Bryant hours as “good practice”.
WHAT WE THINK already offer battery backups (pictured above right) asked
to keep customers connected them to give a “clear plan” by How to get a
We welcome Sir Chris Bryant during power cuts, but some the end of September for battery backup
raising this issue with internet last much longer than others. “moving to best-in-class BT sells its battery for £85
providers, but we can’t see BT’s Battery Backup Unit battery backup solutions, (www.snipca.com/50033),
Ofcom raising the minimum (pictured below), for example, lasting up to eight hours”. though vulnerable customers
requirement to eight hours provides only one hour – He said he was “particularly can request a free backup unit
when it’s currently just which is the minimum concerned” about customers by calling BT customer service
one hour. It’s more likely a requirement stated by in rural areas who lack decent on 0800 800 150, and by
compromise will be agreed regulator Ofcom. However, mobile signals and are “also recording their vulnerabilities
of two to four hours. These this refers to standby time, not the most likely to suffer long – such as age, disability and
units will be cheaper for power outages”. remote location – in their
companies to offer to Ofcom has already examined My BT account.
vulnerable customers. If they the possibility of forcing BT plans to launch an
were forced to supply eight providers to ensure their street Advanced Battery Backup Unit
hours, some small providers cabinets had a four-hour backup, later this year to “last for the
might buckle under the cost but concluded it would cost full duration of most power
and stop offering digital the companies too much to outages” – though it doesn’t
phones at all. install new equipment. give a specific time.
Instead, Ofcom recommended Virgin Media doesn’t sell its
Emergency Backup Line to the
public, but it’s available to
‘DON’T MOVE CUSTOMERS UNTIL 2025’
vulnerable customers by
Chris Bryant also asked people would be left with avoid anyone further coming calling 150 from a Virgin
internet providers not to telecare systems that wouldn’t to harm as a result of this Media home phone or 0345
resume moving some work. process.” 454 1111 from any other phone
“non-voluntary” customers to These concerns were However, he said he’s (see www.snipca.com/52065).
digital for the rest of the year. the main reason the copper “content” with non-voluntary TalkTalk also provides a
His request follows switch-off deadline was delayed switches if the customers backup unit (www.snipca.
broadband firms pausing earlier this year from December haven’t used their landlines in com/52066), which you can
schemes that switched all 2025 to January 2027. more than 12 months because ask for by calling 0345 172
customers regardless of Bryant said: “Safety must be “these customers are not 0088. Sky has yet to offer one.
whether they had requested our top priority, and I want to test ‘landline-users’ by common
Have you got a battery backup
it, over fears that vulnerable that we have done all we can to understanding”. unit ready? Let us know:
letters@computeractive.co.uk

You’ll like this… but not this…

Thunderbolt 5 will increase file-transfer YouTube is showing adverts when you press
speeds to 120Gbps (www.snipca.com/52064) pause on smart TVs (www.snipca.com/52055)

6 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

EE launches its first IN BRIEF

Wi-Fi 7 home router WATCH REWIND TV

ON FREEVIEW
Nostalgia TV channel Rewind

E E customers can now

upgrade to the company’s
first Wi-Fi 7 router, the Smart
Wi-Fi 7 routers for customers,
while manufacturers like
Netgear are making faster
has launched on Freeview,
letting you watch shows
from the 1960s to the 90s.
Hub Pro. When used with EE’s alternatives for around £300 Available on channel 95,
new signal booster, called (see page 26). it includes The Prisoner,
Smart WiFi Pro, it can deliver Both the router and the Whicker’s World, Drop the
“gigabit Wi-Fi throughout the booster will be available to Dead Donkey (pictured),
home” the company said. new customers signing up Jason King, Dick Turpin and
However, it promised a to EE’s Full Fibre packages, The Tony Hancock Show. It
minimum speed “in every which offer speeds up to launched on Sky Q (channel
room” of only 100Mbps. If it 1.6Gbps, as well as a paid-for uses AI to reduce energy 190) in May. Watch a trailer at
fails to hit this, you can get “add-on” for existing demand on the National Grid www.snipca.com/52033.
some money back. customers. Check if you can by putting phone cells to
Wi-Fi 7 is much faster than get Full Fibre at www.snipca. ‘sleep’ when not being used.
Wi-Fi 6, and can cope with com/52044. The network is available on
more devices connected at EE also announced a new EE’s new All Rounder and
the same time. 5G ‘standalone’ phone network Full Works pay-monthly
Broadband providers are covering 15 cities throughout mobile packages (www.
now beginning to launch the UK (see box below). It snipca.com/52046).
EE said it provides “near
uninterrupted outdoor
WHERE EE’S NEW 5G IS AVAILABLE
coverage” and lets customers RAKUTEN TV APP
••Bath
Belfast
••Cardiff
Edinburgh
••Leicester
Liverpool
“make calls and use data
in areas where it wasn’t
COMES TO VIRGIN
Virgin Media customers with
••
Birmingham
Bradford
••
Glasgow
Hull
••
London
Manchester
possible before”.
Read more about both
a Stream or TV 360 box can
now watch the Rakuten app
•
Bristol •
Leeds •
Sheffield launches on EE’s site: www.
snipca.com/52045.
on their TVs, providing access
to over 150 free live channels
(with adverts) and 8,000
on-demand shows and films.
Apple adds physical button to There’s also a store where
you can buy new films. It’s
control iPhone camera available in the app section of
the Stream or TV 360 menu.

A pple has added a

physical button to its
Control will also use
Apple’s new Visual TOMORROW’S
new range of iPhones that Intelligence technology WORLD
opens the camera and to identify objects and
takes a photo or records places you point your This woman’s best mate
videos. camera at, similar to is a robot called Neo Beta,
Called the Camera Google Lens. made by Norwegian firm
Control button, it’s Camera Control is X1. As well as help around
positioned on the right of available on the regular the home, it can give hugs
the iPhone and also lets iPhone 16, which starts and a friendly wave. At least,
you zoom (pictured), lock from £799 for 128GB. It’s that’s what the promotional
the focus and adjust also on the iPhone 16 video shows (www.snipca.
exposure and depth of Plus (£899), iPhone 16 com/52026). Who knows
field. Applying different on Android phones to open Pro (£999) and iPhone 16 what it gets up to when the
levels of pressure opens the camera, but with many Pro Max (£1,199). camera stops rolling?
different options (see www. more features. The iPhone 16 and Plus
snipca.com/52042). It means you don’t have to are also available in 256GB
You can also use it to touch the screen to control and 512GB models, while the
swipe through a range of the photo or video, making Pro and Pro Max add 1TB
photo filters without having it easier to see what you’re versions. You can buy them
to tap the screen. actually photographing all from from Apple’s UK
It’s similar to double- or recording. store: www.apple.com/uk/
pressing the power button From next year, Camera iphone.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 7

 News
IN BRIEF Online news sources overtake
CHROMEBOOKS GET
‘SNAPPED’ WINDOWS
TV news for first time
Google has released version
128 of ChromeOS for
Chromebooks, adding the
M ore adults get their news
from websites than TV
for the first time, according to
Snap Groups feature which new Ofcom research.
lets you show windows in Its annual study of how
split screen, similar to Snap people consume news shows
Layouts in Windows. Also new that 71 per cent do so online,
is OCR in the Camera app, up from 68 per cent in 2023
while the screen magnifier (www.snipca.com/52017). The
now follows words read figure for TV fell from 75 to 70
aloud in ChromeVox so you per cent in the same period.
never lose your place. Read Ofcom said the biggest
Google’s blog for details: driving factor is more people
www.snipca.com/52016. using social media for news.
More than half of UK adults
FIREFOX SUPPORTS (52 per cent) now use reliable information – 69 per to online news, which is
WINDOWS 7 UNTIL 2025 Facebook, YouTube and cent say it’s trustworthy, much often seen as less reliable –
Mozilla has said it will Instagram to access news – up higher than the 53 per cent for together with growing fears
continue supporting version from 47 per cent in 2023. online; while 74 per cent say about misinformation and
115 of Firefox on Windows 7, However, there remain stark it’s of high quality, beating 56 deepfake content”.
8 and 8.1 until at least March differences across age groups. per cent for online. He added: “Ofcom wants to
2025. It means Firefox is the Half of people aged 55-plus These results have prompted secure high-quality news for
only major browser that still find news online, up from 45 Ofcom to launch a review to the next generation, so we’re
releases security updates for per cent in 2018. Most of these “secure the future” of TV news kicking off a review of the
those versions of Windows, visit news websites, while 82 and how it’s made available to public service media that help
which Microsoft has long per cent of 16-to-24-year-olds audiences online. underpin the UK’s democracy
since stopped supporting. favour social media. Yih-Choung Teh, Ofcom’s and public debate.”
Mozilla didn’t say whether But despite the growth of director of strategy and Do you prefer news online or on
it would extend support online news, TV news is research, said “we’re TV? Let us know: letters@
beyond next March. About 10 considered a better source of witnessing a generational shift computeractive.co.uk
per cent of Firefox users still
run Windows 7, 8 or 8.1.
Three launches 5G Outdoor Hub to
THE WORLD’S
GONE MAD! boost mobile broadband
‘Wellness’ influencers say
staring at the sun during
dawn and dusk – an online
M obile network Three
has launched the 5G
Outdoor Hub, which you can
You have to feed the cable
inside your home through a
closed window.
trend called ‘sungazing’ attach to the outside of your You also need to wire
– provides physical and home to boost your mobile the Hub up to a power supply,
spiritual benefits. Doctors, broadband connection. probably by drilling holes
who probably know more Three says it “hooks on to through walls, and connect
about this kind of thing, say the strongest 5G signals the Eero 6 router – which
it can cause permanent eye available in your area” and comes as part of the package.
damage. We know whose then connects to an Amazon The company says you
opinion we’d rather trust. Eero router indoors to can expect “average download
provide internet coverage. speeds of 150Mbps”, though
Three says that you can this will vary greatly depending Home Broadband plan, which
install the Hub yourself, upon your location, where costs £12 for the first six
without a visit from an you place the Hub, and the months, before doubling for
engineer. Its website gives capacity of your local 5G the remaining term.
three options for installing the phone mast. Data is unlimited, though
device outside: on a pole, The Hub is available in monthly prices will rise by
window or wall (pictured). Three’s 24-month Outdoor £2 every April.

8 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

Make it easy to disable stolen IN BRIEF
phones, Govt tells tech firms TOSHIBA LAUNCHES
FIRST FREELY TVs

T he Government wants
phone manufacturers to
make it easier for victims to
Toshiba has launched its
first TVs offering the
streaming service Freely,
disable their stolen devices, which is the long-term
following a sharp rise in replacement for Freesat and
thefts. Freeview. The new UV2F
There were an estimated range has four sets, all 4K:
78,000 ‘snatch thefts’ in the 43in (£239), 50in (£299,
12 months to March 2024, pictured below), 55in (£329)
up from 31,000. These are and 65in (£399). They’re
defined as items like phones, currently available only
bags and wallets being taken from Argos: www.snipca.
without the thief using force or com/51954.
the victim being threatened. companies to discuss this problem”. He added:
Less than one per cent of innovations that could help “Manufacturers and the tech
police investigations resulted stop the reselling of devices. industry have an important
in a person being charged, Police chiefs have also role in reducing opportunities
while almost 82 per cent were been told to gather more for criminals to benefit from
closed without officers finding intelligence on who is stealing the re-sale of stolen handsets.”
a suspect. phones and where they’re Policing Minister Dame
Ministers said a growing being resold. Diana Johnson said by ROAM FOR FREE UNTIL
demand for second-hand Efforts could include working together the 2026 WITH TESCO
phones in the UK and abroad extra police in areas Government, tech companies Tesco Mobile has extended
has driven the rise in thefts. experiencing more thefts and police can “break the free EU roaming until 2026,
Unless a stolen phone is and violence, including business model of the phone meaning you can use UK
permanently disabled, it can robberies at knifepoint. thieves and moped gangs minutes, texts and data
be used by a new owner if Commander Richard Smith who rely on this trade”. without paying any fees.
sold to them. of the National Police Chiefs’ Tesco Mobile is an MVNO that
Have you ever had your phone
The Home Office plans to Council said it was impossible stolen? Let us know: letters@ piggybacks on O2’s network,
host a summit of phone to “arrest our way out of computeractive.co.uk which also offers free
roaming in the EU. For details
and locations covered visit
Scam ‘companies’ that tricked www.snipca.com/51950.

pensioners are shut down

T wo companies that tricked
pensioners into paying to
fix non-existent security
parcels to the victims to
suggest they had actually
carried out a genuine service.
WATCH REBRANDED
UKTV APP ON SKY
problems on their computers In one example, DT Care Sky Glass and Stream
have been shut down. sent two paperback novels, viewers can now watch
Scammers from DT Care Ltd a mousepad and a wind investigator at the service, said shows through the U app,
and Amolin Solution Limited chime, none of which the the fraudsters’ tactics were which is the new name for
phoned victims pretending to victim ordered. “thoroughly dishonest and UKTV Play. It gives access
be from major tech companies Both firms were registered designed to be aggressive to more shows than UKTV’s
like Microsoft, and persuaded in the UK – DT Care Ltd in and intimidating”. channels or Sky’s catch-up
them to provide remote access Droitwich, Worcestershire, “The two winding-up service. However, you’ll
to their machines. and Amolin Solution Limited orders secured should send a need to create a separate U
They carried out tasks that in Sedlescombe, East Sussex strong signal to the business account and you can’t avoid
made it look like they were – but the Insolvency Service community that we will adverts even if you pay
fixing the problems, then said they had provided false use all the powers at our for Sky’s advert-skipping
charged victims – most of details to Companies House disposal to shut you down ‘fast-forward’ package. For
whom were in their 70s and and were probably being run if you prey on some of the more info visit www.snipca.
80s – up to £400. from India. most vulnerable people in com/51961.
They even sent unwanted David Usher, a chief society,” he added.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 9

 Questionof
Question ofthe
theFortnight
Fortnight
Will it finally be easier to
switch broadband?
Ofcom’s system for moving between networks has finally launched

S
ince 2015, it’s been easy
to switch broadband THE FACTS
providers. Ofcom’s
rules meant you only had to • Ofcom has launched its
contact the company you’re One Touch Switch scheme
switching to, and it then got in to make it easier to switch
touch with the company you’re between broadband
leaving to organise the move. providers on different
However, this worked only networks, such as from
if the two providers used the Openreach to Virgin Media
same cable infrastructure to • It means you need to only
supply the internet. contact the provider you’re
This works fine for switching moving to in order to switch
from BT to Sky or from TalkTalk • You’ve already been able
to Zen Internet because they to switch this way between
all use Openreach’s network. providers on Openreach’s
But it didn’t cover switching network since 2015
between networks, such as If you’re happy with these, choice” by switching to a
from Openreach to Virgin inform your new provider and better deal, or threatening to
Media, or from either to it’ll manage your move from switch and getting a better deal companies won’t be able to
smaller, regional networks like start to finish. The rules also from their existing provider. match customer information.
CityFibre. You still had to stop old and new services It claims this has already As a backup, Ofcom is
contact both companies overlapping, so you pay for happened in recent years keeping the old system for six
yourself and try to coordinate one or the other only. following 2015’s rule change, weeks, though providers must
the perfect time to switch to Any loss of service that with average prices for still use One Touch Switch in
minimise the length of time results from the switch must superfast (30Mbps and above) the first instance and Ofcom
without a connection. not exceed one working day. If broadband falling from £48.71 expects “most switches will
in 2018 to £42.28 in 2023 – happen through the new
though customers are more process”.
Tell your new provider you likely to have noticed recent TOTSco (https://totsco.org.
mid-contract price rises that uk), the organisation
want to switch and it’ll manage your were far above inflation. managing the system, said the
move from start to finish Virgin Media’s 5.7 million
customers stand to benefit the
launch had gone “smoothly”.
More than 4,200 customers
most, because for the first placed “switch orders” on the
Ofcom and providers said it does, you’ll receive £6.10 time they’ll be able to quickly first day, of which 271 were
fast switching between automatic compensation for switch to any provider on completed.
networks was harder to set up each day of delay, including Openreach (ie, BT, Sky, Plusnet, There are also doubts about
– and so it has proved. But the the missed start date (see TalkTalk, Zen and more) – how many customers will be
One Touch Switch system finally www.snipca.com/52070). If a assuming, of course, both motivated to switch. Recent
launched on 12 September, switch fails to happen for networks are available in their Ofcom figures show that 40
meaning you now just need whatever reason, the existing area. This competition might per cent have never moved
to contact your new provider provider must reactivate all force Virgin to cut prices too. providers, whether because
and it will ask your old one to the services it was offering, However, there are some they’re happy with their
send you any relevant details, including the phone number. doubts that the industry is existing service or simply
such as any early-termination Ofcom hopes the new ready for mass switching. can’t be bothered. If this
charges you have to pay and system will lead to lower Providers have been trialling it figure falls sharply over the
any impact on other services prices, as customers learn to since July with some success, next year, it’ll be because
you use (see www.snipca. “take advantage of but warn that some switch- customers are leaving or
com/52069). unprecedented levels of overs will still fail because joining Virgin in droves.

10 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

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

‘Unpaid parking fine’ texts

What’s the threat? 1 2
Scammers are sending text messages
claiming that an unpaid parking fine was
found on your vehicle. They come from
random phone numbers and urge you to
“pay immediately” by tapping a link that
begins ‘qrco.de’ (see screenshot 1 ). This
generates a QR code which, if scanned,
brings up a site that impersonates the
official Gov.uk government website for
paying a parking fine.
Researchers at consumer group Which?
said the fake site uses the official Gov.UK
logo and font to look convincing (see
screenshot 2 ), and asks you to enter your
registration number. No matter what you using your bank card. On the official ‘Pay a parking fine’ page
type in the box – whether a genuine (www.gov.uk/pay-parking-fine) you’re
number plate or random characters How can you stay safe? asked to enter your council’s postcode,
– you’re told you owe £25. It also lists Parking fines can’t be paid by text not your registration number.
your location, suggesting that the message, so ignore any texted demands Also, even the most convincing scams
scammers know your IP address. you receive. Instead, visit the official can have small errors. Note how there’s
You’re then asked for more personal Gov.UK page at www.gov.uk/parking- no space between ‘Vehicle registration’
details, including name, email and home tickets, where you’ll find information on and ‘(number plate)’ on the fake Gov.UK
address and phone number, and to pay paying and challenging fines. website pictured above.

New tools ScamWatch

Autofill payment card with
Bitwarden
www.snipca.com/51977 Readers warn readers

Our favourite password ‘Assessed’ for

manager Bitwarden can 25% discount
now automatically fill in Out of the blue I received a call
1 claiming to be from my mobile-
your payment-card details
when its browser extension phone provider telling me I had been
detects that you’re making “assessed” for a 25-per-cent
a payment. Previously, discount on all my calls, messages
you had to trigger this by and data. The caller then asked if I
clicking the extension’s icon wanted to be credited with it. All I
or pressing the keyboard needed to confirm to him was my
shortcut Ctrl+Shift+L. 2 email address, home address and
First, though, you need to full name. When I provided these, he
add a card to Bitwarden’s then requested my bank details.
vault. Install the extension from www. The next time you pay for something, When I said that my mobile network
snipca.com/51981, then open it and look for and click Bitwarden’s blue should already have these, he
click the top-right plus (+) symbol. shield in the ‘Card number’ box ( 1 in became tetchy and impatient. It
Now select Card in the Login dropdown our screenshot). Now click the card dawned on me it was a scam, so I
menu, then fill in the details of your you want to use 2 and your number, hung up without saying anything else.
card before clicking Save at the top security code and name will be filled in. Gordon Bottomley
right. You’ll now see it listed under For more information visit Bitwarden’s Warn your fellow readers about scams
the Cards heading. blog: www.snipca.com/51977. at letters@computeractive.co.uk

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 11

 Letters
Tell us what’s on your mind

VPNs need to fix consequences I wasn’t It’s true: tech firms

their email problems expecting: these include deliberately make their
I totally agree with some UK-only sites no services worse
the sentiment of longer working, and adverts There’s been much debate recently
Issue 692’s Cover Feature in Outlook appearing in about tech companies making
(‘Why you must use a Dutch (making them easy their services worse. Some readers have
VPN’, pictured right). to spot). speculated that this is a deliberate
However, VPNs need to be But perhaps most business ploy – ie, releasing a high-
better constructed than they significantly, Google quality service to attract customers, then
are at present. I’ve had emailed me to say they were gradually making it worse over time to
intermittent email problems changing my location to the save costs and serve only their business
both on my PCs and my iPad Netherlands and that I could users, who of course pay more.
whereby using a VPN submit a form to contest this. There’s no secret about this ploy. It
crashes the email sent. My messages I did this, and now await Google’s even has a name, which I think
are either put in the Outbox, or I get response. However, this does raise Computeractive will have to censor:
warnings telling me my email address is concerns that using a VPN, particularly Ens***tification. There’s even a Wikipedia
incorrect. And on some occasions it tells one that’s some distance from your actual page explaining how it works: www.
me my email password is not correct. location (as most free ones are, and snipca.com/51992.
These problems disappear if I turn off indeed as this is often desirable), might I was reminded of this when reading in
the VPN. This is frustrating – any VPN put you at risk of investigation, or having Issue 692 (page 6) about the BBC forcing
ought to be able to cope with either services blocked and needing to prove EE to stop customers recording shows to
Outlook or Apple Mail. When I spoke to who you are. their boxes. I’m one of those customers,
BT they said they were receiving more I’ve not used any banking apps with and I recorded about 10 shows every
calls about email problems which were the VPN, but I imagine that in a worst- week until being prevented from doing
solved by turning off the VPN. case scenario, you could have your accounts so. I’m now in the ridiculous situation
One solution is to change your location blocked due to suspicious activity. where, in 2024, it’s harder for me to
in the VPN’s settings. I had a strange Geoff Burgess record shows than it was in 1984 on my
situation when looking into an email Betamax video recorder.
blockage for a friend, but couldn’t trace CA SAYS We agree with both Brian and Derek Lawson
it. I phoned the VPN’s developer, who Geoff that there are problems associated
asked me to reset the location from with VPNs and they’re far from perfect. CA SAYS The word Derek refers to isn’t
Glasgow to London. This worked But these are outweighed by the pretty, but it powerfully sums up what’s
straight away. considerable benefits, such as keeping happening to many online services,
We have to get VPNs fine-tuned so they your personal details private, blocking whether it’s Amazon and Google shoving
work out of the box. Currently, people are adverts and trackers, and unblocking TV their search results below adverts or
switching between having it on or off services from other countries. We Netflix charging you to share passwords
– and that’s dangerous. explained how to do all these in Issue despite turning a blind eye for years.
Brian Cameron 692’s Cover Feature – buy a back issue But it’s perhaps most irritating when
from www.snipca.com/52007. broadcasters axe options that viewers
Google moved me to the
Netherlands when I used a VPN
What’s the Issue…?
I was delighted to read Issue 692’s
Cover Feature on VPNs. Thanks
to Computeractive’s recommendation, I seem to recall a Cover Feature CA SAYS Yes, it’s
?
I’ve been using the free Proton VPN and about uninstalling Windows ChipGenius – see
its kill switch for quite a few months features you don’t need. When was Issue 663, page 20. Read
now. This defaults to an IP address in that, please? it and the feature above on our Back
the Netherlands which has a few Sam Francis Issue CD: www.snipca.com/48860.

Computeractive is a member of CA SAYS In Issue 652, published in I’m beginning to find ChatGPT a
the Independent Press Standards
Organisation (which regulates the March 2023. better option than Google for
UK’s magazine and newspaper
industry). We abide by the Editors’ answering questions. When was your
Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the I can’t remember the name of feature on this?
highest standards of journalism.
the software that checks Dan Gilham
If you think that we have not met those standards
and want to make a complaint please contact editor@ whether your SSD is fake. Can you
computeractive.co.uk. If we are unable to resolve your CA SAYS In Issue 682, page 60. Buy a
complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO
remind me?
or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or David Earnshaw back issue from www.snipca.com/51988.
visit www.ipso.co.uk.

12 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 Email: letters@computeractive.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/computeractive
(formerly Twitter): @ComputerActive
www.twitter.com/computeractive

have been relying on to download and

record shows. Thankfully, some STAR LETTER
workarounds remain, as we explain
on page 62.

I can’t recycle
Why Microsoft might ‘blink’ and
USB sticks on foot extend Windows 10 support
On the final page of Issue 691’s
Cover Feature (‘Make your USB You hit the nail on the head in
sticks last forever’), you advise people to Issue 692’s ‘Question of the
get rid of dead sticks at their nearest Fortnight’ (pictured) when you
recycling centre. The website you refer to wondered whether Microsoft would
(www.snipca.com/51692) does indeed end support for Windows 10 next year
suggest my local recycling centre here in if it’s still running on over one billion
town, and they do accept dead sticks. computers. I think the symbolic figure
But recycling centres in most parts of will be 50 per cent. If Windows 10 is
Scotland (I live in Fife) don’t allow access still running on half of Windows
unless you come by car. computers, then it’ll be hard – if not
This means if I turn up with a USB stick impossible – for Microsoft to justify Come next October we could have a
on foot, I’ll be turned away at the gate. ending support. stand-off between Microsoft and
Therefore, those of us without a car have To get an idea of Windows 10’s Windows users. If enough of the latter
no alternative but to put small electrical enduring popularity, you only have to hold firm and stick with Windows 10,
items into landfill. Not something we look at how unpopular previous then Microsoft might blink and extend
want to do. How crazy is that? versions were as their demise loomed. support.
Jorgen Stepputat In April 2014, when Microsoft ended James Love
support for XP, only 19 per cent of
Linux made my laptop computers ran it. In January 2020, when CA SAYS We take James’s point,
virtually useless the plug was pulled on Windows 7, 25 especially on the pressure Microsoft
Following recent letters on what to per cent ran it (you can find these will face to extend support if Windows
do when Microsoft ends support figures at https://gs.statcounter.com). 10 continues to run on more than
for Windows 10, I decided to install Linux With Windows 10 currently at 64 per half of computers. But doing so would
Zorin (https://zorin.com/os) on my old cent, I can’t see its market share sliding be a humiliating U-turn for the
Windows laptop as it was supposedly to the levels of 7 and XP by October 2025, company. We still think it’s sensible
easy to set up. I got it working just fine, let alone below 50 per cent. Between to assume support will end and to
though I had to use a cable connection September 2023 and 2024 it fell only take action now – as we
to my modem. However, there was no from 71 per cent to 64 per cent, so its explain in our Cover
interface for accessing Wi-Fi settings, and rate of decline is hardly spectacular. Feature on page 50.
I found it impossible to set it up without
resorting to the command line, so I The Star Letter writer wins a Computeractive mug!
abandoned it.
It seems that other Linux distros have
similar issues. Surely the designers We always negotiate cheaper into a Vodafone high-street shop and ask
should realise that without Wi-Fi a laptop deals with Vodafone what they can do. This works. I’ve always
is virtually useless and therefore should I was interested to read Issue 690’s been able to negotiate a better deal at a
be easy to set up via an interface. Until Cover Feature ‘Cancel your phone good price instead of just accepting the
that is so, I suspect Linux will continue to contract’. We have a home phone, two offer emailed to me. Their high-street
be the preserve of a small minority. mobiles and broadband with Vodafone store staff have always been very helpful.
David Smith and always buy our phones and iPads Best not to go in on a Saturday though.
directly from Apple. We therefore have Peter Turner
You can’t take landlines SIM-only contracts for our phones.
down the pub Every time our broadband or SIM-only CA SAYS We’ve had many emails
Arthur Hobson may well not have contracts are up for renewal we always go recently from readers saying they
dropped his landline phone down regularly negotiate deals when their
the loo or lost it down the back of his sofa SIM-only contracts are due to expire. In
or had it stolen (Letters, Issue 691), but he particular, the big four networks (EE, O2,
can’t just put it in his pocket and take it Three and Vodafone) are having to fight
to the pub or shops, and certainly not on a off competition from the smaller MVNOs
world tour. Just think of all those who piggyback on their network. We
potential missed calls. I take my mobile revealed the best deals you can get in
everywhere. Yes, even to the loo. Issue 690’s Cover Feature, available as a
David Eaglesham back issue from www.snipca.com/51784.

Views expressed don’t necessarily reflect those of Computeractive Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 13
 Consumeractive
We stand up for your legal rights

How ‘late’ does a LEAD Should Klarna

refund my
missed appointment CASE
Argos warranty?
have to be? I bought a new PC from Argos in

After months of slow broadband

Q August, paying £154.99 for the
extended warranty. However,
Q speeds, Openreach booked a
two-hour slot (8am to 10am) for
Argos couldn’t deliver it to my address in
Northern Ireland, so I cancelled the
an engineer to visit. I was still waiting by order. I paid using Klarna, which took
11am, at which point I had to leave the out £319.99. I’ve received a refund of
house for a hospital appointment. This £163 but am still owed £154.99 for the
made me wonder how long after the slot warranty. Klarna says the refund is
ends an appointment is considered complete, and I can’t get anyone at Argos
‘missed’, entitling me to compensation to help. Can you do anything for me?
under Ofcom’s scheme. Do I have to be Billy Hamilton
left waiting for a certain amount of time?
Rupert Winthrop scheme. This entitles you to £30.49 for a Hopefully, yes. Billy is entitled to

Ofcom doesn’t state that

missed appointment, as Ofcom explains
at www.snipca.com/51997. You’re also
A a full refund. The problem is that
Klarna has received instructions
A you have to wait a minimum
period after the appointment
due this if an engineer cancels with less
than 24 hours’ notice.
from Argos to refund only £163.
Klarna is a ‘buy now pay later’ payment
slot ends, so strictly speaking you’re You should receive your compensation provider, similar to PayPal credit. Billy
entitled to compensation if your engineer no later than 30 calendar days after the said he chose to pay in three monthly
is just one minute late. However, you date of the missed appointment, and it instalments, but we can’t work out how
need to take into account what’s will be credited on your bill. Ofcom says Argos came to the figure of £163 for the
considered fair and reasonable. Some internet providers have their own systems refund, nor why Klarna took only
customers would be happy to allow an for recording missed appointments, but £319.99 for the first instalment.
engineer to start work if they were ‘only’ in our experience you shouldn’t assume The confusion is probably over which
10 minutes late, for example. it has been successfully logged on your company sold Billy the warranty. If it
In Rupert’s case, however, one hour account. We’d always advise phoning was Argos, we should be able to resolve
after the two-hour appointment window your provider to confirm the missed the case without difficulty. We’ll check
is definitely too late, and he is due appointment and to check that you’ll with Billy and take our investigation
automatic compensation under Ofcom’s receive compensation. from there.
CASE CLOSED CASE ONGOING

CASE UPDATE

Customers moved to new ISP can’t cancel without a fee

Telecoms regulator Ofcom has We’ve asked Malcolm to check whether
confirmed to us that you don’t TalkTalk has altered his contract. Also,
have the automatic right to like all customers, he can cancel if TalkTalk
cancel your broadband contract simply doesn’t provide the service outlined
without paying a fee if the company you’re told about the move, and that Octopus in that contract. He should therefore also
with has been bought by another. Energy hadn’t sought permission. But check he’s getting the speed he’s paying for.
We checked this because reader Malcolm Ofcom says he can still cancel early if Ofcom suggested that Malcolm should
Lee was unhappy about being moved to TalkTalk makes a change to his contract speak to TalkTalk in order to reach a
TalkTalk after Octopus Energy bought that “is not to the customer’s benefit”. compromise. This might work, because
his previous provider Shell Energy last This is because when a company buys TalkTalk won’t want a disgruntled customer
December (see Issue 692). another it must abide by the existing terms on its hands. Or he could use his position as
Malcolm was angry that he hadn’t been and conditions. a means to negotiate a better deal.

14 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

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

Can you tell Virgin to restore my landline?

My Virgin landline went compensated for the She had to buy a new one
Q down on 6 August, and it still
hasn’t been fixed, despite two
cable she had to buy
and the mess the
to get her landline back.
While Dorothea is
engineers coming out and telling me engineers had made happy with the refund,
different stories. I know the problem is at of her complaint. it took an email to
Virgin’s end. Can you help me find out Virgin has now agreed Virgin’s CEO, Lutz
what’s going on? to give her £75. Scheler (lutz.schueler@
Dorothea Scott It seems the problem virginmedia.co.uk),
began after Dorothea’s for this to materialise.
This is a case of customer landline was switched to Like many readers, she
A service gone badly awry,
although Virgin has now
VoIP in early August.
After multiple visits from
found that it pays to go
straight to the top.
compensated Dorothea. The company engineers, none of which If you don’t know how
initially offered her £35 for the loss of fixed the problem, Dorothea realised the to contact a CEO, try searching at
service, but she argued that she should be fault lay in the cable Virgin had supplied. www.ceoemail.com.
CASE CLOSED

Fitbit hasn’t delivered and was closing my case with

no refund or replacement. Can it do this?
The ‘proof’ Google showed Jerry was a
photo of the Fitbit outside a neighbour’s
arrived, so why Jerry Neild door. Jerry could have used this to show
that the item hadn’t arrived at the right
isn’t Google A
No it can’t. Thankfully
since Jerry emailed
address. It’s because of mistakes like
these that we’d advise against
refunding me? us the Fitbit has
turned up, so we don’t need
telling a courier to deliver an
item to a designated ‘safe
Google was advertising a limited to chase Google, but we’ll space’. If you do this and
Q sale of some Fitbit watches, so I
bought one for my wife. DPD
still tell the company that it
shouldn’t have told Jerry to
the parcel is delivered to
the wrong address or is
was supposed to deliver it on 12 or 13 contact DPD. Google is the stolen, you can’t go back
August, but it didn’t arrive. Google told retailer in this case and had to the courier for help.
me I had to contact DPD, but DPD said I full responsibility to get The only course of action
needed to talk to Google. Then Google the item delivered – paying available to you is to contact
said it had proof the Fitbit had been DPD to do so. the police.
CASE CLOSED

CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE

PCSpecialist makes it easy to build your own computer

I agree with components you choose running Windows 11, with an Intel Core i7
Graham Rice are incompatible. processor, SSD, DVD writer, illuminated
(Letters, PCSpecialist keeps keyboard and lots of ports. It’s an all-round
Issue 691) you informed while excellent laptop and costs less than £1,000.
that tech manufacturers building the PC, delivers Peter Oakden
are increasingly on time and has fantastic
dictating to us which customer service. Contact
components we should I recently made my third
have in our devices. But I must recommend purchase from the company – a 17in laptop
PCSpecialist
PCSpecialist’s online tool for configuring Has a company impressed you with its • Email enquiries@pcspecialist.co.uk
custom-built computers (pictured). It’s customer service? Please let us know: • Phone 0333 011 7000
easy to use and tells you if any of the editor@computeractive.co.uk

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 15

 Grow Your
Family Tree
If your ancestors served in the British Army’s senior
regiments, follow Judith Batchelor tips to…
Search Household Cavalry records
F
ormed in 1661 by Charles II, the
Household Cavalry comprises the
two most senior regiments of the 1 1
British Army: the Life Guards and the 2
Blues and Royals. Historically, they were
the 1st and 2nd Life Guards, the Royal
Horse Guards (The Blues) and the 1st 2
(Royal) Dragoons. Mounted on horseback
in their colourful uniforms, they guard Judith found that James Adams joined the Life
Guards in 1884 and was born in Lewisham…
the King on ceremonial occasions and …and his father, mother and brother were
serve in reconnaissance and peace- was transferred to another regiment of named as his next of kin
keeping roles around the world. the British Army, because their records
would have gone with them. Service Records (www.snipca.
Browse records at the Among the 11,500 service records, I com/51930). When searching, it helps if
National Archives found those belonging to James Adams, you know the specific regiment your
You’ll find service records for non- a cavalryman in the 2nd Life Guards with ancestor was in. I only found the records
commissioned officers and other ranks the regimental number 1282. The first of James Adams when I searched for 2nd
discharged between 1799-1920, who page of the long service attestation form Life Guards in the Regiment box (see
served in the Life Guards, the Royal Horse shows that Adams joined the 2nd Life screenshot below), not just Life Guards.
Guards and the Household Battalion Guards on 19 February 1884 in London
(formed in 1916 from the reserves of the ( 1 in our screenshot above), and was
Household Cavalry), in series WO 400 at born in Lewisham, Kent 2 .
the National Archives. Subscribers can The second page named his father,
download them without any extra cost, mother and brother as next of kin ( 1 in
while non-members will have to pay £3.50. our screenshot above right), all living at
Before starting your research, read the No.2, George Lane, Lewisham 2 . I also
National Archives’ research guide (www. found details of his marriage, and that he
snipca.com/51926). Scroll to the bottom was discharged from the Army on 1
and type a person’s name, and their March 1905.
Include the specific regiment name when
regimental number if you know it. Note Findmypast subscribers can access the searching Findmypast’s British Army Service
that no record will be found if the soldier same records as part of its British Army Records

Pay for specialist research

Your Genealogy Problems Solved For £35 you can pay volunteers at the
Household Cavalry Museum to search its
I’m researching a memorial which gives of death and age were readable on the archives. This is non-refundable: you’ll
the date of death and age, but the name memorial, check to see if any still need to pay it even if they don’t find
isn’t readable. Is there anywhere I can monumental inscriptions were previously any information. If they do find records,
search using the full date of death rather made, perhaps by a local family history you’ll have to pay an extra £15 for
than just the year? I might then be able to society. Alternatively, if the memorial is in copying, packaging and postage. For
narrow results by trying potential surnames. a cemetery, search for day books online. details visit www.snipca.com/51966.
Martyn Sandford Also visit www.findagrave.com and The Royal Dragoon Guards Museum
search by year of death and location. also provides a research service, which
The majority of records have been costs a non-refundable £15 (www.snipca.
Have a genealogy question for Judith?
indexed by name, rather than by date, Email letters@computeractive.co.uk with com/51967). Alternatively, search the
certainly at a national level. If only the date ‘Grow Your Family Tree’ in the subject line. National Archives’ Royal Dragoon records
at www.snipca.com/51968.

16 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693 Next issue: Explore Ancestry’s new Pro Tools
 Best Free Software
Robert Irvine recommends new programs that won’t cost you a thing
PDF EDITOR

PDFgear 2.1.8
www.snipca.com/52022
What you need: Windows 10 or 11, or macOS

PDFgear was one of our favourite discoveries of 2023, and with other tasks. To use this option, click
Computeractive readers’ fifth most-downloaded program the Tools tab, then the Reader button and
of the year – see our Cover Feature in Issue 674 (page 53). press Play. You can adjust the volume, speed and
But other than a few small tweaks, it’s been fairly quiet in pitch of the spoken text, and switch between an
2024 – until now. Version 2.1.8 brings a host of superb new English and American voice.
tools and improvements to the brilliant PDF software. These PDFgear has made it easier to browse long documents
make PDFgear an even stronger rival to Adobe Acrobat, by adding an auto-scroll feature. Simply press the middle
especially when you consider that it’s still completely free. button on your mouse, then move the mouse itself to begin
Perhaps the most exciting addition is the ability to create scrolling. It also now lets you access essential options such as
your own PDFs as well as edit existing ones. Click the New Delete Pages, Split PDF and Print, by right-clicking a page.
PDF button on the home screen or in the top-left corner Other improvements in PDFgear 2.1.8 include automatically
of the PDF editor to open a blank page. This allows you to saving your print preferences, so you don’t need to configure
add your own text, images and other elements, including them each time; pop-up prompts that explain how to use the
watermarks, stamps and signatures. Screenshot and OCR tools (these appear when you click the
Another big new feature reads aloud the text from your relevant toolbar buttons); and the choice between converting
PDFs, which is useful if you’re visually impaired or simply to a single spreadsheet or multiple sheets when using the
want to hear the content read to you while you get on ‘PDF to Excel’ option.

1 PDFgear’s new Reader 2 Rather than click tabs and 3 If you don’t like PDFgear’s AI 4 PDFgear offers several
mode lets you hear the text toolbar buttons to find the chatbot, Copilot (unrelated to ways to reduce eye strain
in PDFs read aloud. With options you need, you can Microsoft’s tool), either close when you’re viewing and
multi-page documents, click now access many of them its side panel by clicking the editing documents. Click the
the down arrow next to the faster by right-clicking a ‘X’ or permanently disable it. Appearance button in the
Reader button to specify page. These include splitting, Click the Help tab followed by top-right corner and choose
whether the tool reads all merging and printing PDFs; Settings, then switch off between Night Mode, Eye
pages in the PDF or only the and extracting, deleting and ‘Enable PDFgear Copilot’ and Protection Mode and Yellow
current one. inserting pages. click OK. Background.

18 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

SYSTEM TOOL
SHOULD I PAY FOR…?
Microsoft PowerToys 0.84.1 Choose the right version of software
www.snipca.com/52018
What you need: Windows 10 or 11
Duplicate Cleaner Pro
Microsoft’s brilliant www.snipca.com/52024
free system-utility Price: £41.95 Free trial period: 7 days
suite has added its What you need: Windows 7, 8.1, 10 or 11
first big new feature
for ages, called Duplicate files waste valuable space on your hard drive,
Workspaces. This and slow down system scans, but removing them all is no
lets you save a set of easy task. Duplicate Cleaner does the hard work for you,
programs in a but there are significant differences between its Free and
custom layout – or Pro versions.
‘workspace’ – which Both have a simple interface that makes it easy to specify
you can launch with a single click. It’s handy for keeping what type of duplicates to scan for, where to look and
work-related software separate from personal-use programs, how closely to compare files – be it by content, name, size
and for having different workspaces on dual monitors. or date. Scans are equally speedy in both editions and
Workspaces is enabled by default in PowerToys – press results are clearly presented, so you can quickly choose
Windows key+Ctrl+’ (apostrophe) to launch the Workspaces which duplicates to delete – either manually or using the
Editor, or select Workspaces then ‘Launch editor’ in ‘Selection assistant’ – before clicking ‘File removal’.
PowerToys Settings. Click ‘Create Workspace’ to capture Unlike some freemium duplicate cleaners, there’s no
your current view (open programs you want to appear in the limit on the number of files you can find and delete, but
layout, close those you don’t and move others around). Tick the Pro version goes further and deeper with its scans. Its
the box to create a desktop shortcut to the workspace (see ‘Image mode’ can identify similar pictures even if they’ve
screenshot) and click Save Workspace. been resized, rotated or flipped, and also checks their
metadata for location and time details.
FILE MANAGER Likewise, the ‘Audio mode’ can identify similar-sounding
audio files and the new ‘Video mode’ (see screenshot)
Files 3.7 applies the same forensic analysis to videos, by looking for
www.snipca.com/52021 matching frames, thumbnails and soundtracks.
What you need: Windows 10 or 11 The paid-for version can also scan ZIP files for duplicates,
find copies of folders and turn duplicates into ‘hard links’
Our favourite that redirect to the original files.
File Explorer
alternative has
been updated
again, with
several welcome
upgrades. To
improve navigation,
you can now
right-click the
Back and Forward buttons on the toolbar to see all the folders
and sub-folders you’ve opened – select a folder to jump
straight to that location. Files has also introduced an optional
Home button for the toolbar (see screenshot), which instantly
returns you to your home screen. To enable this, click the
Settings cog, choose Appearance and switch on ‘Show home OUR VERDICT: Don’t pay for it
button on toolbar’. Create a keyboard shortcut for this action Duplicate Cleaner Pro provides lots of good reasons to
by choosing Actions, then ‘Add command’ and selecting upgrade, but it’s pretty expensive and you can get most of
‘Home. Additionally, you can now hide the Files icon in your its features – other than advanced analysis of audio and
system tray – to do so, choose Advanced in Settings and video files – in the free program AllDup (www.snipca.
disable ‘Show Files icon in the System Tray’. As always with com/52027).
Files, click the ‘classic installer’ link to download it for free.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 19

 Best Free Software

What should I download?

We advise you which software and apps to use
How can I open Collabora files
Can I edit InDesign on my laptop?
files in another Thanks for the
Q
program?
excellent advice on
how to use
Collabora (www.snipca.
For years I used Adobe InDesign for work. During com/50542) to edit Word
Q this period I also used it for personal use to create
posters, invitations and documents. I’ve now
documents on tablets (Issue
687, page 20). As a result, I
retired and can’t justify paying the annual subscription for saved a Word file to
InDesign. Do you know of another program, preferably OneDrive and was able to
free, that’ll let me open and edit InDesign files? access it on my Android
Keith MacBain tablet. But can I access this edited file on my laptop?
Brian Barn
Our preferred option is Serif’s Affinity Publisher 2
A (pictured below). It costs £68 (one-off payment), Collabora is based on the excellent free office suite
but Serif offers a generous six-month free trial,
alongside companion programs Designer and Photo (www.
A LibreOffice (www.libreoffice.org). As long as your
laptop is logged into the same OneDrive account where
snipca.com/51798). Although Publisher can’t directly open you store Word documents, you should be able to open them
InDesign files, it can work with IDML (InDesign Markup from within LibreOffice’s file manager (pictured). During setup
Language), which is available as an export option in it gives you the option to force Windows to automatically open
InDesign CS4 and later. If you still have access to InDesign, any OpenDocument files within LibreOffice tools. Accept this
export the documents you need to work with in this format option and double-clicking a document in OneDrive will open
before your Creative Cloud subscription expires. it in the relevant LibreOffice program.
If you can no longer export to IDML format but you’ve
exported your InDesign docs as PDFs, you may be able to
make changes using a PDF-editing tool, though this will
depend on how the PDFs were created. For example, elements
What can I use to keep track of
on the page may have been flattened to save space, which which jigsaws I’ve completed?
can make them harder to edit, or you may no longer have
access to the fonts you require. Try Adobe’s free online PDF- I’ve done so
editing tool as a starting point (www.snipca.com/51799).
As a fallback, you could try exporting your PDFs to an
Q many jigsaw
puzzles over
alternative format, such as Microsoft Word, using PDFgear the years it’s difficult
(free from www.pdfgear.com). It also has editing, to remember them
annotating and signing tools. all. Is there a free
app for my Android
phone that can let me check which ones I’ve previously
completed?
Mike Willcocks

Yes, try Collabora Office Mobile (www.snipca.

A com/51800, pictured) or Google Sheets (which may be
already installed on your phone) to create a spreadsheet
with columns for manufacturer, puzzle title and number of
pieces. Then, while browsing jigsaw puzzles in a shop, you can
sort the data according to these columns to quickly check which
ones you’ve previously completed. If you have nimble fingers and
sharp eyes, you could also add a column containing barcodes.

20 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693 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!
Marketing firm CMG claims to listen to your phone’s mic

I
don’t think I’m CMG brazenly admits that its
phone-listening software is
especially paranoid,
‘creepy’ 1
but personalised
adverts are turning me into a conspiracy
theorist who feels watched no matter
what I do online. Case in point: I need a
new jacket and recently spent five
minutes looking at one online. I decided intent data by listening to
against it and clicked away, only to be our conversations”. ‘Intent
deluged with adverts for the jacket data’ is marketing speak for
wherever I went online for days afterwards. a customer’s desire to buy
However, I’m still reluctant to believe an item.
that advertisers use your phone microphone What’s astonishing is how
to eavesdrop on your conversations. But brazen CMG is about this. It
many people suspect this is happening. admits how sinister it 2
And they would have felt vindicated by a sounds, saying: ‘Creepy?
report from investigative journalists at Sure. Great for marketing? Definitely’ 2 .
404 Media claiming US marketing firm It even promoted its service last year with Yet CMG’s sales pitch is so tempting
Cox Media Group (CMG) had admitted it a blog post (now deleted) titled ‘We know that I can imagine many less reputable
does exactly that. what you’re thinking. Is this even legal?’. companies falling for it, so in our next
In August, 404 Media released a leaked This might not matter if CMG was some issue we’ll explain how to stop anyone
presentation that CMG shows to potential tiny firm that’s never won a marketing using your phone to spy on you.
clients. Titled ‘Yes, Our Phones Are contract. But it has worked with Amazon, To paraphrase Catch-22 author
Listening to Us’ ( 1 in our screenshot, Google, Microsoft and Meta (which owns Joseph Heller, just because you’re
www.snipca.com/52001), it boasts about Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp) – paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not
how the company’s Active Listening though all four denied using the listening to your conversations about
software uses AI to “capture real-time company’s Active Listening software. which jacket to buy.

WHAT ARE THEY

TALKING ABOUT? BARRY’S VILLAIN OF THE FORTNIGHT
WHAT THEY SAY Callum Picari
Microsoft’s security team
www.snipca.com/51998 Handing over £30 a £380 that could
“Daily workflows should be enhanced week to subscribe to access Visa and
with operational threat intelligence software sounds pricey Mastercard verification sites.
artifacts to determine an environmental to me, but enough More than 12,500
baseline. Proactive hunt hypotheses criminals were willing to people were targeted
should seek to test the understanding and pay it to make Callum between September 2019
actively seek to identify gaps in various Picari a wealthy man. He and March 2021 before
aspects of the baseline, identifying any was the mastermind of a police shut down the site.
Credit: National Crime Agency

behavioural anomalies straying from gang that offered tools Picari was arrested,
‘normal operations’ and developing high- that let scammers bypass along with accomplices
fidelity, real-world detections…” security protection and access bank Vijayasidhurshan Vijayanathan and
accounts. Aza Siddeeque, and they’ve all now
WHAT THEY MEAN He claimed fraudsters using the tools pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make
We’re better at fighting threats than would get rich “within minutes”, and or supply articles for use in fraud.
explaining them. Hopefully. even advertised an ‘Elite’ package for Sentencing will follow in November.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 21

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

ALL-IN-ONE PC | £888 from Lenovo www.snipca.com/51906

Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Gen 5

Purpose built

Most all-in-one PCs are manufactured

in bulk, with few opportunities to
tweak the specifications when
ordering. The Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a
Gen 5 bucks this trend, offering an
off-the-shelf model for those who
want it or the option to tweak its full
range of components – from the
processor to the stand that supports it –
so you can effectively build the ideal
all-in-one PC for your requirements.

A customisable
all-in-one PC best You can, of course, upgrade any other plastic case that houses everything is
suited to office and elements you like with this very flexible
system, but always keep an eye on the
less than 55mm at its deepest, so it’s no
thicker than a regular 24in monitor.
web-based tasks price at the top, which will change as
you add and remove parts.
The bezels above and to the sides are
stylishly slender at 8mm, while the fascia
Its performance level compared well below is much wider at 48mm because
The model Lenovo sent us for review with several all-in-one PCs that we’ve it accommodates its two decent 3-Watt
isn’t quite the standard model you get tested recently. It was faster in our tests speakers.
if you simply click the ‘Add to basket’ than the HP 27-cr0014na Full-HD There is also a wide range of
option on the main Lenovo M90a web All-in-One (£819 from www.snipca. connections including six USB 3.0, one
page (www.snipca.com/51906). That base com/49728, reviewed in Issue 681), USB-C port, one HDMI and a DisplayPort.
model costs £1,120. The version we’re but unsurprisingly couldn’t match the
SPECIFICATIONS
looking at here is a more affordable £888, significantly more expensive Acer Aspire Ten-core Intel Core i5-13400 processor • 24in
and replaces the 14th-generation Intel S32-1856 (£1,499 from www.snipca. 1920x1080-pixel 60Hz IPS screen • 16GB RAM • Intel
Core i5-14500 pocessor for an older com/50768, reviewed in Issue 687). UHD Graphics 730 • 512TB SSD • 2x 3W speakers •
i5-13400 chip. The ThinkCentre relies on the graphics Wi-Fi 6 • Bluetooth 5.1 • 1080p webcam • 1x HDMI
port • 1x DisplayPort • 1x USB-C port • 6x USB 3.0
To recreate our £888 test model, you’ll hardware of the main processor rather ports • 1x Gigabit Ethernet port • 1x SD card reader •
need to click the ‘Build Your PC’ link than a standalone card, making it best Windows 11 Pro • 217x540x94mm (HxWxD) • 8.05kg
on the option with the i5-13400 suited to office and web-based tasks, • One-year warranty www.snipca.com/51906
processor, priced at £919.99 including rather than 3D games.
VAT, then make sure you change your The screen is also impressive. At 23.6in
specifications to match those listed below across the diagonal it’s smaller than the VERDICT A decent all-in-one PC
right. Pay particular 27in and 32in panels in the rival that’s ideal for Windows work and can
attention to the Wireless machines mentioned above, but be configured to suit your needs, though
option because the base offers the same 1920x1080-pixel it won’t run the latest games
model doesn’t include resolution as the larger HP screen.
Wi-Fi. Also, in the System This means it offers greater detail
★★★★★
Stand option we opted for when you’re sitting up close. Its ALTERNATIVE HP 27-cr0014na
the Full Function stand peak brightness level of 290cd/m2 is Full-HD All-in-One £799 A larger
and think it’s worth perfectly fine for indoor use, and screen for
paying a bit more for its it’s reasonably accurate, recreating less money,
range of adjustments, 104.7 per cent of the sRGB colour but its overall
including rotating standard, and 74.1 per cent of performance level
into portrait mode DCI-P3. isn’t as high
(pictured right). The build quality is good. The

22 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 HOW WE TEST
Computeractive is owned by Future PLC,
MINI PC | £769 from Scan www.snipca.com/51925 which employs a team of specialist
technical reviewers. You’ll often read

MSI Cubi NUC 1M references to our benchmark testing,

which is a method of assessing products
using the same criteria. For example, we
U got it 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.
Mini PCs continue to flood the Future PLC also owns the magazines
market and this Cubi model from Maximum PC, PC Pro and T3, and the
Taiwanese manufacturer MSI is websites Laptop Mag (www.laptopmag.
available in several versions from com), TechRadar (www.techradar.com)
Scan at www.snipca.com/51924. and Windows Central (www.windows
These include barebones models without central.com). This means we can test
RAM and storage, in case you want to thousands of products before choosing
kit out your own with any spare extremes, the Cubi’s cooling fan kicked in the most relevant for Computeractive.
components you may already have. at a low-pitched but audible hum.
However, here we’re reviewing the In terms of basic performance, it holds FAIR AND IMPARTIAL
top-of-the-range Core 7 150U model its own against our current favourite mini Our writers follow strict guidelines to
with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. PC, the Geekom A8 (£899 from www. ensure the reviews are fair and impartial.
snipca.com/51157, reviewed in Issue 689), The manufacturer has no involvement in
in single-core benchmark tests. That our tests.
It handles the means it copes admirably with simple
Windows tasks such as office work, as OUR AWARDS
basic jobs well, and well as email handling and web browsing. We award every product
However, it lagged well behind when that gets five stars our
can be bought from a we challenged it with jobs that push the Buy It! stamp of approval.
It means we were
reputable UK seller processor to its limits. In multi-core tests
the A8 ran more than 50-per-cent faster, extremely impressed by the product, and
so it’s significantly better at running we think you will be too.
The Core 7 150U is a new Intel chip demanding programs such as photo-
Every product that gets a
launched in January. Despite sounding and video-editing software.
four-star review is given the
like it should be in the same processor In gaming tests the A8 was nearly
Recommended award. We
family as the Intel Core i7, it has fewer twice as fast. At 1080p resolution with
highly recommend these
cores, making it slower to run advanced high detail settings, the Cubi ran our
products, although they just fail to meet the
software and perform simultaneous test game at 22 frames per second (fps),
high standard of our Buy It! winners.
Windows tasks. It’s more comparable to whereas the A8 managed 35fps. At
an older i5 processor when it comes to around £130 more, then, the A8 is a PRICES
raw performance. much better all-rounder for those Our reviews contain a link to the best price
Like all U series chips, the 150U is who want a machine that can handle we found online at the time of press.
designed for maximum efficiency rather games smoothly.
than all-out speed. When we pushed it to For less demanding users, however,
there’s still plenty to like about the
SPECIFICATIONS Cubi. It has two USB-C ports, both VERDICT A decent mini PC from a
10-core Intel Core 7 150U processor • 16GB RAM supporting Thunderbolt 4. These are renowned brand, but a lacklustre choice
• Intel Graphics • 1TB SSD • Wi-Fi 7 • Bluetooth 5.3
backed up by four USB 3.0, two HDMI of processor leaves it trailing behind its
• 2x 2.5GB Ethernet ports • 1x USB-C port • 4x
USB 3.0 ports • 2x HDMI ports • Windows 11 Pro and two Ethernet ports, as well as a rivals in performance
• 50x136x133mm (HxWxD) • 630g • Three-year microSD card slot (all pictured above and
warranty www.snipca.com/51925 below). It also has the latest Wi-Fi 7
★★★★★
standard and Bluetooth 5.3. ALTERNATIVE
Finally, while many mini Geekom A8 £854 A more
PCs are available only powerful AMD processor
through import from makes this a superior
abroad, you can buy the all-round performer
Cubi from UK retailer and better
Scan. This should make it value
easier and quicker to deal
with any problems.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 23

 Reviews
LAPTOP | £750 from PCSpecialist www.snipca.com/51946

PCSpecialist 14 Lafité AI AMD

Don’t push it

UK-based PC builder PCSpecialist is best

known for its desktop PCs, but it also
makes laptops. The 14 Lafité AI AMD is
one of its latest examples and, as with
most machines from the company, you
can customise the components to create
the precise build you want.
The basic specification includes the
case, screen and AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS
processor, and you can’t change those PCs because it’s only capable of 16 TOPS hands down, however, is in the quality of
elements. The most affordable model (trillions of instructions per second), far its 14in screen. Not only does this IPS
throws in 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, below the 40 TOPS Microsoft sets as a panel produce dazzling whites, but it also
and costs £693. This is the laptop you’ll minimum. covers a near-perfect 99 per cent of the
buy if you visit our link above and click In benchmark tests involving jobs sRGB colour standard, and offers a peak
the green Proceed button at the top right. that use just a single core, it performed brightness level of 375cd/m2. Add a 120Hz
six-per-cent faster than our current refresh rate and pin-sharp 2880x1800-
favourite laptop, the Dell Inspiron 14 Plus pixel resolution and it’s a crystal-clear
A basic laptop that (£699 from www.snipca.com/51831, winner. Battery life is also pretty good,
reviewed in Issue 683). This suggests coming in at just over 12 hours in our
offers upgrade choices that the Lafité’s strengths lie in handling light-usage test.
office documents, browsing the web We were less impressed by the
and a stunning screen, and checking email. keyboard, which lacks the tactile
The Inspiron’s Intel Core Ultra 7 155H springy response we prefer, but it has a
but knows its limits chip outclassed it in multi-core tests – handy backlight that’ll help you type in
unsurprising, given it has twice the darker conditions and its layout has
We wanted to test a slightly better number of cores (16). Even though 10 of everything where you’d expect it to be.
specification, however, so we upgraded these are efficiency cores that simply The touchpad is similarly straightforward,
our 8GB memory stick to a single 16GB support the main cores, they clearly do but we found the buttons a little too
unit, and our SSD to a 512GB Solidigm their job well because the Inspiron clicky for our liking.
P41+ drive, which is faster than the basic performed 30-per-cent faster in more It’s well equipped with ports, with the
drive. This bumped the price to £750, resource-hungry challenges, such as left and right edges sharing three USB 3.0
which we considered money well spent editing photos and videos. ports and and a USB-C port. The rear of
for the likely performance improvement. Similar differences were evident when the laptop (pictured below left) houses
You can upgrade these components when we compared their respective graphic another USB-C, one HDMI and one
ordering by choosing the relevant options capabilities. Both use the hardware that’s Ethernet port.
in the ‘Memory (RAM)’ and ‘1st M.2 SSD built into their processors, rather than
Drive’ dropdown menus. outsourcing the work to a standalone
It has an NPU to help it run AI tasks, as graphics card, but the Inspiron overcame VERDICT A reasonably priced laptop
indicated in its name, but it doesn’t make this limitation much better. with a high-quality screen that handles
the grade as one of Microsoft’s Copilot+ In gaming benchmarks the Inspiron general Windows jobs well, but it can’t
was twice as fast. When playing actual match more powerful rivals when it
SPECIFICATIONS games, the Lafité could only match the comes to resource-hungry tasks
Eight-core AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS NPU processor, Inspiron’s 30fps at 1080p resolution on
16 TOPS • 16GB RAM • 14in 120Hz 2880x1800-pixel low detail settings. In a nutshell, while
★★★★★
resolution IPS screen • 512GB SSD • Wi-Fi 6E • Bluetooth
the Lafité handles basic tasks well, it ALTERNATIVE
5.2 • 2x USB-C ports • 3x USB 3.0 ports • 1x HDMI port •
1x Ethernet port • Windows 11 Home • 18.5x313x220mm simply isn’t cut out for image and video Dell Inspiron 14 Plus £699 Its screen
(HxWxD) • 1.4kg • Three-year warranty www.snipca. editing or playing the latest games. isn’t as good, but
com/51946 One area where it beats the Inspiron its Intel Ultra 7
processor makes
it significantly
more powerful

24 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

MONITOR ❘ £529 from Samsung www.snipca.com/51993
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPECS
Samsung Smart Monitor M8 NPU
At the double
What is it?
An NPU (neural processing unit)
is a specialist core on a multi-core
If you live in a smaller property you may processor. It’s used to do the simple
not have the luxury of having your main but high-volume calculations needed
PC and TV in separate rooms. Or perhaps to run software with AI tools.
your home office doubles as your private
TV room, away from the rest of the How does it work?
household. If so, the Samsung Smart Whenever a compatible program starts
Monitor M8 may just be for you. performing a task that requires AI input,
It’s designed to work as a monitor it sends the work to the NPU. This
and a TV, offering the sort of screen for most models. There’s also a 1440p prevents the processor’s other cores
quality that makes it great for work webcam supplied, which attaches becoming bogged down with lots of
during the day and for watching TV magnetically to the top of the screen, small tasks, which could significantly
and films once you’ve knocked off. It’s so you can easily remove it if you don’t slow the performance of PC.
expensive compared with most other use it often.
monitors and TV sets of this size, but if it Although it can pivot into portrait What are the specs?
saves you having to buy two separate mode, it isn’t the most flexible stand The speed of an NPU is measured
pieces of kit then it may just be worth it. we’ve seen. It tilts forward and backwards in TOPS (trillions of operations per
slightly, and while you get 120mm height second). For example, the AMD Ryzen
adjustment, there’s no swivel option. 7 8845HS processor in the PCSpecialist
The screen is Click the Home button on the supplied 14 Lafité AI AMD laptop reviewed
remote control and you’ll drop into the on page 24 has an NPU capable of
good enough both Tizen OS interface, which is constantly 16 TOPS. Microsoft offers a special

for watching TV and running in the background. This will be

familiar to anyone who’s used a Samsung
version of Windows for its Copilot+
laptops, which have extra AI tools built
using Windows TV in recent years, providing access to
all the usual streaming and catch-up
in. A laptop’s processor needs an NPU
that’s capable of 40 TOPS to qualify
services via its TV Plus platform. for Copilot+ status. The Asus Vivobook
The M8 has a 31.5in screen with a 4K The ‘Smart’ element of its name S 15 Copilot+ PC (£999 from www.
(3840x2160-pixel) resolution. It has the refers to the fact that you can use it snipca.com/51051, tested Issue 688,
level of quality we’ve come to expect as a central hub to control any pictured), for example, has a Qualcomm
from Samsung. Its VA technology lacks smart-home devices you might have Snapdragon X Elite processor that
the perfect contrast and dazzling whites (lights, thermostats and so on). You can hits 45 TOPS.
you might get from an OLED screen, but also control it by voice using Google
both are still more than good enough. Assistant or Amazon’s Alexa.
Maximum brightness is an impressive Gamers should steer clear, however,
461cd/m2, while it reproduces 84 per cent because its 60Hz refresh rate is just not
of the DCI-P3 colour standard. good enough for a smooth experience.
This makes films and TV shows look
great, and provides eye-catching white
backgrounds when working in Windows. VERDICT A useful two-in-one device
To complement the images, its two hefty that works well as a traditional PC
five-watt speakers pump out reasonable monitor and for streaming TV Can I change it later?
sound. Only by changing the processor in
You have a choice of inputs, with one
★★★★★ your PC. This is rarely possible with
HDMI, one USB-C and two USB 2.0 ports. ALTERNATIVE laptops, but can be done with desktop
The USB-C port can charge a connected LG 24TQ510S-PZ £140 A smaller 23in PCs. However, it’s one of the more
laptop at up to 65W, which should be fine model, which is cheaper and comes complicated jobs because you’ll need
with an aerial to ensure your replacement processor
SPECIFICATIONS socket for is compatible with your motherboard,
31.5in VA LCD screen • 3840x2160-pixel resolution watching and remove any cooling and other
• 60Hz refresh rate • 4ms response time • 2x 5W
speakers • 1x HDMI port • 1x USB-C port • 2x USB 2.0
terrestrial TV components that might be obstructing
ports • 496x713x200mm (HxWxD) • 7.2kg • One-year channels access to it.
warranty www.snipca.com/51993

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 25

 Reviews
ROUTER ❘ £300 from Amazon www.snipca.com/51974

Netgear Nighthawk RS300

Magnificent seven

Wi-Fi 7 has been slow to catch on, but as usual method of installing a mobile
more and more new PCs start hitting the app and scanning a QR code, to identify
market with it built in (such as the MSI and connect to the router. The rest of
Cubi NUC 1M, reviewed on page 23), it the process is largely automatic. More
might be about to take off properly. advanced management features, such as
If so, then the Nighthawk RS300 has port forwarding, can be configured in the
arrived at just the right time. It’s the first router’s web interface.
Wi-Fi 7 router we’ve taken a look at To test it, we connected it to a NAS
because it’s the first we’ve seen with a drive via a 2.5Gbps Ethernet port, then
sensible price tag. It’s considerably moved our Wi-Fi 7-capable laptop to
cheaper than previous releases such as various rooms. We then measured
Amazon’s Eero Max 7 (£500 from www. average download speeds for a series of
snipca.com/51976) and Netgear’s own 100MB data files. recommended minimum for streaming
Nighthawk RS700S (£649 from www. The RS300 hit very impressive speeds 4K HDR video. Assuming you don’t live
snipca.com/51975). of up to 140MB/s with close-range in a stately home, this router’s reach and
Despite its relatively low price tag, downloads. We haven’t seen any router, performance level should definitely
the RS300 offers surprisingly at any price, go faster than this. satisfy your household’s needs.
good specifications – Netgear As with any standalone
claims its 6GHz band can router, performance drops off
unleash nippy maximum the further you move from it, VERDICT With its expansive coverage
speeds of 5.9Gbps. It also but the RS300 still held up and fast speeds, this is the first Wi-Fi 7
claims the router can cover well. Even in the most distant router we’ve seen at a reasonable price
areas of up to 185 square room in our house we
metres and support up to 100 managed an average download
★★★★★
devices, which should be more rate of 13MB/s, which is ALTERNATIVE Asus RT-AXE7800
than enough for most home more than four times the £200 If you
users. For wired connections don’t need Wi-Fi
the unit contains five Ethernet SPECIFICATIONS 7 yet, you can
ports (one being reserved for Tri-band: 2.4GHz/5GHz/6GHz • Wi-Fi 7 • save £100 with
3x 2.5Gigabit Ethernet ports • 2x Gigabit
the inward connection, pictured Ethernet ports • 249x150x102mm
this Wi-Fi 6E
right) and one USB port. (HxWxD) • 950g • Two-year warranty alternative
Setup involves Netgear’s www.snipca.com/51974

WHAT SHOULD I BUY? We solve your buying dilemmas

Can you suggest a robust external disc drive?

I’m having a hard time from a brand with a reputation for And crucially, they come in larger,
Q choosing an external disc
drive from Amazon. I’ve tried
quality, you should consider the Asus
Slim DVD Writer (£29 from www.snipca.
sturdier cases, and have drawers you
can gently place a disc into, rather than
several models, but they just keep com/51978). This is an excellent drive and one you have to click into place.
breaking on me and seem very fragile. has very favourable reviews on Argos’s Our recommendation would be
Can you recommend a better-quality website. But if you find slim portable CD/ the Pioneer External Blu-ray Drive
external disc drive that is made to last? DVD drives awkward to handle, it may be BDR-X13EBK (£160 from www.snipca.
I’m not too bothered about the price. wise to look elsewhere. com/51979, pictured). While it’s
John Cranny For a more robust unit we’d suggest an significantly more expensive, this is a
external Blu-ray writer. Admittedly, this is robust unit that’s far less likely to suffer
There are two options here. If probably more than you need for the damage when being used.
A you don’t want to spend too
much and just want a drive
types of discs you want to read and write
to, but they’ll do exactly what you need.
Do you need advice on what you should buy?
Email us at letters@computeractive.co.uk

26 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 Reviews
WEBCAM ❘ £21 from Laptops Direct www.snipca.com/51955

HP 325 FHD
Cam do better

The HP 325 FHD sits at the cheapest The 1080p image quality is pretty good
end of HP’s webcam range. It’s intended as long as you make sure your face is
to provide basic video functionality to well lit. In natural daylight that is evenly
desktop PCs, but may also appeal to spread across your face, the webcam
anyone who owns a laptop with a performs absolutely fine. Quality drops in
poor-quality or broken webcam. lower light, however, so if you tend to
It has a pleasing rounded design, a video-chat in dark corners of the house,
permanently connected USB cable and a your call-recipient may be disappointed VERDICT A budget webcam, but its
clip that will attach to any laptop or with the shadowy images they receive. cost-cutting compromises come at a
monitor of your choice. It also comes It does offer a wide 66-degree viewing price – namely poor images in low light
with a tripod connection if you’d like to angle, though, which means you can get and disappointing audio quality
to use it for streaming an event, like a multiple people into the frame for a
family birthday party. A privacy shutter family chat.
★★★★★
can be mounted on to the front to ensure Another compromise is that there’s ALTERNATIVE
you’re not being watched when you’re only one microphone, where pricier Logitech Brio 105 £45 More than
not using it. cameras typically use more to better twice the price but with significantly
capture your voice. We found the sound better sound and
SPECIFICATIONS came through slightly distorted in our image quality,
1080p at 30fps • 66-degree field of view • 1x
microphone • 150cm USB cable • 53x72x54mm
tests, which makes it pretty much particularly in
(HxWxD) • 107g • One-year warranty www.snipca. unusable for audio. Instead, you’ll want a low light
com/51955 separate mic that delivers better results.

SOUNDBAR ❘ £140 from Amazon www.snipca.com/51962

Ultimea Poseidon D50

It’s behind you

As you’ll have seen from our recent component sits below your TV and
reviews, there’s a wide range of produces a front-facing sound. There’s
reasonably priced TVs around with also a subwoofer to add rumbling bass, crowd blared out from the side speakers
surprisingly high picture quality. and two smaller speakers designed to sit while a thumping drum beat out from
However, this prioritisation of screen behind you and to each side. the subwoofer, making the whole
often means audio quality is an Setup is simple: the soundbar connects experience incredibly immersive.
afterthought. Even more expensive sets to your TV via an HDMI cable. The woofer
can’t recreate the immersive sound and speakers connect to the soundbar
experience you might find in a cinema. wirelessly, though they need to be VERDICT An affordable way into
The Ultimea Poseidon D50 is an connected to each other with cables and surround sound, but it doesn’t work
affordable speaker system that can plugged into a wall socket for power. This with with the latest audio technologies
bring a much-needed sound boost to means you don’t need to run a cable
practically any TV. The soundbar around the room, and can probably hide
★★★★★
most of it behind your sofa. ALTERNATIVE Ultimea Nova S50
SPECIFICATIONS At this price you don’t get Dolby £110 This alternative drops
5.1 speaker channels • 5x 2.25in speaker drivers Atmos or DTS:X compatibility. However, the small speakers but adds
(soundbar and satellites); 1x 5.25in speaker when watching action movies we were compatibility with
driver (subwoofer) • 1x HDMI port • 1x optical port
• 1x auxiliary port • 1x USB port • Bluetooth 5.3 •
impressed with the three-dimensional Dolby Atmos and
70x400x90mm (soundbar) • 1.36kg (soundbar) • waves of gunshots and explosions. When costs slightly less
One-year warranty www.snipca.com/51962 watching football the whistles of the

28 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 Reviews
DIGITAL RADIO | £299 from John Lewis www.snipca.com/52002
DO I REALLY NEED...
Ruark Audio R1S Smart Radio A laptop with
Sound’s amazing
a screen that
follows you?
British company Ruark Audio has been What is it?
producing great-sounding small The Lenovo Auto Twist AI PC (pictured)
radios for more than 20 years, but this is a laptop with a motorised hinge that
is the first time it’s added a Wi-Fi rotates the screen.
connection into the usual mix of DAB,
FM and Bluetooth. This adds the ability What does
to stream radio and music straight from it do?
the internet without needing to route it The laptop uses AI
through a phone or tablet. It maintains to track your
key elements from previous models, movements
though, including a smart design, and adjust
intuitive controls and stunning sound. the screen’s angle
Amazon Music and Deezer. Missing from to ensure you can see it
this list is Tidal and Apple Music, but if wherever you are. It reacts to voice
It has a smart design, you want to play audio from elsewhere commands, such as ‘close laptop’ to
it’s easy to connect via Bluetooth. shut the screen/lid or ‘tablet mode’ to
intuitive controls and Around the back there’s a handy USB-C hide the keyboard under the screen. It
will also close automatically when you
stunning sound port through which you can charge your
mobile device or play MP3 files. There’s walk away from it.
also a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired
It’s small enough to comfortably perch headphones and a space to connect an What’s the catch?
on a kitchen worktop, a desktop or optional battery pack (£69) if you want to At the moment the Auto Twist is at
bedside table. The front panel has a sleek take it beyond the reach of a wall socket. the ‘proof of concept’ stage, meaning
wooden fascia that conceals the speaker The sound quality is surprisingly clear there’s no guarantee it will ever be
and looks classy in any room. The and crisp, with plenty of pleasing detail. made, let alone sold to the public.
full-colour screen is sharp, with strong We wouldn’t expect wall-shaking bass
contrast that makes text and graphics from a unit this small, but there’s enough So can I do without it?
visible from a distance. The interface here to make an impact. In short, this is Yes, although it might be very useful for
doesn’t try to cram in too much one of the best-sounding internet radios people who have limited use of their
information, but has enough space to of this size that we’ve ever heard. arms.
accommodate station presets and
sub-menus. SPECIFICATIONS
On the top of the case is the company’s FM, DAB/DAB+ and internet radio • Supports Spotify, NEXT ISSUE
Amazon and Deezer • Bluetooth 5.2 • 3.5mm
customary RotoDial controller (pictured headphone jack • USB-C port • 175x130x135mm
below), which is responsive and makes it (HxWxD) • 1.6kg • Two-year warranty www.snipca. On Sale Weds 9 Oct
easy to adjust the volume, select music com/52002
sources, recall saved presets (eight per
radio source), manage playback and GMKtec
scan radio stations. It also provides access VERDICT A compact, classy digital NucBox M6
A very affordable
to other menu options, including those radio that sounds great, is easy to use
mini PC – but is
for changing display brightness, setting and offers a wide range of source there a catch?
alarms and timers, searching for specific options, making it one of the best
stations and more. internet radios we’ve tested HP Omnibook X 14
With FM, DAB/DAB+ Copilot+ laptop is
and internet radio
★★★★★
slim, lightweight
available there’s an ALTERNATIVE Revo SuperConnect and keeps going
almost limitless Stereo £399 More expensive, but it for hours
selection of audio you has stereo
can tune into. If that’s speakers These and much more...
still not enough there and creates a Subscribe to Computeractive at
are integrated apps bigger sound www.getcomputeractive.co.uk
for streaming Spotify,

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 29

 Buy It Find out which other products we liked.
Buy our 2023 Back Issue CD:
£18 from www.snipca.com/48860

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

LAPTOP DESKTOP PC APPLE iPAD

Dell Inspiron 14 Plus Palicomp AMD Cobra Apple iPad 10.9in

£699 from www.snipca.com/51831 £400 from www.snipca.com/43515 £324 from www.snipca.com/51839
Tested Issue 683 Tested Issue 643 Tested Issue 646

This laptop has the same processor

(Intel Core Ultra 7 155H) as our previous The price of the 10th-generation iPad,
favourite (Acer Swift Go 4), but manages This fast PC is a mouth-watering released in 2022, has fallen far enough
to squeeze more speed out of it. It also bargain, with 16GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD to make it better value than earlier
comes with 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD and a six-core processor – though it models. If the Amazon price above has
and a 14in 2240x1400-pixel screen. lacks USB-C ports and built-in Wi-Fi. expired, get it for £349 on Apple’s site.
Excellent value overall.
ALTERNATIVE Wired2Fire Ultima WS ALTERNATIVE iPad Mini With an even
ALTERNATIVE Acer Swift Go 14 Still a Home Office Workstation Blisteringly better, but smaller, screen than the
fast and powerful laptop, with a great fast PC, powered by an overclocked 10.9in iPad, the Mini also supports
14in screen. £1099 from www.snipca. eight-core processor and 1TB SSD. the Pencil and has 64GB of storage.
com/49733 £656 from www.snipca.com/41500 £499 from www.snipca.com/33050

ANDROID TABLET APPLE iPHONE ANDROID PHONE

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Apple iPhone 13 Google Pixel 7a

£799 from www.snipca.com/50039 £499 from www.snipca.com/52048 £370 from www.snipca.com/46332
Tested Issue 667 Tested Issue 627 Tested Issue 660

With a much brighter screen than our

previous favourite – the Galaxy Tab S8
– this is perfect for watching TV. It also Now £300 cheaper than its 2021 launch
has a faster processor, so tasks feel price, the iPhone 13 has a superb screen, A cheaper version of Google’s flagship
smoother, even with several windows long battery life and an excellent camera – phone, this uses AI to add clarity to
open. £799 will get you the 128GB particularly for taking quick snaps without photos, and lasts an impressive 10
version. If you want 256GB you’ll need blurring. But it might be soon be replaced hours. Has a fast processor and 8GB
to spend around £100 more. as our top choice by the new iPhone 16s. RAM to supercharge performance.

ALTERNATIVE Lenovo Tab P11 Pro It’s ALTERNATIVE iPhone SE With a single ALTERNATIVE Nothing Phone 2a Don’t
slower than the Tab S9 and the screen camera and smaller screen but the be put off by the odd name. This has a
is duller, but has a detachable keyboard same powerful A15 processor and 64GB distinctive design, superb camera and
so you can use it as a laptop. £400 from storage as the iPhone 14, it’s great value. decent battery life. From a UK company
www.snipca.com/45244 £429 from www.snipca.com/34773 too. £329 from www.snipca.com/49930

30 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 Buy It
Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award
MINI PC ENNEW EBOOK READER SECURITY SOFTWARE
TR
Y
Geekom A8 Kobo Libra Colour Norton 360 Premium
£854 from www.snipca.com/51157 £199 from www.snipca.com/50192 £19.99 from www.snipca.com/33247
Tested Issue 689 Tested Issue 683 Tested Issue 629

Norton has always performed

This tiny machine (37x112x112mm) strongly in our antivirus tests,
doesn’t have much room for ports, but Kobo’s first colour e-reader, with an regularly making the top three.
makes up for it with a 2TB SSD, a fast E-Ink Kaleido 3 screen that supports Owned by US firm NortonLifeLock,
processor, and an SD slot for adding 4,096 tones, making illustrations and it’s available at a discount on our
storage. It comes with 32GB RAM, as photos leap out at you. You can also Software Store. Use the link above
does a slightly slower model that’s make notes using a stylus, though that for a 10-device, two-year licence.
around £170 cheaper and has only a costs £70 extra. It has 32GB storage Other versions are available, including
1TB SSD. Take your pick. and Bluetooth for playing audiobooks. Norton 360 for Gamers.

ALTERNATIVE Beelink SER8 A decent ALTERNATIVE Amazon Kindle This low- ALTERNATIVE Bitdefender Total
model, with 1TB SSD and 32GB RAM, cost option is a good choice, especially Security Another top performer that
but it’s bigger than average. £849 from now it has 16GB of storage. £85 from we’re offering at a discount. £29.99
www.snipca.com/51331 www.snipca.com/52049 from www.snipca.com/41141

WEBCAM PC MONITOR SOLID-STATE DRIVE

Logitech C925e Business BenQ BL2790QT Corsair MP600 Pro LPX

Webcam £230 from www.snipca.com/52050 500GB
£58 from www.snipca.com/50751 Tested Issue 685 £66 from www.snipca.com/41547
Tested Issue 608 Tested Issue 630

Despite the name, this webcam is also With a 1440p resolution on a 27in In our tests, this M.2 SSD hit speeds
great for home users. Its standout screen, this has a pixel density of 109 of 7,364MB/s and 6,870MB/s when
feature is automatically adjusting itself pixels per inch, making it extremely reading and writing data – astonishingly
to keep your picture looking sharp. It sharp. Also has great speakers, lots fast scores. It’s compatible with the
offers a 78-degree field of view, which of controls and plenty of ports. It’s the new PCIe 4.0 standard, which is twice
is fine for everyday video chats with one best balance between size, resolution, as fast as PCIe 3.0. The 1TB model
person in front of the camera. quality and price. costs £88; 2TB costs £158.

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 rate traditional 2.5in SATA format, this
voice from a distance. £38 from aimed at gamers. £260 from is a great-value upgrade. £44 from
www.snipca.com/51577 www.snipca.com/49898 www.snipca.com/37304

32 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 Buy It

COMPETITION

Win 1 of 4… Ugreen Revodok

Pro 313 docking stations
Winner of a Recommended award in
Issue 690 (page 26), Ugreen’s
Revodok Pro 313 13-in-1 Triple Display
Docking Station is built to provide all
your connectivity needs. files, movies and photos at speeds of
It has two HDMI ports, one up to 10Gbps via the USB-C data port
DisplayPort, a 100W USB-C PD port, and dual USB-A ports.
a 10Gbps USB-C data port, two It’s made from aluminium, with
10Gbps USB-A data ports, two 5Gbps plastic caps at either end. The metallic and submit your details by midnight
USB-A data ports, one 1000Mbps grey finish looks classy, and doesn’t Tuesday 8 October. Good luck!
Ethernet socket, SD/TF card slots attract smudges or scratches.
and 3.5mm audio. It’s compatible with almost all You can buy the Revodok Pro 313 for
It can hook up to three monitors to makes of USB-C laptop, such as XPS, £129.99 from www.snipca.com/51419.
both HDMI ports and DisplayPort in ThinkPad X1, ZenBook, Chromebook, For more Ugreen products, including
4K@60Hz max, making cross-screen Surface and many more. chargers, power banks, Bluetooth
multitasking and creative workflows To enter this competition, answer adapters and laptop stands, visit
even more efficient. You can transfer the question at www.snipca.com/51928 https://uk.ugreen.com.

PRINTER SMART TV ROUTER

Epson EcoTank ET-2830 Samsung Q60B Asus RT-AXE7800

£180 from www.snipca.com/51715 £490 from www.snipca.com/51020 £225 from www.snipca.com/47586
Tested Issue 676 Tested Issue 652 Tested Issue 665

This replaces the ET-1810 as our With our former favourite – the TCL This router has Wi-Fi 6E, so will be
favourite printer because it adds 55RP620K – out of stock, Samsung’s capable of the fastest possible speeds
copying and scanning to its functions 43in set is our new pick. It has excellent on the 6GHz network over the next
for only £20 more. Print quality is colour reproduction in well-lit scenes, few years. It has five Ethernet ports and
great, especially for photos, which and the picture is wonderfully sharp, also a USB 3.0 port to connect a hard
have crisp details, vivid colours and especially in 4K. drive or NAS drive.
realistic skin tones.
ALTERNATIVE LG OLED42C3 ALTERNATIVE Synology WRX560
ALTERNATIVE Epson EcoTank ET-1810 LG’s 42in TV is more than double Our previous favourite remains an
Not the fastest printer, but comes with the price, but unlike TCL’s model it excellent choice, delivering speeds of
enough ink for 4,500 mono and 7,500 has an OLED screen, boosting up to 791.5Mbps. Add more units to
colour pages. £160 from www.snipca. picture quality considerably. £859 from set up mesh Wi-Fi. £212 from
com/49863 www.snipca.com/47271 www.snipca.com/52051

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 33

Computeractive 2023
Back Issue CD & USB Stick
Both the CD and Stick contain all 26 issues from 2023

LE NOW!
ON SA

SOLD
OUT!

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

www.snipca.com/48860 www.snipca.com/48861
 Pull Out
& Keep

Workshops & Tips Issue 693

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

35 S
 et up a music system 40 Readers’ Tips PLUS
in your car 44 Phone & Tablet Tips 47 M
 ake Office Better
42 Browser Tips:
38 U
 se Arc’s ‘spaces’ to Chat with Google 46 M
 ake Windows 48 In the Club: Create an
improve your browsing Gemini in a side panel Better event in Communities

HOW TO...
Set up a music system
in your car by Nik Rawlinson

What you need: MP3 player; Disc drive Time required: Two hours

S
treaming music is hugely popular We think it’s the ideal device to use
these days, but many people still for an in-car music system. You could
prefer the superior audio quality leave it in your vehicle permanently
offered by MP3s. If you don’t want to store so you can access your entire music
MP3s on your phone, there are plenty collection wherever you happen to be.
of affordable players you can consider Just be sure to put it somewhere out of
instead. One of the best is the MP3 Music sight when you leave the car.
Player (pictured) from UK firm Majority, Here, we’ll show you how to rip music
which we gave a Recommended award to from your CDs in a way that optimises
in Issue 686 (page 28). the player’s capacity, how to charge it in
It has 16GB of memory – enough to your vehicle, and how you can play the music player, the principles we outline
store thousands of tracks – and it costs tracks it contains through your car stereo. will also apply to similar products from
£32 on Amazon (www.snipca.com/51791). While we will refer directly to Majority’s other manufacturers.

Rip your music from your CD. The more frequently it One is how good your hearing is, but
1 You’ll want to fit as much music
as possible on to the player so
does this, the smoother the resulting
audio output, and the larger the file size.
more relevant in this instance is the quality
of your car speakers and the way you’ll be
you don’t need to keep bringing it into Reducing the bitrate will probably reduce connecting the player to your vehicle.
your home to refresh the library. When the quality of the ripped file, but helps If you have low-quality speakers you
converting your music, it therefore makes you fit more into the player. may be able to get away with choosing
sense to pay attention to your settings, as Whether you can hear the difference a lower bitrate. However, if you’re going
they can help make the difference when this makes depends on several factors. to listen on high-quality speakers, and
it comes to making the most of the you can connect to your car radio
player’s 16GB of memory. Bitrate AAC MP3 FLAC WMA through an auxiliary input socket
When ripping your CDs you or directly via Bluetooth, you
96Kbps 2.8MB - - -
need to choose both the output probably want to choose a fairly
format and the bitrate – measured 128Kbps 3.71MB 3.67MB - 3.7MB high bitrate.
in kilobits per second (Kbps) – 256Kbps 7.24MB 7.30MB - - To see what difference the
which is the number of times per 320Kbps - 9.11MB - - selection of bitrate and format
second that the ripping process made to file size (see table left),
samples the music it’s extracting Lossless - - 26.6MB - we used Windows Media Player to

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 35

 convert a three-minute, 57-second song
(Thank You by Portuguese singer Ana
Moura, www.snipca.com/51922) using
a range of different formats: AAC, MP3,
How I play audio in my car
FLAC and WMA. In each instance, we I rarely listen to anything when driving. However, when I do, it’s
wrote down the size of the resulting file. usually podcasts rather than music. I find that my phone is the
As you’ll see from our table on page most convenient device to use in this instance as its Wi-Fi and cell
35, the lower the bitrate (and therefore connections allow it to download the latest episodes as and when
lower audio quality), the smaller the file they appear. This ensures I have plenty (and usually too much) to
size. Some combinations aren’t possible. listen to for any length of journey.
We couldn’t convert WMA at higher than Nik Rawlinson
196Kbps, which is why we only have a
figure for 128Kbps. Further, although
Windows Media Player let us select Bitrate AAC MP3 FLAC WMA
320Kbps when we chose AAC as the
96Kbps 5,714 (476) - - -
format, Windows consistently reported
that the track written to disk was a 128Kbps 4,312 (359) 4,359 (363) - 4,324 (360)
256Kbps bitrate file, which is why we 256Kbps 2,209 (184) 2,191 (182) - -
have no 320Kbps figure for that format. 320Kbps - 1,756 (146) - -
For completeness, we also ripped the
track in the lossless FLAC format which, Lossless - - 601 (50) -
in theory, should result in the highest-
quality file, but more quickly consumes could take your entire music collection of 320Kbps 2 , which Media Player
the available capacity of the device. with you in AAC or MP3 format at recommends for music. Click Save, then
The ripped file was 26.6MB, which is 256Kbps. And even if you converted click the Rip CD button 3 that appears to
significantly larger than any of the other everything using 320Kbps MP3, you’d the left of the three dots.
files appearing in that table. And, at the still have room for more than 140 of
opposite end of the scale, we ripped the your favourite CDs. Transfer your music
file in AAC format at 96Kbps, resulting
in a file of just 2.8MB.
Once you’ve decided which settings
you want to use you should check that
2 to the player
Windows Media Player rips your
Here’s how these figures translate to Windows Media Player is set to rip at CD’s tracks to Windows’ Music library.
real-world situations. The table below your chosen quality level. Insert the CD You’ll find this by opening File Explorer,
shows the duration of music that could you want to rip into your disc drive and, where Music will usually sit in the left-
be stored on a 16GB device without when it’s been recognised, click its name hand sidebar. If you’ve changed your
increasing its storage if we assume every in the Media Player sidebar. Next, click settings so that the Music library doesn’t
song is the same length and complexity the three dots (‘…’) above the track listing appear in the sidebar, click the ‘>’ to the
as our test track. and select ‘Rip settings’, then use the left of Home in the address bar and select
While opting for a 256Kbps bitrate dropdown menus to select your options. Music from the menu that appears.
rather than 128Kbps means you can store We’ve selected MP3 as our format ( 1 When the folder opens, you’ll notice
a little more than half as much music on in our screenshot below), and a bitrate that your music is organised into folders
the device, you’ll still be driving around for each artist, with sub-folders inside for
with more than 2,000 four-minute 3 albums. While this helps you to navigate
tracks, on average, as you can see in the 1 your music using File Explorer, Windows
table above right. Media Player will have tagged your music
We’ve calculated how many times our when it ripped it with the album name,
sample track could be stored at each of track name and artist, as well as the
the selected settings on a 16GB device. If track’s position in the album’s running
you assume an album has 12 tracks, the 2 order. All this information can be used
numbers in brackets represent how many by your MP3 player to help you navigate
albums you could take with you on your your music, even if you don’t preserve the
travels at each setting. Majority’s music player can rip music at exact file and directory structure as it’s
Do you own 180 albums? If not, you several quality levels presented in Windows.
Connect the MP3 player to your
Bitrate AAC MP3 FLAC WMA computer using the USB-C cable it came
with and wait for it to appear in the File
96Kbps 15 days, 16 hours - - -
Explorer sidebar. When it does, select
128Kbps 11 days, 20 hours 11 days, 23 hours - 11 days, 20 hours either an artist folder, or one or more
256Kbps 6 days, 1 hour 6 days, 14 minutes - - of the album folders inside it ( 1 in our
320Kbps - 4 days, 20 hours - - screenshot above right), and drag it on
to the Majority Go entry 2 in the File
Lossless - - 1 day, 15 hours - Explorer sidebar (or the name of your

36 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 Set up a music system in your car

To transfer This
your music Bluetooth
to the MP3 transmitter is
player, broadcasting
simply on 108FM
click and
drag it on
to your
player in
the sidebar
1

MP3 player, if it’s different). The Majority up the music playing on your device.
Windows will show a progress box MP3 Player Such transmitters are usually powered
will search for
through which you can monitor the by the car’s 12-volt socket. So, if you’re
your car when
transfer. When it’s finished, right-click connecting planning to use this to also charge the
your MP3 player in the sidebar, then via Bluetooth music player, look for a transmitter that
click Eject. When it disappears from the has pass-through USB ports.
sidebar, you’ll see that it briefly displays If you don’t have an FM transmitter
the word Searching on the screen of the with Bluetooth, consider this popular
player itself as it re-indexes your music. Lencent model, which costs £13.99 on
At this point, you can disconnect it from Amazon: www.snipca.com/51938.
your PC.
Use an auxiliary-in jack
Charge the music player 6 Finally, some cars have auxiliary
3 in your car Connect via Bluetooth connectors, which let you
You’re now ready to transfer the
MP3 player to your car, so you need to
4 When playing music on your car
radio, you have several options.
connect a 3.5mm audio jack to a factory-
fitted socket that’s wired to the radio. If
consider two things: how you’re going Some vehicles support direct Bluetooth you suspect you may have one but you’re
to connect it to the car radio, and how connections, even if they don’t have not sure where it is, first check whether
you’re going to top up the battery when full-colour touchscreens. As the Majority your radio supports auxiliary input
out on the road. player has Bluetooth built in, it makes most (sometimes labelled AUX IN or Auxiliary
The second of these is the simplest fix: sense to use this connection if you can. In) by pressing the Source button several
if your car has a 12V socket or cigarette Before you can stream from a Bluetooth times to scroll through the options. If this
lighter, you should be able to use that device to a Bluetooth radio, you need entry doesn’t appear, it’s unlikely your
to send power through a USB cable. All to pair them, just as you would pair a car has the necessary socket.
you need is a USB adapter, such as this speaker to the MP3 player. This requires While it makes a lot of sense to use an
popular £7.50 model from Lisen: www. that you set your devices to search for one FM transmitter to establish a wireless
snipca.com/51788 (pictured below). It has another and authorise the connection. connection between the player and the
both USB-C and full-size USB sockets. Open the player’s Bluetooth menu and radio, you may want to opt for the jack-
But before buying one, check that your select ‘Search for devices’. If the player to-auxiliary port connection (pictured
car doesn’t have an integrated USB charge can detect the car it’ll appear on screen below). This will save you needing to
port that you can use directly. (as pictured above). Likewise, the car will change the frequency on both the
detect the player. You should then be able transmitter and radio if you drive into the
to connect them. broadcast area of a station using the
frequency you’ve previously selected.
Broadcast your music
5 player through FM
Your second option, if your car
lacks Bluetooth, is to use a radio adapter.
These connect to your media player using
either a 3.5mm cable or Bluetooth and
transmit your music on FM (as pictured
above right).
You just need to set the frequency on
the transmitter to an unused frequency in
This £10 USB car-charger adapter will charge the area where you’re driving, and tune The auxiliary input socket lets you connect the
your MP3 player as you drive your radio to the same frequency to pick MP3 player and car radio using a 3.5mm jack

Next issue: Turn online videos into audiobooks Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 37
 Workshop
Use Arc's ‘spaces’ tool to
improve your browsing
What you need: Arc
Time required: 20 minutes

T he Arc Windows browser was

released in April. It’s based on the
Chromium code and works with
clever idea of ‘spaces’, which you can
use to group collections of web pages –
within tabs – that relate to a particular
Chrome extensions. What sets Arc apart task, subject area, project and more.
from other browsers is that it recognises Here, we explain how to use Arc’s
that we often use related web pages ‘spaces’ feature to group your tabs, see
simultaneously. To address this, its them in split-screen and organise them
developers have come up with the into folders.

STEP First, download Arc from www.arc.net. You

1 need a free Arc account to get set up. To get

one, double-click the ‘ArcInstaller.exe’ file in
your your Downloads folder and, on the first screen,
enter your name 1 and email address 2 , and provide
a password 3 . Your account is used to sync the 1
browser if you have it installed on multiple
computers. Work through the rest of the onscreen 2
instructions, which offer to import your passwords 3
from an existing browser, enable AI features, and
make Arc your default browser. Each of these is an
option, rather than a requirement.

1
2

4 2

1
3

STEP Arc organises your tabs in the sidebar, where they sit

2 within defined ‘spaces’. Each space can relate to a STEP To create your own space, click the plus (+) button at
specific task or context of your choosing. So, if you
were shopping for a new car, you could create a space for that
3 the bottom of the sidebar 1 followed by New Space 2 .
Give your space a name that relates to how you’ll use it
task, and your car reviews, forums and links to dealers would and click Create Space. Press Ctrl+T to create your first tab in
be kept separate from those relating to, for example, work or the new space, then either type a web address into the floating
holiday planning, which could have their own dedicated spaces. address bar or, if you don’t know where you want to go, enter a
You’ll notice that Arc sets up a space called Space 1 1 by default. search term and press Enter. Note, if you enter the name of an
Click the Arc Basics folder 2 within that to reveal its contents. existing space as your search, you’ll switch to that space rather
You can click the Spaces tab 3 to read more about the Spaces than carry out a search.
feature in the main browser window 4 .

38 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 1

2
2

STEP Hold down the Ctrl key while clicking links on a page STEP On occasions you may want to open two tabs and show

4 to open them in new tabs within the same space –

they’ll then be added to the sidebar 1 . Having added a
5 their contents side by side, to compare them or to
reference one while working in the other. Click the
second space you’ll now see a couple of icons at the bottom of Split button 1 at the top and select where you’d like the second
the sidebar representing the two active spaces 2 . You can click pane to appear, then type a web address or search term in the
these to switch between them. If you have several spaces and address box that pops up, as you did in Step 3. When you have
want to switch between them directly, you can also use the two pages open side by side, they appear next to each other
keyboard shortcut control Alt+left and right arrows to navigate within the active space in the sidebar 2 .
left and right or hold down Alt and press the number of the
space (1, 2, 3 and so on).

STEP It’s all too easy to open more tabs than

6 you need when you’re looking for a

specific piece of information. To get rid of
3
any you no longer require, hover over them in the
sidebar and click the ‘x’ that appears 1 or click
Clear 2 to close every tab other than the one
you’re currently viewing. You can also organise 2
tabs into folders by hovering over the space name
3 and clicking Edit followed by ‘New folder’. Give
the folder a name, then drag the relevant tabs into 1
that folder.

STEP Over time, as the contents of a folder grow, you

7 may realise that the tabs it contains would be

better organised if they were given a space of
their own. To do this, right-click the relevant folder 1 ,
then click ‘Turn [name of folder] into Space’ 2 . If you’ve
2 finished working with a space and the pages it contains,
you can delete it. To do this, hover over the space name
and click Edit, then click Delete Space followed by Delete.

Next issue: Master ‘Super God Mode’ in Windows Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 39
 Readers’ Tips
TIP OF THE FORTNIGHT

Use Ordnance Survey’s new Locate Me tool

In Issue 692’s Letters John C Kent says When you open the OS Maps app you
that OS Locate doesn’t work outside of should see a notification at the top telling 2
the UK. He might not realise it, but you to open Locate Me. This takes you
buried in the settings is an option to straight to the compass that you could 1
read longitude and latitude when previously open in OS Locate ( 1 in our
abroad. But in any case, readers should screenshot), with the map grid references
stop using OS Locate because Ordnance in the middle 2 . Tap ‘Camera compass’
Survey has discontinued it (see details at the bottom 3 to turn on your camera 3
at www.snipca.com/51923). Instead, it and see your compass overlaid on top.
has compiled the features into a new To open Locate Me at any time, tap
tool called Locate Me, and added them the three dots top right from any page
to the official OS Maps app (https:// showing a map.
osmaps.com). Keith Fisher

Keith wins a copy of our 2023 Back Issue CD Buy it from us at www.snipca.com/48860

HARDWARE both my Windows and Linux laptops

Use cooling pad to lower your and it’s really benefited me. You can
laptop’s temperature adjust the stand for maximum
Following Robert Irvine’s column comfort.
on using software to cool his laptop Chris Burjmaster
(Issue 691, page 74), he might want to use
a cooling pad instead, such as the Cyclone PRINTERS
model from Klim (£25 from Amazon, Install drivers to get old
www.snipca.com/51909, pictured printers working
below). I’ve used it for some years on I’ve been reading with interest there are only two internal systems for
in recent issues about readers mono lasers, one for Brother’s system,
using old printers with modern PCs. I’ve the other HP. I tried installing various
been using an old mono Tally T9115 laser drivers from Microsoft’s Update Catalog
printer for many years. I don’t know how (www.snipca.com/51918, see screenshot
old it is, but the newest driver I have is above) and found a couple of the HP
for Windows XP. drivers work fine. The one I use is HP
I still have spare cartridges, so was LaserJet II. So try different drivers on
looking for ways to keep using it with my your old printer – you might get lucky.
Windows 10 PC. I read somewhere that Paul Whatmore

Why I stopped using…

Samsung phones Search’ and ‘generative image editing’.
with Three I needed a phone that was simpler
Lots of readers recently have spoken yet hardy enough to withstand the
about the savings they’ve made by occasional bump and graze during my
cancelling their contract with one of outdoor rambling. The solution was the
the big four phone networks and moving SIM-free Nokia XR20, which cost me
to a smaller and cheaper network. I feel £180 outright for 128GB storage (www.
I’ve made a double saving by switching snipca.com/51913, pictured).
my phone as well as my network. It’s easy to use, and the screen is well
protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
And what I use instead... – you can learn more about that at www.
After 10 years of using Samsung Galaxy snipca.com/51914. I get cheap deals by
phones, I felt like I didn’t need all the hopping between the likes of Lebara,
new tools being added to them. I’m Giffgaff and Tesco Mobile. Tell us why you stopped using a website, app
baffled by features like ‘Circle to Kim Sinclair or program: letters@computeractive.co.uk

40 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

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

Reader recommends…
Soundcore Boom 2 speaker
£120 from Amazon www.snipca.com/50844

I read in Issue 687 (page 28) that

you gave a ‘Recommended’
award to the Soundcore Boom 2
Bluetooth speaker. I needed a new
speaker, so decided to trust your
judgment – and I’ve not been
disappointed. It’s easily the best
speaker I’ve ever had, with amazing
fidelity in the high range, while also
offering overpowering bass.
NETWORKING I measured its base range and it even at max volume.
Use smart plugs to check reached as far as 50Hz before losing I also love its light and equaliser
your router’s power volume, and going silent at 35Hz. controls within the app, as well as the
For several months my home Those are impressive numbers from a 12-hour battery life.
network would drop out randomly, speaker as small as this. Thanks for the recommendation!
particularly while streaming motorcycle It’s also astonishingly loud. I can Maldon Sanderson
racing on Eurosport. Sky told me to reset play music in a crowded room with
Want to recommend hardware or software
my router, but this solution resolved the everyone dancing and have volume to to fellow readers?
problem for only a day. A Sky engineer spare. Amazingly, it has no distortion Email letters@computeractive.co.uk
then installed two SE210 boosters, but
this didn’t work, and nor did a visit
from an Openreach engineer.
A few days later, I managed to secure
another visit from the same Sky engineer.
He replaced the cable between my router
and the (copper) Openreach box. Things
seemed to improve but again for less
than a day.
I then had the idea of installing one of
my Tapo P110 smart plugs (£33 for four
from www.snipca.com/51912, pictured
above) in the powerline feeding my
router. This turned out to be a good move.
A recent firmware update gives the P110 adapter (£4.95 from www.snipca.
the ability to measure power down to com/51917, pictured above), then use
single figures of watts. either the software Macrium Reflect
The router power supply was shown (www.macrium.com) or DiskGenius
to draw between eight and nine watts (www.diskgenius.com) to create a clone
normally, but this one was regularly of my entire internal hard drive.
dropping below three watts, which This means that even if my computer is
coincided with my network dropping out. attacked or the hard drive fails, I simply
I had another power adapter of the replace the hard drive with the cloned Muck. If you have the Google Maps app,
same rating and DC-connector type from copy. Once the computer is up and simply tap the blue dot that shows your
a previous Sky router. I used this instead running again (in good health) I then position and then scroll down to the
of the existing adapter, and in the week clone the backed-up hard drive on to where there’s an icon with four round
since I’ve had no problems. the one that had been attacked. dots around a square dot – in a plus-sign
Chris Marshall David Clowes formation. The code to the right of it (see
screenshot above) works the same way in
BACKUP APPS Google Maps as the three words do in the
Clone your hard drive Give emergency services your What3Words (www.what3words.com).
in case of attack location through Google Maps Just read that to the emergency services
I’ve come up with what I think is a I wanted to add to the recent and they’ll have you out of the bog,
simple solution to being hacked or discussion on how to best tell the showered and smelling like roses again
my hard drive failing. I connect a blank emergency services that you are stuck up in no time.
hard drive to my PC using a USB-to-SATA to the waist in a peat bog on the Isle of Carlos Nicoya

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 41

 Browser Tips
CHROME offered by other AI assistants. Until Gemini chat will be reset. You can revisit
Chat with Google Gemini Gemini is properly integrated with past interactions by clicking the three-
in a side panel Chrome, you can make interaction easier line menu button in the panel’s top-left
Google has been surprisingly by installing the unofficial extension corner 2 .
hesitant about adding its AI assistant ‘Side Panel for Gemini’ (www.snipca.
Gemini to its Chrome browser. While com/51895), BRAVE
Microsoft’s Copilot AI tool is now firmly Click its toolbar button – which Access AI assistant Leo
ensconced in Edge, and Brave and looks like a sunglasses emoji ( 1 in with one click
Opera have their Leo and Aria chatbots our screenshot below) – and Gemini As if to show Google the right way
respectively, to interact with Gemini you will open in the browser’s side panel. to integrate an AI assistant (see
need to type @ into Chrome’s address bar Provided you’re signed into your Google previous tip), Brave 1.69.153 (released 22
and click ‘Chat with Gemini’. account, you’ll be able to start chatting August) adds new shortcuts for launching
Entering a query then opens the immediately, either by typing a text its Leo chatbot. In addition to clicking the
Gemini website (www.snipca.com/51894) prompt, uploading an image or clicking Leo button on the browser’s right-hand
in a new tab, which is less convenient than the microphone icon to speak your query. sidebar (a star with a plus sign), you can
the ‘browsing companion’ experience When you close the side panel, your now start a chat by clicking a Leo AI
button on the top-right toolbar
( 1 in our screenshot below).
Additionally, a new Leo option has
been added to Brave’s main menu 2 ,
which you open by clicking the three-line
2 button. The other Leo shortcuts can be
1 removed by right-clicking them and
choosing ‘Hide Leo AI icon’ or Remove,
but the menu option is permanent. It’s
joined by more prominent entries for
Brave’s Wallet and VPN features.

WORKSHOP Activate the new weather widget in Firefox

Mozilla is testing a new feature in Firefox that displays a weather widget on your New Tab page, showing the forecast for your location.
It’s currently disabled by default, but here’s how you can activate it in the browser.

2 3

2 1
1 1

1 Type about:config into Firefox’s address

bar, press Enter and click ‘Accept the
Risk and Continue’. Find the preference
2 Open a new tab, and you’ll see the
weather widget in the top-left corner,
showing the temperature and conditions
3 For a full forecast, click the widget to
open AccuWeather (which provides the
weather data to Firefox). To disable the new
browser.newtabpage.activity-stream. for your location 1 . Click the three dots feature, either click ‘Hide weather on New
system.showWeather 1 and double-click next to this 2 to switch from Fahrenheit to Tab’ in the three-dot menu 1 or change the
it to change its value to ‘true 2 ’. Celsius 3 , and display a more detailed view. value’s preference back to ‘false’.

42 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 Secret settings and the best extensions

BEST EXTENSION FOR… Capturing full-page screenshots

GoFullPage The extension also includes options

Chromium to annotate screenshots, blur sensitive
www.snipca.com/51910 information and add the date, time and
Firefox includes the handy option to take URL to the top or bottom. However, to
screenshots of entire web pages, not just save these edits you need to sign up for a
the area currently visible in your browser. Premium account, which costs $1 (around
GoFullPage adds the feature to Chrome, 76p) a month.
so you can capture everything on a
page in one go. Just click the extension’s If you don’t like that, try…
toolbar button or press Alt+Shift+P to FireShot
take a screenshot of the whole page and Chromium
open the result in a new tab. You can then www.snipca.com/51911
save the image in PNG or JPEG format, or FireShot lets you capture entire web
export it as a PDF – go into GoFullPage’s pages or just the visible part, and offers
options to specify your preferred size and lots of saving options, but it’s not as fast as
orientation (see screenshot). GoFullPage.

VIVALDI
1 Give your tabs descriptive
names to identify them faster which lets you customise your New Tab
Vivaldi 6.9, released at the end of page with attractive photos and a host of
EDGE August, adds the ability to give your useful features. It uses high-quality
Hide and display the sidebar tabs different names. This is useful for wallpapers from Bing that you can either
more easily web pages that don’t have descriptive set to change daily or apply manually
Edge’s right-hand sidebar provides titles, because it will help you identify through the extension’s Settings.
shortcuts to various Microsoft them faster, and for sets of search results. Click the cog in the top-right corner
tools, but not everyone finds it useful, It also works for groups of tabs you’ve (see screenshot above) and select
especially because it takes up valuable created using the browser’s Tab Stacks Wallpapers to choose a background from
screen space. feature. dozens of static and dynamic (moving)
In recognition of this, Microsoft will Simply right-click a tab or tab stack, designs, or click Local to upload one of
soon hide the sidebar by default for select Rename (see screenshot above) your own. Select ‘Websites’ to decide
new Edge users and those who have and type the replacement title you want which shortcuts appear on your New Tab
previously disabled the bar and don’t to use. Press Enter to confirm. The new page – these include news sources,
want it restored by a browser update. name will remain until you close the social-media sites and AI tools.
It has also made it easier to access the relevant tab or stack, and even after you WowTab also includes widgets for
sidebar’s settings, so you can decide restart Vivaldi – unless you’ve set tabs to adding the weather forecast, your
whether to show or hide the feature close automatically when you exit. It will browser bookmarks and a white-noise
in Edge. Simply click the cog button also be retained for tabs you bookmark player to the page, among other options.
at the bottom of the bar ( 1 in our and pin in the browser. On the downside, you can’t change the
screenshot above) to open the default search engine from Bing, and the
Sidebar settings. CHROMIUM extension’s description on the Chrome
Here you can set the sidebar to be Customise your New Tab page Web Store is written in Chinese. This
‘Always on’ or permanently ‘Off’. with Microsoft WowTab suggests it’s from the same Microsoft
Alternatively, choose ‘Auto hidden’ 2 division as the clean-up tool PC Manager.
so the bar only appears when you click Thankfully, the actual add-on uses
the Copilot button in the browser’s Microsoft has released a new extension English and VirusTotal says it’s safe
top-right corner. called WowTab (www.snipca.com/51919), (see www.snipca.com/51908).

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 43

 Phone and Tablet Tips
ANDROID & iOS Google Drive will automatically detect send your reply without having to open a
Scan documents to JPEG the borders of the document and scan its new screen.
format in Google Drive content. You can then edit the result to The new box also includes options to
The Google Drive app for enhance, crop and rotate the image, and forward messages and attach files, though
Android (www.snipca. remove any blemishes. tapping those icons switches to the
com/51753) and iOS (www.snipca. Tap ‘Done’ to save the file to Drive, and standard compose screen. If you’re too
com/51754) now lets you save documents choose JPEG rather than PDF (( 1 in our busy to write even a short response, you
you scan with your phone’s camera in screenshot below left) before you press Save. can tap the smiley-face icon to respond
JPEG format, as well as PDF. This creates with an emoji instead.
smaller files that are easier to store and ANDROID Google says the quick-reply feature will
share, and edit in an image editor. Reply to emails instantly be added to the iOS version of Gmail later
To scan a document to Google Drive, in Gmail this year.
either tap the camera button in the When you only need to send a brief
bottom-right corner of the app or press response to an email, having to ANDROID
the plus sign and choose Scan. Point your compose a new message to do so can be Download three apps at once
camera at the item you want to digitise cumbersome and time-consuming. To from the Google Play Store
and hold your phone still. speed things up, the Gmail app for Android In Issue 684 (page 45), we reported
(www.snipca.com/51927) now lets you that Google had updated its Play
write and send replies directly from the Store app to let you download two
original email or conversation. Android apps simultaneously. Previously,
2 Instead of pressing Reply or Reply All to you had to wait until an app or game had
open a compose screen, you can now finished installing before a subsequent
type your response into a text box below download could begin – in the meantime,
the main email (see screenshot below). it was shown as ‘pending’.
Press the Send button next to this box to Four months later, Google has changed

BEST NEW APPS What you should install this fortnight

ElevenLabs Reader Organic Maps Scaniverse

Free Free Free
Android www.snipca.com/51933 Android www.snipca.com/51915 Android www.snipca.com/51921
iOS www.snipca.com/51934 iOS www.snipca.com/51916 iOS www.snipca.com/51920
ElevenLabs Reader uses AI to convert text This private alternative to Google Maps has no Scaniverse lets you scan objects in high-
into speech – be it a web page, ebook, ads or trackers, but lots of useful features quality 3D, then edit and enhance the
PDF or something including offline results – which it calls
you write. As well navigation, cycling ‘splats’ – and share
as natural-sounding routes and hiking them with other
British and American trails. The latest people. The iOS
voices, you can update adds street- version has been
choose ‘iconic’ options name announcements updated to improve
such as Sir Laurence for walking directions, the 3D-scanning
Olivier, Judy Garland speed-limit and process and the option
and (oddly) James traffic-light icons in to add your splats to a
Dean. You need to car-navigation mode, map, so other users
create a free account and new data from can see where the
to use the app. OpenStreetMaps. objects were captured.

44 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 Brilliant things to do on your device

its rules again, so you can download or iOS the iOS app, and
update three apps simultaneously. This is Edit your direct either long-press a
particularly useful when setting up a new messages on X message you’ve sent
phone or tablet, because it saves you time Although X (formerly or tap the three-dot
when installing your favourite apps. Twitter) now lets you menu next to it. Select
As before, you can check the status of edit your posts (formerly the ‘Edit message’
your downloads in the Google Play Store tweets) for up to an hour option (see screenshot
app (see screenshot below left), and on after they’re published, left) to modify the
your home screen – where the app icons the option is limited to text in the DM (you
will be labelled ‘Downloading’ and users with an X Premium can’t edit any images
surrounded by download-progress rings. subscription. But after a you’ve sent).
surprising – and welcome – update, it’s There’s no time limit on editing direct
iOS now possible to edit your direct messages messages, but you can only make five
Lock and hide your private (DMs), though currently only in the X changes per DM. X says the new option
apps in iOS 18 app for iOS (www.snipca.com/51932). will be “coming soon” to its Android app
By the time you read this, Apple will Simply open a direct-message chat in and website.
have released the latest version of its
mobile operating system, iOS 18. We’ll
write about all its best new features in the
BEST APPS FOR... Scanning your Android apps
next few issues, but one that immediately
caught our attention is the ability to lock VirusTotal
and hide specific apps. Free
Not only does this protect your private Android www.snipca.com/51935
photos, videos and documents, but it also The Android version of VirusTotal (Apple
stops anyone making purchases, sending doesn’t allow iOS apps that scan other
messages or posting content on social apps) checks the security of all the apps
media without your knowledge or on your phone or tablet using more than
permission. It’s particularly handy if 75 antivirus engines. It informs you of
your young children or grandchildren malware threats it’s detected, highlights
sometimes borrow your iPhone or iPad. suspicious permissions and lets you
To lock an app in iOS 18, long-press upload unknown APK files for analysis.
it and tap Require Face ID ( 1 in our Best For Scanning for malware
screenshot below) – you’ll need to set up
the facial-recognition feature if it’s not Permissions Checker
already enabled. Tap the option again to Free
confirm, and the app will now be locked Android www.snipca.com/51936
to everyone but you. Permissions Checker scans all the app
To hide the app, long-press it and select permissions on your Android device
‘Hide and Require Face ID’ 2 , then Hide. and categorises them as risky, normal
Confirm you want to hide the app and it or unknown. Select a permission –
will be moved from your Home screen such as ‘Record audio’ or ‘Directly call
to a Hidden folder in your App Library, phone numbers’ – to see which apps
which can only be unlocked with your it’s been granted to, and either revoke
face or passcode. unnecessary permissions or uninstall
You can remove protection from an app privacy-compromising apps.
by long-pressing it, choosing Don’t Require Best For Checking app permissions
Face ID and verifying your identity.
Files by Google
Free
Android www.snipca.com/51939
One of the many useful features in ‘Files
by Google’ scans your phone or tablet
to tell you which apps are taking up the
most space. Press the Apps tile on its
home screen and sort the list of installed
1
apps to show the largest or least-used.
2 Tap the three-dot icon next to an app to
view more information, clear its cache or
uninstall it.
Best For Identifying storage hogs

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 45

 Make Windows Better Expert tips for every version

WINDOWS 10 & 11
WINDOWS 10 & 11
Add right-click shortcut to
Windows Update settings
With a quick registry Change colours of map in Weather app
hack you can add the
option to open Windows Microsoft’s Weather choose a style from grey, green, blue,
Update settings to your right-click menu. app gives you a choice white or yellow 3 . As you change
First, search for and open registry editor, of five colour schemes colour, you’ll also see the key change
then in the address bar at the top type to show rain and snow on its map. at the bottom 4 . In our example,
Computer\HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\ Click the Map icon ( 1 in our screenshot) we’ve changed the default green
Directory\Background\shell. Press Enter, followed by the palette icon 2 , then colour to blue.
then right-click ‘shell’ that’s highlighted
in the menu under the Background
heading and select New, then Key. Now 2
name it Windows Update (or whatever
name you prefer – this is what will
appear in your right-click menu). 1
Now right-click the key you just
created, then select New, Key again and
create a new key called command ( 1 in 3
our screenshot below). Right-click the
‘Open Windows Update’ key once more,
and this time select New, then String
Value, and type SettingsURI in the box
that appears on the right. 4

2
1
1

2
3

Double-click ‘SettingsURI’ and vice versa. This suits some people better
in the ‘Value data:’ box type: than the default setting of moving your
ms-settings:windowsupdate. Click OK. fingers down moves the screen down.
Now right-click the ‘command’ key on Insider Build 22635.4145 brings this
the left, then click New, then String Value option to scrolling with your mouse
and type DelegateExecute 2 . Now wheel. Press Windows key+I, then click
double-click this then visit our Pastebin ‘Bluetooth & devices’ ( 1 in our screenshot This tool, previously called Your Phone,
page (www.snipca.com/52014) and copy above). Scroll down in the centre then also lets you send texts and make calls
the code there. Go back to the registry click the Mouse heading. Now click the through your computer. It works only on
and paste this code into ‘Value data’ 3 . ‘Scrolling direction’ dropdown menu and Android for now.
Click OK, close the registry then restart choose ‘Down motion scrolls down’ or Follow Microsoft’s instructions for
your computer. ‘Down motion scrolls up’ 2 . setting it up (www.snipca.com/52012),
then on your computer right-click a file
WINDOWS 11 INSIDER WINDOWS 11 you want to share. Now click the ‘Share’
Reverse the scrolling Share files between your option in the menu that appears, then
direction on your mouse phone and PC more easily look for the Phone Link option in the
Microsoft already lets you change It’s now easier to see phones ‘Share using’ section (see screenshot
the scrolling direction of laptop you’ve connected to Windows 11 above). Microsoft is rolling out this tool
trackpads – so moving two PCs using Microsoft’s Phone gradually, so keep checking every few
fingers down moves your screen up, and Link, and then share files between them. days if it’s not there when you first look.

46 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

Make Office Better Top tips for the best office programs

MICROSOFT WORD
1
Delete all formatting from pages 3

You can delete pages in Word cursor on it then press Ctrl+G.

by highlighting the contents This brings up the ‘Find and 2
and pressing Delete on your Replace’ menu, with the ‘Go To’
keyboard, but this doesn’t remove tab open ( 1 in our screenshot).
formatting such as page breaks, Now type \page in the ‘Enter page Finally, click Close 3 to shut the ‘Find
headers, footers and margins. To get rid number’ box 2 and press Enter to select and Replace’ box, then press Delete on
of all elements from a page, place your all the content on the page. your keyboard.

cells. This is handy if you want to can select the type of reference (such as a
place a heading over several rows numbered list, image or a footnote, 1 in
of data so it sits neatly above our screenshot below), and how you
1 them all. want to refer to it (such as with a page
First, type a heading then select number, paragraph number 2 ).
3 the cells you want to merge. In Keep the hyperlink option ticked 3 so
our example, we typed ‘Q3 2024 you can jump to the cross-referenced text
2 Sales Figures’ (see screenshot 1 by holding down Ctrl and clicking your
4
below left) above data for July, mouse. Once you’ve decided your style,
August and September. We then press the Insert button. In our example,
LIBREOFFICE WRITER selected the cells A1, B1 and C1 to we’ve used school term dates for the
Keep ‘Find’ sidebar open merge. Next we opened the Home tab at 2024/25 academic year in a numbered list
when searching for words the top, then clicked ‘Merge and Center’ separated by tables. We chose ‘paragraph
One of the best tools in LibreOffice in the Alignment section. The three cells number’ in the ‘Insert reference to’
24.8, released in August, is a new were then merged, centring our heading box because our boxes are acting as
Find option that stays open in a directly above the data (see screenshot 2 paragraphs.
sidebar. Press the Alt+9 keyboard shortcut below right). Finally, change the link to say whatever
and it’ll appear at the top right. Type a you like. In our example, we typed ‘click
word ( 1 in our screenshot above), press ONLYOFFICE here to see Spring Term dates’ 4 .
Enter, and it’ll show the word highlighted Cross-reference points
in the document on the left 2 and in of interest in documents 4
square brackets in the sidebar on the OnlyOffice has a
right 3 . It also breaks results into page cross-reference tool
sections, so you can see on which page of that lets you skip to
the document your word appears 4 . related parts of a document.
First, place your cursor where 3
MICROSOFT EXCEL you want to insert a cross-
Neatly align your data in cells reference. Next, click the
Microsoft Excel lets you position References tab at the top, then
text in the centre of a cell by select ‘Cross-references’. This
1 2
merging a number of separate brings up a menu where you

1 2

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 47

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

Create an event in WhatsApp Communities

O ne of the best tools in WhatsApp is
Communities, letting you bring
together related groups under a single
umbrella. For example, you could run
several groups based in towns or cities, 2
but also set up a larger ‘county’ community
to bring these groups together. You can
then send messages to all these groups
and – using a new option – announce
events coming up. You can add up to 100
groups per community, with a maximum
of 2,000 members allowed.
1
Set up a community
First, we’ll explain how to set up a
community. Tap the Communities icon at
the bottom of the main WhatsApp page.
Next, click ‘New community’ at the top
You can add a link to a video chat in WhatsApp 1
followed by ‘Get started’ at the bottom. or another video-chat service
Now give your community a name (we're
calling ours ‘Ultimate Meet-Up’) and tap Now tap the name of your community 2
the green button containing a white arrow. to open it, then the three dots at the
top right. This gives you options to
edit your community’s information, Members will be alerted to the event in the
add groups and invite people. To add a group chat
1 club logo, tap ‘Community info’ then
tap the blank icon at the top ( 1 in our event ( 1 in our screenshot above left).
2 screenshot left), followed by the green This lets members join in a video
camera icon that appears at the bottom group call. If you would prefer to use
right of the icon 2 . Now tap an option at another video service for the event, you
the bottom (Camera, Gallery, ‘Emoji & can add that link in the Description 2 .
stickers’ or ‘Search web’ 3 ) to find an Note that the description is limited to
image. 2,048 characters.
There are two main parts to your Now tap the green Send button at the
community: Announcements and bottom right and the event will be shared
General. Announcements is only visible in the group chat ( 1 in our screenshot
to you as the creator of the community, above). It’s then up to members in your
and is indicated by a loudhailer icon. community to respond with Yes/No.
It’s where you can message every person They can also view event information
in the community at once. The General from the group chat. You can amend or
area, indicated by a speech bubble, is cancel the event at any time by tapping
like a normal WhatsApp group chat for ‘Edit event’ 2 . Members will be notified
your members. of any changes via the group chat in the
General section.
Send an event invite You can also pin your event to the
3 Now we’ll explain how to create an top of your WhatsApp community, so
event. Open Announcements then tap members are more likely to spot it. To
the paperclip (Android) or + (plus - iOS) do this, hold down the Event notification
icon and click the pink Event button. in the General section, then tap the pin
Now give your event a name, a date and icon at the top right. Now choose to pin
You can add a club logo to your community location. If the event is happening online, the message for 24 hours, seven days
using photos, emojis or images from the web then add a WhatsApp Call link to the or 30 days.

48 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693 Next issue: Set up a chatroom for your club
What’s All the
Fuss About...
Bluetooth 6.0
Its new tools sound confusing, but they’ll connect your devices better
What is it?
The new version of the wireless
communication technology, announced
in early September by the Bluetooth
Special Interest Group (SIG), whose
mission is to create a “world without
wires” (www.snipca.com/52000).

When will it be available?

Probably next year. The official release
means manufacturers can now build it
into their devices, but it’ll take time for
these to appear on the shelves. And to use
Bluetooth 6.0, both the device sending
the signal and the device receiving it
need to be compatible with the new
technology – for example, the laptop
playing music and the earbuds you’re
listening to. It has plenty of exciting new
features, not that you’d know it from will bring these levels of accuracy to a What else can Bluetooth 6.0 do?
their names. Take ‘Channel sounding’, greater range of devices. Well, there’s also ‘Decision-Based
for example. Advertising Filtering’, which sounds like
But isn’t it risky to have you can use it to stop seeing certain
What does that do then? Bluetooth trackers connect adverts based on your preferences. But
It’s a new technique that improves over a long distance? ‘advertising’ here refers to how Bluetooth
the connection between devices by Undoubtedly. Stalkers can drop trackers devices like trackers, earbuds and phones
analysing the quality of the signal into people’s pockets and bags to monitor broadcast their presence and capabilities
being transmitted. This means it can their movements. It also increases the to other devices nearby. Filtering this list
determine more accurately how long danger of hackers intercepting signals more efficiently means devices can find
it takes signals to be sent between because they’ve got a longer range to what they need to connect to faster.
devices, which in turn means it can target. But SIG says Bluetooth 6.0 will Another misleadingly named new
measure the distance between them with have enhanced privacy features that feature, called ‘Monitoring Advertisers’,
what SIG claims is “centimetre-level will make it harder for attackers to detects when devices are moving closer
accuracy” over 150 metres. It means that hack signals or track devices without or further away. This saves power because
trackers like Apple’s AirTags, Samsung’s permission. It will also ensure that only your device doesn’t need to keep looking
SmartTags, or Tiles (pictured below) will authorised people will be able to use for signals that are no longer nearby.
be able to locate lost devices with more smart keys that unlock your car, house
precision. or hotel room Do any of the new features
have ordinary names?
Do those trackers currently Can smart keys be Not really. Another example is ‘ISOAL
use Bluetooth 5.0? hacked then? Enhancement’, which stands for
Yes – or recent updates, such as the Yes, especially if the Bluetooth used by ‘Isochronous Adaptation Layer’ and
latest (5.4) released in March 2023. the key isn’t sufficiently means transmitting more data at the
But AirTags also use encrypted. Hackers can same time. This will reduce latency (ie,
Ultra-Wideband capture the legitimate signal delays) in devices like headphones when
(UWB) technology, between key and lock and listening to music, talking in a video call
which is more precise then ‘replay’ it to use later. or playing games. It will also boost
and works over a longer Smart locks defend against battery life because devices won’t need to
distance. Bluetooth 6.0 this threat by generating waste energy by constantly reconnecting.
unique, time-sensitive keys
Tile trackers will be able that expire after use. So basically, Bluetooth 6.0 is
to use Bluetooth 6.0 to
locate missing items more Without this key a replay faster, smoother and safer?
precisely attack can’t work. Yes. Sounds simple when you put it like that.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 49

 COVER FEATURE

WINDOWS
is
10
With a year to go until
Microsoft ends support
for Windows 10, it’s
time to decide what
to do with your PC.
Robert Irvine explains
your seven options so
you can choose which
is best for you

O
n 14 October 2025, Microsoft Windows 11 has made unpopular changes.
will end support for Windows These range from the redesigned Start
WHAT YOU CAN DO 10. This means the 10-year-old menu to the integration of AI tool Copilot
operating system will no longer and the forthcoming Recall feature, which
• Bypass Windows 11’s system receive security updates and bug fixes. has been dubbed a ‘privacy nightmare’
requirements With Windows 11 freely available since (www.snipca.com/51996). Additionally,
• Block Windows 11 upgrades October 2021, Microsoft presumably hoped many Windows 10 users have been unable
until next October most of us would have upgraded by now. to upgrade to Windows 11 because of
• Save money on a new But the latest figures suggest otherwise – Microsoft’s strict system requirements.
Windows 11 computer according to Statcounter, around 64 per With a year to go until Windows 10
• Transfer important files from cent of PC users are still running Windows becomes unsupported and unsafe, now is
your Windows 10 PC 10, while only half that number have moved the perfect time to consider your options –
• Ditch Windows for a different to Windows 11 (www.snipca.com/51995). there are actually more than you think. In
operating system There are several reasons why nearly two- this feature, we suggest seven things you
• Keep using Windows 10 safely thirds of us have stuck with Windows 10. For can do before Microsoft pulls the plug on
after October 2025 starters, it’s an excellent, easy-to-use system the decade-old operating system, to help
that does everything we need, whereas you decide which is best for you.

50 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 WINDOWS 10
is
DOOMED!
OPTION 1: UPGRADE TO WINDOWS 11 NOW
As we explained in our ‘Question of the
Fortnight’ in Issue 692 (page 10), the
latest preview build of Windows 11 closes
a loophole that lets you upgrade from
Windows 10 on PCs without the TPM 2.0
security feature. Although that’s only
one of the system requirements for
installing the operating system, it
suggests Microsoft is starting to clamp
down on workarounds that let you run
Windows 11 on what it deems to be
unsupported hardware.
If your PC falls into that category, and
PC Health Check tells you whether your PC You can choose to keep your files, settings
you can’t afford a new one, this stresses meets Windows 11 requirements and apps before you upgrade
the urgency of upgrading while it’s still
possible. The trick for bypassing the ‘Disk or ISO image’ is selected in the and apps before you click Install (see
TPM 2.0 check still works in Windows 11 ‘Boot selection’ menu, then click the screenshot above).
24H2 – the next major system update, arrow next to the Select button, choose
expected this month – and so do other Download and click that button. Download Windows 11
workarounds, but it’s only a matter of In the box that opens, select ‘Windows from Microsoft
time before Microsoft closes them all. 11’ and the release, edition, language and If Rufus is unable to download the ISO
It’s first worth double-checking which architecture (processor type) suggested file, you can get one from Microsoft’s
system requirements your PC fails to by Rufus. Click ‘Download’ to save the ‘Download Windows 11’ page at www.
meet. Download the PC Health Check Windows 11 ISO file to your PC – it’s snipca.com/51556. In the Download
app from www.snipca.com/51947 and 6.3GB in size, so may take a while. Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) section,
click the ‘Check now’ button under Once the ISO file has downloaded, select ‘Windows 11 (multi-edition)’ in the
‘Introducing Windows 11’. click the ‘Image option’ menu in dropdown menu then click Download.
If the app says your PC “doesn’t Rufus and select ‘Standard Windows Once downloaded, click the Select button
currently meet Windows 11 system installation’. Click ‘Start’ and when the in Rufus to choose the ISO, then follow
requirements” (see screenshot above Windows User Experience box opens, the steps in the previous section.
right), click ‘See all results’ to find out tick the boxes ‘Remove requirement for Alternatively, use the Media Creation
why. It may be because TPM 2.0 isn’t 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0’ Tool – which is available from the same
enabled; Secure Boot isn’t supported; you and ‘Remove requirement for an online page – to download a bootable version of
don’t have a compatible processor; and/ Microsoft account’ (see screenshot Windows 11. You can either create this
or your PC doesn’t have enough RAM or below). Click ‘OK’ to write the Windows directly on a USB stick, or download an
storage. The last two requirements are 11 ISO to your USB stick. ISO file to burn later. If you choose the
important for the smooth running of the Once this is done, open your USB drive latter option, the file will be saved to your
operating system, but you can try to in File Explorer and double-click the Documents (not your Downloads) folder
bypass the others. ‘setup.exe’ file. This will begin the – select it in Rufus to remove Microsoft’s
Windows 11 installation process – select requirements.
Bypass Microsoft’s upgrade the option to keep your files, settings If you use the Media Creation Tool’s
restrictions USB stick method, Windows may warn
To allow upgrades on an unsupported you that your PC “won’t be entitled to
processor and/or TPM version, type receive updates” when you select
regedit in the Windows search box and Upgrade. You can either click Accept
select ‘Run as administrator’ under to upgrade anyway, or cancel the
Registry Editor. When the Registry Editor upgrade and perform a clean install
opens, navigate to the key: HKEY_ instead. This will receive updates,
LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\ but it entails wiping all your files and
MoSetup. Right-click this key and choose settings, so ensure you back up
New, then ‘DWORD (32-bit) Value’. everything important first.
Name the value AllowUpgradesWith To perform the clean install, open
UnsupportedTPMOrCPU, double-click it the Settings app, choose ‘Update &
and enter 1 in the ‘Value data’ box. Press Security’ then Recovery, and click
Enter to confirm, then close the Registry ‘Restart now’. When the Advanced
Editor and restart your PC. Startup screen appears, click ‘Use a
Next, download and run the free tool device’ and select your USB stick. This
Rufus (www.snipca.com/51948) and will boot you into the Windows 11
insert a USB stick in your PC – this Rufus removes Windows 11’s RAM, Secure installation, where you can choose
should have at least 8GB of space. Ensure Boot and TPM requirements ‘Custom: Install Windows only’.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 51

 OPTION 2: UPGRADE TO WINDOWS 11 LATER
If your PC meets Windows 11’s system InControl blocks
requirements but you haven’t yet premature
and accidental
upgraded, it’s possible you’ve decided to upgrades to
stick with Windows 10 for as long as Windows 11
possible. Unless Microsoft changes its
plans, that currently gives you another
year to enjoy the operating system and
receive technical support and security
updates.
However, it also means 12 more months
of upgrade nags, which are already
becoming very annoying. Last year, some
Windows 10 users started seeing full-
screen reminders to upgrade to Windows
11, with buttons to either ‘Get it’ instantly
or ‘Schedule it’ to install later. A tiny 1
option to ‘Keep Windows 10’ was tucked
2
away at the bottom of the screen (see
screenshot below), but clicking this took
you to two further screens encouraging Microsoft has since paused these Microsoft’s upgrade prompts. It works
you to upgrade, until you were finally full-screen nags, but they’re certain to by tweaking registry settings to disable
able to choose ‘Decline upgrade’. resume as Windows 10’s doomsday updates, but is safer than changing them
draws nearer, and smaller pop-ups and manually.
prompts are continuing to appear. The Download and run InControl, and it
danger is that you’ll inadvertently agree will show your version of Windows 10
to the upgrade and end up installing in the bottom-left corner ( 1 in our
Windows 11 long before you want or screenshot above) – set this to 10/22H2,
need to do so. if it isn’t already. Click the Take Control
The simplest way to avoid accidental button 2 and the program will confirm
upgrades is using the free tool InControl that ‘You are in control of OS upgrades on
(www.snipca.com/51949). This keeps this system’. This prevents Microsoft from
your Windows version at its current forcing or tricking you into upgrading to
Microsoft’s full-screen nags try to trick you release, while allowing essential security Windows 11 until you’re ready – click
into upgrading to Windows 11 updates, and blocks at least some of Release Control when you are.

OPTION 3: BUY A NEW WINDOWS 11 PC

Rather than risk running Windows 11 on If there are no good matches,
an unsupported or ageing PC, you may consider ordering a custom-build from
have to admit defeat and buy a new PCSpecialist (www.pcspecialist.co.uk)
computer. This will at least ensure the or Palicomp (www.palicomp.co.uk),
operating system is as speedy, stable and which let you hand-pick your
secure as possible, and that it’s using preferred components.
hardware that meets its demands. The cheapest laptops tend to be those
A new Windows 11 machine needn’t running Windows 11 S, but think
cost you a fortune: you can buy a carefully about buying one of these.
minimum-specification laptop for as little Although “streamlined for security
as £200 and a desktop PC from around and performance”, this version of the
£300, from stores including Amazon, AO, John Lewis was selling this HP-branded operating system only allows you to
Windows 11 Home PC for just £280
Argos, Currys, Ebuyer and John Lewis. install apps from the Microsoft Store and
For example, at the time of writing, Windows 11 Home and has a 2.2GHz Intel limits you to using Edge as your browser.
Currys’ best Windows 11 deal was an Asus CPU, 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD. You can switch out of S Mode (but not
Vivobook Go 15 for £209 (www.snipca. Use a price-comparison site such as back to it) by activating and upgrading to
com/51953), offering 4GB RAM, 128GB PriceRunner (www.pricerunner.com) the full version of Windows 11 (see
storage and a quad-core Intel processor. or PriceSpy (www.pricespy.co.uk) to Reader Support on page 71). However,
John Lewis was selling the HP find a model that best suits your own because these laptops usually have lower
S01-aF2004na desktop PC for just £280, requirements in terms of memory, specifications, they may not run as
including free delivery (www.snipca. storage, processor, graphics and smoothly when performing resource-
com/51952, see screenshot). This runs connections, as well as your budget. intensive tasks such as gaming.

52 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 WINDOWS 10
is
DOOMED!
OPTION 4: BUY A REFURBISHED WINDOWS 11 PC
You can save money on a Windows 11 Dell’s
computer, especially if it’s a reluctant refurbished
Windows 11
purchase, by opting for a refurbished laptops – like
model. Because the operating system this Dell Vostro
has been around for three years, lots of 15 – are almost
sites now sell refurbished Windows 11 as good as new
laptops and desktop PCs that are in
excellent condition. Unless you’re
desperate to have a new AI-enabled
machine, you’ll easily find an affordable
model with the right specifications. Laptops Direct sells a wide range of refurbished pay extra to extend the period).
Back Market sells thousands of Windows 11 computers in excellent condition Dell Outlet (www.snipca.com/51982)
refurbished Windows computers (www. At Laptops Direct’s Refurbished Store is another great source of refurbished
snipca.com/51957) and offers a wide (www.snipca.com/51958) you’ll find Windows 11 computers, with hundreds of
range of filters to narrow them down. As loads of big discounts on refurbished models to choose from. Though its prices
well as sorting by price and brand, you laptops, desktop PCs and all-in-one PCs aren’t as low as other sites we’ve mentioned,
can specify the processor type and speed, from manufacturers including Acer, Dell, all desktop PCs and laptops have the
storage, memory, screen resolution and HP and Lenovo. We spotted several same warranty and service as if you
other criteria. To focus on Windows 11, Windows 11 Pro models for under £300 bought them new. The cheapest we found
tick the ‘Release year’ filters to show only graded as ‘Excellent’ condition, such as was the Dell Vostro 15 (3520), priced at
models made after 2021. Delivery is free, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M75s pictured £306, including free delivery (www.
with a 30-day returns policy and a above. The site offers free delivery to snipca.com/51959, pictured above). This
one-year minimum warranty, though most of the UK, with warranties that runs Window 11 Pro and has 8GB RAM, a
there’s a small fee for ‘quality assurance’. vary from three months to 12 (you can 256GB SSD and a six-core Intel processor.

Copy files from Windows 10 to Windows 11

One big hurdle when switching from an
old Windows 10 PC to a new Windows 11
system is ensuring you don’t lose years’
worth of documents, photos and other
important files. Backing up files to an
external hard drive or USB stick is one
1
option, but the simplest solution is to use
the built-in Windows Backup tool.
This saves data – including files, details
of Microsoft Store apps and settings – to
OneDrive, so you can transfer them to your
new computer through your Microsoft
account. The main catch is that OneDrive
only gives you 5GB of free online storage,
so Windows Backup only backs up files in 2
your Desktop, Documents and Pictures
folders. If these exceed the 5GB limit,
you’ll need to either pay for more storage,
or move/delete less important items from Restore your backed-up files when you set
those folders. Equally, if important files up Windows 11
Windows Backup lets you transfer data to
aren’t in those three folders, relocate Windows 11 through OneDrive
them before backing up. account, a message will inform you that
Launch the tool in Windows 10 by and language preferences) and credentials – backups were saved from your previous
selecting ‘Windows Back up’ in the Start including your passwords and Wi-Fi details. PC. Click ‘More options’, select the backup
menu. Click the arrow next to Folders Click ‘Back up’ 2 to save the selected data and choose ‘Restore from this PC’ (see
( 1 in our screenshot above right) and to OneDrive – this will take a few minutes. screenshot above). Your Windows 10 data
choose the folders you want to back up If you don’t have enough space in your will now be transferred to Windows 11.
from the three available. You can also OneDrive account, the tool will tell you the The backed-up files should appear in the
back up a list of apps you’ve installed from files have only been ‘partially’ backed up. relevant folders in File Explorer and the
the Microsoft Store, Windows settings When you set up your new Windows 11 backed-up apps will be in your Start menu
(such as accessibility, personalisations computer and sign into your Microsoft – click Reinstall if required.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 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 8 October, 2024.
It’s a lifetime licence for one computer.
 WINDOWS 10
is
DOOMED!
OPTION 5: DITCH WINDOWS FOR CHROMEOS FLEX
If you’re unable or unwilling to
upgrade to Windows 11, you can
extend your PC’s life by switching
to a different operating system. Though
this won’t be an exact substitute for
Windows 10, it will at least give you the
security and stability Microsoft will deny
you from next October – and save you
paying for a new device.
The best alternative is ChromeOS Flex Use Chrome Recovery Utility to create a ChromeOS Flex has a minimalist interface
bootable version of ChromeOS Flex with a menu button in the bottom-left
(www.snipca.com/51963), because it’s
free, lightweight, fast and very easy to Utility (www.snipca.com/51965). Pin ‘Get started’ then ‘Try it first’. When
use. If you’re familiar with Google this to Chrome’s toolbar, click its button you’re ready to replace Windows 10, go
Chrome, you’ve basically mastered it and choose ‘Get started’. When prompted back to this screen and choose ‘Install
already because its minimalist interface to identify your Chromebook, click ChromeOS Flex’. Connect to your
consists of that browser above an empty ‘Select a model in the list’ and set Google Wi-Fi network, select ‘For personal use’
desktop and taskbar. It’s almost the same ChromeOS Flex as the manufacturer and sign into your Google account to
operating system used by Chromebooks, and ChromeOS Flex as the model (see start using the new operating system.
minus certain hardware features and screenshot above). Alternatively, click ‘Browse as guest’ in
support for Android apps. Insert your USB stick, click Continue the bottom-left corner of the screen to
ChromeOS Flex runs on virtually any and select the name of the device. Click explore without signing in.
computer with 4GB of RAM, 16GB of ‘Create’ to reformat the USB stick and ChromeOS Flex is updated automatically
storage and a 64bit processor – see the create the ChromeOS Flex ‘recovery to protect you against security threats,
list of certified devices at www.snipca. media’ – this may take up to 20 minutes. and as you’d expect, is seamlessly
com/51969 – and boots from a USB Click ‘Yes’ to allow the app to make integrated with Google services such as
stick (minimum 8GB capacity). Before changes to your device, then click OK Gmail, Drive/Docs and YouTube.
you install the operating system over once the process is complete. Click the circle button in the bottom-
Windows 10, you can try it first to decide Next, you’ll need to boot the new left corner (see screenshot above) to
whether it’s right for you. operating system from the USB stick. access and search your files, apps and
Restart your PC to the Advanced Startup settings. You won’t be able to install
How to try ChromeOS Flex screen (see page 51), click ‘Use a device’ Windows software, but you can replicate
Visit the Chrome Web Store and install and select ‘USB Drive (UEFI)’. some tools using Chrome extensions
the extension Chromebook Recovery ChromeOS Flex will now launch – click and PWAs.

OPTION 6: SWITCH FROM WINDOWS TO LINUX

If you’ve never been tempted to run Zorin OS is a
Linux on your PC, or tried it once and friendly version
of Linux that’s
didn’t like it, then even the demise of ideal for former
Windows 10 may not change your mind. Windows users
Linux is commonly regarded as being too
complicated for the average home user,
because of its Terminal command-line
operation and unintuitive interface.
While that’s certainly true of some
Linux distros (distributions), other
versions are targeted at new Linux – and
former Windows – users. Our favourite
is the free Zorin OS (www.snipca.
com/51970), which has a familiar
Windows-style Start menu and taskbar,
and has been designed to “work on
computers as old as 15 years”. snipca.com/51972). You can customise its a USB stick, so you can test-drive them
Zorin OS includes Firefox for web interface to make it more Windows-like, before you install them on your PC. Just
browsing (see screenshot) and though some layouts – including download the ISO file and use Rufus (see
LibreOffice for working with Microsoft ‘Windows Classic-like’ – are only page 51) to burn it to the USB drive to
Office/Microsoft 365 files, and lets available in its Pro version, which costs create a bootable version of the distro.
you install Windows software through £48 (www.snipca.com/51973). Choose the ‘Try’ rather than ‘Install’
its Windows App Support feature (www. Most Linux distros can be booted from option when you boot from the stick.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 55

 OPTION 7: KEEP USING WINDOWS 10 SAFELY
If none of the previous six options appeal Microsoft’s
to you, because nothing beats Windows Extended
Security
10 and you don’t want to move on, the Updates
good news is that you can keep using it throw a
safely after 14 October 2025. There are a lifeline to
few workarounds that extend the Windows 10
users
operating system’s life, and though each
suggestion contains a caveat at least one
of them may be preferable to upgrading
to Windows 11. Here’s what you can do.

Pay Microsoft for security

updates
Last December, Microsoft announced that
it will be launching an Extended Security
Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10
when the operating system reaches end
of support in October 2025. This means
Microsoft will continue to provide
security updates for three years beyond above) for more information.
the cut-off date.
Previously, the ESU program was limited Pay less for security updates
to Microsoft’s business customers, but the with 0patch
company has now opened it to everyone. As we reported in Issue 688 (page 6),
This throws a welcome lifeline to Slovenian software company 0patch
Windows 10 users, but with one major (if (www.snipca.com/51999) will offer
inevitable) catch: you’ll need to pay for it. extended security updates for Windows
Microsoft has yet to reveal how much it 10 for at least five years after support
will charge users for extended Windows ends. That’s two years more than
10 updates on their personal computers, Microsoft’s ESU program and 0patch says 0patch will let you keep running Windows 10
but businesses will have to pay $61 (£46) it will be for “even longer if there’s safely until at least October 2030
per PC for the first year. This doubles to demand” (www.snipca.com/51983).
$122 for the second year and again in year These updates will be available to beyond, you need to sign up for a free
three to $244, so the whole ESU period individuals and small businesses who account (see screenshot above) and
will cost $427 (£324). For that price, you sign up for annual subscriptions priced at download its 0patch Agent tool. When
could buy a new Windows 11 PC (see page €24.95, which works out at £25.21 once the Windows 10 deadline is imminent,
52), though as ESU involves an annual VAT is added. That’s just over half of what purchase an 0patch licence, install your
subscription you don’t need to pay for the Microsoft is charging businesses, and last official Windows updates and let
full three years. likely to be much cheaper than what 0patch handle the patching from that
The cost to consumers is likely to be consumers will pay too. Also, the price point on.
lower, but bear in mind that the ESU won’t double every year – 0patch says The company has been around since
program only provides “critical and that though prices may “be adjusted in 2016 and still issues security patches for
important security updates”. You won’t future”, active subscriptions will keep Windows 7, Microsoft Office and older
receive feature updates, because the same price for two years. versions of Windows 10, so it won’t
Windows 10 won’t be getting any more, With an 0patch subscription, you’ll disappear overnight. Until other
or any, non-security related bug fixes or receive “micropatches” for security alternatives emerge, 0patch is the safest,
technical support. However, at least you’ll vulnerabilities that are likely to be cheapest and most reliable way to
be safe from malware and hackers, and exploited by hackers after 14 October prolong the operating system’s life.
can keep using your favourite operating 2025. These small patches will be applied
system for another three years. to running processes in your PC’s Disconnect Windows 10
We don’t yet know how home users memory without modifying any from the internet
will be able to sign up for ESU, but Microsoft files. You won’t need to reboot One way to minimise the security risks to
businesses will have three options. They your computer, and probably “won’t even Windows 10 after the cut-off point is to
can download an activation key, use a notice” a patch has been installed. only use your PC offline. This will stop
‘cloud-based’ activation method or get an 0patch will also fix flaws in non-Microsoft malware being downloaded from the
ESU licence at no extra cost through their software, as it has previously done for web, prevent hackers from infiltrating
Windows 365 subscription (an online programs including 7-Zip, Adobe Reader, your system and keep your data firmly
version of Windows only available to Dropbox, WinRAR and Zoom. stored on your hard drive so it can’t be
Enterprise customers). To get security patches from 0patch, stolen in the background.
See www.snipca.com/51980 (pictured until October 2030 and potentially In practice, however, this option is

56 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 WINDOWS 10
is
DOOMED!
Should you keep using Windows 10
without updates?
Taking no action before or after 14 October
2025 may seem foolish or reckless, yet it’s
an option millions of people will choose.
Even Microsoft says that: “You may
Using Windows 10 offline keeps you safe, but continue to use Windows 10 after support
will also prove frustratingly limited
ends” (www.snipca.com/51985) – your
likely to be unworkable, with the PC won’t suddenly stop working, it just
drawbacks far outweighing the safety won’t receive security updates.
benefits. Once you’ve disconnected your However, though it’s unlikely your vulnerability in Windows 10 by the time
computer from Wi-Fi (see screenshot computer will be flooded by malicious it stops updates. New security holes are
above), unplugged the Ethernet cable attacks the day after Microsoft pulls the still being discovered in the OS – in June,
and disabled Bluetooth, your activities plug, it will be only a matter of time before for example, Microsoft fixed a critical flaw
will be extremely limited. new Windows 10 vulnerabilities are in the Windows Wi-Fi driver that would
Losing the internet will mean no email, discovered. Don’t assume your antivirus have allowed attackers to run malicious
web browsing, streaming, downloading software will keep you completely safe, code (www.snipca.com/51986, see
or access to any online tools, and you because it won’t plug holes in the operating screenshot).
won’t be able to update your software system itself. Only security patches from It may save you hassle and money to
and drivers. This obviously won’t be a Microsoft (or 0patch, see opposite) can fix keep using Windows 10 without updates,
problem when you want to work these flaws, and the longer they’re but the consequences could be grave.
peacefully offline – for example when unpatched the more time hackers have to Although it’s possible Microsoft may patch
writing documents, editing photos or exploit them and infect your PC. serious Windows 10 problems beyond
playing music and videos saved on your Additionally, Microsoft is unlikely October 2025, it’s not worth risking your
hard drive. But you won’t be able to have identified and patched every data to find out.
to share files without copying them to a
USB stick, which could itself spread
malware to your unpatched PC. file to your PC.
Ultimately, the offline option is feasible You’ll also need a valid
for a secondary Windows 10 PC you use Windows product key
occasionally, but will prove frustrating – this may be on a sticker
on your main machine. attached to your Windows
10 computer. If not, type
Run Windows 10 cmd in the search box,
in a virtual machine open Command Prompt
Another way to keep using Windows 10 and enter the following
after next October, without paying for command: wmic path
updates, is to install it in a virtual softwareLicensingService
machine. This will run the operating get OA3xOriginalProduct
system in a window inside Windows 11, Key – you can copy
and let you access your favourite this from our Pastebin
Windows 10 tools and programs. account at www.snipca. VirtualBox lets you run a virtual version of Windows 10 in
Windows 11 using Seamless Mode
To try this option, you’ll need com/51990.
virtualisation software, such as the VirtualBox has a Seamless Mode that One problem with running Windows
free VirtualBox (www.virtualbox.org), lets you use programs installed on your 10 in virtualisation software is that it
and a Windows 10 ISO. You can get the virtual PC as if they were on your main consumes a lot of memory, so make
latter from Microsoft at www.snipca. computer. Press the right-hand Ctrl button sure your PC has enough RAM to serve
com/51989 using the Media Creation Tool and L, or click the View menu and choose both your main operating system and
– choose the DVD option to save the ISO Seamless Mode (see screenshot above). the virtual one.

NEXT ISSUE On sale Wednesday 9 October

ON SALE
Weds
9

DON’T BUY THE

Oct
PLUS

WRONG SMART TV
• Stop your phone listening to you
We always turn off these settings

• Do you need a new AI PC?
The choice is bewildering – so let us explain which is best for you We’ll explain how to check

Subscribe to Computeractive at www.getcomputeractive.co.uk

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 57

 Protect your home with a
Smart lock
Looking for a convenient,
secure way to protect your
home? Jonathan Parkyn
reveals everything you
need to know about smart
door locks – and why
burglars hate them

H
igh-tech, super-secure ‘smart’ make sure you buy from a trusted brand,
locks have been the preserve such as those we recommend.
of spy thrillers for years, but Each of these is officially supported for
now they’re available in reality use in the UK, unlike some you might
– and at prices that will allow you to find online. For example, August smart
install one on your own front door. These locks are often highly rated in reviews,
wireless digital devices offer keyless but they’re intended for use only in the
methods of gaining access to your home, US and Canada.
such as a key code, NFC fob, fingerprint
reader or a swipe of your smartphone Get the right lock for
screen. It makes unlocking your door your budget
much easier for you, while also making it Various factors will govern your choice of
harder for intruders to break in. smart lock, including the features you Ultion’s Nuki locks work with doors that have
Euro cylinder-type locking systems
You can also lock or unlock your front need, the type of smart lock you want
door remotely, and give people access and the type of locks you already have. an existing Yale lock (or equivalent
while you’re out – such as trusted But we’ll start with cost. compatible night latch), for instance.
tradespeople or family members. The good news is that prices start at Ultion, meanwhile, produces a range of
Wireless devices can be hacked, of course, just £100 for a basic model such as the Nuki smart locks (starting at £169 from
but the best smart locks are protected by Yale Keyless Connected (www.snipca. www.snipca.com/52029, pictured above),
bank-grade encryption and are constantly com/52052, pictured below left). This has which are designed for use with doors
kept up to date. Indeed, Nottingham- a touchscreen keypad and provides entry that have Euro cylinder-type locking
based Ultion (www.snipca.com/52047) is by PIN, key card or fob. Advanced features systems. If your door has a rotating
so confident in its security that it offers a are often absent from budget locks, doorknob on the inside, you’ll need to
£5,000 guarantee to users of its Nuki however. For example, you can’t unlock specify your current lock’s manufacturer
locks (www.snipca.com/52053). Just the cheapest Yale Keyless Connected when buying your Nuki device to make
models using your smartphone, or sure you get the correct fittings.
remotely over the internet, without Doors with multi-point locks – usually
buying additional hardware (as we’ll UPVC doors that require you to lift the
explain), so depending on your needs you handle to lock – require a different type
may have to increase your budget. of smart lock, such as the Yale Conexis L2
(from £290 at www.snipca.com/52030).
Check it works with The SwitchBot Lock, meanwhile,
your front door costs £130 for the base model (www.
It’s essential that your smart lock is snipca.com/52032), and has the added
compatible with your front door. The Yale convenience of working with many
Yale’s £100 Keyless Connected provides Keyless Connected mentioned above is types of door without the need for any
entry by PIN, key card or fob designed specifically for doors that have drilling or screwing.

60 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 If you’re not sure of a particular lock’s
compatibility, check the manufacturer’s
website. Most brands offer a handy
compatibility checker or the option to
chat with a specialist.

Connect to your existing

smart devices
If you already use other smart-home
products, such as security cameras,
doorbells and lightbulbs, opt for a smart
lock that works with them. Most smart
locks come with their own apps for
setting up, controlling the device and so Yale’s Access Module (yellow) and Connect Igloohome’s Smart Deadbolt can be unlocked
on. But if all your smart devices are WiFi Bridge let you unlock your door remotely with a PIN, Bluetooth and a physical key
compatible with the same smart home
platform (Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit adding them can drive up the cost. Nuki, Hub Mini (£35 from www.snipca.
or Google Home), then they’ll work for example, offers remote access as com/52038) for remote access.
together better. This will make it easier to standard with its more expensive Nuki
set up automated routines and control Smart Lock Pro (from £255, www.snipca. Add extra features
your devices using your voice. com/52034), but you’ll need to make a There may be other considerations to
Some smart locks, such as those in one-off £45 in-app purchase to unlock make when buying a smart lock, such as
Ultion’s Nuki range, support Amazon, remote access for the cheaper model. how it looks and what extra features are
Apple and Google, but Yale’s smart locks What’s more, to use Nuki’s remote on offer. For example, you might want
support only Amazon and Google. Check access, you need a smart-home hub that the option to open your door using your
before you buy. supports Thread and Matter (wireless fingerprint – the Wireless Fingerprint
protocols that make communication Keypad for Nuki costs £145 (www.snipca.
Control smart locks between smart-home devices easier and com/52039).
wherever you are more secure). The Google Nest Hub (2nd Auto-unlocking is another attractive
We’d argue that remote access – the Gen) (£90 from www.snipca.com/52035) proposition – very useful if you come
ability to lock and unlock your front and Amazon Echo (4th Gen) (£110 from home with armfuls of shopping and don’t
door from afar using your smartphone www.snipca.com/52036) are two have a hand free to hunt for your fob or
– is one of the most compelling reasons examples. If you already own a hub or phone. You can configure Nuki and Yale
to buy a smart lock. This can be a smart speaker, check whether it supports devices to lock and unlock your door
lifesaver if, for example, you think you Matter and Thread before you buy. automatically using a combination of
might have left the door unlocked when Some smart locks provide remote Bluetooth, GPS and geofencing
you left the house, or you need to give access and notifications through your technology. If you opt for a SwitchBot
someone access to your home while home Wi-Fi network, but they may not device, you’ll need to buy the more
you’re away. Likewise, the ability to be equipped to do this by default. To expensive Lock Pro model (£140 from
receive live notifications from your smart access the Yale Keyless Connected www.snipca.com/52040) for this feature.
lock – such as an alert when someone remotely, for example, you need to buy Do you need a smart lock for a
tries to access your home without it as part of a bundle that includes the deadbolt? If so, you may need a dedicated
permission – makes smart locks a very Yale Access Module and Connect WiFi deadbolt replacement, such as the
attractive option. Bridge (£180 from www.snipca. Igloohome Smart Deadbolt (£145 from
The problem is that these features com/52037, pictured above). Similarly, www.snipca.com/52041, pictured above),
aren’t always provided by default – and the SwitchBot Lock requires a SwitchBot which you can unlock using a PIN,
Bluetooth and a physical key.

Do smart locks work during power cuts? Are smart locks easy to install?
Some devices are easier to fit than
The best smart locks – including all those keys, while Nuki models come with their others. The SwitchBot Lock, for example,
we’ve mentioned in this article – are own keys for use as a backup. Yale’s benefits from a simple tool-free
battery powered, so you’ll still be able to Keyless Connected devices can receive installation, while some models –
lock and unlock your door during a power an emergency power boost through a including the Yale Conexis L2 – require
outage. You’ll also receive notifications standard 9V battery connection on the you to replace your existing door handle
when the battery starts to get low, so you bottom edge of the device. and locking mechanism. Additional
can make sure it’s always charged. Even losing Wi-Fi won’t stop you accessories, such as keypads, fingerprint
Your smart lock should also provide unlocking your door, because smart locks sensors and Wi-Fi bridges, all add to
an alternative way to gain access in case use Bluetooth or NFC instead. However, the complexity of your initial setup.
the battery runs out while you’re away some functions, such as remote access When you buy a smart lock, you can
from home. With SwitchBot’s locks, for and notifications, may be unavailable until usually pay extra for expert installation.
example, you can use your original door your Wi-Fi connection is restored. For example, Yale’s smart door lock
installation service costs £150.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 61

 Record
and save
TV shows
Recording TV programmes has many advantages
over watching catch-up services, but your
options are shrinking. Robert Irvine explains
what you can still do to save shows to play later

B
ack in the 1980s, video-cassette Although you can still record shows Why recording is preferable
recorders (VCRs) revolutionised using Aerial Mode, this requires your to streaming
the way we watched TV, allowing TV box to be connected to an aerial The main benefit of catch-up services
us to tape shows to play later socket, and for your reception to be of is that you don’t need to remember to
rather than having to catch them when sufficient quality. record a TV show, but can watch it shortly
they were broadcast. VHS and Betamax This appears to be another move after – and sometimes before – it’s
were then superseded by recordable DVDs towards the eradication of TV recording. broadcast on the relevant channel.
and personal video recorders (PVRs). The latest set-top boxes, including the They also have plenty of content to
Sadly, since our viewing habits moved Sky Stream and Virgin Media Stream, as browse and play on-demand, so you
to streaming, our options for recording well as the just-released Google TV can discover interesting programmes
TV programmes are gradually disappearing. Streamer, don’t let you record live TV to you missed at the time.
Here, we explain what’s changed and their built-in storage. The downside is that your viewing
what you can do to carry on recording. Although PVRs are still available, activities are at the mercy of the service.
including Freesat and Freeview Play Shows are only made available for a
What’s happened to models, most haven’t been updated for limited time period – typically for 30 days
TV recordings? years, and newer devices have become after broadcast, though occasionally
As we reported in Issue 692 (page 6), harder to find. Now that all the main UK much shorter (see screenshot above right)
BT/EE customers can no longer record broadcasters have their own catch-up – and whole series or specific episodes
BBC shows on their TV boxes via the services, the manufacturers of TV can be removed without warning.
internet. When you record a programme hardware seem to assume that viewers Many films and sporting events never
to your EE TV (formerly BT TV) Pro Box no longer need to record what they appear on catch-up services, because the
using Internet Mode, pressing play will can stream. broadcaster doesn’t have legal rights to
now take you to the iPlayer app to watch That’s certainly the case with Freely show them online. In contrast,
it, where you’ll be subject to that service’s (www.freely.co.uk, pictured below left), programmes, films and football matches
restrictions (more on that later). the free-to-view TV platform that you record yourself can be watched
launched in April. This lets you watch live whenever you want for as long as you
channels and on-demand content over want – with no risk of them ‘expiring’.
the internet on Freely-compatible TVs, Another big advantage to recording TV
without needing an aerial or satellite is that you can skip the adverts. If you
dish. Crucially, however, it lacks any watch ITVX or Channel 4’s streaming
option to record shows – not even to the service, you’ll know how long, repetitive
‘cloud’ or a connected device – so you’re and annoying the ad breaks can be –
limited to what’s available to stream in unless you pay for a monthly
broadcasters’ libraries. Although you can subscription, which removes them.
plug in an aerial to watch Freeview Finally, catch-up services require a
Freely lets you watch live and on-demand TV programmes, too, you won’t be able to reliable internet connection - without
– but you can’t record it record those either. one, you won’t be able to watch anything.

62 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

Some content on catch-up services is only available for a short time Sky Q lets you record hundred of hours of TV to watch when you want

That’s why the ‘cloud-based’ recording unlike Sky’s new Stream and Glass subscription and lengthy contract with
offered by the Playlist feature on Sky devices, which stream content over the an ISP, you can buy your own PVR to
Stream and Sky Glass devices is no internet – Sky Q requires a satellite dish. record all the TV you want. The best
substitute for a hard drive that stores and Similarly, although Virgin Media’s new new device – in fact, the only notable
plays shows offline. Stream device has no recording features, one to be launched this year – is the
its standard set-top box remains the Manhattan T4-R (www.snipca.
HOW YOU CAN KEEP Virgin TV 360 (www.snipca.com/52006). com/52009, pictured below).
RECORDING TV SHOWS This can record up to six shows at once to
Get a TV recorder from your ISP its 1TB hard drive, and stores up to 100
Despite the move towards smaller hours of video in HD quality (500 hours
streaming devices and cloud-based in SD). It comes with all Virgin TV
storage, many internet providers still offer bundles, which cost from £33 a month.
set-top boxes with recording capabilities. As we explained opposite, BT/EE’s TV
Though these may eventually be phased Box Pro is now limited by its inability to
out, it’s worth checking if you can get one record BBC shows in Internet Mode. It
from your current ISP, or – if you’re out of also stops you skipping ITV ads and no
contract – switching to a broadband-and-TV longer has U (formerly UK TV) channels.
package that includes one. If those things don’t bother you, EE is The Manhattan T4-R is the best new device
For example, Sky Q (www.snipca. currently offering TV-and-broadband for recording TV shows
com/52003, pictured top right) has a box bundles for £5 a month for the first three
with a 1TB or 2TB hard drive that lets you months (www.snipca.com/52008), rising Manhattan boasts that the T4-R was
record several channels simultaneously to £43 after that. “designed in Britain for great British telly
(the number depends on the model), and lovers” and it combines live, on-demand
fast-forward the ads on playback. It costs Record TV using your own PVR and recorded TV in one simple interface.
£31 a month, plus a £49 setup fee, but – Rather than commit to an expensive To watch and record Freeview channels,
you simply need to plug in an aerial, but
to stream catch-up services and install
Record TV shows to a USB stick updates, the T4-R must be connected to
the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
You may not need to buy a PVR, if your TV The process of configuring your USB Its cheapest model offers 500GB of
has a built-in recording function – as most drive for recording depends on your storage – enough for 300 hours of SD
smart TVs now do. Just plug a USB stick or TV model, so check the manual or the programming, or 150 hours HD – for
external hard drive into your set to record support section of the manufacturer’s £170, while the most expensive has a 2TB
live TV and play it back later. website. You can usually start hard drive (up to 1,200 hours) for £230.
The option uses your TV’s recording by pressing the Record You can record two different channels
Freeview or Freesat tuner, which button on the remote, or by while watching a third, and pause and
means you can record any shows selecting that option on-screen. rewind live TV for up to two hours. The
broadcast for free on those For example, on recent Samsung T4-R also lets you fast-forward adverts
platforms, but not content from TVs, press the 123 button on Freeview recordings, and easily
streaming services. If the set only (pictured), then Record. access recently (and accidentally)
has one tuner, you’ll You may also be able to schedule deleted content.
be limited to recording recordings via your TV’s electronic If you watch free TV on Freesat rather
the current channel, programme guide (EPG). Press than Freeview, we recommend the official
but if it has two you can the Guide button on the remote, Freesat Recordable 4K TV Box (www.
watch one show while find and select the show you want snipca.com/52011). Prices start at £229
recording another. to save, then choose Record. for a 500GB hard drive, with the ability to
record up to four shows at once.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 63

 Problems Solved
Our experts solve all your tech problems

PROBLEM OF THE FORTNIGHT

How do I monitor my network traffic?

My home network sometimes 1
Q slows to a crawl for no
apparent reason, no matter
what I’m doing – be it moving files
around or downloading from or
uploading to the internet. I’d like to
investigate why this is happening by
monitoring network traffic – internal
and external – and by also monitoring
which programs and apps are using
bandwidth (as I suppose something
might be causing a bottleneck).
Is there an easy solution to doing this
or would it require a multi-faceted
approach?
Alan Jeans Type resmon in the Run box to bring up information about your home network in several
graphs and tables
That depends on how
A technically minded you are,
and how thorough you want
However, there are easier ways to see
what’s happening, where and when, and
does have some built-in network-
monitoring tools, which are fairly good.
to be. With enough know-how and thus what might be causing these delays. First, press Windows key+R to bring up
patience you could theoretically For example, your router might have the Run box, then type resmon (see
identify and follow every last bit that some sort of built-in tool to do this. screenshot 1 ) and press Enter. Now
passes in, across and out of your Without knowing the make or model, it’s click to select the Network tab. Here,
network. But, as well as being mind- impossible to say what those might be or you’ll see lots of information in tables
numbingly dull, drilling down to this where to find them, but your starting and charts.
fundamental level requires advanced point is at the router’s admin page. You For your purposes, the tables are
knowledge and confidence (not to can access this in a web browser, typically likely to be the most useful – and
mention a lot of free time). by typing 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 and specifically the ‘Processes with
then entering the Network Activity’ and Network Activity
2 username and password. tabs. The first shows what’s using
Look for options for network data at the process level,
networking monitoring or which is is useful for measuring the
analysis, and then click to network activities of specific apps.
see what’s on offer. You Click the table headings to sort the
might be able to filter data. Sorting by ‘Send (B/sec)’ or
traffic by connected ‘Receive (B/sec)’ (see screenshot 2 ), for
devices, say, or the types example, will allow you to focus on
of activities carried out which apps or processes are sending or
by those devices. receiving a lot of data at that moment.
Alternatively, or as well, Next, check the Network Activity tab
you can use software to to see what a particular app or process
interrogate what devices is communicating with, which could
might be up to. Windows be a remote service based on IP address
or something local.
Sort your columns by ‘Send Some of the information you’ll find
(B/sec)’ or ‘Receive (B/ here can be quite niche, and you may
sec)' to see which apps and need to search online to figure some of
processes are sending/
receiving most data at that it out – but this is a primer on how to
moment find what’s causing your problem.

64 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

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

Why does Microsoft Money Plus take up so much storage?

My Surface Pro 7 laptop-tablet is
Q short of storage. Perusing my
installed apps I was amazed to
see that Microsoft Money Plus was taking
up 100GB. I have the same program
installed on my desktop PC, which has
plenty of storage, and this showed it as
being the same size. I use this program
frequently for my finances so I’m
reluctant to uninstall it.
Is this a case of false drive-space
reporting? I did uninstall the program
on my desktop PC and it didn’t seem
to make much of a difference. I’d be
grateful for your thoughts and possibly a
solution that causes the program to Windows mistakenly calculates Microsoft Money Plus as 101GB in size
report its true size.
Alan Stevens modern Windows, and such quirks are to you can get an accurate report by checking
be expected. This is a known one, where in a different way. Press Windows key+E
We’re happy to confirm your Windows reports different figures to open File Explorer, then locate the
A suspicion that this is a false
report. You might think it odd
depending on where you look – and in
both the Apps section of Settings and the
Money Plus installation folder – which
will almost certainly be C:\Program Files
for Windows to make such a mistake ‘Programs and Features’ area of Control (x86)\Microsoft Money Plus.
but it’s important to remember that Panel, Money Plus is indeed reported as If so, in the C:\Program Files (x86)
Money Plus is now nearly 20 years old occupying 100GB (see screenshot). But, folder, right-click the Microsoft Money
and from the days of Windows XP. It’s fortunately, that’s not actually correct: the Plus folder and choose Properties. Next,
also 13 years since Microsoft ended all true burden is closer to 100MB – the look at the ‘Size on disk’ figure to see how
support for the product. tiniest of fractions of what Windows thinks. much space the program is really
In short, Money Plus is not made for There’s no fix, and never will be, but occupying on your system.

Why does Windows Update pause for so long at 74%?

As a long-time quick and simple, but those
Q subscriber I always
turn first to the
that occur around this mark
tend to be the big, complicated
Problems Solved pages when tasks that just take more time.
my new copy arrives. This is Remember, it’s a percentage –
more of a general question not a clock. This is probably best
than a specific problem, and demonstrated when Windows
it’s been puzzling me for years. Update says ‘100% complete’
Whenever I do a cumulative (see screenshot), while still
or large Windows update on leaving you waiting!
either of my Windows 10 PCs, it We’ve often thought that a
seems to pause for a long time, clock might be a better guide
almost always at 74 per cent, Windows Update says ‘100% complete’, while still leaving for users but it’s probably not
you waiting
before eventually completing. practical. Every PC is different,
What happens at this point to hold take a break – but we can assure you it’s and different update tasks will take
things up? not a new annoyance, and you’re not variable amounts of time depending on
Phil Hughes alone. any number of factors. So for now
Actually, it’s not really taking a break. we’re all stuck with the progress
You’d need to ask Microsoft Rather, at each and every stage, the PC expressed as a percentage – and the
A what specifically goes on at
this point to make Windows
needs to process data and carry out any
number of actions. Some of these are
variable pauses that this inevitably
means.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 65

 Problems Solved
What are these ‘.rec’ files on my
Can copper camera’s memory card?
phones call non-
copper phones? Q
I used a file-recovery tool
on one of my camera’s
damaged memory cards,
I’ve been reading your successfully recovering all my
Q articles about the end of
copper-based landlines by
images. However, the process also
recovered about a dozen files with
2027. But there’s one thing I’d like a ‘.rec’ extension. What are they
clarified. When I switch to having and how do I open or convert
my own ‘landline’ calls via my them?
router, while still retaining my Pete Surfer ‘.rec’ files could contain video footage shot by a dashcam
landline number, will people who
are still on a traditional landline be We can think of a couple of card in such a device? We have a strong
able to phone me on that number?
Scott Geissler
A possibilities. The first is that
this is some kind of proprietary
hunch that you probably have – and
that these recovered files are from
file format used by your camera, possibly that machine.
We’ve had hundreds of for video recordings. However, we’re not It’s possible that they’ll play back
A questions about the copper
line switch-off, but we
aware of any of the big camera brands
using a proprietary format that results
only on the original recording device.
However, you could always try them
think this is the first time we’ve in ‘.rec’ files. in the free media player VLC (www.
been asked this. The other possibility is that they’re videolan.org, see screenshot below),
It’s a fair question, because it’s not video-recording files created by a car’s which has a deserved reputation for
entirely obvious whether someone dashcam (like the one pictured above being able to handle pretty much any
reliant on a traditional copper line right). Have you ever used this memory video file ever invented.
and the archaic public switched
telephone network (PSTN) could use
their phone to dial up someone
connected via a fibre line and an
internet router.
But the simple, happy answer is
yes: they’d be able to call you, and
you’d be able to call them. Without
worrying too much about the
technical details, this is because in
either direction the call would pass
through a ‘gateway’ that converts the
voice signals from analogue to digital,
or vice versa. Fortunately, that’s all
handled by the telecoms provider. As
a subscriber, you or your contact will
just dial the required phone number
– as you’ve always done.

The free media player VLC can play almost any file format
Credit: necip duman_pexels

Q: How do I access my laptop’s old

hard drive?
A: Issue 658, page 68 – find it on
our 2023 Back Issue CD
After the switch-off, copper-based
phones will still be able to phone digital
Buy it from
lines, and vice versa www.snipca.com/48860

66 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 Why is my Pixel phone switching itself back on?
I have a Google Pixel 7a phone Opt out of
Q that’s causing me problems.
Before I go to sleep, I power
the beta
programme via
the ‘Android
the device fully off then plug it into the Beta for Pixel’
mains to charge. However, as soon as homepage
the power is supplied, the device
powers itself back on and launches
ready for use. I’m on Android 15 Beta 4.
I don’t want my phone powering up
when I turn it off. Can you help me
with this?
Ethan Armstrong

Perhaps surprisingly, this is Google Pixel 7a – unless the phone’s Pixel’ homepage at www.snipca.
A actually an intentional feature
on many phones. Sometimes
battery is completely dead, it shouldn’t
power up when you plug it in to charge.
com/51743. Click ‘View your eligible
devices’ (see screenshot) then click
this is because the phone itself needs to However, a glitch in a recent Android ‘Opt out’ next to the relevant device.
be on in order to manage the charging update has apparently caused this to Bear in mind this will wipe your phone
process. However, more often than not occur on some models. That was fixed and return it to Android 14. We doubt
it’s because some manufacturers with a July update to Android 14 (www. you want that. So, instead, we’d suggest
assume that plugging in a phone to snipca.com/51742). However, you’ve putting up with it for a few weeks. The
charge means the owner wants to use opted into Google’s beta programme, so final version of Android 15 should be
it – so the phone ‘helpfully’ switches your phone is on Android 15 Beta. released very soon – and it’ll probably
itself back on. You could opt out of the beta include the same fix for this bug that
But that’s not the case with the programme, via the ‘Android Beta for has been applied to Android 14.

How can I manage 1 2

the ‘Pagefile.sys’ file?

My interest was piqued by your
Q reply to Jim Abernethy in Issue
689’s Problems Solved section
(page 66), in which you said Windows’
‘Pagefile.sys’ file effectively manages
itself. I looked for it on my system and
found that it was occupying 20GB. I have
a 1TB hard drive so I’m not too worried,
but I’d like to know if I can manage this
file myself? It seems anything that takes
up so much space should at least be
under my control!
Jack Montgomery
To manage the ‘Pagefile.sys’ file, click Settings
You can take manual control of in the Advanced tab of System Properties…
A the ‘Pagefile.sys’ file, though we
wouldn’t really recommend it. settings link’. Then, in the System
Windows is pretty good at doing this Properties box that appears, click the …then, in the Performance Options box, click
itself, and limiting its size could slow Advanced tab. Now, in the Performance Change in the ‘Virtual memory’ section
down your PC – because it treats section, click the Settings button (see
‘Pagefile.sys’ as a form of virtual memory. screenshot 1 ) then, in the Performance now you can tweak ‘Pagefile.sys’ as you
That said, it’s easy enough to do, and Options box, choose the Advanced tab. want. For example, choose the ‘Custom
there’s no harm in experimenting. First Finally, in the ‘Virtual memory’ section, size’ option and tap a value into the
press Windows key+X to open the Quick click Change (see screenshot 2 ). ‘Maximum size’ field to limit its size,
Link menu, then choose System. Next, on Untick the ‘Automatically manage or choose ‘No paging file’ to disable it
the right, click the ‘Advanced system paging file for all drives’ box and you can entirely. Click OK when you’ve finished.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 67

 Problems Solved
What’s causing 1 Make sure your Zoom
app provides the
low-quality video best-quality video by
clicking the Advanced
and sound on my button…

Zoom calls?
I have an Asus ZenBook Flip 13
Q laptop that I’m generally very
happy with. However, during
Zoom meetings, when the host shares a
video, the picture is jerky and the sound
is unclear – especially if there’s music 2
playing. I have good download speed of
over 140Mbps. I contacted Asus and the
company said it was a problem with the
Zoom app. My wife has an older Asus
machine and, when on the same Zoom
meeting, her laptop is fine. Any
suggestions would be most welcome. differently – for example, so that it makes
Iain Yule fewer demands on the hardware or uses
aspects of its graphics hardware to ensure …and unticking these two ‘Optimize video…’
It probably is Zoom. We don’t best quality during meetings. options
A know the specifications of your
wife’s laptop but being older
To check and tweak both of these
factors, first click your Zoom avatar or Then, try unticking both the ‘Optimize
doesn’t necessarily make it less capable – initials at the top right then choose quality of the video…’ boxes. Finally,
it could have a higher specification. Settings. Next, on the left, click to select if available, under ‘Use hardware
Alternatively, the Zoom app on your the Video tab and then, on the right, click acceleration for’ ensure that all three
partner’s laptop might be set up the Advanced button (see screenshot 1 ). boxes are ticked.

How can I buy a good-quality replacement battery

for my Galaxy Tab A tablet?
I have an old Samsung Galaxy
Q Tab A tablet. It’s been great,
but the battery has begun to
die. I previously bought a replacement
battery for an old tablet, which was
fine but didn’t last long. I suspect that
many of the replacement batteries you
can get online are second hand or are
low quality. Is it possible to get a top-
quality replacement battery for my
Galaxy tablet? If so, where from?
David Doe

There’s no easy answer to this.

A We don’t know your exact
model and manufacturing
year but, even if we did, there’d
still be no definitive answer. This is Identify your specific device’s component using iFixit’s guides
because manufacturers like Samsung
use a wide range of component manufacturer’s ‘original’. on the photos to see what you can
suppliers, so in any given production We’d suggest you check iFixit’s Galaxy discern from the close-ups, in terms of
run any one of dozens of different Tab A guides at www.snipca.com/51744. exact part numbers (see screenshot). Then
batteries could be considered the Find your exact model, and then zoom in look online for a company selling it.

68 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

 ?? WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN...
Local, LocalLow and Roaming system folders?
I enjoy video games and have These three system folders
Q recently been playing
Supermarket Simulator
contain files that are specific
to your PC or need to be
synced across several devices
(www.snipca.com/51891). I had a
problem with a save file and the
game’s online forum told me to
uninstall the game, then press
Windows key+R and delete a particular
folder at userprofile/AppData/LocalLow.
I did this, then reinstalled the game you haven’t done any
and everything has worked fine since. damage. You deleted a
However, while doing this I noticed game-specific folder that
three folders within AppData – contained some corrupted
Local, LocalLow and Roaming (see data, and the game
screenshot). I understand that you recreated that folder. You’d researched privileges. It’s used by programs, like
shouldn’t delete anything within the process before doing it, and all ended Supermarket Simulator, that need to be
these folders. Have I done any well. So, let’s address your question about able to save files locally – but without
damage by deleting a specific folder the differences between Local, LocalLow being given access to the wider system.
for the game? Could you explain the and Roaming. That just leaves Roaming. This
difference between those three folders? The Local folder stores data specific to contains data intended to be synced
Alex Web your computer and isn’t synchronized across different devices, via a Microsoft
with other PCs. It’s typically used for account. This could include, for
It’s generally not a good idea larger files that don’t need to be shared example, your web browser’s bookmarks
A to delete items from system
folders, unless you know what
across systems, such as program folders
(which are normally installed or re-
or settings for programs like Microsoft
365 (Office).
you’re doing, and why you are doing it. installed independently on each Want to know the difference between
We’ve had to shorten your email a little machine). LocalLow is similar, but technical terms? Email noproblem@
but we can say that, in this instance, with reduced administration (admin) computeractive.co.uk

Can I replace BIOS with UEFI on my Lenovo PC?

I’ve been a Computeractive tells me that the BIOS is correct for the ‘Legacy’ mode – because in this context
Q subscriber for years and I’d be
grateful if you could offer some
machine and no update is available. Can
you advise?
SATA and IDE are the ‘legacy’ modes.
More specifically, while you didn’t tell
advice. I want to upgrade my ageing David Fisher us which SSD you’ve bought, any model
Lenovo H330 desktop PC (pictured) with able to fit into your old desktop PC would
an SSD. I’ve done the same thing with It’s not possible, in any have to use a SATA interface – so that’s
several laptops but – although I’ve
completed all the usual steps of cloning
A meaningful sense, for a
user to replace a PC’s BIOS
the option you should choose in order to
continue.
and fitting – I cannot convert the firmware with UEFI – the systems are
installed Lenovo BIOS to UEFI. The only fundamentally different. However, we ON SALE
options offered are SATA or IDE. Lenovo
Lenovo’s
think you may be confused by the fact
that previous machines on which you’ve Next Issue Weds
9 Oct
H330 is an an done this have offered the choice of UEFI
older, BIOS- or Legacy boot. These are options that • Why has my fingerprint
based PC, so it reader stopped working?
can’t offer the
can only be offered by computers that
UEFI option have a UEFI rather than a traditional •W
 hy does my old program
BIOS, because the Legacy mode effectively use so much storage?
emulates the way that older, BIOS-based •W
 hat’s up with my laptop
PCs did things – which can be useful in keyboard? ...And many more
certain circumstances or setups.
However, your H330 is an older, Subscribe to Computeractive at
BIOS-based PC, so it can’t offer the UEFI www.getcomputeractive.co.uk
firmware, but nor does it need to offer a

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 69

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Problems Solved
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Having a problem with our recommended software or expert tips?
Email editor@computeractive.co.uk and we’ll do our best to help

Is isopropanol better than that you mentioned. It looks like

ethanol at cleaning devices? Brave was updated on 24 June, so
In Issue 687’s How To (page 35) did this nullify your instructions?
Q you recommend using
isopropanol for cleaning dirty
My version of Brave is 1.67.123.
Christopher Emary
devices. Why is this better than ethanol
which is more widely available as We’ve verified that
methylated spirits? I find this works well.
Also, why dilute it? If dilution is
A Brave’s Shields feature
still works as we If you’re seeing a warning message like this, it’s likely
important, why not buy 70-per-cent described in version 1.67.123. But you’re running Windows in S mode, which blocks non-
Microsoft Store software
isopropanol rather that 99 per cent? My it’s worth noting that it’s only
understanding is that 70 per cent is used available when there’s actually we linked to, saving the file to your
as a disinfectant and 99 per cent for something to block on the web page Downloads folder.
cleaning. you’re viewing. If there are no cookies Next, navigate to the folder, right-click
Mark Howarth and trackers on the web page you the ZIP file and select ‘Extract all’. Within
currently have open, then the lion head the extracted folder, you’ll find several
Ethanol and isopropanol are icon is greyed out and nothing happens files, including two with .exe extensions
A both alcohols and have very
similar disinfectant properties,
when you click it, as per your experience. – ‘Glow_x64.exe’ and ‘Glow_arm64.exe’.
Brave’s default new tab page is a good Attempting to run ‘Glow_arm64.exe’
but we would recommend isopropanol example of this – see our screenshot will result in a Microsoft Defender
for cleaning electronic devices, as it below left. This might explain why you SmartScreen warning, which may
evaporates more rapidly and doesn’t were unable to follow our original explain the problem you’re encountering.
leave any oil traces behind. This makes instructions. Try double-clicking the ‘Glow_x64.exe’
it more suitable for use with sensitive file instead – this should run fine.
components. As for diluting it – yes, you Why can’t I download Glow? Another possibility is that your
could indeed buy a pre-diluted 70-per- Issue 688’s Workshop on using computer is running Windows in
cent isopropanol solution, but it’s usually
a little cheaper to buy it undiluted, then
Q Glow (www.snipca.com/51029)
to analyse your PC makes no
S mode. This is a special version of
Windows that imposes a number of
dilute it yourself. mention of the obstacle put up by restrictions on users. One limitation is
Microsoft on software from an unknown that you can’t install software from
Did Brave update stop publisher. I’ve spent more than 20 anywhere other than the Microsoft Store.
Shields working? minutes trying to download it. Do you Attempting to run an exe file on an S mode
I followed the instructions in know what’s going wrong? PC will display a warning that Windows
Q Issue 686’s Cover Feature to use
Brave’s Shields feature. I clicked
Tom Roberts has blocked the app (see screenshot
above), which may be what you’re
the lion’s head at the right side of the bar, We’ve checked that downloading experiencing when you try to run Glow.
but nothing happened. I couldn’t see the
down arrow next to ‘Advanced controls’
A Glow from the original link we
published works fine, so we’re
To find out whether your PC is running
Windows in S mode, click Start, Settings,
unsure why you’re experiencing System, then About and look under
problems. It’s true that we didn’t ‘Windows specifications’. It’s possible to
go into much detail in our switch out of S mode (under Settings,
Workshop about downloading ‘Update & Security’, then Activation in
and running the tool, so we’ll Windows 10; or Settings, System, then
walk you through the process Activation in Windows 11), but bear in
here. You’ll need to make sure mind that once you’ve disabled S mode,
you click the ‘Glow_v24.10.zip’ you won’t be able to turn it back on.
option at the bottom of the page It’s also worth checking whether you’re
using any third-party security software
If the lion icon is greyed out in Brave,
it could mean there aren’t any trackers that may have incorrectly identified Glow
or cookies to block on the web page as a potential threat.

Issue 693 • 25 September – 8 October 2024 71

 Jargon Buster
1080p High-definition video: Clean install An operating system FLAC A type of digital audio file JPEG A common type of image file
1920x1080 pixels. installation that overwrites all that can be created from CD with created by most digital cameras.
other content on the hard drive. no loss of audio quality.
1440p High-definition video: Lossless Music file formats that
2560x1440 pixels. Clone A feature in some backup Fps Frames per second. Used to take up more space but provide
programs that makes an exact indicate gaming performance. higher sound quality.
4K Video with a resolution of at copy of a drive on to another drive.
least 3840x2160 pixels. Freemium A business model, Macro An automated series of
Code Programming languages especially on the internet, where commands or options that can be
64bit A technology that processes used to create software. basic services are provided run at any time. Handy if you often
information in larger chunks. Most for free, while more advanced need to perform repetitive actions.
modern computers are 64bit. Command line A way to control a features must be paid for.
PC by typing instructions. Metadata A set of data that gives
AAC Advanced Audio Coding. A Geofencing Triggering an action information about a file.
type of music file. Cookie A small text file stored on when a device enters a set location.
your computer by a website. MicroSD card A small type of
Administrator Someone who can GHz Gigahertz. A measure of memory card.
make changes to a computer that Core Units on a processor that how many instructions a chip can
will affect others who also use it. carry out program instructions. process per second. MP3 A type of digital audio file
often used on music players.
AI Artificial intelligence. Intelligence DCI-P3 A colour space that has a Gorilla Glass Victus The latest
demonstrated by a machine rather wider spectrum than sRGB. screen-protection material which MVNO Mobile virtual network
than a human being. its makers claim protects against operator. A mobile provider that
Deepfake A video that superimposes falls of two metres. piggybacks on another network
Antivirus engine The core a fake voice over a clip or a fake rather than its own.
component of an antivirus face on someone’s body. Graphics card A component in a
program that detects malware. computer that produces the image NAS Network-attached storage. A
Depth of field The distance shown on the monitor. hard drive attached to a network
APK Android Package Kit. The between the closest and farthest that can be shared with other PCs.
file format Android uses to install objects that appear acceptably sharp. HDMI A type of connection that
apps. transmits high-definition video and NPU Neural processing unit.
DisplayPort A socket for audio signals. Specialised chip designed for
Bandwidth A measure of how connecting monitors. performing AI tasks.
much data can be transferred HDR High Dynamic Range. Screen
through a connection at one time. Distro A version of the Linux OS technology that improves the OCR Optical character recognition.
and the programs that go with it. range of luminance between the The process by which printed text
Benchmarking Comparing darkest and brightest parts. is scanned and converted into
software and products with an DOCX The default file format documents that can be edited.
accepted standard. used by Word 2007 and later. Hyperlink A clickable link that takes
you to a new document or website. OLED Organic light-emitting
Beta A version of software that’s Dolby Atmos Surround-sound diode. A thin-film organic light-
being tested. Beta versions are technology that adds ‘height’ to Hz Hertz. Measures the frequency emitting diode used in computer
often released so problems can be the audio through speakers built something happens: 1Hz equals displays and television screens.
ironed out. into the top of devices. once a second.
OpenDocument Free open-
BIOS Basic Input-Output System. Driver A file that tells Windows how IDE Integrated Drive Electronics. source format for office
Software built into every PC that to work with an external device. An interface used to connect some documents.
connects the vital components. hard drives and optical disc drives.
DTS:X A type of surround sound. PNG A format for images that
Bitrate A measure of data transfer IDML InDesign Markup Language. shrinks file sizes using compression
speed, or of the quality of digital Efficiency core Processors used A file format used by Adobe but without discarding any data.
video or audio files. for background tasks that run InDesign to represent a layout
constantly but don’t require much document in XML format. Port forwarding Choosing which
Bootable Describes a device or processing power. computer in your network a router
disc with system files on it so it can IP address A unique set of numbers should connect to.
be used to start up your computer. Emoji A small graphic that can be used to identify computers and
inserted into a text or email. websites on the internet. Product key A unique serial
Cache A temporary space for number issued by software
storing information. Ethernet A standard used for IPS A screen technology. Monitors companies that must be typed in
almost all wired computer networks. that use it have wider viewing by the user before a program will
cd/m2 Candela per square metre. angles and better, more accurate launch for the first time.
Standard unit of brightness. EXE A program file designed to colours than monitors that do not
run in Windows. use this technology. Proprietary Software or
Chatbot A computer program hardware owned by a company
designed to recreate conversation Firmware Basic software stored ISO file A type of image file that with restrictions on its use.
with human users. on hardware to control its operation. contains data from a CD or DVD. Opposite of open source.

72 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693

PSTN Public Switched Telephone Roaming charge Fee incurred for Tag A keyword used to describe a Virtual memory Data that is
Network. Old copper phone network using your phone to receive data file or web page. temporarily moved from RAM
that’s being switched off in 2027. via overseas mobile networks. to hard drive to make up for
Thunderbolt A very fast port for shortages in memory.
PWA Progressive web app. A SATA Interface for connecting hard connecting external storage to a PC.
website that looks and works like drives and optical drives to a PC. VPN Virtual private network.
an app. TPM A chip that stores keys which Keeps all internet communication
Secure Boot A security standard encrypt data on your hard drive. safe and private.
Python library Code that designed to make sure your PC
provides functions and tools for avoids malware when booting. UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware Widget A small program, such
Python programs. Interface. A modern replacement as a Calendar, that runs on the
SIM Subscriber Identity Module. for the BIOS. Windows desktop.
QR code A barcode that can be The smart card used by all digital
read using smartphones. mobile phones. USB 2.0/3.0/3.1 Faster successors WMA Windows Media Audio.
to USB. An audio format created by
RAM Random-access memory. SIM-only A phone package in Microsoft.
The computer’s working area, which you pay only for the data, USB-C A connector that’s reversible.
used for data storage while the PC calls and texts. XLS The default file format for
is switched on. VA A form of LCDs in which the liquid Microsoft Excel before version 2007.
sRGB A standard RGB colour crystals naturally align vertically
Refresh rate Measured in Hertz space for use on monitors, between the panes of glass. Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 6 extended to
(Hz), the number of times per printers and the internet. include the 6GHz band.
second that the image on your Virtual machine A software-
monitor is redrawn. SSD Solid-state drive. Storage that based computer running inside Wi-Fi 7 Faster successor to Wi-Fi
uses no moving parts. another computer. 6, with an estimated maximum
Refurbished A second-hand speed of around 46Gbps.
device that has been repaired by Subwoofer A special type of VoIP Voice over IP. The routing
its manufacturer so that it can be speaker designed to reproduce of voice conversations over the ZIP file A file that contains
resold and reused. deep bass sounds only. internet. compressed documents or files.
 Easy when you
Know How
Wondering how to open potentially dangerous email
attachments, Robert Irvine tries to…

Convert risky files into safe PDFs

B
ack in the days when my work Dangerzone converts
computer was a Mac, I once suspicious documents
forwarded a PC-using colleague a into safe PDF files
mysterious email attachment that my
Apple machine couldn’t open. Happy to
help, he duly double-clicked the file only
to find his screen taken over by an
obscene message in huge, flashing letters.
Both of us were horrified, especially as
most of the office could see his monitor,
and the offensive screensaver could only
1
be removed by resetting Windows.
Understandably, he didn’t speak to me for
weeks and though I placed the blame 2
squarely on the prankster who’d sent me
the wretched thing, I also learned a valuable
lesson: never open an email attachment documents, images and other files into safe PDF, Dangerzone instead displayed:
unless you know exactly what it contains. “safe PDFs”. It’s recommended for ‘Unknown error code 1’. I tried different
journalists who need to open unsolicited file formats – JPEG, PNG, XLS – but got
items despite the risks, but also sounded the same result. Tweaking the program’s
ideal for anyone trying to strike a balance few settings didn’t help, and neither did
between curiosity and caution. running Dangerzone as an administrator.
To find out if and how Dangerzone works, Determined not to be beaten, I searched
One malicious macro I downloaded the Windows version from
www.snipca.com/51941. This was an
online for help and found a suggestion to
install the latest version of Windows
can wreak havoc far 874MB file, so I amused myself while Subsystem for Linux (WSL, www.snipca.
waiting by playing the Kenny Loggins com/51945) – another hefty (350MB)
worse than a rude song ‘Danger Zone’ from the film Top download.
Gun (www.snipca.com/51942). This clearly did the trick, because when
message Once downloaded, I installed and I tried converting the original DOCX
launched Dangerzone, which told me it document again, Dangerzone processed
required a ‘containerisation’ program it successfully and opened the resulting
called Docker Desktop. I clicked the link PDF in my default viewer. It also
to download that too (492MB from www. converted image files and spreadsheets.
snipca.com/51943) and installed Docker Reading up on exactly how Dangerzone
It’s a rule I’ve generally stuck to ever Desktop on my PC. works, I learned that it uses Docker
since, and frequently stressed in articles I then signed up for a free Personal Desktop to ‘sanitise’ suspicious files in a
I’ve written about online security, but it’s account with Docker Desktop and container, which isolates them from both
not always possible. As a journalist, I relaunched Dangerzone. This spent your PC and the internet. It then transfers
receive lots of emails from people I don’t several minutes installing a ‘container the files to a second container, converts
know, which sometimes contain important image’ before finally opening. them to PDF and uses OCR and PyMuPDF
information within attachments. Although Dangerzone greeted me with a – a ‘high-performance Python library’ –
these files can usually be trusted, or are simple interface, with the option to either to extract their text and image content.
otherwise blocked by our IT department’s drag and drop risky files into its main This data is then saved as new PDF files
email-security filters, it would only take area or click the ‘Select suspicious that are free of nasty surprises.
one malicious macro to wreak havoc that documents’ button. I added a DOCX file, Something like that, anyway. But after
was far worse than a crude message. set it to open after converting ( 1 in our all that downloading, I was done with
With this in mind, I was interested to screenshot) as I knew it wasn’t really danger and ready for the nap zone.
read about a free security tool called dangerous, and clicked ‘Convert to Safe Need help protecting your PC from risky
Dangerzone (https://dangerzone.rocks), Document’ 2 . attachments? Let us know: noproblem@
which converts potentially dangerous Sadly, rather than present me with a computeractive.co.uk

74 25 September – 8 October 2024 • Issue 693 Next issue: Robert tries to create a portable file vault
9000