ONLY £1.99 MASSIVE security flaws – what you must do now Full story page 6 2015 ISSUE 464 ❘ 9 – 22 DECEMBER

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EDITORIAL Group Editor Daniel Booth From the Editor Features Editor Jane Hoskyn Technical Editor Sherwin Coelho Production Editor Graham Brown Art Editor Katie Peat Four months after Windows 10 launched, Sorry, no technical or buying advice. Microsoft’s strategy for pushing the upgrade on ADVERTISING to reluctant users has become clear. Th e Advertisement sales & media pack 020 7907 6799 company has realised that its greatest weapon Advertising Director Andrea Mason is the Update process, through which it will Deputy Advertising Manager Alexa Dracos – at some point next year – automatically MARKETING AND CIRCULATION Subscriptions Manager Sarah Aldridge download Windows 10 on to PCs running Here’s news of a more positive update. Many Senior Direct Marketing Executive 7 and 8. It’s a deplorably intrusive move. of you have asked us to publish a guide to Rachel Evans Marketing Production Manager Gemma Hills We don’t blame Microsoft for bullishly Android 5.0 and 6.0 - respectively Lollipop and For subscription enquiries ring 0844 815 0054 promoting its new OS. We think it’s an Marshmallow (daft names, I know). Well, it’s PRODUCTION excellent system that everyone should, in due arrived: our new book Th e Defi nitive Guide to Group Production Manager Stephen Catherall course, upgrade to. But those in charge seem to Android 2016, is on sale now through Amazon Production Controller Anisha Mogra be suff ering from the delusion that they own (www.snipca.com/18829). your PC, and can do what they like with it. In Daniel Booth MANAGEMENT Managing Director John Garewal this issue we explain how you can fi ght back. editor@computeractive.co.uk MD of Advertising Julian Lloyd-Evans Commercial and Retail Director David Barker Group Managing Director Ian Westwood COO Brett Reynolds Group Finance Director Ian Leggett Chief Executive James Tye Company Founder Felix Dennis p6 p40 BRAND USAGE AND REPRINTS Companies can obtain a licence to use approved quotations from articles, the Computeractive logo and Buy It! logo. Reprints of articles are also available.

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9 - 22 December 2015 3 Contents 9 – 22 December 20155 • Issue 46464

COVER FEATURE In this issue… P50

Stop and control 50 Windows updates Stop & Control Reclaim your computer from Microsoft’s intrusive – and unwanted – updates

Stay mentally fi t with 59 brain-training apps Th e best software to give your WINDOWS grey matter the workout it needs to stay alert and agile

Use multiple accounts 60 in Windows 10 We explain why creating separate UPDATES accounts for you, your family and your guests can make for a happy home Don’t let Microsoft make unwanted changes to your PC

Train Use multiple accounts your in Windows 10 p60 brain p59

In every issue… Cracking the error-message code p74 6 News 32 Competition Win a 480GB Crucial 10 Question of BX200 SSD the Fortnight Why did Microsoft remove 49 What’s All the Fuss its November update? About? Surround Wi-Fi

12 Letters 64 Problems Solved

14 Consumeractive 69 Fast Fixes BBC iPlayer 16 Protect Your Tech 73 Jargon Buster 18 Best Free Software Opera 33 74 The Final Straw Stuart Andrews fails to 30 Buy It! compute error messageses

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26 Google Nexus 6P Google’s Android phone makes all the right calls

Palicomp AMD 27 Acer Liquid Jade Z Shockwave p21 How old-fashioned! A budget phone that’s only good for calls

PC Specialis Specialist Cosmos IV p2p200 Google 28 Magix Movie Edit Pro 2016 Nexus A video editor that cuts costs 6P p26 Magix Music Maker 2016 Th is software music studio makes for a sound investment

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Our new 148-page book tells you everything 35 Fix Windows 10 problems 42 Download Google Maps you need to know about Android,, including in one click to use offline the best appss and tips for thhee 38 Resume broken downloads 43 Readers’ Tips Lollipop and Marshmallow Restore internet in Windows 10 updates. 40 Stop your router being hacked 44 Phone and Tablet Tips Tweak Google Photos to save space W! 46 Make Windows Better NE Make a panorama in Photo Gallery

47 Make Office Better Create cover pages in Word

48 Secret Tips For… BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) at www.snipca.com/18829

9 – 22 December 2015 5 News Th e top stories in the world of technology Dell admits PCs come with huge security fl aws

ell has been forced to Dadmit it pre-installed COMMENT on millions of PCs and Some credit has to go to laptops a tool that hackers Dell for releasing a fi x so could have exploited to steal quickly, particularly given users’ bank details. It was one how reluctant Lenovo was of two serious security fl aws earlier this year to admit the identified on Dell PCs in the dangers posed by Superfi sh. space of days. But both scandals illustrate First, on Monday 23 that we can no longer take November, Dell acknowledged for granted the safety of new that a security feature on icon in the browser’s address eDellRoot (see box below), PCs. As well as considering some of its computers, fi eld convinces people that it’s and confirmed it won’t be price, hardware and operating known as a self-signed root safe to enter their username installed on PCs in the future. system when buying a certificate, contained a severe and password. If you fall It also issued a software computer, we now have to vulnerability. Self-signed root victim to this while banking update that will remove the wonder whether it’s riddled certificates are used to ensure online, hackers can gain certificate from affected PCs. with security holes big that data sent online is access to your bank account. enough for hackers to exploit. encrypted, and therefore safe. In a blog post admitting the Reminders of Is it any wonder that sales of But on some Dell PCs and fl aw (www.snipca.com/18928), Lenovo’s Superfish computers are plummeting? laptops (mostly the Inspiron, Dell said that eDellRoot was Th e second problem, which Precision and XPS ranges) added to make it “faster and emerged on 25 November, also sold since July this year, a easier for our customers to involved an unsafe security users a “more personalised certificate called eDellRoot service their system”. certificate, although it wasn’t experience” when contacting also contained the ‘key’ used Dell insisted that the tool pre-installed on computers. the company’s support to decrypt it (see screenshot). isn’t “adware or malware” and Th is one was unwittingly website. It has now been Th is meant hackers could that it allowed Dell’s customer added to PCs by users who replaced by a safer alternative. have exploited this fl aw to services to quickly identify the downloaded the Dell System Both cases are reminiscent trick people into visiting fake model of a person’s computer. Detect tool between 20 of the Lenovo scandal earlier sites that look genuine. Th e company has released October and 24 November. this year, in which the PC In these attacks, the padlock instructions on removing Dell says that the tool gives manufacturer was caught installing an unsafe version of HOW TO FIX THE FLAWS the Superfish adware on to some laptops. Th e company On 24 November Dell released a software manually remove the certifi cates, but it is a later apologised, and released update to remove the fl awed certifi cates. To complicated 27-step process, explained in Dell’s a tool to remove Superfish: check whether eDellRoot has been wiped from blog post: www.snipca.com/18929. www.snipca.com/18943. your PC, visit https://edell.tlsfun.de, a website Another option is to run Windows Defender that scans your PC looking for the certifi cate. (in Windows 10 and 8.1) and Microsoft Security For more advice on staying To make sure both certifi cates are removed, Essentials (in Windows 7 and Vista), which safe, read the Cover use Dell’s ‘eDellRoot and DSDTestProvider have been updated to remove both certifi cates. Feature in our next issue: removal tool’, which will download automatically Read more information at Microsoft’s Malware ‘Don’t Get Hacked in 2016’ at www.snipca.com/18940. You can also Protection Center: www.snipca.com/18941. – out on Weds 23 Dec

You’ll like this… A new Raspberry Pi … but not this ISP Plusnet has been accused mini PC has launched costing just $5 of not properly encrypting passwords (www.snipca.com/18917) (www.snipca.com/18944)

6 9 – 22 December 2015 Baby boomers stay safer online IN BRIEF RUSSIAN HACKERS than under-30s STEAL £520M SINCE 2012 Hackers in Russia stole Th e idea that younger people at least $790m (around know more about technology £520m) in the past three than older generations has years from individuals and been challenged by new businesses in the US and research into online security. western Europe. Th is was Antivirus company the work of 160 hackers, all Norton found that so-called now arrested. However, the millennials – people reaching criminal gangs have recruited young adulthood around the over 1,000 new members, year 2000 – are more likely so the true amount of money than baby boomers to leave stolen is likely to be much themselves exposed to risk higher. Th e fi gures come on the internet. from a Kaspersky report that In its 2016 Cybersecurity highlights the severity of Insights Report (www.snipca. Yo unger people are also Th is reckless attitude has led the threat posed by Russian com/18873), Norton said that much more likely to abandon to a much higher incidence cybercrime. 32 per cent of millennials in an online account, rather of online crime targeting the UK share their passwords than go through the hassle millennials, with 31 per cent CHANGE YOUR for online services, while only of closing it. reporting they have been a AMAZON PASSWORD 13 per cent of baby boomers do. Many millenials simply victim, compared with 13 per Amazon has asked some Th e survey, which aren’t worried about the cent of older people. customers to reset their questioned 17,125 adults risk posed by poor online In total, of the 1,000 people password, leading to fears across 17 countries about their security. One in three felt that in the UK surveyed, 44 per that its security systems online behaviour, also found security breaches no longer cent said they had been a may have been breached. In that just 33 per cent of have any real consequences – victim of cybercrime. an email to what’s thought millennials said they always a complacency attributed Twenty-two per cent of to be a small number of use a secure password (one to their increasing frequency respondents said they had users, Amazon said that consisting of at least eight –while one in fi ve thought experienced cybercrime in the some passwords had been letters, numbers and symbols). that their chances of past 12 months, with 15 per “improperly stored”, or By contrast, 49 per cent of becoming a victim of cent of these being targeted exposed to other companies baby boomers always use one. cybercrime was negligible. by ransomware. that Amazon deals with. Amazon said that it has “no reason” to suspect Windows 10 to be the ‘most widely fraudulent activity. installed version ever’

Windows 10 is set to now running on 120 be Microsoft’s most million computers successful operating worldwide. system (OS) ever. Th e Earlier this year, A robotic cat that purrs when prediction comes Gartner identified stroked is being marketed as from technology another consequence a “companion pet” for lonely marketing company of Windows 10 – a elderly people. Made by Gartner, which said slowdown in global toy company Hasbro, it rolls that Windows 10’s PC sales. Analysts said contentedly on to its back for popularity is being that for the third a belly rub if you pet it long driven by Microsoft’s enjoyed by Windows 7, which quarter of 2015 PC enough. Unfortunately for offer of a free upgrade to launched in October 2009. sales were 7.7 per cent lower robot-cat lovers in the UK Windows 7 and 8 users. Businesses are preparing to than in the same quarter in (assuming there are any), Gartner also said that 50 per move on from Windows 7, 2014. Th is was attributed in it’s only on sale in the US cent of businesses worldwide aware that Microsoft will end part to people upgrading their at the moment. Watch the will be running Windows 10 support for the OS in January existing PCs to Windows 10 mechanical moggy giving by January 2017. If this happens, 2020. Microsoft’s latest for free, rather than buying “comfort and joy” at www. the early success of Windows estimates, released in October, a new computer containing snipca.com/18881. 10 would trump even that indicate that Windows 10 is the OS.

9 – 22 December 2015 7

Do you block adverts? Then Yahoo IN BRIEF GMAIL WARNS YOU Mail will block you ABOUT DODGY EMAILS Google will start warning Yahoo Mail has started to Gmail users when they prevent some users from receive an email through opening their emails until an unencrypted connection. they disable advert-blocking In a blog post (www.snipca. tools in their browser. com/18834) Google said People in the US using that it found “regions of the AdBlock Plus (https:// internet” such as malicious adblockplus.org) in Chrome servers preventing the and Firefox have reported encryption of emails. seeing error messages when Google is concerned they attempt to open their Yahoo explained the It’s a highly controversial about the dramatic rise of inbox (see screenshot). message by saying it is testing move that will further fuel the potentially unsafe emails Th e message reads: “Uh “a new product experience” debate on ad-blocking tools. sent to Gmail users from oh… We are unable to display for a “small number” of Yahoo Many web companies have other email providers. Yahoo Mail. Please disable Mail users in the US. attacked how ad-blockers Ad Blocker to continue Th e company is probably work. Th ey say that the money FACEBOOK ‘BANS’ using Yahoo Mail”. Several gauging how people react to they get from advertising WOMAN CALLED ISIS workarounds to the block having their emails blocked, helps them to keep their A US woman claimed have been suggested online hoping the majority will turn online services free. that Facebook suspended (see box below). off their ad-blocking software. Without reliable advertising her account because she revenue many websites, shares her fi rst name with HOW TO BEAT YAHOO’S BLOCK particularly those run by the terrorist group ISIS. magazines and newspapers, San Francisco-based web If Yahoo extends the block then ‘Viewing email’. Change would probably start charging engineer Isis Anchalee said to the UK, you can try getting the view to Basic, then click people to access them. that she proved her identity round it by opening Yahoo Mail Save and re-open Yahoo Mail. Some newspapers, including to Facebook three times, in a browser other than Firefox You could also try the solutions Th e Guardian and Th e including by sending a or Chrome, then clicking the suggested by Adblock Plus Washington Post in the US, screenshot of her passport. top-right Settings cog. In the users on their forum: www. have displayed messages on But it appears that she fell foul dropdown menu, click Settings, snipca.com/18858. their websites to ask visitors to of Facebook’s controversial disable their ad-blockers. ‘real-name’ policy, which insists people use “authentic” names. Facebook eventually UK to launch cyber attacks on ISIS re-enabled her account, and apologised (www.snipca. Th e Government will were successfully com/18843). launch cyber attacks attacked online, the against Islamic State (ISIS) impact could be WATCH OUT FOR XMAS as it attempts to thwart measured not just in FRAUD ONLINE the terrorists’ plans to terms of economic Last-minute Christmas hack UK hospitals and damage, but of lives lost”. shoppers have been warned other vital infrastructure. Security experts about falling for online scams, George Osborne said he warned that an ISIS after fi gures show there will double cyber security cyber attack could have was a rise in internet fraud funding over the next fi ve devastating consequences between December 20 and years to reach £1.9 billion. for British businesses 23 last year. In total, online He said that ISIS’s and infrastructure. fraudsters stole £16m from “murderous brutality has a indicates that ISIS doesn’t yet Bitdefender’s chief UK shoppers and businesses strong digital element”. have the ability to cause harm security strategist, Alexandru last Christmas, up from “At a time when so many to the UK infrastructure, Catalin Cosoi, said: “A £9.5m in 2013. Shoppers others are using the internet Osborne warned they “are possible worst-case scenario should in particular be careful to enhance freedom and give doing their best to build it”. is the crippling of all when buying mobile phones, expression to liberal values He added: “The stakes could communication and critical which was the most common and creativity, they are using it hardly be higher – if our infrastructures, ranging from item involved in online fraud for evil,” he said. electricity supply, or our air mobile phone to water supply, last December. While British intelligence traffic control, or our hospitals electricity and gas”.

9 – 22 December 2015 9 Question of the Why did Microsoft remove Fo?rtnight its November update? The strange saga of the ‘here today, gone tomorrow’ Windows 10 update

ithin hours of Wsubscribers receiving THE FACTS Issue 463, several frustrated • On 12 November Microsoft readers had emailed us to ask released the fi rst major why they couldn’t fi nd the update to Windows 10 option to download the • Nine days later, Microsoft Windows 10 ‘November’ removed the option to update at www.snipca. download the update com/18730. Th is URL, which without any explanation appeared in our ‘Master • Microsoft reinstated the Windows 10’s updated tools’ update on 24 November, Workshop, takes you to the blaming its earlier removal Windows 10 download page. It on privacy concerns was the correct URL, and the correct website, but between Computeractive going to press the most controversial in and the issue dropping on the Windows 10. It’s switched on doormat, Microsoft removed by default, allowing apps to the update download option. show you adverts tailored to Nobody seemed to know upgrading to 10 via the update explain them anyway). your interests. Millions of why it had done this. Th e weren’t affected). ‘Background apps’ lets you users have disabled it, though company’s only response was Th e company said that the decide which apps run in the this doesn’t block adverts – that “future installs should be fl aw, which reverted settings background, while ‘Sync with it just means they will be through Windows Update”. to Microsoft’s default, affected devices’ lets you synchronise randomly displayed. Some Windows experts “an extremely small number data between your PC and Th e truth is, Microsoft speculated it was because of people”. Th e reinstated phone or tablet. needs to sell a lot of many users had reported update contains a fi x that It’s less obvious from its advertising in order to recoup problems with the update. For keeps all the privacy options name what SmartScreen Filter money it lost by giving away example, it reinstalled apps as you set them. does. In fact in Edge and Windows 10 for free. It’s likely Internet Explorer it warns you the company’s money men when you are about to visit a weren’t too upset that the Microsoft admitted that the “suspicious” website or update re-activated this download something setting with minimum fuss. update changed your privacy potentially harmful. In To Microsoft’s credit, it Windows 10, SmartScreen did explain how to restore settings Filter checks the safety of your defaults (same URL as URLs used by apps you install above). For SmartScreen Filter they had previously deleted Th is of course begged the from the Windows Store. and ‘advertising ID’, click (see our Cover Feature, page question – which privacy It was the latter that the Settings, Privacy, General 50). But then on 24 November, settings had been altered? update changed, reverting (see screenshot); for ‘Sync just a few days after the update Th ankfully, Microsoft revealed the setting to ‘on’. with devices’, click Settings, disappeared, it was back. Th is which ones when announcing Is this something to worry Privacy, ‘Other devices’; time we did get an explanation, the update’s return (www. about? Not really. Most people and for ‘Background apps’ and even an apology. snipca.com/ 18901). Th e four would have had SmartScreen click Settings, Privacy, Microsoft said it took down changed settings were Filter switched on anyway, ‘Background apps’. the update after realising it ‘advertising ID’, SmartScreen even if they have no intention Microsoft’s transparency is was inadvertently altering Filter, ‘Background apps’ and of installing apps from the welcome, but we feel slightly some privacy settings on ‘Sync with devices’. Windows Store. nervous about the more Windows 10 PCs, overriding Th e purpose of the last More disconcerting was substantial updates planned changes users had previously two in this list are pretty that the update changed the next year. Don’t be surprised made (Windows 7 or 8 PCs self-explanatory (but we’ll ‘advertising ID’ setting, one of if they cause bigger problems.

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Broadband or rural idyll – Windows update was an tried four times to update, and each time you can’t have both emotional rollercoaster it froze on 44 per cent. Perplexing, to say I’m glad Mark Littlewood had the If Microsoft can really read my the least. I searched for help online, and guts to say what many of us emotions (News, Issue found this on Microsoft’s forums: privately think (News, Issue 463). He’s 463), then I would love to wwwww.snipca.com/ 18789. right that people living in the countryside know what it would have Apparently, the glitch is the have made their own choice about living made of my experience result of an inserted SD card, away from busy cities and all their trying to install the Windows so I took mine out and… guess amenities. If you ask them why they like 10 update. My fi rst emotion what? Th e update froze at 24 the countryside, they almost always was annoyance. Why does it per cent! I’ve given up for now, answer: ‘Because I love the peace and blinkin’ well even need an and will try again in a few weeks. quiet’. But that tranquility comes at a update so soon after launching?? Richard Lawrence cost – the absence of fast broadband. Updates are nothing but a pain in the Yo u can’t have both. backside. My second emotion was Upgrade to Windows 10? Simon Ashwood frustration, because the update took ages It’s a no-brainer to install. My third emotion was anger, as I can’t understand why some of Mark Littlewood is overlooking I realised the update had removed loads your readers continue to be so one crucial factor, which is that of my favourite programs, including anti-Windows 10. Let’s look at the facts. not everyone has a choice over where SpyBot and Speccy. And my fourth Assuming we believe Microsoft’s claim they live. I’d love to move to the city, with emotion was fury when I realised it had that this is the fi nal ‘new’ operating its faster internet, but it’s too expensive. reinstalled loads of built-in apps I had got System they will release, that means they Despite what you may read, not all rid of (such as the useless browser Edge). will update it like Google and Apple villages are property goldmines. Some, So, quite an emotional rollercoaster. It update Android and iOS. So for the like mine in Cornwall, are quite poor, has a happy ending though, because my foreseeable future Windows 10 is here to with house prices that can’t keep up fi nal emotion was relief at giving up with stay. It’s being offered free to most users, with cities. So until I win the Lottery I’m the update, turning off my PC, and going so why would you not want it? stuck on 2Mbps internet. to bed with a good book. I can understand people preferring to Frances Allison Susan Chadwick wait until all the bugs are ironed out, but in the longer term it’s a no-brainer. Some I seethed when I read Mark In Issue 463, Editor Daniel Booth may object to Microsoft’s “aggressive” Littlewood’s views. He sounds asks us for our opinion on the new approach but, come on, just go with it like the classic cynic - somebody who Windows 10 update.I would gladly give – you know it makes sense! knows the cost of everything, but the him my views if only I could update. I John Lattimore value of nothing.I think he should calm himself, though. Th e Government hasn’t a hope in hell of getting everyone in the Beware leftover USBs when you UK on 10Mbps by 2020. His precious free-market principles can remain move house undisturbed. John Bairstow I read your warning about using unfamiliar USB sticks with Lucky to get TalkTalk interest (Protect Yo ur Tech, Issue 463), compensation and thought readers would like to hear Well done for making TalkTalk about how I became a victim of one. ‘Villain of the Fortnight’ in Issue When I moved house about fi ve years 463, but frankly I’m amazed the customer ago I placed all my USB sticks into a you mention got any money back at all. I kitchen drawer. But I was careless, and realised it wasn’t one of my own, even had loads of trouble with my TalkTalk didn’t check to see if there were any though it looked similar. It hadn’t been broadband a few years back, and was USB sticks already there, left by the left by any visitors, so it could only promised compensation no fewer than previous owner. have been a nasty welcome present four times (by phone and email). I never Yo u can probably guess where this is from the previous owner (I don’t blame got it. I’m no longer a TalkTalk customer. going. A couple of months after moving him though - it wasn’t intentional). My Tony Armstrong in,I inserted a USB stick into my PC, PC did recover, but I learned my lesson. thinking it housed lots of portable I now mark all my USBs with little programs. Instead it crashed my stickers, with my initials on them. computer. Shocked, I took it out, and George Astley

12 9 – 22 December 2015 Microsoft is ‘generous, not aggressive’ STAR LETTER I don’t think Microsoft is being aggressive in its marketing of Internet access ‘as important as Windows 10. It could have been a lot more ruthless. Imagine if it had ended gas and water’ security support for Windows 7 on the same day it launched Windows 10. From a purely free-market Instead, it has promised to maintain perspective Mark Littlewood is support until 2020, some 11 years after right (‘Slow broadband in your rural it was fi rst made available. Th at gives home? Tough!’, News, Issue 463). Windows 7 users enough time to weigh Where you live is your choice, and you up the options before deciding whether should grin and bear the consequences. to upgrade. I think Microsoft is generous, But he seems to be overlooking the not aggressive. underlying debate about whether the Steve Jacobs internet should be considered an which go something like this: if you important utility – like gas, electricity don’t have water, you will die of thirst. Happy with my second-hand and water. If you don’t have electricity to cook Windows PCs Fifteen years ago I’d have said no, food, you will starve. If you don’t have I’ve got news for Microsoft - I’ve because back then the majority of gas to heat your home, you will freeze. never bought a brand new people were able to live a fulfilled life Whereas if you don’t have internet Windows PC. I’ve always managed to pick without clicking anything online. But access, you’ll survive, albeit without the up a decent machine second hand. So it that simply isn’t true anymore. So pleasures of iPlayer, Facebook, Yo uTube, doesn’t bother me that it’s banning the much that makes life worth living is Skype, webcams, online forums and so sale of new Windows 7 and 8.1 PCs next now best done on the internet, not to on. Th at doesn’t mean you’ll rot in year, because I was never going to buy mention all the boring but essential poverty, of course not.I spent the fi rst one anyway. When I fi nally upgrade from chores you have to do (pay bills, renew 60 years of my life without any of these Vista, I’ll scout around for a used your TV licence, and so on). ‘luxuries’! But nothing in my lifetime Windows 7 PC and be happy with that. It’s not like TV or radio, which is just has changed society as much as the Ted Latimer entertainment. If there were places in internet has, and anyone unable to get the UK beyond the reach of TV signals, it is now at a huge disadvantage. Terrorism and emails I don’t think anyone living there should I would ask Mr Littlewood this I’m not worried about terrorists demand that they receive them by right. question: would he be happy for his reading my emails (‘Question of Th e reason the internet is diff erent is children or grandchildren to grow up the Fortnight’, Issue 463) because I never that – used properly – it can boost the without access to the internet? I say anything interesting in them anyway. wellbeing and cohesion of society. suspect not. But I am worried about our security I understand the counter-arguments, Frank Phillips services not having enough powers to hack into emails the terrorists send. After The Star Letter writer wins a Computeractive mug! the sickening attacks in Paris, we need to make sure that the Government doesn’t buckle under pressure from the ‘civil GPs using emails ‘risks won’t lead to a breach of confidentiality. liberties’ brigade. patient confidentiality’ Recent improvements have seen certain Nigel Simmons With regards to the recent debate NHS trusts implementing digital patient about the use of technology by notes and remote access to a patient’s Following the terrorist attacks doctors,I can confirm that there have observation for junior doctors while they in Paris we live in a been a number of recent improvements are on call, with alerts and tasks being different world. We may in the NHS. However, delivered to their smartphone. Th e next have to accept that in ordeerr this progress is all phase will be to standardise digital patient to stay safe, some of our underpinned by notes so that these can be accessed and freedoms might need to be Information Governance shared across healthcare providers - curtailed. It seems like a and doctor-patient currently patients have multiple sets simple equation to me – confidentiality. While it of paper or electronic notes and the give GCHQ powers to hack might seem convenient information can be diffi cult to access. communications and we to have an email But, as always, until the NHS accepts one will reduce the chances of correspondence from standard for managing digital information, a terrorist attack in the your GP, one cannot this will be developed in diff erent trusts UK. Whether terrorists guarantee who is actually and adopted at different rates. can read my own emails reading the patient’s Dr Chris Kent is neither here nor there. emails (or who might have Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Warren Hatton acaccess to them), and that it Leicester Royal Infirmary

9 – 22 December 2015 13 Consumeractive

How do I prove an inherent fault Can I get a full refund for a after three years? faulty laptop? I bought a laptop from PC I bought a Kindle Fire HD tablet Q World on 13 August this Q from John Lewis in 2012, but year. Th e keys were sticking I’m now having trouble with so I tried to return it on 5 September. the USB port, making it difficult to PC World said customers have only charge the device. Because it’s no longer three weeks to return goods, so mine under warranty John Lewis told me to would have to be repaired. Th ey also contact Amazon. I’ve seen other said that if I took out a £7 monthly complaints about this problem online so service plan it would lend me anotherr would this be classed as inherently faulty? laptop until mine was fi xed. Th e Ian White laptop is now on its third repair for the same problem and PC World is retailers have to refund customers Others’ comments online about now saying that it’s my fault for after one failed repair. A a problem are useful, but they downloading viruses. Despite paying But Jacob still has rights under don’t have any legal weight and monthly for the service plan, I’ve SOGA. It states that retailers must can’t be used as evidence. never been loaned a laptop. PC World carry out repairs within ‘a reasonable Because more than six months has says it can loan one only if one is time’ and that any delay must not passed since purchase, the burden of available. I’ve since bought another ‘seriously inconvenience’ the proof is on Ian to show that the fault is laptop. What are my rights? customer. PC World may argue inherent, and not wear and tear or Jacob Ninian otherwise, but we think that three accidental damage. If he wants to pursue repairs in two and a half months, this he’ll need to get the tablet examined We believe Jacob is entitled forcing Jacob to buy a new laptop, independently. His contract is with the A to a full refund for the laptop has seriously inconvenienced him. retailer, which in this case is John Lewis, and for whatever he’s paid We’ve written to PC World to say so. not Amazon (the manufacturer of the toward this service plan. We’re also concerned about the way Kindle range). He should tell John Lewis Because Jacob bought the laptop in it appears PC World sold Jacob the he’s getting the tablet tested, and that it August, his protection falls under the service plan. Jacob admits that he will need to replace it or old Sale of Goods Act (SOGA). Th is is a didn’t read the small print, but we reimburse him if this proves shame because Jacob could have want to know how clear it was made the tablet is benefitted from one of the new laws to him that the company may not be inherently in the Consumer Rights Act (CRA), able to loan him a laptop due to stock faulty. which was introduced on 1 October, shortages. If that’s the but applies only to goods bought on or case, what’s the point after that date. Th is states that of a service plan?

Do I have to pay return delivery charges?

I bought a harmonica for £120 Ye s, it is completely irrelevant. A Q from www.brendan-power.com. A customer shouldn’t be expected It arrived with the cover plate to repair a damaged item. More bent, which means that one note won’t importantly, Brendan-power must pay play. Th e company has refused to pay Dave the £7.25 to return the harmonica my return postage of £7.25 because I because it has an inherent fault. In cases failed to email them an MP3 recording of like this, you’re entitled to a refund for all – the onus is on the company to prove the problem, as they requested. I was also costs: the purchase price, the original that it’s not. Th is means Dave doesn’t told an “absolute beginner” could have delivery fee, and whatever it costs to have to email an MP3 to the company. repaired the harmonica. Surely this is return the item. However, there’s no harm in beside the point? Also, within the fi rst six months, you him recording an MP3 in case Dave Elliott don’t have to prove that a fault is inherent he needs evidence later.

14 9 – 22 December 2015 Contact us so we can investigate your case Email: [email protected] Write: Consumeractive, Computeractive, 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD Please include both your phone number and address. We stand up for your legal rights Unfortunately, we can’t reply to all your letters.

Will I get a refund if I reject a Christmas present?

I’ve seen a really good online because the CCRs let you examine goods Q deal from Currys for a laptop I’d only, not use them. He certainly shouldn’t like to buy for my son for run the initial set-up on the laptop. In Christmas. If it turns out he doesn’t want other cases we’ve investigated, PC World it, and there’s nothing wrong with it, – part of the same company as Currys does the new Consumer Rights Act (CRA) – have deemed setting up a laptop as ‘use’. let me reject it for a full refund? Th e CRA, which was introduced on Tim Murdoch 1 October, does let you reject goods, but only if they have an inherent fault, It depends when and why Tim and only within 30 days of purchase. A decides to reject the laptop. Th e Before the CRA, you had to return faulty CRA doesn’t let you reject goods items within a ‘reasonable’ time, which simply because you’ve changed your after Christmas Day. was often considered to be 30 days. But mind. Only the Consumer Contract Tim should also bear in mind that if his because this was never cemented in law, Regulations (CCRs) allow this, and you son doesn’t want to keep the laptop, he retailers sometimes insisted that have just 14 days to do so. Th at means must return it to Currys within 14 days of customers had only seven or 14 Tim shouldn’t buy the laptop before mid- telling the company that he is rejecting it. days to return items. Th is December if he wants to give his son the His son should also be careful when 30-day period is now legally option of returning it for a refund soon opening his presents on Christmas Day, established by the CRA.

CASE UPDATE THIS WILL COME IN USEFUL Reader takes PC-repair shop to court over ‘fake iPad screen’ Broadband speed info When customers aren’t Service status satisfied with how a BT https://servicestatus.sky. retailer says it will resolve Download speeds and com a complaint, they can checker Speed checker take the company to the small claims http://diagnostics.bt.com/ www.snipca.com/18669 court. That’s what Computeractive speedtest Service status reader Sandy Mann plans to do, after TalkTalk refusing to accept a new iPad screen www.snipca.com/18673 Service status from her local shop Computers Repairs www.snipca.com/18679 Conwy (CRC). EE Speed checker After cracking her iPad screen Sandy No service-status checker www.snipca.com/18675 paid CRC £80 for a replacement (as we reported in Issue 461). Speed checker www.snipca.com/18681 She claimed that the new screen was not an official Apple Virgin Media product, and therefore a fake. CRC’s owner told us that the Download speeds screen’s supplier told him that it was genuine. Plusnet www.snipca.com/18671 He promised Sandy he would fit another screen, and offered Service status Service status a full refund if she wasn’t happy with it. But Sandy declined www.snipca.com/18676 www.snipca.com/18672 this because CRC couldn’t guarantee it would be authentic. Speed checker Speed checker Her next move is to take CRC to the small claims court, where www.snipca.com/18677 www.virginmedia.com/ a judge may say that the company breached the contract it testmyspeed had with Sandy, and order it to pay the cost of the iPad being Sky Download speeds repaired by Apple. Zen Internet However, the judge may decide that CRC’s offer was www.snipca.com/18670 Service status reasonable, leaving Sandy with £80 and an iPad that still has a https://status.zen.co.uk cracked screen. The judge may also conclude that Sandy bears Speed test some responsibility for using CRC rather than sending the iPad http://speedtest.zen.co.uk for repair using her insurance. We’ll let you know what happens.

9 – 22 December 2015 15 Protect Your Tech

Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools

WATCH OUT FOR… Ransomware that ‘exposes’ your data

What happened? but Botfrei says that there’s no evidence Cybercriminals have started using a that this has actually happened. sinister new tactic to force ransomware Security experts examining Chimera say victims to pay up. As well as locking it works no differently to previous your PC, hackers are now threatening to ransomware attacks, which all lacked publish your personal details online. the ability to publish victims’ details. Th is approach has been spotted by German antivirus company Botfrei What should you do? (www.botfrei.de/en). It said that Whether Chimera is capable of hackers are using the Chimera publishing your details or not, what ransomware to target computers in really matters is that you regularly back German businesses (see screenshot). If up your most important data. Th is is the this new strategy proves successful, the Chimera is on your PC, it encrypts all best defence against ransomware, and hackers will almost defi nitely start your connected drives and demands a you’re going to need it more than ever attacking members of the public ransom of 630 Euros in Bitcoins. because we think Chimera is likely to worldwide. What’s still unknown is whether the target UK users next year. As scams go, Chimera sneaks on to PCs in phishing hackers are actually able to carry out we fear that scaring people with the emails that urge you to click a link to their threat of publishing personal threat of public exposure may well download a Dropbox fi le, supposedly information. Th e ransom message tries prove successful, and hackers will turn containing information on a job to scare victims by claiming that photos their sights on millions of English- application or business offer. Once and other data will be published online, speaking PC users next.

Google’s ‘About me’ ScamWatch New tools https://aboutme.google.com READERS WARN READERS If you want proof of how greedily Yo uTube) will see their name and date Google devours your data, look no of birth. Google wants you to add more PayPal scam looks genuine further than its new ‘About me’ tool. details, such as your phone number, by I was almost caught out by a PayPal Visit the site and anyone with a Google clicking the red ‘plus’ button at the scam which I think is new. I received account (including Gmail and bottom right. Alternatively, you can just an email that looked professional and tell Google to go mind its own error-free.I had no reason to believe business. it wasn’t from PayPal. It told me that Google says the site makes it there had been unusual activity on easier for you to control what my account, and suggested I update personal data other people see my profile. With all the high-profi le online. And it does. But that’s not hacks recently, including TalkTalk, I the reason to use it. Instead, click instantly thought ‘oh no’, and clicked the blue ‘Go to privacy checkup’ the link, which sent me to a ‘profi le link to change how Google tracks update’ page. It was only when they you on the web. Th e most asked for credit-card details that it important sections are 4 – which dawned on me that it was probably a lets you alter how much of your scam.I found evidence of it online: online activity Google saves (see www.snipca.com/18586. screenshot)– and 5, where you Larry Havers can opt out of adverts targeted Warn your fellow readers about scams at according to your interests. [email protected]

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BROWSER Opera 33

www.snipca.com/18735 What you need: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1 or 10

Opera may not be as well-known as other browsers like cleverly compresses web pages, crunching images and other Firefox and Chrome, but it offers similar features, such as data so they load much faster and use less bandwidth. extensions, cross-device syncing, and apps for your tablet and Th ough Turbo mode effectively sends you smaller versions phone (there are various versions of the Opera app for of the images and other media featured on a web page, Opera Android, iOS and Windows). But it’s also got a few unique claims that you won’t notice the effects of this compression tricks up its sleeve – more than ever in this new version. – on most screens, at least. In other words, photos will look Opera 33 not only sports a swanky new logo (see above virtually the same as they do when they’re uncompressed. right) and a rejigged user interface, but it also offers some big Th ere are no PUPs to worry about in Opera’s installer. performance improvements. Its underlying engine uses less However, if you want to stop Opera storing and sharing your memory, making it run better on older computers. data (see our ‘Who’s selling your data?’ feature in Issue 463), But by far the most interesting and useful feature Opera has click the Options button and untick ‘Share usage data to help introduced is its Turbo browsing mode. When enabled, Turbo improve Opera’.

3 2

4

1

1 To enable Turbo browsing, 2 If this is the fi rst time you’ve 3 Once the page has loaded, 4 To switch Turbo off, click click the Opera button and enabled Turbo, you’ll see a you’ll see a blue speed-dial the Opera button and then click the Opera Turbo page of information. To visit icon next to the web address. then click Opera Turbo. To option towards the bottom a website, type its URL into Click this to make sure that enable syncing, click the of the menu. the address bar or click its Turbo is used to speed up the user icon and click ‘Create bookmark. page load. my account!’.

18 9 – 22 December 2015 WHAT SHOULD I DOWNLOAD? We tell you what software to use How can I convert an old PC into a jukebox?

I’ve got an old PC that I’d like to turn into a music Q jukebox. I used a computer-style jukebox in a pub recently and was really impressed by it. Th e screen display was laid out in a simple format, with icons for 60s, 70s, 80s and so on, along with the option to choose an artist by name or song title. Can you recommend a free program with similar features? Eric Gerrard

Most current music-player SYSTEM TOOL A software lets you search by artist, album or song title. But Portable RAMExpert 1.5 to organise and browse your library by www.snipca.com/18738 decade, you’ll need a tool that can What you need: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1 or 10 create automatic playlists based on specifi c criteria, such as a date range or Upgrading memory is a cheap and easy way to boost your PC’s songs you’ve ‘starred’. speed, but you fi rst need to know what type of RAM you iTunes (www.snipca.com/18759) can do this, but we require. Th is free tool, now updated to support Windows 10, wouldn’t recommend using it on an older PC because it’s a offers all the information you need, including the number of memory-hog. Foobar2000 (www.snipca.com/18661, see memory slots in your PC and what type of RAM modules you Best Free Software Issue 463) is far more lightweight, though need to buy. Click Action, Export and then click Text to save the its auto-playlist process is convoluted. Give it a go if you’re a information about your PC’s memory to a printable text fi le for confident software user; otherwise choose something reference. Also available as a portable tool, which means you simpler such as Windows Media Player. It’s still available in can run it without installing any fi les on your PC. Windows 10, even though Windows Media Center (WMC) has gone. In the Start search box type windows media player, and a setup window will open. To create Auto Playlists, click Library, ‘Create playlist’, then ‘Create auto playlist’. Another free program to try is Music Bee (www.snipca.com/ 18758, see screenshot; click the ‘Direct’ link). To create a 60s playlist, for example, right-click Playlists and select New, then New Auto-Playlist. Underneath ‘match all’, select Ye ar and then select ‘in range’ from the dropdown menus, then type 1960 in the fi rst box and 1969 in the second. Click Save.

Do you need our advice on what software to use? Just email us at [email protected] TEXTTOSPEECH Balabolka 2.11 NEW ONLY The Definitive Guidee 87 lleefft!t! www.snipca.com/18754 What you need: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1 or 10 to Free Software You’ll find more superb Th is brilliant free tool turns typed text into audio fi les, so you free programs in our new can hear the words being spoken out loud. Paste text from 144-page book: The Definitive anywhere – documents, web pages, ebooks – into Balabolka’s Guide to Free Software main window, then click Play to hear it read aloud. Alternatively, click File, then Save Audio File to export the spoken text to a WAV fi le that you can play back later, burn to BUY IT NOW disc or use to narrate a video you’re editing. Balabolka won’t FROM AMAZON install any annoying junk, but if you’d prefer not to install at www.snipca.com/16785 anything at all there’s a portable version too (www.snipca. com/18755).

9 – 22 December 2015 19 Reviews New products tested by our experts

LAPTOP ❘ £600 From PC Specialist www.snipca.com/18832

PC Specialist Cosmos IV 15.6in A fast Windows 10 laptop for less than you’d expect

When you think of a laptop nowadays, you probably think of something like a MacBook Air. Incredibly slim, conveniently light, and neatly carved out of a single piece of aluminium. Everything is perfectly designed and engineered into place. And that’s where it’s staying, because you can only buy a MacBook Air with a minimal set of what’s on the features, and not even a trained engineer outside. PC Specialist could shoehorn in anything else. builds each unit to order, and installs your preferred version of Windows, including Windows 10. This is a machine We picked what we reckoned was the best-value configuration, and it this PC, because the built-in audio is poor. made in the old- makes up in performance what it lacks But the usefully big 15.6in 1920x1080- in portability.A quad-core Intel i5 pixel screen is bright and vibrant, with fashioned style. You get processor from the latest Skylake series dark blacks for high contrast. Th e to choose what goes (see ‘What’s All the Fuss About?’, Issue keyboard isn’t backlit, which will be 459) is more than adequate for web annoying when you need to work or play inside and outside browsing, video and multitasking in dim light, but feels pleasant and between several office apps.A sensible accurate to type on, and we found the 8GB of memory ensures there’s little touchpad, a frustratingly weak point of Th is isn’t that kind of laptop. Th e hesitation even when returning to a some affordable laptops, very responsive. Cosmos IV is a chunky black plastic slab, program that’s been idle for some time. Intel’s Skylake chips are designed for its industrial lines clumsily interrupted Th is is helped by Windows being power efficiency, but the Cosmos IV’s by ports, grilles and sockets. From the installed on a built-in 128GB SSD, which battery still lasted us only four-and-a-half side, the lid looks like someone found a is much quicker than a mechanical hard hours, and that would plummet with Mk2 Ford Escort bonnet in a skip and drive. About 70GB is left free for more heavy use of 3D graphics. It’s really too bent it to fi t their Volvo. Th e DVD drive programs and fi les, and for the rest of heavy to carry around regularly anyway, fascia is nearly the right shape, but the your stuff there’s a 1TB hard drive but quite practical to move around the wrong colour. Nobody uses the analogue installed too. Th at bulky case begins to house or take on trips in the car. And, if VGA monitor port any more, and it’s too make sense. And there’s more, because you squint, it doesn’t look that awful. For big for modern laptops – but they’ve they’ve also crammed in a proper the money, you’d be pushed to fi nd a wedged one in anyway, as well as the graphics card, the Nvidia GeForce 940M, more capable laptop. HDMI socket that supersedes it. with 2GB of its own memory. Th at means Now that Wi-Fi is standard, most you can run 3D games in Full HD, at least VERDICT: It’s neither the prettiest laptops leave you to use a USB adapter if with their quality settings turned down a nor the most portable laptop, but you want a wired network connection bit, and even the fanciest new titles will the performance is hard to beat in – but the Cosmos IV has an Ethernet work if you compromise on resolution. this price bracket socket too. And in case two USB 3.0 ports Yo u’ll want headphones or speakers for ★★★★☆ aren’t enough, there’s also an eSATA interface for fast external storage. SPECIFICATIONS ALTERNATIVE: Dell InsInspipiron 15 Yo u might think all this makes the 2.3GHz Intel i5-6300HQ quad-core processor • 8GB 5558 £549 Th iss looks Cosmos IV a bit of a mess, or you might memory • 128GB flash storage • 1TB hard drive • Nvidia nicer, but performancermance just be grateful that all these features still GeForce 940M graphics • 15.6in 1920x1080-pixel doesn’t quite match exist. Th is is a machine made in the screen • Webcam • 802.11n Wi-Fi • Bluetooth 4.0 • 1x the Cosmos anndd USB 2.0 port • 2x USB 3.0 ports • Gigabit Ethernet port old-fashioned style, and that means you • HDMI port • Windows 10 • 31x374x252mm (HxWxD) there’s no SSD get to choose what goes inside as well as • 2.5kg • One-year warranty www.snipca.com/18837

20 9 – 22 December 2015 PC ❘ £500 from Palicomp www.snipca.com/18748 HOW WE TEST Computeractive is owned by Dennis Palicomp AMD Shockwave Publishing, which owns a hi-tech facility for testing the latest technology. You’ll A Windows 10 desktop PC that ppuutsts pplleennttyy of often read references to our benchmark power at your fi ngertips testing, which is a method of assessing products using the same criteria. For example, we test the speed of every What is it with PC makers and military PC and the battery life of every tablet hardware? In Issue 462, we tested in exactly the same way. This makes Chillblast’s Fusion Drone, which to our our reviews authoritative, rigorous disappointment bore no resemblance to a and accurate. nuclear-powered unmanned aerial Dennis Publishing also owns vehicle. Palicomp’s Shockwave comes in the magazines PC Pro, Computer a rugged black case that actually does Shopper, Web User and Micro Mart look as if Prince Andrew should be and the website Expert Reviews demonstrating it to an audience of Saudi (www.expertreviews.co.uk). This officials. LED lighting behind the grilles means we can test thousands of even emits an eerie green glow. But it’s products before choosing the most really quite harmless. BUY IT! relevant for Computeractive. Like the Drone, the Shockwave is based ★★★★★ on AMD’s Athlon X4 860K processor. FAIR AND IMPARTIAL Palicomp has overclocked this from 3.7 to Our writers follow strict guidelines to 4GHz, making it run even hotter. But storage provides decent capacity with a ensure the reviews are fair and where Chillblast installed a water-cooling bit of extra speed, and you also get a DVD impartial. The manufacturer has no system to prevent meltdown, this writer built in. Th ere’s room to add up to involvement in our tests. machine just has AMD’s regular heatsink six more internal drives on the fast SATA 3 and a plastic fan. connection as well as two PCI-Express OUR AWARDS We monitored the processor during our and one basic PCI slot for expansion. Yo u We award every product speed tests, and it wasn’t affected by might want to order a Wi-Fi card because that gets five stars our overheating. Within the Sharkoon VG5-W it’s not included in the price. Th e BUY IT! Buy It! stamp of approval. case the fans were never noticeably loud, standard 8GB of memory can go up to ★★★★★ It means we were although the Shockwave wasn’t as silent 32GB. One missing feature is a fi bre-optic extremely impressed by the product, as the Drone. But it did edge ahead in the audio output for modern amplifiers: you and we think you will be too. benchmark tests. For a £500 desktop PC, only get traditional 3.5mm jacks. this is pretty powerful. Just don’t expect How to choose between the Fusion and Every product that gets a miracles: when editing video, for the Shockwave? Palicomp’s three-year four-star review is given example, you’ll still have to wait for warranty covers only labour after the fi rst the Great Pick award. We effects to render. year, while Chillblast’s covers both parts highly recommend these Unlike its rival Intel, AMD also makes and labour for two years and then labour products, although they just fail to meet dedicated graphics cards, and the Radeon for three more. Chillblast will pick up the high standard of our Buy It! winners. R7 370, which costs around £100 by itself, your machine for service free of charge in is becoming a popular choice for its those fi rst two years; Palicomp only PRICES impressive games performance. Th e includes this for the fi rst week. Our reviews contain a link to the best Drone had it fi tted with 2GB of its own Remember the warranty is in addition price we found online at the time of press. memory, while the Shockwave doubles to your statutory rights, which say that if that to 4GB. Th is allowed us to run your PC goes wrong any time in the fi rst current 3D games smoothly at Full HD six months, it’s presumed to have an VERDICT: You don’t need Intel inside resolution, with some quality settings inherent fault that the supplier must fi x for a reliable system – the Shockwave turned down for the most demanding at its own expense. Yo u’re also entitled to shows an alternative processor can give – not bad at all in this price bracket. a free repair if a problem appears within you plenty of power per pound A 1TB hard drive with 8GB of fl ash six years and you can prove that it’s due ★★★★★ to a defect, not just normal wear and tear. SPECIFICATIONS We’d like to see all retailers being clearer ALTERNATIVE: Chillblasstt 4GHz quad-core AMD Athlon X4 860K processor about this, but extra cover like Chillblast’s Fusion Drone £500 • 8GB memory • 1TB hybrid drive • AMD Radeon R7 is very welcome. With a mostly similar 370 graphics card • 4x USB 3.0 ports • 4x USB 2.0 On the other hand, Palicomp’s PC specification in a slightly ports • Gigabit Ethernet • HDMI port • DisplayPort • 2x clearly gives you a little more more understated case, DVI ports • WIndows 10 Home • 430x200x445mm (HxWxD) • Three-year warranty performance for your money. Overall, it this is also a good buy www.snipca.com/18748 represents a great deal.

9 – 22 December 2015 21 Reviews

TABLET ❘ £399 from Lenovo www.snipca.com/18728 LenovoYoga Tab 3 Pro Your home-entertainment centre in a tablet

Lenovo makes two different product lines middle rather than the end as in called Yo ga. One is a series of Windows the earlier version, so the hinge can laptops that fold up to work like tablets. be used to adjust the projection angle. Th is item belongs to the other group, Combined with automatic correction which are proper tablets, running for the ‘keystoning’ effect – ensuring Google’s Android software. When we the image is vertically square on your reviewed the Yo ga Tablet 2 Pro (see Issue wall – this makes it quick to set up. 454), we marvelled at its built-in video It’s still not ideal: the image isn’t as Th e hardware is attractive, though. projector. Th is new version takes that bright or sharp as from a full-size Although there’s a lot of plastic, the feature a step further. projector. But if you close the curtains, faux-leather back feels good. Both of you can watch a fi lm quite comfortably at the cameras are decent, and the four a size of up to 70 inches. Just make sure built-in JBL speakers are much better An innovative mains power is at hand, because the than you’d expect, even if there’s not battery could run out in two hours. much bass and we couldn’t detect tablet let down by In normal use – without the projector any benefi t from the ‘virtual Dolby unreliable software – the Yo ga Tab Pro 3 lasted us 12 hours Atmos’ surround sound. Th e 16GB of (Lenovo quotes up to 18). Its Intel storage may not be enough, but unlike processor is very capable, but not with the iPad, you can add a microSD Despite the bigger model number, the all Android apps work with it, and card to expand it. Tab 3 Pro is smaller than the 2, and just a as in previous reviews we found bit bigger than an iPad Air. Th e new Lenovo’s version of Android didn’t VERDICT: A genuinely innovative screen is better: although it only covers feel suffi ciently smooth. It’s software Android tablet that would be fun to own, 84 per cent of the sRGB colour range – glitches like this that so often prevent if only the software was more reliable while the iPad exceeds 100 per cent Android tablets feeling as practical and ★★★☆☆ – you wouldn’t guess it when you see enjoyable to use as iPads. how bright and vivid it looks. With a ALTERNATIVE: Samsung similar resolution to Apple’s Retina SPECIFICATIONS Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 £400 display, it’s also really sharp. Intel Atom x5-Z8500 quad-core processor • 16GB At the same price, this is Th e projector is built into a cylindrical flash storage • 10.1in 2560x1600-pixel screen a better Android tablet all • 5-megapixel webcam • 13-megapixel rear section along the edge of the tablet, round, if you don’t need a camera • microSD slot • 802.11ac Wi-Fi • Android which acts as a hinge for a built-in stand. 5.1 • 179x247x9.2mm (HxWxD) • 665g • One-year projector But the image now comes from the warranty www.snipca.com/18728

WHAT SHOULD I BUY? We solve your buying dililemmas What’s the best OCR scanner? cucurrently discounted to a Over the years, I’ve text. But models designed reasonable £80 (www.snipca. Q accumulated a lot of work for high-volume business com/18805). It comes with printouts for which I no scanning are expensive. Th e a 35-sheet ADF and a basic longer have the digital fi les. Is there a most affordable scanners version of Nuance’s PaperPort scanner supplied with OCR software today are those built into multi-function software, which performs OCR and that could help me to digitise it all? inkjet printers, which have a fl at helps manage your pile of documents. Martin Carson scanning glass under a lid, much Printer makers count on getting most like a photocopier. of their profit from selling you ink, so if Th ere are various types of If you have more than a few pages to you don’t use the inkjet part, you’ve lost A scanners, and most come with scan, you’ll save a lot of time by choosing nothing – in fact, quite the reverse. some kind of optical character a model with an automatic document recognition (OCR) software, which feeder (ADF). Brother’s MFC-J5320DW Do you need advice on what you should buy? converts printed words into editable (pictured) is relatively compact and Email us at [email protected]

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Christmas Scosche strikeDRIVE EZTIP www.mobilefun.co.uk www.bubbleit.com www.cpc.farnell.com £19.99 gadgets If you’ve ever lost your patience while trying to plug a charger into your phone or tablet, you’ll appreciate the strikeDRIVE EZTIP. With this Reversible Micro USB Connector, it doesn’t matter which way up you insert the connector, because either way will see it fi t securely into Stuck for Christmas present ideas, your device, saving you time and hassle, and preventing possible damage. The 12W, 2.4 Amp strikeDRIVE EZTIP or don’t know what to ask for connects to your car’s power socket using a three-foot yourself? Then feast your eyes on coiled cable, so it won’t get tangled or get in your way. these nine innovative gift ideas…

Scosche magicMOUNT XL Tablet Headrest Mount www.mobilefun.co.uk www.bubbleit.com www.cpc.farnell.com £34.99

Rather than balancing your phone or tablet on your dashboard, get a Scosche magicMOUNT XL Dash/ Window lets you mount your mobile device any surface, so you can use it just as happily at home or at work, as you can in the car. Just slip the supplied MagicPlate behind the battery cover or case of your phone or tablet, and it locks to the stand using high- powered magnets, with no need for a cradle. You can then angle your device as required.

Scosche smartSTRIKE www.mobilefun.co.uk www.bubbleit.com www.cpc.farnell.com £19.99

Why carry two long and cumbersome cables around with you, when you can use a Scosche smartSTRIKE instead? This August DVB500 Smart TV Box innovative two-in-one cable charges and www.idaffodil.co.uk syncs both Apple devices with Lightning £87.45 connectors and Android devices with microUSB connectors. The slim barrel design This stylish set-top box comes with a variety of popular apps pre-installed, including Netflix, allows you to slide the cable easily into any BBC iPlayer, Facebook, YouTube and Skype, and you can install more from the Play store. You protective case, and its three-feet length can also watch live Freeview channels in HD, record your favourite shows to a USB drive or SD gives you ample scope to keep using your card and view videos and play videos, music and photos using the built-in multimedia player. For device while it’s charging. endless entertainment from your sofa, stick the August DVB500 on your Christmas list. Promotional feature

Yamaha MusicCast Trio http://uk.yamaha.com/en/dealers £899.95

Enjoy your favourite songs in every roroomom in your home at the touch of a button using YaYamaha’smaha’s brilliant new MusicCast system. This lets you play music from your PC, NAS drive or mobile device, and from streaming services such as Spotify and internet radio on any MusicCast device, and either listen to the same song or different tracks throughout your home. It’s controlled via an easy-to-use Android or iOS app, streams over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and is compatible with a wide range of audio formats.

Elgato Avea Scosche magicMOUNT www.elgato.com/avea XL Tablet Headrest Mount From £39.95 www.mobilefun.co.uk Don’t suffer winter lights that are too bright or www.bubbleit.com too dim – get perfect lighting throughout the www.cpc.farnell.com day with Avea. This dynamic mood light is £34.99 controlled using your smartphone, iPad or Apple Watch, allowing you to transform It’s not just drivers who want to use their tablets in the car, but back- the ambience of a room while lifting seat passengers, too. Scosche’s magicMOUNT XL Tablet Headrest no more than a fi nger. Avea can cycle Mount uses powerful magnets to hold your device securely through different colour combinations in place, once you’ve inserted a MagicPlate into its using one of its pre- case. The mount comes with both large and defined light scenes and small MagicPlates, which means you can includes an option to use it with any size of tablet or phablet, wake you up as gently and lets you attach your device in as possible. The battery- landscape or portrait mode, powered, wirelessly and any angle in-between. charged Avea Flare illuminates the inside and outside of your home for more than eight hours on a single charge. iStorage datAshur Pro istorage-uk.com August MS515 Bluetooth From £69 Stereo Speaker To prevent anyone from accessing www.idaffodil.co.uk your private data, keep it stored on £32.45 an iStorage datAshur Pro. Described as the world’s most secure USB This portable Bluetooth stereo speaker set is the perfect gift for fl ash drive, it protects your fi les audiophiles, combining a unique design, a 10W output and an using a 7-15 character PIN code impressive 15 hours of battery life. The two speakers pair with your and military-grade AES 256-bit phone, tablet, smart TV or laptop, and non-Bluetooth devices can be hardware encryption. The device connected through the 3.5in audio-in socket. The superb sound can locks automatically when you be boosted further using EQ apps for Android and iOS, and you can disconnect it from a USB adjust the volume and skip through tracks using your phone or tablet. port, includes a rechargeable battery and is dust- and water-resistant. It’s available in capacities of 8GB to 64GB, and requires no software or drivers. Reviews

PHONE ❘ £400 from Carphone Warehouse www.snipca.com/18756 The best… Google Nexus6 6PP PC speakers Google shows how Android BUY IT! phones should be done ★★★★★ Trust Raina 2.1 Subwoofer Speakers Google, whose Android software is used £15 from Argos by the majority of phones and tablets not www.snipca.com/18823 made by Apple, only makes two phones Th e usual configuration for PC speakers itself. Actually, it doesn’t even make is ‘2.1’ – a subwoofer box containing the them, just sticks its Nexus logo on them. amplifier and a bass speaker, plus two Th e Nexus 5X, which we tested in Issue full-range stereo speakers. Trust’s set 463, is manufactured by LG in South is about the cheapest you’ll fi nd. Does Korea. Its big brother, the 6P, comes it sound amazing? No. But it’s fi ne for courtesy of Huawei in China. We still games and online radio. can’t adequately explain how to pronounce ‘Huawei’, but if you have Creative GigaWorks children who leave toys lying around on T20 Series II the stairs, you’ll say it eventually. £56 from Amazon Not only is it bigger, with a huge 5.7in www.snipca.com/18824 screen, but the 6P feels completely Th ese stereo speakers different from the cheaper 5X. Just and covers the wholeole sRGB spectrum.um. don’t come with a 7.3mm thick and clad in aluminium, it’s Th e Nexus 6P’s eight-core Snapdragon subwoofer, instead relying on reminiscent of an iPhone at the front and processor runs the latest version of ‘BasXPort technology’ (a hole in the sides, but the back is something else: Android (6.0, also known as Marshmallow), top), to boost low frequencies. It works, smoothly curved, and with a protruding very smoothly, and 3D games are no and they sound great for all kinds of black camera bar that forms a sort of problem. Unlike some devices, it doesn’t audio, as long as you don’t expect wall- snorkel. It’s a bold move to include a ‘love get hot in normal use. However, despite shaking explosions or beats. it or hate it’ feature like this on a fl agship its large battery, we barely managed phone. Below that is a fi ngerprint 12 hours of video playback, which is Edifier M1550 5.1 scanner that unlocks the device. mediocre for a big phone. At least the £55 from Amazon USB Type-C port means charging is www.snipca. simple and quick – taking about 90 com/18825 Bold design, great minutes to charge fully. Yo u’ll need an If your PC supports adapter cable to attach standard USB 5.1 surround sound, camera and decent chargers or other accessories, and data it’ll have extra jacks ffoorr transfer is only at USB 2.0 speeds. ‘centre’ and ‘rear’ output. Th e centre performance More disappointingly, there’s no speaker goes on the desk in front of you microSD slot for memory cards, so the and a pair of rear speakers sit behind Th e camera itself takes an Apple-like basic 32GB of storage – of which Android you. Th is budget 5.1 set sounds pretty approach, with a modest 12.3-megapixel takes up 7GB – might not be enough if good, with a decent rumble from its resolution but plenty of features, you like to keep a lot of photos, videos wooden-cased subwoofer, and it comes including 240-frames-per-second slow and apps. But the 64GB version is still with a chunky volume control. motion, and excellent automatic good value at £50 extra. exposure. Video is limited to Full HD Samson rather than 4K. Our pictures were well VERDICT: Th e slightly retro design MediaOne 4a balanced and detailed, even indoors, and won’t be for everyone, but this is a top- £109 from Scan there’s a two-tone LED fl ash. Th e class Android phone at a www.snipca. 8-megapixel front camera is also good. very competitive price com/18822 Colour balance has also been improved ★★★★★ Th is pair of powered stereo speakers on the high-resolution screen, which gives you a hi-fi sound without breaking looks more natural than the old Nexus 6 ALTERNATIVE: Samsung the bank. Th ey could even be used for Galaxy S6 Edge+ £600 Th e audio production, although serious SPECIFICATIONS curved screen makes this a mixers will need something pricier. Bass 5.7in 2560x1440-pixel screen • 12.3-megapixel rear more cutting-edge phone, isn’t big, but it’s punchy. Leave the grilles camera • 8-megapixel front camera • 32GB flash but it costs a lot more for a on for a discreet black tower look, or storage • 802.11ac Wi-Fi • Bluetooth 4.2 • 3G/4G • Android 6.0 • 160x78x7.3mm (HxWxD) • 178g • similar specification take them off for two-tone styling. One-year warranty www.snipca.com/18757

26 9 – 22 December 2015 PHONE ❘ £137 from LambdaTek www.snipca.com/18772 Acer Liquid Jade Z High performance at a low price

Five hundred quid for a phone? Yo u must be joking, you might think. I don’t need all that, you might think. Retina this, fi ngerprint scanner that – who cares, as long as you can make calls, send texts and install a few apps? So you buy a budget smartphone. Yo u turn it on. And then you remember it isn’t really a phone at all, it’s a computer. Features aside, that extra you pay is for performance: the ability to do the same things, but with less staring at the screen waiting (often praying) for them to actually happen. Most smartphones run Google’s Android software, and the cheaper they are, the more they struggle to do it. Even the simplest task, like scrolling down a web page, can be alarmingly slow and jerky. Here’s a phone, though, that breaks the mould. Its MediaTek processor is as powerful as those in phones costing twice as much. Th e nearest we’ve seen in this price bracket is the Vodafone Smart Ultra 6, and the Liquid Jade Z beats it. 3D games aren’t its strong point, but everything else works gratifyingly smoothly. In other respects, you get what you pay for. Th e 5in screen is sharp, but colours are quite dull and it doesn’t get very bright. Th e case is nice and slim, but feels more like a plastic office chair than a high-tech accessory. Photos from the 13-megapixel camera show lots of detail, but their high-contrast look makes shadows too dark. Indoors, things get very grainy. Yo u’ll soon be spending another tenner on a microSD card, given the miserly 8GB of storage, most of it eaten up by Android. Version 4.4 is installed, and although this will be upgradable to 5.0 (Lollipop), don’t expect to see 6.0 (Marshmallow) on this phone. Finally, battery life won’t get through a full day: in our video playback test it conked out after eight hours 20 minutes.

SPECIFICATIONS 5in 1280x720-pixel screen • 13-megapixel rear camera • 5-megapixel front camera • 8GB flash storage • MicroSD card slot • 802.11n Wi-Fi • Bluetooth 4.0 • 3G/4G • Android 4.4 • 143x70x7.9mm (HxWxD) • 110g • One-year warranty www.snipca.com/18771

VERDICT: It’s a good budget choice if you want a phone primarily to make calls on. Don’t expect much more, though ★★★☆☆

ALTERNATIVE: Vodafone Smart Ultra 6 £100 It’s incredibly good value, but as the name implies, it’s is only available on one network Reviews

VIDEO EDITOR ❘ £50 from Magix www.snipca.com/18779 Magix Movie Edit Pro 2016 Flexible video editing on a budget

Movie Edit Pro takes video from an Movie Pro Touch, is also attached camera – or fi les stored on your available, so you can shoot PC – at up to 4K resolution. Yo u arrange footage on your device, clips in order, then trim them and add do a quick edit on the effects and transitions. Th e end result can touchscreen, then transfer the project up to four cameras, beat-based editing to be burned to a DVD (if your PC has a DVD to your PC. fi t video to a music track, and more writer drive), saved to a fi le, or uploaded A new video stabilisation plug-in does templates, while the Premium version straight to Yo uTube, Facebook and Vimeo. a good job of fi xing obvious camera (£90) adds more advanced special effects. Yo ur edit can be displayed as a timeline shakes, within reason, as well as some – such as in a professional video program of the glitches that can creep in during VERDICT: Th is reasonably priced – or more simply as a storyboard. fast movements. Improved object program is straightforward enough for Imported clips are listed at the top right, tracking helps you create those clever casual use, but enables serious editing and tabs at the top let you access fades captions that blend into a scene, or when you need it and transitions, titles and special effects. pixelate a face while it’s moving around. ★★★★☆ A version for smartphones and tablets, If your PC has a proper graphics card – and you’ll need one for 4K editing – it’ll ALTERNATIVE: Serif MoviePlus X6 £61 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS be used to keep videos running smoothly A few pounds more, but just as easy to Windows 7, 8 or 10 • 2GB memory (8GB without waiting for them to render. use as Movie Edit Pro and likely to run recommended) • 2GB hard-drive space • Quad-core processor and dedicated graphics card recommended Th e Plus edition (£70) adds multicam better on older PCs for HD/4K editing • www.snipca.com/18779 editing to switch between footage from

MUSIC STUDIO ❘ £45 from Magix www.snipca.com/18780 Magix Music Maker 2016 A quick way into all kinds of music

Th ere are plenty of affordable Windows instruments and vocals programs for digital music enthusiasts (preferably using an external – including Steinberg’s Cubase Elements, microphone), and it supports Cakewalk Music Creator and Ableton Live standard loop and effects formats, Intro – but nothing quite like Apple’s so it’s easy to add more sounds. GarageBand for those of us who just want New features in the 2016 edition to dabble without a lot of complications. include the ability to control software edition (£140) includes a two-octave Music Maker includes some of the kinds instruments from an iOS or Android hardware keyboard with drum pads, of features you’d fi nd across all of these, device, which is fun, and a virtual while Control (£120) comes with a plain at a relatively basic level. accordion, which is lovely if you like four-octave keyboard. Yo u can arrange songs just by dragging the sound of accordions. Th ere’s some of Music Maker’s thousands of a powerful ‘cinematic synth’, a fancy VERDICT: You get plenty for your money, loops – short snippets of music in styles graphic equaliser, an extra drum and the neat user interface makes it all such as rock, pop and dance – on to the machine, 2,000 new loops, and an reasonably easy to get to grips with multi-track timeline, or connect a USB on-screen keyboard that plays only ★★★★☆ keyboard and play the included software correct notes. Now that really is magic. instruments to create songs from scratch. Music Maker 2016 Live (£70) adds ALTERNATIVE: Steinberg Cubase Th e program can also record live on-screen pads for hip-hop and Elements 8 £69 If you’re more electronic dance music performance as ambitious and don’t mind having more to SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Windows 7, 8 or 10 • 2GB memory • 7.5GB hard-drive well as extra sounds and an unlimited learn, this is a more future-proof choice space • www.snipca.com/18780 number of tracks. Th e Live Performer

28 9 – 22 December 2015 Reviews

CAMERA ❘ £189 from Amazon www.snipca.com/18796 COMING SOON

WINTER 2015 Veho Muvi K2NPNG Printers can be cheap, but ink isde ar, partly because it comes in cartridges An action camera with lots of extras that the print head carries around as it prints. Canon’s Pixma G series pumps ink from tanks that can be reefifi lled. Launched Trademark lawyers hate it when you in India (from £100), the use brands to reference a whole printers will compete with category of products. But we Epson’s EcoTank (£180).. still do it. Most of us have a Hoover, possibly made by WINTER 2015 Zanussi. Or maybe a ‘Dyson’… As Apple’s iPad Pro (pictured) arrives with ‘Vax’ written on the front. to challenge Microsoft’s Surface Some names just stick in the Pro 4, others will join the battle of the mind, and almost anything is supertablets. Samsung may be amoamongng better than ‘vacuum cleaner’. the contenders, with leaks So it is with ‘action cameras’. revealing a prototype 12in slab Yo u’ll see these strapped to running Windows 10 with stylus bikes, helmets, canoes, support and a 4K screen. snowboards and anything else that moves. Th eir owners call them MARCH 2016 GoPros, but GoPro isn’t the only company When Apple announced the oversizeedd that makes them. Th is one is from Veho, switch between still and moving pictures. iPad Pro (see above), it didn’t whose name you might recognise from Th e results are more than good enough mention the expected upgrade to the Southampton football strip. for casual and semi-pro use. Video goes the iPad Air 2. Having missed the up to 60 frames per second (fps), pre-Christmas window, the next allowing 2x slow motion, or 120fps at a likely time slot for an iPad Air 3 It gives you a lower 720p resolution. Yo u can set a would be around March. gravity sensor to start shooting when the comprehensive camera moves, so you don’t miss 2016 anything. Th e 8GB microSD card will Th e OnePlus X is great value, outdoor-shooting kit only store 90 minutes of footage, but resembling an iPhone 5 but selling extra 32GB cards in this format cost for just £200. Performance isn’t Th e Muvi K2 shoots Full HD video and, under a tenner. Th e rechargeable battery, amazing, and the Oxygen software unusually, 16-megapixel photos. Like rated at four hours, lasted us two and a is based on Android 5.1.1 rather other action cameras, it can be controlled half, which is actually very good; it’s not than 6, but it has beautiful build from your iOS or Android phone or sealed in, so you can carry a spare. quality. For a chance to buy it, sign tablet, but it comes with a little LCD Inevitably, competition comes from up at www.snipca.com/18841. screen that clips on to the back, so you GoPro. Th e Hero+ LCD– with its built-in can check what you’re fi lming. Yo u can rugged case – is more compact, though fi nd the K2 for as little as £130, which is not quite as waterproof. At the time of ON SALE NEXT ISSUE 23 Dec great value. We tested the K2NPNG writing, Currys is selling it with a carry bundle, which includes an impressively case and a 32GB microSD card thrown in chunky rugged case that’s fully for £199 (www.snipca.com/18798). Both waterproof. cameras are great buys. Acer Th e case is big and fi ddly, with AsAspire R11 mysterious buttons and replaceable mist VERDICT: If you don’t need the A £250 fi lters, but it does a good job. A whole smallest camera, the Muvi gives you Microsoft Windndoowwss 10 array of mounts is provided to attach to a good-value comprehensive outdoor- Surface Pro 4 laptop almost anything, and you can use GoPro shooting kit Th e Windondowwss 10 mounts, too. Th e whole lot comes in an ★★★★☆ tablet yoou’u’ll even bigger box with a carry handle. actually Once you learn the controls, the K2 is ALTERNATIVE: GoPro want? straightforward to use, and it’s easy to Hero+ LCD £199 GoPro’s equivalent SPECIFICATIONS model – with a rugged 1080p Full HD video • 16-megapixel photos • 2in Th ese and much more… non-removable case – giivves screen • microSD card slot • Wi-Fi • Mini USB port • Mini HDMI port • 40x60x23mm (HxWxD) • 84g • you similar video quality and battery life Subscribe to Computeractive at www.getcomputeractive.co.uk One-year warranty www.snipca.com/18797

9 – 22 December 2015 29 Find out what other products we liked in 2014. Buy our Back Issue CD (now only £12.57*): www.snipca.com/14981 *Attime of press Buy It Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

NEW LAPTOP DESKTOP PC EN TABLET TRY Asus X555LA-XX290H Palicomp AMD Shockwckwave Apple iPad Mini 4 £295 from www.snipca.com/18151 £500 from www.snipca.com/18748 £319 from www.snipca.com/18100 Tested: IssuIssuee 446 Testedsted:: Issue 464 Tested: Issue 460

Th e 2015 update to Apple’s 7.9in Asus has made all the right choices tablet greatly improves the screen with this budget Windows 8.1 laptop. Proving that you don’t need an Intel and camera, boosts performance, and Its comfortable keyboard, fast processor, Palicomp has built an makes it worth the £100 extra over the performance, respectably lengthy excellent PC around AMD’s Athlon X4 iPad mini 2 (still a good budget buy). battery life and bright screen are all 860K and Radeon R7 370 graphics Go for the £399 64GB version if you the more impressive given its low price. card, narrowly beating Chillblast’s can, though. Fusion Drone. ALTERNATIVE Asus Chromebook C200 ALTERNATIVE: Apple iPad Air 2 Th e A cheap Chrome OS ultra-portable ALTERNATIVE: CCL Nebula 200i A 9.7in option is still slim and light, also laptop with a bright screen, lengthy great all-round Intel i5 system in an has Touch ID and Apple Pay, and the battery life and a great keyboard. attractive cube-shaped case. £600 range of apps beats Android. £399 from £208 from www.snipca.com/17296 from www.snipca.com/18844 www.snipca.com/18139

ROUTER PR PHONE EREADER DROPICE Apple iPhone 6s Trendnet TEW-812DRU Amazon Kindle Paperwhite £539 from www.snipca.com/18240 £112 from www.snipca.com/15855 £85 from www.snipca.com/177777676 Tested: Issue 46461 Tested:Issue 427 Tested: Issue 458

It mamayy loloookk like llast year’’ss model,odel bu butt With a new high-high-resolulution screen, the this update is stronger and faster, with a affordable Kindle lacks only automatic higher-resolution camera, time-saving An incredibly fast 802.11ac router brightness adjustment and page-turn 3D Touch features and an excellent that’s also one of the cheapest we’ve buttons (you have to swipe the screen). screen. Th e bigger 6s Plus has better seen. It’s superb and it’s the router to It’s great value as long as you’re happy battery life. buy if you’re ready to make the jump to buy your books from Amazon. to 802.11ac. ALTERNATIVE: Moto X Play Motorola’s ALTERNATIVE: Kobo Glo HD As good as fun phone may be plasticky but it runs ALTERNATIVE: Linksys WRT1900AC the Paperwhite, but with more storage, Android 5 smoothly. Th e screen, camera More expensive, but even faster and and slightly more compact, this is the and battery life are all big pluses. £250 with loads of features too. £176 from independent e-reader to pick. £110 from from www.snipca.com/17934 www.snipca.com/14950 www.snipca.com/17889

30 9 – 22 December 2015

BUY IT! ★★★★★ Buy It

SECURITY SOFTWARE WEBDESIGN COMPETITION

Kaspersky Internet Xara Web Designer Win 1 of 2 Crucial BX200 Security 2016 Premium 11 SSD 480GB0GB £19.99 from www.snipca.com/17874 £70 from www.snipca.com/16955 Tested: Issue 437 Tested: Issue 453 Crucial’s powerful and fast range of BX200 SSDs provides sequentiantial read andand write speeds of up to 540MB/s and 490MB/s respectively on all types of data. Additionally, compared with a standard hard drive, it is more than 13 Th is visual web-design program makes times faster and 40 times more energy Kaspersky Internet Security 2016 has won creating sites more like laying out a efficient - resulting in longer battery our past six antivirus tests. Compatible document than writing HTML code, and life and a cooler, quieter PC. To enter, with Windows 10, the 2016 edition is sites can be ‘responsive’, meaning they email your address to cacomp@dennis. available at an exclusive reader discount look right on both big and small screens co.uk with ‘crucial’ in the subject line by on our Software Store. Go to the link without extra work. A basic version is midnight 22 December. above for a one-device licence, or buy a also available for half the price. three-device licence for just £39.99 at Crucial’s BX200 SSD is available in www.snipca.com/17903. ALTERNATIVE: Serif WebPlus X8 three sizes – 240GB, 480GB and Comes with lots of templates, but 960GB, priced £66.99, £116.99 and ALTERNATIVE: Avast Free Antivirus creates separate desktop and mobile £234.99 respectively. You can fi nd out Almost as good as Kaspersky, but versions instead of responsive sites, whether they will work with your PC sometimes blocked legitimate software. and can be slow to use. £90 from on Crucial’s website: http://uk.crucial. Free from www.snipca.com/16493 www.snipca.com/14964 com/gbr.

MULTIFUNCTION PRINTER SOLIDSTATE DRIVES SECURITY CAMERA

Canon Pixma MG6650 Crucial BX100 1TB Y-cam HomeMonitor HD £76 from www.snipca.com/173347334 £235 from www.snipca.com/16017 £135 from www.snipca.com/11646 Tested: Issue 455 Tested: Issue 445 Tested: Issue 420

It may look like something that James Bond would have to defuse, but this low-cost, all-in-one printer is an A home-security camera that’s well excellent choice. Running costs are priced and easy to set up. Plus, it has reasonable too – buy the XL cartridges A blindingly fast, high-capacity SSD great picture quality, useful apps and and running costs work out at 7.7p per at a lower price than ever before. If there’s no need to subscribe to any colour page or 2.4p for black and white. you’ve been put off buying a SSD extra services. It’s a worthy successor Th is makes it very affordable to run. because of the cost, then now is to the original HomeMonitor, our fi nally the time to take the plunge. previous favourite security camera. ALTERNATIVE: Canon Pixma MX495 It’s slow, and black ink is pricey, but ALTERNATIVE: Samsung 850 Pro ALTERNATIVE: D-Link Wireless N Day this cheaper MFP has a paper feeder 256GB An even faster SSD, but it is & Night Camera A good-value security and fax too. £48 from www.snipca. much more expensive per gigabyte. camera with excellent night vision. com/17174 £110 from www.snipca.com/16498 £94 from www.snipca.com/15275

32 9 – 22 December 2015

USE PROMO CODE CA1215 FORA 15% DISCOUNT FOR ALL OF OUR PRODUCTS PU & LL Is KE OUT su EP Workshops & Tips e 464 Edited by Sherwin Coelho 14 pages of easy-to-follow workshopsas anndd expert tips

US 35 Fix Windows 10 40 Stop your router PL problems in one click being hacked 43 Readers’ Tips 47 Make Office Better 38 Resume broken 42 Download Google Maps 44 Phone & Tablet Tips 48 Secret Tips For... downloads to use offline 46 Make Windows Better Android 6.0 Fix Windows 10 problems in one click

What you need: FixWin 10, Windows 10 Time required: 30 minutes

n Issue 439’s Workshop ‘Fix 50 So if your PC keeps crashing, IWindows 8 problems with one you struggle connecting to the click’ (page 40) we explained how internet, your printer doesn’t to make the most of the free tool work or you’re running out of FixWin. Th ere’s now a new version storage space, FixWin 10 will help called FixWin 10 that’s specifically you fi x any of these problems designed to resolve problems with (and around 70 others) with the Microsoft’s latest operating system. click of a button.

STEP Th e download process for FixWin 10 differs slightly depending on which 2 1 browser you use. We’re using Windows 1 10’s new browser Edge, but it’s just as easy in Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. Go to www. snipca.com/18705, scroll down and click the blue Download File button 1 . Yo u’ll see a message at the bottom of your browser window 2 when the download is completed. Click Open 3 to see four fi les, double-click the FixWin 10 setup fi le, then click ‘Extract all’. 3

STEP Next, click Browse 1 , select a location for the folder’s contents on your PC (your Downloads folder 2 , for example), ensure ‘Show 2 extracted fi les when complete’ is ticked, then click the Extract 4 button 3 . When the folder opens, launch the FixWin 10 setup fi le 4 , then click Ye s to open the program. FixWin doesn’t create a Desktop shortcut, so you’ll need to launch this setup fi le every time you want to use it. Th e program opens on a Welcome screen providing basic information about your PC (version of Windows 10, processor, hard drive and so on).

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9 – 22 December 2015 35 Workshops

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STEP Before using FixWin, it’s a good idea to create a system STEP FixWin 10 contains six sections 1 , each containing a restore point so you can undo any changes you make if number of fi xes 2 . Every fi x has two buttons 3 . Th e 3 you’re unhappy with them. Click that option 1 . After a 4 question mark (?) button describes the problem in few seconds, you’ll see a ‘Restore point has been created more detail and explains what FixWin will do if you click the successfully’ message. Click OK, then click System File Checker Fix button. In most cases, clicking Fix will simply change a Utility 2 . Th is will scan your PC and fi x any corrupted fi les. value in your PC’s Registry or add a command to your PC’s Yo u’ll see a message informing you the scan is taking place in Command Prompt. First, click the Windows 10 section to see a the background. Click OK to see a Command Prompt window list of common problems reported by users after upgrading showing the progress of the scan. It takes about 10 minutes and their operating system. you’ll need to restart your PC if any problems are detected.

STEP Windows 10 hogs a lot of your hard drive, but syncing OneDrive can slow your PC further. If you 5 don’t use Microsoft’s cloud-storage service, click the ‘Disable OneDrive…’ Fix button 1 , then click OK 2 to confirm your changes upon reboot. Some options (like 1 OneDrive) also have a Revert button 3 , letting you undo the 3 action. If your Wi-Fi doesn’t work in Windows 10, then simply click the ‘Wi-fi doesn’t work after upgrading to Windows 10’ fi x 4 . Work through the list in this section to 4 fi x any other problems you have with Windows 10.

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STEP Next, click File Explorer 1 to see fi xes for problems associated with File Explorer, 2 6 Recycle Bin and your folders. Some options include a choice of two fi xes, so click 1 the question mark button 2 to see what each fi x does 3 . In this section you can recover a missing Recycle Bin icon, fi x a problematic DVD drive and restore folder thumbnails in File Explorer. Don’t worry if your problems aren’t resolved instantly because many fi xes require you to restart your PC before coming into effect. 3

36 9 – 22 December 2015 Fix Windows 10 problems in one click

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STEP Internet & Connectivity 1 addresses glitches with your STEP If you don’t fi nd a fi x elsewhere, you should check the broadband, Wi-Fi and fi rewall, which may be blocking Additional Fixes section 1 . Th is includes, for example, 7 certain content. If you use Internet Explorer, you can 8 the time-saving option of adding Hibernate to the apply a fi x that lets you download two fi les simultaneously ‘Shut down’ button 2 . Yo u can also fi x disabled Windows 10 (third fi x from the bottom). System Tools 2 contains two tabs. notifications 3 , corrupted Desktop icons and Office fi les that Th e System Tools tab 3 offers fi xes for your PC’s Administrator, won’t open 4 . Command Prompt, Registry Editor, Device Manager and Windows Defender. Th e Advanced System Information tab 4 provides detailed information about your PC, including RAM and screen resolution.

STEP Th e Troubleshooters section 1 doesn’t contain Fix buttons. Instead, it uses Windows’ built-in Troubleshooter to address 9 common hardware, software and network problems (including those relating to printers, audio recording/playback and 2 Windows Update). For example, if you can’t connect to the internet after applying some of the fi xes above, click Internet Connections 1 Troubleshooter 2 , then click Next 3 . Windows will begin scanning your PC for possible causes. If it’s a driver-related problem, for example, you’ll be taken to a website, where you can download and install the appropriate driver.

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STEP Th e Troubleshooters section also has four options at the bottom 1 . Th ese 10 deal with problems relating to printers and misbehaving apps (Mail, Calendar, Settings and Windows Store). To fi x any of these, click the relevant Download Troubleshooter link 2 . 1 Th is will either open a web page containing 2 information about how to resolve the problem, or direct you to a web page from where you can download a relevant fi le that will fi x the problem. Finally, click the Start button 3 , Power, then Restart to apply any pending changes. ● 3

9 – 22 December 2015 37 Workshops Resume broken downloads

What you need: Xtreme Download Manager; Windows 7, 8 or 10 Time required: 20 minuteses

f you’re downloading a large fi le broken download from its last I(for example, an HD video or a completed point. It also organises huge setup fi le) and your internet your downloaded fi les by category connection fails midway through the (documents, videos, programs) and process, you’ll need to restart from the lets you download Yo uTube videos in beginning. But not if you use Xtreme a few clicks. We also noticed that it Download Manager. It’s a brilliant, downloadsfiles much faster than free program that lets you resume a using a web browser.

STEP To download and install Xtreme Download Manager (XDM), go to 1 www.snipca.com/18722, click the Windows Installer link 1 , then run the setup 1 fi le 2 (it doesn’t contain any adware). When it loads, you’ll see the program’s features as a slideshow. Keep clicking Next until you need to click ‘Launch XDM!’ (alternatively, just click Skip). XDM requires a tool called FFmpeg – which automatically detects Yo uTube videos and gives you the option to download them – so click ‘Install Now!’ to download it. When that’s done, click Close, then OK. 2

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STEP Close XDM because it will automatically appear the next time you download a fi le. Th e program doesn’t 3 3 create a Desktop shortcut; instead it sits in your Taskbar’s notification centre. Now download any fi le as you normally would (by clicking its relevant ‘Download’ link). STEP Yo u now need to activate the Yo uTube Download Whereas previously the fi le would immediately start option, so click Enable, OK, Ye s, then OK again. downloading within your browser, you’ll now see a New 2 Lastly, you need to integrate XDM with your browser(s) Download window 1 , with three options. Click Download to be able to download fi les from it. In the Browser Integration Now 2 to begin. Yo u’ll see its progress as a percentage, along window, tick ‘Enable Browser Integration’ 1 to select all the with three options below – Hide, Preview and Pause. listed browsers. Now double-click the browser boxes to unselect the ones that you don’t use 2 . If you use Windows 10, then tick ‘Takeover downloads from Microsoft Edge’. Finally, click Apply 3 , then click OK (twice).

38 9 – 22 December 2015 2 1

3 2 1 3

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STEP If the download is interrupted for any reason (for example, if your internet 4 4 connection fails or you cancel the download by clicking Pause), the New Download window will disappear. Unlike browsers, XDM saves your broken STEP All your fi les are still downloaded to your PC’s Downloads folder download to its most recent point and lets you (which is the default). However, XDM has categories that let you resume it. Once your connection returns, open your 5 quickly locate a particular fi le. Click the All tab 1 , then click any Taskbar’s notification area, and launch XDM 1 . Now of the categories 2 to see its relevant downloaded fi les. Double-click the fi le click the Incomplete section 2 , select the fi le you you want to open. Right-click any of the fi les to see a menu 3 with a list of were downloading 3 , then click the Play button 4 to options – including to open the fi le with a specifi c program on your PC, resume downloading it. After that’s done, you’ll see copy it, or copy its URL. To delete a downloaded fi le, simply select it, click the option to open the fi le or open its parent folder. the bin icon 4 , then click Ye s.

STEP Every time you watch a video on Yo uTube, XDM saves its link in a small Download Video menu, 6 which appears at the bottom right of your screen. Click the menu to see a list of your watched videos, select the video you want to download, then click Download. Yo u 2 can also convert these downloaded videos (from the default MP4) to another format using XDM. To do that, open XDM, 3 locate the video (in the Videos section) 1 , right-click it, then click Convert Audio/Video. Here, you’ll see options 1 to change the converted fi le’s name 2 , its format 3 (XDM supports many popular video formats, including AV I, WMV and MPEG) and its default download location. Click Convert to begin.

STEP By default, XDM also saves the links 4 of Yo uTube videos you watch on other 7 websites (such as Facebook) to the 1 bottom-right Download Video menu. To stop this happening, click the ‘+’ button at the bottom left of XDM 1 to see the New Download window. Now type the website name (for 2 example, www.facebook.com) in the address fi eld 2 , click the More button 3 , then click ‘Don’t capture downloads from this address’. Th e Settings buttons 4 has useful options. For example, if you’re downloading a large fi le 3 and want to automatically shut down your PC after it has fi nished, select Advanced on the left, tick ‘Shutdown computer after download completes’, then click Save. ●

9 – 22 December 2015 39 Workshops

Stop your router being hacked

What you need: Avast Free Antivirus 2016; Any version of Windows (XPXP to 10) Time required: 30 minutes

vast’s latest free antivirus It also lets you fi nd and A(2016) is the fi rst version update obsolete drivers on to come with a home-network your PC, disable unsafe scanner. Th is scans your browser add-ons and create a router and any connected rescue disk to fi x a corrupted devices (for example, PCs, PC. Another new feature is a tablets, phones, printers and built-in password manager scanners), keeping them safe that lets you securely store from hackers. your passwords within Avast.

1

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2 2 3

STEP To download Avast Free Antivirus 2016, go to www. STEP After the scan, you’ll see ticks beside those areas where avast.com, scroll down the page and click the blue Free no problems were found 1 and crosses beside those 1 Download button 1 below Free Antivirus Essential. 2 that need fi xing 2 . Click ‘Resolve all’ 3 . Yo u’ll now see Now run the downloaded setup fi le 2 , then click Install. When more detailed information about the problems detected; click the program loads, click Continue twice, then click the ‘No, I Resolve to fi x them. If your PC is running slowly, for example, don’t want to protect my Android phone’ link at the bottom. then Avast may suggest downloading its (paid-for) PC Avast 2016’s new Smart Scan runs a quick, general check optimisation tool (Avast Cleanup). Instead, you should close the diagnosing seven PC problem areas – including viruses, window, then install and run the free CCleaner (www.snipca. outdated software and network threats. Click Run Smart Scan com/18760), which does the same job. to start the process.

1 STEP In this new version of its software Avast has redesigned the interface. To return to the 2 3 main screen at any time, click the Avast logo 1 . Th e program has four categories along the top – each containing a number of options. For example, to run a detailed scan of your PC’s router and internet connection, click Scan 2 , then click ‘Scan for network threats’ 3 . Th is checks all the devices connected to your home network. Click Resolve and follow the steps to fi x any problems. 3

40 9 – 22 December 2015 1 1

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2 3 2

STEP Yo ur PC’s security can also be compromised by STEP Another new feature is the ability to create a rescue programs that have not been updated and unsafe disk (USB or CD), which you can use to scan and fi x 4 browser add-ons. Go to the main screen, click Scan, 5 your PC if it becomes corrupted. First, insert a blank then ‘Scan for outdated software’. Click the Update button 1 USB stick (over 500MB) or a blank CD into your PC. Next, click beside any fl agged up as out of date. Now click the Software Tools on the main screen, then Rescue Disk. Select the inserted Updater Settings link 2 , tick ‘A llow update of system-wide device in the dropdown menu 1 , click Create Rescue Disk 2 , products for administrators only’, then click OK. Th is will select your inserted drive 3 , then click ‘Install on USB’ 4 . Th e notify you about programs that need updating. Now go to the process can take up to 30 minutes; click OK when it’s fi nished. main screen, click Scan, then click ‘Scan for browser add-ons’. Now if you suspect your PC has become corrupted, restart it, Yo u’ll see options to disable any unsafe add-ons following the insert the rescue drive, and press the relevant key to enter your scan. PC’s Boot Menu. Next, go to the Boot section, select the rescue disk drive and press Enter to scan and fi x your PC.

STEP To use Avast’s new password manager click the Passwords section in the main section, then click Overview. Th is will 6 check the passwords saved in your default browser and warn you of any weak 1 and compromised ones 2 . Click those boxes to see which accounts those passwords relate to. Next, click ‘Activate for free’ 3 . Th is lets you create a master password that safeguards your other passwords. Click Continue, type (and retype) your master password (ensuring it has a mix of upper- and lower-case letters 1 2 and numbers), then click Create Main Password.

3

STEP Now click the ‘Install extension’ link below your default browser (Avast supports 7 Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera). Th at browser will now open. Click the Enable Extension link within it. Th e next time you log into any website within that browser, you’ll see the option to save your password to Avast. To access these saved passwords, click the Passwords section in Avast’s main screen, then click Passwords. Yo u’ll 2 see all your saved accounts listed. Click an account, and you can copy its password 1 and paste it into the website login page. If you forget an account’s 1 password, click the eye icon 2 , then enter your master password. ●

9 – 22 December 2015 41 Workshops Download Google Maps to use offline

What you need: Android device Time required: 10 minutes

oogle Maps for Android now lets you downloaded maps can take up a few Gdownload areas of maps to use hundred MB, so only download them offline. Th is is particularly useful if when you’re likely to need them. Try to you’re travelling abroad because it lets download maps using a Wi-Fi network you receive step-by-step directions to ensure a speedier download and to without a mobile network. Depending save mobile data.The maps are on the size and nature of the area, automatically deleted after 30 days.

STEP Now open STEP If your selected Google Maps, area is more 1 type the name 2 then 50km by of the area you want to 50km, you’ll see a download offline (for 1 message telling you to example, Canary zoom into a smaller Wharf), then tap the area. After doing that, relevant autosuggest you’ll see a notification option to see that area. about how much space Pinch or expand your the downloaded map screen to select the will take up and the precise area you want available space on your to download for offline device 1 . Yo u can use. Next, tap the ‘x’ in zoom in and out of this the search fi eld at the area and move to the top (to clear the fi eld), left or right. When type ok maps into it 1 , you’re happy with then tap the Search your selection, tap icon 2 . Download 2 , name 1 your offline map, 2 then tap Save. 2

STEP Now whenever you’re within that downloaded area and don’t have network, simply open the Maps app and navigate to any place within that area. Tap the car icon 1 to see 3 your location 2 and time from destination 3 . To start your navigation, tap the blue arrow icon 4 . Search for any restaurant or business within the downloaded area and you’ll see its location as a red pinpoint. Tap the restaurant/business name at the bottom to see more info, 3 including its opening hours and contact number.

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ON SALE NEXT ISSUE 23 Dec 2 • Switch to a new PC without losing anythingng • Monitor your home online when awayay • Never miss a software update in 2016 • Master CCleaner’s brilliant new tools 4 Subscribe to Computeractive at getcomputeractive.co.uk

42 9 – 22 December 2015 Handy hints and tips from your fellow readers Readers’ Tips Email us your tips: [email protected]

TIPT OF THE FORTNIGHT Find oouutt hhooww manymany ‘days’ oolldd yyoouu are

Being an old softy and one of those wonderful website called www. suggests, you can enter any two dates in people that just love Christmas, I timeanddate.com. In the ‘Calculators & the Start Date and End Date fi elds, then wanted a way to count down the days to Timers’ section at the bottom left, click click the green ‘Calculate duration’ Christmas Day and came across a ‘Date-to-Date Calculator’. As its name button (see screenshot) to work out the number of days between them. For a bit of fun, I entered my date of birth in the fi rst fi eld, clicked the Today link in the second and realised I was 20,542 days old. I realised that my dad, (who’s 81) is only 64 days away from his 30,000th day! I’m planning to surprise him with a cake on that day, but not sure where I’ll ggeett tthhaatt many candles! Dave Henryry

The winner of every Tip of the Fortnight wins this exclusive Computeractive mug!

NAVIGATION NETWORK SOLUTION Send directions from Restore Windows 10’s your PC to your phone broken internet connection As a builder, I rely a lot on the I updated my PC to Google Maps app on my Android Windows 10 a few weeks phone to get me from one job to another. back. It did take some getting used To save time working out my directions to, but I can now say with some between jobs I’ve started using a new, confidence that I don’t miss useful ‘Send to Phone’ option in Google Windows 8.1 at all. However, Maps. Th is lets you send directions from one problem has plagued me your PC to your Android phone. since upgrading – my internet First, go to maps.google.com on your connection keeps cutting out PC, click ‘Sign in’ at the top right and log whenever I boot up my PC. I in with your Google account. Now type noticed this when I opened the your destination in the search fi eld at the Windows Store and saw an ‘error right). Finally, click OK twice and you’ll top left and select the correct autosuggest code’, which I copied and pasted into notice your connection will have been option. Next, click the Send To Yo ur Google to fi nd a fi x. restored. Phone option, then select your device If you’re having problems connecting Frank O’Connor (see screenshot below). On your device your PC to the internet and your you’ll see a notification offering two broadband connection is working fi ne, KEYBOARD SHORTCUT options – Navigate and Directions. Tap open the Windows Store. If you see a ‘The Take screenshots quickly in the one you want to use. error code is 0x80072EFD, in case you Windows 8 and 10 Gary Cornwell need it’ message at the bottom, then this I stumbled upon an easy way to take is how to restore your connection. screenshots on my new Windows 10 First, try following the steps outlined PC. Th is involves pressing three keys by Microsoft here: www.snipca.com/ simultaneously – the Windows key, the 18833, which worked for me. But I’ve Function key (to the left of the Windows subsequently found another simpler key) and the Print Screen key. Upon 10-second fi x. Press the Windows key+R pressing these three keys your screen will to open the Run dialogue box, type blink once. Th e fi rst time this happened, I inetcpl.cpl into it, then press Enter. thought that something had gone wrong Now click the Connections tab, then with my PC, but this is just your PC’s way click the ‘LAN settings’ button at the of indicating that a screenshot has been bottom. Next, tick ‘Automatically detect taken. Open File Explorer, click the settings’ at the top, and untick ‘Use a Pictures folder and you’ll fi nd a Screenshots proxy server for your LAN’ in the ‘Proxy folder containing all your fi les. server’ section (see screenshot above Brian Locke

9 – 22 December 2015 43 Phone and Tablet Tips Brilliant things to do on your device

ANDROID your device’s settings. However, iOS 9 Save precious storage space now lets you add the app to your Most phones and tablets come homescreen. To do that, open Settings, with only 16GB of storage space, tap iCloud on the left, then tap iCloud which isn’t a lot when you have to Drive on the right. Next, ensure the fi t in an operating system. Aside from iCloud Drive slider is turned on, then that, photos and videos are the main tap the ‘Show on Home Screen’ slider storage hogs. Google Photos (www. to turn it on. snipca.com/18781)– our favourite photo and video backup service – has now iOS added a useful option that lets you set the Use Firefox’s reading mode app to automatically delete media fi les Mozilla has launched a from your device that are older than 30 Firefox browser app for iOS days and have already been backed up. devices. If you currently use To do this, open the app, tap the three Firefox on your PC or on an Android lines at the top left, then tap Settings at Clarkson?’ and get the answer (55). device, the app will sync your bookmarks the bottom. Next, tap the new ‘Free up But now, the type of questions (and and browsing history across all your device storage’ option. Th e app will now answers) that the app can deal with has devices. Th e new app also has a useful fi nd all your device’s media fi les saved to been expanded. For example, you can ask reading mode that strips away adverts Google Photos and tell you how much the app superlative questions, such as and web videos and lets you customise space can be freed up by deleting them. ‘Who are the tallest Liverpool players?’ your reading experience by tweaking the Tap Delete, then Delete again to do that. and get Liverpool players listed according interface and font. Google says this feature will be added to to their height (tallest fi rst). Ask ‘What Install and open the app (www.snipca. the iOS app ‘soon’. are the most populated cities in the UK?’ com/18784), swipe through the to see a similar type of list (see screenshot introductory screens, then tap ‘Sign in to ANDROID & iOS above). Yo u can also ask questions about Firefox’ and log in (if you already have a Use Google’s improved a particular point in time. For example, Firefox account). Alternatively, tap Start voice-search tools try asking ‘What songs did Th e Beatles Browsing to skip the log in. Th e app has Google’s search app record in 1969?’. fi ve icons across the browser bar at the (Android: www.snipca. top. Th e fi rst contains tiles of websites com/18782; iOS: www. iOS you frequently visit; the second (star) snipca.com/18783) has added a number Add the iCloud Drive app icon contains websites you’ve bookmarked; of new features to its ever-expanding to yyour home screen the clock icon lists your browsing history; arsenal. Th e app was always good at Apple’s iCloud Drive cloud- the cloud icon contains websites you’ve providing answers to basic questions. For storage service has a simple bookmarked on another device; and the example, you could always tap the app’s website (www.icloud.com) book icon contains your reading list. mic icon, then ask ‘How old is Jeremy you’ve always been able to access via To use the reading mode, fi rst open any

Best New Apps What you should install this fortnight

YouTube Kids ClearView Box Free Gestures Free Android: www.snipca.com/18786 Free Windows Phone: www.snipca.com/18788 iOS: www.snipca.com/18787 Android: Box gives you 10GB of free cloud storage. Th is child-friendly YouTube app makes www.snipca. You can create and edit Office fi les directly the website easy to use and excludes com/18785 from within the app, and share fi les and ‘adult’ content. Th ere are four categories – Clearview folders instantly by sending a link. You can Shows, Music, Learning and Explore. Your Gestures lets you also pin your ‘favourite’ fi les to the Start child won’t need to log in and you can set a draw a simple screen for easy access – features that you timer to control how much they use it. gesture on the won’t fi nd in Microsoft’s OneDrive. screen to launch a specific action. For example, you can set it to call a particular family member when you draw the letter ‘A’, or to open your device’s settings when you draw an ‘S’. You can also use it to launch apps and send text messages.

44 9 – 22 December 2015 THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO ANDROID

Our new 148-page book tells you everything you need to know about Android, including the best appss and tips for thhee Lollipop and Marshmallow updates. article, then tap the small book icon that charge (see screenshot below left). W! appears in the URL bar. Th e article will Tap the ‘Now until next charge’ slider NE now open in a reading-mode view to immediately start conserving (minus adverts and video clips). Tap the battery. Tap ‘usage’ at the top to see A icon at the top to see options for as a percentage which apps are the customising the mode’s font style, font biggest battery drains. If you want to size, page theme and brightness (see permanently stop any of these apps from BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON screenshot above). To save this article running in the background, tap the app, at www.snipca.com/18829 offline, tap the small ‘+’ symbol (see top then tap the slider below it. right of screenshot). To access your offline articles, tap the tab number at the top right, the ‘+’ symbol (also top right) to Games With Kids open a new tab, then the book icon. What to play together on your phone and tablet WINDOWS PHONE Make your battery last longer AGES 05 Windows Phones have a setting Lola’s Learning World* that lets you conserve your £2.49 www.snipca.com/18790 (Android) device’s battery by turning off Free www.snipca.com/18791 (iOS) apps that run in the background Your toddler needs to choose an animal (including Facebook and Maps that avatar and complete tasks located on constantly update content and track your diff erent islands. Th e games will teach location). However, this setting isn’t your kids to recognise and compare turned on by default. colours, objects and numbers through To activate it, open your Notifi cation basic maths and matching-up challenges. Centre, tap All Settings, scroll down to the ‘system’ section, then tap ‘battery AGES 610 saver’. Here, you’ll see options to Smash Hit* automatically conserve your phone’s Free www.snipca.com/18792 (Android) battery when it has less than 20 per cent Free www.snipca.com/18793 (iOS) Smash Hit is all about timing and accuracy. You need to tap the screen at the right time to break the glass obstacles in your path and progress through each of the 50 levels. Your concentration levels will be tested because you need to hit moving obstacles that appear out of nowhere.

AGES 1116 Reverse Charades* Free www.snipca.com/18794 (Android) Free www.snipca.com/18795 (iOS) In this party game one person guesses the word/phrase, while their team acts it out. You can create up to four teams, select the number of rounds, set how long each one lasts and how many times teams can pass.

*Contains in-app purchases

9 – 22 December 2015 45 Make Windows Better Clever tips for every version

WINDOWS 10 Use improved version of Notepad WINDOWS 7, 8, 10 All versions of Windows come with Notepad, but the tool has Create a panorama using always been very basic. For Photo Gallery example, it only lets you undo your last action (not actions previous to that), it doesn’t provide a word count, you can’t search for words within your fi le and you can’t create another Notepad fi le within the same window. If you have Windows 10, you can use the new, free app Notepad Next to do all of these things. To download it, open the Windows Store, search for notepad next, download it, then click Open to launch the program. Yo u’ll see large buttons for common actions listed at the top and your line, word and character counts at the bottom. To open a new fi le within the same window, simply click the ‘New fi le’ icon (see screenshot below). Yo u usually need ‘Choose the programs you want to an advanced photo- install’. Now untick all programs editing program except ‘Photo Gallery and Movie and a degree of technical know-how Maker’. Click Install and follow the to merge adjacent views into a prompts. panoramic photo. However, Microsoft’s Open Photo Gallery and drag and free program Photo Gallery can do drop the photos from your Desktop this for you with excellent results. For into it (see screenshot). Next, click the convenience, save the photos you Create tab at the top of the program, want to merge (in the order you want then move your cursor over each of them to appear – from left to right) your photos and click the box at their on your Desktop. top left to select them. Finally, click the WINDOWS 10 Photo Gallery is part of Microsoft’s Panorama option at the top left. Yo u’ll Hack Edge to use with Windows Essentials package. To see a ‘Stitching panoramic photo’ WhatsApp Web download it, go to www.snipca.com/ pop-up message. When that’s fi nished, Previously, we showed you how 18850, click the purple ‘Get it now’ you’ll see the option to rename and to sync your WhatsApp button, run the setup fi le, then click save the panoramic photo to your PC. Messenger phone conversations to your PC browser using WhatsApp Web (see Workshop, Issue 445, page 42). Th is (with nine tabs) will open. Click the inside the border) and your phone’s feature only works in Chrome, Firefox, Emulation tab, change the User Agent WhatsApp messages will now sync to Opera and Safari. However, if you use String dropdown menu to Google Microsoft Edge. Windows 10, there’s an easy hack you can Chrome (see screenshot below), then carry out so you can use WhatsApp Web close the section. Immediately you’ll see a WINDOWS 7, 8, 10 with Edge, Microsoft’s new browser. QR code on your screen. Cycle through PC locations Open Edge and go to web.whatsapp. Now open WhatsApp on your phone, in Command Prompt com. Ignore the message saying you can tap the three dots at the top right, then Command Prompt lets only use the supported browsers (instead tap WhatsApp Web. Th is will activate you specify which PC of Edge) and click Edge’s More button your phone’s camera displaying a square location (file or folder) (the three dots at the top right). Next, border. Point the camera at the QR code you want a command to be carried out click F12 Developer Tools. A new section on your PC screen (making sure it’s in. Th ankfully, there’s an easy to way to automatically cycle through your PC’s locations (rather than typing them into Command Prompt). Open Command Prompt (using the search fi eld). By default, it opens in C:\Users\your name. Keep pressing the Tab key to cycle through your locations until you reach the one you want, then type your command.

46 9 – 22 December 2015 Make Office Better Expert tips for every program

OFFICE Check whether add-ins are OUTLOOK destabilising your program Yo u’re probably familiar with Change the ‘read’ status of your emails browser add-ons that extend the functionality of Chrome and Whenever you Firefox. Office programs (Word, Excel and receive a new PowerPoint) have similar tools called email in Outlook, ‘add-ins’ that let you add extra features. the number next to your To use add-ins, click the Insert tab, then Inbox at the top left will click Store in the ‘Add-in’ sections at the increase by one and the top. Like browser add-ons, Office add-ins new email is formatted in can sometimes make your programs bold in your Reading Pane. unstable. So if, for example, a program is By default, when you click loading slowly or crashing frequently, to read this new email in there’s an easy way to check whether an your Reading Pane, it add-in you recently installed is to blame. won’t lose its bold To do this, hold down the Ctrl key, then formatting and the launch the faulty program. Yo u’ll see a number next to your Inbox Click File at the top left, then pop-up prompting you to launch the won’t decrease. It’s only when you Options. Next, click Mail on the left, program in Safe Mode – click Ye s. Th e click another email (an older one, for the Reading Pane button, then tick the program will now open minus any example) that the formatting changes ‘Mark items as read when viewed in the add-ins. If it opens without problems and and the number decreases – indicating Reading Pane’ box (see screenshot). works fi ne, then you know the add-ins that the email has been ‘read’. It’s easy Type in the fi eld below to set how are responsible for any instabilities. To to change this default setting so that many seconds after clicking the email remove the faulty add-in, simply reopen Outlook shows an email as ‘read’ you want the formatting and number the program, click the Insert tab, then when you click it. to change. Click OK twice. click ‘My Apps’ (in the ‘Add-ins’ section). Now right-click the add-in, click Remove, then Remove again. save this template as a ‘cover page’ that you can reuse WORD whenever you want. Th e Create your own ‘cover pages’ easiest way to do this is by If you tend to lay out the fi rst using Word’s Cover Page page of your Word document option. If you click the in a particular way (your name, Insert tab, then the Cover address, an image or graphics, for Page dropdown menu at the example), then there’s an easy way to top left, you’ll see a selection of cover pages that you can click to add. It’s easy to create and add your own page to this group. First, open a new shortcut for a notebook, click the document and lay out its fi rst (cover) notebook dropdown menu at the top left page the way you want. Now select every of OneNote, right-click the notebook you element on the page, click the Insert tab, want, then click ‘Copy Link to Notebook’. the Cover Page dropdown menu, then Likewise, to create a shortcut for a click ‘Save Selection to Cover Page Gallery’ notebook section, right-click the relevant (see screenshot left). Next, name your section tab at the top, then click ‘Copy cover page, then click OK. Th e next time Link to Section’ (see screenshot above). you want to reuse this page for a document, Now right-click any blank area on your simply click the Cover Page dropdown Desktop, move your cursor to New in the menu, then click the page you created. menu, then click Shortcut. Click inside the location fi eld and press Ctrl+V to ONENOTE paste your copied shortcut link, then Create Desktop shortcuts for click Next. By default, the shortcut is your notebooks and sections named New Internet Shortcut, so rename If you use a particular notebook it, then click Finish. Now, whenever you or section within OneNote a lot, double-click this shortcut, it’ll take you then you should create a Desktop straight to your desired notebook or shortcut for it for easy access. To create a section.

9 – 22 December 2015 47 Secret Tips For…

Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) Find apps that slow you down, customise Quick Settings and play a secret game

Translate with a single tap the past three hours. Tap the down arrow Come across text in a foreign language to change this time period, or to order the that you don’t understand? Simply install list by overall use tap the menu (three the free Google Translate app (www. dots) then tap ‘Sort by max. use’. Tap an snipca.com/18486) and then, exclusive to app to see more information, then tap the Marshmallow users, you’ll have the ability ‘i’ icon for even more options – including to translate on the go. Just tap, hold and the ability to uninstall the app. drag to select the text, as you would when copying and pasting, then tap Translate Use Doze to save your battery in the pop-up menu for your translation Doze is a significant new feature of (see screenshot right). If the option Marshmallow, putting all apps into a doesn’t appear, tap the three dots to see kind of stasis to stop them from sapping Install Google Translate to use Marshmallow’s more options – you’ll fi nd Translate there. exclusive ability to translate with a tap your battery. Th at’s great, but usually this can also prevent apps from acting in the Customise Quick Settings Enable status bar battery way you want – even suppressing Swipe down from the top with two percentage notifications you consider important. fi ngers and you’ll open Android’s Quick Want to see at a glance how much battery Doze lets you control which apps are Settings pane. Th at’s nothing new, but the life you have left? Follow the previous tip affected. Tap Settings, followed by Battery, ability to customise it is. With Quick to enable System UI Tuner then, in the then the menu at the top right (three Settings open tap and hold the cog icon System UI Tuner page within Settings, dots) and choose ‘Battery optimisation’. for a few seconds until the ‘Congrats! swipe the ‘Show embedded battery Now tap the down arrow alongside ‘Not System UI Tuner has been added to percentage’ switch to its On position. optimized’ and choose ‘A ll apps’. Now Settings’ message appears. Now tap your just tap an app you want to exclude, home button, followed by Settings, and Find the memory hogs followed by the ‘Don’t optimise’ button, then the newly added System UI Tuner, Apps that use a lot of memory can slow and then Done. followed by Quick Settings. Next, tap down your device – and Marshmallow ‘Add tile’ to add icons, or remove one by has a new option that makes it easy to Unlock a secret game dragging and dropping it on to Delete. fi nd these. Tap Settings followed by Google typically Yo u can also rearrange an icon’s position Memory to see the list, which by default includes a hidden by dragging and dropping. shows the biggest users of memory over feature in each big new Android version, and Enable Developer Options Marshmallow’s Easter egg is a Android’s biggest secret weapon is a proper treat – a bunch of hidden tools known as full, playable Developer Options. Th e feature isn’t version of the itself new but every Android user popular Flappy should enable it, and there are a few Bird game. To new options unique to Marshmallow. unlock it, tap Using a secret code will reveal this Tap Settings followed by ‘About Settings then tap hidden free game in phone’. Next, tap ‘Build number’ seven ‘About phone’. Marshmallow times in quick succession and you’ll Now tap the see a ‘You are now a developer!’ Enable both and everything you do ‘A ndroid version’ heading three times message. Now go to Settings and tap online will feel quicker, because your – an M logo will appear. Tap this M once ‘Developer options’. Th ere’s loads to phone will fl it between Wi-Fi and to change it to the Android Marshmallow explore here but two great options are 3G/4G when one or the other’s signal is logo. Tap this logo several times then stop, ‘Aggressive Wi-Fi to Mobile handover’ low. Also set all the animation scale and tap and hold it. If you get it right, the and, if you’re on an unlimited data options (see screenshot) to make every game appears. Now tap once to play, then plan, ‘Mobile data always active’. window and menu appear instantly. keep tapping to keep the android airborne. Happy fl apping!

48 9 – 22 December 2015 For more tips on Android 6.0 buy our new book The Definitive Guide to Android www.snipca.com/18829 What’s All the Fuss About... Surround Wi-Fi Th ere’s a new way to guarantee a reliable connection from cellar to attic

What is it? A term coined by US router company Luma (https://getluma.com) to describe a new form of Wi-Fi. Th e technology connects several routers around your home to extend coverage, similar to how wireless speaker systems like Sonos play music in different rooms. How does it work? Yo u plug a Luma router into your modem, then open its app on your phonehone or tablet to fi nd out the best place to position others. Th ese connect with the fi rst router in order to ‘surround’ your home in a blanket of Wi-Fi, helping to eliminate dead spots and the need to is connected to each other, creating what simply boosting your Wi-Fi. Like Google’s re-connect as you walk from room is known as a ‘mesh’ network. new OnHub router (https://on.google. to room. Luma is very keen that you don’t mix com/hub), the Luma devices make it up the two. On its website the company much easier to control your Wi-Fi from Is it diff erent to using Wi-Fi says that its routers have “very little in one place. Using the app you can set range extenders? common with today’s extenders”. Now parental controls, block people trying to Ye s. Range extenders aren’t routers – they don’t ask again. access your Wi-Fi, and see which devices simply pick up then repeat the Wi-Fi in your home are connected to the web signal of your router. By contrast, each OK, but are they better than (see screenshot below left). Yo u can even router operating through Surround Wi-Fi range extenders? see what website someone else on the Th at remains to be seen. We’re certainly network is visiting, which may lead to in no hurry to bin our range extenders, some family fall-outs. We hope it’s as having seen some impressive results from easy as Luma makes it look in this video: them recently. Our sister title Web User www.snipca.com/18649. tested 11 extenders in July, awarding Gold to the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Do Luma’s routers look nice? (currently £140 from Amazon: www. We think they’re more pleasing on the snipca.com/18648). Silver went to the eye than most of the black boxes sitting Linksys RE6500 (£70 from Amazon: in our living rooms, but you can judge for www.snipca.com/18687). yourself in the main photo (above). As you can see, they are literally jumping for But extenders aren’t perfect, joy at the prospect of bathing your home are they? in Wi-Fi. Luma’s slick marketing will try No. Th e main drawback is that they to convince you that the routers are as effectively halve your bandwidth because exciting as a new laptop, phone or tablet, they rebroadcast the signal in both which is just as well because they cost directions between the router and the about the same. computer. Th is affects the streaming speed of music and video, but not But how expensive exactly? simple web browsing. Well, they’re not cheap – a pack of three costs $499. Th at converts to around £330, So should I ditch my extender? but as with most tech they will probably Not just yet, because the Luma routers cost more in the UK. If so, most people Luma’s app tells you which devices are using are available only in the US. And in any will stick with their uglier – but cheaper your Wi-Fi case, their appeal lies in more than – range extenders.

9 – 22 December 2015 49 Stop & Control WINDOWS UPDATES Microsoft has been causing chaos recently with its fl awed updates for Windows. Jane Hoskyn explains how to regain control of your PC

indows Update are two Microsoft has now surpassed itself with nothing new. Th e company has spent words guaranteed to strike Windows 10’s fi rst big update, which has months funnelling unwanted gigabytes of fear into the heart of any PC horrifi ed many users. Th e automatic Windows 10 fi les on to Windows 7 and W user. Yo u’ve already spent update – codenamed Th reshold 2 and 8/8.1 computers. And while Windows what seems like half your life staring at now known as the somewhat more Update problems go back to 2008 and the message “Installing update 1 of 128… prosaic ‘November update’– arrived beyond (see the SevenForums site, Installing update 2 of 128” before you can on the 12th of that month. An early www.snipca.com/18799), it seems to be actually use your computer. Th en there’s Christmas present for your shiny new getting much, much worse. At least you a second wave of updates to fi x all the operating system (OS), you may think. could switch off automatic updates in bugs in the fi rst wave. But once the wrapping was off and the Windows 7 and 8/8.1; you can’t in update installed, many users found they Windows 10, unless you disable Windows lost far more than they gained. Update completely (tip: don’t!). WHAT YOU CAN DO Yo u don’t have to be a conspiracy • Find out what Microsoft has Has Microsoft gone too far? theorist to see where this is heading. downloaded behind your back As we reported in Issue 463 (News, It looks to us like a warm-up for • Delete all update junk in Windows 7, page 6), the November update gave Microsoft’s grand plan: automatically 8/8.1 and 10 with one hand and took away with the installing Windows 10 on all Windows 7 • Uninstall the Windows apps that other. Th e stuff it gave wasn’t what you and 8/8.1 PC’s next year. Now we don’t Microsoft brought back wanted, and the stuff it took away know that for sure, but all signs • Reinstall programs you lost in the included third-party software you’d currently point that way. Windows 10 update relied on for years. Microsoft’s arrogance Over the next few pages we’ll show • Configure Windows Update to block was astonishing. Perhaps it felt you how to fi ght back and regain control unwanted updates - even in Windows 10 Christmas needed a goodwill antidote? over Windows Update, whatever version Of course, Microsoft’s impertinence is of the OS you’re using.

50 9 – 22 December 2015 Stop & control Windows updates

WHAT HAS WINDOWS UPDATE DONE TO YOUR PC?

Th e case of the missing The November programs update didn’t completely Th e apparent deletion of third-party delete your programs from users’ computers may tools – it hid be the most disgraceful side-eff ect of them in an obscure system Windows Update we’ve ever seen. folder Actually, “side-eff ect” is too polite a term. Th is was an assault on Microsoft’s rivals. Th e programs weren’t removed for compatibility reasons either – users who’ve reinstalled the tools since the November update have found that they run without a hitch. Expunged programs included CPU-Z and HWMonitor (both made by CPUID: www.cpuid.com/softwares.html); Speccy (by Piriform, maker of CCleaner: www. piriform.com) and spyware-killer SpyBot Search & Destroy (https://www.safer- Explorer, hover over ‘Windows (C:)’ in the the latest Windows Update scandal to networking.org)– all big Computeractive list of folders and drives on the left, then infuriate you this year. Following an favourites. See the full list of missing click the tiny arrow that appears. Yo u’ll uninvited visit from Windows Update programs on page 6 of Issue 463. For now see folders it contains, including in September, millions of Windows the full furious fallout from other users, Program Files, Users, Windows – and 7 and 8/8.1 users found a whopping see online forum Reddit (www.snipca. a new one called ‘Windows.old’. Click hidden system folder containing com/18800). this folder and you’ll see another Users Windows 10 fi les. And we mean Moreover, there were no release notes folder, where you should fi nd the “old” whopping – the fi les took up 6GB or explanations at all with the November programs Microsoft decided to shuffle of space, which is bigger than many update, just a self-congratulatory blog off into obscurity. portable hard drives. (www. snipca.com/18853). It is possible to recover programs from As mentioned in our report on the ‘Windows.old’, but we’d recommend fi rst 100 days on Windows 10 (Issue 461), Find your missing programs installing them afresh instead. Th is the folder was merely a pre-emptive gift Now for some good news. We’ve found way, you can be sure you’re getting the from Microsoft, containing fi les you the programs you thought you’d lost. latest versions, and that Microsoft hasn’t might need one day. It didn’t do anything Th ey’re no longer fully installed, so interfered with any settings. We’ll go other than hog space and slow down you can’t run them from ‘A ll apps’ or into more detail on replacing missing or users’ PCs. Just like the November by searching from the Start menu. But hidden programs later in this feature. update, this was an automatic, uninvited their essential remnants are stashed in download. It arrived whether you’d a system folder, created by Microsoft Find out if there’s Windows 10 registered your interest in Windows 10 during the November update. junk on your Windows 7 or 8 PC or not. Th e folder is easy to fi nd. Open File Windows 10’s November update is only Th at’s so arrogant it actually made

Before you can check for Windows 10 junk, you have to set your PC to Windows Update hid this huge system folder on millions of Windows 7 show hidden files and folders (see page 52) and 8/8.1 PCs

9 – 22 December 2015 51 us laugh, but it’s seriously damaging behaviour by Microsoft. Older PCs, YOU CAN’T CUT EDGE especially those running Windows 7, may be unable to cope with a sudden While Windows Update infl ux of data. Even if your PC is in was busy nicking users’ great condition and you do intend to favourite programs, it upgrade to Windows 10 at some stage, was also restoring their you don’t need these pre-emptive least favourite apps. No downloads – all the fi les you need are ‘Do you want this app online (www.snipca.com/18803), and our back?’, no OK button, sister site Alphr has full instructions for no nothing. Just a great downloading and installing them (www. big automatic waste of snipca.com/18804). people’s time. To see if you’ve got the rogue folder, According to several fi rst you’ll have to un-hide system folders apoplectic Reddit in Windows Explorer. Yo u can do this contributors (www. via the Control Panel. Click ‘Appearance snipca.com/18801), and Personalization’ and then, under the November update Folder Options, click ‘Show hidden restored default apps fi les and folders’. In the window that – including the much- opens, click the View tab, scroll down disliked Edge browser, the list under ‘Advanced settings’ and and unwanted game click ‘Show hidden fi les, folders, and apps such as Xbox (see screenshot) Reader instead of the dreaded Edge? Bad drives’, then click OK (see screenshot – that people had spent time and luck. Windows Update has changed the bottom left, page 51). If you see the folder effort getting rid of in their supposedly default back to Edge – which is now your ‘$Windows.~BT’ in your C: drive, you’ve customisable new OS. default browser again, too. got the pointless Windows 10 fi les. Th e update also reverted key PC Some reports suggest that these Removing the folder and its contents settings to Microsoft’s defaults, overriding annoyances are mere bugs, and they’ll be is no easy business, because Windows any changes you’d made. Have you spent fi xed by incremental automatic updates. Update downloads it again the next time time changing your fi le associations, for Th at remains to be seen, so keep an eye it runs. See our Workshop in Issue 460 example setting PDFs to open in Acrobat on our News pages for the latest. for help with removing it. REMOVE ALL WINDOWS UPDATE JUNK

Obliterate Windows Update overlooked tool is built into 7, 8/8.1 and leftovers 10, and works in the same way in all Littering PCs with junk isn’t a new versions. Better still, it’s recently been hobby for Windows Update. It’s been updated to include a new Windows at it for years. If you’ve been using Update Cleanup tool that deletes old Windows 7 on the same PC for a while, updates your OS doesn’t need. there could be several gigabytes of To get started, type disk cleanup into useless Windows Update leftovers Start and click Disk Cleanup in the clogging up your hard drive. results. In Windows 7 and 8/8.1, the tool It’s not just temporary fi les, caches automatically starts scanning your local and the like. Windows actually keeps hard drive (C:). In Windows 10, you’ll copies of all installed updates from need to choose the drive (‘disk’) you want Windows Update, even after it’s installed to scan. When the scan is done, you’ll see newer updates or newer versions. a list of CCleaner-style tick-boxes that To see how much update junk you’ve represent dispensable Windows junk. collected, and to obliterate it for good, use Th ere’s no ‘Windows Update Disk Cleanup. Th is useful and often Cleanup’ box – until you create one with a couple more steps. Disk Cleanup now supports Windows Update Click the ‘Clean up system Cleanup, a tool for obliterating old, obsolete fi les’ button (you’ll need update files admin privileges on the PC), and the initial scan will run Windows Update Cleanup box included again, but it’ll be more (scroll down to see it). thorough and take longer. To its right you’ll see how much space Eventually the tick-box old, obsolete updates are taking up on window will open again – your computer. On our relatively clean, Run Disk Cleanup to quickly scan for Windows junk and this time you’ll fi nd a recently wiped Windows 7 PC, old

52 9 – 22 December 2015 Stop & control Windows updates updates were already taking up 1.97GB (see screenshot, page 52 CAN YOU LEARN TO LIVE bottom right). WITH DEFAULT APPS? Tick the box, along with any other junk you want to clear (some Windows Update can’t force you are pre-ticked, such as ‘Temporary to love your default apps, but it can fi les’), then click OK. Restart your force them to stay on your computer. PC for the clean to complete. So should you just learn to live with them? Th at’s what you’ve been doing Delete apps Windows for years with the default apps on Update brought back your iPad, iPhone and Android tablet It’s annoying – even a little and phone, after all. scary – to delete a program or Android lets you uninstall updates fi le, restart your computer and and roll back to the original version of a fi nd that the “deleted” item is default app (such as Google) and clear still there. Th is is the kind of its cache and data, but you can’t remove behaviour we often see from the app itself. Apple’s iOS lets you do browser hijackers and other barely anything to its pre-installed dodgy fi les, and we recommend Apple apps. You can’t even remove the using the powerful free tool The PowerShell tool works with Command Prompt to icons from your screen. AdwCleaner (www.snipca. let you remove built-in apps By contrast, Windows 10’s com/18811) to get rid of them. pre-installed (and now re-installed) Microsoft gave no hint whatsoever that program in our last Cover Feature apps take up very little space relative to its November update would automatically (Issue 463), but unfortunately it seems hard-drive size, and their effect on your restore Microsoft apps you’d uninstalled, to have disappeared from the site we PC’s performance is minimal. so their return was disconcerting. mentioned on that occasion – the apps So while Unfortunately, there’s no ‘Ctrl+Z’-style directory UpToDown (www.snipca. Windows Update way to undo Windows Update (oh, if com/18831). Worry not – it still exists deserves a slap only) and restore the customisations and still works. Download it from its for putting back you’d set but Microsoft wiped out. For developer, Th e Windows Club (www. apps you didn’t example, to get rid of the rebounding snipca.com/18830). Scroll down the want, ultimately default apps you’ll just have to uninstall page and click the blue Download File it’s not a war them again. button. worth fi ghting. On Some Microsoft apps, including Office, Save and extract the ZIP, then right- your fast, fl exible Money, Skype, Windows Media Player click the program fi le (‘10AppsManager. Windows 10 PC, and News can be uninstalled simply by exe’) and select ‘Run as administrator’. they do very little right-clicking them in the ‘A ll apps’ list Click Ye s when prompted by Windows. harm – and one and then clicking Uninstall. Th is should Th e simple, square program window day you may also work for apps that were pre-installed contains a grid of Microsoft apps, even fi nd one of by your PC maker. including some – Xbox, Mail and them useful. Other Microsoft apps – such as Mail, Calendar – that you can’t uninstall by Messaging and Xbox – need a more right-clicking in the ‘A ll apps list’. In 10 persuasive approach. Yo u have a couple Apps Manager, click the app you want option is to use Windows PowerShell of options. First, use the free portable to remove, then click Ye s. and the Command Prompt (find tool 10AppsManager (www.snipca. 10AppsManager can’t remove all built-in instructions here: www.snipca. com/18830). We mentioned the apps, however. An even more powerful com/18826). Microsoft’s TechNet site also has information and tips on using PowerShell with the Command Prompt to get more control over Windows 10 and its updates (www.snipca.com/18878). But even that strategy won’t edge out Edge or drive out Cortana. Yo u could dig deep into Reddit (www.snipca. com/18827) for Registry hacks that may get rid of these irritants, and they may even work. But we’d bet our last tuppence that they’ll be back with the next automatic Windows 10 Update. Th e only real solution to keeping unwanted Microsoft apps off your PC, at least temporarily, is to tweak your Windows 10 Update settings. We’ll show Remove stubborn Windows 10 apps quickly and easily using free tool 10AppsManager you how in the next few pages.

9 – 22 December 2015 53

Stop & control Windows updates

BRING BACK THE TOOLS WINDOWS UPDATE REMOVED

Restore programs from You can restore Windows.old programs from ‘Windows.old’, but As mentioned on page 51, the November there are better update saw Microsoft move some of your solutions favourite programs to the mysterious ‘Windows.old’ folder. It is possible to restore programs from this folder. Microsoft hasn’t yet updated its site to explain how to do this in Windows 10, just Windows 8.1 (www. snipca.com/18835). Funny how Microsoft is so eager to impose dramatic OS updates but can’t update its own website with vital information. Luckily, the steps used to restore programs in Windows 8.1 seem to work in Windows 10 as well – up to a point. always a wise move before you install spot one of the programs that was In short, open the Windows.old folder, software. But it’s especially important in kidnapped by Windows Update, click the open Users and then open your username this case, because you have no way of Uninstall (or ‘Quick Uninstall’) button folder. Find your missing program fi les knowing what Windows Update did to next to it. Wait a few moments for the and copy and paste them back into the programs it moved. program to be removed. Program Files or on to your Desktop. Install and run the free tool IObit IObit will then automatically check We tried this and found it hit and miss Uninstaller (www.snipca.com/18839), for leftovers in your Registry. If there at best. Yo u can’t just make a program then scroll through its list of your are none, you’ll see a box saying so. work again simply by pasting it on to installed programs and plug-ins. If you Th at’s it, job done. your Desktop. Instead, we recommend If there are leftovers, tick the top box in emptying the Windows.old folder the window that opens (see screenshot completely and reinstalling your lost bottom left)– this automatically ticks all programs from scratch. the sub-boxes as well – and then click Delete to get rid of them all. Uninstall missing programs fi rst We recommend reinstalling your Reinstall missing programs missing programs from their developers’ from scratch sites rather than messing around with On page 51 we mentioned some of the Windows system folders. But fi rst, you programs the November update meddled should completely uninstall them and with – including Computeractive their leftovers. favourites Speccy and CPU-Z– and gave Uninstalling previous versions of The best way to restore programs is to links to their developers’ sites. In the box programs – and their leftover fi les – is download them from the maker’s site on the next page you can fi nd links for all the programs Microsoft removed, along with links for portable versions of the programs if available. By downloading and installing programs from their makers’ sites, you can be sure you’re getting the latest (and legitimate) version. Yo u can also see release notes of the kind Microsoft couldn’t be bothered to include with the November update, and get help from the developer and other users. Use portable programs No-one outside of Microsoft (or perhaps even inside Microsoft) knows what the next big update – codenamed Redstone and due in spring 2016 – will bring. Yo u’d be forgiven for assuming it’ll just remove all your reinstalled programs and put back all those unwanted apps – again. Remove previous installations and Registry leftovers before you reinstall a program To help ensure the next update makes

9 – 22 December 2015 55 you slightly less angry, keep portable fi les to the free web tool VirusTotal versions of the programs Windows (www.virustotal.com) to check Update seems to dislike. they’re malware-free before you CPU-Z, Speccy, HWMonitor and SpyBot run them. all have portable versions. Find all the Th e upside is that Windows Update download links in the box below. Th ese can’t touch them. Th e next big portable programs can be run directly Windows 10 update can sweep away from the program fi le (usually an EXE as many installed programs as it likes fi le, which may need to be extracted – but it can’t take away the portable from a ZIP fi le fi rst). tools you’ve stored on your USB. Yo u can then copy and move this EXE – or the ZIP, which may include helpful Make up your mind, Microsoft extras such as release notes and help fi les In early November Microsoft – to useful storage locations such as a launched a Media Creation Tool that USB stick, external hard drive, Google would let users install the November Drive and more. update manually or save it as an USB sticks are the most useful option ISO for installing later. because they let you run the tools easily Th e tool was free to download and safely on older computers, such as (www.snipca.com/18877), then your old XP laptop, without the need to Microsoft removed it, frustrating go online. everyone trying our ‘Master Windows Th e main downside of portable 10’s updated tools’ Workshop. A programs is that they can’t be patched few days later it was back, with automatically, so you’ll need to make sure Microsoft blaming a bug that you’re using the latest version. It’s also changed privacy settings (see Download the portable (‘ZIP’) version of CPU-Z to good practice to upload portable program ‘Question of the Fortnight’, page 10). keep it safe from Windows Update

WHERE TO GET THE PROGRAMS MICROSOFT TOOK AWAY

In Issue 463 (News, page 6) you’ll fi nd More info: www.piriform.com/ More info: www.safer- the full list of programs Windows Update speccy networking.org swept away with its self-serving broom. Some of these programs we can SPYBOT 8GADGETPACK happily live without; others we’ll fi ght to Installable: www.snipca. Installable: 8gadgetpack. get back. So here’s where to get the latest com/18857; click red Download net; click blue Download versions of the programs we didn’t want button. No need to click Donate button (ignore the ‘Update to lose. Some are available in various or Upgrade; this is free software. Drivers Now’ button at the versions: installable, portable and even Portable: www.snipca. top; it’s an advert). Th ere as Android apps (we couldn’t fi nd any com/18860 (PortableApps. are no unwanted extras in official equivalents for iOS). com). You may fi nd many more the installer. Th e program useful portable system tools adds a configurable gadgets CPU-Z on PortableApps.com site, sidebar to Windows 10 (see Installable: www.snipca.com/18854; but always test the fi les in screenshot; for some reason click ‘Setup English’ VirusTotal fi rst. it thinks we’re in New York). Portable: www.snipca.com/18854; click ‘ZIP English’ Android: www.snipca.com/18880 AND THE PROGRAMS WE’VE LOST FOR GOOD…PERHAPS More info: www.cpuid.com PCMeter (http://addgadgets.com/ but Adobe’s. Adobe wanted users to pc_meter). We downloaded this to our switch to the new subscription service, HWMONITOR Windows 10 PC but it wouldn’t run. Adobe Creative Cloud (www.snipca. Installable: www.snipca.com/18859; com/18863), instead. click ‘Setup English’ Adobe Creative Suite (www.snipca. If you’ve ever lost a very expensive Portable: www.snipca.com/18859; com/18861). Th is can still be downloaded version of Adobe Creative Suite 5 click ‘ZIP English’ from some mirror sites, but it’s after upgrading a Mac, you’ll understand More info: www.cpuid.com unlikely to run in Windows 10. Even Windows 10 users’ fury. Adobe CS Mac OS X– the natural home of is not cheap, and suddenly it’s SPECCY Adobe’s graphics tools – removed Adobe completely useless following an Installable: www.snipca.com/18855; CS from users’ computers following update that gave Windows users no click fi rst Download button (‘Installer’) “free” OS updates a couple of years warning of its consequences for Portable: www.snipca.com/18855; click ago. Th is wasn’t Microsoft’s fault, certain software. second Download button (‘Portable’)

56 9 – 22 December 2015 Stop & control Windows updates

TAKE BACK CONTROL OF WINDOWS UPDATE Fix your violated Windows 10 settings AUTOMATIC UPDATES: FRIEND OR FOE? Missing programs, resurrected apps, and Windows 10 was sold to us unwanted reinstalled drivers are just as a powerfully customisable some of the things you didn’t ask for in system. Building on the Windows 10’s major update, but you got fl exibility of Windows them anyway. It all suggests that 8.1, Windows 10 would Microsoft wants to crack down on user supposedly give you the control – and can leave you feeling that freedom and tools to create it’s not even your computer anymore. the OS you’d always wanted. However, it is possible to restore many Th e November update did of the settings affected by November’s bring good news for users of update. Th e simplest method is by going the Enterprise and Education to Settings in the Start menu, then editions of Windows 10, who clicking System. Click links in the menu now have more freedom to on the left to configure items including configure and defer Windows updates ‘Default apps’, ‘Notifications and actions’ Windows 10, and we’ll explain a simple (www.snipca.com/18870). (where you can get rid of unwanted ‘tips option on page 58. But please approach But the rest of us have less control over about Windows’) and Display (where you all these hacks with caution. Windows Update than ever before. Is can adjust brightness, text size and so on). Windows Update can be a pain in Microsoft’s ultimate goal to turn your PC the neck, but it’s far more useful alive into its eyes, ears and voice, Big Brother- than dead. Its main job is to keep you style, with no third-party upstart tools safe by patching security holes, thereby getting in the way? protecting you from malware. If enough people switch off Windows Update, FRUSTRATING BUT SAFE cybercriminals could use their unpatched Microsoft’s apparent control-grab isn’t PCs to create a botnet, spreading malware all bad. One of its more extreme critics worldwide. on Reddit (www.snipca.com/ 18864) Let’s face it, an uninstallable ‘Groove suggests: “Just disable the Windows Music’ app is annoying, but it’s a lot easier Update process and be done with it”. to live with than the consequences of Don’t do that! Seriously, don’t. switching off the automatic security You can use various Registry hacks to updates that keep you safer in Windows cancel or modify automatic updates in 10 than ever before.

Restore settings such as notifications, default apps and text size in System Settings Uninstall unwanted drivers and updates Yo u can remove any driver that’s surplus to your needs in Windows 10 by uninstalling it along with its associated software. Right-click the Start button (Windows 10 logo), then click Device Manager in the list that appears. Yo u’ll also fi nd useful system tools such as Command Prompt and Run in this list. Uninstall updates only if you’re sure you can lose them safely, and never uninstall security updates Device Manager contains a list of driver types. Click the little arrows next to each including security updates and the Hide unwanted updates from type to see the drivers, then right-click November update. Yo u may need to Windows Update an unwanted driver and click Uninstall. scroll to the right of the window to see As you’ll have gathered by now, the When the uninstall box opens, tick the installation dates. Yo u can uninstall trouble with removing unwanted items is ‘Delete the driver software for this device’. an update by right-clicking it and that they’ll bounce back with the next big It’s just as easy (though potentially clicking Uninstall. Windows update. risky) to uninstall an unwanted Windows Note that security updates are vital for However, you can “hide” certain items update. Type installed into the Start keeping your PC safe, so please don’t from incremental updates, which happen search box and click ‘View installed uninstall them unless you have hard regularly between the big updates like the updates’. Here, you’ll see a list of updates, evidence for doing so. one we saw in November. Yo u can do this

9 – 22 December 2015 57 Stop & control Windows updates

using a tool made by none other automatic driver downloads. than Microsoft itself. Go to the Th e screenshots at the bottom of relevant Microsoft Support page the page compare the default (www.snipca.com/18868), click the download options in Windows 7 blue ‘Download the “Show or hide (left) and Windows 10 (right). We’ve updates” troubleshooter package not changed any options, typifying now’ link towards the bottom of the differences between update the page, and then open the fi le, settings throughout Windows 7 and which has the catchy name Windows 10. ‘wushowhide.diagcab’. Th e program window opens Tweak Windows Update automatically. Click Next to scan for without disabling it installed updates, then click ‘Hide Yo u can switch off Windows Update updates’ and tick any you want to in Windows 10, as suggested by our “hide” from Windows Update. You can ‘hide’ unwanted updates using Microsoft’s angry friend in Reddit (see box page Now for the bad news. Th is tool troubleshooter tool 57). Here’s how, if you really want was fi rst launched during the to. Open the Control Panel, type Insider Preview testing phase, and while Yo u can remove and hide them, but services in the search box and then click it still exists and works, it’s not as like the Terminator they’ll be back. ‘View local services’. In the box that effective as it was. Now, if you hide an Microsoft is now your boss. opens, scroll to Windows Update, item, it will be blocked from reinstalling Yo ur only alternative to full automatic right-click it and click Properties. Th en – but only until, in Microsoft’s words, driver updates is to switch them off open the ‘Startup type’ dropdown box, “a new driver or updated fi x is available”. altogether, which we think is mean- click Disabled and then OK. So you can hide unwanted updates – but spirited of Microsoft and potentially Th at’s it – you won’t get any more the next incremental update may force hazardous. To do this, type installation in updates, and your PC will turn into a them back on to your PC. the Start search box and click ‘Change playground for cybercriminals. At the risk device installation settings’ (same goes for of repeating ourselves, we strongly advise Take back driver control Windows 7 and 8/8.1). In Windows 10, against doing this. Instant, automatic In Windows 8/8.1 and more so in 7, you you’re then asked: ‘Do you want to security updates are a huge advantage have plenty of control over the drivers automatically download manufacturers’ of Windows 10. you update – which drivers, where to apps and custom icons?’. ‘Yes Instead, tweak Windows Update to give download them from and when to install (recommended)’ is selected by default; no you a little more control. In the ‘Startup them. In fact in Windows 7 the default surprises there. Th e only other option is type’ dropdown box, select ‘Automatic setting was (and still is) ‘No, let me ‘No (your device might not work)’. Click (Delayed start)’ to ensure your PC doesn’t choose what to do – Never install driver it, and then click Save Changes. suddenly do a restart while you’re in the software from Windows Update’. Th at’s it – all or nothing. If you change middle of something. Windows 10, by stark contrast, sets all your mind, repeat the steps above and Alternatively, open Settings, click drivers to install automatically by default. click ‘Yes (recommended)’ to restore ‘Update & Security’, ‘Advanced options’, and then select ‘Notify to schedule restart’ from the dropdown box. Next time an update is due (major or otherwise), you’ll get an alert offering you to change to delay restart, so you’ve got time to save your work. Yo u may notice an option to ‘Defer upgrades’ in Settings – this is only available to members of the Insider Program. Yo u can still join the free Program (https://insider.windows.com) to get beta updates in advance, to defer In Windows 7 you can choose which drivers to In Windows 10, you have no control by default your updates – and to get the chance to install – and when – by default – your alternative is no driver updates at all tell Microsoft exactly what you think.

ON SALE NEXT ISSUE On sale Wednesday 23 December 23 Dec Plus • Ditch your tablet’s browser DON’T GET HACKED What to use instead Your complete guide to staying • Windows 10’s controversies IN 2016 safe next year Our definitive verdict

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58 9 – 22 December 2015 Stay mentally fit with brain -training apps

As new research shows how apps can help you stay mentally fi t, Daniel Booth recommends fi ve you should try

We all know that as we get older, we typically play for long enough NeuroNation should try to stay physically active. Well, before being forced to pay to Android: the same is true of our brains. We need to judge whether it’s worth the www.snipca.com/18775 keep challenging that ageing grey matter money. iOS: to make sure our mental alertness doesn’t www.snipca.com/18776 deteriorate. Lumosity Th is feels the most Do computer games count as mental Android: www.snipca.com/18764 scientific game here, with exercise? Some medical professionals iOS: www.snipca.com/18765 the type of questions you’d have always been sceptical, saying that Probably the best known expect in a Mensa test. Just the alleged benefi ts, such as boosting IQ brain-training app, Lumosity tackling the problems and preventing dementia, have been is now played by 70 million makes you feel smarter, exaggerated by game companies in order people. Th e reason for its regardless of whether you to fuel a multi-billion pound industry. success becomes clear within Make sense of this? resolve them or not. We But new evidence suggests that games minutes of playing: you’re Then you should try echo the thoughts of the really are good for you. In a study funded given a tough mental workout, NeuroNation 2007 World Memory by the Alzheimer’s Society, researchers at testing your problem-solving Champion Gunther Karsten, the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology abilities and memory recall, but at who said: “I don’t know any other program and Neuroscience at King’s College no point does it feel like a chore. that is equally intensive and effective”. London found that brain-training games It helps that the games are short, mostly could have “signifi cant” benefi ts for older around 30 seconds, leaving you plenty Peak people carrying out everyday tasks. of time every day to tackle the Times Android: www.snipca.com/18773 Th e research involved almost 7,000 crossword. iOS: www.snipca.com/18774 adults aged over 50 and claims to be the Sudoku fans, look away now. Th is app fi rst to evaluate the impact of computer- Elevate wants you to swap your grid-filling based brain training on how well people Android: www.snipca.com/18768 number crunching for its suite of games can perform their daily activities (read iOS: www.snipca.com/18769 that boost memory, sharpen attention more on the Alzheimer’s Society’s Elevate’s creator, Jesse Pickard, says he and develop mental agility. At the end, it website: www.snipca.com/18763). wants to help you “get to a better place”. shows your brain “in a nutshell”, Inspired by this research, here we By this he means boost your mental revealing what you’re good at. It showed recommend fi ve of the best brain- agility, not pay your moving expenses to a that our language skills are fi ne, but we boosting apps. None, sadly, is completely villa in the south of France. But his need to improve our, erm, um… sorry free - you have to pay to unlock extra self-help jargon hasn’t put people off where were we - oh yes, we need to levels and games. But you can – over 5 million people installed Elevate improve our focus. within fi ve months of its launch last year, and Happify Apple named it the best Android: www.snipca.com/18777 iPhone app of 2014. iOS: www.snipca.com/18778 We can see why. Its Let’s end by giving our brain a rest and games aim to improve concentrate on “emotional” fi tness. Th at’s how you speak, listen, the aim of Happify, which offers games to write and read by “banish negative thoughts”. Yo u can’t testing your grammar beat the logic – the happier we are, the and increasing your more we’ll enjoy life, hopefully boosting vocabulary. Everyone at our physical and mental wellbeing. Computeractive is using Happify claims that 86 per cent of its it, so buy our next issue users feel better within two months. Email Lumosity tests your memory and problem-solving skills to see if it really works! us in February and tell us if you do.

9 - 22 December 2015 59 Use multiple accounts in Windows 10 In Windows 10 you can create separate accounts for everyone in the family. Barry Collins reveals why this is such a great idea

efore Windows 10, most PCs details, choose ‘Add someone else to this were operated from a single PC’ under ‘other users’. user account. Th at means the If other family members are happy to Bcomputer belongs to one use a Microsoft account, open Settings person, and one person only. from the Start menu and choose the Windows 10 now allows every family Accounts option. Click the ‘Family & member (and friends, colleagues or other users’ tab on the left-hand side of people visiting for the weekend) to set the window that appears, then click ‘Add up their own dedicated account. Each a family member’. Yo u’ll now be asked separate account owner can have their whether you’re setting up an account for own private email account, document an adult or a child, and prompted to folders, Desktop wallpaper, Windows enter the new user’s email address. Yo u’ll apps and customised Start menu. You’ll be asked to choose whether the account then be asked to set up a Microsoft It’s not the same as setting up virtual is for a child or adult for safety features account (if you don’t already have one PCs – which is where you are effectively registered to that email address), then creating an entirely new system inside or even grandchildren, to fi nd this follow the on-screen instructions. the same physical hardware - but the feature useful. benefi ts are similar and it’s much quicker If you’re in a household of adults and Turn a standard account and easier to do. Here we’ll show you how. grown-up children, it doesn’t really into an admin account matter which option you choose. Yo ur By default, the person who fi rst set up the Set up accounts for main decision will be whether you want PC will be the ‘administrator’ and any family members to use a Microsoft account or not. secondary accounts added will be given When you’re setting up a new account, If you’d rather not, you can set up a ‘standard’ status. Windows 10 makes a distinction between completely local account. Th is means you Standard account holders have fewer family members and ‘other’ users. Th e won’t be able to sync settings, bookmarks privileges: they can’t install most software main reason for this is to allow adults to and so on across diff erent PCs using your without the administrator’s password; monitor their children’s accounts: giving Microsoft account, and it can make they can’t view the personal folders them permission to download apps, set buying Windows Store apps more tricky. (documents, photos and so on) of other times they can use the computer and so But if you’re determined not to give account holders; and they have limited on. But you don’t have to have children, Microsoft your email address and other access to PC settings.

FIVE BEST REASONS TO USE WINDOWS 10 ACCOUNTS

You save money No one account Every family Security is greatly Standard account 1 by buying one 2holder can see 3member can have 4 improved by 5holders can’t Windows 10 PC another account their own Windows preventing standard view each other’s and turning it into a holder’s browser settings, Desktop account holders from personal folders, so computer everyone history – so nobody’s wallpaper and Start inadvertently installing your fi les can’t be can use in their own going to spot those menu set-up, making it software (including accidentally deleted way, in private. surprise holiday plans. feel like their “own” PC. associated adware). by other people.

60 9 – 22 December 2015 Use multiple accounts in Windows 10

ACCOUNTS FOR YOUR GRANDCHILDREN

Say what you like about kids spending too long staring at screens, but you have to admit - if you’re babysitting your grandkids, your PC will suddenly look like a very good way of If you find standard accounts too restrictive, keeping them amused. it’s easy to switch to admin Windows 10 lets you set up child accounts. Th ese accounts Th e original idea was based on letting are designed to prevent kids use their parents’ computers without youngsters installing software, creating havoc, but these standard moving fi les around and account privileges may seem somewhat messing up your settings. restrictive for those of us who just want It also gives you (as to share our computers with family administrator) a range of controls over every website the child visits, plus an alert members. For example, if you want to children’s accounts, including limiting if they attempt to visit an “adult” site. install a program when the administrator the hours in which they can use the Child accounts can even be managed is out of the house, you can’t. PC, and the option to block or allow remotely using another PC or tablet via Th ankfully, you can upgrade a access to certain websites. Parents and the site https://account.microsoft.com/ trusted secondary account holder to grandparents will even get a full list of family (see screenshot). administrator status. Th e original administrator needs to do this. Go to Settings, Accounts, then ‘Family & other Share programs and users’ and select the relevant account- apps with other users holder’s name. Click ‘Change account Any traditional PC software, such as type’ and select Administrator. Microsoft Office, that’s already been installed on the PC by the administrator Add a temporary guest account will be available to all account holders. If you have friends or extended family When the administrator installs software members coming to stay, you can set in future, they will be asked if they want them up with their own accounts on your the program to be available to every user PC. Th ese guest accounts don’t give them on the PC or just to themselves. access to your fi les, email and so on. Windows Store apps aren’t shared, but Go to Settings, then User Accounts and there is a workaround for this. If the select ‘Add someone else to this PC’ under administrator has already paid for an app ‘Other users’. If the guest already has a or game, he or she can share it with a new Microsoft account, they can enter their account holder after taking a few steps. In Click the tiny blue link to create a user account email address or phone number to retrieve the new account, open the Windows Store without handing over an email address all the settings, bookmarks and apps that and then click the account holder’s profile are stored in their account. icon next to the search bar. Click the these to the new account (see screenshot If your guest doesn’t have a Microsoft account at the top of the dropdown menu, below left). Make sure the administrator account, or if they don’t want the fuss click the account holder’s name and sign signs out again when you’ve got all the of registering an account with Microsoft, them out. Th en sign in again, this time apps you need. click the small ‘I don’t have this with the administrator’s account details. person’s sign-in information’ link at Now go to My Library and you’ll see a Create accounts for certain apps the bottom of the screen requesting an list of apps owned by the administrator. Th ere’s a new option in Windows 10 email address. Th en on the next screen, Click the little arrow to download any of called ‘Assigned access’, where a user click the tiny ‘Add a account can access only one specifi c user without a Windows Store app. For example, you Microsoft account’ could create an account just for the link (see screenshot Netflix app (www.snipca.com/18724), above right) at the Dropbox (www.snipca.com/18725) or the bottom. Yo u’ll be Kindle app (www.snipca.com/18723). asked to choose a To set up assigned access, create a username and secondary account (see above) and password for the then go to Settings, Accounts, ‘Family & new account. other users’ and click the small ‘Set up assigned access’ link at the bottom of Download apps to secondary accounts the page. Choose the user account and by clicking the arrows app, then restart your PC.

9 – 22 December 2015 61

Problems Solved

PROBLEM OF THE FORTNIGHT What’s causing this startup Has 7-Zip installed malware on my PC? message? I followed some online Q advice and installed Every time I start my Windows 7-Zip (www.7-zip.org), Q 8.1 computer a message pops because it’s apparently one of up saying “The Start menu the best programs for was updated to the latest version”, along compressing fi les.I use it to with a list of things that are new. Th is reduce the size of the photo pop-up has no claimed ownership, so I archives generated during my don’t trust it – and there’s only an OK various birdwatching button so I can’t clear it. What does it expeditions, and I have to say it mean, how might it have got there in all seems to work very well. the fi rst place, and how can I now get However, soon after I installed rid of it? it I noticed a new option on the John Hall right-click menu in Windows. Well, two new options – but It means you might’ve installed only one concerns me. Right A something that’s come with a below the 7-Zip entry is one potentially unwanted program called ‘CRC SHA’ . If I click this a (PUP). We’ve said before that PUP is sub-menu opens with lots of something of a misnomer because cryptic entries, such as ‘CRC- virtually always such tools are actually 32’ and ‘SHA-1’. I have no idea unwanted, if not downright harmful. what these options are or what In this case, because of the specifi c this menu is for, or even if it Hide 7-Zip’s CRC SHA right-click option by unticking wording of the message you’re seeing, we relates to 7-Zip. Obviously, I its box in the Tools options think you have Pokki. Th is isn’t harmful daren’t click any of them. but is very typical of a PUP, and we’d However, I think it appeared around internet, the real point of cryptographic recommend removing it. Fortunately, the same time I installed 7-Zip, and it’s hashes is to enable users to verify that it’s pretty easy to do. directly beneath 7-Zip in the menu. they’re downloading original code. In Windows 8.1, press Windows key+X, Has 7-Zip installed malware on my PC? Let’s say you download a program select Control Panel, then click ‘Uninstall Or have I picked up an infection from and notice that the developer has a program’, under Programs. Yo u need to somewhere else? published an SHA1 hash code for it. uninstall up to four items: Pokki, Pokki Bernie Withers Once the fi le has downloaded to your Download Helper, Host App Service and PC, you can right-click it, point to the Start Menu. Depending on how you 7-Zip has not installed CRC SHA menu added by 7-Zip and picked up this PUP, only one or two of A malware on your PC and you then choose SHA1. A box will open these might be present. Click each entry have not picked up an with a hash code. If this matches the to select it, then click Uninstall followed infection from elsewhere. Th is sub- one published by the developer, then by Ye s. Now restart your PC. menu was added by 7-Zip, though that you know the fi le is legitimate. fact wasn’t made clear – and nor was Th e other options in the CRC SHA the purpose of the options it contains. menu are merely different types of Yo u can use this sub-menu to hash function. If you come across a generate what’s known as a download with a CRC-64 or SHA-256 ‘cryptographic hash’ code. If you then hash, you’d use the relevant option to send this fi le to someone, they can do check that the fi le is legitimate. the same at the other end to check that So, the CRC SHA sub-menu does no it’s your original fi le. If their hash code harm and you might fi nd it useful. doesn’t match yours, the fi le has However, if you don’t wish to use it, somehow changed en route. you can hide it. In 7-Zip open the Tools Th at might be of use to you if you menu and choose Options. Now select share your photos but, in the context of the 7-Zip tab and clear the tick from software downloaded from the the ‘CRC SHA >’ box. Click OK. Remove typical PUPs like Pokki via your Control Panel’s ‘Uninstall a program’ section

64 9 – 22 December 2015 Our experts solve all your tech problems Email us your problem and we’ll try to help: [email protected]

How do I stop Gmail showing old photos?

We’re in the middle of buying a Q fl at and my wife urgently needed to send me a legal document to check. Th e scanned document’s fi le was about 7MB but my work email blocks attachments over 5MB. So I had the bright idea of having Th e People widget can’t her send it to my Gmail account, as I be modified, but it can be know this can handle larger fi les. disabled. Click the cog icon It worked, but the moment I opened at the top-right and choose her email at work I was embarrassed to Settings. Now select the see a bunch of old personal photos General tab, scroll down to the appearing down the right-hand side of To avoid displaying recent photos on the right-hand side of People Widget section then the Gmail window under the heading your Gmail emails, click this option in General settings select ‘Hide the people widget’. ‘Recent photos’. Neither of us uses Gmail After that, scroll down a bit very often and these photos aren’t recent, thumbnails of the last few images sent to further and click Save Changes. but where did these photos come from you by the current contact. In this case, If you’d prefer to keep the People and how do I stop Gmail displaying the ‘Recent photos’ were quite simply the widget but just remove the offending them? last images your wife sent to you via photos, you’ll need to delete the related Ryan Watson Gmail, which was some years ago by emails (Gmail doesn’t let you delete only the sounds of it. attachments). A quick way to fi nd the We’re assuming you don’t often In fact, the entire right-hand column in relevant emails is to click in the Gmail A delete emails because Gmail has Gmail is reserved for what Google calls search bar, type from:yourwife@ dredged up these photos from the People widget. Other information can heraddress.com has:attachment and your old email exchanges with your wife. appear here, including Google+ details press Enter. Tick the unwanted emails In an effort to be helpful, Gmail displays and summaries of recent emails. then click Delete.

If your upgraded Windows 10 Why won’t my laptop fails to boot, identify problem external devices and grandson’s laptop update their drivers work at home? can cause this type of I upgraded my grandson’s problem. Q laptop to Windows 10, and it Use trial and error to fi nd all went well. But when my out which device is causing grandson took his laptop home, it the problem. For example, always failed to boot beyond the it might be that the laptop Windows Desktop. All it does is reboot, works fi ne with your and display some message about a ‘DPC mouse, but crashes without watchdog violation’. When I bring the it because its built-in laptop back to my house, it boots fi ne. touchpad’s drivers are Any idea what could cause this strange clashing with Windows 10. behaviour? With the offending device Ian Jackson identified use your grandson’s normal setup to Th is is strange, but we have launch Windows 10, then A an idea of what might be press Windows key+X and happening. Are you connecting click Device Manager. different external devices at either reconnected these when trying to fi x it? Right-click the problematic device, home address? For example, perhaps Or perhaps your grandson is attaching choose Properties followed by Driver you set up the laptop using your own devices at his home? Devices such as and then click Update Driver (or Roll keyboard and mouse, and then external hard drives and memory sticks Back Driver if no new drivers exist).

9 – 22 December 2015 65 Problems Solved Can I try Android on my PC?

Yo u have often suggested trying Q operating systems in VirtualBox. Can I try Android this way? John Edmonds

Ye s. Obviously you must fi rst A install VirtualBox, so download the latest version from www. virtualbox.org. For the Android operating system download the Android-x86 project from www.snipca.com/18336 – just click the green Download button to download the ISO fi le. To install Android you need to set up a Set up Android to run on your PC using VirtualBox new virtual computer and then ‘mount’ the downloaded ISO fi le. In VirtualBox, Th e next few boxes that appear do have a virtual CD/DVD disc fi le’ (see click New, type a name for your virtual options you can change if you want, but if screenshot), then navigate to and select Android computer, set Type to Other and you’re in a hurry, just click Next (twice) the ISO fi le downloaded earlier. Open the Version to Other/Unknown, then click and then Create. Machine menu, select Reset and your Next. Set the memory to at least 512MB Now select the new virtual computer Android setup will begin. If you want to (or more if your system can spare it) then and click Start. In the virtual computer try it without a full install, just choose click Next. Select the ‘Create a virtual window, open the Device menu and point ‘Live CD - Run Android x86 without hard drive now’ button then click Create. to ‘CD/DVD Devices’ followed by ‘Choose installation’.

Why won’t Android 6 Marshmallow connect to my PC?

My Nexus 5 has always permission via your phone. Th is will the bottom of the list – and therefore Q worked perfectly when appear as a notification on the lock won’t be visible on screen. Alternatively, connected by USB to my screen but, if you have a lot of if your Nexus 5 displays its home screen Windows 7 PC, letting me drag and drop notifications there, it’ll be pushed to when you connect, the notification is sent fi les.I found this function very direct to the notifications panel, so you useful, because it let me use my won’t see it at all. smartphone as a portable drive. From your lock screen, tap the plus ‘+’ However, having upgraded to symbol to see hidden notifications or, Android 6 (Marshmallow), from from the home screen, swipe down from Android 5, this function no the top-left. Next, tap ‘USB for charging’ longer works. When I connect followed by the ‘Transfer fi les (MTP)’ my phone now, Windows Explorer button. If you just want access to the still opens and knows that my photo folders, instead choose ‘Transfer Nexus 5 is connected, but when I photos (PTP)’ – because this makes it a click the Nexus 5 icon I can’t see any bit easier to navigate. fi les or folders. Do you know why • See page 48 for Secret Tips for Mashmallow this is? Steve Gabriel ON SALE NEXT ISSUE 23 Dec Ye s – Google has changed • Is this mystery fi le related to A the way that the Nexus 5 Windows 10? responds when connected • Can I install my Kaspersky by cable to a PC. We’re not entirely software on my Android tablet? sure why it has done this, but it’s • How do I read library ebooks on probably for security reasons. my Hudl? In order for your smartphone’s fi le ...And many more system (and therefore your fi les and folders) to be accessible on your Tap the ‘USB for charging’ option on your Nexus 5 Subscribe to Computeractive computer, you must now give phone to drag and drop files from it to your PC at getcomputeractive.co.uk

66 9 – 22 December 2015

Here’s one Christmas ad that won’t make you cry...

o matter how hard we try, we’ll never be able to persuade you that security software is a suitable Christmas present for the man on the Moon.

He will always prefer a telescope sent by a little girl with a big heart. In fact, nobody deserves to receive security software for Christmas. Crucial though antivirus is, it’s not really a gift that says, ‘I love you’. Instead, it’s the kind of ‘boring but useful’ present you should buy for yourself. After all, would you trust your beloved auntie to choose the right software? She’s so much better at picking socks. The right software, as far as we’re concerned, remains Kaspersky Internet Security 2016. It’s won our past seven antivirus Group Tests, scoring 100 per cent in our most recent laboratoryanalysis. It’s compatible with Windows 10, too. That’s why we’ve set up an exclusive reader offer for the software, selling it at half price. It is a limited offer, though. Like all the best products at Christmas, it may sell out before the big day. If you’re quick, you can buy it now and stay safe for the whole of 2016. We’re confident you’ll love it - to the moon and back.

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TThree PCs for two years NOW ONLY £39.99 Normally £89.99 Buy it on our Software Store at www.snipca.com/17923 * while stocks last Fast Fixes BBC iPlayer

Fix poor video quality, fi nd the missing HD option and disable your VPN

Error message says you’re to wait a while: live programmes can take outside the UK some time to appear on iPlayer. Even If iPlayer tells you you’re not in the UK then, standard defi nition versions are when you are, check whether you’ve added fi rst, followed by HD quality. installed VPN software such as CyberGhost (www.cyberghostvpn.com – see Can’t download to screenshot below). Tools like these smartphone or tablet mask your computer’s IP address to BBC iPlayer is like any other app: it has make it look like you’re connecting some minimum requirements. For Apple from a different country. So, try disabling Manually controlling Windows Update can devices, this means a device running iOS 7 any VPN tool you have installed. prevent sporadic playback stutter or later, so if you’re using an older iPhone However, it could be that the router has or iPad you might be out of luck. To picked up a non-UK IP address from your connection might not be fast enough to check if your Apple gadget is upgradable, internet service provider (ISP): they run iPlayer at the best quality. Click tap Settings followed by General and then sometimes do this when their UK-based ‘Watch in SD’ to switch from high Software Update. Android users have less IP address stocks are running low. Log defi nition (HD) to standard defi nition to worry about here, as iPlayer will into your router by typing your IP (SD). Also, try to spot if there’s a pattern theoretically work with devices from address (something like 192.168.0.1 or when the quality drops. Perhaps Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) onwards. similar) into your web browser’s address Windows Update runs at the same time However, there are numerous Android bar. Now look for options to release and you watch EastEnders every day? In devices that are simply incompatible renew the ‘lease’ on the IP address. Windows, click Start, type windows with iPlayer – see the BBC’s list at www. If you can’t fi nd these, call your ISP update then click Windows Update, snipca.com/18500. and ask them to issue a UK-based IP followed by ‘Change settings’. Open the address to your router. If all else fails, dropdown menu and choose ‘Check for Strange voices talk over unplug your router for a while; or just updates but let me choose whether to programmes wait a day, because many ISPs download or install them’ (see screenshot Yo u’ve accidentally clicked the ‘A D’ rather automatically expire and renew IP address above). Th is isn’t an option in Windows than ‘HD’ playback button. AD stands for leases every 24 hours. 10, but you can trick it to stop ‘Audio Description’, which is a great downloading updates. Click Start, feature if you have impaired vision, but Settings, ‘Network & internet’ then WiFi. an annoyance otherwise. Not all Click ‘Advanced settings’ and switch on programmes have it but where they do ‘Metered connection’. Windows updates iPlayer positions the AD button right are important for the security of your PC, below the HD button. Th ey look almost so this should be a temporary measure. identical, so it’s easy to click or tap the wrong one. To disable it, just click or tap Downloads app goes blank the AD button or the ‘Turn AD off’ link Using the iPlayer Downloads program in (see screenshot below). If you’re watching Windows 10? If you notice that the in full-screen mode, you’ll need to exit playback window goes blank when you that fi rst – on a PC, just press Escape (Esc). exit full-screen mode, you’re not alone – If iPlayer thinks you’re not in the UK, disable it’s a bug that the BBC knows about. It your VPN tool or renew your IP address doesn’t have a fi x yet, but ensure your graphics card drivers are up to date, and Video stops playing or also clear the iPlayer Downloads cache: is poor quality click Settings followed by ‘Clear cache’ in BBC iPlayer uses adaptive bit rates, which the Advanced section. means it sends less data when your connection slows down. Th e intention is Th e HD option is missing to keep the picture moving, by reducing If you’re certain that a show was If you hear commentary of the on-screen action, quality. If it happens often, your broadcast in HD then you might just have click this link to disable audio descriptions

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Ink Cartridges From99p TonersFrom£5.44 Stationery From 58p Quote voucher“ACTIVE10” for an extra10% off everything today! Visitwww.choicestationery.com or call 01823 250060 for details ChoiceStationery Supplies Limited, Lea House, Frobisher Way,Taunton, Somerset,TA2 6BB. Email [email protected]

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E&OE.All offers correctattime of press butsubject to change. Check website for latest offers and pricing. Free standard delivery on all UK orders. Voucher code “ACTIVE10” mustbe entered online at the checkout or at the time of order by phone to receive any discount due and is validonall purchases before 31st December2015 Lowering the cost of printing... We are a small, family owned and run company, specialising in photographic consumables – and proud winners of multiple Good Service Awards. We are located in Leamington Spa, in the heart of Warwickshire. If you’re passing, please pop into our shop and meet Cooper – our office dog! 01926 339977 www.premier-ink.co.uk

Ink Cartridges Photo Papers Albums & Frames We carry one of the largest ranges of printer ink cartridges We carry a massive range of papers (sheets & rolls) at competitive We now stock a comprehensive range of frames, mounts, albums in the UK, with cartridges in stock for practically every inkjet prices. Below are some examples of the selection we stock. and accessories. The full range can be viewed on our website, printer. We always stock Original cartridges, which are made with detailed close-up images of each product to help you by your printer manufacturer, and in many cases we also choose the perfect way to display your printed photographs. offer Compatible cartridges, which are usually made by a UK Below is just a tiny sample of what we offer: company called Jet Tec. Using Jet Tec Compatibles is a way Photo Satin 200gsm: Smooth Pearl 280gsm: Emilia Frames of saving money, without compromising on the quality of 6x4 100 sheets +100 FREE £9.99 6x4 100 sheets £12.99 Grace Albums your prints. Available in Distressed wood A4 100 sheets +100 FREE £19.99 7x5 100 sheets £18.99 Burgundy shabby chic Photo Glossy 200gsm: A4 50 sheets £18.99 or Blue. effect. Here are the results “Jet Tec’s colours were superb, with Blue or White. from two independent 6x4 100 sheets +100 FREE £9.99 A4 50 sheets £18.99 single greys and blacks very close to A3 £35.99 ink tests that agree... Epson... so Jet Tec wins!” A4 20 sheets £6.99 50 sheets A3+ 25 sheets £28.99 Travel - Total Digital Photography Magazine Premium Pearl 270gsm: 6x4 50 sheets +50 FREE £6.99 Oyster 271gsm: Albums Rio Frames 6x4 100 sheets £12.99 Over a dozen Handcrafted solid wood with “What we’re looking at here is not A4 20 sheets +20 FREE £8.99 7x5 100 sheets £18.99 designs in stock. 30mm wide profile, in four colours. only the best choice of ink for the Premium Gloss 270gsm: A4 25 sheets OFFER £8.99 A4 50 sheets £18.99 R300 printer, but also the best choice A3 25 sheets £22.99 of ink in this group test, period. A3 25 sheets OFFER £15.99 Ink Test A3+ 25 sheets OFFER £19.99 A3+ 25 sheets £28.99 Grafton There’s just no getting away from the Gloss 271gsm: Albums Winner superb combination of performance Smooth Pearl 310gsm: 6x4 100 sheets £14.99 6x4 100 sheets £12.99 Available in and pricing.” Burgundy 7x5 100 sheets £17.99 7x5 100 sheets £18.99 - Computer Upgrade Magazine A4 50 sheets £18.99 or Blue. Frisco Frames A4 25 sheets £12.99 Simple, basic design A4 100 sheets £39.99 A3 25 sheets £22.99 available A4 250 sheets £84.99 A3+ 25 sheets £28.99 in a huge A3 25 sheets £25.99 Double Sided Matt 250gsm: Baby range of A3+ 25 sheets £35.99 A4 100 sheets £24.99 Albums sizes & Smooth Gloss 310gsm: A3 50 sheets £27.99 Multiple colours. PGi29 No.16 different 6x4 100 sheets £14.99 Pixma Pro 1 Fountain Pen Inks designs 7x5 100 sheets £17.99 available. Originals: Originals: A4 25 sheets £12.99 Plastic Bevel, Glass Front: Set of 12 £229.99 No.16 Set of 4 £22.99 A4 100 sheets £39.99 Premium Gloss 255gsm: Frisco 6x4 seven colours £1.99 Colours 36ml each £19.99 No.16 Black 5.4ml £7.99 Memo Style Albums: A3 25 sheets £25.99 6x4 40 sheets +40 FREE £9.99 Frisco 7x5 seven colours £2.29 No.16 Colours 3.1ml each £5.99 Grace 6x4 100 photos £5.99 A3+ 25 sheets £35.99 7x5 30 sheets £9.99 Frisco 8x6 seven colours £2.79 PGi72 Grace 6x4 200 photos £9.99 No.16XL Set of 4 £42.99 Premium Matt Duo 200 gsm: A4 15 sheets +15 FREE £9.99 Frisco 9x6 seven colours £3.49 Grace 6x4 300 photos £14.99 Pixma Pro 10 No.16XL Black 12.9ml £14.99 A4 50 sheets £12.99 A3 20 sheets £29.99 Frisco 10x8 seven colours £3.79 No.16XL Colours 6.5ml each £11.99 A3+ 50 sheets £34.99 Grace 7x5 100 photos £7.99 Frisco 12x8 seven colours £4.59 Originals: A3+ 20 sheets OFFER £24.99 Grace 7x5 £13.99 Set of 10 £94.99 Compatibles: Heavy Duo Matt 310gsm: 200 photos Frisco A4 seven colours £3.99 Ultra Gloss 300gsm: Grace A4 100 photos £15.99 Colours 14ml each £9.99 No.16 Set of 4 £14.99 A4 50 sheets £17.99 Frisco A3 seven colours £8.99 6x4 50 sheets £9.99 Grafton 6x4 200 photos £9.99 No.16 Black 12ml £4.99 A3+ 50 sheets £44.99 Wood Bevel, Glass Front: 7x5 50 sheets £12.99 Grafton 7x5 200 photos £13.99 CLi42 No.16 Colours 12ml each £3.99 Emilia 6x4 two colours £4.99 A4 15 sheets £11.99 Baby 6x4 200 photos £9.99 Pixma Pro 100 Premium Semi-Gloss 251gsm: Emilia 7x5 two colours £5.99 Travel 6x4 200 photos £8.99 Emilia 8x6 two colours £6.99 No.18 6x4 50 sheets £8.99 Originals: Traditional Style Albums: Emilia 10x8 two colours £7.99 Daisy Inks A4 20 sheets £14.99 Set of 8 £74.99 PP-201 Plus Glossy II 275gsm: Grace 29x32cm 100 pages £14.99 Emilia 12x8 two colours £8.99 A3 20 sheets £29.99 Colours 13ml each £9.99 Originals: 6x4 50 sheets £9.99 Grafton 29x32cm 100 pgs £14.99 Rio 6x4 four colours £5.99 A3+ 20 sheets OFFER £24.99 No.18 Set of 4 £22.99 7x5 20 sheets £11.99 Baby 29x32cm 100 pages £12.99 Rio 7x5 four colours £6.99 CLi8 No.18 Black 5.2ml £7.99 A4 20 sheets £11.99 Archival Matte 192gsm: Accessories: Rio 8x6 four colours £7.99 A4 50 sheets £14.99 Pixma Pro 9000 No.18 Colours 3.3ml each £5.99 A3 20 sheets £27.99 Photo Corners Pack of 250 £2.99 Rio 10x8 four colours £8.99 A3 50 sheets £33.99 No.18XL Set of 4 £42.99 A3+ 20 sheets £36.99 Photo Stickers Pack of 500 £1.99 Rio 12x8 four colours £9.99 Originals: No.18XL Black 11.5ml £14.99 A3+ 50 sheets £44.99 Set of 8 £74.99 SG-201 Semi-Gloss 260gsm: No.18XL Colours 6.6ml each £11.99 Heavyweight Matte 167gsm: Colours 14ml each £9.99 6x4 50 sheets £9.99 Compatibles: A4 20 sheets £11.99 A4 50 sheets £11.99 Compatibles: No.18 Set of 4 £14.99 A3 £27.99 A3 50 sheets £34.99 Set of 8 £27.99 20 sheets No.18 Black 12ml £4.99 A3+ 20 sheets £42.99 A3+ 50 sheets £44.99 Colours 14ml each £3.99 No.18 Colours 6.5ml each £3.99 PGi9 No.24 USB Pen Drives Pixma Pro 9500 Elephant Inks More Ink Cartridges... 8GB: £3.59 16GB: £5.49 Originals: Originals: 32GB: £9.99 Set of 10 £84.99 No.24 Set of 6 £41.99 Colours 14ml each £8.99 No.24 Colours 4.6ml each £7.99 Compatibles: No.24XL Set of 6 £64.99 Originals: Set of 10 £44.99 No.24XL Colours 8.7ml each £11.99 T0711-T0714 No.38 Colours 27ml each £26.99 Colours 14ml each £4.99 Compatibles: Cheetah Inks No.300 Black 4ml £10.99 Memory Batteries No.24 Set of 6 £22.99 Originals: No.300 Colour 4ml £12.99 More Canon Inks... BP-511 for Canon £12.99 No.24 Black 7ml £3.99 Set of 4 £32.99 No.301 Black 3ml £9.99 SDHC & SDXC Originals: No.24 Colours 7ml each £3.99 Black 7.4ml £8.99 No.301 Colour 3ml £11.99 Sandisk Blue LP-E6 for Canon £16.99 PGi520/CLi521 Set of 5 £42.99 Colours 5.5ml each £8.99 No.350 Black 4.5ml £11.99 33X (5MB/s) LP-E8 for Canon £12.99 PGi520 Black 19ml £9.99 No.26 Compatibles: No.351 Colour 3.5ml £14.99 4GB £3.49 LP-E12 for Canon £12.99 CLi521 Colours 9ml £8.99 Polar Bear Inks Set of 4 £14.99 No.363 Black 6ml £13.99 8GB £3.99 EN-EL3E for Nikon £14.99 PGi525/CLi526 Set of 5 £42.99 Black 7.4ml £4.99 No.363 C/M/Y/PC/PM each £9.99 16GB £5.99 NB-2L/LH for Canon £9.99 PGi525 Black 19ml £9.99 Originals: No.26 Set of 4 £29.99 Colours 5.5ml each £3.99 No.363 SET OF 6 £39.99 Sandisk Ultra NB-6L for Canon £9.99 CLi526 Colours 9ml £8.99 No.364 Black 6ml £7.99 PGi550/CLi551 Set of 5 £37.99 No.26 Black 6.2ml £8.99 266X (40MB/s) NB-10L for Canon £12.99 No.26 Colours 4.5ml each £7.99 T0791-T0796 No.364 PB/C/M/Y 3ml each £6.99 PGi550 Black 15ml £9.99 8GB £4.99 NP95 for Fuji £9.99 No.26XL Set of 4 £49.99 No.364 SET OF 4 £21.99 CLi551 Colours 7ml £7.99 Owl Inks 16GB £6.99 NPW126 for Fuji £12.99 No.26XL Black 12.1ml £14.99 No.364XL Black 14ml £13.99 32GB £12.99 PGi550/CLi551XL Set of 5 £54.99 Originals: No.364XL £12.99 EN-EL3e for Nikon £14.99 No.26XL Colours 9.7ml each £13.99 Set of 6 £72.99 PB/C/M/Y 6ml each 64GB £24.99 PGi550XL Black 22ml £11.99 No.364XL SET OF 4 £49.99 EN-EL14 for Nikon £19.99 CLi551XL £10.99 Compatibles: Colours 11.1ml each £12.99 Colours 11ml No.920XL SET OF 4 £46.99 Sandisk Extreme EN-EL15 for Nikon £24.99 PG540 Black 8ml £10.99 No.26 Set of 4 £14.99 Compatibles: No.26 Black 10ml £3.99 No.932XL SET OF 4 £43.99 400X (60MB/s) BLN-1 £24.99 PG540XL Black 21ml £15.99 Set of 6 £19.99 for Olympus No.26 Colours 7ml each £3.99 No.950XL SET OF 4 £69.99 16GB £10.99 CL541 Colour 8ml £13.99 Colours £3.99 BLC12 for Panasonic £23.99 11.1ml each Compatibles: 32GB £17.99 CL541XL Colour 15ml £15.99 64GB £34.99 FW50 for Sony £24.99 PG545XL Black 15ml £13.99 T0481-T0486 T0801-T0806 No.15 Black 46ml £4.99 BX-1 for Sony £14.99 No.21 £7.99 CL546XL Colour 13ml £15.99 Seahorse Inks Black 10ml AA 1300mAh (4) £3.99 Hummingbird Inks No.22 Colour 21ml £11.99 Compact Flash Compatibles: AAA 1100mAh (4) £3.99 Originals: Originals: No.45 Black 45ml £4.99 Sandisk Ultra PGi5 Black 27ml £4.99 Set of 6 £69.99 Set of 6 £49.99 No.56 Black 24ml £9.99 333X (50MB/s) CLi8 Colours 13ml £3.99 Colours 13ml each £16.99 Colours 7.4ml each £8.99 No.57 Colour 24ml £12.99 8GB £11.99 PGi5/CLi8 Set of 5 £19.99 Compatibles: No.78 Colour 36ml £9.99 16GB £15.99 PGi520 Black 19ml £4.99 Compatibles: Filters Set of 6 £19.99 No.110 Colour 12ml £10.99 32GB £24.99 CLi521 Colours 9ml £3.99 Set of 6 £19.99 Colours 13ml each £3.99 No.300XL Black 18ml £14.99 PGi520/CLi521 Set of 5 £19.99 Colours 7.4ml each £3.99 Sandisk Extreme Screw-type Filters No.300XL Colour 18ml £16.99 PGi525 Black 19ml £4.99 800X (120MB/s) 46mm UV / Haze £4.99 T0541-T0549 No.301XL Black 15ml £14.99 CLi526 Colours 9ml £3.99 T0871-T0879 16GB £26.99 49mm UV / Haze £4.99 No.301XL Colour 18ml £16.99 PGi525/CLi526 Set of 5 £19.99 Frog Inks Flamingo Inks 32GB £32.99 52mm UV / Haze £4.99 No.337 Black 21ml £10.99 PGi550XL Black 25ml £4.99 Originals: 64GB £47.99 55mm UV / Haze £5.99 Originals: No.338 Black 21ml £10.99 CLi551XL Colours 12ml £3.99 Set of 8 £105.99 128GB £94.99 58mm UV / Haze £6.99 Set of 8 £66.99 No.339 Black 34ml £12.99 PGi550/CLi551XL Set of 5 £19.99 Colours 13ml each £14.99 62mm UV / Haze £7.99 Colours 11.4ml each £9.99 No.343 Colour 21ml £12.99 BCi6 Colours 15ml £2.99 MicroSDHC & SDXC 67mm UV / Haze £8.99 Compatibles: Compatibles: No.344 Colour 21ml £14.99 PG40 Black 28ml £12.99 Set of 8 £27.99 72mm UV / Haze £8.99 Set of 8 £27.99 No.348 Photo 21ml £12.99 Sandisk Ultra CL41 Colour 24ml £16.99 Colours 13ml each £3.99 77mm UV / Haze £11.99 Colours 11.4ml each £3.99 No.350XL Black 30ml £14.99 320X (48MB/s) PG50 Black 28ml £12.99 Skylight Filters from: £6.99 No.351XL Colour 20ml £16.99 16GB £6.99 CL51 Colour 24ml £14.99 Circular Polarising Filters from: £14.99 T0591-T0599 T0961-T0969 No.363 Black 20ml £6.99 32GB £12.99 PG510 Black 11ml £13.99 ND4 and ND8 Filters from: £11.99 Lily Inks No.363 Colours 6ml each £4.99 64GB £24.99 CL511 Colour 11ml £15.99 Husky Inks No.363 SET OF 6 £24.99 P-Type Square Filters PG512 Black 18ml £13.99 Originals: Originals: No.364 Black 10ml £4.99 Readers & Cases CL513 Colour 15ml £15.99 Set of 8 £89.99 Set of 8 £69.99 49-82mm Adapter Rings £4.99 No.364 Colours 5ml each £3.99 PG540XL Black 21ml £13.99 Colours 13ml each £11.99 Colours 11.4ml each £8.99 Delkin USB2 Card Reader £9.99 Filter Holder £5.99 No.364 SET OF 4 £15.99 CL541XL Colour 15ml £14.99 Compatibles: Delkin USB3 Card Reader £19.99 ND2 Filter £12.99 Compatibles: No.364XL Black 18ml £8.99 PG545XL Black 15ml £11.99 Set of 8 £27.99 Delkin SD Card (x8) Case £6.99 ND2 Grad Filter £13.99 Set of 8 £27.99 No.364XL Colours 11ml each £7.99 PG546XL Black 21ml £12.99 Colours 13ml each £3.99 Delkin CF Card (x4) Case £6.99 ND4 Filter £12.99 Colours 11.4ml each £3.99 No.364XL SET OF 4 £31.99 Many more in stock! More Epson inks >>> Many more in stock! Many more in stock! ND4 Grad Filter £13.99

E&EO. Prices may be subject to change, but hopefully not! www.premier-ink.co.uk Telephone:Telephone: 01926 339977 or 0800 1077 211 Premier Ink & Photographic 12 LongfieldLongfield Road,Road, Le Leamingtonamington Spa,Spa,Wa Warwickshirerwickshire CV CV3131 1XB1XB Broadband Deals

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PLUS NEW! Next iissuessue on sasallee WeWeddss 16 DeDecceemmbberer Buy the Web User 20 2 14 Back IssueI CDCD onA Amazon at Subscribe to Web User at http://subscribe.webuser.co.uk 72www5.s -nipca.18 Augucostm/120157814 Jargon Buster

4K Video with a resolution of at HDMI High-definition media PCI Express A faster version Ransomware Malware run by least 3840x2160 pixels interface. A type of connection that of PCI, used by modern graphics hackers who take over your PC transmits high-definition video cards. and demand a payment to 5k Video with a horizontal and audio signals. release it. resolution of 5120x2880 pixels. Phishing A form of internet fraud Heatsink A block of metal used that tries to trick you into revealing Rescue disk A disk used for 720p A common resolution of to help dissipate the heat from a personal details. scanning and repairing an high-definition video: 1280x720 computer chip. infected PC that can’t be fi xed pixels. Plug-in A small program that by other means. HTML Hypertext Markup adds extra features to your web Add-on See Extension. Language. Th e language used to browser or to other applications, Resolution Th e amount of detail write most web pages. and is loaded only when it’s shown in an image, whether on ADF Automatic Document Feeder. needed. screen or printed. A device that feeds sheets of IP address Internet Protocol paper into a photocopier or Address. A unique set of numbers, Processor Th e processor – SATA 3 Also known as SATA 600. scanner, one by one. used to identify computers and or central processing unit – Th e latest and fastest version of websites on the internet. is the brain of a computer. the SATA interface for connecting Bandwidth A measure of Processors now are tiny internal storage devices to a how much information can be ISO fi le A type of image fi le that and are capable of carrying out computer. transferred through a connection contains all the data from a CD millions of calculations every at one time. or DVD disc. second. SD card Secure Digital card. A popular type of memory card. Beta A version of software that’s being tested. Beta versions are What does Server A computer on a network, often released so problems the Man on the Moon such as the internet, that distributes can be ironed out. buy himself for Christmas? information to other PCs.

Bitcoin A digital asset and sRGB A standard RGB colour payment system. Th e system lets space for use on monitors, printers users transact directly without and the internet. needing an intermediary. SSD Solid-state drive. Storage Botnet A group of infected that, unlike a hard drive, uses no computers connected together moving parts. Faster but more via the internet, and used to infect expensive than conventional other PCs, send junk email and hard drives. perform other criminal tasks. System restorepoint Th e Cache A temporary space for collection of system fi les stored storing information. Can be by System Restore on a given date memory used on a computer and time to which Windows can processor, or space on a hard drive revert if a problem occurs. used by a web browser. Find out on page 68 USB 3.0 An even faster version of Driver A fi le that tells Windows the USB standard used to connect how to work with a peripheral devices to a computer. device. LED Light-Emitting Diode. An PUP Potentially Unwanted electronic device that emits light. Program.A program that may Virtual computer A software- eSata External Sata.A relatively Used on almost all electronic not be desired, despite the based computer running inside rare type of connection for devices, and to provide the user consenting to it being another computer. Often used to external hard drives. backlight for some LCDs. downloaded. Examples include emulate another operating system unnecessary plug-ins, toolbars – for example, running Windows EXE A program fi le designed to MicroSD A small type of memory and browser hijackers. XP as a virtual machine inside run in Windows. card. Can be converted to SD size Windows 7. using an adapter. Quad core A computer that Extension A program that adds has four processors on a single VPN Virtual Private Network. A extra features to your browser. Mirror site A website that contains chip, which allows it to operate technology for keeping all internet the same downloadable software faster than standard (single-core) communication safe and private Flash storage A data storage as others, so it’s available from computers. even on insecure networks. device that includes fl ash more than one place. memory with an integrated RAM Random-access memory. WAV Also known as a Wave fi le USB interface. Overclocking Making a Th e computer’s working area, and saved with a .wav extension. processor work faster to improve used for data storage while An audio fi le, used for recording Graphics card A component in a performance at the cost of it the PC is switched on. RAM’s music and other sounds to disk. computer that produces the image getting hotter and requiring capacity is measured in Because they are uncompressed, shown on the monitor. more power. megabytes (MB). WAV fi les can be very large.

Bust more jargon on our Back Issue CD: www.snipca.com/14981 9 – 22 December 2015 73 The Final Straw

STUART ANDREWS is Computeractive’s Mr Angry Th is issue Stuart Andrews is being bamboozled by… Error messages

suppose I should be pleased that error reason would leave the user in a near- messages are getting friendlier. Sure, constant state of suspense. IWindows 10’s stability (or lack thereof) If you didn’t get the good old BSOD, hasn’t always fi lled me with confidence, then you might get equally impenetrable but at least when things go pear-shaped When General Failure messages informing you that you were it tells me something that sounds like it’s the victim of one of a bewildering range been written by a human being. was in town you knew of Windows Protection errors, or that (a ‘The server stumbled, page could not be personal favourite) ‘The action could not loaded’ is easier to take than ‘Windows his comrades Major be completed. Th e action could not be store error, exception xxxgetstuff ed’, even Fault and Captain completed’. Clearly Microsoft thinks if it means you’ll be jumping through saying it twice makes an unknown hoops for the next two hours just to get a Cock-Up weren’t error less annoying. few updates to download. And while I’m Meanwhile, nothing quite brightens up not a big fan of ‘We couldn’t complete the far behind your day more than waiting hours for a updates. Undoing changes. Don’t turn off program to install only to be told ‘Unable your computer’, at least it explains to start the program. One of the installed roughly what’s gone wrong. components may be missing’.I respond It hasn’t always been thus. I’ve been by hissing, “Some of your installed using Windows since the dark days of components may go missing, you little Windows 3.1, where getting any work stuffed. In those days, developers wrote [expletive deleted]”. done involved some passing familiarity error messages for other developers, and So why do the new error messages still with the MS-DOS command line. Th en – with no Google to help – the odds drive me up the wall? Because some of you’d get beauties like an endless scroll of against you decoding their technobabble them are as much use as an infl atable ‘Not reading drive A. Abort, Retry, Fail?’ were longer than the Great Wall of China. dartboard. It’s all very well for Office to or that most helpful of messages, ‘General Th ings hardly improved in the inform me, ‘Something went wrong. Failure’. When General Failure was in Windows 95/98 era, when I worked Sorry, we ran into a problem’, but it town you knew his comrades Major Fault as a reviewer and had to make sense of doesn’t actually tell me anything about and Captain Cock-Up could not be far pre-release software and hardware. It was the problem, what caused it or what I behind, and on that count Microsoft rare that a week went by without the need to do to fi x it. Ditto the now- never let you down. Basically, you were good old ‘Blue screen of death’ (BSOD) legendary ‘Something happened. informing me ominously that ‘A fatal Something happened’. exception has occurred’. If you were Most of all though, these new error really unlucky, your PC might reset messages remind me of the kind of itself and then go intinto a deadly cheerful, agreeable but utterly useless spiral of further blueblue screens and nonsense you get when you phone the resets. Otherwise,rwise, it might sit water company to fi nd out why there’s there, waitinging gormlessly nothing coming out of your tap. When for you to turturn it off and an update won’t install I don’t want a on agaagain, when cute quip or some vague reassuring what you message. No,I want to feel that this really wanted is a known problem that’s being fi xed. to do was And I certainly don’t want to have to turn it off type the error code into Google. In fact, permanently with a there’s only one thing I really, really sledgehammer. I sometimes want: how about software that, you think Microsofsoft considered know, just works? this a Windowsows feature. Th e way error messages came Which error messages anger you? and went withothout any good Let us know at [email protected]

74 9 – 22 December 2015 Next issue Stuart wants to bid good riddance to 2015

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