STOP YOUR VPN

BEING BLOCKED
GET A HOME SECURITY
SYSTEM FOR JUST £20 ££££££
BEAT
There’s a greater risk in 2026
You only need this camera page 35
££££££
2026’s
££££££
p62 MBER 2025
ISSUE 725 ❘ 17 – 30 DECE

PRICE
££££££
RISES
££££££
Pay LESS for TV,

££££££
every issue phones and
Learn something new in
luck – page 9
Windows 11 is flat out of broadband page 60

What You Must

UNINSTALL
in
2026!
We removed all this junk – you should too!
p50

UNINSTALLING 80%

PLUS
BUY THIS FREELY TV BOX
CONVERT ALL YOUR (but NOT this Fire Stick!)
FILES FOR FREE! p74 We put both to the test
WELCOME
EDITORIAL
Content Director Marc Chacksfield
Group Editor Daniel Booth
Deputy Editor Robert Irvine
From the Editor
Production Editor Graham Brown I’ve not counted them all but there Perhaps more usefully, he explains how
Art Editor Katie Peat
Contributors Keumars Afifi-Sabet, Dinah Greek, Richard must be at least 379 more exciting New to rid your browser of all the AI dross that
Holt, Jonathan Parkyn, Nik Rawlinson, Stuart Andrews
Year resolutions than vowing to remove tech giants automatically assume you
Advertising Manager Alexandra Thomas
Subscriptions Sarah Lowry, Henry Massey
junk from your PC. Yet it tops my list want. At its best AI makes difficult tasks
Head of Production Stephen Catherall every year. After 26 issues writing about easy; at its worst it simply interferes with
Senior Production Manager Lawrence Brookes
tools, programs and browser extensions jobs you already know how to do (not
INTERNATIONAL LICENSING AND SYNDICATION
Computeractive is available for licensing and syndication.
my PC resembles a software equivalent unlike this Harry Enfield character:
Contact us at licensing@[Link] or view our of landfill. [Link]/57376).
available content at [Link].
Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw Robert Irvine has started his resolution But before we get to New Year (and the
ONWARD RESALE & PERMISSIONS
earlier this year by identifying all the inevitable price rises – see page 60), let’s
This publication may not be resold or otherwise rubbish you can safely uninstall. As well enjoy Christmas. Best wishes to you and
distributed, whether at, below or above face value. Nor
can this publication be advertised for sale, transfer or as the type of trash I mention above, his your loved ones.
distribution. Cover Feature reveals TV apps and built-in Daniel Booth
PERMISSIONS Windows tools you no longer need. editor@[Link]
Material may not be reproduced in any form without the
written consent of the publisher. Send requests to editor@
[Link]. p35
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While every care was taken preparing this magazine, the
publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy
of the information or any consequence arising from
p62
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Computeractive at the time of review. Computeractive
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fined Virgin for failing that are hard to type into ones that
to protect vulnerable are short and simple. They aren’t
customers – p9 websites themselves, which means
45 mins they won’t be recognised if you type
Time it takes the 5,553 them into Google. Instead, you need to
five-star OnePlus Number of ‘recover your type them into your browser address
15 phone to charge money’ scams reported bar, then press Enter. Doing this will
fully – p24 in 12 months – p11 take you to the correct website.

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 3

 Contents
17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

6 News Openreach shuts first copper phone

exchange

10 Question of the Fortnight Should the

BBC use iPlayer to catch licence fee dodgers?

11 Protect Your Tech

Fraudsters promising to help after scams

12 Letters Nothing wrong with charging

customers for missed appointments

14 Consumeractive I’ve switched to

Vodafone, so why is Virgin still charging me?
p10
16 Grow Your Family Tree
Search the Battle of Trafalgar Prize Book iPlaying by the rules

18 Best Free Software

Any Video Converter Free 9.1.5 MSI Cubi NUC
AI+ 2MG
21 Named & Shamed
IObit’s memory-cleaning baloney
p22

Reviews
22 MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG
Mini PC takes you on a power trip

23 Asus Chromebook CX1505CKA

Chrome laptop hits the back of the Net

24 OnePlus 15
Feature-packed phone is a real handful

25 Ugreen NASync DH2300

Nifty NAS drive smashes a few transfer Netgem PLEIO
records
pxx
p28
26 Apple AirPods Pro 3
Buds that make you smile from ear to ear

28 Netgem PLEIO
TV streamer/games console makes
everything Freely available

29 Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select

Streamer doesn’t get with the programs

32 Buy It/Competition
Win a LaCie Rugged SSD4 portable drive

4 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

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

Workshops & Tips Watch this space

35 
How to… Build a home security p35
system for under £20

38 
Redact sensitive
information from PDFs

40 R
 eaders’ Tips Include ‘out of stock’
items in Amazon searches

42 Browser Tips
Access your passwords more easily

43 AI Tips
Chat more naturally with Gemini Live

44 Phone and Tablet Tips

View your recent places in Google Maps

46 Make Windows Better

What You Must CO

UNINSTALL
Rename photo files using metadata
FEATVER
UR
47 Make Office Better Play feedback P50 E

2026!
sounds to confirm specific actions

48 In the Club Switch to Affinity Publisher

for newsletters in

49 What’s All the Fuss About? We removed all this junk – you should too!
3D-printed meat

50 COVER FEATURE
What you must uninstall in 2026
Make a fresh start to the new year by UNINSTALLING 80%

ditching useless, dodgy and risky software

60 Beat 2026’s price rises

Carry on streaming
Why you’ll pay more for your tech next year
and how you can keep costs down
p62
62 Keep your VPN unblocked in 2026
We outline the best ways to bypass VPN
blocks to sites and services

64 Problems Solved Can I get mobile Keep your

connection for my Fire TV Stick?

71 Reader Support Is Windows 10 Pro

VPN
excluded from extended updates? unblocked
72 Jargon Buster

74 Easy When You Know How

in 2026
Robert Irvine converts unlimited files for free

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 5

 News The top stories in the world of technology

Openreach shuts first

copper phone exchange
O
penreach has shut Openreach currently has
down the first 5,600 exchanges but will
telephone exchange need only 1,000 to provide
ahead of the 2027 deadline digital services once it has
for the copper network deactivated the old copper
switch-off. The exchange in network.
Deddington, Oxfordshire, The company announced
(pictured) is the first of 4,600 plans to close Deddington
to be axed across the UK. in 2020. It said closing an
exchange and moving affected
WHAT WE THINK customers is “a highly
complex process, which
While Openreach is pleased typically takes around 4-7 Openreach’s new ‘super also meant to include
to have closed its first years – depending on the size digital exchanges’. shutting the exchanges at
exchange, it’s ominous and complexity of each On average each of these Ballyclare in Northern Ireland
that it failed to shut the two exchange” ([Link]. will replace four or five and Kenton Road in London
others before the deadline. It com/57359). traditional exchanges, though by the end of November.
understandably doesn’t want It has been able to switch off Openreach says some may But Openreach has
to deactivate copper landlines the Deddington exchange replace 10 or more exchanges, delayed these because too
for vulnerable customers because 1,800 copper lines in particularly in urban areas many local customers still
who use telecare systems. the area have been upgraded where there are plenty of use copper lines.
Ofcom recently walloped to full fibre. These are served full-fibre connections. The closure of the next 105
Virgin with a £23.9m fine and managed by the nearby The closure of Deddington is ‘priority exchanges’ will take
for doing just this (see page Banbury Exchange – one of part of a pilot scheme that was place in four phases over the
9). But it’s worrying that next five years, Openreach
Openreach and the internet added, and then “accelerate
NEXT EXCHANGES TO CLOSE
providers who use its cables rapidly” after that.
still haven’t found a reliable • Staines • Nazeing • Childwall It has announced the next
way of contacting these • Thames Ditton • Langford • Lundin Links 12 exchanges to close (see box,
customers. We foresee • Baynard • Allestree Park • Carrickfergus left), with work due to start in
countless problems ahead. • Wraysbury • Beacon • Glengormley April 2026. Customers will be
moved within two years.

Virgin adds Tubi’s 60,000 TV and films

V irgin Media has added
Tubi to its TV service,
letting customers watch more
the UK last summer after a
six-year break, is a Free
Ad-Supported Streaming
Driver and La La Land to
classics such as Birdman of
Alcatraz, Citizen Kane
than 60,000 films and TV Television (FAST) channel and and the 1951 version of
episodes at no extra cost. claims to offer the biggest Scrooge (pictured) starring showing only MythBusters.
It’s also available through collection of free TV, watched Alastair Sim. See the full schedule at
the Virgin TV Go app for by more than 100 million Tubi also has 40 live [Link]/57364.
Android and iOS (www. viewers every month. channels, including one Visit Virgin’s blog for
[Link]/57361). It has a wide range of films, dedicated to reruns of more details: [Link].
Tubi, which relaunched in from newer titles like Baby Pointless and another com/57360.

You’ll like this… but not this…

Talking Pictures TV is now live on Freely Windows 11’s Dark Mode is ‘flashing’ users
([Link]/57366) ([Link]/57365)

6 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

Amazon’s U-turn lets you install IN BRIEF

VPNs on new Fire TV Stick PROTON LAUNCHES

SPREADSHEET TOOL
Proton has launched an

Y ou can now install VPNs

on Amazon’s new Fire TV
Stick 4K Select after what
online spreadsheet tool
called Sheets, rivalling
Google’s equivalent of
appears to be a huge U-turn the same name. It’s protected
by the company. by end-to-end encryption
When Amazon launched and is free to anyone who
the device in October, it has a Proton Drive account.
had blocked VPNs to stop Read more on Proton’s blog:
people using them to access [Link]/57347.
illegal streaming services We’ll explain how to use
that show paid-for content it soon.
such as Premier League
football and films.
It was part of a clampdown
on illegal streaming that
also prevents users from be installed: IPVanish and the latest updates. Open
sideloading apps to the NordVPN. Amazon didn’t say ‘Settings’ in your TV then
device. This was the first time whether it would allow more select My Fire TV followed
Amazon had imposed such to be added in future. by About and then ‘Check
restrictions on its TV sticks. To install a VPN, first make for Updates’. CRUCIAL MEMORY AXED
Users widely criticised the sure your Stick has installed Next, open the Amazon FOR CONSUMERS
move. The device has only a Appstore on your US tech firm Micron will
3.2-star rating on Amazon, TV and search stop making Crucial SSDs
with 39 per cent of reviewers for IPVanish or and memory for consumers
giving it just one star (see NordVPN (see in February, in a huge blow
screenshot above right). screenshot left). to PC builders seeking
Amazon’s change of mind
suggests it has realised it went
• Why you
shouldn’t buy the
affordable kit. The company
will instead focus on
too far in banning VPNs. Fire TV Stick 4K memory for AI data centres.
However, only two VPNs can Select – page 29 It blames soaring prices for
memory – see [Link].
com/57344. Beat 2025’s
Murder of Charlie Kirk tops Google’s UK price rises – turn to page 60.

search trends for 2025 TOMORROW’S

WORLD

C harlie Kirk topped

Google’s trending UK
searches in 2025 following
Kirk was
shot while
speaking at
This isn’t the world’s first
edible robot but it’s definitely
the assassination of the Utah Valley the cutest. It’s not for human
US political activist in University. consumption though. Built by
September. Tyler Robinson, 22, from Swiss scientists, it wriggles to
Washington, Utah, has been mimic live prey to tempt wild
charged with the murder. chart. See all the UK results boars feeling peckish. But
UK’S TOP 10
The deaths of three other at [Link]/57353. what the boars don’t know is
SEARCHES IN 2025
people appear in Google’s top Globally the top search term that it contains medication.
1 Charlie Kirk 10 – rock star Ozzy Osbourne, was Gemini, referring to All is explained at www.
2 Ozzy Osbourne Liverpool and Portugal Google’s AI tool. [Link]/57343.
3 Ed Gein footballer Diego Jota and The results show searches
4 Adolescence boxer Ricky Hatton (see box that had the biggest spike
5 Snow warning left for full list). compared with the previous
6 India vs England Google’s annual ‘Year of year, rather than the most
7 Ricky Hatton Search’ roundup also reveals searched terms overall.
8 Diego Jota that ‘When is Easter?’ was the Google has been compiling
9 Club World Cup UK’s most popular ‘When is’ annual lists since 2001, when
10 Iran question, while ‘How to verify top searches included Napster,
age on X?’ topped the ‘How to’ Nokia and Windows XP.

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 7

 News
IN BRIEF ChatGPT getting adverts
REPLACE UNSAFE
SMARTTUBE TV APP
SmartTube’s developer has
according to code leak
released a new version of the
TV app after his security was
compromised. The app
C hatGPT will soon start
showing adverts, according
to leaked code for the chatbot.
1

(pictured), The code includes

which you references to an ‘ads feature’
can sideload with ‘bazaar content’, ‘search
on Android ad’ and ‘search ads carousel’

Credit: OpenAI/@btibor91
TVs and Fire (see screenshot 1 ).
Sticks, lets OpenAI, which makes
you watch ChatGPT, would need to apply
YouTube without adverts. this code to the chatbot in
Existing users should order for it to show adverts.
uninstall the current app and The code suggests ads
replace it with the new, safe will appear only when
version from [Link]. ChatGPT shows results from class, Connect Peloton’ use ChatGPT every week,
com/57329. the internet, rather than appeared while he was up from 100 million in
unprompted during a chat. discussing with the chatbot November 2023 and
ADD STREAMING TO One ChatGPT user has a Podcast interview with 300 million in late 2024.
VODAFONE BILL already reported seeing Elon Musk ([Link]. This is a huge untapped
Vodafone broadband adverts. Yuchen Jin wrote on com/57330, see screenshot 2 ). market for OpenAI as they
customers can now add X that the ad ‘Find a fitness Roughly 800 million people seek to offset the massive
streaming and gaming costs of running AI data
services to a combined 2 centres. If successful the move
monthly bill as part of the could challenge Google’s
company’s ‘Add to Plan’ dominance in online
Credit: X/OpenAI/@Yuchenj_UW

scheme. This was previously advertising.

available only to mobile But it’s also likely to annoy
customers. Introductory users who choose ChatGPT
discounts include three over Google precisely because
months free Disney+ and it doesn’t show ads. OpenAI
two months free YouTube didn’t comment on the leak.
Premium. Read more at
[Link]/57319.
• Change ChatGPT’s
personality – page 43

THE WORLD’S
GONE MAD! Netflix scraps casting to your TV
This Cruella De Vil wannabe
is demonstrating the latest
AI nonsense to take over
N etflix no longer lets you
cast TV programmes from
its app on newer devices.
devices that you can still cast
from (click ‘Compatible
devices’), including the
social media – influencers The change was reported third-generation Chromecast,
surrounding themselves in November by Reddit users released in 2018, and older. It’s
with cute animals (normally ([Link]/57328) also still available on TVs that
puppies and always fake) and later confirmed by have Google Cast built in.
for no reason whatsoever. Netflix which updated its However, to do this you
We assume the other 90 support page to say it “no need to subscribe to one technology. That was the
dalmatians are out of shot. longer supports casting of Netflix’s advert-free reason it gave when axing
Credit: Instagram/@[Link]

shows from a mobile subscriptions, which cost support for Apple AirPlay
device to most TVs and £12.99 (Standard) and £18.99 in 2019.
TV-streaming devices” (Premium) a month – see Netflix users with an
([Link]/57325). [Link]/57327. ad-supported subscription
It recommends controlling Netflix hasn’t explained ($7.99 a month) will be
Netflix using the remote that why it scrapped casting, unable to cast from their
came with their TV. though it might be due to phones even if they own
The page also lists the technical limitations with the legacy Chromecast devices.

8 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

PC sales to be flat in 2026 as IN BRIEF
firms stick with Windows 10 APPLE MAKES FIRST
iPHONE SE OBSOLETE

D ell has said that sales of

Windows 11 computers
will be flat in 2026, despite
He added that
companies have
delayed upgrading
Apple has
added the
original
Microsoft axing support for to Windows 11 iPhone SE
Windows 10 in October. because their (pictured)
In its financial results for existing Windows 10 to its list of
the third quarter Dell’s chief computers still obsolete
operating officer Jeffrey work well. This devices,
Clarke said that the pace of affects desktop meaning
businesses moving from PCs as well as mini it will no longer repair the
Windows 10 to 11 is PCs, he said. old to run Windows 11, while phone or offer replacement
significantly lower than Clarke also said there are another 500 million are parts. The iPhone SE was
during the previous transition around 500 million Windows capable of running it but released in 2016 and Apple
from Windows 7 and 8.1 to 10. machines in use that are too haven’t upgraded yet. stopped selling it two years
Many firms have decided to later. Apple deems devices
pay for Microsoft’s Extended obsolete seven years after
RECORD SURGE IN ZORIN DOWNLOADS Security Updates (ESUs), the company stops selling
Zorin’s developers claim it has Zorin says over 78 per which cost $61 (about £46) them. See the full list at
had over one million downloads cent of users downloading per device for the first year [Link]/57299.
in the last month, a surge that’s Zorin “came from Windows” – until October 2026 – then
broken “all previous records”. ([Link]/57290). $122 and $244 for the second LINUX-BASED OFFICE
The Linux distro has proved
extremely popular as an option
• We explained how to switch
to Zorin in Issue 725 – buy a
and third years respectively
([Link]/57287).
TOOL RELEASED
Linux-based office suite
for Windows 10 users who can’t back issue from [Link]. For home users Microsoft Collabora has been
or won’t upgrade to Windows 11. com/57296. is offering ESUs for only one relaunched as a new desktop
year, until next October. program, available for Linux,
macOS and Windows.
Its developers, based in
Virgin fined £23.8m for not protecting Cambridge, say the new
software looks and feels
vulnerable customers similar to the online version.
Read their blog at www.

O fcom has fined Virgin

Media £23.8m for failing
to protect vulnerable telecare
affected “did not receive
the appropriate level of
tailored support through
[Link]/57301 and
download it from
[Link]/57304.
customers as they moved the migration process”.
them from copper-based Virgin also put “thousands PAY TO ACCESS PLEX TV
landlines to digital phones. of vulnerable customers” APPS REMOTELY
The telecoms regulator at risk of harm when Plex users will soon need a
investigated Virgin after the disconnecting them because Remote Watch Pass (£1.99 a
company reported “a number it prevented their telecare month) or Plex Pass (£4.99)
of serious incidents related systems from connecting to pause on migrations in to stream content remotely
to the migration of telecare alarm-monitoring centres. December 2023. through its TV apps. The
customers in November and Ofcom said that when Virgin said: “While change will apply to the
December 2023”. deciding how much to fine historically the majority Roku app first, followed by
Ofcom’s subsequent Virgin it considered “the of migrations were all other TV apps in 2026.
investigation “uncovered vulnerability of the customers completed without issue, we Read more on Plex’s forums:
serious systemic failures in affected; the significant recognise that we didn’t get [Link]/57300.
Virgin Media’s migration duration of the contraventions; everything right and have
process between August 2022 the seriousness of the breach; since addressed the migration
and December 2023”. and the significant degree of issues identified by Ofcom.”
It added that Virgin failed potential harm caused.” The fine will be paid to
properly to “identify and It added that Virgin has HM Treasury. Read Ofcom’s
record the status of telecare “taken significant steps to report at [Link].
customers”. This meant those remedy the issues” following a com/57295.

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 9

 Questionof
Question ofthe
theFortnight
Fortnight
Should the BBC use iPlayer
to catch licence-fee dodgers?
MPs want it to find a better system than knocking on front doors

F
or a demonstration of
incompetence it’s hard THE FACTS
to beat the BBC’s efforts
to catch viewers not paying • A parliamentary report has
the TV licence. called for the BBC to start
In the 12 months to April tracking iPlayer use to
2025 it increased the number catch people who aren’t
of officers visiting homes paying the licence fee
from 172 to 229. They made • TV licensing officers made
two million visits, two million home visits
an increase of last year – an increase of 50
50 per cent, yet per cent – but prosecutions
prosecutions have fell by 17 per cent
fallen by 17 per cent. • The BBC loses over £550
The result is the BBC million annually from
losing over £550 people evading the
million annually from people BBC TV, but watch 10 seconds General Tim Davie and Shirley licence fee
evading the licence fee (about of Line of Duty on iPlayer and Cameron, the BBC’s Director
three million households). you’ll owe the BBC £174.50. of Revenue Management.
The BBC says people have On the face of it chasing Labour MP Chris Kane payers who do comply may
simply stopped answering the iPlayer viewers seems to asked why they couldn’t use start to question the fairness
door to their officers. It’s easy make sense. It’s the one part the login details for the iPlayer of the system”. It called for the
now to see who’s knocking of the BBC on the up – in to track viewers and make BBC to “modernise licence fee
with a glance at your phone. the past year viewers sure they pay the licence fee. collection” by developing
If it’s someone you want to watched 4.5 billion hours of Cameron said this wasn’t methods “suited to
avoid, why bother leaving programmes, up roughly a possible because viewers don’t monitoring online viewing”.
the sofa? quarter. Around 15.2 million need to submit their home At the moment all you
address to create an iPlayer have to do is click ‘I have
account. a TV licence’ on iPlayer (see
The BBC says people have Davie took a more screenshot). But stronger
ideological view, saying the measures might mean your
simply stopped answering the BBC could block non-paying data being sent to the BBC
viewers “tomorrow” but for verification.
door to their officers that he doesn’t think it’s Or the BBC could simply
“the right thing to do”. prevent non-payers from
It would be an unexpected people watch iPlayer once a Unlike purely commercial signing in. The committee also
effect indeed if the rise of week, up from 14.1 million. broadcasters like Netflix or told the BBC to start moving
video doorbells led to the The recommendation comes Disney+, which force viewers from paper to digital licences.
demise of the world’s oldest in a report ([Link]. to pay, the BBC’s remit as a However, what will surely
broadcaster. com/57377) into the BBC’s public service broadcaster worry Davie’s replacement is
MPs think they have the finances by Parliament’s means it must think about whether those three million
answer: track viewers watching Public Accounts Committee serving as many people as fee dodgers will actually pay
iPlayer instead. Since (PAC), led by MPs that possible. up when given no choice.
September 2016, you’ve scrutinise the spending and But as the committee’s They might instead join the
needed a licence to watch the efficiency of publicly funded report points out, this 3.6 million households (up by
iPlayer, closing a loophole that bodies. approach risks alienating 1.2m in five years) who legally
let you watch programmes on It follows evidence given to the 23.8 million households avoid paying by declaring they
demand for free. the committee in September that do pay the licence fee. It don’t watch live TV.
You can spend the entire by leading BBC figures, warned that “without visible That could prove to be one
year not tuning into any live including the then Director- enforcement, licence fee crisis too many for the BBC.

10 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

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

Fraudsters promising to help after scams

What’s the threat?
Devious scammers are offering to help
scam victims recover stolen money.
They target people who write on the
popular reviews site Trustpilot about
being scammed and say they can
provide professional assistance.
This tactic has been spotted before on
social media and by email. Often the
scammers offering help are part of the
same gang that committed the original
scam, using a different name. But
consumer group Which? has now seen
six services offering assistance to people In the 12 months to November 2025 contact you to offer this. If you’ve lost
posting on Trustpilot. Many were listed Action Fraud received 5,553 reports money, report it to your bank and the
as being based in the US but had websites of recovery scams across all methods, police. If you’ve lost gift vouchers,
registered in Germany. None was amounting to stolen cash worth £185.4m. report it to the retailer. If you paid by
registered with the UK’s Financial Trustpilot told Which? that it’s bank transfer, you might be a victim
Conduct Authority (FCA). investigating the companies and has of Authorised Push Payment (APP)
Which? also found plenty of suspicious taken down many of the fake reviews. fraud. Since October 2024, banks must
reviews for these firms on Trustpilot. In reimburse faultless victims of this scam.
one example, 93 positive reviews of a How can you stay safe? If a company offers to recover your
specific company were written by the Always ignore any offer to recover your money on Trustpilot, report it by clicking
same person on a single day. money – legitimate companies will never the ‘Flag this review’ icon (see screenshot).

New tools Signal’s

Secure Backups
ScamWatch
Readers warn readers

Signal is probably keep this safe because

Fake Google One
the most private Signal can’t help you
subscription
To the best of my knowledge I’ve
messaging app. It find it if you lose it.
never given Google a penny, so I was
uses end-to-end It’s free for 100MB
surprised to learn that I had ‘made a
encryption (E2EE) of text messages
subscription purchase from Google
by default for all (more than enough)
Commerce Limited on Google Play’.
messages and calls, along with the past
This came in an email supposedly
and doesn’t store 45 days’ worth of
from no-reply@[Link].
any metadata. photos, videos and
A quick search online revealed it to be
In September, it files. You can extend
fake. The email said I’d been signed
launched Secure this indefinitely, and
into a yearly subscription for 2TB
Backups for Android get a 100GB limit, for
1 2 storage at Google One, and that it
devices, letting $1.99 (about £1.50)
would cost me €99.99 a year. I only
you back up your a month.
had two days to cancel this. It was a
message history To turn on the
reasonably convincing scam, with the
using E2EE, and has now added it to feature, which is still in beta, click
proper Google Play logo and it even
iPhones and iPads. The feature means Settings then Backups ( 1 in our
mentioned my correct email address.
you won’t lose your messages should screenshot) followed by Continue 2 .
Les Baker
you lose your phone or if it’s stolen. To Read more at [Link]/57219
access your backup Signal generates a and install the app from [Link]. Warn your fellow readers about scams
64-character recovery key. It’s vital you com/57221. at letters@[Link]

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 11

 Letters
Tell us what’s on your mind

AI will leave millions keep hearing from friends and so-called CA SAYS Timothy’s reasoning is sound,
without a job experts online that smaller, but it’s unlikely to happen. New features
Michael Lewis regional providers are almost always appear in high-end
refers to disasters cheaper. But it seems that phones first then mid-range models, and
like train and aeroplane while these smaller firms only later in budget phones. Cheaper
accidents when don’t raise the price of phones rarely overtake mid-range in
predicting what mayhem contracts halfway through, specifications.
AI might cause (Letters, they charge a lot more In 2026, memory shortages are
Issue 724). But the much from the beginning. expected to push phone prices up across
bigger threat is to jobs. I Comparing TalkTalk’s the board. Budget models may still
started working in a bank in packages with those from smaller firms, improve, but the upgrades will probably
the City in the early 1980s as part of a this seemed to be the case. be smaller and slower than mid-range
graduate scheme. I’ve moved companies So, the blunt choice is between cheap phones, so cheaper phones are unlikely
several times, but my role is roughly the deals with the big boys that increase over to get relatively better. See page 60 for
same. But bit by bit that role has been your contract, or expensive plans from our tips on beating 2026’s price rises.
eaten away – first by automated software the minnows that stay the same price
and more recently by AI. throughout. I’m sticking with TalkTalk. Misleading to say 5G has
Fortunately, I will retire next year, so Tony Drake 97-per-cent coverage
I’m getting out just in time. But the I was reading Ofcom’s Connected
generations coming up behind me won’t Price rises might make Nations report ([Link].
be so lucky. The graduate schemes that I cheaper phones better com/57132), which you mentioned in
benefitted from barely exist now. The It’s obviously bad news that Issue 724 (page 8), and noticed it was
Covid lockdowns began to kill them, memory shortages will drive up boasting about improved 4G and 5G
but the rise of AI has accelerated their phone prices in 2026 (Issue 724, page 8), coverage. I even saw the figure of 97 per
demise. Tasks that took me half a day but there might just be a silver lining to cent used to describe 5G coverage. But
back in the early 1980s now take AI a this cloud. I can see high-end models this is for people, not area. Isn’t that
couple of minutes, so there’s really very becoming more expensive as rather meaningless? I might be able
little for graduates to do. manufacturers target society’s high to get 5G in my house, and pick it up
I know doomsayers throughout earners. This will squeeze the mid-range again in my sister’s house 20 miles
history have warned how technology phones, meaning they won’t show much away. But in the drive between through
will destroy jobs. What’s saved us in the improvement. local villages it cuts in and out.
past is new jobs being created. I don’t see The consequence of this will be Ofcom should come up with a new
that happening at the moment. This time cheaper phones getting some of the measurement that gives a satisfaction
feels different. If I’m right, millions of features usually reserved for mid-range score taking into account not just regional
people will be made redundant in the devices. It could mean, for example, a coverage but how reliable it is. At the
next few years. £300 phone getting the kind of storage moment, it seems to assume we are all
David Williams or screen quality you currently have to beamed from one house to another and
pay £500 for. enjoy perfect signals.
Mid-contract price hikes Timothy Bland Mel Craddock
keep overall prices low
I’m a long-term TalkTalk customer
What’s the Issue…?
?
and so I didn’t enjoy reading about
the company raising mid-contract price
rises (Issue 724, page 7). But I also want to I want to start using an CA SAYS In Issue
defend the company because I couldn’t authenticator app, so need to 712, page 62. Buy a
find anything cheaper when I shopped re-read your recent review of them. back issue from www.
around. When did it appear? [Link]/57149.
I wondered why this was, because I Paul Northman
I’ve just started using RustDesk
Computeractive is a member
CA SAYS In Issue 717, page 62. Buy a to remotely connect to my
of the IPSO (Independent Press back issue from [Link]/57148. father’s PC. Didn’t you publish a How
Standards Organisation) which
regulates the UK print and digital To on this software last year?
news industry. We abide by the
Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding I need a new PC monitor but Harry Grainger
the highest standards of journalism. If you think that can’t afford a brand new one.
we have not met those standards and want to make a
complaint, please contact legal@[Link] When did you explain how to find a CA SAYS We did, in Issue 695 (page
If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would decent refurbished model? 35). Read it on our 2024 USB Back
like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code,
contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit [Link]
Stephen Hook Issue Stick ([Link]/53180).

12 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 Email: letters@[Link]
Facebook: [Link]/computeractive
@ComputerActive
[Link]/ComputerActive

I prefer DVDs because

they’re not censored STAR LETTER
I wholeheartedly agree with
Robert Togneri (Letters, Issue 723)
and others on why DVDs beat streaming.
Nothing wrong with charging
But the main reason I still buy physical
discs is that the original content cannot
customers for missed appointments
be cut or altered to reflect today’s views, At the risk of missed appointments is
be that popular or not. I like to appreciate provoking the the knock-on effect of
the film as it was when it was released wrath of the whole of wasted visits.
rather than now when social views shy Computeractive’s Occasionally, I can
away from certain topics. You only have readership, I think there’s phone the office and
to watch the original Dr No from 1963 nothing wrong with BT squeeze in an extra
and watch the modern streamed version and other broadband appointment, but most
to see how it’s been changed to reflect companies charging of the time a missed
current times. customers for missed appointments appointment just adds to the backlog.
Ian Crossley (‘Question of the Fortnight’, Issue 724, Some of my previous companies
pictured). used to ask me to pop back to a house
CA SAYS Several readers have emailed us I’ve worked in domestic repairs if the customer returns. But this often
with the same view. We understand how all my life – for national and local meant doing so in my own time. I had
it feels reassuring to know DVDs you companies – and also been self- little choice though. It was unfair then,
own can’t be censored in any way or be employed for a while. During all those and I bet most broadband engineers
altered to reflect changing attitudes. years I’d estimate about 10 per cent of would agree it’s unfair now.
Ofcom doesn’t ban older programmes appointments were wasted because the The point about a charge for missed
outright, but broadcasters have to follow homeowner wasn’t in. That’s the figure appointments is that it must be a
rules on “harm and offence”, which BT quotes too, and it sounds about right. deterrent. If it’s too cheap, customers
means some channels avoid showing I realise not everyone can answer will just factor it into the overall price
material that might spark complaints or the door quickly, so I always wait 15 of having broadband. I think £50 is an
require heavy warnings. minutes after calling. I always knock appropriate amount. BT shouldn’t be
In September, the channel Rewind TV as well as ring because video doorbells embarrassed about introducing this
got round this by putting a 1956 Tony are often out of power. I always check fee. It should promote it more loudly
Hancock show on YouTube (www. around the back too, if possible, and to promote the importance of
[Link]/56106, pictured), which phone the customer if I have their number. keeping appointments.
doesn’t restrict What customers must realise about Matthew Potts
content in this
way. Rewind TV The Star Letter writer wins a Computeractive mug!
said the episode
“reflects the
language and Computeractive recently but without any explain these limitations in our next
portrayals of its time” and was being software-related reservations. issue – out Wednesday 31 December.
shown in full “for historical record and To describe the Lenovo Chromebook 14
discussion”. as “a laptop that doesn’t quite know what Any more operating systems
it wants to be” and ChromeOS (with regard for me to try?
You’re wrong about to available software) as a “restrictive I love playing with different
Chromebooks operating system” is surely a somewhat operating systems, so how’s this
It’s disappointing that in 2025 disingenuous conclusion. for a mixture? In my office I use Windows
Chromebooks (and ChromeOS) Pat Wolverton 11 and in my lounge I use Raspberry Pi,
are still seen by some as limited to “what mainly for web browsing and watching
your browser can manage and apps in the CA SAYS Pat’s right that Chromebooks two football matches at the same time
Chrome Web Store” (as per your review can now run Linux apps, a feature Google along with the TV. In my workshop I use
of the Lenovo Chromebook 14 (pictured introduced with ChromeOS 69 in 2018. Zorin OS in an old all-in-one computer
below right) in Issue 721, page 24. This lets users install many desktop-style and my wife uses Linux Mint in her work
Chromebooks have been able to run programs, not just web or Android apps. room. Along with Apple and Android
Linux apps since ChromeOS 69 (circa With more people switching from Windows phones that’s six at the moment but I’m
2018) and the large software to Linux (see page 9), we’ll make always looking for more. Any suggestions?
repositories available to sure to mention this in future Colin Stone
ChromeOS are the same ones Chromebook reviews. However,
available to the likes of Linux not all Chromebooks can run every CA SAYS There are several we can think
Mint and Zorin – both Linux app. Indeed, some laptops of, but first let’s hear what readers have
recommended that come with Windows can to say. Which operating system should
elsewhere in also struggle with Linux. We’ll Colin try next?

Views expressed don’t necessarily reflect those of Computeractive Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 13
 Consumeractive
We stand up for your legal rights

I’ve switched to LEAD Can TomTom

Vodafone, so why is CASE stop updating
my satnav?
Virgin still charging me? When I bought my TomTom

I decided to move my broadband

Q Start satnav it came with free
“lifetime updates”, but these have
Q from Virgin to Vodafone because
it was cheaper. I used Ofcom’s
now stopped. I know “lifetime” could
refer to the life of an item, but my satnav
One Touch Switch (OTS) process (www. works perfectly. The data is now likely to
[Link]/57195) and hoped everything be unreliable, so do I have any rights?
would go smoothly. I returned Virgin’s Ken Wilson
set-top box and router as requested, but
it kept billing me. I paid £140 because I No, it’s unlikely Ken will have any
was worried about the legal implications
if I didn’t, but the bills keep coming.
A rights relating to unreliable data.
The term “lifetime” is misleading
Can you help? switch, regardless of how slowly Virgin – as well as the working life of a device,
Peter McGinley may have acted. it covers software updates it can support.
We’ve received several emails from The only way Ken may have a case is if
We spoke to Virgin Media on readers disappointed that the OTS system TomTom promised a period of support
A Peter’s behalf and the matter’s
now been fully resolved. It has
isn’t working as smoothly as Ofcom
intended. In particular, there’s a persistent
that hasn’t been honoured, but we doubt
it would have done that.
refunded the payments Peter made and problem in overlapping payments – where Ken didn’t say which TomTom satnav
cancelled his contract. you’re paying for both your old and new he owns, but some Start models were
We can understand why Peter was broadband. If this happens to you, contact released over 15 years ago. Even the
frustrated with Virgin, but the fault might your new provider immediately to flag up Consumer Rights Act only offers
lie with Vodafone. When switching Ofcom’s the problem. It should do everything it protection for up to six years maximum.
OTS system puts all the emphasis on the can to resolve the issue with your old Modern maps contain far more data
company you’re moving to. It’s up to your provider. But also email your original than older satnavs can handle, so TomTom
new provider to ask your old one for your provider so you have a record of your considers these models obsolete even
details and to make any necessary changes. attempt to resolve the matter. You should if they still work normally. Before buying
Virgin may have been slow to do this, also check and, if necessary, cancel any a TomTom, it’s worth checking the
but ultimately that’s not Peter’s fault. direct debits to avoid automatic payments company’s list of obsolete products www.
Vodafone is responsible for handling the during the overlap. [Link]/57222.
CASE ONGOING CASE CLOSED

CASE UPDATE

Virgin refunds reader £57 for faulty landline

Virgin Media has refunded By the time Virgin offered to fix the fault Andrew, but didn’t receive a satisfactory
reader Andrew Higgins for Andrew had had enough and wanted to explanation.
the period his phone wasn’t cancel his landline. This complicated things Whatever the reason, Andrew is pleased
working (see Issue 720), a little, but we still advised Andrew to ask that Virgin eventually sent him £57 to cover
though it took him more effort than it Virgin for a deadlock letter, which the time the landline was faulty. If he had
should have. would have strengthened his case wanted to stay with Virgin he may have got
In July, his Virgin landline went dead. against the company were he to more money back under Ofcom’s automatic
Callers could hear ringing at their end, but report it to the Communications compensation scheme, which refunds
the phone never rang in his house. Virgin Ombudsman ([Link]. customers £9.98 for each day a service isn’t
initially refused a refund for this period com/57262). We also repaired. However, this scheme applies only
because Andrew hadn’t reported it sooner, phoned Virgin to ask to customers who want to keep the service
but this was irrelevant. why he hadn’t refunded that’s not working.

14 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 Contact us so we can investigate your case
Email: consumeractive@[Link]
Please include your name, phone number and address.

Why can’t I cancel an order before despatch?

I bought a router online on No, the law might have a case against
Q Friday afternoon but then
remembered I was going away
A doesn’t give
customers
them – though it would
be difficult to prove.
for a week and so wouldn’t be in to a grace period for In the end John was
receive it. However, when I cancelled the cancelling an order before fortunate because the
order on Saturday morning the retailer despatch. Once you place the parcel was left on his doorstep
said it had already sent the router and I order, the retailer can send it (not his designated safe space)
couldn’t cancel. Instead, it said I’d have to immediately. Indeed, most and taken in by a neighbour
refuse delivery. I said I wouldn’t be able customers would expect this to get who he had phoned. By doing
to do this because I’d be abroad. What a the item as quickly as possible. However, this he was deemed to have
mess! Doesn’t the law force retailers to retailers must make cancellation easy accepted delivery but then had 14
give you longer to cancel an order before online, by email or over the phone. If they days to tell the retailer he was rejecting
despatching it? make this hard and it therefore takes too the item and a further 14 days to return it
John McDonald long to cancel before dispatch, then you (at his own cost).
CASE CLOSED

Can Tesco refuse I returned it to Tesco, who said it was

faulty. But the company said it wouldn’t
staff didn’t know this.
We’re also baffled as to why they
help with faulty help because I was outside the 30-day
limit and my purchase wasn’t covered by
thought its Christmas return policy is
relevant. This states that any purchases
phone after its extended Christmas returns offer. Will
I have to contact the manufacturer instead?
made between 1 October and 24 December
can be returned until the end of January
30 days? Malcolm Lee 2026 (see [Link]/57197).
Malcolm bought his phone before this
In early No, Malcolm should stick with period, so it doesn’t count. And even if
Q September, I
bought the IMO
A Tesco because this case is
entirely its responsibility. It’s
he had bought it after 1 October, Tesco
must still offer him a refund, repair or
Dash phone for £24 from true that after 30 days Tesco can refuse replacement for six years (five in Scotland).
Tesco Mobile ([Link]. a refund and choose instead to repair Malcolm has been let down by terrible
com/57196, pictured). or replace the phone – but only one of customer service. We’ve asked Tesco
However, it kept shutting these. It’s not allowed to switch to a why he was given the wrong information
down and failed to replacement if a repair fails, or vice and insisted it should deal with him
maintain a charge. versa. It’s disappointing that Tesco’s immediately.
CASE ONGOING

CREDIT WHERE IT’S DUE

Moonpig let me change order after I made errors

For the past few months, next morning I received an email offering to
Moonpig has been asking me to cancel my order and issue a credit for the full
purchase a card online. I finally amount. They also allowed me to start over.
gave in when they offered me In the end, everything worked out perfectly.
one for free – a timely offer, since I have a completed, it can’t be updated, even though John Ryan
friend with a birthday coming up (which I’m I’d set a delivery date of several weeks in
sure they knew!). So I accepted, placed the the future. Contact
order and everything went smoothly. I spoke to its chatbot, but it simply said
Later, I decided to order four Christmas the office was closed. To my surprise, the
Moonpig
cards and paid via PayPal. I then realised I’d Has a company impressed you with its • Email and live chat
made a few mistakes and wanted to correct customer service? Please let us know: [Link]/57116
them, but discovered that once an order is editor@[Link]

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 15

 Grow Your
Family Tree
If your ancestors took part in Nelson’s finest hour, follow
Richard Holt’s advice to…
Search the Battle of Trafalgar Prize Book
T
he Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October Searching for
1805 saw 27 British ships under the surname
2 ‘Whelan’
Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson take and the ship
on the combined Franco-Spanish fleet ‘Revenge’
commanded by Vice-Admiral Pierre- produced one
result
Charles Villeneuve. The British won
decisively, losing no ships, while the
Franco-Spanish fleet lost 22 of its 33. 2
The Royal Navy brought captured
enemy ships into port and sold them
along with their cargo and guns. The 3
proceeds, called ‘prize money’, were
shared among the crew involved in the incomplete, the database still indexes com/57103) shows that his mother,
capture. Many ships taken at Trafalgar 17,090 individuals. Catherine, applied for Royal Bounty, a
were later destroyed in a storm, so the To search the prize books, enter a lump sum equal to one year’s wages
Government added a £300,000 grant to name at [Link]/57102 and payable to widows, dependent children,
compensate, alongside any prize money narrow results by ship and rank if you or mothers of those killed in action.
from salvaged ships. This money was then know these. The records show the prize I searched the prize book records for
distributed among the officers and crew amount awarded and often state who ‘Dennis Whelan’ with no results, but
who had taken part in the battle. collected the money, whether the officers entering the surname ‘Whelan’ ( 1 in our
or crew members themselves, family screenshot above) and the ship name
Browse Findmypast’s members or other representatives acting ‘Revenge’ 2 produced one entry 3 .
17,000-strong index on their behalf. The reason I didn’t get any results when
Findmypast, in partnership with the I was interested in Dennis Whelan, son searching for ‘Dennis’ is that his name
National Museum of the Royal Navy in of Dennis and Catherine Whelan, born was actually recorded as Daniel Whelan
Portsmouth, has released ‘British Royal on 6 January 1794, at the British Lying-in (abbreviated to ‘Dan.l’ ( 1 in our
Navy, Battle of Trafalgar Prize Book’, a Hospital in Middlesex. He was only 12 screenshot below).
collection that includes digital images of when killed in action at Trafalgar. The The document shows that his mother,
one of only two surviving prize books. ‘Trafalgar Ancestors’ database on The Catherine, collected £4 12s 6d on 12
Though the original records are National Archives website ([Link]. September 1806 2 (about £290 in
today’s money, according to the Bank of

Your Genealogy Problems Solved

England’s inflation calculator www.
[Link]/57136). The letters ‘DD’ 3 for
‘Discharged Dead’ indicate that Dennis
My great-uncle worked for the date if you know it. The results should had been killed in action.
Metropolitan Police in the early decades contain his warrant number and annual
of the 20th century, but I don’t know pension. Also read this guide from the 1
much about what he did. Are there any National Archives ([Link].
online records that could shed some light com/57118), which explains which
on his career? records it keeps. Finally, check whether
Doug Staines he appeared in any trials at the Old Bailey,
where records are kept between 1674
First, search for him in Ancestry’s and 1913 ([Link]/57119).
‘London, England, Metropolitan Police
Have a genealogy question for Richard? 2 3
Pension Registers, 1852-1932’ (www. Email letters@[Link] with
[Link]/57117), adding his discharge ‘Grow Your Family Tree’ in the subject line. Dennis Whelan’s mother received £4 12s 6d
after he died at Trafalgar

16 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725 Next issue: Search new World War 2 records
 Best Free Software
Robert Irvine recommends new programs that won’t cost you a thing
VIDEO CONVERTER

Any Video Converter Free 9.1.5

[Link]/57260
What you need: Windows 10 or 11

The last time we included Any Video Converter (AVC) Free in £45.29. Irritatingly, it doesn’t tell you
this section (Issue 717, page 18), we explained how to use its this until after you’ve downloaded the
new browser for downloading videos. We were less pleased AI model.
that it had started prompting you to upgrade to its Pro and The ‘Crop Video’ tool has also been improved to
Ultimate versions before performing certain actions. provide ‘smoother interaction’. This simplifies the process
Sadly, those nags still appear in version 9.1.5, but AVC of changing the width and height of videos, and rotating
has again offset our annoyance by adding several genuinely and flipping them, as well adjusting their aspect ratio to, for
useful features. The upgrade prompts are easy to dismiss by example, 4:3 or 16:9.
clicking Continue – unlike in some freemium programs (see AVC’s Video Download feature now lets you download
our Cover Feature on page 50), they’re not aggressive. YouTube playlists as well as individual videos. To do so,
The biggest new addition is a timeline for AVC’s Merge click the YouTube icon on the Video Download screen to
Video and Trim Video tools. This brings it closer in line with launch the video browser, then sign into your YouTube
traditional video-editing software, by providing an easy account. Select a playlist and click ‘Add to Parsing List’ then
visual way to rearrange clips, set their start and end points, Parse Now. Click ‘Download Now’ to save all the playlist
and remove unwanted segments. videos in MP4 format.
The Trim Video tool also offers AI Scene Detection, which Unlike most free downloaders, there’s no limit on the
automatically detects cuts and transitions in videos, but size or number of videos you can save. AVC also downloads
this is only available in AVC’s Ultimate edition, which costs videos from Instagram, TikTok, Vimeo and other services.

1 2

1 To use the updated Trim 2 Trim the beginning of a 3 Now drag the slider to the 4 Click the Export Now button
Video tool in Any Video video by dragging the slider point where you want the to save the trimmed clip
Converter, select that on the timeline to the point video to end and click the as an MP4 file without
option on the home screen, where you want it to start. right-bracket symbol. If you affecting the original video.
then click Add Media File(s) Click the plus-sign icon make a mistake, click the bin Click ‘Continue’ to skip the
and choose a video. Click to create a new clip and icon to delete the clip and upgrade prompt. You can
the Play button to watch timeline layer, then the start again. Click the speaker convert the video to another
the video before you make left-bracket symbol to mark icon to adjust the video’s format using AVC’s Format
any changes. the start point. volume. Convert tool.

18 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

FILE MANAGER
SHOULD I PAY FOR…?
Files 4.0.21 Choose the right version of software
[Link]/56242
What you need: Windows 10 or 11
Uninstall Tool
Our favourite free [Link]/57256
alternative to File Price: £19.60 Free trial: 30 days
Explorer has made What you need: Windows 7, 8.1, 10 or 11
some small but
welcome tweaks to We’ve tested lots of software uninstallers, but until now
its interface. These we’d never come across the blandly named Uninstall Tool.
include a new That’s surprising because it’s been around for 20 years. A
Discovering message recent update brought it to our attention.
in the ‘Status centre’ Unlike most uninstallers, the program isn’t free or
in the top-right freemium, but has a fully functional 30-day free trial that
corner, which lets you explore its features. We were impressed by how
reassures you that Files hasn’t frozen when it’s performing quickly it loaded and listed our installed software, but
time-consuming tasks such as indexing the contents of a less enamoured of the Windows XP-style interface.
large drive. The ‘Cancel’ button for ongoing operations has Selecting a program displayed information in the side
been moved to a flyout (three-dot) menu (see screenshot), panel, including the version number, publisher and install
to prevent you from clicking it accidentally while waiting. date. There were also options to uninstall that tool or
When you extract files from a ZIP, 7z or RAR archive, you can forcibly remove leftover traces (see screenshot). Neither
now paste the path of the folder you want to save them to, prompted us to create a system-restore point, but this
instead of browsing for it manually, and select recently used sped up the removal process.
paths from a dropdown menu. Files now lets you hide its Frustratingly, when we selected multiple programs by
status bar for a ‘cleaner, more minimal look’. Click the Settings pressing Ctrl, the Uninstall option disappeared from the
cog, then Appearance and switch off ‘Show status bar’. side panel, the Actions menu and the right-click menu.
Uninstall Tool’s website confirmed batch-uninstall is only
IMAGE VIEWER available for Microsoft Store apps.
These are listed on a separate tab, which is easy to miss at
FastStone Image Viewer 8.2 the bottom of the window. There’s also a handy tool
[Link]/57258 for managing startup items and a System Tools menu
What you need: Windows 7, 8.1, 10 or 11 offering access to Windows’ own removal features, such as
Add/Remove Programs.
FastStone Image
Viewer has long
offered more features
than its name
suggests, and the
latest update adds
further useful tools.
Most notably, you
can now compress
multiple images into a
ZIP archive to make them easier to share and store. Click the
Create menu and choose Zip Archive (or press Alt+Z) to open
a ZIP Archive window. Click ‘Add’ to select images, then
Create (see screenshot) to compress them in an archive –
you can also resize them as JPEG files. When you import
photos from a camera, phone or SD card (by choosing OUR VERDICT: Don’t pay for it
‘Import Photos and Videos’ in the File menu, then ‘Select files Uninstall Tool is a nice little program, if dated in design,
manually’) you can now decide whether to show their names but it’s not worth paying for. See page 52 of our Cover
or dates under their thumbnails. Additionally, the program Feature to discover our preferred software uninstaller,
can now open and save images in the WEBP format while which is completely free to use and has a lot more features.
retaining their metadata.

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 19

 Best Free Software

What should I download?

We advise you which software and apps to use
What’s the best replacement
How can I keep track for Outlook lite?
of my family? Q
Microsoft has ‘retired’ the
‘lite’ version of Outlook
I need to track my family member’s phones for Android and is replacing
Q just to make sure they are safe and sound.
Is there a program or app that does this?
it with the full version. But I don’t
want all of Outlook’s features,
I have an Android phone. only the basic tools. What do you
Alan Buxton recommend?
Ian Machen
This isn’t difficult, though you should get your
A family’s permission first. The best advanced Try Thunderbird (www.
option is the app Life360 (Android [Link].
com/57068; iOS [Link]/57069, pictured below
A [Link]/57060), which
is easy to use, free of
left), which has a free basic plan. Every family member unnecessary features and works
installs the app and joins a family great with multiple email accounts.
‘circle’. They can then all keep track Another good choice is Spark Mail
of each other’s whereabouts. ([Link]/57101). It will try
The free version tracks family to offer you a trial of the premium
members while they’re driving, version, but the free features are
and notifies you when they get good enough for organising your
home. However, you’ll need to inbox, and it bundles all your notifications and newsletters
upgrade to a paid-for plan for together. It has a slightly stark design (see screenshot), but this
crash notifications and for more helps you prioritise reading your emails.
than two locations in the (likely)
event that you don’t all live and
work in the same places. Prices What’s the best OCR software
start from 6.99 a month (www.
[Link]/57105). for editing PDFs?
If you need more basic features, Can you
use location sharing in Google
Maps (Android pre-installed; iOS
Q suggest good-
quality OCR
[Link]/57059 – you’ll software (free or paid-
need to set up a Google account). for) because I’d like
Tap your top-right profile icon or to edit PDFs and I’m
initials then ‘Location sharing’. unable to do so in
1 Next, tap ‘New share’, then look for LibreOffice.
‘Share your real time location’. Tap Terence Keggs
‘Until you turn this off’ ( 1 in our
screenshot left), then select family Readiris17 ([Link]/57062, pictured)
members from the Suggestions 2 .
Finally click Share, and each
A comes packed with features and you can buy it for a
one-off £65 purchase rather than as a subscription.
contact will be invited to view It converts scanned documents to editable PDFs, and also
your location. convert PDFs and images into text documents you can edit in
Microsoft Word or LibreOffice. But if all you need to do is
2 convert a PDF’s text into content you can search or edit, use
Google Docs instead ([Link] Upload the PDF
then right-click the document and select ‘Open with’ followed
by ‘Google Docs’. Be aware that doing so can sometimes mess
up the formatting.

20 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725 Email us your questions at letters@[Link]

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

SOFTWARE WARNING!
IObit’s memory-cleaning baloney

T
ake a look at the three
screenshots on the far
right. They show
different results for the
amount of memory IObit’s new
SystemCare Ultimate 18 claimed it could
free up on my PC. You might expect such
different results days or weeks apart, but 1 2 3
these were all taken within five minutes.
Such suspicious results didn’t surprise
me. Most programs that magically claim
to declutter your PC are utterly pointless,
and you should certainly never pay for
any. IObit wants $26 (about £20) a year
for SystemCare Ultimate 18 ([Link]. 4
com/57185). Spend the money on mince
pies instead.
This is about IObit’s 563rd appearance Download IObit’s screenshot tool? You must
in ‘Named & Shamed’. Each time it has be mad…
devised a new trick for annoying users.
The latest is the Performance Monitor The ‘Boost’ button 2 also did nothing
widget that appears on your desktop when while the screenshot icon 3 asked me
you install SystemCare Ultimate 18. to download who knows what? 4 .
Launching it, then clicking the Rocket I uninstalled it quicker than you could
button ( 1 in our screenshot above right) say ‘snake oil’. Can’t wait for IObit’s Make up your mind IObit – can you free up
triggers its memory-cleaning miracles. 564th appearance. 3.1GB, 365MB or 2.8GB of memory?

WHAT ARE THEY KEUMARS’ VILLAIN OF THE FORTNIGHT

TALKING ABOUT?
HSTikkyTokky
WHAT THEY SAY
Opera names its “mindful cat” Inara As you might guess from after returning
[Link]/57178 his moronic pseudonym, and must have
“The name has origins in several different HSTikkyTokky is a been fearing a jail sentence.
cultures going all the way back to the popular influencer on But after pleading guilty
Bronze Age, where Inara first appears as TikTok (the HS stands for to dangerous driving and
the Hittite goddess of wild animals. Similar Harrison Sullivan – his driving without insurance
to the ancient Greek goddess Artemis, real name). Sadly, his he was instead handed
Inara represents beauty, purity, and fame has only grown a one-year suspended
spirituality. She embodies a return to our since he crashed his sentence and a two-year
most elemental selves, paired with a sense McLaren 720S ‘supercar’ driving ban.
of oneness with the world around us.” in Surrey in March 2024. OK, he’ll also have to
He was going 71mph in a 40mph wear an electronic tag for three
WHAT THEY MEAN zone. He then fled the UK and months and complete 300 hours of
We know it’s a pretentious name, but taunted police with videos from unpaid work, but I’m still stunned he
we’ve got to keep pretending a browser Qatar and Spain. wasn’t sent to prison. What kind of
cat isn’t our worst ever idea. He was finally arrested in October an influence is that?

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 21

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

MINI PC | £900 from Scan [Link]/57181

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG

Right on the button

MSI’s new mini PC packs plenty of punch

into its sleek black case, but that’s not
all it has going for it. As well as all the
performance and features you’d look for
in a small home-office computer, it’s also
a Copilot+ PC with access to Microsoft’s
latest AI features. It even has a dedicated
Copilot+ button on the front (highlighted
in photo right).

Runs all of Copilot’s Our only complaint is that there’s with Copilot snooping on your activities
just one HDMI port and no dedicated it can make files and documents easier
AI features, which are DisplayPort socket, so if you want a to find. We also found its ability to

normally reserved multi-monitor setup, you’ll need a

Thunderbolt 4-to-DisplayPort cable
summon up Copilot at a touch of the
button on the front really useful, letting
for laptops or adapter.
During testing, we were surprised by
us then chat with it using the Cubi’s
built-in mic.
how quiet the Cubi ran, even compared This little machine isn’t perfect.
With its 136x133m (WxD) footprint it with other powerful mini PCs. Despite While you can swap the 1TB M.2 SSD
won’t take up much desk space, and its this, its Core Ultra 7 258v processor was for something larger, there’s no way to
51mm height offers a fairly low profile. faster than both the GMKtec NucBox M6 upgrade the 32GB RAM – and it is fairly
You can also mount it to the back of a Ultra ([Link]/56684, reviewed expensive for a mini PC. But if you
monitor, and power it either via the in Issue 722). want a quiet compact machine with AI
HDMI output that turns on the PC If you’re just browsing the web or capabilities as well as all-round
when the monitor turns on, or through a running office apps then you won’t notice computing power, this one’s worth the
wired external power button, which much difference, but if you’re using extra expense.
plugs in on the side. The HDMI link several heavy-duty creative apps or
SPECIFICATIONS:
only works with compatible MSI creating 3D graphics, then the NucBox Octa-core Intel Core Ultra 7 258v processor • 32GB
monitors, so the wired button makes a M6 Ultra will provide a smoother, RAM • Intel Arc 140V graphics • 1TB SSD • Wi-Fi 6E •
decent fallback option. speedier experience. Bluetooth 5.3 • 2x 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports • 1x HDMI
Beyond the HDMI port, you have two But the Core Ultra 7 does have a newer port • 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports • 2x USB 2.0 ports • 2x
USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports • MicroSD card reader
USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, a microSD card and faster Intel Arc 140v integrated GPU,
• Windows 11 Pro • 51x136x133mm (HxWxD) • One-
reader and a 3.5mm audio socket at the plus a 48 TOPS NPU. This allows it to run year warranty [Link]/57181
front, then two USB 2.0 ports, two the full suite of Microsoft’s AI features,
Thunderbolt 4 ports and two 2.5Gbps which are normally reserved for its
Ethernet ports at the rear (pictured Copilot+ laptops. You get real-time AI VERDICT A powerful mini PC with
below). If you’d rather stick with wireless captions and translations; Windows comprehensive AI features, though it’s
networking and peripherals, it has Studio Effects for video calls; and even more expensive than most
built-in Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Microsoft’s Recall feature. If you’re happy
★★★★★
ALTERNATIVE GMKtec NucBox
K11 £700 Enough power
and connectivity for
demanding tasks, plus
support for
external
graphics
cards

22 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 HOW WE TEST
Computeractive is owned by Future PLC,
LAPTOP | £179 from Amazon [Link]/57127 which employs a team of specialist
technical reviewers. You’ll often read

Asus Chromebook CX1505CKA references to our benchmark testing,

which is a method of assessing products
using the same criteria. For example, we
Through the net test the speed of every PC and the battery
life of every phone and tablet in exactly
the same way. This makes our reviews
authoritative, rigorous and accurate.
Future PLC also owns the magazines
PC Pro, T3 and What Hi-Fi, and the
websites Tom’s Hardware (www.
[Link]), TechRadar (www.
[Link]) and Windows Central
([Link]). This means
we can test thousands of products
before choosing the most relevant for
Computeractive.

FAIR AND IMPARTIAL

Our writers follow strict guidelines to
Chromebooks priced under £200 usually crammed in. Sadly, the touchpad isn’t so ensure the reviews are fair and impartial.
lack the power and features for even the effective. The surface isn’t smooth enough The manufacturer has no involvement in
most basic uses, but Asus’s Chromebook for your fingertip to glide across, while our tests.
CX1505CKA is surprisingly competent. the cursor jumps at times. Sometimes it
At 20mm thick and weighing 1.59kg, registers a touch as a mouse click then OUR AWARDS
it’s neither as thin nor as light as it first ignores an intentional tap. We award every product
appears, and its build quality would Happily, the CX1505CKA gets most that gets five stars our
never be mistaken for a premium laptop. other things right. With a dated Celeron Buy It! stamp of approval.
There’s too much flex in the mostly processor and just 4GB of RAM we It means we were
plastic chassis and the hinge is too loose had some serious concerns around extremely impressed by the product, and
to hold the screen at certain angles. performance, but as long as you don’t we think you will be too.
expect it to juggle multiple apps or play
Every product that gets a
games smoothly, it doesn’t feel slow.
four-star review is given the
It will easily manage It will easily manage multiple browser
Recommended award. We
tabs and simple, online productivity apps
multiple browser tabs like Google Docs, Gmail or Microsoft 365.
highly recommend these
products, although they just fail to meet the
Variants with Intel Core 3 processors, 8GB
and online apps of RAM and double the storage (128GB,
high standard of our Buy It! winners.
£209 from [Link]/57131) will PRICES
All the same, it doesn’t look like a give you scope for multi-tasking, but also Our reviews contain a link to the best price
bargain- basement Chromebook either. cost £40 more. we found online at the time of press.
In fact, the blue, green, pink or silver Meanwhile, the 15.6in screen is more
finishes give it a stylish feel. dazzling and vibrant than we usually see
All the ports are located on the from budget Chromebooks, and the
left-hand side, with just one USB-A and 1920x1080-pixel resolution looks bright VERDICT An incredibly cheap
one USB-C, plus an HDMI output and a and clear. Battery life isn’t brilliant, with Chromebook that’s great for everyday
3.5mm audio socket. Given that the just seven hours of video playback, but tasks, despite limited performance
USB-C port will be out of commission even that is adequate. Plug in a mouse levels and so-so battery life
while charging, that’s not a lot to be and it’s a perfectly usable Chromebook,
getting on with. Still, with Wi-Fi 6E built which is more than you could normally
★★★★★
in you can get a fast internet connection, hope for at this price. ALTERNATIVE Lenovo
and you have Bluetooth 5.4 for hooking Chromebook Plus 14
SPECIFICATIONS
up a headset or a wireless mouse. Dual-core Intel Celeron N4500 processor • 4GB RAM £499 More power, a
You might want to consider doing so. • Intel UHD graphics • 15.6in 1920x1080-pixel 60Hz stunning screen and an
The keyboard is respectable, despite its IPS screen • 64GB eMMC storage • 1x USB 3.2 • 1x eye-catching design
soft feel. The keys press down lightly USB-C • 1x HDMI 1.4 • 1x 3.5mm audio jack • Wi-Fi justify the
6E • Bluetooth 5.4 • ChromeOS • 20x360x232mm
and consistently, while the layout feels extra cost
(HxWxD) • 1.59Kg • One-year warranty [Link].
spacious, even with a numeric pad com/57127

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 23

 Reviews
SMARTPHONE | £879 from OnePlus [Link]/57159

OnePlus 15
Makes all the right calls

If a smartphone genie handed us three gorgeous ultra-violet and sandstorm

wishes for a dream phone, we’d struggle finishes.
to create a device as brilliant as the new The screen is phenomenally good. In
OnePlus 15. It delivers battery life that tests it’s not quite as bright or colour-
will get you through multiple days, a accurate as the Google Pixel 10 Pro, but it
stunning and durable design, plus a can still reach dazzling brightness levels
strong selection of features, including of 1800cd/m2 for use outdoors, and its
some you won’t find on other Android colours are rich and vibrant. What’s
phones. Throw in a great screen, an more, it supports a constant 120Hz
excellent camera and incredible refresh rate for smoother scrolling, and
performance, and OnePlus’s new can hit as high as 165Hz when gaming.
flagship phone is hard to fault. This would be pointless if the
OnePlus 15 didn’t have the power to
achieve that level of frame rate, but its
Charge it on Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 processor
and Adreno 840 GPU ensure that it can.
Monday morning and You can play demanding games with all
the graphics options turned up and still balance shifted to adjust for the blue
it’ll still be working on get super-smooth gameplay. Aside from light.
Wednesday night games, apps load quickly and run
without delays.
Yet the OnePlus 15’s best feature is its
class-leading battery life. You can charge
OnePlus’s OxygenOS (based on this smartphone to full on Monday
Its looks are simple but refined. There’s Android 16) makes the most of the screen morning and it will still have charge in
a prominent camera bump (pictured and processing speed, while packing in the tank on Wednesday night. We also
below), but it’s shaped and positioned to useful features like a widget shelf and a found it charged incredibly quickly with
make sure that everything aligns with pop-up sidebar. It’s easy to customise, an 80W charger, reaching 80 per cent
style. The whole thing is IP68 water- and looks great whether you have a group in half an hour or 100 per cent in 45
and dust-resistant, so sand, rain or of widgets adding functions to your home minutes. Pair it with a OnePlus AirVOOC
submersion can’t threaten it, and it feels screen or prefer the clean and simple wireless charging pad (£49 from www.
slim and light, yet impressively robust. approach. It includes useful AI tools for [Link]/57160) and it can charge
It’s a shame though the cheapest version transcribing recordings, taking notes faster wirelessly than an iPhone 17 with a
with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage and enhancing photos. cabled charger.
is only available in black – the pricier The camera array on the rear rises to Overall, it’s a superb phone, but
16GB/512GB alternatives come in almost every occasion, with a main Samsung’s A56 remains our overall
50-megapixel camera plus a 3.5x optical favourite for delivering a fantastic screen
zoom and ultrawide lens. It’s superb at and excellent cameras at a much lower
shooting fast-moving subjects, even price (£499, see page 32).
when using the zoom, and photos have
better edge-to-edge clarity than snaps
from the Pixel 10 Pro or Samsung Galaxy VERDICT With its spectacular battery
S25 Ultra. It has several modes, but also life and performance, this is the perfect
plenty of control, and can even shoot premium Android
photos underwater with the colour phone

SPECIFICATIONS: ★★★★★
Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
processor • 12-16GB RAM • 6.78in 2772x1272-pixel ALTERNATIVE
resolution OLED touchscreen • 256-512GB storage Samsung Galaxy
• 50-megapixel rear main camera • 50-megapixel S25FE £499 The
rear telephoto camera • 50-megapixel rear ultrawide design and features
camera • 32-megapixel front camera • IP68 ingress
protection • Wi-Fi 7 • Bluetooth 6.0 • OxygenOS 16
of a flagship phone
based on Android 16 • 161x77x8.2mm (HxWxD) • 211- for less
215g • Two-year warranty [Link]/57159

24 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

NAS DRIVE | £170 from Amazon [Link]/57337
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPECS
Ugreen NASync DH2300 sRGB
Stream on
What is it?
sRGB (standard RGB) is the standard
colour space used by monitors, printers,
This Chinese-made NAS drive is a laptop and tablet screens, graphics
reasonably priced, basic model that’s programs and the internet. It specifies
ideal for backing up all data on your a range of colours created by different
household’s PCs or for keeping an archive combinations and intensities of red,
of your music, video and photos. It green and blue light. In the image below
doesn’t do the advanced stuff you might it’s the colours covered by the triangle.
expect from more expensive units, with
no features aimed at developers or for How does it work?
running virtual servers. The aim of sRGB is to ensure you have
consistent colours across different
screens and printed output, so that
The big surprise is the image you work on in your photo-
editing program will look the same
the HDMI port, letting on your laptop screen, monitor or TV
screen and when it’s printed out. It
you connect it to should also
look identical
your TV and play slideshows or videos directly from it on someone
music and videos using Ugreen’s software. Alternatively,
you can stream over the network to your
else’s screen.
sRGB has
smart TV or media-player apps. also become
You can fit two 3.5in hard drives or It’s easy to sync the DH2300 with a way of

Credit: BenQ
SATA SSDs up to 30TB in size, giving you multiple laptops and PCs for backup, or measuring
up to 60TB of storage if capacity is your connect it to online-storage services and the colour-
priority, or up to 30TB if you’d rather download the latest versions of your files. reproduction
mirror (back up) the data from one drive Transfer rates are impressive, limited capabilities of
to the other for safekeeping. more by the speed of your hard drives a screen. A good display will show all
The drives slide in vertically, which and Gigabit Ethernet connection than the the sRGB colours accurately. A bad one
makes them easy to install, and the eight-core Rockchip processor or 4GB can only show a smaller percentage of
compact case and magnetic lid make for of RAM. In tests, we could more than those colours, meaning images will look
a sleek and stylish device. There are just double the 118MB/s file-transfer speeds artificial or washed out.
four LED indicators – covering power, the by plugging Ugreen’s 2.5Gbps Ethernet
Ethernet connection and activity relating adapter (£19 from [Link]. What are the specs?
to the two drives – and a single USB 3.2 com/57192) into one of the USB ports and Ideally a screen can display 100 per
port on the front, with all the other connecting it to our router. It’s another cent of the sRGB colour space and have
connections at the rear. thoughtful extra that makes this the a colour gamut (ie, the full range of
You can’t expect 2.5Gbps Ethernet perfect starter NAS. colours it can show) that goes beyond
at this price, and the single Gigabit 100 per cent of sRGB. Some cheaper
Ethernet port will be fine for most users. laptop or tablet screens can only display
Otherwise, you have another two USB 3.2 VERDICT Offers speedy file transfers between 60 and 80 per cent, while
ports that can accommodate external for simple backups and media streaming the worst examples might be stuck
drives for data transfer or extra storage, without breaking the bank between 45 and 60 per cent.
plus a single USB-C.
The biggest surprise is the HDMI port,
★★★★★ Can I change it later?
which enables you to connect the ALTERNATIVE TerraMaster No. It’s determined by the design of the
DH2300 to your TV and play music, F4 SSD NAS £342 screen, so you’re stuck with it. The best
With up to four SSDs you can do is calibrate your display to
SPECIFICATIONS and a 5Gbps Ethernet work around its weaknesses and show
8-core Rockchip RK3576 processor • 4GB RAM • 2x port, this NAS gives as much of the colour space as possible,
3.5in SATA hard-drive bays • 3x USB 3.2 ports • 1x
USB-C • 1x Gigabit Ethernet port • 1x HDMI port •
you seriously speedy though this isn’t easy without expensive
214x98x151mm (HxWxD) • Two-year warranty storage specialist equipment.
[Link]/57337

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 25

 Reviews
EARBUDS | £219 from Apple [Link]/57252

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Hear to help

Apple’s latest high-end AirPods are less

a pair of headphones than an auditory Measures your
Swiss army knife – at the ready for taking
calls, protecting your hearing or simply
ear’s acoustics to
enjoying music while you’re out.
Apple promised longer battery life
make sure you get
and improved active noise cancellation the best sound
(ANC), and has delivered on both. They
now last for up to eight hours of listening to the same foreign language, with your
time with ANC turned on – two hours have heart-rate sensors. These are highly words appearing, translated, on the
longer than the previous AirPods – accurate, and you can pair your Pro 3 screen. Our tests with a native French
with a further 16 hours of charge from the directly with an Apple Watch for music speaker showed it works well, and
case. In practice, with all features turned and fitness tracking if you’d prefer to leave Mandarin, Italian, Japanese and Korean
on, this can drop to 5.5 hours, but it’s your iPhone at home while you jog or cycle. are set to follow.
still a significant improvement. Noise Revamped hearing-aid features both Not everyone will find the AirPod Pro
cancellation is now exceptional, with test your hearing and amplify the sounds 3’s enhancements essential, but these
even fewer outside sounds creeping around you in Transparency mode for are a worthy upgrade, and one of the
through than on the AirPods Pro 2. up to 10 hours. They can also pair standout buds of 2025.
For best results, a precise fit is important, seamlessly with all your Apple devices,
so it’s good that Apple now includes five including Apple TV for some quiet
choices of tip. Choose the right one and late-night viewing. Meanwhile, real-time VERDICT Much better active noise-
sound quality is excellent. An extra mic location finding features make it even cancellation than AirPods 2 and battery
points into each ear and measures your easier to track down your missing life is two hours longer
ear’s acoustics, then applies an equaliser AirPods using your iPhone or Mac.
setting that adapts in real time, so you’re The most cutting-edge feature here is
★★★★★
always getting the best sound. real-time translation, though it’s also ALTERNATIVE
These are the first Apple AirPods to now supported on the AirPods Pro 2. Cambridge Audio
Paired with an iPhone, which handles Melomania A100 £119
SPECIFICATIONS all the heavy processing, they can convert Long battery life and
24-hour battery life with case • Active noise-
cancellation • Bluetooth 5.3 • IP57 ingress protection
French, German, Portuguese and Spanish incredible sound, even
• 5.5g per bud • One-year warranty [Link]. into English in real-time, and the at low volumes
com/57252 Translate app can turn your English words

WHAT SHOULD I BUY? We solve your buying dilemmas

Which bluetooth speakers are best for classical music?

I recently bought Majority’s my old (wired) JBL Creature II speakers? it to £168 ([Link]/57232).
Q Folio Bluetooth Turntable
(£169 from [Link].
Susan Platter If that’s too expensive, try the
£100 Pure Classic Aura ([Link].
com/55096) and have been using The Sonos Era 100 (pictured) com/57042, reviewed in Issue 724).
some Bang & Olufsen earbuds
with it. However, the sound
A can really do justice to your
vinyl. It’s designed for stationary
With 40W of power it can fill a room,
and the detailed output and spacious
produced by these and the use, and can connect to your turntable sound are perfect for symphonies or
turntable’s own speakers via Bluetooth or to streaming services string quartets. You can also switch
isn’t good enough for through Wi-Fi. Either way you get a between three EQ presets at the touch
classical music. Are there wide, substantial and detailed stereo of a button, though there aren’t any
any Bluetooth speakers sound and you can adjust the equaliser tone controls as such.
you’d recommend? Do any (EQ) settings in the Sonos app. It costs Do you need advice on what you should buy?
come with tone control like £199, but Amazon recently discounted Email us at letters@[Link]

26 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 Reviews
TV-STREAMING BOX/GAMES CONSOLE | £99 from Amazon [Link]/57226

Netgem PLEIO
Freely provided

2
Freely attempts to do for streaming
what Freeview did for digital TV, 3
delivering all the channels from the
UK’s major broadcasters free through 1
the internet to your TV set. So far it’s
had just one major problem. With no
set-top box or TV stick to support the
Freely platform, you needed a new The puck is tiny, measuring just 64mm The gamepad also feels cheap compared
smart TV to watch it. That changes across and has only two sockets: an with the standard Xbox or PlayStation
with the Netgem PLEIO. This tiny HDMI 2.1 port to connect to your TV and controllers. Plus, while the extra channels
puck-like streamer gives you Freely’s a USB-C port that’s used solely for power. and the gaming are free for the first three
40 TV channels, plus the option to pay There’s no Ethernet, but with Wi-Fi 6 months, you’ll need to pay £9.99 a month
for an extra 150 ad-supported channels built in we didn’t have any problems for a PLEIO membership once that’s over.
(see full list at [Link]/57261) with slow connections. The PLEIO can Other Freely boxes should be on
and even built-in game streaming. pass through a Dolby Atmos signal to a their way soon and there’s a good chance
compatible TV, amplifier or soundbar, that, minus the bundled gaming features
and it also supports DTS-HD and Dolby and controller, there will be cheaper
First Freely box Digital 5.1 surround. options. Also, recordable Freely boxes

brings together The interface is stripped back and

deliberately simple, looking similar to
might arrive next year, but these will
be more expensive.
broadcast and what you might find on a modern smart
TV. The home screen is dominated by
Right now, however, the PLEIO is
the only way to bring Freely to your
streaming TV in a your Freely services, with BBC, ITV, existing TV. It gives you the best of the
Channel 4 and Channel 5 all well broadcast and streaming worlds in one
simple interface represented, along with popular simple interface, and all at a reasonable
programmes from the U channels, price. There’s clearly demand – the PLEIO
including U&Dave and U&Yesterday. sold out within days, with new stock
Powered by Google’s Android TV You can watch live programmes arriving soon.
operating system, it also supports the through the ‘Now on Freely’ suggestions
Google Play Store. This means you can or via the TV guide, and scroll backwards SPECIFICATIONS
Up to 4K (3840x2160-pixel) resolution • 60fps •
install Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, through the guide to previous shows. HDR10/HDR10+ • HDMI • USB-C port for power •
Apple TV, Disney+ and Paramount+ apps, Previous episodes are also accessible, Wi-Fi 6 • Bluetooth 5.0 • 14x64x64mm • 40g •
and have all your favourite TV available while you can switch to other streaming One-year warranty [Link]/57226
from one home screen. apps with a couple of clicks on the
For £99 you get the PLEIO puck ( 1 remote control.
pictured above) plus a USB-C power Picture quality is great, particularly on VERDICT No-frills hardware and a
adapter, a remote control 2 , an HDMI services like Paramount+, Apple TV+ and clean interface bring your streaming
cable and a Bluetooth game controller 3 . Netflix that support 4K content and HDR. services and favourite broadcast
There’s no Dolby Vision support on the channels together in style
PLEIO yet, but HDR10 and HDR10+ are
both present. Freely programmes max
★★★★★
out at just 1080p resolution, but ALTERNATIVE Sky Stream From £15
look fine. a month Every major UK channel plus
Not everyone will want Netflix and all Sky content through a
every PLEIO feature. The compact streaming box
game-streaming platform and
included controller give you
access to a 250-strong library
of games, but while there are
some decent titles you won’t find
the big-name releases available on on
Amazon Luna or Xbox Cloud Gaming.

28 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 Reviews
TV STREAMING STICK | £50 from Amazon [Link]/57247
DO I REALLY NEED...

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select A large rolling

Down stream TV/tablet?
What is it?
Amazon pitches the Fire TV Stick 4K The Samsung Movingstyle
Select as an option for ‘essential 4K is a 27in smart screen
streaming’, slotting in between the basic that can work as a TV or a
Fire TV Stick HD and the Fire TV Stick massive tablet. You don’t
4K. The £10 saving over the latter means have to hold it, though. It moves
losing support for Dolby Vision and around the room on its own
Dolby Atmos, but the bigger story here is rollable, height-adjustable
that the Select ditches Amazon’s old floorstand (pictured).
Android-based Fire OS software in favour
of the new Linux-based Vega OS. What does it do?
content half a second faster. It works like a normal Samsung
Video and audio quality is impressive, Smart TV, but has a touchscreen
It’s less flexible and both with 4K and HD content, and while for running games, and health and
it doesn’t have Dolby Vision HDR, we education apps. It’ll also stream Xbox
lacks the features of found that HDR10+ still held up well games through the Samsung Gaming
on our LG OLED TV. Hub, while you can connect your phone
previous versions However, none of these compensate or laptop either wirelessly or with an
for its serious flaws. The slower Wi-FI 5 HDMI cable.
Physically, there’s not much difference connection means it can take 15 seconds
between the Stick 4K and Stick 4K Select. or longer before the video stream switches What’s the catch?
It’s another slim dongle with rounded from a rough-looking SD stream to 1080p It has a built-in kickstand if you want
corners (14mm thick and 99mm long) or 4K. More seriously, the Vega OS runs to lug just the screen around, but does
with a microUSB port for connecting the apps from Amazon’s cloud services it make any sense to anyone, unless
external power supply and an HDMI rather than installing them on the device you’re spending a lot of time in bed? Oh,
connector for plugging into your TV. It itself. This means you don’t get the full and it costs a cool £1,200 ([Link].
features a similar Alexa Voice Remote range of apps and games available on com/57255).
to the Fire TV Stick 4K, only slightly older sticks, while both Amazon’s Luna
more rounded, and has the same basic game streaming and Xbox cloud So can I do without it?
hardware – a quad-core MediaTek streaming have yet to come online. No, unless you like a lie-in until
processor and 1GB of RAM. Worse, there’s no way to sideload Christmas is over.
The new operating system looks and feels Android apps, though you can now
much like the old one, pushing Amazon install VPNs (see page 7).
content but still showcasing the best from No sideloading isn’t a problem if all you NEXT ISSUE
Netflix and other streaming services. It’s want to do is stream films and TV, and
also very easy to set up. Once you’ve entered there are some apps such as Plex for On Sale Weds 31 Dec
your network details, you just need to accessing a media server in your home.
download and sign into your favourite Yet you’re getting a device that’s not as
streaming apps. Keep a smartphone handy flexible as previous Fire TV sticks, and Alienware 16X
and you can do this quickly using QR codes. that actually does less. Aurora
Gaming laptop
Once up and running, it’s not always
that’s not just
slick and snappy, sometimes taking a good for gamers
10 seconds to launch, say, the Netflix or VERDICT Decent 4K streaming spoilt
Disney+ app. Still, in our tests it wasn’t by lack of sideloading option and poor Amazon Echo
any slower than the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, app support Dot Max
and sometimes started playing 4K Alexa speaker looks
★★★★★
great but is the
SPECIFICATIONS: ALTERNATIVE Roku sound any good?
Quad-core MediaTek MT8690 processor • 1GB RAM • Streaming Stick+ £40
8GB storage • Up to 4K (3840x2160-pixel) resolution This basic 4K streaming These and much more...
• 60fps • HDR10/HDR10+ • Integrated HDMI Plus
• MicroUSB for power • Wi-Fi 5 • Bluetooth 5.0 •
stick is better value, Subscribe to Computeractive at
14x30x99mm (WxDxH) • 46.2g • One-year warranty snappier and ad-free [Link]
[Link]/57247

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 29

Don’t get scammed – stay safe
with Norton As online frauds soar, you need Norton
to stay safe across all your devices

W
e all know about the
dangers of malware, but
today’s biggest online
threat isn’t viruses –
it’s scams. While computers and
smartphones are increasingly resistant to
viruses, cybercriminals have switched to
different methods, using deception to
trick you into giving up your sensitive
personal information and even your
money. According to the latest figures,
individuals in the UK lost more than
£620 million to scams in the first half
of 2025, and two thirds of those scams
originated online.

Brits lost more than

£620 million to scams in
the first half of 2025
not always possible to spot a well-tailored
Anyone can be a victim. Just click a scam. You’re up against professional,
link in a realistic-looking phishing full-time criminals who can craft
email, unwittingly place an order on a realistic-looking messages and fake
fraudulent shopping site or respond to a websites that even experts struggle to
seemingly innocent text message, and tell apart from the real thing. You could
you could be in the hands of a scammer. even be tricked by digitally manipulated
Sometimes, if you keep your wits “deepfake” videos that look like a
about you, it’s possible to spot a swindle. celebrity or trusted public figure giving
A web page might contain unprofessional advice – when in fact it’s a computer-
typos, or a text message might come generated image giving you bogus
from the wrong phone number. It could information.
ask you to do something suspicious,
such as sharing your password or Norton keeps you safe
transferring money. A particular red It’s scary to realise how many threats are Norton’s Safe Web uses AI analysis to
flag is if someone asks you to send out there – but you don’t need to face recognise scams and warn you about them
untraceable currency such as gift cards them alone. Norton is one of the world’s
or bitcoins, rather than using a best-known antivirus and security It’s a whole new dimension of protection
trustworthy payment service. brands, and its software now includes that traditional URL filters can’t match,
But no matter how careful you are, it’s multiple technologies designed and it’s all automatic – scams are shut
easy to get caught out. Scammers use specifically to protect you from scams. down without you needing to lift a finger.
tricks to make you respond in haste: a For example, Norton’s Safe Web Norton can also analyse videos on
popular tactic is to send a message technology (pictured above right) doesn’t YouTube and social media, and alert you
claiming you’ll be locked out of your just warn you away from known to possible deepfakes. You might believe
online accounts or required to pay a fine untrustworthy sites. It uses real-time you’re watching Martin Lewis give
unless you take urgent action. Or, they AI-assisted analysis, trained on millions financial advice, but Norton can spot the
may try to lure you in with the promise of real-world scam attempts, to recognise digital signatures of AI video editing and
of a cash prize, or government benefits. even “zero-day” phishing and fraud computer-synthesised speech, and warn
It’s easy to be swept along, without attempts that have never been seen you that all is not as it seems. (Deepfake
stopping to consider the risks. before, and raise the alarm before you detection features may vary on different
And even if you do everything right, it’s give away your data or your bank details. device platforms).
 Advertisement feature

WHERE TO BUY NORTON

Whether it’s for a single device or a busy visit https:[Link]
family home, Norton 360 provides all the to get protected from just £9.99 for 15
protection you need in one convenient months – or choose the Norton 360
package. Premium package and protect 10 devices
And Computeractive readers can take for two years for just £15.99, an amazing
advantage of some fantastic discounts: 91% off the RRP of £179.99.

All Norton 360 packages include cloud backup

Forearm yourself against for your Windows PCs
mobile scams
As well as attacking traditional PCs and A suite for everyone
laptops, scammers have your smartphone These powerful anti-scam and antivirus
in their sights. UK Finance report that 17 protections are integrated into Norton
per cent of scam attacks start with 360 Standard, the cost-effective security
unsolicited text messages or fake calls, suite available for Windows, macOS,
typically pretending to be from your bank Android, iOS and iPadOS – check the
or mobile provider. That’s why Norton’s Norton website ([Link])
mobile app for Android and iOS also for full details of which features are
includes a custom-trained database of available on which platforms.
scam indicators, enabling it to instantly Norton’s VPN gives you unlimited data and a For all-round peace of mind, the
scan incoming communications and choice of secure servers around the world Norton 360 Deluxe suite extends your
warn you if anything looks suspicious. coverage across up to five devices. That
The app now features Norton’s unique 2025, so you can be confident it’ll protect lets you share your protection with
Genie assistant (pictured below) – an you from Trojans, ransomware and other relatives who might be susceptible to
interactive AI-powered helper that can malware threats – without getting in your online tricks and deceptions, or with kids
give instant advice and information about way or slowing your computer down (see who don’t fully appreciate the dangers
scams. If you have any concerns about [Link] that lurk online. The Deluxe edition also
something you’ve seen online, Genie can The suite also includes the Norton VPN includes Norton’s parental controls
analyse web pages, tell you what to look (pictured above), with unlimited data and (pictured below), which let parents manage
out for, highlight the risks and provide a choice of secure servers around the and monitor what kids are doing on their
either reassurance or a warning not to world to keep your connection private personal computers and mobile devices.
proceed. It can also answer any other and secure. This ensures no one can spy
questions you may have about general on your activity and steal your personal
cybersecurity, and how to get the best data, even when you’re using an
from your Norton software. unprotected Wi-Fi hotspot.
You also benefit from Norton’s
extensive behind-the-scenes Dark Web
Monitoring, which continually scours the
internet for leaked and stolen personal
information. Ordinarily, if your data falls
into nefarious hands, you won’t know
anything about it until you fall victim to a Norton 360 Deluxe includes parental controls
phishing attack or an attempted login
hack. With Norton, you’ll get an alert as And for the most wide-ranging
soon as your information is found on the protection, Norton 360 Advanced covers
“dark web”, so you can change passwords, 10 devices of any type, and includes a
Norton’s interactive assistant Genie gives update your profiles right away, and be huge total of 200GB of cloud storage –
advice and information about scams on your guard against fraud attempts. plus automatic detection of scam emails
What’s more, all Norton 360 packages and phone calls. For gaming enthusiasts,
360-degree protection include cloud backup for your Windows Norton 360 for Gamers provides protection
Alongside its anti-scam capabilities, PCs (pictured above right), allowing you against scams and malware for up to
Norton 360 offers complete protection to store copies of your critical files safely three devices, while Norton’s custom
against all kinds of online attack. on Norton’s secure file servers. It’s Game Optimiser tool automatically
Independent testers at AV-Test have bulletproof protection against malware or suspends resource-hungry background
awarded Norton perfect marks for mishaps, and can even save your bacon if programs while you’re playing, to give
antivirus protection, performance and your laptop is lost or stolen – everything you the smoothest, most immersive
usability in multiple tests throughout is ready to be recovered in a few clicks. gaming experience with minimal lag.
 Buy It Find out which other products we liked.
Buy our 2024 Back Issue CD:
£19 from [Link]/53433

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

LAPTOP DESKTOP PC APPLE iPAD

MSI Prestige A16 AI+ Palicomp AMD Cobra Apple iPad 11

£1,056 from [Link]/57323 £400 from [Link]/43515 £329 from [Link]/54887
Tested Issue 718 Tested Issue 643 Tested Issue 711

With a faster processor and increased

storage (from 64GB to 128GB), the
A powerful Copilot+ laptop with 32GB This fast PC is a mouth-watering 2025 edition of the iPad is simply
of RAM and a 1TB SSD to guarantee bargain, with 16GB of RAM, a 2TB SSD stunning. Battery life is over 11 hours,
fast performance. Screen is excellent and a six-core processor – though it which is better than any other iPad,
too, while battery lasts an impressive lacks USB-C ports and built-in Wi-Fi. including more expensive models.
17 hours.
ALTERNATIVE Wired2Fire Ultima WS ALTERNATIVE iPad mini 7 The 2024
ALTERNATIVE PCSpecialist 16 Fusion Home Office Workstation Blisteringly version of the mini improves the colour
British-made laptop with superb screen fast PC, powered by an overclocked accuracy on the 8.3in screen and has a
and built for advanced AI tasks. £969 eight-core processor and 1TB SSD. more powerful processor. £499 from
from [Link]/55094 £758 from [Link]/41500 [Link]/52573

ANDROID TABLET APPLE iPHONE ANDROID PHONE

OnePlus Pad 3 Apple iPhone 16 Samsung Galaxy A56

£549 from [Link]/55302 £699 from [Link]/53981 £493 from [Link]/54585
Tested Issue 714 Tested Issue 695 Tested Issue 709

With an incredibly fast processor

and stunning 13.2in screen, this is
the best ever Android tablet, and
rivals the iPad Air. At launch both the This is the best new iPhone for years, The successor to Samsung’s mid-
12GB RAM/256GB and 16GB/512GB boosted by a processor that’s as fast as range A55, this has a stunning screen
versions were £529, so grab the latter much more expensive models. The screen and lasted over 29 hours in our tests.
as soon as possible. is excellent, while the new Camera Control It’s faster than Google’s Pixel 7a in all
button gives lots of ways to take photos. tasks, and has AI-powered photo tools.
ALTERNATIVE Samsung Galaxy Tab S9
Has a much brighter screen than its ALTERNATIVE iPhone 14 Now heavily ALTERNATIVE Google Pixel 7a Cheaper
predecessor, making it ideal for watching discounted, this remains a speedy version of Google’s flagship phone, it
TV. Also has a faster processor, speeding phone with great features and an uses AI to improve photos and lasts 10
up tasks. £584 (128GB) from www. impressive camera. £495 (128GB) from hours. Has fast processor and 8GB RAM.
[Link]/50039 [Link]/53982 £460 from [Link]/56073

32 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 Buy It

MINI PC EBOOK READER P SECURITY SOFTWARE

DRRIC
OP E
Wired2Fire AMD R8845 Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Norton 360 Deluxe 2025
£680 from [Link]/56881 £125 from [Link]/52730 £9.99 from [Link]/56927
Tested Issue 723 Tested Issue 698 Tested Issue 629

Norton has always performed strongly

The sixth version of the Paperwhite in our antivirus tests, regularly making
Outstandingly fast machine, with 32GB has a larger screen (7in), faster page the top three. Owned by US firm Gen
DDR5 RAM and a 2TB SSD. You can turns and longer battery life (12 weeks Digital, it’s available at a discount on
easily add a second SSD by unscrewing – up from 10). Its glare-free finish our Software Store. Use the link above
the case. Has all the ports you need and means you can easily read it in bright for a three-device, 15-month licence at
measures just 53x135x127mm (HxWxD). sunlight, and its 300ppi resolution a special discount price. Other versions
makes text a joy to read. are available.
ALTERNATIVE GMKtec NucBox K11
Speedy, powerful and easily ALTERNATIVE Kobo Libra Kobo’s first ALTERNATIVE Bitdefender Total
upgradeable, with an OCuLink colour e-reader, with over 4,000 tones to Security Another top performer that
connection for graphics cards. make illustrations and photos leap out. we’re offering at a discount. £24.99
£595 from [Link]/54341 £180 from [Link]/50192 from [Link]/41141

WEBCAM PC MONITOR P SOLID-STATE DRIVE

DRRIC
OP E
Obsbot Meet SE Philips 27E1N1600AE Corsair MP600 Pro LPX 1TB
£79 from [Link]/54725 £184 from [Link]/54190 £98 from [Link]/52658
Tested Issue 710 Tested Issue 692 Tested Issue 630

An affordable 27in monitor with a In our tests, this M.2 SSD hit speeds
The Meet SE from Chinese firm Obsbot sharp resolution, impressive image of 7,364MB/s and 6,870MB/s when
beats the picture quality of our previous quality and a sturdy build. It has an reading and writing data – astonishingly
favourite, Logitech’s C925e. Colours HDMI port, a USB-C port and two USB fast scores. It’s compatible with the
are vibrant and accurate, with terrific 3.0. The hefty base means you can new PCIe 4.0 standard, which is twice
detail even in poor lighting thanks to a raise and tilt the monitor easily using as fast as PCIe 3.0. The 1TB model
relatively wide aperture. just one hand. costs £98; 2TB costs £215.

ALTERNATIVE Creative Live Cam Sync 4K ALTERNATIVE Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS ALTERNATIVE Crucial MX500 500GB
Affordable 4K webcam with high- Another excellent 27in monitor with As fast as an SSD can get in the
quality video that can also capture 1440p resolution and a fast refresh traditional 2.5in SATA format, this
voice from a distance. £45 from rate aimed at gamers. £229 from is a great-value upgrade. £80 from
[Link]/56585 [Link]/49898 [Link]/56926

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 33

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

COMPETITION

Win 2TB and 1TB

LaCie Rugged SSD4
portable drives
Winner of a Recommend award in iPadOS, iOS, Windows, ChromeOS,
Issue 722 (page 29), LaCie’s Rugged Android and gaming-console systems.
SSD4 portable drive has an adventure- Its dimensions are 67x106x106mm
proof design, with an IP54 ingress (HxWxD) and it weighs 108 grams.
rating that withstands water, dust Backup software is included.
and drops of three metres. The winner of this competition You can buy LaCie’s Rugged SSD4
It supports USB 4.0 and Thunderbolt will win a 2TB SSD4, while one drives for £204 (1TB, [Link].
5, serving up a maximum speed of runner-up will win a 1TB SSD4. To com/56723); £420 (2TB, www.
40Gbps (4,000Mbps) for rapid enter, answer the question at www. [Link]/56724); and £600 (4TB,
transfers wherever you are. It works [Link]/57049 and submit your [Link]/56725). For more
straight out of the box thanks to details by midnight Tuesday 30 information on LaCie’s products visit
USB-C connectivity with macOS, December. Good luck! [Link]/57050.

PRINTER P SMART TV ROUTER

DRRIC
OP E
HP OfficeJet Pro 9135e Bush 43UT24SB TP-Link Archer BE550
£145 from [Link]/53101 £180 from [Link]/53637 £170 from [Link]/55981
Tested Issue 700 Tested Issue 703 Tested Issue 718

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

A versatile cartridge printer-scanner especially with a superbly bright screen.
for the home office that makes printing Sound isn’t bad either, and it offers most This tri-band router is the first Wi-Fi
jobs quicker and easier than most of of the streaming services, including 7 model to be our top choice. It had
its inkjet rivals. Colour prints cost a Freely. Its TiVo operating system is enough bandwidth across our test house
reasonable 6p per page, while mono very easy to use. to stream six 4K movies simultaneously,
costs 2p. Printed text is superb and and has five 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports.
photos are pretty good too. ALTERNATIVE Sharp GM6245K
Has a fantastic 43in screen with ALTERNATIVE Asus RT-AXE7800
ALTERNATIVE Epson EcoTank ET-1810 superb contrast, and 4K content looks Our previous favourite is also tri-band,
Not the fastest printer, but comes with especially detailed. Comes with TiVo for but only on Wi-Fi 6E. That still delivers
enough ink for 4,500 mono and 7,500 paid-for streaming and Freely for free incredibly fast speeds that stretched
colour pages. £129 from [Link]. live channels and catch-up. £230 from deep into our test house. £133 from
com/52191 [Link]/55940 [Link]/52957

34 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 Pull Out
& Keep

Workshops & Tips Issue 725

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

35 B
 uild a home security 40 Readers’ Tips PLUS
system for under £20 44 Phone & Tablet Tips 47 M
 ake Office Better
42 Browser Tips
38 R
 edact sensitive 46 M
 ake Windows 48 In the Club: Use
43 AI Tips: Chat more
information from PDFs Better Affinity for newsletters
naturally with Gemini Live

HOW TO...
Build a home security
system for under £20 by Nik Rawlinson

What you need: Security camera Time required: 45 minutes

H
ome-security systems can be that you can only access through the app. one with a hard-wired power supply
complicated and expensive. You That’s not ideal if you want full control rather than a battery. Battery-only models
can spend money on proximity over how you manage and review your can run for weeks or months if they only
and movement sensors; door and footage. “wake up” on movement, but for total
window contacts; and multiple cameras To make the most of a single camera, security you don’t want to risk the camera
running from a central hub. But if you you’ll need to go beyond the app and running out of power at the vital moment.
don’t want a full surveillance setup, you manage the footage yourself. We’ll The other essential requirement is
can still strengthen your security with a explain how to do this with the TP-Link RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol)
single camera and the right software. Tapo C110 camera (pictured above right), support. This streaming standard, created
One camera won’t cover every entry which has a full price of £24.99 but was in 1996, is still widely used to control
point, but positioned well it can watch only £15.99 when we last checked on streaming media servers. It lets you stream
over key possessions and alert you to Amazon ([Link]/57230). footage to any device on your home
unexpected movement. It has a decent three-megapixel network and record it, without being tied
A camera like this can be cheaper than resolution with a wide field of vision, to a specific online service. The trade-off
you think, and most models come with automatic night vision and Wi-Fi is that turning on RTSP often disables
apps that are easy to use. However, connectivity. If that doesn’t quite fit the other built-in features. For example, the
these apps may lock you into the bill, there are plenty of similarly priced Tapo C110 can upload to TP-Link’s online
manufacturer’s online storage or insist alternatives from other manufacturers. storage or record to a microSD card, but
on saving videos to an onboard SD card Whichever camera you choose, pick can’t do either while RTSP is active.

Set up the camera Plug in the camera and starting with ‘Tapo_Cam_’. In our
1 Our instructions will be for
the Tapo C110, but they’ll be
wait for the lights beneath
the lens to flash red and
screenshot the camera appears as
Tapo_Cam_A0F2.
similar for whichever camera you buy. green. Then return to the Once your phone is connected
First, install the free Tapo app on your app and tap ‘Already Red to the camera, return to the Tapo
phone – you’ll find links for Android and and Green’. Next, open app. Don’t worry if your phone
iOS by visiting [Link]/57231 your phone’s Wi-Fi settings warns you there’s no internet
and scrolling to the bottom. Launch the and join the network connection – the camera isn’t yet
app then tap the ‘+’ icon at the top of the
Set up your camera by
screen, followed by Add Device. Now tap connecting your phone to its
Indoor Cameras, then Tapo C110. wireless network

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 35

 on your router. The app will ask which
Wi-Fi network to connect the camera
to. Like most network cameras, the Tapo How I Use security cameras
C110 only supports 2.4GHz networks, but
you can still access it from 5GHz devices I have several off-the-shelf cameras around my home, most of
connected to the same router, as long as which store footage on an SD card should I ever need to retrieve
the 2.4GHz network isn’t isolated as a it later. However, one in my office feeds a live view of my plotter,
guest network or reserved for other smart so I can see if it's run into trouble or needs a new pen without me
devices like doorbells and lights. running upstairs to check in person.
You’ll know when the camera has Nik Rawlinson
connected to your network, as it will
How have you set up your home-securty system?
say ‘Wi-Fi connected’ out loud. Now give Please let us know: letters@[Link]
the camera a meaningful name, specify
the room in which you’re using it, and
assign it an icon. Giving your in your router’s settings so it’s always
If you want to save footage to a camera a assigned to the same device. You can
static IP
microSD card as well as stream it over address also set a static IP address in the Tapo
your network, insert the card now. makes it app by opening the camera’s settings,
TP-Link recommends Class 10 or higher, easier to going to Advanced Settings, then
find on your
with 8GB–512GB of storage. To avoid network Network Settings, switching on Static IP
compatibility problems, insert the card (see screenshot left), and tapping Save
and let the app automatically set it up for without changing the other settings.
your camera, rather than formatting it It’s essential that you close the Tapo
yourself on your computer. app at this point because if it’s still
communicating with the camera in the
Turn on RTSP background, you may not be able to open
2 Tap your camera’s name in the
Tapo app to check it’s working.
the RTSP stream in any other application.

After a few alerts as the camera powers View your camera

up you’ll see a live view.
To let other devices and apps access
view your camera’s output via RTSP, as
long as you know where to find it on your
3 stream remotely
Now it’s time to test the remote
the stream, set up a separate username local network. You can find the camera’s stream. There are dozens of programs
and password for the camera. To do this, IP address by going into your router’s that can show RTSP video, but we’ve
open the camera’s settings by tapping the management interface and browsing the chosen VLC as it’s freely available for
nut icon, followed by Advanced Settings attached devices. If you’re using the Tapo Windows, macOS and Linux. Install it
then Camera Account. When the warning camera, you’ll see its address alongside from [Link]/vlc, then
appears, tap ‘Understand and Agree’ and the name ‘C110’ (see screenshot below). launch it and press Ctrl+N to open a
set your credentials. For better security, You can use this address to view the new network stream.
use a different username and password stream on your home network, but if Now enter the following address
from your Tapo account. Remember your network uses DHCP, the address rtsp://[Link]:554/stream2,
them, as you’ll need them later. may change over time, causing problems. replacing the IP address ([Link])
You’ve now done all you need to do to To prevent this, ‘reserve’ the IP address with the address of your camera on your
local network, but keep the port number
at the end (:554) – this is the standard
connection method for RTSP streams.
The Tapo supports three stream types,
with stream1 offering the highest quality
and stream3 using the least bandwidth.
We’ve chosen stream2, which is a good
compromise for home-security purposes.
When VLC asks for your credentials,
enter the username and password you
set for the camera account, not your Tapo
account details. When VLC plays the
stream you’ll also hear any audio from
the camera’s microphone, such as
people talking. They won’t hear you,
though, because while the Tapo has
a small built-in speaker, the RTSP
connection doesn’t allow two-way
Our Tapo C110 camera has been assigned the IP address [Link] communication.

36 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 Build a home security system for under £20

Embed your feed The Docker

4 in a web page
If you don’t want to keep
container is now
shown in our
dashboard
running VLC and entering your login
credentials, you can embed the camera
stream in a web page. Most browsers
can’t play RTSP streams directly, so use
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication)
instead. This technology lets you stream
video online without plug-ins, but you’ll
have to set it up yourself.
You’ll need to store WebRTC files and
settings in a ‘container’ provided by the
software Docker. This avoids clutter on
your Windows drive or the registry, and
1
makes it easy to add more cameras later.
On Windows, install Docker from the any incoming connections to the PC
Microsoft Store ([Link]/57233). 2 managing your stream, or to the camera
After installation, reboot and let itself. How you do this depends on your
Windows install or update the Windows router, so check its documentation. You
Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which Docker need to redirect incoming HTTP/HTTPS
needs. This may take some time. Once requests to the PC running Docker, which
Docker is running, wait a few seconds will need to stay switched on and awake
until the status line at the bottom of the around the clock. Again, it’s a good idea
Type the URL using your username, password
Docker sidebar shows ‘Engine running’. and IP address and you'll see your camera’s to give it a static IP address, because if an
Now launch PowerShell from the stream in your browser automatically assigned address changes
Windows menu and enter the following you won’t be able to look it up remotely.
as a single line, replacing ‘username’, is where the streaming service lives.
‘password’, and ‘IP_address’ with the You can now view the video feed Record footage
camera credentials and IP address you
set in the Tapo app. Leave the rest of the
in a web browser, via WebRTC. Open
a new browser window and visit
6 from your camera
Recording the feed lets you
command unchanged: [Link] review suspicious incidents and keep
docker run --name webrtc -p html?video=rtsp://username:password@ a copy of the evidence. If you have a
8000:8000 -e RUN_ARGS="-u rtsp:// IP_address:554/stream2. Copy this NAS drive, it may handle this directly:
username:password@IP_address:554/ from our Pastebin account (www. Synology’s Surveillance Station (www.
stream2" --restart unless-stopped -d [Link]/57235). Again, replace the [Link]/57236) supports nearly 9,000
mpromonet/webrtc-streamer username, password and IP address with IP cameras; offers mobile access; and
Our screenshot below shows this your credentials, but leave the port (:554) can trigger alerts for unexpected motion.
command in full 1 . You can copy it and the local address (localhost:8000) QNAP’s QVR Client Pro ([Link].
from our Pastebin account ([Link]. unchanged. You’ll see our version of this com/57237) works on its NAS devices and
com/57234). PowerShell may warn URL 1 in our screenshot above. When the Windows/macOS.
that ‘mpromonet/webrtc-streamer’ page loads, you should immediately see If you don’t have a NAS drive, try using
isn’t installed locally 2 , but it will still the stream from your camera 2 . a spare PC. Security Eye ([Link].
automatically download and install all com/57238) is free, supports scheduled
necessary components. View the stream recording, and can alert by email or
When it’s completed, you’ll see a new
container in the Docker dashboard (see
5 on other computers
You can view the stream on
text message. Alternatively, iSpy (www.
[Link]/57239) has very low system
screenshot above right, top of page). This other computers on your local network requirements – 2GB RAM and 200GB
by replacing ‘localhost’ in the URL drive space – and can host up to four
with the IP address of the PC running cameras at a modest resolution.
2 Docker. To find it, open a Command
Prompt then type ipconfig ( 1 in
1
our screenshot right) and look for
the entry beside ‘IPv4 Address:’
1 (for example, [Link] 2 ). Use
this address in place of ‘localhost’
to access the stream from another 2
device on the same network.
To monitor the feed from beyond
Type this command into PowerShell to set up your home network, you’ll need Use Command Prompt to find the IP address of the
Docker on your computer to set up port forwarding to send computer running Docker

Next issue: Switch from GIMP to Affinity Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 37
 Workshop
Redact sensitive
information from PDFs
What you need: PDFgear
Time required: 30 minutes

P DF gear is one of our favourite free

tools. It’s a PDF reader, creator and
editor all in one, and it’s just received a
you share it with. This will come in
very handy whenever you need to
share documents that contain details
significant update (version 2.1.13). of online accounts, banking data,
This latest release introduces smart medical information and more. To
tools that let you redact sensitive follow our Workshop explaining how
information and re-save the PDF so to do this, first download a copy of
that data can’t be retrieved by anyone PDFgear from [Link].

STEP To redact text that you don’t

1 want others to read, open the

file you want to edit, then
click Protect 1 . Next, click Redact 2
and PDFgear will warn you that
redacted content will be permanently 4 1
removed. If you’ll ever need to refer to 2
it in future, make sure you make a
copy of your original document. Click
OK, then click and drag across the
document to put a border around the
area you want to obscure. When you 3
let go of your mouse button, PDFgear
will cover that area with a black box 3 .
When you’ve finished, click Exit
Redacting 4 .

2 3
2

STEP Whenever you redact text, it’s clear to anyone reading STEP If you’re sharing the document with a collaborator that

2 the document that something is missing or hidden.

However, you can instead erase text. While this leaves a
3 you trust, you may not want to remove sensitive
information and instead make sure they’re aware it
gap in the text, it may not be obvious if it appears at the end of a shouldn’t be passed on to others. In this case, click Stamp 1 ,
paragraph or you remove an item entirely, such as a caption followed by one of the default graphics on the Preset menu 2 .
below a photo. To do this, highlight the text you want to remove This will be placed on top of the document, and can be resized
1 , then right-click it and click Erase Text 2 in the menu that by dragging the grab handles on the corners and edges 3 .
appears.

38 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 1 1
2

STEP If none of the default stamps meet your needs, STEP Some of the metadata attached to your PDF might

4 create your own. Click ‘Stamp’, followed by Create

Custom Stamp, then select a border 1 , colour 2 and
5 identify who created it. This may have been added by
the word processor or other program used to produce
the text you want to include 3 . Use the dropdown menus it in the first place. If you don’t want to share this information,
to select variables, like the date and time 4 , which will update you can remove it. Either right-click the open file inside
automatically so they are always correct whenever the stamp is PDFgear, or press Ctrl+D to open the Document Properties box.
used on your document. When you’ve finished, give it a name 5 Now click in the individual boxes 1 and remove the contents of
then click OK. any that contain information you’d rather not share.

1
2 1

STEP You can also crop pages, effectively removing entire

7 sections of individual sheets or a batch of sheets. This

can be helpful if you want to remove a header or footer
STEP The latest release of PDFgear also introduces new tools – for example, if it contains outdated information or elements

6 for editing photos on a PDF. Click the photo you want

to work with, then click the pencil icon at the top of
like page numbers that are irrelevant to your file. Switch to the
Pages tab and click Crop, then drag across the area you want to
the narrow menu that appears. This opens a full range of editing keep. When you release the button, the Crop Pages box appears.
tools 1 with which you can rotate or flip it, and change whether Use this to refine the selection. We’re using the handy ‘Remove
the image appears above or below other objects on the page. blank margins’ option 1 to strip down every page to only the
When you’ve made the changes you want, click ‘Exit editing’ 2 . content that matters.

Next issue: Block mobile ads using AdGuard DNS Issue 725 • 17 –30 December 2025 39
 Readers’ Tips
TIP OF THE FORTNIGHT

Include ‘out of stock’ items in Amazon searches

Issue 723’s Cover Feature on Amazon because items that are
should help me find well-priced temporarily unavailable
stocking-fillers this Christmas. I was often go back on sale
already a regular shopper on its soon after. It means I
Renewed section ([Link]. can then shop on other renewed sites to
com/56830), where I’ve bought see if they’re offering a decent price.
refurbished tablets, laptops and phones The box you need to tick is under the
in the past. They’ve all worked well. Availability heading on the left, at the
One tip that helps me check if I’m bottom of the long list of filters. The
getting a good price is ticking the other filter I use a lot is ‘Free UK
‘Include Out of Stock’ box (see Delivery by Amazon’, right at the top.
screenshot right). This makes sense Mark Newell

Mark wins a copy of our 2024 Back Issue CD Buy it from us at [Link]/53433

SECURITY I was also disappointed that you EBOOKS

Keep passwords in didn’t review my personal favourite, Convert EPUB files to read
digital filing cabinets Splash ID Safe ([Link]/57155), on old Nook e-readers
I was interested to read Issue 720’s which I’ve used for 20 years. It offers Steve Law had a query in Issue 723
Cover Feature on password much more than a password manager. (page 68) about using his old Nook
managers, but was disappointed in You can use it to store details about BNRV350 ebook reader. I also use an old
your Gold award winner Bitwarden everything in your life, from the size of Nook – the Simple Touch, released in
([Link] I found it quite your car’s tyres to the shade of paint 2011. However, before transferring EPUB
restrictive and inflexible, as were a couple you used to decorate a room. It’s like a books to the Nook, I run them through
of others you mentioned that I tried. digital filing cabinet in which you can Calibre ([Link] in a
customise your Categories (like the
drawers in a filing cabinet) and your
Types (like the folders in each drawer
– see screenshot left). Then within
each folder you can customise
anything you want.
A long time ago I bought a lifetime
licence at a very reasonable rate, though
SplashID has since released two more
up-to-date products: Pro 9 and Classic
([Link]
Dave Lee

Why I stopped using… To see the options to

customise it, tap the three
Organic Maps And what I use instead... horizontal lines then
Organic Maps is a great app and As a result I decided to try a Settings (see screenshot).
I can understand why lots of forked version of Organic The setting I always disable
readers have switched to it from Maps called CoMaps on maps is 3D buildings.
Google Maps, including Graham ([Link]/57153). They’re so distracting. I don’t
Hodge in Issue 722. But plenty of It’s available for both Android know why they’re turned on
developers don’t like the way it’s and iOS, and its developers by default.
going – see the open letter they wrote pledge that it will always be free Dennis Clough
at [Link]/57150. They and will never track your activity
complained about a lack of to show adverts. You can tell it’s
“transparency” and think the app based on Organic Maps. Its design
might switch from open-source and features are similar, and mapping Tell us why you stopped using a website, app
principles to making a profit. data comes from OpenStreetMap. or program: letters@[Link]

40 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 Handy hints and tips from your fellow readers
Email us your tips: letters@[Link]

pre-set Nook format (see screenshot

below left). I then transfer the converted Reader recommends…
files to the Nook and achieve far better
results than when transferring the HP Envy x360 laptop-tablet
original EPUB files directly. In particular, £900 from [Link]/56594
page turns are faster and ghosting is
eliminated. I hope Ken Bradshaw buys
Phillip Sear the HP Envy x360 as you
recommended (Issue 721, page 26). seems well made. I still treat it
SECURITY He wanted a laptop-tablet to watch delicately, but I’m sure it would
Use letters for your videos in the pub. Well, Ken, that’s survive rougher treatment.
Windows Hello PIN exactly what I use the Envy X360 for! My only gripe is that I bought it
In your ‘What’s the difference I charge it for a couple of hours in the for £900 in the summer, but noticed
between?’ explanation of morning then take it with me to my in November that Amazon was
passwords, passkeys, passcodes and PINs local (which has strong Wi-Fi) to selling it for £580. At that price it’s
(Issue 721, page 69), you don’t seem to be watch national and local news. I also a fantastic bargain, and I’m gutted I
aware that the Windows Hello PIN can be listen to podcasts on it. paid over £300 more.
alphabetical. Like the reader you replied The 14in screen is bright and easy Mick Vaughan
to (John Clarke) I thought an alphabetical to control using taps and swipes. I’m
Want to recommend hardware or software
PIN would be more secure and easier to not an expert on hinges, but the one to fellow readers?
remember – so I tried it and it worked. I that converts the laptop into a tablet Email letters@[Link]
use a PIN of 13 letters with no problem.

After 12 months you have to pay $20 a

month (about £15) to keep using it, with
3
4 the payment coming out of your PayPal
account. You don’t have to renew after
12 months, of course.
able to speak to an actual person. Larry Cohen
So I was delighted to learn that I could
To change your PIN to letters, press remove Evri as a delivery option for SOFTWARE
Windows key+I to open Settings, then buyers. Tap the bottom-right Profile icon Switch to the fastest DNS
Accounts followed by ‘Sign-in options’. followed by Settings. Next, tap Postage automatically
Now click ‘PIN (Windows Hello)’ – 1 in and, under ‘Shipping as a seller’, tap In Issue 723’s ‘Run Windows 10
our screenshot above – then the ‘Change ‘From a drop-off point’. Finally, turn off safely’ feature (page 60), you
PIN’ button. Now tick the ‘Include letters the couriers you don’t want to use (see mention changing your DNS provider to a
and symbols’ box 2 and type your new screenshot above). I only offer Royal Mail more secure service. You explained how
PIN 3 . You won’t see what it is unless you now. It hasn’t got a great reputation, but to do this in Windows, but there’s a
click the eye icon 4 . it’s never lost anything of mine. simpler way, which is to use DNS Jumper
Brian Looker Nigel Penrose ([Link]/57139, pictured below).
I use this quite regularly to switch to the
SELLING ONLINE AI fastest DNS server available. You can
Remove couriers from Get 12 months of configure it to change the DNS settings
Vinted options Perplexity Pro for free for LAN and Wi-Fi adapters very easily.
I share Richard Bond’s frustration Following your ‘Easy When You Barry Tew
at not being able to contact a Know How’ column on Perplexity’s
human being at Evri (Letters, Issue 724). Comet browser (Issue 722, page 74),
I sell a few collectable items on Vinted readers might like to know they can get a
(football programmes, autographs, old full year of Perplexity Pro for free if they
LPs, etc) and got fed up with Evri losing sign in through PayPal ([Link].
them. The ‘track your parcel’ option is com/57122, see screenshot above right).
worse than useless and I’ve never been This offer runs until the end of 2025.

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 41

 Browser Tips Secret settings and the best extensions

CHROME
FIREFOX
Auto-fill more personal
information
Chrome can now store and Access your passwords more easily
auto-fill more of your personal
information, including your passport, Firefox 145, released in mid- will now appear on the sidebar 2 . Click
driving licence and vehicle details. This November, makes it easier to this to open a Passwords side panel,
saves you having to enter that data access your passwords without leaving whenever you need to view, edit or
manually in online forms. the current tab – by clicking a dedicated delete saved passwords, or import
To add extra information to the button in the left-hand sidebar. logins from another browser.
browser, go to Settings then ‘Autofill To add the button, click the ‘Customize Another useful new option lets you
and passwords’ and switch on the new sidebar’ button at the bottom of the share a link to a specific section of
‘Enhanced autofill’ feature ( 1 in our sidebar and tick Passwords under text on a web page. Highlight the text,
screenshot below). Click the Add button ‘Firefox tools’ ( 1 in our screenshot). If right-click and choose ‘Copy Link to
2 and choose from options including you don’t see the sidebar, click the Highlight’ 3 . Pasting this link into
‘Driving licence’, Passport and Vehicle. ‘Show sidebar’ icon in the top-left Firefox or another browser will take
Enter the relevant details and click Save. corner or press Alt+Ctrl+Z. you straight to that section with the
Annoyingly, the date fields use the A ‘Passwords’ button with a key icon relevant text highlighted.
US-style MM/DD/YYYY format and
you’re asked for your state rather than
county – hopefully Google will fix this for
UK users soon. Enhanced autofill
information is saved on your device
rather than synced online.
1

1
2

VIVALDI
Create a custom start page below left). These include a calendar,
Vivaldi 7.7, released in weather forecast, currency converter,
mid-November, combines the RSS feeds and a Privacy Statistics widget
browser’s Speed Dial and Dashboard that tells you how many ads and trackers
features into a unified Start Page. the browser has blocked.
This displays shortcuts to your favourite Change the background image and
websites and widgets in one place, layout of your Start Page by clicking the
and can be customised to suit your Quick Settings cog top right.
taste and needs.
Click the ‘+ Shortcut’ button at the OPERA
bottom of the page to add further site Visualise music you play
shortcuts, and ‘+Widget’ to browse Opera has a new dark theme that
2 1
Vivaldi’s choice of widgets (see screenshot visualises music you play in the
browser. Developed in collaboration with
Spotify, the new Sonic theme displays a left-hand toolbar 2 and either sign into
swirling animation on your Speed Dial Spotify or choose another music-
page that changes to match the tempo streaming service in the top-left menu.
and intensity of the track that’s playing. You can get a four-month free trial of
To enable the theme, click the ‘Easy Spotify Premium before 31 December
setup’ button top-right and choose ([Link]/57104).
‘Theme gallery’. Select ‘Sonic’ ( 1 in our Start playing a song and watch Sonic
screenshot above right) and click Set react. Customise its colour by right-
Theme. Now click the Spotify icon in the clicking and choosing ‘Edit theme’.

42 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

AI Tips Clever new tools and tweaks

CHATGPT
GEMINI
Apply personality
to all your chats
OpenAI has improved ChatGPT’s
Personalization controls, which
Chat more naturally with Gemini Live
adjust the tone of the chatbot’s responses Google has say “speed up” or “slow
to your queries. There are now seven updated Gemini down” to adjust the
personalities to choose from in addition Live’s audio model, to pace accordingly.
to the default tone: Friendly, Efficient, make your voice chats Another improvement
Professional, Candid, Quirky, Cynical more natural and give lets you use Gemini Live
and Nerdy. you greater control to practise speaking a
What’s more, the personality you over its responses. The foreign language, or to
choose will shape all your ChatGPT enhanced voice mode is rehearse for an interview
conversations. Previously, the change available in Gemini’s or difficult conversation.
only applied to any new chats, but it now Android and iOS apps This can help build your
includes past interactions. So when you when you tap the Live confidence and refine
resume an existing chat, the AI assistant icon in the bottom-right your communication
will answer your questions using the corner (see screenshot). skills.
new tone. You can now ask However, our
To switch ChatGPT’s personality, click Gemini to respond to favourite new trick is
or tap your account name and choose your spoken queries asking Gemini to adopt
Personalization. Click the ‘Base style more quickly (when you’re in a hurry) a different accent, such as Texan,
and tone’ menu (on the website – see or more slowly (when you need to Glaswegian or Cockney. The result is
screenshot below) or tap ChatGPT properly digest its information). Just often amusingly bad.
Personality (in the mobile app) and
select your preferred tone.
This is useful when you’re stuck for GROK
inspiration or aren’t sure how to Get better answers from Grok 4.1
describe the image you want to create. Grok has a new large language
On the Copilot website, click the model (LLM) Grok 4.1, which
new Imagine option in the left-hand improves its ‘emotional intelligence’. This
menu (see screenshot below left), or makes it better than the previous version
go to [Link]/56934 (we at understanding human emotions and
haven’t yet seen the option in Copilot’s responding with empathy.
mobile or Windows apps). Here you can Grok 4.1 delivers more detailed and
browse thousands of AI-generated relevant information, generates more
images, covering a wide variety of imaginative text and handles complicated
subjects, styles and purposes. tasks more efficiently. Just as importantly,
Either try a suggested prompt, such it’s less prone to ‘hallucinate’ by
as ’Change to watercolour’, or select confidently providing incorrect answers.
the image and describe the changes The new LLM is available on the Grok
COPILOT you want to make. You can also website ([Link], see screenshot
Remix existing AI images combine it with a picture you upload. below), X (formerly Twitter) and in the
Microsoft has expanded Copilot’s Use additional prompts to further Grok apps for Android and iOS. See how
image-editing capabilities to let you customise the image, then share or Grok 4.1 compares to ‘previous Grok’ at
‘remix’ existing AI-generated pictures. download the result. [Link]/57115.

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 43

 Phone and Tablet Tips
ANDROID your ‘Activity controls’). By default, it
View your recent places in shows the three most recent places –
Google Maps tap ‘See all’ 3 to browse the full ‘Your
Google Maps has added a handy places’ list.
feature called ‘Your recent places’ You can filter your recent places by
( 1 in our screenshot below) to the You area and by category, such as ‘Food
tab 2 of its Android app. This shows and drink’, ‘Culture’ or ‘Shopping’.
places you’ve recently viewed, searched Places you’ve saved in Google Maps
for and asked for directions to or from. are also listed.
‘Your recent places’ differs from the If you don’t want Google to store this
existing Timeline feature in Google Maps, information, tap the Settings cog in the
which shows places you’ve physically top-right corner of the ‘Your places’ list
visited (provided Timeline is enabled in and choose ‘Maps history’. Tap the Delete
button and choose the date range of data
to delete. You can also delete specific
1 places manually. Select ‘Auto-delete’ to
wipe your Maps history automatically
after three to 18 months.
Google has yet to confirm whether
‘Your recent places’ will be added to
Google Maps for iOS. has increased or dropped in price, so you
can decide the best time to buy. It’s
ANDROID & iOS powered by Amazon’s AI assistant Rufus,
Check Amazon price histories and could come in very handy for your
using AI remaining Christmas shopping.
One useful Amazon tool we To try the new feature, tap the tiny
didn’t include in our ‘Ultimate ‘Price history’ link below the price on a
hacks for Amazon’ feature in Issue 723 product page. Rufus will create a graph
is its new ‘Price history’ tool. Quietly tracking the cost of the item over 30 or
added to Amazon’s Android and iOS apps 90 days (you can switch between the two
earlier this year, this generates a graph – see our screenshot above) and tell you
3 showing the price of the item you’re how the current price compares to the
2 viewing over time. RRP. You can then ask the chatbot further
Similar to the popular website questions about the product.
CamelCamelCamel ([Link]. In the US, the feature has just been
com/56833), which doesn’t have a mobile updated to let you set up price-drop
app, this lets you see whether a product alerts through Rufus, if you’re an

BEST NEW APPS What you should install this fortnight

ATG Tickets Met Office Spark

Free Free* Free*
Android [Link]/57129 Android [Link]/57140 Android [Link]/57137
iOS [Link]/57130 iOS [Link]/57141 iOS [Link]/57138
Book tickets for shows at 35 theatres The Met Office has redesigned its app to This fun new app offers ‘puzzles for the
around the UK using this new app from provide clearer and more detailed weather curious’ designed to test and expand your
ATG Entertainment. information. The smart cultural and historical
Watch trailers, read new layout makes it knowledge. There
descriptions and view easy to check the daily are three new games
cast lists for each and weekly forecast; each day, presented in
production; generate view rain, wind and a colourful and easy-
scannable QR codes temperature data on to-play manner, with
for your tickets; and maps and graphs; and no ads or annoying
pre-order food and switch between your sound effects. Daily
drink. ATG+ members favourite locations. puzzles are free, but
get priority booking, You can also set up you can pay £10.99
flexible tickets and no alerts for severe per year to unlock
transaction fees. weather warnings. Spark’s archive.

*Contains in-app purchases

44 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 Brilliant things to do on your device

Amazon Prime member. Hopefully this

will be expanded to the UK soon. 1
ANDROID & iOS
View your weekly Spotify tells you whether the title is available
listening stats to watch for free (with ads), with a
By the time you read this, subscription or to buy or rent.
2
Spotify will have released its If you have a listed streaming app
annual Wrapped round-up of your most installed, tap Watch 2 to open it and play
listened-to artists and songs of the year the programme or movie, either on your
([Link]/57121). The streaming mobile device or by casting to your TV. If
service has also introduced weekly not, tap Install to get it from the Play Store.
listening statistics, so you can track your It’s a great addition to the app, and will
musical taste throughout the year. save you flicking between channels and
To view this information, tap your apps when you’re looking for something
profile picture in the top-left corner of to watch over Christmas.
the Spotify app and select the new
‘Listening stats’ option ( 1 in our
screenshot left).
BEST APPS FOR... Reducing your screen time
This tells you
1 your top artist Focus Friend
and song for the Free*
last week, and Android [Link]/57142
the weeks prior iOS [Link]/57143
to that. Tap Google Play’s ‘best app of 2025’, Focus
either entry to Friend encourages you not to use your
view the top five. phone so you can focus on off-screen
The new tasks. Set a focus time and a cartoon bean
2 feature isn’t as starts knitting socks it can trade for items
illuminating to decorate its room. If you interrupt the
as Spotify focus session, the poor bean gets nothing.
Wrapped, unless Best For Making screen breaks fun
you listen to a huge variety of music every
week, but it can help you revisit tracks Opal
you’ve enjoyed. It’s available to all Spotify Free*
Free and Premium users. Android [Link]/57145
Another new option, Your Updates 2 , iOS [Link]/57146
highlights upcoming concerts featuring Opal helps reduce the time you spend
your favourite artists, and other news looking at your phone by blocking access
related to your Spotify activity. to distracting apps and websites between
specific times. Choose from schedules
ANDROID including Work Hours, ‘Good Sleep, Good
Discover where to watch Life’ (10.30pm-6.30am) and Weekend
TV shows Limit (one hour per day), set your own
When you want to know which time limit or start a block timer.
streaming service a particular TV Best For Limiting screen time
show or film is available on, your best bet
is usually JustWatch. You can either ScreenZen
search its website ([Link]. Free*
com/57134) or its app for mobile devices Android [Link]/57151
and smart TVs ([Link]/57133). iOS [Link]/57152
But a new feature in the Google Play ScreenZen limits your usage of time-
Store app makes finding where to watch wasting apps by pausing them before they
popular series and films even easier. open and displaying messages such as
Simply search for a title and swipe down ‘Is this important?’. It can also ask you to
the results page to the ‘Where to watch’ perform a breathing exercise or solve a
section ( 1 in our screenshot above). maths problem before you access an app,
This lists all the streaming services that and restrict how many times, and for how
currently host that TV show or film, long, you use specific apps every day.
including BBC iPlayer, Prime Video and Best For Reducing app usage
YouTube. Like JustWatch, Google Play
*Contains in-app purchases

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 45

 Make Windows Better Expert tips for every version

WINDOWS 10 & 11
WINDOWS 10 & 11
Add more information
to your scanned devices
NirSoft’s WakeMeOnLan
scans your network
Rename photo files using metadata
and shows which Version 0.96 of menu and select EXIF Metadata ( 1 in
devices are switched on, making it PowerToys, released in our screenshot).
easy to wake or manage them remotely. November, lets you use You now need to add the metadata
Version 1.95, updated in November, image metadata when renaming photo item to the Replace box. To see these,
adds five extra columns that let you files. First, open File Management on the click the small tooltip button 2 and
add details such as location and user left, then click PowerRename and check scroll down to ‘Replace with media
for each device it finds. the ‘Enable PowerRename’ slider is on. metadata’. Click to select the metadata
To download it, click [Link]. Now select your photos on your you want to appear in your renamed
com/57257 then scroll down to the computer then right-click them and photos and it’ll appear in the Replace
Feedback section and click one of the click ‘Rename with PowerRename’. In box 3 . Choose whether to apply this to
download links. WakeMeOnLan is safe, the box that opens click the ‘Metadata the file name and/or extension 4 then
so if you see a SmartScreen warning source for replacement’ dropdown pick a text formatting style 5 .
when installing it, click ‘More info’ Finally, click Apply
then ‘Run anyway’. at the bottom and your
Now click File at the top left file will be renamed
followed by Start Scanning. Once it has with the metadata you
listed all your devices click View then chose. If it doesn’t
Choose Columns. Now scroll down the 3 2 change, check that
box that appears and tick how many the photo file actually
‘Extra Columns’ you want. Click OK to has metadata.
confirm. The extra columns will be 4 If you already have
at the top right. PowerToys installed,
You now need to name them. Open
5 you’ll be prompted to
the folder containing WakeMeOnLan’s update to version 0.96
installed files then right-click the 1 when you next open it.
WakeMeOnLan CFG file, select If you don’t have it
‘Open with’ and choose Notepad. installed, download
Now scroll right down to the bottom it from [Link].
to find the ‘ExtraName=’ entries and com/56718.
type a name after the equals sign – for
example ExtraName1=Location (see
screenshot right).
Save the Notepad file, close the tool,
then reopen WakeMeOnLan. The
columns should have been renamed ( 1 in
our screenshot below). Now right-click a
device you want to add information for
followed by Properties, then add the info
in the boxes that relate to your renamed
columns 2 . Click OK and you’ll see the
details appear in the columns 3 .

1
WINDOWS 10 & 11
Turn off notification bell icon
By default Windows
shows a bell icon at
the far right of your
3 taskbar to indicate you’ve received a
notification. If you find this annoying
you can get rid of it in Settings.
2
Right-click the area showing the time
and date then select ‘Notification
settings’. Now click Notifications at the
top and untick ‘Show notification bell
icon’ (see screenshot above).

46 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

Make Office Better Top tips for the best office programs

MICROSOFT OFFICE

Play feedback sounds to confirm specific actions

You can make Excel, PowerPoint and Word
play a sound to confirm that a certain action
has taken place.
To do this, open a spreadsheet, presentation or 1
document and click File at the top left, then Options at
the bottom of the menu. Now click Accessibility on the
left ( 1 in our screenshot) – or ‘Ease of Access’ in older
versions – and tick ‘Provide feedback with sound’ 2 then
choose the Modern or Classic sound 3 and click OK. The
latter is more vibrant and easier to hear, but try both to
see which one you prefer.
2
The quickest way to test these is to perform one of
the actions that triggers a sound, such as pasting text, 3
deleting a block of text, saving a file or closing a box.
Note that turning on a feedback sound in one app in
Microsoft Office applies it to them all.

LIBREOFFICE CALC 4 ‘Outlook on the web’) have

Remove unwanted text in cells different default keyboard
LibreOffice 25.8, released in shortcuts. For example, in
August, adds the TEXTBEFORE 3 1 the desktop tool pressing
and TEXTAFTER formulas to Calc. Ctrl+N opens a new email
These let you chop unwanted text from for you to write, while in the
cells: TEXTBEFORE keeps only the text online version it’s simply N.
before a specified character or word,
2 You can change this in both
while TEXTAFTER keeps only the text versions so they match, so
after this point. ONLYOFFICE you don’t have to remember different
In our example, we have a list of email Use new Slide Master shortcuts.
addresses, but we want to keep only toolbar settings In the desktop version of Outlook, click
the username – in other words, the text Slide Master in OnlyOffice the top-right Settings cog then General
before the ‘@’ symbol. With our first lets you edit the layout for all on the left ( 1 in our screenshot below).
email address in cell A2, in B2 we type slides simultaneously. Version Now click Accessibility 2 and select
=TEXTBEFORE(A2,"@") – 1 in our 9.1.0, released in mid-October, moves ‘Outlook for Web’ 3 . Click Save to
screenshot below. This leaves only the first all Slide Master settings to a dedicated confirm. This will mean it uses the online
part of the email address (the person’s toolbar tab to make them easier to use. keyboard shortcuts (for example, N).
name) in cell B2 2 . If we wanted to keep Click ‘View’ at the top followed by Slide Follow the same steps at [Link].
only the domain name (for example, Master. You’ll see the Slide Master tab com and choose Outlook in the
‘[Link]’), we’d use the TEXTAFTER appear ( 1 in our screenshot above). Accessibility section. There’s no Save
formula: =TEXTAFTER(A2,"@"). Both Now click this to reveal options below – button, so you should refresh the page
formulas already work in Microsoft including copying, cutting and pasting at to make the change take effect. This will
Excel and OnlyOffice. the top left 2 . Click one of the slides to mean it uses the shortcuts for the desktop
select it 3 then click ‘Slide version (for example, Ctrl+N).
1 settings’ icon 4 in the You can compare keyboard shortcuts
top-right corner to open for all Outlook versions at [Link].
the Background column. com/57218.

MICROSOFT OUTLOOK
Use same keyboard 2
shortcuts for desktop
and online versions
The desktop
version of Outlook
2 and its online
3
stablemate ([Link].
com, officially called 1

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 47

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

Switch to Affinity Publisher for newsletters

I f you’ve been using Microsoft Publisher
for newsletters, flyers or posters,
you’ll need a replacement soon. As
we explained in Issue 724 (page 62),
Publisher will be discontinued in October
1
2026 — after that it’ll be unsafe to use or,
in the case of Microsoft 365 subscribers,
may stop working altogether. 2
Microsoft suggests using Word instead,
but Word isn’t built for complex page 4
layouts – anyone who’s tried lining up
text boxes will know that. Fortunately,
there’s a far better option. Previously
priced at £60, Canva’s Affinity Studio is
3
now free and includes Affinity Publisher,
a professional desktop-publishing (DTP)
tool as capable as Microsoft’s. Click ‘Layout’ then select your PDF and choose your settings
Get Affinity Studio from [Link].
com/57120, choosing the ‘MSI/EXE (x64)’ and click Save. Create a newsletter
option (unless your PC has an ARM Now switch to Affinity. Click the Layout from templates
processor, in which case click ‘MSI/EXE tab ( 1 in our screenshot above), then File, One of the downsides of Affinity Studio is
ARM64’). Once installed, launch it and followed by Open. Navigate to the PDF that it doesn’t come with any built-in
you’ll be prompted to sign in. If you don’t file you exported and click Open. You’ll templates. There are, however, plenty of
have an Affinity or Canva account, follow see a ‘PDF options’ screen. Here, select free templates available online, such as
the prompts to set one up – it’s free. ‘Load all pages’ 2 . Leave the ‘Import as’, GooDocs ([Link]/57114),
DPI and ‘Colour space’ settings as they which lets you download up to 10 free per
Import your Publisher are, but tick both the ‘Favour editable text month once you’ve created an account.
and Word files over fidelity’ and ‘Group lines of text into Click the template you want, then
Affinity lets you use designs you’ve text frames’ options 3 . If you see ‘Replace look for a download option on the left.
created in Microsoft Publisher or Word, missing fonts’ here 4 make sure this is GooDocs has lots of fake ‘download’
but you can’t just open Microsoft ‘.pub’ ticked, then click OK. adverts, so avoid those and only click
or ‘.docx’ files in Affinity Studio and edit Bear in mind that the resulting layout one of the blue buttons to download in
them directly. So you’ll need to carry might not be a perfect recreation of Word ( 1 in our screenshot below left) or
out a little preparation beforehand. your original newsletter. Fonts may be PowerPoint, or to edit in Google Docs 2
Open your existing newsletter in slightly different, for example, and image – avoid those if you don't have a Google
Publisher or Word, then click File, Save quality may vary, so a little tidying may account.
As, then Browse. Choose a location, then be required. When you’ve finished, Choosing ‘Download in Word’ will
select PDF in the ‘Save as type’ dropdown click File, Save As and select Affinity open the template in a new browser
menu. Leave the other options as they are Files under ‘Save as type’. window. Click the three dots (top right),
then select ‘Download as PDF’, click
You can
download Download and save the file to your PC.
newsletter Use the instructions above to import
2 1 templates your PDF template into Affinity.
in Word, You can also design your own
PowerPoint
or Google newsletter in Affinity by clicking File,
Docs New, selecting A4 (or your desired page
size) and clicking Create Document. This
will open a completely blank document.
Click the Layout tab top left to switch to
Affinity’s DTP editing tools. If you’re used
to working in Microsoft Publisher, these
should feel fairly familiar.

48 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725 Next issue: Use ChatGPT’s group chat to collaborate
What’s All the
Fuss About...
3D-printed meat
An accusation from a Campbell’s worker leaves a nasty taste in the mouth

What is it?
It isn’t anything. It doesn’t exist. At least,
that’s what Campbell’s insists.

Campbell’s the soup maker?

Yes. It was forced in November to deny
that the meat in its soups are made
using 3D printers.

Who made that claim?

It came from someone within the
company itself. A video has emerged of
Vice President and Chief Information
Security Officer Martin Bally (pictured)
allegedly saying: “It’s not healthy now
that I know what
the f***’s in it.
Bioengineered meat – I
don’t wanna eat a piece
of chicken that came
from a 3D printer.”
recorded Bally during an hour-long inaccurate, they are absurd. We do not
Remind me - what’s a 3D printer? meeting. Garza gave the recording to US use lab-grown chicken or any form of
It’s a machine that builds objects layer by news site ClickOnDetroit, who published artificial or bioengineered meat in our
layer from a digital design. Think of it as extracts of Bally’s sweary rant at www. soups. We are proud of the food we
printing in three dimensions instead of [Link]/57241. In it Bally appears to make and the high-quality ingredients
on paper, using plastic, resin or powder say Campbell’s soup is only for “f***ing we use.” It adds that it only uses chicken
rather than liquid ink. Our favourite is poor people” and Indians who work for from “reputable” suppliers in the US
the Creality Hi (£359 from Creality, the company are “idiots”. The news who meet strict standards set by the US
pictured below right). They’re used to report ends with the presenter sipping Department of Agriculture, and makes
make plastic prototypes, toys, gadgets a bowl of Campbell’s soup. the excellent point that Bally works in IT
and replacement parts for all kinds of and “has nothing to do with how we
appliances. Oh, and food too. Did she spit it out? make our food”.
No – she seemed to like it. Perhaps
Really? she’s not as poor as other Campbell’s Are US authorities
Yes, but only experimentally. Labs are customers. Or maybe she convinced by that?
testing meat substitutes and vegetable just realised that Bally We’ll have to wait and see. Florida
pastes, but you still can’t buy 3D‑printed was talking nonsense. Attorney General James Uthmeier is
food. Back in 2020, KFC said it was You might not like its launching an investigation into the
exploring a way to “print” lab-grown soup, but it’s not made claims, saying the “lab-grown meat” is
chicken nuggets with a Russian using 3D printers. banned in the state. Others will probably
firm, using chicken cells and plant follow.
material, but there’s no sign the Are you sure?
project ever made it past the lab. As sure as we can What’s happened
be. Campbell’s to Bally and Garza?
How did Bally’s has updated the Bally has been put on leave while
claim appear? Ingredients section of Campbell’s investigates his comments.
It was leaked by former Campbell’s its FAQ ([Link]. Garza meanwhile is suing Campbell’s,
worker Robert Garza, who secretly com/57240) to say: alleging it fired him in January after
“The comments heard reporting Bally’s comments to his
Our favourite 3D printer is the
Creality Hi – just don’t use it on the recording about supervisor. They’re all in the soup,
to print meat our food are not only one way or another.

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 49

 COVER FEATURE

What You Must

UNINSTALL
in
2026!
Rid your PC and phone of rubbish programs and apps to
start the new year junk-free. Robert Irvine reveals the
dismal, dubious and dangerous tools you must remove

UNINSTALLING 80%

I
n our ‘Best New Software for 2026’ In 2025, we’ve seen lots of once-great and AI features have been foisted on us
Cover Feature in Issue 724, we programs become bloated with unwanted whether we want them or not.
recommended the most useful new options, intensify the nagging to pay for These annoying trends are likely to
programs to download over the next their premium versions and suffer serious continue in 2026, so it’s a good idea to
12 months. But the start of a new year is privacy and security concerns. Browser take action now and purge your PC,
also the perfect time to rid yourself of extensions and mobile apps have been phone and tablet of existing junk. In this
software you no longer use or that’s injected with malicious code that steals feature, we reveal the programs, add-ons
taken a turn for the worse. your data and bombards you with ads, and apps you should uninstall to begin
the new year with a clean and safe slate.
Our removal recommendations include
WHAT YOU CAN DO programs the developers have lost
interest in or messed up with pointless
• Remove Windows apps you never use – •S
 top using extensions that secretly redesigns; software with flaws that
or no longer can share your data compromise your personal data; apps
• Uninstall programs with privacy and •A
 void fake and malicious phone, tablet that don’t work as they promise; and
security flaws and TV apps fake copies of popular tools that trick
• Ditch rip-off software for superior free •H
 ide unwanted AI tools in your favourite you into installing them.
alternatives browsers It’s time to uninstall this rubbish for a
much happier 2026.

50 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 What You Must
UNINSTALL
2026!
in

WINDOWS TOOLS YOU MUST UNINSTALL

Maps uninstall that too and replace it with
In July, Microsoft deprecated Thunderbird ([Link]/57170) or 1
its Maps app for Windows 10 and Proton Mail ([Link]/57171).
11, and removed it from the
Microsoft Store (see screenshot below). It News and Weather
still works for the moment but won’t Even Microsoft has lost interest
receive any updates. in its News and Weather apps for
Maps always struggled to compete with Windows 10 and 11. While they’re
2
Google Maps, suffering from outdated still available from the Microsoft Store –
and poor-quality maps, inaccurate route as Microsoft News and MSN Weather
planning and technical glitches. Its best – the apps haven’t been updated for You can uninstall both Copilot apps using
feature was offline maps, but that was several years and there are now many O&O ShutUp10++
discontinued in 2023. easier ways to read the headlines and
Microsoft recommends you uninstall check the forecast. ShutUp10++ ([Link]/56757)
the app and use Bing Maps ([Link]. Windows 10 has ‘News & interests’, which has a dedicated Copilot tab for this
com/57174) instead. Open the Settings displays the news and weather when you purpose ( 1 in our screenshot above) –
app, select ‘Apps & features’ (in Windows hover your cursor over its taskbar icon. just click the Remove button 2 . This also
10) or ‘Installed apps’ (Windows 11) and Windows 11 has a Widgets feature, which uninstalls Copilot from Windows 10.
click Uninstall next to Maps. shows a weather summary on its taskbar It’s possible Microsoft will reinstall
button (see screenshot below) and opens Copilot with a future Windows update
news stories and forecasts in Edge. (this obviously won’t affect Windows 10).
These are more convenient than opening If so, you’ll need to uninstall it again.
separate apps, and you can switch them
on or off in ‘Taskbar settings’. Uninstall Microsoft Edge
the News and Weather apps through Windows users in the EU can
Windows Settings. uninstall Microsoft’s Edge
browser, in accordance with
the European Commission’s Digital
Markets Act. However, in the UK, the
Uninstall button for Edge is greyed-out
in Windows Settings.
The Maps app for Windows was discontinued Wintoys ([Link]/55189)
in July offers a way round this restriction. In its
Tweaks section, select System and switch
Mail and Calendar on the option ‘Digital markets act’ (see
It’s now a year since Microsoft screenshot below). Restart your PC and
ended support for its Mail and you’ll be able to uninstall Edge.
Calendar apps, and replaced Use Windows 11’s Widgets instead of Alternatively, install the free tool
them with its controversial new Outlook Microsoft’s News and Weather apps GoAwayEdge ([Link]/57179) –
app. Although they’re no longer included click ‘More info’ then ‘Run anyway’ at
with Windows 11, if you’re still running Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot the SmartScreen warning – which
Windows 10 or chose to keep your apps Even if you didn’t buy a new also removes Edge from Windows.
when upgrading to Windows 11, Mail Copilot+ PC in 2025, there’s been Alternatively, you can redirect the
and Calendar may still be on your PC. no escaping Microsoft’s AI browser to use your preferred search
Opening either app redirects you to assistant. Windows 11 users now have two engine, AI tool and weather service.
Outlook (see screenshot below), so versions to talk to (or ignore)
uninstall them in 2026 through Windows – the standard Copilot desktop
Settings. If you don’t like Outlook, app and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
The latter is especially
There’s
no point
annoying because it’s
hanging on automatically installed even if
to Mail and you don’t use Microsoft 365.
Calendar in It also runs on Windows 11
2026
startup; and takes up over
200MB of drive space.
Thankfully, you can uninstall
both apps, either through
Windows Settings or by using
a third-party uninstaller.
The latest version of O&O Wintoys includes a tweak that uninstalls Edge in the UK

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 51

 SOFTWARE YOU MUST UNINSTALL
WinRAR
WinRAR will celebrate
its 21st birthday in 2026,
but perhaps it’s time
this ageing file-compression tool
was retired. In August, it was
reported that a serious zero-day
vulnerability in the software had
been exploited by two separate
malware campaigns.
In one attack, Russian
hacking group RomCom used
the vulnerability – known as
CVE-2025-8088 – to create
malicious archive files in
Windows startup folders and
other important areas of the Uninstall the vulnerable WinRAR and open RAR files in Ditch Dashlane after the company scrapped
operating system. The second File Explorer instead its free plan
campaign used the same
vulnerability to target Russian Dashlane managers – such as 1Password – don’t
organisations (see [Link]/57180). On 16 September 2025, the have free plans, but Dashlane built a loyal
Although WinRAR released an popular password manager fanbase by letting users choose whether
update (to version 7.13) that fixed the Dashlane discontinued its Free to pay. It also gave very little notice (just
vulnerability, many users remain at risk if plan for new and existing users (see over a month) about the change.
they’re using an older version of the tool. screenshot above right). This means We recommend switching to one of
Bizarrely, the two-decades-old program you now need to pay $59.99 (about £46) the freemium tools recommended in our
still doesn’t include an Update button for per year for Dashlane Premium – unlike ‘Ditch your password manager’ feature in
updating it manually – and it doesn’t rival password managers, there isn’t a Issue 720 (buy it from [Link].
update automatically. pay-monthly option. com/57184). Our top choice was Bitwarden
Once the only software to support the Dashlane says it dropped the Free ([Link]/56329), which has a
RAR format, WinRAR looks increasingly plan to focus on “developing advanced generous free plan and a great-value
redundant now that versatile free security features to defend your data from subscription priced at just $10 (about £9
compression tools such as 7-Zip (www. evolving threats” ([Link]/57183), inc VAT) a year. This includes everything
[Link]) and PeaZip ([Link]. but long-term users have called the available in Dashlane Premium, except
com/56761) can open RAR archives. decision a ‘cash grab’. It’s clear from the the superfluous VPN.
Windows 11 can now extract the contents company website ([Link])
of RAR files using File Explorer (see screenshot that it’s now more concerned with EaseUS Todo Backup
above right). Unless you’re one of the few ‘enterprise’ password security than in With its simple, friendly interface,
people who needs to create RAR files, helping personal users protect their logins. EaseUS Todo Backup is one of the
there’s no point using WinRAR in 2026. In fairness, several other password most popular backup tools, but
also one of the most annoying. Its free
version is incredibly pushy about getting
How to uninstall unwanted software you to upgrade to the Home edition
(£35.99 a year), displaying pop-ups every
You can uninstall all the programs time you open or close the program.
mentioned here through the ‘Apps & Some Home users have reported
features’/’Your apps’ section of the seeing a pop-up after the program is
Windows Settings app, but a dedicated uninstalled warning their data is no
uninstaller will ensure all traces are longer safe ([Link]/57200).
removed. The most powerful free option Even the EaseUS website bombards you
is BCUninstaller ([Link]), with pop-up offers and requests to send
which can remove any program from your notifications.
PC – even when Windows can’t. Many of EaseUS Todo Backup’s most
BCUninstaller beats rival free tools by useful tools – including Clone, System
speedily uninstalling multiple programs at click any prompts to confirm. Transfer and Backup Protection – are
once (hold down Ctrl as you select them), The latest version of BCUninstaller only available in the paid-for version (see
and thoroughly wipes leftover registry (5.9) significantly slims down its screenshot above right). It also takes up a
entries and other junk files. Its ‘Uninstall installer to make it less bloated, and lot of space (700MB+) on your hard drive.
quietly’ option (see screenshot) handily automatically downloads the required Additionally, there are privacy concerns
removes software without you needing to .NET 6 framework. about EaseUS being a Chinese company,
especially with China spying on the UK.

52 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 What You Must
UNINSTALL
2026!
in

EaseUS Todo Backup restricts many handy tools to its paid-for version The new WhatsApp for Windows app uses more memory than before

For peace of mind – and peace from below), and tries to make you install AVG Microsoft Store include ‘Ruined by latest
upgrade nags – we recommend Hasleo Antivirus Free via a full-screen ad. Many update’, ‘Slow and glitchy’ and ‘WTF have
Backup Suite Free ([Link]. users have downgraded to the previous Meta done?’ ([Link]/57188).
com/57203) instead. version, 6.39 (see [Link]/57206 You may as well uninstall the app
for instructions), but we suggest and use the online version WhatsApp
CCleaner uninstalling CCleaner altogether. BleachBit Web ([Link]/57189), which is
We advised not using CCleaner 7 ([Link]) and Wintoys (www. essentially the same thing.
in our Cover Feature in Issue 724 [Link]/55189) are more reliable and
(page 52), but it’s worth reiterating trustworthy alternatives. Perplexity Comet
how awful it’s become just in case you’ve In Issue 722 (page 74), we tested
installed it or are thinking of doing so. WhatsApp for Windows the new ‘agentic’ AI browser
Described by users as ‘horrendous’, In November, WhatsApp replaced Perplexity Comet, and were
‘really bad’ and ‘a piece of junk’, the latest its app for Windows 10 and 11 impressed by its capabilities. But since
update further diminishes the reputation with a redesigned version that then, a new vulnerability has been
of this once-great system cleaner. runs more like a website. This abandons discovered by security researchers
CCleaner 7’s ‘sleek, modern’ redesign the UWP (Universal Windows Platform) that has made us more wary.
moves and removes options that were framework used by most Windows apps Dubbed ‘CometJacking’, the security
previously easy to access. These include in favour of the browser-engine wrapper flaw involves hackers sending users a
registry cleaning (relocated to Custom WebView2. malicious link, either by email or
Clean), Drive Wiper (apparently ditched) In simple terms, that means the new concealed on a web page. When clicked,
and cleanup-scheduling (also gone). WhatsApp app is now a browser window a hidden command in the URL instructs
When you delete data from your designed to look like a desktop program. Comet’s AI to perform certain actions,
browsers, it’s now less obvious how to You might assume that means it’ll be which could involve stealing your data.
choose which cookies to keep, which lighter and faster, but in fact the opposite According to security firm LayerX,
means you’ll be signed out of all websites. is true. which discovered the vulnerability
CCleaner 7’s scans are noticeably slower, Because apps in web wrappers need to ([Link]/57194), Perplexity has
often hanging, and the program now run a full browser engine inside their security measures that stop Comet
runs in the background with no way to windows, they’re much slower and use sharing sensitive data directly. But the
close it. a lot more RAM. Tests found the new hacker can bypass them by instructing
By default, CCleaner shares your usage WhatsApp for Windows uses around the AI to disguise the stolen data as
data “so we may offer you upgrades or 30-per-cent more memory than the old harmless text, so it can be shared
our other products” (see screenshot app ([Link]/57186). In our without detection.
screenshot above right, it’s In response to LayerX’s findings,
using 270MB of RAM – Perplexity said it “could not identify any
second only to Chrome. The security impact”, and marked the flaw as
updated app is also less well ‘not applicable’. But the report highlights
integrated with Windows. that with new technology come new
Meta, which owns security threats, and that we shouldn’t
WhatsApp, presumably made blindly trust AI browsers.
the change to save money, Comet isn’t a dangerous program, and
because the new app can run the CometJacking vulnerability hasn’t
on different devices without been exploited outside of LayerX’s tests.
depending on Windows Nonetheless, we’d appreciate some
code. But users clearly aren’t reassurance from Perplexity about the
CCleaner shares your usage data so it can show you ‘offers’ impressed: reviews in the browser’s protection.

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 53

 READER OFFER! ADD A
DISC FOR
£5.95

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

JUST SO YOU KNOW…

This offer can be used by one person only, and
expires at midnight on 30 December, 2025.
It’s a lifetime licence for one computer.
 What You Must
UNINSTALL
2026!
in

BROWSER EXTENSIONS YOU MUST UNINSTALL

[Link] Sound Booster Neither option does a great job of
Free VPN extensions are often In April, the browser-security blocking ads, and though it skips some
removed from the Chrome Web company LayerX uncovered a on YouTube there are no filters for
Store for containing malicious network of browser extensions blocking online trackers and other
code and collecting users’ data. The that appeared to be ‘sleeper agents’ annoyances. Stick with uBlock Origin
privacy-compromising [Link] is for future malicious activity. The four Lite and remove uBlock V3 if you
surprisingly still available from the store, add-ons had more than 1.5 million users inadvertently installed it.
where it has over 100,000 users. between them and shared common-code
In August, researchers at Koi Security patterns and behaviour with extensions EditThisCookie
discovered that [Link] was secretly that were identified as malicious. EditThisCookie, a handy tool for
taking screenshots of every website its Since LayerX published its report modifying and deleting website
users visited and sending the grabs to a ([Link]/57209), three of cookies, was among the casualties
domain controlled by its developer. “No the add-ons have been removed from of Google’s deprecation of Manifest V2
user action, no UI hint, the screenshots the Chrome Web Store, but Sound extensions. It was removed from the
are taken in the background without you Booster is still there ([Link]. Chrome Web Store a year ago, but a
ever knowing,” says Koi’s report (www. com/57210). This could mean its code malicious copycat with almost exactly the
[Link]/57207), which calls the has since been cleaned, or that Google same name remained. This was found to
extension spyware. has neglected to remove it, but we steal user data, display ads and link to
[Link]’s developer insists it was advise uninstalling the extension to be phishing scams, until it was identified
only capturing screenshots of dubious on the safe side. and banned.
web pages when Background Scanning One user says Sound Booster was
was enabled for its AI Threat Detection flagged as a Trojan by their antivirus
feature (see screenshot below). But Koi software and LayerX’s Extensionpedia
researchers found the add-on was taking database calls it a ‘critical risk’ (www.
shots of safe sites such as Google Photos [Link]/57213).
and Google Sheets, and potentially
sharing personal data. uBlock V3
The AI Threat Detection option now The popular content-blocker
appears to have been removed, but we uBlock Origin stopped working
still don’t trust [Link]. It’s not in 2025, following the introduction
even a proper VPN, but a proxy tool. of Google’s Manifest V3 (MV3) rules. It’s
It’s safer to use the official extensions still available for Brave, Edge and Firefox, EditThisCookie looks legitimate but has a
from trusted VPN companies, such as but in Chrome you’ll need to use the chequered history
NordVPN, Proton and Windscribe. MV3-compatible uBlock Origin Lite
Koi Security discovered 18 other dodgy ([Link]/55952). There’s now a new EditThisCookie (V3)
Chrome extensions, affecting more than Steer clear of the new rip-off extension extension in the Chrome Web Store
2.3 million users ([Link]/57212). uBlock V3, which imitates uBlock Origin’s ([Link]/57214, see screenshot
These have all now been removed from name and logo, but offers none of its above), which is Manifest V3-compatible
the Chrome Web Store – if you have features. It has only two options: an On/ and looks and works just like the original.
any of the tools listed in your browser, Off switch and an ‘Enable/Disable for this But while it appears to be free of
uninstall them immediately. Website’ button (see screenshot below). malicious code, there are concerns
about its legitimacy and safety.
It’s not made by the same
developer as the old EditThisCookie,
nor does it mention being a fork
of that project. The extension-
checking website CRXaminer warns
that EditThisCookie’s permissions
are “extremely broad and powerful
for a cookie editor” and could be
used to “inject malicious content”
without your knowledge.
In its favour, the extension has a
proper website ([Link].
com), is open-source and has
positive user reviews – aside from
one that says it’s fake and contains
malware. We suggest erring on
[Link] was secretly capturing uBlock V3 is a poor imitation of the popular content the side of caution and avoiding
screenshots of users’ activities blocker uBlock Origin it for now.

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 55

 MOBILE & TV APPS YOU MUST UNINSTALL
DeepSeek Document Reader - File Manager This fake
Chinese chatbot DeepSeek was Google removed hundreds of app pretends
to be the
the most controversial program malicious apps from the Play now-defunct
of 2025, with a host of privacy Store in 2025, after being Freevee
and security concerns. contacted by security researchers.
Soon after its release in January, it Although it doesn’t usually reveal the
became the most popular app in the names of banned apps, one called
Apple App and Google Play stores, and ‘Document Reader - File Manager’ was
has amassed more than 125 million users, found to download the banking Trojan
but it’s not something you should have Anatsa (also known as TeaBot).
on your phone or tablet. According to security company Zscaler,
Even if you ignore the fact DeepSeek which discovered the threat – along with
sends your data to servers in China, it’s a 77 other apps from various ‘malware
seriously untrustworthy app. It collects families’ – Anatsa creates fake login
far more personal information than is screens for banking and cryptocurrency
necessary for an AI tool, applies weak apps, captures keystrokes and steals
encryption to your chats and provides sensitive data ([Link]/57223).
biased and censored responses consistent Ensure you uninstall ‘Document Reader’ Bin or Trash folder on your mobile
with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) immediately if it’s on your device – it was device, than with this junk app.
propaganda (see screenshot below). downloaded more than 220,000 times
At the start of the year, a DeepSeek before it was removed from the Play Store. Freevee
data leak compromised over one million Amazon shut down its free,
sensitive records, and in November it Photo Recover-File Recovery ad-supported streaming service
was found to be generating unsafe code In Issue 720’s ‘Named & Shamed’ in September, and moved most of
in response to ‘politically sensitive’ (page 21), we expressed our Freevee’s TV shows and films to Prime
(for the CCP) prompts ([Link]. disbelief that this unknown and Video. The Freevee app should have been
com/57220). “utterly useless” app had shot to second removed from your Fire TV Stick or set by
It’s no wonder many countries, place in the Google Play Store charts. a Fire OS update, but if you have it on any
including Italy, Australia and some US Unsurprisingly, it has since slipped from other device uninstall it from there too.
states, have banned the DeepSeek app the Top 200 and garnered a string of In November, a new Freevee app
from government devices. You should negative reviews and a measly 2.8-star appeared in the Google Play Store (www.
ban it from yours, too. rating, after more than five million [Link]/57224) with the same logo
ill-advised installs. as Amazon’s defunct service, and the
Claiming to “recover your deleted promise of thousands of free TV series
photos, videos and other types of files”, and movies. We probably don’t need to
Photo Recover-File Recovery does tell you this is a fake, from a mysterious
nothing of the sort and instead bombards company called NextPlay Gold, and
you with ads, fake virus warnings (see doesn’t actually stream anything. It merely
screenshot below) and fake alerts about provides brief summaries of classic films
how many items it can restore. You have a such as The Godfather (see screenshot
better chance of recovering files from the above). Uninstall it if you’ve been duped.

Flix Vision
Flix Vision (also known as
Flixvision) was one of the apps
Amazon blocked in 2025 because
it allows Fire TV Stick users to stream
content illegally. The app also includes
code that can share your internet
connection without your knowledge to
make money for the developer.
It’s therefore not only illegal but
dangerous to use Flix Vision, and –
whatever your views on its crackdown on
sideloading (see our news story in Issue
723, page 7) – we think Amazon made
the right call with this app. If you’ve
sideloaded it on your Android TV or
DeepSeek’s responses adhere to Chinese Photo Recover-File Recovery is full of ads and streaming device (you no longer can on
government propaganda fake alerts Fire TV), uninstall it now.

56 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 What You Must
UNINSTALL
2026!
in

REMOVE AI TOOLS FROM YOUR BROWSER

Hide Google’s AI Overviews
and AI Mode What I want to uninstall – but can’t
Google introduced AI Mode in
the UK in July 2025, a year after Ideally, I’d like to get rid shows mercy in 2026 by letting us
its AI Overviews first appeared of OneDrive in 2026 – I remove or at least hide its Ask Meta
above search results. This has added an never use it and I don’t AI button. This blue-and-purple circle is
AI Mode tab to results pages, and an like it popping up all the the bane of my messaging life, because
AI Mode button to Chrome’s New Tab time trying to back up I’m always tapping it accidentally and
page and its address bar. my files. However, since starting a chat with the pointless AI
If you find these AI features more I enrolled for Windows assistant.
annoying than useful, you can hide 10’s ESU scheme by syncing my settings Finally, I wish I could uninstall the
them in your search results using the through OneDrive, I’m worried I’ll lose that Amazon Kids app from my Fire TV
Chromium extension ‘Bye Bye, Google AI’ extra year of support (10 months now) Stick, as I don’t have children and it
([Link]/57225). Tick the boxes if I uninstall the app. So I’ve settled for wastes valuable storage. But because it’s
Hide AI Overviews and Hide AI Mode Tab disabling it instead, by stopping it running unremovable, I’ll just have to ignore it for
(see screenshot below), then click Save. automatically on Windows startup. yet another year.
To remove AI Mode from Chrome’s On my phone, I’m hoping WhatsApp Robert Irvine, Deputy Editor
address bar and New Tab page, type
chrome://flags in the bar and press Enter.
Find and disable the options AI Mode Switch off Copilot in Edge
Omnibox entrypoint and NTP Compose Microsoft has continued its
Entrypoint then relaunch the browser. mission to turn Edge into an AI
browser by introducing a new
Copilot Mode ([Link]/57227).
Although this mode is optional, even the
standard version of Edge has a permanent
Copilot button in the top-right corner.
To remove it, right-click the Copilot
icon and choose ‘Hide Copilot’. This
will open Edge’s ‘Copilot and sidebar’ Hide Leo in Brave or turn off the AI tool
settings, where you can switch off the altogether
option ‘Show Copilot button on the
toolbar’ (see screenshot below). Disable Leo in Brave
Hide AI Overviews and AI Mode in Google If you inadvertently activate Copilot Brave has made its AI assistant
search results Mode, go to the ‘AI innovations’ section Leo difficult to ignore, but you
of Edge’s Settings (type edge://settings/ai can reduce its presence in the
Turn off Firefox’s new chatbot in the address bar) and switch off the browser. Go to the Leo section of Brave’s
In 2025, Firefox became the latest slider next to Copilot Mode. Settings (type brave://settings/leo-ai in
browser to add AI features – to the address bar) and switch off ‘Show Leo
the annoyance of many users. icon in the sidebar’ and ‘Show Leo in the
The most noticeable is a new ‘AI chatbot’ context menu on websites’ (see screenshot
button in the left-hand sidebar, which above). Also right-click the Leo toolbar
lets you chat with ChatGPT, Google button and choose ‘Hide Leo AI icon’.
Gemini and other AI assistants. To turn off Leo altogether, type
To remove this, simply right-click it brave://flags in the address bar and press
and choose Remove AI Chatbot. You Enter. Search for Brave AI Chat and
can restore the button by clicking the select Disabled in its dropdown menu.
‘Customize sidebar’ cog and ticking the You can hide the new Copilot button in Edge’s Relaunch the browser for an AI-free
box next to ‘AI chatbot’. toolbar experience.

NEXT ISSUE On sale Wednesday 31 December

ON SALE
Weds
31
Dec

DITCH YOUR
PLUS

• Your favourite software of 2025
Our Snipca URLs reveal all!

LAPTOP Why 2026 will be

the year of the tablet 
• Can your PC run Linux?
Not all can – perform these checks

Subscribe to Computeractive at [Link]

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 57

£ £ £ £ £ £££££££
£ £BEAT
£ £ £ £££££££
2026’s
PRICE
£ £RISES
£ £ £ £££££££
£ £ £ £ £ £££££££
Get ready to pay more for your

£ £ £ £ £ £££££££
technology over the next 12 months.
Robert Irvine reveals what will become
more expensive and how to cut the cost
£
£ £ £ £ £ £££££££
W
e’re accustomed to prices on an older contract, your annual price means starting a new contract), or wait
increasing in line with hike may still be inflation-based or out your contract and go elsewhere.
inflation, but there are apply the amount specified when you Under Ofcom rules, if you’re not
many other factors that signed up. receiving the guaranteed minimum
influence the cost of technology. In 2026, speed, and your ISP can’t fix it within
we’re likely to see some steep and How to beat the price rise 30 days, you can leave without paying
disproportionate price hikes that leave Mobile and broadband providers give you an exit fee. Test your connection at
us all paying more for our devices and 30 days to cancel your contract without [Link].
services. Here we explain the best ways penalty if you’re unhappy with their
to offset these rising costs over the price hikes. However, because they’ve PC memory and PCs
coming year. already announced their increases, you’ll The cost of RAM, particularly the DDR4
probably have to pay an exit fee. and DDR5 modules used in PCs and
Mobile and broadband contracts With mobile plans, this can still work laptops, has soared in 2025. PC retailer
As we reported in Issue 723 (page 6), out cheaper in the long run if you switch CyberPowerPC says the price of memory
O2 will increase its monthly prices by to an MVNO – though it depends how has surged by 500 per cent since the start
£2.50 in April 2026. The other UK mobile many months are left on your contract. of the year ([Link]/57244),
providers are hiking their prices around SIM-only deals from MVNOs such as and it’s likely to get even more expensive
the same time. Smarty, Lebara and iD Mobile cost from in 2026.
EE customers will pay an extra £2.50 as little as £5 a month and don’t tie There are several factors behind the
a month (£4 on handset-and-airtime you into lengthy contracts, so price price rise. The AI boom has increased
plans), as will Vodafone customers who rises aren’t a worry. Compare the latest demand for DRAM (Dynamic Random-
started or renewed their contracts after offers at [Link]/57242 (see Access Memory – the type used by
12 November (up from £1.80). Likewise, screenshot below). computers) and diverted supply from
Three will charge new and renewing To cut your broadband costs, either consumer hardware to AI data centres.
customers (from after 9 November) speak to your provider about moving to a Stock was already running low after
£1.80 to £2.30 more, depending on slower and cheaper plan (this usually DRAM manufacturers slowed production
their data plan. in 2022-23 when prices were falling, and
Broadband is also getting more were making the transition from DDR4 to
expensive, with BT, TalkTalk, Virgin the more powerful DDR5. With demand
Media, Plusnet and other providers set to outstripping supply, prices have rocketed.
increase their prices by £3 to £4 in April. This most obviously affects the cost of
Sky doesn’t usually announce its annual RAM you buy to upgrade your system
rises until February. memory (16GB DDR5 modules are now
All these increases are in response to priced at over £100 – and rising) and
Ofcom’s rule, introduced in January custom-built computers. But it has also
2025, that phone and broadband price increased the price of new PCs, with
rises should be in ‘pounds and pence’ SIM-only deals from MVNOs are cheap and manufacturers passing the cost of DRAM
rather than linked to inflation. If you’re offer monthly contracts on to customers.

60 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

£
£
Bargain
Hardware
sells Buy a cheap TV
unbranded
RAM
in 2026
modules
for low Some good news for 2026 is that

£
prices the price of many smart TVs and
monitors will come down. The cost
of manufacturing OLED screens has
decreased considerably over the past
few years ([Link]/57253),
and devices that use the technology

£
are now cheaper than ever, especially
since rival QLED displays emerged.
OLED TVs tend to be 55in and over,
so if you want to upgrade to a huge
telly now’s the time. Or, if you’re not
How to beat the price rise concerned about superior picture

£
DRAM production will be ramped up in quality, buy an LED TV, as prices will
2026 to end the shortage crisis, but it will continue to slide in 2026.
take a while for prices to come down. If We’re also seeing big price drops in
you desperately need more memory for Freely TVs – you can buy a 40in Bush
your PC, consider buying a refurbished set for just £129 (www.
module from Bargain Hardware (www. [Link]/57254,
[Link]/57245). pictured) and ditch

£
This sells ‘rigorously tested’ RAM from both your aerial and
most of the major brands, as well as Save money on a new phone by buying a streaming stick.
low-priced unbranded modules – you can refurbished device
buy 8GB for just £25 (£30 inc VAT – see
screenshot above). Also check eBay’s undoubtedly be more expensive. Paramount+ will raise its prices in the
Computer Memory store ([Link]. Buying a phone with 8GB of RAM rather US in January 2026, from $7.99 to $8.99 a
com/57246) for new and used RAM than 16GB will cut costs, as will choosing month for its ad-supported Essential
bargains, but note that many modules a mid-range device from Samsung, Motorola plan, and $12.99 to $13.99 for ad-free
are sent from China. or Oppo. These generally use LPDDR4 Premium. Those hikes are likely to be
If you’re buying a new PC in 2026, save memory instead of LPDDR5, which is replicated in the UK – the company has
money by choosing a model with less less affected by the DRAM shortage. already ‘retired’ its free trial.
RAM – say 8GB instead of 16GB. But do You could also buy a refurbished phone Disney+, Apple TV+ and Spotify
make sure that’s sufficient for your from Back Market ([Link]/57249) recently hiked their prices in the UK, so
computing needs. or Amazon Renewed ([Link]. it’s unlikely we’ll see further rises until
com/56830), though it takes a while for the end of 2026. Netflix did so at the start
Smartphones new models to appear on those sites. We of 2025, but may soon apply another
As we reported in Issue 724 (page 8), the found the Google Pixel 10 (which went on increase to cover its new focus on sport
price of smartphones is likely to jump in sale in August for £799) on Back Market and other live events.
2026 and again AI is to blame. Chinese for £528 ([Link]/57250, see The cost of a TV Licence is expected to
phone manufacturer Xiaomi says the AI screenshot above). rise by £7 to £181 in April, in line with
industry’s intensive demand for the DRAM inflation (up from £174.50). This means
chips used by smartphones will lead to a Streaming services you’ll pay more to watch BBC iPlayer and
“sizeable rise in product retail prices”. Some TV and music-streaming services live TV on other channels.
In November, Samsung hiked the price are likely to increase their subscription
of some memory chips by up to 60 per prices in 2026. They claim this is to cover How to beat the price rise
cent ([Link]/57248). This the cost of licensing new content, creating Provided you only watch TV shows on-
extra expense is likely to be passed their own and improving their features. demand and forsake BBC programmes
on to consumers and will also force altogether, you can cancel your TV licence
manufacturers to skimp on other to beat the price rise. Over-75s who receive
hardware features. Pension Credit are entitled to a free licence.
Save money on streaming by switching
How to beat the price rise to the ad-supported plan, or cancel your
Unless you insist on owning the latest subscription and watch free services
iPhone, whatever the cost, it’s wise to buy such as Tubi ([Link], see
a new phone before the price rise takes screenshot left) and Pluto TV (www.
effect. At the time of writing, there were [Link]), which have lots of British
no significant price increases or stock shows. See our Cover Feature in Issue 719
shortages among devices already on sale, Tubi has lots of great TV shows and films you (buy it from [Link]/57251) for
but new models launched in 2026 will can watch for free more recommendations.

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 61

 Keep your VPN
unblocked
in 2026
Getting locked out of sites
and services while using
a VPN? Jonathan Parkyn
explains the tricks and
techniques you can use to
bypass the blocks

P
ublic interest in VPNs has surged [Link]) topped the list for paid Change your VPN protocol
since the UK introduced services, followed by Proton VPN Plus VPN protocols are the rules your VPN
age-verification rules for sites ([Link]) then ExpressVPN uses to send data over the internet.
with adult content. But it isn’t ([Link]). All three use Different protocols behave differently,
just about teenagers trying to beat the anti-detection technologies you won’t and some are easier for sites to detect.
rules. Increasingly, everyday users rely find in cheaper or less capable VPN services. If one is blocked, switching to another
on VPNs to protect themselves on public protocol (if your VPN allows it) can help
Wi-Fi and secure their home networks, Switch servers you get through.
and to stop advertisers tracking them. Sometimes switching to another server Most paid-for VPNs let you switch
However, as VPNs go mainstream, within your VPN can bypass a block, between different protocols, but usually
websites are fighting back by blocking giving you a fresh IP address that may not not via the browser extension. You’ll need
connections to enforce regional be blacklisted. In NordVPN, for example, to launch the full desktop (or mobile)
restrictions, protect business models, click the down arrow next to a country to tool to access this setting.
prevent fraud or preserve ad revenue. pick a new server ( 1 in our screenshot In the NordVPN desktop app, for
Getting blocked doesn’t mean your VPN below), or use the Reconnect (round example, click the Settings cog, then
is broken though. In many cases, taking a arrow) button 2 to connect to a new ‘Connection and security’ and click the
few simple steps can keep your VPN server in the same location. Proton VPN down arrow next to ‘VPN protocol’ to
working and stop sites from locking Plus, ExpressVPN and other services see available protocols. OpenVPN (TCP)
you out. work similarly. (see screenshot below) is often a good
However, this trick is less reliable than option if you’re trying to avoid being
Choose a quality VPN provider it used to be. Sites and services now use blocked. Each time you change
Your choice of VPN greatly affects how AI tools to flag suspicious IP addresses protocols, you’ll need to disconnect and
often you’ll get blocked. Cheap or free and spot VPN traffic even when you reconnect (unless your VPN does this
services often recycle small pools of IP switch servers. automatically).
addresses, many of which are already
blacklisted, making it far easier for sites
to detect and block you. They also lack
advanced features to bypass blocks,
making them less suitable for daily use. 2
By contrast, paid-for VPNs use a wider
range of IP addresses, better encryption
1
and more advanced ways to route your
connection – reducing your chance of
being blocked.
Refer back to our Cover Feature in Issue
717 (page 50), where we rated the best Pick a country then choose a new server, or Change your protocol to OpenVPN (TCP) to
free and paid-for VPNs. NordVPN (www. click the Reconnect button unblock your VPN

62 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 1 Will the UK ban VPNs in 2026?
Almost certainly not. It’s true that VPNs but added that “nothing is off the table”
3 are under increasing scrutiny, with media when it comes to protecting children
companies becoming angrier that they online. If nothing is off the table, then why
let people bypass regional locks, while wouldn’t that include banning VPNs?
lawmakers worry they’re being used to We’ll overlook such clumsy rhetoric
beat age restrictions. But banning them and confidently predict that VPNs will
would be a draconian move that only stay legal. They’re vital for cybersecurity,
the likes of China, Iran, North Korea and remote work and business compliance.
Russia have done to date. What’s far more probable is that
2 However, the Government message is sites will continue to improve their
a little contradictory. In October, Baroness VPN-blocking systems – and VPNs will
Select ‘Obfuscated servers’ and choose a Liz Lloyd, minister for the digital economy, respond with new techniques to avoid
country from the menu insisted there were no plans to ban VPNs, detection.

Use obfuscation or stealth mode

When you use a VPN, your traffic can from flagging constantly changing from ‘Proxy location’ 2 , and click Go 3 . If
show telltale signs like a VPN ‘fingerprint’. addresses. Dedicated addresses also look it doesn’t work, try a different location or
Some sites and networks detect these less suspicious overall, since far fewer use ‘More options’ to adjust the settings.
patterns and block access. Many VPNs people use them than the thousands
offer a special mode – called Obfuscated, who use shared addresses. Switch off your VPN for
Stealth or Scramble – that disguises your The catch is that not all VPNs support stubborn sites
traffic to look like ordinary HTTPS which dedicated IP addresses, and it’s usually Before you switch off your VPN
is the same encryption used on secure something you have to pay for. And altogether, there’s one last thing you can
websites without a VPN. because sites can still block traffic from try (assuming your VPN supports it): split
Turning on obfuscation usually a dedicated IP address, there’s no tunnelling. This lets you select which
requires the desktop or mobile app, as it guarantee it’ll solve your problems. specific apps are routed through the VPN.
isn’t available through browser To use a static IP in NordVPN, open So, if a stubborn site or app refuses VPN
extensions. In NordVPN, click ‘Specialty the desktop tool, click ‘Specialty servers’ connections, you can exclude it from
servers’ ( 1 in our screenshot above), then and select Dedicated IP. Unless your your VPN, while keeping your protection
select ‘Obfuscated servers’ 2 . To pick a subscription includes a dedicated IP active everywhere else.
specific location, click the three dots next address, you’ll be prompted to log into
to ‘Obfuscated servers’ and choose a your account’s web page and pay for 1
country from the dropdown menu 3 . one (around £3 to £4 a month).

Route VPN traffic through Tor Use a proxy server instead

Many VPNs now offer ‘Tor over VPN’ A web proxy is designed to route browser
options, which combine Tor’s anonymity traffic through a different server. It won’t
with your VPN’s protective shield. Tor protect your entire device or encrypt all
traffic is routed through multiple encrypted your online activity. But because it’s 3
nodes and uses different network simpler than a full VPN, it can sometimes 2
patterns, not standard VPN connections. avoid VPN-specific detection systems.
This can help bypass basic VPN blocks. Unfortunately, free proxies are often Turn on split tunnelling to select which apps
On the downside, it’s far slower than slow, overloaded or unreliable, and are routed through your VPN
any standard VPN connection. Also, paid-for ones can cost nearly as much as
some sites block Tor outright, especially a VPN. But it’s worth trying one to see what In NordVPN’s desktop app, you’ll find
banking sites and services that rely on effect it has. One of the best is [Link] – split tunnelling under Settings, ‘Split
strict login checks. It’s definitely worth go to [Link]/57228 then in the tunnelling’ ( 1 in our screenshot above).
a try, though, if all your other attempts panel on the right type the site’s URL ( 1 Enable it, then choose ‘Don’t use VPN for
have failed. in our screenshot below), select a country selected apps’ 2 next to ‘Connection
NordVPN users can use Tor mode by type’. Click ‘Add apps’ 3 to select the
clicking ‘Specialty servers’ on the main apps you want to bypass the VPN. You
dashboard, then selecting Onion Over 3 might, for example, install a second web
VPN – again, click the ellipses (three dots) browser and exclude this, so you can
1
if you need to connect from a specific open it whenever you need to access a
country. blocked site.
2
If that still doesn’t work, you may
Use a static IP address need to temporarily disable your VPN
Connecting via a dedicated or static IP entirely. In NordVPN, simply open the
address makes it appear you’re always in Try a free proxy like [Link] to avoid VPN app or browser extension and click
the same location, helping prevent sites detection Disconnect.

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 63

 Problems Solved
Our experts solve all your tech problems

PROBLEM OF THE FORTNIGHT

Can I get mobile connection for my Fire

TV Stick? 1 Set up a
mobile
2 Turn on
‘Wi-Fi
hotspot in hotspot’
We’re fortunate enough to Android’s to let
Q own a narrowboat, on which
we cruise during the summer.
‘Network
and
other
devices
Internet’ connect
In the evenings, we enjoy a bit of TV. menu to the
Currently, we have a 12V self-tuning internet
via your
channel seeker on the roof of the boat,
phone
linked to the 240V TV, which is
powered through an inverter from a
battery. However, we only ever seem to
get BBC, ITV and some other minor
commercial channels. Currently we
have an old 32in set with no USB port
for a dongle, so I know I’ll need a new
TV for any advances. Is there a way to
raise a one-off internet link and pair it
to a Fire TV Stick, say?
Michael Rook

Yes, you can do this. In fact,

A it’s pretty straightforward –
but whether it proves better
than your current setup will depend
very much on whether you can receive do this, just enable the phone’s personal to prevent your data being eaten up
a 4G or 5G mobile-phone signal hotspot feature, then connect the Fire TV inadvertently. You’ll probably also want
wherever you happen to moor up. Stick to it over Wi-Fi. On an iPhone, tap to keep the phone on charge while
The simplest approach is to use your Settings followed by Mobile Service and you’re watching, because acting as a
smartphone as a wireless hotspot. To then Personal Hotspot, then tap to turn hotspot can quickly drain the battery.
on ‘Allow Others to Join’. In Android, tap Alternatively, you could invest in a
3 Turn off
Settings followed by ‘Network and 4G/5G router with its own data SIM,
your
hotspot Internet’ and then ‘Hotspot and tethering’ sometimes referred to as a MiFi (mobile
when it’s (see screenshot 1 ) before tapping to flip Wi-Fi) device. It’s similar to using a
not being the Wi-Fi hotspot switch to its On mobile-phone hotspot and won’t
used
position (see screenshot 2 ). necessarily be any better, but it could
With this done, the Fire TV Stick will serve as a more permanent solution –
‘see’ the phone’s hotspot just as any other one that you can just leave plugged
Wi-Fi router, letting you stream from in and positioned in a place on your
whatever service you want. However, boat where you’re likely to get the
while exact figures will vary from service best signal.
to service, be aware that streaming video Three, for example, offers a 4G/5G
can eat through a lot of data, with around MiFi unit for £22 a month with
1 or 2GB per hour of footage a fair rule of unlimited data and no upfront
thumb. So you’ll want to make sure your payment, albeit with a minimum
mobile plan includes enough data (and 24-month commitment ([Link].
that the provider allows this data to be com/56913). If you’d prefer not to be
used for tethering, as not all do). tied to a long contract, the cost is £249
Also ensure you switch on ‘Turn off for the device and then £35 a month
hotspot automatically’ (see screenshot 3 ) for a one-month rolling plan.

64 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 Email us your problem and we’ll try to help:
noproblem@[Link]

Why am I getting these Intel update alerts?

I’m running Windows 11 vulnerabilities that might be found –
Q Home. Recently, a
notification advised me
though none is currently known to exist.
So, while your CPU is relatively new, its
that an update is available for my graphics component is based on much
Intel processor. I searched Windows older tech that Intel stopped supporting a
Update and elsewhere but turned year after you bought it. That’s what IDSA
up nothing. Device Manager has detected. It’s popped up only recently
showed four entries under probably because Intel has updated the
Processors for my Intel Pentium tool’s database. Old drivers can be flagged
Gold G6405 CPU. I tried clicking as new, even if they’re not.
‘Update driver’ but was told the Turn off alerts for the Intel Driver & Support Assistant In practice, you don’t have much to
best ones are already installed. I in the ‘Notifications & actions’ menu worry about right now – or probably for a
then checked Intel’s Driver & few years yet. Intel has stopped producing
Support Assistant, which said one update This is a form of false positive new drivers for the integrated graphics
was available for the integrated graphics.
Clicking ‘Learn more’ revealed it was
A caused by the Intel Driver &
Support Assistant (IDSA), but it
element, but you’ll continue to get
security or compatibility fixes Microsoft
issued in 2022, and that the product went does have some logic. Your G6405 CPU is deems necessary via Windows Update.
‘end of life’ at the end of the same year a 10th-generation chip launched in 2021, If the IDSA alerts annoy you, you can
and might have vulnerabilities. but it uses the same integrated graphics disable them. First click Start followed by
Why has Intel now issued this that Intel has been using since its 6th- the Settings cog, then System followed by
notification some three years late? generation processors from several years ‘Notifications & actions’. Scroll down and
What is meant by ‘end of life’, and why earlier. It’s these 6th-generation graphics click the entry for Intel Driver & Support
should my CPU have vulnerabilities? that went ‘end of life’ in 2022. That means Assistant (see screenshot). You can either
Am I better to rely on Device Manager that Intel won’t be issuing any more switch its slider off, silencing everything,
and any Windows updates? updates for 6th-generation graphics, or click the name itself to fine-tune
Adrian Kenyon including patches for any new which notifications you receive and how.

Should I pay for Microsoft’s codec?

My wife’s Asus Vivobook Microsoft charges 79p
Q laptop will only play H.264
videos, whereas my Dell will
for the HEVC Video
Extensions codec – much
to users’ annoyance
play both H.264 and HEVC (H.265).
Why does one Windows laptop support
HEVC H.265 and the other doesn’t?
The Vivobook says it needs a codec,
suggesting HEVC Video Extensions
from the Microsoft Store, at a cost
of 79p ([Link]/56916, see
screenshot). Should we pay this or is
there a free alternative? The HEVC
Video Extensions codec has a very poor
rating in the Microsoft Store!
John Axford
Dell has stumped up while Asus hasn’t, at already includes HEVC/H.265 support,
H.265, or HEVC, is a newer, least for your wife’s laptop. such as the ever-popular VLC media
A better format than H.264 but it
isn’t included with Windows
To be fair to Microsoft, its 79p codec
does work just fine – but the tens of
player ([Link]).
Alternatively, get the trusted K-Lite
10 or 11. That’s because to do so thousands of one-star reviews reflect how pack, as this adds system-wide HEVC
Microsoft would have to pay licence incensed people are at the company’s support for other video software, so
fees, and it has chosen not to do that. penny-pinching. We share that view. your wife’s videos should then play in
Individual PC manufacturers make Fortunately, there are free alternatives. pretty much anything. It’s a free
their own decisions, and it seems that The simplest is to install a player that download from [Link].

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 65

 Problems Solved
My PC won’t upgrade to Windows 11 –
How I do report do I need to buy a new one?
phishing emails
to Microsoft? Q
My PC can’t upgrade to Windows
11. I’m disabled, close to
housebound and living on a
I’m getting emails pension. My PC is my lifeline to the
Q supposedly from Microsoft
with fake invoices thanking
outside world. Must I find the money for
a new PC? Basically, I need some advice.
me for subscribing to expensive I think many other readers do too.
services. I know they’re phishing Steve Merrick
attempts and ignore them. I’d like Microsoft has already back-pedalled on support
to inform Microsoft, but can’t find We’ve had loads of letters along for Windows 10, and it might do so again
how. Microsoft’s procedures for
reporting phishing seem only to
A these lines, and we expect
many more. Inevitably we’ll end might charge a fee (around £25 - as it
apply for users of Outlook, Defender up repeating ourselves a bit, but we’re currently does if you don’t sync through
and 365 products, which I don’t use. here to help. OneDrive), but that’ll be far cheaper than
I assumed Microsoft would want With that in mind, first of all don’t buying a new PC.
to know who is impersonating the panic. There’s every chance Windows 10 Even if not, a Windows 10 PC won’t
company, but it seems not. Am I will continue working safely for years to just stop working overnight come 13
missing something here? come. Microsoft has already back- October 2026. Rather, if Microsoft really
Martyn Pearce pedalled, and now offers free extended does withdraw all consumer support on
security updates (ESU - see screenshot that date – and many industry analysts
It’s true that Outlook and above right) until at least October 2026 to don’t believe that it will – then the
A other Microsoft tools have
scam-reporting tools built
anyone who uses OneDrive to sync operating system will become less safe
([Link]/56914 – see screenshot over time. However, as long as you have
in, but these all lead to the same below). With hundreds of millions of security software installed, active and
place: a huge digital data pit from people still using Windows 10, we up to date, you’ll have a basic level of
which Microsoft measures trends wouldn’t be remotely surprised if the protection that should keep you going for
and identifies new scam tactics. company extends support still further. It a while yet.
We suspect it doesn’t encourage
reports from users of non-Microsoft
tools because literally billions of
dodgy emails are circulated every
day, and it’s impossible for any one
company to do much about them.
Its own tools gather more than
enough data.
The company does operate a
dedicated scam-reporting page for
frauds that impersonate Microsoft,
which you’ll find at [Link].
com/reportascam (see screenshot).
However, the company receives huge
numbers of reports each day – so
don’t expect a personal response.

Extended support for Windows 10 is free to OneDrive users until October 2026

Q: Should I use M-Discs to

preserve my photos?
A: Issue 677, page 64 – find it on
our 2024 Back Issue CD
You can report a scam to Microsoft, but Buy it from
don’t expect a specific response [Link]/53433

66 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 Why doesn’t Windows recognise my new SSD?
I bought a 64GB M.2 SATA
Q NVMe SSD and put it in a
KingData NVMe case, but I
can’t get it to work with my Windows
11 laptop. I just see a message that says
the location is not available, and an
‘incorrect function’. Any ideas?
Mike Minshull single notch on the right-hand side,
known as an M-key. Because a SATA drive
We think you’ve bought an has both notches, it will physically fit into
A incompatible drive, either
because it was incorrectly
an NVMe slot or enclosure – but it
won’t actually work.
described or because you got confused Windows will detect a
over two different technologies – which, ‘drive’, but really all it’s
believe us, is very easy to do here! ‘seeing’ is the circuit board in
We say this because there’s no such the enclosure that controls the
thing as an “M.2 SSD 64GB SATA NVMe” USB connection: your PC can’t
– an M.2 drive is either SATA or NVMe. actually communicate with the
The KingData enclosure you’ve bought incompatible SATA drive via the NVMe
is for NVMe SSDs, so we suspect the interface. So nothing is faulty, but you
drive you purchased is actually SATA. need to replace either the SSD or the
We say it’s easy to get confused enclosure. KingData does sell a SATA Hard-drive enclosures
are compatible with either
because the two types look almost enclosure (around £10 from [Link]. SATA or NVMe drives, so make
identical. A SATA M.2 SSD will have com/56915, pictured above right). sure you buy the right one for your SSD
two small notches on its connector However, NVMe is the faster standard – so
edge, known as B+M keys (see diagram if speed is important, you might want to replacing the enclosure with a SATA-
above). But an NVMe drive has just a consider an NVMe drive. Otherwise, compatible one will solve the problem.

Why does VLC Add a new

column to
VLC’s main
play tracks in the window
to let you
wrong order? add track
numbers

I’m in the process of converting

Q my old LPs to MP3, putting each
album into its own folder with
the individual track names. I prefix each
track with 01, 02 and so on. For some
reason that I cannot see, VLC plays the
tracks only in random order, while
Windows Media Player plays them
exactly as they were on the LP and as
named (ie, 01, 02 and so on), which is
obviously how I want to listen to them.
As I can’t get Windows Media Player to
play some albums, how can I get VLC to
play them correctly? the VLC window, or by pressing R when the track listing and then click to tick
George Chappell VLC is running. ‘Track number’. This will add a new
However, it’s just as likely that VLC isn’t column to the main window, which
There are a couple of possible set to play back by track number – and should list the 01, 02 (and so on) track
A causes for this. The first is
that you have VLC’s Random
that’s a little trickier to discern or fix.
First, open the View menu and then
numbers you’ve applied to the file names.
Finally, click the new ‘Track number’
(also known as Shuffle) option selected. choose Playlist, or use the keyboard heading label to sort the track listing by
This is done either by clicking the shortcut Ctrl+L. Next, right-click the this column, and your album will now
crossed-arrows icon at the bottom of heading labels in the main window above play in the correct order.

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 67

 Problems Solved
1
How can I play The Apple Devices
app, along with Apple

music on my
Music, should let you
transfer music to an
old iPod
old iPod?
I have an Apple iPod Nano 5 2
Q that’s apparently no longer
supported by iTunes, so I’m
stuck with its current contents. Is there a
program or app that I could use to
manage my collection?
David Duncan

Apple has created some more about this on the Apple

A confusion when it comes to
syncing its devices with PCs.
website at [Link]/56920.
In theory, a combination of Apple
That’s partly because it’s wants to retire Music and Apple Devices should be This version of iTunes works with older devices and
the iTunes brand, which seems sufficient to transfer tunes from is available for free from Apple’s website
increasingly dated in a world where Music to an Apple iPod (or an
Apple offers much more than music. iPhone or iPad). However, even Apple latest (and final) version. Instead, you’ll
However, it has done this by introducing admits this combination is no good for need to download an older version that
a bunch of new apps – including Apple audiobooks or podcasts, where iTunes is Apple keeps available on its website,
Music ([Link]/56917), Apple still required. Moreover, Apple Devices especially for people like yourself that
TV ([Link]/56918) and Apple may not work with older Apple devices still have older gadgets. That version is
Devices ([Link]/56919, (see – so iTunes may still be required! iTunes 10.6.3, and you can download it
screenshot 1 ) – but without a clear vision It’s all a bit of a mess. The solution in from [Link]/56921 (see
of how they all fit together. You can read your case is actually iTunes – but not the screenshot 2 ).

Can I stop Google’s CAPTCHAs?

I use Microsoft Edge with 1
Q Google as my search engine.
Recently, Google keeps asking
me to confirm that I’m not a robot via
multiple CAPTCHA diagrams. Google
says this is because it’s detected
‘unusual traffic’ from my computer. It
doesn’t say what this activity is. As far
as I’m aware I’ve not visited any dodgy
sites and I haven’t detected any
malware or similar. Is there a way to
disable these Google requests?
Seán Mahony
Turning off Edge’s tracking prevention may stop Google thinking you’re a robot
It’s not possible to stop Google
A or any other website from
displaying CAPTCHAs: that’s
habits, but because Google believes
automated searches are coming from
carrying out Google searches – you’ll
probably find the CAPTCHAs quickly
purely down to the individual website your connection. This is typically because cease. Signing into a Google account
publishers. Regardless, they’re not of the use of a VPN. Do you have one when browsing should help, too.
appearing because of your browsing installed? If so, try disabling it when In addition, Edge does have a couple
of privacy features that, while useful,
2 might trigger Google’s defences. Open
Settings and then choose ‘Privacy,
search, and services’ (see screenshot
1 ). Now click to flip the ‘Enable
tracking prevention’ switch to its Off
position (see screenshot 2 ).

68 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

 ?? WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN...
Various motherboard sizes?
Partly prompted by past An ATX motherboard such as
Q articles in Computeractive,
I’m thinking about building
MSI’s Gaming Plus range will
allow you to fit the fastest, most
powerful components
my first PC and I keep seeing all these
terms such as ATX, MicroATX and just means more room to play
Mini-ITX. I get that they’re different with. All else being equal with
sizes of motherboard, but what a full-size ATX board (and case)
difference does that actually make? you could, for example, fit four
Does a bigger board mean a faster or memory modules and several
better computer? What do all these expansion cards, including the
terms mean anyway? chunkiest of modern graphics
Steve Ellison cards. But a smaller motherboard
(and case) might restrict you to
This is a question that just a couple of memory
A every first-time PC builder
confronts. The short answer MicroATX comes in at 244x244mm,
modules and a lower-profile
graphics card, which will deliver less
is that motherboard size doesn’t generally dropping a few expansion slots performance.
necessarily affect performance directly, but keeping most features. Mini-ITX is So, if you’re building for maximum
but it will dictate what you can – or smaller still, at just 170mm square. These performance, an ATX board is probably
indeed can’t – fit and connect. are intended for smaller builds, but you the way to go. But if you want to create
The key standard is ATX, which stands can expect numerous limitations, such as something compact, a smaller build
for Advanced Technology eXtended, only a couple of memory slots and only based on a MicroATX or Mini-ITX
introduced by Intel in the 1990s. A one PCIe expansion slot. There are motherboard is unlikely to disappoint
full-size ATX board (like the MSI model smaller sizes still, including Nano-ITX – you might just have to compromise a
pictured) measures 305x244mm and and Pico-ITX, but these are really the bit on the extras.
affords plenty of room for a build, preserve of specialist builds. Want to know the difference between
typically meaning multiple expansion A PC is the sum of its parts and a bigger technical terms? Email noproblem@
and memory slots, plus loads of ports. board doesn’t necessarily mean faster – it [Link]

Is [Link] safe? Expand URL shows you the

full website address of a
shortened URL
I’ve seen mention of [Link] a
Q few times in your magazine,
and also encountered it myself
1 2

recently – at the top of my PowerShell

window. There, I saw a link to [Link]
ms/pscore6, with a message saying I years warned users not to click on of the destination website – helping you
should try the new cross-platform strange-looking links – especially ones to decide quickly whether a short link is
PowerShell. What is [Link]? Is it safe? that don’t clearly say where they’re safe to follow.
Joe Thorn taking you. However, that’s exactly what
Microsoft’s own tool sometimes does, via ON SALE

A
First, let’s start with what
[Link] is – that’s Microsoft’s
an [Link] link.
If you’re unsure about the veracity of a Next Issue Weds
31 Dec
own URL-shortening service. short URL, or are simply curious about
The company uses it to turn where it might lead, it’s a good idea to • Are there any no-contract
long, unwieldy website addresses into find out. SIM cards?
something much snappier (much like There are numerous online tools that’ll •H
 ow do I open my password-
Computeractive’s own snipca system). It expand a shortened URL, such as Expand protected ZIP file?
can be used only by Microsoft employees. URL ([Link]). Just type or •A
 m I stuck with a BT
So, it is both useful and trustworthy. paste the short address into the URL field router? ...And many more
In other words, if you know, you know. ( 1 in our screenshot) and then click the
But we think this clashes with Microsoft’s Expand URL button 2 . This particular Subscribe to Computeractive at
own security stance. Like every other service shows you not only the real, full [Link]
major tech operator, the company has for URL but also displays a thumbnail view

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 69

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Problems Solved
Reader Support
Having a problem with our recommended software or expert tips?
Email editor@[Link] and we’ll do our best to help

Is Windows 10 Pro excluded

from extended updates? 2
When I bought my last PC it was
1
Q only £10 extra to have Windows
10 Pro installed on it, so I took
that option. I want to keep using it, but
I’m struggling to sign up for Microsoft’s
Extended Support Updates (ESU), despite
trying all your suggestions in Issue 721’s 2
problem-fixing feature (page 62). I got a
‘success’ comment in Command Prompt Click Start, Settings, ‘Update & Security’, 1
‘View update history’, then ‘Uninstall updates’
when following your advice to check and uninstall KB5066791
for disk errors, but now Microsoft still
Meta changed the name of the ‘Ad settings’
tells me “something went wrong”. Is If Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant option to ‘Manage info’ since we wrote our
Windows 10 Pro excluded from the was already running, or if you’re still feature in Issue 722
ESUs? If not, what else can you suggest? unable to enrol after starting it, try
Ian Yems clicking Start, Settings, ‘Update & Since writing our feature, Meta

Windows 10 Pro is definitely

Security’, then ‘Find my device’. If ‘Find
my device’ is turned off, click the Change
A has altered the naming of some
of its privacy settings. The ‘Ad
A eligible for ESU enrolment –
Microsoft confirms this at www.
button and turn the slider on. See if
you’re able to enrol in ESU now.
settings’ option is now called ‘Manage
info’. You can reach this from Facebook
[Link]/57080 – so there’s something If not, go back to the ‘Find my device’ via your PC’s web browser by clicking
else going on here. People with similar settings, click ‘Turn on the location setting’ your user icon and choosing ‘Settings &
problems appear to have had some then click the Change button under privacy’, then Settings and clicking
success using the following fixes. Try ‘Location for this device is off’ and switch ‘See more in Accounts Centre’ on the
them all in turn, and attempt to enrol the slider on. Try enrolling again. left. Click ‘Ad preferences’ ( 1 in our
again after each one. If none of the above fixes work for you, screenshot above) then ‘Manage info’ 2 .
First, press Win+R, type [Link] try navigating to Start, Settings, ‘Update From there you can follow the remaining
and press Enter. In the Services window & Security’, then clicking ‘View update instructions in our feature.
that opens, look for Microsoft Account history’. Click ‘Uninstall updates’ in the
Sign-in Assistant and make sure it’s listed top left ( 1 in our screenshot above), then Did you make a mistake
under Status as Running – if not, look for the update KB5066791 2 – click when explaining DNS?
double-click it ( 1 in our screenshot this, then click Uninstall to remove it, and I was disappointed to read in
below), set ‘Startup type’ to Automatic 2
and click Apply 3 . Then click Start,
try enrolling one more time. Q Issue 722’s ‘Question of the
Fortnight’ (page 10) that DNS
followed by OK. Try enrolling again. Why didn’t your Meta privacy “turns a service’s name (like Lloyds
instructions work? Bank) into an IP address that computers
I was interested in Issue 722’s can locate and connect to its website
Q feature on stopping Meta spying
on you (page 60) and managed
([Link]).” Even ignoring
the confusing syntax, this is misleading.
1
to ‘clear previous activity’ and ‘disconnect Could you publish a correction?
future activity’ using your instructions. Richard Mellish
But I had less success trying to turn off
personalised ads. I reviewed my ‘recent Apologies – as you suggest, our

2 3
ad activity’ and some of my ‘Ad topics’,
but couldn’t find ‘Ad settings’ on the Ad
A explanation of how DNS works
was perhaps overly simplistic. To
Preferences screen. I resorted to reviewing clarify, DNS translates a website’s domain
‘Ad topics’ and disallowing some of them name (such as [Link])
If you see a ‘Something went wrong’ error,
check Microsoft Account Sign-in Assistant is before giving up. Can you help? into the IP address your computer’s web
running Richard Curtis browser requires to connect to it.

Issue 725 • 17 – 30 December 2025 71

 Jargon Buster
1080p High-definition video: DDR4/5 The latest, fastest types Freemium A business model LED Light-emitting diode. An
1920x1080 pixels. of computer memory. where basic services are provided electronic device that emits light.
for free, while more advanced
3G/4G/5G Technologies that Deprecation When a software features must be paid for. LPDDR4/LPDDR5 Low-power
deliver faster mobile broadband. feature is phased out and no mobile RAM versions.
longer recommended for use. Ghosting The appearance on screens
Active noise cancelling Method of an offset second image that’s a M.2 A standard specification for PC
for reducing unwanted sound by DHCP A system where one ghost-like facsimile of the first. expansion cards and connectors.
adding a second sound. device on a network, normally
the router, distributes network GHz Gigahertz. A measure of Manifest V2/V3 Chrome’s
Aspect ratio A measurement of addresses to the others on request. how many instructions a chip can specifications for browser extensions.
the shape of a screen. process per second. 1GHz is equal
DisplayPort A socket for to 1,000MHz. Metadata A set of data that gives
Authenticator An app that connecting monitors. information about a file.
generates time-sensitive, GPU A chip designed to create 3D
one-time codes for two-factor Distro A version of the Linux OS graphics, but which can also be MicroSD card A small type of
authentication (2FA). and the programs that go with it. used for other computing tasks. memory card.

Bandwidth A measure of how DNS A technology that associates Graphics card A component in a MicroUSB Miniature version of USB.
much data can be transferred computers with their addresses on computer that produces the image
through a connection at one time. the internet. shown on the monitor. MiFi A service that creates hotspots
out of phones’ 3G and 4G networks.
Beta A version of software that’s DOCX The default file format H.264 A type of MPEG4 video that
being tested. used by Word 2007 and later. is used on Blu-ray discs. MKV Matroska. An open-source
type of video file.
Browser-engine wrapper A simple Dolby Atmos Surround-sound H.265 It offers the same level of
tool that lets apps show web pages technology that adds ‘height’ to picture quality as AVC, but with MVNO A mobile provider that
without running a full browser. audio. better compression. piggybacks on another network
rather than its own.
Calibration The process of Dolby Vision Dolby’s HDR screen HDMI Connection that transmits
checking that colours are accurate technology. high-definition video and audio. NAS A hard drive attached to a
on a monitor. network that can be shared with PCs.
Domain These are used to HDR10+ High-dynamic range 10.
Captcha Distorted text you have identify one or more IP addresses. Current industry standard for TVs. .NET Microsoft’s tool for building
to type to prove you’re a human. software.
Driver A file that tells Windows how Hotspot A public area covered by
Cast To send content from your to work with an external device. a Wi-Fi network that allows you to NPU Specialised chip designed for
PC, phone or tablet to your TV. access the internet. performing AI tasks.
DTS-HD High-definition audio
cd/m2 Candela per square metre. format delivering lossless, multi- HTTP The technology that sends NVMe An interface that lets solid-
Standard unit of brightness. channel sound for home cinema. data between your browser and state drives work faster.
the web.
CFG Configuration file. Generic End-to-end encryption A way Open source Software that can
term for a file used to configure of encrypting messages so only HTTPS The secure version of HTTP. be modified by anyone.
the settings of a program. sender and recipient can read them.
IP address Internet Protocol PCIe A faster version of PCI - a
Chatbot An AI program designed to EPUB A file format used by many address. A unique set of numbers slot on the motherboard for
recreate conversation with humans. popular ebook readers. used to identify computers and expansion cards,
websites on the internet.
Code Written instructions that tell Equaliser Changes the tone of Phishing A form of internet
software how to execute tasks. music produced by a device. IP68 Ingress protection rating. fraud that tries to trick you into
Resistant to dust, general dirt and revealing personal details.
Codec A file that tells a PC how to Ethernet A standard used for sand, and can survive underwater
record or play a type of media file. almost all wired computer networks. for 30 minutes at depths up to 1.5m. Plug-in A small program that
adds extra features to software.
Cookie A small text file stored on False positive When an antivirus JPEG A common type of image file
your computer by a website. program wrongly detects a created by digital cameras. Port forwarding Choosing which
malware infection. computer in your network a router
Copilot+ An enhanced version of LAN Local-area network. A should connect to.
Microsoft’s Copilot AI tool. Field of vision The amount of computer network in one place,
space measured in angles that can such as a home or office. PowerShell A Windows tool for
Core Units on a processor that be seen from the camera lens. automating commands.
carry out program instructions. Large language model A type
Forked When developers take of AI algorithm that analyses Proxy A computer that sits
Cryptocurrency A digital currency source code from software to huge amounts of data sets to between your computer and the
not backed by any country. make another program. summarise and create content. internet and filters the connection.

72 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725

QR code A barcode that can be SATA An interface for connecting Tethering Turning a phone into a USB-C Connector that’s reversible.
read using smartphones. hard drives to a computer. modem to give internet access to a
computer or tablet. Virtual server A server that’s
RAM The computer’s working SD card Secure Digital card. A based online, and shared by
area, used for data storage while popular type of memory card. Thunderbolt A very fast port for multiple users
the PC is switched on. connecting external storage to a PC.
Sideload To install apps without VPN Keeps all internet
RAR Roshal Archive. A format for using the official Android store. Tooltip A message that appears communication safe and private.
storing compressed files. when a cursor hovers over an option.
SIM The smart card used by all WAV file An audio file, used for
Recovery key A password to digital mobile phones. TOPS Trillion operations per second. recording music to disk.
access a locked account. A measure of a PC’s processing
SIM-only A phone package in power when performing AI tasks. WebP Google’s image format.
Refresh rate Measured in Hertz which you pay only for the data.
(Hz), the number of times per Transition A way of joining two Wi-Fi 5 A standard for wireless
second that the image on your Spyware Software installed video clips together or moving with higher transfer speeds than
monitor is redrawn. (usually surreptitiously) to monitor from one clip to another. 802.11n.
a computer’s use.
Refurbished A second-hand Trojan A malicious computer Wi-Fi 6E Wi-Fi 6 extended to
device that has been repaired by SSD Solid-state drive. Storage that program that’s disguised as a include the 6GHz band.
its manufacturer so that it can be uses no moving parts. different, harmless program.
resold and reused. Widget A small program that runs
Static IP address An IP address Ultrawide Offering a field of view on the Windows desktop.
RSS A simple format for that stays the same every time that’s wider than traditional cameras.
distributing news headlines and you go online. Zero-day vulnerability Previously
other content from the web. USB 2.0/3.0/3.1/3.2/4.0 Faster unknown software flaw that can be
System restore point System files successors to USB. exploited before it’s fixed.
RTF A file format used to transfer stored at a given time to which
files between different types of Windows can revert if a problem USB-A The original type of USB ZIP file A file that contains
word-processing programs. occurs. connector, released in 1996. compressed documents or files.
 Easy when you
Know How
Tired of online file-conversion tools with annoying
restrictions, Robert Irvine tries to…

Convert unlimited files for free

I
f I compiled a tech ‘naughty list’ for Robert used Vert to
convert multiple JPEG
2025, a la Father Christmas, there’d 3 images to PNG format
be plenty to choose from. AI ‘slop’ in one go
would top the list, followed by ads on
streaming services, cloud-hosting outages
and myriad junk that plagued our PCs
and phones throughout the year (see
1
our Cover Feature, page 50). 2

I was impressed by
Vert’s range of image The Vert homepage consists of a large It was less successful with documents,
formats, including ‘Drop or click to convert’ box and lists
of all the file formats it supports. I was
displaying an error message when I tried
to convert DOCX to RTF – though it
‘.vicar’ particularly impressed by the range of worked fine the other way round. When I
image formats, which included the risked a PDF conversion, Vert responded
obscure ‘.vicar’ (developed by NASA to “we can’t convert this file”.
store pictures from space missions). As for videos, Vert states on its GitHub
Less reassuring were the absence of PDF repository ([Link]/57158)
in the Documents list and an asterisked that, because video conversions are
Another bugbear concerns online ‘Server supported’ link under Video – resource-intensive, it uploads them to a
file-conversion tools, which promise which I’ll come to later. server rather than processing the files on
so much and deliver it so annoyingly. I clicked the convert box and uploaded your PC. To do this locally, you need to
Whether it’s ad-stuffed websites, a JPEG from my PC. Vert opened a new do something complicated involving
restrictions on the size and number of page, with a dropdown menu of image self-hosting, which I didn’t have the
files you can upload, or convoluted formats. I selected ‘.png’ and clicked time or inclination to do.
conversion systems that require you to the ‘Convert this file’ button. The image In any case, Vert’s server successfully
buy credits or enter your email address was quickly converted and made available – albeit slowly – converted a 100MB
to obtain the converted file, these tools to download. MKV video to MP4, and vice versa, and
get my proverbial goat. I noticed Vert lets you convert multiple the resulting files played smoothly.
“Well don’t use them then,” you may files in one go, if you select them through I noted in Vert’s settings that you can
say, but I often need to convert the ‘Drop or click to convert’ box ( 1 in speed up video conversion at the expense
documents, images and videos into our screenshot), then choose ‘Convert of quality, but even the default setting is
formats I can actually open. And yes, all’ 2 . These can all be converted to different quicker than using a desktop video
there are file-conversion programs I can formats, or the same one – using the converter. The settings also let you change
download, but in theory an online tool ‘Set all to’ menu – and downloaded in a the file-name format, so converted file
should be faster. single ZIP file 3 . Very handy, and the names don’t start with ‘VERT_’.
So I was excited to discover a new conversions worked perfectly, with no Other than lacking PDF support,
online file converter called Vert (www. quality loss. Vert is a fantastic free tool without – as
[Link]/57157). Not only is this Next, I tried converting a big (50MB) far as I can tell – any catches. I can now
free to use, but it has no size limits WAV file into a smaller MP3. Vert speedily convert multiple files into different
or ads, and converts files on your performed the conversion and the formats in one go, without worrying
device rather than in the ‘cloud’, so downloaded file played without any about size and other restrictions.
their content remains private. Vert problems – aside from the usual Consider me a con-Vert.
sounded too good to be true, so I reduction in audio quality whenever you Need help converting files? Let us know:
decided to give it a go. compress WAV files. noproblem@[Link]

74 17 – 30 December 2025 • Issue 725 Next issue: Robert tries to create a 2026 calendar using AI
9000