Computeractive

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

Computeractive

From the Editor

WhatsApp Web now lets you make audio and video calls

Private Claude chats appear in Google search results

BBC may force iPlayer viewers to prove they’ve paid licence fee

ISPs might offer Freely TV boxes in broadband bundles

TOMORROW’S WORLD

IN BRIEF

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

Move iPhone data wirelessly to Android

Not enough water to build AI data centres, firms say

Microsoft lets you set Copilot key to ‘do nothing’

Broadband complaints hit all-time low

Why have ISPs started charging activation fees again? • New customers will have to pay up to £30 to get online

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

New tools • Block scam calls with NordVPN

ScamWatch • Readers warn readers

Letters • Tell us what’s on your mind

‘Buy now, pay later’ services now covered by Section 75

Consumeractive • We stand up for your legal rights

BT sent me big-button phone free of charge

Grow Your Family Tree • Whether your ancestors were drivers, guards or signalmen, follow Richard Holt’s advice to…

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

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

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

Named & Shamed • Keumars Afifi-Sabet puts the boot into tech villains, jargon-spouting companies and software behaving badly

WHAT ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT?

Callum Dare

HP Omen Slim 16 • Anyone’s game

Nothing Phone 4b • Basic decency

Dell 14S • Overnight success

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro • Look sharp!

£200-£400 Android phones

Devolo Wi-Fi 7 Mesh BE6500 • Mixed signals

Can you suggest a cheap gaming PC for my son?

Xiaomi Watch S5 • Ticks to the basics

MSI Modern MD342CQPW • Ahead of the curve

Amazon Ember 4-Series 55in • All set

A stripped-back flip phone?

On Sale Weds 26 Aug

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

ON SALE NOW! • Computeractive 2025 Back Issue CD & USB Stick

HOW TO… Run Windows programs in Linux

Swap files between PCs without installing any software

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

Browser Tips • Secret settings and the best extensions

AI Tips • Clever new tools and tweaks

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

VPN Tips • Privacy and streaming tricks

Make Windows Better • Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better • Top tips for the best office programs

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

AI kill switches • Lawmakers want ChatGPT to come with a self-destruct button

Why You MUST Use DuckDuckGo • Ditch Google, Microsoft and Brave for a more private and innovative search engine, browser and AI assistant. Robert Irvine reveals DuckDuckGo’s best new tools you must try today

Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for just £49.99!

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