KODI: BELIEVE THE HYPE!

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VALUE

revolution p52
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5 - 18 October 2016 / Best software / New apps / Allo, is it me you’re looking for? HACKED
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How to Hack…

WINDOWS10’s
SECRETSETTINGS
The 17 things you MUST change p38
(just one Registry tweak required)
Hack the design to suit you
Bring back old software
Stop Microsoft spying on you
Uninstall pointless apps
Disable tools you’ll never use
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TV & FILM DOWNLOADS Best new laptops Turn your PC into

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 Homepage

Unlock Windows 10’s potential

I
t’s strange to think that Windows 10 is way you want it to. From removing tools
now just over 14 months old – my, doesn’t you don’t like to redesigning the Start menu
time fly! Microsoft’s operating system has and applying the secret ‘dark’ theme, we’ve
certainly developed since it was ‘born’ and got all the advice you need to make
(according to Mumsnet) at 14 months it will Windows 10 your own.
be “able to understand simple instructions”, To take things even further, you can order
“be capable of doing more than one thing at our Advanced Guide to Windows 10 from
a time” and “be keen to kiss you but Amazon at bit.ly/advguidetowindows10.
probably won’t be very good at it”. Thanks to everyone who has bought a
Even if your Windows 10 PC is walking, copy already.
talking and making the tea, there’s always
room for improvement, and in this issue’s Robert Irvine
cover feature (page 38) we show you how [email protected]
to make the OS look and work exactly the #webuser

ISSUE 407 5 - 18 OCTOBER 2016 ON THE COVER

5 Things you’ll
learn this issue
p52
1 How to examine exhibits in
the Natural History Museum
in your browser page 14
p8
2 How to increase the size of a
small photo without the

p38 image becoming distorted

page 26

3 How to share an online

account with someone
without disclosing your
password page 30

4 How to set up and switch

between two WhatsApp
accounts on the same phone
page 46

5 How to jailbreak your old

Kindle e-reader to turn it
into a weather station
page 69

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 FREPEAIR
PC-RE IT!

Contents
T O OL K

SUBSCRIPTIO
NS
Turn to page 62 for
special subs offers
ISSUE 407 5 - 18 OCTOBER 2016

How to Hack…

WINDOWS10’s COVER E
FEATU
R

SECRETSETTINGS
The 17 things you MUST change
p38

Search deeper than We test the best free Use multiple accounts
the web p48 video-editing software p44 on your phone p46

IN DEPTH Articles on the latest tech topics REVIEWS Apps, sites and products on test

36 FAQ 14 Best New Websites

Food delivery services online We review the best new and relaunched sites

38 COVER FEATURE 20 Group Test

HOW TO HACK WINDOWS 10’S SETTINGS Grab a bargain from our pick of the best
Ensure your PC works the way you want Windows 10 laptops for under £200

44 Free video-editing software 26 Best Free Software

Make stunning home movies at no extra cost This fortnight’s most useful free downloads

46 Use multiple accounts on one device 30 Best New Browser Tools

Double up with WhatsApp, Facebook and more Get more from Chrome, Firefox and Opera

48 Search deeper than the web 32 Best Free Apps

Go where Google can’t with these tips Our favourite new phone and tablet apps

4 5 - 18 October 2016
 Contents

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FAVOURITES Must-read regulars EDITORIAL

Group Editor Daniel Booth
Deputy Editor Robert Irvine
Technical & Reviews Editor Andy Shaw
6 What’s New Online Is Apple’s war on wires Staff Writer Edward Munn
Art Editor Laurence Hallam
10 brilliant things to do on the web
misguided? p74 Production Editor Miki Berenyi
Editorial Tel: 020 7907 6000
Visit forum.webuser.co.uk
8 Need to Know for technical and buying advice
This fortnight’s top tech news stories
ADVERTISING
Tel: 020 7907 6799
12 Stay Safe Online Advertising Director Andrea Mason
Group Advertising Manager Charlotte Milligan
Security advice for PC and mobile Deputy Advertising Manager Alexa Dracos
Account Manager Finan Tesfay

18 Build a Better Site ADVERTISING PRODUCTION

Group Production Manager
Expert tips, tools and practical help Stephen Catherall, 020 7907 6054
Production Executive Maisie Harvey, 020 7907 6042
24 Best Buys MARKETING
Our pick of the best new products Marketing Manager Rachel Hare
Marketing Production Manager Gemma Hills

50 Broadband Deals 72 Inbox MANAGEMENT

Tel: 020 7907 6000
Find the best-value package for you Tell us your views and opinions Managing Director John Garewal
MD of Advertising Julian Lloyd-Evans
Commercial and Retail Director David Barker
51 Take a Screen Break 74 Page 404 CFO/COO Brett Reynolds
Chief Executive James Tye
Back to the Eighties with the emoji Barry Collins defends wires Company Founder Felix Dennis

SYNDICATION AND USE OF LOGOS

Syndication Senior Manager Anj Dosaj-Halai
pa 16
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Practical
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58 Weekend Project LIABILITY

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 What’s New Online
Say Allo to Google’s messaging app
G
oogle has launched Allo, a new
messaging app that it claims
will help you “say and do more”
on your phone. It’s available for
Android and iOS, and you can use
it to chat to other
users in much the
same way you would
with WhatsApp and
Facebook Messenger,
but with a few
amusing additions.
You can draw on
photos before you
send them, add
stickers from a range
of 25 custom packs
and shrink and discover film times and more. monitors the text and images you
enlarge your emoji. The fact that you don’t need share, and stores your chats on its
Where Allo comes into its own, to switch to another app or open a servers indefinitely. Google says this
though, is in its use of Google web browser to perform a search is necessary for Allo’s Smart Reply
Assistant. By typing @google during makes for a more seamless chat. feature, which suggests potential
a chat, you can ask the search You may want to use Allo with comebacks that you can tap and
engine to show you videos, find caution, however. US intelligence send, but you may find it intrusive.
an address, look for restaurants, leaker Edward Snowden says it allo.google.com

Make money from your Use Opera’s built-in VPN

photos and videos www.opera.com
Virtual Private
contributor.stock.adobe.com Networks (VPNs)
Adobe Stock is a new service that rewards your creativity by are the best way
letting you upload and sell your photos and videos. The site to protect your
takes a lot of the legwork out of selling stock images by identity online,
generating keywords automatically, based on the content of secure sensitive
your work. If you use Adobe Lightroom CC or Bridge CC, communications
you can upload files directly to the service. You’ll earn 33% and circumvent
commission on photos and vector art, and 35% on videos. geographical
Payments restrictions that
can be stop you
made once accessing some
the total websites. However, you may
reaches not feel confident in setting one up, or you may baulk at
€50 (£43). having to pay for a service. Opera has solved both problems
It’s worth by incorporating a free VPN into version 40 of its popular
noting that web browser, so you can connect to one of its five servers
other sites around the world. This lets you hide your true location and
pay more, access content that would otherwise be unavailable – Opera
though: for says you should be able to stream 720p HD video with ease.
example, To activate the VPN, go into the browser’s settings and, in
Alamy the ‘Privacy & security’ section, tick the Enable VPN box. A
(alamy. blue VPN badge will then appear in the address bar. Click
com) forks this to change your location preferences and see how much
out 50%. data you’ve used over the past month.

6 5 - 18 October 2016
 What’s New Online

We highlight 10 of the most amazing and amusing things

you can do on the web this fortnight

Create quirky QR codes

www.amazing-qrcode.com
5 TO FOLLOW
ON TWITTER
QR codes were invented in 1994 to track vehicles @GWR
during the manufacturing process, but more Discover the latest incredible feats
recently they’ve become a handy way of directing to enter Guinness World Records
people to websites. You’ve long been able to
generate your own QR codes online, but this fun tool @paulhollywood
also lets you upload and embed a colourful image, The celebrity baker is the last man
so you can create more personalised codes to share. standing as the Great British Bake
Off moves to Channel 4

@NowTVBoxsets
Snoop around 10 Share photos See which TV series are available

Downing Street with others

for binge-watching on Sky’s
streaming service

much faster @PlanetGreen

Autumn’s here, but that’s no excuse
photos.google.com not to continue to think green
Attaching photos to messages can be
cumbersome and you may fall foul of @BBCBreaking
attachment limits or find that your Keep abreast of the latest news
recipient can’t open the image. Google from around the world with alerts
hopes to ease the process by adding a and updates from the BBC
new Share option to its Photos app.
Now when you tap Share, you can
type a name, email address or phone
bit.ly/downing407 number to send a link to your image. Become a YouTube hero
Google Street View has left the road Even better, www.youtube.com
and ventured inside the Prime if the Reporting YouTube videos and
Minister’s official residence, so we can recipient comments that violate community
now move through the Cabinet room, has Photos guidelines now earns you points
the Thatcher Room and even out into installed, that open the door to extra
the rose garden. It’s the first time their app features. YouTube’s Heroes scheme
Google’s cameras have been allowed will import also rewards users for adding
inside the 332-year-old building, and your image. captions and subtitles to videos
the impressive level of detail makes it It’s a great
possible to look at the photos that way to
adorn some of the walls and take in transfer See a map of the sky
the luxurious decoration. You won’t images gea.esac.esa.int/archive
get a glimpse of Theresa May, though between Scientists have released the first set
– she actually lives at number 11. devices. of data from the Gaia satellite,
which has been conducting a
census of a billion stars in the Milky

Squeeze more content into your

Way. You can view a detailed map,
download the data and receive

tweets
alerts about new discoveries.

twitter.com Watch the presidential

Twitter has eased the restrictions on debates on Twitter
what counts towards your 140-character debates.twitter.com
limit, so you can now write longer Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump’s
messages when sharing other content. pre-election debates will be live
Attached photos, videos, GIFs and streamed on Twitter in partnership
quoted tweets no longer use up your with Bloomberg. Catch the political
character total, although Twitter this should help you get a little bit circus on 4, 9 and 19 October.
handles and links still count. Twitter says more off your chest.

Discuss web news at forum.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 7

 Need to Know
Yahoo hack: are you one of
the 500m victims?
What happened?
Yahoo admitted that hackers
had accessed 500 million
accounts in 2014, saying names,
email addresses, phone numbers, ers,
dates of birth, security answers and
tolen.
encrypted passwords were all stolen.
No payment card details were e
snatched, according to Yahoo, and
nor were any unprotected passwords. even if you have updated your password to refresh your passwords. Make sure
The company also claimed that the since 2014. Criminals can use your phone you’re using a strong password –
hackers were state-sponsored cyber- number or date of birth in a phishing LastPass will generate one for you at
terrorists, not a criminal gang, although it attack, or try your password on other https://lastpass.com/generatepassword
didn’t say why it believed this. Yahoo accounts, in case you use it elsewhere. .php – and don’t reuse it on other sites.
said the hackers were no longer active in Any security answers you gave Yahoo While you’re changing your passwords,
its networks, but didn’t say which may be relevant for other sites, too – you turn on two-factor authentication for any
country they had originated from. can’t change your mother’s maiden name sites that use it, such as Gmail. This
According to reports, Yahoo found out as you can a password, after all. Profiles should be as simple as flipping a switch
about the hack in July 2016, but failed to on the blogging site Tumblr (owned by in settings. Provide your phone number,
notify users. It also kept the information Yahoo) were not hacked because they then type the code that the site texts to
from Verizon, the company that’s buying are stored on a separate system. you. Above all, don’t get “hack fatigue”
most of Yahoo’s business. The admission If your details were stolen, you should and ignore such attacks. It’s surprisingly
follows reports that 200 million account have received an email from Yahoo by easy to become desensitised to them.
details were leaked online over the now. If you’re worried you may have
summer, though Yahoo hasn’t confirmed missed it, visit haveibeenpwned.com – a What do we think?
the truth of this claim or suggested that website that checks to see if your email Yahoo should be embarrassed that it was
the incidents are connected. address is in any lists of login details hacked, ashamed that it didn’t notice for
dumped online. This latest round of two years and mortified that it didn’t
How will this affect you? Yahoo data hasn’t yet been included in bother to tell users for three months
It depends how recently you have the site, but you can sign up for after finding out. There is no part of this
updated your Yahoo password. If you notifications to get an update if and story that makes the struggling online
changed it in the past two years, you when it’s added (see the screenshot company look good.
will have minimised any damage the below), plus it will let you know if you’ve Of course, it’s difficult to fend off
hackers could cause. been a victim of any other attacks. attackers that are backed by the secret
But, of course, there are many Whether or not you’ve been attacked, services of other countries, but it’s hard
downsides to so much data being leaked, it’s a good idea to take this as a reminder to imagine what sort of attack could
devour 500 million accounts without
Yahoo even noticing. Yahoo hasn’t been
at the cutting edge of the web for some
time, and it’s obvious that its security is
just as weak as its reputation.
Yahoo isn’t the first website that
has taken a long time to tell users
they’ve been hacked, and sadly we
doubt it will be the last. That’s why it’s
essential that you take your security
into your own hands and follow the
advice set out above. It won’t guarantee
you’re not a victim of such hacks,
but it’s the best you can do – until
the big tech companies decide to do
Sign up for notifications from haveibeenpwned.com to see if your account was hacked a better job of security, at least.

8 5 - 18 October 2016
 Need to Know

What we think of this fortnight’s top tech news stories and rumours,
and how they affect you

EU drops its own limit Microsoft kills ‘Get

on roaming charges Windows 10’ app
What happened? How will it affect you?
The European Commission The removal of the limit
has performed a U-turn means the new roaming
on its own plans to limit rules, which come into
how long mobile phone force in June 2017, will be
users can enjoy free much easier for travellers
roaming across the EU. to understand. British
The original plan placed networks will have to abide
a 90-day limit on free by these rules until the UK
roaming, which the EC leaves the EU.
justified by saying most It’s difficult to say how
travellers are only abroad leaving the EU will affect
for an average of 12 days roaming bills, but many
at a time. The limit would mobile providers already
have stopped people offer ‘roam like home’ plans.
exploiting the rules by Hopefully, that will continue. What happened? PCs on 20 September, so
buying a cheaper plan Microsoft’s nagging is by the time you read this it
from another country and What do we think? finally over. The company will probably have been
using it at home, but it We’re glad that the EC promised to remove the wiped from your computer,
would also have proved has seen sense and controversial ‘Get Windows never to return (hopefully).
a challenge for Brits backtracked on its plans 10’ app from Windows 7 If you want Windows 10
who spend winters in to impose limits. Some and 8 computers. but missed the July
warm countries. customers may try to Microsoft installed the deadline, try getting it for
After criticism, the EC abuse the new rules, but app on PCs last year to free through Microsoft’s
dropped all limits, saying mobile operators should encourage Windows 7 and Assistive Technology offer,
there would be no caps be able to spot when 8 users to upgrade to the which is designed to help
either on time or the this happens and take new operating system. It people who require special
volume of mobile phone appropriate action. used a series of pop-ups equipment, such as a
use, so you’ll be able to Whatever your view on and reminders that many screen reader, to use their
enjoy free roaming across leaving the EU, it’s people found annoying and PC. Find out more on
Europe no matter how unquestionably a good intrusive (see screenshot Microsoft’s site: bit.ly/
long your holiday. However, thing to see the end of above). The only way to windows407.
mobile networks will huge bills caused by stop the app appearing was
be able to check usage outrageous roaming to switch to Windows 10. What do we think?
patterns, so if you use charges. It would be The offer of a free version We’re pleased that
your overseas SIM only unforgivable if mobile of Windows 10 ended on 29 Microsoft has removed the
in one country and don’t phone companies used July this year, so Microsoft app, but it’s about 12
appear to be a legitimate Brexit as an excuse to has been in no hurry to months too late. The
traveller, you may well be reintroduce extortionate remove the app, although it company should have
bumped from the network. roaming fees. did end notifications after killed it last year when the
the July deadline. complaints began. Instead,
users have had to endure a
How will it affect you? year of pestering.
If you use Windows 10, it’s The app did nothing but
of little interest. But if you annoy users, whether or not
use 7 or 8, it means you’re they wanted to upgrade. It’s
now free to upgrade when unlikely that anyone who
you want (and should you wasn’t sold on Windows 10
want) without Microsoft was going to be converted
badgering you. The app by these messages. We
was removed in an update hope Microsoft doesn’t use
that began to appear on such tactics again.

Discuss web news at forum.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 9

 Need to Know

iOS 10 flaw leaves your backups at risk

r
What happened? meantime, users are advised
Apple admitted that iOS 10 to make sure their PCs and
makes it easier for hackers to Macs are protected with
access backups you make to strong passwords and only
a computer from an iPhone accessed by authorised
or iPad. users. If you have a Mac, you
Russian security company can also enable FileVault to
ElcomSoft discovered the encrypt all the data on your
flaw while updating its hard drive, although this can
‘Phone Breaker’ software to take a long time if you have
work with the new mobile a lot of large files.
operating system. According However, it’s important
to the company, a new to stress that the flaw only
password-checking affects offline backups – in
mechanism that Apple has other words, those stored
added to iOS 10 backups locally on your computer
skips some crucial security – and not those stored in
checks. This fault makes it iCloud, so you’re really only
possible for hackers to guess at risk if someone manages
passwords 2,500 times to get their hands on your
faster than they could on devices and crack your
backups made from previous passwords.
versions of iOS. If they were to crack the backup data. Indeed, the level of
password, hackers would be able to encryption in iOS 10 means it’s What do we think?
decrypt the entire contents of the impossible to make a physical copy of You don’t need to be as famous
backup, including passwords stored in an iPhone or iPad’s data, even if you as Pippa Middleton to become the
Keychain, Apple’s password manager. know the passcode. It’s still possible to victim of a cloud hack, so we think
ElcomSoft researcher Oleg Afonin, steal files from Apple’s iCloud if you that type of attack is a bigger threat
who helped to find the flaw, said in a have the relevant Apple ID and than someone stealing data directly
blog post (bit.ly/elcom407) that password, but Keychain data is from one of your devices. To give
because the security of iPhones and protected in this instance. would-be hackers less of a chance of
iPads has improved with every new breaking into your account, we
version of iOS, the vulnerability How will it affect you? recommend enabling two-factor
represents one of very few ways Apple said it will fix the flaws in an authentication (bit.ly/twofactor407)
hackers can get their hands on users’ upcoming security update. In the for your Apple ID.

FIRST LOOK
Amazon Echo from yourour phone or tablet. perhaps, is the Radio Player
bit.ly/amecho407 It worked well during our skill, which lets you tune in to
preview tests,ests, producing 450 radio stations.
stations However,
Two years after appearing in homes clear 360-degree
-degree sound it’s unclear whether you’ll be
in the US, Amazon’s cylindrical take and quickly
ickly identifying our able to listen to radio
rad
on Siri, Cortana and Google Now voice commands, even programmes from the BBC
is finally available in the UK for when playing
laying music. iPlayer using just your
yo voice.
£149.99. Unlike other voice-controlled Amazon zon has already Echo also works with
wi smart
personal ‘assistants’, however, Echo confirmed
med that the UK home equipment, so you can
is a physical object that’s 8.3cm wide version off Echo offers more switch on lights and
and 23.5cm high. It’s always switched ‘skills’ – the
he company’s thermostats using your voice.
on, and it starts working whenever rather infantile
fantile name for If £150 sounds like
lik too
you say the ‘wake word’ Alexa. voice-controlled
controlled apps much to spend, consider
con the
Much like its digital rivals, Echo can – that work rk with other Echo Dot instead (bit.ly/
(
search the web to answer your non-Amazon azon services. echodot407), which costs
queries and set alarms and timers, but These include lude Sky Sports, £49.99 and goes on sale on
it can also add items to your shopping The Guardian
ardian and Daily 20 October. The reason
re it’s
and to-do lists, and play music from Telegraphaph for news £100 cheaper is that
th it lacks
its two downward-firing speakers. updates, Uber for ordering a speaker, so you’ll
you’ need to
Echo doubles as a Bluetooth speaker, taxis, and d Just Eat for pair it with one or use
u an
so you can use it to stream other ordering take-out auxiliary cable if you
yo want to
services such as Spotify and iTunes deliveries. s. Most useful of all, control your music.
music

10 5 - 18 October 2016
 Need to Know

WHAT’S THE RUMOUR

WEBOMETER
Will Google buy Twitter?
Google is one of several technology about Twitter shortly after the CNBC WE LIKE...
companies interested in buying Twitter, story broke. Salesforce’s shares fell SanDisk introduces 1TB
according to CNBC. Shares of Twitter 5.6 per cent on the same day Twitter’s SD card
increased in value by more than 21% on value surged. SanDisk has
23 September after sources told the US crammed a
business news channel that the social record-breaking

FO R
network had moved closer to being 1TB of storage on
sold. It’s difficult to know how much the to a prototype

SALE
company might sell for, with figures SD card. The
from industry analysts ranging from company’s first
$18bn to $30bn. SD card was introduced 16
However, although Twitter’s board of years ago and had a capacity
directors is reportedly keen to make the of just 64MB.
sale, CNBC suggested it could still be
some months away: “There’s no Cheapest ever Roku box
assurance a deal will materialise, but launched
one source close to the conversations Roku has launched ed five n
new
said that they are picking up TV-streaming boxes,xes,,
momentum and could result in a including its
deal before year-end.” Another cheapest ever,
potential buyer is cloud- called the
computing giant Salesforce Express. Priced
(www.salesforce.com), whose £29.99, it is a direct
ect
Chief Digital Evangelist rival to Google’s Chromecast
tweeted his positive feelings and Amazon’s Fire Stick. See
the full range on Roku’s site:
bit.ly/roku407.
LIKELIHOOD RATING
✓✓✓✓✓
Google’s parent company, Alphabet, and Salesforce have both been named WE DON’T LIKE...
as potential buyers, but the former is a much larger company with total Companies’ complacency
assets of $154.29 billion (compared to Salesforce’s $14.38 billion). With over security leaks
Twitter valued at up to 30 billion, it’s difficult to see how Salesforce could Research by Lloyd’s of London
afford to strike an attractive deal with the social network. It would certainly has revealed that
make more sense strategically for Google to buy Twitter. Ali Mogharabi although 92 per
from investment company Morningstar said: “There’s value in the enormous cent of businesses
data that Twitter has about its users, and their (online) behaviour. The have experienced
millions of users Twitter has is considered valuable – and given Google’s a data breach in
wider ecosystem, it can help drive return and user growth on to Twitter.” the past five
years, only 13 per
cent think they
would lose

What’s new on Kickstarter

customers as a result.

Our favourite new project on the crowdfunding site HP printers stop you
using
‘unofficial’
EarDial cartridges
bit.ly/eardial407 | From £1 An update issued
in March for HP’s
If you’ve ever come home from a concert with ringing in your OfficeJet printers
ears, you’ll know how frustrating and worrying it can be. has had the
EarDial are comfortable, “invisible” earplugs that block the delayed effect of
harmful decibels at loud events without sacrificing sound quality, so that you can stopping them
listen clearly and safely at all times. Each set comes with a compact aluminium working with cartridges made by
case that attaches to your keychain, and there’s also an accompanying app that other companies, which are
records the sound levels you’re currently exposed to, so you know how long you usually much cheaper than the
can safely listen for. The project aims to raise £7,500 by 21 October. company’s own.

Discuss web news at forum.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 11

 Stay Safe Online
News about the latest threats and advice from security experts

SECURITY ALERT! | What’s been bothering us this fortnight

The Pirate Bay blocked by (for example, by changing your Go has attracted the attention of
Chrome and Firefox homepage or showing extra ads on hackers – who are taking advantage
Chrome and Firefox sites you visit).” Firefox users were told: of the craze to target players, said
have started blocking “This web page at thepiratebay.org has Kaspersky Lab.
torrent website The been reported to contain unwanted A ‘Guide for Pokémon Go’ loaded
Pirate Bay, according software and has been blocked based with malware and listed on the Google
to Torrent Freak on your security preferences.” Play store has been downloaded
(torrentfreak.com). The Chrome users can get around this 500,000 times and infected at least
site said that Google’s Safe Browsing message by clicking Details and then 6,000 phones. The malware is able to
service was flagging The Pirate Bay ‘visit this site’, while Firefox users can seize root access on Android handsets.
as containing harmful programs, click ‘Ignore this warning’. Google removed the app from its store
although this could be due to The block comes after a number of after Kaspersky Lab notified it.
malicious adverts running on the site torrent sites decided to shut up shop, The devious Trojan waits patiently
rather than software. The report also citing a combination of reduced traffic for the right time to run, checking first
said domain-name resolution service and revenue and constant hounding by to make sure the target is worth its
Comodo Secure DNS was displaying anti-piracy authorities. while. Once running, it installs other
a hacking warning for the torrent site, bit.ly/pirate407 apps and shows adverts.
while users on Chrome and Firefox “There’s no surprise that an app as
were reportedly unable to access the Android Trojan targets popular as Pokémon Go has spawned
download pages for torrents, seeing Pokémon Go users associated malware,” said Tim Erlin,
a warning message instead. Half a million Pokémon director at security firm Tripwire. “Any
“Chrome’s warning said: Attackers Go fans could be at risk time we see a large event or significant
on thepiratebay.org might attempt from a Trojan hidden in a trend in technology, cybercriminals do
to trick you into installing programs fake guide to the game. their best to take advantage of it.”
that harm your browsing experience The success of Pokémon bit.ly/pokemon407

Security Helpdesk | Your questions answered by security specialists

THIS ISSUE’S EXPERT: numbers involved in attacks
Mark James, Security like this get ever higher but, Make no mistake – 500 million
Specialist at ESET make no mistake, that’s a lot accounts represents a lot of
(www.eset.co.uk) of customer data stolen.
Data breaches are on the
customer data stolen
increase, to the point where
they’re almost a daily individual it could have Data breaches are
occurrence, and the damage serious long-term financial difficult to defend against,
they cause is huge. Criminals implications. It can also leave but companies must do
may use the data for accounts temporarily everything they can to stop
How worried
Q
immediate financial gain or unavailable, which is them happening in the first
should Yahoo save it until they’ve gathered distressing for those for place, and to lessen their
users be about more to enable identity theft whom emails are a lifeline. impact if they do. They
the reported data or phishing attacks. Either Switching providers and need to store their data in
breach (see news story way, it could be very changing your email address such a way that hackers
on page 8)? damaging for the victim. isn’t as easy as it sounds, can’t do anything with it if
Louise Welch, Facebook As always in these cases, either, because you may still a breach occurs. They
it’s the users who ultimately need access to the old email should also inform their

A
500 million pay the price. Of course, a address if other services you users of any hacks and
accounts is a huge major hacking incident is use require a password reset, keep them up to date with
number. It’s easy never good for the affected or you need to recover an events. This will help
to get a little blasé as the company’s PR, but for the account using that address. cushion any impact.

12 5 - 18 October 2016 Email us your security questions at [email protected]

 NEW

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 Best New Websites
Site of the Fortnight VIRTUAL
REALITY
NATURAL HISTORY NEW There are lots
of 360-degree
Natural History tours to take in
your browser
bit.ly/history407
The Natural History Museum has teamed
up with Google to make more than
300,000 of its specimens available to
view online. These span 11 exhibits
ranging from dinosaurs and fossils to
butterflies and birds. You can view this
excellent site in your Desktop browser or
take 360-degree virtual-reality tours on
your phone using Google Cardboard, and
explore a wide selection of interactive
exhibitions narrated by various scientists.
Alternatively, you can simply amble
through the museum itself. If a visit to
the real-life museum can eat up hours, so
can this online offering. It’s clearly been a
DOWNLOAD THE APP
mammoth task, but it’s worth it. Viewing videos on your phone
brings the exhibits to life
Our rating ★★★★★

NEW
COMMUNITY

Nextdoor
www.nextdoor.co.uk
Nextdoor lets you create or join a local
social network that covers anything from
RELAUNCH 100 to 2,000 houses in your area, so you
FOOD
can natter with your neighbours over the
Just Eat virtual garden fence. You can post
messages, read a news feed and reply to
www.just-eat.co.uk others while sharing concerns,
Just Eat has been acting as go-between for restaurants and diners for over a decade highlighting events and selling items. You
and has refreshed its website to satiate our growing appetite for takeaways. Selecting can even upload important documents
an eatery is easy, with a filterable list of local outlets, customer ratings and details of such as planning applications. It’s a great
minimum orders and delivery charges. Choosing food items is simple, too, although idea that’s sure to foster a sense of
many restaurants don’t provide much info about their dishes. However, you do get a community, and because it looks similar
running total and you’re kept informed of your order’s progress. We particularly love to Facebook (albeit with ‘thanks’ rather
Just Eat’s live-chat facility, which you can use to inform a restaurant of any food than ‘likes’), it should prove easy for
allergies. Read more about food delivery services in our FAQ on page 36. everyone to get to grips with.

Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★

14 5 - 18 October 2016 Reviews by David Crookes

 Best New Websites

We review this fortnight’s best new and relaunched websites and

rate them for content, design and features

STREET VIEW
You can also explore the huge interior of the museum itself

INTERACTIVE
EXHIBITION
Listen as expert
narrators take
you through
the exhibits

RELAUNCH NEW RELAUNCH

TELEVISION MONEY SHOPPING

BBC Current Account Ikea

www.bbc.co.uk Switch www.ikea.com
The beta version of the new BBC www.currentaccountswitch.co.uk Ikea’s mobile-friendly new site is so
homepage isn’t dramatically different to This site is part of a new campaign smart and easy to use that you may
the old one, but it certainly looks simpler. encouraging bank customers to shop never need to visit a store again, which
This isn’t always a benefit. Highlighting around for a better deal. It explains should prevent a few arguments! Its clear
three main headlines, three latest news clearly the process involved in ditching design and swish drop-down menus aid
pieces and three top sports articles at your old current account, complete with navigation, and high-quality product
the top of the front page betrays the vast a downloadable checklist. But although photos show you exactly what you’re
amount of news content posted daily. the homepage is awash with Get Started buying. The Quick View function lets you
And with large, distracting photos buttons, it merely guides you through read about items without leaving your
accompanying each story, you need to the four steps to switching rather than search results and there are lots of ideas
scroll further to get to other items of initiating the process for you. There’s lots to inspire you. We especially like the
interest that are listed below. In this of help and support, but you aren’t room-design tools and simple checkout
sense, the Beeb seems to be putting overwhelmed by information. You can process, and although we’d love to see
design over function. Bizarrely, it still view a list of banks, but the site doesn’t product and assembly reviews, the new
relies on the outdated plugin Flash, too. spell out the incentives on offer. site is, as the Swedes say, underbar.

Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★

Tell us about your website via [email protected] 5 - 18 October 2016 15

 Q How can I mute the annoying adverts
when listening to music on Spotify?

A Page 46, Issue 368

2015
BACK
ISSUES
DISC
ON SALE NOW

Visit bit.ly/webusercd15
or search for ‘webuser disc’ on Amazon

You can still buy our 2014 Back

Issues Disc from bit.ly/webusercd
16 00 - 00 Month 2016
bit.ly/w
 Best New Websites

NEW NEW RELAUNCH

GAMES HISTORY FASHION

National Videogame Greek Manuscripts Style.com

Foundation bit.ly/greek407 www.style.com
bit.ly/game407 Over the years, the British Library has Style.com used to be Vogue magazine’s
The National Videogame Foundation digitised hundreds of Greek manuscripts online presence but this radical makeover
wants to preserve the history of games but unless you’re a scholar, you may not turns it into a luxury shopping site. It
and inspire a generation of developers. be able to understand them. This site specalises in clothes for women and
Yet despite backing from influential aims to enlighten you with its engaging men, along with beauty and grooming
names in the industry, its website is staid, articles and concise introductions to products, all chosen by fashion experts.
with no interactive elements. It fails to themes such as art and religion. The tidy The minimalist design is underpinned by
link to its main attractions – the National homepage and speedy search engine glamorous photos, and each section
Videogame Arcade in Nottingham and help you find information on specific mixes the usual shopping categories with
the annual GameCity festival – and topics, and there’s plenty of guidance, tailored articles from Vogue and GQ, to
doesn’t give a true flavour of how great too, from highlighted collection items to create a personal-shopper element. As a
they are (and we speak as visitors to videos that add context and explanation. potential rival to Net-A-Porter, it still has
both). Although you can catch up on the With sections on how the Greeks some work to do, especially on the plain
latest news and get involved, you’re produced books and their intellectual product pages, but we like the way you
better off visiting www.gamecity.org for traditions, it’s a great way to explore a can add items to your ‘style cloud’ and
a truer sense of the fun that awaits. fascinating collection. receive alerts about new collections.

Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★

NEW
TRAVEL

Glamping Hub for Pets

pets.glampinghub.com
Just because you’re going on a luxury
camping holiday, it doesn’t mean you
have to leave your furry friends behind.
NEW This site finds outdoor accommodation
CURRENCY
around the world that allows your
The New Fiver pets to accompany you. Type in a
destination, your preferred dates and
www.thenewfiver.co.uk the number of (human) guests to see
The Bank of England has just unveiled an ‘indestructible’ plastic fiver, and this website available locations and lowest prices.
tells you everything you need to know about it. You can enjoy a 360-degree view of Each glamp site is accompanied by
the note, with annotations of its features, and watch a video of it being printed by De details of facilities and activities, and
La Rue. You can also download the Blippar app and point it at an old £5 note to see booking is as simple as filling in a form
how things have changed. The site offers lots of facts and figures, including details of with your payment details. We like
why the new note has been introduced and how you’ll know if you’re handed a fake, the tips on pet travel and the offbeat
and the friendly, bite-size approach makes this resource as entertaining as it is blog, which shows you how to teach
educational. There’s a sneak peek at the new £10 and £20 notes, too. a dog to surf, among other things.

Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★

Tell us about your website via [email protected] 5 - 18 October 2016 17

 Build a Better Site
Specialist tips, top tools and practical help

Top Tips of the Fortnight Web-building Helpdesk

THIS ISSUE’S EXPERT:
Simpler WordPress receive wider support over time John Morris,
theme control as themes are updated. CEO UK2 Group
WordPress.com has a new (www.uk2.net)
Content Options tool (bit.ly/ Show your ads to Adblock
conopt407) that lets you choose Plus users
I’ve heard you can ‘cache’
Q
whether or not certain common Popular ad-blocking tool Adblock
elements appear on your website Plus has announced its own WordPress sites to make them
without you needing to edit style advertising network, called run faster. Is this worth doing
sheets or code. You can use it to Acceptable Ads (acceptableads and, if so, how do you do it?
.com). Website owners can join Tony Granger, via email
the program to break through

A
Adblock Plus’s barriers and show Serving your website to visitors
‘acceptable’ ads to any Adblock quickly is a must for anyone who
Plus users who opt in. You can hopes to have a successful site, and
sign up for the service now, but ‘caching’ your WordPress website is one way
it’s still in beta and sites are being to speed up the process. By caching your
manually selected for inclusion, so site, you’re in effect storing a snapshot of it
don’t expect to receive a reply that can be served in an instant, because it’s
control the appearance of author straight away. already compiled, saved and ready to go.
bio, date, categories and tags, and There are a number of WordPress plugins
choose whether particular pages that can do this for you, but W3 Total Cache
display full posts or excerpts of Deal of the Fortnight (bit.ly/cache407) is one of the most popular
posts. It doesn’t work with every Easyspace (www.easyspace.com) is offering options. Designed to improve your site’s
theme, but it has been fully ‘.me’ domains for £9.60, which is 50% off its performance, this plugin pulls out all the
implemented on a few of the usual price of £19.20. stops to shift your site into fifth gear.
more popular ones and is likely to

MINI WORKSHOP | Find better-quality images for your website

Google Image Search & TinEye: www.tineye.com | 5 mins | Any browser
The look of your website creates an instant impression, so it’s important to use the best pictures available. If
you already have a picture you want to use, perform a reverse image search to find the best version

1 2
2 2

1 3 1

1 From a Google search page, click

the Images link in the top right. Click
the camera icon and choose either to
2 Google searches for copies of your
image but TinEye (www.tineye.com)
can also spot your image within another,
3 You can streamline this process
by installing the Chrome add-on
(bit.ly/tin407). This adds TinEye to
paste a URL that links to your image or which is handy if your picture has been the right-click menu, 1 which takes
upload it directly. 1 Then click the cropped. Press the arrow 1 to upload an you straight to an image’s search
‘Search by image’ button. 2 In the image or paste its address into the box. results page. Click the add-on’s
results, click the ‘All sizes’ link and 2 Results are listed below, and you can button and select Options 2 to
check to see if Google has found any sort these according to different criteria choose where to open the results
versions of it that are larger or clearer. in the drop-down menu. 3 and how they should be sorted.

18 5 - 18 October 2016 Email us your website building questions at [email protected]

 Group Test
We test and compare the latest products

Windows 10 laptops
under £200
Don’t spend a fortune on a new PC – these four affordable
Windows 10 laptops cost £200 or less

W
hen it comes to buying a Windows 10 laptop on a tight HOW WE TESTED
budget, the first sweet-spot is around the £200 mark.
Four manufacturers offer affordable laptops at around We put each of the laptops through its paces using
this price, and all of them feature Intel’s 1.6GHz Celeron N3050 our Windows benchmark suite, which gives an overall
processor. Supported by 2GB of memory and a small 32GB score based on a series of tests including office tasks,
eMMC storage drive (essentially a type of solid-state drive but image editing and video encoding. We also tested
using technology that isn’t as nippy as a standard SSD) they each laptop’s battery life, timing how long it took to
aren’t designed to run the latest games, but are perfectly good drain completely from a full charge.
for browsing the web and performing simple office tasks.

Acer Aspire Cloudbook 14 | £193.50 | Amazon: bit.ly/acer407 VERDICT

FEATURES ★★★★
★★★★★
★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★
★★★★★ EASE OF USE ★★★★★ VALUE FOR MONEY ★★★★★ ★★★★★

When you’re only paying £200 for a Windows which is handy for boosting A £200 laptop will
laptop, you can’t necessarily expect it to look as the laptop’s storage capacity. obviously have some
snazzy as more expensive models, but Acer’s You’ll need to boost the compromises, but Acer
Aspire One Cloudbook 14 has a particularly storage because, as with has done an impressive
bland, utilitarian design. While the outer lid’s all the laptops on test here,
job of limiting them with
textured finish feels great to the touch, it’s a far the Cloudbook 14’s 32GB eMMC
the Aspire One Cloudbook
cry from the vibrant colours of the Dell Inspiron drive has only 10GB left when Windows is
11. However, it’s the thinnest of the laptops we’ve installed. Handily, the PC comes with 1TB of
14. Its battery life is great,
reviewed here and offers impressive extras. OneDrive storage and a year’s subscription the 14in screen size leaves
The ample 14.1in screen is beneficial not only to Office 365 Personal, which is worth £60. plenty of space to work in
because it’s bigger than those of the 11in Asus The performance is good enough for basic and the bundled Microsoft
and Dell models, but also because it applications such as Office and OneDrive
allows room for a larger, less-cramped browsing the storage add further
keyboard and a generously sized web and working value to an already good
touchpad. The image quality isn’t in Office but the deal. With an identical
brilliant but it’s fine for the price – hardware won’t processor, memory and
none of the laptops reviewed here has provide you with
hard drive specification
a top-of-the-range screen. the kind of power
to the other three laptops
The Cloudbook 14 doesn’t have you need to run
as many ports as the other devices the latest games.
we review here, overall
on test here, but you get a couple of However, its low performance is less of a
USB ports (one USB3 and one USB2), power factor in this test, with
a full-sized HDMI port and a requirements results showing negligible
headphone jack. There’s helped it achieve a differences. It’s the little
also an SD card great result in our extras that lift the Acer to
slot that accepts battery life test, the top of the group and
microSD cards where it lasted 11 win it our Gold Award.
with an adapter, hours and 20 minutes.

20 5 - 18 October 2016
 Budget Windows 10 laptops Group Test

Asus Transformer Book Flip TP200SA Toshiba Satellite C40-C | £174.99 |

£177.92 | Amazon: bit.ly/asus407
07 Amazon: bit.ly/tosh407
FEATURES ★★★★
★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★
★★★★★ FEATURES ★★★★
★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★
★★★★★
EASE OF USE ★★★★★ VALUE FOR MONEY ★★★★★ EASE OF USE ★★★★
★★★★★ VALUE FOR MONEY ★★★★★

If you’d prefer something smaller to carry The Toshiba Satellite C40-C won the
around than the Gold Award-winning Bronze Award in our last budget laptop
Acer with its 14in screen, the Asus group test and is still available to buy
Transformer Book Flip TP200SA may through some Amazon resellers. It’s
fit the bill. Not only does it have a also slightly cheaper now than it was.
smaller case, but the keyboard Like the Gold Award winner, the
attached to the 11in Toshiba has a 14in display,
touchscreen flips all the which makes it more suitable
way over and completely for working on than the
out of the way, so you’re smaller Asus and Dell laptops. It
left with a tablet. has the same processor, 2GB of memory
With the same limited resources as the other laptops in this and 32GB eMMC hard drive as the others, but despite this it
test, it’s no computing powerhouse, but it had no trouble was the slowest laptop in the group in our performance tests.
keeping up with its rivals. The battery life is slightly On the bright side it has the best battery life of them all,
disappointing at nine hours and 13 minutes in our test, though, although it beat the Acer by only five minutes. It’s also larger
losing a couple of hours to the Acer and Toshiba models. and heavier than the Acer model and significantly thicker
The smaller screen and case means the keyboard is smaller at 23mm when folded up, but it has an attractive brushed-
than most, and we found it a little cramped to type on. The metal look to it that is much nicer than the plastic used on
touchpad and touchscreen both worked well, though. the other models.

VERDICT ★★★★★
★★★★ VERDICT ★★★★★
★★★★
With the only touchscreen in this group, and a keyboard that flips round and out The Toshiba has the best build quality of all the laptops we reviewed and its
of the way, the TP200SA is great for anyone who’s torn between a tablet and a battery lasted the longest in our tests. However, it falls behind the others for its
laptop. The reduced size makes the keyboard a little cramped, though. performance, and it’s the thickest and heaviest of them all.

Dell Inspiron 11 3000 Series | £179.95 | TEST-RESULTS CHART

Amazon: bit.ly/dell407
FEATURES ★★★
★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★★★★
EASE OF USE ★★★★★ VALUE FOR MONEY ★★★★
★★★★★ Battery life
B Toshiba
While the other laptops we’ve Satellite C40-C

reviewed here are a tad boring to G Acer Aspire One

look at, Dell has added a touch of Cloudbook 14

flair to its Inspiron 11 3000 Series, S Asus Transformer

with a choice of glossy red, white Book Flip TP200SA

or blue cases. The laptop has an Dell Inspiron 11

11in screen but manages to use 3000 Series

full-sized keys, so it’s a bit 0 2 4 6 8 10 12

easier to type on Hours

than the Asus model.
The keys are still
cramped together, however,
so the 14in models are better if you
plan to do a lot of typing. The smaller size also means it ON SALE NOW!!
only has room for a microSD slot, rather than the more
versatile SD option.
The big disappointment is the battery, which lasted only The
five hours and 50 minutes in our test. If you reduce the
brightness significantly, you might just about get through a Advanced
school or work day, but it’s going to be tight.
GuideTo
★★★★★
★★★
VERDICT
Windows 10
Being the best-looking laptop in our test isn’t enough to get the Dell into our
awards. Its lacklustre battery life holds it back, but it may still be worth a try if
you want a smaller model that doesn’t compromise too much on keyboard size. BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON
at bit.ly/advguidetowindows10

Discuss this review at forum.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 21

Group Test Budget Windows 10 laptops

Acer Aspire One Asus Transformer Toshiba Dell Inspiron 11

Cloudbook 14 Book Flip TP200SA Satellite C40-C 3000 Series
WEBSITE www.acer.co.uk www.asus.com www.toshiba.co.uk www.dell.co.uk
PRICE £193.50 £177.92 £174.99 £179.95
BUY FROM AMAZON bit.ly/acer407 bit.ly/asus407 bit.ly/tosh407 bit.ly/dell407
PROCESSOR Dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Dual-core 1.6GHz Intel
Celeron N3050 Celeron N3050 Celeron N3050 Celeron N3050
MEMORY 2GB 2GB 2GB 2GB
SCREEN SIZE 14.1in 11.6in 14.1in 11.6in
SCREEN RESOLUTION 1,366 x 768 pixels 1,366 x 768 pixels 1,366 x 768 pixels 1,366 x 768 pixels
TOUCHSCREEN ✗ ✓ ✗ ✗
STORAGE 32GB eMMC 32GB eMMC 32GB eMMC 32GB eMMC
USB PORTS 1 x USB2, 1 x USB3 1 x USB2, 1 x USB3, 2 x USB2, 1 x USB3 1 x USB2, 1 x USB3
1 x USB Type-C
NETWORKING 802.11n Wi-Fi 802.11ac Wi-Fi 802.11n Wi-Fi 802.11ac Wi-Fi
MEMORY CARD READER SD MicroSD SD MicroSD
OPERATING SYSTEM Windows 10 Windows 10 Windows 10 Windows 10
SIZE 339 x 235 x 17.9mm 297 x 201 x 18.4mm 344 x 244 x 23mm 292 x 196 x 18.5mm
WEIGHT 1.6kg 1.2kg 1.7kg 1.18kg
WARRANTY One-year return-to-base Two-years return-to- One-year return-to-base One-year collect-and-
base return

OUR VERDICT

£200 isn’t a lot to spend on a laptop but it’s enough

to get a fully functioning Windows 10 device – you just
can’t expect it to be powerful enough to run the latest
games. The Acer Aspire One Cloudbook is a great
example of what can be done on a tight budget,
though, and wins our Gold Award thanks to its long
battery life, large screen and bundled extras.
If you need a smaller, more flexible device, consider
our Silver Award winner. You can use the Asus
Transformer Book Flip TP200SA as a laptop or, by
folding the keyboard behind the screen, a tablet.
We awarded Bronze to the Toshiba Satellite
C40-C, which narrowly beat the Gold Award-
winner in the battery-life test but is a bigger,
bulkier laptop to carry around.

22 5 - 18 October 2016
 Web User’s Best Buys

Web User’s Best Buys

Web User and its sister titles test over 2,500 products every year

HARDWARE
WINDOWS 10 LAPTOP E-READER
Acer Aspire One Cloudbook 14 Amazon Kindle (2016)
£199.98 from www.pcworld.co.uk £69.99 from www.amazon.co.uk
Date tested: September 2016 Date tested: August 2016

The Cloudbook 14 is as good a laptop as you’ll get for less The highly capable Kindle is lightweight,
than £200. It’s not particularly fast and doesn’t have a great for reading and matches its rivals for
brilliant display, but it’s fantastic value, especially because usability and content. Despite the lack of a front light, it
it includes a year’s subscription to Office 365 Personal. remains the best e-reader you can buy for less than £100.

KEY SPECS KEY SPECS

Dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Celeron N3050 processor ■ 2GB of 6in E Ink Pearl screen ■ 800 x 600 pixels resolution, 167 ppi
memory ■ 32GB SSD ■ 14.1in non-touchscreen ■ 1,366 x 768 ■ Optical touchscreen ■ 4GB storage ■ 160 x 115 x 9.1mm ■

pixels resolution ■ 1 x USB 3, 1 x USB 2 port ■ 802.11n Wi-Fi ■ 161g ■ No front light ■ £10 less with Amazon Special Offers ■
339 x 235 x 17.9mm ■ 1.6kg ■ One-year return-to-base warranty Up to four weeks battery life (if used 30 minutes per day)

BUDGET SMARTPHONE MEDIA STREAMER

Motorola Moto G4 Roku 3
£159 from www.amazon.co.uk £83.98 from www.very.co.uk
Date tested: August 2016 Date tested: August 2016

This fantastic smartphone offers better features The Roku 3 has all the best elements of the previous models
and performance than any other phone of this and is as close to a perfect TV-streaming device as you’ll
price. Its screen is sharp and bright, and its cameras are find. It offers all the terrestrial catch-up services and a choice
excellent. Battery life is well above average, too. of Netflix, Amazon Video, Google Play and Sky services.

KEY SPECS KEY SPECS

5.5in screen ■ Octa-core 1.5GHz processor ■ 16GB of storage, HDMI video output ■ 1 X USB 3 port ■ 512MB internal storage
expandable by 128GB ■ Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow ■ with microSD slot ■ 802.11n Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
13-megapixel rear camera, 5-megapixel front camera ■ 1,980 ■ Plex and UPnP streaming servers ■ 89 x 89 x 25mm ■ 142g

x 1,080 pixels resolution ■ 3,000mAh battery ■ 155g ■ One-year return-to-base warranty

WINDOWS 10 PC MULTIFUNCTION PRINTER

Palicomp AMD Avenger Canon Pixma MG5750
£500 from www.palicomp.co.uk £65.59 from www.photospecialist.co.uk
Date tested: June 2016 Date tested: June 2016
All prices correct at time of review

The Palicomp AMD Avenger’s medium- The MG5750 is an excellent all-rounder, producing
sized case still provides plenty of room to top-quality prints at a great price and a reasonable speed.
upgrade. Its carefully chosen components It uses multiple cartridges – including a special one for
provide good performance, especially when playing games. black text – to reduce waste and keep running costs low.

KEY SPECS KEY SPECS

Quad-core 4.5GHz AMD Athlon X4 880K processor ■ 8GB of Thermal inkjet multifunction printer with scanner/copier ■
memory ■ 1TB hard drive, 240GB SSD ■ 2 X USB 2 ports, 4,800 x 1,200dpi maximum print ■ 1,200 x 2,400dpi (24-bit)
3 x USB 3 ports ■ Ethernet ■ 485 x 420 x 235mm ■ Three- optical scan resolution ■ 5 cartridges ■ USB and 802.11b/g/n
years return-to-base warranty Wi-Fi ■ 100-sheet tray ■ Duplex printing ■ 455 x 369 x 148mm

24 5 - 18 October 2016
 Web User’s Best Buys

SOFTWARE & SERVICES

INTERNET SECURITY ONLINE STORAGE
Kaspersky Internet Security 2017 Google Drive
£19.95 from bit.ly/kaspersky2017 From free from drive.google.com
Date tested: August 2016 Date tested: January 2016

Kaspersky is rock solid at protecting your Google Drive is easy to use

PC from the worst of the web, and has and has lots of free storage.
come top in eight of our most recent tests, The Windows software
blocking all malware with its robust integrates with Explorer,
defences. Click the link above to save so saving and syncing files
£15.04 on the software (normal price £34.99). is like keeping them in any
other PC folder.
KEY FEATURES
Antivirus and firewall tools ■ Protects online shopping and KEY FEATURES
banking ■ Identity and privacy tools ■ Dangerous-website 16GB free storage ■ Web-based office software ■ Works
alerts ■ New software updater ■ Secure-connection VPN ■ with XP, Vista, 7, 8+ and 10 ■ Chrome browser add-on ■
Advanced ad-blocking system ■ Multi-device version ■ Android and iOS apps ■ 100GB extra storage for £1.36 per
Compatible with Windows 10 month; 1TB for £6.01 per month; 10TB for £60.16 per month

WEB DESIGN BACKUP AND SYNC

Xara Web Designer 11 SyncBackFree
Premium
Free from bit.ly/syncback366
£69.99 from www.xara.com Date tested: March 2015
Date tested: November 2015
SyncBackFree is very capable
Xara Web Designer 11 is a great tool software that gives you plenty
for anyone who wants a good-looking of control over how it can be
website without having to use HTML used. If you know what you
or CSS code. The interface is easy to use and the software need from your backups and you’re prepared to spend
includes all the tools you need to create flexible sites that some time configuring the options, SyncBackFree has
change depending on the size of the screen. everything you need.

KEY FEATURES KEY FEATURES

90+ templates ■ WYSIWYG design ■ Create responsive Synchronise: Copy files in both directions ■ Restore backup
websites ■ Embed codes ■ Add HTML ■ Online editing ■ files easily ■ Email logs ■ Schedule backups ■ Simple and
FTP uploader ■ Hosting (requires registration) ■ Browser Advanced mode ■ Runs on Windows XP, Vista, 7. 8 and 10
preview (Chrome, Firefox, IE, Opera) ■ Extensive Help documentation and support

PHOTO EDITING VIDEO EDITING

Adobe Photoshop Elements Adobe Premiere Elements
£81.08 from £81.08 from www.adobe.com/uk
www.adobe.com/uk Date tested: December 2014
Date tested: December
2014 Premiere Elements’
superb interface makes
With its tidy interface its many features neat
and pop-out trays, but accessible. You
Adobe Photoshop won’t find better
Elements provides video-editing software
everything an amateur photographer needs and helps you for the price.
quickly find the right editing tools.
KEY FEATURES
KEY FEATURES Automatic editing ■ Export to multiple video formats ■ Burn
Compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8+ and 10 (32- and to DVD and Blu-ray ■ Image stabiliser ■ Stop-motion capture
64-bit) ■ Bundled photo organiser ■ Content-aware edits ■ Motion tracking ■ Musical scores and sound effects ■

■ Guided edits ■ People-beautifier tools ■ RAW support Upload to YouTube and Vimeo

Subscribe to Web User at subscribe.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 25

 Best Free Software
PHOTO RESIZER

Reshade
Image Enlarger
(Pro Edition) 3
reshade.com
Min requirements: Windows XP/
Vista/7/8+/10
File size: 43.5MB

It’s easy to make a large photo smaller

– any good editing program will resize it
for you in a couple of clicks, so you can
share it online more easily or send it to
someone by email. Making a small photo
bigger is much more difficult, however,
because it introduces all manner of
problems, including blurring, jagged
edges and a general loss of sharpness
that can leave the result looking far
from satisfactory. Reshade Image
Enlarger aims to do a much better job Enlarger is now entirely free, and comes popular image file formats, including
by using “state of the art single-image without any bundled junk to worry JPEG, TIFF and PNG, and supports
photo enlargement algorithms to about. The 32-bit version of the different colour modes such as RGB
produce crisp-clear resizes”. software can handle images of up to and CMYK.
Originally a paid-for program (hence 300 million pixels (30,000 x 10,000), The program produces good results
the Pro Edition tag), Reshade Image while the 64-bit edition is limited only at its default settings, but if you want to
by the amount of memory in your PC. tweak the way it works, you have plenty
The program can zoom an image by of advanced options to play with. These
up to 2,000%, although the higher you include sliders to Denoise and Reduce
go, the less impressive the results – Artefacts, which should help to improve
Reshade Image Enlarger does a good things. As long as you don’t expect
job of resizing pictures but it can’t miracles, Reshade Image Enlarger does
perform magic. It works with all the an excellent job of upscaling photos.

MINI WORKSHOP | Resize your photos using Reshade Image Enlarger

1 3
4
1 1
4 3
2
3
4 5

1 Launch Reshade ImaImage Enl

Enlarger,
click the Open button 1 and
browse for an image. The picture
2 Choose from a selection of preset
screen resolutions or set your own.
1 If you want to tweak the results, you
3 On the Advanced Options tab
1 you can adjust the JPEG
compression 2 and other settings. 3
will appear in the right-hand pane. can use the sliders 2 to remove (or add) The Batch Processing tab 4 lets you
2 Click part of that preview to see noise, reduce artefacts, alter the texture apply the same options to multiple
a close-up on the left showing how (by adding contrast to edges) and adjust images. When you’re happy with
the resized image will look. 3 Set the accuracy. You can also adjust the the result, click the Save button
the width, height and resolution edge control manually. 3 Click Restore 5 to export your resized photo in
4 to what you want them to be. Default 4 to undo any changes. an image format of your choice.

26 5 - 18 October 2016
 Best Free Software

This fortnight’s top new software downloads to help you make

the most of your PC, and they’re all FREE

New Windows Apps

Vocabulary Crosswords
bit.ly/xword407
Min requirements: Windows 10
File size: 11.87MB
If you struggle with traditional
crosswords, you might get more
enjoyment out of this crossword
app, which uses common words. It
offers 200 puzzles for you to solve
at your own pace.

SCREEN CAPTURE
Icecream Screen Recorder 4
bit.ly/screen407
Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7/8+/10 File size: 48.1MB

Icecream Screen Recorder lets you capture any area of your screen either as a
screenshot or a video file. Just click the option you want from the main menu. You Winxlr
can record whatever you’re doing on your PC, and even record streaming videos. bit.ly/winxlr407
The new version improves the History view so you can upload recordings to Min requirements: Windows 10
YouTube and copy screenshots. It also applies other improvements, including a File size: 17.9MB
reduction in the size of the program, and fixes numerous bugs. Winxlr is an unofficial Windows 10
app for live audio-broadcasting
platform Mixlr. You can filter
broadcasts by category, listen
to live or past broadcasts
and view comments.

SYSTEM TOOL SYSTEM INFORMATION WOWSee

FullEventLogView TrayStatus 3 bit.ly/wow407
www.nirsoft.net/utils www.binaryfortress.com Min requirements: Windows 10
Min requirements: Windows Min requirements: Windows XP/ File size: 4.4MB
Vista/7/8+/10 File size: 84KB Vista/7/8+/10 File size: 2.84MB This image and PDF viewer for
Windows 10 supports touchscreen
This useful new system tool from prolific This program shows important as well as mouse and keyboard
developer Nirsoft lets you view all the information about your PC in your controls. It lets you sort and group
details stored in Windows event logs, System Tray, including hard drive images by colour, and GPS location.
including application and system errors, activity and the status of keys such as
warnings and information messages. Caps Lock and Num Lock. You can
It’s fully portable, which means you choose which information you see, and
don’t need to install it, and lets you sort the latest version lets you use different
the data by various criteria, including themes. Several more features,
event time, record number, level, including memory usage and audio
provider, keywords and user. Click playback status, have been added to the
an entry to find out more about it. Pro edition, which costs £5.11.

Recommend free downloads at www.facebook.com/webusermagazine 5 - 18 October 2016 27

 Best Free Software
ART PROGRAM
NeuralStyler
neuralstyler.com
Min requirements: Windows XP/
Vista/7/8+/10 File size: 111MB

If you’ve used, or at least seen, the popular

Prisma app for Android and iOS, you’ll
know what to expect from NeuralStyler.
This program transforms photos, videos
and animated GIFs into works of art by
applying filters to them. Extract the folder
using PeaZip (see opposite page) and then
run NeuralStyler.exe. Browse for the file
you want (ignoring the fact that it says
‘video’ – photos are fine) and choose a style
from the drop-down menu. A thumbnail gives
you a rough idea of what to expect. Pick a
resolution, then click Create Artistic Video
to apply the effect. You’ll find the file under
‘styled video’ in the program directory.

WI-FI TOOL
Wi-Fi Inspector 2
www.xirrus.com/inspector
Min requirements: Windows XP/
Vista/7/8+/10 or Mac OS X File size: 14.8MB

Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector can find and connect

to nearby wireless hotspots and help you
manage and troubleshoot your own wireless
network. It provides details of your current
connection (including SSID, Channel and
Mac and IP Addresses), while a real-time
graph shows the signal strength over time.
A dynamic chart that looks like a radar
display shows all other networks in range,
including their name, strength and relative
distance. Version 2 of Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector
is available both for Windows PCs and Macs,
and supports the latest Wi-Fi standards.
You’ll need to enter company details to
download it, but you can just make them up.

ART PROGRAM
Freehand Painter
bit.ly/freehand407
Min requirements: Windows XP/
Vista/7/8+/10 File size: 5.9MB

With Freehand Painter, you can create

works of art without the messy paint and
brushes. If you have a touchscreen PC or
Windows tablet, you can use your fingers
to produce your masterpiece, but the
program works with a mouse too. You can
adjust the size of the brush, and either use
preset colours or create your own colour
groups. As you work, you can select areas
and move them elsewhere, and easily fix
mistakes using the stroke eraser. Layer
support lets you build up your images in
sections, and when you’ve finished, you
can save your creations in ISF format or
export them in a range of image formats.

28 5 - 18 October 2016
 Best Free Software

Don’t install... ...Install this instead

FreeArc PeaZip
freearc.org www.peazip.org
Min requirements: Min requirements: Windows XP/Vista/7/8+/10
Windows XP/Vista/7/8+/10 File size: 6.8MB
File size: 7.9MB
PeaZip 6.1, which launched earlier this year, adds
FreeArc claims to offer a handful of tweaks to its already excellent
“fast but efficient” file-compression software. It may not have the
compression for your files most dynamic interface but it’s easy to use, with
and folders, but compared the same familiar layout as an Explorer window.
with rival tools it’s rather To make a new archive, simply select the files
disappointing. We weren’t you want to include and click the Add button.
enamoured with its basic You can choose from a range of useful options,
GAME interface, and in our tests such as whether to encrypt the archive or make
Supercontinent Ltd we found that files created it as small as possible. PeaZip supports a broad
bit.ly/super407 in its ARC format were range of compression formats and shrinks files
Min requirements: Windows XP/ slow to compress and still smaller than other, similar software.
Vista/7/8+/10 relatively large at the end.
File size: 97.8MB

Landline phones are increasingly

rare these days, but they play a
central role in this narrative-driven
point-and-click adventure game set
in a dystopian future. In the game,
you have to make a series of calls
to identify the top members of
Supercontinent Ltd before the landline
network is disconnected at 2am.

UPDATED | New tweaks and fixes for your favourite free programs

IMAGE EDITOR SYSTEM CLEANER MUSIC MANAGER DISC AUTHORING

Paint.net 4.0.12 CCleaner 5.22 Apple iTunes 12.5.1 SOFTWARE
www.getpaint.net www.piriform.com www.apple.com/uk/itunes BurnAware Free 9.4
Min requirements: Min requirements: Windows Min requirements: Windows www.burnaware.com
Windows 7/8+/10 XP/Vista/7/8+/10 7/8+/10, or Mac OS X Min requirements:
File size: 6.7MB File size: 7.9MB File size: 167MB Windows XP/Vista/7/8+/10
File size: 9.4MB
Paint.net is one of the best This popular system-cleaning Apple has updated its
free photo-editing tools tool is updated every month. music player and organiser, BurnAware Free can write
around. This new release The latest version offers adding some improvements to all types of optical disc,
fixes a problem that improved support for to the company’s streaming including Blu-ray. The
crashed the software on Windows 10 Anniversary service Apple Music, as well latest version lets you set
single-processor systems, Update and superior as new tagging options the number of copies of an
and another that affected Microsoft Edge cookie and for classical music. The audio CD compilation and
the rendering of rounded history cleaning. There’s also interface has been tweaked adds an auto-erase feature
rectangles. There have updated Firefox extension throughout, and a new in the Copy Disc section.
been various other minor management and better Library makes it easier to Be sure to decline the junk
improvements, too. support for 64-bit systems. browse your collection. during installation.

GET FREE SOFTWARE FIRST subscribe to Web User at subscribe.webuser.co.uk

Recommend free downloads at www.facebook.com/webusermagazine 5 - 18 October 2016 29

 Best New Browser Tools
C
CHROME

Share online accounts securely with others

Suppose a family member asks to use your Amazon Prime
subscription to order a present, or a friend wants access to
your Spotify account to hear a new album. Can you trust them
not to abuse the privilege? Possibly not, which is where
AccessURL (bit.ly/access407) comes in handy. This ingenious
extension lets you share your online accounts without
disclosing your username or password. It works
by creating a unique link that gives someone
temporary access to your account. Click the
add-on’s toolbar button while you’re signed into
a site, then choose an expiration time – 24 hours,
one week or never – and click Create Access
URL. Copy the link to a private message, send it
to the other person and they can click ‘Get
access to [site name]’ to log into your account. If
you change your mind, just sign out of the site
and they will be logged off, too.

Discover new TV shows Transformers: Robots in Disguise – keep others. Ghostery 7’s helpful ‘tracker
and films on Netflix clicking until you find something more alerts’ tell you how a specific tracker
There are plenty of great things to to your taste. You can also adjust the – or your blocking of a tracker – is
watch on Netflix, but not all of them are add-on’s options so that it only shows affecting a given page. For example,
as easy to find as big hitters such as you random movies, TV shows or broken-page alerts indicate that
Stranger Things and Making a Murderer. documentaries. a particular tracker is necessary
Wouldn’t it be useful if you could click a for a website to work properly,
link to view a randomly selected TV Control what you block while ‘slow’ and ‘non-secure’ alerts
programme or film, as you can with the online using Ghostery 7 point to other problems. The
‘Random article’ option on Wikipedia? Many privacy add-ons have an all-or- updated Ghostery is also available
That’s the thinking behind ‘Random nothing approach to online trackers that for Firefox and Opera and will
Button for Netflix’ (bit.ly/random407), can stop websites working properly, but soon make its debut on Edge.
the seventh version of the popular tool
Ghostery (www.ghostery.com) gives Install Chrome
you greater control over what you block extensions from a phone
online. It now separates trackers into The Chrome mobile app doesn’t
eight categories, including Advertising, support extensions, but if you come
Site Analytics, Social Media, Audio/ across one you’d like to try while
Video Player and Comments. You can you’re browsing on your phone or
either block all categories or allow tablet, you
some trackers through while filtering can now
install it
directly in
the Desktop
which helps version of
you discover the browser.
new and Simply tap
interesting content to watch without the link to
having to sift through hundreds of titles the Chrome
in separate categories. Just click the Web Store, tap ‘Add to Desktop’ and
‘Random Movie/TV Show’ link that the – provided you’re logged into your
extension adds to Netflix’s top menu bar Google account on your mobile
to start watching a mystery title. If device – the extension will be
you’re not impressed by what you see installed on any Desktop versions of
– our first result was the noisy cartoon Chrome you’re also signed into.

30 5 - 18 October 2016
 Best New Browser Tools

This fortnight’s most useful tips and add-ons to help you get the
most from Chrome, Firefox, Opera and more

F
FIREFOX OTHER BROWSERS
Scroll pages on
Send your downloads to Reddit infinitely

another program
One of the biggest
downsides to Reddit’s quaintly
old-fashioned design is that it
The download managers built into can only fit 25 links on each
browsers are fine for grabbing files from page, so you’re forever clicking
the web, but they’re not particularly the tiny ‘next’ button at the
sophisticated and you usually need to bottom of the
launch another program to open the file, page to move to
whether it’s a document, MP3, PDF or other the next one. You
file type. A new Firefox add-on called can avoid this
Download With (bit.ly/download407) fixes horrendous
this by letting you specify first-world
which software you want a problem by
file to open in before you installing a new Opera extension
download it. To set it up, go to the add-on’s called RedditInfinity (bit.ly/
Options and, in the ‘Menu label’ box, type reddit407), which hacks the site
the name of a program you want to add to the menu, such as Word, iTunes or so that the next page loads
even another browser. Click Browse next to ‘Executable file’ to find the software’s automatically when you’re
EXE file. Then when you want to open a file from the web in that program, halfway down the current one.
right-click its download link and select ‘Download with [program name]’. This ‘infinite scrolling’ feature
certainly saves you a lot of
clicking, although it may mean
Launch video chats and grant the service access to your you spend more time browsing
share your screen camera and invite people to join the Reddit than you’d intended!
If you upgraded to Firefox 49 last chat. There’s also an add-on (bit.ly/
month, you’ve probably noticed that the talky407) to make launching video Try Vivaldi 1.4’s
browser no longer comes with Hello, the calls even faster. new features
built-in tool that let you make video calls The Vivaldi team
without any additional software. Mozilla Make YouTube videos play (vivaldi.com) has been
hasn’t revealed why it said goodbye to faster updating its web browser at an
Hello, but we assume some people must Whether you’re short of viewing time incredible rate and less than a
have liked it or the feature wouldn’t or you just want to speed up footage month since the last release,
have survived from version 34 until now. of people a la Benny Hill, you’ll like they’ve already introduced
If you’re one of them, the good news is HTML5 YouTube Video Speed a host of new features and
that you can still get Hello-like Controller (bit.ly/speed407). This improvements. These include
functionality from a free online tool expands the six playback-speed the ability to reopen a closed
called Talky (talky.io). Based on the options YouTube offers so you can zip tab by middle-clicking the
same WebRTC technology as Hello, through videos as quickly as you like. Trash icon, a clever option for
Click the add-on’s toolbar button to scheduling themes so they
choose one of 16 speed settings, from change at specific times of
0.5x to 3x, or use the arrow buttons to the day and greater flexibility
make the video play even faster or over the size and behaviour
slower. You can select Remember of Vivaldi’s web panels. The
Previous Speed to save your preferred team has also made numerous
setting for future viewing. bug fixes to help the browser
run more smoothly.

Talky lets you create an instant private

chat room in which you can talk to up to
15 people through your webcam,
without installing anything or even
registering. As with Hello, you can also
share the content of your screen with
other users. To get started with Talky,
simply enter a name for your room,

Tell us your favourite add-ons at www.facebook.com/webusermagazine 5 - 18 October 2016 31

 Best Free Apps
App of the Fortnight
SYSTEM TOOL NEW MINI WORKSHOP
Clean My Android Speed up your device using
bit.ly/clean407 Clean My Android
Min requirements: Android 4.0.3
Size: Varies with device

The web is full of scare stories

warning us that Android
1 Install and launch Clean
My Android, then tap
Start. The app begins by
cleaning apps do more harm measuring your device’s
than good. Yet these apps are performance (ours was
among the most downloaded deemed ‘Good’). 1 To free 2
items in the Google Play up memory, tap Boost. 2
Store – and newcomer Clean Then tap the back arrow to
My Android has already return to the main screen.
1
amassed delighted user To optimise your device’s
reviews and an excellent temperature, tap CPU
average score of 4.5. Cooler. 3 To uninstall apps 5
The reason it’s so popular completely, tap Apps
with users, rather than Manager. 4 Tap Junk Clean
critics, is that it fixes the 5 to remove hidden junk. 4 3
problems that arise due to
the way most of us use our
phones and tablets. We let
them clog up with photos, videos and
messages, which we share and back up to other apps. We
2 The Junk Clean tool
gets straight to work,
displaying an animation as
3

install and uninstall apps, leaving a litter trail of leftover it removes temporary files,
files. And we open oodles of apps all at once and forget to search history, cookies,
close them, all of which slows down our devices and makes caches and more. It
them overheat. Clean My Android helps restore order. provides details of what it’s 2
The app’s automatic one-tap cleaning tools make it quick deleting, but they go by
and easy to use, and it’s smaller too quickly to read. 1 If
(only 4.8MB on our Moto X) and you’re fast, you may be 1
less of a battery drain than some able to see how much
similar apps, including CCleaner. space the app has saved,
We’d prefer a bit more control 2 but those details don’t
and information, though. The appear for long either. Tap
Junk Clean tool tells you what the back arrow to return to
it’s removing, but the details the main screen. 3
flash by too quickly to read.
It’s true that some apps may
actually slow down or even stop
working if you clean them. Your
3 To exclude certain apps
from the cleaning
process, tap the three dots
3

Gallery, for example, would and then tap Ignore List.

have to rebuild its cache of This list will already contain
thumbnails, putting a strain on a selection of installed
your processor and battery. apps that may not work
Clean My Android solves this properly if cleaned too
by letting you add apps to a thoroughly. 1 To remove
whitelist, which excludes them an app from this list, tap
from the cleaning process – see our Mini Workshop (right). the ‘x’ to its right. 2 To add 1
Our main complaint (for which we’ve docked an app, tap the plus sign, 2
the app a ‘star’) is that adverts take up half the 3 and select apps from the
screen after you’ve run a one-tap clean. We list that appears.
downloaded an app we didn’t want by
accidentally tapping the ad, so be careful.

Our rating ★★★★★

32 5 - 18 October 2016
 Best Free Apps

This fortnight’s top free and paid-for apps for Android, iOS and
Windows phones and tablets, and smart TVs

PHOTOGRAPHY NEW EDUCATION NEW SOCIAL NEW

Raw Mimo InterNations
bit.ly/raw407 bit.ly/mimo407 bit.ly/
Min Min interdroid407
requirements: requirements: bit.ly/interios407
iOS 9.3 iOS 8 Min
Size: 31MB Size: 27.2MB requirements:
Android 4.1,
Get professional- Some say iOS 8
level photo coding is “the Size:
editing, workflow new literacy”. 8.9MB (Android),
and even sales We think that’s 38.3MB (iOS)
tools on your going a bit far,
iPhone or iPad but the art of InterNations (www.internations.org) is
using this new building websites and apps is a social network for expats, with 2.3
app from photography-sharing site increasingly important in our digital million members spanning 390 cities
500px (500px.com). The app is a world. This new app aims to help you from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, and it’s
camera, editor, filter creator, metadata learn and master coding through finally launched its own app. Use it to
tool, gallery, marketplace and licensing interactive lessons and practical sign up to the InterNations community,
manager rolled into one. The editing assignments. Mimo is essentially a find and chat with expats nearby,
tool is particularly impressive, with digital textbook, with 11 courses (and discover events in your area and join
exposure and colour slider controls that more to come) on topics including groups based on your hobbies and
rival PC-based tools. As its name HTML, CSS and ‘Programming for interests. Some of the app’s functions
suggests, Raw supports Absolute Beginners’, each are buggy – events won’t
full-resolution RAW files, with two free chapters. If sync to the calendar, for
so for best results you you want more, you’ll have example – but it’s still
need a device with plenty to cough up £4.49 for a easier than using the site in
of storage and memory. monthly subscription. your mobile browser.

Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★

VIDEO NEW GET THE DEFINITIVE

Kronicle GUIDE TO ANDROID
bit.ly/kronicle407
Min requirements: iOS 7.1 Our updated
Size: 38.2MB Android MagBook
is packed with
Timelapses are halfway between 148 pages of apps,
photography and video. They’re workshops and
usually created by shooting a advice to unlock the
series of photos over time full potential of your
– perhaps by taking one photo tablet and phone.
per day from the same spot
– and then using the frames to Discover how to:
create a video that shows the • Master new tools in Lollipop
months flying by. Kronicle is a and Marshmallow
gorgeous new iOS app that lets • Stop apps leaking your
you use photos from a historical personal data
archive to create timelapses • Record anything on your phone
(‘Kronicles’) spanning years or even decades. Alternatively, you can and tablet
collaborate with other users to create a Kronicle showing the same • Prevent updates from wrecking
place through the eyes of many people. Filters and framing effects your device
are laid on, but the app’s emphasis is on Instagram-style sharing • Remove hidden junk so it never
rather than editing. Explore and comment on other people’s comes back
Kronicles from around the world, and get inspiration from the • Switch from iOS without
Popular section, as well as the Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ losing data
kronicle). An Android version is due to follow soon. Order it now from Amazon at
bit.ly/defguidetoandroid
Our rating ★★★★★

Recommend free phone apps at www.facebook.com/webusermagazine 5 - 18 October 2016 33

 Best Free Apps
AUTOMATION NEW PC TOOL NEW
Conscient DeskDock
bit.ly/conscient407 bit.ly/deskdock407
Min requirements: Android 5 Min requirements: Android 4.1
Size: 5.7MB Size: 1.5MB

Make your smartphone (or tablet) Turn your Android device into an extra
even smarter by setting apps to monitor for your PC using this clever
launch automatically when certain but fiddly app. Once you’ve connected
things happen. For example, you your computer to your phone or tablet
could set your music app to open and (or multiple Android devices), you can
play a specific playlist when you plug share clipboard content between
in headphones, or set a navigation them, use your PC’s mouse with your
app to open when you’re in the car. Android device and even create
It’s a little like IFTTT (‘if this, then that’), but it uses physical customised mouse actions for it. We love the idea, but found
actions as triggers, thanks to Google’s Awareness ‘context- the reality somewhat tricky – to use it, you need to install a
based’ technology (bit.ly/aware407). We found free program on your PC (bit.ly/deskpc407), run
it easy to set up and use – easier, in fact, than Java and install USB drivers for your device. If
IFTTT – but you can only set up three automatic that prospect doesn’t intimidate you, this could
triggers for free. If you want more, you’ll have to make a great weekend project, especially if
stump up for an in-app purchase, starting at 69p. you’ve got a spare Android device or two.

Our rating ★★★★★ Our rating ★★★★★

5 NEW APPS WORTH PAYING FOR

SYSTEM TOOL bomb. One wrong move and you could set off the ‘bomb’,
Screen off which you really don’t want at silly o’clock in the morning.
bit.ly/screenoff407
Min requirements: Android 4.3 MUSIC
Size: 1.5MB Price: 59p Frinky Music Controller Pro
Save battery life and spare your power bit.ly/frinky407
button by putting your screen to sleep Min requirements: Android 4.1
without locking your device. You can Size: 1.3MB Price: 69p
configure transition effects, Add extra controls to your Android
notifications and voice commands. music player or third-party music
app. Frinky includes a sleep timer and
MEDICAL gives you the ability to skip tracks (as
Medi Prompt well as change volume) using your
bit.ly/medi407 device’s volume buttons.
Min requirements: Android 2.3
Size: 5.3MB Price: 79p TRAVEL
This isn’t so much a first-aid app Pocket Guide Megaliths
as a memory aid for professional bit.ly/megadroid407
medics. It includes information bit.ly/megaios407
about examinations, responses and Min requirements: Android 4.0.3,
what to do in a major incident. iOS 9
Size: 38MB (Android), 42.4MB (iOS)
ALARM Price: £1.49
Disarm Alarm Explore 50,000 ancient and
bit.ly/disarm407 prehistoric sites around the world
Min requirements: Android using data gathered by Megalithic
4.4 Portal (www.megalithic.co.uk). The
Size: 61MB Price: 89p app even provides sunset and
Force yourself out of bed by moon-phase information, as well as
defusing a virtual ticking time historical and geographical facts.

Screen off Medi prompt Disarm Alarm Frinky Music Controller Pro Pocket Guide Megaliths

34 5 - 18 October 2016
 Best Free Apps

Best New TV Apps

FILM & TV VIDEO NEWS
Tubi TV Twitter BBC News
bit.ly/tubi407 twitter.com bit.ly/news407
bit.ly/iostubi407 Min requirements: Amazon Fire TV, Min requirements: Android (varies
Min requirements: Android 4.1, iOS 8 Apple TV, Xbox One with device), iOS 7
Size: 3MB (Android), 17.8MB (iOS) Size: Varies with device Size: 20.5MB

As a rule, services that offer films and The BBC News app has long had
TV shows for free either do so illegally filmed reports embedded in its
or feature such rubbish that they’re not stories, and now it’s gone a step
worth the bother. Tubi TV bucks this further with a dedicated section for
trend (sort of) with a large selection of videos. The new ‘Ten to Watch’
movies and series that aren’t completely playlist presents a round-up of top
awful or unlawful. Although the app has stories in video form, for those times
none of the blockbusters mentioned in when you’d rather watch the news
its description, such as Gladiator and than read it. The update is part of
Star Trek, its categories range from the Beeb’s Project Newstream,
Action and Horror to Comedy and which aims to bring new formats
Nature, and include such gems as 1962 Twitter is expanding into television with and storytelling methods to the 34
spookfest Carnival of Souls and some new apps for Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV million people who browse BBC
decent music documentaries. You need and Xbox One that let you stream live News on their mobile devices every
to sit through ads to enjoy the free video from the social network to your week. The videos in ‘Ten to Watch’
viewing, but you don’t need to register telly. The apps are free and you don’t change throughout the day. The
or enter any card details. need to register with Twitter to use feature is being rolled out gradually,
them, although if you do the content will so you might not see it yet.
be more personalised. As well as live
broadcasts, you can watch streams
from Twitter’s Periscope service and
selected GIFs from its Vine app, while
Apple TV users can view videos side by
side with tweets commenting on them
as a means of engaging with the action.
Currently, Twitter’s biggest coup is
screening NFL Football games to US
viewers, but we’re sure some UK-
specific live content is coming soon.

Don’t install... ...Install this instead

Stolen Car Checker Pro Vehicle Smart
bit.ly/stolen407 www.getvehiclesmart.com
Min requirements: Android 4.0, iOS 8
We like the idea behind this app, which alerts Size: 20MB
you if a vehicle you’re thinking of buying has
been reported stolen, but the execution leaves Described by one happy user as “the
a lot to be desired. For a start, it costs £3.56, must-have app for all motorists in the
whereas other, similar apps are free. Then UK”, Vehicle Smart lets you check
there’s the fact that MOT and tax information for any car
you need to enter a from your phone or tablet – for free.
car’s 17-digit vehicle- Just enter the vehicle’s make and
identification number registration number to see its full MOT
(VIN), which is tricky history, including advisory and failure
to do covertly and notices, tax status (including costs) and
accurately on your mileage, including distance travelled per
phone. And despite year. Vehicle Smart puts all this essential
claiming to search information at your fingertips in a clear,
20 international simple manner, which makes it the ideal
databases, it companion when you’re looking to buy a
doesn’t appear used car or you can’t remember when your
to cover the UK. MOT or tax is due.

Recommend
Recommend free
free TV
phone
appsapps
at www.facebook.com/webusermagazine
at www.facebook.com/webusermagazine 5 - 18 October 2016 35
 FAQ Everything you need to know about the most
interesting new technology trends and events

Food-delivery services
Feeling peckish but don’t want to go out? David Crookes thinks
you should get stuffed from one of the growing number of online
food-delivery services

What’s the deal?

In days gone by, ordering a takeaway
entailed hunting for paper menus
stuffed in drawers, making a phone
call and hoping the person on the
other end managed to write down
your order and home address
correctly. It also meant having a wallet
bursting with cash for when the driver
arrived. Today the situation is different.
You can now order meals from thousands
of restaurants entirely online, even if they
don’t have their own delivery drivers.

Is there a big appetite for this?

There is. Companies such as Just Eat
(www.just-eat.co.uk) and Hungry House
(hungryhouse.co.uk) have been acting
as intermediaries for a number of years,
providing an online ordering service for
restaurants and takeaways but leaving
the deliveries to the food outlets
themselves. But over the past year or
so, there has been a noticeable increase to other cities in the UK and abroad. Its
in online food-delivery services that use success has encouraged competition
their own drivers. Promising to take you from UberEats (ubereats.com), which
from hunger to a full belly faster than was created by the guys behind the
you can say “pepperoni 12in deep pan popular Uber taxi app, and more recently
with extra cheese”, they have greatly from Amazon (amazon.co.uk/
expanded the number of eateries that restaurants). There are many other
deliver to your home. services. Some, such as One Delivery
(one-delivery.co.uk) specialise in fast-
food, bringing you KFC, McDonald’s and
Burger King meals, while others, such as
Eat First (eatfirst.com), concentrate
Order a meal through Deliveroo and it
entirely on the finest-quality lunches and could be delivered within half an hour
dinners from top chefs.
Amazon Restaurants (which is available
How do they work? only to Prime members) within the hour.
Typically, you just visit the service’s
website or install its app, then choose a Why can’t I just use a
type of cuisine to see relevant food restaurant’s own site?
Just Eat has been around for several years providers in your area. Select the food You can – if it has one. However, many
and has really annoying TV ads and drink you want from the online menu independent eateries don’t have a proper
and the service will pass your order to website, let alone an online payment
Which companies are involved? the takeaway or restaurant. A driver then system or their own delivery service, so if
One of the best known is Deliveroo brings the food to your door – Deliveroo you were to place an order, you’d have to
(deliveroo.co.uk), which launched in 2013 delivers in 32 minutes, on average, go and collect the food yourself. By
to serve London and quickly expanded UberEats in less than half an hour and bringing restaurants and takeaways

36 5 - 18 October 2016
 Food-delivery services

together in one place, delivery

services allow food outlets to benefit
from a simple, speedy ordering
process, while the likes of Deliveroo
also give food outlets access to
their delivery drivers. coverage. Deliveroo,
for example, is available
How do I know the food in more than 40 areas of
is good? the UK and hopes to double the
Some food-delivery sites let number by the end of the year.
customers leave reviews and ratings, You don’t need to tip your UberEats driver,
while others promise to sign up only What if there are no good but don’t expect them to smile
the best-quality restaurants. Most restaurants where I live?
also have a complaints procedure Maybe you should move somewhere else. Do I have to pay for deliveries?
that offers protection if you have a Only joking – Deliveroo has come up with Deliveroo charges its customers £2.50
problem with a particular eatery. a solution to that particular problem. It for a delivery, while Just Eat and Hungry
has invested in an initiative called House allow their restaurants and
RooBox that allows a restaurant from takeaways to decide whether and
another part of town to set up a kitchen how much to charge. UberEats is
in an under-served yet populous location delivering food for free while it
to broaden its potential customer base. establishes itself, and Amazon
Deliveroo would be the only delivery Restaurants is currently offering a
company serving the satellite kitchen, £10 discount on orders. It’s certainly
making the move mutually beneficial. worth shopping around.

THE DARKER SIDE OF DELIVERY SERVICES

Avoid food poisoning by reading other What’s so controversial about self-employed, they are not entitled to
diners’ experiences of restaurants these services? holiday or sick pay. Both Deliveroo
Deliveroo and UberEats in particular and UberEats deny giving their drivers
How do I pay for my meals? have come under fire for the way they a raw deal, though.
Although you can often choose to pay on treat their drivers. Earlier this year,
delivery, the services encourage you to Deliveroo threatened to scrap its And the companies?
pay beforehand through their sites. You hourly rate of £7 plus £1 per delivery in UberEats told The Guardian (bit.ly/
can set up an account with your card favour of a £3.75 payment per delivery. uber407) that its couriers can take
details to make it easier to pay for future Meanwhile, drivers for UberEats earn home more than the London living
deliveries or enter your details every time £3.30 plus a mileage fee for every off- wage during lunch and dinner times
you order a meal. In either case, the peak delivery they make, minus a 25% (when the company pays a bonus of
delivery site, rather than the food outlet, fee. These fees prompted dozens of up to £4 per delivery) while Deliveroo
processes your money, passing on the delivery moped riders and cyclists to says new-contract drivers working
cash – minus a fee – to the takeaway or protest against the changes and, as a during the busiest times can earn
restaurant. The service won’t share your result, Deliveroo gave workers the more than twice what they would have
financial details, so they’re safe. chance to opt out of the new system. received under the old system.
Crucially, it seems that pay-per-
What if these companies don’t What do the drivers say? delivery methods are important to the
serve my area? The drivers say per-delivery payments survival of these companies.
JustEat and HungryHouse list tens don’t take into account the fact that
of thousands of takeaways and they often have to hang around while Are the restaurants happy,
restaurants across the UK, and there will food is being cooked and readied for though?
invariably be one that delivers to you. delivery. They also argue that if no They appear to be – if they weren’t,
But newer services such as Deliveroo, orders are coming through, they are you’d expect them to withdraw
UberEats and Amazon Restaurants only left twiddling their thumbs without a from the services. That said, some
operate in certain areas, so it’s a case wage. Since the drivers are classed as takeaway owners have had
of waiting for them to expand their reservations about the sheer number
of listings that appear on some sites,
which makes it harder for them to
stand out. There are also concerns
about the fees. Just Eat, for instance,
has a sign-up fee of £699 plus VAT
and charges restaurants 14%
commission on orders. It justifies this
by claiming that a takeaway’s revenue
from online ordering is typically more
than 25% higher than from orders
Deliveroo drivers have complained that
Amazon Restaurants currently only delivers the company is giving them a raw deal made over the phone.
to people living in central London

Discuss food-delivery services at forum.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 37

How to Hack…

WINDOWS10’s
SECRETSETTINGS Want to improve Windows 10 without messing up your PC?
COVER E Wayne Williams reveals how to make Microsoft’s operating
R
FEATU system look and work exactly the way you want

38 5 - 18 October 2016
 COVER E
How to hack Windows 10’s secret settings FEATU
R

B
y now you’re probably quite familiar with Windows to elevate it from a good operating system to a great one.
10, even if you waited until the end of the free You won’t need to pay for extra hardware or software, or
upgrade period to start using the new operating (aside from one tweak) mess around in the Registry, either.
system. We’re also willing to bet that there are things you In this feature, we reveal the most useful hacks for
don’t like about it, or that you think could be done better improving and customising Windows 10. Over the
or more like they were in a previous version of Windows. following pages, you’ll learn how to change the way
The good news is that you don’t have to put up with Windows 10 looks and works, disable features you hate
these niggles, because you can easily tweak Windows 10 and restore functions that you miss.

RESTORE THE FEATURES YOU MISS

Bring back Desktop Gadgets
Windows 7 lets you place floating Get back Windows Media Center
gadgets, such as clocks, calendars, Microsoft dropped Media
photos, news feeds and system Center from Windows 10,
monitors, on your Desktop. This feature replacing it with an
was removed from Windows 8 onwards optional, expensive and
due to what Microsoft describes as very basic DVD player.
“serious vulnerabilities”, but lots of However, you can restore
people liked gadgets. If you’re one this useful software by
of them, you can get the feature installing an unofficial
back by installing the third-party new release called WMC
tool 8GadgetPack (8gadgetpack. for Windows 10. This is
net). Despite its name it works available to download for
fine with Windows 10, although, free from Google Drive in
annoyingly, some of the 50+ gadgets 32-bit (bit.ly/wmc32-407) You can restore Windows Media Center
available aren’t compatible with the and 64-bit (bit.ly/wmc64- to Windows 10 by installing WMC
Anniversary Update – at least until 407) editions. Because
8GadgetPack itself is updated. the WMC files are rather large, Google Drive can’t scan them for malware, so
Another alternative is Gadgets before you install either version it’s worth checking the download with your
Revived (gadgetsrevived.com). antivirus program or VirusTotal (www.virustotal.com) to make sure it’s not
Download the sidebar and then choose harbouring anything nasty (both were clean at the time of writing).
some gadgets to put in it. You’ll find a Extract the WMC folder to your system drive and open it. Right-click
Control Panel option for Gadgets _TestRights.cmd and choose ‘Run as administrator’. Then right-click Installer.
Revived under ‘Appearance and cmd and select ‘Run as administrator’ again. Exit when prompted. When you
Personalisation’, Desktop Gadgets. want to run the program, you can either search for ‘Media Center’ or launch it
through Windows Accessories in the Start menu. For easier access, pin WMC to
Restore the Windows Experience Start or your taskbar.
Index
Windows Experience Index, or WEI
for short, is a basic benchmarking primary hard drive. WEI isn’t the most can perform the same function by
tool in Windows 7 (and Vista) that informative benchmarking tool around, installing ChrisPC Win Experience Index
rates the performance of your PC but it helps you identify which areas 4 (www.chris-pc.com). Download the
and gives it an overall score out of of your system are the weakest and software and run it to find out how your
10, as well as individual scores for would benefit most from an upgrade. system performs – but make sure you
your computer’s processor, memory, Microsoft dropped WEI from decline the bundled RelevantKnowledge
graphics, gaming graphics and Windows 8 and later versions, but you junk during installation.

Floating Desktop gadgets were last seen in Windows 7, but you Benchmark your PC to find out how well it performs, and how
can bring them back by installing 8GadgetPack your various components measure up

5 - 18 October 2016 39
 CHANGE THE WAY WINDOWS 10 WORKS
Limit Microsoft’s data gathering diagnostics data and
Windows 10 spies on its users in two ‘enhanced insights’ about
ways. The first is that it collects data how you use the apps
about how you use the operating installed on your PC and
system (how you speak or type, for how stable they are.
example) to improve the way Windows If you want even greater
responds. However, it also reports control, you can use Spybot
‘telemetry’ data back to Microsoft. This Anti-Beacon (bit.ly/anti-
includes details of your hardware, how beacon407) to adjust a host
long you spend using Windows, details of hidden telemetry settings
of any crashes and other information in Windows 10. See our Mini
that could prove useful to the company. Workshop below to find out
If you don’t like the idea of your data how to use the program.
being collected like this, you can limit
the amount of telemetry information Stop Windows 10
Windows passes back to Microsoft by spying on you
clicking Start and opening Settings. As well as addressing
Open the Privacy section and scroll Microsoft’s telemetry
down to ‘Feedback & diagnostics’. Here gathering, you might want to
you can set how and when Windows take control of other details O&O ShutUp10 makes it easier to find and
asks you for feedback, and change what Windows 10 records. The change your privacy settings in Windows 10
device data it sends to Microsoft. This Privacy section of Settings
option will probably say ‘Full contains lots of options that you can Skip the Windows 10 login screen
(Recommended)’ by default. You can’t enable or disable, but they’re spread If you’re the only person who uses your
disable it completely, but you can switch over numerous categories. This PC, you can save time by setting it to
it to Basic, which stops your PC sending confusing arrangement makes it much bypass the Login screen and boot to the
harder to find everything, let alone work Desktop. Open the Start menu and type
out what you should be changing. For run. Press Enter, and type netplwiz
total peace of mind, you’ll want to make into the Run box. Click OK and highlight
sure you don’t miss anything important. your account. Untick ‘Users must enter a
Thankfully, there are plenty of username and password to use this
third-party apps that gather all the computer’. Click Apply, then enter your
privacy settings together, making it password twice and confirm it.
easier to find and disable those you To check that it has worked, reboot
don’t like. Try O&O ShutUp10 (bit.ly/ your PC and it should go straight to the
shutup407) or Windows 10 Privacy Desktop. If you want to restore the
Fixer (bit.ly/privfix407), both of which Login screen, repeat the process but
Stop Windows 10 sending data list all the privacy options from across tick the ‘Users must enter a username
about your activities to Microsoft Windows 10 in one place. and password to use this computer’ box.

MINI WORKSHOP | Block telemetry gathering using Spybot Anti-Beacon

2 1 4
1

2 3

1 3
2

1 Spybot Anti-Beacon was designed

to block telemetry tracking in
Windows 10, but it works in earlier
2 From the ‘Show options’ screen, you
can choose what to block. Click the
Immunize button 1 and the software
3 The Optional tab 1 displays other
items you can block. Click the
Apply button next to an item to block
versions, too. You can install it or use will block all the telemetry elements (or it 2 or Undo 3 to reverse a change.
the portable version if you prefer. Run just those you selected), leaving your Don’t block something unless you
the program, and it will tell you that no computer fully protected. 2 Click Undo know exactly what it does, because
protection has been applied yet. 1 3 if you want to roll back the changes this might cause a feature you use to
Click ‘Show options’ 2 if you want to and allow telemetry gathering again. stop working. The Log tab 4 lists all
view advanced details. the changes you’ve made.

40 5 - 18 October 2016
 COVER E
How to hack Windows 10’s secret settings FEATU
R

CHANGE THE WAY WINDOWS 10 LOOKS MINI WORKSHOP

Replace Windows 10’s Start
Customise the Start menu compatible with Windows 10 – and menu with Classic Shell
There are several ways to customise the highly sophisticated Start10
Start in Windows 10, but the easiest (bit.ly/start10-407), which costs
is to use Windows’ own settings. $4.99 (£3.82). A free 30-day trial is 1 2
Click Start, open Settings then click available, but make sure you reject
Personalisation and select Start. the offer to install Fences when
From here you can change the installing the software.
number of tiles that appear in Start
and toggle ‘suggestions’ (essentially Tweak the Windows 10
adverts) on or off. You can also Taskbar
show your ‘most used’ and ‘recently There are plenty of changes you 3
added’ apps, and switch between a can make to the Windows 10
Start menu and a Start screen. taskbar too. To access Windows’
What’s more, you can choose which own controls, right-click the taskbar
folders – such as File Explorer,
Settings, Downloads Pictures, and
Network – appear on Start.
and go to Settings. The window
that opens includes options to lock
the taskbar, hide it in Desktop or
1 Once you’ve installed Classic Shell, click
the Start button and you’ll see that
the Windows 10 menu has been replaced
tablet mode, use small taskbar by a Windows 7-style one. Instead of
buttons, show badges on buttons tiles, you’ll see a list of programs 1 and
(to indicate that you have unread a sidebar showing common file locations
messages, for example) and choose and Windows settings. 2 You can
a different location for the bar (left, search for programs and files here. 3
right, top or bottom). You can also
combine taskbar buttons, choose
3 4
which notifications appear and – if

An easy way to hack the Start menu is

to change Personalisation settings 2

If you want to make more

advanced changes – such as
replacing Windows 10’s Start menu
with a Windows 7-style version –
2 To customise the new menu, right-click
the Start button and select Settings.
Classic Shell offers three different
the excellent Classic Shell tool Windows 10 gives you greater control customisable Start menu styles, 1 and
over the taskbar than ever before
(www.classicshell.net) is ideal. This you can even replace the default Start
free program lets you apply dozens you have more than one monitor button with an alternative. 2 Adjust the
of customisations – read our Mini attached to your PC – specify which menu’s behaviour under Basic Settings 3
Workshop on the right to find out screens the taskbar appears on. and customise its look under Skin. 4
how to use it. Other useful If you’d like to go further than
customisation tools include IObit Windows 10’s options allow, try 7+
Start Menu 8 (bit.ly/sm8-407) – Taskbar Tweaker (bit.ly/7tt407).
which, despite its name, is fully This free program was originally
designed for
Windows 7, but it 2 1
works with all later
versions of
Microsoft’s
3
operating system,
including Windows
4
10 Anniversary
Update. All the
program’s tweaks
are presented on a
single screen, with
3 As well as replacing the Start menu,
Classic Shell lets you customise File
Explorer. To do this, click the Shell button 1
categories that or, if it isn’t there, the down arrow under
include Taskbar Options, 2 and select Classic Explorer Bar.
Items, Grouping You can change the navigation pane style 3
Take complete control of your Start menu and Combining, and other options, such as breadcrumbs. 4
using the paid-for program Start10 and Other. You can

5 - 18 October 2016 41
 Enable the dark theme
Windows 10 Anniversary Update comes
with a dark theme that completely
changes the look of the operating
system, including the Start menu and
apps. To switch to this smart new
theme, click Start and open Settings.
Click Personalisation, then click the
Colours option on the left. Scroll to the
bottom and you’ll see an entry that says
‘Choose your app mode’. Change this
Make more extensive changes to your from Light to Dark, then turn off the
taskbar using 7+ Taskbar Tweaker options ‘Make Start, taskbar, and action
centre transparent’, ‘Show colour on Windows 10’s new dark theme gives the
use the program to apply a range of Start, taskbar, and action centre’ and OS a smarter, if more sombre, look
advanced hacks, such as hiding the ‘Show colour on title bar’.
Start and Show Desktop buttons, and This change isn’t applied to every such as File Explorer, remain in light
reserving empty space on the taskbar. program or feature in Windows – some, mode. But it certainly looks stylish.

DISABLE THE FEATURES YOU HATE

Remove Cortana from your and flick the ‘Lock
PC’s Lock screen screen’ toggle to Off.
The Windows 10 Anniversary Update
puts Cortana on your Lock screen so Disable Cortana
that you can use the personal assistant completely
without needing to sign into or unlock Microsoft’s personal
your PC. If you never use Cortana, this assistant Cortana is
change will seem pointless and perhaps useful for lots of things,
even such as searching the
annoying, web, setting reminders,
but identifying a song that’s
disabling playing, performing
the feature calculations and
is easy. checking the weather, If you can’t stand Cortana, disable it completely
Just click but if you have no use for
the it, or you prefer to search for things in Group Policy Editor. This is available in
Cortana the more traditional way, you can the ‘professional’ versions of Windows
button disable the feature. In the Anniversary 10 but not the Home edition.
next to Update, Microsoft made Cortana much To curtail Cortana in the professional
Start, harder to kill by removing the ‘Off’ versions, click Start, type gpedit.msc
Change Cortana’s settings
to stop it appearing on choose switch in ‘Cortana and search settings’, and hit enter. Navigate to Computer
Windows 10’s lock screen Settings but you can disable it anyway using the Configuration, Administrative
Templates, Windows Components,
Search. Locate the Allow Cortana
Uninstall unwanted apps option and double-click it. Select
Windows 10 comes bundled with some apps you’re never likely to use, such as Disabled, then click Apply and OK to
3D Builder, Groove Music, Candy Crush Soda Saga and Feedback Hub. To turn off the feature.
remove any you don’t want, go to Start, Settings, System and select ‘Apps & Windows 10 Home users will need to
features’ on the left. Select apply a Registry tweak (the only one in
an unwanted app and click this feature!) instead. Click Start, type
the Uninstall button for it. regedit and press Enter. Navigate to
You can remove unwanted HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\
apps in bulk by using IObit Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows
Uninstaller 6 (bit.ly/ Search. Right-click Windows Search and
uninstaller405). Select select New, Dword (32-bit) Value. Call
Windows Apps on the left, this AllowCortana, then double-click it.
then click the Windows Apps Set its value to 0 and click OK.
heading and pick the ones
you don’t want. Click Hide the Windows Defender icon
Uninstall to remove them all. Some users who upgrade to the
We’ll be taking a closer Anniversary Edition report seeing a new
look at uninstalling icon for Windows Defender appear in
unwanted software in next Use IObit Uninstaller to get rid of any Windows 10 the System Tray. If you don’t want it
issue’s cover feature. apps you don’t want there you can get rid of it in one of two
ways. The first is to right-click the

42 5 - 18 October 2016
 COVER E
How to hack Windows 10’s secret settings FEATU
R

taskbar and select Task Manager. Click

the More Details button, then click the THE RISE OF WINDOWS 10
Start-up tab. Select the ‘Windows
Defender notification’ entry, click the According to official figures from Microsoft
Disable button and restart your PC (or (bit.ly/wintrends407), Windows 10
log off and back on again). When accounted for 39% of the global Windows
Windows restarts, the icon will be gone. market in June, just behind Windows 7,
The other option is to click Start and which had 46%. In the UK and US, the share
type icons. Click ‘Select which icons was even higher, with Windows 10 on 51%
appear on the taskbar’ and disable the and 50% respectively, versus 36% and 38%
icon from there. for Windows 7. Those figures are for PC and
tablet but not phone. Microsoft records
Remove your empty agenda Windows installations, so the figures
from the clock include PCs that haven’t been sold yet, and
If you click the taskbar clock in ignores older versions, such as Vista and Microsoft’s figures
Windows 10 Anniversary Update, you’ll XP. However, with three more months to for June 2016 (Globally)
see a calendar and daily agenda below factor in since June, Windows 10 may
that. If you don’t use the calendar app already have overtaken Windows 7 globally,
and never schedule events in Windows, which is a massive achievement.
the feature serves no purpose, and The figures are at odds with those from
being reminded of your empty agenda NetMarketShare (netmarketshare.com),
every day may even prove depressing. however, which records usage rather than 39% 46%
You can easily banish this element by installations, and places Windows 10 at 23% Windows 10 Windows 7
clicking the ‘Hide agenda’ option in the globally in August, dwarfed by Windows 7
bottom-right corner, or if you prefer you on 47%. XP still has around 9%.
can remove it entirely. Whichever figures you believe, Windows
To do this, click Start, Settings and 10 is doing well and, surprisingly, the recent 13%
select Privacy. Click Calendar on the switch from free to paid hasn’t had much of Windows
8.1
left-hand side and, in the right-hand an impact on the new operating system’s
pane, toggle ‘Let apps access my growth – at least not yet.
calendar’ to Off. Now when you click the
2% – Windows 8
clock, the agenda will be gone.
It’s worth pointing out that some Pause automatic updates then type net stop bits, and press
apps, including People, require access Windows 10 automatically downloads Enter again. Finally type net stop
to the calendar to work properly, so updates in the background. Thankfully, dosvc. Press Enter, then close the
bear this mind if you use any of them. the Anniversary Update lets you set window. To resume downloads, open
Active Hours to stop the OS installing Command Prompt (Admin) and type
updates and restarting your system net start wuauserv, and Press Enter.
while you’re busy. Open Start, and click Type net start bits and press Enter
the Settings button, then go to ‘Update again. Finally, type net start dosvc,
& security’ and specify your Active press Enter and close the window.
Hours there.
You can also pause
updates through the
Command Prompt. Right-
click the Start button and
select ‘Command Prompt
Nothing on the agenda today? Then why (Admin)’. Type net stop You can hack Windows 10 to stop it
not get rid of the agenda altogether? wuauserv and press Enter, downloading updates automatically

NEXT ISSUE on sale Wednesday 19 October 2016

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5 - 18 October 2016 43
Best free
video-editing
software
You don’t need to pay to
get good video-editing
software. Edward Munn
rounds up six of the best
free tools for creating
perfect home movies

Windows Movie Maker | bit.ly/essential407 | ★★★★

★★★★★
FEATURES ★★★★
★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★
★★★★★ EASE OF USE ★★★★★

What we liked:
Wh Movie Maker gives
Fro
From 10 January 2017, you full control over
Microsoft will withdraw the ‘Video volume’
Windows Movie Maker for every clip, and
and the other programs in you can split audio
the Windows Essentials tracks where
2012
201 bundle from its necessary to change
website.
web That’s a shame, the music’s volume
because although Windows Movie for a particular
Maker hasn’t had a major update for section. The
several years, we think it still offers the program’s handy
best combination of usability and tools ‘Fade in’ and ‘Fade
of all the video editors in this roundup. out’ tools also help
Importing your raw footage is as ensure there are no
simple as dragging and dropping abrupt start or end
video clips (or images if you’re making points on your
a slide show) to the program. Once video’s soundtrack.
there, they appear on a simple timeline Movie Maker includes all the tools you that it will soon be available from
where you can reorder, trim or split need to put together a typical home the Windows Store for Windows 10
them with frame-by-frame precision. video, including options to speed up or users, so it may have a future yet. We
Clicking the Animation or Visual Effects slow down your clips and add title or also found Movie Maker a little slow
tabs lets you add a wide range of credit screens. Unlike many of its when working with very large files.
transitions and effects to your clips, competitors, it doesn’t impose any
and you can preview each one simply restrictions on file formats or resolution,
by hovering your cursor over it. To and it includes handy tools for sharing OUR VERDICT
add a soundtrack, you can either drag your project through Facebook, Movie Maker remains the free video
and drop music files of your choice or YouTube, Vimeo and OneDrive. editor to beat, thanks to its
click ‘Add music’. The program even user-friendly interface and strong
lets you add a personal commentary How it can be improved: set of tools. There’s no better
by clicking ‘Record narration’. Our main criticism of Windows Movie program to install if you’re
It’s rarely practical to have the video’s Maker is that the current version embarking on your first video edit,
audio and your incidental music at the won’t be supported for much longer. so download it while you still can.
same volume throughout a movie, so However, Microsoft has promised

44 5 - 18 October 2016
 Video-editing software

VSDC Free | bit.ly/vsdc407 | ★★★★

★★★★★ BEST OF THE REST
FEATURES ★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ EASE OF USE ★★★
★★★★★
DaVinci Resolve
What we liked:
Wh bit.ly/davinci407
VSD
VSDC is one of the most DaVinci Resolve is primarily a
powerful free video colour-correction tool but it offers
editors available. As well professional-level video editing too.
as tools for making basic While experienced video editors will
edits such as splitting clips get to grips with the interface
and speeding up or slowing straight away, novices are likely to
down footage, it offers a range find the abundance of tools
of advanced video effects including overwhelming. We also found that
transformations, filters and colour the program took ages to install and
adjustments. You can add text, shapes and an impressive range of web-based run, so we’d
and animations, and the program articles to help you use the program. recommend
includes advanced audio-editing tools. trying one of
Unlike our other award winners, VSDC How it can be improved: our award
lets you manage your media files in Although VSDC offers more helpful winners
layers, as you can with the best image- documentation than ever before, it’s instead,
editing software, which gives you an still harder to get to grips with than unless you
unmatched level of control. The editor either of our other award winners. Its have a very
supports all popular video and audio interface is a little cluttered, too. powerful PC.
formats, and offers handy presets for
exporting your videos to different Lightworks
devices. Even though it’s the free OUR VERDICT bit.ly/lightworks407
version of paid-for software, VSDC VSDC has some of the best features This professional-level software was
imposes no significant restrictions and of all the free video editors we used to edit classic films including
includes useful tools for screen tested, but you’ll need to set aside Pulp Fiction, LA Confidential and
capturing and creating slideshows. time to learn how to use them. It’s Heat. If you simply want to
Since our last round-up in Issue 355 ideal for ambitious video editors assemble a handful of clips from a
(bit.ly/webuser355), VSDC’s makers who want more control, though. recent holiday, you’ll find that
have introduced a ‘Get Started’ guide, figuring out how to use the program
is more trouble than it’s worth. It’ll
reward those who are attempting
more ambitious edits with its
Vidiot | bit.ly/vidiot407 | ★★★★
★★★★★ unrivalled
FEATURES ★★★
★★★★★ PERFORMANCE ★★★★★ EASE OF USE ★★★★★
power and
precision,
Wh
What we liked: although the
Vid
Vidiot is a lightweight free version
video editor with all the has limited
tools most people will export
ever need. Once you’ve options.
imported your video files,
you can build your montage Shotcut
by dragging and dropping clips bit.ly/shotcut407
to reorder them. Simply click and drag Shotcut is a powerful open-source
the ends of clips to trim their length, offers a range of video formats in which video editor for Windows, Linux and
and add cross-fade transitions by to export your creation. Mac. Like our award winners, it lets
right-clicking a clip and selecting ‘Fade you build a montage by trimming
from previous’ or ‘Fade to next’. How it can be improved: and splitting your clips and
You can change a clip’s speed or Our biggest gripe is that Vidiot doesn’t arranging them on a timeline. It
transparency by selecting it and using have a tool for splitting clips, but we supports a wide range of formats
the controls in the Details window. Here worked around this by duplicating clips and includes an impressive array of
you can also perform a range of and trimming them. There’s no option to video effects and filters. Despite its
transformations including cropping, overlay a title or credits either. relatively simple interface, however,
rotation and scaling. You can give your we found it
movie a soundtrack by importing your confusing,
own audio files, as with our other award OUR VERDICT and even
winners, and Vidiot even lets you For quick, simple edits, Vidiot is as simple tasks
separate a video clip from its audio good a tool as any, and we love its such as
track so you can edit them simplicity. However, if you’re looking adding a
independently. When you’ve made all for a wide range of video effects or soundtrack
your changes, you can preview your transitions, you’re better off with felt like
montage by jumping to the start and one of the other award winners. hard work.
pressing the spacebar. Vidiot then

Discuss video-editing software at forum.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 45

Use multiple accounts
on the same device
Using the same service on more than one account
is easy on a computer, but much trickier on a
phone or tablet. Edward Munn reveals a few simple
ways to double up

WHATSAPP number with one device at a time, so if

you set up a new account in Parallel
GOOGLE
Your WhatsApp account is Space, you’ll be logged out of You can log into multiple
linked to your phone number, WhatsApp on any devices that use the Google accounts on your
which makes it easy for your same phone number. Android device and quickly
friends and family to find you and get in switch between them, which is very
touch. One downside to this, however, is useful if you have different accounts for
that the app won’t let you have more
than one account on the same device,
FACEBOOK your work and home lives. The easiest
way to add a second Google account is
even if your phone can accept two SIM Parallel Space lets you clone to use the Gmail app. Simply open the
cards – see ‘Ask the Expert’ on page 66. many popular apps, including app’s sidebar and tap the down arrow
Thankfully, you can get round this by Facebook, Twitter, Gmail and next to your email address, then choose
installing an amazing free Android app Netflix, so you can log into and switch ‘Add account’. Once you’ve added an
called Parallel Space (bit.ly/parallel407). between account, you can switch to it in any
This lets you clone many of your apps to multiple Google app, including Drive, Calendar
a new, virtual environment on your accounts. If and Docs, by opening the app’s sidebar
phone, where you can create and use a you’ve and tapping the appropriate email
second, different account. already address. Selecting ‘Manage Accounts’
Unlike many other apps that let you installed from this menu lets you choose which
do this, the app by apps sync with each Google account.
Parallel following In Gmail, you can choose ‘All inboxes’
Space is the steps in to view all your emails in a single, unified
available our first tip, inbox. You can also open the Settings
directly from it makes menu to configure each email account,
the Google sense to including whether or not it sends you
Play store use it for notifications. To delete a Google
and doesn’t other apps account, open Accounts from the
require you it supports.
to root your However,
device. Just if you’d
make sure rather log
the SIM card into a second Facebook account
for the new without installing any additional apps
account is (perhaps to let a friend access the social
installed in network on your device), the easiest
your device way is to use your web browser. Visit
before setup, because you’ll be required www.facebook.com in any browser app,
to enter an SMS-verification code to and you can log into an account without
complete the process. being logged out of your Facebook app.
If you’ve just changed your phone Bear in mind that if the account has
number, Parallel Space offers a handy two-step authentication activated, you
way to use both your old and new won’t be able to log in unless you have
number in WhatsApp on the same already approved the browser, or you
device. Just remember that WhatsApp have access to the account on another
only lets you associate each phone device to approve the log in.

46 5 - 18 October 2016
 Use multiple accounts

TWITTER feature. Introduced with iOS 8, this lets

you share apps, music, ebooks and
Like Instagram, Twitter lets you anything else you’ve bought from the
log into more than one account iTunes Store with up to five other family
from its mobile app, which is members by setting up Apple IDs linked
handy if you want to post tweets on to your account. It’s even available for
behalf of a business or club as well as children under the age of 13, and an ‘Ask
from your own personal account. To log to Buy’ option is enabled by default so
into a second account on the Android they can’t make any purchases without
app, tap the account thumbnail in the your permission. To enable Family
top-left corner, then select the down Sharing, open Settings, tap iCloud and
arrow in the header to open a drop- choose ‘Set up Family Sharing’, then
down menu. From here, you can choose follow the instructions on screen.
either to ‘Create new account’ or ‘Add It’s also worth noting that you can
existing account’, as appropriate. Once sign into iCloud and ‘iTunes & App
you’ve added a second account, you Store’ using different Apple IDs on one
can switch between them by tapping device. To log into a different iCloud
the down arrow in the header again. If account, simply open Settings, select
you’re using an iOS device, you’ll need iCloud and swipe the page up until you
to select the Accounts icon from the see the option to Sign Out at the
app’s Me tab and then select ‘More bottom. To do the same thing for iTunes,
options’. From here, choose either tap ‘iTunes & App Store’ in the Settings
Android Settings app and select ‘Create new account’ or ‘Add an existing menu, select your Apple ID and choose
Google. Tap the account you want to account’. Once you’ve added an Sign Out. You can also use a different
delete, then select the three-dot button account, you can toggle between them Apple ID account for Messages. To do
and tap ‘Remove account’. by selecting the Accounts icon again. this, simply open Messages from
Settings, tap ‘Send & Receive’ and you
can select your Apple ID to sign out.
INSTAGRAM
Unlike the services we’ve
ADD GUEST USERS
looked at so far, Instagram lets IN ANDROID
you log into more than one
account directly from its mobile app. To If your Android device runs
do this, open your profile, tap the Lollipop or a later version of the
three-dot button and swipe all the way operating system, you can allow
down the page until you see Add someone else to use your phone
Account. Tap it and, from the screen or tablet as a guest, which gives
that them access to some features but
appears, not all the information on your
you can
either log in
APPLE ID device. To add a new guest user,
open the Quick Settings menu by
with an If you want to let your family use swiping down from the top of any
existing iOS apps you’ve bought but keep screen with two fingers. Next, tap
account or your Messages, Photos, FaceTime ‘Add guest’ or Guest.
tap the and other Apple apps to yourself, you If you regularly share your
‘Sign up’ can do so using Apple’s Family Sharing Android device with friends or
button to family, you can set up a new user
create a profile for them so they have their
new one. own space to create custom home
Once you’ve screens and install apps. To add a
logged in, new user, open Settings and tap
you can Users, ‘Add user’ and OK. These
switch features might vary or be
between unavailable on Android devices
accounts from some manufacturers.
using the drop-down menu on your
profile. Instagram lets you use up to five
accounts at once, and if you want to
remove an account, tap the three-dot
menu button on the appropriate profile
and then swipe up until you see the
option to ‘Log Out of X’. From this
menu, you can also select Push
Notifications to specify whether or not
you want to receive notifications for
activity relating to that account.

Discuss ways to use multiple accounts at forum.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 47

Search deeper
THAN THE WEB
Typing search queries into Google only gets you so far.
Robert Irvine explains how to find information, people and
content that doesn’t appear in web search results

Search across legal if you’ve ever tried using

streaming services Facebook’s own search
There are so many streaming services facility, you’ll know how
these days that by the time you’ve frustrating it can be, despite
searched them all to find a particular the company’s promise last
film or TV show, you’re probably ready year to make every public
to go to bed. Typing Watch [title] post searchable. Other
into Google isn’t much help because it social-media sites aren’t
yields lots of irrelevant results, including much better, but fortunately
YouTube trailers, dodgy torrent sites help is at hand from Social
and silly ‘clickbait’ articles. A much Searcher (www.social-
better option is to use the marvellous searcher.com). This lets
JustWatch (www.justwatch.com/uk), you search across all the
which lets you search all the main main social networks from
video-on-demand services in one one place and filter your
place. Enter the title of a movie or results to find exactly what
TV series and JustWatch will scour you’re looking for.
providers including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Just type your query into Use Social Searcher to find information from all the big
social networks at once
Now TV, ITV Hub, Apple iTunes, Google Social Searcher’s search box
Play and Prime Instant Video, and tell to see matches on services including Zuckerberg no longer allows third-
you exactly where you can stream, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Reddit, party search tools unlimited access to
rent or buy it. Click a result to open it on Tumblr, YouTube, Flickr and more, his site. However, you can get Social
the relevant service or add it to which you can then sort by date or Searcher to scour Facebook by
you Watch List to view later. popularity. Further options let you entering the URLs of specific pages,
Just Watch also offers free apps for deselect networks you’re not interested for example https://www.facebook
Android and iOS (bit.ly/just407) that let in, view only certain types of content .com/webusermagazine.
you set price-drop alerts for specific such as photos or status updates, and The free version of Social Searcher
rentals and purchases. even filter results according to their limits you to 100 searches a day, but if
sentiment – positive, negative or neutral. you need to make more, you can buy a
You’ll notice that we didn’t mention subscription from £3 a month. This also
Facebook. That’s because Mark adds useful features such as social-
network monitoring.

Search across online-

storage accounts
Do you know exactly which of your files
are saved in Google Drive, Dropbox and
other cloud services? We bet you don’t,
and neither do we, which means you
need to visit each individually when
JustWatch shows you where to stream
and download TV shows and films looking for a specific item. Unless, that
is, you sign up with the excellent Xendo
Search across social (xen.do), which lets you search multiple
networks online accounts simultaneously and find
Although Facebook posts and Twitter any file in seconds.
tweets often appear in Google search Simply register with the site, select
results, the ‘walled garden’ approach of the services you use from the list –
the big social networks makes it difficult Tell Social Searcher which sites to which includes Dropbox, Google Drive,
for Google to find specific content. But check and the type and tone of content OneDrive, Box, Pocket, Evernote and

48 5 - 18 October 2016
 Search
Search deeper
deeper than
than the
the web
web

connection to use In Apps, and only you

can see the results. Google says its
search capabilities will be extended to
more apps over the coming months.

Get an instant answer to

any question
Google is constantly refining its
responses to properly phrased
questions, such as: ‘what’s the time in
Rio?’, ‘is it going to rain today?’ and
‘what noise does a cow make?’, but it
still can’t compare to the amazing
computational power of Wolfram Alpha
(www.wolframalpha.com). Ask this brain
box virtually anything, and rather than
returning a list of possibly relevant web
pages, it gives you the answer instantly.
for $9 (£6.99) per month. It uses Its knowledge spans everything from
AES-256 bit encryption and has no mathematical equations and scientific
direct access to your files, which are still facts (the largest known star is V1489
stored on each service’s servers. Cygni, apparently) to showbiz trivia and
Scrabble scores for specific words,
Search within apps on your making Wolfram Alpha the tool you
phone wish you’d had to hand during exams.
Google has owned Android since
2005, so it’s surprising that the search
giant has taken so long to apply its
powers to mobile apps. Similar to
the Spotlight feature in iOS, Google’s
Connect your online storage accounts handy new In Apps search mode
to Xendo to search them all at once (bit.ly/inapps406) makes it easy to
find content that’s stored within apps
Gmail – and Xendo will index the on your phone or tablet, without you
contents of your accounts. Once it has needing to open them first. To use the
built an index, Xendo automatically feature, either open the Google app on
keeps it up to date by adding, removing your search device or tap the Google Wolfram Alpha has lots of useful search
tools that you won’t find in Google
and updating content as it changes. search-box widget and type or speak
To search across all your services, your search query as usual. When the Secret features that you certainly
either type a search query into the results appear, swipe the menu bar don’t get in Google include an anagram
Xendo website or install the Chrome to the left and tap the In Apps option maker (type anagrams followed by a
extension (bit.ly/xendo407) to look for to view word), image-editing tools such as
files from anywhere on the web. matches cropping, filters and colour processing
Matching documents, photos and other from your (see bit.ly/image407 for the full list), a
items appear instantly in the results list, apps. These rhyming dictionary (type words that
and can be filtered by date, type and include rhyme with [word]), a Morse Code
service. Double-click a result to open it. contacts translator and much more.
Xendo is free to use, but if you want in your Wolfram Alpha also has an
to search back further than the last 30 People app, Image Identification Project (www
days of uploads, you’ll need to subscribe messages .imageidentify.com) that goes further
in your than Google’s reverse-image search by
Gmail and guessing the subject of a picture – with
Messaging varying degrees of success!
apps,
posts on
Facebook
and Twitter,
Google’s new In Apps
feature lets you search in songs and
Android apps videos on
Spotify
and YouTube, TripAdvisor reviews,
BBC News stories and much more.
You can control exactly which apps
are included in the search by going
into Settings, selecting In Apps and
Search for a term in Xendo to find deselecting any you want the feature to The Image Identification Project tells
matching files in your storage accounts ignore. You don’t need an internet you the subject of photos you upload

Discuss alternative search tools at forum.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 49

 Broadband Deals
Call FREE on 0800 083 2357 to switch your broadband
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xt issue of our sister title

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Find broadband help at forum.webuser.co.uk
12 Oct
 Take a Screen Break
Give your eyes a rest from your computer by taking our
fiendish fortnightly challenges. Can you unravel our TV-
themed word search and guess our Eighties song-title emoji?

T B W K F S C G M N T R
WEB USER WORD SEARCH
F U I E T R V K E R E F
Can you find the following TV services in
the grid on the right? Names may appear R H C Z I D E T Q Y V C
vertically, horizontally or diagonally, and
backwards or forwards E V V H S V F E A C B H
BBC IPLAYER E T A N V L U L V D I G
BT TV S I B T I Z P O Q I E V
FREESAT
FREEVIEW
A K W X K I Y O Y F E C
ITV HUB T O R K C B T T V E I W
NETFLIX
NOW TV
N Y E B U T U O Y Q G Y
PRIME VIDEO A B B H C V D X Y M U J
YOUTUBE P R I M E V I D E O J Z
YOUVIEW
G D W H E H A H A K W L
CAN YOU GUESS THESE EIGHTIES SONGS FROM THE EMOJI?
1 2

3 4

Get the answers online at bit.ly/quiz407

COMPETITIONS
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£80 £119
WIN 1 OF 5 E AC H WIN 1 OF 2 E AC H
Penclic B2 ergonomic mice AV1200 Gigabit
Available through Posturite’s website, Powerline ac Wi-Fi Kit
the Penclic B2 Bluetooth mouse helps to TP-Link’s TL-WPA8630 Powerline
minimise the effects of repetitive strain Kit delivers combined speeds of up
injury (RSI). Its vertical design leads to a to 1,200Mbps, providing a fast
more relaxed, comfortable and natural network for all your devices. The
grip. It swings freely on a gliding base, so Auto-Sync feature makes adding
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Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/webusermagazine 5 - 18 October 2016 51

 Practical
16 pages of workshops, tips, projects
and problem solving

Turn your PC into a home

entertainment centre | kodi.tv
Stop mourning the loss of Microsoft’s Windows
Media Center – open-source alternative Kodi is
filling the gap admirably. Here’s how to use it

K
odi, the free, open-source media than before, and new search, tagging
centre software formerly known as and navigation tools place everything
XBMC, is having the finishing you want to watch and listen to at
touches added to its latest version. your fingertips.
Currently in beta, version 17 (or Krypton) This versatile software is available
has been radically redesigned, with a for most operating systems. You
streamlined interface that lets you can even install it on an old PC or
access your movies, music and photos Raspberry Pi as an operating system
as soon as you launch it. Adding new in its own right to make a dedicated
items to your library is now even easier media player that sits by your TV.

SETTINGS
The cog icon takes you to
a revamped Settings
2
screen, which is much
1 better laid out and easier
to use
2
1

1 To add content to Kodi, click the

type of entertainment you want, 1
then click ‘Enter files section’. 2 In the
2 When you’ve selected the file or
folder of files, click OK. Give the
source a name 1 so you can find it again
browser, choose ‘Add videos’ (or later. You can include more than one
whatever it is you’re adding) then folder, drive or network location in this
Browse for the source – this can be named source by clicking the Add button
your hard drive or a network drive. and browsing to them. 2 Click OK. 3

3
1 2
1
2
1

2 3

3 In the ‘Set content’ box, click ‘This

directory contains’ to tell the
software what types of files are included.
4 You can view this additional
information by right-clicking a
film on the main screen and selecting
5 Once you’ve added files, you can
hover the mouse over the menu item
in the home screen 1 to see a selection
1 Kodi will assign an information Information. Click on an actor 1 to see of appropriate thumbnails. 2 Click a
provider to supply details, such as a other films you have with them in. Use thumbnail to start it playing or you can
synopsis and actor info for movies. the buttons to play the movie, watch browse through more options using the
Settings 2 lets you choose whether to the trailer 2 and see films by the icons at the top to sort them by date,
add things like YouTube trailers. same director. 3 genre, actor or tag. 3

52 5 - 18 October 2016
 Workshop 1

SEARCH
A universal search bar
finds the movie or track
you’re looking for as
quickly as you can type
its name

ICONS
Quick navigation icons
THUMBNAILS sort your media files into
Your latest movies are organised lists
now displayed in a
thumbnail gallery on
the home screen for
super-fast access

2
3 1

1
1 2

6 The Music section has been

significantly improved and is now
as dynamic as the Movie section. The
7 You can now access your add-ons
and download new ones through a
single menu button. 1 Add-ons provide
8 If you have a touchscreen, you can
switch to Kodi’s new Estouchy
interface, which has bigger buttons 1
main menu shows recently added and extra tools and channels, and you can that are easier to use on smaller screens.
random albums, 1 or you can click on browse and download them through the Click the Settings icon 2 and choose
the icons 2 to select different views of ‘Kodi Add-on repository’ icon. 2 Once ‘Interface settings’. Highlight Skin and
your music collection, such as Artist, installed, add-ons appear as thumbnails click the Skin option. Change it to
Album or Top 100. in the menu. 3 Estouchy and accept the change.

Subscribe to Web User at subscribe.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 53

 Workshop 2

Protect your data for free

with paid-for backup software
Paragon Backup and Recovery 16: bit.ly/paragon407 | 30 mins | 7, 8, 10

W
hen it comes to security software, the free
options are often stripped-back versions of
paid-for alternatives. Although a savvy user can
make the best of free software, you usually find that
compromises have been made somewhere.
That makes this particular freebie all the more impressive.
Paragon is offering the latest version of its paid-for Backup
and Recovery software completely free, but only for a limited
time. The software costs $39.95 (around £30) but is available
to download for free from Paragon’s website until 1 November.
New tools in this latest version include step-by-step wizards
that guide you through the process of creating backups, which
could protect your precious data in the case of catastrophe.
You need a free Paragon account to receive the serial
number and launch the software. If you don’t already have
one, you have the option to create one from the software’s
splash screen, which appears when you first run the program.

1
3
2 2

1 2
When you launch the software, it opens on the ‘Main The ‘Create single backup’ 1 and ‘Create backup job’ 2
view’ tab. 1 Here you can see a representation of any options do almost the same thing, except the step-by-
hard drives installed in your PC, as well as any partitions step wizard for the latter includes a step for creating a
they’re divided into. 2 If you have any external drives schedule. 3 Click the one you want. The ‘job’ option is better
plugged into your PC, they will be listed here, too. 3 because it creates regular backups automatically.

2
1 3
2

3 4
Work through the wizard, clicking Next 1 to proceed The Source tab 1 is where you choose exactly what
through the tabs. 2 You can’t skip ahead until you’ve you want to back up – either the entire PC, entire
finished each screen, but you can click the heading drives, partitions, groups of files or individual files
of a tab you’ve already completed if you want to go back and folders. 2 Tell the program where to save your backup
and make changes. in the Target tab 3 that follows.

54 5 - 18 October 2016
 Workshop 2
EXPERT TIP
Andy Shaw says
Click Settings on the Home tab to explore the options available. In the Include/Exclude section, for
example, you can create filters that tell the software to ignore certain types of files you don’t need to
back up, such as temporary (.TMP) files. It’s also a good idea to use the Recovery Media Builder to
create a USB boot drive that can restore your backup even if your hard drive fails.

1
2

2 5
4

5 6
The Schedule tab 1 only appears if you are creating a If none of the strategies suits your needs, you can create
‘job’. Choose an option from the ‘List of strategies’ 2 your own by clicking the ‘New strategy’ button. 1 This
depending on how often you want to back up. You can saves your settings so you can apply them to future
select a time and day (if appropriate) for your backups, 3 backups. Give your strategy a name 2 and work through the
control how many backups it keeps 4 and edit the options. 5 other tabs to select the settings you require.

3
1 3

1
2
2

7 8
The Advanced Settings tab 1 lets you choose the type of The program displays a progress bar 1 while it’s creating
compression to use and set a maximum file size, which is a backup. If you need to cancel the backup for any
important for FAT32 drives. 2 From the Finish tab 3 you reason, click the cross. 2 You can explore the rest of the
can run the backup now or at the time you’ve set. Tick ‘Create interface while the job is running, so take the opportunity to
initial backup now’ and click Finish to get started immediately. look at the Home tab 3 options mentioned in our Expert Tip.

2 1 5

2
1
3

9 10
If you ever need to restore your backup, select the In the Method tab, 1 you can choose how to restore
‘Restore backup’ icon 1 and work through the step-by- your data. You can overwrite the files that are there,
step instructions, as you did when creating it. Make 2 replace the old files but rename them so nothing
sure you choose the correct backup file in the ‘Archive is lost 3 or restore the backup to a different location. 4 When
selection’ and Source tabs. 2 you’re ready, choose ‘Restore now’ from the Finish tab. 5

Get more practical advice at forum.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 55

 Workshop 3

Boost your Wi-Fi using your PC

W
indows 10’s brilliant new ‘Mobile hotspot’ feature lets closer to your PC than to your router. Don’t
you extend your wireless network without any worry if you haven’t upgraded to Windows 10,
additional hardware. This makes it very useful if you because there’s a simple tool you can install
have weak or nonexistent Wi-Fi coverage in a room that’s that does the same thing in Windows 7 and 8.

Windows 10 Mobile Hotspot | 10 mins | 10 (Anniversary Update), 7, 8

1 2
Open the Settings app in Windows 10 Anniversary Update, Check that Windows is set to share internet from the
click ‘Network & Internet’ and choose ‘Mobile hotspot’ correct source, then click the switch to ‘Share my internet
from the sidebar. 1 If you want a new name or password connection with other devices’. Once you’ve done that,
for your shared connection, click Edit 2 and change the you can search for the Wi-Fi network on the device you want
‘Network name’ and ‘Network password’ before clicking Save. to connect, select it 1 and enter the password. 2

1
1
2
2 4

3 3

3 4
In Windows 10’s Settings you can see how many devices To share your wireless connection in Windows 7 or 8, you
are connected, 1 as well as the name, 2 IP address 3 and need to download and install Virtual Router (free from
MAC address 4 of each one. By default, the ‘Mobile virtualrouter.codeplex.com). Launch the software, enter a
hotspot’ is set to ‘Turn on remotely’ when it detects a paired name 1 and password 2 for your shared wireless connection
Bluetooth device, but you can switch this off if you prefer. and choose the internet source you want to share. 3

5 6
Click the button to Start Virtual Router, then open your To help you see which devices are connected, you can
device’s wireless settings to search for and connect to the give each a different icon. Right-click a connected device,
network. As with Windows 10’s ‘Mobile hotspot’, you can select Properties and click Change Icon. If you minimise
monitor how many devices are connected and see information Virtual Router, you can restore it from the Notification Area. 1
including their name, IP address and MAC address. 1 Once you’ve finished sharing Wi-Fi, click Stop Virtual Router.

56 5 - 18 October 2016
 Workshop 4

Control every PC on your network from your own

I
f you have more than one PC on your network, there will to get up and walk to another room.
be times when you find you’re sitting at the wrong one. Advanced IP Scanner provides tools for a
Perhaps you need a file from another computer, or you just variety of remote tasks, which you can
want to shut down a PC that no-one is using without having perform without leaving your chair.

Advanced IP Scanner: bit.ly/ipscan407 | 10 mins | XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10

1 1 2 3

2 5

1 2
Download and run the software, then choose whether The program scans your network for devices, and
to install it or run it as a portable program. When it’s displays any it finds in the list below, showing the name,
started, press the IP button. 1 This enters the range of 1 IP address 2 and MAC address. 3 If there’s an arrow
available IP addresses on your current network into the to the left of the Status icon, 4 click it to view the devices
address bar below. 2 Press the Scan button. 3 and shared folders available on it. 5

2
1
1
3

3 4
If a PC is sharing files and folders, 1 you can double- Shut down or wake up a PC by right-clicking it and
click to open them in an Explorer window. 2 You can selecting the appropriate option. 1 Enter the username
then browse through and open files as if they were and password for the PC you want to control 2 and
stored on the PC in front of you. choose from the options. 3 You may need to set up the other
PC and its security software to allow shutdown commands.

3
2 1
1

5 6
The Actions menu has further options, but most require If you have a lot of extra devices cluttering the list,
you to install helper programs first. SSH 1 is handy for such as phones, tablets and TV streamers, you
controlling a Linux computer, such as a Raspberry Pi, can add your PCs to your favourites to filter them.
that has no keyboard or screen attached. You can use FTP 2 Right-click a PC and select ‘Add to favorites’. 1 Click the
to transfer files and HTTP 3 to browse web pages. Favorites tab 2 to see them.

Get more practical advice at forum.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 57

 Weekend Project MTWTFSS

Get to grips with some serious PC DIY to boost

your computer’s performance

How to
... Become your household’s
IT helpdesk
Are you the person your friends and family call on when their PC is
broken? Wayne Williams shows you how to provide the best support

I
f you know your way around a PC and other
hardware, you will inevitably be asked to
help less-tech savvy friends and family
members when they run into problems. This
can involve long phone calls, home visits or
even a spot of remote access. It’s not always
people outside the family home who need
your time and expertise, however. Many
homes have more than one PC, and each user
– whether it’s your partner, children, siblings,
grandparents or even lodgers – may require
your help at some point. In this Weekend
Project, we look at some of the tricks IT
professionals use that can help you look after
your PCs at home.

Restrict Windows accounts support staff don’t want you doing There are plenty of free parental
Many IT departments place restrictions anything that might cause them control programs you can use to limit
on how employees use their computers. extra work, such as inadvertently your children’s computer and internet
Typically, they’ll stop you installing your spreading a virus across the network. use. Qustodio (www.qustodio.com) is
own software, accessing certain websites You can take a leaf out of the IT particularly good, and is available for
(such as Facebook and Gmail) and department’s book and lock down your Windows and Mac, as well as Android,
sending enormous files. It’s annoying, home computers in the same way. This iOS and even Kindle. The free version lets
sure, but the IT department has the lets you control when your children (for you protect one user on one device, but
company’s interests at heart – and, example) can use a PC or access the you can upgrade to Premium 5 (to
after all, you’re there to work, not use internet, as well as manage which sites protect five users on five devices) for
your PC for fun. More importantly, the they can and can’t visit. £32.95 a year. If you don’t want to install

58 5 - 18 October 2016
 Weekend Project

need to install anything – it runs from a

USB memory stick, which makes
changing policies on several PCs simple.
If you only want to limit access to
specific programs on a particular PC, you
can use the Group Policy Editor, which is
built into some editions of Windows –
although not Home, sadly. Click Start,
type gpedit.msc and press Enter to
launch the tool. Under Local Computer
Policy, navigate to Computer
The free version of Qustodio only protects Microsoft Family Safety is available in all
one child on one device newer versions of Windows Configuration, Windows Settings,
Security Settings, Application Control
any extra software, try Family Safety terminal, but it works just as well in a Policies, AppLocker. Click on ‘Configure
(bit.ly/famsafe407). A parental control home environment. You can’t lock down rule enforcement’, then click Configured
suite that’s built into Windows 8 and everything you might want to – the under ‘Executable rules’. Click OK, then
upwards, it lets you manage your family’s Registry Editor is still available, for click on Executable Rules. Right-click and
digital life across Windows PCs, Xbox example – but it gives you enough select Create New Rule, and follow the
and Windows phones. control over things. Best of all, you don’t steps in the wizard. You can apply your
If it’s not just children rules to a specific user or group, which is
you’re concerned about, useful if you share one PC with several
you can use a program family members.
such as FrontFace
Lockdown Tool (bit.ly/ Manage multiple computers
frontface407) to limit using CCleaner Cloud
what Windows accounts CCleaner (www.piriform.com) is a superb,
can do. If the entire family free PC cleaner than can remove junk
shares a PC, for example, files and reclaim space on your hard
you can use this program drive. There’s much more to the program
to stop others making than that, though, because it can also fix
changes you don’t want, Registry errors, manage startup entries,
or potentially screwing remove browser plugins, analyse hard
things up. We show you drives, find duplicate files and more.
how to set it up in our Mini CCleaner Cloud (bit.ly/cccloud407), as
Workshop, below. the name suggests, is an online version of
The program is really the program, but with a twist. It lets you
designed for turning a PC manage multiple PCs over the internet
into a public kiosk and alerts you when a drive is nearly full,
a computer has crashed, software has
Use the Windows Group
been installed, and so on.
Policy Editor (if you have it)
to restrict people’s access to You’re not limited to CCleaner’s tools
certain programs either, as it also brings in Piriform’s other

MINI WORKSHOP | Restrict Windows elements using FrontFace Lockdown Tool

5

1 1

2 4 2
2
1
4
3 3

4
3

1 To begin the process of locking

down your PC, click Startup &
Shutdown. 1 From here you can set up
2 In the Continuous Operation section,
1 you can disable the screensaver 2
and Windows wallpaper, mute audio,
3 Under Protection & Security, you
can make sure the firewall is active,
1 and disable Windows tools such as
auto login, so there’s no need to enter block updates 3 and stop USB memory the task manager. 2 You can also view
a password each time Windows starts. sticks and DVDs running automatically, the settings for each user account on
2 You can also choose a favourite which helps to protect your computers the PC 3 and restart or shut down
program, such as a web browser, to from viruses and other malware. The Windows. 4 Use the icons at the top of
open automatically when the PC starts. Protection & Security section 4 offers the screen 5 to apply the changes,
3 Select this under Custom. 4 even more tools to lock down your PC. discard them or restore the defaults.

Subscribe to Web User at subscribe.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 59

 Weekend Project
CCleaner Cloud can
multi-platform tool that lets you access
manage three
computers for free your computer or mobile device from any
other computer or device. It works on
from wherever you are Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome OS,
– is incredibly handy. It iOS, Android, Windows Phone and
means you can access BlackBerry. You can take complete
a home computer from control of another device, copy files
the office to solve a between them, set polices, chat by text
problem, for example. or voice, view video and listen to audio.
You can even log into a It’s very easy to use too.
PC from your mobile Another option is Chrome Remote
phone, so you can Desktop (bit.ly/crdesk407). This Chrome
provide assistance to add-on lacks the power and flexibility of
someone else in your TeamViewer (there are no mobile apps
house without even available for it, for example), but as long
programs, Speccy (PC analyser) and getting up from the settee. as all the PCs you want to manage have
Defraggler (hard drive defragmenter). Perhaps the best tool for the job is Chrome installed on them, it could be the
There are some restrictions to be aware TeamViewer (www.teamviewer.com), a perfect solution.
of when using the free version: you’re
limited to managing up to three
computers, and viewing 100 events per
day. It also stores only two months’ worth
of events. That should be enough for
most, but if you need to manage more
computers and want access to additional
tools, such as scheduled cleaning and
defragging, you can upgrade to the Pro
version for $5 (around £3.85) a month or
$49.95 (£38.48) a year.
When you sign up for CCleaner Cloud,
you get a free 14-day trial of the Pro
version. Once the trial is over, it reverts to
the free edition. We show you how to use
it in our Mini Workshop, below.

Access your devices remotely

The ability to access a PC remotely – so
you can identify the problem and fix it TeamViewer lets you connect to any of your PCs or mobile devices from anywhere

MINI WORKSHOP | Manage and maintain your PCs with CCleaner Cloud

5 1 2
1 2 4

3 4

2
3

1 Download and install the helper

program on the first PC you want to
monitor. You can access that computer
2 Graphs for Bandwidth, Memory, CPU,
and Processes 1 show how well the
PC is performing. You can also check on
3 The top bar provides access to the
online versions of CCleaner 1 and
Defraggler. 2 These work like the
through the web interface – just log the drive space and activity. 2 If you downloadable tools. For CCleaner,
into it from anywhere using your have multiple drives, click the arrows 3 choose which areas to target in the
account details. You’ll see a summary to view the same information for a sidebar, 3 then click the Analyse
of its operating system and hardware, different drive. For a more detailed button and Run Cleaner. 4 If you install
1 as well as a list of events, 2 breakdown, click the Hardware or the helper on your other PCs, you can
including any restarts or crashes. Software tabs. 4 access them though My Computers. 5

On sale
NEXT ISSUE How To... Turn your PC into every retro games console Wedn
esday
19 Oct

Subscribe to Web User at subscribe.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 61

 Web User’s Top Tips
Our experts show how to use Google Now to see useful
information, and control your phone with your voice

TOP TIPS FOR GOOGLE NOW

If you see words that look like
Choose your Google Now cards they’ve been typed in a
typewriter, follow the instructions

G
oogle Now, which is and type them exactly as they
available on both appear, paying close attention to
Android and iOS, spaces and punctuation.
displays cards that contain
information Google thinks
will interest you. It can
show updates about your and match results. Press Everything
location if you’re in a place Else at the bottom of the Android list
of interest, movies and TV and you’ll find several items to
shows you like, football configure, including weather
news, weather, travel information for home and work,
information and more. You whether or not Google Now can read
can configure these cards bills from your Gmail, and more.
to show only what you In the ‘Apps & Websites’ section you
want to see. can opt to see Google Now cards
Open the app on your from other services. The options on
Android phone or tablet, offer depend on which apps are
press the menu button and installed. If you have a news app, for
tap Settings. Press ‘Now example, there might be an option to
cards’ and you’ll see a show news stories from it.
master on/off switch at the
top, which controls the
display of cards. Turn it on.
Below is a list of topics, and
next to each of these is an
on/off switch, so you can
choose which topics you
want to see. On Apple
devices, tap the menu
button at the top of a card
and choose Customise
Google Now to see a similar Choose which Google Now cards you
menu to the Android version. want to see in the app’s settings

Customise the app options that change the information

Google Now cards will display Google Now displays. Press Transport,
information that’s more relevant to you for example, and you can tell the app
if it knows something about you. If it whether you usually cycle, drive, walk or
knows where you live and where you use public transport. This affects the
work, for example, it can display travel information Google Now displays.
appropriate travel information on cards On the iOS version you’ll find this in the
without you having to search for it. main Customise menu.
Open the Google app and go to the Tap Sports and then the plus button
Customise screen. Tap items in the at the bottom of the screen (or tap
Places section to set your work and Teams on iOS) to add a team, such as
home addresses. Below this is a section the football team you support. Once
called ‘In your stream’ and tapping each you’ve done that, Google Now will Tell Google Now what you’d like to see,
of these items lets you set various display cards containing team updates such as news of your favourite team

64 5 - 18 October 2016
 Web User’s Top Tips

Now card actions

The more features you enable in Google TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL
Now, the better it will be. It’s best to More advanced tips for when you’re feeling brave
enable every option in ‘Settings and
Customise’ and see what appears. Each
card has a three-dots menu on it. Tap it Use Google Now on tap
to display various options. Among them If your Android phone runs version 6
is the option to never display this type (Marshmallow), you can try a new
of card again. A less drastic option is to feature called ‘Google Now on Tap’.
say you’ve finished with a card, which This works on any screen with any
simply means you have read it and don’t app. Press and hold the home button
need to see it any more. until you see the Google icon at the
bottom of the screen, then release it.
Control your device A small bar appears at the bottom of
You can control your device by saying the screen, and swiping up reveals a
“OK, Google” followed by a command. series of Google Now cards that
For example, you can say “Turn on provide information based on
flashlight,” “Mute the volume,” “Set the whatever’s on the screen.
volume to 50%” and “Take a picture”. Suppose you’re reading a story in a
Say “Play some music,” and Google Play news app. Long-press the home
Music opens, selects a song in your button and swipe up to see related
music library and begins to play it. You information. Alternatively, long-press
can specify a playlist and, if the music is home and tap the finger icon in the
too quiet, say “Turn up the volume”. toolbar, then tap a word on the screen
Many people use Shazam to find out the to see cards related to that word.
name of a piece of music that’s playing
on the radio or elsewhere. Google Now Stream apps
can do the same thing. Say “OK, Google. A recent update to Google Now is
What music is playing?”. It listens for a app streaming, which lets you run
few seconds, then displays the name of apps without installing them. Instead, Press the home button and swipe up to
see cards related to what’s on screen
the track, artist and album. you stream them over the internet,
which lets you try apps before you with Try Now and Install buttons.
Set alarms and appointments install them on your phone or tablet. Press Try Now. The app runs just as it
You can set alarms to remind you about Not all apps support this, and finding would if it were installed, but it’s
appointments, help you with timings apps that do isn’t easy, but here’s one streamed instead. In the bottom-left
when cooking, wake you up in the you can try. corner is a Google icon – pressing this
morning or whatever you want. Say “Set Open the Google app and type displays options to install the app or
an alarm in three minutes” if you’re word search. When the results return to Google search.
boiling an egg or “Set a repeating alarm appear, press Apps under the search You need to be on Wi-Fi or a fast
for 7am” to make sure you never box to filter the results to show just 4G connection for this to work. The
oversleep. You can create Calendar apps. There is a ‘Word search’ card number of apps that can do this will
appointments with “Add a meeting” or increase over time, so watch out for it.
“Schedule an event with Bob on
Saturday at 2pm.” Say “What’s my next Unlock your phone
appointment” to see a list of events. There is a Google search widget for
the home screen of your Android
Convert units phone, and you can add the Google
The easiest way to convert one unit to Now app as an icon. Tap either of
another is just to ask Google. So when these and say “OK, Google” followed
an American cooking recipe says one by a request for information or a
cup of water, say “OK, Google. How command for it to perform some
many millilitres is one cup?” Going on function. You can even use it to
holiday? Ask “What is £57 in dollars?” unlock your phone.
Your phone or tablet may have a You might be asked if you want to
calculator, but you can be lazy and ask set this up by tapping the Google
Google instead. Ask “OK, Google. What search box or microphone icon. If not,
is 8% of 163?” Anything a calculator can open the Google app and go to the
do, Google can do too. menu, Settings, Voice. Press ‘“OK,
Google” detection’. Turn on all the
Use Google Now on iPhone Trusted Voice options. The app will
The Google app is available for iPhone ask you to say “OK, Google” three
and is similar to the Android app. Most times so that it recognises your voice.
but not all of the same features are From then on, you can press the home
available. You can still perform voice or power button to turn on the screen
searches by saying “OK, Google” and If you see a Try Now button when and say “OK, Google” to unlock the
get results from calculations, unit and searching for apps, tap to stream it phone instead of entering a PIN.
money conversions, and more.

Visit our Hints & Tips forum at forum.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 65

 Ask the Expert
Roland Waddilove, computer programmer and PC
journalist since 1981, answers all your technical questions.
Email us for help at [email protected]

phone number for your account, but if

GENERAL PC you do this too often your account may

Configure your PC’s be blocked. Some people have rooted

their Android phones and installed an
boot order unofficial app from an alternative app
store that lets them use WhatsApp on

Q I have a Windows 10 PC and an

external hard drive, which I intend
to use to store my backups. After
dual-SIM phones. See our feature on
page 46 for more on this topic.

successfully making my first backup, I MOBILE

turned off the PC, but the next time I Speed up an Android tablet
Q
turned it on it refused to boot, instead Tell your PC which device to boot from I have an old Nexus 7 Android tablet
displaying a flashing cursor. The in the BIOS setup utility that I haven’t used for a long time,
external drive is a USB model, and I utility (usually F2, F10, F12, Esc or Del, and I wondered if there is any way to
remembered that Windows 10 can but the screen that appears briefly on get it working again. It was a speedy
boot from USB, so I removed the hard startup should tell you which one). little tablet when it was new, but
drive. Sure enough, Windows booted Modern PCs start quickly and you problems arose when I updated it from
normally. Can I change the emergency have to press the key at exactly the Android 4 to 5. From then on it was so
Windows boot setting to CD so that I right time, so you may need to press it slow as to be almost useless. Opening
can leave my USB drive plugged in? repeatedly just after switching on. apps or switching from one to another
Adrian Painter, via email Setup utilities vary between PCs, so took minutes, and it became unusable. I
we can’t say exactly where to look for thought I’d have one last go at getting it

A Boot options haven’t changed

much over the years. The setting
that tells your PC which storage
startup settings. It will be labelled
Boot Order or something similar and
will display a list of devices to boot
working before throwing it in the bin. Do
you have any suggestions?
Frank Wall, via email
device to boot from is in its BIOS or from, such as your internal hard drive,
UEFI. Switch on your PC and press the
appropriate key to enter the setup
USB and CD/DVD. Pick the one you
want, save the settings and exit. A The initial release of Android 5 was
bloated and slow, which caused a
lot of problems on devices with limited
memory and processor power, such as
GENERAL PC The first command selects drive E: so the Nexus 7,
What’s on my drive? replace this letter with whichever one making them

Q I have an external hard drive

that contains a large collection
of media files, including music,
your drive uses. When the process is
complete, load E:\FileList.txt into
Notepad to view, search or print it.
run very slowly.
Google has
addressed
photos and videos. I would like to Type FileList.txt into the command the problem
make a complete list of everything prompt to load the file into Notepad. since then, and
that’s on it. How do I do this? minor updates
Mike Gosden, via email MOBILE to Android
WhatsApp on a dual sim have partially

A Windows has never provided a

facility for saving or printing lists
of directories and files. However, DOS,
Q I have two mobile phone SIM cards
– a UK SIM and a foreign SIM – and
each has a separate WhatsApp account
solved the
performance
problem. Check for updates in the
which PCs used before Windows came associated with it. I recently bought a Uninstall all About section of
Android’s settings
along, did have such a command, and it dual-SIM phone to avoid having to carry unnecessary
was very easy to use. That command two phones. This works well with most apps to free up storage and memory,
still works today, and you can use it to things, but I can’t get both WhatsApp then go to Settings, About Device.
create a list of all the files on a drive, accounts to work. How do I do this? Check for Android updates and install
either to read on the screen or print. Gerrit, via email them. This can take a long time, but
First press Windows+R and type cmd afterwards the tablet will be faster. Not
and press Enter to open a command
prompt window. Then type:
cd e:\
A According to WhatsApp (bit.ly/
wapp407), this isn’t possible. An
account can be verified with only one
as fast as when using Android 4, but
you will be able to use it for light duties
such as web browsing, email, Facebook,
dir /s >FileList.txt phone number. You can change the ebook reading and so on.

66 5 - 18 October 2016
 Ask the Expert
GENERAL PC homepage. Click Change under ‘Show
Fix Vista updating problem home button’ in the Appearance section

Q My old Gateway ML6227b PC runs

Windows Vista Home Premium SP2
but has developed a problem with
and enter www.google.co.uk. Then
click ‘Manage search engines’ in the
Search section of Settings. Find Google,
Windows Update. Searches for updates hover your mouse over it and then click
never end, and performance is reduced the ‘Make default’ button. Close
to a snail’s pace, while the CPU load Settings and open a new tab. If there is
reaches 100%. Choosing the “Never a Restore link at the bottom, click it.
search for updates” option restores its You’ll also have to reset Internet
performance, but none of the other Remove unwanted browser software in Explorer. Click the gear icon and select
Chrome by visiting its settings
update options has any effect. ‘Manage add-ons’. Click Search
I generated a System Diagnostics The following technique works for any Providers on the left and choose the
Report, which confirms that Windows software that hijacks your web browser. one you want, such as Bing or Google,
Update is overloading the CPU due to Go to the Control Panel and select from the list on the right. Set this as the
“svchost.exe 1100”. I also checked for ‘Programs and Features’. Look for any default and delete or disable all the
viruses and malware but found none. programs that indicate they’re from others. Next select ‘Toolbars and
Online forums suggest it’s a common Trovi or Conduit, and uninstall them. Extensions’ and choose ‘All add-ons’
problem but no-one has a solution. I Then look for programs with ‘toolbar’ or from the drop-down menu below.
assume, therefore, that Microsoft must ‘search protect’ in the name and Delete or disable any items that mention
have issued a patch at some point, but uninstall those too. These steps are Trovi, Conduit or Search Protect. Then
without knowing the details, I find myself essential but they won’t completely go back to the gear icon and select
in a Catch-22 situation: without the solve the problem, because each web ‘Internet options’. On the General tab,
patch, Windows Update is incapable of browser has additional components enter the web address of the homepage
finding and installing it. installed that must be removed. you want, such as http://www
Henry Ford, via email In Chrome, go to the Chrome menu .google.co.uk. Then in the Tabs
and select Settings. In the ‘On start-up’ section, click the Tabs button and set

A Microsoft is winding down support

for Windows Vista. Mainstream
support ended in 2012 and extended
section select ‘Open a specific page or
set of pages’. Click the ‘Set pages’ link
and hover your mouse over each item,
the ‘When a new tab is opened’ menu to
your chosen homepage or a blank page.
You have now removed Trovi. If you
support will end in 2017. You should still then click the cross icon to delete it. have other browsers, such as Firefox,
receive updates for now, but not for Type www.google.co.uk as the you’ll need to clean those up too.
much longer, and they’re not exactly a
priority. Giving the PC time to install
updates might solve the problem, as it GENERAL PC
may just be slow. Let Windows Update
run overnight and see what happens.
Upgrade Windows
Fix It tools are available for Windows to 64-bit
Update in 7, 8 and 10, but not Vista.
However, Microsoft and others have
written scripts to fix Windows Update.
Microsoft’s is at bit.ly/msfix407, so try
Q My PC is five years old, and I think
it runs 32-bit Windows 7. I have
two questions. How can I check which
that first. If that fails, try Windows version of Windows is running? And
Seven Forums at bit.ly/sffix407, which can I upgrade to 64-bit Windows 10? I
Open System in the Control Panel to
has three possible solutions. Each have read about the Anniversary
see which Windows version is installed
involves downloading and running a file. Update and it looks good.
Hopefully one will work. Sarah Berry, via email can upgrade to 32-bit Windows 10
and keep all your programs, photos,
SECURITY
Remove Trovi browser hijack A You can find out which version
of Windows you have by
videos, music and documents. If
you have 64-bit Windows, you can

Q A friend of mine has a Windows 7

PC and both his browsers, Internet
Explorer and Chrome, have been
opening the Control Panel and
clicking System. You will also see
details of your processor and
upgrade to 64-bit Windows 10 and
keep all your programs and files.
Sadly, you can’t upgrade from
hijacked by something called Trovi. The memory, and next to ‘System type’ 32-bit Windows 7 to 64-bit Windows
homepage and search always use this it will say either 32-bit or 64-bit. 10 without performing a clean
unwanted search engine, and he is sick PCs have been compatible with installation, which means you’ll have
of seeing the Trovi page and adverts. 64-bit operating systems for years, to erase all your data from the hard
How can I help him to remove it? so no matter which version of drive before 64-bit Windows 10 can
Alan Carroll, via email Windows you have, you can install be installed. You’ll have to copy
and run 64-bit Windows. How you go anything you want to keep to an

A Trovi isn’t hard to remove, but the

procedure isn’t obvious and it
involves multiple steps. Miss a step and
about it, however, depends on which
version of Windows you have now.
If you have 32-bit Windows 7, you
external USB hard drive. After the
upgrade, you can copy your files back
and reinstall your software.
it will still be there, which is frustrating.

This fortnight Roland cleaned up a laptop rendered unusable by adware and other junk. Watch what you install!

Find more solutions to PC and web problems at forum.webuser.co.uk 5 - 18 October 2016 67

Your Top Tips
Our pick of the best advice from our
readers. To get help or offer it to others,
visit forum.webuser.co.uk

Mug
TOP TIP winner
SOCIAL NETWORKING

Find old Facebook posts

Open Word and load the document,
Have you ever scrolled back then select File (or the Office button)
through months (or even years) on and Save As. Select ‘Web Page,
your Facebook timeline in search Filtered’ as the file format – you may
of a particular post? It’s an have to click Other Formats first.
incredibly frustrating experience, Once you’ve done that, use Explorer
but thankfully not one you’ll ever to locate the folder you saved the
need to suffer again, because document in, and you’ll find a subfolder
Facebook’s search tool now lets containing all the images. The original
you find old posts in seconds. filenames will have been replaced
Simply type a keyword from your with image001, image002 and so on,
post into the site’s main search but you can easily rename them.
and press Enter. By default, John Havlin, via email
Facebook shows its ‘Top’ results
for the search term, which includes BROWSERS
a section for ‘Posts from friends Check your grammar and
and groups’, as well as Pages, Facebook’s search tool now returns results
spelling online
People and Places. From the from your old posts If spelling isn’t one of your strengths,
sidebar, you can narrow the results you may benefit from installing the
by specifying that you only want to see what you’re looking for, this new Grammarly browser extension for
posts from you or your friends. You can feature makes it much easier to find. Chrome (bit.ly/grammar407). It’s a really
also filter posts by year. If you know Ray Gosden, via email useful tool that checks both your spelling
and grammar whenever you type
anything into a web page. It certainly
ANDROID we were there, so I opened the Gallery makes me feel more confident when
Find out where photos were app on my Samsung Galaxy S6, tapped typing an important email.
taken Details for the image in question and Anne W, via email
Last month, I was driving back from a found the café’s precise location,
holiday in Cornwall when we stopped for including a postcode and town name,
lunch at a café slightly off the beaten courtesy of my phone’s built-in GPS. I
track. Later, I made a screen grab of the details and
wanted to shared them with my friend, so they
recommend knew exactly where to go. Needless to
the place to a say, this was the first time I have seen the
friend who practical benefit of storing GPS data on
was going to photos taken with my smartphone!
be passing Brian, via email Grammarly automatically flags up any
through the spelling mistakes you make
area, but we SOFTWARE
hadn’t Extract images from a Word
thought to document SECURITY
make a note If you have a Word document with Keep changing your
of its name or images embedded in the text, you may passwords
exactly where want to extract the images and save It seems there’s a security breach almost
on the route it them separately. This is actually very every week at one website or another,
was. Then I easy, although how you do it is not at all and we’re constantly being told to
remembered obvious. Basically, you save the Word change our passwords. This is a tedious
In ‘Camera settings’, you
can set the Galaxy S6 to that I’d taken document as a web page, because these and time-consuming task if you have to
store location tags a photo while store text and images in separate files. log into each of the sites and services

68 5 - 18 October 2016
 Readers’ Tips

you use to find out how to change your simplest universal

password. However, a password manager jailbreak method is
makes the job much easier. only compatible with
I use LastPass (lastpass.com), but 6th generation
there are plenty of other password devices (Paperwhite
managers available that can change 2) onwards, but there
your passwords for you. LastPass adds a are other methods
button to your browser, which you click that work with the
to open your vault. Find the website or Clicking No Spacing in Word can remove accidental indentation original Paperwhite.
service you want (using the search box If you’re tempted to
is easiest way), then click the spanner and even copied the passage and pasted experiment with an old device that
icon to see your account details. Under it using the ‘keep text only’ option, but would otherwise be gathering dust,
the password box is an Auto Change whatever I did, the indentation would this article (bit.ly/jailbreak407) from
Password option. Click it and LastPass stay put. I told a friend about my hackaday.com shows you what’s possible
automatically changes your password problem, and he suggested that I simply and is a great place to start.
to a new, secure one and stores it. highlight the troublesome passage of Ian White, via email
It doesn’t work with every website but text and click the ‘No Spacing’ option in
most of the popular sites are covered. the Styles section of the top ribbon. I ONLINE STORAGE
Eve Houghton, via email tried this and it fixed the problem Stop OneDrive crippling your
immediately, so if you experience internet speeds
SOCIAL NETWORKING something similar, give this a try and The ability to store all your important
Stop Facebook apps snooping save hours of frustration! files online is handy if you need to access
It’s increasingly difficult to keep Ryan B, via email them wherever you go. When creating a
anything private these days when backup, however, syncing large files
everyone and everything is connected CHROMECAST takes up a significant amount of your
to the internet. If one of your friends Try out new Chromecast bandwidth. Thankfully, OneDrive lets you
uses a Facebook app, for example, features first control its upload and download speeds
that app can access information from Did you know that Google recently so that it doesn’t have too negative an
your profile too – unless, that is, you’ve introduced a Preview Program for the effect on your web browsing and other
configured your settings to prevent it. Chromecast that lets you get the latest internet-related activity.
In Facebook, click the button at the firmware for the device before its To change these settings, right-click
top right to show the menu, and select widespread release? It isn’t Beta the OneDrive icon in the notification area
Settings. Select Apps on the left and, in software, either. In fact, the Google and select Settings from the context
the ‘Apps others use’ section, click the support page for the Preview Program menu. Next, click the Network tab, where
Edit button. Here you’ll see 13 categories says the updates “will be of the same you’ll see sections for ‘Upload rate’ and
of information that your friends’ apps quality as production version updates” ‘Download rate’. Select the ‘Limit to’
can access. Clear the tick boxes next to and that “you’re simply getting earlier option for either or both of these. The
those you don’t want to share, or clear access to new features before they’re default setting is to limit bandwidth to
them all to keep your Facebook account released broadly”. 125kbps, but you can change this to any
hidden from their apps entirely. To get on the Preview Program, open speed you like. Note that the bandwidth
Ed Wright, via email the Google Cast app, tap Devices and settings will only apply on the computer
scroll to find the device on which you you were using when you made the
want to install the updates. Tap the changes. If you need to share large files
three-dot button for that device and with other devices, limiting the
choose Device Settings, then Preview bandwidth will only increase the length
Program. If you can’t see this option, it of time it takes for your files to sync.
apparently means Google isn’t currently As an aside, I recently noticed
accepting new members, but you can that OneDrive lets you search for
check later to see if there are any more keywords within documents, and
spaces. It’s worth knowing about if you has optical character recognition
want access to all the latest Chromecast (OCR), which means the search
features before everyone else. tools can even find keywords
Andrew Westcomb, via email contained in PDF and image files!
Mel Sullivan, via email
SOFTWARE
Turn your old Kindle into a
Friends’ apps can access your Facebook
data unless you take steps to stop them
weather station
I recently bought a new Kindle and, just
before getting rid of the old one, I
SOFTWARE discovered that you can do some neat
Fix unintentional indentation things with it if you’re prepared to take
in Word the risk of jailbreaking it. There’s a wealth
When copying and pasting text into of custom software you can install,
Word, I used to find that the formatting including interactive novel readers,
was sometimes a bit strange, and a audiobook players and even screensavers
single line of text was indented. I tried to that show the time, date and current Limit OneDrive’s upload and download
delete the indentation using backspace, weather conditions. It seems that the speeds if it’s affecting your web browsing

Send your tips to [email protected] – win a Web User mug! 5 - 18 October 2016 69
 Readers’ Helpdesk
Our pick of the best solutions posted on our
reader forums. Visit forum.webuser.co.uk
– it’s friendly and free!

HARDWARE

Can I use the A I only have experience of using a

full KVM switch, which lets you
switch your monitor, keyboard and
HARDWARE
How do I fix an electronic same monitor mouse over from one PC to another at
the press of a button. My KVM switch
device after a battery leak? with two PCs? doesn’t affect the image quality, but

Q My clock’s batteries leaked so

I removed them, scrubbed the
white stuff off the battery contacts Q I’ve just bought a new desktop
computer and I would like to
beware of cheaper examples, which
may only allow for a lower-resolution
output. Also make sure the switch has
and tried brand new batteries, but it use my old PC and the new one the right connectors for your devices
still doesn’t work. Has the leakage side by side with the same monitor (HDMI, DVI or VGA). Some switches
damaged the electronics? (although obviously not at the also let you switch your PC speaker
vista, Web User Forums same time). Can I use a split lead connection from one PC to another.
to achieve this? They appear to be Aten (www.aten.com) makes a range

A Part of my job was to maintain

AlphaSmart keyboards that had
been left unused for months with the
available on eBay. If so, would there
be any reduction in picture quality?
jeff3, Web User Forums
of KVM switches. You can view them all
at bit.ly/kvm407.
ricky101, Web User Forums
batteries in, so they often leaked. I used
vinegar to counteract the alkaline and
KVM switches let you switch your
then filed the contacts. Your problem mouse, keyboard and monitor
may simply be that the contacts aren’t to another PC without
clean enough, so if you have no luck unplugging any cables
after cleaning them thoroughly, you
could try scraping them with a nail file.
If that doesn’t work the battery’s
contents might have penetrated to the
circuit and damaged it.
Sneakybeaky, Castman and alanrwood,
Web User Forums

A Lithium batteries deteriorate with

time and use, losing their capacity
until they eventually fail. They can’t be
number, you know your battery has
started to fail. If you decide to buy a
replacement battery, be wary of cheap
repaired, so you will have to replace the imitation models because they can
battery if you want to use your laptop represent a fire hazard. If you think a new
without plugging it in. To make sure it’s battery costs too much compared with
definitely the battery that has failed and the original cost of your laptop, it might
not part of the motherboard, use the be time to consider replacing it.
Use a weak acid such as vinegar or lemon free version of HWMonitor (bit.ly/ Helmut, Cantrel, Stewart40,
juice to clean a device’s battery contacts hwmonitor407) to check the Web User Forums
battery’s last recorded wear
HARDWARE level. Alternatively, run an
Can I service my laptop elevated command prompt
battery? (right-click Command

Q My Dell Latitude 6400’s battery

has failed, and now the laptop only
works when the charger is connected.
Prompt, and click ‘Run as
administrator’) and use the command
powercfg –energy to view a report
Can the nine-cell battery be repaired? If about your PC’s energy efficiency,
You can usually buy
not, should I buy a new battery, or is it including how much charge your battery
replacement laptop
time to replace the laptop? holds. If the ‘last full charge’ figure is batteries directly from
Debby, Web User Forums much lower than the ‘design capacity’ the manufacturer

70 5 - 18 October 2016
 Inbox

Inbox
Mug
Star Email winner
Blocking Flash made my photos blurry

I
found your article ‘What you update, I immediately blamed
must block online’ (Issue 405, Microsoft, as we all would!
bit.ly/webuser405) informative, However, after a great deal of
but you seem to have missed one time and effort searching
important fact about Adobe Flash. Windows 10 forums and Adobe’s
By recommending that we own help site, I discovered that
remove Flash from our PCs, you PrinterPix uses Adobe Flash on its
make it impossible for us to use site. I had to reinstall it before I
certain websites, such as PrinterPix could continue building my book.
(www.printerpix.co.uk), which lets I really think your wonderful
you turn your photos into a book. magazine should be more
A few weeks ago, I deleted Flash, responsible when it comes to
as you suggested, knowing it to be telling users to remove software
a security hazard. The trouble To my dismay, I found that after that many companies still use. I’m
started when I tried to create a photo building a 35-page book, nearly all the sure there are others who will remove
book using PrinterPix’s web-based photos I copied into it from my Photo Flash from their computers, try to
design tool. These days, most folders were out of focus, blurry and make a photo book and have no idea
companies that offer services for distorted. The original photos, which I’d what’s gone wrong.
making books, cards and calendars taken with a modern Lumix digital I hope this is the Star Email because
provide similar online tools rather than camera, were sharp and crisp. As I’d just I would love a mug.
software that you download. downloaded the latest Windows 10 John Morton, Ipswich

Keep language simple – say words for the same thing: faucet
what you see! instead of tap, elevator instead of
Although Robert Sheehan made some lift, apartment instead of flat, and so
sound points about the use of US and on. But one Americanism creeping
UK English on the web (Inbox, Issue 405, over here that does drive me up the
‘Americans speak better English than wall is “met with”, when “met” is all
Brits’), he can’t get away with “color”, you need. Keep it simple, guys!
because the spelling dictates the Tony Allaway, via email
pronunciation. The UK spelling of
“colour” requires something in the order Delightful memories of
of “culla” or “culluh”, whereas “color” Durham
invites a pronunciation of “coll” and “or”, Thank you, Web User, for making ‘This is
which I have heard from Durham’ (www.thisisdurham.com) your were switched back on again. When I’d
many Americans. Site of the Fortnight in Issue 405. reached the bottom, I was greeted with
However, he is Durham is my home city, and lots of apologies by a nice man in a long
correct on the describing it as a jewel of the North gown. I never did find out his rank, and I
question of East is spot on. The website is a never climbed those steps again.
“-ize” endings, great one to explore. Great memories. Thanks again
as I know from I have many a fond memory Web User.
my former days of Durham – one example, George, Web User Forums
as a sub-editor perhaps not so fond, being when
on a newspaper I were just a lad and climbed the Seeing your review of the
that insisted we spiral staircase to the top of the website ‘This is Durham’ in
get it right. As I recall, Cathedral tower. It’s a long, steep Issue 405 reminded me
words ending in “ize” climb but the view over the city is of that delightful old
distinguish words with Greek roots from something to behold. The problem was joke: which university
those of Latin origin. Our saviour was the going back down those steep stairs, did the Pink Panther go
Oxford Dictionary for Writers and because someone switched off the to? Durham, Durham,
Editors, affectionately known as Odwe. lights when I was only half way down. Durham, Durham,
What intrigues me about American Panic is an understatement. I shouted Durham. No? I’ll get me coat.
English is that they often prefer longer for quite some time before the lights Patrick Jennings, via email

Air your views, write to us at [email protected] 5 - 18 October 2016 71

 Inbox

You can let us know your views and opinions via:

[email protected], www.facebook.com/webusermagazine,
www.twitter.com/webusermagazine and forum.webuser.co.uk

Cash is then attempted to buy some service, which I don’t need, and
better than expensive camera equipment Tesco Digital doesn’t look big
contactless in the same area. As it was enough to bother with yet.
Contactless obvious that she couldn’t be in I’m not sure about 7digital’s DRM
payment is fine two places at once, the bank conditions because I want to be able to
(Page 404, Issue cancelled her credit card and store and listen to my music on three
403), but you can’t issued her with a new one. devices. The company hasn’t replied to
beat cash. At least with My partner had never previously my email yet anyway, so it can go hang
cash you know exactly how much you’ve used or passed her credit card details until it does. I might consider HMV if it
spent and how much you have left. over the internet or the phone, so the has what I want. Otherwise, I will buy
Other forms of payment are handy, bank was interested to learn that it from Amazon, but only when I’m assured
but using them doesn’t feel like spending could have been from an employee at that the company won’t take money
real money. It’s only when you look at British Gas. Additionally, she is the only from my card for a service I don’t want.
your bank statement that you see what person who knows her PIN, including Do any Web User readers have
the damage is. me. So these big corporations may not other suggestions?
Cash is easy to budget with: you take be as secure as we’re led to believe. Martin Fletcher, Thorpe Hesley
out a certain amount on a specific day WG Welstead, via email
each week and make it last until the Can USB-stick backups be
same day the following week. Looking for a music- trusted?
You may think I hate the latest tech download service I’m sure we Web User readers are all
but in fact I love it. I’m the first in line for Having abandoned Amazon Drive after steadfast computer users who always
the latest gadget. But some things are its 150% price hike, I am wondering what, back up our stuff (aren’t
better left unchanged. if anything, to do instead. we?), but one thing
Stan Elliott, Co Down My music is stored on my computer’s has crossed my
hard drive with a backup on a separate mind. With
Troubled by a possible external drive. I also have it on my modern
British Gas leak two tablets. The beauty of cloud Windows
Tony Steele’s letter in storage is that whenever I bought an operating
Issue 404, referring album or track, it was automatically systems,
to his experience copied to all my devices as well rather than
with an attempted as being stored in the cloud. relying on a
scam relating to BT, I don’t know much about other Windows
is similar to one reputable companies that offer music disc that came
my partner for download. I am not with our shiny
experienced. paying Spotify £10 new computers,
Through no fault of her a month to listen we’re encouraged to
own, she was involved in a lengthy to songs I already create our own recovery ‘disc’ on a USB
dispute over an incorrect bill with own. Napster memory stick.
British Gas. During the final phone appears to be The theory is that once you have
call, when British Gas corrected a streaming installed a backup of the operating
their mistake, my partner was system on your memory stick, you can
required to provide her credit card stash the device in a safe place ready for
details to enable the correct immediate use if the need to perform
amount to be paid. a full recovery should ever arise.
A few weeks later, she This raises an important question:
received a phone call will the memory stick still contain
from her bank asking the required recovery information six
if she had just tried months, a year, two years or more down
to settle a hotel the line? How does a memory stick
bill in Florida and

Our 2015 Back Issues Disc is

on sale now from Amazon,
visit bit.ly/webusercd15
72 5 - 18 October 2016
 Inbox

retain the data placed on it? Does it need

to be plugged into a live USB socket Do a speed check – I did, and I
to be refreshed from time to time?
When you buy a USB memory stick, What you found that I can get a better speed
if I switch suppliers. I’m currently
the manufacturer rarely provides any
information about the device itself say... paying £20 a month to TalkTalk, so
either they send me a new router
apart from its capacity and whether or I’m going to leave them and go
it’s USB 2.0 or 3.0. with someone else.
I am interested to know what readers David Griffiths
think about this, as I have made USB
system recovery discs for all my family’s
PCs and laptops, which I keep in a safe
W AS APPLE RIGHT TO DITCH
THE HEADPHONE SOCKET
ON ITS NEW IPHONE (bit.ly/
Pants.
Wendy Lilygreen
out of the way. I would hate to think they socket407)?
might be unreliable if I plugged them in
after several months of not being used.
Bruce Ward, via email
I think they like to shoot themselves in
the foot. It’s hardly going to slow the
steady migration to Android. However,
H AS A SOFTWARE UPDATE
EVER MESSED UP YOUR
PHONE OR PC (bit.ly/
Face up to non-virtual reality if looking cool is your thing and you update407)?
What sort of person has £700 to spend like spending money on yet more
on a stupid virtual-reality headset hardware (adapters and wireless I always try to keep my phone, tablet
(Page 404, Issue 405)? I’ll tell you who: headphones), it’s awesome news! and laptop up to date, along with my
the kind of person who’s so scared Chris Armstrong antivirus software, and haven’t had
of facing the real world that they’re any problems.
willing to throw their money away on I don’t care, to be honest. I am in my David Robinson
escaping to a make-believe one. late 40s and wouldn’t spend that
What’s the point of strapping on a amount of money on a phone anyway! A Windows update did once and it
heavy headset so you can walk around Colin Wallace took me three hours just to get my
bumping into furniture while looking at PC to boot.
pretty pictures of things that aren’t Good idea, but try looking for them Paul Wallace
actually there. Sooner or later you’ve got when you lose them.
to come back to Earth, and then you’ll Dominik’s Blog Yes, the iOS 10 update bricked my
realise what a fool you look. iPhone. It took hours to sort out.
Gadgets should be about making life No, not at all. Lots of people use John Tarbet Walker
easier, not putting your responsibilities headphones because they want good
on hold while you run off to la-la land. audio quality. The first big Windows 10 update last
Seriously, people, get a grip and spend Jack @imthegoldmaster year caused problems, but I managed
your money on something useful instead. to undo it pretty quickly.
Max Skinner, via email Jason Haines

I have to agree once again with Barry in H OW DOES THE BROADBAND

SPEED YOU’RE PAYING
his column about virtual reality. I have no
interest in paying a lot of money for what
I reckon will be a 10-minute wonder.
FOR COMPARE WITH WHAT
YOU GET? W ILL YOU BUY A VOICE-
CONTROLLED AMAZON
ECHO SPEAKER?
Grant Saunders, via email My advertised speed with Virgin
Media is 150mbps. I get anywhere I’ve been gagging to try one of these
between 70 and 130mbps, depending since they launched in the States. I will
on the time of day. post a quick review when I’ve had a
Derek @dlee1 chance to play with it.
The Tech Guy
With Fuel Broadband, I’m lucky if I
have a connection at all. They’re Yes, because I really want Amazon to
useless, unreliable and their customer listen to and record my conversations
service is appalling. so it can target me with product
Wolf Simpson @Dark_Wolf recommendations. That was sarcasm,
by the way.
Since I (recently) moved to SSE (Daisy John Hale
Communications), mine has been very
good and constant. I’m well happy. Another unnecessary piece of tech.
Gary Olsen @Gary_Olsen Martin Phillp

Air your views, write to us at [email protected] 5 - 18 October 2016 73

 Page 404
Why are wireless solutions less convenient
than the wires they replace, asks Barry Collins

Don’t rip out the

wires from our lives
H
ere’s a little thought experiment.
Pretend that newspapers and
websites never existed, and then
ask yourself which of the
following you’d be most likely to pay for:
a printed version of the news that’s at
least 12 hours out of date and that you
have to walk half a mile to the newsagent
to collect, or a constantly updated live
news feed that you can access instantly
from your phone, tablet or computer. Bit
of a no-brainer, right? But even so, old
habits see millions buying newspapers
every day while their websites struggle
to get anyone to pay.
A similar thought struck me last week,
when Apple announced it was removing
the 3.5mm headphone jack from its new
iPhone and replacing it with a pair of
£159 wireless earbuds. Again, imagine
neither existed and you were presented those 10 years? Not a single moment’s extra delay (or latency, to use the
with two options: an expensive pair of worth. They just work, unlike the technical term) when playing online
earbuds that need recharging at least Bluetooth combo I used in my last games on the console. Wires deliver
every five hours and are easy to lose, or office job, which frequently dropped its data as fast as it can possibly travel.
wired headphones that never need connection and periodically required me That’s not to mention the other
recharging, never lose their connection to run five floors down to the post room enormous bottle of snake oil being
and can be replaced easily and cheaply to beg Tony for a pack of AAs, hoping peddled by the mobile manufacturers:
if lost or broken. Which of these would the stock cupboard hadn’t run dry. wireless charging. I foolishly paid extra
seem to be the solution we’ve all been I use a wireless router, of course, but for the wireless-charging pad when I
waiting for? where possible, I still prefer to plug my bought my Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge
The tech industry devices into it. My last year. Now, every night I play
is obsessed Apple TV, Xbox One charging roulette, sometimes waking up
with solving the
The tech industry is console and Sky+ to find that my phone is as dead as
‘problem’ of wires, obsessed with solving the box are connected George Osborne’s career because I
even though it’s not by Ethernet cable to didn’t place it with millimetric precision
‘problem’ of wires, even
really a problem in my BT Home Hub, on the pad. And if I ever need to top up
the first place. In though it’s not really a because the wired in an emergency, I have to plug the
Illustration: Andrew Torrens

fact, almost every problem connection is 100% damned thing in anyway, because the
wireless solution reliable and requires wireless charger doesn’t support the
creates more no extra equipment fast-charge technology that replenishes
problems than it solves. I’m typing (such as Sky’s wireless dongle) to the device rapidly.
this column using a wired keyboard, connect. When you’re waiting for So sorry, Apple, Samsung and all the
alongside a wired mouse, both of which gigabytes of HD video to download, you other tech manufacturers who are
I’ve had for at least a decade. How want it to get to the device as quickly as relentlessly cutting cords – if you want
many minutes of productivity have I possible, not get caught up in the my wires, you’ll have to rip them out of
lost due to my mouse and keyboard in wireless traffic. Likewise, there’s zero my clenched fists.

74 5 - 18 October 2016 Do you agree? Let us know at [email protected]