ONLY

£1.99 THE FREE APP CCLEANER IMPROVED

WINDOWS
10
THAT CATCHES Uninstall even MORE junk p422
BURGLARS p38
20 6
5 – 5 JAN 201
ISSUE 465 ❘ 23 DEC 201

MALWARE
SHOCKING new
Trojan that steals
Your friendly guide to tec
ologyy
hno your money p16
Pensioner 1 - 0 Apple p8

Don’t Get
HACKED
2016
IN
YOUR
ANTI-VIRUS
WON’T BE
ENOUGH

Hackers will target you every day – non stop

+ HOW TO STOP THEM p50
£1.99

FIRST DELL...

PLUS NOW LENOVO PCs

GOT A NEW COMPUTER? ‘CAN BE HACKED’
Switch without losing anything p35 And there’s no fix! Full story page 11
Welcome
EDITORIAL
Group Editor Daniel Booth
Features Editor Jane Hoskyn
Technical Editor Sherwin Coelho
From the Editor
Production Editor Graham Brown
Art Editor Katie Peat One of the lamest cliches in technology
Sorry, no technical or buying advice. journalism is to drool over a new product and
ADVERTISING yell: ‘This changes everything!’. It’s actually not
Advertisement sales & media pack
020 7907 6799 easy to drooling and yelling at the same time,
Advertising Director Andrea Mason
Deputy Advertising Manager Alexa Dracos
so I try not to use the cliche, but 2015 was a
year in which, well, everything did change.
MARKETING AND CIRCULATION
Subscriptions Manager Sarah Aldridge The reason? Microsoft made Windows 10 a Feature, we expose the sinister new tactics
Senior Direct Marketing Executive
Rachel Evans
free download. Now that thousands of you criminals will use next year. Our advice will
Marketing Production Manager Gemma Hills have upgraded, we’ll continue to show you help you to stay safe.
For subscription enquiries ring 0844 815 0054
how to get the best out of the operating system I sincerely hope hackers have a miserable
PRODUCTION throughout 2016. And when problems arise Christmas. But I’d like to wish all
Group Production Manager
Stephen Catherall with updates, we’ll explain how to fix them. Computeractive readers a very merry
Production Controller
Anisha Mogra One thing that, sadly, didn’t change in 2015 Christmas. May you have a joyful time.
MANAGEMENT
– and won’t in 2016 – is the threat posed by Daniel Booth
Managing Director John Garewal malware and online scams. In our Cover [email protected]
MD of Advertising Julian Lloyd-Evans
Commercial and Retail Director David Barker
Group Managing Director Ian Westwood
COO Brett Reynolds
Group Finance Director Ian Leggett p42
Chief Executive James Tye
Company Founder Felix Dennis

BRAND USAGE AND REPRINTS

Companies can obtain a licence to use approved p38 p16
quotations from articles, the Computeractive
logo and Buy It! logo. Reprints of articles are also
available.

Please contact Wrights Media for more

information and rates:
UK: 877-652-5295 ext 164
International: 281-419-5725 ext 164
Email: [email protected]
Requests to use quotations from articles will
need to be approved by the editor. Please send
requests to: [email protected]

OVERSEAS LICENSING
Computeractive is available for international
licensing. Contact Nicole Adams at nicole_ p50
[email protected] or +44 (0)20 7907 6134

ONWARD RESALE
This publication may not be resold or otherwise
distributed, whether at, below or above face
value. Nor can this publication be advertised for
sale, transfer or distribution.

PERMISSIONS
Material may not be reproduced in any form
without the written consent of the publisher.
Please address such requests to John Garewal,
Dennis Publishing, 30 Cleveland Street,
London W1T 4JD

LIABILITY
While every care was taken preparing this
magazine, the publishers cannot be held
responsible for the accuracy of the information p35 p11
or any consequence arising from it. All
judgments are based on equipment available
to Computeractive at the time of review.
Computeractive takes no responsibility for the
content of external websites whose addresses
are published in the magazine.
THIS ISSUE IN NUMBERS HOW TO USE
A DENNIS PUBLICATION
Computeractive is published
60,000ft SNIPCA URLs
fortnightly by Dennis Publishing
Ltd, 30 Cleveland Street, London W1T 4JD.
How high Facebook’s We use snipcas to turn long URLs that
Company registered in England. Material may
not be reproduced in whole or part without the laser drones fly - are hard to type into ones that are
consent of the publishers. ISSN 1461-6211
p49 short and simple. They aren’t websites
themselves, which means they won’t
Average sales, Jan-Dec 2014, 88,274
copies per issue. be recognised if you type them into
80,000 1.5m Google. Instead, you need to type them
© Copyright Dennis Publishing Limited Number of computers in Number of rural into your browser address bar, then
the deadly Dyre botnet homes stuck on slow press Enter. Doing this will take you to
- p16 broadband - p8 the correct website.

23 December 2015 - 5 January 2016 3

 Contents 23 Dec 2015 – 5 Jan 2016 • Issue 465

Don’t Get
In this issue… CO
FEA VER
TU
P50 RE
50 Don’t get hacked in 2016

HACKED
After a turbulent year for
online security, we tell you how to
protect yourself over the next 12
months

57 Windows 10: the biggest

2016
controversies
The launch of Windows 10 has been far
from smooth. We give our verdict on
IN
where Microsoft has gone wrong YOUR
ANTI-VIRUS
WON’T BE

60
ENOUGH
What’s the fastest
browser for your tablet?
Don’t get stuck with your tablet’s Hackers will target you every day - non stop
default browser. We run through the
alternatives to boost your device + HOW TO STOP THEM p50

Windows 10
controversies:
our verdict
p57

? ?

The fastest browser for your tablet p60

In every issue…

6 News 32 Competition
Win a Linksys RE6400
11 Question of Wi-Fi Range Extender
the Fortnight
Are any computers still 49 What’s All the Fuss
safe to use? About? Laser drones

12 Letters 64 Problems Solved

14 Consumeractive 69 Fast Fixes

Windows Live Mail
16 Protect Your Tech 2015 – A
20
73 Jargon Buster year
y in tech
18 Best Free Software to fforge
get but
Spencer 74 The Final Straw not fo
n forgive
Stuart Andrews bids an p74
30 Buy It! unfond farewell to 2015

4 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

 Subscribe
NOW!
See page 62
for our special
subs offer

Reviews

20 Microsoft Surface Pro 4

Th best Windows tablet to date – but
The
yo
ou’ll pay through the nose

21 Acer Aspire R11

Ac
Acer’s bargain hybrid struggles to
co
ope with Windows 10

23 Apple iMac 21.5in

Apple’s latest computer is style and
substance in one great machine

26 Vodafone Smart Speed 6

A £50 Android smartphone – but no
choice of network provider
Microsoft
c osoft Surface
Su face Pro
o 4 p20

App iMac 21.5in

Apple 2 p23 Vodafo e
fone
27 The Computeractive
Smart
art Awards 2015
Speed 6 With Christmas upon us, we
p26 announce our awards for this
year’s crackers and turkeys in the
world of tech products

28 What we want in 2016

We compile our wish list for
developments we’d like to see in
consumer tech in the coming year

Workshops & Tips Computeractive

14 pages of brilliant workshops and expert tips 2014 Back Issue CD
Buy for £15 on
35 Switch to a new PC without 42 Master CCleaner’s brilliant Amazon – see page 54
losing anything new tools

38 Monitor your home online 43 Readers’ Tips

when away Monitor your fitness on your PC

40 Never miss a software 44 Phone and Tablet Tips

up
update in 2016 Save Skype videos to your phone

46 Make Windows Better

Use your PC’s on-screen keyboard

47 Make Office Better

Add grouped images to your Sway

48 Secret Tips For… On sale now at

Stellarium www.snipca.com/14981

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 5

 News The top stories in the world of technology

Microsoft ‘changes your PC’s

settings’ for Windows 10
M icrosoft has been secretly
changing the settings of
Windows 7 and 8.1 computers
COMMENT
Microsoft clearly doesn’t
in order to prepare them for a
believe in the lure of playing
Windows 10 upgrade.
hard to get. It is behaving like
The claim comes from Josh
an admirer whose refusal to
Mayfield, the creator of GWX
take no for an answer has
Control Panel (http://ultimate
gone from slightly charming
outsider.com/downloads), a
to incredibly annoying – and
free program that lets 7 and
even a bit creepy. What’s
8.1 users prevent Microsoft’s
next? Phone calls at midnight
‘Get Windows 10’ message
from a tired and emotional
from repeatedly appearing.
Bill Gates urging you to just
This message pops up if you
give Windows 10 a chance?
have Microsoft’s ‘Get Windows Just what is Update and the new versions
We remain convinced that
10’ (also known as GWX) Microsoft up to? of the Get Windows 10 app are
Windows 10 is a great
Desktop app installed on your Mayfield suspects that it working together to “lay the
operating system that
PC. Microsoft says the app signals the start of an even groundwork for something”.
everyone should upgrade
“helps users understand their more aggressive Microsoft Mayfield didn’t elaborate,
to. But people shouldn’t
Windows 10 upgrade options campaign to persuade users of but one possibility, considered
be bullied into it. Microsoft
and device readiness” (find Windows 7 and 8.1 to upgrade. likely by experts, is that
needs to back off.
out more at www.snipca. He added: “This is new Microsoft will re-categorise
com/19098). behaviour, and it does leave the Windows 10 upgrade as a
Microsoft has frequently your PC vulnerable to ‘recommended’ update. program monitors 10
updated the app with unwanted Windows 10 Microsoft has admitted that Windows settings that leave
unexplained changes, and upgrade behaviour”. it intends to do this next year, a Windows 7 or 8.1 PC
reinstalled it on PCs after users He’s also concerned about a controversial decision that “potentially vulnerable to
have removed it. Speaking to changes to the Windows inspired our ‘Stop & Control unexpected Windows 10
the website Computerworld, Update tool on Windows 7 Windows Updates’ Cover upgrade behaviour”.
Mayfield said that people and 8.1 PCs. One of these, Feature in Issue 464. Microsoft keeps altering
using GWX Control Panel had Microsoft said, “enables It means that Windows 10 those settings, and overrides
told him that Microsoft was support for additional upgrade will be automatically changes you’ve made using
reversing a setting that turned scenarios from Windows 7 to downloaded on to PCs GWX Control Panel, Mayfield
off the message. He said that Windows 10” and improves running 7 and 8.1, though said. Any changes Microsoft
the ‘AllowOSUpgrade’ setting the ability of the company to Microsoft says you’ll be makes to how Windows 10
(see screenshot) was “getting “monitor the quality of the “clearly prompted” to choose will be upgraded are detected
flipped back on on a number upgrade experience”. whether or not to install it. by GWX Control Panel if you
of peoples’ PCs, and it keeps Mayfield claims Microsoft’s That will anger Windows set it to run on ‘Monitor Mode’.
re-setting itself at least once a explanations don’t tell the users, including Mayfield,
day if they switch it back off”. whole truth. He said that the who built GWX Control Panel Read Issue 466 (out Weds 6
Mayfield suggested that this latest changes tell Windows so he could remain on Jan) for our Cover Feature
was due to repeated updates Update whether a PC can be Windows 7 without being on regaining control over
Microsoft is installing on to upgraded to Windows 10. incessantly urged to upgrade. Windows settings
older computers. He thinks that Windows Mayfield says that his

You’ll like this… Chrome for Android now … but not this Con men are trying to fool
blocks malware and phishing sites (www. people into claiming compensation for a
snipca.com/19092) Microsoft scam (www.snipca.com/19093)

6 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

Want to see your GP? Then book IN BRIEF

an appointment online STOP USING FLASH SAYS

FIRM THAT MAKES IT
Adobe has begun to give
Patients should be encouraged national director for patients up on Flash, its notoriously
to use the internet to book and information. He said that unsafe browser plug-in. In
appointments with their GPs, “digital health tools can an online announcement
a new report says. dramatically improve people’s (www.snipca.com/19078),
It also says they should lives and wellbeing”. Adobe said that it will now
use the web to order repeat But the Royal College of encourage web developers
prescriptions and access their General Practitioners (RCGP) to use HTML5 instead. This
medical records warned that poor internet is much safer than Flash,
The recommendations are access in rural areas would and is built into websites,
part of a review by Martha hinder the plans. Dr Imran so you don’t have to install
Lane Fox into how NHS staff Fox – a campaigner for Rafi from the RCGP said that anything to play web content.
and patients can better use greater internet access – was this problem needed to be Adobe says support for Flash
digital services. asked by Health Secretary addressed “as a matter of will continue, but expects
The former internet Jeremy Hunt to examine how urgency”. HTML5 to be “the web
entrepreneur and Government there could be “more digital He said that the platform of the future”.
adviser said that by 2017 10 inclusion across the NHS”. Government shouldn’t give
per cent of patients at every He said that her proposals GPs more responsibility “at a AMAZON ADDS NIGHT
GP practice should be using will be backed by “new time when the profession is MODE TO FIRE TABLETS
online services to carry out investment of £1 billion in under such huge workload Amazon has added a
basic tasks. health technology announced and resource pressures”. ‘night-reading’ mode to its
She also recommends that in the autumn statement”. Dr Rafi was cautious also 2015 range of Fire tablets.
free Wi-Fi should be provided Some of this money should about GPs recommending A new software update
at every NHS building to help be used to improve the digital health apps for patients, includes a tool called Blue
patients “self-monitor” their skills of NHS staff, Fox says. calling for the introduction Shade that filters the amount
condition using apps The plans were welcomed of a system to ensure they of blue light emitted by the
approved by doctors. by Tim Kelsey, NHS England are “safe and reliable”. screen. This light, which is
known to disturb your inner
body clock and disrupt sleep
Take BBC iPlayer on holiday with you patterns, is replaced by a
soft red hue. Read Amazon’s
You may soon be able said Andrus Ansip, the instructions to make sure
to watch BBC iPlayer EU’s vice-president for your tablet can receive
anywhere in Europe the Digital Single Market. automatic updates: www.
after the EU announced The BBC welcomed the snipca.com/19083.
new proposals to proposal, saying it was
remove international “interested in being able
restrictions. to allow UK licence-fee
The new laws, which payers to access BBC Tomorrow’s
will need to be approved
by the European
Parliament, will make
iPlayer while they are on
holiday in the EU”.
However it pointed out
world
customers’ online that for EU-wide access As part of its relentless
subscriptions ‘portable’ to work “complex mission to deliver items
within the EU. technical issues” would faster, Amazon has been
This would mean you’ll be location, allowing them to need to be resolved. testing flying drones. It has
able to sign into any of your watch and play streaming The BBC also said that the released a video, presented
online accounts when you are services in any country. UK Government would have by Jeremy Clarkson, to
in any EU country, letting you The EU hopes the changes to “modernise” the licence fee make this sound as normal
access services such as iPlayer, will be implemented in 2017, to include catch-up TV. This and unthreatening as
Spotify, iTunes, Netflix and which is also when it wants to would let the BBC verify that possible (watch it at
Sky’s Now TV. ban roaming charges. people who wanted to watch www.snipca.com/19018). A
Currently you’re allowed “People who legally buy iPlayer abroad had paid the Star Trek-style Transporter
to access some of these only content - films, books, football licence fee. to beam items directly to
when you’re in the UK, matches, TV series - must be Netflix and Sky said they your home can only be
though millions of people able to carry it with them were studying the details of months away.
use VPNs to disguise their anywhere they go in Europe,” the proposals.

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 7

 News
IN BRIEF Half of all rural homes have
UK HAS WORLD’S
4TH BEST INTERNET sub-10Mbps broadband
Only South Korea, Denmark
and Iceland have better Around half of the UK’s
internet connections than rural areas are still receiving
the UK, according to a broadband speeds of
new report. The research, less than 10Mbps.
from the International The figures come from
Telecommunication Union, Ofcom’s annual Connected
measures internet speed and Nations report (www.snipca.
the percentage of computer com/19042), which every
users. The UK’s fourth place year analyses the state of
globally is up from 10th five communications and wireless
years ago, and higher than networks in the UK. It shows
Japan (11th), Germany (14th) that 1.5 million people in the
and the US (15th). countryside are still stuck of people still aren’t taking because they don’t see them
with speeds under 10Mbps. advantage of the faster speeds as commercially viable.
FIREFOX CUTS Ofcom regards 10Mbps available because Ofcom says Ofcom also said that how
ANNOYING TILE ADS as the minimum speed that 83 per cent of homes - people set up their Wi-Fi
Mozilla says it will stop “necessary to deliver an approximately 24 million and position their router,
showing adverts that appear acceptable user experience”. – could sign up to 30Mbps rather than poor broadband,
as tiles when you open a new But around 20 per cent of packages if they wanted to. are often to blame for
tab in Firefox. The company people can’t even get 5Mbps. The availability of 30Mbps- slow speeds. It said that
introduced its Sponsored However, Ofcom says that plus broadband has been placing routers too near to
Tiles in November 2014, overall “good progress” has driven partly by BT rolling other electronic devices, such
expanding it in September been made in providing out its fibre network as a lamp, a microwave oven
2015 to include adverts based broadband across the UK. nationwide, and by more or even Christmas tree lights,
on your browsing history. Superfast broadband, homes switching to Virgin causes enough interference to
But in a recent blog post considered by Ofcom to be Media’s faster packages. reduce speeds.
(www.snipca.com/19041) 30Mbps and above, is now In addition, the To help users find out what’s
Mozilla said it would end the used in 27 per cent of homes Government’s Broadband causing such problems, Ofcom
“experiment” after proving – around 7.5 million. This is Delivery UK programme has has released a Wi-Fi-checker
“that advertising can be done up from 21 per cent (around 6 continued to extend superfast app for iOS and Android. It is
well while respecting users”. million homes) in 2014. service into areas that free to download from www.
But this means that millions companies won’t consider snipca.com/19043.

Pensioner sues Apple – and wins!

Apple has been compensation, and £800
ordered to pay in court costs.
£2,000 damages White told the Evening Parents in the US are naming
to an iPhone Standard that, having their babies after filters
user after a shop fought cancer, he “was not offered by photo-sharing
assistant in one of the going to get defeated by website Instagram, which
company’s stores Apple”. is used by more than 400
wiped all his videos He said that “his life” was million people worldwide
and photos. saved on the phone. Among (including a plethora of
On 11 December the content he lost were selfie-loving celebrities).
2014, Deric White, treasured photos and videos The popularity of the name
68 from London discovered that his photos, from his honeymoon, ‘Lux’, which is an affect that
(pictured), took his faulty videos and other data had including a “favourite video of changes a photo’s brightness,
iPhone 5 to the Apple Store been deleted. a giant tortoise biting my hand rocketed by 75 per cent
in Regent Street. District Judge Ruth Fine, in the Seychelles”. in 2015 (it’s a boy’s name,
After examining Mr White’s sitting at London County He added: “I did this for the apparently). Popular for girls
phone, a staff member Court, ruled that Apple was common man. I would say to was ‘Valencia’, a filter that
returned it saying the problem “negligent in the treatment of anybody who has got a gripe artificially fades a photo to
had been “sorted”. But it was the claimant’s telephone”. She with Apple – don’t let them make it look older.
at this point that Mr White awarded Mr White £1,200 in boss you about”.

8 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

 DOMAINS | MAIL | HOSTING | eSHOPS | SERVERS

1&1 CLOUD SERVER

TEST THE TOP PERFORMER

BEST!Easy to use –
ready to go
The 1&1 Cloud Server offers unbeatable
performance in terms of CPUs, RAM
and SSD storage! Implement your
cloud projects with the perfect
combination of flexibility and
powerful features.

Load balancing
SSD storage
Billing by the minute
Intel® Xeon® Processor
E5-2660 v2 and E5-2683 v3

1 month free!
Then from £4.99 per month*

1 TRIAL
TRY FOR
30 DAYS 1 CLICK
UPGRADE OR
DOWNGRADE 1 CALL
SPEAK TO
AN EXPERT

0333 336 5509

* 1&1 Cloud Server 1 month free trial, then from £4.99 per month. No minimum contract period. Prices exclude 20% VAT. Visit 1and1.co.uk
for full offer details, terms and conditions. Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
1&1 Internet Limited, Discovery House, 154 Southgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2EX.
1and1.co.uk
 Ne s

In a one-off special, Jane Hoskyn puts the boot into Microsoft’s unreadable,
jargon-stuffed predictions for 2016

WARNING – gobbledegook ahead

Jargon offender: Microsoft of MIT (MIT Massachusetts Institute of
I know it’s not easy to predict the future, Technology). But computing experts
but is that any excuse to use horrific obviously love a bit of Heinz on their
jargon when doing so? That’s Microsoft’s bacon sandwiches, because Microsoft
crime in its ‘16 predictions for 2016’ web picks up Reif’s bottle, slaps it hard on
article (www.snipca.com/19065). the bottom, and introduces its experts’
The actual start of the article refers to predictions by asking: “What innovation
the company’s “anthology” of short will emerge from the ketchup bottle
stories, released in November. Annoyingly in 2016?”
titled ‘Future Visions’ (annoys the heck What makes it sad, or hilarious, is
out of me anyway), it features work by that these people have no idea how
“some of today’s top science-fiction foolish they sound. It could have been
writers” and is still available for free from It’s beautifully illustrated, but Microsoft’s 2016 written by David Brent, Ricky Gervais’
Amazon as an ebook (http://news. predictions report is jargon wonderful creation from that brilliant
microsoft.com/futurevisions). sitcom The Office.
But after that gentle introduction, the and engineers who work across multiple Mercifully, one or two of the experts’
article begins to drown in jargon and disciplines in research labs around the prophecies do make sense and are easy
excruciating management-speak. world”. And yet with all that brain power, to understand. For example, Microsoft
Microsoft presents it as a collection of they still use the absurd phrase “we leave Research Engineer Lili Cheng says: “More
predictions from 16 “leading thinkers a lot of innovation ketchup in the bottle” kids’ first jobs will be virtual rather than
within our Technology and Research to refer to technology research that in a physical place. This will cause us to
organisation”. That sounds simple doesn’t reach its full potential. rethink the way we work”. Most of the
enough, even though 16 doesn’t sound To be fair to Microsoft, the ‘ketchup’ others, though, are riddled with jargon.
like an awful lot when, as Microsoft metaphor belongs not to someone from I’ve tried to decipher the three worst
admits, it has “more than 1,000 scientists the company, but to Rafael Reif, president below.

What are they talking about?

Doug Burger (Director of Hardware & Brian LaMacchia (Director of Security & Krysta Svore
Devices, Microsoft Research) Cryptography, Microsoft Research) (Senior Microsoft Researcher)
“2016 will be “Hopefully by 2026 we will have deployed “The confirmation and
the year that a new quantum-resistant public-key demonstration of a
reconfigurable cryptosystem in all of our in-use security topological qubit will
computing protocols and will be well on the way to be a key technology
(ie FPGAs) go deprecating a few remaining quantum- breakthrough for
mainstream in the vulnerable cryptosystems.” quantum computing
datacentre, as a in 2016.”
first-class compute What they mean
accelerator.” This one is all about security, both personal What they mean
and national. As we discuss in our Cover Quantum computing may help Microsoft
What they mean Feature (page 50), hackers are getting develop super-efficient solar cells,
Computers, including big company more adept at cracking encryption revolutionise artificial intelligence (AI) and
servers, will increasingly use high- (‘cryptosystems’) and next year Microsoft even develop groundbreaking medicines.
performance software and hardware that and national governments will move to a Find out more in this jargon-free article:
results in much faster processor power. new, tougher level of encryption. www.snipca.com/19069.

10 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

 ?
Question
of the
Fortnight

A triple-wham
mmy
y off security
Are any computers still
safe to use?
y flaws
fl leaves millions off PC users at risk of attack

I f you were horrified ed by the

security holes Dell rrecently
admitted were built in
h

into its
ly THE FACTS
computers (see News, s, Issue • Dell, Lenovo and Toshiba
464), we’ve got even m more bad PCs have all been shown
news. Since then secu urityy to contain security flaws
experts have exposed fl flaws in hackers could exploit
PCs and laptops made de by • Details of the flaws were
Lenovo and Toshiba - pl plus published online before the
another bug in Dell m h
machines. manufacturers had time to
Left unfixed, these ca can b be fix them
exploited by hackers tto take k • Lenovo says you should
over your PC after they
hey’ve uninstall its Support Center
tricked you into visitinging tool to avoid being hacked
malicious websites orr opening g
infected email attachm hments.
Following the Lenov vo Service Station automatically
Superfish scandal in February searches for software updates
2015, the latest flaws are “and other alerts” that, the
further evidence that the It’s further evidence that the company claims, you need to
built-in tools manufacturers install on your computer.
are cramming into their tools manufacturers are cramming Dell’s System Detect,
computers are riddled with meanwhile, is a repeat
security defects. into their computers are riddled offender. It’s meant to make it
In terms of the number of
people affected, the most
with security holes easier for users to fix problems
when contacting the company’s
serious new flaw concerns the support website. However,
Lenovo Solution Center (LSC), on Twitter (@TheWack0lian) then, Lenovo said, worried Dell was forced to update it in
a pre-installed tool found on posted details online of how users should uninstall LSC. November after admitting it
many of the manufacturer’s the LSC could be exploited by But Lenovo failed to say contained an unsafe security
bestselling PCs and laptops. cybercriminals. which specific models certificate that hackers could
Lenovo is the world’s biggest To make matters worse, were affected by the flaw, exploit. Just a few days later
PC manufacturer, accounting he did this before informing prompting security experts Slipstream/RoL claimed that
for 21 per cent of all Lenovo, giving other hackers to urge users to play it safe despite this update, System
computers sold in 2015 (see a chance to take advantage and remove LSC from all Detect was still unsafe.
Wikipedia for new and before the company could ThinkPad, IdeaPad, At the time of writing
historical statistics related to release a fix. Security ThinkCenter, IdeaCenter and neither Dell nor Toshiba had
PC sales: www.snipca. researchers at Pittsburgh’s ThinkState computers. commented on the alleged
com/19061). The company Carnegie Mellon University One crumb of comfort is flaws, but you should check
sold around 50 million investigated the alleged flaw that the security hole can’t be that you’re using the latest
computers in 2015, which and confirmed that LSC exploited without you first versions of both tools (Dell
leaves a vast number of people contains “multiple launching LSC. If you’ve left it www.snipca.com/19062;
at risk of attack. vulnerabilities”. untouched since buying your Toshiba: www.snipca.
Launched in August 2015, Lenovo’s response was computer, you don’t need to com/19063).
LSC lets users check the quick, but not particularly worry – though you should Between them Lenovo, Dell
overall health and security of helpful. On its support page still uninstall it. and Toshiba sold almost 100
their machine (check Lenovo’s (www.snipca.com/19055) Both the Dell and Toshiba million computers in 2015.
site for more information: the company said it was flaws that have come to light That’s a lot of people now
www.snipca.com/19057). But “assessing” the accusations also involve built-in tools that wondering whether it will
in December a hacker who and would provide a fix “as help you maintain the health ever be safe again to switch
calls himself ‘Slipstream/RoL’ rapidly as possible”. Until of your PC. The Toshiba on their computer.

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 11

 Letters
Tell us what’s on your mind
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/computeractive
Twitter: @ComputerActive
www.twitter.com/computeractive

Unsurprising that older procesessing (although heavy apps do tend

people are more cautious to drrain it). It also comes with free
I don’t think we should be versio
ions of Word Mobile, Excel Mobile
surprised that older people takeke andd PowerPoint Mobile, more than other
online security more seriously than ta
tablets on the market.
young whippersnappers. Even if it It’s unfair to compare it with Apple
were true that older people know less prroducts when they cost 3-4 times as
about technology (and I would disputee muchch. Overall I’m more than happy
this), they are more cautious and less with
th it.
trusting than people under 30. There’s ’s Stephen Ellis
no real mystery behind this. As you gett
older, you just take fewer risks – on thee Wind
indows 10: only shutting
internet as well as in the ‘real’ world. Connect 10, but I still can’t afford an iPad, down
do makes me feel safe
I remember well that feeling of so I’ll get an Android tablet next, probably Over the years I’ve preferred to
youthful invincibility. When you’re a Google’s Nexus. put my computer into sleep mode
teenager, you think nothing can hurt David Shaw when I’m not using it, simply because
you. You kid yourself into thinking that the start time is far quicker than full
you’re going to live forever. That feeling Keeping the Tesco Connect shut down.
evaporates over time. I’m now 75, and I bought one about two weeks Since installing Windows 10, I have
feel less invincible, and therefore I take ago, and feel the review in Issue become rather concerned about privacy
fewer risks in life. Maybe you get a bit 463 was unfair and not a true reflection as Microsoft seems to have access to
more paranoid, too. My default setting of the tablet. OK, it is slightly bigger my laptop at any time, day or night –
when I’m online is to not trust anything. than the few other Windows 10 tablets even in sleep mode. I’ve noticed on a
That attitude may be over the top, but it available, but it is not a “brick”. In fact, couple of occasions that my screen was
sure keeps you safe! it is very comfortable to hold and use, blank but on, and the my PC’s LEDs were
Douglas Allott and starts quickly. lit and flickering. Checking what was
I’ve never had problems seeing happening I found that Windows was
Young people tend to be a lot more anything on screen, even when I’ve used updating while my laptop was asleep.
relaxed about the inevitability of it while in bright sunlight. The battery life I unchecked the option to
crime, which may explain why they don’t is very good when you’re browsing the allow remote access in settings but this
treat online security very seriously. When internet, sending emails, or word made no difference. Now I have to
reading your news story I was reminded
of something my 19-year-old grandson
said to me. He lives in what I would call a
‘dodgy’ part of London and therefore
Yahoo can ‘get stuffed’ about
accepts that he will probably be mugged blocking access to emails
at some point. Indeed, he and his mates
think it’s been a good year if they only I can’t be the only
get mugged once. He just shrugs, and says person shocked by
it’s just part of life. I don’t think older Yahoo’s decision to prevent
people are as blasé as that. some of its US users from
Pat Goddard reading their emails if they use
an ad-blocking tool (News,
Binning the Tesco Connect Issue 464). I didn’t start
I have to agree with your verdict blocking adverts until about a
on the Tesco Connect 10 (Reviews, year ago, when I finally got fed
Issue 463 – see image above right). If up with marketing videos that
anything, two stars was a bit generous. I flood my screen, selling
bought it a few weeks ago, and it was my products I will never want.
first tablet. I’ve been using my son’s iPad A decade or so ago, internet adverts because it kept websites free. But it’s all
on and off, and thought I really should were less annoying. They were simple, changed since then. Websites no longer
get my own tablet. But I didn’t want to static ads that couldn’t offend anybody. care about ease of use. They just want
break the bank. I made the mistake of They didn’t suddenly open into loud the money from advertisers. Frankly,
thinking you could get iPad quality on a videos, or pop up just because you Yahoo, you can get stuffed. I’m going to
£100 tablet. I guess I should have realised moved your mouse over a particular switch to another service.
this wouldn’t happen, but I’ll put it down word. I was happy for them to be there, Michael Holt
to a beginner’s error. I’m binning the

12 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

completely shut down my computer to
feel my security is no longer being STAR LETTER
compromised.
Michael E Weaver
PC sales are falling because
Crackers to think Microsoft
is charitable
customers are less ggullible
Are you sure Steve Jacobs isn’t In your Comment on the Dell
Bill Gates in disguise (‘Microsoft computer flaws (News, Issue
is generous, not aggressive’, Letters, 464), you mention that scandals like
Issue 464)? It’s absurd and naive to these are partly responsible for the
say Microsoft is being charitable by fall in PC sales. You may be right, and
extending support for Windows 7 until when I do buy my next PC (maybe
2020. Mr Jacobs is crackers if he thinks next year), I will certainly think
that Microsoft cares a jot about Windows twice about choosing a Dell or
7. If they could, Microsoft would pull Lenovo model. I don’t like the
the plug on it tomorrow, then on way these companies seem
Windows 8.1 the day after that, and force to take their customers
everyone to use Windows 10 forever. for granted.
In fact, given the company’s erratic But I suspect there’s
behaviour recently, I wouldn’t be another reason behind the decline in
surprised if they did just that. computer sales: PC users are not as computer. It all means that I take
Jeremy Edmonds gullible as they once were. I remember every exaggerated claim from computer
being completely bamboozled by manufacturers with a pinch of salt.
Windows 10 has computers back in the 1990s, when I I don’t automatically swallow every
made me smell bought my first one. I wouldn’t say I boast about record speeds or massive
It started off so well. Three weeks was conned by the PC salesman, but memory.
ago, when my hard drive died, I he certainly sold me an expensive As a result, people like me don’t
was persuaded by my local PC shop to dud. The problem was, I didn’t feel feel bullied into buying a new PC
let them do a clean install of Windows 10 confident enough to question his every five years – although Microsoft
(I recall their highly technical dubious sales pitch. bullying us to upgrade to Windows 10
endorsement to be “do it! do it! – But that was a long time ago. Since is another story. We now know
it’s the best operating system ever”). then, like millions of other people, I through 20 years of PC experience (30
Well I have to say, I am impressed. have been on a steep learning curve. I for some people) that computers don’t
All my programs and hardware migrated have discovered more about computers become obsolete overnight. We can
without a hitch (even my old Epson than I ever thought possible, thanks resist the marketing spin from
scanner), but there is a problem. You mostly to a combination of curiosity, companies because we no longer
see, I have (or rather had) a routine. perseverance and, of course, the tips get intimidated by vacuous salesman.
And being an older person, this routine and advice in Computeractive. If anything, these days they get
was set in stone: get up, switch on If I met that salesman now, I’d feel intimidated by us!
computer, shower, start work on knowledgeable enough to sell him a Anthea Crayford
computer. Unfortunately, with a 25
second start-up, I no longer have the
time to shower. So I apologise to anyone
The Star Letter writer wins a Computeractive mug!
in my immediate vicinity, but it’s
Microsoft’s fault! Wiindows 7, a much is that Microsoft is forcefully
Susan Bentley
ley im
mproved version of Vista, downloading Windows 10 to Windows 7
iss very good. I have a users, and dictating what users should
Forget Windows 10 – computer running or shouldn’t have on their PCs.
XP still does Windows 7, but I prefer What Microsoft fails to understand
everything I need XP Pro on my Dell is that, just like some people do not need
I and other users of Dimension 5100. Instead to drive a Maserati or a Rolls Royce and
Windows XP have of improving Windows 7, are happy with a Ford or a Nissan, the
never criticised or made fun off Miicrosoft created yet same principle applies to computer
readers keen to update to anothe
her new system – systems. That is why I am happy with
Windows 8 and Windows 10 – even Windows 8, which was almost as XP. It has everything I need and is, when
though some of them have called us unfit for purpose as Vista. backed up with protection, 100-per-cent
“dinosaurs” and suggested that XP should Now we have Windows 10 and while reliable. I use Avast, Malwarebytes
be killed off. But there are good reasons some readers are happy with it, others Anti-Malware, Malwarebytes Anti-
for staying with XP despite it being an old have found quite a few shortcomings and Exploit, F-Secure and AdwCleaner.
operating system. defects. What makes the situation worse Tom Tottis

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 13

 Consumeractive
Can I get a refund
for a dodgy Do I have any legal rights for
a faulty prize?
download? I was lucky enough
ough to

Q
I mistakenly bought from
Currys a download of
Q win an Acer Aspipire E
laptop in a Breezze FM
F
Microsoft’s Office 365 radio competition in Janu uary
ryy
University, instead of the ordinary this year. However, several w k
ral we
weeks
version. It wouldn’t download to my later it started to randomly ly
PC, but Currys refuses to give me a switch itself off. I’ve sent it back
ba
refund, insisting it has been downloaded. to Acer for repair three timimes s
es,
Can I get a refund? but the problem is still ongngoi i g
oing.
Richard Newsam I initially picked up the laptop
la op o
from a shop in Petersfield ld,
Let’s get the legal stuff out of the Hampshire called Syn-Sta tar
A way first. Based on what Richard
has told us, he’s not entitled to
(http://syn-pc.co.uk). They
say they aren’t liable to
ey

an automatic refund because he has offer a replacement, while le

attempted to download the software. The Acer says I’m entitled only y to another this usually means money has changed
law says that after buying software, you repair under the warranty. Are my hands, which hasn’t happened in this
have 14 days to ask for a refund, but only rights affected because the laptop was case. The short of it is because Acer
if you haven’t downloaded the program. a prize not a purchase? donated the laptop, it hasn’t formed a
Howeve
Ho ver, he can still Jan Mclean contract with Breeze or Syn-Star – and
m for an
claim none of these has formed a contract
unsu uccessful Unfortunately, Jan doesn’t with Jan.
d nload. Currys
down
mustt repair or
A have any legal rights, despite
her local Trading Standards
However, there could be hope for
Jan. Syn-Star says it has asked Acer to
place the
replac office saying that the Sale of Goods replace the laptop as a goodwill
d nload. Only if
down Act (SOGA) applies in her case. We gesture, rather than repair it again.
h isn’t
this i possible can double-checked this with the Trading As for Breeze, it told us it wasn’t happy
hard get a refund,
Richar Standards Institute, which said that to hear about the problems Jan has
b Cu
but Currys has because the laptop is a competition had. It was apologetic, but said it
comp plicated the prize, Jan doesn’t have a legal contract couldn’t be held responsible because
case bby insisting the with any of the parties concerned: the prize had been arranged through a
program was downloaded without a Breeze, Acer or Syn-Star. third party. Also, Breeze’s terms and
problem. Amid this confusion we’ve This may sound unfair, so we’ll conditions don’t protect its winners for
asked Currys to investigate, explain why. For a contract to exist prizes that are inherently
possibly to see whether it between a customer and a retailer, a faulty (www.snipca.
can help Richard get the ‘consideration’ must have taken place; com/18865).
software working.

Is Tesco ignoring consumer rights?

I’ve got two questions about Some companies will drop the
Q Tesco’s mobile-phone service.
Can I get a reduced monthly
A monthly fee once the phone has
been paid off, so Will should ask customer has to pay for a repair. Because
charge using the same phone once the Tesco and renegotiate a new contract. He an inherent fault may not appear for
two-year contract is finished and the should be able to use the same phone quite a while, the law gives you up to six
phone has been paid for? Also, isn’t and SIM card. years (five in Scotland) to seek a refund.
Tesco responsible for repairs to the As for repairs after a warranty ends, The retailer is allowed to
phone after the 12-month warranty Tesco must carry one out if the phone is deduct some money
has expired? inherently faulty. Tesco is wrong to depending on how long
Will Clemments simply say that after 12 months the you’ve used an item.

14 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

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

Can I get a refund for a faulty

y battery?
batte y?
I ordered from Dell an Inspiron has been promised f d But because
d a refund. b
Q 15 5559 laptop, but it came with
a US power cable and adapter.
he’s spoken to so mmany
he’s worried that th
y people
iss refund
this
l at Dell,
efu d won’t
o t
ll

I eventually got the correct cables, but materialise. Instead

ad of d g hours
o spending h
now the battery is refusing to charge. I’ve hanging on the telelepho h
hone, d d
we’ve advised
spent so long on the phone to Dell being Adrian to contact DeD ll in other
h ways.y He
passed from pillar to post. Am I entitled could try one of Dell’
ell’
l’s Twitter accounts,
to an automatic refund? such as @DellCares es or @ ll K, both
o @DellUK, b h
Adrian Morris of which are updat atedd regularly.
ed g l ly Or he
h
could even go
We understand Adrian’s straight to the top
A frustration, but we’re sorry to
say he’s not entitled to a refund.
and contact the
company’s chairm rmanann
First, Dell is allowed to offer a repair or and founder Michaell Dell Adrian could
Adri ld also
ls try live-chat
tr Dell’s liv chat
replacement. This is because more than (@MichaelDell). support (www.snipca.com/18866), which
30 days have passed since purchase. Contacting companies is one of the is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm.
Within 30 days, he would have been able best reasons to use Twitter. Any problems We’ve emailed Dell to contact
to force Dell to refund him. reported by customers can be seen by Adrian as a matter of urgency
Happily though, during his numerous millions of people on Twitter, so companies to arrange a refund, or supply a
phone conversations with Dell, Adrian are keen to nip them in the bud. replacement battery.

CASE UPDATE THIS WILL COME IN USEFUL

Google stays shtum about Android
update ‘breaking’ tablets Check which software version
It may be easy to get answers from Google you’re running
when you search online, but less so when you
want the company to comment on Android Adobe Flash Player Internet Explorer
devices broken by updates. We’ve spent the www.snipca.com/18806 www.snipca.com/18807
past month badgering Google on behalf of readers such as Paul
Spicer, whose case we covered in Issue 460. Since it updated to Adobe Reader Norton
Android 5.0 (Lollipop), his Nexus 7 tablet keeps getting stuck on www.snipca.com/18821 www.snipca.com/18820
the Google logo.
Despite contacting many of our sources at Google, including Avast Office
David Drummond, the company’s Senior Vice President of www.snipca.com/18818 www.snipca.com/18813
Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer, we couldn’t
get an official comment. This leaves Paul and thousands of Chrome Opera
others with a broken tablet, because there is no law that allows www.snipca.com/18812 www.opera.com/docs/
customers to seek a refund for damage caused by a software history
update. Firefox
As a last resort, customers could force a group litigation, in www.snipca.com/18809 Outlook
which several related claims can be judged collectively. It can www.snipca.com/18819
be an effective way to fight back against faceless companies Google Maps app
that are hard to deal with. Google has been targeted this way www.snipca.com/18814 Skype
before, when three people in the UK sued the company for www.snipca.com/18815
tracking their browsing habits (www.snipca.com/18867). Java
However, lawyers specialising in group litigation warn that www.snipca.com/18808 Windows
any such action would be a time-consuming process and www.snipca.com/18810
potentially very expensive. But if you’re in a similar position Kaspersky
to Paul Spicer – and we know thousands are – you may www.snipca.com/18817 Windows Media
get somewhere if you email David Drummond en masse at Player
[email protected]. www.snipca.com/18816

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 15

 Protect Your Tech
Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools

WATCH OUT FOR…

Banking trojan targeting Windows 10

What happened? Windows 10 PCs are at risk.
Windows 10 users were warned to be Heimdal also said that the new
extra vigilant after a new version of a version of Dyre attacks Edge, Microsoft’s
deadly banking trojan emerged with the new browser, and its long-term
aim of specifically attacking Microsoft’s replacement for Internet Explorer.
latest operating system.
First spotted in June 2014, the Dyre What should you do?
malware (also called Dyreza) has been Dyre spreads through phishing emails,
compared to the notorious Zeus trojan, so as always be deeply suspicious of any
which hackers have been using since unexpected messages you receive. In
2007 to steal money from bank accounts. It has remained a severe threat particular, look out for dodgy emails
Dyre works by allowing hackers to throughout 2015, although until that contain a .EXE file and claim to be
intercept unencrypted web traffic. November it had not targeted Windows from a tax consultant (see screenshot).
Victims think they are securely 10 users, focusing instead on XP, Vista, 7 Delete it immediately - it’s probably
connected to their banking website, but and 8. Proof of its new strategy was infected with Dyre.
any log-in information they type will provided by Danish security company It also sends emails with PDF
instead be seen by the criminals behind Heimdal (www.snipca.com/18840), attachments, hoping to exploit out-of-
the attack. Analysis has found that it which said that 80,000 Windows PCs date versions of Adobe Reader. Make
has targeted UK-based customers of worldwide are now part of the Dyre sure you’re using the most version of
Citibank, Natwest, RBS, Barclays, Lloyds botnet. This number is likely to rise the software by checking at www.
TSB and Bank of America. sharply now that over 110 million snipca.com/18842.

New tools Privazer 2.39.3

http://privazer.com
ScamWatch
READERS WARN READERS
Even before Microsoft
confirmed that Windows Media Fooled by fake iTunes invoice
Center (WMC) wouldn’t be part I bought my first iPhone a few
of Windows 10, we were months ago, which was probably
recommending that you use why I was targeted by an Apple-
VLC Media Player (www. related email scam. The email –
videolan.org) instead. No other from ‘iTunes Store’ – contains an
media program makes it as easy invoice for £42.99 for an app I’d
to play music and video. If you apparently paid for, a sat-nav tool
followed our advice, and have called TomTom Western Europe. But
used the program a lot, you’ll I’d never pay that much for an app.
probably have some leftover It’s a clever scam because you
VLC files scattered throughout urgently feel the need to click the
your PC doing nothing except taking Privazer is a reputable PC-cleaning ‘iTunes Payment Cancellation Form’
up space. tool; one to consider if you find that link at the bottom of the invoice. I
You could try to get rid of them by CCleaner doesn’t work for you. It has did this, and was asked for my bank
using the latest version of Privazer, also been updated to remove junk left details. It became obvious at that
which has been updated specifically to by Edge, Microsoft’s new default point that it was a scam.
tackle VLC files (like us, the developers browser in Windows 10, including files Roger Clarkson
must think that millions of people have that show what you’ve downloaded Warn your fellow readers about scams at
made the switch from WMC to VLC). online and websites you’ve visited. [email protected]

16 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

 60%*
OFF USE CODE
catchthreats
AT CHECKOUT

CATCHING
THREATS TO YOUR
NEW GADGETS.
New Year, New Gadgets
New Internet Security.
2016 Version now available
www.kaspersky.co.uk/store
*Offer only available with coupon code catchthreats.
Only available until 31 January 2016. Excludes business products.
Terms and conditions apply.

Subscription
on offer
offe

Subscribe to
And if you
subscribe today
we’ll also send

to stay safe on
you a FREE
8GB USB!

Windows 10
Now is a great time to subscribe to Computeractive. Throughout 2016 we’ll tell you
everything you need to do to stay safe on Windows 10.
✓Every new security fix ✓Latest threats from hackers ✓Best antivirus software
Order securely online at dennismags.co.uk/computeractive
or call now on 0844 815 0054 quoting offer code P1523PA
Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge Full subscription offer on page 62
 Best Free Software
Brilliant new programs that won’t cost you anything

START MENU TOOL

Spencer
www.snipca.com/18930
What you need: Windows 7, 8/8.1 or 10

This portable tool restores all the missing shortcuts and Spencer also provides quick access to the Control Panel,
hidden tools you used to see in your Start menu before the Accessibility menu and the Print dialogue box, as well as
Windows 8/8.1 or 10 sidelined them. It puts them back the Run tool and an administrator-level Command Prompt.
exactly where you want them, in a single, easy-to-access These tools are still there in Windows 8/8.1 and 10, but they’re
Windows XP-style menu. buried in Start menu sub-menus or Start Screen tiles.
It doesn’t replace your Start button or give you loads of If you run Spencer in Windows 8, it’ll add a handy
customising features – for that, you’ll need the powerful free Windows 7-style ‘Shut down’ button to the menu. In
tool Classic Shell (www.classicshell.net). Instead, Spencer Windows 10, the tool also provides quick links to many of
(which is much easier to use than Classic Shell) adds a Windows 10’s updated tools – including OneDrive and
secondary Windows icon to your taskbar. Windows Defender – as well as old favourites.
Click this icon and you’ll see the familiar menu of installed Besides being easier to use than Classic Shell, Spencer
programs and tools, including the old Accessories menu, also has the advantage of not having to be installed. However,
where you’ll find traditional Windows tools such as Paint, to get it to work, you’ll need to create a shortcut, as we
WordPad and Sound Recorder. explain below.

3
2

1 After downloading 2 Click and drag the Spencer 3 Click the icon to see 4 Higher up, you’ll see all
Spencer’s ZIP file from the icon to your taskbar and drop Spencer’s Start menu – it’s your installed programs
site, extract its contents it as far to the left as possible. similar to All Programs in XP. and tools in alphabetical
and then right-click the In Windows 10 this will be just In the lower section, you’ll order. Just as in XP, click
program file (‘Spencer.exe’) to the right of the Task View see direct links to Run and Accessories to find Paint,
and select ‘Pin to taskbar’. button. other admin tools. WordPad and more.

18 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

 WHAT SHOULD I DOWNLOAD?
We tell you what software to use

What program should I use

to organise my messy files?
I have two PCs, a tablet, a phone and two external
Q hard drives, full of documents, photos, music,
videos and other files. I seem to have multiple
CLIPBOARD MANAGER duplicate backups of everything, everywhere.
I need a program that can do a sweep of everything,
Portable ArsClip 5.6 grabbing one copy of every file and putting them in one
www.snipca.com/18932 place, then ideally sorting the files by type. Can you help?
What you need: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1 or 10 Ethel Trueman

Windows’ built-in clipboard tool is pretty limited. When you This is a maddening problem
copy something – text, a photo or a link, for example – it’s held
temporarily for you to paste somewhere else. But as soon as you
A that afflicts many of us – but
amazingly, there’s no single
copy something else, the original item is overwritten. program that will magically sort them.
ArsClip replaces Windows Clipboard with a tool containing First, use a free tool like Duplicate &
all the features you wish the original had. You can monitor, view Same Files Searcher (www.snipca.
and edit your clipboard history, set certain items to stay on the com/18945 – see our Workshop on
clipboard permanently and, in the new version, assign keyboard page 40 of Issue 453. Unlike most “free” duplicate-finders it
shortcuts for specific items. You can download an installable won’t charge you to remove the duplicate files it finds.
version, but we prefer the portable version because it’s quicker The problem of files spread across all your devices can be
and easier to get started with. alleviated, if not completely solved, by using a secure online
storage service. Microsoft OneDrive (https://onedrive.live.
com, pre-installed in Windows 8.1 and 10) provides 5GB of
free storage; Google Drive (www.google.com/drive) offers
15GB free; and Dropbox (www.dropbox.com) offers 2GB. It’s
worth paying a couple of pounds a month for extra storage;
check the sites for storage options and prices.
If you install the Windows versions of any of these storage
tools, they will create a special folder on your PC. Move all
your files into the folder, making sub-folders for documents,
music, photos and so on. These folders will sync across all
your devices (as long as you install the corresponding
mobile apps), ensuring that all your files sync automatically,
are stored in secure online servers and can be accessed
from any device.

Do you need our advice on what software to use?

LICENCE KEY FINDER Just email us at [email protected]

LicenseCrawler 1.52 NEW ONLY

www.snipca.com/18933 78 lefftt!!
What you need: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1 or 10 e
The Definitive Guide
to Free Software
Portable tool LicenseCrawler lets you scan your PC for all your
You’ll find more superb
licence numbers (also known as product keys) and back them
free programs in our new
up for safekeeping. Without the licence numbers that came
144-page book: The Definitive
with your paid-for programs, you may not be able to install
Guide to Free Software
them again after, say, wiping your PC or buying a new
computer.
To download the ZIP file, click the ‘Mirror Server (1)’ link at BUY IT NOW
the bottom of the list of download mirrors at the link above. FROM AMAZON
Extract the ZIP’s contents, open the folder inside, right-click at www.snipca.com/16785
‘LicenseCrawler.exe’ and then click ‘Run as administrator’.
Ignore the advert – the program is completely free for home use.

19
 Reviews New products tested by our experts

TABLET ❘ £849 from Microsoft Store www.snipca.com/18903

Microsoft
Surface Pro 4
The portable computer redesigned

Why should you care about the Surface

Pro 4? It’s just another Microsoft tablet
that’s mostly aimed at business users, and
it’s very expensive. True – but it’s a real
milestone for portable PCs. It takes an
idea that computer makers have been
trying to get right for years, and finally
makes it work.
The Surface Pro 4 comes with Windows
10, while most tablets run mobile
operating systems like Google’s Android
or Apple’s iOS. There are plenty of apps delays if you run a lot of programs at accessories, and there’s a microSD card
available for those, but not Windows’ once, and the 128GB of flash storage is slot for extra storage. Decent speakers are
range of full-scale office, creative and only enough for a limited amount of files, built in. The supplied mains adapter has a
specialist programs. Other Windows photos and videos. Doubling those spare USB port (omitted from the M3
tablets are much bulkier than this, like specifications increases the price to £1,079. model) to charge other devices. Once
laptops that have been chopped in half. You’ll also need to consider buying the charged, our Surface Pro 4 kept going for
At 8.5mm thick and 786g, this is a Type Cover (£110). It’s a floppy clip-on just over seven hours, impressive for a
proper tablet, thinner and not much rather than a rigid laptop keyboard, but Windows system.
heavier than the original iPad but with a because the tablet has a built-in kickstand, We won’t deny it: unless you’re
broader 12.3in screen. Our model had an it’s possible to arrange the two on your spending someone else’s money, the
Intel Core i5 processor, similar to those lap and type comfortably without a desk. Surface Pro 4 costs too much. It also froze
normally found in laptops and desktop The Type Cover also includes an excellent on us a couple of times, requiring a
PCs. This needs a fan to cool it, so the touchpad, so you don’t have to keep restart. But it does prove a tablet could
Surface Pro 4 doesn’t quite have the swiping the touchscreen. replace your main PC.
‘magic slab’ feel of an iPad Air. You’ll One thing that doesn’t cost extra is
hear a soft mechanical whir that gets the Surface Pen stylus. It’s not quite as SPECIFICATIONS
louder the harder it works. sophisticated as Apple’s Pencil, a £79 2.4GHz Intel i5-6300U dual-core processor • Intel HD
You can save £100 and lose the fan by add-on to the iPad Pro, but it does draw Graphics 520 • 4GB memory • 128GB flash storage •
12.3in 2736x1824-pixel touchscreen • 8-megapixel
choosing a less powerful Intel M3 chip. thicker lines if you press harder. The Pen
rear camera • 5-megapixel webcam • MicroSD slot
The point of the i5 is that you get a fully works really well with Microsoft’s free • USB 3.0 port • 802.11ac Wi-Fi • Windows 10 Pro
capable PC. It wouldn’t be ideal for jobs OneNote software, which you can use to • 292x201x8.5mm (HxWxD) • 786g • One-year
like video editing, but web browsing and organise documents and web pages with warranty www.snipca.com/18906
office tasks zip along very smoothly. We your own scribbled notes. The display is
even managed to run 3D games by so fine that you’ll want to set Windows VERDICT: The best Windows tablet so
turning down their quality settings. With 10’s display scale to 200 per cent, far. If you’re not tempted yet, just wait
onlyly 4GB off memory,y you’ll
y ll see some h
otherwise icons and labels will only be until something this powerful gets a
d bl by ants. Colours look great,
readable bit cheaper
covering g997.5 per cent of the sRGB range;
★★★★☆
contrast is high, and brightness can be
turned d up to almost blinding levels. ALTERNATIVE: Surface 3 £449 The
es des an 8-megapixel camera on the
Besides smaller Surface
back,
b k, there’
h e’s a webcam on the front that is a better deal
supports
pp W
Windows 10’s ‘Hello’ feature. for most users,
This
Th recogn gnises your face, so when you although the Pen
look at the tablet it unlocks itself. A costs extra
full-size
full s e US
USB 3.0 port lets you plug in

20 23 December
D be 2015 – 5 January
J 2016
LAPTOP ❘ £220 from PC World www.snipca.com/18918
HOW WE TEST

Acer Aspire R11 (R3-131T) Computeractive is owned by Dennis

Publishing, which owns a hi-tech facility
for testing th
the latest technology. You’ll
Life in plastic’s not fantastic often
ofte read
ead ref
eferences to our benchmark
testing,
g which ch is a method of assessing
products
d using the same criteria. For
We don‘t often
ofte talk aboutt the be benchmark
ch a k example,
p we e test the speed of every
tests we u use to rate compu pu
puters’’ PCC and the battery
b life of every tablet
performamance. Th That’s b becau use
u they’re
h y in exactly
ly the
he same way. This makes
boring. R Really,
lly seriously ly bbo
boring.g our reviews authoritative, rigorous
Sometime mes we actually lly fall
fa asleep
l while
hl a
andd accu
accurate
ate.
doing theem. Th There’s plenty
l ty off time D
Dennis Publishing
Pub also owns
for sleeping g when
h a PC co o
omes in with ha the
h magazine
g es PC Pro, Computer
Celeron processor. r. The
Th name
naa e comes
co es SShopper,
pp r,, Web
We User and Micro Mart
from the Latin ffor ‘hurryh y up!’. ! andd the
h webs bsite Expert Reviews
Presumablyably this
h is Intel’s l ((www.expertp rtreviews.co.uk). This
little jokee. We preferf to means
ea s we e can test thousands of
think of it as a an products beffore choosing the most
abbreviattion off ‘Cornu asp spersum’,
p relevant Co
ele a t for Computeractive.
the gardeen snail. l.
point Mid-range
Here’s a case in point. M I
FAIR AND IMPARTIAL
desktop PCs score 50-odd in our usual hours of light use, you won’t have to Our writers follow strict guidelines to
round of tests. Fancy ones get over 100. come back early. ensure the reviews are fair and
The Aspire R11, equipped with the The 11.1in screen isn’t great, with impartial. The manufacturer has no
recently introduced Celeron N3050, limited brightness and contrast and involvement in our tests.
managed 7. Yes, seven. If processors were colours too dull for graphical work such
Eurovision Song Contest entries, Celeron as photo editing. That’s to be expected in OUR AWARDS
would be the UK. To be fair, it’s not this price bracket, and shouldn’t matter We award every product
Montenegro. But don’t buy this laptop too much for most purposes. At least its that gets five stars our
expecting Sweden on a budget. rigid hinges keep it firmly propped at BUY IT! Buy It! stamp of approval.
For everyday stuff like web browsing your chosen angle. It’s also a touchscreen, ★★★★★ It means we were
and video playing, it’s fine. The R11’s tiny and can be folded all the way back against extremely impressed by the product,
2GB of memory means there’ll be pauses the keyboard for use as a tablet. Install and we think you will be too.
when switching back and forth between the free upgrade to Windows 10, with its
apps – this isn’t helped by the sluggish neat Tablet mode, and this works well, Every product that gets a
mechanical hard drive. But its 500GB but it’s too bulky to compare to a four-star review is given
capacity does give you a decent amount dedicated tablet. the Great Pick award. We
of room for documents, music, photos As a laptop, the R11 is pleasant to use, highly recommend these
and videos, unlike some budget laptops with a comfortable keyboard. When used products, although they just fail to meet
with fast but small flash storage. this way, it makes more sense to move the high standard of our Buy It! winners.
Despite traditional features like this the cursor with the touchpad rather than
and a full set of ports, the R11 is slim swipe the screen. Unfortunately, we PRICES
and reasonably light. It’s unashamedly found the touchpad didn’t work reliably Our reviews contain a link to the best
plasticky, but solid – in fact, it feels like with Windows 10, even after we’d found price we found online at the time of press.
the sort of protective case you might buy and installed a new driver from its
for a more delicate machine.
machin maker’s website (www.snipca.
S
So it’s easyy to carry, and
a com/18919). Acer says it’s working on VERDICT: A practical hybrid at an
w
with h a battery that
t this, but for now it means we can’t attractive price, but its difficulties
las
lasted us more
mo recommend the R11. If you come into handling Windows 10 means you’re
tthan nine
ne possession of one, stick to Windows 8.1. better off looking elsewhere
★★☆☆☆
SPECIFICATIONS
1.6GHz Intel Celeron N3050 processor • ALTERNATIVE: Toshiba Satellite C40-C
2GB memory • 500GB hard drive • Intel HD Graphics • £200 It doesn’t fold into a
11.1in 1360x768-pixel screen • Webcam • SD card slot tablet and has just 32GB of
• 1x USB 2.0 port • 1x USB 3.0 port • Gigabit Ethernet flash storage in place of a
port • 802.11ac Wi-Fi • Bluetooth 4.0 • Windows
8.1 (free upgrade to Windows 10) • 21x298x211mm
hard drive, but the
(HxWxD) • 1.58kg • One-year warranty touchpad works
www.snipca.com/18918

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 21

DESKTOP PC ❘ £899 from Appl S
ple Store p 8 61
www.snipca.com/18761

Apple iMac 21.5in

5i (2015)
(20 )
The cheapest iMac gets e
even b
betterr

It was once the plucky underdog, bu ut

after 31 years the Apple Macintosh is
more popular than ever. This update to its
21.5in all-in-one incarnation brings the th
option of an ultra-sharp, 4K-resolutio ion
display, but that’s a bit of a red herring
ng.
Most people will be fine with the
standard Full HD model, which has an a
excellent screen and now comes with ha
faster processor, improved graphics and a d
a bigger hard drive for the same price ce
as before.

OS X, Apple’s
equivalent of Windowws,
games,
g the
h Intell Iris Pro 6000 gr
grap
g aphi
hics
h cs million pixels around (4096x
(4096x2304)
6x2304) is a lot
runs smoothly, and the
th card
ca d will
ll cope
p with h quite
q a few,
f , but
b may y off work.
k You certainly
ly won’t be running
struggle with new ones, and many of games at full resolution, but apps look
free apps are elegant those available for Windows don’t exist great, and you can adjust the scaling so

and easy to use for the Mac.

For other purposes, OS X, Apple’s
that you see all the detail in your work
without text and icons becoming tiny.
equivalent of Windows, runs very Considering how much a decent 4K
That price still looks quite high, smoothly, and the free apps – including monitor costs by itself, this machine isn’t
however. We’ve tested plenty of Windows the iMovie video editor and GarageBand bad value, but if the display is so
desktop PCs that come with a monitor music studio, as well as rivals to Word, important to you, 21.5in may feel too
for £200 less and outperform the iMac. Excel and PowerPoint – are elegant and small. The 27in 5K iMac starts at £1,449
What you’re getting with the Apple is easy to use. Thousands of other apps are and supports up to 32GB of memory,
not so much a PC as a piece of designer available to download from the Mac App which you can upgrade yourself.
furniture. The solid aluminium case – Store and elsewhere, including Mac If you want a good-looking computer
smoothly curving at the back to an outer versions of Microsoft Office, Adobe’s that minimises hassle, there’s a lot to
edge thinner than an iPhone – is one of creative software and so on. The supplied be said for the iMac. Price aside, the
the most beautiful objects you can buy mouse and compact keyboard are question is whether to stay with the
for under £1,000. excellent as long as you don’t need a majority of users on Windows or switch
Its major flaw is that there’s no easy number pad; a full keyboard and to Apple’s software platform. Macs can
way to get inside it and, unlike the 27in gesture-sensing Magic Trackpad are also run Windows 10, but only with extra
version, it doesn’t have a hatch for optional extras. cost and fuss. If that’s what you want,
memory upgrades. 8GB will be enough Should you discover a few hundred you’ll get better value elsewhere.
for most tasks, but if you want 16GB you quid down the back of the sofa and feel
have to order it up front at a ridiculous tempted by the new 4K edition, it starts VERDICT: There’s little incentive for
£160 – four times the normal cost of the at £1,199 and comes with an even faster most people to stray from Windows 10,
chips. You might be better off spending 3.1GHz quad-core i5 processor as well as but if Apple appeals, this is a lovely all-
that on swapping the 1TB hard drive for the enhanced Iris Pro 6200 graphics card, in-one system
256GB of flash storage. The mechanical which is just as well, since pushing 9.5
★★★★☆
drive gives you plenty of space, but makes
the iMac feel slower than a MacBook. SPECIFICATIONS ALTERNATIVE: Mac mini £569 Choose
While you’re considering upgrades, 1.6GHz Intel i5-5250U quad-core processor • 8GB this if you prefer to add your own
there’s also a £1,049 model with a memory • 1TB hard drive • Intel HD Graphics 6000 monitor, but avoid
void the underpowered
• 21.5in 1920x1080-pixel screen • 802.11ac Wi-Fi
superior 2.8GHz quad-core Intel i5 £399 model.
• FaceTime HD camera • 2x Thunderbolt 2 ports •
processor and slightly faster graphics. 4x USB 3 ports • Gigabit Ethernet • OS X 10.11 El
More models are
Stick with the basic £899 configuration Capitan • 450x528x175mm (HxWxD) • One-year expected soon
and it’s, well, basic. If you’re into 3D warranty www.snipca.com/18762

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 23

 Reviews
PHONE ❘ £50 from Vodafone www.snipca.com/18946

Vodafone Smart Speed 6

An Android smartphone for 50 quid

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to Samsung’s excruciatingly named ed

phones. Some people like iPhones; others Galaxy Young 2, which costs about
ab
prefer Samsungs. Google’s Nexus series £20 more, is much worse.
and Sony’s Xperias are popular. One Android 5.1 runs pretty
bloke in Norwich has a Windows Phone. smoothly, coping well with mos ost
You pays your money and you takes your apps and websites. Complex sit ites
choice. Or in this case, you mostly skip may stop and start while loading ng andd
the first part. At £50, the Smart Speed 6 is scrolling, and you can’t really play
pl y
cheaper than phones used to be before any but the most basic games, but b
they put computers in them. That’s on with a battery that lasted us nea ly 11
arly
pay-as-you-go (PAYG), with no contract hours of video playback, the Sm mart Speed d
ed
or obligations. The only catch is it’s 6 is quite practical for most purprposes. plonked
l kkedd in the
h middle,
ddl , mer
mercifu
erci
cifu
full
fu
fully
lly
y in
exclusive to Vodafone, which isn’t the The built-in 8GB of storage is black and not bright red.
cheapest network and may or may not ludicrously small, especially with 3.4GB Of course, Vodafone is banking on
have good reception where you live. already taken up by Android, but less taking your money in call and data
It seems incredible that you can spend than a tenner will buy you a standard charges. But with PAYG, it’s up to you
as little as this and get a phone that’s 32GB microSD card to slot in. As you’d how much you fork out. At the lowest
ready to play videos, browse the web and expect, the 5-megapixel camera is poor, up-front price we’ve seen, it’s hard not to
run Android apps. Surely the Smart not helped by the inability to tap a point regard this phone as a bargain.
Speed 6 must be a bar of soap with a to focus on. Still, it does have a flash, and
picture of a screen stuck on it? But no the 2-megapixel front camera is usable VERDICT: Vodafone is working hard
– we tried it. The display is quite coarse, for video chat, though rough and ready if to entice customers, and this is a great
and only 70 per cent of the sRGB colours you want it for selfies. deal as long as the network suits you
look like they’re supposed to, but for a For £50, you don’t get Apple-quality
★★★★☆
budget phone it’s not bad, as long as aesthetics. The Smart Speed 6 is a full
you’re not using it in bright sunlight. centimetre thick all the way across, and ALTERNATIVE: Motorola
the camera sticks out even more. The Moto E (2nd gen) £90
SPECIFICATIONS front panel has a clumsy row of pointless This similarly specified
4.5in 854x480-pixel screen • 8GB flash storage • ‘soft keys’ below the small 4.5in display, phone is dearer, but looks
5-megapixel rear camera • 2-megapixel front camera
• 802.11n Wi-Fi • Bluetooth 4.0 • 3G/4G • MicroSD
and the silvery coating of the plastic back more stylish and has a
card slot • Android 5.1 • 132x65x10mm (HxWxD) • isn’t fooling anyone. At least it’s plain, better screen
146g • One-year warranty www.snipca.com/18947 except for Vodafone’s apostrophe logo

WHAT SHOULD I BUY? We solve your buying dilemmas

What’s the best easy-to-use budget tablet?

Tesco’s Hudl 2 tablet has Although you’re not into games, right) updated
Q suddenly vanished from
shelves. I’d planned to buy one
A Nvidia’s new gaming tablet the
Shield Tablet K1 (£150 from
to Android 5
(Lollipop).
as a Christmas present along
l g with
ith the
th www.snipcipca.com/18922 – see image left), For a little
‘Hudl for Dummies’ book ook. l in size
similar s to the discontinued Hudl 2, more money, the
Could you give me any is exceptionally good value and Asus ZenPad S 8.0
pointers on an alternattive comees with fewer unnecessary (£170 from www.
for under £200? Game mplications than many general-
comp snipca.com/ 18927)
playing and camera are re not a purpose
pu Android tablets. If a is an excellent
priority, but the ability to maller screen would suffice,
sm 8in tablet.
quickly pick up the con l
ntrols he older but still good Nexus 7
th
and features is. now sold for as little as £115
is n Do you need advice on what you should buy?
Robin Stevenssonn (
(www.sn nipca.com/18926 – see image Email us at [email protected]

26 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

THE AWARDS 2015
After a year of testing new devices, our Reviews team step out of the
laboratory to reveal their best and worst of 2015

BEST TABLET THAT’S NOT AN IPAD WORST DEVICE

Lenovo Yoga Tab 3 Pro Amazon Fire Phone

Check the nation’s Christmas wish lists and you’ll find one tablet Amazon is better known for selling
more than any other – Apple’s iPad. This year it gained some serious things than making them. After the
rivals, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 and Asus ZenPad S, but our Fire Phone debacle, that’s unlikely
award goes to Lenovo’s £399 Tab 3 Pro. Besides a kick stand that to change anytime soon. Despite
hanger, it comes with a built-in
doubles as a wall hang some handy features for a £400
j or. To be honest, we’d only
cinema projecto phone, the Fire OS software did
use this projector if our TV exploded, nothing particularly well except – you
but let Lenovo have its
bu guessed it – try to sell you even more
moment. After all, if there things from Amazon. Even the home screen devoted most of its
was an iPad that also made space to listing items you might like to buy. Mercifully, Amazon has
who’d be churlish enough to
tea, w discontinued the Fire Phone, but its Kindle tablets and Fire TV boxes
wasn’t very good tea?
complain that it w have taken on the burden of selling you stuff you don’t really need.

LONGEST GESTATION PERIOD LEAST EAGERLY MOST EXCITING PROCESSOR

ANTICIPATED DEVICE
Windows 10 Intel Core M
Announced on 30 BlackBerry Priv Be honest: you’re not that excited, are you?
September 2014 and Yes, BlackBerry still exists. Most of us will never see the silicon inside
released on 29 July 2015, Yes, it’s still making phones our PCs unless we have an expensive
Windows 10 arrived only 25 days festooned with pinhead- accident. But we do care about the results.
quicker than the average blue whale calf. sized keys that can only be Thanks to Intel’s Skylake Core M processors,
In fact its development began even earlier. pressed by the tiny nimble as used in Apple’s 12in
Counting from the release of Windows 8.1, fingers of the ring-tailed MacBook, it looks as
exceeded the 22-month
it ex lemur. They will be excited if we’ve finally arrived
pregnancy of an African
pr about the Priv, a brand at a point where PCs
elephant; and going back new phone named after can be as thin and light
to Windows 8, it’s on a an outside toilet. Those of as we like without
par with the 42-month them, that is, with a spare performance being
gestation of the frilled £559 in their furry little compromised. Well
shark (see image left).
sh pockets. done, science!

MOST CONFUSING PRODUCT MOST DOOMED PC CATEGORY

TV streamers Convertible laptops

A box that plays video on your TV As 2015 began, laptops were
from the internet, or from your PC hardly flying off the shelves.
or mobile device. Sounds simple! All Even tablet sales seemed
you have to do is choose one. As 2015 5 to be stalling. What enticing
bites the dust, your main options are – deep
d p new approach could regain
breath – the Apple TV (third generatio ) Apple
ion), consumers’ attention? Why not
TV (fourth generation), Google Nexus Player, combine a laptop and a tablet?
Google Chromecast (2015), Amazon Fire TV Stick, Amazon Fire TV Who could resist two things
with 4K Ultra HD, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku 2 (fifth generation), that didn’t particularly interest them? And so the convertible arrived:
Roku 3, Roku 4 or Nvidia Shield. These each work with different a laptop with a touchscreen that folds all the way back to create
devices and services; some run apps and games; some have their something that looks like a tablet if you’re a long way away and
own storage; and hardly any support the DLNA streaming protocol don’t have to lift it. If the PC industry has one resolution for 2016, it
that was previously standard. What a mess! should probably be to quietly forget all about them.

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 27

 Reviews

WHAT WE WANT IN 2016

So much for 2015, but what do we want in 2016 and will we get it? Our head of reviews
Adam Banks dusts off his crystal ball and tries to predict future tech trends

W ll p
Will phones remain

PCs faster and smoother

tthan
a PCs?
P

What we’d like to see... at we’d like to see...

What
A $1 computer tter use of processing
Bett
OK, I moan elsewhere in this piece abou ut power
powe
computers being too cheap to work hen choosing a PC, you have to
When
properly. But there’s more than one kind nd conssider which has the most power: the
of computer. The Raspberry Pi is a seriess main n processor (CPU) or the graphics
of stripped-down PCs designed to run proccessor (GPU). Thanks to the games
Linux software and sold as a bare circuitt dustry, today’s graphics cards offer
indu
board. Previous models have been priced ced amazzing computing power at very
at $25 or $35 (about £16-£23), and the onable prices. That power shouldn’t
reason
latest, the Raspberry Pi Zero, costs just $
$5 ly benefit gamers. GPUs can also help
only
(it’s always been priced in dollars). You What
at we’d
e d like
li e to see...
see withh things like photo and video editing,
can’t run demanding software on it, but Performance
rf ke
keeping
in up and even with general tasks, but software
it’s good for lots of fun projects. with features has to be designed to make use of them.
I’ve got an iPhone 6s. Its processor is as At the moment, it mostly isn’t.
What we’ll probably get... good as the one in my laptop. Its camera
It’s not (raspberry) pie-in-the-sky to can shoot video at ultra-sharp 4K What we’ll probably get...
imagine that the price of a basic but resolution. And yet I can’t edit this on my GPU manufacturers and software
usable board will fall even further next PC, because my PC is too slow. This is developers have been talking for years
year, and that opens up a lot of possibiities. getting silly. PCs are supposed to be your about ‘GPU computing’. With the help of
Think about a primary-school class all all-in-one work station. If they’re not Microsoft, Apple and other big software
building their own computerised gadget even as clever as phones, what’s the point? makers, 2016 should see more effort to
as simply and affordably as baking a make it happen. If all our programs
pastry-covered fruit dessert. What we’ll probably get... harness a PC’s GPU, we’ll get more out
Not a lot. Intel was planning to have of our hardware.
brand new processors in 2016, but now
they won’t be here until 2017 because it
couldn’t squash the silicon fast enough.
Maths quiz: if a Slightly faster chips will arrive around
Raspberry Pi Zero A fast graphics
costs $5, what do September instead. I might switch the card ought to benefit
you get for $1? camera back to 1080p HD. more than just gamers

What we’d like to see...

More expensive laptops (yes, really!)
At the moment, the trend is for PC makers to they don’t work well, there’s no profit in it, and Chromebooks are OK,
push down prices to chase the smaller nobody’s happy. Last time it was netbooks, but we can’t expect
a £200 PC to do
amounts of money we seem to be prepared to which Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs said everything
spend. The trouble is, when they sell a laptop weren’t “better at anything”. Chromebooks, s,
for £200, they can’t afford parts that can run using Google’s web-based software, make a
multiple Windows 10 programs smoothly. better argument for a cheap PC, and we’ll see
se
them developed further in 2016. With standa
ndar d
ard
What we’ll probably get... Windows PCs, we all need to think twice
Writing about computers for 25 years, I’ve seen before jumping on the cheapest price, and
this cycle before. Manufacturers compromise spend a few more quid on something that
on performance to shave another tenner off actually works better. Manufacturers will
their cheapest models, consumers buy them, follow our lead.

28 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

Mobile devices What we’d like to see...
The same software on
desktop PCs and devices
What we’d like to see... iPhones and iPads run Apple’s iOS, and
Joined-up thinking most other phones and tablets run
Most households have some combination Google’s Android. These mobile versions
of the following: desktop PC, laptop, Mac, are easier to use than Windows or Apple’s
smartphone and tablet. Of course, we OS X, but also more limited. Microsoft,
want access to our files, photos, videos meanwhile, is putting full Windows 10 on
and music on all of them. So hardware its tablets and a cut-down version on
and software makers try to provide ways Need help? Yes! Why is this so complicated? phones, which kind of misses the point.
of doing just that, but regularly fail. It’s
obvious we need better synchronisation. What we’d like to see... What we’ll probably get...
Can we not act like a James Bond villain Mobile tariffs that It’s rumoured that Apple will combine
and kidnap a bunch of computer make sense iOS with OS X, and Google will mix
scientists and force them to make this It’s still a nightmare choosing a mobile Android and Chrome OS (as on
work? plan, whether it’s on a contract or Chromebooks). But we don’t expect this
pay-as-you go. It’s hard comparing like to happen in 2016. What will happen is
What we’ll probably get... for like and you’re only ever given half more desktop features shoehorned into
More tinkering. But at least we’ve seen the information you need. So I get phones and tablets, and more complex
Apple and others introduce ‘family umpteen megabytes of this and a PC tools to make desktops look cleaner
accounts’ to make sharing easier, and squillion free minutes of that, but only and simpler.
next year should see more progress in when I top up and roll over and sit and
ironing the bugs out of syncing. beg? Maybe Ofcom, the Government’s
regulator, could come up with a clearer
way of selling phone services and make
everyone stick to it.

What we’ll probably get...

As BT takes over EE and Three buys O2,
we might have fewer choices to confuse
us. On the other hand, prices could go
up. That’s why UK and EU competition Microsoft’s Lumia
950 runs Windows
Would Bond villain Blofeld make our devices authorities are looking at the O2 takeover, 10, but not as you
talk to each other? although they’ve given BT the go-ahead. know it on your PC

Printers What we’d like to see...

Everyone shutting up
What we’d like to see... about 3D printing
Cheaper ink Oh it’s so amazing, you can print anything! No you
You can buy a colour printer can’t. Have you ever tried using a 3D printer? Even if
for less than the cost of a set you can make head or tail of setting it up, it takes all
of ink cartridges. That’s night to print a model the size of a golf ball, half of
crazy. And a lot of your which looks melted. Forget Arthur Dent’s problems
money is wasted, because with the machine that could make anything except tea.
the cartridges are tiny, Ink tank printers could save Not even Douglas Adams’ imagination could conjure
overpackaged and inefficient. you a fortune the acute disappointment that is 3D printing.
We need a better system.
What we’ll probably get...
What we’ll probably get... 365 days of press releases about pesky
Ink tank printers. Epson is already selling 3D printers. The Las Vegas CES show
3D printers
them from under £200, and Canon is have got in January should bring new models
following suit. Others will jump on the much for 2016, and new technologies are
bandwagon. Instead of teaspoon-sized simpler expected to emerge during the year,
cartridges, these use big bottles of ink and including HP’s Multi Jet Fusion. But
cheaper.
that could last a couple of years. It’ll save They’re still will it be good enough to change our
a lot of needless waste. awful nds
nd about 3D printing?
mind

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 29

 Buy It
Find out what other products we liked in 2014.
Buy our Back Issue CD (now only £12.57*):
www.snipca.com/14981 *At time of press

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

LAPTOP DESKTOP PC TABLET

Asus X555LA-XX290H Palicomp AMD Shockwave Apple iPad Mini 4

£330 from www.snipca.com/18151 £500 from www.snipca.com/18748 £319 from www.snipca.com/18100
Tested:
sted: Issue 446
Test Tested: Issue 464 Tested: Issue 460

The 2015 update to Apple’s 7.9in

Asus has made all the right choices tablet greatly improves the screen
with this budget Windows 8.1 laptop. Proving that you don’t need an Intel and camera, boosts performance,
Its comfortable keyboard, fast processor, Palicomp has built an and makes it worth the £100 extra
performance, respectably lengthy excellent PC around AMD’s Athlon X4 over the iPad mini 2 (still a good
battery life and bright screen are all 860K and Radeon R7 370 graphics budget buy). Go for the £399 64GB
the more impressive given its low price. card, narrowly beating Chillblast’s version if you can, though.
Fusion Drone.
ALTERNATIVE Asus Chromebook C200 ALTERNATIVE: Apple iPad Air 2
A cheap Chrome OS ultra-portable ALTERNATIVE: CCL Nebula 200i The 9.7in option is still slim and light,
laptop with a bright screen, lengthy A great all-round Intel i5 system also has Touch ID and Apple Pay,
battery life and a great keyboard. in an attractive cube-shaped case. and the range of apps beats Android.
£250 from www.snipca.com/17296 £600 from www.snipca.com/18844 £399 from www.snipca.com/18139

PHONE ROUTER E READER

Apple iPhone 6s Trendnet TEW-812DRU Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

£539 from www.snipca.com/18240 £112 from www.snipca.com/15855 £110 from www.snipca.com/17776
Tested: Issue 461 Tested: Issue 427 Tested: Issue 458

IIt mayy look

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

30 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

 BUY IT!
★★★★★ Buy It
SECURITY SOFTWARE WEB DESIGN COMPETITION

Kaspersky Internet Xara Web Designer Win 1 of 5 Linksys RE6400

Security 2016 Premium 11 Wi-Fi Range Extenders
£19.99 from www.snipca.com/17874 £70 from www.snipca.com/16955
Tested: Issue 437 Tested: Issue 453 Using the Linksys
RE6400 Wi-Fi
Range Extender
you can boost
your home Wi-Fi
in areas where thehe
signal is weak. It
helps to eliminate
te
dead spots in distaant
This visual web-design program makes bedrooms, cellars and even in
Kaspersky Internet Security 2016 has won creating sites more like laying out a the back garden, helping you enjoy
our past seven antivirus tests. Compatible document than writing HTML code, and uninterrupted streaming, smooth online
with Windows 10, the 2016 edition is sites can be ‘responsive’, meaning they gaming, and more. It’s easy to set up
available at an exclusive reader discount look right on both big and small screens and works with any router. To enter,
on our Software Store. Go to the link without extra work. A basic version is email your address to cacomp@dennis.
above for a one-device licence, or buy a also available for half the price. co.uk with ‘linksys’ in the subject line by
three-device licence for just £39.99 at midnight 5 January.
www.snipca.com/17903. ALTERNATIVE: Serif WebPlus X8
Comes with lots of templates, but The Linksys RE6400 Wi-Fi Range
ALTERNATIVE: Avast Free Antivirus creates separate desktop and mobile Extender is available to buy now for
Almost as good as Kaspersky, but versions instead of responsive sites, £59.99. For more information visit
sometimes blocked legitimate software. and can be slow to use. £90 from www.linksys.com/gb and follow on
Free from www.snipca.com/16493 www.snipca.com/14964 Twitter @Linksys.

MULTIFUNCTION PRINTER SOLID STATE DRIVES SECURITY CAMERA P

DRRIC
OP E
Canon Pixma MG6650 Crucial BX100 1TB Y-cam HomeMonitorr HD
D
www snipca com/17334
£75 from www.snipca.com/17334 £235 from www.snipca.com/16017 £90 from www.snipca.com/11646
om/11646
T d: Issue
Tested: I 455 Tested: Issue 445 Tested: Issue 420

It may look like something that James

Bond would have to defuse, but this
low-cost, all-in-one printer is an A home-security camera that’s well
excellent choice. Running costs are priced and easy to set up. Plus, it has
reasonable too – buy the XL cartridges A blindingly fast, high-capacity SSD great picture quality, useful apps and
and running costs work out at 7.7p per at a lower price than ever before. If there’s no need to subscribe to any
colour page or 2.4p for black and white. you’ve been put off buying a SSD extra services. It’s a worthy successor
This makes it very affordable to run. because of the cost, then now is to the original HomeMonitor, our
finally the time to take the plunge. previous favourite security camera.
ALTERNATIVE: Canon Pixma MX495
It’s slow, and black ink is pricey, but ALTERNATIVE: Samsung 850 Pro ALTERNATIVE: D-Link Wireless N Day
this cheaper MFP has a paper feeder 256GB An even faster SSD, but it is & Night Camera A good-value security
and fax too. £48 from www.snipca. much more expensive per gigabyte. camera with excellent night vision.
com/17174 £110 from www.snipca.com/16498 £84 from www.snipca.com/15275

32 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

Thank You!
★★★★★
We want to say a special thank you to everyone who has
given our 2014 Back Issue CD a five-star review on
Amazon. That includes…
El Jay “Len” ★ ColChris ★ MrIPimlott ★ BillDaniels1973 ★ Lizzy
★ Dave Harper ★ Sproggit
S ★MMrr K Meyler ★ En
Enid ★ MalcolmW ★
AWatt ★ JohnB ★ Sidle
Si ev ★ Chessie
S e ★ ArtieGAArtie ★ JohnSmith
A
★ Mr A McParland d ★ Mr PJS Ashle ey ★ AJ
J Taylo
or ★ P Campbell ★
Ali252 ★ PMatthewsws ★ Robin Hart ★ Norbertt ★ StewartAwbery
★ D Ward ★ Gordonon McRae ★ Cyril Haworth h ★ Alan Thomas ★
Stephen Szeles ★ DS Gillespie ★ Ala an Stubbbs
b s ★ Mr Rh M Urray
★ SusanPearson ★ PJone es ★ Mr David Howat ★ Stupot ★ MrsD
Long ★ MA Hathawa way ★ Mr John G Quittento o
onn ★ Rodney Driver
★ Ms JI Aldridge ★ Nic
cky ★ Brian B ★ Graham m Deane ★ Colin Z ★
AlanRMarchant ★ John C Chalkley ★ RalphM Moore ★ Frederick
M
Scott ★ Leighton n Bessant ★ DC Edwards ★ Martin Perman
★ Maurice McCullough ★ Joe Atkinson ★ Peter Dowsett ★
Michael Kelly ★ David Nelson ★ John H ★ K Harrison ★ Anthony
Broom ★ Leslie John Bell ★ Clive Reynolds ★ Andreos Greco
Thanks for all your kind words – we really appreciate it.
And thanks in advance to everyone who posts a review.

Our 2014 Back Issue CD is still on sale on Amazon:

www.snipca.com/14981 (or search for ‘computeractive cd’).
It costs £15, but Amazon often discounts this to around £12.
You can also buy the 2013 CD at www.snipca.com/16010.
 PU
& LL

Workshops & Tips

Is K OU
su E
e E
46 P T
5

Edited by Sherwin Coelho

14 pages of easy-to-follow workshopss and expert tipss

35 Switch to a new PC 40 Never miss a software PLUS
without losing anything update in 2016 43 Readers’ Tips 47 Make Office Better
38 Monitor your home 42 Master CCleaner’s 44 Phone & Tablet Tips 48 Secret Tips For...
online when away brilliant new tools 46 Make Windows Better Stellarium

Switch to a new PC
without losing anything
What you need: Laplink PCmover Express; Any Windows version (XP to 10)
Time required: 60 mins

U pgrading from a Windows 7/8

PC to Windows 10 is a pretty
straightforward process. However, if
has teamed up with software company
Laplink to make its PCmover Express
program (normal price £19.95) a free
you’ve recently bought a new Windows download until 31 August 2016. We
8 or 10 PC, transferring your files and show you how this easy-to-use program
folders to it can be quite cumbersome. lets you wirelessly transfer folders and
To make the process easier, Microsoft files to your new computer.

STEP To use Laplink PCmover Express (LPE) to

1 transfer your files and folders wirelessly,
both your old and new PC need to be
connected to the same Wi-Fi network. To install
the program on your old Windows PC (XP, Vista, 7
or 8), go to www.snipca.com/18909 and click the
‘Download now’ button 1 , then run the
downloaded setup file 2 . 2

STEP To run LPE, you need a program called Microsoft Visual

2 C++. If you don’t have it installed, you’ll see the
Windows InstallShield Wizard. Click Install. After that’s
finished, click Next to start installing LPE, accept the licence
agreement, then click Next again. In the Customer Information
field, enter your name, email address and type Personal in the
organisation field 1 . Change the Country dropdown menu to
United Kingdom 2 , then click Next 3 . Finally, click Next, Install,
Next, then Finish to launch the program.
1

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 35

 Workshops

2 2

STEP When LPE launches, you’ll see a list of PCmover Tips. STEP Install LPE on your new PC (see Step 1). When you get
3 Click Next at the bottom (twice). Now select Old 1 ,
then click Next 2 . On the next screen, select ‘WiFi or 4 to the Customer Information field, enter the same
details (see Step 2), click Next (twice), then Install.
Wired Network’ and click Next again. The program will now Finally, click Next, then Finish to launch the program. When the
analyse the files and folders on your PC. After the analysis is program launches, click Next at the bottom twice. Now select
finished, you’ll see a ‘Go to the new computer to proceed’ Windows 8.1 or 10 (depending on which OS your new PC runs),
message. From here, everything you do will be on your new PC. then click Next. You now need to re-enter your name and email
address, then click Next. Finally, select ‘WiFi or Wired Network’
1 , then click Next 2 again.

1
2
1

2
4

STEP Now enter your broadband network’s name (you’ll find STEP LPE will now analyse the data you want to transfer
5 this on your router - for example, SKYABC123 1 ), then
click the Browse button 2 . You should now see your 6 from your old PC. This can take a while, but you can
track its progress via the green bar at the bottom. After
old PC listed 3 . Select it, click OK at the bottom, then click that’s finished, you’ll see two transfer options. Standard
Next. If your old PC doesn’t appear in this list, check the status (Recommended) 1 transfers your email, documents, music,
of LPE on your old PC. If you see an ‘In Progress – Network photos and videos and is more straightforward (see Step 7). Full
Transfer’ message, it means LPE is still analysing your old PC. In Customization 2 lets you change your default transfer settings –
that case, go back to your new PC and click Re-scan 4 . You’ll for user accounts, drives, folders and file types - giving you
now see your old PC listed. Select it, click OK, then Next. more control over what you transfer (see Steps 8-10).

36 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

 Switch to a new PC without losing anything

1
4

2
2

3 1 3

STEP Select Standard (Recommended), then click Next. STEP To have greater control of your file transfer Select Full
7 PCmover now analyses the speed of your internet
connection, the configurations on both PCs and the 8 Customization, then click Next. You’ll see a screen with
four options (User Account Selections, Drive
total amount of data to be transferred 1 . Based on these factors, Selections, File Filters and Folder Filters). Click User Account
you’ll see an estimate of how long the transfer will take 2 . As Selections. By default, LPE only transfers the old PC’s
you can see from our screenshot, it estimated around six hours administrator account. But if you have more than one user
for 44GB of content using our moderately fast Wi-Fi connection. account, select Show All Users 1 . If there’s a user account you
Click Next 3 to begin transferring your files. don’t want to transfer, select it 2 , click Edit User 3 , select ‘Do
not transfer this user’ 4 , then click OK. Finally, click Done.

STEP Next, click Drive Selections 1 . By default,

2
9 data from the C: drive on your old PC will
transfer to the same drive (C) on your new
PC. To change the destination drive, click Edit Drive,
change the drive letter in the ‘Transfer to New
Directory’ field 2 , click OK 3 , then Done. Next, click
File Filters 4 . Here you can select which file formats
(if any) you want to exclude from your transfer.
Some common formats (TMP and DOC files) are
listed with boxes you can tick/untick. To exclude
3 other formats, click the Add button, type the file
1 format (such as .JPG), then click OK. Repeat this to
add more formats to exclude, then click Done.
4

STEP Finally, click Folder Filters. Here, you’ll see a tree

10 dropdown menu containing all the folders and sub-
folders on your old PC and the storage space they
consume (in MBs). By default, all folders and sub-folders are
ticked, but if there are any you don’t want to transfer, simply
navigate to them using the tree dropdown menu 1 , untick them 2 ,
then click Done 3 . Now click Next on the screen with the four
options. Based on your changes from Step 8 onwards, LPE will
calculate the total data to be transferred and give you an estimate
1
of how long the transfer will take. Click Next to begin transferring
your data to your new PC. ●

2
3

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 37

 Workshops

Monitor your home

when you’re away
What you need: Android phone; Windows PC Time required: 25 minutes

H ome-security products can make

us all feel a little safer, but they
tend to be fairly expensive. By contrast,
This is a brilliant way to remotely
keep an eye on what’s going on in
your home when you’re out or in
Perch is a new, free app and web another room when you’re indoors.
service that lets you convert any spare You can set the app to send you
Android device or PC into a handy alerts when motion is detected in
security camera. your home.

STEP In this Workshop,

1 we’ll show you
how to set up an
Android device and PC as
security cameras, which 1
you can monitor on your
1
main Android phone or
tablet and a second PC.
First, ensure both devices 2
to be used as cameras are
connected to their 2
chargers or plugged in
and connected to your 3
home Wi-Fi network.
If you only want to use a 3
PC as a camera, skip to
Step 3. To set up your old
Android device as a
4
camera, install the Perch –
Simple Home Monitoring
app from www.snipca.com/18920. Open the app, tap Sign Up, STEP Now name the area of your home that you want to
enter your email address 1 and a password (twice) 2 , then tap
Sign Up again 3 . Swipe through the introductory screens, then 2 monitor (for example, ‘Living room’ 1 ). Tap the Audio
Recording buttons 2 to turn audio on or off. Next, tap
tap Next. the tick icons below to confirm you’re connected to Wi-Fi and
to a power source 3 , then tap Finish 4 . Your device’s camera
will now turn on. Position your device to monitor your
chosen area.

STEP We’ll now show you how to set up your PC as a

3 security camera. If your PC doesn’t have a webcam
built in, connect an external one to it. Open your
browser (Perch recommends using Google Chrome). and go
to www.getperch.com, click Sign In at the top right and log
into your account. If you didn’t create an account in Step 1,
then click Sign Up and create one. Close the introductory 1
screen, click Add Webcam 1 , then click Start Webcam.
Your device’s camera will turn on. Click the ‘Click to start
recording’ button, then position your PC’s camera to face
the area you want to monitor.

38 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

 1

2 4 3

STEP You have more options when you monitor your feeds

STEP To remotely monitor your live feeds on your main

5 on a PC. On your main PC, go to www.getperch.com in
Chrome, click Sign In and log into your Perch account.

4 Android phone or tablet, install the app from www.

snipca.com/18920, tap Sign In and log into your
You’ll now see your camera feeds at the top left 1 . Click to select
the one you want to watch. Move your cursor over the video to
account. You’ll now see the camera feeds you’ve set up 1 . Tap see more options. Click the Pause icon 2 to pause your feed. You
the one you want to monitor. Compared with an Android can also turn the video audio on/off and watch it full screen 3 . To
device, monitoring your recordings from a PC has many more watch what was going on at an earlier time in your feed, click
features. that point on the timeline 4 .

STEP The best feature of Perch is that it lets you select a

6 specific area of your camera’s view and set it to notify
you when motion is detected within that area. To set
this up, open Perch on your PC, select a feed from the top left,
then click the ‘Add a custom zone’ link at the top of the video
3 feed. Now name the alert zone whatever you want 1 , then click
the Action dropdown menu and ensure Email and Phone
Notification are both ticked 2 . Now tap to select the squares in
the grid that correspond to the area you want to monitor for
motion detection 3 . Finally, click Save 4 , then OK.

2
1 4

STEP By default, alerts are set to the US east coast (New 1

7 York) time zone. To change this, click the Settings
icon (cog) at the top right of your recording, then
change the timezone to Europe/London 1 . Now whenever
there’s any movement detected, you’ll see a ‘Motion
detected’ app notification and an email will be sent to you
(with a link to your video feed). Tap the notification/email
link to see the live feed from that camera on your phone,
tablet or PC. ●

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 39

 Workshops

Never miss a software

update in 2016
What you need: Patch My PC Updater; Any version of Windows (XP to 10)
Time required: 30 minutes

U sing out-of-date programs can put

your PC’s security at risk. To avoid
this danger in the year ahead use Patch
click. The program can also
batch-install popular software and
batch-uninstall programs on your PC.
My PC Updater, a free, portable tool that We’ll show you how to set it to run
scans your PC for out-of-date programs, automatically on a schedule so your
then lets you update them with one PC will always be safe in 2016.

STEP To download Patch My PC Updater (PMPU),

1 Go to www.snipca.com/18875, click the blue
Download Patch My PC Updater button,
then run the setup file. You’ll see a window listing all
your PC’s programs (in red, green or black) 1 , along 3
with a breakdown of your programs’ status 2 . Before
updating any programs, you should update your PC. To 1
do that, close any open programs on your PC (except
Patch My PC Updater), then click Updates Compliant 3 .
The program will check for any available Windows
updates and apply them to your PC. Your PC will restart
2
automatically after that’s finished.

STEP When your PC restarts, open PMPU (from your PC’s STEP PMPU can also batch-install a selection of popular PC
2 Downloads folder). As you’ll see from the information
key 1 , any programs listed in red require updating, 3 programs. Scroll through the list of categories on the
left (Browsers 1 , Multimedia, Utilities, etc), then tick
while those in green are up to date. Click Re-Check Software 2 the programs you want to install 2 . Click Check All 3 if you
if you want to run the scan again. To update programs, click want to install all the programs in a particular category. Once
Perform Update 3 . In our case, PMPU downloaded and installed you’ve done that, click the Perform Updates button 4 to install
the latest version of Skype without us needing to open it. your selected programs. PMPU installs the latest versions of
these programs from their official sources. None contained any
unwanted extras when we installed them.

1
3

1
4
2

2 3

40 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

 1 1

4
3 3

2
2

STEP Next, click the Options tab 1 to see a list of tick boxes.
STEP Next, click the Uninstaller tab 1 to see all the installed

4 Don’t tick any of the programs on the left 2 because

this will stop them updating automatically. The boxes 5 programs on your PC. By default, PMPU doesn’t list
Microsoft programs and Windows updates, but you can
on the right contain a list of actions. For example, PMPU add them to the list by clicking Show All 2 . To uninstall
doesn’t create a Desktop shortcut by default, so tick ‘Create a multiple programs in one go, press the Control key, click to
desktop shortcut’ 3 to add one. You can also set it to create a select the ones you want to uninstall 3 , then click Uninstall 4 .
system restore point before updating any programs 4 . The list You may need to click Yes/No prompts to confirm you want to
includes options to restart your PC after updating your uninstall the programs and their leftover files.
programs, run Windows update after updating and shut down
your PC after updating.

1
1

2
2

STEP To set PMPU to run on an automatic schedule, click STEP Finally, click the About tab 1 . Here you’ll see the
6 the Schedule tab 1 . If you see a message prompting you
to download a ‘Dynamic-link library file’, click Yes. 7 option to install the latest version of PMPU if you’re
running an older version. Click the ‘Click here to
Next, select a time interval in the Run Frequency field. The Run view Patch My PC logs’ link 2 to see a list of all updates and
Mode section lets you set whether you want PMPU to run in installations you’ve made using the program 3 . Because PMPU
the background or as an active window. You can also choose to is a portable tool, you can copy and paste its setup file from
include or exclude Windows updates when the program runs 2 . your PC’s Downloads folder to a USB stick, then run this on
In the section below, select a time when you want PMPU to any other PC. ●
run 3 , then click Save at the bottom right. You’ll now see when
the program is next scheduled to run 4 .

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 41

 Workshops
Use CCleaner’s
excellent new tools
What you need: CCleaner; Any version of Windows (XP to 10) Time required: 15 minutes

W e make no secret of the fact

that CCleaner is our favourite
program when it comes to ridding
install and update the program, and
has added support for Windows 10
apps and programs. Its various tools
our PC of unwanted junk, and have been improved to clean out
recent updates have added new more junk than ever and it will now
features that make it even more also speed up all your browsers,
indispensable. It’s now easier to including portable ones.

STEP The free version of CCleaner doesn’t update STEP Unlike the previous version, this latest incarnation
1 automatically, so you need to update it manually.
We’ve previously had gripes about how long-winded 2 doesn’t request permission before launching on
Windows 10. Users of Windows 10 will also notice
this process is (see page 53 of Issue 463’s Cover Feature). that Microsoft Edge has been added to CCleaner’s Windows tab
Thankfully, the latest version makes it all much easier. To 1 . Click the Applications tab 2 , scroll to the bottom, and you’ll
install/update the program, go to www.snipca.com/18900 notice that CCleaner now cleans Windows 10’s built-in apps
and click the Download button 1 below the Free version 2 . (including Bing News, Bing Sports, Skype and OneDrive) and
Run the setup file 3 , click Next, Install, then Finish to launch installed programs (such as Avast and Windows Defender).
or upgrade to the latest version. If you use Microsoft Office 2016, you’ll see its programs listed
here as well.

2
1

3
1
3 4

STEP CCleaner is now better equipped at removing junk

3 from the latest versions of Chrome and Firefox (on all
Windows versions), as well as junk from portable
1 3 browsers. We noticed significantly faster browsing speeds after
4 running the Cleaner 1 . Next, click Tools 2 , then Uninstall 3 .
Windows 8 and 10 users can then uninstall any Microsoft
programs they don’t want (such as MSN Weather, MSN Sports
and Music, for example), as well as other installed programs.
2 To do this, select an item, then click Uninstall 4 .

ON SALE
NEXT ISSUE 6 Jan
• Add a one-click button for PC help
• Edit your holiday videos on your tablett
• Create an online quiz for 2015
• Manage your Gmail account better
Subscribe to Computeractive at getcomputeractive.co.uk

42 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

Readers’ Tips Handy hints and tips from your fellow readers
Email us your tips: [email protected]

TIP OF THE FORTNIGHT

T

Monitor your daily activity on your PC

Mon
To keep my diabetes and cholesterol You’ll see orange lines (of varying
levels under control, my doctor lengths) beneath each day. Simply
recommended I walk at least an hour click any line to see a detailed
every day. I followed your Workshop in breakdown of your activity for that
Issue 453 (‘Record how many steps you day in the section below.
walk’), so I’m familiar with the brilliant These orange lines represent the
Google Fit phone app for Android amount of time you walked. You’ll also
(www.snipca.com/19001) that tracks see how many calories you burned, the
your daily activity. distance you covered and how many
I recently noticed that the Google Fit steps you took. You can change the overwhelmed by the amount of
website (fit.google.com) has changed to default orange reading (from the time information, simply click the coloured
make it easier to monitor your activity you walked) to one of the other icons at the top left (walking, running
on your PC. Go to the site on your PC, measurements by clicking the Active and so on) to hide those
log in with your Gmail account, then Time dropdown menu at the top right measurements.
scroll to the calendar at the bottom. (see screenshot). If you feel a little Greg Drake

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

WINDOWS 10 PROBLEMS ADDITIONAL PC MONITOR VIRTUAL DRIVE

Regain control of your Turn your old iPad into Access your external drives
‘Num Lock’ key in Windows 10 a second PC monitor in VirtualBox
After upgrading to Windows 10 I recently retired after working for I’m tempted to upgrade to Windows
recently I noticed that my ‘Num over three decades as journalist. 10, but I’m reluctant to give up on
Lock’ key had been disabled. This was I had always worked in my office on a my Windows 7 PC just yet. So I followed
frustrating because the login password computer with two monitors and found it your Workshop in Issue 457 about
for my PC contains several numbers. difficult making the transition at home to running Windows 10 in a virtual drive
Thankfully, I managed to re-enable that a PC with only one monitor. I read about using the free program VirtualBox (www.
key using a simple Registry hack. an app in Computeractive (see Phone and virtualbox.org). The problem was that I
On your Desktop, press the Windows Tablet Tips, Issue 451) called Duet Display keep many of my programs and files on
key+R to open the Run box, type regedit that lets you turn a spare iPad into a external USB drives, but VirtualBox
into the box, press Enter, then click OK to second PC screen. Its price tag (£11.99) doesn’t automatically display external
open your Registry Editor. Now navigate may seem steep for an app but that’s a devices connected to your PC. After a
to the following path using the dropdown fraction of what you’ll pay to buy a new little digging around, I found there is a
menus on the left: HKEY_USERS/ PC monitor. Impressively, it works with way to make VirtualBox display these.
DEFAULT/Control Panel/Keyboard. most iPad versions (2 and later) and
In the right-hand section, right-click most Windows versions (7 and later).
‘InitialKeyboard’, then click Modify. You’ll And so I retrieved my old, forgotten
see a sequence of numbers (2147483648) iPad 3, dusted it down, then updated it.
in the ‘Value data’ field (see screenshot I still had the stand for it so I was able to
below). Change the final two digits in this position it beside my PC. You can buy an
sequence (48) to 50, click OK, then restart iPad stand for under £10 on Amazon, if
your PC. Your ‘Num Lock’ key will you don’t have one.
resume working properly. First, install the Duet Display app
Stephen Main (www.snipca.com/18997) on your iPad. First, insert a USB drive into your
Next, on your PC, go to www.duetdisplay. host PC. Now open VirtualBox and click
com, click the blue Download PC button, Start to launch your virtual operating
then run the downloaded setup file. system. When that’s done, click Devices
Now, connect your iPad to your PC using at the top left of VirtualBox, move your
a USB cable. As soon as you do this your cursor to USB, then click to select the
iPad will turn into a second PC monitor. USB device you inserted into your PC. A
I’m now able to use the iPad’s screen tick will appear next to it to indicate that
exclusively for email, while using my it’s active (see screenshot above). You
PC monitor to keep up with the news should now be able to access your USB
and do other work. drive from your virtual PC.
Michael Weaver Brian Day

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 43

 Phone and Tablet Tips Brilliant things to do on your device

ANDROID ANDROID & iOS not clear, or the crop icon if you need to
Save Skype video messages Record details from business trim the image, then tap Done (see
to your phone cards in OneNote screenshot below left). Finally, tap
The Skype Android app (www. Using Microsoft’s brilliant OneNote, then Save.
snipca.com/18976) has been Office Lens app you can You can now access the saved contact’s
updated with lots of new features. take a photo of a business details by opening OneNote on your
You can now save video messages card and save all the information on it as phone or tablet (Android www.snipca.
to your phone; search for specific links within OneNote. With OneNote com/18994; iOS www.snipca.com/
content within an exchange to find a open on your phone, tablet or PC, you 18995), PC or via its website (www.
conversation; and forward media files can then tap these links to call or email onenote.com). Log in with your
(photos, documents and so on) from one that person, and even get directions to Microsoft account details, if prompted.
contact/group to another. their address. You’ll see a new Contacts section.
Open any conversation containing a First, open Office Lens (Android www. Click it to see all your business cards
video message, tap the message, then snipca.com/18977; iOS www.snipca. added as notes with links below the
tap the new ‘Save to gallery’ option com/18978) and swipe across the options various fields. Click the relevant link to
(see screenshot below) to save it to your at the bottom until you reach Business carry out an action. For example, click
device. To search for a particular Card. Now point your camera at the the email link to write a new email, or
conversation based on its content, simply business card, then tap the shutter icon to the address link to get directions in
tap the search icon at the top right, take a photo. Tap Retake if the photo is Bing Maps.
then type any words that may have been
exchanged within it to see a list of WINDOWS PHONE
relevant conversations. To forward Download podcasts
media files that you’ve received to to enjoy offline
another person or group, simply tap Windows Phones’
to select the file, tap the new Forward Podcasts app lets you
button, then select the person or download radio shows
group you want to send it to. and podcasts over a Wi-Fi
network, so you can listen to
them when you’re offline. Open
the Podcasts app, swipe across
until you reach the Get Podcasts
section, then type the name of
the show (for example: type
football weekly – the Guardian’s
podcast). Next, tap the show/
podcast’s name to open it, then
the ‘+’ symbol at the bottom to

Best New Apps What you should install this fortnight

Adobe Premiere Clip Apple Music BBC Store

Free Free Free
Android: www.snipca.com/18981 Android: www.snipca.com/18983 Windows Phone:
iOS: www.snipca.com/18982 Launched on iOS five months back, Apple www.snipca.
Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the best Music is now available for Android. The app com/18984
PC-based video-editing programs. This simplifies the otherwise time-consuming The BBC says
app brings the same features to mobile process of that its new
devices. Drag and transferring all your Windows 10 PC
drop your videos music from iTunes and phone app
on a timeline, to Android, letting is “the most
trim them, add you access your comprehensive
transition effects iTunes collection collection of BBC
and add your own (and 30 million programmes ever made available to buy”.
music. Its ‘Sync to other tracks). It’s It has over 7,000 hours of the best current
Music’ feature free for the first and classic drama, comedy, entertainment
will then sync three months and and documentary shows. Episodes cost
your music to £9.99 per month around £1.89 each and complete series
your footage. thereafter. around £7.99.

44 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

add it to your favourites list. THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO
To download an episode, ANDROID
go back, swipe to the
Favourites section, then Our new 148-page book tells you everything
tap the show/podcast to you need to know about Android, including
the best appss
see available episodes. Tap
and tips for th
he
one, then tap the download Lollipop and
button at the bottom. You Marshmallow w
can now listen to that updates.
show even if you’re offline.

iOS
Disable Facebook !
notifications on iPad NEW
If you access your
Facebook account
on more than one
device, receiving the same
notifications on both can be annoying. screen (listing all your WhatsApp BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON
There’s an easy way to block Facebook conversations), tap the three dots at the
at www.snipca.com/18829
notifications on your iPad. Open Settings, top right, then tap ‘Starred messages’.
scroll to the bottom, tap Facebook on the
left, Settings (see screenshot below),
Notifications, then tap the Allow
Notifications slider to turn it off.
Games With Kids
What to play together on your phone and tablet
AGES 0 5
The Good Dinosaur: Dino Crossing
Free www.snipca.com/18986 (Android)
Free www.snipca.com/18987 (iOS)
In this game (inspired by the Disney Pixar
film), your toddler needs to help Arlo (the
dinosaur) and Spot (the little boy) cross
ANDROID & iOS treacherous terrain by swiping up, down,
Save WhatsApp messages left and right. You have to collect berries to
to read later unlock other characters from the film.
WhatsApp Messenger is
our favourite messaging AGES 6 10
app because it lets you Blendoku*
send text messages, photos, videos and Free www.snipca.com/18988 (Android)
even voice notes, as well as make Free www.snipca.com/18989 (iOS)
phone calls, to any other user for free. In this game (with over 475 levels) you
The app (Android www.snipca.com/ need to rearrange tiles according to colour
18979; iOS www.snipca.com/18980) gradation. So, for example, drag the yellow
was recently updated with a new tile to the far left, the red tile to the far
feature that lets you save any message right, then order the tiles in between.
(or media file) to read later – similar to
bookmarking a useful webpage. For AGES 11 16
example, if someone sends you an CSR Classics*
address or postcode, it’s handy to save Free www.snipca.com/18990 (Android)
this so you can find it easily when Free www.snipca.com/18991 (iOS)
you need it. You may never be able to afford a vintage
First, open any WhatsApp conversation car, but at least you can now race them.
(person or group), then tap and hold In this game, you start off with a broken
the relevant message (or media file) until shell of the car. Win races for money,
it’s selected. Now tap the star icon at the then restore your car and take part in
top of your screen (see screenshot above tournaments across the world to upgrade
right). You can save as many items as you and win better automobiles.
want using this method. To access your *Contains in-app purchases
saved content, go to the main

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 45

 Make Windows Better Clever tips for every version

WINDOWS VISTA, 7, 8, 10
Batch-update your files WINDOWS VISTA, 7, 8, 10
more quickly
If you tend to keep Use your PC’s hidden
previous versions
of documents and
on-screen keyboard
spreadsheets in a different folder from If your keyboard you have to click the keys using your
the current versions of the same files, suddenly stops mouse. To access it in Windows 7, open
there’s a quick way you can update them. working, don’t panic. the Start menu, then click Control
This method is especially useful if you There are any number of possible Panel. In Windows 8 and 10, right-click
want to update backup files on a USB causes and most can be remedied very the Start button, then click Control
stick or in a cloud-storage folder on your easily. If your keyboard is connected to Panel. Now click the ‘Ease of Access’
PC - for example, Dropbox, Google Drive your PC via a USB cable, then check link at the bottom right, ‘Ease of Access
or OneDrive. that it’s connected properly. If the Center’, then click Start On-Screen
First, open both folders (containing connection is fine, run CCleaner and Keyboard (see screenshot).
current and previous versions). Next, restart your PC. If you’re trying to log into your
select all the current file versions If neither of these methods work and Windows 7 or 8 PC (by typing your
(press Ctrl+A), and drag and drop them you need to use the keyboard urgently, password) and your keyboard isn’t
into the other folder. In the Copy File then you should use your PC’s on- working, click the ‘Ease of Access’
window that opens, tick ‘Do this for the screen keyboard. It’s a handy, albeit button (a circular icon) at the bottom
next X conflicts’ at the bottom, then more cumbersome alternative because left, tick ‘Type without the keyboard
click ‘Copy and Replace’ at the top (On-Screen
(see screenshot below). Keyboard)’, then
click Apply to bring
up the keyboard. In
Windows 10, click
the ‘Ease of Access’
button at the
bottom-right of your
login screen, then
click On-Screen
Keyboard to
activate it.

To uninstall programs in Windows 10, Personalisation’, Display, then click

go back to the main Settings screen, click the ‘Change displays settings’ link at
System, ‘Apps & features’, select the faulty the top left. Now click the Resolution
program/app, then click Uninstall. dropdown menu and set it to the highest
level using the slider. Next, click the
WINDOWS 10 WINDOWS VISTA, 7, 8, 10 ‘Advanced settings’ link at the bottom
Identify the programs that Fix your flickering CRT monitor right, the Monitor tab, then change the
eat up your broadband data Today’s LCD screens ‘Screen refresh rate’ dropdown menu to
Windows 10 offers a quick way to (flatscreen displays) are ‘75 hertz’ (from the default ‘60 hertz’ –
keep track of how much data stable and aren’t prone see screenshot below). Click Apply, then
you’re using, which is useful if to the dreaded flickering that plagues OK. If this fails to resolve the problem,
you have a monthly broadband data older monitors. But if you are still using it might be time to buy new monitor.
limit. It also lets you check which an old-style CRT (cathode ray
programs are devouring more data tube) monitor, then your screen
than they should. may suffer from occasional
Open the Start menu, click Settings, flicker – especially after you’ve
Network & Internet, then click ‘Data run a Windows update or
usage’. You’ll see a circular graph switched on your PC for the
showing how much data you’ve used in first time in a while. This flicker
the previous 30 days. Next, click the can cause you eyestrain and
‘Usage details’ link to see your programs headaches, so it’s a good idea to
listed alongside the amount of data they fix it. Thankfully, it’s easy to do
used (in descending order) in that time this by changing your screen’s
period. If you notice there are programs resolution and refresh rate.
using data that shouldn’t be, you should Open your Control Panel,
consider uninstalling them. click ‘Appearance and

46 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

Make Office Better Expert tips for every program

SWAY

Add a group of images to your presentation

Adding images in Microsoft’s caption that image.
online presentation tool Sway To group your
was never rocket science, but it images, tick the box at
has now become even easier. the bottom right of
Go to www.sway.com and log in with each section, then
your Microsoft account. Next, click click Group. You’ll
Create New, give your presentation a now see the Group
title, then click Picture on the left to add Type options slide in
photos. Now click the ‘Add a picture’ from the left (see screenshot). This lets right of the main image). Select the one
thumbnail, then either select Upload you arrange your images in a stack you want. By default, your images
and grab the photos you want from your (whenever you click the main image it appear as small thumbnails within your
PC, or select Bing (or Flickr) to see a list moves to the back to be replaced by the presentation. To enlarge them, click
of copyright-free images you can use. By next in the stack). You can also arrange Options on the right, then select Intense.
default, each image appears in a separate your photos as a grid (collage) or as a Now click the Preview section on the
section. Click inside each section to slideshow (with buttons to the left and right to start playing your presentation.

OUTLOOK my Contacts’ and ‘Automatically

Stop important emails landing add people I e-mail to the Safe
in your Junk folder Senders list’ (see screenshot
If you notice that important below left). Next, click the Add
emails are ending up in your button on the right and type any
Junk Email folder, you should other email addresses that aren’t
tweak your settings. Outlook 2010 in your contact list. Finally, click
onwards has a useful feature called Safe Apply, then OK. Emails from
Senders that lets you specify which email anyone in your Safe Senders list
addresses (and domain names) should will never appear in your Junk
never be sent to your Junk folder. You folder again.
can also set the feature to automatically
direct all emails from people in your EXCEL WORD
contact list and people you have emailed Print only a section of your Add a calculator to your
in the past to your Inbox – so they never spreadsheet document
end up in Junk. Printing an Excel spreadsheet If you often work with
To do this, click the Home tab, the Junk with a lot of data can run into documents full of mathematical
dropdown menu (in the Delete section), several pages. But if you only calculations, it’s a good idea to
then click ‘Junk E-mail Options’. Now want to print a specific section of your add Word’s built-in Calculate command to
click the Safe Senders tab, then tick the spreadsheet, there’s an easy way to do your Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) – the
two boxes below – ‘Also trust e-mail from this. First, open the spreadsheet and click bar at the top left, above the File, Home
and drag your mouse to select the section and Insert tabs.
you want to print. Next, click the Page First click the small down arrow above
Layout tab, the Print Area dropdown the Insert tab, then click More Commands.
menu (in the Page Setup section), then You’ll see two columns: the left column
click Set Print Area (see screenshot lists unused QAT options; the right contains
below). Now click OK and press Ctrl+P options already on your QAT. Click the
to see the print preview of the area you ‘Choose commands from’ dropdown
selected, then click the Print button. menu on the left and select All Commands.
Scroll down the list on the left, select
Calculate, then click the Add button (see
screenshot above). You’ll now see a small
grey circular icon on your QAT.
Now type any equation within Word
(for example, 971*647, with an asterisk as
a multiplication symbol), select it, then
click this grey icon. At the bottom left of
your document, you’ll see a message: ‘The
result of the calculation is: 628,237’.

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 47

 Secret Tips For…

Stellarium
Auto-hide your cursor Make your own
Hidden tools for the brilliant
free astronomy program

That little pointy arrow is handy for keyboard shortcuts

navigation but gets in the way when Hovering your cursor over
you’re trying to observe the night sky, the toolbar buttons shows
so use the option to hide it after a set the relevant keyboard
amount of time. Press F2 to open the shortcut – but did you know
Configuration window then select the there are dozens of hidden
Navigation tab. In the Control section, keyboard shortcuts?
tick ‘Mouse cursor timeout’, then type Pressing G, for example,
a duration in seconds into the box on removes the ground to give
the right. the effect of floating in
space; and pressing either
Enable location-specific of the square-bracket keys
light pollution adds or subtracts a solar To see a list of keyboard shortcuts or create your own, press
It may sound odd to suggest switching week. There are loads of F1 to open this settings window
on the lights, because stargazing works these time-savers, and
best when man-made illumination is pressing F1 will show the full list (see First visit www.snipca.com/18710 to find
extinguished. However, by having screenshot above right). You can even edit one you like, then click to download its
Stellarium apply accurate light-pollution the shortcuts from here: click the ‘Edit ZIP file. Next, return to Stellarium’s
levels for your locality, what you see on keyboard shortcuts’ button, select a Landscape tab and click the ‘Add/remove
screen will better reflect what you can shortcut, click in the ‘Primary shortcut’ landscapes’ button. Now click ‘Install a
(or indeed can’t) see in the skies above box, type your shortcut and then click new landscape from a ZIP archive’,
you. Press F4 to open the View window, Apply. If you make a mistake, click navigate to the downloaded ZIP file,
then select the Sky tab and tick ‘Light Restore Defaults and start again. select it, then click Open. If you’re feeling
pollution data from locations database’. adventurous and have good image-editing
The effects are rated from one to nine on Add new landscapes software, like the free GIMP (www.gimp.
the Bortle scale (www.snipca.com/18706). Stellarium includes a selection of org), you can even create your own
Alternatively, to see the night sky in all its landscapes, which you can set by landscapes. The process isn’t difficult but
glorious darkness, leave this box clear pressing F4 and then selecting the it does involve quite a lot of steps – so
and set the ‘Light pollution’ figure to ‘1’. Landscapes tab. It’s also easy to add more. follow the guide on the Stellarium wiki
site at www.snipca.com/18711.

Power up with plug-ins Capture screenshots instantly

Have you framed a nice scene or want to
You can do even more with Stellarium print the view for reference? Press Ctrl+S
with browser-style plug-ins that add to snap an instant screenshot, which by
useful or fun features. In fact, most of default is saved to the C:\Users\
the available plug-ins are installed with YourUsername\Pictures\Stellarium
the program – but only a few of them folder. To change the save folder, tap F2 to
are enabled by default. open the Configuration window, then
To switch on more, press F2 then select the Tools tab and click the folder
select the Plug-ins tab. To have icon in the Screenshots section.
Stellarium plot exoplanets automatically,
for example, click Exoplanets, then Anchor Stellarium’s toolbars
‘Load at startup’. Note that some Stellarium’s toolbars slide into view as
plug-ins also have a ‘configure’ button your cursor rolls over them, and
(see screenshot) that lets you fine-tune can be downloaded, though disappear automatically when the cursor
how they work. If the button text is installation methods vary – and some has moved away. That’s typically what
white (rather than black), the button plug-ins work only with certain you’d want, but during configuration it’s
isn’t clickable, because there are no versions of the program. Find out more handy to have them fixed in place – and
additional options. at Stellarium’s Plug-ins page (www. you can do that by clicking the tiny arrow
There are a few more plug-ins that snipca.com/18709). icons that appear on the grey strips in the
corner of each toolbar.

48 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 Next issue Secret Tips For… Windows 10 Task Manager
What’s All the Fuss About...

Laser drones
Can’t get fast broadband? Here’s one crazy-sounding solution

Are they the villains in the

Doctor Who Christmas special?
Well, they would make a nice change
from Daleks. And they wouldn’t have
any trouble with stairs.

Why’s that?
Because they are drones (the clue is in the
name), and can fly at heights of 60,000
feet – almost twice as high as aeroplanes.
But they do have one thing in common
with Daleks.

Which is?
They are controlled by a sinister
organisation intent on enslaving the
human race: Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg
(Facebook’s answer to Davros, if you will)
wants the solar-powered drones to beam
the internet into millions of homes as
part of his mission to “connect the between drones 200 miles apart. Parikh Balloons? The kind you see at
whole world”. came up with a startling analogy: “If I kids’ parties?
took a US dime [18mm in diameter] and I Not quite. Filled with helium, these
Are they in the sky already? walked 11 miles away from you, and then ‘superpressure’ balloons look like giant
No, but there have been test flights in you had a laser in your hand, you would jellyfish (see photo below left), and float
secret locations in the UK, as Zuckerberg have to hit that dime”. at the edge of space. Work on Project
announced at the end of March (www. Loon (www.google.com/loon) began in
snipca.com/18734). Called Aquila 1, the Doesn’t Google have 2013 with the launch in New Zealand of
test drone (above right) was built over a something similar? 30 balloons, each carrying a computer,
14-month period in Somerset. It has a They are testing drones, but – like Wi-Fi radios and GPS technology. Sri
142-foot wingspan, wider than a Boeing Amazon’s rival drones – these are for Lanka and Indonesia will soon become
737. But Facebook says that its carbon- delivering items, not the internet. the first countries to receive internet by
fibre design means it weighs less than Instead, the company has something balloon on a mass scale.
a Toyota Prius. bigger up its sleeve – a fleet of 180
satellites capable of sending broadband Is it only for developing
How do they work? down to Earth. That’s some way off, countries?
Data is sent from the ground to a drone, though. For the moment, Google is That seems to be Google’s aim. The
which then transmits an internet signal focussing on balloon-powered internet. company wants the balloons to help
by laser to other drones. The final drone bring internet access to the billions of
in the chain then sends this as a radio people who live without it – around
frequency to terminals placed within a two-thirds of the world’s population.
100-mile diameter on ground. This is sent But Facebook see their drones
to computers to provide internet access. delivering web access in remote areas of
the UK and other advanced countries,
How easy is that? using artificial-intelligence technology to
It’s pretty “freaking” hard, to use Jay identify areas with no internet coverage.
Parikh’s words. He should know – he’s Despite different approaches, both
Facebook’s Vice President of Engineering. companies agree on one thing: the more
The relatively simple part is keeping the people who get online, the more money
drones aloft for three months at a time. Google is already providing internet access they can make. Profits will be as sky high
Much harder is beaming internet signals from balloons floating at 60,000 feet as any drone, balloon or satellite.

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 49

 Don’t Get
HACKED
2016
IN
YOUR
ANTI-VIRUS
WON’T BE
ENOUGH

Hackers are changing tactics in 2016 – and you’re in more

danger than ever. Jane Hoskyn reveals next year’s threats
and what to do to stay safe

2
015 was the most dangerous year on with reading the feature. cybercriminals are not as interested in
in malware history. You already So let’s drag it up again, shall we? your PC as they were. In 2016, they’re
know that, because we told you in While you’re setting the table for Christmas going after company servers. That may
our Cover Feature in Issue 460 dinner - or perhaps relaxing with your sound like someone else’s problem but
(The Worst Malware Ever). We also said favourite magazine while you digest your it’s potentially disastrous for you, and
“and 2016 will be worse”, but you may figgy pudding - we’re here to remind you over the next couple of pages we’ll
have missed that bit - especially if you that 2016 will make 2015 look about as explain why.
were in an understandable hurry to get digitally dangerous as a festive game of We can’t see into the future, but the
charades. UK’s top security experts can - because
they closely following the habits of
WHAT YOU CAN DO Serving up trouble cybercriminals every day. So for this
• Find out why hackers are moving on You’d be forgiven for assuming your feature, we spoke to several security
from malware …and why that’s not security troubles are over now that specialists and discussed their
good news Windows 10 is here. New year, new predictions, most of which were
• Beat the new ransomware that locks operating system (OS), new instant frighteningly similar.
your backups automatic updates - and no unpatched We’ll explain their predictions and
• Encrypt your files and even your OS security holes. Meanwhile antivirus (AV) how each of these threats may affect you.
• Stop using programs that are no software is more powerful than ever In the second half of the feature we’ll
longer safe - with even the once-useless Microsoft show you what you must do to avoid
• Know hackers’ phishing traps so you’re Security Essentials performing brilliantly being one of the millions of people who
not caught out in our latest lab tests. will have their money and secrets stolen
So what’s the problem? No offence, but by hackers next year.

50 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

 Don’t get hacked in 2016

HACKERS’ NEW TACTICS FOR 2016

Database burglary
PC malware is so 2015. OK, it’s not gone
away – and one particular form,
ransomware, is a bigger threat than ever
– but in 2016, hackers will be playing a
much bigger game.
Every single security expert we spoke
to for this feature predicted that server
attacks would be the cybercrime theme
of 2016. That means hackers are now More than 100 customers of pub chain JD
aiming to break into servers (essentially Wetherpoon had their card details stolen
vast computers, such as those used by
Google or Amazon to store and manage Encryption lock-picking
data) instead of people’s PCs. When hackers discovered the Heartbleed
So you’re off the hook, right? Wrong, Wetherspoon emailed all its customers after flaw in password manager LastPass last
very wrong. By breaking into servers admitting the hack in early December June (www.snipca.com/19004), they
instead of PCs, hackers can steal millions thought they’d hit the hacking jackpot.
of people’s private data – passwords, own to steal money, and they’re largely But they were foiled by the server’s
bank details, emails and much more. correct. You can’t use most debit or security measures.
In our Cover Feature on The Worst credit cards to withdraw money or buy LastPass uses extremely robust
Malware Ever we briefly mentioned anything without either having them in encryption techniques that make all
server bugs (also known as flaws or your hand and knowing the PIN or stored data undecipherable even to the
security holes) such as Heartbleed (http:// security code on the back. most prodigious hacker. The only way to
heartbleed.com) and Shellshock (aka Wetherspoon has emailed all affected translate strongly encrypted
Bash, www.snipca.com/19010). Criminals customers and published an FAQ on its gobbledegook into recognisable words
look for these flaws in servers and, once website (www.snipca.com/19011). and numbers is to unlock it using
they find them, they use them as a kind software that’s tied securely to your
of cyber fishing net, harvesting huge Exploiting weak website account. No other human, not even the
bounties of people’s data. security boss of LastPass, can unlock and read
If a site’s server is poorly protected, it your list of stored passwords.
Stealing card details might as well be a shop built out of If the LastPass attack had been
In early December, pub chain JD cardboard with a hole in it. In November, successful, it would have been
Wetherspoon revealed it had been hit hackers discovered a server flaw that devastating. A LastPass haul of passwords
by hackers who stole the card details of easily allowed them to plunder the is priceless. The Hatton Garden jewellery
100 customers, along with the personal database of VTech (www.vtech.co.uk), raid, which happened around the same
details of around 650,000 database a Hong Kong-based company that makes time, would have looked like a child
members, including names, dates of tablets and other gadgets for children. shoplifting sweets by comparison.
birth, email addresses and phone A large and lucrative market, as you’d However, a hacker sees a short-term
numbers. expect - hence its 4.8 million-strong disappointment as a long-term challenge.
The hack actually happened last June customer database. As we speak, cybercriminals are working
using the company’s old server – but But the site’s security was so weak that on ways to pick the most complex
Wetherspoon waited until early December hackers broke in easily and found a encryption locks – and 2016 may well to
to release details, possibly for legal reasons. goldmine of sensitive information about be the year they crack it.
According to the pub chain, the stolen customers, their children and their If hackers steal hundreds of card
card details couldn’t be used on their grandchildren. Shockingly, this details or passwords, what would you
information included the kids’ expect they’d do with them? Use them,
home addresses, names and dates right? Actually, no. In some cases they sell
of birth, as well as all the registered them on the black market to evade
customers’ security questions capture. But they’re much more likely to
and passwords. use them to blackmail the affected
Despite being a popular and company into paying to get the stolen
trusted company, VTech failed at details back. And because those
basic security measures. For companies value your custom and their
example, customers’ secret reputation, they often pay up.
security questions and answers Of course, blackmail is most effective
were stored in plain text. It’s a when the stolen details are particularly
reminder that no matter how big sensitive or embarrassing. For example
and professional a company may after stealing details of 480,000
Weak security on sites like VTech lets hackers raid a seem, it may be far more customers of cosmetic surgery specialist
goldmine of sensitive data vulnerable than you realise. Harley Medical Group, the hackers

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 51

 blackmailed the company to get the data Password manager
back (www.snipca.com/19005). LastPass narrowly
escaped a
What’s even more scary is when disastrous server
hackers blackmail you personally, as with attack in June
the attack on Ashley Madison (www.
ashleymadison.com), the infidelity dating
service. Hackers plundered the server in
August and stole the personal details of
no fewer than 32 million registered users.
Each user received an email from the
criminals, threatening to expose them
unless they paid an extortionate
blackmail fee. Many users couldn’t afford
to pay and, a month later, the hackers
carried out their threat by posting users’
names online (www.snipca.com/19008).
Three months later, security expert card details held to ransom, with that’s good value to protect priceless data.
Graham Cluley says: “I still get emails disastrous consequences. Here are dozens more services, reviewed
most days from people who were listed in Meanwhile, hackers are sticking with and rated by our sister site Expert
Ashley Madison’s database that are PC and mobile ransomware because it Reviews: www.snipca.com/19015. If you
worried after receiving demands for cash”. works. If you see a big notice on your PC use one of these services you’re hit by
screen telling you every file on your PC ransomware or other data-corrupting
Ransomware on the rise has been locked or encrypted and you malware, you can wipe your PC and
Ramsomware is malware-meets- have to pay £400 (often in the online install the stored backup.
extortion, and it remains the biggest currency bitcoin) by a certain date to get Now for the bad news. The more canny
cyber-security threat we’ve ever seen. them back, you’d justifiably panic – and among you will have twigged already.
The number of ransomware attacks has when people are panicking or scared Online backup services have to keep your
risen “significantly” during the last three they’ll often pay to make the problem go backed-up data somewhere – on a server,
months of 2015, according to Simon away. Ransomware hackers understand of course. The servers of sites like
Edwards, head of our security team at human nature and exploit it very well. Carbonite, and other security-focused
Dennis Technology Labs (DTL, www. backup services like SOS Online Backup
dennistechnologylabs.com). “It’s not Ransomware that (www.sosonlinebackup.com; $7.99/£5.28
going anywhere soon, because it’s an targets backups per month), are fiercely protected by
effective way to get people to cough up The best defence against ransomware, or layers of the tightest encryption measures
cash,” Edwards told us. any type of data theft, is to keep your data available, and would be extremely hard
Unlike the ambitious server-pillaging backed up automatically using a NAS for a hacker to breach. But the hackers
strategies we’ve talked about so far, drive, or a paid online service such as are working on it.
ransomware tends to infect smaller Carbonite (www.carbonite.com), which “We’ve already seen versions of
devices: typically your PC, tablet and Simon Edwards recommends. ransomware that can affect NAS drives,”
phone. So far, hackers haven’t been able Carbonite’s basic personal plan costs says Simon Edwards. “Slowly corrupting
to infect a big company server with $47.99 (£31) per year to ensure you’ve got backups over time, and then demanding
ransomware – but that’s their plan for a secure second copy of all your data, all a ransom to make them work again, may
2016. So you could find your bank and automatically up to date – and we think be a strategy we see in the future.”

Members of infidelity site Ashley Madison are still being blackmailed by Ransomware demands money to unlock files – and it’ll be much
hackers more prevalent in 2016

52 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

 Don’t get hacked in 2016

Hackers haven’t managed to crack Carbonite’s super-tight defences – DDoS hackers stole sensitive financial data from 157,000 TalkTalk
but they’re working on it users in October

DDoS attacks But criminals also use DDoS attacks obscured, and therefore couldn’t be
If your bank’s website is shut down for to steal your money. In October, DDoS used for a spending spree. But the
hours, it may have been hit by a DDoS hackers plundered TalkTalk’s server 15,656 bank details could be used in
(distributed denial-of-service) attack – in an attack that affected 157,000 users. cyber theft.
and these are growing fast. They are The stolen booty included 28,000 card Even if a DDoS attack simply kicks a
sometimes pure vandalism, inflicted on details; 15,656 back account details; and site offline for hours, it could cause
sites to make a political point. Greek 15,000 dates of birth, plus hundreds of financial chaos. What if a vital mortgage
banks recently suffered a spate of thousands of names, phone numbers payment was due to leave your account
DDoS attacks coupled with blackmail and email addresses. and it didn’t, because the site was down?
– the last thing the country’s banks need If there’s any reassuring news here, it’s Or you can’t access your pension or
at the moment. that the card details were partially savings for days on end?

HOW TO BEAT HACKERS’ NEW TRICKS

Back up, and back up again Create an installable
backup copy of your
Despite hackers’ attempts to crack entire OS using the
encrypted backups, backing up all your Media Creation Tool
data is still your best defence against
server theft, ransomware or any type of
malware that steals or corrupts your data.
(Of course, it’s also your best defence
against a PC that conks out one day.)
The closest you’ll get to guaranteed
peace of mind is to double-back up. As
well as using an automatic back up
service such as Carbonite to keep your
backups up to date, also regularly back
up your PC to an external hard drive. The Hackers actively look for security holes machines – until 16 January 2016 (www.
hard drive backup should include your in unsupported software, and use them snipca.com/19034). Banks must upgrade
software licence numbers and an ISO of to funnel ransomware into your PC, along their systems before then. Write to your
your OS. You can create an ISO for all with threats we talked about in Issue 460, bank, your council and your MP
current versions of Windows by using such as Trojans, worms and spyware. demanding to know what OS they’re
Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool (www. Indeed, an old banking Trojan that using and pointing out that your security
snipca.com/19028). Copy it all to another hackers first used in 2007 has re-emerged is at dire risk if they’re still using XP.
external drive for good measure and keep specifically to target Windows 10 users Windows 10 patches itself
them in a safe place at home (just not (see Protect Your Tech, page 16). automatically, of course. It is possible to
next to a radiator, please). As you may know, many companies, switch off these automatic updates using
local councils and banks still run Registry hacks, and defer them if you’re
Keep your software up to date Windows XP, which makes it much easier part of the Insider Program, but please
Windows XP is the best-known example for hackers to break into their servers. don’t. You may feel that you’re having
of a product that’s well past its end-of- Microsoft extended support for the patches forced down your throat, but
support date and is now dangerous to special Windows XP Embedded OS – they are designed to keep your PC safer
use, but it’s by no means the only one. used by many of the UK’s 70,000 cash than ever. Criminals are getting more and

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 53

 Computeractive
Bookstore
NEW! THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO
ANDROID
If you use an Android tablet or phone, our new
book will tell you how to get the most out of
your device. It explains everything you need
to know about the latest versions of Android
(Lollipop and Marshmallow), so you’ll feel
confident you won’t get left behind. We’ll also
reveal the best apps for everything you’ll ever
want to do, and expose the dodgy apps that
slow your device. And as hackers increasingly
switch their sights from PCs to phones and
tablets, we’ll show you how to stay safe.

BUY IT NOW FROM

AMAZON
at www.snipca.com/18829

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO COMPUTERACTIVE 2014

WINDOWS 10 FREE SOFTWARE BACK ISSUE CD

This 148-page In our new This easy-

book is the only 148-page book, to-use
guide you need we recommend CD-ROM
on Microsoft’s only the very contains all
fantastic new best free 26 issues of
operating programs that 2014, giving
system. You’ll learn how deliver high-quality features you one-click access
to master all the new tools and no nasty surprises (no to thousands of tips,
and software, and how junk - guaranteed!). It’s workshops, reviews, free
to upgrade without losing packed with step-by-step programs, superb apps and
anything. It’s been updated tutorials and how-to guides problems solved. It has a
to include fixes for problems for safe downloads – plus searchable index, which
that have appeared since you’ll learn which free makes it easy for you to find
Windows 10 launched. antivirus you should use. what you want to read.

BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON
at www.snipca.com/17716 at www.snipca.com/16785 at www.snipca.com/14981
 Don’t get hacked in 2016

more sophisticated, and it only

takes a second for a hacker to
exploit a flaw and infect your
PC with ransomware.
Look at your other installed
programs and plug-ins as well,
whatever version of Windows
you’re using. If you’re near
their end-of-support dates, it’s
time to update, upgrade or
Google boss Larry Page wants to give you
uninstall completely. See the £950,000! No he doesn’t – it’s a hacker’s
box below for info and advice phishing trap
on keeping your programs, OS
and even your devices up to Official Notification Letter’ in early
date and safe. December, congratulating them on
winning £950,000. Unfortunately, of
Don’t be caught course, it wasn’t Larry at all, and there
by a phish was no £950,000 windfall, just a PDF
Phishing will remain a huge attachment that downloaded malware to
threat in 2016. Most of the Don’t switch off or defer Windows 10 Update – it’s there to victims’ PCs. See the box over the page
scammers’ attempts to trick keep hackers out for our rundown of 2016’s biggest dates
you will take the form of what’s and events. This isn’t just to help you fill
known as ‘clickbait’ – links, attachments, huge database of company data and in your calendar – these are the dates
headlines, photos and adverts on websites customers’ personal and financial details. when phishers know you’re most likely
that you just can’t resist clicking. Clickbait doesn’t have to be a fake to click links and be lured by adverts and
Clickbait isn’t all dangerous – some advert promising a £1 iPad. Criminals offers that seem too good to be true.
of it just leads to substandard online also exploit global events. In November,
content. But if you click a tempting link security researchers at Symantec, maker Double-lock your passwords
or download an enticing attachment of the excellent Norton Security antivirus and keep them safe
that’s actually a phishing attack, it could (AV) suite, discovered spoof ‘terror alert’ Many people understandably grew wary
be deadly for your PC. Click or open it, emails that claimed to come from the of using password managers after the
and it’ll automatically download and Dubai Police Force. The emails tricked (albeit unsuccessful) attack on LastPass.
install malware, including ransomware people into downloading the Jsocket Even experts got nervous. “I’d rather
and Trojans. Trojan, which gave hackers remote access write mine down than store them on
Phishing will soon become just as to PCs (or, in the worst case, the PC’s someone’s server,” said one security
much of a threat to company servers as it network server). expert whose name we won’t reveal,
is to individuals’ PCs. If any worker in a Less alarming, Google founder Larry to save his home from a ransacking.
company falls victim to a phishing attack, Page (yes, ‘signed’ by Larry himself) sent Other experts remain open-minded.
it could give cybercriminals access to a an unknown number of people a ‘Google LastPass was attacked by very determined

WHEN WILL YOUR SOFTWARE BE UNSAFE?

Here are links to pages where you’ll Internet Explorer (IE) users (124 million
find lists of end-of-support dates for of you worldwide) – pay special attention!
programs and Windows versions that After 12 January 2016, all versions
many of you use. Make a note of any of IE prior to IE 11 will be completely
important impending dates and check unsupported. So if you’re on an older
the sites’ support pages to find out version of IE after mid-January, you’re an
how to update or upgrade your tools open target for hackers. Read more on
and stay safe. Microsoft’s site: www.snipca.com/19036.

WINDOWS SOFTWARE AND DEVICES

Windows lifecycle fact sheet: • Windows 8: • Adobe Acrobat and Reader:
www.snipca.com/19026 mainstream support ends 9 January www.snipca.com/19020
Windows Phone lifecycle fact sheet: 2018; extended support ends 10 January • Google Chromebooks and Nexus tablets:
www.snipca.com/19027 2023 www.snipca.com/19021
• Windows Vista: • Windows 10: • Internet Explorer: www.snipca.com/19022
extended support ends 11 April 2017 mainstream support ends 13 October • Office 2013: www.snipca.com/19023
• Windows 7: 2020; extended support ends 14 • Office 2016: www.snipca.com/19024
extended support ends 14 January 2020 October 2025 • Ubuntu: www.snipca.com/19025

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 55

 Don’t get hacked in 2016

hackers who didn’t get away with a single

password. Hackers may be ramping up 2016’S BIGGEST PHISH
their efforts, but so are LastPass and
other free password managers like A phishing trap could catch you on
Dashlane (https://www.dashlane.com) any day of any year, but big events
and PasswordBox (www.passwordbox. and product launches are phishers’
com), who employ the world’s best favourite opportunities to dangle their
security-software developers. Using bait. Put these 2016 dates in your diary
them, and backing up your passwords and be extra wary of clicking links and
in an encrypted file (see next tip), is attachments:
all much safer than writing your
passwords on bits of paper. • Jan: Samsung Galaxy S7 launch
If web-based password managers still • 27 Feb: 6 Nations Rugby, England vs
make you nervous, use an installable Ireland, Twickenham
program instead, such as the free, • Feb-March: 6 Nations continues
open-source tool KeePass (http://keepass. • 6 March: Mothers’ Day
info) or the more sophisticated but • 16 March: Chancellor delivers Budget
somewhat more expensive 1Password Check which sites use two-factor • 27 March: Easter Sunday
(www.snipca.com/19030; $49.99/£33). authentication at https://twofactorauth.org • 29 March: England v Holland football
You can make your passwords safer friendly, Wembley
by coupling them with a secondary • March/April: Microsoft Surface Book
security code (which works like a PIN) UK launch
sent to your phone. This is known as • 21 April: The Queen’s 90th birthday
two-factor authentication, and you • 23 April: Saint George’s Day
can find a list of sites that support it at • 24 April: London Marathon
https://twofactorauth.org (see screenshot • 2 May: Princess Charlotte’s 1st birthday
above right). • 21 May: FA Cup Final 2016, Wembley
• 11 June: Trooping the Colour, London
Encrypt your data • 10 June-10 July: Euro 2016 football
Windows 10 has built-in tools that tournament
encrypt that by default encrypt some of Encrypt some or all of your files and drives • 27 June 27-10 July: Wimbledon Tennis
your stored files and other data. This using free program DiskCryptor Championships
means if someone breaks into your PC or • 22 July: Prince George’s 3rd birthday
server they won’t be able to read the data. tool has long been TrueCrypt (http:// • 28 July: Microsoft ends free upgrade
However, you’ll notice we said “some” truecrypt.sourceforge.net), but its makers period for Windows 10
of your files. If you want to encrypt all have withdrawn it for now while they • 5-21 Aug: Rio Olympics
your data, you’ll need to shell out for work on improving the program’s code. • 7-18 Sep: Rio Paralympics
Windows 10 Professional edition. Other So we’ve moved on to the free, • 10 Sep: Last night of the Proms,
modern systems, including Android, iOS, open-source tool DiskCryptor (www. Royal Albert Hall
Chrome OS and Mac OS X, offer full, free snipca.com/19040), which claims to be • September: iPhone 7 launch
integrated encryption tools for all users. the only available tool that lets you • 8 Nov: US Presidential election
What’s more, Windows 10 only encrypt all your drive partitions, • 13 Nov: Remembrance Sunday
encrypts your data if you sign in using including the system (‘boot’) partition
your Microsoft account. Your recovery (Microsoft explains system partitions
key is then uploaded to Microsoft’s here: www.snipca.com/19039). of which is necessary. To complete
servers, so you can recover your files To get the program, click the grey installation you have to restart your PC
if you’re ever locked out of your PC. Download button and then click ‘installer’. – this is common in programs that let you
But if all our talk of server-raiding Save and run the installer, accept the control your system so deeply. The
hackers has made you wary, there are agreement and then click Next. There’s DiskCryptor site has a Forum and a
third-party options – and they work no adware to worry about, but there are particularly useful FAQ to help you get
with Windows 7 and 8/8.1, too. further options, such as adding a Start started and give your files the highest
The most popular third-party encryption menu shortcut and Desktop icon, neither level of protection, for free.

ON SALE
NEXT ISSUE On sale Wednesday 6 January 6 Jan

Plus • can’t
Windows 10 settings
Send huge files that your email
handle
• GuruAid
Computeractive investigates
All the hidden settings you must turn off – is it a scam?

to stop Microsoft killing your PC

• Your most-clicked program
sites of 2015

Subscribe to Computeractive and get it five days early – www.getcomputeractive.co.uk

56 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

Windows 10:
The biggest
controversies
...and our verdict on each
Windows 10 is great – but it’s not been without its clangers and scandals.
Jonathan Parkyn delivers our verdict on every one

O
n the surface, Windows 10 Aggressive upgrade nagging automatically, you could suddenly
feels like a return to Windows Anyone still using Windows 7 or 8.1 will find Windows 10 installing itself –
7. But underneath the be familiar with the Windows 10 nag whether you want it or not.
comfortingly familiar Desktop screen that pops up when you boot your
and Start menu lurk a number of PC. If you thought that was annoying, OUR VERDICT
radical changes – not all of which you won’t be happy to hear that It’s in Microsoft’s interests to have
have been well received. Microsoft’s persuasion techniques are everyone running Windows 10, but
We’ve had a lot of good things to say about to reach a whole new level. the company is assuming that it’s in
about Windows 10, but since (and even According to a recent blog post by our best interests too – and that’s a
before) its release, Microsoft’s new Microsoft’s Terry Myerson (www.snipca. very patronising stance.
operating system (OS) has found itself com/18845), Windows 7 and 8.1 users Windows 10 is a great OS, but there
mired in controversy. can expect to find Windows 10 are plenty of users who are happy
We know from your letters that you re-categorised as a ‘Recommended with Windows 7 and 8.1 – and even
have strong feelings about some of Update’ at some point in early 2016. Windows 8 – so we think the
them. Now it’s time to tell you what Basically, this means if you’ve set company’s bullying tactics are
we think. Windows 7 or 8.1 to install updates completely out of order.

Compulsory updates
As you’ll know from our Cover
Feature in Issue 464, Windows 10
has snatched away your control
over Windows Updates. In
Windows 7 and 8/8.1 you could
configure updates (timing,
program exclusions and so on),
but in Windows 10 you have a
‘take it or leave it’ scenario:
switch off Windows Update
entirely, or give it full reign,
letting it install whatever it
wants, whenever it wants.
The first option isn’t even
really an option. Switching off
Windows Update means you
never get security patches,
leaving you wide open to
malware. So you’ve really only
The cute kittens don’t fool us – Microsoft’s nagging is just unacceptable got one choice: keep Windows

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 57

 Update switched on and accept what OUR VERDICT
you’re given. Microsoft’s intention – to
The first significant update (following make the upgrade Windows
numerous incremental patches and 10 process quicker and
tweaks) came in November. Predictably, simpler – appears to be
it unleashed a whole new set of benign. And the failed
problems, including a serious glitch installation bug (assuming it
that results in the upgrade getting stuck genuinely is a bug), is an
at the 44 per cent mark. Refer to Issue unfortunate by-product of an
464’s Cover Feature for more on these ill-conceived strategy.
problems. But the initial assumption
on Microsoft’s part that no
OUR VERDICT one will mind massive files
We find it unacceptable that Microsoft If Microsoft has tried to install buggy files on your PC, they’ll being downloaded to their
be marked as ‘Failed’
doesn’t tell you anything about what’s PCs without their consent is
in an update. That makes us feel times. To see if your PC has been affected, arrogant and misjudged. What if you
insecure – what will it do? What if open Windows Update, click ‘View don’t actually want to upgrade? And
my PC can’t handle it? Moreover, update history’ and see if there are any what about people who are on capped or
automatic updates should at least work. ‘Upgrade to Windows 10’ updates listed metered broadband connections? That
Microsoft must address its apparent as Failed (see screenshot above). 6GB could push you over your monthly
strategy of releasing unfinished updates In a recent report (www.snipca.com/ data allowance and cost you money as
that may contain glitches. 18846), a Microsoft representative well as hard-drive space.
Users of the Professional, Enterprise stated that automatic installation
and Education editions of Windows 10 attempts are caused by a bug which the Is Windows 10 spying on you?
can defer updates until bugs are ironed company claims has been corrected. On its launch, many critics slammed
out, but most of us are Home users However, a Windows 7 PC we tested Windows 10 for its blatant disregard for
– and we should have the same option. for this feature still showed that the users’ privacy. Left to its default settings,
optional Windows 10 upgrade was the new OS and its apps will happily
Downloading Windows 10 automatically selected for installation gather all manner of personal data,
without your permission in Windows Update. including your current location and
Many Windows 7 and 8.1 users – virtually anything you type
including those who never reserved on your keyboard.
the Windows upgrade – have In most cases it’s possible to
suddenly found massive Windows opt out of tracking and other
10 installation files sitting on background data-gathering
their PC’s hard drive. This is aspects of Windows 10 via the
because Microsoft smuggled these Privacy section of the Settings
files in without asking. And when app. But even if you disable all
we say massive we mean up to the data-collection settings you
6GB of storage space and can find, it won’t stop the OS
bandwidth. Thankfully, there are from collecting all information
ways of uninstalling these files about you.
(see our Workshop on page 42 Microsoft’s Corporate VP Joe
of Issue 460). Belfiore admitted in a recent
There have been cases, however, interview (www.snipca.com/
in which the unwanted Windows 10 18847) that Windows 10 includes
download has quietly attempted to enforced data-collection
install itself, sometimes several Windows 10 gathers your information even if you tell it not to elements that users can’t opt out
of. He claims these are strictly
A CONTROVERSIAL GESTURE limited to your PC’s performance and
how you use it, and “are not personal
Windows 10 was involved in another com/18910). However, the information or are not related to privacy”.
outrage just before its main release in finger was not included in
July, when it emerged that the new OS previous versions of Windows. OUR VERDICT
would support the controversial ‘middle This may all sound in bad taste, and Data collection is nothing new. Windows
finger’ emoji. be assured the controversial character users have shared basic performance
The offensive symbol has been is not actually included in Windows 10’s information with Microsoft for years via
available for more than a year as part on-screen keyboard (here’s how to the Customer Experience Improvement
of the current emoji standards (yes, enable it: www.snipca.com/18911). The Program, though it’s possible to opt out
there are ‘standards’; Wikipedia has only way to use it is to copy and paste it of this (this page about the scheme in
some interesting links: www.snipca. from somewhere else. Office is particularly useful: www.snipca.
com/18905). Meanwhile, smartphones,

58 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

 Windows 10: The biggest controversies

tablets and online services, such as Microsoft is now

Google, routinely collect information littering your Start
about us and our activities (see our menu with adverts
for products you
‘Who’s selling your data?’ feature in don’t want
Issue 463).
But Windows 10 ramps things up by
several notches compared with previous
versions of the OS, and we’re not happy
that so many data-collection settings are
enabled by default. But there is an
argument that protecting our privacy is,
to a large degree, our own responsibility.
If you’re worried about your privacy in
Windows 10, then we’d encourage you to
follow our previous advice on opting out
via Settings. You may also want to read
Microsoft’s Windows 10 privacy FAQ
(www.snipca.com/18848).

Nagging users not to leave Edge this type of anti-competitive practice. You This is likely to be just the start of the
A recently leaked preview build of can find many more examples of invasion of adverts on your Desktop, in
Windows 10 (Build 10568) displayed ‘nag’ Microsoft’s legally questionable practices your Taskbar and elsewhere in the OS.
screens that attempted to dissuade users on this Wikipedia page: www.snipca. “Free” is never really free, after all.
from changing their default web browser com/18907.
from Edge (which we don’t like much) to Hidden costs
Chrome or Firefox (which we do) or any Start menu adverts As if it’s not enough that Microsoft
number of lesser-known, but faster The big November update brought fresh takes a 30 per cent cut of all apps sold
browsers that are perfectly suited to new features to Windows 10 – though in the Windows Store, all Windows 10’s
tablets (see our feature on page 60). The not all were welcome. Among the most default Microsoft apps – Groove Music,
nag to ‘Give Edge a shot’ (see screenshot annoying is the inclusion of adverts Films & TV and so on – nudge you to
below) smacks of an admission of defeat, (Microsoft prefers to call them buy or rent music, films and other
and is accompanied by a hard-sell of ‘suggestions’) in the Start menu. content. Meanwhile, many of
reasons to stick with the browser. You can get rid of them – though Microsoft’s free apps – such as Word
probably not permanently – by right- Mobile and Solitaire (now Microsoft
OUR VERDICT clicking the advert and selecting ‘Turn off Solitaire Collection, www.snipca.
The “please like Edge… please” nag (OK, all suggestions’ (see screenshot above). In com/18909) – attempt to push you
we’re paraphrasing) is pathetic, frankly. the window that opens, click the slider towards coughing up for premium
What may seem pathetic today could next to ‘Occasionally show suggestions in versions or ongoing subscriptions.
become more heavy-handed tomorrow. Start’ to switch this feature off. Even simple DVD playback can cost
We wouldn’t be surprised to find Cortana and Edge also make money you dear in Windows 10. If you’ve
Microsoft making it harder to avoid through advertising, which may explain upgraded from Windows 7 Professional,
having Edge as your default browser why Microsoft is so desperate for you not Ultimate or Home Premium, you can
in Windows 10. to switch to another browser. get Windows DVD Player free
Aside from being dictatorial, “for a limited time” (www.snipca.
Microsoft’s behaviour may turn out OUR VERDICT com/18968). If you upgraded from any
to be legally dubious. After all, it wasn’t Adverts are part and parcel of our lives other version (including Windows 7
long ago (2009) that Microsoft was taken these days, especially online, where Home), the app will set you back £11.59
to court by the European Commission they basically subsidise free services. (www.snipca.com/18969). We strongly
and fined nearly £400 million for exactly But that doesn’t always make them OK. suggest you switch to the excellent free
Your Start menu is your Start menu, media player suite VLC instead (www.
configured and customised to suit you. videolan.org/vlc).
To find it littered with adverts for silly
games feels intrusive, especially if you’re OUR VERDICT
used to hiding adverts online by using These hard-sell tactics are just
ad-blockers such as Adblock Plus plain rude. Worse, they’re sneaky
(https://adblockplus.org). and potentially extortionate.
The sudden return of adverts on Inexperienced users might easily be
your computer, especially in your Start swayed by entreaties to cough up cash
menu, can actually feel scary, because to remove adverts. Many users with less
unexpected content is often a sign of confidence see Microsoft as the voice
Microsoft is fiercely promoting its browser malware. Microsoft’s adverts are safe of authority, and will do whatever it
Edge – and we think it’s crossing a line but disconcerting. tells them.

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 59

 What’s the fastest
browser
for your
tablet? ? ?
Still using Safari on iPad and Chrome
on your Android tablet? Tim Danton
reveals how to boost your device by
ditching its default browser

F
irefox fans around the world devices. Open a new tab in the browser
rejoiced when, on 11 November, on your iPad or iPhone, then tap the
the browser’s creator Mozilla cloud icon and sign in or create a free
released a free Firefox app for iOS. Firefox account.
If you own an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch,
you can now use Firefox as the main Go private with Ghostery
browser on your device. Your every move is being tracked online.
And yet, just because the Firefox app is You know that - and you know from our
hot off the press, don’t assume it’s better ‘Who’s selling your data?’ feature in
than others. With more and more Issue 463 that sites and tools store data
browsers available for your tablet and about your activity, and some even
phone, this is the ideal time to “shop” sell it to advertisers.
around (but not pay anything – all the To find out exactly what sites are
browsers we feature here are free). up to, switch to Ghostery (Android
Changing your browser could be all www.snipca.com/18885; iOS www.
you need to breathe new life – and speed snipca.com/ 18886). A ghostly blue
– into your old phone or tablet. We tested character sits at the top-right of the
this theory by running a number of window and reveals how many trackers
browsers on Android and iOS tablets and Tap the cloud icon to sync Firefox for iOS are loaded on each page. Click the
phones to speed-test them in everyday across devices character and you can select which
use. Here we reveal which browser may trackers to block (see screenshot below).
give your device the biggest boost. com/18882), which measures browser On poorly programmed sites, this could
speeds running JavaScript, a coding make browsing a little quicker too,
Speed up and sync with Firefox language used by many sites (not the because these sites sometimes download
The new iOS version of open-source same as the dreaded plug-in Java).
browser Firefox (www.snipca.com/18883) Firefox also raced ahead of Chrome on
doesn’t make any amazing speed claims the iPad in our tests, opening pages
– and it’s not in a position to. Apple around 30 per cent more quickly.
requires all third-party browsers to use However, on Android, there’s little reason
Safari’s WebKit rendering engine (https:// to abandon Chrome for Firefox. Chrome
www.webkit.org). This rendering process comes pre-installed on most Android
is what turns a site’s HTML code, photo devices; if it’s not on yours, download it
files and so on into a readable layout for free from the Google Play Store (www.
your device. snipca.com/18948). Chrome took just a
As a result, Firefox and Safari, which few seconds to load web pages that were
is pre-installed on all iOS devices, full of links and banner ads, while Firefox
performed nigh-on identically in our took up to a minute.
speed tests. However, Firefox was four One advantage of using Firefox in iOS
times faster than Safari in the SunSpider is that it synchonises your bookmarks, Ghostery lets you see and control how much
WebKit benchmark test (www.snipca. passwords and history with other you’re being tracked by sites

60 23 December 2015 - 5 January 2016

 What’s the fastest browser for your tablet?

A CLOSE CONTEST, BUT

OPERA MINI WINS
No new browser will make an old tablet
fast again. The age and specifications
of your device, as well as your home
internet speed and mobile-data
connection, are big factors.
Even so, you’re losing out if you
stick with Android’s default Chrome
and Apple’s default Safari browsers.
You can cut mobile-data costs with
Opera Mini, safely access Flash content
using Puffin and protect your privacy
with Ghostery. If pushed to choose
one, we’d use the Android version of
Opera Mini.
We’d also like to give a nod to
Opera Coast (iOS only www.snipca.
com/18896) and UC Browser (Android
www.snipca.com/18897; iPad www.
snipca.com/18898), all of which
Opera Mini is very fast in Android and saves Puffin is much faster for accessing US performed well in our tests.
data when you’re out and about content, and it includes safe Flash support

adverts (which track you) before Fly to the US and back choice if you use VPN tools to pretend
legitimate page content. with Puffin you have a US IP address – so you can
If you’ve been using the privacy- Puffin (Android www.snipca.com/18889; watch US Netflix – but less so if you’re a
focused search app DuckDuckGo iOS www.snipca.com/18890) takes a fan of BBC iPlayer, for example.
(Android www.snipca.com/18887; iOS completely different approach to most Puffin’s other selling point is that it
www.snipca.com/18888), you can make browsers. Rather than rendering pages on supports Flash. The mere mention of the
it your default search engine in the your tablet and phone, it does so on a word “Flash” makes any sensible PC user
Android version of Ghostery. Open US-based server and then streams images nervous, thanks to the plug-in’s history
Ghostery, tap the three dots to the right of and videos to your device. In our SunSpider of security problems. But Puffin’s Flash
the ghost, then tap the cog icon and you’ll test, Puffin blitzed the opposition with a files don’t go anywhere near your device
see the option for DuckDuckGo. score 10 times faster than Firefox and – all the video rendering takes place on
almost 50 times faster than Safari. Puffin’s servers. It stays up to date with
Slash data costs with Opera Mini The downside is that UK sites load the latest versions so you don’t have to.
Opera Mini (Android www.snipca. much slower than US sites. When we At the very worst, any potential threats
com/18893; iOS www.snipca.com/18894) tried viewing UK sites like BBC News would hit Puffin’s machines, not yours.
is a special treat for Android tablet users. (www.bbc.co.uk/news), Puffin was no
Its tiny 3.3MB download size is reflected quicker than Safari. When we tried a US PC winner Maxthon can’t
in its nimble speed. On your Android site such as TV channel CNN (http://cnn. keep up on tablets
tablet or phone, tap the red ‘O’ logo, com), whose type of content is similar to Maxthon (www.maxthon.com) and
then Settings. Here, you’ll find a ‘Data the BBC’s, Puffin loaded it several its even faster little cousin Maxthon
savings’ option that can save both time seconds faster. This makes Puffin a fine Nitro (www.maxthon.com/nitro) are
and money by reducing image quality unbeatable for speed when used on
and compressing videos – ideal when your computer, but the story is quite
you’re travelling. different on your tablet and phone.
Opera Mini isn’t quite so impressive in Maxthon’s apps (Android www.snipca.
iOS. For one thing, it’s much less mini; com/18949; iOS www.snipca.com/18950)
once installed it weighs in at over 30MB. struggled to compete with all the other
In our speed tests over Wi-Fi, its results browsers we tested, including the
were almost identical to Safari and defaults. It lagged a few seconds behind
Chrome. Chrome in Android and Safari in iOS,
There are other time-saving features in even when loading quite basic pages.
Opera Mini, in both Android and iOS. Don’t write it off, though. If you’re
Recent history links pop up by default more of a PC user than a tablet and
when you create a new tab. There’s also a phone person, and you love Maxthon’s
handy ‘Discover’ option that picks out speed on your computer, install it on your
interesting stories from sites such as the Maxthon’s Cloud Browser is lightning quick other devices so you can sync your
BBC, Metro and The Telegraph. on PC, but its mobile apps are sluggish bookmarks and even your open tabs.

23 December 2015 - 5 January 2016 61

 Problems Solved
PROBLEM OF THE FORTNIGHT Is this mystery
file related to
What’s slowing my shutdown? Windows 10?
My PC runs Windows 7. you might have to wave goodbye to
Q Whenever I shut it down I
have recently started getting a
that work. So, it’s always best to wait –
even if that means hanging on a minute Q
I have upgraded my PC to
Windows 10. After doing so,
message saying that Windows is or two. I came across a file called
‘Waiting for background programs to The time for action is if or when the ‘MP10Setup.exe’. This file occupies
close’, with the option to force shut ‘Waiting for background programs to 12,456KB of space on my hard drive, and
down. The PC does shut down, and it close’ message never disappears, or I have no idea what it is. Do you know?
also launches fine the next time. otherwise takes more time than is Is it safe? Or should I delete it? I have
However, I’m worried that if I continue reasonable. You didn’t tell us for how spent hours in contact with Microsoft
with this it will affect my PC in some long your PC displays this message, but trying to find the answer, but to no avail.
way. I’m a photographer and have if you don’t want to wait, then there are I’d like to remove it to free up space.
recently installed Adobe Lightroom a few things you can try. Tony Hunt
via Adobe’s Creative Cloud. Could High on the list of suspects is your
this be to blame? newly installed Adobe software, but This file has nothing to do with
Peter Richardson uninstalling it won’t help your
photography work. Instead, try the
A Windows 10. In fact, it’s likely to
have been on your PC for a very
It’s certainly possible that your Repair tool, because it’s possible that long while, because we’re 99 per cent
A Adobe addition is causing this,
but we doubt you have much
something related to the installation or
the program didn’t go to plan, or some
certain that it’s the installation file for
Windows Media Player 10 (WMP10).
to worry about. program files may have been corrupted. This version of WMP was released over a
The message you’re getting is entirely Click Start followed by Control Panel, decade ago, so as you can see it’s really
normal, and it’s just one that Windows and then click ‘Uninstall a program’ getting on a bit.
displays when the computer takes under Programs. Select Lightroom in The only reason we’re not 100 per cent
longer to shut down than it expects. the program list, then click the Repair sure is that we’re not convinced you’d
As you’ve noticed, when Windows button and follow the prompts. have upgraded an 11-year-old PC to
shows this alert it also offers you an If that doesn’t help, open Event Windows 10, so it’s possible that you’ve
emergency escape route in the form of Viewer: this lets you see what Windows picked up a virus masquerading as a
a ‘Force shut down’ button. It sounds is up to as it attempts to shut down. legitimate download. The file size does
like your computer does eventually Click Start, type eventvwr.msc and exactly match the real WMP10 download,
shut down, and we don’t think you’ve press Enter. Double-click Windows but that’s not a guarantee of legitimacy
yet felt the need to click this button. Logs in the left-hand pane and then – so don’t be tempted to launch it.
Indeed, doing so is best avoided: click System. Now look through the list The safest thing to do is delete it. But
clicking ‘Force shut down’ can actually to find events around the time you don’t expect to free up lots of space:
cause problems, as Windows will force tried to shut down, and click any 12,456KB is a mere 12MB – or about one
applications to terminate when they’re highlighted with red or yellow icons. per cent of one gigabyte!
doing something. If a program is in the We can’t tell you exactly what to do
middle of saving a document, say, then here because it’ll depend on what
information is
displayed in the
pane below, so
search on Google
to find solutions.

Repair programs in
Control Panel if you
suspect they are
slow to shut down Right-click any problem file you don’t need
anymore and delete it

64 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

Our experts solve all your tech problems
Email us your problem and we’ll try to help: [email protected]

Can I install my Kaspersky software

on my Android tablet?
I have just bought an Android
Q tablet and I’m wondering if I
should install antivirus software. recommend strongly that you get it from
I have bought and installed Kaspersky on the Google Play Store at www.snipca.
my desktop PC, and I believe the package com/18589. Just tap Install and follow
covers three devices. Does this mean I the prompts.
can install Kaspersky on my tablet When you launch the app on your
without having to pay extra? And, if so, tablet, work through the setup wizard
how exactly would I do that? and at the last screen tap ‘Purchase a
Ronald Fearn License’. If you do indeed own either of
the Multi-Device suites, this is where
It certainly makes sense to install you can activate the program with one of
A and use antivirus software on
Android devices.
your spare licences: just tap ‘I have an
activation code’ and then type the code
Whether your copy of Kaspersky will If you have a spare antivirus licence, use it by supplied when you bought your copy
cover you for this purpose depends on entering the activation code sent to you of Kaspersky.
the specific edition you bought. The If you’re not eligible to do this then you
standard Kaspersky Anti-Virus and allow you to use them on mobile devices can either buy one now by tapping
Internet Security licences are for PCs (meaning Android phones and tablets, ‘Purchase a license’ and agreeing to pay
only. If you bought a three-licence basically) and Apple Mac computers. £9.99 via the credit card registered to
version of either of these programs, then When it comes to installing the tool your Google Play Store. Alternatively, tap
you could install it on one desktop PC on your tablet, it’s possible to download Use Free Version to use the pared-down
and two laptops, for example. it directly from Kaspersky’s website but version of the app: this offers manual
But if you bought Kaspersky Internet the method is complicated. Moreover, scanning and is adequate if you don’t
Security Multi-Device or Total Security doing it this way would somewhat install many apps. If you want to pay to
Multi-Device then you’re in luck, because ironically leave your device a little less upgrade later, tap ‘Premium features’
the licences for both these programs secure during the process, so we and follow the prompts.

How do I read library ebooks on my Hudl?

I have a Tesco Hudl tablet, as If not, install the free Aldiko Book
Q well as a dedicated e-reader.
As a nonagenarian, I find the
Reader app from www.snipca.com/18719.
Connect your Hudl to your PC, then press
Hudl easier for reading ebooks, but I Win+E to launch Windows Explorer.
can’t use it to borrow ebooks from my Navigate to the ‘Digital Editions’ folder on
local library. The Adobe Digital Editions your Hudl. Press Win+E again to open a
(ADE) installed on my PC will only second Explorer window, then navigate to
transfer the download to my e-reader, the folder ADE uses to store ebooks on
not to the Hudl. I couldn’t find an ADE your PC (such as C:\Users\YourUsername\
app in the Play Store. Is there a way to Documents\My Digital Editions). Drag an
transfer these DRM-protected library ebook from this folder to your Hudl’s
books to my Hudl? ‘Digital Editions’ folder in the first window.
Besley Simmonds Disconnect your Hudl and launch
Aldiko. Tap the menu button (three
If your library supports the horizontal lines), then About. Tap DRM
A free OverDrive reader app for
Android (www.snipca.
Accounts, then Add and enter your Adobe
details. Tap the menu button again, then
com/18718), you can install this on Files. Navigate to the ‘Digital Editions’
your Hudl, authorise it with your folder, tick the ebooks you transferred,
Add a DRM account with your Adobe details
Adobe credentials and then download tap the down arrow at the top right, then in the Aldiko Book Reader app to read
ebooks directly from your library. tap Import to add them to the app. copyrighted material on your Hudl tablet

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 65

 Problems Solved
How do I make Windows 10 apps
Can I delete fill my screen?
Windows.old?
I have upgraded to

Q
Having upgraded from
Windows 7 to Windows 10,
Q Windows 10. It might
just be me doing
I find that there is a folder something wrong, but when I
on my C: drive called Windows.old, click any of the tiles in the Start
taking up 24.5GB of space. Is it safe menu the apps launch but they
to delete it? If so, can I just do this in are not full screen, so I can see
File Explorer? my wallpaper in the background.
Peter King Is this a fault? Is it possible to
make Windows 10’s apps run in
If you’re happy with the way full-screen mode?
A
Apps in Windows 10 will not open in full-screen mode
your Windows 10 setup is Rex Moore
working then yes, it’s fine to specific app and then close the app by
delete this folder. You could do it in This isn’t a fault, it’s how clicking the cross, that app will launch in
File Explorer but the safe way to
remove it – and other unnecessary
A Windows 10 is designed to work. full-screen mode the next time you
Even so-called Modern-style launch it. Clicking the Minimise button
Windows system files – is by using a apps written specifically for Windows 8.1 (the underscore symbol to the left of the
built-in Windows tool called Disk and 10 now launch into a window, in Maximise button) will restore a window
Cleanup. exactly the same way as programs did in to its previous size.
Windows 7 and earlier versions of the You can also do this using keyboard
operating system. shortcuts. Pressing Win+up arrow
And, just as in older versions of maximises the current window, while
Windows, you can click an app window’s Win+down arrow restores it to its
Maximise button to make it fill the screen previous size. A second tap of Windows
– it’s the small square at the top right, just key+down arrow will minimise the app
to the left of the cross. If you do this in a to the Windows Taskbar.

How do I amend the Send To menu?

I have a built-in 1TB hard drive We don’t know why this entry
Q that’s shown as drive E: under
Computer. It works fine, but
A disappeared, but it’s pretty easy
to add items to the Send To
when I use the ‘Send To’ option on the right-click menu. First, press Win+E to
right-click menu in Windows Explorer, open Windows Explorer (or File Explorer
this drive is not listed. I can still copy and in Windows 8.1/10). Now navigate to
Use Windows’ built-in Disk Cleanup to paste to this drive, but can I restore its C:\Users\Username\AppData\Roaming\
get rid of unwanted system files entry in the Send To menu? Do you Microsoft\Windows\SendTo (where
know why it has disappeared? ‘Username’ is your own username).
Press Win+R, type cleanmgr and Tim Palme Next, click Start, followed by
press Enter. Select the relevant drive Computer, to open a
(C: in your case), then click OK. Now second Windows
wait for Disk Cleanup to scan your Explorer window to
drive. This could take a few minutes. display all your drives.
When the summary screen Locate the E: entry, then
appears, click the ‘Clean up system click and drag it into the
files’ button, then wait for a second main right-hand pane of
scan to complete. Scroll through the first Explorer window.
the ‘Files to delete’ list to find and When the message
tick the ‘Previous Windows below the dragged icon
installation(s)’ box. Also, check all reads: ‘Create link in
the other ticked boxes to ensure you SendTo’, release the
are happy with the other items that mouse button.
are about to be deleted (and if not,
clear the ticks). Now click OK
Use Windows Explorer to
followed by Delete Files to confirm. add items to your Send To
menu

66 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016

 Can I get a mini-SIM without the monthly charge?
g
My wife and I are both
Q disabled and want to install an
emergency-call system in our
home. The system we want requires a
mini SIM card, which isn’t included.
All the mini SIM cards offered locally
have a monthly charge, with so many
minutes or texts included. As this is for
emergency use only, monthly charges
would be a waste. Is it possible to have
a mini SIM that lets me top up and Consider pay-as-you-
go plans – like Three’s
then make a short call to make sure 321 – if you don’t want
the line is not deactivated? monthly charges
David Jarman
only by the latest phones. Some needs. You should consider Three’s 321
First, let’s clear up the SIM mobile networks supply standard plan, which offers 3p/minute calls
A size: confusingly, there’s no
such thing as a ‘mini SIM’.
SIMs with perforations that enable
them to be snapped down to a smaller
(plus 2p texts and 1p/MB data). You can
order a free SIM from www.snipca.
There are standard SIMs, micro SIMs size; or you might need to request a com/18717, and then add a minimum
and nano SIMs. You didn’t tell us what specific size – so do check before you £5 of credit. Credit doesn’t expire,
your device is, but we’re guessing it’ll order anything. but you do need to make at least
take either a standard or micro SIM, Most mobile networks offer pay-as- one call every 180 days to keep the
because nano SIMs tend to be used you-go (PAYG) plans that will serve your account active.

What do I do now
that I’ve been
‘pwned’?
Reading about the ‘Have I been
Q Pwned?’ website (https://
haveibeenpwned.com) prompted If your email
me to check my own email addresses. account was
Unfortunately, I found that my main stolen in the
address had been pwned in the 2013 Adobe hack
of 2013, reset
Adobe security breach, though not your Adobe
published. I’d forgotten that I had an password
Adobe account and had received no
notification of the breach from Adobe. misidentified the company’s message So, for peace of mind, visit www.
I’m assuming I submitted my email as junk. However, with many tens of snipca.com/18590 to update (or delete)
address during registration of Photoshop millions of accounts compromised, a few your Adobe account.
Elements. There would have been no oversights wouldn’t be surprising – so it’s
credit-card information, but I’m not sure probably just unfortunate. ON SALE
what other information I submitted. It As for what you should do, well – other NEXT ISSUE 6 Jan
would be very inconvenient to change my than changing the login details for your
email address, and all my finance sites are Adobe account, we’re afraid there’s really • How do I stop adverts in
protected by encryption. Why didn’t not much you can do: your email address Skype?
Adobe contact me? And what should I do? is ‘out there’ and if someone unpleasant • How do I stop flicker in
Andrew Hardie wants to exploit it, they will. However, slow-motion videos?
you shouldn’t worry too much because • Why won’t McAfee protect
We don’t know if or why Adobe there’s really not much anyone can do Microsoft Edge?
A didn’t contact you. Have you
checked your spam folders? It’s
with an email address, other than use it
for ‘spoofing’ (where spammers send out
...And many more
possible that the nature of Adobe’s alert emails purporting to be from you in an Subscribe to Computeractive
meant that your email program effort to fool junk-mail filters). at getcomputeractive.co.uk

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 67

 Here’s’ one Christmas ad
that won’t make you cry. ..
o matter how hard we try, we’ll never be
able to persuade you that security
software is a suitable Christmas
present for the man on the Moon.

He will always prefer a telescope

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

One PC for one year NOW ONLY £19.99*Normally £39.99

Buy it on our Software Store at www.snipca.com/17874

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

Windows Live Mail

Find WLM in Windows 10, make links work and send messages when on the go

WLM disappeared after You can’t send emails

installing Windows 10 There are a couple of possible causes. If
Did you upgrade to Windows 10 on a you’ve never been able to send emails you
Windows 7 or 8.1 PC? If so, Windows Live might’ve supplied the wrong details for
Mail (WLM) is still installed on your PC. the outgoing server. First, confirm these
To put it back on the Start menu, click details with your email provider. Now
Start followed by ‘All apps’, scroll through click the down arrow at the top left to
to find the Windows Live Mail entry and open WLM’s main menu, then point your
right-click this, then choose ‘Pin to Start’. cursor to Options and click ‘Email
However, if you performed a ‘clean’ accounts’. Select your account, then click
upgrade, WLM will be missing entirely. Properties. Click the Servers tab and
This is because a clean install wipes check the details in the ‘Outgoing mail
your PC, and WLM isn’t part of Windows (SMTP)’ field. Next, click the Advanced
10. Thankfully, it’s still available and tab and check the same field under Server
compatible, and better than the Mail Port Numbers to make sure it tallies.
program that comes with Windows 10 – If you use a laptop and sending emails Can’t send emails? Go to your Properties
so download it from www.snipca. fails only when you’re away from home, settings to enable authentication
com/18606. select the Servers tab and tick ‘My server
requires authentication’ under Outgoing WLM won’t launch or shows
Links in emails don’t work Mail Server (see screenshot right). Next, error messages
WLM detects and will automatically click Settings, choose the ‘Log on using’ Something may have become corrupted
block suspicious links – phishing attacks, button, enter your account username – either the program’s own system files or
for example. If you’re sure a particular and password and click OK. the email or calendar database files. Before
link is safe, you can remove the block by reinstalling WLM, try the repair option.
double-clicking the affected email to Attachments won’t open or save Click Start, Control Panel (or Windows+X
open it, then clicking the Unblock link Another of WLM’s built-in security then Control Panel in Windows 8.1/10),
that appears in the information bar at the features applies a block on file types it then click ‘Uninstall a program’ under
top of the message window. considers potentially harmful. It’s a good Programs. Select Windows Live Essentials
If no links work at all, make sure WLM idea, but it’s not executed well. If you (or Windows Essentials) in the list then
is your default mail program. Click Start, know for certain a blocked attachment is click Uninstall/Change. Click ‘Repair all
followed by Default Programs (in Windows legitimate then temporarily disabling this Windows Essentials programs’. When it’s
8.1/10, type default programs, then click protection will let you save it. Click the finished, restart your PC.
Default Programs). Now click ‘Set your down arrow to open the menu, point to
default programs’. Select Windows Live Options, then click ‘Safety options’. Now Inbox doesn’t sync between PCs
Mail in the left-hand pane, then click ‘Set select the Security tab, untick ‘Do not This isn’t a fault with WLM but the way
this program as default’ (see screenshot allow attachments to be saved or opened your email is set up, using the older POP
below). While you’re here, follow the that could potentially be a virus’ (see protocol. You could switch the account to
same procedure to ensure your preferred screenshot below), then click OK. Save use the more modern IMAP protocol,
browser is set as your default. your attachment, then reverse this change. which keeps things in sync automatically
– check with your email provider for the
server details. Alternatively, set up WLM
to leave messages on the POP server for a
few days – giving your other PCs an
opportunity to pick them up before
they’re deleted. Click WLM’s down arrow,
point to Options and then click ‘Email
accounts’. Click your account then click
Properties. Select the Advanced tab then
tick both ‘Leave a copy of messages on
If links don’t work in WLM, make it your Clearing this tick box will let you save all server’ and ‘Remove from server after’,
default email program attachment types – but use with caution and type the desired number of days.

Next issue Fast Fixes for… Android Marshmallow 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 69
OVER 40,000 COMPUTER &
STATIONERY PRODUCTS WITH

FREE DELIVERY
ACROSS THE UK www.choicestationery.com

EXTRA 10% OFF!

L
E CIA R !
SP FFE
O

Ink Cartridges From 99p Toners From £5.44 Stationery From 58p

Quote voucher “EXTRA” for an extra 10% off everything today!

Visit www.choicestationery.com
or call 01823 250060 for details
Choice Stationery Supplies Limited, Lea House, Frobisher Way, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 6BB. Email [email protected]

!
W I N PRINTER
GIVEAWAY
We’re giving away a multifunction printer and 12 months supply
of ink with no purchase necessary at the end of January. Enter
online and it could be yours...
www.choicestationery.com/active

E & O E. All offers correct at time of press but subject to change. Check website for latest offers and pricing. Free standard delivery on all UK orders.
Voucher code “EXTRA” must be entered online at the checkout or at the time of order by phone to receive any discount due and is valid on all purchases before 31st January 2016
 Lowering the cost of printing...
We are a small, family owned and run company, specialising in photographic
consumables – and proud winners of multiple Good Service Awards.
We are located in Leamington Spa, in the heart of Warwickshire.
If you’re passing, please pop into our shop and meet Cooper – our office dog!

01926 339977 www.premier-ink.co.uk

Ink Cartridges Photo Papers Albums & Frames

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

E&EO. Prices may be subject to change, but hopefully not! www.premier-ink.co.uk Telephone: 01926 339977 or 0800 1077 211 Premier Ink & Photographic 12 Longfield Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 1XB
 Broadband Deals
Call FREE on 0800 542 4709 to switch your broadband today
Monthly Contract Broadband First-year
Provider Package Name Allowance
Price Length Speed Cost*
CHEAPEST
£7.50 18 17Mbps ∞
1 TalkTalk: Broadband (FREE for
18 months)
months max speed unlimited £0.00

£9.99 18 17Mbps ∞
2 Plusnet: Broadband (FREE for
12 months)
months max speed unlimited £0.00

EE: Broadband £9.95 12 17Mbps ∞

3
& Calls
(£1 for
12 months)
months max speed unlimited
**
£12.00

£10.00 12 17Mbps ∞
4 Sky: Broadband (HALF PRICE for
12 months)
months max speed unlimited £60.00

Terms & Conditions apply - see ISP sites for details

*First-year cost does not include line rental. Cost is calculated at monthly price x12 with all introductory offers subtracted. Additional charges incurred
outside of free inclusive calls not included in first-year cost. Broadband Genie’s helpline
** Fair-usage or restriction policy applies. is powered by Simplify
Data supplied by www.broadbandgenie.co.uk. Correct as of 1/12/2015 Digital, the Ofcom-
accredited switching service

In the next issue of our sister title

Web User...
● WHAT NOT TO DOWNLOAD IN 2016
Rubbish software, dodgy apps and unsafe junk
● WHO’S DOING WHAT ON YOUR PC?
Track what others do without them knowing
● SPEED UP YOUR BROWSER
Find and remove what’s making you crash
● STOP PESTERING ME – GO AWAY!
Disable the most annoying PC notifications

NEW
!

Buy
y the Web User 22014
Ne t issue
Next ssue on sale Weds
eds 30 December
ecember
Back IIssue CD on A
Amazon at Subscribe to Web User at http://subscribe.webuser.co.uk
www.snipca.com/17814
Jargon Buster
1080p Of the common types of IMAP Internet Message Access Plug-in A small program that Roaming charge Fee incurred
high-definition video, this is the Protocol. A method for email that adds extra features to your web for using your phone to receive
best quality: 1920x1080 pixels. lets the user manage messages browser or to other applications, data through overseas mobile
stored on a remote server. and is loaded only when it’s networks.
4K Video with a resolution of at needed.
least 3840x2160 pixels. IP address Internet Protocol Safe Mode A way of starting
Address. A unique set of numbers, POP Post Office Protocol. A Windows so that various programs
5K Video with a horizontal separated by full stops, used system for remotely accessing and peripherals are prevented
resolution of 5120×2880 pixels. to identify computers and email from an ISP. from working. This is useful to help
websites on the internet. For diagnose the cause of problems if
Beta A version of software that’s example, Google’s IP address is Processor The processor – a computer is behaving oddly.
being tested – often released so 74.125.224.72 or central processing unit –
problems can be ironed out. is the brain of a computer. SATA 3 Also known as SATA 600.
ISO A type of image file that Processors now are tiny and The latest and fastest version of
Botnet A group of infected contains all the data from a disc. are capable of carrying out the SATA interface for connecting
computers connected together millions of calculations every internal storage devices to a
via the internet, and used to infect Megapixel A measure of the second. computer.
other PCs, send junk email and amount of detail that can be
perform other criminal tasks. recorded by a digital image. A one- pwn To compromise or steal an Security definitions A file
megapixel image is made up of a email address, usually for phishing downloaded by an antivirus
Bitcoin A digital asset and million dots (pixels). or criminal purposes. program, giving it details of how to
payment system. The system lets spot the latest threats.
users transact directly without
needing an intermediary. What does Server A computer on a network,
the Man on the Moon such as the internet, that
DDoS Direct Denial of Service. buy himself for Christmas? distributes information to other
A targeted cyber-attack which PCs.
brings down a web server and the
websites running on it. sRGB A standard RGB colour
space for use on monitors, printers
Download mirror A website that and the internet.
contains the same downloadable
software as others, bundled in a System restore point The
branded installer. collection of system files stored
by System Restore on a given date
Driver A file that tells Windows and time to which Windows can
how to work with a peripheral revert if a problem occurs.
device.
Trojan A malicious computer
DRM Digital Rights Management. program that’s disguised as a
Software that limits the copying different, harmless program.
of a file. For example, a Trojan may be
Find out disguised as a game but it’s
Emoji A small digital picture or on page 68 actually a program that steals your
pictorial symbol that represents a internet username and password.
thing, feeling, concept, etc.
MicroSD A type of memory card. Quad core A computer that Two-factor authentication A
EXE A program file designed to has four processors on a single security system that uses two
run in Windows. Named after the NAS drive Network-attached chip, which allows it to operate different means to identify the
file extension .exe. storage. A hard drive attached to faster than standard (single-core) user. For example, a PIN in addition
a network that can be shared by computers. to a password.
Flash storage A data storage other PCs.
device that includes flash memory Ransomware Malware run by USB 3.0 An even faster version of
with an integrated USB interface. Open source Software that can hackers who take over your PC, the USB standard used to connect
be modified by anyone, rather lock down the contents of your devices to a computer.
Graphics card A component in a than only by the employees of the hard drive, and demand a payment
computer that produces the image company that created it. to release it. Virtual drive A set of files seen by
shown on the monitor. Windows as a separate hard disk.
Phishing A form of internet fraud Refresh rate The number of times
HTML Hypertext Markup that tries to trick you into revealing a display’s image is repainted or VPN Virtual Private Network. A
Language. The language used to personal details. refreshed per second. The refresh technology for keeping all internet
write most web pages. rate is expressed in hertz (Hz). communication safe and private
Plain text The contents of a file even on insecure networks.
HTML5 The latest version of the that’s readable as text without Resolution The amount of detail
Hypertext Markup Language used being tagged, specially formatted, shown in an image, whether on Wiki site A collaborative website
to create most web pages. or written in code. screen or printed. that users can easily edit.

Bust more jargon on our 2014 Back Issue CD: www.snipca.com/14981

23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 73
 The Final Straw STUART ANDREWS is
Computeractive’s Mr Angry
This issue Stuart Andrews wants to bid good riddance to…

2015
S
o, 2015 is on its way out, and I can’t by the 10 minutes of think
nking g
say I’m going to miss it. Sure, my time it seems to need befo
beforee
nearest and dearest seem healthy doing anything useful.
and hearty and I’ve had some good times.
I’ve also eaten some good meals, read Social-media
some good books and seen some good narcissism
films. But throughout the year I’ve felt Every year I think that
this low hum of mild annoyance, mostly social media can’t get
caused by the constant drip-feed of any worse. Every year it
mindless hype about technology. gets worse. Yes, it keeps
Needless to say, when Computeractive’s families and friends in touch
illustrious editor asked me to list the five with each other – in a reemote,,
things that had most irritated me this virtual sense at least – but
ut itt st ll
still
year, I wasn’t short of ideas. provides too many peopl ople with h
an outlet for their own ti eso e
tiresome
narcissism or self-righteeous
indignation.
I’m getting more and m more
worried about the effects. LastL t
Social media still month a big-name Instagrammer, Pointless smartwatches
19-year-old Aussie Essena O’Neill, quit all I’ll admit it – I have an Apple Watch.
provides too many social-media platforms because her I both kind-of love it and feel mildly
2,000-odd pictures and posts didn’t embarrassed by it, and I probably
people with an outlet reflect her reality, but what she called a wouldn’t have bought it if I hadn’t
for their own tiresome “contrived perfection made to get
attention”. It begs the question: how
needed to review it. I use it more than
I thought I would, mainly as a sort of
narcissism or self- many other people, not all of them so
young, are exagerrating their own lives to
automatic nagging device to remind
me what I need to do and when.
righteous indignation make themselves look good? Also, I don’t All the same, I still struggle to see why
like the way some politicians regard most people need one. I can’t tell if
social media as a sounding board as if it smartwatches are really the next big
reflects views held by the wider public. It thing, or just a prop for smug attention-
doesn’t. They’re merely preaching to the seekers to show off at dinner parties to
choir, and the choir is preaching back. people who don’t really care.
Being wound up by Windows 10
Don’t get me wrong: Windows 10 is a vast Mass hacking Too many chargers
improvement on Windows 8. It might I’m really hacked off with hackers. The biggest problem with all these
shape up to be the best version of Stealing the details of customers from devices we’re lugging around is that they
Windows ever. All the same, I was some big-name corporation isn’t a blow all need charging, many of them every
gobsmacked by how unstable it was for freedom; it’s just a cheap stunt that day. I’m sick to death of charging my
when it was released, and it’s seemed causes anxiety to ordinary people. True, a phone, my watch and my tablet, and
hellbent on winding me up ever since. bunch of inept executives might get fired, when we go on holiday I need a bag full
Across one laptop, two desktop PCs and but what about the folks nervously of different chargers just to keep the
one tablet I’m still getting updates that checking their bank accounts, or fielding family’s gadgets all topped up. Can we
don’t erm… update and browsers that calls from fraudsters? Still, it’s the execs just agree on one standard and lighten
refuse to launch, then there are the who really get my goat. If they actually the load a little?
printers that may or may not print. I’m cared about their customers and made
also beginning to think that the 10 refers security a priority, maybe they wouldn’t Do you agree with Stuart?
to the 10 seconds it takes to load, followed have got hacked (or sacked). Let us know at [email protected]

74 23 December 2015 – 5 January 2016 Next issue Stuart gets carried away downloading rubbish apps
 Chillblast [email protected] 01202 068 333 www.chillblast.com

7 TIME WINNER OF PC PRO EXCELLENCE AWARDS

HELIOS 2 Ultrabook 13.3" Fusion CENTURION Fusion DRONE Fusion KRYPTON

13.3” Full HD (1920x1080) IPS Display Zalman Z3 Plus Gaming Case Zalman Mini T4-V2 Case Zalman M1 Mini ITX Tower
Intel® Core™ i5-6200U Processor Intel® Core™ i5-6600K Processor AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Processor Intel® Core™ i5-6600K Processor
8GB 1333MHz DDR3 Memory Chillblast Centurion Direct Contact Cooler Corsair H55 Liquid Cooler Chillblast Centurion Direct Contact Cooler
250GB Samsung M.2 PCIe SSD Asus Z170-K Motherboard Gigabyte F2A88XM-D3H Motherboard ASUS Z170-I PLUS Motherboard
Intel Dual Band Wireless 802.11AC 8GB 2133MHz DDR4 Memory 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 Memory NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 4GB
720P HD Webcam NVidia GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB AMD Radeon R7 370 2GB 16GB 2133MHz DDR4 Memory
Windows 10 Home 64bit OEM 128GB Samsung M.2 PCIe SSD 1000GB Seagate SSHD Hybrid Drive 128GB Samsung M.2 PCIe SSD
325(W) x 219(D) x 18(H) mm 1000GB Seagate Hard Disk Drive Aerocool 500W Power Supply 2000GB Seagate Hard Disk Drive
24x SATA DVD+/-RW Optical Drive Onboard High Definition Audio Aerocool 600W Power Supply
From £699 inc VAT Aerocool 500W Power Supply Windows 10 Home 64bit OEM Onboard High Definition Audio
Windows 10 Home 64bit OEM
Onboard High Definition Audio
Windows 10 Home 64bit OEM From £499 inc VAT
From £869 inc VAT
From £700 inc VAT

… with 5 year warranty as standard with all Chillblast PCs

FINANCE AVAILABLE ON ALL SYSTEMS OVER £250*

Terms & Conditions apply. Credit subject to status and affordability.

£15 OFF ANY CHILLBLAST PC WITH THE CODE: CADISC316

* Credit subject to status and affordability. Credit is provided by a panel of lenders with whom we have a commercial relationship - we are not able to provide independent advice.
Terms & Conditions apply. Credit subject to status and affordability.

Intel, the Intel Logo, Intel Inside, Intel Core, Core Inside, Pentium, and Pentium Inside are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Terms and conditions are on the website. All trademarks are acknowledged. Pictures are for illustration only. Prices are correct at time of going to press (04-12-15) E&OE
 Our revolutionary NEW
Web Hosting platform

100%
guaranteed
UP TIME

100% guaranteed Smart SSD storage Dedicated SSL

uptime! & intelligent load certificates
balancing

Web Hosting from:

£1.99
per month ex VAT charged at 20%

Call 0333 0142 708

or visit fasthosts.co.uk/hosting
SERVERS • WEB HOSTING • DOMAIN NAMES • EXCHANGE EMAIL