Computeractive

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

Computeractive

From the Editor

Openreach shuts first copper phone exchange

Virgin adds Tubi’s 60,000 TV and films

Amazon’s U-turn lets you install VPNs on new Fire TV Stick

Murder of Charlie Kirk tops Google’s UK search trends for 2025

IN BRIEF

ChatGPT getting adverts according to code leak

Netflix scraps casting to your TV

PC sales to be flat in 2026 as firms stick with Windows 10

Virgin fined £23.8m for not protecting vulnerable customers

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

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

New tools • Signal’s Secure Backups

ScamWatch • Readers warn readers

Letters • Tell us what’s on your mind

Consumeractive • We stand up for your legal rights

Virgin refunds reader £57 for faulty landline

Moonpig let me change order after I made errors

Grow Your Family Tree • If your ancestors took part in Nelson’s finest hour, follow Richard Holt’s advice to…

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

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

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

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

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG • Right on the button

Asus Chromebook CX1505CKA • Through the net

OnePlus 15 • Makes all the right calls

Ugreen NASync DH2300 • Stream on

Apple AirPods Pro 3 • Hear to help

WHAT SHOULD I BUY? • We solve your buying dilemmas

Netgem PLEIO • Freely provided

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select • Down stream

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

HOW TO… Build a home security system for under £20 • What you need: Security camera Time required: 45 minutes

Workshop • Redact sensitive information from PDFs

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

Browser Tips • Secret settings and the best extensions

AI Tips • Clever new tools and tweaks

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

Make Windows Better • Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better • Top tips for the best office programs

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

3D-printed meat • An accusation from a Campbell’s worker leaves a nasty taste in the mouth

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

READER OFFER! • Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro for just £49.99!

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BEAT 2026’s PRICE RISES •  Get ready to pay more for your technology over the next 12 months. Robert Irvine reveals what will become more expensive and how to cut the cost

Keep your VPN unblocked in 2026 • Getting locked out of sites and services while using a VPN? Jonathan Parkyn explains the tricks and...