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!

From the Editor

Perform Windows actions from taskbar's search bar • You'll soon be able to control parts of Windows directly from the search box on the taskbar. It will let you perform tasks like turning Bluetooth on/off, adjusting screen brightness and volume, minimising windows and switching to Do Not Disturb mode.

Question of the Fortnight • Why is Amazon killing its Fire tablets? It’s replacing them with pricier devices that stop ignoring Google

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

Letters

Consumeractive • Contact us so we can investigate your case Email: consumeractive@computeractive.co.uk Please include your name, phone number and address.

Grow Your Family Tree

Best Free Software

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

Geekom A5 2027 Edition • On the quiet

Poco F9 Ultra • Serves you bright

Acer Swift Air 14 • Rub of the green

Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra • Pay a blinder

Apple AirPods 5 • Hear me out!

Birdfy Feeder Metal • With flying colours

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2026) • Up stream

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

HOW TO... • What you need: FreeFileSync; external drive Time required: Two hours

Find out what's hogging your phone's storage • What you need: Windows 10 or 11, WinDirStat 2.9.0 Time required: 30 minutes

Readers' Tips • Handy hints and tips from your fellow readers Email us your tips: letters@computeractive.co.uk

Browser Tips • Secret settings and the best extensions

AI Tips • Clever new tools and tweaks

Phone and Tablet Tips

VPN Tips • Privacy and streaming tricks

Make Windows Better

Make Office Better

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

What's All the Fuss About... • La-la-la-la Alexa is sticking its fingers in its ears and ignoring you

DITCH YOUR APPS FOR AI • AI can now perform many of the same tasks as traditional software - but faster and better.

Survive the BIG PHONE SWITCH-OFF • With the copper phone-line shutdown less than 100 days away, Jonathan Parkyn explains everything you need to do to avoid being cut off

STOP USING DEBIT & CREDIT CARDS • Avoid entering your payment-card details when you shop online by using a more secure method instead.

Problems Solved

Reader Support • Having a problem with our recommended software or expert tips? Email editor@computeractive.co.uk and we’ll do our best to help

Jargon Buster

Easy when you Know How • After dropping a Bluetooth earphone in a hard-to-reach place, Robert Irvine tries to...