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It occurred to me recently that I spend as much time staring at a Windows desktop as I do sitting on my sofa staring at my TV. A couple of thoughts sprung from that observation. One, I really should get out more. And two, it’s no surprise that I’ve become obsessed with tweaking every aspect of Windows. If it’s going to occupy half my waking life, I need to make sure everything is just as it should be. Thankfully, Microsoft has always provided lots of options to customise its operating system. It’s the same in Windows 10, as we explain in our Cover Feature. We show you how to move and resize tiles, change the appearance of the Start menu, create multiple desktops and much more. On another note, I’d…

WATCH OUT FOR… Skype malware recording your calls What happened? A new malware was discovered that records your Skype calls (both video and audio) and chat messages, and also takes screenshots. These are then uploaded to a server, from which hackers can access any personal information you may may have revealed while chatting. What makes the malware particularly effective is that it identifies which antivirus you’re running, then takes evasive measures to avoid being detected by it. This clever ploy was spotted by researchers at security company Palo Alto Networks, who named the malware T9000. They said that it can spot the presence of 24 different antivirus programs, including products by many of the leading companies like Kaspersky, Norton, What should you do? You should be wary about opening emails…

BROWSER Opera 35 www.opera.com/computer What you need: Windows 7, 8/8.1 or 10 Opera has been around for much longer than Chrome or Edge-in fact it’s now 21 years old. But it still leads the pack in terms of experimentation, and this new release contains new features that may pop up in rival browsers soon. For example, Opera now lets you mute any open tab without closing it simply by hovering over the offending tab and clicking the speaker icon that appears. That’s handy for silencing adverts that suddenly burst into life while you’re writing an email. It’s simple but revolutionary, and we immediately found ourselves looking in vain for an equivalent mute icon in our other browsers (it requires a right-click in Chrome). We’re also fans of the much-improved Downloads…

ShieldX2Plus £60 from ShieldX2 www.snipca.com/19695 The clear back panel of this case is moulded to fit your Apple, HTC, Samsung or Sony phone, providing basic protection. A separate rigid screen shield clings to the front glass to guard against impact. The ShieldX2’s selling point is the Protection Promise: your phone will be repaired or replaced for a fixed £20 fee if it gets damaged accidentally within 12 months, after a 30-day waiting period. Otterbox Defender £25 from Amazon www.snipca.com/19700 This rugged case consists of a silicon bumper, a hard case and a screen protector. The exact design varies – users report the iPhone 6 version doesn’t sit as flush to the screen as others. It’s great value if you want protection from drops and scratches but don’t need waterproofing. Thule…

SPRING 2016 A tablet that runs the Linux distribution Ubuntu is on the way. The 10.1in BQ Aquaris M10 Ubuntu Edition will work either as a conventional tablet or with a monitor, keyboard and mouse. It’s 8.2mm thick and weighs 470 grams. SPRING 2016 Lenovo’s Link is a USB stick that connects an Android device to a PC, so you can operate mobile apps from your keyboard or show the device’s screen in a window. At under £40, it’s comparable with Microsoft’s Display Dock, which lets you use a Windows 10 phone as a PC. SUMMER 2016 Zotac reckons it invented the ‘mini PC’. Among the new range it plans to launch in the summer is an upgrade for the C series that squeezes Intel’s latest ‘Skylake’ Core i5 processor…

WINDOWS 10 Add a ‘slide to shut down’ feature to your touchscreen PC If you have a Windows 10 touchscreen computer, there’s an easy way to add an option that lets you shut down your PC by simply swiping down from the top of your screen. This is slightly quicker than the traditional way of shutting down – from the Start menu. Most Windows 10 touchscreen computers come with this feature, but you have to enable it first and create a shortcut. To do that, right-click an empty area of your screen, move your cursor to New, then click Shortcut. In the location field, type %windir%\System32\ SlideToShutDown.exe. Now click Next, then name your Desktop shortcut (‘shut down’, for example). Whenever you want to shut down your, simply double-click or tap…

Is that the next James Bond film? It would be a good title, so we may suggest it to Daniel Craig the next time we bump into him. But Google might sue, because it’s actually a top-secret project from the company to deliver 5G internet from solar-powered drones. What’s 5G again? It’s the next generation of mobile Wi-Fi, which is what you use to connect your phones and tablets to the internet. It’s potentially 40 times faster than 4G, the current mobile Wi-Fi standard, which is now widely available in the UK (although dead spots remain, such as Cornwall, Aberdeenshire and Hull). Using 5G will enable you to download HD films in seconds. It’s still at the trial stage, though hopes are high it will be ready in the next…

In many ways, a favourite PC program has much in common with your oldest, comfiest pair of slippers – quick to slip into, almost always within arm’s reach, but unfortunately, not without the odd hole. The solution to both a hole in your slippers and in your software is pretty much the same: a patch. But what if your favourite program is no longer being patched by its programmer? And that hole is therefore getting bigger by the day? Perhaps the highest profile example of recent times is that of Windows XP. When Microsoft ended support for the operating system in April 2014, it instantly became a prime target for hackers. It will never receive another security update, but debates still rage about whether you can use it safely (see…

Fast Fixes Boot No operating system found If the BIOS says it can’t find Windows, then it’s one of two things: very bad news or nothing to worry about. If pressing a key clears the message and leads to a normal launch, then your PC is trying to boot from a CD or DVD. Simply eject the disc or access the BIOS to rearrange the order of locations from where your PC boots (see screenshot right). To access the BIOS press F2 or Delete (Del) or similar then look for the boot options. Use the cursor (arrow) keys and Enter to place the CD or DVD drive below the hard drive that contains Windows. Press Escape (Esc) and then choose Save. If this doesn’t solve your problem, then your hard…

The top stories in the world of technology In a surprising U-turn Microsoft has said it will now reveal what’s in Windows 10 updates. Such information will help users work out if something in the update is causing problems with their PC. Soon after Windows 10 launched last July Microsoft said that it wouldn’t always provide details of an update, choosing to do so only depending on its “significance”. Microsoft’s early updates for Windows 10 were criticised for giving vague explanations. For one update last August Microsoft simply stated that it “includes improvements to enhance the functionality of Windows 10”. This had led to confusion and anger among many Computeractive readers, who have had no way of knowing whether an update was messing up their PC. In October Microsoft announced…

Tell us what’s on your mind Email: letters@computeractive.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/computeractive Twitter: @ComputerActive www.twitter.com/computeractive Upgrade to Windows 10? My £1500 hardware won’t work I read in Issue 469 Robert Mason’s bizarre opinion of people who still use Windows XP. He reckons it’s because they can’t be bothered to learn a new operating system. So let’s look at this more closely. Some people may be either too old or not interested in updating their operating system. Some people may well be happy using what they know and feel comfortable with it. Many people don’t trust Microsoft, and can you really blame them? I use Windows 7 Pro, and I will not change. Why? I use Microsoft Flight Simulator with over £400 of aircraft and scenery packs, and over £1,500 worth of hardware.…

www.snipca.com/19611 When you send an email using Gmail, Google will try to keep it private using TLS (Transport Layer Security), a strong form of encryption that usually thwarts hackers. We say ‘try’ because Google can only encrypt one half of the email process. The person sending or receiving your email may use a service that doesn’t support encryption. To help protect you, Google will now warn you when you’re about to send a message to – or receive one from – a service that doesn’t use TLS. The warning appears as an unlocked padlock icon in the top-right of the email (see screenshot). If it appears in an email you’re about to write, you should probably think twice about including sensitive information. Google will also now warn you if the…

What should we use to transfer old programs to our new PC? Q Our family recently bought a new Windows 10 PC. Our old Windows 7 PC has a lot of software that we paid for, and we want to transfer it to the new computer. We don’t want to buy expensive transfer software. Are there any cheap or free programs we can use instead? Edward Adams (aged 9) A This problem once had an easy answer. Microsoft’s free Windows Easy Transfer tool (WET, www.snipca.com/19568) lets you move programs and other data between PCs running Windows XP, Vista and 7-but not to Windows 8/8.1 or 10. Microsoft Community members have posted tricks for making WET work in Windows 10 (www.snipca.com/19565, see the post by ‘champlagne’), so you could try those.…

PHONE ❘ £470 from John Lewis www.snipca.com/19650 We first tested the mobile version of Windows 10 in Microsoft’s Lumia 950 (see Issue 466). Frankly, we weren’t impressed. Running the same software on your phone as your PC is a nice idea, but even apps/programs designed to work this way – known as ‘Universal’ – still feel like separate versions. And most apps aren’t universal yet, so your choices are limited compared with the thousands made for Apple and Android. Even so, the new Windows 10 Mobile operating system is definitely better than its predecessor, so we were keen to try the 950 XL. Again, it’s a simple, plastic black or white slab that feels well made. A microSD card slot lets you add to the 32GB of built-in storage, and…

Find out what other products we liked. Buy our new 2015 Back Issue CD: £15 from www.snipca.com/19124 LAPTOP Asus UX305 £580 from www.snipca.com/19439 Tested: Issue 447 13.3in is a practical size for a laptop, and this light but sturdy ‘ultrabook’ has a smart and slim design that does justice to its capable performance. Upgradeable to Windows 10, it’s limited mainly by its 128GB SSD, which makes it work fast but might leave you needing more space. ALTERNATIVE Toshiba Satellite C40-C This 14in Windows 10 laptop looks like it cost a lot more. It’s not the most amazing PC, but it’s fantastic for the price. £200 from www.snipca.com/19436 PHONE Apple iPhone 6s £539 from www.snipca.com/18240 Tested: Issue 461 It may look like the 2014 model, but this update is stronger and…

Email us your tips: letters@computeractive.co.uk TIP OF THE FORTNITGHT Create great collages without specialist software Many moons ago I worked as a graphic designer and used Adobe Photoshop on a daily basis. While it does a great job of editing photos, I now no longer use it. The problem is that it’s a huge program that often slows down my old PC, and there are so many great alternatives that do the same job for free. Take, for example, the website www.fotojet.com which I stumbled upon quite by chance. It lets you create brilliant photo collages in your browser. Click Get Started below Classic Collage, then choose your collage template from the comprehensive list on the left-hand side. To add a photo from your PC, click Add Photo at the…

WORD Save text you use often for easy access If you type specific text on a regular basis – for example, your address or the first few lines of a letter – there’s an easy way to save this within Word so you can quickly add it in future. To do this, type the text you want to save, highlight it, click the Insert tab, then click the Explore Quick Parts icon (see screenshot) in the Text section of the Ribbon. Next, move your cursor to AutoText, then click ‘Save Selection to AutoText Gallery’ at the bottom. Name the text, give it a brief description, then click OK. Repeat this to add other sections of text. Now whenever you want to add any of these saved sections of text to…

Over the past few months nothing has triggered more controversy on our Letters pages than whether you should continue to use Windows XP. Those against the 14-year-old operating system (OS) say that its diehards are stuck in the past (about 100 million years in the past, give or take several millennia). But XP’s loyal fans passionately defend it by insisting it still does everything they want it to. They argue that with the right security software installed, it’s safe to run XP. So which is it? Are XP users the “dinosaurs” that its detractors claim? Or is that an insult to the millions of people who continue to use it? Two Computeractive writers join the debate… Yes, says Barry Collins Windows XP was a monumentally good operating system, arguably Microsoft’s…

WARNING: Junk ahead Junk offender: KMPlayer When Microsoft ditched Windows Media Centre (WMC), adware-makers rejoiced. WMC’s demise boosted demand for free media software (a favourite conduit for PUPs). So I wasn’t surprised to find a dodgy search engine bundled with the popular WMC alternative KMPlayer, but I was shocked that it sneaked on to my PC before I’d even run KMPlayer’s installer. Worried users Search Google for KMPlayer and you’d assume it’s a top-notch program. It gets great reviews on Cnet’s Download.com (one of KMPlayer’s partners) and Softpedia (another partner – according to KMPlayer, anyway), and Wikipedia cites glowing reports (www.snipca.com/19690). What Wikipedia doesn’t mention is the concerns raised by security sites such as FixYourBrowser.com and by worried users on forums, including Yahoo (www.snipca.com/19703), AVG (www.snipca.com/19704) and KMPlayer’s own site…

Can I test a phone before committing to a contract? Q Before I sign another twoyear contract for a mobile phone, I want to test it to see if I can see the screen in bright sunlight, and whether the internal memory will be sufficient. My high-street provider won’t let me examine phones outside the shop, or exchange one after I’ve bought it. So is there a way I can legally test a phone? Ray Leatham A Yes, there is. The simplest way is to buy the phone online, giving you 14 days to reject it for any reason (under the Consumer Contract Regulations). This cooling-off period doesn’t cover goods bought in the shops, but some companies do let you test phones bought in the high street. Virgin and O2,…

Don’t claim compensation for Microsoft scam A couple of years ago I was targeted by those phone scammers who pretend to be from Microsoft. I got an email promising me compensation for the scam. The email comes from uk.govdepartment _refund98@outlook.com and an organisation called the ‘ALL Competition and Consumer Commission’. I Googled this and realised it was another scam (more info at www.snipca.com/19592). So scammers are trying to trick people into claiming compensation for distress caused by other scammers! Unbelievable! We need tougher laws to catch them. Maureen Williamson Warn your fellow readers about scams at letters@computeractive.co.uk…

PHONE ❘ £265 from Debenhams Plus www.snipca.com/19603 “An improved version of a full-priced phone for under £300 ” It’s déjà vu all over again. Two years ago, Samsung introduced the Galaxy S5, a high-end plastic smartphone with a big screen. It was very good, but very similar to the previous year’s S4, except for the addition of a fingerprint sensor. Now, Samsung has removed the fingerprint sensor and relaunched the phone as the S5 Neo. Call us pedantic, but ‘neo’ is Greek for ‘new’. This phone is about as new as the Acropolis. Even so, it’s actually a great idea. Essentially, you’re getting an improved version of a full-priced phone for under £300. And Samsung has even made improvements in certain areas. Rated IP67 waterproof and dustproof, the case (available…

Should I buy a Skylake computer? Q I’m choosing a new PC for general work and videoediting, on a budget of £500-£700. If I bought a PC with a Skylake processor, would I need to update any software? Also, would my Canon MG4250 printer and Dell UltraSharp U2412M monitor still work? N Williamson A Intel updates its range of processors every year, alternating between major and minor tweaks. With Skylake, not much has changed from the previous Broadwell series. Either way, new processors – whether from Intel or its rival, AMD – don’t usually affect software and hardware compatibility, because they continue the ‘x86’ architecture that all PCs are based on. But Skylake has one important limitation: it’s not fully compatible with Windows 7. If you were running that version,…

Win 1 of 5 ShieldX2 cases for the iPhone 6 Built from shockabsorbing material, ShieldX2’s protective cases will keep your iPhone safe from harm. The case is transparent, thin and sleek, so it barely looks like it’s on your phone at all. Its 9H tempered glass keeps your screen safe, and even enhances its brightness. ShieldX2 promises to replace your phone if it gets damaged while the case is attached. To enter, email your address to cacomp@dennis.co.uk with ‘shieldx2’ in the subject line by midnight 15 March. ShieldX2 make protective cases for the iPhone, as well as HTC, Sony and Samsung Android phones. For more information visit http://shieldx2.co.uk and watch the videos on ShieldX2’s YouTube channel: www.snipca.com/19601.…

ANDROID & iOS Use your fingerprint to buy yo apps Most new devices come with fingerprint scanning technology. Apple and Samsung devices have a fingerprint scanner on their home button, while other Android phones and tablets have this at the rear of the device (usually below the camera lens). You’ll be prompted to set up a fingerprint scan when you switch on your device for the first time. It’s worthwhile doing this because using a fingerprint scan to unlock your device is more secure than using a passcode. You can also use it to make payments when buying apps and other media (such as music) from app stores. The method to set this up differs slightly on Android and iOS. On Android, open any paid-for app or media you want…

Swipe to scroll and pan You’re probably familiar with singlefinger swiping on iOS and Android smartphone and tablet screens to scroll, but did you know that you can do the same on Windows 10 laptops? Simply swipe two fingers across your laptop’s touchpad. You can also pan with two fingers by swiping your fingers in any direction – the website or document will follow your movement. Some touchpads even allow single-finger scrolling, by swiping up and down at the far right of the pad (see the final tip on this page for more on why some tips here work only on certain touchpads). Reverse the scroll direction Assuming your touchpad supports the feature, you can reverse the direction of the two-finger scroll gesture. This might sound like an odd thing…

LESS THAN 100 LEFT! THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO WINDOWS 10 This 148-page book is the only guide you need on Microsoft’s new operating system. You’ll learn how to master all the new tools, lock Microsoft’s weak privacy settings and prevent future updates from wrecking your PC. It includes fixes for all the problems and bugs that have appeared in Windows 10 since it launched. Plus, you’ll discover how to make Cortana understand you, remove the apps you hate, fix the dreaded Reboot Loop problem, master the new Edge browser, and stop Microsoft sharing your personal info. BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON at www.snipca.com/17716 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…

PROBLEM OF THE FORTNIGHT How do I make the Barclays app work? Q I downloaded the Barclays Mobile Banking app to my Samsung Galaxy S2 smartphone a few years back, and I’ve been using it all that time without problems. Recently, I tried to download the latest update, but was told ‘Your device isn’t compatible with this version’. I contacted Barclays support and was told to delete the old app so I could download the new one, but I couldn’t! Later, I was told I should’ve kept the old app, but that I’d be sent links to an update – but these were all for the latest version. Barclays then referred me to Samsung, who said it could do nothing as my phone’s Android version was up to my service…

KEN RIGSBY is Computeractive’s Mr Angry “Sneer at the Joneses for overpaying for broadband every month ” Is your internet fast enough? I’ll wager that your answer is a big, loud “NO!”. Or, if you’re of a more mild-mannered disposition: “Well, it’s okay, but by golly I wouldn’t mind a few extra megabytes per second!” You’re not alone. A recent report by an outfit called the British Infrastructure Group (BIG), and backed by over 100 MPs, is scathing about the state of the UK broadband market. And so they called their report ‘Broadbad’. You can read all 72 pulsating pages at www.snipca.com/19533, but a potted version is that some 5.7m people in the UK don’t receive the 10Mbps that industry regulator Ofcom considers essential for an “effective quality of service”.…