Computeractive 629

For years, relying on Windows security to block malware was high on my list of Things You Must Never Do, just below stirring your tea with a USB stick, and transferring your life savings into a Nigerian prince’s bank account because he sent such a lovely email. But then the strangest thing happened: Windows security started to get better. Much better. If you had told me back in 2015 that by 2022 we would rank it second in an anti-virus group test, ahead of paid-for rivals, I’d say you were either completely mad or the deluded head of Microsoft PR (or both). Ah, but wait: second, you say? So it’s still not the best? I’ll let Robert Irvine explain our results in our Cover Feature on page 50, but suffice to say…

Microsoft is finally letting you switch the default browser from Edge in Windows 11 with a single click, following complaints from users who say the current process takes too many steps. It has made the change in a new update (KB5011563) available to all users, after testing it in preview versions of the operating system. Until now, there was no quick way to change the default browser. Instead, you had to change it for each type of file you want it to open (such as HTML) and which internet protocol you want to use (HTTPS, for example). Selecting these options required you to open the Settings app (by pressing Windows key+I), then Apps on the left followed by ‘Default apps’ in the centre. You then had to type the name of a browser…

The UK’s cyber-security chiefs have said individuals are safe to use Kaspersky antivirus software, though it has advised certain businesses and organisations to assess whether using Russian software poses a risk to them. In a blog post titled ‘Russian technology products and services following the invasion of Ukraine’ (www.snipca.com/41498), Ian Levy, technical director at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), wrote: “It almost certainly remains the case that nearly all individuals in the UK (as well as many enterprises) are not going to be targeted by Russian cyber attack, regardless of whether they use Russian products and services”. However, he added that Kaspersky customers may have to switch to another antivirus if the company becomes subject to sanctions because it would probably stop getting updates. He also said that for some businesses and…

BT is pausing the roll-out of its digital telephone service after admitting it “underestimated the disruptive impact this upgrade would have on some of our customers”. It had planned to switch off its old copper Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) by December 2025, moving all customers on to an internet-based service. Instead of plugging a phone into a socket in your wall, you would connect the company’s Digital Voice handset (pictured) to your router. But many customers said they were worried about being unable to use their phone if their internet went down. This problem was highlighted during February’s storms, which left thousands of people without the power needed to keep their router working (see Issue 627, page 8). Writing online (www.snipca.com/41481), Marc Allera, head of BT’s consumer division, said: “With hindsight we…

DIALOGUE ON ROKU TO SOUND CLEARER Roku has updated its operating system to make dialogue in programmes stand out more against background noise such as music. Version 11 of Roku OS will also let you create screensavers of your photos (pictured). It’s launching in the next few weeks, but not initially on every Roku device. Read more at www.snipca.com/41503. THUNDERBIRD ADDS IMPROVED TOOLBAR A major new version (102) of Thunderbird is set for release in June, adding a new toolbar, new address book and ‘link preview’ cards in emails. The changes were announced on Thunderbird’s Twitter account (www.snipca.com/41499), along with screenshots of the new tools. You can try some of them already in Thunderbird beta (www.snipca.com/41501).…

TALKTALK’S NEW TV BOX NOW AVAILABLE TalkTalk has made its new TV 4K Box (pictured) available to both new and existing broadband customers. The device, made by French tech firm Netgem, comes with 70 channels, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix and YouTube. It’s available for £4 a month – see TalkTalk’s site for details: www.snipca.com/41375. UPDATE YOUR HP PRINTER TO FIX FLAW HP has released two security updates for its printers to fix a “critical” flaw that could let hackers control them. It affects hundreds of models, including those in the DeskJet and OfficeJet range. Instructions for the updates are on HP’s customer support pages, at www.snipca.com/41417 and www.snipca.com/41418. Look under ‘Affected products’ to see if your printer is at risk.…