Table of contents for 658 in Computeractive

Building your own PC may sound daunting, but you should try making a Harry Potter owl out of Lego. I gave up after several frustrating hours, leaving it to my daughter who finished off the job before bedtime. She’s still more interested in playing on computers than building them, but in a few years I hope she’ll be able to follow the instructions in our Cover Feature and put her dad to shame. We start by explaining which components you need then talk you through fitting each one, from processor to cables, via memory, graphics and motherboard. If it’s your first attempt at building a PC, make sure you check the troubleshooting advice at the end of the feature. I could’ve done with these tips when building my first computer…

More than 300 pension schemes have been ordered to check whether their data was stolen during a massive hack on the UK’s biggest pension outsourcer Capita. The Pensions Regulator has asked trustees responsible for funds that use Capita as an administrator to assess whether their clients’ data is at risk. Following the hack on Capita in March, information that seemed to contain data from the company began to appear on the dark web. Russian hacking group Black Basta claimed to be responsible for the leak, which included home addresses and passport images. Capita is a major outsourcer to both the private and public sectors and is one of the UK Government’s biggest contractors. Its systems administer the pensions of more than four million people across 450 businesses, including Royal Mail…

How do I get slideshows in Windows 11? Q I used to enjoy using the slideshow feature in the Windows Photos app, but there’s no slideshow option in Windows 11. How can I get slideshows again – apart from using PowerPoint? Lynn Sharpe A You’ll be pleased to know that Microsoft has just released a new preview version of the Photos app that brings back slideshow options (see www.snipca.com/45966). However, until it’s launched fully it’s available only to Windows Insiders. So for now, we recommend you install the old Photos app, now called Photos Legacy, which is still available for download from the Microsoft Store. It’s not easy to find though. It won’t appear if you search for it in the Store. Instead, open the Photos program that’s already installed…

Game for anything The main reason for buying Cyberpower’s new Infinity PC is if you’re looking for a PC that can cope with a heavy graphics load – perhaps because you’re keen to carry out some serious image editing or you like to do a bit of gaming, such as taking to the skies with Microsoft Flight Simulator. Its graphics tasks are handled by an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti graphics card, which would set you back around £400 if you bought it separately. Cyberpower has performed an impressive juggling act here, boosting the graphics significantly, while only partially reigning in on components such as the processor and RAM. “A great gaming PC that cuts RAM and processor speed to keep the price low” Typically, at this kind of price…

More in store We can’t help but think that the inclusion of ‘Hub’ in the Seagate OneTouch Hub’s name might be overselling this external hard drive. In reality, it just means there’s a USB 3.0 and USB-C port on the front panel. That’s handy for quick access or charging mobile devices, but that’s as far as it goes. The OneTouch Hub is a single hard drive within an external enclosure, rather than a NAS drive that can accommodate multiple drives. That means you can certainly use it to make a backup of your PC’s, but if you’re storing important data on it, it’s advisable to also have the data backed up elsewhere. Seagate offers a wide choice of capacities – from 4TB (£99 from www.snipca.com/45913) up to 20TB (£509 from…

Winner of a Recommended award in Issue 655 (page 24), devolo’s WiFi 6 Repeater 5400 instantly boosts the range of your home Wi-Fi at speeds up to 5400Mbps. Compatible with all Wi-Fi devices and routers, it’s wonderfully easy to set up – just push a button on your router and on the repeater and you’re ready to go. You can control all of its features exactly as you need them, using devolo’s phone/tablet app (iOS, Android) or online through your browser. Two gigabit network ports mean you can connect stationary devices such as receivers, smart TVs and game consoles. It uses the ultra-fast Wi-Fi 6 standard, making it ideal to get quality TV streaming on services such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. You can also integrate into a stronger…

TIP OF THE FORTNIGHT Auto-scroll your PDFs to avoid mouse scrolling The brilliant PDFgear (www.pdfgear.com) that you featured in Issue 656 (page 18) has instantly become my new favourite program. One tool in the program you didn’t mention was the clever Auto Scroll, which moves the PDF up and down at different speeds. Once you’ve dragged a PDF into the program, click the Auto Scroll dropdown menu and select a speed (see screenshot 1):4 is the fastest scrolling down, while -4 is the fastest scrolling up. I find that a steady 2 is just right for my reading speed. It means I don’t have to scroll the mouse wheel to move to the top and bottom of a document. Another handy tip is that you don’t need to navigate the…

MICROSOFT EXCEL Select rows and columns using Ctrl+Shift You can use the Ctrl+Shift keyboard shortcut to highlight portions of a spreadsheet much quicker than by dragging your cursor across your screen. It’s especially useful if you’re working with a huge spreadsheet and don’t want to hold down your mouse’s left button to scroll endlessly through your sheet. First, select a cell as a starting point. Next, while holding down Ctrl+Shift, tap the Up arrow to highlight all the data in the same column above, or Down to select all the data below. You can also tap the Left or Right arrow to highlight everything in the row on either side of your starting point. Combine these to select the columns or rows you need. For instance, Ctrl+Shift+Right+Down highlights data in…

Building your own PC is a brilliant way to get a deeper understanding of how computers work. Not only is it an economical approach to getting a system that’s custom-made for your exact needs, but it also allows you to take full ownership of something you’ll use every day. You’ll finish the project with a sense of satisfaction and pride, and a loyal connection to your creation. A self-built PC is a better long-term investment than a pre-built one, because you can replace individual parts as required. Once you’ve performed the initial assembly, you’ll feel much more confident about upgrading your hardware than you would in a ready-made computer, and you’ll know precisely which components to buy. The process of building a PC from scratch is undoubtedly daunting the first…

Having a problem with our recommended software or expert tips? Email editor@computeractive.co.uk and we’ll do our best to help How can I download the Files app you recommended? Q I tried downloading Files (www.snipca.com/45585), which you recommended as an alternative to File Explorer (Issue 656, page 51). I clicked the ‘classic installer’ link as you suggested, but it didn’t work. Can you help? Philip Jones A The link is definitely working for us, though it’s worth noting that you’ll need to click the Download link at the top of the page (1 in screenshot below) to see the ‘classic installer’ link 2. Sorry that we didn’t make this clear in our Cover Feature. If you’ve already worked out this bit for yourself and the link still isn’t working, then perhaps…

You asked in Issue 657 (page 7) whether readers received the Government’s emergency alert in April. I was at a family dinner on that Sunday and we all paused chatting at 2.59pm to await the message. Of the 15 people present, 12 received the message. One other person had opted out, while two should’ve received the alert but didn’t (they’re both on Three). That was a success rate of 80 per cent, which I thought was pretty good. It also tallies with the percentage of people nationally that received the message. So I was dismayed to read loads of complaints in the media about the test causing ‘chaos’ and failing to reach millions of people. Do all these moaning reporters understand what the word ‘test’ means? The purpose of such…

UNINSTALLER O&O AppBuster 1.3.1343 www.snipca.com/46027 What you need: Windows 10 or 11 O&O AppBuster is one of our favourite free tools, and we know it’s one of yours too, so we’re always excited to try its latest release. Judging by the version number above, you’d expect this to be a minor update, but it’s actually a pretty big one that revises the program’s interface and significantly expands its capabilities. Don’t worry, it’s still the same AppBuster you know and love, and it’s now better than ever at removing junk. Traditionally, the main purpose of O&O AppBuster was to list all the apps installed on your PC by its manufacturer and Microsoft, and let you easily remove unwanted ‘bloat’. In the new version, it detects traditional desktop programs as well, so…

SOFTWARE WARNING! No full encryption in Google Authenticator Two-factor authentication (2FA) is by far the most effective way to keep hackers at bay, and the Google Authenticator app (Android: www.snipca.com/45907, iOS: www.snipca.com/45969) is among the simplest ways to add this extra layer of security. You use it by scanning QR codes for each site you log into with 2FA. Each QR code (1 in our screenshot) contains a ‘shared secret key’ 2 – a piece of unique data – that’s stored only on your device. Once it’s on your phone or tablet, Authenticator generates fresh 2FA codes every minute for all sites you’ve stored. And that sounds safe enough. However, a new feature in Google Authenticator that lets you synchronise these codes across several devices risks throwing your privacy under…

Easy on the eyes In Issue 656 we reviewed the Benq GW2785TC (£200 from Ebuyer at www.snipca.com/45897) – a 27in screen that we recommended as part of our budget-monitors group test. Not everyone needs a 27in screen, however. If you’d prefer a smaller alternative, this Benq GW2485TC has similar specifications but is only 24 inches across the diagonal. “Impressive range of connection and adjustment options, but not great for gaming” Assembling the monitor is straightforward – the three sections connect easily. No tools are required and the pieces all slot together smoothly and stay firmly in place, even when you’re lugging it around the home or work office. Only the bottom panel of the base needs to be screwed in, but the supplied screw has a handle, so it can…

In Issue 653 (page 26) you recommend a refurbished Asus Vivobook 17 for £290 from LaptopOutlets.co.uk (www.snipca.com/45233). I also recently bought a refurbished laptop, but didn’t need to spend as much. I chose a Dell Latitude 14.1in model from an eBay seller called CompuClear. It arrived very quickly and looks like new. I could only find one tiny mark on the whole machine – adjacent to a USB port. After selecting a model on the company’s eBay store (www.snipca.com/45788) you’re able to specify the processor, memory and SSD you require. I selected an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB memory and 250GB SSD, with Windows 10 Pro installed. I paid the grand sum of £89.99, though prices might be higher now. It boots in 30 seconds and performs excellently with both…

ANDROID & iOS Log into WhatsApp on multiple phones WhatsApp has finally introduced the ability to use your account across multiple phones. Previously, you could only use one device at a time, which meant that when you logged into the app on a new phone your account would be deactivated on the old one. The change means you’ll be able to read, send and receive WhatsApp messages on up to four additional phones, allowing you to easily switch between devices. Your WhatsApp account is linked to your phone number, so the handset with your SIM card inserted will remain your primary device, but you’ll now be able to use the chat app on any other smartphone with internet access. To set up WhatsApp on a secondary phone, install the latest…

Run polls on Facebook and WhatsApp There are lots of tools that let you create online polls, but it can make more sense to run them in the social-media tools that your members use regularly. Here, we’ll show you how to do this in Facebook and WhatsApp, both owned by Meta. Create a Facebook poll Most clubs these days have a Facebook Group – they are a free and effective way to stay in touch with members. To run a poll in Facebook, log in and click your Group page in the left-hand menu. Click ‘See all groups’ if you can’t see your page. Once on your group page, click ‘Write something’ followed by the More icon (three dots). Choose ‘Poll’ from the list of options. Each choice that your…

Get your workspace ready before you start building your PC, and make sure you have all your parts and tools to hand. At the very least, you should have: • Philips-head screwdrivers (#1 and #2 should be fine)• The manual for your motherboard• Zip ties and/or twist ties for cable management• A torch in case you drop any screws• Thermal paste (though many coolers now have this pre-applied)• Something to hold your screws – such as a cup or a small tray• Installation media for the operating system – see page 58• Sticking plasters – in case you cut yourself Some people swear by anti-static mats or wrist straps to prevent the build-up of static electricity and electric shocks. But as long as you don’t live in a particularly dry…

1080i High-definition video of 1920x1080 pixels, but with half the picture updated each frame. 1080p High-definition video with 1920x1080 pixels. 2FA Security that uses two different means to identify the user. 4K Video with a resolution of at least 3840x2160 pixels. 64bit A technology that processes information in larger chunks. 65-per-cent layout A keyboard that has 65 per cent of the keys on a full-sized keyboard. Actuation force How hard you have to press a key before a keyboard recognises the action. AES 256-bit A form of encryption based on a key length of 256 bits. Aftermarket Replacement parts that are not made by the original manufacturer. AI Intelligence shown by a machine. Aspect ratio The shape of a display. PC screens are 4:3, widescreen are 16:9 or 16:10. AVC…

Can Microsoft refuse to fix an inherent fault? Q I own a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 laptop-tablet (pictured), bought for £1,000 on eBay around four years ago. The screen has started to bulge as a result of a known inherent fault. Microsoft ran a replacement scheme for three years, but now says I’m too late to take advantage of it. I’m also out of warranty, so Microsoft closed my case. Surely, I’m protected by the Consumer Rights Act (CRA) though? Benjamin Erkul A Sadly, Benjamin isn’t covered by the CRA because he bought the Pro 4 from a private individual on eBay, not a business. This also means that he doesn’t have a contract with Microsoft – and that’s the key reason why the company doesn’t have to fix his…

Privacy Eraser Pro www.snipca.com/46047 Price: $19.95 (£15.80) a year or $59.95 (£47.50) for a lifetime licence Free trial: N/A What you need: Windows 7, 8.1, 10 or 11 Disappointingly, Privacy Eraser Pro doesn’t offer any exclusive tools, perhaps because the free version already offers everything you need to erase all traces of your Windows and web activities. However, it does make some of its deletion options more thorough. For example, when shredding a file or folder, you can overwrite the data up to 35 times (see screenshot) – compared with just once in the standard program – and apply the same security level when wiping a hard drive or partition. This is undoubtedly useful for protecting sensitive information or if you’re planning to sell or recycle your PC, but it’s…

PC | £668 from Wired2Fire www.snipca.com/45875 New Ryzen to buy Back in Issue 630 we pinned our Buy It award for desktop PCs on the Wired2Fire Ultima WS Home Office Workstation. At the time it cost £750, and Wired2Fire is still selling it at a reduced cost of £672 (www.snipca.com/41500). However, this new Pro version of the model takes things up a level – it’s now powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7700 processor – without adding too much to the price. Launched at the end of last year, these new processors need to work with the latest components – such as fast DDR5 RAM – to fully benefit from them. Not only are they fast in their own right, they demand it from the hardware around them. “A superb…

Cutting-edge technology Printers have been stuck in their ways for so long, it’s rare to find one that does something that other printers can’t. The Brother DCP-J1800DW is a bit of a first for the Computeractive office, though – it’s the only printer we’ve seen that can also cut paper like a guillotine. After churning out a sheet of A4 (which it can print on both sides automatically), it can also slice it into two sheets of A5. This could be invaluable if you tend to print lots of flyers or handouts. When you choose this feature in the print settings via your computer, any document that would have taken up one or both sides of an A4 sheet will automatically be scaled down and printed as two double-sided sheets…

EBOOK READER Kobo Libra 2 £170 from www.snipca.com/40645 Tested Issue 624 A fantastic 7in screen, 32GB of storage and Bluetooth connectivity make this a rival to Amazon’s Oasis ebook reader, yet it’s much cheaper. Battery life is superb – we managed 54 hours of use per charge. It supports OverDrive, so you can borrow ebooks from libraries. ALTERNATIVE Amazon Kindle This low-cost option is a good choice, especially now it has 16GB of storage. £75 from www.snipca.com/44221 PC MONITOR Iiyama ProLite XU2492HSU-B1 £120 from www.snipca.com/39701 Tested Issue 618 This 23.8in screen is superb value, with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Colour is good, covering 88 per cent of the sRGB colour range. Connect your computer via HDMI, DisplayPort or VGA, and there’s a USB hub to connect your mouse and keyboard. ALTERNATIVE…

CHROME Disable all your extensions in one go Although extensions let you add useful new features to Chrome, they can sometimes prevent websites from loading properly or consume so much memory that they cause the browser – or your entire PC – to crash. You can avoid these problems by switching to Incognito mode, which disables all extensions by default (unless you’ve specifically allowed them to run in Incognito) – but this also signs you out of websites. Chrome 113, which was released at the beginning of May, offers an easier solution by letting you disable – and then re-enable – all your extensions in one go. It updates the Extensions menu with a new option you can use to switch add-ons on and off as required. The new feature…

WINDOWS 10 & 11 Make Print Screen key open Snipping Tool Microsoft recently changed what pressing the Print Screen (PrtSc/PrtScn) does in preview versions of Windows 11 so that it opens the Snipping Tool rather than taking a screenshot. It will probably add this to the full version of Windows 11 soon, but you can turn on this option now by tweaking the settings. First, press Windows key+I to open Settings, then click Accessibility on the left (1 in our screenshot below). Now scroll down on the right, click Keyboard then turn on ‘Use the Print screen button to open screen snipping’ 2. The change takes effect straight away. Press the Print Screen button and you’ll see the Snipping Tool screenshot options appear at the top of your screen. It’s a…

Sales of refurbished phones are booming. Tech-analyst company IDC forecasts that sales will rise from 283 million last year to 415 million in 2026 (www.snipca.com/46041). This increase is being driven by people seeking lower prices as inflation bites and a heightened awareness to use eco-friendly recycled devices. Lots of online retailers now sell refurbished phones to meet this growing demand. What’s more encouraging is that manufacturers, including Apple and Samsung, have launched their own refurbished stores. When a manufacturer resells its own phones it will almost certainly be using its own parts, giving you greater confidence that the devices should be as good as new. Samsung is even planning to add more recent phones to those it sells as refurbished (see www.snipca.com/45998). But while refurbished phones are cheaper and avoid…

We’re delighted to announce our lowest-ever price for Norton 360 Premium. For just £19.99, you’ll protect 10 devices for two years WHAT YOU GET ✓ Real-time malware protection✓ Secure VPN✓ 75GB PC Cloud Backup✓ Webcam hack alerts PLUS Monitors the dark web for your personal information Norton is made by NortonLifeLock Inc – a standalone company dedicated to consumer cyber safety. It has always performed strongly in Computeractive antivirus tests, so we highly recommend it. 10 devices for two years NOW ONLY £19.99* Normally £179.99 Buy it from our Software Store at www.snipca.com/33247 * while stocks last…