Table of contents for November 2016 in Windows Help & Advice

It seems like everybody is living life in the cloud these days. Documents, photos and files are all floating around up there, but, if you’re not storing your files online, then you’re missing out on a lot of great opportunities. This issue we take a look at what Microsoft can offer you with its OneDrive service, and what Google is able to deliver with Google Drive. Here on Windows Help & Advice , we use both. That way we get even more storage for photos and there’s never a problem if we need to share documents with other people. Also this issue, we continue to look at the improvements Microsoft brought with its Anniversary Update to Windows 10. The update has put a spring in many a…

Another Xbox? Microsoft’s new, smaller version of the Xbox One is not to be confused with the new, bigger version coming in the future. Keeping it simple, eh? Yep. Although the release of a ‘slim’ version of a console halfway through its lifespan has been a familiar move from console manufacturers, this is the first time it’s added something new in the process. This new Microsoft gamebox supports 4K video playback and High Dynamic Range rendering. Run that last one by me… More colours, basically. You’ll need a TV set that supports it, and video content that was made with it in mind but once you have everything up and running you’ll benefit from a wider gamut of colours in the images, and a larger difference between black and white.…

News broke this month that the Metropolitan Police, which runs Windows XP on 27,000 PCs (that’s personal computers, not police constables), had missed its own deadline to upgrade them to Windows 8.1. London Mayor Sadiq Khan revealed that 8,000 had already been upgraded, with 6,000 more due to be switched over to the already obsolete operating system by the end of September. Windows XP is 15 years old and stopped receiving security updates in 2014. For all its popularity, and ability to run on what today appears as meagre hardware, users face-off against new exploits and other forms of malware without the backing of Microsoft, their machines potentially open to data theft or other threats. The Met, along with parts of the NHS and HMRC, entered into a custom support…

45% The percentage of Steam users running Windows 10. Composed mainly of gamers, Steam’s userbase may be self-selecting for top-end hardware, but Microsoft’s latest operating system had lagged behind as gamers elected to stick to old favourite Windows 7. That all seems to have changed, possibly because of the rise of the Windows 10-only graphics API DirectX 12. 52,000 New emoji are supported in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, meaning that those who prefer to communicate in pictograms (like ancient Egyptians) now have more ways to express the subtleties of their emotions. The new emoji include in-jokes for those on the Insider program, as well as refinements of previous graphics with bolder outlines and more vibrant colours. \ 1.5 METRES Is how far Australia has drifted north in…

1 Hiding your network’s SSID will help protect you from being hacked It’s true that telling your router not to broadcast its SSID will make it ‘invisible’ to the average user scanning for nearby networks. It won’t protect it from hackers, though. The SSID, while not broadcast, still shows up in data packets, probe requests and responses. Any hacker who’s interested can use specialist software tools to scan for hidden networks. Guess which networks are more interesting to hackers: those which broadcast their SSID, or those which are taking the trouble to keep it hidden? 2 Filtering network access by MAC address will protect against hackers Allowing only devices with MAC addresses you specify will deter only the most casual of hackers. Anyone armed with a network-sniffing tool will be…

802.11ac is the most recent WiFi protocol and is supported by most modern routers. It offers a theoretical maximum throughput of 1300Mbps. That may seem like overkill, particularly if your broadband speed is measured in tens of megabits or even less. But that figure is a theoretical maximum, and in practice you’ll get far lower speeds, something that is also true of 802.11n and 802.11g. Then there’s the issue of how many devices you have on your network. More devices means more competition for bandwidth. Suddenly 1300Mbps doesn’t seem so ridiculous. Besides, when you buy an 802.11ac router, you don’t just get 802.11ac. You get other modern features too, like beamforming, support for wide channels, WPS and guest networks. MIMO (multiple input multiple output), which allows for the use of…

Your guide Nick Peers says…“To take full advantage of tablet-friendly changes in the Anniversary Edition, read on!” At a glance Skill level… Anyone can do it Straightforward Tricky in parts Suitable for… Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 7 The Windows 10 Anniversary Edition update contains a number of new features and useful improvements, particularly if you’re running Windows 10 on a tablet or laptop with a touchscreen. Probably the most noticeable is the introduction of Windows Ink, a feature designed to encourage use of touchscreens and supported styluses. Although it’s designed to work with the Surface Pen, many features will work with capacitive styluses and even your finger too, making it useful for any touch-friendly device. In this tutorial, we’ll examine how Windows Ink works, and also take a look…

Your guide Cat Ellis says…“Put together all the essential apps you’ll need to deal with potential PC disasters” At a glance Skill level… Anyone can do it Straightforward Tricky in parts Suitable for… Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 7 CAT’S BEST TIP You might have extra room on your USB stick once you’ve finished installing your emergency apps, but don’t use it for regular file transfers - you don’t want to risk losing it! Viruses, malware, accidental deletion or corrupted data can all put your valuable files at risk. The best insurance is to make regular backups, but what if you run into trouble in between backups, or you let your routine slide, or a friend has a crisis with their PC? That’s where an emergency USB toolkit of portable…

Your guide Rob Mead-Green says…“To-do lists, lecture notes, web clippings and lots more are now even more simple with OneNote” At a glance Skill level… Anyone can do it Straightforward Tricky in parts Suitable for… Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 7 NOTES Click or tap here to bring up a list of all your notebooks and add new ones. You’ll find app settings and printing options here too. HOME This is where you add individual pages to your notebooks, and make notes using text options in the Ribbon. You can add pictures and video too. INSERT This option gives you the ability to add anything else to your notes – tables, relevant documents and pictures as well as weblinks. DRAW Need to annotate your notes? The Draw tab includes a…

Windows 10 was released over a year ago now, and to celebrate, Microsoft has released the Anniversary Update. This month, we recap the new features and look at how to stay safe from nasty viruses and malware. One of our favourite features of Windows 10 is the Action Centre. Here you get all your notifications, as well as quick links to features you need to access regularly, such as network connections and tablet mode. Turn to page 38 this issue to get some tips on how to use Action Centre and customise which apps appear in your notifications section. www.facebook.com/windowsmag…

TIME TAKEN 10 minutes Avast Free Antivirus Avast Free Antivirus ( www.avast.com ) is one of the most popular security tools around. The program is simple to install and its straightforward interface makes it a pleasure to use. A first scan will identify potential threats on your PC, and it’ll have a minimal impact on your system’s performance. Avast Free has some useful extras, too. A Software Updater alerts you to program updates you’ve missed, and its Browser Cleanup tool provides a simple way to remove add-ons. Comodo Internet Security Premium If you’re looking for combined anti-virus and firewall protection, then Comodo Internet Security ( www.comodo.com ) has your back covered. It includes the expected protections against viruses and spyware, of course, but also comes with…

“Windows Store brings together games from many developers” The removal of Minesweeper and Solitaire from the Start menu caused much dismay at the launch of Windows 10, and the Anniversary Update hasn’t done anything to alter this sad state of affairs. But don’t despair, the Windows Store has plenty of puzzle games to fill the rectangular hole in your life. Microsoft Minesweeper stays close to the classic game, but has updated looks and a new Adventure mode (although a minefield is the last place we’d want to have an adventure). It’s also free. Solitaire fans should look out for the Microsoft Solitaire Collection, which is also free and contains several variations on the ever-popular card game, including Spider and Freecell – fondly remembered by Windows 95 users. The beauty of…

Cast video from Edge Streaming video from your PC using the Chrome browser and the Chromecast HDMI dongle is relatively straightforward, as long as your movie file is in the right format. But if you have some other type of smart TV or don’t have a spare HDMI port, things can get more complicated. The Anniversary Update brings Miracast and DLNA streaming to the Edge browser, meaning that if your TV or media box supports these common protocols, then you can send video over your home network to them. Open a video file or streaming site in Edge, then click the three-dot menu and select ‘Cast Media to Device’. Any compatible devices on the same network should now appear, ready to receive your signal. Change colours or go dark Windows…

1 Cortana, the “intelligent assistant” is named after a character in which game series? A. Killzone B. Halo C. Mario Kart 2 Where is Cortana now available? A. Android B. iOS C. Both 3 In the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, Wi-Fi Sense is now... A. Gone B. Controversial C. Unpopular 4 Windows Update will now avoid restarting your PC... A. At the worst possible moment B. When you’re asleep C. When you’re using it 5 What does updated “blue screen of death” now feature? A. A smiley face B. A QR code detailing the error C. Pictures of kittens 6 How many new emoji are included in the Anniversary Update? A. 100,000 B. 52,000 C. 3…

Whether you’re streaming from Spotify, listening to internet radio or watching Netflix, you rely on having a speedy and stable connection to the internet. Most of the time we don’t even think about it – online content is as easy to access as content that is stored locally. Until things go wrong, that is… Whether your ISP suffers an outage or, as BT customers experienced at the end of last year, DNS problems, or your own WiFi network stumbles and fails, it’s frustrating. And, if you rely on being online for work, it can be a potentially costly experience. The good news is there’s a great deal you can do to improve the performance of your WiFi network, and even mitigate the risk associated with a failure beyond your control,…

The first port of call for many computer users when choosing a wireless router is usually the router that came free from their ISP. So, if you sign up for Sky broadband, then you’ll be given a router from Sky. This makes tech support calls easier, since the engineer will know what hardware you have. And let’s be honest, it’s probably all you need. It might not support the latest 802.11ac wireless protocol, with its theoretical maximum throughput of 1300Mbps, or have beamforming technology, which focuses the signal from the router to your device, meaning you should always get the strongest possible signal, but it will probably do the job. In fact, we’d be tempted to say that unless it stops working you should stick with it. There are other…

There are a number of ways in which you can extend the range of your WiFi network. In addition to using a second router, as described in the sections on roaming and Powerline networking, you can improve the performance of your current router. Following our tips should help extend its range, but if that’s not enough, you might want to consider a WiFi repeater or extender. This is a device that sits at the outer edge of the range of your WiFi network and rebroadcasts the signal, thus allowing it to carry further. These devices are relatively inexpensive, usually costing between £30 and £40. They do, however, have a few problems associated with them. The first is that in order to be effective, repeaters should be situated close to your…

Your guide Nick Peers says… “Harness your new-look Start menu and Taskbar in the Anniversary Edition” Turn to page 34 to find out more Whether you’re stuck for inspiration or want to become a master of your Windows computer, our Explore section is the place to come. Each month we pack in tutorials covering a range of subjects suitable for all levels of expertise. This month we show you how to get the best from the Windows 10 Anniversary Edition update on your PC and tablet, improve your passwords and compress files. Plus, you’ll learn how to make a disaster recovery toolkit on a USB stick, ready for emergencies. It’s all here!…

Your guide Nick Peers says…“Discover how to harness the new-look Start menu and Taskbar in the Anniversary Edition” At a glance Skill level… Anyone can do it Straightforward Tricky in parts Suitable for… Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 7 HAMBURGER Click the hamburger-like icon to show or hide the titles of the buttons in the left-hand column. SIGN OUT QUICKLY Click your user picture to access the account menu previously found at the top of the Start menu. OTHER SHORTCUTS These icons give you access to File Explorer, Settings and the Power button – place user folders here too. TILES Your previous tiles remain untouched – but look out for an increased number of “suggested apps” (or ads). ALL-IN-ONE The new Start menu now lists All Apps on the main…

Your guide Alex Cox says…“Managing multiple website logins and using hacker-proof passwords needn’t be a chore. LastPass makes bulletproof personal security an easy task” At a glance Skill level… Anyone can do it Straightforward Tricky in parts Suitable for… Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 7 ALEX’S BEST TIP Wondering how secure your passwords are? Use LastPass’s security challenge (click the shield icon) to find out and make them stronger. Security experts often offer words of wisdom, such as: “Use a different password for every site" or “Make sure you don’t use any dictionary words". But then they’ll say contradictory things like: “a string of dictionary words is more secure than a random jumble of characters”. Those security experts don’t want us to have an easy life, that much is clear.…

One of the biggest contradictions with passwords is that they need to be unique, strong and hard to crack, yet somehow easy to remember. Thankfully, password managers are built specifically to aid with this process – you set up a vault containing all your passwords, then unlock it with one master password, meaning that you only need to remember that one to effectively gain access to all the rest. Our favourite password manager is LastPass. We recommend the Premium version, which syncs across all your devices (mobile and desktop) and offers two-factor authentication as well, which means that even if someone hacks your password, they still can’t get at your vault. LastPass is installed as a browser add-on or standalone app, and offers to save passwords as you enter them…

Cloud computing is one of the most revolutionary changes in decades in how we use PCs. Rather than store files on your hard disk, you store them on remote servers, making it easier than ever to access all your stuff wherever you are and on almost any device. And in Windows 10, Microsoft’s cloud service OneDrive is baked right into the OS, so using it is a seamless experience. Cloud computing also gets over the problem of storage on space-constrained devices such as mobiles and tablets. That’s because, as long as you have an internet connection, everything you uploaded to the cloud is ready whenever you need it. Another advantage of cloud computing is that everything – from documents to photos and videos – is safely stored online. So if…

Microsoft introduced some great additions to Cortana with the Anniversary Update, and there are apps that can now work with it directly. To help you get more out of Cortana, these apps have been grouped together on the Windows Store in one location called ‘Better with Cortana’. To get to them you need to use your web browser, then click the links that take you to the store. Here’s how to do it.…

There’s no shortage of great-looking laptops available, but, typically, you compromise somewhere for the sake of portability. The Dell XPS 15 on test this month could just be the exception to this rule. Find out what we thought of it on page 86. Then, while you’re out on the road with your laptop, how about letting a robot vacuum cleaner clean your place for you? We try out the latest ingenious tech from Dyson to see whether it justifies its price tag. Plus, we compare four top music streaming services. Until next time… windowsmagazine@futurenet.com…

Block-building, kid-mesmerising übergame Minecraft is now available in VR with a new version tailored to the Oculus Rift headset. The two may seem an obvious fit, but initial plans for VR Minecraft were shelved after Facebook bought Oculus two years ago. If you have the Windows 10 version of Minecraft on your PC, the new VR support will install automatically as a patch, so if you have your helmet ready you can jump right in.…

https://mobirise.com While uploading photos or words to social media can get a big response, if you want to be more professional you’ll need a website of your own. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have no experience in building one. Once you’ve got your domain name and some space to store the site in, you’ll need to make the site, and that’s where Mobirise comes in. It’s marketed as a tool for making sites for mobile phones, and what you get with Mobirise is a responsive site, which means it will adapt itself to whatever size screen it’s being displayed on, so you don’t have to worry about producing mobile and desktop versions of the same content. Sites are built using a simple system of blocks, and…

When you access a website, your PC or tablet sends the request in the form of a web address to a domain name server (DNS), which translates the ‘http://xxxxxxx’ into an IP address and forwards the request to the relevant server. The server then displays the page you’ve requested in your browser. Domain name servers are specified by your ISP during the set-up process, but you can bypass them and use any DNS you want, such as Google’s name servers or those operated by OpenDNS. In order for any of that to happen, however, data has to be transmitted between your device, your ISP, and the wider internet. The data sent between your router/modem and your ISP travels on either copper wire or optical cable, or more likely both, over…

Dual band routers can operate on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz spectra. Each has advantages and disadvantages. The 2.4GHz spectrum is the faster of the two, but it’s also the more congested. Not only do devices on 2.4GHz have to compete for bandwidth with other WiFi kit, but also with Bluetooth and microwave ovens. The 5GHz spectrum is less congested, but has a shorter range. If you’re having problems maintaining a stable connection to your router, and you’ve eliminated obvious causes such as the position of the router (it should be away from walls and other obstructions), congestion could be the problem. Most dual-band routers can be configured in one of two ways. You can either create one network, with one SSID and one password, and allow the router to…

Packed with informative tutorials Every issue, we guarantee to pack the magazine with great tutorials teaching you all the best things you can do with your PC. Each article features step-by-step instructions to make learning new skills fast and enjoyable. Get more from your favourite websites We all have our list of favourite sites but often we miss out on great features because they’re difficult to use or hidden from sight. We’ll show you how to do more online, for a more satisfying web life. Customise Windows to work your way We all know how to do the basics but getting the most from Windows isn’t always easy. Our dedication to the operating system means you get the very best tips and tricks for all versions of Windows. Discover new…

Your guide Nick Peers says…“Discover how to take advantage of the Action Centre’s improved notifications system” At a glance Skill level… Anyone can do it Straightforward Tricky in parts Suitable for… Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 7 CONTROL NOTIFICATIONS Switch off notifications for those apps, programs and services you find annoying. APP SETTINGS The quickest way to configure an individual app’s behaviour is to right-click it and choose ‘Go to notification settings’. PRIORITY LEVELS Notifications appear in three tiers: ‘top’ is assigned to a single app, while others are configured ‘high’ or ‘normal’. RESPONSE OPTIONS Click a notification to access it through its app. Click the arrow to view it in detail or ‘x’ to dismiss it when read. SEE MORE You can now view all outstanding notifications for a…

Your guide Rob Mead-Green says…“Find out how to save space when sending and archiving files – and decompress archived files that other people have sent you” At a glance Skill level… Anyone can do it Straightforward Tricky in parts Suitable for… Windows 10 Windows 8.1 Windows 7 ROB’S BEST TIP Experiment with 7-Zip’s different compression methods to see which one works best for you. While Windows has its own built-in compression tech, 7-Zip (www.7-zip.org) is much more efficient. It’s a free, open-source utility that works, pretty much, with every version of Windows – and uses its own proprietary archiving algorithms to drastically reduce the size of your files. This can have all kinds of benefits when it comes to making space on storage-constrained devices such as laptops. It also reduces…

TIME TAKEN 20 minutes When getting to grips with a new computer or operating system, the best approach is to dive right into as many of the settings as you can – personalising the system, desktop and programs for the tasks you perform the most. And here, we’ll show you how to do just that with the brand-new Windows 10 Anniversary Update. There have been a lot of little changes to Windows, especially in the Settings app, and we’re going to show you how to do the most common things you’ll want to do in this latest update. So, without further ado, let’s get started! CORTANA Your personal assistant – ask it for anything and it’ll see if it can help, or just search the internet for an answer. EDGE…

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