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!

Computeractive

WELCOME • From the Editor

News • The top stories in the world of technology

Giffgaff offers eSIMs to customers though its website

TalkTalk increases mid-contract price rises to £4 from next April

First Freely box arrives in time for Xmas – priced £99

IN BRIEF

Brits use 18% more phone data in 2025 (and hang up landlines)

Phone prices ‘to soar’ in 2026 – and AI is to blame

Couple slash heating bills by running data centre in their shed

Watch Virgin’s FAST TV on-demand for first time

Will BT start charging £50 for missed appointments? • It might be getting tough with absent-minded customers

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

Letters • Tell us what’s on your mind

Report misbehaving firms like IObit to the CMA

Consumeractive • We stand up for your legal rights

Wired2Fire gave superb advice for my Flight Sim PC

Grow Your Family Tree • Criminal mugshots are nothing new – they began over 150 years ago. Follow Richard Holt’s advice to…

Best Free Software • Robert Irvine recommends new programs that won’t cost you a thing

What should I download? • We advise you which software and apps to use

Named & Shamed • Keumars Afifi-Sabet puts the boot into tech villains, jargon-spouting companies and software trying to trick you

Reviews • New products tested by our experts

OnePlus Pad Lite

Medion Erazer Deputy P1

Lenovo Yoga U7 27in

TP-Link M8550

Apple Watch SE3

Pure Classic Aura

Amazon Echo Show 8

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

Computeractive 2024 Back Issue CD & USB Stick

HOW TO… Switch from Windows 10 to Zorin OS • 14 pages of easy-to-follow workshops and expert tips

Restore damaged photos for free with Affinity Photo

Readers’ Tips • Handy hints and tips from your fellow readers

Browser Tips • Secret settings and the best extensions

AI Tips • Clever new tools and tweaks

Phone and Tablet Tips • Brilliant things to do on your device

Make Windows Better • Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better • Top tips for the best office programs

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

Agentic OS • Microsoft’s new buzzword for Windows hasn’t gone down well

BEST NEW SOF T WARE for 2026 • Don’t limit yourself and your PC to the same old programs for the next 12 months. Robert Irvine recommends 10 brilliant free tools to download over the coming year

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WHAT YOU MUST UNINSTALL IN 2026

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Tech gifts we’re buying this Christmas • This year, get your loved ones presents they can use with their PCs and phones. Robert Irvine suggests 10 useful and quirky tech stocking fillers for under £20 (except one)

What’s being axed in 2026 • Is your old tech living on borrowed time? Jonathan Parkyn reveals what’s destined for the digital scrapheap in the year ahead

Problems Solved • Our experts solve all your tech problems

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Reader Support • Having a problem with our recommended software or...