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Nick Palmer

Farewell to an art monkey

Computeractive's art editor moves on after a decade

European Union members sign controversial anti-piracy treaty

Concerns raised over consumer privacy rights and French MEP resigns in protest as ACTA, the global anti-counterfeiting agreement, moves...

Cultural issues force Twitter to censor tweets in some countries

Microblogging site says tweets removed in countries where legal or cultural sensibilities could be offended will be visible outside...

Piles of e-waste

Update to WEEE directive welcomed by environmental agency

New ambitious targets could help stem illegal export of electronic waste

Parentport website links with Mumsnet and Netmums

Website to let people report inappropriate online content

turing-cover

Bletchley Park to sell four first day commemorative covers for collectors

Covers celebrate Alan Turing's centenary year

Facebook for Android helps you keep in touch with friends

Smartphones are great for keeping in touch with friends on the go and Facebook for Android is an essential download

ipad2-projectboard-ad

Track time spent on different tasks with WatchMe

This simple time tracking program has some useful extra tools for helping you focus

r-365-kodak-hero-5

Kodak Hero 5.1 printer-scanner multifunction device

An all-in-one printer and scanner with lots of interesting new features

Welsh town of Monmouth gets Wikipedia treatment

Monmouthpedia is the first project of its kind on the internet encyclopaedia

Symantec pcAnywhere

Symantec urges pcAnywhere users to ditch software after code theft

A source-code theft dating back to 2006 has caused Symantec to advise customers to stop using affected software

BT to launch pilot scheme for FTTP for blocks of flats

Openreach looks for residents and landlords to express interest

Is it legal to re-use my Windows 7 upgrade disc on a different PC?

There are many different types of Microsoft licence. However, the main thing to remember is that OEM licences are not transferable,...

hp-wi-fi-mobile-mouse

HP Wifi Mobile Mouse

A cordless mouse that connects by Wifi

around-the-world

European Union members sign controversial anti-piracy treaty

Concerns raised over consumer privacy rights and French MEP resigns in protest as ACTA, the global anti-counterfeiting agreement, moves closer to becoming law

Cultural issues force Twitter to censor tweets in some countries

Microblogging site says tweets removed in countries where legal or cultural sensibilities could be offended will be visible outside...

Update to WEEE directive welcomed by environmental agency

New ambitious targets could help stem illegal export of electronic waste

parentport

Parentport website links with Mumsnet and Netmums

Website to let people report inappropriate online content

Bletchley Park to sell four first day commemorative covers for collectors

Covers celebrate Alan Turing's centenary year

Monmouthpedia

Welsh town of Monmouth gets Wikipedia treatment

Monmouthpedia is the first project of its kind on the internet encyclopaedia

Symantec urges pcAnywhere users to ditch software after code theft

A source-code theft dating back to 2006 has caused Symantec to advise customers to stop using affected software

ipad2-projectboard-ad

BT to launch pilot scheme for FTTP for blocks of flats

Openreach looks for residents and landlords to express interest

European commission

European Commission publishes stronger data protection proposals

Privacy plans that give people more control over what personal information is held about them are welcomed by some, but businesses fear 'onerous' burden

O2 closes mobile number loophole following customer outrage

O2 has confirmed it has closed a loophole that saw customers' mobile phone numbers shared with any website accessed on the device

The new Vimeo website

Vimeo video-sharing website update offers better search options

Vimeo says it is letting users focus on video first with its new website design

O2 accused of sharing customer phone numbers with websites

Some O2 customers have had their mobile phone numbers shared with websites

Social networks create tool to overcome Google bias to Google+

Facebook, Myspace and Twitter set up Focus on the User project to show that Google+ gets special treatment over other social networks...

dragon

Dragon brings voice control to smart TVs and set-top boxes

Voice recognition software will enable viewers to search for programmes, channels and actors, as well as interact on social networking websites

Facebook for Android

Facebook for Android helps you keep in touch with friends

Smartphones are great for keeping in touch with friends on the go and Facebook for Android is an essential download

Track time spent on different tasks with WatchMe

This simple time tracking program has some useful extra tools for helping you focus

Propel a cow into space with Abduction! for Android

A simple to play game that is fiendishly addictive

speedfan-temperature-monitor

Monitor how hot your computer is with SpeedFan

Make sure your computer isn't overheating with Speedfan

Keep the children entertained with Buster's Lost Moshlings

A fun, if rather short, Moshi Monsters game for the iPad

Adidas miCoach

Get fit with your Android phone and Adidas miCoach

A comprehensive and easy to use app that can help you get in shape

Take to the skies with Puffle Launch from Club Penguin

Play one of the best Club Penguin games on your iPad

ipad2-projectboard-ad

Protect any computer easily with Spybot Search and Destroy for PortableApps

Protecting a computer from spyware is now easier as Spybot Search and Destroy is available on PortableApps

myunity-customiser-utility-for-ubuntu

Tame the Ubuntu 11.10 Unity interface with MyUnity

Customise how the Unity desktop looks and works

Plan your year with Chronodex by Scription

A printable diary with a unique approach to showing the time of day

freemake-music-box

Listen to music online with Freemake Music Box

Search for music online and play it from one handy program

Browse the web safely and quickly with Firefox 9

The Firefox browser is a fast, secure and flexible alternative to Internet Explorer

Read email and news updates with Mozilla Thunderbird 9

An excellent email program that is easy to set up and use.

ipadian

Get a taste of the iPad on your computer with iPadian

This iPad simulator has a range of apps to try out

r-365-kodak-hero-5

Kodak Hero 5.1 printer-scanner multifunction device

An all-in-one printer and scanner with lots of interesting new features

HP Wifi Mobile Mouse

A cordless mouse that connects by Wifi

Qnap Turbo Nas TS-219P-II

Powerful, but expensive, dual-bay network hard disk enclosure

r-365-tp-link-tl-mr3020

TP-Link TL-MR3020 Portable 3G Wireless N Router

Create a personal Wifi hotspot and more with this versatile gadget

Mercalli Easy Video Stabilizer 2.0

Dedicated utility for fixing all kinds of camera shake

cyberghost

Cyberghost

Protect your privacy by surfing the internet anonymously

G Data Internet Security 2012

Anti-virus software now has two scanning engines.

ipad2-projectboard-ad

Bitdefender Total Security 2012: security software

All-in-one security software with a light touch

Philips Muse 16GB

Philips Gogear Muse 3 16GB

Music and video playback with an emphasis on sound quality

Alertme Smart Energy: electricity monitoring kit

Home power consumption monitoring made easy

Family Tree Maker 2012

Family Tree Maker 2012 Platinum: genealogy software

Updated version of best-selling genealogy program adds synchronisation features

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3: compact system camera

Panasonic's latest interchangeable-lens compact is smaller and neater than its predecessor

D-Link DIR-645: broadband router

A clever solution to those struggling wireless connections

Youcam 5

Youcam 5: webcam software

Webcam software with a light-hearted touch

Windows 7's licence terms screenshot

Is it legal to re-use my Windows 7 upgrade disc on a different PC?

There are many different types of Microsoft licence. However, the main thing to remember is that OEM licences are not transferable, but the retail equivalents are

Learn to type like a professional

Pecking away at the keyboard can be slow and offputting. We describe the ideal workstation and what software is available to get you...

How can I move a partition of my C: drive to a new hard disk?

Windows 7 is unable to clone and expand a partition from one drive to another, but an inexpensive piece of software will make the job...

Windows 7 volume mixer screenshot

Why do I only get sound on some applications on my Windows 7 PC?

In Windows 7 it's possible to alter the volume of each application that is running

How Microsoft's ribbon works

Since Microsoft changed the look and feel of Office 2007 with the ribbon it has worked its way into most applications. We show you...

Apple software update screenshot

Why did I get a timed out message when I tried to update to iOS 5?

There is always a huge demand whenever Apple launches a new OS for its iPhones. The trick is to wait a few days until the initial rush to get it is over

Transfer games to a different PC

If you're a keen gamer using Steam and want to install your favourite game on a second computer, it's much quicker to transfer it using...

ipad2-projectboard-ad

Why can't I scan a banknote?

Scanning banknotes could put you on the wrong side of the law

Acronis disk director screenshot

How can I merge the hard disk partitions on my Windows XP PC?

XP has no built-in partition manager but there are some good third-party tools

How safe is your digital legacy?

No-one wants to think about it, but you should consider what will happen to your digital data after you die. We look at how to make...

Belkin Network USB hub

Can two PCs use one printer?

Instead of physically moving a USB cable between computers, a network USB hub or a USB switch enables you to print easily from multiple PCs

Reduce the distance between the entries in a Gmail window

Most people prefer to see as many emails in the window as possible. The new look Gmail has large gaps between the entries, but there...

Find and keep characters that don't appear on a standard keyboard

If you often need to type fractions or symbols that are only found on the character map, you can use Sticky Notes to keep them close...

Cloud computing illustration

The benefits of cloud computing

Everywhere you look people are talking about cloud computing, but what is it and why do you need it? We explain exactly how it works and how to start using it

Keep CDs and DVDs in good condition illustration

Keep your discs in tip top condition

Follow our suggestions on care and storage and your CDs and DVDs should last anywhere between 20 and 100 years, before natural degradation takes its toll

Ensure your Facebook security and privacy settings are right for you

Most people put some fairly personal information on Facebook so it's essential to have the right privacy options in place. We show...

Create DVD movies from any video

We show you how to transfer videos from your phone or camera, polish them up and turn them into DVD movie discs using Windows Live...

Make email newsletters with Word illustration

Use Word 2003 or 2007 to create attractive email newsletters

Word can help you make an email newsletter containing photos and clickable links. We show you how to make the most of Microsoft's templates...

Improve your Youtube videos

Want to upload one of your videos on to Youtube but aren't happy with its quality? We look at the new video-editing features that have...

Screen display problems illustration

Display-related problems and how you can fix them on your own

What do you do if your monitor plays up or just won't work? This step-by-step guide shows you how to fix some of the most common problems that can occur

Use a laptop as a mini Wifi hotspot

A Windows 7 laptop can share its wireless internet connection with other devices. We show you how to set it up and get it in action...

ipad2-projectboard-ad

Take the repetition out of housekeeping chores on a hard disk

Free software makes it easier to copy, move and delete files by automating the task. We show you how to set up the program and make...

Desktop publishing with Scribus step illustration

Design your own publications

Desktop publishing software used by professionals costs a lot, but if you need to produce your own brochure or flyer, we've found a free program that does the job

Make sure that your Windows programs open the right files

Double-click a file's icon and it should open but things can go wrong when new programs have been installed. We show you how to keep...

Instant language translation step illustration

Automatic translation in any Windows application

Although the Google Translate service is very useful, Transmiti takes it one step further by providing instant translations at the touch of a button

Files and folders at your fingertips

Finding a file among a long list of others can be frustrating and time consuming. Listary, however, is a free program that can make...

Disable the Caps Lock key

If you mistakenly press the Caps Lock key, you could be in for a lot of retyping once you've realised. We show you a couple of ways...

Personalise desktop with win7 themes step illustration

Brighten up your desktop with new wallpaper, sounds and screensaver

Give your Windows 7 desktop the personal touch with themes. We show you how

pure-at-ces-mac-and-pc-27

Pure launches wireless audio systems for PC and Apple devices

Stream music from PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch

My Ford Mobile app brings vital stats to new Focus Electric

Smartphone app tells drivers the location of nearest charge stations for electric vehicles

Ford adds in-car voice control for smartphone apps

AppLink software enables drivers to launch and manage apps in-car

crucial-at-ces-mac-and-pc-34

Crucial speeds up Windows 7 with Adrenaline Cache Solution

Solid-state memory that learns which files you use most often and speeds up Windows 7 launch

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3: compact system camera

Panasonic's latest interchangeable-lens compact is smaller and neater than its predecessor

firefox4

Browse the web safely and quickly with Firefox 9

The Firefox browser is a fast, secure and flexible alternative to Internet Explorer

First look: Computeractive for iPad

A short video preview of the new app

ipad2-projectboard-ad

Introducing Computeractive for the Apple iPad

New interactive tools in a freshly designed app that's made for the iPad.

Samsung Galaxy S II

Samsung Galaxy S II: Android smartphone

Samsung’s original Galaxy S was very impressive – can its successor live up?

What happens when you drop a bowling ball on an iPad?

A super-tough, flexible case promises to protect an iPad, but what happens when we drop a bowling ball on it?

Create translucent title with the Gimp using the Xach effect

Add a translucent title to a photo using The Gimp

This clever built-in effect can create an impressive looking title

Add a caption to a photo in Paint.NET

Adding a semi-transparent background behind a caption makes it easier to read without obscuring the photo

Crop images and photos in Paint.NET

Cropping photos ensures the objects you want are the focus of the shot and corrects the shape of photo

Novatech nSpire 2760 Black Edition

Novatech Nspire 2760 – Black Edition

A high-spec laptop that’s great for gamers

Great benefits for subscribers!

Poll

Do you make use of public wifi hotspots?

Jargon Buster

Computing terms explained in plain English

VGA

Video Graphics Array. Standard socket for connecting a monitor to a computer.

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