Simple clear advice in plain English

Latest Peripherals articles

Why are some of the keys on my keyboard doing strange things?

Unless the keys are sticking, the fault probably lies with a bug. The good news is that it is possible to overcome this problem and get back to normal typing

deal maker content image
deal maker content image

Get the most from USB connectors

Every modern PC has one or more USB connectors. We explain what they are, how to use them and how to overcome some of the problems you might encounter

deal maker content image

Can I switch boot drives so that I can work on older programs?

The simplest way to run two hard disks in the same PC is to have a dual-boot start-up menu. Using a switch to flick between the two can lead to loss of data

deal maker content image

Why are odd patterns appearing on my monitors shortly after startup?

As this problem seems to be connected to the length of time the computer has been on, we suspect that there is either dirt on the graphics card or that it's failing

Competition

Club Exclusive: Win a Retrak accessory bundle for your laptop or Amazon Kindle

These packs of retractable cables won’t leave you in a knot

deal maker content image

Why do things keep whirring when I cut the electricity to my PC?

After a PC has been turned off, noises will still be heard if cooling fans are at work inside the casing. Also check the Bios to see if anything else is drawing power

deal maker content image

Is my printer beyond repair?

It's common for print heads to wear out but is it worth repairing the printer, even if it's not that old, or is buying a new one more cost-effective?

deal maker content image

Why can I still get no sound from both speakers and headphones?

Getting a set of external speakers and using a splitter should solve this problem

This useful planning tool is now on sale from Amazon in the UK

deal maker content image

Arctic Cooling K381: desktop keyboard

A cheap keyboard that saves desk space

  • Rating: img
  • £10
  • Review
  • 25/03/2012
deal maker content image

Extend your screen viewing area by adding a second, or third, monitor

As the price of monitors has fallen greatly, it's now possible to add another without breaking the bank. We explain how to connect a second display to your PC

deal maker content image

Should Sony still support my sat-nav safety camera updates

The 'lifetime' of a device is open to interpretation, depending on whether you are the consumer, the manufacturer or even - should the case go to court - the judge

deal maker content image

HD TV – ready or not quite there?

The terms HD Ready and Full HD are easily confused, so it pays to delve deeper behind the words of an advert to make sure you know exactly what you're buying

deal maker content image

Science Museum Hidden Heroes reveals genius of everyday items

Paperclips, tin cans, rubber bands – all everyday items we take for granted but it took a genius to invent them. The Science Museum's exhibition tells their story

deal maker content image

Convert ebooks to Kindle format

Two programs open up a world of ebooks to read on a Kindle - and it's all legal

Best deals on the web

img

HTC Wildfire S Mobile Phone Handset Free on 3 (Three) mobile - Month Contract

£0.00- Buy it now

img

Samsung Galaxy S II Mobile Phone Handset £29.00 on 3 (Three) mobile - 24 Month Contract

£29.00- Buy it now

img

HTC One X Mobile Phone Handset £29.00 on 3 (Three) mobile - 24 Month Contract

£29.00- Buy it now

Free newsletters

Computeractive Weekly

A weekly update on our latest articles, videos, competitions and more

> Subscribe now

Computeractive Direct

A weekly update of software and gadgets deals from Computeractive

> Subscribe now

Question & Answer

Q.Why are some of the keys on my keyboard doing strange...

> Read the answer

Q.Is my phone’s Bluetooth any use?

> Read the answer

Q.Can I switch boot drives so that I can work on older...

> Read the answer

Latest issue & subscription deals

Poll

Are you concerned about viruses that target mobile phones?

Jargon Buster

Computing terms explained in plain English

Restore point

A Windows backup of system files and settings.

Great shopping deals from Computeractive