Simple clear advice in plain English

Step by step: Windows

Give your computer maximum security with Windows Firewall

We explain how to check if the Windows Firewall is working correctly, how to fix it if something goes wrong, and how to configure it for maximum protection

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Use Smart Folders to organise files

A free tool from Addictive Tips makes creating folders easy and fast

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Give your desktop a great new look

How to create attractive wallpapers for the Windows Desktop using your favourite photos

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Use Microsoft Word to create all types of electronic forms

We show you the best way to create an electronic form within a Word document

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

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Disable thumbnail images and speed up Windows 7 and Vista

It's possible to speed up your PC by disabling the preview icons in folder windows. It may only save a second or two when opening each window, but it all adds up

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Use Log Me In on an iPad to access your Windows computer remotely

You can now use remote-access software on a smartphone or tablet to access a Windows PC. We explore how to use the popular tool Log Me In on an iPad tablet

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How to fix common PC problems

Do you really need a technician if your PC won't behave? We explain how to diagnose and fix a variety of problems to get Windows back on its feet

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

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Download and install the Windows 8 Consumer Preview

Install and use the beta version of Microsoft Windows 8 free

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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 things working properly

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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

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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 the task a whole lot easier

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Restore older versions of files and folders deleted by mistake

Backing up files should be done regularly but is often forgotten but if you delete something all is not lost. We show how to use a handy feature of Windows 7

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Improve the speed of Windows startup with Microsoft Autoruns

Unnecessary programs and services that launch with Windows can slow down a PC’s startup. We show you how a free Microsoft tool can help speed things up

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Computing terms explained in plain English

Bittorrent

A technology for downloading files. Allows even very large files to be downloaded quickly.

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