Computer Act!ve articles from April 2008

Computer Act!ve archives from April 2008

Bookmark buddies.
April 3, 2008... Bookmark buddies Storing and sharing favourite websites online is convenient and can help you find more useful and interesting sites - we show you how to make good use of them Website bookmarks - the clickable links stored in your web...

keep your secrets Private.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... keep your secrets Private When you import your bookmarks into Delicious, you'll notice they're not shared A- and that's important. Before you share your bookmarks, or add new ones, make sure you're happy for someone to know you've...

Waltzing with Word.
April 3, 2008... Waltzing with Word Fed up with wasting time in Word and the other Microsoft Office applications? Then make your mark with macros Macros are stored lists of instructions that can be executed by clicking a button or using a shortcut key,...

Transfer your television recordings to an iPod.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Rob Beattie Transfer your television recordings to an iPod Getting videos onto an iPod isn't always straightforward. Find out how free software can help Users of Windows Media Center will be familiar with the joys of...

Learn to use the easiest Linux version.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Joe Cassells Learn to use the easiest Linux version Your first steps with the Linux operating system can seem scary. We show just how easy it can be Linux is a free alternative to the Windows or Mac OS operating systems....

Reach for the stars with Google Sky.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Rob Beattie Reach for the stars with Google Sky Discover how to turn Google Earth into a virtual planetarium Google Sky is an add-on for Google Earth, the free program that provided a 3D map of the world. Using a similar...

workshop intro.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Scott Colvey Change the Windows logon screen Tired of the same old greeting screen that appears when logging into Windows? Discover how to spruce it up. p40 Get up-to-date train information on the Vista Desktop Display...

Change the Windows logon screen.
April 3, 2008... Byline: NIck Peers Change the Windows logon screen Tired of the screen that appears when logging into Windows? Discover how to spruce it up Just about any aspect of Windows can be personalised but one screen that's harder...

Get up-to-date train information on the Vista Desktop.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Rob Beattie Get up-to-date train information on the Vista Desktop Find out how to display live train-departure information on the Windows Vista Sidebar Desktop gadgets have been around in one form or another for a few...

Streetwise.
April 3, 2008... Streetwise Take the pain out of reporting ruffians, getting access to vital services and making the most of local amenities with our guide to your neighbourhood Sometimes it's easy to miss what's right under your nose. While the web...

Find your local authorityi?1/2s website.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Find your local authority's website 1Open your web browser and type www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/Localcouncils into the address bar. Click on the 'Search for your local council in England' link. A new browser window will open. ...

Build a community website.(Website overview)
April 3, 2008... Build a community website Does your neighbourhood or local special interest group lack a voice on the web? Make your voice heard by creating a website. It's less daunting than it may sound and it won't break the bank, either. There...

keep an eye on local property prices.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... keep an eye on local property prices Just because you have no plans to move home doesn't mean you can't indulge in a spot of house price research. Visit the Houseprices website (www.houseprices.co.uk) and a quick postcode search will tell...

Find a good tradesperson.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Find a good tradesperson You may be tempted - particularly from a financial perspective - to do everything yourself, but there are some jobs that require a professional tradesperson. There are plenty of reputable and trustworthy people out...

Learning the local lingo.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Tim Smith Learning the local lingo Learning a language can be tough but a computer can make the process faster and more fun A- we explain how Many holiday destinations have it all: constant sunshine, beautiful scenery...

Digital Dictionary.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Tim Smith Digital Dictionary Not everyone knows that many phones can be used as phrasebooks. A useful utility is Mobile Translator English-Spanish, which translates 47,000 words. For a list of compatible phones, see the Getjar...

Breathe new life into old audio language courses.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Tim Smith Breathe new life into old audio language courses If you own a language course on CD, a computer and MP3 player can make it more useful. Rather than shuffling through discs, with a computer it is possible to...

Lost: The Video Game.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Jonathan Parkyn Lost: The Video Game Fun while it lasts, but not very challenging Info: http://lostgame.uk.ubi.com PEGI age rating: 16+ Also consider: Penumbra: Black Plague Overall: HHHHH Price:...

Free online games.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Anthony Dhanendran Free online games Dice Wars The remarkably addictive Dice Wars is also remarkably simple. You start with several sections of the map and click to attack your neighbours. Whether you win the skirmish...

Packard Bell Easynote XS.(Product/service evaluation)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Andrew Zarkesh Packard Bell Easynote XS This little notebook PC doesn't skimp on quality or power The Asus Eee, which we looked at in issue 260, was the first cheap, small notebook we'd seen that was sufficient for most...

Samsung Giorgio Armani Phone.(Product/service evaluation)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Andrea-Marie Vassou Samsung Giorgio Armani Phone Can this designer miniature stand up to its bigger touchscreen rivals? In our review of LG's Viewty phone, we complained that the touchscreen device was too chunky and said...

F-Secure Internet Security 2008.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Andrew Zarkesh F-Secure Internet Security 2008 No-nonsense internet security Internet security programs should be simple to set up but in practice they can be confusing. Problems can range from convoluted update procedures...

Kaspersky Internet Security 7.(Product/service evaluation)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Paul Wardley Kaspersky Internet Security 7 Excellent virus protection and more Kaspersky's latest software suite combines an anti-virus program with an internet firewall, parental controls and privacy protection. It...

Thrustmaster T.Flight Stick X.(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Tim Smith Thrustmaster T.Flight Stick X Flight simulators are not entirely the preserve of Windows-based computers, so for those who own both a PC and Playstation 3 console, the T.Flight Stick X can work with both. ...

Logitech Harmony One.(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Will Stapleyu Logitech Harmony One The Harmony One can replace up to 15 home entertainment remote controls and, like many others in the range, is configured automatically so there's no need to hunt down codes and enter them...

Nikon D60.(Product/service evaluation)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Gavin Stoker Nikon D60 More digital camera in one package than ever When we rated the D60's predecessors A- the D40 and D40x A- we reckoned they'd be perfect if only they featured some form of dust prevention to avoid...

Freecom Musicpal.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Will Stapley Freecom Musicpal Tune in to stations from all over the world With thousands of free-to-access internet radio stations available from all over the world, there really is something for everyone. However,...

McAfee Internet Security Suite 2008.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Paul Wardley McAfee Internet Security Suite 2008 Protection against online viruses with daily security updates Viruses are not the only online threats to your computer: spyware, spam and phishing are all designed to waste...

/ fix a troublesome excel macro.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... | fix a troublesome excel macro 1Reopen the Names workbook and press Alt and F11 to start the Editor. Introduce a mistake by changing the word 'cell' to 'call' on the last line but one. Press Alt and Q to return to Excel. Running the...

Macros in Office 2007.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Paul Wardley Macros in Office 2007 The sample macros used in this Masterclass work with Office 2007 as well as earlier versions of Office. Although Office 2007 has no Tools menu, the Macros dialogue box can be summoned from the...

Samsung SCX-4500.(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Paul Monckton Samsung SCX-4500 Combined printer-scanners can be found for as little as [pounds sterling]40, but the Samsung SCX-4500, while it costs a lot more, has an advantage: it is a laser printer, not an inkjet, which...

Doro Handle Easy 326gsm.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Tom Royal Doro Handle Easy 326gsm Doro's Handle Easy is a modern phone with a difference. At least twice the size of other mobile phones, it makes room for the buttons, which are extremely large at 1cm square. There are only...

Linksys WRT150N.(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Anthony Dhanendran Linksys WRT150N At the lower end of Linksys' range of routers is the WRT150N, a basic model that includes support for the latest 802.11n standard for faster wireless networking, although the router also...

Art And Craft T-Shirts and Transfers Kit.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Cliff Joseph Art And Craft T-Shirts and Transfers Kit Art and Craft Studio is a series of easy-to-use design programs aimed at those who want to experiment with creative projects at home. We looked at the T-shirt version....

Loc8tor Lite.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Anthony Dhanendran Loc8tor Lite The Loc8tor Lite is an invaluable gadget for anyone who's prone to losing things. It comes with two transmitters that can be stuck to any object. The transmitters are paired with the main unit, a...

Ricoh R8.(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Anthony Dhanendran Ricoh R8 Ricoh's Caplio range of cameras consists mainly of models with large lenses and screens, with bodies slightly on the bulky side. The company has addressed that in recent models, which have been...

Games news.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Anthony Dhanendran Games news Manhunt set free Controversial video game Manhunt 2 is to be released in the UK after a long legal battle. Originally due last year, the game's release was blocked by the BBFC, which issues...

Sandberg USB All-in-1 Hard Disk Link.(Product/service evaluation)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Anthony Dhanendran Sandberg USB All-in-1 Hard Disk Link Move hard disks the easy way The All-in-1 Hard Disk Link from Sandberg lets users take the hard disk out of a computer and connect it to another PC using a USB...

best buys.(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Anthony Dhanendran The quality of printers is getting better and better all the time. Here's our pick of recent photo and text printers, and combined printer-scanners, that won't break the bank 1 Lexmark X4850 The Lexmark...

Safety first.
April 3, 2008... Safety first Shortcuts are never advisable when it comes to DIY A- they can lead to sloppy work and poor results. And when it comes to safety, shortcuts can be disastrous. Building regulations are there not only to ensure that work is of a...

The right tools.
April 3, 2008... The right tools Not everyone's a natural 'Handy Andy' - find out how your PC can help you plan a DIY project Most of us have tried our hand at a bit of DIY at some point or other. Whether it be hanging a picture on a wall or designing...

Are mobile phone shops sexist?
April 3, 2008... Byline: andrea vassou Are mobile phone shops sexist? Women may have done much to shed their reputation as being technically clueless, but it seems there is one space they have yet to conquer: the mobile phone shops. Here prejudice...

Upgrade to East-Tec Backup 2008 for i?1/27.50 The latest version of East-Tec Backup includes enhanced compression, so you can back up more files on to one disk than before. There is support for incremental and differential backup, which means East-Tec can cop.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Chris Wiles Upgrade to East-Tec Backup 2008 for [pounds sterling]7.50 The latest version of East-Tec Backup includes enhanced compression, so you can back up more files on to one disk than before. There is support for...

East-Tec Backup 2007.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Chris Wiles East-Tec Backup 2007 System requirements: Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, XP or Vista Download from: www.computeractive.co.uk/easttec/index Registration: Required; click button in program Manufacturer...

how to get the most out of east-tec backup 2007.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Anthony Dhanendran how to get the most out of east-tec backup 2007 1 Download the file using the process described above, then run the installation program. Follow the instructions on screen, clicking Next where appropriate....

PM ducks broadband issue.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Paul Allen and Dinah Greek PM ducks broadband issue The Government has refused to act against misleading broadband speeds despite more than 11,000 people signing Computeractive's petition urging it to. Its response, which...

Printing web pages Q/How can I print out an entire web page? Every time I try with Internet Explorer 6, the right-hand side of the page gets cut off. John Haseldine A/The easiest way to improve the printing of web pages is to upgrade to Internet Explorer.
April 3, 2008... Printing web pages Q|How can I print out an entire web page? Every time I try with Internet Explorer 6, the right-hand side of the page gets cut off. John Haseldine A|The easiest way to improve the printing of web pages is to...

nmyspace adds new tools Myspace users can now add items such as games and song playlists to their profiles. The social networking site has launched a test version of its applications gallery, which allows people to install about 5,000 programs built by ex.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Andrea Vassou nmyspace adds new tools Myspace users can now add items such as games and song playlists to their profiles. The social networking site has launched a test version of its applications gallery, which allows people...

nVista sp1 ready to download Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is available for download. PCs configured for automatic updates will get the update in mid-April. SP1 will not install automatically if it recognises incompatible drivers. The standalone version, h.
April 3, 2008... Byline: staff nVista sp1 ready to download Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is available for download. PCs configured for automatic updates will get the update in mid-April. SP1 will not install automatically if it recognises incompatible...

Windows Watch For anyone who has ever wondered how their browser gets to a website when an address is typed in, our blog has some interesting information. A poster called Malor, over at the online discussion site metafilter.com, has provided a succinct ac.(Website overview)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Dinah Greek Windows Watch For anyone who has ever wondered how their browser gets to a website when an address is typed in, our blog has some interesting information. A poster called Malor, over at the online discussion site...

Gadgets puzzle the public.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Andrea Vassou Gadgets puzzle the public WE SPEND thousands of pounds on the latest gadgets and gizmos but never learn how to master them, according to Logitech. A recent survey by the gadget manufacturer found that European...

Address the issue.(Outlook Express)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Tim Smith Address the issue If you notice that your list of addresses in Outlook Express is getting longer and longer, you have probably switched on the automatic process that adds all recipients of emails to which you have...

Netchart.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Tim Smith A musical medley of websites Preview your music purchase www.magnatune.com Independent music company Magnatune has a wide variety of music styles and artists on offer. Not only can all the albums to be played...

Word indexing An index gives a professional look to a Word document and is easy to make. To add an entry highlight the text you want to include in the index and then press Alt, Shift and X together. Click Mark in the box that pops up. The selected text.
April 3, 2008... Word indexing An index gives a professional look to a Word document and is easy to make. To add an entry highlight the text you want to include in the index and then press Alt, Shift and X together. Click Mark in the box that pops...

Switch programs It is annoying when programs obscure other open windows. There is a way to get round this even when the minimize button is disabled. In Windows Vista you can either use the Flip 3D interface by pressing the Start button and tab, then sele.
April 3, 2008... Switch programs It is annoying when programs obscure other open windows. There is a way to get round this even when the minimize button is disabled. In Windows Vista you can either use the Flip 3D interface by pressing the Start button...

Avoid spam attacks If you include your email address in your website you may find it attracts lots of spam, but there are two ways to avoid picking up serious attacks. First, instead of using your best email address, you could sign up for a free email add.(Website overview)
April 3, 2008... Avoid spam attacks If you include your email address in your website you may find it attracts lots of spam, but there are two ways to avoid picking up serious attacks. First, instead of using your best email address, you could sign up...

Cases of card fraud rise by a quarter.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Dinah Greek Cases of card fraud rise by a quarter Card fraud increased by a quarter in the past year with losses rising to [pounds sterling]535.2m, mainly fuelled by the use of counterfeit cards overseas and card-not-present...

Techno points mean prizes Children aged nine to 11 have been invited to describe how technology could improve their community for a chance to win big prizes for their schools. The Make IT Happen competition will encourage pupils from UK schools to depict.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Andrea Vassou Techno points mean prizes Children aged nine to 11 have been invited to describe how technology could improve their community for a chance to win big prizes for their schools. The Make IT Happen competition...

nitunes offers C4 Channel 4 and Apple have struck a deal to sell programmes via Applei?1/2s iTunes software. The shows being offered as downloads will include Shameless, Skins, Peep Show and Black Books. They will be made available the day after transmission.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Andrea Vassou nitunes offers C4 Channel 4 and Apple have struck a deal to sell programmes via Apple's iTunes software. The shows being offered as downloads will include Shameless, Skins, Peep Show and Black Books. They will be...

Downloads.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Revise with home-made flashcards and enjoy virtual space travel this fortnight Orbiter Spaceflight Simulator A realistic space simulator, with real-life craft and fictional creations. Type: Freeware File size: 60.7MB ...

Kids to get fit with Fizzees.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Dinah Greek Kids to get fit with Fizzees Researchers hope that combining electronic gizmos with children's natural competitiveness will help kids get fit. Fizzees, developed by Futurelab and Bristol University, are digital...

Hacking in a heartbeat.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Andrea Vassou Hacking in a heartbeat wireless heart defibrillators could be hacked and patients' personal data stolen, warned US scientists. During tests, researchers at Washington University, Massachusetts University, and...

nmanage your friendships Facebook is to introduce new controls allowing users to create privacy distinctions between friends, family and colleagues. The features will give users more control over who sees information stored on their profile pages, choosi.
April 3, 2008... Byline: staff nmanage your friendships Facebook is to introduce new controls allowing users to create privacy distinctions between friends, family and colleagues. The features will give users more control over who sees information...

Petition calls to save XP.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Andrea Vassou Petition calls to save XP about 100,000 people worldwide have signed a petition asking Microsoft to save Windows XP. The petition wants retailers to continue selling the software after 30 June 2008 until...

Broadcasters bid to win young viewers.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Andrea Vassou Broadcasters bid to win young viewers Broadcasters are turning to social-networking websites to attract younger viewers. ITV has set up a profile on Bebo through which users of the site can access a range of...

Screen Wales hits the web A website that lets people upload and view videos on Welsh culture and news has been launched. Screen Wales has been described as the Welsh Youtube. It will feature video news for each region in Wales, plus entertainment and spo.(Website overview)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Andrea Vassou Screen Wales hits the web A website that lets people upload and view videos on Welsh culture and news has been launched. Screen Wales has been described as the Welsh Youtube. It will feature video news for...

Regain control of your data.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Dinah Greek Regain control of your data The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has urged people to regain some control over how their personal information is stored by using the Data Protection Act (DPA). David Smith,...

Free storage A new online service is offering 30GB of free storage accessible via a web browser from anywhere in the world. The Humyo.com service has nearly 90TB of storage space housed on servers in a former Bank of England vault. An intelligent interf.
April 3, 2008... Byline: staff Free storage A new online service is offering 30GB of free storage accessible via a web browser from anywhere in the world. The Humyo.com service has nearly 90TB of storage space housed on servers in a former Bank of...

Win a i?1/2450 entertainment package from Archos.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Byline: Andrea Vassou WIN a [pounds sterling]450 home entertainment package from Archos Two TV recorders and portable media players to give away Computeractive, together with Archos, is giving away two sets of media products,...

Firms fail to comply with email rules.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Dinah Greek Firms fail to comply with email rules Some of the UK's biggest companies make it difficult for consumers to unsubscribe from their email marketing lists, a study has found. They are also failing to fulfil their...

nFight for your consumer rights Following huge support for our Crystal Clear Broadband campaign, Computeractive is preparing to fight for your consumer rights when purchasing other products online and in stores. There are a number of laws protecting consu.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Tom Royal nFight for your consumer rights Following huge support for our Crystal Clear Broadband campaign, Computeractive is preparing to fight for your consumer rights when purchasing other products online and in stores. ...

Contract dispute hits broadband customers.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Dinah Greek Contract dispute hits broadband customers Internet service provider (ISP) Redten has criticised BT for pulling the plug on its broadband service last month which left customers without an internet service for 10...

Ad firm refutes privacy claims.
April 3, 2008... Byline: Dinah Greek Ad firm refutes privacy claims Privacy fears based on 'misunderstanding' of company's technology Developers of Webwise, a controversial web marketing and security tool, have refuted claims that its technology...

Should you use Webwise?
April 3, 2008... Because of the furore that Webwise has generated, Phorm and ISPs such as BT are at pains to push the security aspects of the technology. To protect people against phishing or rogue sites, Webwise checks web addresses against key industry...

Keep important data in sync.
April 17, 2008... Byline: Scott Colvey Keep important data in sync Information stored on a mobile phone or pocket computer can be synchronised with Windows Many people now carry mobile phones that double as powerful handheld computers. While...

Start PC programs automatically.(Brief article)
April 17, 2008... Byline: Scott Colvey Start PC programs automatically Save yourself time by launching favourite programs when Windows starts Recognise this scenario? Windows launches and you open the Start menu to find and open your web...

Quickly view your PCi?1/2s configuration details.
April 17, 2008... Byline: Scott Colvey Quickly view your PC's configuration details Belarc Advisor is a free and easy-to-use tool that builds a profile of your PC setup. Here's how to use it Modern PCs are extremely complicated beasts. A...

Jargon.
April 17, 2008... Byline: Scott Colvey Keep important data in sync We reveal how data stored on a mobile phone or pocket computer can be synchronised with Windows p36 get access to your favourite programs quickly Use Winkey to create keyboard...

Locate and watch any video file online.
April 17, 2008... Byline: Scott Colvey Locate and watch any video file online There's a confusing variety of video formats used on the web, but Miro can play them all Many people now watch video on the internet, from quick clips on Youtube to...

Access online files from any web-connected PC.
April 17, 2008... Byline: Andrew Sutcliffe Access online files from any web-connected PC Microsoft Skydrive is a new free online storage service. Here's how to use it Online storage isn't new, but it's rarely free. Microsoft's Skydrive is the...

Access your favourite programs fast.
April 17, 2008... Byline: Paul Wardley Access your favourite programs fast Use Winkey to create keyboard shortcuts that are accessible from anywhere within XP The two Windows keys on a standard keyboard are easily overlooked. Maybe you've seen...

/ Use GParted to shrink a partition.(Brief article)
April 17, 2008... Byline: Paul Wardley | Use GParted to shrink a partition 1This notebook PC hard disk has two partitions. The smaller one contains Windows XP and the larger one is an extended partition containing a single logical drive. This large...

doing it the windows way.(Brief article)
April 17, 2008... Byline: Paul Wardley doing it the windows way The Disk Management feature of the Windows XP Computer Management Console can't resize partitions: partitions have to be deleted and recreated, which destroys everything they contain. ...

Slice and dice your hard disk.
April 17, 2008... Byline: Paul Wardley Slice and dice your hard disk Divide your PC's hard disk for maximum performance and convenience Partitioning a hard disk means dividing it into several sections instead of using it as a single, giant...