Computer Act!ve articles from July 2007

Computer Act!ve archives from July 2007

Pentax Optio A30.
July 12, 2007... Byline: David Phelan Pentax Optio A30 Chic and feature-packed, Pentax's latest compact squeezes in 10 megapixels and anti-shake Now that compact cameras are so light, it's made shaky images slightly more likely in even bright...

Sony DPP-FP90.
July 12, 2007... Byline: Paul Lester Sony DPP-FP90 A high-performing but expensive compact photo printer Sony's DPP-FP90 is the latest in a range of dedicated photo printers designed to give photographers the convenience of professional-level...

workshops.
July 12, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Explore the Vista Sidebar Understand your browser's address bar Create online newsletters Get a webmail account Hints & Tips

Upload videos for the.
July 12, 2007... Byline: Mark Wilson Upload videos for the world to watch When it comes to sharing digital video online, the big name is Youtube. But there are other alternatives Think of a video-sharing website and the name that springs to...

Workshop intro.
July 12, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Upload videos for the world to watch Discover an alternative to Youtube for sharing digital video clips online p36A Master the XP Management Console Windows XP's Computer Management Console makes it easy...

Formula to success.(using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software)(Brief article)(Column)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Formula to success Within Excel it is sometimes useful to see the formulas contained in cells. This is easily accomplished en masse by holding down the Ctrl key while tapping the ` button (which, on most Qwerty...

Total shut off.(in Microsoft Windows Vista operating system)(Brief article)(Column)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Total shut off By default, the power button in Windows Vista's Start menu does not switch off the computer, but places it into a power-saving mode. To shut down the computer in the usual way, open the Control Panel...

A good pasting.(pasting the content from Microsoft Excel to Microsoft Word)(Column)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey A good pasting It can be useful to paste information from an Excel worksheet into Word when composing a letter. However, the usual copy and paste method results in the data being turned into a Word table, which may...

Equation solved.(in Microsoft Word software)(Brief article)(Column)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Equation solved If you use lots of scientific and mathematical equations in Microsoft Word, it can be very frustrating to scroll through the symbols list. There is an easier way of inputting such symbols to signify...

Update your website content.
July 12, 2007... Byline: Mark Wilson Update your website content using Firefox Upload or download files using a handy add-on for the Firefox web browser Anyone with a website will be familiar with the idea of using an FTP program to...

Master the XP Management.(Microsoft Windows XP operatng system)(Column)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Mark Wilson Master the XP Management Console Windows XP's Computer Management Console makes it easy to access tools to manage your PC Windows XP includes a number of tools that make it easy to take control of a...

Take screengrabs with Vista's.(Microsoft Windows Vista)(Column)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Take screengrabs with Vista's Snipping Tool Windows Vista includes a built-in tool for capturing screenshots. Find out how to use it Previous versions of Windows have included basic facilities to enable...

Happy.(Column)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Mark Wilson Happy holidays Find out how your computer can help you organise a range of fun activities for the family, both at home and in your local area Summer holidays are a time of year met with excitement,...

Parental controls.
July 12, 2007... Byline: Mark Wilson Parental controls Every parent wants to ensure that their children stay safe online, but exactly what steps to take depends largely on the ages of the children. Very young children should be closely monitored,...

Use the PC to get them outside.(Brief article)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Mark Wilson Use the PC to get them outside Spanning July and August, one can rightfully expect the school holidays to coincide with a spell of decent weather, so it does seem like a shame to be cooped up indoors, hunched over a...

Surviving Vista.(upgrading to Microsoft Windows Vista operating system)(Column)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Mark Wilson Surviving Vista Some will choose to upgrade, while others will be introduced to Vista when buying a new PC. Follow our practical guide for a smoother transition With all the advertising and hype, it would be...

The bare minimum spec for Vista.(Microsoft Windows Vista operating system)(Brief article)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Mark Wilson The bare minimum spec for Vista When looking at new computers, you are likely to find labels that mention Vista on the cases -- such as 'Windows Vista Capable' and 'Windows Vista Premium Ready'. But what do these...

What next for XP?
July 12, 2007... Byline: Mark Wilson What next for XP? Almost unbelievably, Windows XP is now more than five years old, and it was inevitable that it would be replaced. Ultimately, there will come a time when Microsoft no longer supports the...

Light.(using digital technology in lighting)(Column)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Niall Magennis Light fantastic Not even the simple lightbulb can escape the digital revolution. Here's how the latest gadgets will change our homes in the near future For most of us, lighting has changed very little...

Bulb technology to save the planet.(Column)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Niall Magennis Bulb technology to save the planet You've probably heard the phrase, 'more heat than light'. Well, it pretty much perfectly sums up the incandescent light bulbs that most of us still use in our homes. These bulbs...

Tomtom One XL.(global positioning system)(Product/service evaluation)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Paul Allen Tomtom One XL A bigger screen for the double-barrelled sat nav There was a time when Tomtom devices had a captive market as far as satellite navigation was concerned, despite being priced a little higher than...

Nokia 8600 Luna.
July 12, 2007... Byline: David Phelan Nokia 8600 Luna Like the earlier Nokia 8800, the new 8600 is a real glamour phone. Its looks are what set it apart and are what will convince you to buy it or not. The back of the phone is entirely clad in...

Mio Digiwalker C520t.(automotive navigation systems)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Paul Lester Mio Digiwalker C520t Slimline in-car mapping with useful features Mio's recent satellite navigation devices all have a new slimline design, and in the case of the C520t, a cradle for attaching to a car...

Samsung NV7 OPS.(digital camera)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 12, 2007... Samsung NV7 OPS Sharp-shooting 7x zoom compact Though Samsung's solidly built NV7 OPS misses out on this year's hot new technology, face recognition, it does tick many other boxes. The sophisticated compact boasts an impressive 7x...

Fujifilm Finepix F40fd.
July 12, 2007... Byline: Andrea-Marie Vassou Fujifilm Finepix F40fd Face recognition feature makes for Finepix Digital cameras have come a long way from the big and bulky basic devices of a few years ago. Sleek is in, along with sophisticated...

Beinsync 3 Pro.(disk and file management software)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Emil Larsen Beinsync 3 Pro Beinsync is for keeping files synchronised between various computers and enabling users to access files from a single PC elsewhere. The Windows Explorer-type layout enables folders to be set up...

Driving Test Success Hazard Perception 2007.(motor vehicle driving software)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Driving Test Success Hazard Perception 2007 We raved about Focus Multimedia's Driving Test Success All Tests disc in issue 226, so you may be wondering why we appear to be repeating ourselves. Well, though the...

French Phrasebook for iPod.
July 12, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey French Phrasebook for iPod Loads of people now carry iPods. So, the idea of putting a foreign-language phrasebook on an iPod's screen is a really good one. GSP's French Phrasebook for iPod is that idea...

Ninja Brain Workout.(educational game)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Ninja Brain Workout Any company with a similar CD-Rom to Nintendo's excellent Brain Training needs to be pretty confident. Brain Trainer developer Avanquest seems keen to cash in on Brain Training with...

Live and learn.(using Driving Test Success Hazard Perception 2007 software to learn motor vehicle driving)(Brief article)(Column)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Live and learn Master a foreign language and pass your driving test We have another pick 'n' mix pack of new CD Roms this issue, beginning with a mind-improving collection of software. Can Ninja Brain Workout...

V7 L22WD.(liquid crystal displays)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Paul Monckton V7 L22WD V7's L22WD monitor has been skilfully designed to look a bit more expensive than it actually is. A price of [pounds sterling]190 for a 22in monitor is low enough to make most observers think that some...

Shuttle XPC mini X 200.(personal computer)(Product/service evaluation)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Anthony Dhanendran Shuttle XPC mini X 200 Quiet and sleek media PC Shuttle is famous for having popularised the small computer a few years ago -- a PC in a far smaller box than the enormous tower boxes we were used to at...

Net chart.
July 12, 2007... Byline: Tim Smith We've some of the best web-based office programs for you this issue, so you don't have to buy software http://writer.zoho.com Zoho offers far more than just a word processor, with equivalents for just about every...

Design and create your first homepage in three steps.(Brief article)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Chris Wiles Design and create your first homepage in three steps 1The first stage is to select a template. There are templates for different kinds of homepage, whether you're intending to use your space for commercial use or to...

Save [pounds sterling]40 on Netobjects Fusion 10.(web development software)(Brief article)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Chris Wiles AA upgrade offer save [pounds sterling]40 on netobjects Fusion 10 The latest version of Netobjects Fusion ships with additional templates, objects that can be dropped onto a page (such as a calendar or a...

Netobjects Fusion 9.(web designing software)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Chris Wiles Netobjects Fusion 9 Quickly design, create and upload your website information Download from: www.computeractive.co.uk/netobjects9/index System requirements: Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP. 250MB...

Enemy Engaged 2.(computer war game)(Product/service evaluation)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Eddie Henderson Enemy Engaged 2 Marrying your ultimate nemesis would be more fun It's got to be pretty easy to release sequels for licensed blockbuster video games. Most people expect them to be rubbish, yet they'll buy...

Ezgear Ezvision.(mp3 player)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 12, 2007... Ezgear Ezvision Get closer to the movies with video goggles In the past, video goggles have been overpriced, uncomfortable, bulky and poor quality. The Ezvision from Ezgear (which is actually a rebranded edition of a Japanese...

M-Audio Mobilepre USB.(recording instrument)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 12, 2007... M-Audio Mobilepre USB The soundcards supplied with most computers are fine for playing music and for recording from ordinary audio devices but if you want to record with a real instrument such as a guitar, or from a microphone, none of the...

Vista versions.(Microsoft Windows Vista operating system)(Brief article)
July 12, 2007... Byline: Ben Tudor Vista versions One of the criticisms levelled at Vista is that there are an awful lot of versions. In fact, only three are worthy of interest for most of us -- Home Basic, Home Premium and Ultimate. Home Basic is...

Form and function.(Sound recording review)
July 12, 2007... Form and function There are many digital audio formats, all with their own uses, attractions and drawbacks. Here we examine some of the most popular options and explain the differences Copying, downloading and storing music...

Levi's ring in the changes Levi's is following in the steps of designers such as Prada and launching its own mobile phone. The phone, which will be available in September, is claimed by Levi's to have a compact design and sturdy steel casing. www.levi.co.
July 12, 2007... Levi's ring in the changes Levi's is following in the steps of designers such as Prada and launching its own mobile phone. The phone, which will be available in September, is claimed by Levi's to have a compact design and sturdy steel...

Firm praised for a greener Apple.
July 12, 2007... Firm praised for a greener Apple Greenpeace has praised Apple for its recycling programme and its efforts to remove toxic chemicals from its products. The environmental campaign group listed Apple at the bottom of its rankings in...

Shadowrun.
July 26, 2007... Byline: Eddie Henderson Shadowrun Brazil in the future: Ronaldinho out, orcs in Packed with orcs and elves, you might fear that Shadowrun is a foray back into the world of fantasy. But it comes with a nice X Men-esque twist: it's...

Group your file types.(Brief article)(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Group your file types When browsing mixed lists of document and media file types in Windows Explorer, it's possible to group the file types with separate headingsauseful when looking for a specific file. In...

Vary your icon size.(Brief article)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Vary your icon size With Vista, it is possible to configure Windows Desktop icons to a larger size by visiting the Personalize Control Panel. While large icons can be useful from time to time, you may well feel you...

Preview files.(using QuickView desktop utility)(Brief article)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Preview files In previous versions of Windows, there was a handy utility called QuickView which made it possible to quickly preview files without the need to load them up into their associated program. A...

How to use website.(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey How to use website addresses If published website links never seem to work then read our back-to-basics guide to getting connected The internet has been around for a while now but we still regularly get...

workshop intro.(using Microsoft Windows Vista and Google Mail)(Brief article)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Get to know the Vista Sidebar Windows Vista includes a Sidebar tool festooned with controls. We explain what it's all about p36A Get into online email with Google Mail Webmail is a handy...

Publish newsletters on.(internet)(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Paul Wardley Publish newsletters on the internet Create and distribute personal newsletters in minutes with the Letterpop website Creating newsletters is an age-old pastime, be it for friends and family or a local...

Get to know the.(using Microsoft Windows Vista tool bar)(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Rob Beattie Get to know the Vista Sidebar Windows Vista includes a Sidebar tool festooned with controls. We explain what it's all about A key part of Windows Vista is the Sidebar, a panel of software gizmos -- branded...

Tune up your browser.
July 26, 2007... Byline: Iain Thomson Tune up your browser We expect far more from websites than simple text and graphics -- here we show you how to access video, programs and games through a browser The exciting websites we have come to take...

The return of Flash.(Adobe Flash Player software)(Brief article)(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Iain Thomson The return of Flash Flash has enjoyed a return to favour, thanks to websites such as Youtube using it to display video. Other uses for the program include online games such as Popcap (www.popcap.com) or even...

A new remote for your TV.
July 26, 2007... Byline: Jonathan Parkyn A new remote for your TV Ever found yourself away from home and hankering for your TV? Well now you can tune in wherever you are. We explain how Only a few short years ago we were limited to five TV...

Alternatives to remote TV.(Brief article)(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Jonathan Parkyn Alternatives to remote TV Remote TV isn't the only way to watch programmes on the move. News bulletins, clips, trailers and sometimes entire shows are available online to watch on portable computers and on...

Cowon D2.(portable media player)(Product/service evaluation)
July 26, 2007... Cowon D2 A tiny but clever media player How small can a media player with a 2.5in screen get? Cowon's D2 comes in under 60mm by 80mm -- because the display is also a touch-screen. The screen can be operated with a fingertip or...

Keep your secrets safe.
July 26, 2007... Byline: Nigel Whitfield Keep your secrets safe Whoever said that the innocent have nothing to hide was wrong. For all sorts of reasons, everyone needs a bit of privacy. Here's how to maintain yours on a PC and the internet It...

User accounts.(Brief article)(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: NIgel Whitfield User accounts On the face of it, user accounts look like a good way of ensuring that documents on a computer can only be seen by the person who created them. But, unfortunately, the way they work in Windows...

Safety in mind from Vista.(Microsoft Windows Vista operating system)(Brief article)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Nigel Whitfield Safety in mind from Vista Windows Vista includes important changes that can make your computer more secure. Firstly, users are not administrators by default. This means that when you do restrict...

Downloads.(fast method to start Programs)(giving Microsoft Windows XP Microsoft Windows Vista look)(using ExifPro image processing software)(Brief article)(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Tim Smith Launchy www.computeractive.co.uk/2152836 The fastest way to start programs Forget looking through the Start Menu, just press Alt and Space, then start typing the name of the program to load or folder to open....

Kodak Easyshare 5300.
July 26, 2007... Kodak Easyshare 5300 A photo-quality printer with scanner and copier With multi-function devices fast gaining popularity among home users it's no surprise to see Kodak joining the party with a new range of its own. The...

Netchart.(searching for house online)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Tim Smith We take a look at sites with information and opening times of stately homes in England www.stately-homes.com This website is comprehensive with a design that is attractive but crams in a huge amount of...

Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Li1718.
July 26, 2007... Byline: Anthony Dhanendran Fujitsu Siemens Amilo Li1718 The price is a winner, but is this notebook too basic? Although it's only the beginning of the summer holidays, Fujitsu Siemens is already offering parents a head start for...

Lucinda Green's Equestrian Challenge.
July 26, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Lucinda Green's Equestrian Challenge It can't be easy finding a 'celebrity' name to front a game based on showjumping. Still, Xplosiv made the effort and came up with Lucinda Green, six-times winner of...

Animal magic.(computer games)(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Animal magic We look at five of the latest creature-feature CD-Roms This section is really going to the dogs. Specifically, it's going to Dogz from Focus and A New Breed from GSP, two new canine simulator...

Puppy Luv A New Breed.(Product/service evaluation)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Puppy Luv A New Breed We reviewed the first Puppy Luv title just a few months ago in issue 240. Now it's time for 'A New Breed' apparently. This essentially means two new types of pooch. So, in addition to...

Pawly Pets My Animal Hospital.(Concert review)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Pawly Pets My Animal Hospital Pawly Pets is very similar in concept and execution to My Animal Shelter, which we reviewed here just last issue. The idea is that the player takes charge of a home for ailing...

Dogz.(computer game)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Dogz At first blush Dogz seems identical to Puppy Luv A New Breed, reviewed below. Both are dog simulation games and both see players taking charge of cutesy puppies. However, in numerous ways Dogz is...

Open Season.(Open Season Activity Centre graphics software)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Scott Colvey Open Season We reviewed Open Season Activity Centre in issue 240 and loved it. Well, this is a different game with the same Open Season branding, but it is every bit as enjoyable as Activity Centre -- for...

Get into webmail with.
July 26, 2007... Get into webmail with Google Mail Webmail is a handy complement to traditional email software. Find out how to get the most from it Email has become such a common means of communication that few computer users could manage without...

Upgrade to Magix Ringtone Maker e-version.
July 26, 2007... Byline: Chris Wiles AA upgrade offer Upgrade to MAGIX Ringtone Maker 2007 e-version For those who want even more flexibility, the e-version of Magix Ringtone Maker 2007 ships with 400 pre-designed ringtones to get you started. ...

Ringtone Maker 2007 Silver Edition.
July 26, 2007... Byline: Chris Wiles Import, enhance and export a mobile ringtone 1Start Magix Ringtone Maker. Click the CD/DVD button to extract and import a tune from your favourite CD or click the My Music button and import a track from your...

A stitch in time.(managing folders in Microsoft Windows)(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Mark Wilson A stitch in time Files and folders are an integral part of Windows, yet they don't always look or behave the way we'd like them to. Take control with the Folder Options Control Panel Whatever you use your...

Folders in Vista.(Microsoft Windows Vista operating system)(Brief article)(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Mark Wilson Folders in Vista In this feature, we have concentrated on customising folders in Windows XP, but there are similar options, along with a few extras, available in Vista as well. Accessing Folder Options can...

Magix Ringtone Maker 2007 SilverImport, Record, edit and design your own mobile ringtones.
July 26, 2007... Magix Ringtone Maker 2007 SilverImport, Record, edit and design your own mobile ringtones information Download from: www.computeractive.co.uk/ringtonemaker/index System requirements: Windows 2000, XP or Vista, 211MB hard...

Email receipts QWhen I have to send an important email, I usually send a copy to my own address. This enables me to see what it will look like and that the transmission was successful. I can then save it and any replies. Some companies have a form on the.(using Microsoft Windows Update utility)(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Tim Smith, Anthony Dhanendran Email receipts QWhen I have to send an important email, I usually send a copy to my own address. This enables me to see what it will look like and that the transmission was successful. I can then...

Reader to the rescue.(to remove data from laptop computer )(managing a old computer with Microsoft Windows Vista)(Brief article)(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Tim Smith the problem I've had a notebook on loan from work but it's now time for it to go back. How can I wipe my details off the hard disk? 1965Richard, Computeractive forum your answer First use CCleaner...

Next issue.
July 26, 2007... Byline: Ben Tudor In the next issue... Take the work out of Word Whistle through Word documents at breakneck speed -- we show you how to save time and effort. What on earth is DRM? We explain what digital rights...

Maintain your privacy online.
July 26, 2007... Maintain your privacy online We don't always want details of every website we've visited on view to everyone. By default, both the Internet Explorer (IE) and Firefox web browsers keep a log of every page you visit, which can be handy if...

Graphic.(graphic image processing)(Column)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Nigel Whitfield Graphicpicks If you're building a website -- or just emailing some snaps to friends -- picking the right format for images is vital. We show you how The key to an easy life when working with images is...

Golden rules for web images.(Brief article)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Nigel Whitfield Golden rules for web images Edit losslessly Do your image editing using a lossless format such as TIFF before saving images as JPEGs, because quality is sacrificed with each JPEG save. Is it necessary?...

How to save images for a website.
July 26, 2007... Byline: Nigel Whitfield How to save images for a website We're going to show you how to create a photographic TIFF image for a website using a free application called Irfanview. You can download a copy at...

Win Symantec products worth [pounds sterling]1,800.
July 26, 2007... Byline: Anthony Dhanendran Win Symantec products worth over [pounds sterling]1,800! Protect your PC with this comprehensive internet security suite Together with security company Symantec, Computeractive is giving away a free copy...

Trust to house memories.(Codes and Ciphers Heritage Trust)(Brief article)
July 26, 2007... Byline: Staff and Dinah Greek Trust to house memories Bletchley Park will house the UK's first National Museum of Computing. Although the establishment is most famous for its Second World War code-breaking machines, it is also...