Computeractive – Issue 720, 8 October 2025
English | 76 pages | True PDF | 41.4 MB
Computeractive is the UK’s best-selling computer magazine and your friendly guide to PCs, gadgets and the web! It includes regular news updates, project ideas, help and advice on popular reader queries, articles on anti-virus software, features on consumer rights, and a whole lot more to help you get the very best out of your computer.
Comprehensive Overview of Computeractive Issue 720
This issue of Computeractive (8-21 October 2025) covers a wide range of topics, from essential software recommendations and security warnings to hardware reviews and practical tech tips. A central theme emphasizes improving digital security and efficiency for everyday users.
Password Management
- Recommendation to Switch Password Managers: The magazine strongly advises users to abandon browser-based password managers like those in Chrome and Edge, citing their lack of advanced features and lower security compared to dedicated programs .
- Review of Password Managers: Twenty tools were tested, with only three recommended. Key features highlighted for dedicated password managers include the ability to sync data across devices, store personal information securely, generate strong passwords, and manage two-factor authentication (2FA) codes .
- Zero-Knowledge Encryption: Dedicated password managers use zero-knowledge encryption, ensuring that only the user can decrypt their vault with a master password, offering superior protection compared to browser-based options that may require manual activation of end-to-end encryption .
- Bitwarden as a Top Choice: Bitwarden is highly recommended for its generous free plan, affordable Premium subscription (£8.80/year), unlimited login storage, cross-device syncing, and robust security features like password generation and secure note storage .
- Other Recommended Options: Proton Pass is noted for its ‘Hide-my-email’ aliases and Pass Monitor feature, while NordPass offers strong encryption (XChaCha20) and a user-friendly interface .
Software and Operating System Insights
- Windows 10 Support Extension: Microsoft has extended free Windows 10 support until 2026 for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), but the UK is excluded. This decision, influenced by consumer rights campaigners, allows users to enroll in the Extended Security Updates scheme .
- Windows 11 Installation without Junk: A workshop details how to install Windows 11 without bloatware using Flyoobe, allowing users to customize the ‘out-of-box-experience’, disable AI features, and configure privacy settings .
- ChatGPT and CAPTCHAs: ChatGPT has been tricked into solving image-based CAPTCHAs, raising concerns about the future reliability of these security tests .
- Free Software Recommendations: Google Play Games on PC allows playing over 200,000 free Android games, while LibreOffice’s AI can generate free images . OBS Studio is recommended for video recording and streaming, and Glow 25.12 for system information .
- Microsoft Tools Being Axed: Several Microsoft tools like Editor, Lists, Lens, and Publisher are being discontinued or integrated into other services, with alternatives recommended (e.g., Grammarly for Editor, Google Keep for Lists) .
Hardware Reviews and Recommendations
- Laptop Reviews: The PCSpecialist Defiance II gaming laptop is praised for its performance and screen, despite poor battery life . The Acer Aspire 14 AI 2025 is highlighted as a budget-friendly option with excellent battery life and performance for basic tasks .
- Networking Devices: The Netgear Orbi 370 mesh router is recommended as an affordable way to get Wi-Fi 7 speeds across the home . The TP-Link Tapo Smart HomeBase H500 is a versatile smart dock that supports the Matter standard .
- Peripherals and Components: The Edifier ES300 Bluetooth speaker is noted for its audio quality and design . JLab Go Pods ANC earbuds offer good noise-cancelling at a low price . The reMarkable Paper Pro Move writing tablet is reviewed for its paper-like writing experience . The Corsair MP600 Pro LPX 1TB SSD offers exceptionally fast speeds .
Practical Tech Tips and Warnings
- Emergency Alert Scams: Users are warned about fake ’emergency alert’ confirmation emails that attempt to install malware . The government will never send emails or texts for feedback on emergency alerts .
- Cookie Consent Pop-ups: The EU is considering loosening rules that force websites to seek cookie consent, potentially leading to fewer pop-ups .
- Photo Printing: Tips are provided on making photo prints last longer by choosing the right paper, ink, and printer settings .
- Browser Tips: Instructions are given for using Split View in Chrome for side-by-side browsing and enabling Edge’s scareware blocker .
- Family Tree Research: Advice on searching passport records and accessing index cards from the Passport Office for genealogy .
This issue provides valuable insights and practical guidance for users looking to enhance their digital security, optimize their devices, and stay informed about the latest tech trends and threats.