Computeractive - June 2, 2021 (True PDF)

MPACSTPEORRYOTUSR

AUDIO PORTS

3.5mm Coaxial Optical
An analogue port that lets you transmit A digital audio port that carries multi-
audio between your PC and devices channel audio, such as stereo or 5.1/7.1 Optical ports are digital and carry multi-
such as headphones, speakers and surround-sound. It connects to a similar channel audio, but transmit data by
microphones. Some PCs have six or more port on speakers using a coaxial cable pulsing a red beam of light. e port is
for connection to surround-sound systems. with an RCA connector. usually behind a small flap, which moves
aside when you plug in an optical cable.

DATA PORTS

Ethernet eSATA ExpressCard
An external version of SATA used to connect Common in laptops about 15 years ago,
Also known as an RJ45 or LAN port, this external hard drives and SSDs. Some these let you slot in cards measuring
connects your computer to a router or computers have eSATA/USB combination 54mm or 34mm wide, such as TV tuners
other network device. Most computers ports (pictured) – unlike standard eSATA, and modems for mobile broadband.
have either 10/100 (100Mbps) or Gigabit these ports can power devices.
LAN (1,000Mbps) ports.

FireWire Memory card slot PS/2
Also known as IEEE 1394 and i.LINK, Lets you transfer data to and from
FireWire was developed by Apple in the memory cards used in devices such as Connects mice and keyboard to your
1990s but dropped from Macs in 2012. It’s cameras and phones. Laptops often computer. ey usually come in pairs
still found on older Windows PCs and support only SD cards, whereas PCs will – one purple (keyboard), the other green
laptops and works in a similar way to USB. usually support a variety of cards. (mouse). USB keyboards and mice are
more common these days.

Serial USB-A USB-C/underbolt

A very old port that started to disappear e original USB port and used to USB-C ports are smaller than USB-A,
from computers in the early 2000s. Used connect all manner of devices. It supports reversible (so you can plug in connectors
to connect modems, mice and other up to the USB 3.1 standard (10Mbps). USB either way up) and support the fastest
devices. Looks similar to VGA, but serial is ‘hot-swappable’, meaning you can USB 3.2 standard. ey are used for Intel’s
ports are male (in other words, they have attach devices without having to restart underbolt standard.
pins, not sockets). your computer.

Issue 607 • 2 – 15 June 2021 51

MASTER YOUR AUDIO PORTS

aLinsdtesnpuesaiknegrsyour headphones EtanbaobfleytohuerSStoeurnedo sMeitxtionpgtsi.o..n in the Recording 1

When you’re watching a TV programme avoid feedback (for longer distances, 2
with another person, how often do you consider using a set of Bluetooth
have a conversation where one of you speakers). …latphteonp’ssestpuepaykoeursr aanuddihoeoaudtpphuot ntoesyour
says “Turn it up!” and the other responds monitor), you can specify which option
“Isn’t it loud enough already?”. is may Now return to the Recording tab in the you use for certain programs. is means
be a question of personal preference, or Sounds window (as in the previous tip), you could listen to YouTube audio
perhaps one of you is hard of hearing. but this time double-click the entry for through your headphones, while
Switch to watching the programme on a your Microphone. Tick the ‘Listen to this ensuring all other Windows sounds go
computer and you can both listen at device’ box, then select your speakers in via your laptop’s speakers (useful if you
different volume levels. the ‘Playback through this device’ box. want to hear alerts such as new email
After you click OK, anything you say into notifications, but don’t want them
All you need is a computer with an your microphone will be amplified and blasted through your headphones when
existing set of speakers (such as those broadcast by your speakers. you’re watching something).
built into a laptop or a PC monitor) and a
separate set of headphones plugged into TsepellaWkeinrsdotowusswehich Before you can set this up, you need to
the headphone port (usually coloured open the program whose audio you only
green). You then need to tell your When you have your headphones plugged want to hear through your headphones
headphones to ‘listen’ to your laptop’s into your computer alongside another set (you can switch a program’s audio output
audio – in other words, repeat whatever of speakers (such as those on your PC’s only when it’s running). In our example,
is played through your laptop’s built-in we have YouTube running in Edge. Now
speakers. open Settings (press the Windows key+I),
select System, Sound, then scroll down
To do this, right-click the volume icon
in your system tray, then select Sounds. Yposaypoournoeduulygari,corkhnaaetemonhratsrssdoyeptuotohgusophronlmaeyes
In the window that opens, select the
Recording tab, then double-click the
Stereo Mix option (if you can’t see this,
right-click an empty section of the
window, select Show Disabled Devices,
then right-click Stereo Mix and click
Enable – see screenshot above right)

In the window that opens, tick the
‘Listen to this device’ box (see 1 in the
screenshot above far right), then click
the dropdown menu under ‘Playback
through this device’ and select your
headphones 2.

Click OK, and you’ll hear your
computer’s audio through both your
laptop’s speakers and your headphones.
You can then adjust the volume of each
by right-clicking the volume icon in the
system tray, selecting ‘Open volume
mixer’, then moving the volume slider
next to the appropriate entry.

Tauprunbyliocuardcdormespsusteyrstientmo

You can also use Windows’ listening
feature from the previous tip to turn your
computer into a public address system
– perfect when you’re hosting a club
meeting or addressing a family gathering.

First, connect your microphone to your
computer via the 3.5mm mic port
(usually pink). If you’re using a laptop
with a built-in microphone, use that
instead. Next, attach the speakers to the
headphone port. It’s best to place them as
far away as possible from the laptop to

52 2 – 15 June 2021 • Issue 607

How well do you know your ports? MPACSTPEORRYOTUSR

Hardware manufacturers produce various on their computers and other devices. Can 5
weird and wonderful symbols to represent you name the ports these five symbols
the many different types of ports found relate to? Answers on page 57.

1 234

on the right-hand side and click ‘App attach to your computer via a single SslepotetmianekgePyrCsosuhcaovnenethcrtetehedmedtiocastuerdro3u.5ndm-msopuonrdts,
volume device preferences’. 3.5mm jack. is is fine for computers same ports (as with Logitech’s Z906
that have a combined headphone and system – £277 from www.snipca.
In the window that opens, you’ll see all microphone port (common on modern com/38298), you just connect them to the
programs that are currently playing laptops), but older laptops and most corresponding ports on your computer
audio. Each one will have two dropdown desktop PCs have separate ports. using three 3.5mm cables (£10 from
menus. e top box lets you select the Amazon www.snipca.com/38296, but
output audio device – in our example, To use single-jack headsets with these, usually included with surround-sound
we’ve opted to use our headphones for you’ll need to buy an adapter that splits speakers).
listening to anything in the Edge browser the cable into separate headphone and
(see screenshot below left). e bottom microphone jacks. We recently did If your computer has neither six-channel
menu lets you choose which input device this on our laptop using DnGeky’s audio nor optical/coaxial ports, you can
that program should use – such as your Headphone Splitter (£5 from www. connect surround-sound speakers using
laptop’s built-in microphone or the mic snipca.com/38292, pictured below left). a single 3.5mm cable – connecting the
attached to a headset that you’ve plugged Simply plug the headset jack into the headphone port on your computer to the
into your computer. 3.5mm socket on the adapter (see 1 in line-in port on your speakers. However,
the photo), then plug the separate mic this won’t produce true surround-sound,
When you close the program, Windows and headphone jacks 2 into the only stereo audio.
will remember your audio settings – so appropriate ports on your computer.
should you set Edge to only use your
headphones, it will default to these each sCpoenankeecrtssurround-sound
time you re-open Edge.
Whether you’re watching a film on your
Mwaitkheaysoinugrlheeaauddsieotpwoortrk computer or enjoying a flight simulator, a
good 5.1 surround-sound speaker system
Using your laptop’s built-in speakers for will immerse you in the action. However,
Skype and Zoom calls can soon start to precisely how you connect these type of
annoy other people in your house. To speakers to your computer isn’t always
avoid this, consider buying a headset, obvious.
which combines a set of headphones
with a microphone. If you can, the easiest way is to use a
coaxial or optical connection – both are
Most headsets (such as Logitech’s H151 digital, and can therefore carry surround-
- £17 from www.snipca.com/38291) sound audio over a single cable (see page
51 for what these ports look like). To do
1 this, you’ll need to have the same port on
both your computer and speakers – and
2 although most surround-sound speakers
have both coaxial and optical ports,
tTohsiseapdaaraptteerhceoandnpehcotnseaasnindgmlei-cjapcokrthseadset they’re not so common on computers.
Instead, you may be able to use
‘six-channel audio’, which connects pairs
of speakers using three separate 3.5mm
cables. Most PCs have these audio ports at
the rear of the case. ey are coloured
light-green/grey for the two front
speakers, black for the two rear speakers
and orange for the centre speaker and
subwoofer (pictured above right).

As long as your speaker system has the

Issue 607 • 2 – 15 June 2021 53

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MPACSTPEORRYOTUSR

MASTER YOUR VIDEO PORTS

Connect your PC to your TV fbhyCroouloiuwtcmtkrotTyntohVotesuotrPrcePrhaoComjeotcsote

Devices like Google’s Chromecast (£30
from www.snipca.com/38309) and the
Roku streaming stick (£xx from www.
snipca.com/38351) let you wirelessly cast
a specific program/service or your entire
desktop to your TV, but if your Wi-Fi is
slow you may find the video stream
constantly buffers or is poor quality. A
more reliable alternative is to connect
your TV to one of the video ports on your
computer - and as long as you have the
correct cable, you won’t have to buy
anything else to do this.
First, check that both your TV and
computer have an HDMI port (almost all
TVs have one, as do most PCs and laptops
built in the past five years or so). As we with a cheap adapter. adapter (£19 from www.snipca.com/38310),
mentioned on page 50, HDMI can carry To connect an HDMI port on your converts composite and S-Video inputs to
audio and video, so you only need one computer to a monitor with a DVI input, HDMI, though you need to buy the
cable. Once connected, switch your TV to you’ll need an HDMI-to-DVI adapter (£7 composite or S-Video cable separately.
the appropriate HDMI input. If your PC from www.snipca.com/38308). For older
desktop doesn’t appear on your TV monitors with VGA inputs, you’ll need an Daisy-chain multiple monitors
screen, press the Windows key+A on HDMI-to-VGA adapter. is £6 model Even if your PC or laptop has only a single
your computer to open the Action Centre, (from www.snipca.com/38306, pictured video output port, you may still be able to
click Project at the bottom-right (see below left) also also has a 3.5mm audio connect multiple monitors to it using a
screenshot above right), then select output port, which lets you connect a set process called ‘daisy-chaining’, whereby
Duplicate or Extend. of speakers to hear audio sent via the each monitor connects to another using
Many TVs also have VGA ports, so you HDMI cable. To connect a computer with DisplayPort cables. To do so, your
should still be able to connect an older a DVI port to a VGA monitor, buy a computer will need a DisplayPort
computer that doesn’t have HDMI. ere DVI-to-VGA adapter (£7 from www. video-output port that meets the
are two disadvantages to this option, snipca.com/38307). DisplayPort 1.2 standard (most do, but it’s
however. VGA is analogue, so the video When buying an adapter for a VGA worth checking your computer or
quality won’t match that of HDMI. monitor, make sure you get one that’s graphics card’s manual or website). Your
Additionally, because VGA cables can’t listed as being ‘active’ (look for this in the monitors will also need both DisplayPort
carry audio, you’ll either need to use your name or specs), which means it converts In and DisplayPort Out ports (such as on
computer’s built-in speakers or connect the digital DVI or HDMI signal to analogue Dell’s 27-inch U2719D – £329 from www.
the cable to a separate speaker system VGA. ose not listed as active are snipca.com/38305, pictured below).
using the headphone port. unlikely to work (the two adapters we’ve Assuming your hardware meets these
recommended above are both active). requirements, connect your first monitor
Re-use your old PC monitors Once you’ve connected your monitor, to the DisplayPort output port on your
If you have an old monitor gathering dust you can adjust its settings by right- computer. Next, use another DisplayPort
in your garage, why not breathe new life clicking your Windows desktop, then cable to link the DisplayPort Out port on
into it as a second screen for your clicking ‘Display settings’. Select your the first monitor to the DisplayPort In
computer? Don’t worry if your monitor monitor in the graphic at the top of the port on the second monitor. Depending
doesn’t have the right connector for the window, then scroll down to adjust on your monitors, you may need to
video port on your computer – you can settings such as its resolution, whether enable daisy-chaining in their menus
usually get the two talking to each other you want to duplicate or extend your – look for a setting called ‘DisplayPort 1.2’
desktop, and more. (or similar). You can then repeat this
You can also use adapters to convert process to add more monitors - precisely
older video ports to monitors. e LiNKFOR how many depends on how powerful
your computer’s graphics card is, but
12 most can support up to three.

TouhtispuHtDoMf aI-ntoH-DVMGAI paodratptotearsceotnonfescptseathkeerasudio Link DisplayPort monitors using their DisplayPort In (1) and DisplayPort Out ports (2)
Issue 607 • 2 – 15 June 2021 55

MASTER YOUR DATA PORTS

Identify your fastest USB port yTCeorysutsrttUahleSDBsisppkeoMerdtasrokufsing
USB ports on computers made in the past 12 3 provides faster, more reliable speeds than
five or so years tend to be the USB 3.1 with Wi-Fi. However, this will also
standard, meaning USB sticks that depend on the speed of your computer’s
support the same standard can transfer network adapter. Most PCs have Gigabit
data at around 150-250MB/s. However, LAN, which has a maximum speed of
older computers sometimes have a mix of 4 5 1,000Mbps (1Gbps). Older computers,
however, may have the slower 10/100
USB 3.1 and USB 2.0 ports – the latter network adapter (sometimes called Fast
will drop speeds to around 15-20MB/s. Ethernet), which has a maximum speed
One way to check which ports are USB of 100Mbps - significantly slower than
3.1 is to look for the letters ‘SS’ (stands for the 720Mbps of 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
SuperSpeed) to the left of the USB symbol
next to the port (as in the photo below). To check what speed your network
Not all computers follow this labelling adapter is, connect your computer to
system, however, and even USB 3.1 ports your router using an Ethernet cable, then
may perform at different speeds. To click Start, type network status and press
identify your fastest USB port (particularly test 4 to run a sequential data-transfer Enter. Click the Properties button at the
useful when transferring large files), you test, which reveals the USB port’s fastest top of the window, then scroll down to
need to run a few speed tests. transfer speed. the entry labelled ‘Link speed’. If it says
You’ll need a USB 3.1 stick (such as When the test completes, make a note ‘1000/1000’, it means your computer has
SanDisk’s 32GB Ultra Luxe - £7.50 from of the Read score 5, then close CDM, a Gigabit LAN network adapter. In
www.snipca.com/38316). Next, download move your USB stick to a different USB contrast, a link speed of ‘100/100’ (see
and install the free CrystalDiskMark port and repeat the test. Once you’ve screenshot left), means your connection
(CDM) tool from www.snipca.com/38317 tested all your ports, you’ll be able to see is limited to a maximum of just 100Mbps.
(click the green Installer button under which is fastest.
Standard Edition). Insert your USB stick While it’s likely this is due to your
into a port on your computer, then run sFlionwd oinugtyifoyuorunreEtwthoerrknet port is computer having a 10/100 network
CDM. Set the first box ( 1 in our adapter, you can’t be certain. It may
screenshot above right) to 2 (this runs the Where possible, we recommend using instead be that your router has the slower
test twice); the second box 2 to 128MiB your computer’s Ethernet port when 10/100 ports. To check this, run a Google
(this uses a 128MB file to test the speed); connecting it to your router because this search on the name of your network
and select your USB stick in the third adapter (you’ll find this under
box 3. Finally, click the ‘SEQ1M Q8T1’ Description in the Network Status
window). e search results should
Tthhaet‘iSt’Ss’UnSeBxt3t.o1tshtaenpdoarrtdon the right indicates Acalnintkrasnpsefeedr foilfe1s0o0n/ly10u0p tmoe1a0n0sMybopusr computer include the manufacturer’s website,
which will indicate whether it’s a 10/100
Fix your broken ports cards),pushfirmlydownonthecardand or Gigabit LAN adapter.
makesurethescrew onthe backplateis
When a port failsto work – or only works securely tightened. Should it turn out to be the former, you
intermittently– a loose connectionis often It’s also worth checking your ports in can either switch back to Wi-Fi or
the culprit. Fixingthis on a laptop isn’t Device Manager (type deviceman in the upgrade to a Gigabit LAN adapter (such
straightforward because you need to Start menu). A faulty port will have an as this model from Anker - £16 from
removethe chassis- which can be fiddly exclamation mark next to it, which you www.snipca.com/38321). If it’s the latter,
and mayinvalidate thewarranty.ingsare can normally fix by updating the driver. it’s likely your router has 10/100 ports (if
mucheasierwith a PC,though. Firstturnoff To do this, right-click the port, then select you got your router from your ISP,
your PC and touch a nearbyradiatorto ‘Update driver’ – Windows will then look contact them directly because you may
earth yourself.Next,open the case,then for a suitable driver (or you can tell it to be eligible for a free upgrade).
followthe cables from thefaulty port to the use one you’ve downloaded).
motherboard and ensure bothends are A down arrow next to a port means it
securely connected.Forportson PCIcards has been disabled – to fix this, right-click
(as is commonwith FireWireand eSATA the port and select ‘Enable device’.

56 2 – 15 June 2021 • Issue 607

MPACSTPEORRYOTUSR

Tsehrisiaol lpdoerrtM- iifcryoosuocftamn sotuilslefincodnonneects to a

SwohmeneyDoeullrllaappttooppsishasvweitachUeSdBoPffowerShare option that charges plugged-in USB devices even this CSL model sits flush with your
laptop’s case, so you
can’t accidentally knock it.

Before buying, make sure your
ExpressCard slot is 54mm wide (this CSL
adapter won’t fit 34mm slots).

lCahpatorgpeisyoswuritpchhoendeowffhen your (see screenshot above). On Lenovo Dkeoynb’totahrrdowanadwmaoyuysoeur old
laptops you need to enable the USB
When your phone’s running out of battery, Always On feature, while on HP models A keyboard and mouse you’ve used for
you can usually charge it via a USB port it’s called USB Charging. Save the years can be hard to part with, especially
on your laptop. However, you will need to changes, then power down your laptop. if the only reason you’re upgrading is
switch on your laptop, and leave it on You should now be able to charge your because your new PC doesn’t have the
while the phone is charging. Unless, that phone via the USB ports – on some required PS/2 ports.
is, your laptop supports ‘always-on’ USB laptops, this will only work if the laptop Happily though, with a PS/2-to-USB
ports, which charge devices even when is in Sleep mode rather than powered adapter (£7 from www.snipca.
the laptop is switched off. off completely. com/38319) you can carry on using your
To check whether you have this option, old keyboard and mouse. Simply connect
you need to open your laptop’s BIOS. MExapkreesussCeaorfdysoloutr old the keyboard (purple) and mouse (green)
Restart your laptop, then press whichever PS/2 cables to the adapter, then plug the
key flashes up on screen shortly after You may not find it on modern laptops, adapter into a USB port on your
turning it on (this will usually be the F1, but the ExpressCard expansion slot computer and you’ll be back using your
F12 or Delete key), and select Load BIOS was commonplace on machines built favourite keyboard and mouse in seconds.
(or similar) from the options that appear. before 2015 (we have one on our 2012 Dell It’s not the only adapter that lets you
If you don’t see this option, your laptop E6410 laptop). Instead of letting it go to revive your older devices. UGreen’s USB
probably uses UEFI (the modern version waste, use it to add a pair of USB 3.0 Serial Cable (£9.90 from www.snipca.
of BIOS). To launch the UEFI, boot into ports with this CSL adapter (£13 from com/38320) lets you connect serial-port
Windows, click Start, type change www.snipca.com/38318, pictured below). devices dating back to the classic
advanced, select ‘Change advanced Simply slot it into your ExpressCard slot, Microsoft Serial Mouse (from 1993,
start-up options’ from the results, then then use the two USB ports like any pictured above) – if you still have one
click Restart. In the recovery window other. Unlike most ExpressCard devices, that works, of course.
that appears, select Troubleshoot,
‘Advanced options’, ‘UEFI Firmware Nsyammbeotlhsose port
Settings’ then Restart. Answers to quiz on page 53

Once in your laptop’s BIOS or UEFI,
look for an option relating to USB power
and make sure that it’s enabled. On Dell 1 FireWire 2 DisplayPort 3 Serial
laptops, it’s called USB PowerShare and is 4 Ethernet/LAN 5 underbolt
found in the System Configuration menu TlahpitsoCpStLwEoxepxrtersasUCSarBdpaodratspter gives your

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Issue 607 • 2 – 15 June 2021 57





Dolidtcchhyaorguerr
Is the slow, wired power
yaoduarpdteervticheathcoaldminegwyiothu
back? Or has it gone
missing? Either way,
JthoenabtehsatnrePpalarkceymn reenvteals
chargers for your tech

Our portable devices would be ere are several fast-charging manufacturer’s website. Assuming your
pretty useless without a standards you should be aware of. device supports faster charging rates than
charger. Even the longest- Android devices from before around 2017 your current charger provides, you just
lasting batteries run out support Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, need to find a compatible charger that
eventually, requiring us to connect our which has charging rates of up to 27W. transfers power at the rate you require.
phones, tablets, laptops and other Many newer phones and tablets favour
products to a power source. USB Power Delivery (USB PD for short Your device’s manufacturer will
– see page 52), which supports up to probably sell fast chargers, though this is
But what if the charger that came 100W. Some manufacturers use their own often more expensive than necessary.
with your device is lost or damaged? Or standards to achieve even faster rates. Apple, for example, will sell you its 20W
what if, as is the case with many Apple USB-C power adapter for £19 (www.
products these days, it didn’t actually Speeds vary from device to device. snipca.com/38264), while practically
come with a charger in the first place? Many modern smartphones, including identical non-Apple equivalents on
iPhones released since 2017 and Google Amazon (complete with folding pins) cost
Even if you still have your device’s Pixel phones, support 18-20W, though just £13. However, if you are going to buy
original charger and it works well, it some recent devices, including models a third-party charger, stick to respected
could be worth replacing. You may be from Samsung, OnePlus and Oppo, have accessory brands such as Anker, Belkin
able to charge your devices faster or started supporting 30W and beyond. and RAVPower. We’ve heard too many
wirelessly, or even charge multiple Newer tablets usually support faster horror stories about cheap, sub-standard
devices at the same time. And as we all charging speeds as well. chargers bursting into flames.
start to get out and about again, having a
portable power source to charge your Before you buy anything, you’ll need to Anker’s 20W Nano USB-C Plug (£17
devices while you’re away will become establish what charging standards and from www.snipca.com/38277, pictured
indispensable. Here, we explain your rates your device supports, and what rate below left) is a good option for most
options. its current charger provides. e best way phones thanks to its standard USB-C
to do this is to check the specifications connection (though you’ll need to supply
Charge your devices faster for your device and its charger on the the cable yourself).
Awnitkhemr’san2y0WphoNnaenso USB-C Plug is compatible
In simple terms, charging works by 2
transferring energy from a power 1
supply to your device’s battery at a
specific rate, measured in Watts (W). aRnAdVsPloowweerr’sU£S3B2-Achcaorngneerchtaiosna(2fa)st USB-C (1)
More Watts means faster charging speeds.
Smartphones are often supplied with a
basic charger that outputs only 5W, but if
yours supports faster charging, it can be
connected to power sources that output
energy at much higher rates. is can
halve charging times, letting you reach an
80-per-cent charge in just 20 minutes.

60 2 – 15 June 2021 • Issue 607

If you need a bit more muscle, you
could opt for the RAVPower 65W USB PD

Charge via USB in wall socketsCharger(£32fromwww.snipca.
com/38266), which is capable of 65W (for Wall-socketfaceplateswith com/38283, pictured).
devices that support it) via its USB-C integrated USB sockets Currently, the maximum
connection ( 1 in our picture below left), are an increasingly output from USB ports
as well as a decent 18W charge via a popular option for on most wall-socket
secondary USB-A port 2. charging devices around faceplates is 15.5W, but
your home. It’s fairly cheap watch out for cheaper and current (A for amps),
Charge your devices wirelessly and straightforward to faceplates with lower requiring you to perform
Switching to a wireless charger can be replace existing faceplates rates, as these will charge a quick spot of maths to
liberating. Instead of fiddling around with ones that offer USB your devices more calculate the wattage.
with cables and connections every time connections, such as the slowly. Note that some Basically, V x A = W, so a
you want to charge your device, you BG Electrical nbs22u3g manufacturers quote 5V/3.1A socket will output
simply place it on the charger and let it (£12 from www.snipca. their output in voltage (V) at 15.5W.
power up your battery via an invisible
electromagnetic field. Of course, they’re
not completely wireless – they still wireless chargers come with a power
connect to a wall socket via a cable, but adapter – Anker’s PowerWave Pad
this can be tucked neatly away and doesn’t, for example – so check whether
forgotten about. you’ll need to buy one separately.
Not all devices support wireless
charging (check your specifications sCihmaurglteanmeooruesldyevices
again), though a growing number do.
And the good news is that there’s only If your household has too many devices
one wireless-charging standard – called and not enough chargers, the solution is a hEUAPsaonSsswkBeete-nwrCrt’sCioaaolinnr2dep0um0tsi0c–r0ofUoSr B
Qi (pronounced Chee) – to contend with. USB power hub – also known as a
It’s been adopted by most major charging station. ese look similar to
manufacturers, including Apple, Google, USB hubs you plug into a PC to give
Samsung, Huawei and others. yourself more ports, except there’s no charging speeds may be another factor to
Currently, wireless charging can’t data connection – just a power adapter. consider before you buy. e Anker
achieve the top speeds of fast wired e benefit is that you can power up PowerCore Essential offers two input
chargers, but many products, including multiple devices from a single wall socket sockets for charging: USB-C and
Anker’s PowerWave Pad (£26 from www. without using individual adapters. microUSB (pictured above). Using the
snipca.com/38278, pictured below) can RAVPower’s Desktop USB Charging former with a 10W charger (not supplied)
deliver up to a respectable 15W for Station (£24 from www.snipca. charges the device to full capacity in
devices that support that level, and will com/38282) provides a total of 60W around 10 hours. Charging via the
automatically switch to lower outputs for output for up to six devices via USB-A microUSB will take almost twice as long.
those that don’t. Like many wireless sockets – that’s 10W per device.
chargers, the PowerWave is based on a Charge your laptop
pad-like design that looks a bit like a yCohua’rrgeeaywoauyr fdreovmicheowmheen
space-age drinks coaster. An increasing number of laptops are
adopting USB PD for their mains charging
Some wireless chargers come as stands, So far, all our recommendations have input (via a USB-C port), including models
like Belkin’s Boost Charge Wireless assumed you’ll be within reach of a wall in the Dell XPS range. If yours does, then
Charging Stand (£29 from www.snipca. socket when your devices need a power it may be possible to charge it on the go
com/38281), a 15W charger that keeps boost. But they won’t help if you happen using a powerbank. e powerbank will
your device propped up as it’s powered to be away from your home or office. need a corresponding USB PD output.
up. Or if you have more than one at’s where powerbanks come in. ese Because laptop batteries use more
wirelessly chargeable device, consider are portable battery packs that carry their power than their smartphone equivalents,
Belkin’s Boost Charge Dual Wireless own power supply so you can keep your you’ll need a high-capacity powerbank
Charging Pad (£40 from www.snipca. devices powered wherever you are. like Anker’s PowerCore+ 26800 (£80
com/38269), which can power up two e Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 from www.snipca.com/38300). But even
devices at the same time. costs just £30 from www.snipca.com/38284 this, with a 26,800mAh-capacity battery
It’s worth mentioning that not all (pictured above right) and will easily fit pack, has enough power only for a single
inside your pocket. Its 20,000mAh battery charge of a Dell XPS 13 laptop.
capacity might not be as generous as Lenovo, meanwhile, is experimenting
AaPtan1dk5edWre’slivPeorwseproWwaevre more expensive models, but it’s enough with the idea of wireless charging for
to provide most modern smartphones laptops. Its two-screen inkBook Plus
with around five full charges and there Gen 2 (www.snipca.com/38297), unveiled
are a couple of USB ports for charging earlier this year, can be charged wirelessly
two devices at the same time. through a inkBook Charging Mat. UK
Of course, you’ll need to charge the pricing and specs for the charging system
powerbank itself before you head out, so have yet to be announced.

Issue 607 • 2 – 15 June 2021 61

HBlaucektoYootuh

You probably use Bluetooth to share files
cbaentwdeoewnidthevthicisesu,nbduetrtrhaetreed’swsiroemlesuschtemchonreolyooguy.
Robert Irvine reveals how to make Bluetooth
faster,smarter and safer

oSvhearreByluoeutroiontthernet connection Select your phone in the Devices window, (typically 6-9 feet, or 2-3 metres) for
click the ‘Connect using’ dropdown menu more than one minute.
When your broadband goes down and and choose ‘Access point’ (see screenshot You can turn on ‘Dynamic lock’ by
your computer can’t get online, one below left). Your computer will now going to Settings, Accounts, then ‘Sign-in
solution is to tether your mobile connect to the web over your phone’s options’. Scroll down to ‘Dynamic lock’
connection. is usually involves turning tethered Bluetooth connection. If it and select ‘Allow Windows to lock your
your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot, so you doesn’t work, try restarting your browser. device automatically when you’re away’.
can share the internet across devices, but A similar feature, called Smart Lock, is
it’s also possible to tether mobile data dQeuvicickelys pwaiitrhBylouuertocootmh puter available on Android phones and tablets.
over Bluetooth. Although this method is is unlocks your mobile device when a
slower than Wi-Fi, and restricts you to Windows 10’s Swift Pair feature offers a paired Bluetooth device is nearby and
connecting to only one device at a time, it speedy way to pair your computer with locks it when the latter is out of range.
has the benefit of using less battery supportedperipherals, without you needing To set up Smart Lock, go to Settings,
power. Just make sure your mobile to scan for them manually. Compatible Security, Smart Lock and tap ‘Trusted
network won’t charge you for tethering. devices include Bluetooth-enabled mice, devices’. Select ‘Add trusted device’,
To share your connection, first pair keyboards and headsets made by choose the device you want to use and
your phone with your computer, then on Microsoft, and Samsung Galaxy earbuds. tap ‘Yes, Add’. You can add Smart Lock to
an Android device, go to Settings, To activate it, open the Settings app, your iPhone or iPad by installing Google’s
‘Network & Internet’, ‘Hotspot & click Devices, then ‘Bluetooth and other free app from www.snipca.com/38170.
tethering’ and switch on ‘Bluetooth devices’ and ensure Bluetooth is switched
tethering’. On an iPhone, go to Settings on. Tick the box next to ‘Show notifications CBhlueectkooththedbeavttiecerysstatus of
then switch on Personal Hotspot. to connect using Swift Pair’, then switch
Next, on your computer, right-click the on pairing mode on your other device. It’s easy to see how much battery life you
Bluetooth icon on the taskbar (click the Windows will automatically detect the have left on your phone or tablet, but on
small up arrow if you can’t see this) and device and prompt you to connect it, peripherals such as your mouse, keyboard
choose ‘Join a Personal Area Network’. displaying a PIN where applicable, so you or stylus pen, you usually can’t tell until
can complete the pairing process. they stop working properly. Bluetooth
provides a handy solution to this problem
pLohcokneyoauurtocmomatpicuatellyr and by letting you check the battery level of
One of Windows 10’s most useful compatible devices in Windows, so you
know when to recharge them or replace
Bluetooth features is ‘Dynamic lock’, their batteries.
which protects your privacy by locking Open the Settings app in Windows 10
your computer automatically when you and click Devices, followed by ‘Bluetooth
step away from it. It works by detecting & other devices’. Select the peripheral
when a paired device, such as your phone whose battery life you want to check and
wTehtheenryyoouurrinmteorbnileetcgoonensedcotiwonnover Bluetooth or headset, moves out of Bluetooth range you’ll see a percentage on the right (see

62 2 – 15 June 2021 • Issue 607

1 2 sWBsnuheluucoaenhwrtdyaoeyosoroutefuhiaanhdrrdeboewuwvtodiiclslleosst

43

Olepveenl oWf yinoduorwPsC’Sseptetirnipghsetoraclsheck the battery YdoevuicceasnvuipadDaetevitcheeMdarinvaegrsefror your Bluetooth

screenshot above). If you don’t see this then choose ‘Search automatically for
indicator, either your Bluetooth device drivers’ 3. Install the updated driver if you can find it using the free Bluetooth-
doesn’t support the feature or you need to Windows finds one. scanning app Wunderfind. Install it on
update its drivers (see next tip). In the unlikely event of an update your Android phone (www.snipca.
causing problems, choose Properties 4, com/38177) or iPhone (www.snipca.
UBlpudeattoeotthhedderviivceerss for then Driver and click the Roll Back Driver com/38178) and it will scan for active
Although hardware limitations may button to uninstall it. Bluetooth devices in your vicinity.
prevent you from upgrading your Move around to increase the signal
Bluetooth version (see box below), you FuisnindgloysotuBrlupehtoonoeth devices strength then select the item you’re
can still update device drivers to fix bugs, Bluetooth earphones – or ‘earbuds’ as looking for and the app will show a
unlock new features and improve they’re commonly known these days – radar containing a ‘distance score’ (see
compatibility with other devices. offer a flexible, wireless way to listen to screenshot above). e closer you get,
Open Device Manager in Windows, music and the radio, but they often fall the higher the score.
either by right-clicking the Start menu or out and go astray (which can prove very
by typing device manager in the search expensive if you bought some Apple e Android app lets you play a sound
box, and click the arrow next to AirPods for £160). on the lost device to alert you to its
Bluetooth ( 1 in our screenshot above ankfully, should you lose an earbud, whereabouts, but on iOS this option is
right) to expand that category. Right-click or another small Bluetooth device such as only available in the £4.99 Pro version
a Bluetooth device, select ‘Update driver’ 2, a fitness tracker, there’s a good chance (which also plots nearby Bluetooth
devices on a map).
Should you upgrade to Bluetooth 5.2?
dPerovtiececst yaoguarinBsltuheatockoethrs
Bluetooth technology is constantly Details of the first devices with
improving. e most recent version – or Bluetooth 5.2 are currently emerging, Because Bluetooth makes it easy to
‘standard’ – is Bluetooth 5.2, which was including new earbuds from Google, Sony connect devices, it puts you at risk from
released at the beginning of 2020 and and Honor, and Intel’s NUC 11 Essential nearby hackers. ey can use a technique
introduced a feature called LE (Low Desktop PC (www.snipca.com/38183). called ‘bluejacking’ to send messages,
Energy) Audio. is lets Bluetooth However, it’s worth waiting for the photos or videos to your phone, while
devices stream audio to multiple users standard to appear on more hardware ‘bluebugging’ gives a hacker complete
simultaneously, so you can, for example, before you rush to upgrade, because control of your device.
have several Bluetooth headsets you won’t enjoy the benefits if you have
wirelessly connected to a single speaker. Bluetooth 5.2 on only one device. e obvious way to avoid being hacked
is to turn off Bluetooth when you’re not
LE Audio uses less power and You can check which version of using it, but this isn’t always possible
bandwidth than previous Bluetooth Bluetooth is on your computer by right- – for example, the NHS Covid-19 app
standards, conserving battery life, and clicking your Bluetooth adapter (it might requires Bluetooth to be constantly
will also support (high-end) hearing aids be named Qualcomm, Intel or Realtek) in active. Alternatively, make your PC or
(read more about these at www.snipca. Device Manager and choosing Properties, mobile device ‘undiscoverable’ until you
com/38240). followed by Advanced. Look for the LMP need to pair it with something else.
(Link Manager Protocol) number next to
‘Firmware version’. If this is ‘9.xxx’ (see You can do this in Windows 10 by
screenshot), your computer has Bluetooth clicking ‘More Bluetooth options’ on the
5. If the number is ‘8.xxx’, it has Bluetooth ‘Bluetooth & other devices’ screen and
4.2 and you’ll need a new Bluetooth unticking the option ‘Allow Bluetooth
adapter to upgrade your version. devices to find this PC’. On Android, go to
Settings, Location, ‘Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
See Microsoft’s support article at www. scanning’ and disable ‘Bluetooth
snipca.com/38184 for more information scanning’. On an iPhone or iPad, you’ll
about these specifications. need to turn Bluetooth off altogether.

Other precautions include not pairing
devices in public places and never
accepting pairing requests from
unrecognised sources.

Issue 607 • 2 – 15 June 2021 63

ProblemsSolved

Our experts solve all your tech problems

PROBLEM OF THE FORTNIGHT 1

Why is Outlook ‘not responding’?
Q I’ve been using Office 2016 for
quite a few years without
problem, but recently,
Outlook 2016 has started to hang with
a ‘not responding’ error message every
so often – perhaps when creating an
appointment or email, or just filing an
email. I can force Outlook to close and
reload it but this problem is really
annoying. I’ve tried repairing Office,
uninstalled and reinstalled the whole
suite, replaced Office 2016 with Office
365, and checked my drives for errors.
Everything seems in order but nothing
helps. e only thing I haven’t tried is a
clean install, but I am loath to do it as
there are a lot of programs that would
need to be reinstalled. Any ideas?

Michael Chappell

A You’ve clearly tried lots of
options, but one thing you
didn’t mention – and it’s a
factor that can bring Outlook to its
knees, and often suddenly – is the
size of the email database. For this,
Outlook 2016 defines a default To cut the number of files in Outlook's email database, select the Empty Deleted Items Folder
maximum size of 50GB.
To be clear, that allows for a vast those above a certain size. In the results a hidden but crucial technique that
number of emails and attachments, list, you can then delete individual items instructs Outlook to reduce the size of
and few people are likely to hit the by clicking to select them and then the file by removing all the empty
50GB ceiling quickly, if ever. hitting the Delete key, or you can erase spaces created by the methods
Nonetheless, the bigger the database the lot by first selecting all matches by described above.
file grows, the slower Outlook will run. pressing Control (Ctrl)+A and then To do this, first click File followed by
Should the file tip over the 50GB mark, pressing Delete. Account Settings and then Account
which Outlook allows to happen However, while essential for the next Settings again. Next, click to select the
without warning, then it can slow to a step, all this won’t actually reduce the Data Files tab and then click to select
total crawl. size of your Outlook database file. To do the relevant database file (you might
Fortunately, the program has built-in that, you need to compact the database – have more than one, if you maintain
tools to help. First, spend a little time multiple inboxes).
deleting old or otherwise unwanted 2 Finally, click the Settings
emails. You can do this manually, with button followed by the
the Delete (Del) key, or by clicking File Compact Now button 2.
followed by Tools, and then making use Note that if your mailbox
of the options there. Clicking ‘Empty is large – and our guess
Deleted Items Folder’ will do just that is that it is likely to be –
(see screenshot 1 ), while choosing then it could take many
Mailbox Cleanup will open a menu that minutes or even hours
will allow you to set search criteria, so for this process to
you can look for old emails, or perhaps sCilziceko‘fCyoomupraOcuttNlooowk’dinatOauftilleook Data File Settings to reduce the complete.

64 2 - 15 June 2021 • Issue 607

Email usnyoopurropbrloemble@mcoamndpuwtee’rllatcrtyivteo.choe.ulpk:

What’s causing my email text to shrink in Outlook.com?

Q I have an Asus X555L laptop down to the pinch-to-zoom feature of cTahuesAespursobXl5e5m5sLf’sorosffo-mceenutrseetrosuchpad may
(pictured). Occasionally, when your laptop’s touchpad. ese are very e fix, then, is either to be aware of
I’m writing an email in Outlook. common, and mimic the same gestures
com the text shrinks to a much smaller that are familiar to any smartphone or this fact and be careful with your wrist
font, which can be impossible to read. tablet user. Unlike the keyboard/mouse placement, or to disable the pinch-to-
I have to cancel the email, close the shortcuts, touchpad gestures are all too zoom feature. To do the latter, first click
browser and restart from the beginning. easy to activate unintentionally – so we Start followed by the Settings cog, and
If I manage to finish and send the email, think this might be what’s happening. then click Devices followed by Touchpad.
the recipient has no problem because at Finally, on the right, below the ‘Scroll and
their end it arrives in the correct size. I For example, if you have a habit of zoom’ heading, click to clear the tick
must be touching one of the bottom-left keeping one wrist resting below the from the ‘Pinch to zoom’ box.
keys, near the wrist rest, but which? keyboard while using the touchpad to
click options or scroll, you could well
Christine Moss have the heel of your hand on the
touchpad. en, making a move with a
A We think this is probably down finger on your other hand could be
to the zoom control in the interpreted by the touchpad as a pinch-
browser. We don’t know which to-zoom gesture.
browser you’re using, but in this respect
almost all work in the same way. at’s to If you’re right-handed then our theory
say, holding down Control (Ctrl) while is further supported by the fact that your
twiddling the mouse wheel, or pressing particular laptop model has an off-centre
Ctrl and then plus (‘+’) or minus (‘-’) will touchpad (see screenshot above right).
zoom in or out. is sits to the left-hand side of the wrist
However, none of these shortcuts are rest, meaning your left hand may
particularly easy to execute by accident. naturally come to rest on the edge of it
Instead, we think that this might be while you move the mouse with a
right-hand finger.

pWrhinyt dsmo mally? PDFs s‘SHtpUsyoPheooruianazeilutnndteegshrptdece-&afaPtlriitgln‘DlFegFit’’
Q When I try to print PDFs they

appear on the page as very
small images on the A4 sheet
– almost as little as a postage stamp. I
use Adobe Reader. Have I ticked the
wrong box somewhere? Or has a
Windows 10 update caused a problem?
Love the magazine, by the way. Truly, I
learn something new with every issue,
and I have been a lifelong subscriber.

Alan Barlow

A anks for your kind words, the size by clicking File followed by Handling’ section, choose the ‘Fit’
Alan. ere are a few things Properties and then choosing the option (as ‘Shrink oversized pages’ is
that can cause this hiccup, Description tab. In the Advanced section, probably your current default – see
though most revolve around how a PDF the figure next to Page Size is the set screenshot above), and, if ticked, click
was prepared – the most likely being output size. e dimensions might be to clear the ‘Choose paper source by
the intended paper size for the printout. small because the documents were only PDF page size’ box. You should notice
ese attributes are set by the creator ever intended for viewing on a that the thumbnail preview on the
of the PDF, the paid-for tool Adobe smartphone screen, for example. right-hand side of the Print box now
Acrobat, and can’t be changed in the expands to fit the chosen paper size, so
free Reader app. However, you can set To overcome this, when you choose now you’re good to click Print.
Reader’s Print option, in the ‘Page Size &

Issue 607 • 2- 15 June 2021 65

Problems Solved

gSmrhayopouhllddicIsucsaerd? What’s happened to my File Explorer? 1
Q I bought a Palicomp PC
Q I’m hoping you can help this
with a Ryzen 5 3400G elderly reader with what is no
processor (pictured below), doubt a simple problem. When I
8GB RAM and Windows 10 Pro. launch Windows 10 File Explorer, the
ere’s no separate graphics card. panel that includes links to is PC,
Graphics performance with the Desktop, OneDrive and so forth is no
integrated Vega graphics seems very longer present. Instead, all I get are
good, but would I derive any benefit headings for ‘Frequent folders’ and ‘Recent
by fitting the Nvidia GeForce 8800 files’. I think it may have changed after an
GT 512MB card from my previous update. My drive letters are also missing.
self-built PC? John Lambie Ssueclehcats‘NTahvisigPaCtioannpdaDnees’ktotorpestotoFreilefeEaxtpulroerser
A You helpfully sent us a
Mike Pope screenshot so we could see a click on the ‘Navigation pane’ icon at
that what’s missing is an area the top-left of the File Explorer window,
A Comparing the performance Microsoft calls the ‘Navigation pane’, followed by a second click to tick the
of any two graphics cards which ordinarily appears on the left- ‘Navigation pane’ option in the dropdown
can be incredibly complex. hand side of File Explorer. menu that opens (see screenshot 1 ).
Here, though, we can say with high is is easily disabled by accident, so Note that while this will restore the
confidence that the RX Vega 11 we think it’s unlikely that an update Navigation pane, your drive letters might
graphics hardware that’s integrated caused it to disappear – but then again, still be hidden. ey’re organised under
into your Ryzen processor should with Microsoft’s updates, anything is the is PC category. So, to see them,
possible. just click the little right-pointing chevron
perform your Fortunately, it’s easy to resurrect it to the left of the is PC heading to
old GeForce when you know how. All that’s needed is expand the view 2.
8800 GT on
every front. 2

e 8800 Select ‘This PC’ to restore your drive letters to File Explorer
GT GPU is
the best Q: Will my old printer work with
part of 14 Windows 10?
years old,
e the Ryzen A: Issue 586, page 65 – find it on
5 3400G was released just a couple our 2020 Back Issue CD
of years ago. Even though integrated Buy it from
into the central processor, the www.snipca.com/37026
graphics hardware is simply superior.
For a detailed breakdown of
the benefits of your RX Vega 11
graphics, see the comparison page
we set up for you on the popular
UserBenchmark website, at
www.snipca.com/38130 (see
screenshot below).

StheeeGoeuFroUrsceer8B8e0nc0hGmTaarkndcothmepRaXrisVoengoaf11

66 2 - 15 June 2021 • Issue 607

Can I set consistent volume levels on videos?

Q Is there a way to set the TiEckquthaeliz’aLotiuodnn‘ beosxs
volume between videos? I’ve
noticed when watching videos
that the volume between any two can from various sources, say.
jump from fine to deafening and then However, Windows 10
back again. It would be nice to set and does have one hidden
forget a comfortable level. setting that can help. To
Darren Forward find it, first click Start
followed by the Settings
A e volume, or loudness, of cog, and then System
any content – video or followed by Sound. Next,
otherwise – has multiple on the right, under
inputs and outputs. For starters, each Related Settings, click the
and every creator will set his or her Sound Control Panel
own recording levels. Similarly, the option. Now select
countless content-delivery services, Playback, then click to
such as YouTube and Spotify, each have select the green-ticked
their own preset volume levels. en, default speakers before
there’s whatever volume settings are clicking the Properties
set on the device you’re watching or button. Finally, in the
listening on. All this adds up to a Speakers Properties menu
whole lot of volume variation. click the Enhancements
ere’s no simple, single fix. tab and then click to tick return to the Enhancements tab of the
YouTube, for example, automatically the ‘Loudness Equalization’ box (see Speakers Properties menu and, under
applies some volume ‘normalisation’, screenshot above right). Click Apply. Enhancement Properties, click Settings.
but there’s no user control over it – and Now play a video to hear how well the Now use click and drag on the Release
it’s obviously useless if you’re using a effect works for you. If you find the Time slider to go to Long for longer
different video service, or are simply normalisation corrections happen too volume-level transitions or, for faster
watching movies you’ve downloaded quickly or feel they take too long, then normalisation, move toward Short.

Hthoiswbduos iIngeFtiroefffox? setup. ere are a few things to try. isU‘pRnerneeFstsvsiirctiieoookfrunotes’hxbeox
Q If I open Firefox or a new Firefox First, on the Options page, click about:support and press Enter. Now
click the ‘Clear startup cache’ button
window I see my chosen General. Under Startup, check to see if followed by Restart.
homepage. However, if my ‘Restore previous session’ is ticked. If so,
laptop restarts without me closing each click to clear it (see screenshot above). If all else fails, return to this same page
open Firefox tab, an extra tab opens, Now try restarting Firefox. and instead click the Refresh Firefox
relating to the Stagecoach bus company. button followed by Restart Firefox: this
I have checked that the Firefox Options If this doesn’t help – or the option removes add-ons and restores all Firefox’s
screen and the ‘Homepage and new wasn’t ticked – then try clearing Firefox’s defaults. It’s a bit of a nuclear option,
windows’ option is set to www.google. startup cache. To do this, first click in the obviously, but it should certainly fix the
co.uk – as I want. Do you have any address bar at the top, then type problem.
suggestions as to how I can stop the
Stagecoach tab appearing?

Samuel Woolley

A is is curious, and we’re not
sure what’s causing it.
Ordinarily we might suspect
malware, but the particular page link
(which you supplied to us) is from an
email-verification link that you clicked in
the past. So we think this is just some
small glitch with your particular Firefox

Issue 607 • 2 - 15 June 2021 67

Problems Solved

OeHmouwtaloildosokoI.pcsoetnmopin?ngeinw 1

Q I sometimes use Outlook.com as 2 3
an alternative to my normal
Gmail email address, mainly
when I want to avoid giving my main
email address to an organisation.
Recently, an alert appeared at the top of
my Outlook.com home page saying that
my browser (Chrome) supports Outlook.
com as the default handler, and would I
like to try it? Foolishly in hindsight, I
agreed. Now, whenever I click email links
they open in Outlook.com, which I don’t
want. How do I get email links to open in
Gmail, like they used to?

Bruce Knowles

A We’ve all made little decisions In Chrome's settings, select ‘Site settings’ (1), Handlers (2) and mail.google.com as default (3)
that we later regret, but that
doesn’t mean they’re necessarily ‘Privacy and security’ and then, in the the menu icon (three dots) next to
foolish. Besides, Outlook.com’s invitation right-hand pane, click ‘Site settings’ 1 . mail.google.com and then choose ‘Set as
is worded in such a way that it sounds Next, also in the right-hand pane, click to default’ 3. at will fix your problem.
like a trial, rather than an instant switch. expand ‘Additional permissions’ and
Fortunately, it is easy to reverse – but then, below that, click Handlers 2. If you wish, you can also delete the
the particular option is buried in Chrome’s outlook.live.com handler entry. Click its
settings. First, open the Chrome menu Finally, under the ‘email’ heading, click menu button and then choose Remove.
(click the three dots, top right), then
choose Settings. Next, on the left, click

Is cookie removal a good idea?

Q I have a question leading on
from your answer to Barry
Warrell in Issue 604’s
Problems Solved pages, relating to the
difference between cookies and
spyware. I know you’re not fans of
CCleaner, but it’s always served me
well and I continue to use it regularly, 1
partly because it removes cookies from
my computer. Does not the removal of
these cookies get round the possible 2 C‘((‘(ybsIR12nyoCa))et,uflseecteehkloa’lleeicmnegenoecempotr‘nYiknleteeigneSstsdscaend’)’
problems they can cause or am I
missing something?

Adrian Kenyon

A Removal of unnecessary
cookies absolutely minimises
the ability of crafty websites to cookie-removal tool is useful. Cookies and then right-click in the
infer information about what you’ve You may already know this but, for the ‘Cookies on Computer’ column. Now
done online. benefit of other readers, CCleaner also choose Intelligent Scan 1 , and then
So, while we won’t pass further has an option to preserve ‘safe’ cookies. click ‘Yes (Recommended)’ 2 to
comment here on CCleaner, its To use this, first click Options followed by confirm.

68 2 - 15 June 2021 • Issue 607

? ? WHAT’STHEDIFFERENCEBETWEEN...

HDMI and DisplayPort?

Q I’ve had my current computer csgoDGTaGGaonrnhTeiigsarcdeeXFdppakotHlehb1hhar6iytDcayrcse6tessPMee0oIrt
for about 10 years and am
thinking of an upgrade. I want
a desktop PC as now that I’m retired I’d
like to get into gaming more, and I
understand laptops aren’t really up to
the job. My current display, which I
would like to keep, connects via HDMI.
However, I noticed that many new PCs
have DisplayPort connectors. I don’t
really know if or how these differ from to stop them overheating. Regardless, your last question is
HDMI. If it came down to a choice at aside, the differences between likely to be moot: any graphics card
between HDMI and DisplayPort, HDMI and DisplayPort are many but, fitted in gaming desktop PC is sure to
should I go with a machine with often, barely worth worrying about. Note have numerous outputs, including both
DisplayPort and wave goodbye to my that while the two connectors look very HDMI and DisplayPort. e pictured
faithful old monitor? similar, they’re not physically compatible. Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1660 graphics
Dennis Mason But beyond that, they both do the job of card (www.snipca.com/38143), for
connecting devices to screens digitally. example, has one HDMI and three
A We should say that there are HDMI has the benefit of wide DisplayPort sockets.
plenty of laptops specifically compatibility with TVs and other Moreover, if you do somehow end up
designed for gaming, so we domestic audiovisual equipment, while with a PC that has only DisplayPort
wouldn’t necessarily limit the search to the latest iteration of the DisplayPort outputs, an adapter (like this £10
PCs. However, it’s also true that top- standard (2.0) can drive higher-resolution StarTech cable, www.snipca.com/38144)
end PCs will always outperform displays – up to 16K resolution compared will let you keep your old monitor in
laptops, simply because larger with HDMI 2.1’s (current) maximum of service.
machines are able to accommodate 10K. However, all this is an ongoing game
more powerful components – along of electronic leapfrog: where DisplayPort Want to know the difference between
with all the cooling apparatus needed goes, HDMI follows, and vice versa. technical terms? Email noproblem@
computeractive.co.uk

What's the best way to speed up my SSD?

Q I had my laptop’s 1TB hard drive suspect the bigger problem here is that
replaced with a 1TB SSD, and your laptop’s processor is below the
the RAM upgraded to 16GB. e minimum recommended by ArtiCAD’s
improvement was significant. However, developers, at www.snipca.com/38145.
my laptop is struggling to run the e program demands an Intel Core i7 or
ArtiCAD program I use for work. better, but your machine has only an i3,
Normally, I’d perform a defrag, but this Ydoeufracganmcelnictky‘oOuprtiSmSiDze’ but it won't which is significantly less powerful.
isn’t recommended for SSDs. Is it safe to We’re afraid there’s no fix for that.
use Drive Optimizer? It recognises the Drives’. We say all this to save confusion
SSD drive correctly, but information for other readers, but we know we’re
Next IssueLenovoG580withanIntelCorei3, 1OW6NeJSAudLnsE
online seems conflicting. e laptop is a both talking about the same tool.
So, yes – it’s safe to use Optimize Drives
running Windows 10 Home. on an SSD, by selecting the drive and
David Silverman then clicking the Optimize button (see • CaHcaotnwivIditmoyo?I ncihtaonr ghearsdo-udnridvsein
screenshot). However, the tool won’t •
A e tool you mention used to be perform defragmentation, precisely
known as Disk Defragmenter. because that’s not a good idea. Rather, on • dCMraiicvnreIo?us.po..fgAtrnTaeddaemmmasny?yPmVRorheard
While it’s widely referred to SSDs, it runs what’s known as a TRIM
online as ‘Drive Optimizer’, Microsoft command. is marks empty blocks,
itself doesn’t use that name: the company which are quicker for the SSD to write to
calls it Optimize Drives. It’s accessed by because they don’t first need erasing. wSuwbws.cgreibtceotmo Cpuotmerpauctteirvaec.ctoiv.eukat
clicking Start, typing optimize drives and However, performance improvements
then clicking ‘Defragment and Optimize are likely to be minimal. Rather, we

Issue 607 • 2 - 15 June 2021 69

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SanhoSuSldDnn’toytomuohraeveRrAeMco?mmended one, because Chrome would not create
shortcuts from sites visited in Incognito
Q I was surprised that your advice mode. However, we have no idea how
to George Wensley in Problems Ying-Hui uses Chrome on a daily basis, so
Solved (Issue 604, page 66) didn’t we focused on the method for deleting
include suggesting that he upgrades the the current miscreants, as well as advising
hard drive of his PC with a solid-state how to permanently disable these shortcuts.
Qdrive (SSD). is would speed things up
How do I boot from a USB stick? wToembsaikteeaunsdesoifgDneugpofooroanfyroeueraPcCco, uvnistit its
far more than adding RAM, and he could
clone his existing installation to the SSD I’ve just tried to follow the ‘Turn
using Macrium Reflect Free (www. an old laptop into a Chromebook’
macrium.com/reflectfree), with no need How To feature in Issue 594. It’s not entirely obvious from the
Ato reinstall Windows. Maybe he already Unfortunately, I couldn’t find an option Degoo website but the answer is
has an SSD, but that doesn’t seem likely in my Sony Vaio laptop’s BIOS to boot that there’s nothing to download
if his PC is running slowly. Also, your from USB, even though the machine has for PCs – because the service works entirely
advice to Ying-Hui e in the same issue three USB ports. e boot menu shows within a ‘web app’ via your web browser.
(page 67) could have suggested he try Network, Optical Drive, Floppy Disc All that’s actually required to use Degoo
accessing the “persistent miscreants” in Drive and Hard Disk Drive as options – on a Windows 10 PC is to visit https://app.
Incognito mode. I don’t know for sure, but no USB. How do I get around this? degoo.com (see screenshot above), and
but it seems likely to me that Chrome John MacLeod sign up. So, type that address in your web
wouldn’t save a bookmark to sites browser, tap in your email address,
accessed in this mode. APaul Atkin On some Vaio laptops the option choose a password, click the ‘Sign up’
to boot from an external device button and you’re ready to go.
A (meaning a USB stick or drive)
In both cases you’re quite right. needs to be enabled. To do this, once in LWohuavtr’eswwerobnsgitew?ith the
However, we get many more the BIOS (accessed by pressing F2 after I was interested in the News
questions each month than we switching on, as you evidently already story in Issue 604 (page 8),
about the Louvre’s artworks
Qcould ever answer in the magazine, so know), use the arrow keys to select the

we have to stay focussed in the space Advanced or Boot tab – the option could
available. So, yes, we could have be in either, depending on the exact going online. I tried typing in the
suggested that George install an SSD model. Next, select the External Drive published website address (https://
(like the Crucial model pictured below) Boot (or External Device Boot) option, collections.louvre), but I just see a page
instead of more RAM, but he asked us then press Enter and change it to of search results instead. Has the website
directly about the memory – so that’s the Enabled. You should now be able to select for some reason been taken down since
question we answered. Nonetheless, an External Drive (or External Device) in your story?
SSD is indeed a great way to speed up a your boot menu. Press Escape (Esc) to eresa Hill
PC, and we’re happy to take a bit of extra exit, choosing Yes to save the changes.
space here to pass on your suggestion. A No, but the width of our
Your second point and idea is a good Why can’t I download Degoo? columns meant that the end of
Q I read Issue 605’s ‘Switch from the web address wrapped over
Google Photos’ feature (page 62) on to the next line. Because the address
and I thought I’d try Degoo. I ends in ‘.fr’ – which isn’t all that familiar
want to use it on my Windows 10 PC but to us UK web users – this vital detail was
I couldn’t find any way to download it. I easy to miss. erefore, as ‘https://
tried Google Play, but it will only collections.louvre’ is not a valid web
download to my Android mobile device. address, your browser reverts to carrying
Having been caught out in the past by out whatever you typed as a search query.
dodgy download sites I’m reluctant to However, the correct full address – and
sApseoeldidu-sptyaoteudr rPivCe’slipkeertfhoirsmCarnucceial model will pick one at random. thus the ‘fix’ for this hiccup – is https://
Vivian Longland collections.louvre.fr.

Issue 607 • 2 - 15 June 2021 71

Jargon Buster

32bit/64bit A measure of how CAPTCHA Distorted text you FireWire An alternative to USB, Macro camera Lets you take
much data a PC can process at have to type to prove you’re a which is increasingly uncommon, sharp, detailed, close-up photos of
once. Most older computers are human. but still found on video cameras small objects.
32bit, more modern ones are Cast To send content from your and external hard drives. Mesh router Wireless network
64bit. PC to TV. Frame rate e number of still system that uses multiple,
3G/4G/5G Technologies that cd/m Candela per square metre. images, or frames, shown per connected routers to stretch Wi-Fi
deliver faster mobile broadband. Standard unit of brightness. second to create a moving image. further than a traditional router.
720p A common resolution of Clean install An operating system Higher frame rates make games MicroSD card A small type of
high-definition video: 1280x720 installation that overwrites all appear smoother and more memory card. Can be converted to
pixels. other content on the hard drive. realistic. SD size using an adapter.
802.11ac A standard for wireless Cookie A small text file stored FreeSync AMD’s technology for MicroUSB A miniature version of
networks that allows for much on your computer by a website. varying the screen’s refresh rate to USB, often found on smartphones,
higher transfer speeds than 802.11n. Used to store browsing avoid two frames being shown at tablets and portable hard drives.
AI Artificial Intelligence. A preferences, website log-in details the same time. Mini DisplayPort A type of port
computer program designed to and so on. GEDCOM Short for Genealogical for connecting a monitor, TV or
mimic the behaviour of humans or CRT Cathode-ray tube. e Data Communication. A file format projector to a computer.
animals. technology used in older, non- used by genealogy programs to Modular Used to describe a
AMOLED Active-Matrix Organic flatscreen TV and computer share data. device or PC that uses detachable
Light-Emitting Diode. An displays. Gigabit Ethernet A very fast and replaceable parts.
alternative technology to LCD for Defrag To reorganise the data networking standard that’s Noise Visible dust-like speckles
creating flat-panel displays. Most stored on a hard drive so files are capable of transferring data at up that appear in some camera and
commonly used in smartphones, stored in one piece and can be to 1,000Mbps. TV images. In photos, they are
tablets and smartwatches. accessed quickly. GPU Graphics Processor Unit. caused by the camera’s own
Analogue A signal whose value DisplayPort A port for outputting A chip designed to create 3D sensor. In TV images, they can be
varies over time, as opposed to audio and video. graphics, but which can also be caused by the TV’s processor or by
a digital signal which is either on Driver A file that tells Windows how used for other computing tasks. a flaw in the broadcast signal itself.
or off. to work with an external device. Graphics card A component in a Omnidirectional A mic that picks
Bandwidth A measure of how Dual-band router A Wi-Fi computer that produces the image up an equal level of sound from
much data can be transferred router that operates on two shown on the monitor. all sides or directions, whether the
through a connection at one time. bands: 2.4 and 5GHz. Wireless HDMI High-definition media speaker talks from the front, back,
Benchmarking Comparing networks working at 2.4GHz interface. A type of connection that left or right side.
software and products with an have longer range, but are more transmits high-definition video and Open source Software that can
accepted standard. prone to interference. Wireless audio signals. be modified by anyone, rather
Biometric Using measurable networks working at 5GHz have Headphone splitter An adapter than just by the employees of the
personal characteristics, such as shorter range, but are less prone that lets you plug in multiple company that created it.
fingerprints, for identification. to interference and therefore pairs of headphones so that you Partition A large hard drive
BIOS Basic Input-Output System. tend to be faster than 2.4GHz and a friend can listen to the same can be split into two or more
Software built into every PC that networks. audio simultaneously from one partitions or ‘virtual’ drives. Once
connects the vital components. It’s DVI Digital Visual Interface. A device. partitioned, each section is treated
visible for a few seconds when the common type of display connector Hotspot To use a phone’s by Windows as though it were a
PC starts. that can carry a digital signal. connection to the mobile-data completely separate, smaller hard
Bitrate A measure of data transfer eSATA External Sata. A relatively network as a broadband data drive.
speed, or of the quality of digital rare type of connection for source for other devices. PCI Peripheral Component
video or audio files. external hard drives. IPS A screen technology. Monitors Interconnect. A high-performance
Buffering Downloading a certain EXE A program file designed that use it have wider viewing expansion slot for desktop PCs,
amount of data before starting to to run in Windows. Has the file angles and better, more accurate- allowing simple installation of PCI
play a video. Can cause delays to extension .exe. looking colours than those that components such as sound cards
your streaming. Factory reset Restoring a device don’t. and modems.
Cache A temporary space for to the manufacturer’s default LAN Local-area network. Phishing A form of internet
storing information. Can be settings. A computer network in one place, fraud that tries to trick you into
memory used on a computer File path Shows the location of a such as a home or office. revealing personal details.
processor, or space on a hard drive file within Windows. Lossless Music file formats that Plug-in A small program that
used by a web browser. take up more space but provide adds extra features to software or
higher sound quality. to your web browser.

72 2 – 15 June 2021 • Issue 607

PS/2 port A small, round six-pin SATA Serial ATA. An interface for Surround-sound Cinema-like USB-C A new connector that’s
connector, for plugging a keyboard connecting hard drives and optical sound that uses multiple speakers. reversible, letting you plug it in
and/or mouse into a computer. discs to a computer. System restore point Collection upside down.
of system files stored by System VGA Video Graphics Array.
QR code Quick Response code. SD card Secure Digital card. A Restore on a given date and time An older standard socket for
A barcode that can be read using popular type of memory card. to which Windows can revert if a connecting a monitor to a PC.
smartphones and dedicated QR- Sequential Reading large files in a problem occurs. VoIP Voice over IP. e routing
reading devices. logical sequence. Tethering Turning a phone into a of voice conversations over the
RAM Random-access memory. sRGB A standard RGB colour modem to give internet access to internet, which is cheaper than the
e computer’s working area, space for use on monitors, a computer. telephone network.
used for data storage while the printers and the internet. TV tuner An expansion card in a WAN Wide Area Network. Exists
PC is switched on. Its capacity is SSD Solid-state drive. Storage PC that receives TV signals. over a large geographical area.
measured in megabytes (MB): that, unlike a hard drive, uses Two-factor authentication A Waveform An image that
the more memory your PC has, no moving parts. Faster than system that uses two different represents an audio signal or
the more things it can process conventional hard drives. means to identify the user. For recording.
simultaneously and the faster it example, a code sent to a phone. Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi standard with
will seem. UEFI Unified Extensible Firmware speeds up to 10 times faster than
Interface. A modern replacement 802.11ac. Also called 802.11ax.
RCA Connector used to carry SSID Service Set Identifier. A for the BIOS, designed to get a PC Widget A small program such as a
audio and video signals. name used to identify a wireless into a state where it can launch an calendar that runs on the Windows
Refresh rate Measured in Hertz network. operating system. desktop.
(Hz), the number of times per Subwoofer A special type of USB 3.0 An even faster version of ZIP file A file that contains
second that the image on your speaker designed to reproduce the USB standard used to connect compressed documents or files.
monitor is redrawn. deep bass sounds only. Even devices to a computer.
Response time How fast a on a stereo system, only one
coloured pixel turns to white and subwoofer is required because
back again. human ears cannot detect the
direction of bass frequencies.

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Know HowEasywhenyou
Restore old photos using AIaSneceeksintogrtso,cRloebanerutpIravinndectrhieeesrtou.p..hisgloomy
Although it’s lovely that lockdown often sends me
has lifted, so we can meet friends pictures of our
and family again, it’s also brought sour-faced ancestors,
back one of my biggest bugbears: I hate so with her birthday
having my photo taken. I’ve long found it approaching (I won’t
impossible to look natural when someone say which one, or
points a camera at me, and either glare she’ll be sour-faced
into the lens with my chin stuck out like herself), I thought I’d
Desperate Dan, or pull a startled, try to bring some
bug-eyed expression, as if someone’s just vintage family photos
dropped a wet fish down my back. to life and share
them with her.
Rather than tweak RDoebeeprNt’sosgtraelagtiauncle Arthur looks pleased to be alive again thanks to
them manually (and grandfather, erasing most of the creases
laboriously) with an
image editor, I turned to online tools that (although the remnant of one left him
Hotpot erased most of yoursnaps.
use artificial intelligence (AI) to transform with a facial scar) and sharpening the
the creases frommy My first stop was Colorize (www. image. Hotpot is fast and free to use,
although it only restores photos with a
grandfather, though guessfromitsname –uses AI to
snipca.com/38167), which – as you can resolution of up to 1,280 x 1,280 pixels.
Finally, I turned to MyHeritage Deep
the remnant of one I’m not generally a fan of colourisation, which uses AI to animate old photos and
“colorize” [sic] black-and-white photos. Nostalgia (www.snipca.com/38199),
le him with a scar having seen it needlessly applied to
bring long-dead relatives back to life.
classic films such as Casablanca, but is tool attracted lots of media attention
figured it might be interesting to view when it launched in February, and I was
people from the past in their natural intrigued to see if it was as “amazing” or
hues. I uploaded a wedding photo from “creepy” as described.
1922 to the site and clicked Start. e Uploading a picture was easy, but to see
My awkwardness in posed shots is one conversion only took a few seconds, but the animation I was obliged to sign up
reason I enjoy perusing old-timey photos, – unlike with similar tools – there was no with MyHeritage and complete an image
when the length of the exposure process before-and-after comparison. Instead, I CAPTCHA, which is always a faff.
tended to produce scowls rather than clicked the Download button, which Fortunately, the results were “pretty
smiles in the subjects. I can relate to their opened the colourised photo in my incredible”, as the site says, turning static
grimaces as they waste valuable minutes browser. e result was impressive, faces into moving, blinking people, who
standing around, when they could be reproducing blues, browns and skin looked unnervingly realistic and quietly
cleaning the chimney or filling the tin tones, whereas rival services I tried pleased to be alive again.
bath. My mum is a keen genealogist and applied a sepia effect. I then right-clicked I downloaded the animations as MP4
the picture and chose ‘Save image as…’ to videos, which were watermarked but
download it to my PC, without signing up good quality and lasted up to 15 seconds.
for a Colorize account (you get extra I then combined them with the
enhancement features if you do). colourised and restored photos to give my
Next, I visited Hotpot (https://hotpot. mum a moving blast from the past for her
ai), which offers free image-editing tools. birthday. Sadly, MyHeritage limits you to
ese include AI Picture Restorer (www. animating five pictures for free before
snipca.com/38168) for removing requiring you to subscribe, otherwise I’d
scratches and blemishes from old photos still be raising the dead now.
(it also has a colouriser, but Colorize
vCihnetaegreupblyaocuk-raanndc-ewsthoirtsebpyhocotolosurising worked better). is tool performed Need help with restoring – or even animating –
admirably on a Navy headshot of my your old photographs?
Let us know: [email protected]

74 2 - 15 June 2021 • Issue 607 Nextissue: Robert stress-tests his PC to make sure it’s stable

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