Neil Cumins

Neil is our resident tech expert. He's written guides on loads of broadband head-scratchers and is determined to solve all your technology problems!

How to choose Making Tax Digital software

It’s been six months since Making Tax Digital for Income Tax went live, and choosing software is now essential for many people

Can computers be recycled?

Can computers be recycled? If they’re carefully dismantled, many components could find a second life

What would happen if the whole internet went offline?

There are concerns in some quarters that rogue AI could take the whole internet down...

Fast broadband now matters more than good local schools

Fast broadband is increasingly outstripping school catchment areas in terms of property marketing

How often do Brits change ISP?

Changing ISP has never been easier, yet it’s still something Brits tend to do less frequently than they should

Why bloatware could be slowing up your computer – and how to fix it

Bloatware is a curse on modern devices, but there are ways to reduce its impact .

The jobs in danger of being replaced by AI

AI and the jobs market are locked in a toxic embrace which could radically transform the world of employment.

How does choosing broadband overseas compare to the UK?

For émigrés, contract workers and owners of a second home abroad, choosing broadband overseas may be a complex challenge

Are connection charges creeping back into broadband?

ISPs had mostly stopped applying connection charges to new broadband contracts, but they’re starting to reappear

How to manage your email folders in Outlook

Organising email folders in Outlook can make messaging and communications far simpler

How to conduct a media detox on your digital devices

A media detox can prolong the life of a rapidly filling device by deleting duplicates and transferring files elsewhere.

Do I need broadband in a second home?

If you have more than one property, it’s worth considering the practicalities of broadband in a second home

Could rogue AI shut down vital online services?

There are increasing reasons to be fearful of rogue AI, but could it really lead to outages and unavailable services?

Are ad blockers safe to use?

Are ad blockers safe to use? It’s a question with a surprisingly nuanced answer

What does the arrival of 8Gbps home broadband mean for the UK?

The recent unveiling of 8Gbps home broadband is currently a solution in search of a problem.

What to look for when buying a new computer in-store

Buying a new computer feels daunting if you don’t understand the technicalities of modern PCs and Macs.

The benefits of tracking devices, and how to choose one

There are many benefits of tracking devices, from finding lost items to adding security to valuable possessions.

Are there any good reasons not to upgrade to full fibre broadband?

There may be reasons not to install full fibre broadband even when it’s available in your postcode

Are we about to say goodbye to terrestrial TV?

Terrestrial TV appears to be on borrowed time, but the BBC’s position may be reinforced through legislation

Sharing home internet with teenagers

Sharing home internet with teenagers requires patience, foresight and ideally a fast broadband connection.

Have in-car communications peaked?

In-car communications have come a long way, but it’s doubtful there’s much further for this technology to go.

How many social media platforms are there?

The golden age of social media platforms may be over, but more services than ever are competing for our attention

Making sense of website statuses

With numerous different types of website status, it’s not always obvious why a site isn’t accessible

Why you shouldn’t publish AI-generated text

AI-generated text is everywhere, yet it’s also something companies and individuals alike should approach with great caution

95 per cent of the UK should have gigabit broadband by 2030

Ofcom believe gigabit broadband should be almost universal across the UK by the decade’s end.

How to make the most of hotel WiFi

Hotel WiFi can be your saviour when travelling, but it comes with its own risks and limitations.

How to choose additional storage for a full hard drive

Computer hard drives fill up surprisingly quickly nowadays. We explain how to choose additional storage.

Why you shouldn’t undervalue emojis

Despite being associated with lowbrow culture, emojis are a surprisingly valuable tool

Why does my broadband slow down at night?

The nightly broadband slow down on many connections is caused by numerous factors, some of which you can control

The unstoppable rise of AI companions

AI companions are artificial chatbots designed to flatter and entertain us – but they come at a cost, in many ways