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!

Should social media have a dislike option?

Social media dislike buttons have been in the news since YouTube dropped them, but are these tools really a bad influence?

How does UK broadband speed compare globally in 2021?

Our sluggish home broadband is often lamented, but the UK actually offers comparatively okay-ish average speeds.

What makes a PC crash?

PC crashes are a sad reality, but newer versions of Windows are much more stable than their predecessors

How to avoid falling for cryptocurrency scams

Cryptocurrency scams like Squid provide an easy revenue stream for criminals, but it’s easy to avoid falling for these online schemes

Coming soon to a router near you: the evolution of 6GHz WiFi

The emergence of 6GHz WiFi could significantly improve home broadband connections, though it’s important to understand why that’s necessary

Are hardwired peripherals better than wireless ones?

The choice between wired or wireless has become more complex in recent years, as technology evolves.

Why a new underground map system could simplify your next broadband contract

The National Underground Asset Register could be transformative for ISPs and consumers alike, shining a light on what's below the ground

How fast is UK broadband these days?

How fast is UK broadband? It’s a question many people ask, especially in an international context, but the answer is far from clear-cut

How many types of domain name are there?

There are five main types of domain name, but many of us might struggle to identify the differences between them

A brief history of British broadband

The history of broadband is fascinating, but it’s also littered with technological dead-ends and lessons for today’s consumers

Most common broadband complaints revealed

There are some surprisingly common reasons for complaining to your ISP, but these reasons vary from one provider to the next

Is the internet coming through my home broadband connection censored?

The thought of ISPs blocking content might seem unethical, but it’s something they’re increasingly being forced to do

Broadband history: what were the first websites ever launched?

The very earliest websites illustrate how much the internet has changed since the mid-1980s

Common broadband myths exposed

Common broadband myths range from misunderstandings to absurdities, and separating fact from fiction is vital for consumers

Top Tips for finding broadband on a budget

Limited finances don’t need to stop you finding a good broadband deal, if you know what to prioritise

How to: build a website

Building a website is something billions of people have already done around the world, and it’s easy to do if you understand a few general principles

Why do I keep seeing eerily relevant adverts online?

It's all down to 'native advertising' - let's see how it works...

Rolling ‘no-contract’ broadband deals: pros and cons

So-called 'no-contract', '30 day' and 'rolling' contracts are increasingly popular, but they have drawbacks consumers should be aware of before signing up

Should I upgrade to Windows 11?

If you’re happy with your existing Microsoft operating system, the decision about whether to upgrade to Windows 11 may require careful consideration

Save your old tech… it may become a classic!

You might be tempted to throw old technology away, but it may have value as a future example of classic equipment.

Sky makes move to online with Sky Glass

As Sky renews it's pitch for the streaming-wars, here's everything you need to know about Sky Glass.

Online or offline data storage – which is best?

The choice between online or offline data storage is increasingly being made for us, but each option has its own merits and pitfalls

A beginner’s guide to broadband routers

Broadband routers are the gateway to the internet, but they can be a source of mystery for people unfamiliar with this technology.

Who would pay for free full fibre broadband?

Free gigabit broadband has once again been flagged up as a political aim, but how would nationalising the UK’s telecommunications sector actually work?

Broadband ‘fair use’ policies fall from favour

IPS have recognised the limitations of these blunt instruments - good news for customers.

A beginner’s guide to VPNs

Virtual Private Networks offer a valuable security blanket, but knowing how and when to use a VPN isn’t always obvious

Why inbound links to a website are crucial for SEO

Inbound links and SEO have a symbiotic relationship, so it’s important to maximise the number of external links to any personal or corporate website

National full-fibre broadband could improve the UK’s standing

The rollout of ultra high speed infrastructure has been beset by obstacles, and we're lagging behind our neighbours

WordPress has been used to build 40 per cent of the world’s websites

Once a humble blogging platform, now Wordpress websites are found throughout the world, from blue-chip brands to startups and hobby sites.

How to stay safe online

Staying secure is a constant challenge, requiring a blend of hardware, software, good choices and eternal vigilance.

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Neil Cumins

Should social media have a dislike option?