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!

What’s the difference between POP and IMAP email?

The differences between email systems typify the move towards cloud computing and remote over local data storage.

Revealed: the most complained about broadband providers

The latest Ofcom league tables on UK ISP complaints has just been published, revealing which telecoms and pay TV providers are underperforming

How to live without Google

Living without Google might seem unachievable nowadays, but it’s easily accomplished with greater reliance on rival software providers

Broadband in new homes

Broadband in new homes tends to be faster than in comparable resale properties, and connectivity is often a key selling feature among developers

Broadband TV set to replace cable, satellite and terrestrial services

Online telly will soon see the end of satellite dishes and aerials mounted to the walls and chimneys of homes across the UK

What is Gigabit broadband?

As the current gold standard of connectivity, gigabit broadband offers a future-proof solution to domestic internet access

10 Tips to make your home office nicer

Check out these easy ways to improve your work-from-home environment - without draining your bank account!

Ten technologies killed off by the internet

The web has been responsible for the premature demise of many established products and services, creating obsolete technology almost overnight

Tips for professional video conferencing

Given the prevalence and ubiquity of Zoom and Skype calls nowadays, it’s vital to ensure professional video conferencing is undertaken at all times

Why your ISP’s free email address could cost you

Free email addresses are bundled in with many broadband packages, but they often come with a sting in the tail if you leave that ISP

Digital twins: game-changing tech you’ve never heard of

Digital twins have become a leading technology in reducing waste, improving efficiency and moving societies towards net-zero targets

Top tips for working from home safely and securely

Safe remote working is easy to accomplish, even if you’ve had no training on video call security or COVID-19 scams

How to use dual screen displays on Windows devices

Dual screen displays are invaluable for some jobs, and highly beneficial for people who regularly juggle multiple tasks on a computer

Who’s afraid of the Internet of Things?

Research suggests many consumers don’t trust the 'IoT', but are there reasons to be fearful?

Project Gigabit: government set to upgrade regions with slow broadband

The Government’s latest attempt to level up the online playing field is here

Broadband access replaces organic supermarkets in house buyers priorities

The link between broadband and house prices may not seem immediately obvious, but its relevance has been proven time and again

What is build to rent, and how does it affect broadband access?

Build to rent schemes are growing in popularity, and they offer tenants a shortcut to the fast lane of the internet superhighway

Whatever happened to Ceefax and Oracle?

Ceefax and Oracle provided many people’s first exposure to interactive digital services, and their legacy lives on in unexpected ways

Technology may have the solutions to a good night’s sleep

Tech and insomnia make unfortunate bedfellows, but there are new solutions which can help to ensure your sleep is less disturbed in future

Antivirus software – How to secure your devices

Antiviruses represent a last line of defence against malware, but they vary considerably in performance and effectiveness.

Who are ICANN, and what do they do?

If you’re not sure who are ICANN, you’re not alone. This internet gatekeeper has a surprisingly low profile considering its responsibilities

Online backups – how to protect your data

Data storage has come a long way since the days of Zip drives and USB sticks, but online backups come in a variety of guises – with varying drawbacks and limitations

The ISPs you don’t want to have to make a complaint to

ISP customer service remains a key differentiator, and Ofcom research reveals some brands are achieving more than others

Why do spam emails contain random words?

The phenomenon of random words in spam emails might seem pointless, but these unwanted messages are sent quite deliberately

Why do UK broadband customers stay loyal to poor providers?

ISP loyalty is often harmful to consumers, yet there are good reasons why people are reluctant to switch provider

How does free public WiFi work?

Free public WiFi has become big business, as a way of attracting and retaining customers for longer

Many new build homes still missing full-fibre connectivity

New homes with ultrafast broadband are becoming increasingly common, but you can’t take high-speed connectivity for granted

Five platforms offering free photography for small businesses

Being able to access free photography for small businesses is a real money-saver, but it’s important to choose your images with care

It’s time to invest in a Password Manager

Password managers are growing in popularity, as a way of simplifying online security and reducing password frustration

Does it matter which web browser you use?

Deciding which web browser to use can affect how you experience the internet, yet it’s a choice few of us invest much thought in

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Neil Cumins

What’s the difference between POP and IMAP email?