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!

Common blogging mistakes – and how to avoid them

The biggest drawbacks of online gaming, and how to tackle them

There are various drawbacks of online gaming from both a technical and financial perspective, but every issue has a resolution

What SSL means – and why it’s about to change

With forthcoming changes to the way websites are secured, it’s important to know what SSL means and why it matters to consumers

What size of computer monitor should I choose?

There is fierce debate about the optimal monitor size, and the conclusion often depends on your own requirements and tastes

Could sewage pipes improve UK broadband?

It might seem bizarre but proposals being considered by the government may see it happen!

Why fast broadband could help you sell your home

The connection between broadband and house prices may not be obvious, but connection speeds have a tangible effect on your home’s desirability

Making sense of your first broadband bill

It can be difficult making sense of your first broadband bill, with a variety of different charges potentially applicable at once

Making the most of Instagram

Making the most of Instagram involves delving beyond the basics of posting and liking photos, to open up this sprawling platform’s true potential

The history of two factor authentication

Despite being an occasional annoyance, two factor authentication has been developed to optimise personal safety while online

How to work al fresco without losing productivity

Working outside productively represents one of the most compelling advantages of working from home, though it poses some specific challenges

Why are PC towers so big and bulky?

It may seem odd that PC towers are still on sale, yet these powerful machines retain a loyal audience and some desirable characteristics

A beginner’s guide to Linux

For decades, Linux has provided an alternative to the Windows and MacOS operating systems, and it also powers the Android smartphone platform

Why cost isn’t the only reason to switch broadband provider

There are various reasons why you might decide to switch broadband provider, and cost – though important – is by no means the only one

What causes broadband outages?

Broadband outages can have a number of causes, and correctly identifying them is invaluable for managing without connectivity – or getting it restored

How Prestel preceded the modern-day internet

There may not seem to be much connection between Prestel and the internet, but the Post Office’s communications platform was effectively Web 1.0

Bitcoin and the cryptocurrency gold rush

The cryptocurrency gold rush is a digital roulette wheel, where fortunes have been made and lost with little clarity on whether competing currencies have a future

Productivity software for home working

The home-working revolution has had a timely boost thanks to lockdown, and productivity software for home working can provide valuable assistance

How to handle blackmail emails

Although it’s tempting to respond to blackmail emails quickly, a more considered approach is always advisable for this unwelcome threat to our safety

Augmented reality in the home

It’s been a slow-burning revolution, but there’s a real prospect of augmented reality in the home becoming commonplace in the coming years

Protecting your mental health online

Protecting your mental health online has never been more important, and there are easy ways to ensure the online world doesn’t become overwhelming

Why is the UK’s broadband infrastructure so patchy?

Britain's broadband is an amalgam of cabling and connections stretching back many decades

How fast can fibre cabling transmit data?

Fibre cable data speeds are increasing to the point where networks should have the capacity for tomorrow’s data requirements

Has Disney+ been a success?

With millions of Disney+ contracts already taken out, the Disney Corporation’s expansion into on-demand media has been an unqualified success

What the fourth industrial revolution means for you

Another technological revolution may sound like a far-flung concept, but it’s going to transform our lives in the near future...

Ten tips for video calling

We’ve assembled a list of video calling tips which should make conference calls and online meetings more productive, effective and safe

How do chatbots work?

Chatbots are a common sight on many websites, and these automated AI programs can be useful in lieu of speaking to a real person

What are the differences between Cat 5 and Cat 6 cables?

As the only physical bridge between your router and web-enabled devices, the differences between Cat 5 and Cat 6 cables are worth understanding

How to get the most out of Gmail

There are numerous ways to get the most out of Gmail, exploiting the full potential of Google’s iconic – and free – email service

Video doorbells: do you need one?

Video doorbells have been touted as the latest advance in smart home security, but there are important factors to consider

How to earn rewards for browsing online

From concerts to cashback, it's possible to earn online rewards simply for browsing and searching - providing you're cautious

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Neil Cumins

Common blogging mistakes – and how to avoid them

The biggest drawbacks of online gaming, and how to tackle them

What SSL means – and why it’s about to change