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!

Five things your next computer needs – and five things it doesn’t

There are some things your next computer needs, and many features you could probably live without.

What features should I look for in a new laptop?

New laptop features vary hugely by price, operating system and manufacturer. We explain what to look for

Windows 12 is coming… here’s what we know so far.

It’s only a matter of time until Windows 12 launches, so what do we know about the next generation of Microsoft’s operating system?

Could high temperatures affect broadband reliability?

We explain how to ensure your router and devices keep their cool in a heatwave, maintaining broadband reliability

How targeted is targeted advertising?

Targeted advertising is the tip of an iceberg of personal data endlessly being resold across the internet

Ten ways to make the most of LinkedIn

It’s important to make the most of LinkedIn if you want to boost your career, including these little-known tips

Is there any need for broadband speeds faster than 1Gbps?

The prospect of broadband speeds faster than 1Gbps might seem appealing, but there’s little benefit to consumers.

How dumbphones could reset our relationship with the internet

The internet was once a computer-only service. Thanks to dumbphones, it might be again.

What is doxing, and why is it dangerous?

If you’ve ever wondered what is doxing, we explain the origins and dangers of this growing online phenomenon.

What should I do if a webpage won’t load?

If a webpage won't load, there are various steps which might help to resolve the situation

The differences between ransomware, spyware and malware

There’s a common assumption that they’re all the same, yet the differences between ransomware, spyware and malware are significant.

What are hyperlinks, and why do they matter?

We examine what are hyperlinks used for and how they act as the glue which holds the internet together.

How far can WiFi signals travel?

We answer the question of how far can WiFi signals travel, and consider the factors reducing wireless router range in the home and garden.

How to tell when your old computer is dying

Being able to tell when an old computer is dying – and knowing how to respond – could simplify the transition to a new device.

Should I jailbreak my smartphone?

Understanding the pros and cons of jailbroken smartphones helps you to decide whether to risk your device’s safety for extra functionality

Moving house? It’s probably time to switch broadband providers.

It makes sense to change your ISP while moving house – but be prepared for a lack of connectivity after you move

What is zero-day malware?

Zero-day malware is too new to be caught by most antivirus packages. We explain how to stay safe

Are you happy with your ISP?

ISP satisfaction levels vary widely from one brand to the next, even if their products seem largely indistinguishable

Simple passwords are now outlawed in the UK

A new Act of Parliament means simple passwords are no longer acceptable on many domestic devices.

Easy SEO wins for your website

Even small SEO wins can make a big difference to your website’s performance

The hidden costs of not switching ISP

The hidden costs of not switching ISP are mounting up as cost-of-living pressures bite across the UK

Scotland lags behind the rest of the UK for high-speed broadband

High-speed broadband in Scotland was supposed to be universal by now. Instead, it remains a postcode lottery.

Still using Windows 10? Time’s running out to upgrade

Consumers still using Windows 10 will soon have to make a key decision about their PCs

Why is BT still the UK’s biggest broadband provider?

The UK's biggest ISP was its only telecommunications company before competition arrived in the 1980s.

What should I do if my online passwords are compromised?

We explain how to get your security back on track when your online passwords are compromised.

How to live without social media accounts

Life can be less stressful once you learn how to live without social media accounts and re-embrace traditional technologies

UK broadband infrastructure vandalism attacks on the rise

Vandalism against our broadband infrastructure is on the rise – what's happening, and how will it affect you?

What are employee monitoring tools, and how do they work?

Employee monitoring tools are vital for home workers, but they come at the cost of personal privacy

What’s the surface web?

We rely heavily on the surface web every day, yet it’s only a tiny part of the wider internet

Dating app scams are on the rise: how can you avoid them?

Staying safe on dating sites and apps is vitally important, with bad actors and scammers lurking on every platform

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Neil Cumins

Five things your next computer needs – and five things it doesn’t

What features should I look for in a new laptop?

Windows 12 is coming… here’s what we know so far.