Security & Performance

How to Scan For and Remove Viruses

Suspect a virus on your PC? Follow this complete UK guide to safely scanning for and removing viruses using Windows Defender and Malwarebytes.

Removing Adware and Browser Hijackers

Homepage changed or pop-ups everywhere? Learn how to identify and completely remove adware and browser hijackers from your PC, step by step.

Security & Performance 9 min read

Recovering From a Ransomware Attack

Hit by ransomware? This UK guide explains what to do first, whether to pay, how to remove it, and how to recover your files safely.

Signs Your Computer Is Infected With Malware

Not sure if your PC has malware? Here are the clearest warning signs, from slow performance to pop-ups, and what to do about each one.

Security & Performance 9 min read

How to Remove a Trojan or Worm From Your PC

Suspect a trojan or worm infection? Follow this step-by-step guide to isolate, identify, and permanently remove it using Windows Defender and Malwarebytes.

Fixing a Browser Homepage or Search Engine Hijack

Homepage or search engine changed without your permission? Here's how to find and remove the browser hijacker for good, in Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

How to Safely Boot Into Safe Mode to Remove Malware

Learn every way to boot Windows into Safe Mode, why it helps remove stubborn malware, and how to run an effective scan once you're there.

Security & Performance 9 min read

Best Practices to Avoid Malware Infections in the First Place

Prevention beats cure: practical, realistic habits and settings that stop malware infections before they happen, without paranoia or expensive software.

Removing a Fake Antivirus or Scareware Pop-Up

Scary 'virus detected' pop-up telling you to call a number or download software? Here's how to safely close it, remove any infection, and avoid falling for it.

Setting Up Automatic Local Backups

Learn how to set up reliable, automatic local backups on Windows and Mac using File History, Time Machine and external drives, with a step-by-step guide.

How to Configure Secure Cloud Backup

A practical guide to setting up encrypted cloud backup with services like Backblaze and OneDrive, covering setup, security settings and restore testing.

The 3-2-1 Backup Rule Explained

Understand the 3-2-1 backup rule and learn how to build a resilient, affordable backup strategy for your PC using local drives and cloud services.

Creating a Full System Image Backup

Step-by-step guide to creating a full system image backup on Windows and macOS, so you can restore your entire PC exactly as it was after a failure.

How to Back Up Your Phone Photos to Your PC

Learn the reliable ways to back up iPhone and Android photos to a Windows PC, from cable transfers to automatic sync tools, without losing quality or duplicates.

Choosing the Right External Hard Drive for Backups

A UK buying guide to external hard drives for backups, covering HDD vs SSD, capacity, connection types, portability and reliability so you choose correctly.

How to Restore Files From a Backup After Data Loss

Step-by-step instructions for restoring lost files from File History, external drives, cloud backups and system images after deletion, corruption or a crash.

Setting Up Version History So You Never Lose a File Edit

How to enable and use file version history on Windows, OneDrive and Google Drive so accidental overwrites and bad edits are never permanent.

NAS vs External Drive vs Cloud: Which Backup Method Is Best?

Compare NAS, external hard drives and cloud backup for cost, speed, security and convenience to decide the right backup strategy for your home or household.

Securing Your Web Browser: A Complete Guide

A complete guide to locking down Chrome, Firefox and Edge with the right privacy settings, extensions and habits to browse the web more securely.

How to Disable Windows Telemetry

Learn how to reduce and disable Windows telemetry and diagnostic data collection using built-in settings, Group Policy and trusted third-party tools.

Managing App Permissions on Windows and macOS

Learn how to review and control which apps can access your camera, microphone, location and files on Windows and macOS to protect your privacy.

Setting Up a Password Manager and Two-Factor Authentication

A step-by-step guide to setting up a password manager like Bitwarden and enabling two-factor authentication to properly secure your online accounts.

How to Use a VPN Safely and What It Actually Protects

A clear guide to what a VPN does and doesn't protect, how to choose a trustworthy provider, and how to configure one safely on Windows, phones and routers.