Review: Kaspersky Internet Security 2012

The dates of security suites are getting a bit like magazine cover dates - gradually moving back until they make no sense at all. The 2012 version of Kaspersky's suite, launched in the first half of 2011, doesn't add many new features but it's still a decent product. Read my full review on Computeractive.

Feature: Choosing a universal remote control

Computeractive has just put online a feature I wrote for the print edition. It looks at how to choose and use a universal remote control, concentrating on affordable models. My own personal favourite is the One For All URC7960 Smartcontrol, which is excellent value for a 6-device controller (I did a full review of this for Computeractive in 2010).

Review: Linksys SE2500 Gigabit switch

Switches are often forgotten about when building a home network, but they are very useful devices when your router runs out of ports. This new 5-port switch from Linksys adopts the styling cues of its latest router designs, and although it's quite expensive, it's a well-made product with some thoughtful touches. I've written a short review which you can read on Computeractive's website. It achieved five stars and was awarded their 'Buy It!' award.

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Computeractive launches subscriber club

One of the titles I write for, Computeractive (which is the biggest-selling consumer computing title in the UK), has just launched an interesting new club for its subscribers. There are three levels of subscription, the most expensive of which includes a digital version of the magazine as well as the fortnightly print version. There's a complete explanation of the subscription levels on the dedicated micro-site, including details of the special free gifts being offered.

In a tie-up with the RSPCA, the magazine is donating £2,100 to support the Justice for Animals appeal, and for the first 3,000 new subscriptions or renewals taken out before the end of August, a further donation of £2.50 will be made.

A short promotional video has also been made to advertise the launch of the club. The latest issue is the 350th edition, and I'm honoured to have written the cover feature. 'Kick Out PC Gremlins'.

Review: PC Tools Internet Security 2011

PC Tools Internet Security 2011 isn't a great change over the existing version, but there are a couple of tweaks. Computeractive has now published my full review online. 

Review: Packard Bell OneTwo LI7526 all-in-one PC

Another all-in-one PC review, this time from Packard Bell (owned by Acer). It's a Core i5-2400S-powered system with Intel HD 2000 graphics and a capacitative touch screen. Read my full review on CNET UK.

Review: Acer Aspire Z5763 all-in-one PC

Acer's latest all-in-one PC is powered by a Core i3 CPU and offers a 3D screen plus Dolby Virtual Surround speakers, but how does it perform? Read my full review on CNET UK.

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Review: ZyXEL NWA3160-N access point

ZyXEL's latest business Wifi access point, the NWA3160-N, definitely has a split personality - it can operate as a standalone AP, a managed AP or can act as an AP controller. Read more about it in my full review, published on ZDNet UK.

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Feature: Fix common PC errors

Here's a link to a cover feature I wrote for the print edition of Computeractive (issue 347), listing 30 fixes for common computing mistakes.

Review: HameTech NET-3G-A10 pocket hotspot

Solwise always manages to find interesting network gadgets, and the HameTech NET-3G-A10 is the latest. It's a 'MiFi'-type device that lets you share a 3G connection over Wifi. It's a better-looking baby brother of the Solwise NET-3G-183N I reviewed recently, and it's cheaper but doesn't have as many features. You can read my first impressions of it over at ZDNet UK.

It supports up to 7 virtual SSIDs

It takes any standard 3G SIM card

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Review: D-Link DSR-1000N Unified Services Router

I was rather surprised to discover that D-Link has very few Wi-Fi routers for business use. It has now remedied this with the DSR-1000N, a dual-WAN, 4-port VPN router with 3G dongle support. I've written a full review of it for V3.co.uk.

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Review: Netgear N600 (DGND3700) router

Netgear's latest router offers dual-radio Wifi and supports either DHCP or ADSL2+ WAN connections, which is fairly unusual for a consumer router. It's a bit of an ugly beast, however, mainly due to Netgear insisting on it being mounted vertically for cooling reasons. Read my full review on Computeractive.

It looks OK from this angle, but the hidden is a mess of stickers and rubber feet

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Review: TomTom GO LIVE 825 Europe

Here's another addition to TomTom's GO LIVE range of premium sat-nav devices. The GO LIVE 825 is the lowest priced model in the range, but has most of the features of its more expensive siblings. I've written a full review that you can read on IT Reviews.

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