Computeractive Issue 738 (17–30 June 2026) Technology & AI Chatbot Guide

Jul 8, 2026

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Computeractive Issue 738 (17–30 June 2026) delivers practical technology coverage and actionable guidance. Key topics include blocking spying trackers by disabling hidden trackers, using shortcuts to replace hard-to-type URLs via Snipca, and replacing File Explorer with a smarter alternative. The issue compares AI chatbots—Claude, Google Gemini, and Copilot—covering when each is best for tasks like tech advice, letter templates, free image generation, and spreadsheet analysis, alongside broader reader guidance and issue overview details.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryTechnology

FormatPDF

Pages76

Reading Time3 h 12 min

News

Microsoft kills Edge’s master password

Question of the Fortnight

Will Freeview be axed sooner than we thought?

Protect Your Tech

Fake ‘BT/EE Wi‑Fi booster’ emails

Cover Feature

Which is best – Claude, Google Gemini or Copilot?

Microsoft grasses you up–page 49 ISSUE 738 ❘ 17–30 JUNE 2026 BLOCK EMAILS THAT SPY ON YOU Turn off hidden trackers p60 Learn something new in every issue TIME TO DITCH FILE EXPLORER Move to this smarter alternative p35 􀀳 STOP USING ChatGPT! Switch to AI chatbots that do all your favourite tasks better p50 􀀳 Give accurate tech advice 􀀳 Create letter templates 􀀳 Generate images for free 􀀳 Analyse spreadsheets Which is best – Claude, Google Gemini or Copilot? | PLUS | | ’T BUY THE WRONG RT-HOME KITp62 these compatibility rules<br> | | --- | --- | --- | | TURN YOUR OLD PHONE INTO A WEATHER STATION<br>For under £4 ayear! page 74 | DON<br>SMA<br>Stick to | | WELCOME HOW TO USE SNIPCA URLs We use snipcas to turn long URLs that are hard to type into ones that are short and simple. They aren’t websites themselves, which means they won’t be recognised if you type them into Google. Instead, you need to type them into your browser address bar, then press Enter. Doing this will take you to the correct website. THIS ISSUE IN NUMBERS Editor From the EDITORIAL Content Director Marc Chacksfield Group Editor Daniel Booth Deputy Editor Robert Irvine Production Editor Graham Brown Art Editor Katie Peat Contributors Keumars Afifi-Sabet, Stuart Andrews, Dinah Greek, Richard Holt, Jonathan Parkyn, Nik Rawlinson Advertising Manager Alexandra Thomas Subscriptions Sarah Lowry, Henry Massey Head of Production Stephen Catherall Senior Production Manager Lawrence Brookes INTERNATIONAL LICENSING AND SYNDICATION Computeractive is available for licensing and syndication. Contact us at [licensing@futurenet.com](licensing@futurenet.com) or view our [available content at www.futurecontenthub.com](available content at www.futurecontenthub.com). Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw ONWARD RESALE & PERMISSIONS This publication may not be resold or otherwise distributed, whether at, below or above face value. Nor can this publication be advertised for sale, transfer or distribution. PERMISSIONS Material may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. Send requests to editor@ [computeractive.co.uk](computeractive.co.uk). LIABILITY While every care was taken preparing this magazine, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information or any consequence arising from it. All judgments are based on equipment available to Computeractive at the time of review. Computeractive takes no responsibility for the content of external websites whose addresses are published in the magazine. SUBSCRIPTIONS For any enquiries and orders, email [help@magazinesdirect.com](help@magazinesdirect.com), [go to magazinesdirect.com](go to magazinesdirect.com). Manage your subscription online with MyMagazine. Visit [www.mymagazine.co.uk/FAQ to view frequently asked](www.mymagazine.co.uk/FAQ to view frequently asked)[ ](www.mymagazine.co.uk/FAQ to view frequently asked)questions or [log in at www.mymagazine.co.uk](log in at www.mymagazine.co.uk) FULL SUBSCRIPTION PRICES UK £77.74, Europe €144, USA $163, Rest of the world £125 HOW TO ORDER PAST ISSUES To purchase single past issues (print format only) visit: [magazinesdirect.com](magazinesdirect.com) (click on ‘Single issues’ tab)– or [email: help@magazinesdirect.com](email: help@magazinesdirect.com). Magazinesdirect.com is owned and operated by Future Publishing Limited. © Copyright Future PLC 2026. All rights reserved Images from Alamy and Getty Images Computeractive is a registered trademark. Neither the whole of this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publishers Distributed by Marketforce GPSR EU RP (for authorities only) eucomply OÜ Pärnu mnt 139b-14 11317 Tallinn, Estonia hello@eucompliancepartner.com +3375690241 General Product Safety 2023/988: The use o

FAQs

How can readers block hidden trackers in their browsing?

The issue advises turning off hidden trackers to prevent tracking activity.

What is Snipca and how should it be used?

Snipca shortens long, difficult URLs. Readers must type the Snipca in a browser address bar and press Enter to reach the correct website.

How does the magazine decide between Claude, Google Gemini, and Copilot?

It explains that each chatbot excels at different tasks, and readers should choose based on the specific work they need done.

Jul 8, 2026

Upload by Violet