Tuesday 8 September 2015

Top 5 Things To Do When Your Internet Is Down

Top 5 Things To Do When Your Internet Is Down

When disaster strikes, what can you do?

1 Wait


Broadband connections these days are generally reliable, so when they do go offline, there’s a good chance they’ll be back pretty soon. With that in mind, you can simply wait until that happens, patiently staring at your non-functional web browser, while tapping your fingers on your desk, then looking towards your router to see if the right lights are on, before returning your gaze to your screen again. You can repeat this process until the internet is back or until you get bored and realise that there’s a bigger problem.

TomTom Start 60

TomTom Start 60

Our reviewer lets technology guide him on the road

Once somewhat synonymous with satnav devices, TomTom is one of the innovators responsible for turning this technology into an everyday product that many people have used regularly for a good few years now. The Start 60 is entering a different world to its early ancestors, though. A world where many of its features are also integral to smartphones. As such, this model comes with the promise of free map updates for the life of the device in an attempt to convince consumers to buy a dedicated product rather than relying on a more dynamic online service like Google Maps Navigation.

Panda Internet Security 2016

Panda Internet Security 2016

With Windows 10 compatibility, this updated security software from Panda aims to keep your PC safe. Roland Waddilove takes it for a test drive

Malware software is under constant development and new variants appear daily, which is a problem if you have old security software. To combat the latest malware Panda Security looks to update its software range every year with newer and better threat detection and security features. Internet Security, reviewed here, is one step up from the base package, Antivirus Pro and costs just £9 more. This, it strikes us, makes it the best value for money package in Panda’s range.

BenQ W1350 Projector

BenQ W1350 Projector

Fancy some big screen projection?

Projectors have become a more established technology within living rooms over these last few years, as we’ve seen from some of the examples we’ve reviewed in the past. What’s more, some offer far better audio and visual technology than the business models that most of us are probably more familiar with.

VTX3D R9 285 2GB

VTX3D R9 285 2GB

A new brand name can’t disguise some familiar traits

Until this review, VTX3D wasn’t a brand I’d encountered. It is, however, one that is owned by the TUL Corporation of PowerColor fame. Why they need a different name in the European and Asian market I’ve no idea, but the name seems to be as far as the changes go, as the VTX3D R9 285 seems to embody many of the traits I’d expect given this heritage. Specifically: it’s not the quickest video card ever made, but remarkable value for money all the same.

VariDesk Pro Plus 36

VariDesk Pro Plus 36

Stand up, and improve your health

The health benefits of standing while working, instead of sitting, are well documented. Not everyone can afford to fork out the £600-plus some height adjustable desks cost, though.. Thankfully, VariDesk may have a solution at hand.

ViewSonic VG2860MHL-4K

ViewSonic VG2860MHL-4K

Can Viewsonic deliver the perfect 4K display?

I’m increasingly feeling like Golidlocks at a porridge testing event regarding ViewSonic’s 4K displays. First I covered the very expensive VP2780-4k, and found it didn’t support 60Hz at full resolution. Next up was the VX2475SMHL-4K which, at 24", was too small for the higher resolution to be really appreciated.

Now the VG2860MHL-4K has arrived, being both a decent size (28"), a competitive price (sub-£450), and offering 4K resolution at 60Hz. So, could this be the one that’s just right? Well, on paper the design does appear to address many of the issues that bugged those earlier 4K monitors.