Secret Tips For Firefox

Customise web fonts, create search shortcuts and access hidden settings

Hack Firefox using free extensions

Firefox supports far more – and far more inventive – extensions than Chrome or Internet Explorer (IE). This is largely due to its open-source design, which allows developers to access its source code.

Corel VideoStudio X8 Ultimate

A versatile video-editing package let down by its frustrating interface

Corel VideoStudio X8 Ultimate, the latest version of Corel’s video-editing software, could never be accused of being short of features. It gives you 21 video, four audio and two text tracks to work with, has support for 3D video and can handle resolutions up to 4K.

It also comes with a huge number of effects and transitions as well as the ability to animate clipart and text. Videos, photos and text can even be animated along curved paths.

Icontrol Piper nv

A home-security camera that sees in the dark and alerts you to any problems

Icontrol’s Piper nv must have the highest specifications of any home-security camera we’ve ever reviewed. Its high resolution and night-vision camera capabilities are only the headline acts of a list of features that includes motion, temperature and humidity sensors; a two-way intercom; and an ear-splitting siren. What’s even more impressive, it can act as a controller for home-automation devices that are compatible with the Z-wave standard. So with extra equipment you could use it to remotely control lights and other devices. Z-wave compatible devices aren’t very widespread though.

Back up your tablet & phone

Your tablet and phone hold many important photos, videos and messages, but it’s all too easy to lose them. Barry Collins shows you how to back up all your mobile devices for free

Your mobile phone is probably full of very personal information about you. It may contain your only copy of important text messages from family and friends, along with their contact details – not to mention any photos or videos you have taken using the device.

RoadHawk DC-2

A well designed dashcam that’s worth every penny

Dashcams are video cameras designed to be mounted on your car’s dashboard or rear-view mirror, guaranteeing you a record of events in case of an accident. You can also use them to record road trips through scenic countryside.

Thanks to built-in GPS, videos are automatically tagged with the location where they were shot, so you can easily prove where a recording was made.

HP Colour LaserJet Pro M252dw

A stylish colour laser printer for the home or small office

HP’s attractive and compact Colour LaserJet Pro M252dw is the laser printer-only version of the M277dw MFP. At its base you’ll find a simple 150-sheet paper tray. Above that there’s a slot into which you feed envelopes and other non-standard stationery. Sitting on top is an excellent colour touchscreen used to set up the printer and control features such as printing directly from a USB stick. Other features include automatic double-sided printing and support for printing via the internet or from mobile devices.

ViewSonic VG2437Smc

A 24in monitor with a built-in webcam

The ViewSonic VG2437Smc is a 1080p 24in monitor with a built-in webcam and microphone. If you use Skype often, then reducing your cable clutter will be an attractive proposition. The webcam’s video quality isn’t great, but it’s good enough for Skype. Unfortunately, it’s poorly positioned. In order to position your face in the centre of the frame, you’ll need to tilt the monitor forward, which makes viewing the screen quite awkward. The built-in microphone is useless – our video-chat volunteer found it almost impossible to hear us. Likewise, the speakers are unremarkable. While they’re loud enough, they sound very flat and lack bass.