Program without code using Scratch

After overcoming some initial scepticism, Kevin Partner discovers that drag-and-drop programming isn’t just for kids

The graphical Scratch system (scratch.mit.edu) is a great introduction to programming. One of its strengths is that it teaches the principles of structure separately from any commands or syntax. Understanding how to divide code into large-scale blocks is a huge help when it comes to learning other languages: Google can show you how to put together a while loop in (for example) Python once you know that’s the structure you want to use. And with the release of Scratch version 2, which adds custom functions, cloning and extensions, it’s no longer just for kids.

How to Secure Chrome

Davey Winder investigates whether Google Chrome really deserves its reputation for hardened security – and shows how to make the browser even safer

Ask a roomful of people to name the most insecure web browser and hands will quickly shoot up to answer: “Internet Explorer”. Ask people to pick the safest, and “Chrome” will be the answer on the lips of many. But how true is that in reality?

Misbehaving mice

Is any device as annoying yet as necessary as the PC mouse? I’ve tried to use touchpads and flirted with touchscreens. I’ve even used a trackball in my time. Yet, when it comes to controlling Windows, I just can’t kick the mouse habit.

Sure, I know that keyboard shortcuts can be faster, but when I launch programs, make selections or choose options from a dropdown menu, my brain just goes into autopilot and starts clicking. When I pull out a laptop to work on my kitchen table, I still plug in a mouse within minutes. I’ve even bought one for the Windows 10 tablet I use away from home, because I can’t bear to do any serious work without one.

Your Microsoft account

Solve any sign-in problem, recover lost messages and contacts, and restore blocked or closed accounts

You can’t sign in

Many things can stop you logging into your Microsoft account. The most obvious is that you’re using the wrong username or password, though you might be convinced that you’re not. Check that Caps Lock isn’t enabled, but don’t forget Num Lock too, as this can also cause incorrect input – particularly on laptops, as yours might have an ‘embedded’ numeric pad. Microsoft obscures typed passwords with dots, so open Notepad to check your keyboard is correctly typing what you’re inputting. You can even copy your confirmed details from Notepad using Control (Ctrl)+C and then paste it into the username or password field with Ctrl+V. Finally, check that the relevant Microsoft service is working. For instance, Outlook.com (née Hotmail) has a service-status page at www.snipca.com/17597 – so use this to discover if the problem is at Microsoft’s end. If all else fails, read the next tip.

Secret Tips For Your second monitor

Extend the Taskbar across all displays, find a lost cursor and save time with keyboard shortcuts

Speed up navigation

One downside to multiple-monitor setups is having to push the mouse that bit further to get around the extended Desktop. Thankfully, Windows can help. Click Start (followed by Run in XP), type main.cpl and press Enter. Select the Pointer Options tab then drag the Motion slider to the right to speed up how quickly your cursor travels across your screen. Also, tick the ‘Enhance pointer precision’ box, as this will ensure the fastest movement only when Windows detects you’re trying to move the cursor over a long distance.

You Can’t Go Back

Once you upgrade an OS in the land of Apple, chances are you won’t be able to change your mind

I’m firmly of the opinion that the iPhone is the greatest piece of technology I’ve ever owned, which is why it’s infuriating when the thing decides it’s very much not going to work – doubly so, given that so much of my work is centred around reporting on iPhone-related apps, games, advice and accessories. What happened this time, though, was down to Apple.

Top 5 Technology Mysteries

A few of questions we’ve yet to answer…

1 Missing Hard Drive Space

No matter what size hard drive you get, after using it for five years or so, you’ll likely find it teetering at the edge of complete capacity. Somehow, that huge drive you bought has filled up full of applications, games, movies, music, photos and more. However, you can be sensible about things by keeping all your media files on a different drive, which has the added advantage of protecting those files if your operating system goes wrong. But even if you do that, you’ll still somehow run out of space, and no matter how many apps you uninstall, you can never seem to get it all back again without wiping the system and reinstalling the OS. Before you do that, though, check out the free program WinDirStat, which can help you work out what’s taking up all the space.

Zotac GTX 950 AMP! 2GB

Zotac’s new GTX 950 offers a unique blend of performance and style

First impressions are always important, and the ones I got unpacking this video card were great in a way that many other pieces of technology fail to achieve.

Even compared with some very expensive designs, the Zotac GTX 950 AMP! feels like a precisely tooled piece of high technology engineering. Sporting what Zotac has branded as ‘Exoarmor’, the whole outer shroud of the card is metal, and it’s gorgeously finished.

BenQ EW2750ZL

Boundless views from a virtually frameless monitor

One of the main problems we have with the various monitors that we review is the use of a thick bezel around the screen. Too often, manufacturers take great panel technology and then ruin the appeal by using an extraordinarily thick lump of plastic around the edges of the screen. That’s not the case here, though.