How to manage your Microsoft account

To log into Windows 8.1 for the first time, you’ll need a Microsoft account – here’s how to get one

You’ve bought a shiny new Windows 8.1 device. It’s unpacked, plugged in, and humming gently. So, what’s the first thing you should do? The answer is set up a Microsoft account. Don’t be disheartened by the word ‘account’, because a Microsoft account is the key to unlocking everything that’s great about Windows 8.1, as well as the wider suite of Microsoft products, tools and services.

Customise Windows Phone 8.1

It’s really easy to give your Windows Phone 8.1 interface a simple twist to suit your style

When you first switch on a new Windows 8.1 phone, the interface that greets you is a joy to behold. The simple layout and large, bright tiles make finding what you need really easy (and it’s also great for showing off in a public place).

However, if you want to stamp your own style on it, there are options for you to tailor the interface. From its colours and style to its basic functions, Windows Phone 8.1 is fully customisable to suit your preferences.

As well as tweaking the settings hidden within the interface, you can go even further with apps downloaded from the Windows Phone Store, which give you even greater control over the way your phone looks. So let’s get started making your Windows Phone, truly your own!

Repair Windows

Use this simple tool to fix any Windows annoyances quickly and without any fuss

FixWin is a simple tool for troubleshooting your Windows installation. Using the tool you can fix more than fifty Windows problems and annoyances that might be caused by malicious malware. Anti-malware scanners can help you remove these harmful programs but that in itself will not always undo the changes to Windows caused by these nasty malware, such as hiding the context menu, or disabling the registry editor.

With FixWin, you can repair these unwanted modifications to Windows. The tool lists all its fixes and their symptoms across several categories. Every problem has a ‘Fix’ button that you can click to apply the suggested solution. Remember that FixWin isn't a diagnostic tool and doesn't actually look inside your PC and uncover problems. You have to know you have a problem, and then use this program to fix it. Let’s get started.

50 Essential Upgrades

See what Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 can do when it’s given your full attention! Ben Andrews and Nick Peers reveal 50 tweaks and apps to upgrade your operating system

Windows 8.1 and 7 is packed with features, many of them honed over years of development, so you could be forgiven for thinking Microsoft must now have covered every base and satisfied every need.

The reality is rather different, as anyone who’s had to spend extra on an additional antivirus package will appreciate. People tend to forget that essential virus protection, along with programs like Word and Excel, aren’t included with Windows, but are actually pricey upgrades.

ASUS SICA Mouse and Whetstone Mouse Mat

At CES this this year, ASUS showed three mice and a mouse mat of their newer gaming peripherals. The ASUS GLADIUS that I looked at last issue has been joined by the SICA. Later on in the year it looks as if ASUS will release another addition to the family, the SPARTHA.

The SICA is the budget mouse of the family. At the time of writing I didn’t have retail pricing but suffice to say that together with the WHETSTONE mouse mat, the combo will set you back about $50. Not bad, at all. In fact that is really good pricing given just how much has gone into the WHESTONE and to a lesser extend the SICA. However I’ll get to the mouse mat later, but first I must admit that I was initially unmoved by the SICA until I actually used it for for a significantly longer period.