10 Things That Doing Wrong in Windows

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Even long-time Windows users can make the same mistakes over and over. There are highlights the ones you need to eradicate and explains what you should do instead 1. Stop re-arranging your desktop                                              Even the largest screen can feel cramped when running several programs simultaneously. Rearranging them can help, but it's not an ideal fix for software that works best in full -screen, such as video-editing tools.                                             That's where windows' virtual desktops can help. Click the Task View icon (film strip beside the Cortana and Search icons on the left of your taskbar) to reveal a timeline of recent activities, two virtual desktops, and a 'New desktop' button (see screenshot below)....
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WATCH TV WITHOUT A LICENCE

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Watching live TV

You need a TV license to watch programs "as they're being shown on TV, on any channel or TV service". It doesn't matter where it is broadcast or distributed from, or what device you're watching it on. This covers all terrestrial (Freeview) channels, as well as paid-for services such as Sky and Virgin Media, and even pay-per-view events and live broadcasts from overseas channels. You also need a license to watch live streams online, including on social media sites such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. The TV licensing body classes live TV streams as those "broadcast within a service which has the characteristics of a TV channel"; live "user-generated" streams don't require a license. So while watching a Facebook Live stream broadcast by a TV company, such as Bloomberg, would require a license, a live stream from a webcam in your back garden wouldn't. In addition, changes to the licensing rules implemented in 2016 mean you now need a TV license to watch any live, catch-up or on-demand content on BBC iPlayer, too.

Recorded and catch-up TV

If you only ever record programs to watch later, you might think you're not technically watching them live and therefore don't need a TV license.
However, according to the official TV Licensing definition, "live TV means any the program you watch or record as it's being shown". The definition goes on to clarify that "it's not just live events like sport, news, and music... it also covers soaps, series, documentaries, and even movies". So any TV shows that you record or 'timeshift' using a personal video recorder (PVR), such as a Humax YouView recorder (pictured below), are still considered to be 'live' - and that means you need a license. While you need a TV license to stream live programs, this requirement  doesn't extend to catch-up (also known as on-demand) services - with the one exception being BBC iPlayer, which frequently reminds you that it requires a TV license.

Streaming services


As far as TV licensing rules are concerned, on-demand streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV and the new BritBox service all fall into the same category as catch-up streaming services, meaning you don't streaming services, meaning you don't need a TV license. This applies even if you're using them to watch episodes of BBC shows, many of which are currently available on Netflix.
Discounted TV licenses
If you're over 75, you can currently get a free TV license. However, this exemption is due to end on 1 June 2020 (though it will continue tor those receiving Pension Credit). If you or someone you live with is blind or severely sight-impaired, you can apply for a half-price license (find out more at CLICK HERE).
Meanwhile, if you live in a care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation, you may be able to apply for a discounted TV license ( Click Here to see if you qualify). And according to TV Licensing figures, 6,500 UK households are still watching TV programs on black-and-white TV sets. If you've shunned new-fangled color TVs, you can get a Knock-down license fee less than others. (bear in mind all your TVs need to be black-and-white).

Best for blockbuster movies and TV shows

If you enjoy watching the latest cinematic hits and TV shows, Now TV is a good option. It's owned by Sky and lets you stream the broadcaster's various channels without having to slap a satellite dish on the side of your home or being tied to a long-term contract. You can build your own package depending on what you want to watch. For movies, choose Now TV's Cinema Pass, which provides access to over 1,000 on-demand films as well as Sky's live movie channels, where you'll find a mixture of recent blockbusters, such as Jurassic World 2, along with classics like Ben-Hur. The cheaper Entertainment Pass includes a similar mix of on-demand and lives content from channels such as Sky 1, Sky Atlantic and National Geographic. There's a Sports Pass available too. To watch, you can buy Now TV's own Smart Stick device, which plugs directly into your TV via HDMI. Alternatively, install the Now TV app on iOS and Android devices, as well as your PC, then stream it to your TV using a Chromecast. Just press the Chromecast button on the device you're streaming from. You may also find your smart TV has a Now TV app, allowing you to log into your Now TV account and stream directly - check the support section of your device manufacturer's website if you're not sure.
It's also worth noting that Now TV's streams are at a lower resolution than a lot of its rivals. By default, the maximum streaming quality is limited to 720p, though you can upgrade this to full HD (on supported devices) by paying extra for Now TV Boost. It's also not possible to pause or rewind live programs unless you're using one of Now TV's Smart Stick devices.
Amazon Prime is also worth considering the latest TV shows and movies. It has a growing number of popular exclusives, such as Mr. Robot, The Grand Tour (the Top Gear spin-off) and its upcoming Lord of the Rings series, along with a well-stocked selection of older shows and movies. Prime's services are widely available across hundreds of different devices, including Amazon's own Fire TV players, as well as mobiles, games consoles, set-top boxes, and smart TVs. You also get the added bonus of Amazon's Prime Music streaming service and free one-day delivery on Amazon purchases.
Alternatively, you could take a more pay-as-you-go approach and rent or buy movies and shows when you want them on Google Play, iTunes/Apple TV or Rakuten TV.

Best for discovering new films and TV

Streaming services used to be just another platform for delivering older TV shows and movies. But that's changing and now one of the key benefits is original content that you won't find anywhere else. Netflix is one of the best in this regard The on-demand video service started out as a DVD rental service but has since evolved into a streaming provider that also creates its own feature films, including Bird Box and Martin Scorsese's The Irishman (movies you currently can't see anywhere else). As with Now TV, you can access Netflix using a variety of devices, including Chromecast, as well as on many smart TVs and Freeview set-top boxes.
Worryingly, however, last month some viewers lost access to the Netflix app on their smart TV, which Netflix attributes to "technical limitations". If you're affected by this, you'll need to use another device to watch Netflix, such as a Chromecast or Fire TV. We're hoping this doesn't herald a trend where big companies like Netflix start penalizing users of older devices.

Best for sports

This season, broadcasting rights for Premier League football is split across a number of services. Sky has the lion's share and you can stream these - along with other sporting action - through Now TV if you sign up for a Sports Pass.
An ongoing subscription is expensive, but if there's a one-off event you want to see, you can subscribe for a single day. A mobile-only subscription is cheaper, but you'll be limited to watching on your phone's screen. You can't stream it to your big-screen TV using a Chromecast device or hook your phone up to your TV via HDMI. BT Sport is also a major player. It streams most of the Premier League action that Sky/Now TV doesn't, along with the UEFA Champions League, Premiership rugby union, boxing and more. You can subscribe if you're not a BT broadband customer, but there are discounts if you bundle your subscription in with BT's broadband and landline services. BT Sport supports iOS, Android, Chromecast and game consoles, but 4K and HDR aren't available on all platforms (Click Here for more details). Amazon Prime screened a few Premier League matches late last year, so it's possible we'll see more football on this service in the future. Prime customers also get access to a decent amount of tennis, including the US Open and ATP Masters tournaments, and it's possible to sign up for even more sport, via the Eurosport Player channel add-on. Remember, if you're watching any sporting event live, even via a streaming service such a Now TV or BT Sport, you'll need a TV license.

YouTube

www.youtube.com Although more commonly used to watch short clips, there are some free movies to be found on YouTube. One way to see what's available is to use YouTube's search filters. Click in the search box and type English full - these are keywords commonly found in films uploaded by other users. Now click the Filter button at the top of the search results and select Film under Type and 'Long (>20 minutes)' under Duration. This will give you titles you can watch for free. "There are a few gems to be found, including classic horror film Nosferatu and John Wayne's McLintock, but pickings are
fairly slim. It's also worth pointing out that any content in violation of YouTube's terms and conditions, including films and shows protected by copyright, may be taken down from the site. Just over a year ago, YouTube started to provide a selection of free, ad-supported movies under a 'Free to Watch' category. 'This selection isn't currently available to UK viewers, but you can access it using a VPN. We tried it using TunnelBear (www tunnelbear.com) and Windscribe (www windscribe.com) VPNs, which include data allowances up to IGB and respectively, and both unblocked YouTube's free movies. To use Windscribe download the Chrome extension from the link above, then create a free account (providing an email address increases your data allowance from 2GB to IOGB per month). Next, click the Windscribe logo in Chrome (top-right), then click the globe icon and select a US VPN location. Now go to YouTube's movie page to browse what's available. Keep your VPN active while watching.

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