HOL 2021 MAXIMUMPC 55
R&D
examining technology and putting it to use
↘ submit your How To project idea to: [email protected]
START MENU BACK TO THE LEFT
If like us, you have been able to update to Windows 1 1, you may
have noticed Microsoft’s big change—the centralized start
menu. If you’re not a fan, then fear not, you can easily move
this back down to the bottom left corner. Right-click any blank
part of the taskbar and click on taskbar settings. Then scroll
down to find taskbar behaviors, then taskbar alignment. From
here, you can set it back to its natural habitat on the left.
62
Build a guest
network for all
your IOT devices
60
Back to the 80s
with the Sinclair
ZX80 and ZX81
66
Downsize your
PC case in this
month’s Build it
©^
MI
CR
OS
OF
T,^ W
IKI
ME
DIA
,^ N
ET
GE
AR
CODING
MY CAR?
Yes, you read that right. Instead
of trying my luck with computer
coding, I thought I’d go over to the
automotive world. I’ve seen OBD
scanners online and they have
intrigued me for a while. They are
little devices that plug into your
car’s OBD port, usually located
under the steering wheel, and
read engine fault codes.
I treated myself to a CARLY,
which connects to your phone via
Bluetooth. Simply plug it in, turn
on your engine and use the app
to scan your car. I was planning
to sell my VW Golf but wanted to
check for any hidden fault codes.
Thankfully, it was fine but a scan
would give you a description of any
codes and what they mean. It also
checks the overall health of the
vehicle, if the airbags have been
previously set off or if the mileage
has been tampered with.
Now, here’s the coding bit—you
can customize the car’s ECU! I
stopped mine beeping when I
unlock it and turned on a feature
that locks the doors automatically
when driving over 10mph.
You can either pay for the
scanner and a lite version of the
app for a basic scan or choose
a package that comes with a
scanner, smart mechanic, and
vehicle information. Hopefully,
this device will save me some
money next time any warning
lights appear on my dashboard.
SAM LEWIS
STAFF WRITER
