PC Pro – Issue 385, October 2026

Inside PC Pro Issue 385

PC Pro has been the UK’s practical technology magazine for decades, and issue 385 arrives with the October 2026 mix of news, features, reviews and opinion. This isn’t a glossy product catalogue. It’s a working manual for people who want to understand what’s changing in computing and what to do about it.

The cover story tackles something plenty of office workers are quietly experimenting with: handing over real tasks to AI assistants. Barry Collins looks at what Claude, ChatGPT and similar tools can genuinely take off your plate, where they stumble, and how to use them without creating a security or accuracy headache. 💡

AI That Actually Helps at Work

There’s a lot of noise around AI productivity. This issue cuts through it with tested workflows, cautious warnings and clear examples. You’ll find guidance on delegation, prompt structure and the kind of jobs that remain stubbornly human. It’s written for readers who want results rather than hype.

Reviews: Foldables, Laptops and Wi-Fi 7 ⚙️

The review section is substantial. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold8 gets the full treatment, including how it works as a phone, a media device and a mini laptop replacement. Dell’s XPS 13 and the Framework Laptop 13 Pro are put through their paces, alongside the latest Wi-Fi 7 routers from TP-Link and Devolo. Remote-support software, smart speakers, monitors and business laptops all feature too.

If you’re weighing up a purchase, the Labs-style comparisons and measured verdicts are the reason many readers keep PC Pro on the desk.

Security, Networking and the Hidden Internet

Not everything is about buying new gear. One feature explains CGNAT — the invisible ISP setting that can interfere with broadband access — and what you can do if it’s affecting you. Another shares five-minute security fixes that could save a small business from a costly incident. 🧠

There’s also a look at the UK’s semiconductor industry with Charles Sturman, CEO of TechWorks, plus columns on programming, online safety and the future of technology.

Features and Long Reads

• Blenheim Palace, pixel by pixel: meet the team building a digital twin of the 300-year-old estate.
• Subscription overload: practical ways to audit, trim and manage your recurring digital outgoings.
• Plug-in solar: what the new UK rules mean and whether batteries are worth waiting for.
• Retro Futures: David Crookes explores an online museum of virtual operating systems.

Who It’s For

PC Pro suits readers who want UK-relevant technology coverage without abandoning depth. Whether you’re an IT professional, a keen enthusiast, or simply the person friends ask for laptop advice, this issue offers useful context and independent judgement. The writing is direct, occasionally wry, and always aimed at helping you make better decisions. 💻

Published by Future plc and produced by Danton Media Limited, PC Pro Issue 385 is a digital magazine edition for October 2026.