After a few months of BETA testing, Microsoft has finally released the next official first aid kit for Windows Vista - Service Pack 2.

There are three main types of MP3 players, which differ mostly in terms of their method of data storage. Each has its own pros and cons.

National Geographic is a magazine that garners respect whenever, and wherever it is read. Covering a gamut of topics, the magazine typically runs nature conservational pieces, sociological profiles of countries, histories of ancient civilizations, pieces on scientific discoveries and natural occurrences such as earthquakes and weather phenomena.

Powerful, well price and a worthy addition to the A-List. The PacStar Core i7 is a PC we wouldn't be unhappy to take home and spend the weekend gaming on

A huge 18.4in widescreen, Blu-ray drive and a big hard disk make this a great entertainment laptop

What will you be buying, using and drooling over this year? Tim Dean looks at the astounding products and technologies due to hit in the next 12 months.

With Windows 7 arriving soon, is now the time to upgrade to 64-bit? Here's the first part of our guide to everything you need to know

The appearance of affordable DVD burners has given cause to celebration among the world's digital video makers – from hobbyists to professionals. The potential of DVD Video for corporate and wedding video makers is clear, but even the ability to present holiday videos in bite-sized, episodic and easily accessible chunks can't be sniffed at.

Apple’s ads may be funny, but they’re woefully inaccurate. Here we reveal dozens of reasons why the PC outclasses the Mac.

Burn straight onto a disc or choose the hybrid HDD model.

We've tested a massive 25 netbooks to provide a list of the best and worst mini laptops, with one surprise winner. Also, see our big TV set top box guide, in the new issue of PC Authority

Some substantial new abilities, including support for the new wave of high definition optical discs.

Stack your system full of software without paying a penny, with our guide to essential downloads

Great real-time performance, particularly with high definition footage. But the EDIUS Pro software still needs a few more features to usurp the competition.

Climb the steps all the way to Windows guru status with our invaluable selection of tips and shortcuts for XP and Vista.

We are not saying you need them for a deserted island, but these incredibly useful gadgets are among our favourite PC essentials.

Can't handle gaming and beaten by cheaper media cards too.

With free video services like MSN and Skype, you’re missing out if you don’t have a webcam.

There are many things that are given the 'instant' moniker, but usually products from the IT world are not among their number. Slow PC boot times (whatever happened to instant-on PCs?) and a whole mess of configurations takes the instant gratification out of most technology...

We take a look back at the tech products that were so overdone by marketing hype, that by the time they were released, most failed to meet expectations.