After the disappointment - perceived or otherwise - of Windows Vista, many are pinning their hopes on a revival with Windows 7. And from our first impressions of the pre-beta code, that's exactly what they can expect.

This first of a new generation is only a little faster than the old, but its potential is clearly huge

We test AMD’s first quad-core processor for both speed and power efficiency

A world first on the desktop, Phenom is good but a long way from outstanding.

We've put AMD and Intel’s new processors to the test, and there's one clear winner.

Prepare to say goodbye to the Pentium as we reveal the next generation

Performance per watt has taken a backward step, but it’s very fast with the right apps.

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

Welcome to the first zombie movie we’ve seen that’s actually any good. Left 4 Dead finally gets gaming away from the trigger-point mechanic: you have no idea if a dozen zombies are around the corner, or one, or none.

Beautifully engineered and constructed, the Mac Pro is also the fastest PC we’ve ever seen by some margin.

An expensive board, but a fascintating way of getting a powerful, quiet system, especially if you're prepared to tweak.

A significant overhaul and a great camera. At this price it’s the best all-round package on the market

David Fearon introduces 3D models and rendering

Canon’s SLR fails to make the enormous splash of its predecessors, but it’s still a great camera in its own right.

They may look big and complicated, but a digital slr is just as easy to use and takes far better pictures than a pocket digicam

A brilliantly implemented live-view mode and high specs don’t justify the extra price over its sibling

Not the pinnacle of image quality, but superbly compact with plenty of neat features

Fast but disappointing card that delivers only small benefits over its predecessors for a significant price premium.

The 915 is an good budget choice, but elsewhere this family is eclipsed by newer offerings.

A beautiful example of high technology, but we have reservations about the ultimate quality of images.