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

Will splashing out on expensive RAM make a real difference to PC performance? And if so, how much should you buy? We supply the benchmarks and lay the details bare

Our full guide to saving cash-saving secrets is here, from how to get discounts on PCs, to SIM only phone contracts, the best DSLR cameras deals, and discount licensing from Adobe, Microsoft and others.

How important is RAM size to the way we use 64-bit Windows? And are there other ways to get around the problem? We offer a couple of tips to get you through your 64-bit RAM blues.

Quick, cheap to run and an abundance of features – a worthy award winner

There may be two main CPU manufacturers, but picking the right processor is anything but simple. We put 51 CPUs through their paces

We test nine devices, from the simplest printers to versatile multifunction devices that print, scan, copy and fax

Still not sure whether it's worth upgrading to Vista? We put XP and Vista through the ultimate face-off.