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.

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

With so many factors to consider, choosing a motherboard can be a bewildering exercise. We put 11 models through their pace to find the ultimate in performance, flexibility and value

Fifteen security packages go head to head in our labs test, including Kaspersky, Norton, ZoneAlarm, McAfee, F-Secure and AVG. Find out which will keep you safe and which could let you down.

Great gaming performance has never been so affordable. We test 22 current cards from Nvidia and ATI to find what works and what doesn't

External hard disks are a great way to add storage. We test 13, from sub-$130 portable drives to mighty terabyte desktop units.

A well-featured package with some unusual tricks that falls just short of a first-rate performance.

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

A capable package, but McAfee Total Protection 2009 is conspicuous and expensive.

Symantec’s latest offering is lighter than ever and an extremely effective security package. And get this, a RAM footprint smaller than Kaspersky

Clean, clear and light on its feet, but with few extras.

A clever, convenient little drive that you can carry around with you in your pocket.

A winner on the strength of its excellent protection, coming first or equal-first in our malware and firewall test.

A friendly suite for the less-experienced user, but technical types may find it limiting.

A lightweight and cost efficient power supply.