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

Keep your computing costs under control with our 10 cash-saving secrets, 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.

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

Everything you need to know about maxing-out your broadband connection, including interleaving, fine tuning MTU settings, firmware updates, ADSL filters and splitters,and that old chestnut - electrical noise in your wiring

From personal printers to home office colour, we put 12 lasers through their paces. Some are lightning fast; others produce dazzling colour. Some are tiny, and some are surprisingly cost-effective.

Nvidia’s latest graphics cards and chips throw down the gauntlet to Intel and AMD. Go behind the scenes with this guide to the big technologies including PhysX, CUDA, and games like Far Cry 2 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R Clear Sky.

Stewart Mitchell delivers his verdict on the features rumoured to be ready for Windows 7, including the new kernel, multi-touch, and virtual drives.

Pocket-sized digital camcorders are becoming more capable all the time. We round up ten of the best

Support for new file types and platforms plus improved 3D rendering, but director is yesterday’s tool – and it shows

We’ve just seen the demo, and frankly, we’re blown away. High resolution beach-scapes, ultra-realistic water ripples, wind blowing through the tall grass. Wait, is that...?

You’ve been asking us for more info about what Intel’s new CPU will mean for those upgrading in the next 12 months. Here’s what you need to know.

You've been raising some big questions in the forums about 64-bit. Here's our FAQ to 64-bit Vista vs XP, and whether it's worth the hassle if you're not a workstation user, but a gamer or power user.

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

Enlarge your workspace with a widescreen monitor: We round up 13 LCDs from 20in up to 24in, with prices you won’t believe

New image editing tools and a more powerful library mode makes Lightroom 2 compelling. It's also compatible with Vista 64-bit.