Online services are growing smarter by the day – but can they replace desktop applications? We spend a week working online to find out.

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

We provide the commentary on a bruising eight-round battle between Vista and Tiger.

Since the release of the Eee PC 701, the 'Notebook' has dominated. Easy to use, cheap and able to be left on the coffee table next to the remote, Notebooks are true appliance computing. The choice of which one to buy comes down to personal preference, but it's hard not to prefer those with the best usability. Our rundown of your options covers their performance, battery life, and design.

Microsoft’s radical redesign promises ‘better results, faster’. Be fully prepared for this world-leading productivity software.

Useful new features and a total interface overhaul make this the best Office ever.

Discover how Google Sky, Microsoft's WorldWide Telescope, and dedicated software such as Starry Night or Stellarium allows you to explore the stars and view the planets in stunning detail without even touching a telescope

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