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.

A comprehensive package, but not the most usable or effective

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

If you're a gamer or enthusiast, the trusty conventional PC is still your friend, not the shiny new all-in-one PCs hitting the market

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.

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

A credible contender, but F-Secure Internet Security 2009 is neither the lightest nor the most effective security suite for your PC

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

Very much a case of average performance for an average price

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

High-capacity desktop drives have never been so affordable. Darien Graham-Smith puts 23 to the test to find the best

Plenty of connectors, but not much pizzazz

A cheap, lightweight choice for single-core applications, but you get the performance you pay for.

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

A big improvement from Microsoft, but there’s still some way to go. OneCare can now call itself a serious security contender.

Is it worth paying for the full version of AVG Internet Security?

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.

A new behavioural analysis module only adds to AVG’s capabilities, although it isn’t the most elegant marriage

Small and cheap, but it’s costly to run and quality isn’t the best

Lightning quick, top-quality prints and the running costs are as low as the price tag