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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

When it comes to getting real work done, there’s still nothing to compete with a laser printer’s combination of quality, speed and economy. We tell you how to choose a busines laser, plus review 3 examples.

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.

Intel’s three new CPUs promise Core i7 power in an economical and efficient package. We put them through their paces to see whether small really is beautiful

AMD’s next generation of CPUs brings 45nm technology and higher clock speeds - but is that enough to compete with Intel’s latest and greatest?

A modular scanning tool that catches most unwanted software – but not quite all

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

A diverse family including some stellar CPUs and numerous also-rans

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

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

Comprehensive, competent and configurable protection at a good price. This is the best security suite out there