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

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.

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.

We've put AMD and Intel’s new processors to the test, and there's one clear winner.

We test AMD’s first quad-core processor for both speed and power efficiency

Prepare to say goodbye to the Pentium as we reveal the next generation

David Fearon explains how to save energy and hassle by converting your old Windows XP PC to a virtual one that you can run on your Vista machine

A beautifully tiny computer-on-a-board that you should only consider if you have a specific use in mind

The Olympus PEN E-P1 may look like a throwback to retro photography, but it’s expensive and flawed. However, it's beautiful image quality renders almost impossible to dislike.

The newest version of Intel’s laptop platform is here. We unveil and test real Santa Rosa hardware.

Impressive technology, but increasing cores doesn’t necessarily increase performance.

Canon’s SLR fails to make the enormous splash of its predecessors, but it’s still a great camera in its own right.

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

An expensive board, but a fascintating way of getting a powerful, quiet system, especially if you're prepared to tweak.

A smartly engineered processor, but for today’s applications it’s lacking in bang per buck.

An old standard, but one that still provides decent performance at a great price.

Brief reviews of new products, plus updates on items we've already featured.

Beautifully engineered and constructed, the Mac Pro is also the fastest PC we’ve ever seen by some margin.

Performance per watt has taken a backward step, but it’s very fast with the right apps.

David Fearon introduces 3D models and rendering