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.

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

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?

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

Both graphics card giants have unleashed powerful new additions to their ranks recently, and their battle for supremacy is hotter than ever. We put the new arrivals through their paces

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

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.

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.

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

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

We test nine devices, from the simplest printers to versatile multifunction devices that print, scan, copy and fax

How much capacity and how many drives do you need? We look at a selection of storage options

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

More approachable than ever, with excellent malware detection in an affordable package

Fast colour output, great network tools and reasonable print quality

Intel’s new range of desktop processors has been a long time coming, but at last it’s arrived - and it leaves all others in the dust

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