Holiday Software Buyers Guide 2009

By | 11/13/2009

Believe it or not, there is a bigger software question this holiday season that "Do I need to upgrade to Windows 7?" As in, what software stocking-stuffers to buy for a new (or old) PC? We rate the best software application in six key categories -- Security, Office Suites, Photo Editing, Video Editing, Online Backup, and Personal Finance -- and offer free alternative apps in each sector for those of you shopping for software on a recession-friendly budget.

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USB Bootable Windows 7 For Netbooks Available

By Charles P. Jefferies | 10/23/2009

Microsoft is offering a downloadable version of its new Windows 7 operating system for netbooks and other PCs without an optical drive.

Full Story (5,932 Reads) | Discussion (10 Replies)

Windows 7 - To Buy or Not to Buy?

By | 10/22/2009

Windows 7 hits the streets Thursday, and with it something rather new from a recent Microsoft operating system: Positive reviews. Does this mean you should definitely update your OS -- and maybe your entire system -- just for the sake of embracing Windows 7? Or is this just another hypefest that will end in tears a la Windows Vista? We break it down in this buyer's guide.

Full Story (21,387 Reads) | Discussion (50 Replies)

Windows 7 - A Guide to the Editions

By | 10/22/2009

Windows 7 comes in six different flavors -- with a few more niche alternates just for good measure. We've told you why (or why not) to buy Windows 7, but which Windows 7 edition is right for you? We breakdown the feature sets in this buyers guide.

Full Story (67,808 Reads) | Discussion (14 Replies)

What DirectX 11 (and Windows 7) Means for Gamers

By Dustin Sklavos | 10/15/2009

With the pending release of Windows 7 comes DirectX 11, a new iteration of Microsoft's programming interface for 3D games. DirectX 10 debuted with Windows Vista to a stunning "meh," and has since then proven itself to be...meh. Will DirectX 11 redeem the franchise, or just cement the DirectX reputation as mere Microsoft gaming vaporware? We break it down in this preview.

Full Story (22,360 Reads) | Discussion (52 Replies)

Microsoft Pushing Windows 7 64-bit Compatibility

By Charles P. Jefferies | 9/30/2009

Microsoft today announced the Windows 7 logo program, which is designed to help customers make better buying decisions.

Full Story (6,052 Reads) | Discussion (3 Replies)

Online Backup Service Buyers Guide 2009

By RickVanover | 9/17/2009

As the small business and home user become more dependent on technology, it is a great time to consider an online backup service. The question becomes: Which one do I use? Where will my money go the farthest? In this buyer's guide, we have reviewed six online backup products for use in home computing and small business settings.

Full Story (15,392 Reads) | Discussion (6 Replies)

2009 Backup & Recovery Software Home Buyers Guide

By Greg | 9/8/2009

Over the past few weeks, we have reviewed six backup and recovery utilities each with their own capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Some programs worked perfectly while others fell flat on their digital faces. We have a new appreciation for how difficult it is to get backup and recovery software right. Read on to see our recommendations!

Full Story (9,541 Reads) | Discussion (7 Replies)

Sony Notebooks to Use Google Chrome Browser

By Charles P. Jefferies | 9/2/2009

After a recent deal with Google, Sony will ship its VAIO PCs pre-loaded with the Google Chrome Internet browser.

Full Story (3,519 Reads) | Discussion (4 Replies)

Home PC Photo Editor Buyers Guide 2009

By Dustin Sklavos | 9/1/2009

Believe it or not, there is photo editing software available between the price and functionality extremes of Adobe Photoshop CS4 and MS Paint. We've given four consumer-grade image editing applications the once-over. Whether you're an aspiring design professional or just looking for the perfect app to spruce up your family photos, we've got the scoop on which software is right for you.

Full Story (9,608 Reads) | Discussion (2 Replies)

Internet Explorer 8 Better than Rivals at Blocking Malware Sites

By Charles P. Jefferies | 8/18/2009

NSS Labs has conducted benchmarks on web browsers and found that Internet Explorer 8 has better malware-blocking capabilities than any other browser.

Full Story (4,301 Reads) | Discussion (15 Replies)

Sony VAIO Notebooks Unable to use Windows 7's XP Mode

By Charles P. Jefferies | 8/10/2009

Sony has intentionally disabled hardware virtualization on all Sony VAIO notebook PCs, which means that they will not be able to use Windows 7's XP mode.

Full Story (7,794 Reads) | Discussion (11 Replies)