Software reviews
Annoying software: a rogues' gallery
Photos Which software is guilty of annoying us the most? Here's an identity parade of the chief suspects.
Windows 7 v Ubuntu 9.10: an illustrated guide
Tech Guide Is Windows 7 good enough to halt the move to desktop Linux in its tracks? We compare and contrast Microsoft's new OS with the latest version of Ubuntu.
10 ways to increase Vista's performance
Tech Guide Windows Vista has some great new security and functionality features, as well as a host of graphical tricks. However, if you find Vista's performance lagging, take heart: here's how to make Vista run faster.
Alternatives to Microsoft Office
Buyer's Guide In the world of productivity suites, you don't need to pay a lot to get the basic tools for reading, writing and arithmetic. Read our reviews and previews to discover what's in each bundle, from the freebies to the full-featured suites.
Running Mac OS X on standard PCs
Tech Guide Apple's operating system is officially available only for Mac hardware. However, it's possible, if legally questionable, to run Mac OS X Leopard on standard PCs.
Chrome OS: a first look
Preview Google has released source code for a preliminary version of its Linux-based operating system. Is it destined to dominate the netbook market? Here are our first impressions.
Internet Explorer 8 beta 2: a first look
Preview IE8 (beta 2) should satisfy Microsoft's loyal browser base, but it's unlikely to lure committed Firefox users back to the fold.
Lotus Notes/Domino 8, Beta 2
Preview In version 8 of IBM/Lotus's upcoming collaboration suite, the client (Notes) moves to a new Java framework while the server (Domino) gets a number of overdue enhancements.
Benchmarks: Windows 7 RTM versus Vista, XP
Tech Guide Microsoft is hoping Windows 7 will succeed where Vista failed. Our tests with the RTM build suggest that, at least in terms of performance, Windows 7 may deliver the goods.
Browser benchmarks: IE, Firefox, Opera and Safari
Tech Guide Web 2.0, with its complex sites and rich Ajax applications, is an increasingly demanding platform for a browser. In this guide, we look at how the leading browsers measure up.
Roll your own creative suite
Buyer's Guide Adobe's powerhouse Creative Suite 3 isn't for everyone, not least because of the cost. This guide shows how you can put together your own creative package with open-source or free software.
Inside Safari 3.0 for Windows (beta)
Photos Apple ports its Safari browser over to the Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems, adding a few new features.
Hosted virtualisation suites: a group test
Group Test If you need to run virtual machines on a workstation rather than a server, which is the best platform? We test VMware Workstation, VirtualBox, Parallels Workstation and KVM under Ubuntu, along with Wine, to find out.
Thunderbird 2 review
Review Mozilla's Thunderbird 2 is a fine, free, extensible email client and a solid alternative to the pricey Microsoft Outlook 2007 or the free Windows Live Mail.
7.3 Editors' Rating
Office 2010 Technical Preview: a first look
Preview As Microsoft unveils the next version of its flagship Office suite, we ask: is it revolution or evolution?
