Software reviews
Apple Mac OS X on x86: a first test
Tech Guide Steve Jobs might not approve, but Apple's latest operating system can be installed on any x86 hardware. How well does it function? Read our preliminary labs test to find out.
Desktop Linux for small business
Group Test Is your business ready to take the open source plunge? We test five leading desktop Linux distributions and come up with one winner.
Annoying software: a rogues' gallery
Photos Which software is guilty of annoying us the most? Here's an identity parade of the chief suspects.
Browser shoot-out: IE 7 v Firefox 2
Buyer's Guide Microsoft and Mozilla have both recently released new and long-awaited browsers. Each has its adherents, but which should you use? We put them head-to-head.
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.
Five things you'll love (and hate) about Windows Vista
Tech Guide We've lived with beta 2 of Vista for a while. Here are our top five pros and cons of the new OS.
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.
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.
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.
Windows Vista RC2
Preview We think the overall quality of this Windows Vista Ultimate edition is not deserving of final release candidate status, and we expect to see at least one more interim build -- or perhaps even another release candidate -- soon.
Inside Windows Mobile 6
Photos Slightly earlier than expected, Microsoft has taken the wraps off its new mobile operating system, Windows Mobile 6. We have pictures of some of the new features, so take a look at what could be on your next smartphone or handheld.
Apple Boot Camp (beta)
Preview Apple gives the people what they want: Windows on Macs. Geeks proved it could be done through a variety of complicated hacks; now Apple has made it straightforward with a free download. We take Boot Camp for a test run.
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.
Internet Explorer's shrinking numbers
Tech Guide There's more than just features to consider when choosing an Internet browser. Unfortunately, on the eve of releasing Internet Explorer 7, Microsoft still hasn't worked that out.
