PC World December 2003 Contents
- — 12 November, 2003 08:00
COVER STORY
64-bit takes off: Next-generation computing
AMD's chip supports 64-bit computing, ushering in a new era for desktops. We examine the state of hardware and software, and take a look at Apple's 64-bit G5 and Windows XP 64-bit edition.
FEATURES
Web and you: Party people go online
It's warming up outside and Christmas is on its way - both signs the party season is about to get going. If you're thinking of planning your own shindig, we have some great sites to help you organise, and make your event shine this year.
25+ easy speed tweaks: Quicker PC
Installing programs, downloading applications and recording audio files and video clips can soon clog up the hard drive of even the newest PC and prevent it from working at full tilt. Here's how to coax a PC back to life.
Cool gear for a hot Christmas: Great gifts
Need inspiration for your Christmas shopping? We have ideas for everyone on your list! This year's guide includes products that have scored highly in our reviews throughout 2003 - so your gifts will be well regarded.
Safe & secure: Keep baddies away
Whether a door has been left open, passwords are known to all or there's insufficient protection from external threats, it's easy for data to go walkabout. PC World explains everything you need to consider to keep your PC and your documents secure.
Gruntmasters: Max power PC
Want the fastest, most powerful PC out there - maximum power in every aspect of computing? You want a gruntmaster. We put four candidates (plus a mobile option) through the ringer to see if they're good enough to wear this label.
FIRST LOOKS
Hardware
Intel P4 with Hyper-Threading Extreme Edition
HP Scanjet 4670, HP Photosmart 7960
Palm Tungsten E, Tungsten T3, Zire 21Software
Microsoft Works Suite 2004, WordPerfect Family Pack 5
McAfee Internet Security Suite 6, Symantec Norton Internet Security 2004Quick Takes
Hardware: iBurst Wireless service and PC card, Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite, Vodafone Live! Sharp GX20 phone, Corinex HomePlug Ethernet Adapter, Nokia N-Gage, Canon DM-MVX3i, Sony DRU-510AK; Software: Adobe Creative Suite, Zone Labs IMsecure Pro, Adobe Audition 1.0, Mindscape Movieshop Deluxe
HERE'S HOW
IN DEPTH: Use your PC to sort your life out
WINDOWS XP home: Tune your broadband connection
WINDOWS XP pro: Managing Windows XP Pro Hotfixes
LINUX: E-Smith SME Server: Part II
MAC OS: Migrating your Mac
PHP: Interacting with directories
AUDIO: Using Audacity's features
GRAPHICS: Using The GIMP
DIGITAL VIDEO: Making a Christmas movie
HELP SCREEN
BEST BUYS
Tech.Files
Turning light into electricity: CMOS and CCD
Sweet Spot
CPUs
Graphics cards
Motherboards
System RAM
Optical drives
Hard drives
Monitors
PCs: OVER $3500
Acer Veriton 7600G
Plus Corporation Inspire P32
ARC Computers P4 3GHz
Plus Corporation Astra H31
Plus Corporation Advantage P32
PCs: $1500-$3500
Trinity International AMD Super Power Pack
APUS Universe Pro 2800
Dell Dimension 8300
Infocom Gaming Beast 1.2
Trinity International P4 Power Pack
PC eXpress Invader 2800C Deluxe
ARC Computers 3000+ XP AMD
Plus Corporation Inspire A36
Infocom M-112
Acer Veriton 7600G
PCs: Sub-$1500
APUS Universe 2500 Avx
PC eXpress Avatar 2600
Hotmicks Value 2083
PMP Beat IT
Plus Corporation Aspect T39
Notebooks: OVER $4000
Hi-Grade UltiNote M6600
Acer TravelMate 803LCi
Hi-Grade Notino C6700
Dell Precision M60
Fujitsu Lifebook S6120
Notebooks: $2500-$4000
Dell Inspiron 8600
ITC Millennia 7000
Hi-Grade Notino R5400
ITC Millennia 6000
BenQ Joybook 8000-V07
Notebooks: Sub-$2500
Mitac MiNote 8080
Targa Traveller C50
Stone M3400
Targa Visionary XP
Emagen N1000
Gaming devices: Gamepads
Belkin Nostromo n45 Gamepad
Gameon E-Shock AT-0739 Twin Pack
Logitech Cordless RumblePad
Thrustmaster Firestorm Dual Analogue 3
Gaming devices: Joysticks and throttles
Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick
Saitek X45 Digital Joystick and Throttle
Thrustmaster Top Gun Afterburner
Gaming devices: Steering wheels & foot pedals
Gameon Super Wheelie FT2004
Logitech MOMO Racing Force Steering Wheel
MP3 players: Hard disk players
Apple iPod 40GB
Archos Jukebox Multimedia 120
Creative NOMAD Jukebox ZEN NX
Solid state players
Acer MagicDrive MF-350
Apacer Audio Steno BP300
Creative NOMAD MuVo NX
JNC Digital SSF-11
Rome Dual Sports Digital Audio Player
Xclef MT-500
MP3 players: CD MP3 players
Havin' Exonion Slim
iRiver SlimX iMP-550
DEPARTMENTS
- EDITORIAL
- NEWS plus Broadband
- LINUXWORLD.COM.AU
- READERS' FORUM Plus Dilbert
- BACKBYTES: Book Review, Skills, Web Review, Gadgets and Gizmos, Games,
- Bytesback
- ADVERTISERS INDEX
