Stories by: PCWorld staff

Q. I’m running Windows XP Home. When I open the My Pictures folder in My Documents it opens for 10 seconds or so then vanishes back to the desktop, which at first has no icons although they all return after a second or two. I managed to move the pictures to a new folder and this works fine. Why does My Pictures close after 10 seconds?

The latest Morgan readership survey demonstrates the huge lead PC World holds over its competitors in attracting professional computer readers.

Logitech’s dual-action pad offers lightweight and easy controls for games enthusiasts. The device features two rubber-capped analog joysticks which provide gamers with 360º action control, and the D-pad allows more precise movement within the game.

FujiFilm’s A210 FinePix is aimed at first-timers making the leap to digital. Its design is deliberately simple, with large buttons and clear non-technical markings.

In the November 2003 issue of PC World, available now: PC buyers’ superguide -- How to buy the best tech gear; 60-minute upgrades -- Boost your PC power quickly and cheaply; Pump up your PDA -- Software for work, play and travel; Office 2003 -- Should you upgrade or give it a miss? Web and You -- Beat the broadband blues; LinuxWorld -- Mono: .NET for Linux; In the Test Centre -- Graphics cards, plus the new 64-bit AMD Athlon CPU. PLUS, Best Buys reviews of PCs and Notebooks, Tech.Files and Sweet Spot.
PLUS on the CD:
Three free full versions WorldBuilder 2.3 worth $1500, PC Inspector File Recovery 3, Windows & Internet Washer Lite 2.3; Free audio package: Audacity; PDA software; Top shareware: anti-spyware; plus Web Essentials, Browsers, Game demos, Patches, Linux software.
AND for PC World online readers: check out this month's Web-only graphics cards Best Buys reviews.

PLUS: PC World and Adobe have four Creative Suite Premium Edition packages – each worth $2499! –to give away to four lucky readers. Click here for more details.

This buying guide will help you decipher information about inkjet printers and make your choice an easier one.

In the October 2003 issue of PC World, available now: Media centre PCs -- The latest home-theatre PCs, plus build your own entertainment machine; Pain-free Windows tweaks; Music encoding guide -- Compressing digital audio; Beginner’s guide to automating tasks and customising your PC;Web and You -- E-mail evolves: fight in-box overload; LinuxWorld -- Graphics with the GIMP; In the Test Centre -- Colour laser printers; PLUS, Best Buys reviews of PCs and Notebooks, Tech.Files and Sweet Spot.
PLUS on the CD:
Three free full versions, over $100 of free utilities -- Argentum Backup 1.5, 4Diskclean Lite 3, Globex 1.51; Top shareware: Memory utilities; plus Browsers, Essentials, Game demos, Features, HelpScreen, Patches and updates.
AND ON THE BONUS LINUX CD: Full free version of Linux Knoppix 3.2.

This funky Nokia device features a digital media player and built-in FM stereo radio, as well as a mobile phone.

This tiny mobile gadget can take digital stills, record MPEG-4 film or voice memos, and play MP3s. Smaller than the palm of your hand, the clamshell SV-AV20 couldn’t be easier to use.

In the September 2003 issue of PC World, available now: The need for speed -- Broadband special report; Best free stuff -- 85+ essential tools, sites and services;Tailor-made PCs; Face to face -- Video-conferencing workshop;Web and You -- Maximum Google; LinuxWorld -- Directory services for Linux; In the Test Centre -- Webcams; PLUS, Best Buys reviews of PCs and Notebooks, Tech.Files and Sweet Spot.
PLUS on the CD:
Free full version -- Desktop Scout 2.21 desktop surveillance package; Broadband toolkit; Four free graphics programs; plus Browsers, Essentials, Web essentials, Game demos, HelpScreen, Patches and updates; Linux software.
SUBSCRIBER ONLY CD: Games demos, Puzzle & board games, Reader requests & suggestions

In the July 2003 issue of PC World, available now: Stealth mode -- Step-by-step guide to keep your PC secure; Cheap tweaks -- 35+ ways to boost your PC; Natural born spam killers -- The best inbox defenders; Web and You -- Users’ guide to online user reviews; Opera 7 for Linux; In the Test Centre -- Multifunction devices. PLUS, Best Buys reviews of PCs and Notebooks, Tech.Files and Sweet Spot.
PLUS on the CD:
Free full version -- SureThing CD Labeler 3.1 LE; Free full versions -- Rest Break, Smart Keys, and Caps Lock; Top shareware: Registry tools; plus Browsers, Essentials, Web essentials, Game demos, Patches and updates; Linux software.