Latest Software How-To Stories
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Answer Line
How Do I Back Up My Drivers?
Gerald Thompson wants his drivers protected before a complete reinstall.Answer Line
What Autoloading Programs Should I Keep?
Joseph Storer of Bellingham, Massachusetts has the right idea. He wants to know which programs that autoload at startup should NOT be disabled.How-To
10 Fixes for Vista’s Worst Features
Windows Vista is loaded with features, but they don't all work as they should. Here's how to tweak, modify, cope with, or work around the operating system's biggest blunders.How-To
Get Started With Virtual Machines
Virtualization is the safe, easy way to run any operating system on your PC or to run multiple OSs simultaneously. Here's how to add virtual computers to your system right now, using powerful free tools.Answer Line
Why Can’t I Open Vista’s Cookies Folder?
Lamar Redmon wants to know why he can't access Vista's Cookies folder typing "cookies" and selecting it.Answer Line
When Windows Update Won’t Update
Ralph Isaacs wants to know why Windows is telling him that it can't install its own updates.Answer Line
How Do I Gain Administrator Access Without a Password?
Anthony Venable purchased a used PC from a business going out of business. They didn't give him the password to the one administrator account.How-To
12 Unnecessary Vista Features You Can Disable Right Now
Tired of Vista's bloat? Reclaim your PC's performance by turning off a dozen wasteful features.Answer Line
How I Upgraded My Laptop’s Hard Drive and Almost Lost My Mind
In which a simple hardware upgrade allows me to channel my inner Laurel and Hardy.How-To
Six Hacks For Your Mobile Gear
Unlock your iPhone, supercharge your camera, and take your TiVo shows on the road for free. These six hacks unleash the hidden power in your mobile gadgets.How-To
20 Tech Habits to Improve Your Life
A few new habits can make the difference between staying on task, finding what you need, and getting things done–or having a tech meltdown.Privacy Watch
When to Worry About Security Holes–and When Not To
Annoyed by all the computerese that litters security stories? Here's your guide.Steve Bass’s Tips & Tweaks
Heads Up: Trojans and Viruses Are Out to Get You
Watch out for nasty Trojan horses–plus Steve Bass looks at free security tools, Microsoft tech support numbers, and goofy Olympic photos.Digital Focus
Detecting Digital Photo Fakery
What's real? Learning to tell truth from fiction in the Photoshop Age.Steve Bass’s Tips & Tweaks
Eliminate Hassles With Antivirus, Flash, Task Manager, and iTunes
Get the lead out of AVG, fix the Windows Task Manager toolbar, and dump duplicate files.How-To
Turn Any PC Into a Media Center
Looking to turn your computer into the ultimate home-entertainment device? Here's how to get a top-notch media experience out of the PC you already own.Steve Bass’s Tips & Tweaks
When Is Vista not Vista? When It’s Mojave!
Microsoft resorts to subterfuge to get people to try Windows Vista, as Steve Bass recently found. Plus, tips for Outlook and Windows passwords.How-To
10 Quick Fixes for the Worst Security Nightmares
Most security attacks are targeted at a few weak points on your PC that aren't that hard to protect. Follow these simple tips, and you'll suddenly be a whole lot safer.How-To
Give Your Chats a Personal Touch With Free Videoconferencing
Video chat is finally becoming more than just a nerdy novelty. Here's how to get some face time with your family, friends, colleagues, and customers–with or without a PC.Answer Line
Troubleshoot Your Boot-Up and Shutdown Problems
Does your PC hang, complain, or flat-out blue-screen when you start it up or shut it down? PC World's Lincoln Spector has answers to readers' most perplexing boot and shutdown questions.How-To
Skin Vista to Look Like XP
You may be stuck with Vista, but with a few tweaks and tricks you can make it look and feel just like its predecessor.How-To
How to Buy Home Networking Products
Small office and home networks make simple work of printer and file sharing, internet phone calls, and streaming media. But getting the right products can be confusing. We'll show you how to get the most for the money.How-To
Move Your Business From Windows to Linux
If the cost of Windows is getting your small business down, consider shifting to Linux.How-To
How to Build a Blog With WordPress
Tired of toying with the puny tools that cookie-cutter blog services provide? Follow the steps in this easy guide to install a WordPress blog on your own domain and personalize your Web presence.How-To
Last OS Standing: Make the Most of Windows Vista
Now that Windows XP is no longer being sold by Microsoft, PC users will be stuck with Windows Vista. Here's a roundup of PC World's best tips for making Vista easier to use.Steve Bass’s Tips & Tweaks
Ten Tools to Make Windows Shine
Add a layer of protection against spyware, stop Kaspersky's annoying audio alerts, and hide your files and folders. Plus: More fixes for the pesky Insert key.Answer Line
Answers to Vista Users’ Nagging Questions
Should you revert to XP? How can you make Vista navigation more XP-like? And why doesn't System Restore restore your system? Our Answer Line columnist solves these Windows mysteries.How-To
How to Prevent a Data Disaster
If a natural disaster wipes out your hard drive, it will probably destroy your local backups, too. Here's a backup plan that will get you through even the worst-case scenario.Steve Bass’s Tips & Tweaks
Smart Sites and Terrific Downloads
Share huge files, explore the universe, eject USB devices fast, and watch a hilarious video parody of video games and prostitution.Answer Line
What to Do When Windows Gets Really Messed Up
Even when Windows routinely gives you the Blue Screen of Death, all may not be lost. We'll show you how to restore both your data and your sanity.How-To
How to Do Everything Faster
22 smarter, more efficient ways to make short work of common tech tasks–from reinstalling Windows to crushing spyware to setting up a Web site.How-To
Linux Replacements for Your Favorite Windows Apps
You may be intrigued by the idea of switching to Linux. But how will you get your job done without your favorite Windows programs? These 18 great open-source apps make life with Linux easier.How-To
How to Speed Up Windows Vista
Vista's Service Pack 1 may not give your system much more oomph, but here are other ways to speed Vista up.How-To
Six Steps to a Faster Broadband Connection
Even if you're paying top dollar for high-speed Internet service, you may not be getting the performance you expect. Follow our guide to boost your broadband speed.How-To
How to Stop Laptop Theft
Taking a few simple steps can make your equipment and data less vulnerable to thieves, and can help you recover lost or stolen items.How-To
How to Buy a Server
Most small businesses with 10 or more employees will face the task of buying a computer server, or adding to their existing inventory. Here's how to determine what you need now and in the future.Windows Tips
Shift Any Version of Windows Into High Gear
Use the OS's own tools to maximize your PC's performance without spending a dime.Answer Line
Painless Backups to USB Drives
Low-cost USB drives make it easier than ever to back up your data and take it with you.How-To
How to Set Up Your Home Network
Wired or wireless, getting connected is easier than ever. Follow our steps and you'll have your PCs talking to each other in no time.Step-By-Step