Computing Center: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Who Knew Excel Could Do That? Ten Top Tips
Make your spreadsheets work harder and give them a polished look with these nifty tricks.
Make your spreadsheets work harder and give them a polished look with these nifty tricks.
30 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do on the Internet
The Web is learning new tricks every day. These surprising sites and services will help you solve problems and save time--and one might even make you a star.
The Web is learning new tricks every day. These surprising sites and services will help you solve problems and save time--and one might even make you a star.
Frequently Asked Questions About Microsoft Excel
Your most nagging questions about the world's most popular spreadsheet: Answered, at long last.
Your most nagging questions about the world's most popular spreadsheet: Answered, at long last.
10 Killer Texting Tricks
Text messaging isn't just kid's stuff anymore. Use these amazing online tools to turn any SMS-capable phone into a productivity powerhouse.
Text messaging isn't just kid's stuff anymore. Use these amazing online tools to turn any SMS-capable phone into a productivity powerhouse.
Computing Center - Share This Site
Share This Site lets you e-mail a friend or associate and offer them a friendly reference to content you think they would be interested in.
Share This Site lets you e-mail a friend or associate and offer them a friendly reference to content you think they would be interested in.
Busting the Biggest PC Myths
We expose the bad advice that wastes your time and money.
We expose the bad advice that wastes your time and money.
The 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past 50 Years
Here's PC World's official (and entirely idiosyncratic) list of the top tech gadgets of the last half century.
Here's PC World's official (and entirely idiosyncratic) list of the top tech gadgets of the last half century.
TV Tuners for Your PC
The cheapest way to record TV shows with your PC is to use a TV tuner--either an internal PCI card or an external USB box.
The cheapest way to record TV shows with your PC is to use a TV tuner--either an internal PCI card or an external USB box.
Biometrics: From Reel to Real
No longer just Hollywood fantasy, biometric systems are about to touch your life. From fingerprint to iris scans, here's how the technology affects you.
No longer just Hollywood fantasy, biometric systems are about to touch your life. From fingerprint to iris scans, here's how the technology affects you.
How Hackers Hack
The tricks hackers use, and what you can do to foil them.
The tricks hackers use, and what you can do to foil them.
How Do I Know When a Virus Hits My Computer?
Detect and eliminate viruses and worms that manage to sneak past your antivirus utility.
Detect and eliminate viruses and worms that manage to sneak past your antivirus utility.
Android App Alert: Mobile Defense Hits the Market
Want to protect your Android phone in case it's lost or stolen? An app just made widely available makes it easier than ever -- and it won't cost you a single cent.
Want to protect your Android phone in case it's lost or stolen? An app just made widely available makes it easier than ever -- and it won't cost you a single cent.
5 Easy Hacks for Your PC and Wi-Fi Network
Speed up your CPU and graphics card, add advanced features to your wireless router, boost your network's range, and tweak your PC's power consumption for extra efficiency.
Speed up your CPU and graphics card, add advanced features to your wireless router, boost your network's range, and tweak your PC's power consumption for extra efficiency.
The Cable Game
Salespeople may tell you that exotic video cables deliver a better picture. But the results of our exclusive lab tests could save you money.
Salespeople may tell you that exotic video cables deliver a better picture. But the results of our exclusive lab tests could save you money.
Turn a Photo Into Desktop Wallpaper
Decorate your Windows desktop with shots of friends and family.
Decorate your Windows desktop with shots of friends and family.
Fast Downloads, Beyond Browsing, Dancing Doodles
Speed up downloads with the power of sharing, do more in one browser, and bring stick figures to life.
Speed up downloads with the power of sharing, do more in one browser, and bring stick figures to life.
23 Things to Do With a Thumb Drive
Put your USB drive to work as a portable desktop, PC recovery kit, entertainment platform, and more.
Put your USB drive to work as a portable desktop, PC recovery kit, entertainment platform, and more.
Secret TiVo Tips and Tweaks
Whether you want to check the time or add more channels or storage to your favorite digital video recorder, we can show you how.
Whether you want to check the time or add more channels or storage to your favorite digital video recorder, we can show you how.
Picnik.com
Outstanding online photo editing for casual photographers who live online.
Outstanding online photo editing for casual photographers who live online.
Home Theater in a Box
These five all-in-one systems pack cinema-style sound, DVD players, and more--just add popcorn, a big-screen TV, and your favorite movie.
These five all-in-one systems pack cinema-style sound, DVD players, and more--just add popcorn, a big-screen TV, and your favorite movie.
Will the Real Spam King Please Stand Up?
Many vie for the title, but only one can be crowned the true Spam King, Bane of Internet Users.
Many vie for the title, but only one can be crowned the true Spam King, Bane of Internet Users.
Back Up Your Cell Phone's Address Book
Your phone book doesn't have to disappear with your phone. These services and accessories can save you the trouble of manually entering your contacts.
Your phone book doesn't have to disappear with your phone. These services and accessories can save you the trouble of manually entering your contacts.
The Quickest Way to Make Several Folders at Once
A shortcut makes multiple folders; change your 'Open With' list; spiff up your Command Prompt.
A shortcut makes multiple folders; change your 'Open With' list; spiff up your Command Prompt.
Hacking's History
From phone phreaks to Web attacks, hacking has been a part of computing for 40 years.
From phone phreaks to Web attacks, hacking has been a part of computing for 40 years.
How to Upgrade Your PC's RAM
Follow our step-by-step guide to installing memory.
Follow our step-by-step guide to installing memory.
Printers for Every Purpose
Different inkjets for different folks: We evaluate 15 models for quality, speed, and ink costs, from snapshot specialists to office workhorses.
Different inkjets for different folks: We evaluate 15 models for quality, speed, and ink costs, from snapshot specialists to office workhorses.
Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs on the Same Network
Enable the machines on your cross-platform network to access and share the same files and resources.
Enable the machines on your cross-platform network to access and share the same files and resources.
Instant Messaging Etiquette
Follow our ten tips for proper IM manners.
Follow our ten tips for proper IM manners.
Cheap Laptop Batteries: Good Deal or Risky?
You can save up to 50% with an aftermarket battery for your notebook -- if you dare.
You can save up to 50% with an aftermarket battery for your notebook -- if you dare.
E3 2004 Quick Takes, Part 1
From Doom 3 to Spider-Man and Cowboy Bebop, the largest electronic game expo ever had something for everybody. First of two parts.
From Doom 3 to Spider-Man and Cowboy Bebop, the largest electronic game expo ever had something for everybody. First of two parts.
Put Your VHS Tapes on DVD
Moving your video collection to DVD can be straightforward, painless, and--if you pick the right strategy--affordable.
Moving your video collection to DVD can be straightforward, painless, and--if you pick the right strategy--affordable.
The Best in Basic Cell Phones
Low-frills phones are cheap--and some are even free with a signed contract.
Low-frills phones are cheap--and some are even free with a signed contract.
Xcelsius Enlivens Excel
Spreadsheet add-on brings Flash support to worksheets.
Spreadsheet add-on brings Flash support to worksheets.
Doh! The Most Disastrous E-Mail Mistakes
Want some light entertainment? Check out our readers' true tales of e-mail faux pas, and find out how to prevent them from happening to you.
Want some light entertainment? Check out our readers' true tales of e-mail faux pas, and find out how to prevent them from happening to you.
Top 5 Basic HTML Editors
Build Web pages in minutes with these point-and-click text editors.
Build Web pages in minutes with these point-and-click text editors.
Understanding Wi-Fi's Two Spectrum Bands
The evolution of communications is about taking one kind of thing and making it better, faster, and more reliable. USB 1 evolved into USB 2; FireWire 400 morphed...
The evolution of communications is about taking one kind of thing and making it better, faster, and more reliable. USB 1 evolved into USB 2; FireWire 400 morphed...
Elude Your ISP's BitTorrent Blockade
More and more Internet service providers are blocking traffic to the peer-to-peer file-sharing service. Find out whether you've been targeted, and learn how get around the restrictions.
More and more Internet service providers are blocking traffic to the peer-to-peer file-sharing service. Find out whether you've been targeted, and learn how get around the restrictions.
Solid $500 Laptops
Notebook prices have hit a new $500 low. We tested three budget units, which proved surprisingly capable at standard office tasks.
Notebook prices have hit a new $500 low. We tested three budget units, which proved surprisingly capable at standard office tasks.
Create a Temporary Chat Room with Tinychat
Want a chat room without all the hassles of software, registration, and fees? Tinychat is the quick, easy, and free answer.
Want a chat room without all the hassles of software, registration, and fees? Tinychat is the quick, easy, and free answer.
Use Your Cell Phone as a Modem for Your PC
With the right cell phone and online data service, the Internet is just a call away.
With the right cell phone and online data service, the Internet is just a call away.
Overheated Notebooks
Keep your notebook from getting too hot.
Keep your notebook from getting too hot.
First Look: Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting
Software giant tailors new version of office suite for small-business users.
Software giant tailors new version of office suite for small-business users.
Sound Off: Take Charge of Windows Audio Controls
Control Windows' audio commands, fix problem applications with fast access to the Task Manager.
Control Windows' audio commands, fix problem applications with fast access to the Task Manager.
Lotus Updates Notes
Notes 6.5 features built-in messaging tools, more spam-handling options.
Notes 6.5 features built-in messaging tools, more spam-handling options.
Is an Internet Phone Right for You?
VoIP services are cropping up all over the place. We answer your questions about this new breed of phone services.
VoIP services are cropping up all over the place. We answer your questions about this new breed of phone services.
The 10 Best Google Android Applications
Google has announced the winners of its $10 million contest to develop innovative apps for its open source mobile platform.
Google has announced the winners of its $10 million contest to develop innovative apps for its open source mobile platform.
La-Z-Boy Recliner Invites You to Surf in Comfort
Take surfing to a new level in a chair with WebTV, high-speed links, and a laptop tray (and drink holder).
Take surfing to a new level in a chair with WebTV, high-speed links, and a laptop tray (and drink holder).
Windows' Command Line Puts You in Control
Text commands can make quick work of many Windows tasks; plus, a free file-copy utility.
Text commands can make quick work of many Windows tasks; plus, a free file-copy utility.
How Do Tech Terms Become Legit?
Are the words we use every day -- like podcast, mashup, and blogosphere -- good enough for mainstream dictionaries?
Are the words we use every day -- like podcast, mashup, and blogosphere -- good enough for mainstream dictionaries?
20 Days Without a PC
No e-mail, no word processor, no Google...no problem? Our reporter goes cold turkey and lives to tell the tale.
No e-mail, no word processor, no Google...no problem? Our reporter goes cold turkey and lives to tell the tale.
Great Digital Cameras for Movie Making
Video has come of age in digital cameras. Here are five cameras that give you the best movie-making options. Plus: Handy tips for shooting video on your camera.
Video has come of age in digital cameras. Here are five cameras that give you the best movie-making options. Plus: Handy tips for shooting video on your camera.
Lock Down Your PC
Hackers. Spammers. Even rogue coworkers and employees. How can you keep the bad guys out and the good data in? Safeguard your system's perimeter with these 29 beyond-the-basics security steps.
Hackers. Spammers. Even rogue coworkers and employees. How can you keep the bad guys out and the good data in? Safeguard your system's perimeter with these 29 beyond-the-basics security steps.
Windows Tips: Windows' Hidden Image Viewer
Useful, little-known features of the seemingly disposable viewing utility.
Useful, little-known features of the seemingly disposable viewing utility.
Are Extended Warranties Worth It?
With standard warranties dwindling, you need to decide whether to pay for coverage you used to get for free. Our survey of 2000 readers reveals some surprising data about extended plans.
With standard warranties dwindling, you need to decide whether to pay for coverage you used to get for free. Our survey of 2000 readers reveals some surprising data about extended plans.
Mobile Computing Tips: Getting Your Gear Through Airport Security
What to expect, and how to avoid problems and embarrassment.
What to expect, and how to avoid problems and embarrassment.
FileMaker Ships Add-On Programs
Meeting organizer, recruiting tool lead new line of database accessories.
Meeting organizer, recruiting tool lead new line of database accessories.
Farewell, Photo Lab?
We examine the positives of no negatives--four of the latest portable photo printers that transform digital images into glossy works of art.
We examine the positives of no negatives--four of the latest portable photo printers that transform digital images into glossy works of art.
The VoIP Players
Who's who in Internet calling?
Who's who in Internet calling?
New Wired Keyboard-sans Numeric Keypad-ships With IMac
It may not be as exciting as the new Mac Pros, Mac minis, or iMacs, but Apple also quietly added a new version of its wired...
It may not be as exciting as the new Mac Pros, Mac minis, or iMacs, but Apple also quietly added a new version of its wired...
Add a VPN Shortcut to the Vista Desktop
Tired of manually establishing your Vista VPN connections? Here's a simple way to add a shortcut to your desktop.
Tired of manually establishing your Vista VPN connections? Here's a simple way to add a shortcut to your desktop.
Sophisticated, Compact Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Reviews backed by PC World Test Center findings reveal which ones have the best combination of fresh capabilities and solid basics.
Reviews backed by PC World Test Center findings reveal which ones have the best combination of fresh capabilities and solid basics.
Digital Audio Hi-Fi
These devices let you play digital audio through your stereo system, and the only finger you have to lift is the one on your remote control.
These devices let you play digital audio through your stereo system, and the only finger you have to lift is the one on your remote control.
DVD on the Edge
We test double-layer burners designed to pack twice as much content onto a disc.
We test double-layer burners designed to pack twice as much content onto a disc.
Grocery Shop Online--While You Can
Buying groceries on the Web is a terrific, though possibly endangered, convenience.
Buying groceries on the Web is a terrific, though possibly endangered, convenience.
Bulk Up Your PC's RAM
There's never been a better time to add more memory to your PC. Here's what to do.
There's never been a better time to add more memory to your PC. Here's what to do.
ATI Misfires With First CrossFire
Exacting demands for dual-card performance and indifferent test results limit the appeal of this first-of-its-kind board.
Exacting demands for dual-card performance and indifferent test results limit the appeal of this first-of-its-kind board.
Keep Your Data Folders in Date Order Automatically
Plus: Create more format options for your folders, and make custom right-click menus for your files and folders.
Plus: Create more format options for your folders, and make custom right-click menus for your files and folders.
WI-FI Projectors: Keep The Cables
Beam your slides? Nice idea, but?
Beam your slides? Nice idea, but?
New Attack Cracks Common Wi-Fi Encryption in a Minute
Japanese researchers have developed a way to crack WPA encryption in about a minute.
Japanese researchers have developed a way to crack WPA encryption in about a minute.
Complete PC Preventive Maintenance Guide
Help your computer live longer, perform better, and avoid debilitating crashes.
Help your computer live longer, perform better, and avoid debilitating crashes.
Sandbox Security Versus the Evil Web
Five products strive to trap drive-by downloads and other threats in a virtual Web browsing space, with mixed results.
Five products strive to trap drive-by downloads and other threats in a virtual Web browsing space, with mixed results.
15 Ways to Block Annoying Ads and Pop-Ups
Had enough of blaring ads, dopey pop-ups, and annoying fly-in Flash ads? Get rid of them with these super ad and pop-up blockers. Most won't cost you a nickel--and you can try them all for the price of a download.
Had enough of blaring ads, dopey pop-ups, and annoying fly-in Flash ads? Get rid of them with these super ad and pop-up blockers. Most won't cost you a nickel--and you can try them all for the price of a download.
Speed-Boosted Wi-Fi
Enhanced 802.11g devices promise blazing speeds; we found them to be about one-third faster.
Enhanced 802.11g devices promise blazing speeds; we found them to be about one-third faster.
New Credit Cards Leak Personal Info
Some cards equipped with RFID chips send out names and account numbers.
Some cards equipped with RFID chips send out names and account numbers.
Prepaid Cell Phones
Pay-as-you-go mobile phones provide contract-free service.
Pay-as-you-go mobile phones provide contract-free service.
One PC With Everything-To Go!
We review six notebooks that think they are desktops-and have the speed and features to show why.
We review six notebooks that think they are desktops-and have the speed and features to show why.
Lessons Learned: IT's Biggest Project Failures
Think your project's off track and over budget? Learn a lesson or two from the tech sector's most infamous project flameouts.
Think your project's off track and over budget? Learn a lesson or two from the tech sector's most infamous project flameouts.
Microsoft Office 2010: A Simple FAQ
Microsoft has officially unveiled its Office 2010 software suite, and the upgrade boasts plenty of changes.
Microsoft has officially unveiled its Office 2010 software suite, and the upgrade boasts plenty of changes.
Best Products for Streaming Audio and Video With Ease
Want to watch your movies in the bedroom or listen to your albums in the kitchen? We identify which devices do the best job of streaming PC-based video and audio all over your home.
Want to watch your movies in the bedroom or listen to your albums in the kitchen? We identify which devices do the best job of streaming PC-based video and audio all over your home.
Bug Allowed Free Access to Sirius Radio Service
TippingPoint says it has found a flaw in Sirius satellite radio that could be used to get free service.
TippingPoint says it has found a flaw in Sirius satellite radio that could be used to get free service.
Nikon's SLR for the Masses
The Nikon D50 brings interchangeable-lens photography to an affordable level.
The Nikon D50 brings interchangeable-lens photography to an affordable level.
Zip Drives Come in New Flavors
Iomega adds to its lineup of external Zip drives with new 100MB and 250MB USB models.
Iomega adds to its lineup of external Zip drives with new 100MB and 250MB USB models.
To Get Just the PC You Want, Build It Yourself
You can construct your own fully equipped system for about the same amount of money as an off-the-shelf configuration.
You can construct your own fully equipped system for about the same amount of money as an off-the-shelf configuration.
Finally: A Cell Phone You Can Throw Away
Hop-on.com releases $40 disposable cell phone, supporting most metro markets.
Hop-on.com releases $40 disposable cell phone, supporting most metro markets.
Mobile Computing Tips: Best Web Sites for Travelers
Go online before you hit the road, prevent eye strain, death by cell phone.
Go online before you hit the road, prevent eye strain, death by cell phone.
Recycle Your Stereo for Surround Sound
You may not have to replace all your equipment to assemble a great home theater system. Here's how to get started.
You may not have to replace all your equipment to assemble a great home theater system. Here's how to get started.
CD Copy Annoyances; Battlefield: Vietnam
New combatant in the copy protection arms race, plus a look at Dice's Vietnam War game.
New combatant in the copy protection arms race, plus a look at Dice's Vietnam War game.
Net Drives
Got multiple PCs and a network? New net-ready hard drives are a smart, affordable way to back up and share data.
Got multiple PCs and a network? New net-ready hard drives are a smart, affordable way to back up and share data.
If You Lose Your Cell Phone
The mulitple stages of loss and how to deal with them.
The mulitple stages of loss and how to deal with them.
New QuickBooks, Simply Accounting Ship
Two accounting packages now come in industry-specific flavors.
Two accounting packages now come in industry-specific flavors.
CPU Maxed Out?
There's probably something amiss.
There's probably something amiss.
Better Photos From Your Camera Phone
Five ways you can take better photos with your phone.
Five ways you can take better photos with your phone.
Smart Talk
Time for a new cell phone, service plan...or both? Use this guide to pick the perfect ones for your needs and budget.
Time for a new cell phone, service plan...or both? Use this guide to pick the perfect ones for your needs and budget.
Get the Most From Your Display and Graphics Card
Adjust your monitor and graphics card settings, shut down your modem after a fixed length of time.
Adjust your monitor and graphics card settings, shut down your modem after a fixed length of time.
Is E-Voting Safe?
Millions will cast their ballots this year using voting machines based on PC technologies. We answer the most pressing questions about ballot box security.
Millions will cast their ballots this year using voting machines based on PC technologies. We answer the most pressing questions about ballot box security.
Outsourcing Your Payroll
Let someone else process your business payroll and relieve your tax headaches.
Let someone else process your business payroll and relieve your tax headaches.
How to Buy a Laptop on a Budget
You don't have to break the bank to find your perfect portable PC.
You don't have to break the bank to find your perfect portable PC.
Secret Tweaks
20 unexpected ways to unleash the true potential of the technology products you already own.
20 unexpected ways to unleash the true potential of the technology products you already own.
Yahoo, SBC Offer Free Online Security Suite
DSL subscribers will have access to spyware, virus, and e-mail protection.
DSL subscribers will have access to spyware, virus, and e-mail protection.
IMovie '09: What You Need to Know
iMovie '08 was one of the most controversial Apple products in recent memory. While touted as a rewrite of iMovie HD aimed at...
iMovie '08 was one of the most controversial Apple products in recent memory. While touted as a rewrite of iMovie HD aimed at...