Tags: desktop, free

Desktop digest: 13 things you need to know to buy the perfect desktop

Despite the laptop gaining strength as the PC du jour in recent times, the desktop still has a place in the home. Here are our top 25 things to consider before buying or building your own desktop.

Twitter desktop round-up: Top 5 free apps compared

Forgo Twitter.com's dreaded "fail whale". How? Tweet from the desktop. It's more reliable at times, and sophisticated desktop apps are packed with useful management features.

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Reviews

Microsoft Security Essentials

Microsoft Security Essentials is recommended for those who want something to set and ignore, but users who want more robust configuration choices or don't want to contribute to the cloud should look elsewhere.
Dell Studio One 19

There's a decent but not great PC hiding behind the Studio One 19's touchscreen gimmickry.
BenQ nScreen i91

BenQ's nettop looks affordable on the surface, but you're still paying a premium for a low-powered desktop machine.
Asus Eee Box B206

For undemanding users who aren't into HD video, Asus' Eee Box B206 is worth a look; however, it's not powerful enough to take on other media-centre PCs.
Apple iMac (20-inch, 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2009)

A few other all-in-ones make this 20-inch iMac look expensive on a dollars-per-screen-inch basis, but none are as attractive or as capable juggling multiple programs. With a fast dual-core CPU and a strong array of features, Apple's updated all-in-one will slide seamlessly into a variety of roles at home or at work.
Altech SysArielAtom-DP04

The DP04 is a classic example of why nettop buyers are better off buying netbooks.
Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition 8.0

The Anniversary Edition continues the publisher's tradition of adroitly addressing user concerns, but is still not quite perfect.
Lavasoft Anti-Virus Helix

Lavasoft, the publisher behind Ad-Aware security apps, unveils its first full-fledged antivirus application. Why is it nearly identical to Avira AntiVir?

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Features

Top 10 image-editing software downloads

Check out the 10 most popular image-editing software downloads from CNET Downloads.
Top free MP3 apps: alternatives to iTunes and WMP

Sick of Windows Media Player? Over iTunes? Here are three free alternatives for your music management needs.
Free apps for organising and tagging your MP3s

Too many messily named MP3s cluttering up your hard drive? Neaten up your songs with one of these apps.
Top free CD/DVD burning apps

Want a quick and dirty app for burning CDs on the cheap? Here are three free options for your music and data desires.

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News

Microsoft dabbles in hardware

Taking a page from arch-rival Apple, Microsoft has teamed up with hardware-maker Acer to deliver a Windows 7 laptop created to its specifications.
ANZ dishes out free Wi-Fi

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group has begun to offer free Wi-Fi wireless internet access in over 100 locations across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, in an act of generosity to last the next few months.
Google announces Chrome OS

Google has announced the creation of the Google Chrome Operating System project, with the goal to build a Linux-based OS available for purchase on netbooks in the second half of 2010.
Music video service offers more clips than YouTube

The ground is getting thick with music video services, with the PlayStation 3's VidZone now being joined by a service that brags it has "more depth than YouTube".

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DIYs and How-to

Windows desktop bling

Just because your Windows computer comes with boring backgrounds and icons doesn't mean that you're stuck with them. We show you where to find themes, widgets and other desktop tools to jazz up your screen.
101 software tips, tweaks and tricks

Our insider secrets will help you master your PC and its most important applications.
Making the most of Skype video-calling

Skype High Quality video-calling can help shrink the distance between yourself and loved ones overseas, but you may need to fork out for some new tech. We take a look at what you need.
Build the ultimate quiet PC

A noisy PC can drive you to distraction. Use our guide to discover the main causes of unwanted computer noise and build yourself the ultimate quiet PC!

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Downloads

Wise Registry Cleaner

Scan and clean Windows registry from errors and obsolete entries.
Christmas Symphony Screensaver

Watch animated Christmas scenes as your screensaver.
UIFriend

Access your display settings with ease.
Protector Plus Professional Antivirus

Protect your PC against viruses, trojans, worms, backdoors, spyware, rootkits, and other malware.

Get (laptop) smart before you buy

Win the numbers game and get the laptop that's perfect your needs as well as your budget!
Microsoft Windows® 7. Your PC, simplified.

Windows® 7 has been designed to be more reliable, more responsive, and to make the things you do every day easier.
Whereis® maps

If you’d like to get to know more of Australia, and do it safely, then check out Whereis® maps.