Our collection of the best no-cost downloads and Web services will help you customize your computer, enhance your productivity, wrangle your media, and more. Also in the issue, we point out how to avoid subscription traps. For many, membership in a monthly-fee-based discount club is as unwanted as cold germs--and just as easy to acquire. Our story explains the setup, and how to beat it. And if you're due for a new desktop PC loaded with Microsoft's latest (and widely praised) OS, check out our survey of some of the best compacts, all-in-ones, and towers.

We welcome your comments about any of the tips, reviews, and news in the latest issue. Send your feedback to our editorial director:
steve_fox@pcworld.com

In the Current Issue

How to Stop 11 Hidden Security Threats
Our look at today's most virulent threats explores how you can shore up your defenses. Plus, we debunk five security myths.

See related articles on PCWorld.com:

» Is Your PC Bot-Infested? Here's How to Tell

» Malware Aims to Evade Windows 7 Safeguards

» Protect Your Privacy With the New Facebook Settings

Technology's Most (and Least) Reliable Brands
Thousands of PCWorld readers reveal which vendors provide the most trouble-free products and the strongest service and support.

See related articles on PCWorld.com:

» The Smartphones You Can Rely On

» Top 10 Performance Desktop PCs

» How to Fine-Tune Your HDTV

Laptop Prize Fight
Netbooks vs. ultraportables, desktop replacements vs. all-purpose units. We weigh the pros and cons of each notebook type--and match the top contenders in the ring.

See related articles on PCWorld.com:

» Laptop Buying Guide: Shopping Tips

» How to Buy a Netbook

» Top 10 Ultraportable Laptops

Hot Downloads
in the Current Issue

FixWin
This free utility requires just over 500KB of space, runs without installation, and quickly fixes 50 different Windows glitches--many of which would normally require a scary trip to the Registry.

Recuva Portable
Utilities designed for undeleting files should be portable, since installing a program reduces your chances of recovering a lost file. This free file is from Piriform, the folks who make CCleaner.

Secunia Personal Software Inspector
This program scans your computer to find out what versions of what software you have installed, and it reports on which might contain known security holes. It also provides clickable links to download available patches or program updates, which makes updating most software a snap.

OopsBackup
This continuous-backup package keeps all versions of the files it backs up and saves only the changes. This reduces disk space requirements, often significantly.

PCWorld Online Exclusives

AT&T Roars Back in PCWorld's Second 3G Wireless Performance Test
After getting disappointing results in our tests last spring, AT&T's 3G network is now the top performer in our 13-city tests.

Keep Clear of Craigslist Scams
Avoid getting bilked, bamboozled, conned, or swindled on the Web's most popular classified site.

New Cameras Go Retro at PMA 2010
A lot of the new imaging technology unveiled at the recent PMA 2010 photography show has a decidedly retro slant.

Printer Makers Clash Over Advertising Claims
HP is challenging Kodak's promises that you can save money by purchasing a Kodak printer. Who should you believe?