• PC World Downloads Have Been Revamped and Improved

  
  We've redesigned the Downloads section of PCWorld.com to make it simpler to find the software you want with better search tools, more user reviews and easier navigation.

• Casual Friday: Virtual Vacationing

  
  Can't see the world? We've got some cheap ways for you to explore the great indoors this summer.
• Microsoft Eases Hardware Terms for XP on Low-cost PCs
• Windows XP, Vista--and Windows 7?
• Microsoft Announces Name, Pricing for Subscription Office
• Last OS Standing: Make the Most of Windows Vista
• A Requiem for Windows XP
• Hands On: 12 Quick Hacks for Firefox 3
• Hacking Tools: A New Version of BackTrack Helps Ethical Hackers
• Stevens Creek Software to Debut Three IPhone Apps

Software Reviews

• Firefox 3 Web Browser New features and improved performance make Firefox 3 the Web browser to beat.
• HP SimpleSave Photo Backup Software This software-and-disc package is a drop-dead simple way to protect priceless photos and videos.
• DeLorme Street Atlas USA 2009 Mapping Software This package offers desktop mapping tools at a bargain price, but it's no substitute for a good GPS device.
• Xobni Outlook Add-On This free application is a must-have for anyone who lives in Outlook.
• Review: Nintendo Wii Fit Intuitive and downright cute in its presentation, the Wii Fit makes working out in front of your TV a genuinely interactive and fun experience.

Software News

• Gain Quick Access to Log Files in 10.5 OS X includes a number of tools that can be useful for troubleshooting purposes. Console, which you'll find in the...
• Stevens Creek Software to Debut Three IPhone Apps Stevens Creek Software, which up to now has focused on developing software for Palm OS handhelds, is turning its attention to...
• Jade Image Processing Plug-in Released for Aperture DataMind Srl has announced the release of Jade Plugin, designed to work with Apple's Aperture software. The plug-in is...
• Opera Adds Ask.com Search to Web Browser Opera Software on Thursday announced that it has added Ask.com to its available search engine options in its eponymous Web...
• 'MindHabits' Game Improves Self-confidence Got Game Entertainment has announced the forthcoming release of MindHabits for Mac OS X and Windows. The new game costs...

Software Playing in PCW Video

• 
  Bill Gates: A Trip Down Memory Lane A look back at Gates' astonishing career.
• 
  Spore: From Cell to Galactic God Creature Creator is the first module to be released from the new video game Spore.
• 
  XP Lives! Until 2010, at Least . . . Microsoft extends the XP deadline for low-cost PCs.

Software Slideshows

• The 15 Hottest Games of Summer From the much-anticipated Spore to the newest Guitar Hero to shoot-'em-ups galore, here are our recommendations for the games you've got to play this summer.
• Photo Contest: Hot Pics for May Subscribers to Dave Johnson's Digital Focus took these shots; read Dave's June 2nd column for the Hot Pic of the Month winner.
• The Best Products: Readers' Favorites From March 14 to April 14, 2008, we asked our readers to participate in a survey rating their favorite products in more than 60 technology categories. Here are the ones that they rated highest in 15 of the most popular categories.
• Top 10 Google Flubs, Flops, and Failures Not everything Google touches turns to gold. These are some of Google's biggest nonstarter Web services, software programs, and business moves.
• Grand Theft Auto IV: Exceeds Every Expectation Grand Theft Auto IV hurtles onto the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 with the force of a supernova, making good on nearly all its promises.

Software How-Tos

• 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.
• 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.
• Easy Ways to Give Your Photos an Antique Look Use a photo editor to add sepia and authentic "grain" to your favorite picture, or doctor it on the Web.
• Create Your Own Blu-ray Video Discs From shooting great video with your HD camcorder to playing the footage back on your HDTV, here's how to turn your own home videos into high-def Blu-ray masterpieces.
• 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.