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Step by step: Operating systems

Test the Android smartphone operating system on your computer

Thinking of buying an Android phone but are hesitant because you don't know how it works. We explain how to get hands-on experience and 'try before you buy'

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The Cloud – a new way of working

Cloud computing means that all your applications, settings, files and folders are accessible from any PC with a web browser. We show you how to try it out

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Get free animated wallpapers for your Windows Desktop with Okozo

We explore Okozo, a program that will let you download new wallpapers for your Desktop in Windows 7 and Vista, quickly, easily and free

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Switch off visual effects to speed up Windows

Fine-tuning the way Windows uses visual effects can improve performance in XP, Vista and 7

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Club Exclusive: Win a Retrak accessory bundle for your laptop or Amazon Kindle

These packs of retractable cables won’t leave you in a knot

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Speed up the start-up time of Windows

Windows launching slowly? Discover a new free program that tracks down the causes

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Show world clocks on the Windows Taskbar

Find out how to view global time zones in Windows

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Back up the Windows Registry

The Windows Registry is a vital part of the operating system. We explain how to back it up and restore it should anything go wrong

This useful planning tool is now on sale from Amazon in the UK

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Add shortcuts to the right-click menu

Find out how to put program shortcuts in Windows 7’s context menus using free software

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Fix the 'Missing or Corrupt' error message

Discover how to fix this Windows XP problem with our step-by-step guide

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Use a rescue disc to make Windows load

Windows 7 refusing to load? Most issues can be solved with the installation or rescue disc

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Speed up a Windows 7 PC's performance

Find out if Windows 7’s Performance Troubleshooter can help speed up your computer

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Open old help files in Windows 7 and Vista

Windows 7 and Vista cannot open help files for older applications. We explain how to fix this

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Direct files and folders using the Send To command

The Send To command is one of Windows’ handiest shortcuts. Here’s how to take advantage

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Computing terms explained in plain English

Bittorrent

A technology for downloading files. Allows even very large files to be downloaded quickly.

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