PCAnswers

Want to make Windows XP look like 7? How to convert videos to the MKV format to save space without loosing much quality? Or are you concerned about the security of your personal details through facebook? Then check out the latest PCAnswers video tutorials.

Refresh your PC
Over the Winter months your PC probably saw more than it's fair share of usage and with the days geting longer you'r probably not using your PC quite as religiously. Then now is a good time to give it a good once over, a really good Spring clean. Joe Cassels shows you how to de clutter your PC, both on a hardware and software level, he shows you how to dust bust your case, cool down your unit and clean off unwanted files and folders.

Joe also address' a host of common clutter related issues, learn how to fix niggling problems that build up over time through regular PC usage and generally improve the performance of your PC.

eBooks Explained!
If the concept of eBooks is beyond you or you've always wondered if it's worth the money of hassle, then our 16-page Explained! guide to eBooks is just what you need. We explain the ins and outs of eBooks, how they work, where to buy them and more. With this definitive guide to eBooks you'll be reading old classics on your hardware in no time.

Upgrade the easy way!
With the release and establishment of Windows 7 it's as good of a time as any to upgrade. Although less bloated than Vista, Windows 7 does have some specific requirements and to gain the maximum potential from Windows 7 you'll a hardware upgrade.

We take you through the key components for an easy, cost effective and long lifespan upgrade. From a new motherboard all the way to replacing your drives and setting up a RAID array, in no time at all you'll have a fast, new and stable computer that's ready to stand the test of time.

Word 2007 Explained!
Everyone knows how to use Microsoft Word, or do they? In this 16-page complete guide we take you through all the key features of Word 2007 and even have a few gems of wisdom for the seasoned Word users out there.

Work faster in word, learn handy tips like how to return to the top of your document with one simple key combination ([Ctrl] + [Home]) and many many more. Create contents pages with a single click and some creative theming and add bibliography references. ... read more »

Creating a document purely for your own enjoyment isn’t a common practice – usually it’s a way to communicate information with someone else. In the previous section we looked at how to import and export files, but Google Docs enables you to begin sharing your data long before you’ve even finished it.
Although it’s more usual that you would finish a document before wanting someone else to see it, in many cases it can be easier to collaborate with colleagues on a document. If you’ve ever done this before, you may be familiar with the ping-pong of emails containing file attachments. What starts out being seemingly simple often results in a creakingly full inbox, inconsistencies between versions and a headache working out where bits have been changed and where it all went wrong. ... read more »

Smart ideas for Windows
The PCAnswers team show you how to work faster with your PC. With this handy collection of shortcuts, tips, tricks and tweaks, you're decrease the amount of time you spend trauling through menus and the reaction time of your PC.

Covering all three latest incarnation of Windows (Windows XP, Vista and 7) and Microsoft Office, they're something for everyone. You'll be speeding through regular tasks and applications in no time at all.

Windows Media Center explained
We've all heard of Windows Media Player, well Windows Media Center is it's big brother. Learn how to use the mammoth media suite to watch videos, listen to your music, record TV and stream video around your home.

Fix your damaged photographs
Old photos can degrade dramatically, black and white photos crack and turn yellow and early colour photographs discolour, dramatically changing your photos. Learn how to repair these issues and more with Christian Hall's indepth guide.

Create a home video DVD
Tanya Combrinck shows you how to create a custom DVD, how to set up menus and chapters and finally how to burn it out using the software on this issue's Movie Toolkit Video Disc.

Editing the Windows Registry is considered a dark art by many PC users but sometimes it's the only way of tailoring system settings to exact specifications. We've chosen ten of the very best edits you can make to give your PC a boost in terms of speed, security and reliability. We also show you where to look for them in that huge branch structure that is the Windows Registry. And remember if you use these tips or a Registry cleaner always back up your Registry file first.

1: Quiet UAC
Vista UAC never seems to stop nagging, but you don’t need to disable it, just gag it. Change HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Software > Microsoft > CurrentVersion > Policies > System > ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin to 0.

2: Stop update restarts ... read more »

We're looking for more readers to get in touch for our Help Me Fix section. PCAnswers is dedicated to solving PC problems, that's why we've introduced Help Me Fix into our Helpdesk pages, giving you the chance to see exactly how we solve problems in reality.

We're looking for more volunteers for this section, so if you've got a PC hardware or software problem that you can't solve and you're in the UK we're interested in hearing from you. We can't guarantee we can visit but any requests we can't meet we'll happily try to solve in our Helpdesk pages of the magazine.

If you'd like to get in touch about Help Me Fix simply email pcanswers@futurenet.co.uk putting "Help Me Fix" in the subject line.

The easy way to a healthy PC

When it comes to PCs, prevention is always better than cure. It costs less, reduces stress and can even extend the life of your system and your current Windows installation. In this feature Nick Peers arms you with all the tools and tips you need to run your own maintenance plan, enabling you to nip glitches in the bud before they become serious problems.

Master iTunes

Learn almost everything there is to know in our 16-page Explained! guide to the hit media player from Apple. In this section Joe Cassels shows you how to manage your music and media files, how to purchase music, import your external music and populate track data and album cover art.

Also...

• Learn all about scanners, what to look out for when buying one and the different types of devices available on the market.
• Find out which is the best budget D-SLR camera in The Big Test.
• Solve all your PC problems with 15-pages of computer solutions.
• Do more with your PC with 10 amazing How To... articles on subjects like; Recovering your PC, Creating panoramic photographs, Eradicating the Conficker worm and Speeding up your broadband for free.