In October's PCWorld: Tech Features That Matter and Ones That Don't

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In today's newsletter: • Articles in the New Magazine • Hot Downloads in the New Magazine • PCWorld online exclusives In the October 2011 PCWorld Magazine When you're buying a laptop, TV, phone, or other gear, the choices can be overwhelming. We outline the specs to focus on, as well as the numbers to ignore. Also in October's issue, get 28 great downloadable utilities, security tools, productivity enhancements, and entertainment apps that will dramatically improve work and play on your PC--gratis. And don't miss our roundup of eight great laptops under $800 We welcome your comments about any of the tips, reviews, and news in the latest issue. Send your feedback to our editorial director: sfox@pcworld.com Inside the October Issue Which Tech Specs Really Matter? In the market for a PC, TV, phone, tablet, camera, or printer? We separate the important numbers from the bogus ones. See related articles on PCWorld.com: » Laptop Buying Guide » Choosing the Right Desktop PC » Upgrade or Buy New? Find the PC That's Right for You The Best Free Software We rounded up 28 no-cost utilities, security tools, productivity apps, social media add-ons, and more to improve your digital life. See related articles on PCWorld.com: » The Best Free Stuff for Your PC (and Mobile Devices) » 10 Must-Have Free Downloads » 21 Great Free Games You Can Play in Your Browser 8 Great Laptops Under $800 Don't overspend. These portable PCs deliver the goods for well under a grand. See related articles on PCWorld.com: » The Best All-Purpose Laptops » Windows Laptop Makers Can't Catch Up to the MacBook Air » Top 7 Ultrathin Windows Laptops Hot Downloads in the October PCWorld 7-Zip Free, open-source utility 7-Zip supports ZIP, but also the much-improved 7z compression format. Double Driver Double Driver 4.0 makes fast and easy work of saving all your drivers. Microsoft Security Essentials Security Essentials holds its own as a free stand-alone antivirus app. PrimoPDF PrimoPDF is a printer driver that creates PDF files from your documents, rather than printing them to paper. PCWorld.com Exclusives Can You Do Real Work With the 30-Year-Old IBM 5150? Our intrepid reporter spends a week trying to write, browse the Web, edit photos, and even (shudder) tweet on IBM's first PC. Android Camera Shootout: 13 Phones Put to the Test We tested 13 Android phone cameras to see which one was the cream of the crop in capturing still images and video. 9 Handy Utilities for Optimizing Your Desktop and Display Make every pixel count with these tools for moving, resizing, and controlling windows. None are expensive, and many are free. Free Time-Saving Tools: Keyboard Shortcut Apps, Taskbar Pinner Use Google Toolbar, PhraseExpress, or AutoHotkey to autofill often-used bits of text; Taskbar Items Pinner can pin folders, websites, and other goodies to your Windows 7 taskbar. Are You Part of the PCWorld.com Community? Go to PCWorld.com and click "Join Us" in the upper right corner, or "Create a New Account" in the yellow bar. Then sign in to ask questions or post comments in our forums, post user reviews of products, comment on PCWorld articles and more! Join now! PCWorld's Expert Tips How to make your laptop run quieter and cooler. Keep reading. Back-to-School: Must-Have Downloads We've collected some free and low-budget downloadable favorites for work -- and play! Read more. Advertisement Free Trial of Trend Micro Internet Security Pro Download Free 30-Day trial of full version, includes all security features of the regular product. Most Popular Searches Android Tablet Freeware Windows 8 HP Product Reviews Symantec Norton AntiVirus 2011 93 Pros Good interface; Strong malware detection Cons Scan speeds lag behind top performers Read Complete Review » Top 10 Paid Antivirus Programs for 2011 » Top 5 Paid Antivirus for 2011 » Maingear EX-L 15 88 Pros Flexible audio setup; Superior gaming performance Cons Limited battery life; Heavy for its class Read Complete Review » Top All-Purpose Laptops » HP Officejet 6000 Wireless 83 Pros Low purchase price; Inexpensive high-yield inks; Wireless and automatic duplexing are standard Cons Yellowish or greenish tinge to photographs Read Complete Review » Top 5 Inkjet Printers » Get Big Savings When you Shop at PCWorld.com Shop online at PCWorld.com, where you can compare product information, read trusted reviews, and find the best prices on consumer electronics. Officejet 4500 All-in-One Inkjet Printer Price: $59.95 Avg User Rating 1 User Reviews Officejet 6500A All-in-One Inkjet Printer Price: $99.97 No User Ratings Yet Be the first to review Browse more Best Prices on Printers, Ink & Toner, Paper, Graphics & Publishing Software Top News on PCWorld.com Apple's Lost iPhone: Recapping a PR Debacle After another Apple employee lost an iPhone prototype, Apple and the San Francisco Police Department have been put under scrutiny for searching a man's home. Share: Google Aims to Close Google Maps Loophole Businesses were being labeled as "closed" with a few mouse clicks, possibly by malicious competitors or just incorrect labeling. Share: Top Reviews on PCWorld.com Six Big Windows 8 Features for Small Business Here's a sneak peek at how Windows 8 is shaping up to serve users at work. Share: Hands On With Sony Tablet S: A Tablet That Goes Beyond Basics Now offering a slate for presale, Sony is fashionably late to the Android tablet party--but its gamble may just pay off. Share: AquaSnap Lets You Snap Windows Around--Even on XP and Vista Free utility AquaSnap brings Windows 7s advanced window management hotkeys to older systems, and then some. Share: SRS Audio Essentials Enhances Sound to Awesome (but Addictive) Standards Add life, bass, and clarity to your music and video playback with SRS Audio Essentials. Share: Downloads: Editor's Collection Best Free Utilities and Security Apps Utilities and security apps are two of the most important categories of software that PC users can download. From keeping your operating system slim and bloatware-free to eradicating cookies and spyware, these apps amply reward you for downloading them. And best of all, they're free! --Megan Geuss avast! Free Antivirus   928723 Downloads  |  Free  |  Filed Under Antivirus Free antivirus protection just as good as the 'big boys.' PC Wizard   95424 Downloads  |  Free  |  Filed Under System Resources Tune-Up. This free utility explains your PC's configuration and performance in more detail than you may ever need. Spybot Search & Destroy   8782453 Downloads  |  Free  |  Filed Under Anti-spyware Tools This anti-spyware program is free, provides proactive protection, and is largely effective. See (7) more Best Free Utilities and Security Apps » Browse DownloadsAntivirus & Security • Design & Multimedia • Utilities • Games • Chat, Email, & the Web • Sponsored Downloads FishdomA captivating "virtual aquarium" in which you progress through challenging boards and solve immersive puzzles to earn cash. Use the money to buy eye-candy fish and attractive ornaments for your dream aquarium. Get accessories and supplies to create the perfect conditions for your finny pals and ensure their comfort. Win awards and upgrade your virtual tank as you perfect your aquarium design skills and have fun with the lovely fishy sims. In a unique fusion of classic game play with brilliant new ideas, this game with unlimited replayability will bring you lots of joyful moments! (Compatibility: Windows NT/2000/XP/ Vista/Windows 7) PCWorld newsletter subscribers use discount code PLAY-Y956-RIX to get 65% off! Formition Password SafeA security vault for your personal information. This award-winning software uses strong encryption to secure your information; the data never leaves your computer and you control the only password to access it. Unlike other password programs this system has been designed to simplify your password management. (Compatibility: Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7) PCWorld newsletter subscribers get 50% off with discount code PLAY-2A2Q-ASTX.

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