How tech is changing language

New ways of speaking, new ways of writing, new ways of emailing. Nicole Kobie asks whether our language can withstand the OMGs, LOLcats and smiley faces

The English language is totes changing, because internet. If that sentence makes you grit your teeth, it’s probably best you don’t spend too much time online. Like any community, the internet has developed its own vocabulary and slang - and while much of it is silly, from “LOL” to “OMG”, some of it has slipped into the mainstream. Selfie, anyone?

Is this invasion of new words destroying the English language, or is it no more than a next step in a continual evolution. Here’s what the experts say.

Total War: Warhammer

Some things seem like such a foregone conclusion that you’re honestly shocked that it took so long for them to happen. When Creative Assembly announced earlier this year that they were going to be creating a Total War title based on Games Workshop’s worldbeloved line of Warhammer fantasy figurines and tabletop games, the reaction was one of expected exuberance, but also relief that the seemingly inevitable had finally come to pass.

NZXT H440 SE

The special edition of NZXT's H440 has been designed in collaboration with Razer, adding some features and eye candy to what was already a nifty PC chassis, in exchange for some extra outlay.

Aesthetically, while the H440 is traditionally a minimalistic design, this special edition has small nods to Razer's styling throughout the design, with bright green USB connectors and a lighting kit that highlights both the rear and underside of the case, but not so much that it becomes piercingly bright. The Razer logo at the front is similarly illuminated, once again in a tasteful manner. The entire design is swish and the branded improvements and lighting kit are nice additions to what was already a very attractive case.

BitFenix Colossus

The Colossus is one of the oldest cases we've covered in this Labs test, first going on sale in 2010. Although that's a long time in the fast-paced world of PC tech, the Colossus remains a viable option as a giant case that supports E-ATX motherboards. It’s still also the largest case in BitFenix's line-up, which is otherwise geared more towards smaller micro-ATX and mini-ITX case designs.

What Can We Expect From Quantum Computing?

David Hayward simultaneously tries and fails to understand quantum processing at the same time

It’s an amazing thing that in our lifetimes, we will have witnessed the birth of the home computer, its evolution to more powerful and more amazing handheld devices, through to the inevitable invention of the first personal, desktop quantum computer. At least that’s what we think may happen.

The quantum desktop computer is still quite a way off. There are examples of quantum processors being used for small experiments, usually in universities around the world. Some companies are also using the first generation of quantum computers for big number experiments and to see just what advantages a quantum computer has over a more traditional super computer.

The Pirate Bay Not Gone Yet

Mark Pickavance looks at the Pirate Bay, and tries to explain how it still exists, regardless of what actions are taken against it

Every news story about piracy always mentions The Pirate Bay, like it really needs any higher profile. Given how long this hub for illegal file distribution has existed and the number or organisations bent on its destruction, it’s still with us. How is this possible?

Picture Perfect

David Briddock explores Krita, a graphics app with a chequered history but a bright future

When most people think of desktop graphics programs, the same old names keep popping up. Adobe has always been high on the list with its Photoshop and Illustrator products, but these products aren’t cheap. In fact, they seem increasingly expensive when compared to the range of high-quality apps for iOS and Android.