PC Sticks. What's Available?

David Hayward looks at the smallest PCs around at the moment

In recent years, we've seen the PC shrink dramatically in size. From the standard desktop, to a far smaller media capable machine, to a box you could hold in the palm of your hand - and now to a PC that's not much bigger than a USB flash drive.

Speedlink Torid Wireless Gamepad

When is an Xbox controller more than just an Xbox controller?

Traditionally, the mouse and keyboard combo has been the main control system used for PC gaming, particularly for first-person shooters and strategy games. Today, it still enjoys that role, but it's also true that for a while various names in the gaming world have been pushing controllers too.

Archos Virtual Reality Glasses

Why bother with real reality, when you can have virtual reality?

VR is back with a vengeance. Its failed start in the 90s was just a minor blip compared to how well it's being received these days. The likes of the Oculus Rift, the Steam VR headset and Project Morpheus from Sony are prime examples that this once considered dead technology is worth investing lots of folding stuff into.

Underrated Features of Windows

We look at a handful of overlooked Microsoft elements

Windows gets a fair amount of stick from most people, regardless of whether they're in the computing industry or not. Windows 8.1 in particular is a favourite target for anyone who fancies a rant against the Redmond company, but it's not the first version of the operating system that has attracted criticism.

I can recall one particular person who complained daily about how much he hated Windows XP, then when he started using Windows 7, he suddenly found love for XP and focused his attention on the failings of Windows 7. Likewise, the cycle of rant and former love continued with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. It's quite amusing now I look back at it.

No CD/DVD-ROM Drive? No Problem!

Are you worried that your next PC or laptop might not have an optical drive? How would you cope? Roland Waddilove has the answers

The CD/DVD-ROM drive was once an essential component in desktop and laptop computers, almost as important as the hard disk or graphics card. Its time is rapidly coming to a close, though, as it slowly heads the way of the floppy disk drive. It is dying out; ultra-light laptops do not have them, and even some ordinary laptops with fewer space limitations are not including them as standard. So the question for many is 'can I manage without one?'