Switchers Guide: Understanding Mac security
When it comes to security, using Windows can feel like living in the heart of a big city--the kind of place where you can install all the locks and alarms you want, but you still worry. The vast number of computer users who run Microsoft operating systems form the biggest, juiciest target cybercriminals could dream of. Which is why there are more than twenty-two million unique examples of Windows malware out there. Read more...

Switchers Guide: Run Windows on a Mac

Switchers Guide: Moving hardware and software to Mac

Switchers Guide: Move your files from PC to Mac

Lenovo profits return as restructuring pays off

Linux's share of netbooks surging, not sagging, says analyst

Windows XP smartphone raises functionality questions

Microsoft's Mundie: Time is right for tablet computing

Power and the international Mac

Sprint launches netbook deal, expands WiMax coverage

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First take: Apple's new MacBook offers sleek style, solid performance
Apple's new 13-in. MacBook still costs $999, but it now comes with a faster processor under the hood and a more curvaceous, and stylish, look.

Review: 3 free Linux alternatives for your netbook
Netbook fans who feel that Windows 7 Starter edition is too limited for their liking might want to try one of the Linux distros made especially for netbooks. We review three.

Acer Aspire 5738DG-6165 All-Purpose Laptop
The Acer Aspire 5738DG-6165 grafts a 3D panel onto a mainstream laptop. It's a gimmick, a feature that caters to maybe 1 percent of the computing population--and at first I was completely skeptical. People are offering 3D as a crowd-pleasing extra in movie theaters, as a ploy to justify the purchase of Blu-ray discs, and now as a new reason to buy a high-end graphics card. But in a $780 all-purpose laptop?

Power and the international Mac
Internationalist Paul Carpenter asks a question commonly posed by modern border-crossers. He writes:

On Your Side: Is That Laptop Still Under Warranty?
My daughter Carley called Hewlett-Packard for a free replacement part for her HP Pavilion dv6700 laptop, which was still under warranty. The HP representative told her that she had to give a debit or credit card number to ensure processing of the shipment. Despite the rep's assurances that her account would not be charged, HP debited $69.15, which overdrew her account. We called HP the next day and faxed copies of the receipt showing that the laptop was under warranty. HP says that it will refund the charge for the replacement part, but won't do anything about the bank's service charges, now $143. Can you help us?

Acer Aspire One D250-1613 (Android) Netbook
The latest model in the Aspire One netbook line is fairly nondescript. The D250-1613 has the same 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, plus 1GB of RAM, a 160GB hard drive, a tiny keyboard, and a microscopic multitouch pad. With its cookie-cutter netbook design, it fits into the crowd somewhere between the Fujitsu LifeBook M2010 and, say, the Lenovo S10. The only real difference is that, for a $350 asking price, Acer is offering a dual-boot system, with both Windows XP and Android tailored for a netbook. Regrettably, throwing in Google's OS gratis isn't enough to make this netbook a winner right out of the box.

13-inch MacBook/2.26GHz (Late 2009)
In just three and a half years, the MacBook, targeted at average computer users, students, and PC switchers, has become Apple's best-selling Mac model. In its first major remodeling since 2006, the polycarbonate MacBook has gained many of the marquee features of the 13-inch MacBook Pro ( Macworld rated 4.5 out of 5 mice ), including a unibody design, a glass trackpad, and an LED-backlit display.

ARM vs. Atom: The battle for the next digital frontier
Small, inexpensive, power-efficient new chips from Intel and ARM are enabling the new wave of mobile devices -- and setting the two companies on a collision course

5 ways to overclock a netbook (really!)
Didn't think hardware this tiny could be tweaked? Think again. We explore five ways to turn netbooks up to 11.

Review: Wireless docking with Toshiba's newest Dynadock
A wireless docking station that works with any notebook is a nice idea, but the Toshiba Dynadock Wireless U comes with a few major caveats.

Editors' Picks

The updated iMac now offers a screen resolution that's higher than HD. The Droid comes with Android 2.0, the slimmest QWERTY slider, a 3.7-in. display and Verizon's network. Is the iPhone in trouble? Didn't think hardware this tiny could be tweaked? Think again. We explore five ways to turn netbooks up to 11. Abundant spectrum resources and an engaged research community are drawing wireless experimenters back into a hobby that many had forgotten.

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Laptops and mobile devices continue to go missing due to poor visibility once they leave the network. Absolute Software can help by giving you a complete view of mobile computers from a single web-based interface along with powerful anti-theft capabilities to keep your data safe. Success Story: Grant Thornton LLP Grant Thornton needed to reduce computer loss rates and streamline IT asset management across 49 offices. The company used Computrace by Absolute Software to recover and wipe data from laptops before end-of-lease. With Computrace, the company has reduced costs by increasing asset visibility to 100%. Endpoint Security: When Encryption Isn't Enough Missing laptops and mobile devices continue to be the number one cause of data breaches. Research indicates that over 60% of data breaches are caused by careless employees or insider theft. This white paper provides a case for endpoint security that remains effective regardless of end-user reliability. The Human Factor in Laptop Encryption This Ponemon Institute whitepaper examines the behavior of non-IT employees when it comes to encryption policy. It shows that many employees may not be taking the most basic precautions to protect their company laptop. View Entire Zone

"Let's face it, most backup administrators are typically under paid, under appreciated, and only become important in the eyes of..." Read more "Windows 7 first-week sales figures were much better than Vista's, says market researcher The NPD Group. They point to good..." Read more "This pilot fish has watched his IT shop grow from a single IBM minicomputer to dozens of servers connected to..." Read more "Pilot fish gets a call from a client with a week-old PC -- and he's in a panic. The newbie..." Read more More Hardware Blogs See all Computerworld Blogs

Visit the Absolute Mobile Security Zone
Laptops and mobile devices continue to go missing due to poor visibility once they leave the network. Absolute Software can help by giving you a complete view of mobile computers from a single web-based interface along with powerful anti-theft capabilities to keep your data safe.