Subscribers: Sign in

• Subscribe
• Recent headlines
• Editors

• Current
• Library
• Upgrade
• Ads
• Preferences
• Unsubscribe

• Query
• Plug-ins

• Cameras
• Displays
• Mobile
• PCs
• Peripherals
• Security
• Storage

• By score
• By date
• By author

• Staff
• Refunds
• Press
• Contact
• Privacy policy

All subscribers can download this free bonus:
The reasons behind the things we like are explained in The Pleasure Instinct: Why We Crave Adventure, Chocolate, Pheromones, and Music. From the smell of cocoa to the scent of a lover, there's much to learn about our gut reactions. This new book won't be available in stores until mid-December, but you can get an exclusive PDF e-book excerpt from Windows Secrets now through Dec. 3, 2008.

Subscribers: Set your preferences page to get the free bonus
Not a subscriber? Use the subscribe box above

In our latest articles...

The sneaky "drive-by download" known as Sinowal has been credited with stealing more than 500,000 bank-account passwords, credit-card numbers, and other sensitive financial information. This exploit has foiled antivirus software manufacturers time and again over the years, and it provides us in real time a look at the future of Windows infections. Read more »

Topics in our free content:

• Use these techniques to ease holiday stress

• No Thanksgiving content, but look for news updates

• A freebie really does streamline Windows startup

• I'll call you back, I'm about to hit a dead zone

Topics in our paid content:

• How to solve 'delayed write failed' errors

• A favorite tool gets an easier-to-use update

• Great system tools that don't cost a dime

Recent headlines from past articles

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said recently that it's OK with him if you want to stick with Windows XP until Windows 7 is available late next year. XP lovers may still be able to buy a new PC with that operating system installed for another year or so, but unfortunately, Microsoft plans to end most free support for the OS within months. November 13, 2008

Can you really get the extra oomph you want for your system just by shelling out a few bucks for a speedup program? Many effective utilities do exist, but in my testing I found three that I consider to be just a waste of your hard-earned cash. November 6, 2008

Following Microsoft's release last Friday of a critical, out-of-cycle patch, only sporadic reports of attacks based on this weakness have been received — but that may not last. Apply the patch referred to in MS08-067 right away, because Trojan horses that take advantage of this security breach are sure to hit us soon. October 30, 2008

A remote-code exploit that could spread rapidly like the 2003 MSBlaster worm is putting all versions of Windows at risk. We recommend that you immediately install a patch that Microsoft has just issued to protect your system from a vulnerability in the Server service. October 24, 2008

Many people find that synching a new iPhone with their contact and calendar data from applications like Microsoft Outlook just doesn't work easily. Fortunately, there are techniques you can use to make sure that your devices are sharing data smoothly. October 23, 2008

The latest Internet threat cloaks Web links so a wayward click can download malware to your PC without your knowledge. What's worse, all browsers and other Web software are susceptible to clickjacking, but you can take steps to reduce the risk. October 16, 2008

About the editors

Brian Livingston, editorial director of WindowsSecrets.com, is co-author of Windows Vista Secrets, Windows Me Secrets, and nine other books in the Windows Secrets series. He was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the 6th annual Internet Content Summit in New York City on May 8, 2006.

Fred Langa is editor-at-large. His LangaList Newsletter merged with Windows Secrets on Nov. 16, 2006. Prior to that, Fred was editor of Byte Magazine (1987 to 1991) and editorial director of CMP Media (1991 to 1996), overseeing Windows Magazine and others.

More on our staff