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CES 2013: AMD Talks Up Surround Computing Strategy

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How-Tos

Virus Protection Guide

Posted 04/22/2013 at 2:07pm | by Paul Lilly

44

Comments

Best free antivirus programs and virus propection tips

So you got caught with your pants down on the Internet (figuratively, folks) and contracted a virus. That sucks. Or maybe you were wearing protection but still fell victim to some nasty bit of code that managed to slip by your antivirus software undetected. That sucks even more. Either way, it's nothing to feel ashamed about. The web is a dangerous place and even the most tech savvy users sometimes slip up. You can even get a virus through no fault of your own simply by visiting a reputable website that, unbeknownst to you, has been compromised by a hacker with malicious intent. The web is a war zone, and even if you're not a target, you can still end up a casualty.

» Read More

Build the Ultimate AMD Gaming PC

Posted 04/18/2013 at 12:30pm | by Josh Norem

87

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We build a machine that’s red and black to hopefully beat our benchmarks black and blue

The Mission Variety is the spice of the Lab, so this month we decided to eschew our traditional builds and go with one you don’t see every day—an all-AMD computer, built with (most of) the best parts we could get our hands on. We’re sure some of you will question the purpose of this build, so our pre-emptive answer is we built it because we could, and we were curious to see how a balls-out AMD build would benchmark, as we haven’t seen over-the-top AMD rig since The Matrix: Revolutions let us down. Plus, everyone is always ragging on us for ignoring AMD, so here you go AMD enthusiasts—an entire PC built just for you.

Note: This article was originally featured in the January 2013 issue of the magazine.

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Build Your Own Home Server

Posted 01/04/2013 at 6:20pm | by Nathan Edwards

38

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Using FreeNAS to build a DIY home server

We haven’t checked in with FreeNAS, the FreeBSD-based DIY NAS OS, in quite some time. The OS has been completely overhauled, plugin support has been added, and it now works with even more hardware.

» Read More

Android Guide (Version 4.2)

Posted 11/29/2012 at 5:30pm | by Paul Escallier

13

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Android

What's new in Jelly Bean 4.2, best Android apps, and Android battery saving tips

With the recent release of Android version 4.2 (codename: Jelly Bean) and a handful of new Nexus devices (See: Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10), we figured it was time we updated our Android Guide. This time around, we’ve got some useful tips for getting the most out of the newly added features in the latest Jelly Bean update, a few general tricks for all of the Android users out there, and a list of great apps that are worth checking out.

» Read More

Windows 8 Tips Guide

Posted 10/31/2012 at 4:30pm | by David Murphy

45

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12 Essential Windows 8 Tweaks

Alright, Windows 8 fans. You’ve taken our advice and speed-ran your way through a clean installation (or upgrade!) of Microsoft’s latest OS. You’ve created or attached an existing Windows Live account to your installation, you’ve taken care of the few prompts Microsoft’s asked you to fill out or click through, and you’ve even given a cursory glance to the company’s brief “How to use Windows 8” video.

You’re staring at the Start Screen.

Now what do you do?

» Read More

Windows 8 Home Server Guide

Posted 10/30/2012 at 12:03pm | by Tim Ferrill

34

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How to build a home server with Windows 8

Saying that Windows 8 is a major shift in strategy for Microsoft is pretty obvious at this point. Between the Metro interface, complete dismissal of the start menu, focus on touch screen devices, and myriad other changes; this is not the Windows of the Bill Gates era. One change which hasn’t received much discussion is the idea of Windows 8 being Microsoft’s next iteration for not only Windows 7, but for Windows Home Server.

» Read More

How to Install Windows 8 from a USB Key

Posted 10/29/2012 at 4:01pm | by David Murphy

61

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Forget the CD and install Windows 8 with your flash drive

A guide? To install Windows? Slapping a new operating system on your desktop or laptop PC should be old hat by now, right? This is Windows 8, after all: Odds are pretty good that you, an astute and well-travelled Maximum PC reader, have been around the ol’ Windows installation block a few times before.

So, er, what does that leave us to talk about?

Plenty. Ditch your discs; we’re going all-USB for your first big Windows 8 installation.

» Read More

How to Build a Small Gaming PC

Posted 10/26/2012 at 12:30pm | by Nathan Edwards

35

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This small gaming PC isn't as wee as our Wee Ass-Kicking Machine, but it kicks more ass

Way back in December 2010, we built an awesome Mini-ITX gaming rig dubbed the Wee Ass-Kicking Machine. It featured a Core i7-870 CPU, a GeForce GTX 460 GPU, 4GB of DDR3, a 1TB hard drive, and a 120GB SSD—all crammed into a Silverstone SG07 chassis not much larger than a shoebox. The total cost? Around $1,600 (at the time).

It’s, uh, been a while since then, though, and I thought it was high time we built another Mini-ITX gaming rig. This one’s not quite as small, but it’s got a lot more oomph. We’re using the BitFenix Prodigy, which has room for a full-size ATX PSU, scads of hard drives, and even a 240mm radiator (if you swing that way), while still being small enough to be lugged around by its convenient carrying handles.

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How to Install DayZ

Posted 10/12/2012 at 10:03am | by Justin Kerr

15

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DayZ is widely considered one of the best PC mods of all time. Who wouldn't want to be dropped off into a gigantic post-apocalyptic zombie world where death is permanent? Over one million players are having a blast just trying to survive in the game.

While DayZ is amazingly tense and fun, the Arma 2 mod can also be a headache to install. Which version of Arma 2 should you get? Retail? Steam? What patches should you download? Maximum PC's DayZ installation guide will answer all of the questions and address some of the more common issues plaguing the mod.

DayZ Logo

» Read More

Google Chrome: Optimization Guide

Posted 10/05/2012 at 1:10pm | by Paul Lilly

27

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Get the most out of Google Chrome

Let’s face it, the light-and-fast Google Chrome browser is the only way to surf the web—no question. But whether you’re new to the browser or an old veteran, we’ve got some tricks to improve your mileage. Our Google Chrome Optimization Guide will show you which Google Chrome extensions to download and ways to tweak settings you didn't even know were there.

Google Chrome and Keyboard

» Read More

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AMD Radeon HD 7990 First Look

External Hard Drive Head-to-Head

WD My Passport vs Toshiba Canvio Plus vs Adata DashDrive Elite

Virus Protection Guide

Best free antivirus programs and virus propection tips

Raspberry Pi vs. Intel NUC

Build the Ultimate AMD Gaming PC

We build a machine that's red and black to hopefully beat our benchmarks black and...

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Best free antivirus programs and virus propection tips

We build a machine that’s red and black to hopefully beat our benchmarks black and blue

Using FreeNAS to build a DIY home server

What's new in Jelly Bean 4.2, best Android apps, and Android battery saving tips

12 Essential Windows 8 Tweaks

How to build a home server with Windows 8

Forget the CD and install Windows 8 with your flash drive

This small gaming PC isn't as wee as our Wee Ass-Kicking Machine, but it kicks more ass

Get the most out of Google Chrome

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