Easily The Best (PC Format)

Member Name: SkyscraperFanClu

Product:	PC Format
Date:	07/04/09 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Comprehensive detail on software and hardware of all kinds .

Disadvantages: Advice section too unfriendly

'PC Format' is the leading PC publication from Future Publishing, who print what can comfortably be regarded as the leading range in PC related magazines. It covers both recreational and utility software and hardware, where 'PC Gamer' is more focused upon games and entertainment. '.Net', a third magazine, covers the Internet. 'PC Format' stands head and shoulders among these and all other PC magazines as the best by far.
The cover-mounted software is responsible for the bulk of the price - £4.99 for 2CD edition, £5.99 for the DVD version. These include often the best, most recent game demos (recently 'Metal Gear Solid', 'Sheep' and 'Pro Rally 2001') and usually a large piece of utility software (such as reference or music software). The DVD edition includes far more, with a large selection of reference drivers and often a major DVD-specific feature. The Christmas 2000 edition featured 'The Thunderbirds Companion', a 53-minute guide to the TV series. Often it is this extra DVD feature that makes the dearer version worth buying, but those unlikely to find a particular month's feature of much interest would not have much to lose by saving £1 and buying the CD version.

The quality of the reviews in both the entertainment and utility sections is excellent. One area of hardware and software is usually focussed on each month, such as graphics cards or internet protection software, where a large selection of each type is reviewed and compared. Ease of installation, quality of product, price and so on are thoroughly examined across the board. Game reviews pay close attention to system requirements and are suitably restrained and analytical - no over-the-top eight-page spreads on the biggest game of the month, just a useful, concise evaluation of its' merits and demerits.
Tips and advice are delivered firstly through a number of step-by-step that which run over a number of months and include such topics as web page authoring, programming and game level editing. Necessary scripts and tools are provided on the cover software. More specific assistance is provided through the letters pages spread across three sections: basics, Windows problems and general issues. My only major complaint applies here. The writer responsible for this section - Luis Villazon - is endlessly and unnecessarily pedantic in his responses. His level of technical feedback is exceptional, but his surly and uncooperative manner serves only to frustrate. The pages are littered with unnecessary graphics and pointless captions, leaving the reader wondering exactly how much of the six pages is filler.

Each issue includes a major cover feature often aimed at improving your knowledge of and ability to use your PC. These are often invaluable, and a beginner to the world of computing can quickly gain a lot of valuable information by following them. However the magazine is not aimed simply at the beginner's end of the PC market, as the information and advice provided can be of great use to more proficient PC users. Perhaps high-level programmers with an intimate knowledge of all PCs should look elsewhere though.
'PC Format' stands proud in a market is swamped with dross. Such magazines as 'Computer Shopper' provide weak articles interspersed with endless adverts. Entry-level magazines like 'PC Basics' are fine to begin with, but after two issues there's little left that these magazines can add to your knowledge. 'PC Format' is a useful step-up for beginners, and makes excellent reading for games-players looking to expand their knowledge of PCs.

I recommend this magazine very highly. Its' cover price may seem prohibitive, but it's the only PC magazine you need each month.

Summary: great pc mag