MacFormat UK
Apple Watch Series 6
Not as radical as the Series 5, but a welcome update
3 min |
November 2020
MacFormat UK
Apple Watch SE
A super smartwatch at a sensible price – where do we Apple Pay?
3 min |
November 2020
Computer Music
The Music Technology Show
Virtual show for music production enthusiasts this October!
2 min |
November 2020
Computer Music
Roland A-88MKII £879
Finding the right controller keyboard is very personal, but Roland’s latest is both feature-packed and potentially future proof…
5 min |
November 2020
Computer Music
THE PROFESSIONALS Luis Guerra
Welcome to another in our series of features focussing on composers making money with their computer music making, and not always in ways you might imagine. This time around we feature Luis Guerra who writes music for an incredibly diverse range of media…
9 min |
November 2020
Computer Music
YELLE
Jean-Francois Perrier tells us how the French act came to top charts on both sides of ‘le pond’ , how napping is key to any workflow and shares some timeless advice from Phillipe Zdar
10+ min |
November 2020
Computer Music
IK Multimedia T-RackS 5 Space Delay €120
Classic tape delays add character in weird and wonderful ways. Let’s see how this latest Roland emulation from IK Multimedia shapes up
3 min |
November 2020
Computer Music
Delay plugins
We’ve reviewed some wonderful delays over the last 18 months or so. Here are what we consider the very best…
2 min |
November 2020
Computer Music
cm/ reader music
A classic Computer Music feature returns in a bi-monthly slot where the focus shifts to you and your music. Will you dare to send your tunes in and get the cm critique? These people did…
7 min |
November 2020
Computer Music
Arturia 3 Modulation FX… €199
Classy modulation can transform the sonics of your track. Let’s see what this new bundle – part of the ‘you’ll actually use’ series – has to offer
5 min |
November 2020
Computer Music
15 questions with…HOT CHIP
Is it really two decades since Hot Chip first got together? Time for a celebratory album release in the form of a Late Night Tales compilation, and for the band to reveal their studio – and many a Eurorack – secrets
6 min |
November 2020
Computer Music
15 questions with… HAIDER
Sheffield-born, Berlin-based producer Haider breaks down and mixes up as many genres as possible. “Keep it moving!”
7 min |
November 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Preparing the Case
Choosing a case used to be almost an afterthought when building a custom PC. One grey box was much the same as another grey box. Thankfully the days of grey boxes are well and truly over and our choice of PC case ranges from tiny media boxes designed to go next to a TV, to bespoke glass towers aimed at those who want to show off their perfectly co-ordinated components. However, whichever case you choose, some preparation is needed before beginning your build.
2 min |
October 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Optimising Your PC for Performance
There are many ways to improve the performance of your PC. Some will only produce marginal improvements and some only speed up operations such as web searches. However, when you’re trying to squeeze the most out of your system every little helps; here are some more handy tips to boost the performance of your system even further.
3 min |
October 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Need More Power?
The role of a PC power supply unit is to convert the AC electric power that comes from the mains to the DC power that the computer requires. However, it can do much more than that. A good quality power supply can make your system more efficient, stable and reliable. The power supply is often the first component to fail in an older system, so making sure you understand the full role of the PSU in your build is very important.
5 min |
October 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Final Checks and First Boot
If you have followed all of the build steps thus far, you should now be at the point where the first boot up is looming. Before you do, it is worth going back and checking that everything is ready, all cables are connected and everything is looking good. First boot doesn’t mean that you can’t go back and change things later but you can avoid problems by doing a few simple checks.
4 min |
October 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Choosing the System Type
For most people who want to build their own PC, there are only two real choices when it comes to the system type, Intel or AMD. There are advantages to choosing either one of these options, which might not be immediately obvious to the very new builder. It might also not be obvious that compatibility problems can occur if you don’t understand the difference between these two PC platforms. Your choice here will definitely influence every major component purchase you make later.
2 min |
October 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Choosing Linux
There are lots of versions, known as “Distributions”, of Linux available. Each has a different ethos and approach and each will offer the user a different set of features and tools. If you are considering using Linux instead of Windows on your PC, here is a look at the five most popular, and probably the best supported, distributions available and where you can get them.
4 min |
October 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Choosing a Processor
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) of your computer is likely to be the most expensive single component, especially if you are trying to future-proof your build as much as possible. When it comes to choosing a processor, faster and newer is almost always better. However, does the average PC builder really need a 4GHz Core i7? Does having a faster CPU always mean having a faster computer overall? What is hyper-threading? Read on to find the answers to these questions and many more.
5 min |
October 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Before You Build Precautions
Nothing will spoil the joy of building your own PC faster than damaging a critical component before you have even fitted it inside the case. Although there is no need to be scared of a first-time build, there are simple things you can do to prepare for it. Some of the main concerns include electrostatic discharge, dropped parts and damage caused by forcibly fitting together parts or scratched circuits.
3 min |
October 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
Choosing A PC Case
Although they may not have seen the sort of massive changes that most other PC components have, the choice of case for your build is now much wider than it was just a few years ago. From simple black boxes, to LED-lit windowed showcases, there is a case style out there for everyone. However, choosing a case should be about more than just looks. Quality and features vary greatly and getting this key component right can mean the difference between a good and a great first build.
5 min |
October 2020
The Complete Build Your Own PC Manual
10 Reasons To Build Your Own PC
There are many reasons for building your own PC and if you took five different builders, all five might have a completely different reason for wanting to undertake this task. Here are our top ten reasons for choosing and enjoying to build PC after PC, in all shapes and sizes, for gaming, media and work.
4 min |
October 2020
MacFormat UK
Mac mini
After a long wait, the Mac mini was updated in March 2020, although the changes to Apple’s smallest computer were minimal compared to October 2018’s total redesign.
1 min |
October 2020
MacFormat UK
Apple TV
EXPECTED SEP 2020. UPDATED SEP 2018
1 min |
October 2020
MacFormat UK
Luminar 4.3
Better search and enhanced sky replacement come to the app
2 min |
Autumn 2020
MacFormat UK
iOS 14 SUPERGUIDE
How can you boost your iPhone’s powers? No need to buy an app, Apple’s latest upgrade will transform your handset
10+ min |
Autumn 2020
MacFormat UK
Synology DiskStation DS920+
Roomy, flexible NAS with almost limitless expansion possibilities
3 min |
Autumn 2020
MacFormat UK
DEVONthink 3.5
A universal inbox for every kind of data
2 min |
Autumn 2020
MacFormat UK
Urbanista London
A musical genius with control issues
3 min |
Autumn 2020
Linux Format
RaspController
Les Pounder needs an easy way to see what all of his Raspberry Pis are up to, but he’s too lazy to move from the sofa…
3 min |