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Windows isn’t the default choice for many PC owners anymore. At the relatively high end of gaming, Windows is being usurped by simpler rivals such as SteamOS and Bazzite, which give gamers a cleaner experience without the bloat and hassle of Windows 11.
In the education sector, the creative industries and among developers, Windows isn’t the must-have it once was. In short, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find use cases where Windows is an unavoidable requirement.
In this issue of APC, we examine every type of PC, exploring the rivals to Windows and answering the question of whether you really need Microsoft’s once omnipresent OS at all.
FEATURES
Linux distros- which to switch to and why
Whether you want to extend the life of your laptops and PCs, experiment with Linux or simply switch from Windows, we put eight great distros to the test.
Is it time up for Windows?
From low-end hardware to gaming rigs, Windows isn’t the default choice for many PC owners any more. We explore whether you really need Windows in 2026.
50 years of Apple
As Apple turns 50, David Crookes takes a look at the rise and fall, and rise again, of one the world’s most influential companies.
Build a home security system for under $40
Home-security systems can be complicated and expensive. You can spend money on proximity and movement sensors; door and window contacts; and multiple cameras running from a central hub. But if you don’t want a full surveillance setup, you can still strengthen your security with a single camera and the right software.
REVIEWS
Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and Ultra 5 250K Plus CPUs
Corsair Frame 4000D Wood case
Apple MacBook Neo
Apple MacBook Pro M5 Pro and Max
Apple MacBook Air M5
Apple iPad Air M4 (11in)
Nvidia DGX Spark
Gigabyte MO27U2 monitor
ROG Swift OLED PG34WCDN monitor
Dell 27 240Hz Monitor - SE2726HGS
MSI Roamii BE Pro Wi-Fi 7 Mesh System
Garmin Instinct 3
Nothing Phone 4(a)
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Contact APC
Got a question for the APC editorial team? You can get in touch with us by sending an email to apcmag@futurenet.com.