Editor-in-Chief Tony Sarno Circulation 31,062 Company Bauer Media Group | Frequency Monthly Year founded 1990 | |
Former editors Glenn Rees, John Hilvert, Geoffrey Ebbs | ||
TechLife (formerly PC User) is an Australian general computer magazine, published monthly by Bauer Media Group. It was Australia's first computer magazine.
The magazine's regular content consists of computer hardware and software reviews and previews, technology news and opinion articles, technical how-to guides, and a 'help station' feature where the magazine's contributors provide answers to technical queries from readers. Each issue includes a companion DVD of free full-version software, trial software, game demos and video tutorials, many of which complement articles in the magazine. The magazine also includes software created by contributing writers, including two customized versions of Linux – 'UserOS Ultra', based on Xubuntu 7.10 and aimed at older computers; and 'PCUserOS Extreme', based on the recently released Ubuntu 8.04 'Hardy Heron' and designed for use on more recent computer hardware.
Notable Australian IT journalists who have regularly contributed to the magazine include Rose Vines, Helen Bradley, Darren Yates, Philip Moore, Link Harris, David Flynn, Roulla Yiacoumi and Angus Kidman.
History
PC User was first published in 1990 and is Australia's best selling computer magazine, with a monthly circulation of 31,062 as at July–December 2011.
In 2009 a "NetGuide" section was added after the cessation of publication of Australian NetGuide.
In January 2010, PC User celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special anniversary issue.
Long-time editor Glenn Rees (who edited the title from 1992–1999 and again from 2002–2012) left the magazine in February 2012 as part of a restructure of the Australian Consolidated Press tech magazines including the PC User sister publication APC. The current editor-in-chief of PC User is Tony Sarno, who is also editor-in-chief of APC.
In June 2012, PC User was rebranded and relaunched as TechLife "to address a lack of innovation in the consumer technology publication space" according to the publisher, as well as more clearly delineating the difference between the more mainstream PC User and APC, which is aimed at professionals and "power users". TechLife will be available in print and tablet editions and cover a broader spectrum than PC User, offering editorial on the application of technology to all consumer lifestyle activities, from fitness to entertainment.