PCMag

PCMag, also known as PC Magazine, is an American computer magazine published by Ziff Davis. It started as a print magazine in 1982 and continued until January 2009. For many years, it was a trusted source for information about computers and technology.

From late 1994 until December 2022, PCMag also offered a digital edition. This version looked like the printed magazine but was released monthly for readers to enjoy on their devices.

Although the print version stopped in 2009, the digital version kept providing helpful reviews and advice about computers and tech until the end of 2022. Today, PCMag remains a well-known name in the world of technology.

Overview

PCMag provides reviews and previews of the latest hardware and software for information technology professionals. During its time as a printed magazine, it had special sections like "First Looks" for new product reviews, "Pipeline" for news about computers, and "Solutions" with helpful tips. There was also a fun section called "After Hours" about computer games and entertainment, and a humor page called "Abort, Retry, Fail?".

In the 1980s, the magazine also talked a lot about computer programming using languages like Turbo Pascal, BASIC, Assembly, and C. Famous writer Charles Petzold shared his programming knowledge with readers. The magazine focused on articles that helped people use their computers better.

History

The magazine PC started in February 1982. It was created by David Bunnell, Jim Edlin, and Cheryl Woodard. The first issue featured an interview with Bill Gates, thanks to Bunnell's friendship with him.

At first, the magazine was called PC Guide, but it was soon renamed PC Magazine. It was published every two months at first, then monthly, and later every two weeks because the issues were very thick. In 2008, it went back to monthly issues. The print version stopped in January 2009, but the website at pcmag.com kept going. In December 2022, the magazine said it would stop making new printed issues and focus only on the website.

The magazine did not have an ISSN number until 1983. It used Google Books to keep an archive of all its print issues.

Editorial leadership

Wendy Sheehan Donnell became the editor-in-chief of PCMag.com in January 2022. She had been a deputy editor and joined in 2007 as a senior editor focusing on consumer electronics.

As of January 2025, Donnell was still the editor-in-chief. John Burek served as PC Labs Director and executive editor, and Alex Colon was also an executive editor.

Editorial leadership history

Before Donnell, Dan Costa was editor-in-chief from August 2011 to December 2021. Lance Ulanoff was editor-in-chief from July 2007 to July 2011. Jim Louderback held the role before Ulanoff, starting in 2005, and later became chief executive officer of online media company Revision3.

Development and evolution

The magazine changed a lot over the years. One big change happened because fewer people bought ads for computer magazines, and because the Internet made it easier to find information. This led to stopping the printed version in November 2008.

The magazine changed to focus more on consumer electronics instead of just computers. Starting in the late 1990s, it began reviewing Macintosh products more often.

As of February 2025, PCMag.com covers many topics such as reviews, news, tips, deals, and products for PCs, mobile devices, and home electronics. It also creates special issues and ranks the best tech brands each year.

The creation of a hardware test facility

PC Magazine was one of the first to have a special place for testing hardware, called PC Labs. This began in 1986 at their office on 1 Park Avenue in New York. PC Labs helped writers and editors test computers and other devices, especially for big projects like comparing many printers.