As a long-time IT professional, I've read InfoWorld, Information Weekly, SysAdmin, Dr Dobbs, etc. etc. In 2006, the only one I read with any regularity is Computerworld. It is relevant, smart, and covers an almost impossible range of topics in a very broad IT world.

Of late, they've been doing single-page overviews of new technology (with basic definitions) intended to get you up to speed on a buzzword or technology, and point you in the right direction for more information. They have excellent columnists on the whole (I can do without Curt Monash's DBMS theories) and some amazing reporters. There's hardly a week that doesn't bring me something new to learn or consider.

Rounding out its better aspects is the sections closer to the front, containing shorter articles and snippets that often lead to more reading on my part, all good pointers. Finally, there's the Shark Tank, the back page column that lists dumb things in IT (think Dilbert's daily routine).

My biggest problem has to do with the Editor-in-Chief. I hardly ever agree with Don Tennant's editorials, and think he's more of a China apologist than anything else. Still, his magazine is a very good one, and worth reading for anyone in the IT industry who needs a really good view of what's going on today. I can tolerate his dumb opinions, so long as the rest of the magazine remains so good.

-Fred

With its weekly distribution, there is almost too much information. Articles are balanced and cover a wide range of topics. Quickly responds with articles about new concepts and ideas.