Windows 7 is almost here. In fact, it’s almost close enough to touch. All that’s left to do is for Microsoft to finalize the RTM build and, as its name implies, release it to manufacturing. Microsoft has now set all the speculation aside by announcing a timeline of when people, depending on which group they belong to, will be able to get their hands on Windows 7.

Microsoft has already revealed that it’s planning to open retail stores near rival Apple outlets. Now it’s unveiled its latest weapon in the bricks-and-mortar battle: the man who used to be in charge of choosing Apple locations.

Microsoft is including all editions of Windows 7 on an installation disc to encourage users to pay an extra fee to upgrade from their original choice. But one analyst says pricing and other factors make it unlikely many will take advantage of this scheme.

Windows XP is the operating system that literally refuses to die. It was released in 2001, has already been succeeded once, by Vista, and yet continues to be the Microsoft OS of choice for most people. Will Windows 7 finally manage to kill XP off and persuade those hanging on to it with both hands to finally let go?

The vastly discounted pre-orders for Windows 7 went on sale on July 15 in the U.K. In the space of eight hours, Windows 7 pre-orders had overtaken the total number of Vista pre-orders from 17-weeks on sale. Now, Microsoft has upped the price after just two days. Did all the cheap stock really sell out or is Microsoft pulling a fast one?

The head of an analyst firm dedicated to Microsoft has warned people to be wary about claims of how well Windows 7 is doing among business users. Rob Horowitz of Directions on Microsoft says figures announced this week for the new system could give a misleading image.

Microsoft is one of the largest, most powerful, and best-known technology companies in the world. In fact, it held that title quite easily and without competition until Google came along. It’s also been regarded as a solid stock to hold for over a decade. But at least one analyst is now challenging that status quo.

Senior Microsoft executives have been on the attack this week. One questioned the entire purpose of Google’s Chrome operating system, while another revealed the firm plans to open Microsoft retail stores in the vicinity of Apple outlets.

Microsoft has always maintained that Windows Vista sold well despite the bad press it received in the run-up to launch and beyond. However, those figures are now being put into perspective by the Windows 7 sales figures in Europe. To say Windows 7 is proving popular is a huge understatement.

While Bing is making small market share gains, Microsoft isn’t yet reaping the rewards of increased ad revenues. However, one forecast says the firm could take in an extra $400 million thanks to the site.

Microsoft has shot down theories that the final edition of Windows 7 is already available on the filesharing circuit. But its explanation has some loopholes which mean English speakers may indeed be able to get the “finished” product right now.

Spotify, Pandora, and Last.fm are leading the way in offering people the chance to stream music, either to their computer or in some cases, via an Internet-connected mobile device. Now Microsoft wants in and has informally announced its intentions to launch a free music streaming service by the end of this month.

Microsoft has confirmed that the next edition of its Office Suite will be available in a free online edition. Members of the free Live service will be able to use a slimmed-down version of the package through the Web in similar fashion to Google Docs.

Windows 7 edges closer to release every day. And each new day brings new details on the release or facts surrounding it. The Windows 7 RTM now looks to have been finalized, and Microsoft has confirmed that people using the Release Candidate will have an option to upgrade to the retail version.

It’s pretty much universally known that consumers hate Windows Vista. Or at least a high proportion of them do. Maybe it’s an unfair hatred, borne out of early experiences and a prematurely made opinion, but it exists nonetheless. It seems PC manufacturers also hate Vista, so much so that some are wiling to pay their customers to upgrade to Windows 7.