It took Microsoft a long time to decide to enter the retail sector and open stores of its own. But it’s finally doing so, and going head-to-head with bitter rival Apple in the process. With the opening of its second store, in the same mall as an Apple Store, the war is finally on.

Two weeks ago, Microsoft proudly announced it was to be the sole sponsor of Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show. Now, all of a sudden, it has pulled out due to issues over the content. Has no one at Microsoft ever seen Family Guy before? Because it looks as though someone made the decision after finally watching an episode of the hit show.

The release of Windows 7 went well, with just a few problems marring an otherwise perfect launch. It succeeded where Vista failed two-and-a-half years ago. But there was one strange addition to the Windows 7 launch that I don’t recall ever being present at the launch of any other operating system, Microsoft or otherwise. That’s right, burgers seemed to be the order of the day for some inexplicable reason.

It’s not been a bad week for Microsoft. Thursday saw the release of Windows 7, and Friday saw the company announce its quarterly results. Although not fantastic, they are better than expected and the market reacted positively, with Microsoft shares rising by 9 percent at one stage of the trading day.

It took its time in finally arriving but it’s now here at last. Windows 7 went on general sale yesterday around the world. In many ways, the true test for Microsoft’s new operating system now begins. Beta testing is fine but it cannot ever hope to compete with millions of average everyday PC users installing and using the OS on their machines.

Apple has had its own retail stores for some time now, and they have proved very successful, both in terms of ringing up sales and building a bond between the company and its customers. Now Microsoft is moving in on Apple’s turf, with its first two retail stores due to open by the end of the month to coincide with the release of Windows 7. Can Microsoft outdo Apple in the retail sector or is this going to be an epic fail?

Microsoft is currently gearing up for the massive, and massively important, launch of Windows 7, which goes on general availability on Oct. 22. But in China, pirates have already preceded the official launch of the new operating system, and consumers can buy a copy of Windows 7 for an absolute pittance.

Microsoft Security Essentials may not be as extensive or powerful as the paid alternatives, as the vendors of those suites were quick to point out, but it’s a good first-line defense against a range of malware. Microsoft has now released preliminary figures showing its usage and it seems to show a successful launch which quickly proved the time and effort in developing the MSE software.

Microsoft is going all out with its promotion of Windows 7. The next few weeks are going to see the new OS plastered everywhere, with adverts on television, in print, and on the Web on and after the Oct. 22 release date. And it’s even sponsoring a Seth MacFarlane variety show, meaning Family Guy has sold out to the might of Windows 7.

The release of any new operating system usually heralds a change in the market. It’s a volatile element being introduced to the marketplace, and it can change the way PCs are bought and sold. But although the release of Windows 7 is imminent, one analyst believes it will have little effect. Prices are unlikely to decrease or increase, which should make for a smooth transition from Vista to Windows 7.

The release of Windows 7 is fast approaching. On Oct. 22, everyone who wants to will be able to head out to their local computer store and pick up a copy of Microsoft’s latest operating system. That’s surely an excuse to party hard.

There we all were thinking Microsoft had finally nailed this advertising lark. And then along comes this strange new advert for Windows Phone (formerly Windows Mobile) and it all goes to pot. The first question to be asked is, ‘What the hell?’ The second, ‘Seriously, what the hell?’

What’s the first thing you are going to do with your new Windows 7 machine? The correct answer is to patch it immediately.

Windows 7 is almost here, with just two weeks until Microsoft’s latest operating system is unleashed on the great unwashed. Everything has so far gone swimmingly, with a good beta testing and very positive reviews from people who should know what they’re talking about. But wait a goddamn minute. Is there any chance that Windows 7 could turn out to be another Vista?

Peace between Microsoft and the European Union looks a step closer today after EU officials said they would likely be satisfied with the firm’s proposals for settling the Internet Explorer bundling row. The woman in charge of EU competition policy agreed to test plans to offer Windows users a choice of browsers.

Speaking at a press conference today, Neelie Kroes said Microsoft had tweaked its proposals for a “ballot screen” after discussions with officials. Under the revised system, people setting up Windows for the first time will see a screen explaining what a web browser is. They’ll then see a list of browsers to choose between, each with a “Tell me more” button linking to more details about that particular browser.