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.

Windows 7 is finally here. What that means depends entirely on your perspective. Here’s our take on the impact Windows 7’s debut and potential success or failure could have on every corner of the tech world.

The British Amazon site says Windows 7 has become its most pre-ordered item ever, beating out the final Harry Potter book. It comes as some British buyers report receiving the system early in an apparent attempt to beat a postal strike.

If you are upgrading to Windows 7 from XP, or if you are upgrading from Vista but changing editions (for example Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Ultimate rather than Windows 7 Home Premium), you will need to carry out a clean install. Unless you are going to partition your drive, this will mean reformatting your hard drive and wiping out all the data on it. Here are some pointers to minimize the hassle this causes.

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.

Corporate sales of Windows 7 could get off to a good start if businesses follow the advice of a leading analyst firm. Gartner has suggested companies should skip the common policy of avoiding a new operating system until its first service pack.

With 13 patches for a total of 34 problems, it’s a whopper of a Windows Update this month. However, security experts are warning that some fixes should take priority over others.

Touch technology is one of the main selling points of Windows 7, but it had been questionable how widely it would actually be used. It appears that touch will at least stand a chance of catching on with the announcement that HP is releasing a range of machines based on the feature.

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.

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?

The countdown to Windows 7 continues with news that Intel testers have given an overwhelmingly positive response to the system. Meanwhile several unorthodox editions are available: an official signature edition for party hosts and some somewhat less official editions on eBay.

The whole world is still locked into a recession right now, and one of the sectors hit for consumer spending is technology. But there could be a savior on the horizon, and it’s probably not the one most people would have pictured. That’s right folks, Microsoft is about to save us by releasing Windows 7, an OS that could potentially persuade us all to spend once more.