Microsoft has decided to open up the Windows 7 desktop to advertisers, with companies able to put together themes that can be downloaded to users’ computers. I can see many people hating this idea and accusing Microsoft of selling out but, really, what’s the problem? The themes are 100 percent free and 100 percent optional so I really cannot see the issue.

Windows 7 is a brilliant operating system. Of that there is no doubt. It’s what Vista should have been, built along the same lines but with less bloat and more features. So what’s the problem? The problem is that the look and feel of Windows 7 may have been inspired by the look and feel of Mac OS X, the operating system of Microsoft’s arch rival Apple. And that’s causing a hell of a storm of controversy.

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 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.

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.

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.

Windows 7 is now just a few weeks from going on general release, with Oct. 22 the date when all of us will be able to get our hands on Microsoft’s newest operating system. And it’s at that point that Vista will become old and outdated. But it seems the trend is ahead of the expected curve, with Vista losing some of its market share and Windows 7 already picking up the slack.

Windows 7 will be officially released in a matter of weeks, but if you’re in the market for a new PC, when will you be able to run the new system? We explain your options for getting hold of Vista’s successor and the relevant timelines for doing so.

Microsoft has announced that 32-bit only machines will not qualify for its Windows 7 compatibility labeling scheme. It’s a major change of emphasis after the debacle of “Vista Capable”.