microsoft

Microsoft is encouraging people to sign up and throw house parties to mark the Windows 7 launch on 22nd October – with those who are selected earning themselves free signature edition of Windows 7 Ultimate.

Microsoft will plough through the millions likely to be breaking out the party hats and HD webcams to pick out those that will get free Windows 7 Ultimate edition.

"Apply online to host a Launch Party. Choose a day from October 22-29 and if you're selected, you'll not only receive a special Signature Edition of Windows 7 Ultimate but your very own Windows 7 Party Pack," says Microsoft.

Join a Setting up with Ease party! ... read more »

Windows 7 is complete. After previews and beta versions and then the Windows 7 Release Candidate, the Windows 7 team has decided that Windows 7 is ready to release. It is now on MSDN and TechNet, and is already with PC makers.

Windows Technical Beta Program members will be getting their free Windows 7 in the next few days.

This isn't the exact version of Windows 7 Ultimate that you'll get on a new PC, because there are still content deals for Media Center to lock down and it doesn't have the Windows 7 web browser ballot screen that users in Europe are likely to see when they set up a Windows 7 PC (new or upgraded).

PC builders and laptop manufacturers will create their own Device Stage interfaces for some PCs and many more peripherals will have Device Stage interfaces by October. ... read more »

Microsoft has released news on the forthcoming Windows 7 family pack and has detailed the phased release of the client code in the run up to the official launch in October.

The key news is that Windows 7 release to manufacturing (RTM) has now happened.

RTM basically means that Microsoft considers the OS finished and ready for mass-production on CDs and distribution to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for them to install Windows 7 on new PCs. ... read more »

Windows 7 has now gone on pre-sale to UK customers at a special introductory price, before the offical street date of October 22.

To say thanks to its loyal customers and enthusiasts, especially those who have taken part in the Beta and Release Candidate (RC) programmes, Microsoft will be offering pre-order copies of Windows 7 at one-off promotional prices of £49.99 for Home Premium and £99.99 for Professional.  This is a great opportunity for PCAnswers readers to get their hands on the best Windows Operating System of all time and save plenty of money in the process. 

To pre-order a discounted copy of the final version of Windows 7 you need to contact Microsoft's selected retail partners listed below or go to www.microsoft.com/uk/win7preorder. ... read more »

The release date of Windows 7 has been confirmed as Thursday, October 22, by Microsoft at Asia's largest computer show, Computex. But if you want to download the release candidate for Windows 7 today at www.microsoft.com/downloads, which will remain free to use until June next year.

Windows 7 will available in five editions - Starter, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate - with a Basic edition also sold in developing countries.

Initially, Microsoft said that the Starter edition would be limited to running just three applications simultaneously (excluding background processes such as anti-virus applications, wireless and Bluetooth, and system tools like Explorer and Control Panel). ... read more »