Top ten new features in Windows 7 
The release candidate of Microsoft's next operating system is ready for you to test out, so what better time to show you the wealth of useful new features it's packing?
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Windows 7
Everything you need to know about Windows 7, Microsoft's successor to its troubled Vista operating system. Bookmark this page for all our coverage of the latest Windows 7 developments in the run-up to launch, along with our expert reviews and how-to guides.
Top Stories
Top ten new features in Windows 7
Windows 7 comparison: Which edition is best for you?
With six version of Windows 7 scheduled for release, we needed to answer one question, once and for all: 'Which version of Windows 7 do I buy?' So we have
Windows 7: Tested in depth
Microsoft's new operating system is done and dusted and on its way to the manufacturers. Redmond has a huge amount riding on it after the Vista debacle -- has it delivered?
Windows 7: The UK's definitive FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about Windows 7 in the UK are right here. Hopefully everything you've ever been confused about is answered -- if not, you're free to ask
How to install Windows 7
Installing a new OS isn't without its potential pitfalls, so if you're upgrading your PC to Windows 7 you should check our step-by-step guide and make sure everything is as it should be
Snow Leopard vs Windows 7: How the Apple has fallen
Snow Leopard is as slick as ever, but after weeks of exhaustive testing, we've discovered the newly spray-painted pussycat simply doesn't have what it takes to go up against its main rival, Windows 7
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Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 shows off touchy-feely potential
Microsoft is offering Touch Pack to show off the potential of swiping and poking your fingers all over Windows 7
Windows 7 Service Pack 1: Move along, nothing to see here
Microsoft has revealed that the first service pack for Windows 7 is on the way, but claims it will only offer "minor updates"
Windows 7 Family Guy clips outed, with bonus Sugababes
Microsoft has revealed official ads starring the cast of Family Guy. See what Peter, Brian and Stewie -- and the Sugababes -- have to say about Windows 7
Windows 7 is a good name, trust us
There's been entirely too much mumbling about what a silly name Windows 7 is for our liking. So we went in search of the truth, and present here our findings for your perusal
Windows 7 released: Your guide, from shop to shut-down
After what seems like a remarkably problem-free developmental journey, Microsoft today released Windows 7, and everything a new Windows 7 user needs to know is right here
Sky Player brings live and on-demand telly to Windows 7 and Xbox Live
The Sky's the limit for Windows 7 users, as Sky Player brings live and on-demand telly to Windows Media Centre and Xbox Live
Microsoft launches Windows 7 with new hardware and massive PC World discounts
Microsoft has launched Windows 7 in London, showing off the sparkly new OS on Sony, HP and Toshiba laptops and desktops
Windows 7 delivered early to UK customers
Some lucky Brits received their pre-ordered copy of Windows 7 today -- several days before it goes on sale -- proving that there is at least one good thing to result from postal strikes
CNET solves Microsoft's Windows 7 'browser ballot' dilemma
How should Microsoft make it easy for a user to choose between the ten Web browsers Windows 7 will offer for install during its initial setup? The answer is really quite simple
Family Guy to promote Windows 7: Has product placement gone too far?
In November, a special edition of Family Guy will air with the sole purpose of telling the world how awesome Windows 7 is. We discuss whether this is product placement taken too far
Windows 7 XP Mode: What you need to know
XP Mode, in theory, gives the new OS 100 per cent backwards compatibility with its ubiquitous ancestor. But what is it, how does it work and is it really the magic bullet it claims to be?
The worst Microsoft promo videos ever!
With the Web bowled over by Microsoft's breathtakingly irony-free videos preparing for Windows 7 launch parties, we've trawled the archives for Microsoft's worst videos ever
Windows 7: Microsoft offers student discount
From 30 September until 3 January, UK students will be able to get Windows 7 for £30, freeing up funds for going out on the lash
Microsoft touts battery life benefits of Windows 7
At a joint event with Intel, Microsoft said newer systems running Windows 7 can expect between 10 and 20 per cent better battery life when playing DVDs, compared to Vista-based machines
Windows 7 OEM editions: Windows 7 on the cheap
We've got a loophole for you cheapskates, called Windows 7 OEM editions. They could save you a packet on Windows 7, but there are a couple of things to be aware of
Europe gets Windows 7 upgrade and Family Pack. Oh, and higher prices
More Windows 7 shenanigans. Microsoft has announced upgrade versions and Family Pack will be available in Europe after all -- and that price break? Yeah, that's history
Windows 7 N: The 'N' editions explained
Stumbling on to Microsoft's UK Web store could thrust you face to face with three unusual versions of Windows -- the 'N' editions. We explain what they are and why they exist
Shocker: Windows 7 to sell in UK for half the US price!
In a very rare occurence, British shoppers will be charged just half as much as the Americans for software -- Microsoft's Windows 7, no less -- in a shocking twist to the 'rip-off Britain' saga
Confirmed: European Windows 7 pre-orders to be honoured
Microsoft axed the European version of Windows 7 -- Windows 7 E -- the other day. But what happens to those of you who pre-ordered? We hounded Microsoft for answers, and we got them
Microsoft axes Windows 7 E in Europe
If you pre-ordered Windows 7, you might not get the version you asked for through your door when the new OS launches in October
Benchmarked: Windows 7 RTM versus Vista and XP
Microsoft cannot afford a repetition of the Vista situation with Windows 7, and so has optimised the OS's major system components. From startup to login, everything in Windows 7 is faster
Microsoft axes Family Pack in Europe, reveals upgrade prices
Microsoft has quietly axed Windows 7 Family Pack for European users as it reveals Windows Anytime Upgrade prices
Microsoft proposes browser 'ballot screen' in Windows 7
In a fresh bid to allay European Commission antitrust concerns, Microsoft has suggested providing a 'ballot screen' in Windows 7 that would let users choose which browser to use
Windows 7 completed, headed to PC makers
That's it, it's finished: Windows 7 has been signed off by Microsoft as complete. Now it gets sent to manufacturers and for boxing up, ahead of its official release in October
£50 Windows 7 Home Premium sold out, but Professional discounts still available
Uber-discounted copies of Windows 7 Home Premium have now vanished completely, but you can still get huge discounts on the Professional edition from a few places
Windows 7 for £50: Where you can still get it
£50 Windows 7 Home Premium pre-orders are hard to find after a blitz of sales last week, but we've tracked down the sites still offering the OS at the discounted prices
Windows 7 discounts fuel frenzied pre-ordering
Described as "undoubtedly the biggest software release for many years", pre-orders for Windows 7 have been more popular than a loving parents at a bankrupt orphanage
Discounted Windows 7 pre-orders start today
As of today, Microsoft's new operating system goes up for pre-order for about three weeks, and the prices are inviting to say the least
Microsoft makes US Windows 7 testers reinstall for full version
It's not only Europeans who will be inconvenienced by installing Windows 7 -- Americans moving from a pre-release to the final version will be similarly frustrated
Blame Microsoft for the Windows 7 upgrade shambles, not the EU
Surely Microsoft should be able to work out a way for us to upgrade our Windows installations to Windows 7, rather than forcing a full re-install?
Microsoft mulls selling Windows 7 on thumb drives: Netbook owners relieved
Microsoft may sell Windows 7 on thumb drives so that owners of machines without a CD or DVD drive can upgrade to the new operating system
Windows 7 E: Your questions answered
We've cleared up the confusion over the European pricing of Windows 7 with a handy Q&A, taking care of everything you wanted to know about Windows 7 E but were afraid to ask
Windows 7 E pricing confirmed: Not cheap, even without Internet Explorer
Microsoft has revealed Windows 7 E pricing and pre-order promotions, as well as confirming that the European version of the operating system won't include Internet Explorer
Windows 7 packaging: Not inspired by The Krypton Factor
Microsoft is aiming to make Windows 7's packing easier to open than that of Vista, whose box requires its own set of instructions
Download deadline looms for Windows 7 release candidate
Those who want to try the Windows 7 release candidate have until 15 August to download the code, while the beta version will start shutting down every other hour from 1 July and expire on 1 August
Microsoft aims for energy efficiency with Windows 7
Microsoft has gotten religion on energy efficiency and Windows by enhancing the default power management features for end users and IT pros, company executives say.
Microsoft to sell Windows 7 without Internet Explorer in Europe
Microsoft plans to remove Internet Explorer from the versions of Windows 7 that it ships in Europe, in an effort to placate the EU over antitrust concerns
Microsoft: Windows 7 launches 22 October
Good news, everyone: Windows 7 will drop on to store shelves on 22 October this year, Microsoft has confirmed
Microsoft removes Windows 7 Starter's three-app limit
Those running the lowest-cost version of Windows 7 will not now be limited to running three programs at a time, Microsoft has confirmed
Pirated Windows 7 PCs build botnet
27,000 Windows 7 PCs have been infected with software that allows them to be controlled by outside forces thanks to a pirated copy of the new operating system. You know you can get this free from Microsoft, right?
VirtualBox: Windows 7 on your Mac for free
We walk you through a simple method for getting the Windows 7 Release Candidate on your Mac so you can see for yourself what all the fuss is about. The best part? It's free
Confirmed: Windows 7 launching in 2009
Microsoft senior vice president Bill Veghte has confirmed some very juicy news indeed. Santa's coming, and he'll have a sack full of Windows 7 discs
Windows 7 verification to be less annoying
With its new OS, Microsoft is making some subtle changes to the ways it tries to thwart piracy -- with the goal of making the process less irritating to paying customers
Windows 7 world tour wallpapers
Pack your bags, grab your passport and cancel the milk as we set off on a whistlestop world tour of Windows 7 wallpapers
Windows 7 public release candidate out now
The public release candidate of Windows 7 is out today. To celebrate, we've peppered a news story about it with a dig at Lady Gaga and a repulsive birthing analogy. Rejoice!
Screenshots: Windows 7 release candidate
Our Australian comrades have subjected the release candidate of Windows 7 to a vigorous photo probe. Click on the link and feast your eyes, cobber
Windows 7 Starter edition explained
Windows 7 Starter edition is the most basic version of Microsoft's new operating system, and it includes some serious restrictions
Windows 7 release candidate out today with new features
Microsoft is offering the release candidate of Windows 7 for download from today, and has confirmed when the new operating system will be available to buy in shops
Windows 7's XP Mode needs 2GB RAM
Microsoft has revealed more details about its upcoming OS's feature that allows users to run programs that work in XP but not in Vista -- including fairly hefty hardware requirements
Windows 7 release candidate announced... it's soon!
Microsoft has confirmed the date of the Windows 7 release candidate, along with unveiling some new additions for users afraid of moving from XP to the new OS
Windows 7 will allow downgrades to XP
When its new OS is released, Microsoft is planning to allow PC buyers to go back not only to Vista, should they choose, but also to Windows XP
Photos: Microsoft traces evolution of Windows 7
In a presentation at last week's Mix 09 event, a Microsoft designer traced the evolution of the company's new operating system
Photos: The latest tweaks to Windows 7
Last week, build 7048 of Windows 7 leaked out of Microsoft's labs. We take a brisk tour around some of the subtle tweaks that have been made since December's beta release
Microsoft will let Windows 7 users disable more features
Microsoft has said users will be able to disable such features as Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center, as well as Internet Explorer 8, in the final version of the new OS
Vista buyers to get Windows 7 for free
Buy yourself a copy of Windows Vista after 1 July, and you'll qualify for a free upgrade when Microsoft's new operating system ships, say CNET News sources
Microsoft Windows 7 to come in six editions
Microsoft has formally announced that Windows 7 will ship in six different variations: Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, Starter, Home Basic, Enterprise and Ultimate
Slapping Windows 7 on a Mac mini
We take sick pleasure in turning a Mac into a Windows machine, knowing that Apple and Microsoft's skin would crawl if they knew. We also like the speed of Windows 7 on a Mac mini
Windows 7 up and running on a netbook
Though still jetlagged, installing the now widely available Windows 7 beta on a netbook was top of our priority list on returning from CES
Confirmed: Windows 7 'netbook edition'
Microsoft has confirmed to CNET UK that it will be making a version of Windows 7 specifically developed for netbooks, as well as at least one version for consumers, and one for businesses
Windows 7 appears on Torrent sites
The first beta of Windows 7 has popped up on Torrent sites, along with many people's first impressions of the new operating system
Windows 7 is not a service pack, Microsoft says
Even our own Editor was shocked and appalled that Windows 7 was being offered as a new operating system and not an update. Now Microsoft is out to convince us that 7 is much more than a service pack
Video: Hands-on Windows 7 alpha 
Watch a video tour of Windows 7, with new features such as improved file transfer via Bluetooth and the ribbon menus taken from Office 2007
Microsoft hails choice in Windows 7 as advantage over rival
Yesterday in Los Angeles, Microsoft's senior vice president Steven Sinofsky praised the new Windows 7 for having a 'full spectrum of choices' that would set it apart from Apple's offerings
Hands-on with Windows 7 touchscreen interface
Crave's sister site CNET News had a chance to get hands-on with Windows 7's touchscreen features, which promise more intuitive gesture-based control
CNET UK Podcast 109: Windows 7 won't suck. Honest 
This week we talk about how great Windows 7 will be, and try once again to dissuade Nate from buying a MacBook, with an even worse outcome than last week
Is Microsoft really expecting us to pay for Windows 7?
The Windows product team seems to have forgotten that it's in a war with Apple. Windows 7 is nothing more than a Vista service pack
Photos: Windows 7 'quicker, less annoying' than Vista
Microsoft today went into much more detail on Windows 7, successor to Vista. There's an emphasis on being faster and less, er, intrusive and much more -- we've got pics
Unreleased Windows 7 gets security patch
Microsoft has released a security patch for the pre-beta version of Windows 7, which won't be available publicly until later today
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