Finally it is October 22nd, and this means Windows 7 is officially available at retail stores, and should be included with new OEM PCs soon!

For those living under a rock for the past few months, Windows 7 is the latest in the line of Windows operating systems from Microsoft, and from the response during the beta and RC, this one is the one to get. Now everyone can get access to the new features like easier Wireless configuration, the Superbar, Aero Snap, and quit a lot more.

I have been using the RTM (made available to MSDN subscribers and Volume License Customers) for a while now, and the RC/Beta before that, and I have never been quite so satisfied with a new operating system. For those who didn’t like Vista, give Windows 7 a try, you can get a trial version from TechNet and try the new Operating System out for up to 90 days: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/cc442495.aspx

(I would recommend doing this on a Virtual Machine, or a computer you aren’t using – you will have to wipe it once you buy the full product, or the trial ends.)

I have been running Windows 7 on my MSI Wind Netbook, with only 1GB of RAM and a 1.6GHz Atom, and the performance has been just as good as the install of XP that was originally on there. The Superbar made it so much easier to do things on the small trackpad, and I had access to all the features and security of a modern operating system, without the loss in performance.

Those with a Tablet PC, or a touch capable monitor, should certainly upgrade, the Multi-Touch additions and overall improvements to everything touch/stylus really will improve your productivity. I quite like the new Math input panel, which lets you handwrite Math equations and it will understand what you have written, perfect for those taking notes in lectures.

There are tons of reasons to upgrade to Windows 7, so to learn more, head over to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ to see why you should upgrade.

For students with MSDN:AA access, remember that Windows 7 Professional is included in your subscription, so you can still access it through there for free.

Have you been using Windows 7 during the beta/RC phase, or did you download it from MSDN:AA, or did you just buy the retail copy of Windows 7 (as I write this )? Be sure to post your experiences in the comments. It would be great to hear what new feature you like/love in Windows 7, or even just what you think of Windows 7 in general.

- Michael

Photo Credit: @gcarraro