Vista felt sluggish, bloated and slovenly, but has Microsoft made Windows 7 any faster for those who crave the ultimate performance from their PC? Here are the benchmark results.

As Vista and Windows 7 share the same core code, Microsoft has decided to merely nudge up the version number (Windows Vista was 6) so that applications are tricked into thinking it's Vista they're dealing with

PC gamers are among those most likely to benefit from any improvement in raw performance, so does Windows 7 bring any glad tidings for 3D action aficionados?

In the September issue of PC Authority, we gave you the inside scoop on how the Windows 7 Release Candidate stood up to our tests. Here's a recap of our gaming benchmark results

The single biggest reason for existing laptop owners to upgrade to Windows 7 is something unique to this release: it actually requires less horsepower than Vista. That's good news for netbook owners!

BitLocker first reared its head in Windows Vista, but the scope of the encryption software has been extended in Windows 7. Since Vista's launch, lost or stolen USB drives have become an enormous security liability.

As Microsoft gears up for its big OS release, people might be surprised to learn about another Windows 7 other secret: better wireless connectivity.

Native playback of DivX and XviD files is one of the most potentially useful additions to Windows 7. Here's what you need to know.

A slow booting PC is one of the long running annoyances for Windows users. So have things improved in Windows 7?

Windows 7 might just be the best operating system ever designed with touchscreens in mind. Have Microsoft finally delivered the Windows 7 killer app?

One way Windows 7 will make working lives a damn sight easier is the speed at which it hunts down documents and other files.

Windows 7 may be the perfect compliment to bring out better than average Blu-Ray viewing results from your computer.

If there is one camera that truly possessed a funky design, then the Ricoh RDC-7 is it. The camera is flat, in much the same vein as the late seventies style cameras, or what you might expect in a funky seventies Cold War spy flick.

Decide whether it's finally time to ditch Vista by installing the full working version of Windows 7 Release Candidate. Plus: our digital camera buyer's guide, ultimate laptops and more.

PC gamers are among those most likely to benefit from any improvement in raw performance, so does Windows 7 bring any glad tidings for 3D action aficionados?

Wired posts 7 good, and possibly controversial, reasons to switch to Windows 7. Also: Razer's first dedicated MMO mouse, man sells oven door as TV.

Microsoft has announced that the forthcoming Windows 7 operating system will contain a number of piracy 'tweaks' designed to protect its own interests and those of its customers

Microsoft has published a release candidate of XP Mode for Windows 7

Stats show Linux is roughly four times more common online than Windows 7. But can Windows 7 topple all other OSes to become the most popular OS online?

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