Windows 7 RC arrives along with beta of XP application compatibility tool.

Update adds new-look user interface alongside application store and online backup service.

Microsoft's Windows 7 is nearing release, and IT vendors are turning to the problems customers will face when migrating to the new platform, especially the large volume of users still running Windows XP.

Windows XP will pass another milestone on the road to retirement next week when Microsoft withdraws mainstream support for the operating system..

Finally, Microsoft comes clean about the failure of Vista and detail their plans for the new features to be released under Windows 7.

Virtualisation tool will help small firms migrate to next-gen Microsoft OS.

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 7 has been released to manufacturing (RTM), meaning that the operating system is essentially finished and ready to ship to PC vendors ahead of official availability on 22 October.

Low-cost version of Windows Server to be pre-installed on entry-level hardware for small firms.

Parallels is making Windows applications on the Mac an even more seamless experience with the release of Desktop 5 for Mac, which adds support for Windows 7 and a new Crystal view mode that gives Windows applications a more Mac-like appearance.

New OS enables efficiency savings, but Microsoft declines to simplify licensing.

Microsoft has announced full availability of Windows Live Movie Maker, the latest version of its video editing software for Windows PCs.

No more beta releases for the next version of Windows.

Parallels is preparing a new virtualisation tool that will let users continue to run Windows XP applications on Windows 7 systems. The move will make the software a direct competitor for Microsoft's recently announced Windows XP Mode.

Handsets based on Windows Mobile 6.5 will be widely available from October, according to Microsoft, as the company kicks off a new push to promote its smartphone platform.

Parallels is targeting PC users switching to the Mac platform with a special edition of its Desktop for Mac that adds migration tools and tutorials to help Windows users get up to speed with the Mac OS X user interface.

New version boasts seamless running of Windows applications.

Pre-beta of Windows 7 for attendees of PDC and WinHEC.

Microsoft is preparing Windows 7 for release to manufacturing (RTM), according to reports, suggesting that the software is effectively finished and ready to be delivered to PC vendors..

A look at some of the new features in Microsoft's upcoming operating system.

Microsoft's Security Essentials is officially available from today, offering free protection against malware for any PC user with a valid copy of Windows from XP Service Pack 2 onwards.