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

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.

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!

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

It may be lovely, but Sony’s under-powered P-series costs too much and features features poor battery life.

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

Intel's Atom platform may provide the backbone of today's netbooks, but with rivals emerging, Intel could find itself playing a smaller part in the future, as players such as Nvidia's Tegra take hold.

Neither cheap nor beautiful, MSI’s Atom powered nettop is sadly second among equals.

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.