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.

BlockMaster is laying claim to the world's fastest secure USB Flash drive with its SafeStick SuperSonic, said to be five times faster than rival models.

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

Linux developer Mandriva has updated its operating-system-on-a-stick with the release of Mandriva Flash 2010, which includes a bootable version of the software on a USB Flash drive.

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

Vendor details editions for Office 2010 along with application virtualisation for testing.

The technical demos of browser-based Office apps are available to select testers only.

LogMeIn Ignition lets users remotely access PCs or Macs.

New version boasts seamless running of Windows applications.

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.

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

The OpenOffice.org community has released an updated version of its office suite, adding changes such as improved graphics and better file-locking support for multi-user environments..

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.

Research In Motion has released a new version of its BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES) for business customers, adding a web-based administration console and enhancements such as the ability for users to access Windows fileshares from their BlackBerry handset.

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

Synergy software provides handset support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB and eGPS.

Microsoft has published an updated version of Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista, according to reports. The update is expected to be the last build before the Release Candidate and the final code are made available.

Is the Igel Universal Desktop Converter the answer for small businesses wanting to breathe new life into old PCs?.