• It's WOW Time: Check with your computer vendors because Microsoft has opened up what we call WOW time, which means OEMs can offer FREE upgrades to Windows 7 on new computers shipping with Microsoft operating software.  Dell and HP are already offering this upgrade on select computers. 
• Microsoft selling pre-release upgrades of Windows 7 from now until July 11.  $49 for Win7 Home Edition and $99 for Win7 Professional.  No pre-sale for Ultimate I guess.  Available at participating box stores so check your local resources.  Product will be sent to you on or before October 22 release.
• Windows 7 May Be Available on a Stick: With the proliferation of netbooks (with no built-in CD or DVD), Microsoft may offer Windows 7 upgrades on a bootable USB stick.
• Microsoft to offer FREE Anti-Malware Software:  Look out AVG and others, Microsoft will soon be releasing a free AV program replacing their One-Care option.  The Security Essentials will offer free malware protection ... soon!
• Microsoft Announces Pricing for Windows 7: see more of this information on my Windows 7 page.  Much like with Vista.  Some prices still to be announced (Windows 7 Starter Edition?)

• It's Official:  WINDOWS 7 to ship on October 22. 2009.  No date set yet for early incentives and no pricing announced.
• Caller Beware:  there has been a recent spate of Windows users getting calls from service companies saying they are officially representing Microsoft who has informed them that they have malware programs running on their computer.  After much officious double-talk they connect you to another technician and then they ask for your credit card to charge you a minimal fee to fix your problem ... get the picture?  JUST SAY NO!!!
• Netbooks dominating computer sales.  The small mini-notebooks (one time referred to as internet notebooks) are also driving laptop prices lower.  And I just LOVE mine!!!
• EUros Hit Intel with Record $1.45 BILLION Anti-Trust Fine:  European Commission orders Intel to halt illegal rebates and other practices used to put rival chip-maker AMD out of business.
• Windows 7 RC1 is Available:  Yes, Release Candidate 1 is still available on-line and it is working on two of my machines (inlcuding my new netbook).  A couple of problems have already been discovered but fixed.  Download will be available UNTIL Auast 15th.

• From PC Mag On-Line: Make the Most of Your New PC - Got a new computer for Christmas?  Read this to get started on the right foot.
• From ABOUT.com:  Toxic Excuses - A great article on the real cost of HOAX emails.
• From CNET.com:  Holiday Gift Guide - CNET editiors list great Christmas buys for the techie in all of us.
• From HOWSTUFFWORKS.com:  How Spyware Works - a pretty good general descirption of spyware and other evil "wares" and how to stop them.
• From PC Mag On-Line:  Security Tips and Tricks for Everyone - "There are a few things that are guaranteed to keep your computer and data safe. Don't connect to a network—ever."
• From WIRED.com:  Secret Geek A-Team Hacks Back, Defends Worldwide Web - read how a broken arm led to discoveries about the DNS system and how easy it is to hack it.
• From PC Mag On-Line:  All About Microsoft - Mary Jo Foley gives us the inside view at Microsoft at this long-running blog.
• From ZDNET.com:  A Deep Dive Into Windows 7 - get a "first look" into the next OS from Microsoft.
• From eWEEK.com:  Firefox No Longer an Automatic Defense Against Browser Drive-Bys - Bad guys attack browser add-ons.
• From BBC.com: Doctor Who (before the Tardis) - Docs (no pun) show how The Doctor began his four decades old journey.
• From PC Mag On-Line:  Netbook Buying Guide -  Is smaller better?  Think of a small notebook computer that has been left in the water too long and shrinks to become a Netbook.  If this interests you, here is a guide to buying the one you want.
• From Mozilla.org:  Fashion Your Firefox - if you have wisely switched your internet browsing to Firefox, here are some things you can "add-on" to make it even better.