Seven is shaping up as a lucky number for PC users. Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system will likely be standard on new PCs in time for the holiday shopping season, and pilot versions of the system are getting favorable reviews.
That's good news for anyone planning to buy a new PC this year, and for users who are frustrated with Microsoft's unpopular Vista operating system.
Windows 7 will be much faster than Vista, so you won't have to wait as long between the time you click and the moment your program opens -- a common gripe among Vista users. And you'll be able to manage hardware -- such as printers, scanners and cameras -- on a single screen instead of using a separate screen for each function, as with previous operating systems.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
In the bells-and-whistles category, Microsoft has added advanced touch-screen capabilities, so you can control your computer without a mouse or keyboard by sliding or tapping your finger (you'll need a touch-sensitive monitor to do this).
Microsoft is still beta testing Windows 7 and will continue to tweak it for months. The company hasn't made a decision yet on how much the system will cost. So if you're in no hurry to buy a new PC, it might make sense to wait for 7 to debut.
-
Stocks Slide to Start September: Stock Market TodaySeasonal trends suggest tough times for the stock market as we round into the end of the third quarter.
-
Here's What You'd Have If You Invested $1,000 Into Sherwin-Williams 20 Years AgoSherwin-Williams stock has clobbered the broader market by a wide margin for a long time.
-
When Tech is Too MuchOur Kiplinger Retirement Report editor, David Crook, sounds off on the everyday annoyances of technology.
-
I Let AI Read Privacy Policies for Me. Here's What I LearnedA reporter uses AI to review privacy policies, in an effort to better protect herself from fraud and scams.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
What Is AI? Artificial Intelligence 101Artificial intelligence has sparked huge excitement among investors and businesses, but what exactly does the term mean?
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to fund your retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2025 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
