One of the advantages that PC users always tout over Linux and Mac users is the compatibility of the Windows platform. Most things are designed for PCs, so naturally the PC works with the widest range of software and hardware. Still, with such a wide range means that there could be many things that might be incompatible or cause conflicts within the system. To mitigate this, Microsoft has created a logo program that identifies a product as "Compatible with Windows 7."

For the first time in years, the PC market is starting to draw serious attention from Wall Street. Dell (DELL) shares surged after the company beat earnings expectations for the second quarter. The next day chip giant Intel (INTC) gave the sector another lift by raising its forecast for PC processor sales. Hopes are building among investors that the industry will see a revival in growth as Microsoft (MSFT) unveils its new operating system, Windows 7, on Oct. 22 to replace its troubled Windows Vista.

Been meaning to try out Windows 7 for free before taking the plunge on a final retail copy? Then you might want to get your act together, as today is the last day that you'll be able to download the Windows 7 Release Candidate direct from Microsoft itself. If you can spare a few minutes, however, we might suggest first checking out our Windows 7 install guide to get a taste of what you're in for, and, of course, our full Windows 7 review, which is quite possibly the next best thing to actually using it.

"One of the nice things to come out of Microsoft’s complete overhaul of the Windows installer for Vista and beyond was that it did away with the idea that different variations of Windows needed different discs. Previously each distribution of XP (Home/Pro/MCE) required its own disc, and then each license type (OEM/Retail/VLK) also required its own disc. This lead to an astounding number of disc types, and complete and utter frustration when for users attempting to install Windows and not having the correct disc to go with the key they had."