For anyone who wants to try it out, x86 versions of Win8 are available for download. No word on when the ARM versions will be available.

Following Apple’s lead, Microsoft is creating an "app store" for Win8. It is expected to have a certification process for apps, offer trial periods, and not be limited to Win8.

Microsoft released the developer preview last night and some people stayed up late to test it out. This is an early report on the not-quite-finished operating system.

Windows has come to feel like an "old fashioned" operating system. The new Metro interface for Win8 may provide users with a sense of "excitement" that’s been lacking but will it be enough to take the tablet market away from Apple and Google?

So – Microsoft demoed their new operating system, on a device that won’t run the final version. This page includes a 2-minute video showing it in action. Otherwise, while the new OS is nice, don’t sell your iPad.

Win8 uses touch on a vertical surface and has tossed Intel aside in favor of ARM chips. Microsoft has also copied a number of features from Apple’s OS X. What sounds like a mobile OS may not be comfortable on the corporate desktop.

Win8 uses a new "Metro Style" for applications instead of the older Silverlight and .Net, moving the OS closer to WinPhone. For developers, this means learning a new way of working. Notably absent from the classes on building for the new OS is Silverlight.

If you’ve wanted to upgrade the memory on your PC, now may be the time. Prices for DDR3 memory chips, used in laptops, desktops, and servers, is dropping. Manufacturers are looking at excess inventory.

On October 3 Microsoft is expected to unveil a new version of Hotmail. The company has fallen behind in the "email wars" with Google and Yahoo.

Mouse Without Borders is a Microsoft Garage program that lets your mouse navigate from one PC to another. Up to four PCs can be connected, letting you drag & drop files between devices. This page includes a short video showing how it works.