The world’s largest computer software-maker, Microsoft Inc., today announced Q3 2009 (ending Sept 30) earnings, easily beating Wall Street expectations and sending the Microsoft stock (MSFT) surging up almost 6-percent in mid-day trading.

Microsoft recorded total sales as $12.9 billion (down 14-percent from the same period last year), but still topped analyst expectations.

Microsoft posted $3.6 billion ($0.40 per share) in profits, an 18-percent decrease compared to the same period in 2008.

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In a totally unexpected move, Microsoft said it would offer Windows 7 (Home or Premium, 32-bit or 64-bit) to students for a mere, get this…only $30 (yes, the full OS).

The announcement comes from the 741 website, a site hosted by The Price Company on behalf of Microsoft.

The site reads: For a limited time, eligible college students can get the sweetest deal on Windows 7 - for only $29.99* USD. That’s less than most of your textbooks! Hurry — offer ends January 3, 2010 at 12:00 am CST.

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If you’re looking to download the latest test build release candidate of Microsoft’s new Windows 7 operating system, you’ll have until this Thursday to download your free copy.

Microsoft has allowed unlimited downloads of Windows 7, but is set to entirely close downloads as we inch closer to the Windows 7 October launch.

Users will still be able to obtain registration keys and register Windows 7, but will not be able to download fresh copies.

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Microsoft has just confirmed today Windows 7 will hit stores ahead of schedule on October 22, 2009. The new OS was originally going to be released early 2010. The company said it would make the new OS available to PC makers by the end of July. Microsoft also confirmed it will offer a program for people to upgrade to Windows 7 for free if they buy a new computer just prior to Oct 22. Details were not released.

There are a couple of ways for you to get Windows 7 up and running on your Intel powered Mac. Now, you can install the new Windows 7 Microsoft OS in a virtual environment on your Mac for free. Windows 7 remains on schedule for general availability on Christmas 2009.

Just follow these simple steps to get Windows 7 up and running in a virtual environment on your Mac in no time.

Firstly, you need to download and install VirtualBox (Mac, Windows), a free virtual environment developed by Sun Microsystems to let developers test out apps, or even run a new OS virtually, in this case, Windows 7.

One of the benefits with this method is the ability to run Windows 7 without having to restart your computer.

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Windows 7 Build 7057 has hits the BitTorrent networks. The update includes UAC bug fixes, new wallpapers, a sleeker login screen, interface changes with new icons, improved superbar resizing, among other enhancements. Windows 7 Build 7057 can be found on MiniNova.org

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer participated yesterday in the “Microsoft Strategic Update” conference call and revealed some interesting information that hinted Windows 7 will in fact arrive in 2010.

We’ve made a nice release announcement last week of Windows Mobile 6.5. We’ve got Windows Mobile 7 coming next year.

When referencing if Microsoft would build its own mobile phone, he replied

[It is] not our strategy to build our own phone. It’s our strategy to sell software that we can use and support across a wide range of device manufacturers,

Ballmer also recently told analysts “Office 14 will not be this year,” It should, however, launch around the same time frame as Windows 7 in 2010.

Windows 7 upgrade plans have been leaked. If you buy your PC or Windows XP or Vista individually after July 1, 2009, you are eligible for a free upgrade of the same tier Windows version you bought. For example, if you buy Vista Premium, you will get Windows 7 Premium. However, Basic versions of XP or Vista are not eligible for the free upgrade. If you are upgrading from XP to Windows 7, you will have to do a fresh install. If you are upgrading from Vista, you don’t have to wipe everything and do a fresh install. The free upgrades are not available for enterprises.

Windows 7 promises to bring a bunch of new useful features, it also now finally includes a bunch of useful new shortcuts from the keyboard. For a complete list, you can check out this Microsoft page with complete shortcut details. Some of the new shortcuts include: Win+Up =  Maximize Read the full story

Microsoft has just announced today the company will merge its Office Live and Windows Live products under one brand and product. Essentially, Office Live products are productivity extensions that include programs such as Office Live Workspace, Office Live Groove, and Office Live Small Business. Windows Live products are more geared towards consumers and include services such as Windows Live Messenger. The merged software packages will be available by the end of the year and should coincide with the release of Windows 7. Microsoft says the move comes to simplify the user experience.

In other news, Microsoft has just announced the closure of its ACES Studios division, which is the same team that develops one of Microsoft’s oldest offerings, Microsoft Flight Simulator X, which firstly debuted in 1982. Microsoft declined to provide details regarding the future of the product, but affirmed Microsoft is committed to the Flight Simulator franchise despite the closing of ACES Studios. The closure comes as a broader plan by Microsoft to cut costs, including the announced layoffs of up to 5,000 Microsoft employees.

In other news, Microsoft also reported revenue for its Zune portable media player is significantly down. Microsoft said Zune revenue was down $100 million (54% down) from Read the full story