The version known as a 'release candidate' or RCessentially means the world's largest

The version, known as a 'release candidate', or RC,essentially means the world's largest software company is inthe final stages of completing the operating system, thesuccessor to the unpopular Windows Vista. Microsoft said the RC will be available for download byprogram developers and IT professionals subscribing to the MSDNand TechNet networks on April 30 and available more broadly onMay 5. The company has still not said when the finished versionwould begin to be installed on PCs or available to buy inshops, but the company's chief financial officer said onThursday it could be as early as July. That would allow Microsoft to capitalize on back-to-schoolsales and set it up for a strong holiday shopping season.

Microsoft's operating systems, installed on the vastmajority of the world's PCs, are still the backbone of thecompany, providing more than half of its $4.4 billion profitlast quarter. Vista, launched to the public in 2007, was incompatiblewith some low-power machines and perceived by many to be toocomplicated. Rival Apple Inc (AAPL.O) ridiculed Microsoft'sproblems with the system in a series of popular TV ads. Windows 7, which has been getting good reviews in limitedpublic tests over the last few months, is much cleaner lookingand features an array of new touch-screen functions. Microsoftsays it will also interact better with digital cameras andmusic players.

(Reporting by Bill Rigby, editing by Leslie Gevirtz) Stocks Global Markets Media. The stakes are high, And Boston fans ask for one simple favor. WIN! A 66-16 season followed by a game 7 win against the 8 seed Atlanta hawks. The Celtics inability to win on the road makes Celtic Fans wonder.Why is it that the Celtics can’t win at home?If they can’t win against the hawks, how are they supposed to beat Lebron and the Cavilers and especially the Detroit Pistons who arguably have the best team and most consistent team in the eastern conference?The pistons, who have won 3 on the road, Have been without “Mr. Big shot” Chauncy Billups.  But the pistons put away the Orlando Magic in 5 games last night and have plenty of rest considering the Celtics and Cavs go into game 7.The playoffs rest on the Rasheed Wallace, Why you ask? Because many people believe that if Kevin Garnett gets stopped, the fate of the Celtics relies on Paul Pierce and Ray Allen.Ray Allen is a great shooter outside but if you ask him to take over; he is just not your guy, and Paul Pierce is the same way.  He may take over a game, but if asked to take over a series, the odds just do not look good for the Celtics.Now over to Detroit Rasheed will be the man to shut down Garnet.