Windows 7 Professional makes working anywhere easier and more secure. It simplifies connecting to networks and giving presentations. It helps you safeguard hard work and important information. And it’s compatible with more business programs. If you work with a PC, Windows 7 Professional will help make working easier.

But with that said. Windows 7 is hardly flawless. Some features feel unfinished; others won’t realize their potential without heavy lifting by third parties. And some long-standing annoyances remain intact. But overall, the final shipping version I test-drove appears to be the worthy successor to Windows XP that Vista never was.

Microsoft’s release of Windows 7 also roughly coincides with Apple’s release of its new Snow Leopard; for a visual comparison of the two operating systems, see PCWorld’s slideshow “Snow Leopard Versus Windows 7.” Of course, an OS can’t be a winner if it turns a zippy PC into a slowpoke or causes installation nightmares. Consult this article at PCWorld “Windows 7 Performance Tests” for Windows 7 performance test results, and “How to Upgrade to Windows 7” for hands-on advice on the best way to install it.