Roll over Vista, No 7 is faster and reliable

When you load up Windows 7, the first thing that hits you is the speed and responsiveness of the software.

Along with most users of Windows Vista, the previous version, I'm fairly used to clicking and then waiting while the machine slowly churns away, has a bit of a think, then, maybe, if I'm lucky, actually does something.

With Windows 7, even in its test form, that has disappeared and the software feels positively fast. The graphics are excellent and there are some nice touches, such as being able easily to update your Facebook or Twitter status.

The on-screen interface is pretty much the same, although a little slicker, and - possibly unsurprisingly - a little more like Apple's rival software.

Overall, this isn't a revolutionary piece of software but it does work well and - crucially for Microsoft - reliably.

It isn't going to change the world but it will, hopefully, mean you'll shout at your computer a lot less.