MSFT Win9

Several reports from usually reliable Windows watchers say Microsoft is poised to unveil Windows 9 at the end of September. The new OS will mark the return of the Start menu, the ability to run Metro apps inside desktop windows, and other PC-friendly tweaks. The timing makes ton of sense, in spite of Windows 8's short run. Why? Because Windows 7.

Whether you love or hate Windows 8, you can't argue that Microsoft's Live Tile-infused operating system has been… divisive, to say the least. The changes Microsoft instituted to transform its desktop operating system into something more mobile focused were downright shocking to long-time Windows users.

While subsequent updates made Windows 8 play far nicer with traditional PCs, the damage was done. Witness the comments on any article talking about Windows 8, which quickly devolve into folks saying that you'll pry Windows 7 from their cold, dead hands. And it's more than just talk: Windows 7's market share continues to climb regardless of Windows 8's release, according to NetApplications.

But Windows 7 PCs will  say buh-bye at the end of October.

Now Microsoft will continue to provide security updates for Windows 7 until 2020. You just won't be able to buy new Windows 7 PCs anymore, unless you're willing to plop down big bucks for a pricey business machine running Windows 7 Professional. The end-of-sales date for PCs running the consumer-focused versions of Windows 7 is October 31. And while you can still find boxed copies of Windows 7 at some online retailers, official software sales of the OS ended last October.