On May, 5th Microsoft will make available the release candidate of Windows 7 as a FREE download. Users will be allowed to run the new OS for a full year — through to June 2010.

Today Microsoft kicked off its launch of Internet Explorer 8 at the Mix 09 show:

"We are releasing it here at Mix because we are excited about what you, the developers, can build with it," IE general manager Dean Hachamovitch said. Hachamovitch then launched into a demo of the new browser, touting its anti-malware features, such as protection from click-jacking attacks.

Some of the biggest features touted is the so-called “private browsing” that leaves no tracks behind of your surfing, and the “accelerators” that allow users to take action without leaving a website.

Personally, I think this browser rollout makes for good entertainment but not much else. Under no circumstances would I ever use IE to surf the web ever again. Firefox and even Google’s Chrome are vastly superior browsers.

Microsoft is finally no longer conducting themselves as a dictator as to how an individual utilizes their OS, well, at least in one small way. Now, a new box called Windows Features allows individuals to select whether or not they wish to host software features integrated with their system. This includes media features, games, IE8, and other items.

Better late than never — I guess.

Rumors are flying around once again that Microsoft may be on the verge of acquiring Yahoo again.

The deal, according to the Times Online, would see Microsoft injecting a new management team into Yahoo! with Jonathan Miller, the former chief executive of AOL and Ross Levinsohn, the former president of Fox Interactive Media at the helm.

Regardless of whether or not Microsoft is successful this time around, I’m betting that sooner or later they’re gonna get Yahoo.