That’s a wrap – Windows 7 is RTM – Released to Manufacturing

Like it or not, Windows 7 is finished and going out to partners and manufacturing. It will be generally available October 22d.

The current Windows 7 Release Candidate program will end in August, though if you have already downloaded the code you’ll continue to be able to get product keys.  The current free Windows 7 RC versions will be able to be used until the end of March 2010.

I’ve been using it since May and I find it easily to be the best version of Windows, so far.  It is lighter and faster than the ill-fated Vista, released in 2007 and never widely adopted.  That being said, I’m writing this on my Macbook.