It's not often that the two most popular operating systems get major updates so close to each other, so we couldn't resist throwing them into a cage match together. Already we can hear some of you screaming that Snow Leopard isn't a major update--we know this one's personal! But is Windows 7 nothing more than "Vista done right"?

This is the operating system that Windows Vista should have been. Windows 7 is gorgeously designed, without sacrificing functionality; it prioritises security, without constantly interfering; it performs well, without demanding hardware; and it does what Microsoft has promised all along - simplifying everyday tasks and working the way you want.

DirectX is the most important interface between the graphics card and a computer game. It is this API that allows game developers to write their code without having to worry too much about the hardware in the gamers’ computers.