So, the dust has settled on the widely anticipated launch of Windows 7 and behind the parties, the Vista-bashing and the Mac-baiting it looks like it has been met with resounding approval from PC users around the world.

Reviews of the new operating system have been overwhelmingly positive: The Guardian likens it to Vista..but better; and The Daily Telegraph has done a video review showcasing the best features the new Windows has to offer.

All in all a resounding success for Microsoft. But what does it all mean for you and me, the users on the receiving end of years of development from the Windows team.

Well the two main things are it's quicker and it's lighter. Everything feels a little sharper and a little smoother with Windows 7 - photos open quicker, movies play without any jerkiness and everything opens at the click of a button. Also, the "lightness" of the operating system means that it will work on laptops that are up to a few years old so you don't need to splash out thousands on the latest and greatest PC to use Windows 7.

If the whole Windows 7 wave has passed you by then fear not, Lifehacker has done this handy guide to the operating system. If you're already riding the wave then we'd love to hear how you are getting on - how has your PC experience been improved?