As Microsoft readies Windows 8 for public consumption some time next year they decided to create an event catered to developers to help give them a preview of the new features in Windows 8.

Microsoft is following the in the footsteps of Google who usually broadcasts their developer sessions each year at Google I/O.

I will be covering the event and the announcements made today regarding Windows 8 so that you can get a glimpse of the new operating system for PCs.

Watch the Keynote and sessions Live on the Microsoft BUILD website. What do you think about Microsoft releasing a new version of Windows? Too soon?

If you are a big fan of Dali, Escher and other surrealist painters and photographers, you're going to love the latest addition to Windows 7's theme library, the Illusions theme.

Josh Sommers is a popular Flickr photographer that puts together some of the most amazing and unique digital artwork you will ever see. His work is reminescent of Escher and other surrealist artists with the exception that these are digitally enhanced photographs.

The new Windows 7 theme features some of his most amazing work to help decorate your desktop.

Download a copy of the theme from Microsoft and make sure to subscribe to this site for more updates like these.

Whether you are professional photographer or an amateur who loves photography you know that shooting RAW is the best way to go.

The problem with shooting photos using the RAW picture format is that you either use specialized software or download plug-ins for Windows that allow you to view the pictures on your computer.

Thankfully the Windows Live team, responsible for Windows Live Photo Gallery part of the Windows Live Essentials suite of applications, released the Microsoft Camera Codec Pack.

The new codec pack enables Photo Gallery and Windows Explorer to view RAW images natively. The other feature that was left unmentioned in the announcement is the ability for other applications to also open RAW files.

So if you're shooting RAW and want an easier way to view and work with the RAW photo format, make sure to download a free copy of the Microsoft Camera Codec Pack.

The codec pack provides camera support for the following manufacturers:

• Canon
• Nikon
• Sony
• Olympus
• Pentax
• Leica
• Minolta
• Epson
• Panasonic

Make sure you view the download details to determine if your specific model is supported.

• Buy a Windows-powered computer over $699 and get an Xbox 360 free - When students buy a PC over $699 at any participating retailers they will walk out with a free Xbox 360. Not that the Xbox will help much with studying, but it is a great deal worth about $250. PC selections vary by store, but if you have a Microsoft .edu email account you can purchase your PC from HP, Dell, or the Microsoft store and qualify.
• Bundle Office 2010 with Windows 7 and save: When you buy a Windows 7 PC and buy Office 2010 Home & Student you will automatically qualify for a discounted price (regularly $149), regardless of your status as a student.
• Discounted price for Office Professional Academic 2010: If you wish to purchase Office 2010 Academic Professional which includes Outlook, Publisher and Access not included in the Home & Student Edition for $99.95.
• Free upgrades to Office Professional Academic: Purchased Office Home & Student and would like to get the Academic Professional Edition? Get it free by following this link.

As you can see Microsoft has some pretty sweet deals if you are in academia, so what are you waiting for?