Acer, the world's joint second largest manufacturer of PCs, has reportedly confirmed that Windows 7 will be available pre-loaded on their new all-in-one Z5600 PC from 23 October, ahead of Microsoft's suggested release date.

23rd October is the date the Windows 7 will be available. There is a 30 day upgrade time so that customers don't wait to buy a new computer, so if you buy during that 30 day period, you'll get a free upgrade to Windows 7, Bobby Watkins, Acer's UK managing director told Pocket-lint.

It was expected that Microsoft would release the new operating system around the holiday season. The company hasn’t yet confirmed any shipping dates for the consumer release.

Microsoft, separately, has confirmed that users will be able to use the Windows RC - that became available Thursday - for more than a year. The pre-release code will be available for free download on May 5 and will work until June 1, 2010. Typically, a pre-release code is de-activated after a short period.

Microsoft's generosity may be seen as a way to expand its market share by encouraging early adopters to transition to paid copies of Windows 7 once the RC expires.

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