Q. I've heard a lot of conflicting information about Windows 7. I've heard that Microsoft is offering a free upgrade program. Anyone who purchased a Vista machine in the past year qualifies. Other sources say that only computers purchased after July 1 qualify. I bought a computer in February. Do I qualify? Can you clear things up?
—Larry in Bauxite, AR, listening on KARN 102.9 FM

A. There's a good reason for the conflicting information. Microsoft only announced its upgrade program last week. Everything prior to that was speculation.

Microsoft plans to release Windows 7 on Oct. 22. This poses a dilemma for computer buyers. Do you buy a new computer now, or wait until Windows 7's release?

Of course, this is an important time of year for computer sales. Students will soon start buying computers for back-to-school.

Microsoft doesn't want to deter customers from buying new computers. So, it has launched an upgrade program. It offered a similar program for Vista.

Computers purchased June 26 or later qualify for a free upgrade. To qualify, a machine must be running Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate. You'll get a comparable version of Windows 7.