Windows Vista launch gets under way

A few hours after Windows Vista was rolled out in New York, it's the turn of the UK. Certain PC World stores opened early to cater to keen buyers; the branch in London's Tottenham Court Road was open at 6 am with 21 people queuing in readiness. Their enthusiasm was rewarded with a free copy of Windows Vista Ultimate, while those arriving later were treated to actors in costume representing the benefits of the new software: Sherlock Holmes for Search, an explorer for Internet Explorer. Our sister site tech.co.uk were on the scene with cameras ready.

We'll be asking for one of these 'BillBoards' for the office. We're now at the UK launch event at the British Library, waiting for Bill Gates - fresh off the plane from New York. He's a bit late, but I'll chalk that up to hasty caffeine consumption behind the scenes before he faces the press. We'll be posting more later: stay tuned!