Microsoft is seeing fewer support calls since launching Windows 7, according to a report this week by CNet News.com, quoting Microsoft support VP Barbara Gordon saying that "call center volume is down significantly more than we expected." That's another sign that the new operating system is less troublesome than its Windows Vista, but CNet's Ina Fried notes that the relatively new Microsoft Answers site and Microsoft Helps Twitter feed are also playing a role by helping users resolve problems without calling.

The Redmond company has also launched a new site to help lead people through the process of installing, uninstalling and/or upgrading Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. ZDNet blogger Mary Jo Foley notes that the site could be particularly helpful and timely for people who get Windows 7 or a new PC -- or both -- as a holiday gift.

Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows 7 is tough enough that tech blogger Shaun Nichols gave the new operating system an honorable mention on v3.co.uk's list of the worst tech presents, at least for people running Windows XP as opposed to Windows Vista. "Between the screaming children, eggnog hangovers and cheesy Christmas specials, the holidays bring enough headaches without having to perform a complete wipe and reinstall of your operating system," he explains. For more on the process, see our earlier post: Leaping from Windows XP to 7? Some important stuff to consider.

So what types of glitches are early Windows 7 users running into? Installation problems represent the biggest hurdle encountered by new users of the operating system, according to Ars Technica's detailed analysis of data from consumer tech services company iYogi. The second-biggest problem: Missing applets or components. Next on the list is the Windows Aero interface failing to run properly.

What if you're still determined to talk with a real person about your Windows problems? Start at this Microsoft "Assisted Support" page, and provide information about the problem you're encountering to connect with a support staffer by email, online or via phone.

Brad Smith

But the big Windows news of the week -- for PC users in Europe, especially -- was an antitrust truce between Microsoft and the European Commission. The commission's decision will allow the company to continue incorporating its Internet Explorer browser into the operating system, so long as it addresses antitrust concerns by distributing a "ballot screen" letting Windows users. For more background, see my interview with Brad Smith, Microsoft's top lawyer.

And in other Windows notes, Windows 7 is leading the pack in voting for Tech Platform of the Year in The Flashies, the TechFlash Community Choice Awards -- beating out the iPhone, Facebook, Mac OS X Snow Leopard and others. But the race isn't over yet. You can cast your vote for any of the nominees here.