The other day we saw a leaked screenshot of a build of Windows 7 that lets you turn off Internet Explorer. Now Microsoft is not only confirming that Windows 7 will be the first version of Windows in years to let you disable the built in web browser -- but you'll be able to turn most major components on or off. That list includes, but is not limited to:

• Windows Media Player
• Windows Media Center
• Windows DVD Maker
• Internet Explorer 8
• Windows Search
• Handwriting Recognition
• Windows Gadgets

In other words, if you'd rather use VLC, Firefox, and Media Portal as your primary media, web browser, and media center apps, you'll be able to do that without dedicating any system resources for the Windows versions of those apps.

While it'll be another year or two before most people can get their hands on Windows 7, Microsoft began making an early build of its next generation operating system available to a select group of developers this week. And that means a ton of information is popping up on the old telegraph internet alerting us to new and (hopefully) improved features tucked away in Windows 7. Here's a little roundup of Windows 7 news from around the interwebs:

• Windows 7 will actually be Windows 6.1
  While Microsoft has explained that the reason the next version of Windows will be 7 (in spite of the fact that there have actually been more than 20 Windows releases), is that it will be seventh build number (Windows XP was 5, Windows Vista was 6), it turns out Windows 7 will actually have a build number of 6.1.6801. The reason? So that programs designed for Windows Vista will run out of the box on Windows 7 without running into compatibility problems. But no, this isn't Vista SP3. It's a whole new OS. Mmm hmmm.
• Tablet PC features
  Like Windows Vista, Windows 7 will have built in Tablet PC functionality. This week screenshots emerged of the handwriting and on-screen keyboard features.
• Touch and multi-touch gestures
  Windows 7 will include support not just for touch-screen devices, but for multi-touch devies (think iPhone). In other words, you'll be able to manipulate images and documents by pinching, rotating, and doing other unspeakable things with your fingers.
• Next version of Windows Embedded will be based on Windows 7
  While the kids on the street had all been expecting the next version of Microsoft's embedded Windows operating system to be based on Vista, it looks like it will actually be Window 7-based, and due out sometime in 2010.
• First look at Windows Media Player 12
  The next version of Windows Media Player has a new, brighter theme. And the playlist view replaces the now playing view. You can switch to a compact now playing view if you want to actually see the file you're looking at. The media player will also support H.264, AAC, Xvidand DivX out of the box, in addition to all of the formats supported by Windows Media Player 11.

You can also read more about Windows 7 by checking out our previous coverage of the new operating system, including a preview of the new Windows 7 Media Center application.

There's good news and bad news for Microsoft today. The bad news is that the European Court of First Instance has upheld a 2004 court decision finding Microsoft guilty of violating antitrust laws. The god news is that if anyone can afford a $690 million fine and 80% of court costs, it's Bill Gates. But somehow we doubt he'll see it that way.

The Court upheld portions of the 2004 ruling that ordered Microsoft to share information with other software developers in order to make sure their programs were compatible with Microsoft's operating systems and applications. Microsoft also needs to have a version of Windows that does not come with Windows Media Player pre-loaded.

The Court did throw out one portion of the earlier ruling. A lower court had ruling had established an independent trustee to monitor Microsoft, but the Court of First Instance found this step unnecessary.

Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith released a statement saying that he is still reviewing the decision. He does say the company will "comply with our obligations under European law," and implies that Microsoft may still appeal today's decision.