There is not only a complex ecosystem of software and hardware products growing around the latest Windows platform from Microsoft, but also a world of materials focused on the operating system, offering different perspectives and insights. There is a number of Microsoft Press books already wrapped up and available for purchase that is dealing with various Windows 7-related topics. The Redmond company has decided to make excerpts of no less than five books available for free for end users. (Read the Windows 7 Softpedia Review)

And the fact of the matter is that “excerpts” might not be the right term to describe the resources offered to users at no cost. This because Microsoft has published entire chapters from the following books: Windows 7 Inside Out, Windows 7 Resource Kit, Windows 7 Step by Step, Introducing Windows 7 for Developers, and Windows 7 Administrator’s Pocket Consultant.

“We’ve added three more chapters to the Microsoft Learning Windows 7 portal, where you’ll find links to numerous training resources related to Windows 7,” Microsoft’s Devon Musgrave explained. If you jump at the end of this article, you will be able to find links to all the free chapters delivered by the software giant, courtesy of Musgrave.

Windows 7 has been available for purchase since October 22nd, 2009. Microsoft managed to beat its own best estimates of the Windows 7 release deadline by launching the operating system months ahead of the initially set date, which was no later than three years after Windows Vista GA.

Musgrave noted that, “The following chapters from recently published Microsoft Press books are now available:

From Windows 7 Inside Out: Chapter 2, ‘Installing and Configuring Windows 7;’ Chapter 11, ‘Backup, Restore and Recovery’ (new); Chapter 21, ‘Performing Routine Maintenance’

From Windows 7 Resource Kit: Chapter 23, ‘Support Users and Remote Assistance;’ Chapter 29, ‘Deploying IPv6’

From Windows 7 Step by Step: Chapter 1, ‘Explore Windows 7;’ Chapter 2, ‘Navigate Windows and Folders’

From Introducing Windows 7 for Developers: Chapter 2, ‘Integrate with the Windows 7 Taskbar, Part 1’

From Windows 7 Administrator’s Pocket Consultant: Chapter 5, ‘Managing User Access and Security,’ and Chapter 9, ‘Installing and Maintaining Programs’ (new: a single download).”