Global stock markets dropped Thursday as weakness on Wall Street and uncertainty about Chinese stimulus measures that have pumped up the country's economy led investors to take profits from a recent rally.

Judging from this promotion, that just showed up on Best Buy’s website, this is going to be a key message from Microsoft as it launches Windows 7 tomorrow. The retailer is offering a “PC Home Makeover” bundle that includes an HP Slimline desktop, laptop and netbook, together with an LCD, a wireless router and set-up service from the Geek Squad, all for $1,199. Says Tami Reller, chief financial officer of Microsoft’s Windows division, “That’s less than the cost of a Mac,” says .