October 22nd has been a big day on Microsoft's calendar for several months. That is the first day you will be able to go to a store and buy a boxed copy of Windows 7, the newest iteration of Microsoft's operating system. There will be a big launch event here in New York, with CEO Stave Ballmer making the keynote speech. We expect to have Ballmer on Nightly Business Report that night. But two of Microsoft's competitors, we refer to them as archrivals these days, appear to be working overtime to spoil the Softies' party.

In fact, the rumor lines have been buzzing with word of the plans by Apple and Google to steal some of the limelight. Apple has been a thorn in Microsoft's side for years, primarily by virtue of television commercials ranging from clever to downright nasty, all nagging the market leader about alleged shortcomings in Windows. Sources say Apple will launch another round of those provocative ads next week, focusing on the difficulty users still running Microsoft's 2001- era Windows XP will have in upgrading to Windows 7, as well as the supposed vulnerability to bugs and viruses of Windows systems.

As for Google, look for it to make a snap announcement on the same day as Microsoft's bash concerning the availability of a "beta" or test version of its Chrome operating system. Google already pulled that trick once, announcing new smartphone models running the Google Android operating system on the same day Microsoft unveiled the latest batch of smartphones running its system, Windows Mobile.

Apple's machinations will not detract from the fact that most reviews of Windows 7, including mine, have been favorable; there are signs consumers are ready to return to computer stores to buy new machines with Windows 7 already installed; and the respected research firm Gartner says for business, which resisted the move to Microsoft's 2005 Windows Vista, the move to Windows 7 is "all but inevitable". There is even a detailed comparison from CNET's Senior Technology Editor Doug Ngo concluding that Windows 7 generally outperforms Apple's latest offering, Mac OS X 10.6.1, better known as "Snow Leopard". By most estimates Apple computers make up a little under 10% of the personal computer installed base.

Meanwhile Google, still king of search ads and a strong entry in the smart phone market, is apparently not going to be offering much more than its Chrome browser running on top of Linux, at least in this widely anticipated release of the Chrome operating system. Linux based systems have remained niche players for years. Except in those circumstances where cost is the only real consideration, Chrome, which is free, doesn't offer much incentive to dump Windows.

So, Microsoft may find its competitors to be a distraction but should still be able to enjoy the week. In some ways this tit-for-tat reminds me of kids playing in the schoolyard but of course there are big bucks involved here. And bigger egos.